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Fashion designer Mala Lakhani and her domestic help Bahadhur were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fashion-designer-domestic-help-found-murdered-in-vasant-kunj-enclave-177440">murdered late Wednesday night</a> in Delhi's Vasant Kunj.&nbsp;

Three men have been arrested for the murder. Police said the men murdered Lakhani and Bahadur and robbed valuables from her home.&nbsp;

"Lakhani had set up a workshop in her house for cutting and tailoring. Accused Rahul was working as a tailor master there. He along with his associates Rahmat and Wasim made a plan to murder. They stole valuables from the house," Delhi Police told ANI.&nbsp;

The police added that after the killing, the three men left Lakhani's home in her car.&nbsp;

But that they then went to the police station and confessed to their crime.&nbsp;

At the station, Rahul, Rahmat, and Wasim told police that they had committed murder.&nbsp;

"At around 2:45 am today, three persons came to police station and&nbsp;disclosed that they've committed murder," Delhi Police told ANI.&nbsp;

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At around 2:45 am today,3 persons came to police station &amp; disclosed that they've committed murder. Police immediately rushed to spot to verify facts. House owner Mala Lakhani &amp; her servant Bahadur were found lying in a pool of blood:Delhi Police on Vasant Kunj double murder case
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062959898001096706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The police said they immediately rushed to the spot and found Lakhani and Bahadur lying there in a pool of blood.&nbsp;

PTI later quoted police as saying the three accused had killed Lakhani because of unpaid dues. Police added that they thought about running away but decided the police would harass their families if they did, and so they surrendered.&nbsp;

Fashion designer Mala Lakhani and her domestic help Bahadhur were murdered late Wednesday night in Delhi's Vasant Kunj. Three men have been arrested for the murder.

Fashion designer Mala Lakhani and her domestic help Bahadhur were murdered late Wednesday night in Delhi's Vasant Kunj. Three men have been arrested for the murder. Police said the men murdered Lakhani and Bahadur and robbed valuables from her home. "Lakhani had set up a workshop in her house for cutting and tailoring. Accused Rahul was working as a tailor master there. He along with his associates Rahmat and Wasim made a plan to murder. They stole valuables from the house," Delhi Police told ANI. The police added that after the killing, the three men left Lakhani's home in her car. But that they then went to the police station and confessed to their crime. At the station, Rahul, Rahmat, and Wasim told police that they had committed murder. "At around 2:45 am today, three persons came to police station and disclosed that they've committed murder," Delhi Police told ANI. At around 2:45 am today,3 persons came to police station & disclosed that they've committed murder. Police immediately rushed to spot to verify facts. House owner Mala Lakhani & her servant Bahadur were found lying in a pool of blood:Delhi Police on Vasant Kunj double murder case — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018 × The police said they immediately rushed to the spot and found Lakhani and Bahadur lying there in a pool of blood. PTI later quoted police as saying the three accused had killed Lakhani because of unpaid dues. Police added that they thought about running away but decided the police would harass their families if they did, and so they surrendered.

Delhi double murder: After killing, 3 accused went to police station & confessed

Asserting that India has been and will remain a long-term partner of Afghanistan, the Afghan finance minister has said that Kabul has no secret deal with New Delhi, while hoping that it can have a similar relationship with Pakistan.

"India has been a traditional and long-term partner of Afghanistan spanning over a couple of millennia more. Culturally, commercially in so many things, we have so much common heritage, so many common elements. They have been a long-term partner. They will remain a long-term partner," Afghan Finance Minister Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi told a Washington audience this week.

"Afghanistan has no secret deals with India. All of the relationship that we have is based on trust, based on two countries, based on two sovereign governments, two people that have a long history," he said, responding to a question at the School of Advanced International Studies of the Johns Hopkins University.

India and Afghanistan will continue to have strong cultural, educational ties as well as commercial ties, he said.

"Our hope is that we have a similar relationship with Pakistan. But I think it's Pakistan that has to decide what they would like to do as part of it in where they would like to be," the Afghan finance minister said early this week.

