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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/japan-america-india-trilateral-focuses-on-indo-pacific-trump-talks-about-defence-purchases-180580">Japan, America, India trilateral focuses on Indo-Pacific; Trump talks about defence purchases</a>

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-g20-india-suggests-ftaf-should-define-fugitive-economic-offenders-180588">At G20, India suggests FATF should define fugitive economic offenders</a>

The nine-point agenda also suggests FATF should develop a set of commonly agreed and standardized procedures related to identification, extradition and judicial proceedings for dealing with economic offenders which will provide assistance to G20 countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-quake-causes-damage-in-alaska-no-injuries-reported-180585">Powerful quake causes damage in Alaska; no injuries reported</a>

A powerful earthquake shook southern Alaska on Friday morning, buckling roads, disrupting traffic and knocking television stations off the air in Anchorage, the state`s largest city, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/reservation-database-hacked-500-million-guests-affected-marriott-hotel-180542">Reservation database hacked, 500 million guests affected: Marriott hotel</a>

As many as 500 million guests&nbsp;Marriott International hotels may&nbsp;have been victims of a hack of the chain's reservation database, the company announced Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/street-by-saudi-us-embassy-could-be-renamed-jamal-khashoggi-way-180587">Street by Saudi US embassy could be renamed 'Jamal Khashoggi Way'</a>

Local officials in a Washington neighbourhood have voted to rename a street outside Saudi Arabia's embassy in honour of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Japan, America, India trilateral focuses on Indo-Pacific; Trump talks about defence purchases The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.

Japan, America, India trilateral focuses on Indo-Pacific; Trump talks about defence purchases The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development. At G20, India suggests FATF should define fugitive economic offenders The nine-point agenda also suggests FATF should develop a set of commonly agreed and standardized procedures related to identification, extradition and judicial proceedings for dealing with economic offenders which will provide assistance to G20 countries. Powerful quake causes damage in Alaska; no injuries reported A powerful earthquake shook southern Alaska on Friday morning, buckling roads, disrupting traffic and knocking television stations off the air in Anchorage, the state`s largest city, but there were no immediate reports of injuries. Reservation database hacked, 500 million guests affected: Marriott hotel As many as 500 million guests Marriott International hotels may have been victims of a hack of the chain's reservation database, the company announced Friday. Street by Saudi US embassy could be renamed 'Jamal Khashoggi Way' Local officials in a Washington neighbourhood have voted to rename a street outside Saudi Arabia's embassy in honour of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Going beyond the slur used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab minister Navjot Sidhu Saturday said even the ''watchman’s dog''&nbsp;was into stealing.

Addressing an election rally at Khairthal in Alwar district, Sidhu alleged corruption in the Modi government’s deal with France to purchase 36 Rafale military aircraft, a charge repeatedly denied by the Centre.

He claimed the plane worth Rs 500 crore was being bought for Rs 1,600 crore.

The crowd chanted, ''chowkidar chor hai (the watchman is a thief).''

The slogan was given by Gandhi who had earlier mocked Modi’s claim that he will act like ''watchman'' against graft in the country.

''Even the watchman’s dog is involved,'' Sidhu then said. He claimed the BJP government’s 'Make in India' slogan had not yielded results, saying the government had a deal on Rafale with France and on the bullet train with Japan.

He claimed the Sardar Patel statue recently installed in Gujarat was “bought from China”.

''Will the people of the country fry pakodas?'' he said. Sidhu said he will quit politics if his allegations are proved false.

''You have broken the back of farmers. You do not belong to the poor farmers but to Ambani and Adani. You have become puppet of the industrialists,'' Sidhu charged, targeting Modi.

He also lashed out at Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. ''The maharani is sitting in the fort and ruling the state,'' he said.

He said women are not safe in the state which records a high number of rapes.

Assembly polls will be held in Rajasthan on December 7.

Going beyond the slur used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab minister Navjot Sidhu Saturday said even the ''watchman’s dog'' was into stealing.

Going beyond the slur used by Congress President Rahul Gandhi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab minister Navjot Sidhu Saturday said even the ''watchman’s dog'' was into stealing. Addressing an election rally at Khairthal in Alwar district, Sidhu alleged corruption in the Modi government’s deal with France to purchase 36 Rafale military aircraft, a charge repeatedly denied by the Centre. He claimed the plane worth Rs 500 crore was being bought for Rs 1,600 crore. The crowd chanted, ''chowkidar chor hai (the watchman is a thief).'' The slogan was given by Gandhi who had earlier mocked Modi’s claim that he will act like ''watchman'' against graft in the country. ''Even the watchman’s dog is involved,'' Sidhu then said. He claimed the BJP government’s 'Make in India' slogan had not yielded results, saying the government had a deal on Rafale with France and on the bullet train with Japan. He claimed the Sardar Patel statue recently installed in Gujarat was “bought from China”. ''Will the people of the country fry pakodas?'' he said. Sidhu said he will quit politics if his allegations are proved false. ''You have broken the back of farmers. You do not belong to the poor farmers but to Ambani and Adani. You have become puppet of the industrialists,'' Sidhu charged, targeting Modi. He also lashed out at Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. ''The maharani is sitting in the fort and ruling the state,'' he said. He said women are not safe in the state which records a high number of rapes. Assembly polls will be held in Rajasthan on December 7.

Navjot Singh Sidhu repeats thief slur against PM Modi

By Akash Rai

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is well-known for coining acronyms, rattled off another one at the scheduled trilateral meeting between India, US and Japan.&nbsp;

Indian PM said that both Japan and the US are India's strategic partners and leaders of both the countries are his friends.&nbsp;

''Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message,” Modi said standing beside Trump and Abe.

''It is an enormous opportunity that countries who are totally dedicated towards the value of democracy are on the same platform with the intention to work together for the peace, prosperity and stability,'' Modi said While addressing the media along with the two leaders.

US President Donald Trump sounded optimistic about his interaction with Modi and Abe.

"We just had a great meeting. The relationship between the three countries are extremely good, extremely strong. I think India may be stronger than ever, With Japan, I think stronger than ever. A lot of military purchases and we're going to have a little discussion between the three of us,” Trump said.&nbsp;

Taking a cue from Modi's acronym, Japanese Premier Abe said he was happy to participate in "the first ever 'JAI' trilateral" meeting.

All three leader agreed to have free trade ingress in the Indio-Pacific region besides agreeing free, open, inclusive, rule-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity.

President Trump and PM Abe also complimented Modi for his reform and development-driven agenda in India.&nbsp;

The PM Modi offered some that how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how three countries can work together to promote this concept and focused on the Necessary for all three countries to reach out the all stakeholders to explain the benefits of the Indo-pacific strategy and their advantages to these countries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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By Akash Rai Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is well-known for coining acronyms, rattled off another one at the scheduled trilateral meeting between India, US and Japan.

By Akash Rai Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is well-known for coining acronyms, rattled off another one at the scheduled trilateral meeting between India, US and Japan. Indian PM said that both Japan and the US are India's strategic partners and leaders of both the countries are his friends. ''Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message,” Modi said standing beside Trump and Abe. ''It is an enormous opportunity that countries who are totally dedicated towards the value of democracy are on the same platform with the intention to work together for the peace, prosperity and stability,'' Modi said While addressing the media along with the two leaders. US President Donald Trump sounded optimistic about his interaction with Modi and Abe. "We just had a great meeting. The relationship between the three countries are extremely good, extremely strong. I think India may be stronger than ever, With Japan, I think stronger than ever. A lot of military purchases and we're going to have a little discussion between the three of us,” Trump said. Taking a cue from Modi's acronym, Japanese Premier Abe said he was happy to participate in "the first ever 'JAI' trilateral" meeting. All three leader agreed to have free trade ingress in the Indio-Pacific region besides agreeing free, open, inclusive, rule-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity. President Trump and PM Abe also complimented Modi for his reform and development-driven agenda in India. The PM Modi offered some that how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how three countries can work together to promote this concept and focused on the Necessary for all three countries to reach out the all stakeholders to explain the benefits of the Indo-pacific strategy and their advantages to these countries.

G20 Summit: Modi calls Japan-US-India partnership 'JAI' in first trilateral meet

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday expressed hope of forming a government in the state with a "stunning majority." His comments came after he finished offering prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradesh on Friday.

"Bharatiya Janata Party will form the government in Madhya Pradesh with a stunning majority," Chouhan told the media.

The incumbent chief minister, on the day of polling in the state, exuded confidence. After casting his vote, Chouhan noted that he has set a target of bagging 200 seats, for which lakhs of volunteers are working day and night.

"I am 100 per cent sure that BJP will come to power for the fourth time and will have an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats this time and lakhs of volunteers are working to achieve this goal," he told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

The state went to polls on November 28, the results will be announced on December 11. As many as 2,899 candidates were in the fray.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday expressed hope of forming a government in the state with a "stunning majority." His comments came after he finished offering prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradesh on Friday.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday expressed hope of forming a government in the state with a "stunning majority." His comments came after he finished offering prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradesh on Friday. "Bharatiya Janata Party will form the government in Madhya Pradesh with a stunning majority," Chouhan told the media. The incumbent chief minister, on the day of polling in the state, exuded confidence. After casting his vote, Chouhan noted that he has set a target of bagging 200 seats, for which lakhs of volunteers are working day and night. "I am 100 per cent sure that BJP will come to power for the fourth time and will have an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats this time and lakhs of volunteers are working to achieve this goal," he told news agency ANI. The state went to polls on November 28, the results will be announced on December 11. As many as 2,899 candidates were in the fray.

BJP will form government in MP with stunning majority: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

India has suggested that Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders. The focus should be on establishing international cooperation that leads to a&nbsp;timely exchange of information among other ways to deal with economic offenders. This was suggested by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his intervention at the 2nd session of G20 summit on international trade, international financial and tax system on Friday.&nbsp;

The nine-point agenda also suggests FATF should develop a set of commonly agreed and standardized procedures related to identification, extradition and judicial proceedings for dealing with economic offenders which will provide assistance to G20 countries.

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MEA: In his intervention at the 2nd session at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a> on international trade, international financial and tax systems, PM Narendra Modi presented a 9-point programme to take action against fugitive economic offenders. <a href="https://t.co/nsOwZiQyCq">pic.twitter.com/nsOwZiQyCq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068661939197394944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Before the G20 Summit, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/strengthening-fatf-bring-to-book-fugitive-economic-offender-indias-top-focus-at-g20-180325">India's Sherpa to G20 Shatikanta Das told WION</a>, "One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions"

The FATF&nbsp;is an inter-governmental body established in 1989. The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF's decision-making body, the FATF Plenary, meets three times per year. &nbsp;

The development comes at a time when a fellow G20 country is hosting Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya accused of duping Indian banks with billions of rupees. India has been trying to extradite both of them.

India also called for a joint effort by G20 countries to form a mechanism that denies entry and safe havens to all fugitive economic offenders. It also suggested that G20 forum should consider initiating work on locating properties of economic offenders who have a tax debt in the country of their residence for its recovery.

Last year at the 12th G20 summit in Hamburg, Prime Minister Modi suggested an 11 point agenda on terror which was finally adopted in final G20 papers.&nbsp;

India has suggested that Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders. The focus should be on establishing international cooperation that leads to a timely exchange of information among other ways to deal with economic offenders.

India has suggested that Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders. The focus should be on establishing international cooperation that leads to a timely exchange of information among other ways to deal with economic offenders. This was suggested by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his intervention at the 2nd session of G20 summit on international trade, international financial and tax system on Friday. The nine-point agenda also suggests FATF should develop a set of commonly agreed and standardized procedures related to identification, extradition and judicial proceedings for dealing with economic offenders which will provide assistance to G20 countries. MEA: In his intervention at the 2nd session at #G20Summit on international trade, international financial and tax systems, PM Narendra Modi presented a 9-point programme to take action against fugitive economic offenders. pic.twitter.com/nsOwZiQyCq — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × Before the G20 Summit, India's Sherpa to G20 Shatikanta Das told WION, "One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions" The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989. The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF's decision-making body, the FATF Plenary, meets three times per year. The development comes at a time when a fellow G20 country is hosting Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya accused of duping Indian banks with billions of rupees. India has been trying to extradite both of them. India also called for a joint effort by G20 countries to form a mechanism that denies entry and safe havens to all fugitive economic offenders. It also suggested that G20 forum should consider initiating work on locating properties of economic offenders who have a tax debt in the country of their residence for its recovery. Last year at the 12th G20 summit in Hamburg, Prime Minister Modi suggested an 11 point agenda on terror which was finally adopted in final G20 papers.

