All 22 Indian seafarers safe in attack on Panama-flagged tanker off UAE coast

Delhi on high alert for CJP protest: Delhi police to use body cams to 'prove whether we did anything’; Pink Force, RAF, 35,000 personnel deployed

Happy Birthday Rekha: Watch these 7 evergreen Bollywood hits on Netflix, Prime Video and more

‘Right to protest must be protected, but...’: Delhi Police reveals why it denied CJP permission for October 10 Jantar Mantar protest

'Jantar Mantar not the story of India': BJP's Sambit Patra claims 'anarchists' tried to hold Delhi captive

‘Never-ending flow of cheap labour’: JD Vance hits back at Indian-origin Congresswoman over US green card curbs for major tech companies

'Modi is a dictator': Abhijeet Dipke claims govt 'scared' of youth, slams stringent measures ahead of CJP Jantar Mantar protest

Rakul Preet Singh birthday special: 7 times the Ramayana actress served glamorous looks

SC questions closure of 57 Delhi Metro stations, asks Centre to resume services in regulated manner

Kamal Haasan slams Elon Musk over Starlink delay row: 'Indian people, will decide our own future - not Western'

Hurricane Isaias makes landfall in Florida as Category 2 storm with winds of 105mph, threatens Gulf Coast with life-threatening surge

Ryan Reynolds’ private messages reveal his blunt views on Justin Baldoni from Blake Lively’s legal case

OpenAI shuts down Russian, Iranian influence operations using ChatGPT to spread propaganda

Flydubai co-pilot developed extremist views while studying in Australia: UAE prosecutors

Adéla gives KATSEYE’s Lara Raj and Megan Skendiel a shout-out at Fonda Theatre in LA

Powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Panama, tsunami warning issued

Delhi protest: Metro curbs, train cancellations, traffic diversions as protesters seek CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation

Ella Langley’s Oklahoma show abruptly cancelled over safety concerns after threat report

Katie Zacharia likely to succeed Karoline Leavitt as Trump's White House press secretary

New York ICE shooting sparks protests as Mamdani to call on Trump to halt ICE operations

UK navy hit by espionage scandal: Sailor accused of spying for Russia | Gravitas

'I ended 8 wars': Trump slams Nobel Peace prize decision, claims award was his due

Shreyas Iyer blames dew for West Indies' record run chase in 2nd T20I in Ranchi

New York protests erupt as Trump administration defends ICE shooting

Fastest-growing Asian economies in 2026: Who tops the chart? Where does India rank?

Dhurandhar: The Revenge album submitted for Grammy consideration; But what does it mean?

Panama president declares ‘major disaster’ after powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake; over 80 aftershocks recorded

Food shortages, suicide attempts and more: USS Abraham Lincoln returns to US after 321 day deployment — What happened aboard the US carrier?

'Even Indira Gandhi didn't do this': Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka detained from inside their flight | Watch video

Trump announces Russian diesel deal as Zelensky criticises move

'I am not going to be watching it': JD Vance on livestream of Nidal Hasan's firing squad execution

US midterm elections 2026: What a blue wave or blue tsunami could mean for Trump

New Friday OTT releases (October 9, 2026): Reporting Live, Animals, Take Charge of My Heart- 6 new titles coming on Netflix, JioHotstar and more

J&K Government orders major police reshuffle, transfers 100 officers across UT

Pakistan denies reports of PAF jets being used in attacks against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen

Trump honours Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella with top technology honour amid immigration scrutiny

‘250? Cool.’: Shai Hope takes swipe at Shubman Gill’s Instagram caption after Ranchi T20I masterclass

‘Ruh Roh’: Top US official mocks ‘Indian market collapse’ claim after Trump’s IT curbs. But did it? | FACT CHECK

Pitted against the BJP chief minister Vasundhara Raje in a high-stakes contest, the Congress candidate Manvendra Singh is asking voters in the Jhalrapatan constituency whether they want their vote to go in favour of an outgoing government or for the incoming one.

The Congress leader, who switched over from the BJP just weeks before being fielded against the chief minister, is putting this poser in all his election meetings throughout the day while asserting that there was a 'wave'&nbsp;in favour of the grand-old party across the state leaving no doubt about who would form the government.

'Apna mat kisko doge&nbsp;Avavaldhi ko ya Javavaldhi ko (You will give your vote to the incoming government or the outgoing government),&nbsp;he asked the crowd in Daulatpura village during his campaign trail.

Dubbed as an 'outsider'&nbsp;and a 'turncoat' by his opponents, Singh is looking to counter these charges with an extensive outreach campaign for which he sets off in the morning and till late evening goes from village to village to interact with the people of the constituency and seek votes.

Dressed in his trademark dhoti, kurta and a colourful bandhej safa, Singh greets people along the way, obliges selfie seekers, and tells people to vote in large numbers.

His electoral pitch to voters remains the same as he reaches out to village elders, youth and even children.

In Devchi village here, he highlighted the lack of roads and drainage system, saying if villages in a 'VIP constituency'&nbsp;were in such a state then what would be the condition of other places.

'Even before polling, people know what the result would be. There is a wave that the incoming government will be of the Congress. There is no dispute on that. The only point of debate is how many seats it will get.

'Some say 130, some say 140, while some even say over 150. So when there is no doubt about this, the question to you is whether your vote will be in favour of the incoming government or the outgoing government," he asked voters in Devchi village.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/rajasthan-assembly-elections-with-his-brahmin-remark-has-cp-joshi-cut-the-nose-to-spite-the-face-179448">There are 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan and election for 199 seats would be held on December 7 </a>as the polling for one seat has to be postponed due to death of a BSP candidate. Votes would be counted on December 11.

Raje formed the state government with a massive majority in the 2013 assembly elections, in which the BJP had won a record 163 seats and the Congress could get just 21. The BSP had got three seats, while independents and candidates of other parties won 13.

With the Congress making an all-out effort to return to power in Rajasthan, Singh said the government that will come this time will be for the villages and for the welfare of the farmers.

Another common theme of his campaign meetings is highlighting the key farmers-related promises made by the Congress in its manifesto such as loan waiver for them and pension for elderly farmers for the first time.

In Rampuria village, he repeated his pitch to voters and also welcomed a BJP worker into the Congress fold.

Often, Singh also tries to connect with village elders and farmers and tells them to take care of the December 7 voting.

'This time it will be the Congress' 'hand' that will win from here,'&nbsp;said Gangaram, a farmer, referring to the party's poll symbol.

Another farmer at one of Singh's meeting, Jujhar Singh, said it was time for a change as development has lagged behind in the village.

While support for Singh in villages seems to be growing, it appears to be an uphill task for him in the city where people swear by the rapid development undertaken by Raje to give the town amenities such hospitals, schools and infrastructure.

Rampal Yadav, an auto-driver, when asked about the much-talked-about electoral battle here, said it was just a hype and in reality, it was a one-sided contest in favour of Raje.

Echoing his views, a restaurant owner said the credit for all the development in the city goes to Raje and she will win comfortably.

Manvendra Singh's wife, Chitra Singh, has also been working hard in the city, campaigning for her husband from morning to evening in a bid to win supporters.

Rajput vote is crucial for both candidates and they have been trying to woo the community with outreach efforts.

Singh also addressed a Rajput community meeting on Friday where Rajput leaders called for unity and support for him.

Chitra Singh also exhorted the gathering to unite and said the Rajput community needed to learn from other communities when it comes to acting unitedly.

The result may be difficult to guess, but Singh is making an all-out effort in what is being seen as a prestige battle.

The much-talked-about differences between the two leaders have made the Singh-Raje battle even more interesting.

Pitted against the BJP chief minister Vasundhara Raje in a high-stakes contest, the Congress candidate Manvendra Singh is asking voters in the Jhalrapatan constituency whether they want their vote to go in favour of an outgoing government or for the incoming one.

Pitted against the BJP chief minister Vasundhara Raje in a high-stakes contest, the Congress candidate Manvendra Singh is asking voters in the Jhalrapatan constituency whether they want their vote to go in favour of an outgoing government or for the incoming one. The Congress leader, who switched over from the BJP just weeks before being fielded against the chief minister, is putting this poser in all his election meetings throughout the day while asserting that there was a 'wave' in favour of the grand-old party across the state leaving no doubt about who would form the government. 'Apna mat kisko doge Avavaldhi ko ya Javavaldhi ko (You will give your vote to the incoming government or the outgoing government), he asked the crowd in Daulatpura village during his campaign trail. Dubbed as an 'outsider' and a 'turncoat' by his opponents, Singh is looking to counter these charges with an extensive outreach campaign for which he sets off in the morning and till late evening goes from village to village to interact with the people of the constituency and seek votes. Dressed in his trademark dhoti, kurta and a colourful bandhej safa, Singh greets people along the way, obliges selfie seekers, and tells people to vote in large numbers. His electoral pitch to voters remains the same as he reaches out to village elders, youth and even children. In Devchi village here, he highlighted the lack of roads and drainage system, saying if villages in a 'VIP constituency' were in such a state then what would be the condition of other places. 'Even before polling, people know what the result would be. There is a wave that the incoming government will be of the Congress. There is no dispute on that. The only point of debate is how many seats it will get. 'Some say 130, some say 140, while some even say over 150. So when there is no doubt about this, the question to you is whether your vote will be in favour of the incoming government or the outgoing government," he asked voters in Devchi village. There are 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan and election for 199 seats would be held on December 7 as the polling for one seat has to be postponed due to death of a BSP candidate. Votes would be counted on December 11. Raje formed the state government with a massive majority in the 2013 assembly elections, in which the BJP had won a record 163 seats and the Congress could get just 21. The BSP had got three seats, while independents and candidates of other parties won 13. With the Congress making an all-out effort to return to power in Rajasthan, Singh said the government that will come this time will be for the villages and for the welfare of the farmers. Another common theme of his campaign meetings is highlighting the key farmers-related promises made by the Congress in its manifesto such as loan waiver for them and pension for elderly farmers for the first time. In Rampuria village, he repeated his pitch to voters and also welcomed a BJP worker into the Congress fold. Often, Singh also tries to connect with village elders and farmers and tells them to take care of the December 7 voting. 'This time it will be the Congress' 'hand' that will win from here,' said Gangaram, a farmer, referring to the party's poll symbol. Another farmer at one of Singh's meeting, Jujhar Singh, said it was time for a change as development has lagged behind in the village. While support for Singh in villages seems to be growing, it appears to be an uphill task for him in the city where people swear by the rapid development undertaken by Raje to give the town amenities such hospitals, schools and infrastructure. Rampal Yadav, an auto-driver, when asked about the much-talked-about electoral battle here, said it was just a hype and in reality, it was a one-sided contest in favour of Raje. Echoing his views, a restaurant owner said the credit for all the development in the city goes to Raje and she will win comfortably. Manvendra Singh's wife, Chitra Singh, has also been working hard in the city, campaigning for her husband from morning to evening in a bid to win supporters. Rajput vote is crucial for both candidates and they have been trying to woo the community with outreach efforts. Singh also addressed a Rajput community meeting on Friday where Rajput leaders called for unity and support for him. Chitra Singh also exhorted the gathering to unite and said the Rajput community needed to learn from other communities when it comes to acting unitedly. The result may be difficult to guess, but Singh is making an all-out effort in what is being seen as a prestige battle. The much-talked-about differences between the two leaders have made the Singh-Raje battle even more interesting.

Will you vote for incoming government or outgoing: Congress' Manvendra Singh in Rajasthan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-amit-shah-accuses-congress-of-supporting-urban-naxals-179396">BJP president Amit Shah</a> Sunday alleged that the caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrasekhar Rao, had burdened the state with crores of rupees by opting for early polls.

Speaking at an election rally at Narayanpet in Mahbubnagar district, he also alleged that both the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the Congress believed in the "appeasement" of minorities and that AIMIM's Akbaruddin Owaisi had said whoever became the chief minister of the southern state would have to bow before his party.

'Telangana would have saved hundreds of crores of rupees had it opted for the Assembly polls along with the Lok Sabha election in May next year. KCR burdened the state with crores of rupees of election expenditure. Who is responsible for this&nbsp;KCR was doubtful of his victory in May, fearing a (Prime Minister) Modi wave,'&nbsp;Shah said.