Noting that Pakistan has the sixth largest population in the world, yet, he said, it has an economy smaller than Israel. So, the conflict is not in the interest of Pakistan, he said.

For the betterment of the people of Pakistan, he said it would be helpful for Pakistan to have closer linkages and ties with India and Central Asia as a whole.

He said the South Asia region is ripe for being a very functioning economic ecosystem but right now it is the least integrated region of the world economically. "It's not helping anyone," Qayoumi said.

"We hope Pakistan can really see that as a way on how we can work together as a region, as equals, as sovereign nations, but also as a region that can have a future together successfully where economically and politically all areas can work together," he said.&nbsp;

Asserting that India has been and will remain a long-term partner of Afghanistan, the Afghan finance minister has said that Kabul has no secret deal with New Delhi, while hoping that it can have a similar relationship with Pakistan.

Asserting that India has been and will remain a long-term partner of Afghanistan, the Afghan finance minister has said that Kabul has no secret deal with New Delhi, while hoping that it can have a similar relationship with Pakistan. "India has been a traditional and long-term partner of Afghanistan spanning over a couple of millennia more. Culturally, commercially in so many things, we have so much common heritage, so many common elements. They have been a long-term partner. They will remain a long-term partner," Afghan Finance Minister Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi told a Washington audience this week. "Afghanistan has no secret deals with India. All of the relationship that we have is based on trust, based on two countries, based on two sovereign governments, two people that have a long history," he said, responding to a question at the School of Advanced International Studies of the Johns Hopkins University. India and Afghanistan will continue to have strong cultural, educational ties as well as commercial ties, he said. "Our hope is that we have a similar relationship with Pakistan. But I think it's Pakistan that has to decide what they would like to do as part of it in where they would like to be," the Afghan finance minister said early this week. Noting that Pakistan has the sixth largest population in the world, yet, he said, it has an economy smaller than Israel. So, the conflict is not in the interest of Pakistan, he said. For the betterment of the people of Pakistan, he said it would be helpful for Pakistan to have closer linkages and ties with India and Central Asia as a whole. He said the South Asia region is ripe for being a very functioning economic ecosystem but right now it is the least integrated region of the world economically. "It's not helping anyone," Qayoumi said. "We hope Pakistan can really see that as a way on how we can work together as a region, as equals, as sovereign nations, but also as a region that can have a future together successfully where economically and politically all areas can work together," he said.

India has been and will remain long-term partner: Afghan finance minister

Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the students wing of the RSS, has asked Delhi University Student Union president Ankiv Baisoya to step down from his post and also relieved him of all his responsibilities in the organisation till an inquiry is over in the alleged fake degree case.&nbsp;

Ankiv Baisoya won the DUSU elections in September, 2018. Soon after, the National Students Union of India (NSUI), the students wing of the Congress, and other student organizations started raising questions about the authenticity of Ankiv’s degree.&nbsp;

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We have asked DUSU President Ankiv Baisoya to resign from his post and also expelled him from all the responsibilities of the organization till the inquiry is over (in fake degree case): Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) <a href="https://t.co/6omJzXc5Dz">pic.twitter.com/6omJzXc5Dz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1063013177561149440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ankit's alma mater Thiruvalluvar University from where he claims to have the degree earlier said that Baisoya had never been a student of the university.&nbsp;

The registrar of Thiruvalluvar University in Tamil Nadu in October 2018&nbsp;&nbsp;wrote to the state’s principal secretary of education stating that Delhi University Students’ Union President Ankiv Baisoya had never been a student of the university as he claimed to be.&nbsp;

Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the students wing of the RSS, has asked Delhi University Student Union president Ankiv Baisoya to step down from his post and also relieved him of all his responsibilities in the organisation till an inquiry is over in the alleged fake degree case.

Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the students wing of the RSS, has asked Delhi University Student Union president Ankiv Baisoya to step down from his post and also relieved him of all his responsibilities in the organisation till an inquiry is over in the alleged fake degree case. Ankiv Baisoya won the DUSU elections in September, 2018. Soon after, the National Students Union of India (NSUI), the students wing of the Congress, and other student organizations started raising questions about the authenticity of Ankiv’s degree. We have asked DUSU President Ankiv Baisoya to resign from his post and also expelled him from all the responsibilities of the organization till the inquiry is over (in fake degree case): Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) pic.twitter.com/6omJzXc5Dz — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018 × Ankit's alma mater Thiruvalluvar University from where he claims to have the degree earlier said that Baisoya had never been a student of the university. The registrar of Thiruvalluvar University in Tamil Nadu in October 2018 wrote to the state’s principal secretary of education stating that Delhi University Students’ Union President Ankiv Baisoya had never been a student of the university as he claimed to be.

Fake degree row: ABVP asks Delhi University student leader Ankiv Baisoya to resign till probe is over

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that he has respect for the feelings of the devotees but is bound to implement Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala &nbsp;Temple issue.

''Supreme Court clearly says that the September 28 verdict stands. It means that the entry of women should be allowed. Government t cannot take any stand against this verdict,'' the Kerala CM said.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to give an urgent hearing to a petition seeking a stay on the top court`s order allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.

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Supreme Court clearly says that the September 28 verdict stands. It means that the entry of women should be allowed. Govt cannot take any stand against this verdict. We respect the feelings of the devotees. We are bound to implement court verdict: Kerala CM on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ud5pfGcviL">pic.twitter.com/Ud5pfGcviL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062985460484595712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi refused to take up the plea on an urgent basis and stated that the matter would be heard on January 22.&nbsp;

The apex court on Tuesday had agreed to hear review petitions against its September 28 verdict that lifted the age-old ban on entry of women in menstruating ages into the holy shrine of Lord Ayappa.&nbsp;

The bench comprising CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Justice RF Nariman, Justice AM Khanwilkar, Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justice Indu Malhotra is scheduled to hear 49 petitions on January 22.

The apex court`s order allowing all women entry into the shrine witnessed a string of protests last month.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that he has respect for the feelings of the devotees but is bound to implement Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala Temple issue.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that he has respect for the feelings of the devotees but is bound to implement Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala Temple issue. ''Supreme Court clearly says that the September 28 verdict stands. It means that the entry of women should be allowed. Government t cannot take any stand against this verdict,'' the Kerala CM said. The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to give an urgent hearing to a petition seeking a stay on the top court`s order allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. Supreme Court clearly says that the September 28 verdict stands. It means that the entry of women should be allowed. Govt cannot take any stand against this verdict. We respect the feelings of the devotees. We are bound to implement court verdict: Kerala CM on #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/Ud5pfGcviL — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018 × Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi refused to take up the plea on an urgent basis and stated that the matter would be heard on January 22. The apex court on Tuesday had agreed to hear review petitions against its September 28 verdict that lifted the age-old ban on entry of women in menstruating ages into the holy shrine of Lord Ayappa. The bench comprising CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Justice RF Nariman, Justice AM Khanwilkar, Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justice Indu Malhotra is scheduled to hear 49 petitions on January 22. The apex court`s order allowing all women entry into the shrine witnessed a string of protests last month.

'We are bound to implement Supreme Court verdict': Kerala CM on Sabarimala 

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Sachin Pilot on Thursday said that it was up to the party high command to decide from where he would be contesting the December 7 assembly elections.

On Wednesday, the Congress had announced that former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Pilot would be contesting the ensuing Rajasthan Assembly elections.

Ever since the announcement was made, the party workers from Jaipur, Bhilwara, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Bundi, Kota, and Tonk among others have been urging Pilot to contest from their areas.

However, Pilot stated that he had left the final decision on the party high command.

"It is the party's decision that I have to contest the elections. I am a diligent party worker. I have left the decision of choosing my constituency to the party," Pilot told ANI.

He further said that the party has done a lot of brainstorming over the list of candidates which will be out soon.

"It is a good sign that most of the leaders and party workers have agreed to the names the party has decided upon," he said.

Reacting to former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Harish Meena's decision to quit the ruling party and join the Congress, Pilot said, "If the senior leaders like Meena are so unhappy with the BJP, one can imagine about the plight of common people."