At G20, India suggests FATF should define fugitive economic offenders

Amid tight security, polling for the sixth phase of Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held today at 3,174 polling stations including 410 in Kashmir division and 2764 in Jammu division.

The timing for polling is from 8 am to 2 pm. According to the state's Chief Electoral Officer, Shaleen Kabra, 771 polling stations have been categorised as hypersensitive including 410 in Kashmir division and 361 in Jammu division.

He said 7,156 candidates in the fray for the 406 Sarpanch seats and 2277 Panch seats in phase-VI while 111 Sarpanchs and 1048 Panchs have been elected unopposed in this phase.

Kabra said in the areas going to polls in phase-VI, an electorate of 59,7396 electors will be voting for Sarpanch constituencies and 45,7581 for Panch constituencies. "Photo Voter Slips have been distributed among the voters to inform them of their polling station," he said.

Kabra said the state witnessed 71.1 per cent polling in phase-V on November 29. In Poonch district, he said, re-polling for Sarpanch seat in Sanai Panch Halqa of block Surankote witnessed a turnout of 79.78 per cent and deferred polling in Panchayat Halqa Nonabandi witnessed a turnout of 92.23 per cent.

Kabra added that senior government officers have been appointed as General Observers to oversee the smooth, fair and orderly conduct of Panchayat Elections.

Also, Expenditure Observers are keeping a watch on the expenditure by the candidates.

In addition, for the poll day, Micro Observers have been placed in polling stations, particularly those considered hypersensitive.

Zonal and Sector Magistrates too have been deployed. He said Control Rooms have been established in all the districts across the State to respond promptly to any complaints of violation of the Model Code of Conduct as also to disseminate information to the public.

Security arrangements have been made including the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

Kabra said holiday has been declared on the day of polls in the Panchayat areas going for voting to enable the voters to cast their votes.

He said special casual leave shall also be granted to the employees who have to go to other areas to exercise their right to franchise.

As per standing guidelines, the central government offices shall not be closed but the employees who are electors of the poll-going wards and desire to exercise their franchise shall be offered reasonable facility to do so.

Amid tight security, polling for the sixth phase of Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held today at 3,174 polling stations including 410 in Kashmir division and 2764 in Jammu division.

Amid tight security, polling for the sixth phase of Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held today at 3,174 polling stations including 410 in Kashmir division and 2764 in Jammu division. The timing for polling is from 8 am to 2 pm. According to the state's Chief Electoral Officer, Shaleen Kabra, 771 polling stations have been categorised as hypersensitive including 410 in Kashmir division and 361 in Jammu division. He said 7,156 candidates in the fray for the 406 Sarpanch seats and 2277 Panch seats in phase-VI while 111 Sarpanchs and 1048 Panchs have been elected unopposed in this phase. Kabra said in the areas going to polls in phase-VI, an electorate of 59,7396 electors will be voting for Sarpanch constituencies and 45,7581 for Panch constituencies. "Photo Voter Slips have been distributed among the voters to inform them of their polling station," he said. Kabra said the state witnessed 71.1 per cent polling in phase-V on November 29. In Poonch district, he said, re-polling for Sarpanch seat in Sanai Panch Halqa of block Surankote witnessed a turnout of 79.78 per cent and deferred polling in Panchayat Halqa Nonabandi witnessed a turnout of 92.23 per cent. Kabra added that senior government officers have been appointed as General Observers to oversee the smooth, fair and orderly conduct of Panchayat Elections. Also, Expenditure Observers are keeping a watch on the expenditure by the candidates. In addition, for the poll day, Micro Observers have been placed in polling stations, particularly those considered hypersensitive. Zonal and Sector Magistrates too have been deployed. He said Control Rooms have been established in all the districts across the State to respond promptly to any complaints of violation of the Model Code of Conduct as also to disseminate information to the public. Security arrangements have been made including the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Kabra said holiday has been declared on the day of polls in the Panchayat areas going for voting to enable the voters to cast their votes. He said special casual leave shall also be granted to the employees who have to go to other areas to exercise their right to franchise. As per standing guidelines, the central government offices shall not be closed but the employees who are electors of the poll-going wards and desire to exercise their franchise shall be offered reasonable facility to do so.

J&K panchayat polls: Voting to take place at 3,174 polling booths in phase-VI

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking opening of the Shardapeeth pilgrimage site across the Line of Control (LoC).

Mehbooba said Shardapeeth in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is an outstanding relic of Kashmir's glowing history.

"The initiatives taken by (the) government of India under your distinguished predecessors in office have resulted in the opening of Muzaffarabad and Rawalkot routes. Though their full potential has yet to be realised, the opening of Kartarpur has presented us with another window of opportunity," she said.

The PDP president said her party has always considered people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan as an important confidence-building measure.

"Though it generally connects the people here with their cultural and intellectual roots, for the (Kashmiri) Pandits it is an important place of pilgrimage which was frequented by them till independence. Their urge to open it to pilgrimage has been projected ever since the reopening of Srinagar Muzaffarabad Road," she said.

"Kartarpur has encouraged the (Kashmiri) Pandit community to see a possibility of the Pilgrimage to Shardapeeth in the same spirit and our belief is strengthened by the reported offer of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to allow it along with pilgrimage to Katas Raj," the PDP president said in the letter.

Mehbooba said a few members of the Kashmiri Pandit community discussed the issue with her and urged her to take up the matter with the prime minister.

"I am sure you would kindly have this request considered on priority. Though it will be a measure specific to the Pandit community, I have no doubt it would be welcomed by every citizen of the state and would considerably help in addressing the feeling of despondency in a major section of the population," she said.

Mehbooba said it would "fit very well in the vision of pulling Jammu and Kashmir out of its miseries through diplomatic and political means away from death and destruction we witness with unending regularity".

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking opening of the Shardapeeth pilgrimage site across the Line of Control (LoC).

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking opening of the Shardapeeth pilgrimage site across the Line of Control (LoC). Mehbooba said Shardapeeth in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is an outstanding relic of Kashmir's glowing history. "The initiatives taken by (the) government of India under your distinguished predecessors in office have resulted in the opening of Muzaffarabad and Rawalkot routes. Though their full potential has yet to be realised, the opening of Kartarpur has presented us with another window of opportunity," she said. The PDP president said her party has always considered people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan as an important confidence-building measure. "Though it generally connects the people here with their cultural and intellectual roots, for the (Kashmiri) Pandits it is an important place of pilgrimage which was frequented by them till independence. Their urge to open it to pilgrimage has been projected ever since the reopening of Srinagar Muzaffarabad Road," she said. "Kartarpur has encouraged the (Kashmiri) Pandit community to see a possibility of the Pilgrimage to Shardapeeth in the same spirit and our belief is strengthened by the reported offer of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to allow it along with pilgrimage to Katas Raj," the PDP president said in the letter. Mehbooba said a few members of the Kashmiri Pandit community discussed the issue with her and urged her to take up the matter with the prime minister. "I am sure you would kindly have this request considered on priority. Though it will be a measure specific to the Pandit community, I have no doubt it would be welcomed by every citizen of the state and would considerably help in addressing the feeling of despondency in a major section of the population," she said. Mehbooba said it would "fit very well in the vision of pulling Jammu and Kashmir out of its miseries through diplomatic and political means away from death and destruction we witness with unending regularity".

Mehbooba Mufti writes to PM Modi, seeks Kartarpur Sahib-like corridor to Sharada Peeth in PoK

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi on meeting US President Trump and Japan PM Shinzo Abe says 'Both countries are our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends. Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message.' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argentina</a> <a href="https://t.co/VhHPVXd1dB">pic.twitter.com/VhHPVXd1dB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068562749419073536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Idea of JAI saying both Japan and US are "our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends".On JAI he said "Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message."

The JAI meet comes on the back of 2nd Quad meet earlier this year on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit. The Quad was revived last year and Bejing views it with suspicion.&nbsp;

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JAI (Japan, America, India) trilateral marks the coming together of three friendly nations. 
 
Today's historic JAI meeting was a great beginning. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and I held fruitful talks aimed at furthering connectivity, maritime cooperation and a stable Indo-Pacific. <a href="https://t.co/8Lw7kj9waN">pic.twitter.com/8Lw7kj9waN</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1068581708545576960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Focusing on defence ties, US President said, "We just had a great meeting. Our relationship is extremely great, strong. It is stronger than ever. We are doing very well together, a lot of defences and military purchases"

This was the first meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after New Delhi signed the S400 deal with Moscow.

Later briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They all agreed that a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity. The PM offered some ideas on how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how the three countries can work together to promote this concept."

Maintained on ASEAN centrality, Gokhale said, "The leaders also agreed on the central role of ASEAN. They also agreed to work on maritime and connectivity issues and to synergise efforts in this regard."

Both US President Trump and Japan PM Abe complimented PM Modi for the reforms he has introduced in India.

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi on meeting US President Trump and Japan PM Shinzo Abe says 'Both countries are our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends. Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message.' #G20 #Argentina pic.twitter.com/VhHPVXd1dB — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Idea of JAI saying both Japan and US are "our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends".On JAI he said "Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message." The JAI meet comes on the back of 2nd Quad meet earlier this year on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit. The Quad was revived last year and Bejing views it with suspicion. JAI (Japan, America, India) trilateral marks the coming together of three friendly nations. Today's historic JAI meeting was a great beginning. PM @AbeShinzo, @POTUS and I held fruitful talks aimed at furthering connectivity, maritime cooperation and a stable Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/8Lw7kj9waN — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 30, 2018 × Focusing on defence ties, US President said, "We just had a great meeting. Our relationship is extremely great, strong. It is stronger than ever. We are doing very well together, a lot of defences and military purchases" This was the first meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after New Delhi signed the S400 deal with Moscow. Later briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They all agreed that a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity. The PM offered some ideas on how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how the three countries can work together to promote this concept." Maintained on ASEAN centrality, Gokhale said, "The leaders also agreed on the central role of ASEAN. They also agreed to work on maritime and connectivity issues and to synergise efforts in this regard." Both US President Trump and Japan PM Abe complimented PM Modi for the reforms he has introduced in India.

Japan, America, India trilateral focuses on Indo-Pacific; Trump talks about defence purchases

China was looking to boost agricultural exports to India while increasing imports of rapeseed and soymeal from the country, President Xi Jinping told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of a G20 meeting on Friday.

China's Xi also indicated greater trade in the pharmaceuticals sector between the two nations, India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, who was travelling with Modi, said, detailing the deliberations between the two leaders.

"On the economic side, President Xi Jinping referred to enhanced imports of rice and sugar from India and spoke of&nbsp;possibility of greater imports of soymeal and rapeseed," he said.

The meeting at the G20 summit was the fourth between Xi and Modi this year as the leaders looked to build on a thaw in ties between the two countries after a military standoff on their disputed border last year, officials told&nbsp;on Thursday.

India's commerce ministry and a six-member Chinese delegation signed an agreement on Wednesday allowing Beijing to inspect imports of Indian fish meal and fish oil in an effort to ease market access for exports of various farm products.

China was looking to boost agricultural exports to India while increasing imports of rapeseed and soymeal from the country, President Xi Jinping told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of a G20 meeting on Friday.

China was looking to boost agricultural exports to India while increasing imports of rapeseed and soymeal from the country, President Xi Jinping told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of a G20 meeting on Friday. China's Xi also indicated greater trade in the pharmaceuticals sector between the two nations, India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, who was travelling with Modi, said, detailing the deliberations between the two leaders. "On the economic side, President Xi Jinping referred to enhanced imports of rice and sugar from India and spoke of possibility of greater imports of soymeal and rapeseed," he said. The meeting at the G20 summit was the fourth between Xi and Modi this year as the leaders looked to build on a thaw in ties between the two countries after a military standoff on their disputed border last year, officials told on Thursday. India's commerce ministry and a six-member Chinese delegation signed an agreement on Wednesday allowing Beijing to inspect imports of Indian fish meal and fish oil in an effort to ease market access for exports of various farm products.