He alleged that the Congress, in its manifesto for the December 7 polls, had promised 'free electricity'&nbsp;to mosques and churches but not to temples.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief also alleged that as part of its politics of minority appeasement, the opposition party had promised an educational aid of Rs 20 lakh to the minority students if it came to power in Telangana.

'The Congress also speaks (in its manifesto) about reservations for the minorities in government contracts. It also talks about separate hospitals for the minorities. I want to ask (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi, what would be the fate of the poor people who do not belong to the minority communities,'&nbsp;he said.

Shah reiterated that the saffron party was not in favour of reservations based on religion as it was against the Constitution. 
'The Telangana chief minister has promised a 12-per cent reservation for Muslims. The BJP and its cadre will ensure that a reservation based on religion will not be implemented in Telangana,'&nbsp;he asserted.

Taking a dig at the Asaduddin Owaisi-led<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-trs-aimim-are-one-and-pm-modi-is-their-leader-ghulam-nabi-azad-180341"> All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the TRS</a>, Shah claimed that due to the fear of the Owaisi brothers, the KCR government no longer celebrated the state's Liberation Day on September 17 and vowed that if the BJP came to power in Telangana, the Hyderabad Liberation Day will be celebrated with fanfare.

'Akbaruddin says whoever becomes the chief minister of Telangana should keep his head at the feet of the Majlis (AIMIM)," he said. 
Referring to KCR's promise of giving two-bedroom houses to backward families, Shah said the TRS chief not only failed to implement the scheme but also deprived the people of the state of the benefits of the Prime Minister Awas Yojana.

He urged the voters to vote for the BJP for the overall development of Narayanpet and Telangana.

At another public meeting at Kalwakurthy, Shah alleged that 4,500 farmers had committed suicide in Telangana in the last four-and-half-years of the TRS rule.

KCR, who claimed to be a messiah of farmers, handcuffed them in Khammam when they asked for a support price for their produce, he charged.

The BJP chief also alleged that KCR had forgotten the promise of providing government jobs and compensation to the kin of the 1,200 people who had lost their lives during the separate Telangana movement.

The 119-member<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trans-woman-contesting-telangana-poll-missing-179936"> Telangana Assembly</a> will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrasekhar Rao, had burdened the state with crores of rupees by opting for early polls.

BJP president Amit Shah Sunday alleged that the caretaker Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrasekhar Rao, had burdened the state with crores of rupees by opting for early polls. Speaking at an election rally at Narayanpet in Mahbubnagar district, he also alleged that both the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the Congress believed in the "appeasement" of minorities and that AIMIM's Akbaruddin Owaisi had said whoever became the chief minister of the southern state would have to bow before his party. 'Telangana would have saved hundreds of crores of rupees had it opted for the Assembly polls along with the Lok Sabha election in May next year. KCR burdened the state with crores of rupees of election expenditure. Who is responsible for this KCR was doubtful of his victory in May, fearing a (Prime Minister) Modi wave,' Shah said. He alleged that the Congress, in its manifesto for the December 7 polls, had promised 'free electricity' to mosques and churches but not to temples. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief also alleged that as part of its politics of minority appeasement, the opposition party had promised an educational aid of Rs 20 lakh to the minority students if it came to power in Telangana. 'The Congress also speaks (in its manifesto) about reservations for the minorities in government contracts. It also talks about separate hospitals for the minorities. I want to ask (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi, what would be the fate of the poor people who do not belong to the minority communities,' he said. Shah reiterated that the saffron party was not in favour of reservations based on religion as it was against the Constitution. 'The Telangana chief minister has promised a 12-per cent reservation for Muslims. The BJP and its cadre will ensure that a reservation based on religion will not be implemented in Telangana,' he asserted. Taking a dig at the Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the TRS, Shah claimed that due to the fear of the Owaisi brothers, the KCR government no longer celebrated the state's Liberation Day on September 17 and vowed that if the BJP came to power in Telangana, the Hyderabad Liberation Day will be celebrated with fanfare. 'Akbaruddin says whoever becomes the chief minister of Telangana should keep his head at the feet of the Majlis (AIMIM)," he said. Referring to KCR's promise of giving two-bedroom houses to backward families, Shah said the TRS chief not only failed to implement the scheme but also deprived the people of the state of the benefits of the Prime Minister Awas Yojana. He urged the voters to vote for the BJP for the overall development of Narayanpet and Telangana. At another public meeting at Kalwakurthy, Shah alleged that 4,500 farmers had committed suicide in Telangana in the last four-and-half-years of the TRS rule. KCR, who claimed to be a messiah of farmers, handcuffed them in Khammam when they asked for a support price for their produce, he charged. The BJP chief also alleged that KCR had forgotten the promise of providing government jobs and compensation to the kin of the 1,200 people who had lost their lives during the separate Telangana movement. The 119-member Telangana Assembly will go to the polls on December 7 and the results will be announced on December 11.

KCR burdened Telangana with crore of rupees by opting for early polls: Amit Shah

As Switzerland continues to shed its image as a safe haven for alleged black money, the Alpine nation has agreed to share with Indian authorities the details about two companies and three individuals who are facing multiple probes back in India.

One of the two Indian companies used to be a publicly-listed entity and has already faced the wrath of capital markets regulator Sebi for multiple violations, while the other firm is said to have political links in Tamil Nadu.

As per separate gazette notifications of the Swiss government, the country's federal tax department has agreed to provide 'administrative assistance' to India on requests made about Geodesic Ltd and Aadhi Enterprises Private Ltd.

Similar requests have also been accepted for three individuals associated with Geodesic Ltd -- Pankajkumar Onkar Srivastava, Prashant Sharad Mulekar and Kiran Kulkarni.

While the Swiss government did not disclose specific details related to the information and assistance sought by the Indian authorities regarding the two companies and the three individuals, such an 'administrative assistance' follows submission of proof about financial and tax-related wrongdoings and typically involves sharing of information relating to bank account details and other financial data.

The concerned companies and the individuals can file an appeal against the decision of Switzerland's Federal Tax Administration (FTA) to provide administrative assistance to India.

Repeated attempts to contact the two companies and the three individuals for their comments failed to yield any result. In the past, they have denied any wrongdoing.

The 1982-incorporated Geodesic, once known as a fast-growing company with cutting-edge technology solutions, does not have a functional website anymore and is also no longer a listed entity as trading in its shares has been suspended by the stock exchanges for "procedural reasons".

The company and its directors have faced regulatory action by Sebi as well as other authorities like the Enforcement Directorate and the Economic Offence Wing of the Mumbai Police.

As per latest available details about the company on the stock exchanges, Pankajkumar was listed as Geodesic's chairman, Kiran Kulkarni as managing director and Prashant Mulekar as executive director.

In case of Aadhi Enterprises Pvt Ltd, which was incorporated in Chennai in November 2014, the company is said to have seen a rapid growth in real estate and other businesses, but soon landed in trouble due to alleged links to tainted politicians and for allegedly indulging in money laundering.

According to reports, the Income Tax Department has conducted multiple raids on properties of the company's promoters.

While Switzerland has always denied being a safe haven for black money, it has traditionally been known for its strong banking secrecy laws that had to be eased following a strong global crackdown on illicit funds being stashed in such jurisdictions.

The Alpine nation has been sharing details for many years with several countries including India after submission of evidence about financial and tax-related wrongdoings of the clients of Swiss banks.

Besides, a new framework of automatic information exchange has been now put in place and the details can be accessed under the new system from next year.&nbsp;

As Switzerland continues to shed its image as a safe haven for alleged black money, the Alpine nation has agreed to share with Indian authorities the details about two companies and three individuals who are facing multiple probes back in India.

As Switzerland continues to shed its image as a safe haven for alleged black money, the Alpine nation has agreed to share with Indian authorities the details about two companies and three individuals who are facing multiple probes back in India. One of the two Indian companies used to be a publicly-listed entity and has already faced the wrath of capital markets regulator Sebi for multiple violations, while the other firm is said to have political links in Tamil Nadu. As per separate gazette notifications of the Swiss government, the country's federal tax department has agreed to provide 'administrative assistance' to India on requests made about Geodesic Ltd and Aadhi Enterprises Private Ltd. Similar requests have also been accepted for three individuals associated with Geodesic Ltd -- Pankajkumar Onkar Srivastava, Prashant Sharad Mulekar and Kiran Kulkarni. While the Swiss government did not disclose specific details related to the information and assistance sought by the Indian authorities regarding the two companies and the three individuals, such an 'administrative assistance' follows submission of proof about financial and tax-related wrongdoings and typically involves sharing of information relating to bank account details and other financial data. The concerned companies and the individuals can file an appeal against the decision of Switzerland's Federal Tax Administration (FTA) to provide administrative assistance to India. Repeated attempts to contact the two companies and the three individuals for their comments failed to yield any result. In the past, they have denied any wrongdoing. The 1982-incorporated Geodesic, once known as a fast-growing company with cutting-edge technology solutions, does not have a functional website anymore and is also no longer a listed entity as trading in its shares has been suspended by the stock exchanges for "procedural reasons". The company and its directors have faced regulatory action by Sebi as well as other authorities like the Enforcement Directorate and the Economic Offence Wing of the Mumbai Police. As per latest available details about the company on the stock exchanges, Pankajkumar was listed as Geodesic's chairman, Kiran Kulkarni as managing director and Prashant Mulekar as executive director. In case of Aadhi Enterprises Pvt Ltd, which was incorporated in Chennai in November 2014, the company is said to have seen a rapid growth in real estate and other businesses, but soon landed in trouble due to alleged links to tainted politicians and for allegedly indulging in money laundering. According to reports, the Income Tax Department has conducted multiple raids on properties of the company's promoters. While Switzerland has always denied being a safe haven for black money, it has traditionally been known for its strong banking secrecy laws that had to be eased following a strong global crackdown on illicit funds being stashed in such jurisdictions. The Alpine nation has been sharing details for many years with several countries including India after submission of evidence about financial and tax-related wrongdoings of the clients of Swiss banks. Besides, a new framework of automatic information exchange has been now put in place and the details can be accessed under the new system from next year.

Black money: Swiss government agrees to share details of 2 Indian firms

Poll temperature has shot up in Telangana with the ruling TRS, the Congress and the BJP pulling out all stops to woo voters ahead of the December 7 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mohammed-azharuddin-named-telangana-congress-working-president-days-before-assembly-polls-180445">Assembly elections.</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi who have already addressed campaign meetings are returning to the country's youngest state tomorrow to address public rallies in what is seen as a 'final push'.

Caretaker Chief Minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-elections-cannot-be-won-on-false-promises-raman-singh-to-chandrasekhar-rao-180767">K Chandrasekhar Rao</a> has been on a vigorous campaign trail in the past few days seeking a second term for the party and has been unsparing in his attack on Modi, Rahul and TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

The TRS is going alone in the poll to the 119-member Assembly, as also is the BJP. Campaigning ends on Wednesday.

The Congress has forged "Prajakutami" (People's Alliance) with the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) headed by professor M Kodandaram, and the CPI.

Both the BJP and the Congress have deployed senior leaders for the 'battle for Telangana'.

BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were among those who addressed public meetings in different parts of the state on Sunday.

Union Ministers Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh campaigned for party candidates last week.

For the Congress, Sonia Gandhi addressed a public meeting last week. Chandrababu Naidu is also engaged in an intensive campaign for the People's Alliance.

Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Kapil Sibal, Jairam Ramesh and Veerappa Moily were among those who had been drafted to guide the party campaign in Telangana.

The Congress has dubbed the TRS as a "stooge" and a "proxy" of the BJP, while the BJP has attacked the Chandrasekhar Rao-led party for promoting "family rule".

'TRS prospects are extremely bright and in fact, things are improving by the day,'&nbsp;KT Rama Rao, TRS leader and son of the caretaker Chief Minister, told PTI.

He credited his party's bright prospects to the state government's 'good governance and solid combination of welfare and development, fruits of which the people have enjoyed in the last four years'.&nbsp;

Poll temperature has shot up in Telangana with the ruling TRS, the Congress and the BJP pulling out all stops to woo voters ahead of the December 7 Assembly elections.