The assembly elections in Rajasthan will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7.

The counting of votes will take place on December 11.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Sachin Pilot on Thursday said that it was up to the party high command to decide from where he would be contesting the December 7 assembly elections.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) chief Sachin Pilot on Thursday said that it was up to the party high command to decide from where he would be contesting the December 7 assembly elections. On Wednesday, the Congress had announced that former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Pilot would be contesting the ensuing Rajasthan Assembly elections. Ever since the announcement was made, the party workers from Jaipur, Bhilwara, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Bundi, Kota, and Tonk among others have been urging Pilot to contest from their areas. However, Pilot stated that he had left the final decision on the party high command. "It is the party's decision that I have to contest the elections. I am a diligent party worker. I have left the decision of choosing my constituency to the party," Pilot told ANI. He further said that the party has done a lot of brainstorming over the list of candidates which will be out soon. "It is a good sign that most of the leaders and party workers have agreed to the names the party has decided upon," he said. Reacting to former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Harish Meena's decision to quit the ruling party and join the Congress, Pilot said, "If the senior leaders like Meena are so unhappy with the BJP, one can imagine about the plight of common people." The assembly elections in Rajasthan will take place in a single phase for all 200 seats on December 7. The counting of votes will take place on December 11.

Rajasthan polls: 'Party to decide my constituency', says Sachin Pilot

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to be the chief guest at the 2019 Republic Day parade here, sources said.

Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to US President Donald Trump, but he expressed his inability citing "scheduling conflicts."

Cyril Ramaphosa will be the second leader from South Africa to attend India's Republic Day parade as the chief guest.

Former President Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at the 1995 Republic Day parade.

South African President Ramaphosa is a follower of Mahatma Gandhi. A few months back, he led as many as 5,000 people at the annual 'Gandhi Walk'&nbsp;event organized at Lenasia, a few kilometers away from Johannesburg in an attempt to promote fitness and community awareness.India and South Africa are making efforts to develop bilateral relations in order to boost trade and investment relations.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg. During the meet, the two-state heads signed MoUs in the areas of defense, trade, culture, agriculture, and dairy cooperation.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to be the chief guest at the 2019 Republic Day parade here, sources said. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to US President Donald Trump, but he expressed his inability citing "scheduling conflicts.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to be the chief guest at the 2019 Republic Day parade here, sources said. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to US President Donald Trump, but he expressed his inability citing "scheduling conflicts." Cyril Ramaphosa will be the second leader from South Africa to attend India's Republic Day parade as the chief guest. Former President Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at the 1995 Republic Day parade. South African President Ramaphosa is a follower of Mahatma Gandhi. A few months back, he led as many as 5,000 people at the annual 'Gandhi Walk' event organized at Lenasia, a few kilometers away from Johannesburg in an attempt to promote fitness and community awareness.India and South Africa are making efforts to develop bilateral relations in order to boost trade and investment relations. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Johannesburg. During the meet, the two-state heads signed MoUs in the areas of defense, trade, culture, agriculture, and dairy cooperation.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa likely to be chief guest at Republic Day

Delhi High Court has adjourned AJL (Associated Journals limited) plea seeking quashing Centre's order of eviction and told the Centre to maintain status quo till the next hearing on November 22.&nbsp;

Associated journals limited, the publishers of National Herald newspaper moved Delhi high court after they were asked to handover the possession to the centre by November 15. While the centre also warned that AJL's failure to vacate the premises will result in penalisation under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971.&nbsp;

The plea states that Centre's order for eviction is illegal, unconstitutional arbitrary, tainted with malafide and without authority and jurisdiction. However senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi arguing for the publisher (AJL) said that the prosecution had ulterior political motives.&nbsp;

On December 4th, Supreme Court bench of Justices AK Sikri and SA Nazeer will hear Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi’s appeal challenging Delhi High Court's order which had dismissed their pleas against IT departments reopening of their tax assessments for the year 2011-2012.&nbsp;

Delhi High Court has adjourned AJL (Associated Journals limited) plea seeking quashing Centre's order of eviction and told the Centre to maintain status quo till the next hearing on November 22.