China looking to boost agricultural exports to India, President Xi tells PM Modi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/over-20000-indians-have-sought-political-asylum-in-us-in-past-4-years-180686">Over 20,000 Indians have sought political asylum in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/over-20000-indians-have-sought-political-asylum-in-us-in-past-4-years-180686">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/over-20000-indians-have-sought-political-asylum-in-us-in-past-4-years-180686"> in past 4 years</a>

More than 20,000 Indian nationals, mostly men, have sought asylum in the US since 2014, according to the latest figures.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aung-san-suu-kyi-calls-for-peace-in-speech-no-mention-of-rohingya-crisis-180684">Aung San Suu Kyi calls for peace in speech; no mention of Rohingya crisis</a>

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is facing international criticism over her country's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, called Saturday for "a culture of peace" to end conflict between communities.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tributes-for-former-us-president-george-hw-bush-180693">Tributes pour in for former US president George HW Bush</a>

Former US president &nbsp;George HW Bush, who led US as Cold War ended but failed to get a second term, died on November 30 at the age of 94 on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-riot-police-fire-tear-gas-at-yellow-vest-protestors-60-detained-180695">France fuel protest: Riot police fire tear gas at 'yellow vest' protestors, 122 detained</a>

Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon in battles with "yellow vest" protesters around the Champs Elysees in Paris on Saturday, marking the third weekend of demonstrations across France against high living costs.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/priyanka-chopra-marries-nick-jonas-in-a-christian-ceremony-180723">Priyanka Chopra marries Nick Jonas in a Christian ceremony</a>

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are now officially married. The couple exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur on Saturday. The ceremony was officiated by Nick’s father.

&nbsp;

Over 20,000 Indians have sought political asylum in US in past 4 years More than 20,000 Indian nationals, mostly men, have sought asylum in the US since 2014, according to the latest figures.

Over 20,000 Indians have sought political asylum in US in past 4 years More than 20,000 Indian nationals, mostly men, have sought asylum in the US since 2014, according to the latest figures. Aung San Suu Kyi calls for peace in speech; no mention of Rohingya crisis Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is facing international criticism over her country's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, called Saturday for "a culture of peace" to end conflict between communities. Tributes pour in for former US president George HW Bush Former US president George HW Bush, who led US as Cold War ended but failed to get a second term, died on November 30 at the age of 94 on Saturday. France fuel protest: Riot police fire tear gas at 'yellow vest' protestors, 122 detained Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon in battles with "yellow vest" protesters around the Champs Elysees in Paris on Saturday, marking the third weekend of demonstrations across France against high living costs. Priyanka Chopra marries Nick Jonas in a Christian ceremony Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are now officially married. The couple exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur on Saturday. The ceremony was officiated by Nick’s father.

Employees of Indian company Infrastructure Leasing &amp; Financial Services (IL&amp;FS) taken hostage by local staff in Ethiopia fear for their safety, with some being confined to a company campus north of the African nation's capital Addis Ababa.

India has asked Ethiopian authorities to investigate and help the seven IL&amp;FS employees who say they are being held by local staff due to non-payment of salaries by the debt-laden firm, an Indian government official said on Saturday.

A group of four employees has not been allowed to leave an IL&amp;FS campus in Bure town, 400 km (250 miles) north from Addis Ababa, since November 24, said store manager Nagaraju Bishnu, one of the employees held hostage.

Two other IL&amp;FS employees were held hostage by local staff in the town of Woliso and one in Nekemte town, both of which are west of the Ethiopian capital, Bishnu said on telephone.

"The main gate is locked, they are observing our movement," said 26-year-old Bishnu, speaking of the situation at Bure.

"They've told us until they get their salaries, we can't move from here ... We are facing sleepless nights."

The Indian government took control of IL&amp;FS in October after it defaulted on some of its debt, triggering wider concerns about the risk to the country's financial system.

The infrastructure financing and development company had over the years developed roads, townships and water-treatment projects in India and abroad.

An official at India's foreign ministry said the government was discussing the matter "on priority" with Ethiopian authorities and the management of IL&amp;FS.

"We are doing our best to ensure a settlement of this matter," said the official, who declined to be identified.

An IL&amp;FS spokesman in India, Sharad Goel, declined to comment. Ethiopian government officials in Addis Ababa could not be reached for comment.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashtrapatibhvn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GRamnathkovind?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GRamnathkovind</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Sir we seven people are hostage by locals in Ethiopia, due to non payments of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ILFS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ILFS</a> What is employee's fault sir.even we didn't get salary from last 5 months all worked in Ethiopia for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ILFS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ILFS</a> help please b4 it's 2late <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Help?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Help</a>
— neeraj raghuwanshi (@chota86) <a href="https://twitter.com/chota86/status/1068198818842324998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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LOW ON WATER SUPPLIES

With the ordeal widely reported by media, Bishnu said he feared the local staff would take away their mobile phones or cut online access to restrict them from talking to colleagues or communicating via e-mails and social media.

For now, Bishnu said, he has been speaking with the IL&amp;FS employees held hostage in different areas, and the movement of employees within the camp has not been restricted.

The employees are cooking their own food, eating potatoes and rice, although drinking water supplies are running low.

"After tomorrow, there will be no drinking water," he said.

Some of the seven employees being held have been posting messages on social media website Twitter, asking Indian politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the foreign minister to intervene.

Neeraj Raghuwanshi, who said he was one of the seven, late on Friday wrote an "SOS" message on Twitter saying: "Situations are beyond our control, please #help before mishappening."

Employees of Indian company Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) taken hostage by local staff in Ethiopia fear for their safety, with some being confined to a company campus north of the African nation's capital Addis Ababa.

Employees of Indian company Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) taken hostage by local staff in Ethiopia fear for their safety, with some being confined to a company campus north of the African nation's capital Addis Ababa. India has asked Ethiopian authorities to investigate and help the seven IL&FS employees who say they are being held by local staff due to non-payment of salaries by the debt-laden firm, an Indian government official said on Saturday. A group of four employees has not been allowed to leave an IL&FS campus in Bure town, 400 km (250 miles) north from Addis Ababa, since November 24, said store manager Nagaraju Bishnu, one of the employees held hostage. Two other IL&FS employees were held hostage by local staff in the town of Woliso and one in Nekemte town, both of which are west of the Ethiopian capital, Bishnu said on telephone. "The main gate is locked, they are observing our movement," said 26-year-old Bishnu, speaking of the situation at Bure. "They've told us until they get their salaries, we can't move from here ... We are facing sleepless nights." The Indian government took control of IL&FS in October after it defaulted on some of its debt, triggering wider concerns about the risk to the country's financial system. The infrastructure financing and development company had over the years developed roads, townships and water-treatment projects in India and abroad. An official at India's foreign ministry said the government was discussing the matter "on priority" with Ethiopian authorities and the management of IL&FS. "We are doing our best to ensure a settlement of this matter," said the official, who declined to be identified. An IL&FS spokesman in India, Sharad Goel, declined to comment. Ethiopian government officials in Addis Ababa could not be reached for comment. #SOS @rashtrapatibhvn @GRamnathkovind @narendramodi Sir we seven people are hostage by locals in Ethiopia, due to non payments of #ILFS What is employee's fault sir.even we didn't get salary from last 5 months all worked in Ethiopia for #ILFS help please b4 it's 2late #sos #Help — neeraj raghuwanshi (@chota86) November 29, 2018 × LOW ON WATER SUPPLIES With the ordeal widely reported by media, Bishnu said he feared the local staff would take away their mobile phones or cut online access to restrict them from talking to colleagues or communicating via e-mails and social media. For now, Bishnu said, he has been speaking with the IL&FS employees held hostage in different areas, and the movement of employees within the camp has not been restricted. The employees are cooking their own food, eating potatoes and rice, although drinking water supplies are running low. "After tomorrow, there will be no drinking water," he said. Some of the seven employees being held have been posting messages on social media website Twitter, asking Indian politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the foreign minister to intervene. Neeraj Raghuwanshi, who said he was one of the seven, late on Friday wrote an "SOS" message on Twitter saying: "Situations are beyond our control, please #help before mishappening."

Seven Indian IL&FS employees held hostage by local staff in Ethiopia

Fugitive diamantaire <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-this-is-how-nirav-modi-planned-his-safe-exit-from-india-33071">Nirav Modi</a>, a key accused in the USD 2 billion PNB<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-sold-fake-diamond-rings-to-canada-national-his-engagement-now-broken-report-170163"> fraud case,</a> cannot return to India as he is afraid of "getting lynched" and is being compared to demon 'Ravan', his lawyer told a special court Saturday, but the ED dismissed the claim saying if he felt there were "security threats", he should have filed a police complaint, . 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
Nirav Modi's lawyer Vijay Agarwal stated this while arguing before Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court Judge MS Azmi against the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) application to declare Modi a fugitive under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
Countering the ED plea, Nirav Modi also said through his lawyer that he had no record or data with him about his finances. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
Referring to Nirav Modi's claims of "security threats" in India, the ED said these points are "irrelevant" to the case. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
The ED has claimed that Nirav Modi had refused to join the probe despite acknowledging emails and summons issued to him and that he doesn't want to return to India. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
Agarwal, however, said the diamond trader had responded to the emails sent by the investigating agencies and expressed his inability to return due to "security threats". 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
"In a letter addressed to both the CBI and the ED, Modi had stated that he was not able to join the probe because of security threats (in India) from private persons, the families of those who have been detained (in the PNB case), landlords, the creditors who have not been paid and the customers whose jewellery was taken away by the ED," he said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
"My (Modi's) 50-ft tall effigy was burnt in India. There was evidence of a mob lynching (against me) and I (Modi) was being compared with 'Ravan'. I have been projected as evil and being made the poster boy of the bank fraud," said Agarwal. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
He also claimed that Modi cannot be declared a fugitive as various legal requirements stipulated by the Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act have not been met by the investigating agency. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
"The main reason the ED is seeking to declare Nirav Modi a fugitive is that he left India under suspicious circumstances on January 1, 2018. However, there was no criminal case (against him) when he had left the country," Agarwal said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
"They cannot just say that he left the country under suspicious circumstances. They need to specify what those suspicions were. Also, there is no material on record to say that he is refusing to return to India," he said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
Unlike liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is accused of a loan default of over Rs 9000 crore, Modi had no Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) when he left the country, Agarwal argued. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
He said that being a (jewellery) designer, Modi is a sort of an "artist" who cannot provide any financial information as desired by the ED. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
"All my (Modi) finances were taken care of by my employees who are already in the custody of the investigating agency. I have no record or data. What are they going to investigate with me, as they have taken away all my source of information," Agarwal said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
Countering Agarwal's submission, ED counsel Hiten Venegaonkar said all these arguments have nothing to do with the Fugitive Act (FEO). 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
"As far as security threats are concerned, any prudent person who is fearing threats to his life needs to file a police complaint. Until now, there is no material before the ED or the court (about any such complaint). So these points are irrelevant," he said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
As per the investigating agencies, Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, in connivance with certain bank officials, allegedly cheated the Punjab National Bank (PNB) to the tune of Rs 14,000 crore through issuance of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs). 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
These LoUs were allegedly issued in a fraudulent manner by a Mumbai branch of the PNB to the group of companies belonging to Modi since March 2011 till the case came to light.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, a key accused in the USD 2 billion PNB fraud case, cannot return to India as he is afraid of "getting lynched" and is being compared to demon 'Ravan', his lawyer told a special court Saturday, but the ED dismissed the claim saying if he felt there were "security threats", he should have filed a police complaint, .