Poll temperature has shot up in Telangana with the ruling TRS, the Congress and the BJP pulling out all stops to woo voters ahead of the December 7 Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi who have already addressed campaign meetings are returning to the country's youngest state tomorrow to address public rallies in what is seen as a 'final push'. Caretaker Chief Minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrasekhar Rao has been on a vigorous campaign trail in the past few days seeking a second term for the party and has been unsparing in his attack on Modi, Rahul and TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The TRS is going alone in the poll to the 119-member Assembly, as also is the BJP. Campaigning ends on Wednesday. The Congress has forged "Prajakutami" (People's Alliance) with the TDP, the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) headed by professor M Kodandaram, and the CPI. Both the BJP and the Congress have deployed senior leaders for the 'battle for Telangana'. BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were among those who addressed public meetings in different parts of the state on Sunday. Union Ministers Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh campaigned for party candidates last week. For the Congress, Sonia Gandhi addressed a public meeting last week. Chandrababu Naidu is also engaged in an intensive campaign for the People's Alliance. Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Kapil Sibal, Jairam Ramesh and Veerappa Moily were among those who had been drafted to guide the party campaign in Telangana. The Congress has dubbed the TRS as a "stooge" and a "proxy" of the BJP, while the BJP has attacked the Chandrasekhar Rao-led party for promoting "family rule". 'TRS prospects are extremely bright and in fact, things are improving by the day,' KT Rama Rao, TRS leader and son of the caretaker Chief Minister, told PTI. He credited his party's bright prospects to the state government's 'good governance and solid combination of welfare and development, fruits of which the people have enjoyed in the last four years'.

Poll temperature shoots up in poll-bound Telangana

The Congress Sunday maintained 'friendly contests'&nbsp;in some segments among partners of the People's Alliance would have no bearing on the grouping's electoral prospects, even as negotiations are on with the 'rebels'&nbsp;to see they retire from the contest before the polls begin.

In some constituencies of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-elections-cannot-be-won-on-false-promises-raman-singh-to-chandrasekhar-rao-180767">Telangana</a>, where<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2018-parties-in-one-upmanship-game-to-woo-voters-in-telangana-180428"> Assembly elections</a> would be held on December 7, Congress and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) rebels are in the fray in seats which have been allotted to other partners.

'You cannot call them rebels. We (<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-grand-alliance-accuses-kcr-of-colluding-with-bjp-to-escape-from-cbi-180664">the alliance partners</a>) could not convince some of our candidates, so their participation is friendly contest," AICC in-charge of Telangana R C Khuntia told PTI.

The TDP, the TJS led by professor M Kodandaram and CPI are part of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-elections-2018-its-all-up-in-the-air-180356">Congress-led People's Alliance ('Prajakutami') </a>which has struck a seat-sharing deal among the partners.

However in Wyra and Bellampalli, for example, the two seats allotted to the CPI, Congress rebels &nbsp;Ramulu Naik and G Vinod, who is the son of former Union Minister late G Venkataswamy are in the fray.

'This will not affect our winning possibility. Two-three days before the elections, some decision may be taken to see to they (the rebels) withdraw from the contest. Negotiations are on with them', he said.

Khuntia expressed confidence over the alliance coming to power after the elections to the 119-member Assembly, noting the collective 'strength'&nbsp;of the two parties.

'We will get between 75 and 80 seats', he said.

CPI general secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy said, given the current trend, it looks like a tough contest between the Congress-led alliance and the TRS.

'I hope, ultimately, the opposition front will gain the upper hand. The front has an edge because four parties have come together", Reddy said.

Sources in the alliance said the CPI(M)-led Bahujan Left Front, which has fielded candidates in 109 segments, may split some votes which would have otherwise gone to the People's Alliance.

There is also some 'heartburn' in the Left camp over the CPI(M) and CPI fighting separately. 
'We (BLF) are contesting in 109 seats, out of that we are concentrating on 20 to 25 seats. We are expecting to win at least five seats,' CPI(M) Telangana unit secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram said.

'Through Congress rule, they (CPI) want to achieve Telangana development, it is not possible at all,'&nbsp;Veerabhadram said.

On CPI(M) and CPI choosing different electoral paths in Telangana, CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat told PTI, 'In Telangana, BJP is not a factor. It is important to project an alternative policy platform which is what CPI(M) and BLF are doing.'

The Congress Sunday maintained 'friendly contests' in some segments among partners of the People's Alliance would have no bearing on the grouping's electoral prospects, even as negotiations are on with the 'rebels' to see they retire from the contest before the polls begin.

The Congress Sunday maintained 'friendly contests' in some segments among partners of the People's Alliance would have no bearing on the grouping's electoral prospects, even as negotiations are on with the 'rebels' to see they retire from the contest before the polls begin. In some constituencies of Telangana, where Assembly elections would be held on December 7, Congress and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) rebels are in the fray in seats which have been allotted to other partners. 'You cannot call them rebels. We (the alliance partners) could not convince some of our candidates, so their participation is friendly contest," AICC in-charge of Telangana R C Khuntia told PTI. The TDP, the TJS led by professor M Kodandaram and CPI are part of the Congress-led People's Alliance ('Prajakutami') which has struck a seat-sharing deal among the partners. However in Wyra and Bellampalli, for example, the two seats allotted to the CPI, Congress rebels Ramulu Naik and G Vinod, who is the son of former Union Minister late G Venkataswamy are in the fray. 'This will not affect our winning possibility. Two-three days before the elections, some decision may be taken to see to they (the rebels) withdraw from the contest. Negotiations are on with them', he said. Khuntia expressed confidence over the alliance coming to power after the elections to the 119-member Assembly, noting the collective 'strength' of the two parties. 'We will get between 75 and 80 seats', he said. CPI general secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy said, given the current trend, it looks like a tough contest between the Congress-led alliance and the TRS. 'I hope, ultimately, the opposition front will gain the upper hand. The front has an edge because four parties have come together", Reddy said. Sources in the alliance said the CPI(M)-led Bahujan Left Front, which has fielded candidates in 109 segments, may split some votes which would have otherwise gone to the People's Alliance. There is also some 'heartburn' in the Left camp over the CPI(M) and CPI fighting separately. 'We (BLF) are contesting in 109 seats, out of that we are concentrating on 20 to 25 seats. We are expecting to win at least five seats,' CPI(M) Telangana unit secretary Tammineni Veerabhadram said. 'Through Congress rule, they (CPI) want to achieve Telangana development, it is not possible at all,' Veerabhadram said. On CPI(M) and CPI choosing different electoral paths in Telangana, CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat told PTI, 'In Telangana, BJP is not a factor. It is important to project an alternative policy platform which is what CPI(M) and BLF are doing.'

Rebel threat to not hurt opposition alliance prospects: Congress

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and chairman of National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the day friendly relations begin between India and Pakistan, Kashmir issue will be resolved on its own.

''I believe friendship between the two nations is most important for Jammu and Kashmir. My party stands for paths which lead to Indo-Pak friendship,'' he added.&nbsp;

Talking to the media in Jammu and Kashmir`s Baramulla district, he said: "The National Conference (NC) has always supported friendly relations between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

''Ultimately people have to decide what's to be done,'' he said and added they were never hungry for power.

PDP, NC and Congress have different paths but came together, he said.

He also lamented that condition J&amp;K bank and said it would never have been the case had ''our government been there''.&nbsp;

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and chairman of National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the day friendly relations begin between India and Pakistan, Kashmir issue will be resolved on its own.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and chairman of National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the day friendly relations begin between India and Pakistan, Kashmir issue will be resolved on its own. ''I believe friendship between the two nations is most important for Jammu and Kashmir. My party stands for paths which lead to Indo-Pak friendship,'' he added. Talking to the media in Jammu and Kashmir`s Baramulla district, he said: "The National Conference (NC) has always supported friendly relations between India and Pakistan. ''Ultimately people have to decide what's to be done,'' he said and added they were never hungry for power. PDP, NC and Congress have different paths but came together, he said. He also lamented that condition J&K bank and said it would never have been the case had ''our government been there''.

Friendly relations between India and Pakistan will help resolve Kashmir issue: Farooq Abdullah

Senior TRS leader K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Sunday decried alleged attempts by national parties to stop the growth of regional parties, warning this is not good for cooperative federalism.

Kavitha, a Lok Sabha MP from Nizamabad, also rejected criticism that Rao is 'unreachable', alleging it is a myth&nbsp;and a propaganda by the Opposition to hoodwink people for electoral gains.

The chief minister, popularly called KCR, advanced the assembly poll by eight months hoping to retain power with a thumping majority with<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-polls-elections-cannot-be-won-on-false-promises-raman-singh-to-chandrasekhar-rao-180767"> Telangana Rashtra Samithi </a>(TRS) leaders saying it is an attempt to "teach" the Opposition BJP and Congress a lesson for allegedly trying to work against the interest of the state to stop the rise of the regional party.

Voting for the keenly fought elections to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/telangana-assembly-elections-2018-why-its-difficult-to-overthrow-k-c-rao-178990">119-member assembly</a> is scheduled to be held on December 7. The ruling TRS won 63 seats in 2014 riding on the wave of the Telangana movement.&nbsp;

Kavitha said the party is confident of winning 100 seats and will form the government without the support of other parties, adding it is not a political rhetoric.

'Whenever regional parties are coming up forcefully, national parties try to stop them. We have not just won elections but made inroads into villages.

That's why national parties are here, trying their best,&nbsp;Kavitha said in an exclusive interview to the PTI.&nbsp;

Stopping the growth of regional parties is not good for cooperative federalism, she warned.

Asked what forced the TRS to advance the polls, Kavitha said, 'The primary reason was that the Opposition was trying to stop our progress by putting hurdles in our key projects. Unfortunately, national parties started working against the interest of Telangana. We wanted to teach them a lesson.'

Defending her father's style of functioning, Kavitha said, "Every chief minister has his style of working. One CM may meet public on a daily basis and the other wants a centralised power. You cannot dictate how a CM's style should be. When he should wake up and sleep. If his policies are good and people are getting more than what they want then the CM's job is done.

'My chief minister is inaccessible is a myth and propaganda of the Opposition, which is trying to project him differently. But people are laughing at them. How we would have implemented welfare schemes without listening to people's problems. '

The Telangana government tops in the country for its spending on welfare schemes. About Rs 40,000 crore has been set aside for the welfare scheme out of the total state budget of Rs 1.74 lakh crore in this fiscal, she claimed.&nbsp;

Kavitha, who is fiercely campaigning to retain the party's strong cadre base in her constituency, said this was not for the first time that her father had taken sudden decisions like advancing the polls and that he had done like this in the past during the Telangana movement.

The TRS chief broke away from the UPA alliance when the promise of a separate state was not fulfilled. 'He resigned within 24 hours and went to the people. That is his style and that is how he got Telangana,'&nbsp;she added.

The KCR's style of 'going back to the people and proving a point is not new'&nbsp;and that's how he works, she said.

She further said the Opposition started the propaganda&nbsp;that the TRS chief was inaccessible and his party is corrupt and so on.&nbsp;

"This nonsense and noise was too much. In fact, Congress filed cases to stop the mega Kaleshwaram irrigation project. The polls were advanced to put an end to this," she explained.

Ruling out the possibility of a humiliating defeat at the hands of Congress-led Maha Kutami that included the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP, Kavitha said, 'There is no risk of losing. People have benefited from our schemes. We are only seeking their mandate to come back to power again. If people think we don't deserve, let it be that way.'

The election battle has intensified in the TRS bastion of Nizamabad as political heavyweights including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have campaigned here in a bid to hit the base support of the TRS.

Senior TRS leader K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Sunday decried alleged attempts by national parties to stop the growth of regional parties, warning this is not good for cooperative federalism.