Delhi High Court has adjourned AJL (Associated Journals limited) plea seeking quashing Centre's order of eviction and told the Centre to maintain status quo till the next hearing on November 22. Associated journals limited, the publishers of National Herald newspaper moved Delhi high court after they were asked to handover the possession to the centre by November 15. While the centre also warned that AJL's failure to vacate the premises will result in penalisation under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971. The plea states that Centre's order for eviction is illegal, unconstitutional arbitrary, tainted with malafide and without authority and jurisdiction. However senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi arguing for the publisher (AJL) said that the prosecution had ulterior political motives. On December 4th, Supreme Court bench of Justices AK Sikri and SA Nazeer will hear Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi’s appeal challenging Delhi High Court's order which had dismissed their pleas against IT departments reopening of their tax assessments for the year 2011-2012.

National Herald case: Maintain status quo till the next hearing, High Court to Centre

PM Modi participates in ASEAN-India Breakfast Summit in Singapore

Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is richer by nearly Rs 5.5 crore, and acquired 16 acres of agricultural land during the past four years, according to the affidavit he filed along with his nomination for Gajwel Assembly constituency.

However, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti supremo, whose party symbol is a car, does not own one, according to the affidavit he filed Wednesday.

The total value of his movable and immovable assets stood at Rs 22.61 crore in the latest affidavit against Rs 15.95 crore in 2014.

His liabilities have grown by over Rs one crore to Rs 8.89 crore.It was Rs 7.87 crore in 2014, the affidavit says.

In the 2014 general elections, he showed that he owned 37.70 acres of agricultural land and the latest affidavit says that it is 54.24 acres.

Rao says he is facing as many as 64 criminal cases related to the separate Telangana agitation.They are in various stages.

Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is richer by nearly Rs 5.5 crore, and acquired 16 acres of agricultural land during the past four years, according to the affidavit he filed along with his nomination for Gajwel Assembly constituency.

Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is richer by nearly Rs 5.5 crore, and acquired 16 acres of agricultural land during the past four years, according to the affidavit he filed along with his nomination for Gajwel Assembly constituency. However, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti supremo, whose party symbol is a car, does not own one, according to the affidavit he filed Wednesday. The total value of his movable and immovable assets stood at Rs 22.61 crore in the latest affidavit against Rs 15.95 crore in 2014. His liabilities have grown by over Rs one crore to Rs 8.89 crore.It was Rs 7.87 crore in 2014, the affidavit says. In the 2014 general elections, he showed that he owned 37.70 acres of agricultural land and the latest affidavit says that it is 54.24 acres. Rao says he is facing as many as 64 criminal cases related to the separate Telangana agitation.They are in various stages.

Telangana election: TRS chief richer by Rs 5.5 Crore but owns no car

The Telangana Police is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to check possible "desperate action" by the outlawed CPI (Maoists) in districts bordering Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra in the run-up to the state Assembly elections on December 7.

The police anticipate that the Maoists might resort to some desperate action just to "create some sensation" and "prove their existence", top officials said, citing intelligence inputs.

Police say they have put in place all necessary security measures to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.

According to police, Maoists have been almost decimated in Telangana and their activities virtually are nil in the state, but, given the election season, police apprehend some threat (possibility of some offence) from the Maoist "action teams", in very few places particularly in the Bhadrachalam region that borders Chhattisgarh.

As per election notification, 13 of the 119 Assembly segments have been identified as sensitive to Left wing extremism (LWE), where election authorities will hold polling between 7 am and 4 pm.

"But our action teams are ready and we can thwart any attempt by the outlaws to create trouble. Our Greyhounds (elite anti-Naxal force) is adequately placed and we are going ahead with a multi-pronged strategy to ensure incident-free elections," a top police official said.

"We are fully ready to tackle any kind of threat," Inspector General of Police (North Zone) Y Nagi Reddy said.

In view of the electioneering, security has been beefed up, combing operations have been further stepped up and roads have been cleared and counter-action teams are on the move, he said.

Similarly, for the polling also security measures will be carried out.