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, a key accused in the USD 2 billion PNB fraud case, cannot return to India as he is afraid of "getting lynched" and is being compared to demon 'Ravan', his lawyer told a special court Saturday, but the ED dismissed the claim saying if he felt there were "security threats", he should have filed a police complaint, . Nirav Modi's lawyer Vijay Agarwal stated this while arguing before Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court Judge MS Azmi against the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) application to declare Modi a fugitive under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. Countering the ED plea, Nirav Modi also said through his lawyer that he had no record or data with him about his finances. Referring to Nirav Modi's claims of "security threats" in India, the ED said these points are "irrelevant" to the case. The ED has claimed that Nirav Modi had refused to join the probe despite acknowledging emails and summons issued to him and that he doesn't want to return to India. Agarwal, however, said the diamond trader had responded to the emails sent by the investigating agencies and expressed his inability to return due to "security threats". "In a letter addressed to both the CBI and the ED, Modi had stated that he was not able to join the probe because of security threats (in India) from private persons, the families of those who have been detained (in the PNB case), landlords, the creditors who have not been paid and the customers whose jewellery was taken away by the ED," he said. "My (Modi's) 50-ft tall effigy was burnt in India. There was evidence of a mob lynching (against me) and I (Modi) was being compared with 'Ravan'. I have been projected as evil and being made the poster boy of the bank fraud," said Agarwal. He also claimed that Modi cannot be declared a fugitive as various legal requirements stipulated by the Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act have not been met by the investigating agency. "The main reason the ED is seeking to declare Nirav Modi a fugitive is that he left India under suspicious circumstances on January 1, 2018. However, there was no criminal case (against him) when he had left the country," Agarwal said. "They cannot just say that he left the country under suspicious circumstances. They need to specify what those suspicions were. Also, there is no material on record to say that he is refusing to return to India," he said. Unlike liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is accused of a loan default of over Rs 9000 crore, Modi had no Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) when he left the country, Agarwal argued. He said that being a (jewellery) designer, Modi is a sort of an "artist" who cannot provide any financial information as desired by the ED. "All my (Modi) finances were taken care of by my employees who are already in the custody of the investigating agency. I have no record or data. What are they going to investigate with me, as they have taken away all my source of information," Agarwal said. Countering Agarwal's submission, ED counsel Hiten Venegaonkar said all these arguments have nothing to do with the Fugitive Act (FEO). "As far as security threats are concerned, any prudent person who is fearing threats to his life needs to file a police complaint. Until now, there is no material before the ED or the court (about any such complaint). So these points are irrelevant," he said. As per the investigating agencies, Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, in connivance with certain bank officials, allegedly cheated the Punjab National Bank (PNB) to the tune of Rs 14,000 crore through issuance of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs). These LoUs were allegedly issued in a fraudulent manner by a Mumbai branch of the PNB to the group of companies belonging to Modi since March 2011 till the case came to light.

PNB scam accused Nirav Modi scared of mob lynching on return to India: Lawyer tells court

By Akash&nbsp;Rai

"There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty. The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance," PM Modi at the trilateral meeting with Russia and China.

While addressing the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-russia-india-china-ric-agree-to-work-on-terrorism-disaster-relief-global-peace-180591">Russia-India-China meet</a> on the sidelines of G20, the PM said, ”There is an increased responsibility on world powers like India, China and Russia to maintain multilateralism and emphasise respecting and implementing international laws."

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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>
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Putting the&nbsp;focus on the issue of economic and climate change he added, ”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 Paris Accords. In this way, climate justice is being weakened."

Later, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale informed media stating that the prime minister thanked Russian President Putin for initiating this effort which provides a clear and free opportunity in front of the world to discuss the upcoming uncertainties and issues. Gokhale further said that the cooperation would be based upon how the three countries, each having their own strength in the world, could contribute to global peace.

An informal meeting between these three countries took place after a gap of 12 years, Russia-India-China last held&nbsp;a summit in July 2006 on the sidelines of the G8 meeting in St. Petersburg. Since 2005, the countries organize separate meetings of their foreign ministers, hosted by the RIC member countries in turn.

From India’s perspective, Russia remains an important strategic partner for a number of reasons mostly because more than 70% of India's&nbsp;defence equipment comes from Russian origin. China is our biggest trade partner, bilateral trade reached $84.44 billion last year, a historic high notwithstanding bilateral tensions over a host of issues including the Doklam standoff.

&nbsp;

By Akash Rai "There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty. The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance," PM Modi at the trilateral meeting with Russia and China.

By Akash Rai "There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty. The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance," PM Modi at the trilateral meeting with Russia and China. While addressing the Russia-India-China meet on the sidelines of G20, the PM said, ”There is an increased responsibility on world powers like India, China and Russia to maintain multilateralism and emphasise respecting and implementing international laws." 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 × Putting the focus on the issue of economic and climate change he added, ”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 Paris Accords. In this way, climate justice is being weakened." Later, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale informed media stating that the prime minister thanked Russian President Putin for initiating this effort which provides a clear and free opportunity in front of the world to discuss the upcoming uncertainties and issues. Gokhale further said that the cooperation would be based upon how the three countries, each having their own strength in the world, could contribute to global peace. An informal meeting between these three countries took place after a gap of 12 years, Russia-India-China last held a summit in July 2006 on the sidelines of the G8 meeting in St. Petersburg. Since 2005, the countries organize separate meetings of their foreign ministers, hosted by the RIC member countries in turn. From India’s perspective, Russia remains an important strategic partner for a number of reasons mostly because more than 70% of India's defence equipment comes from Russian origin. China is our biggest trade partner, bilateral trade reached $84.44 billion last year, a historic high notwithstanding bilateral tensions over a host of issues including the Doklam standoff.

World is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty, affecting global governance: PM Modi

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said that he might enter national politics but will not enter Telangana politics as he is not greedy for power.&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.

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Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Alkapur, Hyderabad: 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. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/n9St1AVrwJ">pic.twitter.com/n9St1AVrwJ</a>
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Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh described the Congress-TDP alliance as "unholy," one which is aimed to stop the BJP and PM Modi.

"The alliance of Congress and TDP is an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-tdp-alliance-is-unholy-rajnath-singh-in-telangana-180599">unholy alliance</a>. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi," Singh said today in Warangal, Telangana.&nbsp;

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 Saturday said that he might enter national politics but will not enter Telangana politics as he is not greedy for power.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said that he might enter national politics but will not enter Telangana politics as he is not greedy for power. 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. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu in Alkapur, Hyderabad: 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. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/n9St1AVrwJ — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh described the Congress-TDP alliance as "unholy," one which is aimed to stop the BJP and PM Modi. "The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed this coalition, not for the development of the country rather it is an alliance to stop BJP and Modi," Singh said today in Warangal, Telangana. The election wave continues to intensify in Telangana which is headed for assembly polls on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

Might enter national politics but not Telangana's: Chandrababu Naidu

Telangana grand alliance partners, namely the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) has accused caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao for colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in order to get rid of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case against him in the ESI housing scam.

The grand alliance alleged that there is a nexus between Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the BJP, as when the Nationalist Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power, Rao's name went missing from the CBI charge sheet in the alleged scam.

TPCC chief Uttam Kumar Reddy said UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who visited Telangana after four years, expressed displeasure to see a lack of development in the state in a dignified manner.

He went to ask Rao why he did not pressurise Prime Minister Narendra Modi in getting things done to the state of Telangana like Tribal University.

"When Rao, commonly known as KCR was a Labour Minister in the Centre, a big scam took place in the then united Andhra Pradesh. A contract for ESIC constructions was given to V Surya Narayana, who was already an accused of corruption charges. National Building Construction Company was given the contract first, later it was changed to Narayana, with the pressure of the then Labour Ministry," Reddy explained.

"The CBI charge sheet is very clear. That case is still pending. However, the name of KCR was deleted from the charge sheet surprisingly. KCR had gone to Delhi many times in the name of medical tests. In fact, his Delhi visits were not for any medical treatment, but to get rid of his name from that scam. KCR was directly involved in that case; there are documentary statements in that regard," he noted.

He further said that this exposes a direct nexus between Prime Minister Modi and KCR, and asked the BJP and TRS to justify why the Prime Minister had to safeguard KCR.

Meanwhile, TDP Telangana President L Ramana said, "KCR has been speaking nonsense about Sonia Gandhi and Chandrababu Naidu. We had spoken of KCR's misdeeds when he was union labour minister, however, they were not heard as the Telangana agitation was at its peak. The TRS and KCR have looted public money through commissions, and are now spending that money in elections. People are saying that the TRS has already spent Rs 1,000 crores and another Rs 1,000 crores will be spent. Where did all this money come from?"

Continuing their tirade against KCR, the alliance said that in Sahara case, nearly Rs 7000 crores were swindled, a portion of which, they claimed, went to KCR.

"The Congress, TDP, TJS and the CPI are fighting against the misrule of TRS. In order to expose the matters of those cases, we called on this press meet," Ramana said.

Retaliating to the remarks of the grand alliance, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-tdp-alliance-is-unholy-rajnath-singh-in-telangana-180599">"unholy" alliance</a> was formed to stop the BJP from gaining power in the state, and not for undertaking developmental activities.

"The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed a coalition, not for the development of the country, but to stop BJP and (Prime Minister) Modi," he had said at a rally in Warangal district.

The Legislative Assembly election in Telangana is scheduled to be held on December 7, while counting of votes will take place on December 11. 
&nbsp;

Telangana grand alliance partners, namely the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) has accused caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao for colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in order to get rid of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case against him in the ESI housing scam.

Telangana grand alliance partners, namely the Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) has accused caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao for colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in order to get rid of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case against him in the ESI housing scam. The grand alliance alleged that there is a nexus between Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the BJP, as when the Nationalist Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power, Rao's name went missing from the CBI charge sheet in the alleged scam. TPCC chief Uttam Kumar Reddy said UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who visited Telangana after four years, expressed displeasure to see a lack of development in the state in a dignified manner. He went to ask Rao why he did not pressurise Prime Minister Narendra Modi in getting things done to the state of Telangana like Tribal University. "When Rao, commonly known as KCR was a Labour Minister in the Centre, a big scam took place in the then united Andhra Pradesh. A contract for ESIC constructions was given to V Surya Narayana, who was already an accused of corruption charges. National Building Construction Company was given the contract first, later it was changed to Narayana, with the pressure of the then Labour Ministry," Reddy explained. "The CBI charge sheet is very clear. That case is still pending. However, the name of KCR was deleted from the charge sheet surprisingly. KCR had gone to Delhi many times in the name of medical tests. In fact, his Delhi visits were not for any medical treatment, but to get rid of his name from that scam. KCR was directly involved in that case; there are documentary statements in that regard," he noted. He further said that this exposes a direct nexus between Prime Minister Modi and KCR, and asked the BJP and TRS to justify why the Prime Minister had to safeguard KCR. Meanwhile, TDP Telangana President L Ramana said, "KCR has been speaking nonsense about Sonia Gandhi and Chandrababu Naidu. We had spoken of KCR's misdeeds when he was union labour minister, however, they were not heard as the Telangana agitation was at its peak. The TRS and KCR have looted public money through commissions, and are now spending that money in elections. People are saying that the TRS has already spent Rs 1,000 crores and another Rs 1,000 crores will be spent. Where did all this money come from?" Continuing their tirade against KCR, the alliance said that in Sahara case, nearly Rs 7000 crores were swindled, a portion of which, they claimed, went to KCR. "The Congress, TDP, TJS and the CPI are fighting against the misrule of TRS. In order to expose the matters of those cases, we called on this press meet," Ramana said. Retaliating to the remarks of the grand alliance, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh said the "unholy" alliance was formed to stop the BJP from gaining power in the state, and not for undertaking developmental activities. "The alliance of Congress and TDP is an unholy alliance. These parties have formed a coalition, not for the development of the country, but to stop BJP and (Prime Minister) Modi," he had said at a rally in Warangal district. The Legislative Assembly election in Telangana is scheduled to be held on December 7, while counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Telangana: Grand Alliance accuses KCR of colluding with BJP to escape from CBI

BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses PM Modi having used surgical strikes as a "political asset."

Shah, during a rally in Rajasthan's Phalodi, slammed Gandhi stating that the Congress chief has insulted country's soldiers by his comments.&nbsp;

"Rahul Gandhi is insulting country's soldiers in the issue of surgical strikes," Shah stated.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched an attack on the Prime Minister during an event in Udaipur in Rajasthan, stating that PM Modi used surgical strikes as a "political asset."

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Rahul Gandhi in Udaipur, Rajasthan: What the Army would have liked was we'll do it, it's beneficial if nobody knows we did it. But Mr Modi didn't want that. He was fighting an election in UP &amp; he was losing it. So he did it to turn a military asset into a political asset.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068744661475385344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Mr Narendra Modi actually reached into Army's domain and shaped their surgical strike, he turned their surgical strike into a political asset when it actually was a military decision," Gandhi stated.&nbsp;

"Do you know that like Mr Narendra Modi's surgical strike, Manmohan Singh ji did that 3 times? When Army came to Mr Manmohan Singh and said we need to retaliate against Pak for what they've done they also said we wanted to be secret, for our own purposes," Gandhi added.