Senior TRS leader K Kavitha, daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, Sunday decried alleged attempts by national parties to stop the growth of regional parties, warning this is not good for cooperative federalism. Kavitha, a Lok Sabha MP from Nizamabad, also rejected criticism that Rao is 'unreachable', alleging it is a myth and a propaganda by the Opposition to hoodwink people for electoral gains. The chief minister, popularly called KCR, advanced the assembly poll by eight months hoping to retain power with a thumping majority with Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leaders saying it is an attempt to "teach" the Opposition BJP and Congress a lesson for allegedly trying to work against the interest of the state to stop the rise of the regional party. Voting for the keenly fought elections to the 119-member assembly is scheduled to be held on December 7. The ruling TRS won 63 seats in 2014 riding on the wave of the Telangana movement. Kavitha said the party is confident of winning 100 seats and will form the government without the support of other parties, adding it is not a political rhetoric. 'Whenever regional parties are coming up forcefully, national parties try to stop them. We have not just won elections but made inroads into villages. That's why national parties are here, trying their best, Kavitha said in an exclusive interview to the PTI. Stopping the growth of regional parties is not good for cooperative federalism, she warned. Asked what forced the TRS to advance the polls, Kavitha said, 'The primary reason was that the Opposition was trying to stop our progress by putting hurdles in our key projects. Unfortunately, national parties started working against the interest of Telangana. We wanted to teach them a lesson.' Defending her father's style of functioning, Kavitha said, "Every chief minister has his style of working. One CM may meet public on a daily basis and the other wants a centralised power. You cannot dictate how a CM's style should be. When he should wake up and sleep. If his policies are good and people are getting more than what they want then the CM's job is done. 'My chief minister is inaccessible is a myth and propaganda of the Opposition, which is trying to project him differently. But people are laughing at them. How we would have implemented welfare schemes without listening to people's problems. ' The Telangana government tops in the country for its spending on welfare schemes. About Rs 40,000 crore has been set aside for the welfare scheme out of the total state budget of Rs 1.74 lakh crore in this fiscal, she claimed. Kavitha, who is fiercely campaigning to retain the party's strong cadre base in her constituency, said this was not for the first time that her father had taken sudden decisions like advancing the polls and that he had done like this in the past during the Telangana movement. The TRS chief broke away from the UPA alliance when the promise of a separate state was not fulfilled. 'He resigned within 24 hours and went to the people. That is his style and that is how he got Telangana,' she added. The KCR's style of 'going back to the people and proving a point is not new' and that's how he works, she said. She further said the Opposition started the propaganda that the TRS chief was inaccessible and his party is corrupt and so on. "This nonsense and noise was too much. In fact, Congress filed cases to stop the mega Kaleshwaram irrigation project. The polls were advanced to put an end to this," she explained. Ruling out the possibility of a humiliating defeat at the hands of Congress-led Maha Kutami that included the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP, Kavitha said, 'There is no risk of losing. People have benefited from our schemes. We are only seeking their mandate to come back to power again. If people think we don't deserve, let it be that way.' The election battle has intensified in the TRS bastion of Nizamabad as political heavyweights including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have campaigned here in a bid to hit the base support of the TRS.

Stopping growth of regional parties not good for cooperative federalism: TRS leader Kavitha 

After demitting office as a Supreme Court judge, Justice Kurian Joseph has said that the apex court was not moving in the right direction under <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cji-dipak-misra-to-meet-4-supreme-court-judges-to-diffuse-crisis-29918?amp">former chief justice of India Dipak Misra</a>. Therefore, a press conference was held on January 12.&nbsp;It was for the first time in the history of the Indian judiciary that such a step was taken.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI about the unprecedented step against former CJI Dipak Misra, Justice Joseph, who retired on November 30, said, "We pointed that the Supreme Court was not going in right direction. Many aspects we brought in the notice of the then Chief Justice (Dipak Misra) to put things on the proper path. Since there was no result, we thought there was no other option but to bring it to the notice of the nation."&nbsp;

"There was one other reason. My position has always been that there are two watchdogs, one of which is the media. We came out to let there be an awareness that we have done our best. Despite barking the master is in deep slumber. So we decided to bite," he added, asserting that things have improved since then.&nbsp;

"Institutional system and practices need to be put in place. It will take time," Justice Joseph, who was then the third senior-most judge of the Supreme Court said.&nbsp;

He expressed no regrets about conducting the unprecedented press conference where he along with three other judges of the Supreme Court, Justice Jasti Chelameswar, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, now the Chief Justice of India, and Justice MB Lokur, had flagged off various other issues pertaining to the functioning of the top court.&nbsp;

Sharing details of his long and eventful career in the echelons of Indian judiciary, he said, "I started in the year 2000 in the High Court of Kerala as a judge, almost 10 years I was there. I went to Himachal Pradesh as the Chief Justice for three years. Thereafter, I came to the Supreme Court for five years and eight months. I did dispose of about 66,000 cases in Kerala, over 15,000 in Himachal Pradesh and over 8,000 cases in the Supreme Court. It is, therefore, a long satisfying career."&nbsp;

On being asked to react on allegations of corruption in the judiciary, Justice Joseph said the allegations are unfounded.&nbsp;

He said, "I will never really agree that there is corruption in higher judiciary. If it is in the lower judiciary, it is the state`s concern. In the higher judiciary, it has not come to my notice."&nbsp;

After demitting office as a Supreme Court judge, Justice Kurian Joseph has said that the apex court was not moving in the right direction under former chief justice of India Dipak Misra.

After demitting office as a Supreme Court judge, Justice Kurian Joseph has said that the apex court was not moving in the right direction under former chief justice of India Dipak Misra. Therefore, a press conference was held on January 12. It was for the first time in the history of the Indian judiciary that such a step was taken. Speaking to ANI about the unprecedented step against former CJI Dipak Misra, Justice Joseph, who retired on November 30, said, "We pointed that the Supreme Court was not going in right direction. Many aspects we brought in the notice of the then Chief Justice (Dipak Misra) to put things on the proper path. Since there was no result, we thought there was no other option but to bring it to the notice of the nation." "There was one other reason. My position has always been that there are two watchdogs, one of which is the media. We came out to let there be an awareness that we have done our best. Despite barking the master is in deep slumber. So we decided to bite," he added, asserting that things have improved since then. "Institutional system and practices need to be put in place. It will take time," Justice Joseph, who was then the third senior-most judge of the Supreme Court said. He expressed no regrets about conducting the unprecedented press conference where he along with three other judges of the Supreme Court, Justice Jasti Chelameswar, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, now the Chief Justice of India, and Justice MB Lokur, had flagged off various other issues pertaining to the functioning of the top court. Sharing details of his long and eventful career in the echelons of Indian judiciary, he said, "I started in the year 2000 in the High Court of Kerala as a judge, almost 10 years I was there. I went to Himachal Pradesh as the Chief Justice for three years. Thereafter, I came to the Supreme Court for five years and eight months. I did dispose of about 66,000 cases in Kerala, over 15,000 in Himachal Pradesh and over 8,000 cases in the Supreme Court. It is, therefore, a long satisfying career." On being asked to react on allegations of corruption in the judiciary, Justice Joseph said the allegations are unfounded. He said, "I will never really agree that there is corruption in higher judiciary. If it is in the lower judiciary, it is the state`s concern. In the higher judiciary, it has not come to my notice."

Supreme Court was not moving in the right direction under CJI Dipak Misra: Justice Kurian Joseph

China has not accepted India's proposal to carry out bilateral trade in local currencies which was aimed at bridging the ballooning trade deficit with the neighbouring country, an official said.

India's exports to China stood at only $13.4 billion, imports aggregated to $76.4 billion in 2017-18, leaving a trade deficit of $63 billion. It was $51.11 billion in 2016-17.

India had suggested China for renminbi-rupee trade to boost its exports and tackle the widening trade deficit concern.

'They have not accepted the proposal,'&nbsp;the official said.

The issue was discussed in an inter-ministerial meeting in October. In the meeting, it was suggested to the Reserve Bank of India and the Department of Economic Affairs would look at the possibility of exploring renminbi-rupee trade with China.

India has also proposed trade in national currencies with some other countries, including Russia, Iran and Venezuela. New Delhi has trade deficit with these three countries, too.

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ganesh Kumar Gupta said that the government should promote exports from India in the domestic currency.

'This will help in bridging trade deficit with countries like China,'&nbsp;Gupta said.

Trade experts have stated that bilateral trade in domestic currencies will help India only in the case of those countries with which it has a trade balance.

"Trade imbalance should not be there with the country with which we want to do trade in rupee. It will not help in bridging the deficit. The partner country should have an opportunity to invest in India to use the rupee," said Biswajit Dhar, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

The Indian industry and exporters have time and again raised the issue of increasing trade deficit with China and have asked the government to seek greater market access for domestic goods in the Chinese market.

Recently, China has permitted exports of rice and sugar. But India wants to increase exports of several other items, including pharmaceuticals, engineering and services.&nbsp;

China has not accepted India's proposal to carry out bilateral trade in local currencies which was aimed at bridging the ballooning trade deficit with the neighbouring country, an official said.

China has not accepted India's proposal to carry out bilateral trade in local currencies which was aimed at bridging the ballooning trade deficit with the neighbouring country, an official said. India's exports to China stood at only $13.4 billion, imports aggregated to $76.4 billion in 2017-18, leaving a trade deficit of $63 billion. It was $51.11 billion in 2016-17. India had suggested China for renminbi-rupee trade to boost its exports and tackle the widening trade deficit concern. 'They have not accepted the proposal,' the official said. The issue was discussed in an inter-ministerial meeting in October. In the meeting, it was suggested to the Reserve Bank of India and the Department of Economic Affairs would look at the possibility of exploring renminbi-rupee trade with China. India has also proposed trade in national currencies with some other countries, including Russia, Iran and Venezuela. New Delhi has trade deficit with these three countries, too. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President Ganesh Kumar Gupta said that the government should promote exports from India in the domestic currency. 'This will help in bridging trade deficit with countries like China,' Gupta said. Trade experts have stated that bilateral trade in domestic currencies will help India only in the case of those countries with which it has a trade balance. "Trade imbalance should not be there with the country with which we want to do trade in rupee. It will not help in bridging the deficit. The partner country should have an opportunity to invest in India to use the rupee," said Biswajit Dhar, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. The Indian industry and exporters have time and again raised the issue of increasing trade deficit with China and have asked the government to seek greater market access for domestic goods in the Chinese market. Recently, China has permitted exports of rice and sugar. But India wants to increase exports of several other items, including pharmaceuticals, engineering and services.

China says no to India's proposal for bilateral trade in domestic currencies

Amidst speculation of probable post-poll alliance among political parties, senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo has said there was no need to "look left or right" for any support and his party will form the government in Chhattisgarh on its own.

His comments assume significance as there have been reports of post-poll alliances among different political parties, even before the results are announced.

While <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/assembly-elections-2018-voters-counter-maoist-threat-in-chhattisgarh-177306">Chhattisgarh went to polls in two phases</a> on November 12 for 18 seats and on November 20 for 72 seats, the counting of votes is scheduled for December 11 along with the same for four other states including neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.

'I am confident of victory. We are getting a clear majority. There is no need to look left or right (for any support or post-poll alliance),'&nbsp;Singh Deo told PTI.

He was asked whether his party would accept support from former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi in case it lacks numbers to form the government.

'There has been a misrule in the BJP's tenure. Corruption has gone up in all the government departments. Farmers, in particular, are in a lot of distress. That is the reason why people came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government,'&nbsp;said Singh Deo, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly.

The BJP's Raman Singh has been the CM of the state for past 15 years.

Voter turnout of 76.35 per cent was recorded in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/chhattisgarh-assembly-elections-cm-face-and-congress-dilemma-178560">Chhattisgarh Assembly election</a>, a little less than the 77.4 per cent in the 2013 polls.

Talking about the Congress party's poll manifesto, which is also called as the 'Jan Ghoshana Patra', Singh Deo said feedback from the people living in almost all the districts of the state were taken into account as part of the planning process.

"It took six long months for our teams to visit the whole state and to record feedback in our party's manifesto. We consulted over 80,000 people. We have offered the availability of water, electricity subsidy and good price of farmers produce to address farmers distress in the state apparently due to the government's apathy. There are so many 'pro-people' proposals outlined in the manifesto," Singh Deo said.

Many Congress leaders have termed the Jan Ghoshana Patra as the game changer.

'Farmers and people from rural areas came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government in the state. It will bring the result,"'another senior Congress leader said.