Security arrangements are in place with deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), state forces and Greyhounds, the official said, adding "lot of area domination will be there and with regard to polling stations additional security will be there".

In the wake of posters and banners purportedly written by Maoists appealing to locals to boycott the ensuing assembly elections surfacing in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, another senior police official said, "They will try to prove their existence and give a call to boycott polls."

A few days ago a four-member "action team" of ultras had entered Bhupalpally district, but after noticing police parties they escaped, he said.

"There are some credible inputs that Maoists are trying to carry out some offence in the area during elections by sending some action teams...They are trying and they are desperate to do some offence... We are working on that and ensuring they are not successful," he added.

On VIP movement and politicians who are canvassing for elections, the official said their security has been beefed up and all security-related precautions are being followed.&nbsp;

The Telangana Police is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to check possible "desperate action" by the outlawed CPI (Maoists) in districts bordering Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra in the run-up to the state Assembly elections on December 7.

The Telangana Police is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to check possible "desperate action" by the outlawed CPI (Maoists) in districts bordering Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra in the run-up to the state Assembly elections on December 7. The police anticipate that the Maoists might resort to some desperate action just to "create some sensation" and "prove their existence", top officials said, citing intelligence inputs. Police say they have put in place all necessary security measures to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections. According to police, Maoists have been almost decimated in Telangana and their activities virtually are nil in the state, but, given the election season, police apprehend some threat (possibility of some offence) from the Maoist "action teams", in very few places particularly in the Bhadrachalam region that borders Chhattisgarh. As per election notification, 13 of the 119 Assembly segments have been identified as sensitive to Left wing extremism (LWE), where election authorities will hold polling between 7 am and 4 pm. "But our action teams are ready and we can thwart any attempt by the outlaws to create trouble. Our Greyhounds (elite anti-Naxal force) is adequately placed and we are going ahead with a multi-pronged strategy to ensure incident-free elections," a top police official said. "We are fully ready to tackle any kind of threat," Inspector General of Police (North Zone) Y Nagi Reddy said. In view of the electioneering, security has been beefed up, combing operations have been further stepped up and roads have been cleared and counter-action teams are on the move, he said. Similarly, for the polling also security measures will be carried out. Security arrangements are in place with deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), state forces and Greyhounds, the official said, adding "lot of area domination will be there and with regard to polling stations additional security will be there". In the wake of posters and banners purportedly written by Maoists appealing to locals to boycott the ensuing assembly elections surfacing in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, another senior police official said, "They will try to prove their existence and give a call to boycott polls." A few days ago a four-member "action team" of ultras had entered Bhupalpally district, but after noticing police parties they escaped, he said. "There are some credible inputs that Maoists are trying to carry out some offence in the area during elections by sending some action teams...They are trying and they are desperate to do some offence... We are working on that and ensuring they are not successful," he added. On VIP movement and politicians who are canvassing for elections, the official said their security has been beefed up and all security-related precautions are being followed.

Telangana polls: Police adopting multi-pronged strategy to tackle Maoist threat

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has released the second list of candidates for the upcoming state assembly elections.

The list includes names of former minister Danam Nagendar from Khairatabad constituency and MP C H Malla Reddy from Medchal constituency.

Nagender served as a minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh from the Congress party and joined the TRS in June this year, while Malla Reddy is a Member of Parliament (MP) from Malkajgiri.

The party had, in September, declared the candidates for 107 assembly constituencies.

Names of candidates for two constituencies are awaited.

The state will go to polls on December 7, while the results will be announced on December 11.The 119-member assembly was dissolved on September 6, 2018, on the recommendation of the ruling K Chandrasekhar Rao-led TRS government.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has released the second list of candidates for the upcoming state assembly elections. The list includes names of former minister Danam Nagendar from Khairatabad constituency and MP C H Malla Reddy from Medchal constituency.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has released the second list of candidates for the upcoming state assembly elections. The list includes names of former minister Danam Nagendar from Khairatabad constituency and MP C H Malla Reddy from Medchal constituency. Nagender served as a minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh from the Congress party and joined the TRS in June this year, while Malla Reddy is a Member of Parliament (MP) from Malkajgiri. The party had, in September, declared the candidates for 107 assembly constituencies. Names of candidates for two constituencies are awaited. The state will go to polls on December 7, while the results will be announced on December 11.The 119-member assembly was dissolved on September 6, 2018, on the recommendation of the ruling K Chandrasekhar Rao-led TRS government.