Shah and Gandhi have been on a campaigning-spree in poll-bound Rajasthan. The BJP-ruled state is headed for assembly elections on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.&nbsp; 
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BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses PM Modi having used surgical strikes as a "political asset.

BJP chief Amit Shah on Saturday reacted to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses PM Modi having used surgical strikes as a "political asset." Shah, during a rally in Rajasthan's Phalodi, slammed Gandhi stating that the Congress chief has insulted country's soldiers by his comments. "Rahul Gandhi is insulting country's soldiers in the issue of surgical strikes," Shah stated. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched an attack on the Prime Minister during an event in Udaipur in Rajasthan, stating that PM Modi used surgical strikes as a "political asset." Rahul Gandhi in Udaipur, Rajasthan: What the Army would have liked was we'll do it, it's beneficial if nobody knows we did it. But Mr Modi didn't want that. He was fighting an election in UP & he was losing it. So he did it to turn a military asset into a political asset. — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × "Mr Narendra Modi actually reached into Army's domain and shaped their surgical strike, he turned their surgical strike into a political asset when it actually was a military decision," Gandhi stated. "Do you know that like Mr Narendra Modi's surgical strike, Manmohan Singh ji did that 3 times? When Army came to Mr Manmohan Singh and said we need to retaliate against Pak for what they've done they also said we wanted to be secret, for our own purposes," Gandhi added. Shah and Gandhi have been on a campaigning-spree in poll-bound Rajasthan. The BJP-ruled state is headed for assembly elections on December 7, votes will be counted on December 11.

He is insulting country's soldiers: Amit Shah on Rahul Gandhi's 'surgical strikes' jibe on PM Modi

In a major step towards bolstering its defence power, India has approved defence purchase of 3,000 crore rupees with Russia, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The Defence Acquisition Council has approved the defence procurement deal which includes BrahMos missiles and the construction of two Indian ships, to be built in Russia, as primary weapons.

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Defence Acquisition Council approves defence procurement of about Rs 3000 cr including Brahmos Missiles for two Indian ships to be built in Russia as primary weapon on board. DRDO designed &amp; developed Armoured Recovery Vehicles also approved for procurement for Army's MBT Arjun. <a href="https://t.co/WLgyQ5gfdB">pic.twitter.com/WLgyQ5gfdB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068766820759302149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The approval has also been made for the procurement of DRDO-developed Armoured Recovery Vehicles for Army's MBT Arjun.

India and Russia concluded the $ 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal early in October this year.

More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry.

In a major step towards bolstering its defence power, India has approved defence purchase of 3,000 crore rupees with Russia, news agency ANI reported. The Defence Acquisition Council has approved the defence procurement deal which includes BrahMos missiles and the construction of two Indian ships, to be built in Russia, as primary weapons.

In a major step towards bolstering its defence power, India has approved defence purchase of 3,000 crore rupees with Russia, news agency ANI reported. The Defence Acquisition Council has approved the defence procurement deal which includes BrahMos missiles and the construction of two Indian ships, to be built in Russia, as primary weapons. Defence Acquisition Council approves defence procurement of about Rs 3000 cr including Brahmos Missiles for two Indian ships to be built in Russia as primary weapon on board. DRDO designed & developed Armoured Recovery Vehicles also approved for procurement for Army's MBT Arjun. pic.twitter.com/WLgyQ5gfdB — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × The approval has also been made for the procurement of DRDO-developed Armoured Recovery Vehicles for Army's MBT Arjun. India and Russia concluded the $ 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal early in October this year. More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry.

India bolsters defence power, approves purchase of Rs 3,000 crore with Russia

The alarmingly high rates of air pollution in the national capital have raised great concerns for the people as well as the state administration. The present levels of particulate matter in the atmosphere are sufficient to contribute towards depleting health standards and high level of toxicity in the air with dangerous gasses.

According to the Centre-run&nbsp; System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the Air Quality Index of the capital in the morning was recorded 346, falling in the 'very poor' category.

The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. 300-400 is considered as 'very poor' and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous'.

The forecasting agency has also predicted that the air quality is likely to remain in the same category with a slight decline by tomorrow due to enhanced wind speed.

"However, it is likely to increase thereafter for the next two days to register in the upper range of very poor level. This deteriorating AQI on 2-3 December is mainly due to expected adverse meteorological conditions and a decline in wind speed. the contribution from long-range dust or stubble biomass is negligible," it added.

In order to combat the menace of air pollution,&nbsp;Environment Pollution (prevention and control) Authority (EPCA) had laid down a suggestion for the state governments of Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, and the Centre, to follow priority measures to accelerate second generation reforms to protect public health in the affected regions.

In its letter, the EPCA had stated that a long-term favourable taxation policy should be implemented to promote CNG programme. Secondly, the organisation wants state administrations to impose an additional 30 per cent environment compensation charge on private diesel cars. Third, to increase parking charges effectively; demarcate legal parking areas and impose a higher penalty for illegal parking to cut congestion through on-street parking and fourth to implement daily air quality index and health advisory for public information immediately.

In its guidelines, the EPCA for the National Capital Region urged people to participate in combating the pollution crisis. In its note, the organisation has advised people to reduce the use of private vehicles.

"Use public transport or other means. As per the latest report of the Union government, vehicles contribute some 40 per cent of the pollution in Delhi,&nbsp;it stated."

"Ensure that we do not burn garbage and we report all instances of garbage burning and other pollution carefully and responsibly on the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) Facebook/Twitter accounts. It is essential that we control local sources of pollution at this time so that the crisis is managed," it added.

&nbsp;

The alarmingly high rates of air pollution in the national capital have raised great concerns for the people as well as the state administration. The present levels of particulate matter in the atmosphere are sufficient to contribute towards depleting health standards and high level of toxicity in the air with dangerous gasses.

The alarmingly high rates of air pollution in the national capital have raised great concerns for the people as well as the state administration. The present levels of particulate matter in the atmosphere are sufficient to contribute towards depleting health standards and high level of toxicity in the air with dangerous gasses. According to the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the Air Quality Index of the capital in the morning was recorded 346, falling in the 'very poor' category. The AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the category of poor. 300-400 is considered as 'very poor' and range between 401-500 falls under the category as 'hazardous'. The forecasting agency has also predicted that the air quality is likely to remain in the same category with a slight decline by tomorrow due to enhanced wind speed. "However, it is likely to increase thereafter for the next two days to register in the upper range of very poor level. This deteriorating AQI on 2-3 December is mainly due to expected adverse meteorological conditions and a decline in wind speed. the contribution from long-range dust or stubble biomass is negligible," it added. In order to combat the menace of air pollution, Environment Pollution (prevention and control) Authority (EPCA) had laid down a suggestion for the state governments of Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, and the Centre, to follow priority measures to accelerate second generation reforms to protect public health in the affected regions. In its letter, the EPCA had stated that a long-term favourable taxation policy should be implemented to promote CNG programme. Secondly, the organisation wants state administrations to impose an additional 30 per cent environment compensation charge on private diesel cars. Third, to increase parking charges effectively; demarcate legal parking areas and impose a higher penalty for illegal parking to cut congestion through on-street parking and fourth to implement daily air quality index and health advisory for public information immediately. In its guidelines, the EPCA for the National Capital Region urged people to participate in combating the pollution crisis. In its note, the organisation has advised people to reduce the use of private vehicles. "Use public transport or other means. As per the latest report of the Union government, vehicles contribute some 40 per cent of the pollution in Delhi, it stated." "Ensure that we do not burn garbage and we report all instances of garbage burning and other pollution carefully and responsibly on the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) Facebook/Twitter accounts. It is essential that we control local sources of pollution at this time so that the crisis is managed," it added.

Air pollution spirals in Delhi, air quality likely to worsen

By Akash Rai

On the event of 'Yoga for peace' in Argentina, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit,&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yoga-connecting-india-argentina-pm-modi-180331">described yoga as India's gift to the world</a>.

“It is difficult to find a better name than this for a yoga program. Yoga helps us acquire better mental and physical health. It gives strength to our body and peace to our mind,”&nbsp;said PM Modi.

PM Modi expressed his affection towards yoga, adding that, “When there will be peace in a person's mind, there will be peace in family, society, country and the world. Yoga is India's gift to the world for health, wellness and peace."

In his speech, the Prime Minister further added, "the meaning of yoga is to add, it connects us with wellness, connects to happiness. Today, the distance of thousands of kilometers between India and Argentina is connecting our people, We are locking ourselves in a relation.”

It is well known that PM Modi is one of the biggest supporters&nbsp;and advertisers of yoga all across the world. His constant effort got the United Nations declare June 21 as the International Yoga Day, a move that popularised the ancient art across the world, highlighting its significance in maintaining health and peace of mind.

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When there will be peace in a person's mind there will be peace in family, society, country and the world. Yoga is India's gift to the world for health, wellness and peace: PM Modi at "Yoga For Peace" event in Buenos Aires, Argentina <a href="https://t.co/K33uDKKxjf">pic.twitter.com/K33uDKKxjf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068273584949223424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The campaign of International Yoga Day was crafted India's Permanent Representative Asoke Mukherji who introduced the draft resolution in UNGA.&nbsp;

On December 11, 2014, the draft text received broad support from 177 Member States who sponsored the text, which was adopted without a vote. This initiative found support from many global leaders. A total of 177 nations co-sponsored the resolution, the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA resolution of such nature.

The ministry of AYUSH is constantly working toward taking the benefits of yoga to the people of country.

&nbsp;

By Akash Rai On the event of 'Yoga for peace' in Argentina, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described yoga as India's gift to the world.

By Akash Rai On the event of 'Yoga for peace' in Argentina, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described yoga as India's gift to the world. “It is difficult to find a better name than this for a yoga program. Yoga helps us acquire better mental and physical health. It gives strength to our body and peace to our mind,” said PM Modi. PM Modi expressed his affection towards yoga, adding that, “When there will be peace in a person's mind, there will be peace in family, society, country and the world. Yoga is India's gift to the world for health, wellness and peace." In his speech, the Prime Minister further added, "the meaning of yoga is to add, it connects us with wellness, connects to happiness. Today, the distance of thousands of kilometers between India and Argentina is connecting our people, We are locking ourselves in a relation.” It is well known that PM Modi is one of the biggest supporters and advertisers of yoga all across the world. His constant effort got the United Nations declare June 21 as the International Yoga Day, a move that popularised the ancient art across the world, highlighting its significance in maintaining health and peace of mind. When there will be peace in a person's mind there will be peace in family, society, country and the world. Yoga is India's gift to the world for health, wellness and peace: PM Modi at "Yoga For Peace" event in Buenos Aires, Argentina pic.twitter.com/K33uDKKxjf — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 × The campaign of International Yoga Day was crafted India's Permanent Representative Asoke Mukherji who introduced the draft resolution in UNGA. On December 11, 2014, the draft text received broad support from 177 Member States who sponsored the text, which was adopted without a vote. This initiative found support from many global leaders. A total of 177 nations co-sponsored the resolution, the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA resolution of such nature. The ministry of AYUSH is constantly working toward taking the benefits of yoga to the people of country.

Yoga is India's gift to world: PM Modi in Argentina

Thousands of farmers from across the country, who have been camping at the Ramlila ground in Delhi since Thursday, began their march to Parliament Street on Friday amid heavy policy deployment, to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.

Over 3,500 police personnel have deployed on the route of the march. According to a senior police officer, special arrangements have been made in Central and New Delhi police districts.

As many as 850 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, have been deployed in the Central district. They have been augmented by the presence of 12 police companies, including two of women, each comprising 75-80 personnel, a police official said.

In New Delhi district, 346 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, have been deployed and 600 personnel from other districts will also help them, the official said.

Nine police companies, along with 71 officers, from the rank of inspectors up to additional DCPs, are also present.

Farmers from different parts of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh converged at the Ramlila ground on Thursday.