When asked who would be their CM candidate in case the Congress comes to power in Chhattisgarh, he said winning MLAs will choose their leader and the chief minister would be decided by the party high command in Delhi.

Earlier, talking to PTI, Singh Deo had said the chief minister's face of the Congress will be elected through "Swayamvar" after the poll results are announced.

"There are many good people in the party who have done very good work. So there will be a 'Swayamvar' after the poll victory," he had said.&nbsp;

Amidst speculation of probable post-poll alliance among political parties, senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo has said there was no need to "look left or right" for any support and his party will form the government in Chhattisgarh on its own.

Amidst speculation of probable post-poll alliance among political parties, senior Congress leader T S Singh Deo has said there was no need to "look left or right" for any support and his party will form the government in Chhattisgarh on its own. His comments assume significance as there have been reports of post-poll alliances among different political parties, even before the results are announced. While Chhattisgarh went to polls in two phases on November 12 for 18 seats and on November 20 for 72 seats, the counting of votes is scheduled for December 11 along with the same for four other states including neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. 'I am confident of victory. We are getting a clear majority. There is no need to look left or right (for any support or post-poll alliance),' Singh Deo told PTI. He was asked whether his party would accept support from former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi in case it lacks numbers to form the government. 'There has been a misrule in the BJP's tenure. Corruption has gone up in all the government departments. Farmers, in particular, are in a lot of distress. That is the reason why people came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government,' said Singh Deo, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. The BJP's Raman Singh has been the CM of the state for past 15 years. Voter turnout of 76.35 per cent was recorded in the Chhattisgarh Assembly election, a little less than the 77.4 per cent in the 2013 polls. Talking about the Congress party's poll manifesto, which is also called as the 'Jan Ghoshana Patra', Singh Deo said feedback from the people living in almost all the districts of the state were taken into account as part of the planning process. "It took six long months for our teams to visit the whole state and to record feedback in our party's manifesto. We consulted over 80,000 people. We have offered the availability of water, electricity subsidy and good price of farmers produce to address farmers distress in the state apparently due to the government's apathy. There are so many 'pro-people' proposals outlined in the manifesto," Singh Deo said. Many Congress leaders have termed the Jan Ghoshana Patra as the game changer. 'Farmers and people from rural areas came out in large numbers to vote against the BJP government in the state. It will bring the result,"'another senior Congress leader said. When asked who would be their CM candidate in case the Congress comes to power in Chhattisgarh, he said winning MLAs will choose their leader and the chief minister would be decided by the party high command in Delhi. Earlier, talking to PTI, Singh Deo had said the chief minister's face of the Congress will be elected through "Swayamvar" after the poll results are announced. "There are many good people in the party who have done very good work. So there will be a 'Swayamvar' after the poll victory," he had said.

Not looking for any support, will form government in Chhattisgarh on own: Congress

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that he never stopped Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao from fulfilling his poll promises.

In a tweet, the Telugu Desam Party chief asked Telangana CM if he had ever obstructed Rao from fulfilling his poll promises.&nbsp;

"Did I prevent you from giving three acres of land to dalits? Did I prevent you from making a dalit the chief minister (for Telangana)? Did I prevent the development of Telangana? KCR should say where I stopped (the development)?" Naidu tweeted.

The Congress, TDP, CPI and Prof Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi have formed an alliance for the December 7 Assembly polls. The 'grand alliance' has been named 'Mahakutami' by Naidu.

Naidu on Saturday clarified having <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/might-enter-national-politics-but-not-telanganas-chandrababu-naidu-180667">no interest in entering Telangana's politics</a>.&nbsp;

Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

"I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted.

The election wave continues to intensify in Telangana which is headed for assembly polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that he never stopped Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao from fulfilling his poll promises.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that he never stopped Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao from fulfilling his poll promises. In a tweet, the Telugu Desam Party chief asked Telangana CM if he had ever obstructed Rao from fulfilling his poll promises. "Did I prevent you from giving three acres of land to dalits? Did I prevent you from making a dalit the chief minister (for Telangana)? Did I prevent the development of Telangana? KCR should say where I stopped (the development)?" Naidu tweeted. The Congress, TDP, CPI and Prof Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi have formed an alliance for the December 7 Assembly polls. The 'grand alliance' has been named 'Mahakutami' by Naidu. Naidu on Saturday clarified having no interest in entering Telangana's politics. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, the Telugu Desam Party chief said that his aim is to protect the democracy "which is in danger" and not to become the Prime Minister. "I may enter national politics but won't enter Telangana politics. I'm not greedy for power. I am not thinking of becoming the Prime Minister. My aim is to protect the democracy which is in danger," Naidu noted. The election wave continues to intensify in Telangana which is headed for assembly polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

Never stopped KCR from fulfilling his poll promises: Chandrababu Naidu

Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu on Sunday spoke in defence of her husband and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, stating that Sidhu's statements should be "read as a whole and not in incomplete bits." Navjot Kaur referred to her husband's 'Captain' remark.

"Navjot ji has repeatedly said that Captain Sahab is like his father. We have always made it clear that Capt Sahab's respect and honour is above everything. Sidhu's statements should be read as a whole and not in incomplete bits," she said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Navjot Kaur Sidhu: Navjot ji has repeatedly said that Captain Sahab is like his father. We have always made it clear that Capt Sahab's respect and honour is above everything. Sidhu's statements should be read as a whole and not in incomplete bits. <a href="https://t.co/rVpCsOCQ0Z">pic.twitter.com/rVpCsOCQ0Z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069130238637064192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, three Punjab ministers on Saturday called for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sidhu-faces-flak-over-jibe-at-punjab-cm-ministers-call-for-his-resignation-180815">Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation</a> from the state cabinet over his jibe at Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, a fallout of the controversial politician's recent trip to Kartarpur in Pakistan, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Sidhu had mocked Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh when reporters asked him about going to Pakistan despite his disapproval.

"Rahul Gandhi is my captain. It is he who sent me to Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi is the captain of the captain (Amarinder Singh) also," Sidhu had said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu on Sunday spoke in defence of her husband and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, stating that Sidhu's statements should be "read as a whole and not in incomplete bits.

Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu on Sunday spoke in defence of her husband and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, stating that Sidhu's statements should be "read as a whole and not in incomplete bits." Navjot Kaur referred to her husband's 'Captain' remark. "Navjot ji has repeatedly said that Captain Sahab is like his father. We have always made it clear that Capt Sahab's respect and honour is above everything. Sidhu's statements should be read as a whole and not in incomplete bits," she said. Navjot Kaur Sidhu: Navjot ji has repeatedly said that Captain Sahab is like his father. We have always made it clear that Capt Sahab's respect and honour is above everything. Sidhu's statements should be read as a whole and not in incomplete bits. pic.twitter.com/rVpCsOCQ0Z — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2018 × Meanwhile, three Punjab ministers on Saturday called for Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation from the state cabinet over his jibe at Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, a fallout of the controversial politician's recent trip to Kartarpur in Pakistan, news agency PTI reported. Sidhu had mocked Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh when reporters asked him about going to Pakistan despite his disapproval. "Rahul Gandhi is my captain. It is he who sent me to Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi is the captain of the captain (Amarinder Singh) also," Sidhu had said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sidhu's statements should be read as whole, not in incomplete bits: Navjot Kaur Sidhu

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has said that his party was not thinking of bringing an ordinance "as of now" for construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

He, however, asserted that it was only the saffron party that could construct the Ram temple at Ayodhya as "no one else has the guts" to do it.

According to him, the temple issue did "more harm than good" to the BJP as the matter was being used by the opposition "to terrorise minorities and polarise votes".

"We would appeal to the court once again for a verdict on the issue (Ram Mandir). When a matter is in court, we should not be in a hurry and give it enough time to take a decision.

"But if people's aspirations keep increasing, the government will have to take a call on it (whether to bring ordinance or not). As of now, the party is not thinking of bringing in an ordinance on the construction of a temple," Vijayvargiya told PTI in an interview.

The Supreme Court has recently declined an early hearing of petitions in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case. It had earlier fixed the case for the first week of January before an "appropriate bench", which will decide the schedule of hearing.

When asked about the growing clamour for ordinance by various organisations and political outfits such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), RSS and Shiv Sena, he reiterated that they would have to appeal to the court for an early verdict.

Thousands of devotees thronged Ayodhya on November 25 to attend VHP's 'Dharam Sabha' to discuss the Ram Mandir issue, with a senior religious leader asserting the dates for building the temple would be announced early next year.

Last week, NDA-ally Shiv Sena's chief Uddhav Thackeray said the BJP government at the Centre "may not last" if the temple was not constructed in Ayodhya, warning that "emotions of Hindus should not be taken for granted".

Rubbishing opposition claims that the saffron party rakes up Ram Mandir issue for political benefits ahead of elections, Vijayvargiya said, "The BJP has not raised the matter, it was saints and other organisations that did. The party has never gone into polls with Ram Mandir issue. For us, the agenda has always been 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'," he said.

He alleged that opposition parties have been trying to harm the party's prospects by intimidating minorities with the temple issue.

"During elections, some sections of people raise this issue just to terrorise minorities. The issue doesn't help the BJP, rather it causes damage as minorities en bloc vote against us," he claimed.

Vijayvargiya, who is the BJP in-charge of Bengal, said the saffron party would wish to build the temple, keeping the court's decision and Constitution's provisions in mind.

"Only BJP can construct the Ram Temple, nobody else has guts to construct the Ram temple. We will do it. But we will do it by respecting the court, Constitution and social fabric," he said.

Congress leader C P Joshi had recently said that only his party's prime minister would be able to build a temple at Ayodhya.

Talking about assembly polls in five states, he expressed confidence that BJP would score well in Telangana and form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram.

When asked whether the election results in five states will have any impact on the Lok Sabha polls, he said state elections and parliamentary elections should not be mixed up as issues in two cases are very different.

"The issues in both polls will be completely different. When assembly elections take place, state leaders are making a pitch. In Lok Sabha polls, the party will pitch national leaders. When (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi will come into play, all other faces will take a backseat."

Vijayvargiya, however, acknowledged that victory in elections always act as a "morale booster".

"Yes it (poll results) will have some impact because winning polls act as morale booster, losing may demoralise workers a bit. But under the leadership of Modiji we would overcome all problems to form the next government again," Vijayvargiya, who hails from poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, said.

Rebutting opinion poll results which stated that the BJP might face a rout in three states in the Hindi heartland, the party's national general secretary said, "These predictions do not reveal people's aspirations, it is done on the basis of small samples that can't be a true reflection of what masses want".

He also claimed that opposition parties won't be able to unite as there were too many contenders for the prime minister's post.

"People want a stable and a strong government. The opposition front has too many prime ministerial aspirants and that won't work in their favour," he added.&nbsp;

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has said that his party was not thinking of bringing an ordinance "as of now" for construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has said that his party was not thinking of bringing an ordinance "as of now" for construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. He, however, asserted that it was only the saffron party that could construct the Ram temple at Ayodhya as "no one else has the guts" to do it. According to him, the temple issue did "more harm than good" to the BJP as the matter was being used by the opposition "to terrorise minorities and polarise votes". "We would appeal to the court once again for a verdict on the issue (Ram Mandir). When a matter is in court, we should not be in a hurry and give it enough time to take a decision. "But if people's aspirations keep increasing, the government will have to take a call on it (whether to bring ordinance or not). As of now, the party is not thinking of bringing in an ordinance on the construction of a temple," Vijayvargiya told PTI in an interview. The Supreme Court has recently declined an early hearing of petitions in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case. It had earlier fixed the case for the first week of January before an "appropriate bench", which will decide the schedule of hearing. When asked about the growing clamour for ordinance by various organisations and political outfits such as Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), RSS and Shiv Sena, he reiterated that they would have to appeal to the court for an early verdict. Thousands of devotees thronged Ayodhya on November 25 to attend VHP's 'Dharam Sabha' to discuss the Ram Mandir issue, with a senior religious leader asserting the dates for building the temple would be announced early next year. Last week, NDA-ally Shiv Sena's chief Uddhav Thackeray said the BJP government at the Centre "may not last" if the temple was not constructed in Ayodhya, warning that "emotions of Hindus should not be taken for granted". Rubbishing opposition claims that the saffron party rakes up Ram Mandir issue for political benefits ahead of elections, Vijayvargiya said, "The BJP has not raised the matter, it was saints and other organisations that did. The party has never gone into polls with Ram Mandir issue. For us, the agenda has always been 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'," he said. He alleged that opposition parties have been trying to harm the party's prospects by intimidating minorities with the temple issue. "During elections, some sections of people raise this issue just to terrorise minorities. The issue doesn't help the BJP, rather it causes damage as minorities en bloc vote against us," he claimed. Vijayvargiya, who is the BJP in-charge of Bengal, said the saffron party would wish to build the temple, keeping the court's decision and Constitution's provisions in mind. "Only BJP can construct the Ram Temple, nobody else has guts to construct the Ram temple. We will do it. But we will do it by respecting the court, Constitution and social fabric," he said. Congress leader C P Joshi had recently said that only his party's prime minister would be able to build a temple at Ayodhya. Talking about assembly polls in five states, he expressed confidence that BJP would score well in Telangana and form governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram. When asked whether the election results in five states will have any impact on the Lok Sabha polls, he said state elections and parliamentary elections should not be mixed up as issues in two cases are very different. "The issues in both polls will be completely different. When assembly elections take place, state leaders are making a pitch. In Lok Sabha polls, the party will pitch national leaders. When (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi will come into play, all other faces will take a backseat." Vijayvargiya, however, acknowledged that victory in elections always act as a "morale booster". "Yes it (poll results) will have some impact because winning polls act as morale booster, losing may demoralise workers a bit. But under the leadership of Modiji we would overcome all problems to form the next government again," Vijayvargiya, who hails from poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, said. Rebutting opinion poll results which stated that the BJP might face a rout in three states in the Hindi heartland, the party's national general secretary said, "These predictions do not reveal people's aspirations, it is done on the basis of small samples that can't be a true reflection of what masses want". He also claimed that opposition parties won't be able to unite as there were too many contenders for the prime minister's post. "People want a stable and a strong government. The opposition front has too many prime ministerial aspirants and that won't work in their favour," he added.

BJP not thinking of Ram Mandir ordinance as of now: Vijayvargiya

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that if the central government fails to implement Swaminathan report by the end of its term, farmers would wreak havoc in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing the farmers'&nbsp;protest here, Kejriwal said, "The central government has given an affidavit in the Supreme Court that they cannot implement Swaminathan report.

There could not be a bigger betrayal. Five months are left, I demand that the central government to implement Swaminathan report otherwise farmers will wreak havoc in 2019. This is the right of farmers. If farmers get the right value of their yield they would never come back to demand waiver of their loans."

"Former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri gave the slogan of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'&nbsp;but it is very unfortunate that today the soldiers are being killed at borders and farmers are distressed at farmlands. It is very sad that farmers have to walk thousands of miles to come to Delhi to organise this protest. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has failed to fulfil the promises they made to farmers," he added.

Speaking to media after his speech, he said that it is a matter of shame for the Prime Minister Modi government that the farmers are committing suicide throughout the country.

"I want to appeal to Prime Minister Modi to waive the loan of farmers, ensure right price for their crops and provide compensation for the crops that get destroyed. If Prime Minister Modi shows even 10 per cent of concern for farmers, which he has for Ambani-Adani, then the problems of farmers will be solved."

More than one lakh farmers, belonging to 200 organisations marched in the national capital on Friday to push for their demands including implementation of the MS Swaminathan Committee report, farm loan waiver and better Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their agricultural produce.

The rally was organised by the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC). Opposition leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah, veteran leader Sharad Yadav were also present in the protest rally.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that if the central government fails to implement Swaminathan report by the end of its term, farmers would wreak havoc in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that if the central government fails to implement Swaminathan report by the end of its term, farmers would wreak havoc in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Addressing the farmers' protest here, Kejriwal said, "The central government has given an affidavit in the Supreme Court that they cannot implement Swaminathan report. There could not be a bigger betrayal. Five months are left, I demand that the central government to implement Swaminathan report otherwise farmers will wreak havoc in 2019. This is the right of farmers. If farmers get the right value of their yield they would never come back to demand waiver of their loans." "Former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri gave the slogan of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' but it is very unfortunate that today the soldiers are being killed at borders and farmers are distressed at farmlands. It is very sad that farmers have to walk thousands of miles to come to Delhi to organise this protest. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has failed to fulfil the promises they made to farmers," he added. Speaking to media after his speech, he said that it is a matter of shame for the Prime Minister Modi government that the farmers are committing suicide throughout the country. "I want to appeal to Prime Minister Modi to waive the loan of farmers, ensure right price for their crops and provide compensation for the crops that get destroyed. If Prime Minister Modi shows even 10 per cent of concern for farmers, which he has for Ambani-Adani, then the problems of farmers will be solved." More than one lakh farmers, belonging to 200 organisations marched in the national capital on Friday to push for their demands including implementation of the MS Swaminathan Committee report, farm loan waiver and better Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their agricultural produce. The rally was organised by the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC). Opposition leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah, veteran leader Sharad Yadav were also present in the protest rally.

Centre fails to implement Swaminathan report, farmers will wreak havoc in 2019 polls: Kejriwal

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina on December 1.

Confirming the news, the Ambassador of France to India, Alexandre Ziegler tweeted, "Glad to confirm that PM Modi @PMOIndia will meet PR Macron @EmmanuelMacron on sidelines of the #G20 tomorrow afternoon in Argentina."

The high-level engagement comes amidst the Rafale deal row.

India's main Opposition party, the Congress, has been accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government of irregularities in the high-profile defence fighter jets contract.

They have claimed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is procuring the aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore each as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the Congress party, had alleged that Dassault (the makers of the jet) invested Rs 284 crore in a loss-making company promoted by Anil Ambani, which was used to procure land in Nagpur.

"It is clear the Dassault CEO is lying. If there an inquiry in this regard, Modi is not going to survive it. Guaranteed," he had remarked.

Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Trappier, in an exclusive interview to ANI earlier this month, had rubbished allegations made by Gandhi that the former lied about the details of Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal.

"I don`t lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don`t have a reputation for lying. In my position as CEO, you don`t lie," said Trappier when asked to respond to Rahul Gandhi`s charge that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina on December 1. Confirming the news, the Ambassador of France to India, Alexandre Ziegler tweeted, "Glad to confirm that PM Modi @PMOIndia will meet PR Macron @EmmanuelMacron on sidelines of the #G20 tomorrow afternoon in Argentina.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Argentina on December 1. Confirming the news, the Ambassador of France to India, Alexandre Ziegler tweeted, "Glad to confirm that PM Modi @PMOIndia will meet PR Macron @EmmanuelMacron on sidelines of the #G20 tomorrow afternoon in Argentina." The high-level engagement comes amidst the Rafale deal row. India's main Opposition party, the Congress, has been accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government of irregularities in the high-profile defence fighter jets contract. They have claimed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is procuring the aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore each as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Rahul Gandhi, the chief of the Congress party, had alleged that Dassault (the makers of the jet) invested Rs 284 crore in a loss-making company promoted by Anil Ambani, which was used to procure land in Nagpur. "It is clear the Dassault CEO is lying. If there an inquiry in this regard, Modi is not going to survive it. Guaranteed," he had remarked. Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Trappier, in an exclusive interview to ANI earlier this month, had rubbished allegations made by Gandhi that the former lied about the details of Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal. "I don`t lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don`t have a reputation for lying. In my position as CEO, you don`t lie," said Trappier when asked to respond to Rahul Gandhi`s charge that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.

Modi-Macron to meet on G20 sidelines amidst Rafale row

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said that the ruling party's jubilation over the GDP growth data is unwarranted.&nbsp;

The senior Congress leader noted that more large companies are bankrupt today than before and many projects are "stranded than ever." "There is a sense of crisis," he stated.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said that as expected, the GDP growth in the July-September quarter (Q2) of 2018-19 was a good one per cent lower than in the April-June quarter (Q1).

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The new normal for the Indian economy is 7 per cent and 2018-19 will be a normal year.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1068547516176596992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Q1 number was on a very low base in the previous year. It did not signify a bump in growth and did not warrant the jubilation of the BJP three months ago," he said.

"More large companies are bankrupt today than ever before, more projects stranded than ever before, more accounts turned NPA than ever before, more banks have been restrained from lending than ever before. There is a sense of crisis everywhere," Chidambaram noted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram: More large companies are bankrupt today than ever before,more projects stranded than ever before,more accounts turned NPA than ever before,more banks have been restrained from lending than ever before. There is a sense of crisis everywhere. <a href="https://t.co/vv3cL3TVnB">pic.twitter.com/vv3cL3TVnB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068750425627619328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The new normal for the Indian economy is 7 per cent and 2018-19 will be a normal year," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram: This government promised a double-digit growth rate. They have not achieved double-digit growth rate in any of the four years. And they will not achieve it in the last year also. <a href="https://t.co/ro0XwptdA9">pic.twitter.com/ro0XwptdA9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068754558589952002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India's economy grew at 7.1 per cent in the July-September quarter, the lowest in three quarters, but still remained ahead of China to retain the tag of the world's fastest-growing major economy, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

India's $2.6 trillion economy, Asia's third largest, grew 6.3 per cent in the July-September quarter of 2017, the data released by the statistics ministry showed.

India had recorded 7.9 per cent mark in the fourth quarter FY16, this time, however, it was lower than expected.

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said that the ruling party's jubilation over the GDP growth data is unwarranted. The senior Congress leader noted that more large companies are bankrupt today than before and many projects are "stranded than ever.

Former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said that the ruling party's jubilation over the GDP growth data is unwarranted. The senior Congress leader noted that more large companies are bankrupt today than before and many projects are "stranded than ever." "There is a sense of crisis," he stated. In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said that as expected, the GDP growth in the July-September quarter (Q2) of 2018-19 was a good one per cent lower than in the April-June quarter (Q1). The new normal for the Indian economy is 7 per cent and 2018-19 will be a normal year. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 30, 2018 × "Q1 number was on a very low base in the previous year. It did not signify a bump in growth and did not warrant the jubilation of the BJP three months ago," he said. "More large companies are bankrupt today than ever before, more projects stranded than ever before, more accounts turned NPA than ever before, more banks have been restrained from lending than ever before. There is a sense of crisis everywhere," Chidambaram noted. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram: More large companies are bankrupt today than ever before,more projects stranded than ever before,more accounts turned NPA than ever before,more banks have been restrained from lending than ever before. There is a sense of crisis everywhere. pic.twitter.com/vv3cL3TVnB — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × "The new normal for the Indian economy is 7 per cent and 2018-19 will be a normal year," he said. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram: This government promised a double-digit growth rate. They have not achieved double-digit growth rate in any of the four years. And they will not achieve it in the last year also. pic.twitter.com/ro0XwptdA9 — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × India's economy grew at 7.1 per cent in the July-September quarter, the lowest in three quarters, but still remained ahead of China to retain the tag of the world's fastest-growing major economy, news agency PTI reported. India's $2.6 trillion economy, Asia's third largest, grew 6.3 per cent in the July-September quarter of 2017, the data released by the statistics ministry showed. India had recorded 7.9 per cent mark in the fourth quarter FY16, this time, however, it was lower than expected.

No cause for ruling's party's jubilation over growth rate, there's crisis everywhere: Chidambaram

Telangana Congress Friday questioned the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi on why it "failed" to mount pressure on the NDA-led Centre to realise the assurances given to the newly-formed state in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.&nbsp;

Congress state unit president Uttam Kumar Reddy said the assurances include setting up a rail coach factory, steel factory and tribal university in the state.

Taking exception to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao's allegation that TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu was opposed to irrigation and other development projects in Telangana, the Congress leader asked whether Naidu came in the way of the TRS implementing its election promises like distribution of double bedroom houses for poor.

Reddy also accused the TRS chief of graft during the latter's tenure as labour minister at the Centre.&nbsp;

The Congress had roped in the TDP, CPI and M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi to form the People's Front to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 Assembly polls.