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Delhi: Farmers from all across the nation hold protest for the second day over their demands of debt relief, better MSP for crops, among others; latest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visuals</a> from near Jantar Mantar <a href="https://t.co/zwnHQHALkk">pic.twitter.com/zwnHQHALkk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068385176533766144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Delhi: Latest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visuals</a> from near Jantar Mantar on the second day of 2-day protest by farmers from all across the nation, who are asking for debt relief, better MSP for crops, among other demands <a href="https://t.co/SIccqj6DIo">pic.twitter.com/SIccqj6DIo</a>
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Traffic was disrupted in many parts of the city on Thursday as the farmers marched to the Ramlila ground in the heart of the city on four different routes, starting from Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin and Bijwasan railway stations and Sabzi Mandi.

Banded under the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, many farmers arrived in the city on Thursday, on trains, buses and other modes of transport.

Kamla, a functionary of the All India Kisan Sabha's Delhi unit, said farmers from nearby areas converged at Majnu Ka Tila on the outskirts of Delhi from where they marched in groups to Ramlila Maidan on Thursday.

About 1,200 members of the National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturalists Association reached the national capital in the early hours of Thursday carrying skulls of two of their colleagues who had committed suicide, their leader P Ayyakannu claimed.

The group from Tamil Nadu had threatened to march naked if they are not allowed to go to Parliament on Friday. They had last year staged protests at Jantar Mantar with the skulls of eight farmers who killed themselves owing to losses.

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Delhi: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from near Ramlila Maidan on the second day of 2-day protest by farmers from all across the nation, who are asking for debt relief, better MSP for crops, among other demands <a href="https://t.co/j145x5uhc7">pic.twitter.com/j145x5uhc7</a>
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The AIKSCC has claimed that the two-day rally will be one of the largest congregations of farmers in Delhi.

Five Gurdwaras in the Delhi region have extended their help to the farmers. Also, students from various universities turned out in large numbers to lend support to the farmers. The protest also saw participation of a number of women farmers who travelled from various parts of the country.

Volunteers, including doctors, lawyers, professors and artists, all came out in large numbers to help the farmers. Around 600-700 volunteers of a solidarity group 'Nation For Farmers' marched with the protesters from the four assembly points.

The AIKSCC was formed under the aegis of All India Kisan Sabha and other Left-affiliated farmers' bodies in June, 2017, following protests by farmers in states such as Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh for debt relief and remunerative prices.&nbsp;

Thousands of farmers from across the country, who have been camping at the Ramlila ground in Delhi since Thursday, began their march to Parliament Street on Friday amid heavy policy deployment, to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.

Thousands of farmers from across the country, who have been camping at the Ramlila ground in Delhi since Thursday, began their march to Parliament Street on Friday amid heavy policy deployment, to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Over 3,500 police personnel have deployed on the route of the march. According to a senior police officer, special arrangements have been made in Central and New Delhi police districts. As many as 850 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, have been deployed in the Central district. They have been augmented by the presence of 12 police companies, including two of women, each comprising 75-80 personnel, a police official said. In New Delhi district, 346 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, have been deployed and 600 personnel from other districts will also help them, the official said. Nine police companies, along with 71 officers, from the rank of inspectors up to additional DCPs, are also present. Farmers from different parts of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh converged at the Ramlila ground on Thursday. Delhi: Farmers from all across the nation hold protest for the second day over their demands of debt relief, better MSP for crops, among others; latest #visuals from near Jantar Mantar pic.twitter.com/zwnHQHALkk — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Delhi: Latest #visuals from near Jantar Mantar on the second day of 2-day protest by farmers from all across the nation, who are asking for debt relief, better MSP for crops, among other demands pic.twitter.com/SIccqj6DIo — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Traffic was disrupted in many parts of the city on Thursday as the farmers marched to the Ramlila ground in the heart of the city on four different routes, starting from Anand Vihar, Nizamuddin and Bijwasan railway stations and Sabzi Mandi. Banded under the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, many farmers arrived in the city on Thursday, on trains, buses and other modes of transport. Kamla, a functionary of the All India Kisan Sabha's Delhi unit, said farmers from nearby areas converged at Majnu Ka Tila on the outskirts of Delhi from where they marched in groups to Ramlila Maidan on Thursday. About 1,200 members of the National South Indian River Interlinking Agriculturalists Association reached the national capital in the early hours of Thursday carrying skulls of two of their colleagues who had committed suicide, their leader P Ayyakannu claimed. The group from Tamil Nadu had threatened to march naked if they are not allowed to go to Parliament on Friday. They had last year staged protests at Jantar Mantar with the skulls of eight farmers who killed themselves owing to losses. Delhi: #Visuals from near Ramlila Maidan on the second day of 2-day protest by farmers from all across the nation, who are asking for debt relief, better MSP for crops, among other demands pic.twitter.com/j145x5uhc7 — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × The AIKSCC has claimed that the two-day rally will be one of the largest congregations of farmers in Delhi. Five Gurdwaras in the Delhi region have extended their help to the farmers. Also, students from various universities turned out in large numbers to lend support to the farmers. The protest also saw participation of a number of women farmers who travelled from various parts of the country. Volunteers, including doctors, lawyers, professors and artists, all came out in large numbers to help the farmers. Around 600-700 volunteers of a solidarity group 'Nation For Farmers' marched with the protesters from the four assembly points. The AIKSCC was formed under the aegis of All India Kisan Sabha and other Left-affiliated farmers' bodies in June, 2017, following protests by farmers in states such as Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh for debt relief and remunerative prices.

Farmers begin march towards Parliament from Ramlila Maidan; 3,500 cops deployed

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday dubbed ruling TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao as "small Modi", alleging he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were 'cheating' people.

"There is one big Modi in Delhi and small Modi here in the form of KCR (as Rao is popularly known). People are scared of the duo. Both are cheating people," he said referring to "unfulfilled" electoral promises made by them.

Addressing a road show here as part of campaigning for the Congress-led four-party People's Front for the December 7 Telangana assembly polls, he also claimed whoever posed questions to Modi would be subjected to searches by the CBI or the Income Tax department or the Enforcement Directorate.

Prime Minister Modi was destroying constitutional bodies. "A situation is emerging where there is no democracy. I cannot keep quiet. That is why me and Congress decided to work together to save democracy,"

Naidu, whose party is part of the front, claimed that the TDP was the brain behind the development of Hyderabad and Telangana, saying 'Cyberabad (IT district here) was his brainchild and he had brought software giants like Microsoft.

Earlier, talking to reporters, the TDP supremo defended joining hands with the Congress, saying they had no ideological differences with the Rahul Gandhi-led party.

Naidu, who shared the dais with Gandhi at a couple of campaign meetings Wednesday in the state, said there was a democratic compulsion for non-BJP parties to come on a single platform.

"Politically, we (TDP and Congress) are different. The Telugu Desam Party, from the beginning, has been fighting against the Congress and that is a reality. Ideologically we do not have any differences. Ideologically, we have differences with the BJP," he said.

"But today there is a democratic compulsion. That's why there is a necessity to fight against the BJP to save the Constitution and also save institutions," he said when asked about the decades-old differences with Congress.

The Congress has 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 in the assembly polls.

Naidu, who snapped ties with the BJP-led NDA earlier this year on the issue of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, said the saffron party had no chance of winning any of the five states which were presently under various stages of the election process.

He said the BJP could manage to win only four or five Lok Sabha bypolls in the last 20-odd ones.

"Modi disappointed the nation. People trusted him so much... But he disappointed the nation. Everybody is living under pressure and tension. It is very bad for the nation that they are misusing institutions like CBI, ED and Income Tax," he claimed.

On the proposed meeting of non-BJP parties on December 10, Naidu said there would be no formal invitation to any party.

On being asked who would lead the anti-BJP coalition, he said, there were efficient people and able administrators who would take the role.

"Who is Narendra Modi? Till 2014 he was just a chief minister. He was able to lead (his party to a win). Now there are efficient people and able administrators. They will lead. We will bring a consensus on that," he said.

Naidu, who has been meeting leaders of various opposition parties in the recent weeks, ruled himself out of the race for prime ministership.

"I am not in the race for prime ministership... I've told many times. I am not expecting any position or any incentive out of this initiative," he said.

The TDP chief asserted that the People's Front was going to win the coming polls and form the government in Telangana.

At the roadshow, Naidu said TDP was committed to the development of Telangana and he had no intention of entering into the state politics and would confine himself to Andhra Pradesh.

TDP is contesting in 13 seats in the Telangana polls.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday dubbed ruling TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao as "small Modi", alleging he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were 'cheating' people.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday dubbed ruling TRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao as "small Modi", alleging he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were 'cheating' people. "There is one big Modi in Delhi and small Modi here in the form of KCR (as Rao is popularly known). People are scared of the duo. Both are cheating people," he said referring to "unfulfilled" electoral promises made by them. Addressing a road show here as part of campaigning for the Congress-led four-party People's Front for the December 7 Telangana assembly polls, he also claimed whoever posed questions to Modi would be subjected to searches by the CBI or the Income Tax department or the Enforcement Directorate. Prime Minister Modi was destroying constitutional bodies. "A situation is emerging where there is no democracy. I cannot keep quiet. That is why me and Congress decided to work together to save democracy," Naidu, whose party is part of the front, claimed that the TDP was the brain behind the development of Hyderabad and Telangana, saying 'Cyberabad (IT district here) was his brainchild and he had brought software giants like Microsoft. Earlier, talking to reporters, the TDP supremo defended joining hands with the Congress, saying they had no ideological differences with the Rahul Gandhi-led party. Naidu, who shared the dais with Gandhi at a couple of campaign meetings Wednesday in the state, said there was a democratic compulsion for non-BJP parties to come on a single platform. "Politically, we (TDP and Congress) are different. The Telugu Desam Party, from the beginning, has been fighting against the Congress and that is a reality. Ideologically we do not have any differences. Ideologically, we have differences with the BJP," he said. "But today there is a democratic compulsion. That's why there is a necessity to fight against the BJP to save the Constitution and also save institutions," he said when asked about the decades-old differences with Congress. The Congress has 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 in the assembly polls. Naidu, who snapped ties with the BJP-led NDA earlier this year on the issue of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, said the saffron party had no chance of winning any of the five states which were presently under various stages of the election process. He said the BJP could manage to win only four or five Lok Sabha bypolls in the last 20-odd ones. "Modi disappointed the nation. People trusted him so much... But he disappointed the nation. Everybody is living under pressure and tension. It is very bad for the nation that they are misusing institutions like CBI, ED and Income Tax," he claimed. On the proposed meeting of non-BJP parties on December 10, Naidu said there would be no formal invitation to any party. On being asked who would lead the anti-BJP coalition, he said, there were efficient people and able administrators who would take the role. "Who is Narendra Modi? Till 2014 he was just a chief minister. He was able to lead (his party to a win). Now there are efficient people and able administrators. They will lead. We will bring a consensus on that," he said. Naidu, who has been meeting leaders of various opposition parties in the recent weeks, ruled himself out of the race for prime ministership. "I am not in the race for prime ministership... I've told many times. I am not expecting any position or any incentive out of this initiative," he said. The TDP chief asserted that the People's Front was going to win the coming polls and form the government in Telangana. At the roadshow, Naidu said TDP was committed to the development of Telangana and he had no intention of entering into the state politics and would confine himself to Andhra Pradesh. TDP is contesting in 13 seats in the Telangana polls.

KCR is 'small Modi', cheating people: Naidu

Ahead of the big G20 summit in Argentina, India's sherpa or chief negotiator Shaktikanta Das has spoken to WION's Principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. He said India will speak on the issue of terror, strengthening of Financial Action Task Force and bringing to book fugitive economic offenders.

On FATF a political message will be sent and it is not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals required by all countries.

India will also raise the issue of economic offenders in fellow G20 countries. This is on the basis of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya having a safe haven in the UK.

WION: What will be India's focus at this years G20 Summit?

Shaktikanta Das: India wants G20 to focus on the main challenges confronting the world. The main challenges are not just emanating from trade conflict, tariff conflict between certain big economies. This is a problem. Entire G20 should not be hijacked by the single current problem. There are other issues as well as Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs of 2030, how to deal with the problem of artificial intelligence and job creation. These are bigger challenges which G20 should focus on and we have been emphasising that while we should discuss trade issues and find a resolution on trade tariff issue, the focus should be on a wide range of issues as well.&nbsp;

WION: What is the relevance of G20 today and 10 years after the leaders' summit in 2008?