Telangana Congress Friday questioned the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi on why it "failed" to mount pressure on the NDA-led Centre to realise the assurances given to the newly-formed state in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Telangana Congress Friday questioned the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi on why it "failed" to mount pressure on the NDA-led Centre to realise the assurances given to the newly-formed state in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Congress state unit president Uttam Kumar Reddy said the assurances include setting up a rail coach factory, steel factory and tribal university in the state. Taking exception to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao's allegation that TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu was opposed to irrigation and other development projects in Telangana, the Congress leader asked whether Naidu came in the way of the TRS implementing its election promises like distribution of double bedroom houses for poor. Reddy also accused the TRS chief of graft during the latter's tenure as labour minister at the Centre. The Congress had roped in the TDP, CPI and M Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi to form the People's Front to take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 Assembly polls.

TRS failed to put pressure on NDA to realise assurances given to Telangana: Congress

The South African President &nbsp;Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at India's republic day celebration in 2019.&nbsp;

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20.

Speaking after the bilateral, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "PM extended South Africa Pres Cyril Ramaphosa invitation to be the chief guest for India's Republic Day in 2019 and Ramaphosa accepted"

India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019. A number of programmes have been organised by India to celebrate the anniversary.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, India invited all 10 heads of the ASEAN grouping for the republic day.

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at India's republic day celebration in 2019. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20.

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at India's republic day celebration in 2019. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the invite to South African President in a bilateral on the sidelines of G20. Speaking after the bilateral, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "PM extended South Africa Pres Cyril Ramaphosa invitation to be the chief guest for India's Republic Day in 2019 and Ramaphosa accepted" India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019. A number of programmes have been organised by India to celebrate the anniversary. Earlier this year, India invited all 10 heads of the ASEAN grouping for the republic day.

Republic Day 2019: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to be India's chief guest

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to create two Indias — one for the rich and the other for the poor.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Gandhi said one part is for farmers, labourers and small shopkeepers, while the other is for industrialists like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

“Modi wants to create two Hindustans, which is not acceptable to us. There will be one flag and one country,” he said. Gandhi said nobody could insult the farmers of the country, no matter if he was the prime minister of the country or the president of the US.

“The BJP leaders are talking about several issues, but there are only two issues. One is employment and the other is of the betterment of farmers,” he said. Gandhi reiterated that the Congress government would waive farmers’ loans within 10 days of coming to power in Rajasthan.

The Congress chief recalled that when Modi was contesting the 2014 general election, he had talked about employment, corruption and farmers. But, he claimed, the prime minister was not talking about such issues in 2018.

“Neither youths got employment, nor farmers got any help.”

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to create two Indias — one for the rich and the other for the poor. Addressing a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Gandhi said one part is for farmers, labourers and small shopkeepers, while the other is for industrialists like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to create two Indias — one for the rich and the other for the poor. Addressing a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Gandhi said one part is for farmers, labourers and small shopkeepers, while the other is for industrialists like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. “Modi wants to create two Hindustans, which is not acceptable to us. There will be one flag and one country,” he said. Gandhi said nobody could insult the farmers of the country, no matter if he was the prime minister of the country or the president of the US. “The BJP leaders are talking about several issues, but there are only two issues. One is employment and the other is of the betterment of farmers,” he said. Gandhi reiterated that the Congress government would waive farmers’ loans within 10 days of coming to power in Rajasthan. The Congress chief recalled that when Modi was contesting the 2014 general election, he had talked about employment, corruption and farmers. But, he claimed, the prime minister was not talking about such issues in 2018. “Neither youths got employment, nor farmers got any help.”

Modi wants to create two Indias- one for rich, other for poor, says Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday participated in a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit in Argentina.&nbsp;

Speaking during the meeting, the Prime Minister stated that the world today is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty. "The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance," he noted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM Narendra Modi while speaking at trilateral meeting with Chinese President and Russian President: There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes&amp;uncertainty.The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argentina</a> <a href="https://t.co/tTxe0C7kwc">pic.twitter.com/tTxe0C7kwc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068615976168476672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"WTO's Doha Development Agenda has been stalled, we haven't seen a financial commitment for developing countries from developed countries at an expected level since the Paris Accord. In this way, climate justice is being weakened," the Prime Minister stated.

Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale shared further information about PM Modi's interaction with the Russian and the Chinese leader at the trilateral meet, adding that the leaders felt that the three countries "should coordinate in various areas to contribute to global peace."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Foreign Secy: They all felt that we should work together to steer global economic governance. They felt that 3 countries should work together in areas where we could promote peace and stability in regional crisis. We should work together on terrorism, disaster relief&amp;assistance <a href="https://t.co/vp09ZDwq1e">pic.twitter.com/vp09ZDwq1e</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068631290667122688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"They all felt that we should work together to steer global economic governance. They felt that the three countries should work together in areas where we could promote peace and stability in the regional crisis. We should work together on terrorism, disaster relief and assistance," Gokhale added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-g20-india-suggests-ftaf-should-define-fugitive-economic-offenders-180588">Prime Minister Modi at the Summit suggested</a> that the&nbsp;Financial Action Task Force or FATF should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday participated in a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit in Argentina.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday participated in a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit in Argentina. Speaking during the meeting, the Prime Minister stated that the world today is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty. "The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance," he noted. PM Narendra Modi while speaking at trilateral meeting with Chinese President and Russian President: There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes&uncertainty.The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance. #G20Summit #Argentina pic.twitter.com/tTxe0C7kwc — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × "WTO's Doha Development Agenda has been stalled, we haven't seen a financial commitment for developing countries from developed countries at an expected level since the Paris Accord. In this way, climate justice is being weakened," the Prime Minister stated. Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale shared further information about PM Modi's interaction with the Russian and the Chinese leader at the trilateral meet, adding that the leaders felt that the three countries "should coordinate in various areas to contribute to global peace." Foreign Secy: They all felt that we should work together to steer global economic governance. They felt that 3 countries should work together in areas where we could promote peace and stability in regional crisis. We should work together on terrorism, disaster relief&assistance pic.twitter.com/vp09ZDwq1e — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × "They all felt that we should work together to steer global economic governance. They felt that the three countries should work together in areas where we could promote peace and stability in the regional crisis. We should work together on terrorism, disaster relief and assistance," Gokhale added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi at the Summit suggested that the Financial Action Task Force or FATF should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders.

G20 Summit: Russia, India, China agree to work on terrorism, disaster relief, global peace

Former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph on Friday said that he doesn't regret the controversial January 12 press conference by four Supreme Court judges, adding that he did it consciously as there was "no option left."

Joseph's comments came a day after his retirement. He further noted that the judiciary cannot interfere as far as the mandate of the Constitution of India is not violated.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Justice (Retd) K Joseph on press conference by 4 SC Judges on Jan 12: I don't regret it. I did it consciously as no option was left. I can't say that crisis is over. It was an institutional crisis&amp;it takes time for system to change. It's changing&amp;process will continue. (30.11) <a href="https://t.co/UuicqjUVu7">pic.twitter.com/UuicqjUVu7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068705984590184453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"It was an institutional crisis and it takes time for the system to change. It's changing and the process will continue," he said.&nbsp;

On January 12 this year, four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court called <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/issues-raised-by-sc-judges-internal-matter-of-judiciary-sources-29332">a press conference</a> and said the situation in the top court was "not in order" and many "less than desirable" things have taken place.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Justice (Retired) Kurian Joseph: So long as the faith &amp; rituals do not violate the mandate of the Constitution of India as provided under Article 25, no Supreme Court or no court for that matter can interfere. (30.11) <a href="https://t.co/SgRnjVTRWX">pic.twitter.com/SgRnjVTRWX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068704352359960576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The second senior judge after the Chief Justice of India, Justice J Chelameswar, said, "... Sometimes administration of the Supreme Court is not in order and many things which are less than desirable have happened in the last few months".

The other judges who were present at the press conference were Justices Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur, and Kurian Joseph.

Former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph on Friday said that he doesn't regret the controversial January 12 press conference by four Supreme Court judges, adding that he did it consciously as there was "no option left.

Former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph on Friday said that he doesn't regret the controversial January 12 press conference by four Supreme Court judges, adding that he did it consciously as there was "no option left." Joseph's comments came a day after his retirement. He further noted that the judiciary cannot interfere as far as the mandate of the Constitution of India is not violated. Justice (Retd) K Joseph on press conference by 4 SC Judges on Jan 12: I don't regret it. I did it consciously as no option was left. I can't say that crisis is over. It was an institutional crisis&it takes time for system to change. It's changing&process will continue. (30.11) pic.twitter.com/UuicqjUVu7 — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × "It was an institutional crisis and it takes time for the system to change. It's changing and the process will continue," he said. On January 12 this year, four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court called a press conference and said the situation in the top court was "not in order" and many "less than desirable" things have taken place. Justice (Retired) Kurian Joseph: So long as the faith & rituals do not violate the mandate of the Constitution of India as provided under Article 25, no Supreme Court or no court for that matter can interfere. (30.11) pic.twitter.com/SgRnjVTRWX — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × The second senior judge after the Chief Justice of India, Justice J Chelameswar, said, "... Sometimes administration of the Supreme Court is not in order and many things which are less than desirable have happened in the last few months". The other judges who were present at the press conference were Justices Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur, and Kurian Joseph.

Did it consciously, no option was left: Former SC judge Kurian Joseph on January 12 press conference 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu on Friday suggested that the state should introduce electric vehicles in order to prevent air pollution and maintain air quality.

"Electric vehicles would be introduced in the state to eradicate pollution. The partnership of public and private sector is very important," Naidu said at the District Collectors' conference, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Naidu added that simply introducing good schemes is not enough, people should be satisfied with the same.&nbsp;

"Just introducing good schemes are not good enough. Satisfaction among people should be at the same level. It is our duty to identify the errors beforehand. If all government branches work together, the satisfaction among people would definitely be great."

"The share of liabilities in Telangana Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) grew by 12.7 per cent to 22.2 per cent by 2017-18. In Andhra Pradesh, the share of liabilities in GSDP declined from 36.4 per cent in 2016-17 to 27.3 per cent in 2017-18," he added.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu on Friday suggested that the state should introduce electric vehicles in order to prevent air pollution and maintain air quality.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu on Friday suggested that the state should introduce electric vehicles in order to prevent air pollution and maintain air quality. "Electric vehicles would be introduced in the state to eradicate pollution. The partnership of public and private sector is very important," Naidu said at the District Collectors' conference, news agency ANI reported. Naidu added that simply introducing good schemes is not enough, people should be satisfied with the same. "Just introducing good schemes are not good enough. Satisfaction among people should be at the same level. It is our duty to identify the errors beforehand. If all government branches work together, the satisfaction among people would definitely be great." "The share of liabilities in Telangana Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) grew by 12.7 per cent to 22.2 per cent by 2017-18. In Andhra Pradesh, the share of liabilities in GSDP declined from 36.4 per cent in 2016-17 to 27.3 per cent in 2017-18," he added. (With inputs from ANI)

Electric vehicles would be introduced in state to eradicate pollution: Andhra CM Naidu

The Centre has approved the release of Rs 353.70 crore to Tamil Nadu as assistance for the damage caused by Cyclone Gaja last month.

At a high-level meeting held Friday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh approved the release of the second instalment of the central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) amounting to Rs 353.70 crore for the year 2018-19, a Home Ministry statement said.

The amount is an interim relief to help Tamil Nadu in providing relief measures to the affected people.

Further, assistance will be provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), based on the final report of the Inter-ministerial Central Team (IMCT).

Tamil Nadu faced a severe cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ on the night of November 15 and the early hours on November 16, during which 12 districts of the state were severely affected.

Based on an interim memorandum submitted by the Tamil Nadu government for additional assistance, the central government constituted an IMCT on November 20, the statement said.

The IMCT has visited areas affected by Gaja on November 23-27.

The central government provided support to the Tamil Nadu government by mobilising timely logistics resources to supplement the efforts of the state government to deal with the situation effectively in the wake of the cyclone.

The logistics support provided includes adequate teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Air Force and Coast Guard helicopters and Navy and Coast Guard personnel along with necessary rescue equipment.

The Centre has approved the release of Rs 353.70 crore to Tamil Nadu as assistance for the damage caused by Cyclone Gaja last month. At a high-level meeting held Friday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh approved the release of the second instalment of the central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) amounting to Rs 353.