Shaktikanta Das: G20 became very active and proactive from 2008. In the last 10 years, if we look back to see&nbsp;what it has achieved in terms of outcomes, the first G20 summit saw agreements among leaders to take coordinated measures for the revival of the global economy. So, the kind of problems confronting the world in 2008 were contained in subsequent years. The first tangible outcomes of the G20 summits after 2008 is how to deal with global economic challenges. Number two is the monetary policy action of the developed countries. We saw monetary expansion post-2008. &nbsp;After they started withdrawing, there was a flight of capital from emerging economies to developed countries. Known popularly were&nbsp;taper tantrums. Thanks to G20 leaders who prevailed upon to spell-out in advance, a calibrated response in the withdrawal of monetary expansion policies so that the rest of the economies or rest of the world economies&nbsp;don't suffer. The third outcome&nbsp;is quota reforms at IMF. So, a lot of outcomes.&nbsp;

WION: What will be the India story at G20 summit in Argentina?

Shaktikanta Das: You see achievement which India has accomplished in the last few years have been widely appreciated and widely recognised. I can tell you from my experience. Naturally, when PM attends the summit, discussions will happen and these things will be refocused. India is looked on as a major global power and not just another G20 country. When India talks, it talks as a major global player who is trying to resolve major global issues such as the issue of terrorism. In Hamburg, our PM came out on an 11-point agenda to deal with the problem of terrorism. That has been accepted and the stand-alone statement was issued.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;How big will be the issue of terror for India?

Shaktikanta Das: India will focus on the issue of terrorism and terror financing. Making FATF more active and ensuring universal implementation of its rules. Not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals by all countries. Our focus will be on terrorism, terrorism financing, on unaccounted money and unaccounted flow what we call as black money. As you are aware, the prime minister had made an initiative in Brisbane summit and following this, we have multilateral agreements on sharing of information between countries. It's already implemented and countries are sharing information. India has a big story to tell in the fight against black money and India would like further action on that front. There is also need for greater cooperation on economic offence and problem of the fugitive economic offender. Economic offences have posed&nbsp;a major threat to the global economy and can undermine the economic stability of global economy&nbsp;

WION: So India will be raising the issue of economic offenders?

Shaktikanta Das: This has been discussed in meetings of Sherpas during Argentina presidency. The importance of the issue is now recognised by everyone. India is keen&nbsp;on the need for the energy security of emerging economies especially on the issue of stability of oil prices and oil supplies. India will focus on infrastructure and will be also keen on the resolution of trade issue which is an issue between two largest economies in the world.

India would like to play a constructive role so that they discuss the issue. Trade issues if allowed to continue, would have an impact on global growth. When global growth slows down, it impacts poor people.&nbsp;

WION: Compliance of FATF norms will also be raised?

Shaktikanta Das: Usually, G20 leaders give a strong political message on certain issues. Today, there is unanimity among all G20 countries that terror is a big threat to the world community and it has to be dealt with effectively. So FATF, its for the leaders to spell out what kind of appeal, or political message they would like to give to it. FATF has been playing a very significant role. One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions

WION:&nbsp;India has been doing a lot on climate change. How much will that be the focus?

Shaktikanta Das: India has been appealing to countries to join the International Solar Alliance. There has been a good progress. The PM has played important role in COP0-21 negotiations in Paris. Therefore, India would like to stress that the Paris agreement should be implemented. India has a lot of things to tell... we have a strong story to tell. India would like other countries to join the ISA. There was a commitment on climate finance by developed countries... that from 2020, developed countries will provide 100 million dollars in the form of climate finance. We don't see much progress. It's an important part of the Paris climate accord

WION: Cryptocurrency or bitcoin has been another issue of concern.

Shaktikanta Das: India's position has been spelt out by the Finance Minister in the last budget. He has cautioned people. It has the potential to become another Ponzi scheme. Understand it has been discussed in the finance track of G20. This is something that has to be dealt with very carefully.

WION: India has always been raising the issue of black money. Do we expect it to be raised this time since it aligns with the domestic agenda?

Shaktikanta Das: Our PM had talked about it during the Brisbane summit. During the successive summit, India has been focussing on greater coordination. India has enacted its own law on assets outside the country. India has been able to renegotiate tax treaties with Mauritius, Singapore. Fighting the menace of black money has been on India's focus.

WION: Connectivity has become a geopolitical currency but with it comes debt issue. What has been G20's&nbsp;stand?

Shaktikanta Das: Some countries have been raising issues. These are bilateral or regional issues. The issue of sustainable debt does come up.

WION: Big political picture India will be presenting?&nbsp;

Shaktikanta Das: India is playing an important role in G20 and Indian participation is very proactive. The PM is playing a very proactive role at the summit. There is a need to activate other forums like the WTO.

WTO should play a greater role on trade issues, FATF on the terror issue. You have the United Nations. The relevance of the United Nations cant belittled. Poor countries have a voice at the United Nation. All multilateral forums -- UN, WTO, IMF -- need to be activated.

WION: When will India host G20? &nbsp;

Shaktikanta Das: You will get to know when it will be announced.

Ahead of the big G20 summit in Argentina, India's sherpa or chief negotiator Shaktikanta Das has spoken to WION's Principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal.

Ahead of the big G20 summit in Argentina, India's sherpa or chief negotiator Shaktikanta Das has spoken to WION's Principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. He said India will speak on the issue of terror, strengthening of Financial Action Task Force and bringing to book fugitive economic offenders. On FATF a political message will be sent and it is not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals required by all countries. India will also raise the issue of economic offenders in fellow G20 countries. This is on the basis of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya having a safe haven in the UK. WION: What will be India's focus at this years G20 Summit? Shaktikanta Das: India wants G20 to focus on the main challenges confronting the world. The main challenges are not just emanating from trade conflict, tariff conflict between certain big economies. This is a problem. Entire G20 should not be hijacked by the single current problem. There are other issues as well as Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs of 2030, how to deal with the problem of artificial intelligence and job creation. These are bigger challenges which G20 should focus on and we have been emphasising that while we should discuss trade issues and find a resolution on trade tariff issue, the focus should be on a wide range of issues as well. WION: What is the relevance of G20 today and 10 years after the leaders' summit in 2008? Shaktikanta Das: G20 became very active and proactive from 2008. In the last 10 years, if we look back to see what it has achieved in terms of outcomes, the first G20 summit saw agreements among leaders to take coordinated measures for the revival of the global economy. So, the kind of problems confronting the world in 2008 were contained in subsequent years. The first tangible outcomes of the G20 summits after 2008 is how to deal with global economic challenges. Number two is the monetary policy action of the developed countries. We saw monetary expansion post-2008. After they started withdrawing, there was a flight of capital from emerging economies to developed countries. Known popularly were taper tantrums. Thanks to G20 leaders who prevailed upon to spell-out in advance, a calibrated response in the withdrawal of monetary expansion policies so that the rest of the economies or rest of the world economies don't suffer. The third outcome is quota reforms at IMF. So, a lot of outcomes. WION: What will be the India story at G20 summit in Argentina? Shaktikanta Das: You see achievement which India has accomplished in the last few years have been widely appreciated and widely recognised. I can tell you from my experience. Naturally, when PM attends the summit, discussions will happen and these things will be refocused. India is looked on as a major global power and not just another G20 country. When India talks, it talks as a major global player who is trying to resolve major global issues such as the issue of terrorism. In Hamburg, our PM came out on an 11-point agenda to deal with the problem of terrorism. That has been accepted and the stand-alone statement was issued. WION: How big will be the issue of terror for India? Shaktikanta Das: India will focus on the issue of terrorism and terror financing. Making FATF more active and ensuring universal implementation of its rules. Not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals by all countries. Our focus will be on terrorism, terrorism financing, on unaccounted money and unaccounted flow what we call as black money. As you are aware, the prime minister had made an initiative in Brisbane summit and following this, we have multilateral agreements on sharing of information between countries. It's already implemented and countries are sharing information. India has a big story to tell in the fight against black money and India would like further action on that front. There is also need for greater cooperation on economic offence and problem of the fugitive economic offender. Economic offences have posed a major threat to the global economy and can undermine the economic stability of global economy WION: So India will be raising the issue of economic offenders? Shaktikanta Das: This has been discussed in meetings of Sherpas during Argentina presidency. The importance of the issue is now recognised by everyone. India is keen on the need for the energy security of emerging economies especially on the issue of stability of oil prices and oil supplies. India will focus on infrastructure and will be also keen on the resolution of trade issue which is an issue between two largest economies in the world. India would like to play a constructive role so that they discuss the issue. Trade issues if allowed to continue, would have an impact on global growth. When global growth slows down, it impacts poor people. WION: Compliance of FATF norms will also be raised? Shaktikanta Das: Usually, G20 leaders give a strong political message on certain issues. Today, there is unanimity among all G20 countries that terror is a big threat to the world community and it has to be dealt with effectively. So FATF, its for the leaders to spell out what kind of appeal, or political message they would like to give to it. FATF has been playing a very significant role. One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions WION: India has been doing a lot on climate change. How much will that be the focus? Shaktikanta Das: India has been appealing to countries to join the International Solar Alliance. There has been a good progress. The PM has played important role in COP0-21 negotiations in Paris. Therefore, India would like to stress that the Paris agreement should be implemented. India has a lot of things to tell... we have a strong story to tell. India would like other countries to join the ISA. There was a commitment on climate finance by developed countries... that from 2020, developed countries will provide 100 million dollars in the form of climate finance. We don't see much progress. It's an important part of the Paris climate accord WION: Cryptocurrency or bitcoin has been another issue of concern. Shaktikanta Das: India's position has been spelt out by the Finance Minister in the last budget. He has cautioned people. It has the potential to become another Ponzi scheme. Understand it has been discussed in the finance track of G20. This is something that has to be dealt with very carefully. WION: India has always been raising the issue of black money. Do we expect it to be raised this time since it aligns with the domestic agenda? Shaktikanta Das: Our PM had talked about it during the Brisbane summit. During the successive summit, India has been focussing on greater coordination. India has enacted its own law on assets outside the country. India has been able to renegotiate tax treaties with Mauritius, Singapore. Fighting the menace of black money has been on India's focus. WION: Connectivity has become a geopolitical currency but with it comes debt issue. What has been G20's stand? Shaktikanta Das: Some countries have been raising issues. These are bilateral or regional issues. The issue of sustainable debt does come up. WION: Big political picture India will be presenting? Shaktikanta Das: India is playing an important role in G20 and Indian participation is very proactive. The PM is playing a very proactive role at the summit. There is a need to activate other forums like the WTO. WTO should play a greater role on trade issues, FATF on the terror issue. You have the United Nations. The relevance of the United Nations cant belittled. Poor countries have a voice at the United Nation. All multilateral forums -- UN, WTO, IMF -- need to be activated. WION: When will India host G20? Shaktikanta Das: You will get to know when it will be announced.

Strengthening FATF India's top focus at G20: India's Sherpa Shaktikanta Das to WION

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are one entity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the undisputed leader of all the three political parties.

"BJP, TRS and AIMIM are in an alliance and are a single party and Modi is their leader who stays in Delhi," said Ghulam Nabi Azad.

"AIMIM supports BJP in Karnataka and Maharashtra by contesting only in minority areas. TRS also supports BJP in Telangana and in the centre. TRS, BJP and AIMIM pretend that they are against each other but actually they are in an alliance," he said.

"Congress party has done an open alliance with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Communist parties in the Telangana," said Azad.

He expressed confidence that Congress will form the governments in all the five poll-bound states of Mizoram, Madhya-Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.

"Congress is already running the government in Mizoram and it will get back to the power there again. While in rest of the four states also Congress will defeat the rivals," said Azad.

Azad further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi who failed in bringing back the black money, sent white money out of the country along with embattled business men Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya.