The Centre has approved the release of Rs 353.70 crore to Tamil Nadu as assistance for the damage caused by Cyclone Gaja last month. At a high-level meeting held Friday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh approved the release of the second instalment of the central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) amounting to Rs 353.70 crore for the year 2018-19, a Home Ministry statement said. The amount is an interim relief to help Tamil Nadu in providing relief measures to the affected people. Further, assistance will be provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), based on the final report of the Inter-ministerial Central Team (IMCT). Tamil Nadu faced a severe cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ on the night of November 15 and the early hours on November 16, during which 12 districts of the state were severely affected. Based on an interim memorandum submitted by the Tamil Nadu government for additional assistance, the central government constituted an IMCT on November 20, the statement said. The IMCT has visited areas affected by Gaja on November 23-27. The central government provided support to the Tamil Nadu government by mobilising timely logistics resources to supplement the efforts of the state government to deal with the situation effectively in the wake of the cyclone. The logistics support provided includes adequate teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Air Force and Coast Guard helicopters and Navy and Coast Guard personnel along with necessary rescue equipment.

Cyclone Gaja: Centre approves release of Rs 353 crore to Tamil Nadu

Eleven persons were injured in an explosion in an intercity train in Assam's Udalguri district on Saturday night, railway and police sources said.

The explosion occurred in a coach of the Kamakhya-Dekargaon Intercity Express at the Harisinga railway station around 7.04 pm, a Northeast Frontier Railway spokesperson said.

Eleven persons were injured, one of them critically, and rushed to a hospital. Railway and police officials have rushed to the site -- around 95 km from Guwahati, the sources said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Police say on 11 persons injured in an explosion inside Kamakhya-Dekargaon Intercity Express in Udalguri, "explosion took place in the running train at around 6:45 pm. Investigation underway to ascertain if it was a bomb". <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assam</a> <a href="https://t.co/417XW5PDpk">pic.twitter.com/417XW5PDpk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068886771495329792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Investigations are on and it was yet to be ascertained whether the explosion was caused by a grenade or an improvised explosive device (IED), the sources added.

Eleven persons were injured in an explosion in an intercity train in Assam's Udalguri district on Saturday night, railway and police sources said. The explosion occurred in a coach of the Kamakhya-Dekargaon Intercity Express at the Harisinga railway station around 7.

Eleven persons were injured in an explosion in an intercity train in Assam's Udalguri district on Saturday night, railway and police sources said. The explosion occurred in a coach of the Kamakhya-Dekargaon Intercity Express at the Harisinga railway station around 7.04 pm, a Northeast Frontier Railway spokesperson said. Eleven persons were injured, one of them critically, and rushed to a hospital. Railway and police officials have rushed to the site -- around 95 km from Guwahati, the sources said. Police say on 11 persons injured in an explosion inside Kamakhya-Dekargaon Intercity Express in Udalguri, "explosion took place in the running train at around 6:45 pm. Investigation underway to ascertain if it was a bomb". #Assam pic.twitter.com/417XW5PDpk — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × Investigations are on and it was yet to be ascertained whether the explosion was caused by a grenade or an improvised explosive device (IED), the sources added.

Assam: Blast inside Kamakhya-Dekargaon intercity express in Udalguri, 11 injured

Indian police believe two American missionaries encouraged <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tourist-killed-by-isolated-tribe-in-andaman-and-nicobars-north-sentinel-island-7-arrested-178559">John Allen Chau</a> to go to a forbidden island where he was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/family-pays-tribute-to-american-john-allen-chau-who-was-christian-missionary-wilderness-emt-killed-by-sentinelese-tribe-in-andaman-island-178684">killed by an isolated tribe</a> he was trying to convert, a top investigator said Saturday.

Dependra Pathak, head of police in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, told AFP the suspects had left India, and that there was still no sign of the body of Chau -- who was killed last month in a hail of arrows fired by the Sentinelese tribe.

"We are investigating the role of at least two Americans, a man and a woman, who met with the man who went to the island," Pathak said.

"These other two, who have since left the country, were reportedly into evangelical activities and encouraged him to visit the island."

The police chief did not name the couple nor give details of the organisation they belonged to.

Pathak said investigators had traced the two Americans through calls made to Chau's telephone phone. The Americans had "local mobile numbers", he added.

Chau, 26, was killed on November 17 on North Sentinel island in the Andamans in an incident that has cast a new spotlight on efforts to protect one of the world's last "uncontacted" tribes whose language and customs remain a mystery to outsiders.

Outsiders are banned from going within five kilometers (three miles) of the Indian Ocean island to protect the tribe from outside diseases.

Police have so far<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tourists-death-in-andaman-3-accused-taken-into-police-custody-178874"> arrested seven people</a>, including six fishermen who helped Chau get to the island. The fishermen reported Chau's death, and have since been helping to pinpoint the beach where the American missionary-adventurer was killed.

"So far, we have already done three reconnaissance trips near the island. We may yet go there again if needed to get a clearer picture of the sequence of events leading to the incident," said Pathak.

Police have also been looking out to see if the Sentinelese may have exhumed Chau's body at the beach where he was killed.

Two Indian fishermen were killed on the island in 2006 after their boat drifted onto North Sentinel. One week after their deaths, the bodies were put on stakes facing out to sea on the beach.

"One of the reasons we went there was to try to spot the man's body, especially if the Islanders exhumed it," Pathak said.

"Now it is about two weeks since the incident and it doesn't look likely that the American's body will be exhumed, wherever the islanders may have buried it."

Anthropologists and activists for isolated tribal communities have called on Indian authorities not to try to retrieve the body, saying such an operation would threaten the Sentinelese.

Indian police believe two American missionaries encouraged John Allen Chau to go to a forbidden island where he was killed by an isolated tribe he was trying to convert, a top investigator said Saturday.

Indian police believe two American missionaries encouraged John Allen Chau to go to a forbidden island where he was killed by an isolated tribe he was trying to convert, a top investigator said Saturday. Dependra Pathak, head of police in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, told AFP the suspects had left India, and that there was still no sign of the body of Chau -- who was killed last month in a hail of arrows fired by the Sentinelese tribe. "We are investigating the role of at least two Americans, a man and a woman, who met with the man who went to the island," Pathak said. "These other two, who have since left the country, were reportedly into evangelical activities and encouraged him to visit the island." The police chief did not name the couple nor give details of the organisation they belonged to. Pathak said investigators had traced the two Americans through calls made to Chau's telephone phone. The Americans had "local mobile numbers", he added. Chau, 26, was killed on November 17 on North Sentinel island in the Andamans in an incident that has cast a new spotlight on efforts to protect one of the world's last "uncontacted" tribes whose language and customs remain a mystery to outsiders. Outsiders are banned from going within five kilometers (three miles) of the Indian Ocean island to protect the tribe from outside diseases. Police have so far arrested seven people, including six fishermen who helped Chau get to the island. The fishermen reported Chau's death, and have since been helping to pinpoint the beach where the American missionary-adventurer was killed. "So far, we have already done three reconnaissance trips near the island. We may yet go there again if needed to get a clearer picture of the sequence of events leading to the incident," said Pathak. Police have also been looking out to see if the Sentinelese may have exhumed Chau's body at the beach where he was killed. Two Indian fishermen were killed on the island in 2006 after their boat drifted onto North Sentinel. One week after their deaths, the bodies were put on stakes facing out to sea on the beach. "One of the reasons we went there was to try to spot the man's body, especially if the Islanders exhumed it," Pathak said. "Now it is about two weeks since the incident and it doesn't look likely that the American's body will be exhumed, wherever the islanders may have buried it." Anthropologists and activists for isolated tribal communities have called on Indian authorities not to try to retrieve the body, saying such an operation would threaten the Sentinelese.

US national's death in Andaman: Two Americans encouraged missionary to go to Sentinel island, says police

Senior Congress leader and former Minister of External Affairs Salman Khurshid on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cornered India's moral position in the world, adding that the Prime Minister also does consult Opposition leaders before taking 'far-reaching decisions'.

Questioning the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government's foreign policies, Khurshid said, "The distressing and disturbing part is that there is no exchange between leaders of the BJP associated with Foreign Affairs and those who have been concerned about Foreign Affairs in the past. There is no consultation at all. After laying down office I had offered that whenever we are required we would come back and talk."

"In many far-reaching decisions that the Prime Minister has taken, including an unannounced visit to Pakistan and embracing the (former) Pakistan Prime Minister (Nawaz Sharif) and so on, I don't think that he has ever consulted the Opposition parties, certainly not the Congress party," Khurshid added.

He further stated that this was not the case when the Congress was in Centre."We are creating divisions abroad as well. The manner in which the Prime Minister speaks to the Indian diaspora in various countries is creating a political speech made to a political party and the supporters. We were careful when we were talking about dual citizenship. Yet for him, it doesn't matter," Khurshid said.

"I believe, he (Prime Minister Modi) is doing us a great disservice by creating a message in those countries that the people he addresses are different from the rest of those countries. We were supposed to be independent and that was the consensus. That consensus has broken down. We are now willing to take sides. We are not willing to stand up for morality. I know that enlightened self-interest is the ultimate test as far as foreign policy is concerned, but I think we have given up the idea of taking a moral position. India had a remarkable moral position in the world and I do believe that this Prime Minister has cornered that," he added.

Khurshid was speaking at an interactive session titled 'Is India being redefined?'&nbsp;organised by All India Professionals Congress (AIPC) here.

Speaking about the Minority groups, Khurshid said, "The Minority has to be equally vigilant and careful because their aspirations are being misused and misrepresented by the BJP. I must acknowledge that India is secular largely because Indian majority has ensured that India is secular. This is something that cannot be forgotten. Minority contribute a valuable dimension to Indian secularism and its richness. But the Minority must understand that the Majority is trying to help them and it must not make life more difficult."

Also present on the occasion were P Chidambaram, Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi.

Senior Congress leader and former Minister of External Affairs Salman Khurshid on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cornered India's moral position in the world, adding that the Prime Minister also does consult Opposition leaders before taking 'far-reaching decisions'.

Senior Congress leader and former Minister of External Affairs Salman Khurshid on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cornered India's moral position in the world, adding that the Prime Minister also does consult Opposition leaders before taking 'far-reaching decisions'. Questioning the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government's foreign policies, Khurshid said, "The distressing and disturbing part is that there is no exchange between leaders of the BJP associated with Foreign Affairs and those who have been concerned about Foreign Affairs in the past. There is no consultation at all. After laying down office I had offered that whenever we are required we would come back and talk." "In many far-reaching decisions that the Prime Minister has taken, including an unannounced visit to Pakistan and embracing the (former) Pakistan Prime Minister (Nawaz Sharif) and so on, I don't think that he has ever consulted the Opposition parties, certainly not the Congress party," Khurshid added. He further stated that this was not the case when the Congress was in Centre."We are creating divisions abroad as well. The manner in which the Prime Minister speaks to the Indian diaspora in various countries is creating a political speech made to a political party and the supporters. We were careful when we were talking about dual citizenship. Yet for him, it doesn't matter," Khurshid said. "I believe, he (Prime Minister Modi) is doing us a great disservice by creating a message in those countries that the people he addresses are different from the rest of those countries. We were supposed to be independent and that was the consensus. That consensus has broken down. We are now willing to take sides. We are not willing to stand up for morality. I know that enlightened self-interest is the ultimate test as far as foreign policy is concerned, but I think we have given up the idea of taking a moral position. India had a remarkable moral position in the world and I do believe that this Prime Minister has cornered that," he added. Khurshid was speaking at an interactive session titled 'Is India being redefined?' organised by All India Professionals Congress (AIPC) here. Speaking about the Minority groups, Khurshid said, "The Minority has to be equally vigilant and careful because their aspirations are being misused and misrepresented by the BJP. I must acknowledge that India is secular largely because Indian majority has ensured that India is secular. This is something that cannot be forgotten. Minority contribute a valuable dimension to Indian secularism and its richness. But the Minority must understand that the Majority is trying to help them and it must not make life more difficult." Also present on the occasion were P Chidambaram, Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi.

PM Modi cornered India's moral position in world: Salman Khurshid

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news