Azad also slammed Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and said, "Rao is anti-education. out of 216 engineering colleges, he closed 121 as a result only 25 are running in Telangana now."&nbsp;

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are one entity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the undisputed leader of all the three political parties.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) are one entity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the undisputed leader of all the three political parties. "BJP, TRS and AIMIM are in an alliance and are a single party and Modi is their leader who stays in Delhi," said Ghulam Nabi Azad. "AIMIM supports BJP in Karnataka and Maharashtra by contesting only in minority areas. TRS also supports BJP in Telangana and in the centre. TRS, BJP and AIMIM pretend that they are against each other but actually they are in an alliance," he said. "Congress party has done an open alliance with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Communist parties in the Telangana," said Azad. He expressed confidence that Congress will form the governments in all the five poll-bound states of Mizoram, Madhya-Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. "Congress is already running the government in Mizoram and it will get back to the power there again. While in rest of the four states also Congress will defeat the rivals," said Azad. Azad further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi who failed in bringing back the black money, sent white money out of the country along with embattled business men Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. Azad also slammed Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and said, "Rao is anti-education. out of 216 engineering colleges, he closed 121 as a result only 25 are running in Telangana now."

BJP, TRS, AIMIM are one, PM Modi is their leader: Ghulam Nabi Azad

People residing in the national capital were seen wearing anti-pollution dust masks and scarves to protect their mouths and nose from the cocktail of dust and smog which has enveloped the region from the past couple of months.

According to the state-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), no imminent improvement was recorded in the quality of air on Friday. At 8: 30 am the air quality index docked at 353.

The organisation also stated that the air quality is `very poor` and likely to remain `very poor` with small fluctuations. "There is no system building up as surface winds are south-westerly. However, air quality is likely to deteriorate significantly on December 2 as a cloudy condition and decline in temperature is likely to bring down inversion layer to trap pollutants.

The contribution from stubble biomass is nil," it added. Speaking to ANI, Anand Sharma, a resident of Noida, said: "There is a dire need to do something substantial in order to combat the increasing crisis of air pollution. All my family member especially aged are wearing masks and are avoiding outdoor activities because of the toxic air."

Sarita Thakur, a domestic help in Delhi, stated: "My all three children are suffering from respiratory disease Not only that but near their school also garbage is burnt on daily bases which is causing them breathing trouble. I request the government to take necessary action in the matter and save the lives of poor."

In an attempt to measure the impact of toxic air quality on people, the University of Chicago has launched a new tool named Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) which quantifies air quality data as the numbers of years lost to air pollution.

The compiled by the weather experts revealed that exposure to the unclean air of India`s capital will cost its residents 10.2 years of their lives. According to this data, c Residents of Lucknow will lose 9.4 years, 7.7 years for Patna, 9.3 for Mathura, 8.7 for Gurgaon, 5.9 for Ludhiana and 6.1 years for Gwalior. The data is more hopeful for southern cities. Mumbai is at 2.9, Bengaluru at 1.7, and Chennai residents stand at losing 1.9 years.

If one looks closely, besides air pollution menace, the warnings of climate change can`t be ignored anymore.

This year, December- which is suppose to the coldest month of the year- is just around the corner but the winter season is still at bay. The last time when Northern India witnessed a spell of rain was in between November 13 and November 14. Since then, warm and dry weather conditions are prevailing across Delhi`s neighbouring states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and west Uttar Pradesh.

At present, the minimum and maximum temperature in most of the northern parts of India is hovering at 2-degree Celsius and 3-degree Celsius which is above the normal range. Due to such wavering temperature, chilly winters are yet to make an appearance over Delhi and its neighbouring state.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), successive Western Disturbance is approaching towards Western Himalayas but they have failed to induce a cyclonic circulation over North Rajasthan and adjoining areas such as Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, in the absence of these weather systems, rain showers and thundershowers and strong winds have remained absent from the northern part of India.

It is expected that on December 5 and 6, there will be a significant fall in the temperature accompanied by unabated cold northwesterly winds. During these days, people residing in Delhi are likely to witness chilly mornings and light woollens will be required to combat the cold.

People residing in the national capital were seen wearing anti-pollution dust masks and scarves to protect their mouths and nose from the cocktail of dust and smog which has enveloped the region from the past couple of months.

People residing in the national capital were seen wearing anti-pollution dust masks and scarves to protect their mouths and nose from the cocktail of dust and smog which has enveloped the region from the past couple of months. According to the state-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), no imminent improvement was recorded in the quality of air on Friday. At 8: 30 am the air quality index docked at 353. The organisation also stated that the air quality is `very poor` and likely to remain `very poor` with small fluctuations. "There is no system building up as surface winds are south-westerly. However, air quality is likely to deteriorate significantly on December 2 as a cloudy condition and decline in temperature is likely to bring down inversion layer to trap pollutants. The contribution from stubble biomass is nil," it added. Speaking to ANI, Anand Sharma, a resident of Noida, said: "There is a dire need to do something substantial in order to combat the increasing crisis of air pollution. All my family member especially aged are wearing masks and are avoiding outdoor activities because of the toxic air." Sarita Thakur, a domestic help in Delhi, stated: "My all three children are suffering from respiratory disease Not only that but near their school also garbage is burnt on daily bases which is causing them breathing trouble. I request the government to take necessary action in the matter and save the lives of poor." In an attempt to measure the impact of toxic air quality on people, the University of Chicago has launched a new tool named Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) which quantifies air quality data as the numbers of years lost to air pollution. The compiled by the weather experts revealed that exposure to the unclean air of India`s capital will cost its residents 10.2 years of their lives. According to this data, c Residents of Lucknow will lose 9.4 years, 7.7 years for Patna, 9.3 for Mathura, 8.7 for Gurgaon, 5.9 for Ludhiana and 6.1 years for Gwalior. The data is more hopeful for southern cities. Mumbai is at 2.9, Bengaluru at 1.7, and Chennai residents stand at losing 1.9 years. If one looks closely, besides air pollution menace, the warnings of climate change can`t be ignored anymore. This year, December- which is suppose to the coldest month of the year- is just around the corner but the winter season is still at bay. The last time when Northern India witnessed a spell of rain was in between November 13 and November 14. Since then, warm and dry weather conditions are prevailing across Delhi`s neighbouring states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and west Uttar Pradesh. At present, the minimum and maximum temperature in most of the northern parts of India is hovering at 2-degree Celsius and 3-degree Celsius which is above the normal range. Due to such wavering temperature, chilly winters are yet to make an appearance over Delhi and its neighbouring state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), successive Western Disturbance is approaching towards Western Himalayas but they have failed to induce a cyclonic circulation over North Rajasthan and adjoining areas such as Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, in the absence of these weather systems, rain showers and thundershowers and strong winds have remained absent from the northern part of India. It is expected that on December 5 and 6, there will be a significant fall in the temperature accompanied by unabated cold northwesterly winds. During these days, people residing in Delhi are likely to witness chilly mornings and light woollens will be required to combat the cold.

Delhi: Air quality remains 'very poor', chilly winters likely to arrive on December 5

The passage of as bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas in Maharashtra Legislature Thursday has now made the state second in the country in terms of quota quantum.

Haryana which offers 67 per cent reservations, used to be second in the list, followed by Telangana where the quantum of quota rose to 62 per cent last year, an official said.

With the passage of the Maratha quota bill, the reservation quantum in Maharashtra will rise to 68 per cent, just a per cent less than Tamil Nadu, which tops the tally with 69 per cent reservations in various categories.

In Rajasthan, the quota quantum rose to 54 per cent last year after that government increased reservations for Gujjars and four other backward communities, the official said.

Asked how Maharashtra government will defend the increase in reservations in court, the official said, "If needed, we can submit strong data supporting our decision of awarding 16 per cent quota to Marathas."

"The Supreme Court, in a 1992 order, had put a cap on reservations in government jobs and education at 50 per cent. But in an order in July 2010, it allowed states to exceed that limit, provided they had solid scientific data to justify the increase," the official said.&nbsp;

The passage of as bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas in Maharashtra Legislature Thursday has now made the state second in the country in terms of quota quantum.

The passage of as bill proposing 16 per cent reservation in education and government jobs for Marathas in Maharashtra Legislature Thursday has now made the state second in the country in terms of quota quantum. Haryana which offers 67 per cent reservations, used to be second in the list, followed by Telangana where the quantum of quota rose to 62 per cent last year, an official said. With the passage of the Maratha quota bill, the reservation quantum in Maharashtra will rise to 68 per cent, just a per cent less than Tamil Nadu, which tops the tally with 69 per cent reservations in various categories. In Rajasthan, the quota quantum rose to 54 per cent last year after that government increased reservations for Gujjars and four other backward communities, the official said. Asked how Maharashtra government will defend the increase in reservations in court, the official said, "If needed, we can submit strong data supporting our decision of awarding 16 per cent quota to Marathas." "The Supreme Court, in a 1992 order, had put a cap on reservations in government jobs and education at 50 per cent. But in an order in July 2010, it allowed states to exceed that limit, provided they had solid scientific data to justify the increase," the official said.

Maharashtra now second after Tamil Nadu in quota quantum "ranking"

Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday state Pakistan has made its state an Islamic one and if the country wants to "stay together with India" they will need to "develop as a secular state."

"We are a secular state. If they're willing to become secular like us, then they seem to have an opportunity," General Rawat noted, adding that India has a clear policy on terrorism and that terror and talks can't go together.&nbsp;

"They're (Pakistan) saying you take one step, we'll take two. There is a contradiction in what they're saying. One step from there should come in a positive manner, we'll see if the step has an effect on the ground. Till then, our nation has a clear policy-- terror and talks can't go together," the Army Chief stated.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat: Pakistan has made its state an Islamic State. If they have to stay together with India, then they've to develop as a secular state. We are a secular state. If they're willing to become secular like us, then they seem to have an opportunity <a href="https://t.co/1Os8jBzfRh">pic.twitter.com/1Os8jBzfRh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068361799999868928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Wednesday General Rawat said that&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-has-changed-the-demography-of-pok-army-chief-general-bipin-rawat-180110">Pakistan has altered the demography of PoK</a> and the identity of Kashmiris on that side has been systematically eroded, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Army Chief: They're (Pak) saying you take one step, we'll take 2. There is contraditcion in what they're saying. 1 step from there should come in a positive manner,we'll see if the step has effect on ground.Till then our nation has a clear policy- terror &amp; talks can't go together <a href="https://t.co/QzhbsNQQLu">pic.twitter.com/QzhbsNQQLu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068364010028969986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He disapproved of suggestions about sending back security forces "to barracks" whenever there is "a little bit of peace" in Kashmir, saying it will give terrorists time to revamp their networks and asserted that there was a need to maintain sustained pressure "to control the situation".

Rawat said the situation needs to be brought to a level where the terror groups are not able to revamp.

"You have to bring them to a level where they (terrorists) are not able to revamp, get the leadership out and make sure they have very few weapons left with them and they do not have opportunities to carry out conglomeration and get together wherever they want to," the Army chief said.

Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday state Pakistan has made its state an Islamic one and if the country wants to "stay together with India" they will need to "develop as a secular state.

Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday state Pakistan has made its state an Islamic one and if the country wants to "stay together with India" they will need to "develop as a secular state." "We are a secular state. If they're willing to become secular like us, then they seem to have an opportunity," General Rawat noted, adding that India has a clear policy on terrorism and that terror and talks can't go together. "They're (Pakistan) saying you take one step, we'll take two. There is a contradiction in what they're saying. One step from there should come in a positive manner, we'll see if the step has an effect on the ground. Till then, our nation has a clear policy-- terror and talks can't go together," the Army Chief stated. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat: Pakistan has made its state an Islamic State. If they have to stay together with India, then they've to develop as a secular state. We are a secular state. If they're willing to become secular like us, then they seem to have an opportunity pic.twitter.com/1Os8jBzfRh — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × On Wednesday General Rawat said that Pakistan has altered the demography of PoK and the identity of Kashmiris on that side has been systematically eroded, news agency PTI reported. Army Chief: They're (Pak) saying you take one step, we'll take 2. There is contraditcion in what they're saying. 1 step from there should come in a positive manner,we'll see if the step has effect on ground.Till then our nation has a clear policy- terror & talks can't go together pic.twitter.com/QzhbsNQQLu — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × He disapproved of suggestions about sending back security forces "to barracks" whenever there is "a little bit of peace" in Kashmir, saying it will give terrorists time to revamp their networks and asserted that there was a need to maintain sustained pressure "to control the situation". Rawat said the situation needs to be brought to a level where the terror groups are not able to revamp. "You have to bring them to a level where they (terrorists) are not able to revamp, get the leadership out and make sure they have very few weapons left with them and they do not have opportunities to carry out conglomeration and get together wherever they want to," the Army chief said.

Terror and talks can't go together, Pak needs to develop as secular state: General Rawat 

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