TRS releases 2nd list of candidates for Telangana polls

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday took a potshot at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, labeling him as "a confused person" and questioning his ability to lead the nation.

Addressing an election rally in Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan said, "Rahul Baba doesn't even know whether onion grows in the field. He is confused. He says that my son's name cropped up in Panama Papers case. We are mere farmers. We don't even know what Panama is. When I asked for proof, he apologized, saying that he was confused. Can confused people like him run a government?"

He also came down heavily on the Congress leader and Madhya Pradesh unit chief Kamal Nath for his comments regarding women candidates, saying that his party did not hand out tickets to women just for the sake of fulfilling a quota or for decoration.

"This is India. You need to understand Indian culture, where mothers, daughters, sisters are kept at a very high pedestal. In this country, which respects women, you compared them to decorative things. This is an insult to our women, which will not be tolerated," Chouhan said.

He also attacked indirectly Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia for his royal background, saying "Congress leaders are angry because I am a farmer's son and they come from a family of kings. They think how this man has been the chief minister for so many years when the responsibility of governance has traditionally been with them. They are angry because I do good for the people. I pay their bills. I give books for students. They are very angry."

The state will go to polls on November 28 to elect 230 members of the legislative assembly.

The results will be declared on December 11.

The Congress has been out of power in the state since 2004. Chouhan, who has held the chief minister's post since 2005, will contest from Budhni constituency, where the Congress has fielded Arun Yadav to take on him.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday took a potshot at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, labeling him as "a confused person" and questioning his ability to lead the nation.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday took a potshot at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, labeling him as "a confused person" and questioning his ability to lead the nation. Addressing an election rally in Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan said, "Rahul Baba doesn't even know whether onion grows in the field. He is confused. He says that my son's name cropped up in Panama Papers case. We are mere farmers. We don't even know what Panama is. When I asked for proof, he apologized, saying that he was confused. Can confused people like him run a government?" He also came down heavily on the Congress leader and Madhya Pradesh unit chief Kamal Nath for his comments regarding women candidates, saying that his party did not hand out tickets to women just for the sake of fulfilling a quota or for decoration. "This is India. You need to understand Indian culture, where mothers, daughters, sisters are kept at a very high pedestal. In this country, which respects women, you compared them to decorative things. This is an insult to our women, which will not be tolerated," Chouhan said. He also attacked indirectly Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia for his royal background, saying "Congress leaders are angry because I am a farmer's son and they come from a family of kings. They think how this man has been the chief minister for so many years when the responsibility of governance has traditionally been with them. They are angry because I do good for the people. I pay their bills. I give books for students. They are very angry." The state will go to polls on November 28 to elect 230 members of the legislative assembly. The results will be declared on December 11. The Congress has been out of power in the state since 2004. Chouhan, who has held the chief minister's post since 2005, will contest from Budhni constituency, where the Congress has fielded Arun Yadav to take on him.

Rahul Gandhi a confused person, can't run government: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Washington, Nov 14 (PTI) Prominent Indian-American lawyer Neomi Rao has been nominated by US President Donald Trump to fill Justice Brett Kavanaugh's seat on the powerful DC Circuit Court of Appeals.

Trump during Diwali celebrations on Tuesday at the historic Roosevelt Room of the White House announced the nomination of the 45-year-old regulatory czar for the DC Circuit which is considered next to the US Supreme Court.

And, if confirmed by the Senate, Rao, who is currently administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), would be the second Indian-American judge in this powerful court after judge Sree Srinivasan, who was appointed during the previous Obama regime.

"She is going to be fantastic. Great person," Trump said on his nominee. 
Rao would fill the seat vacated by Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh, who served on the appeals court for 12 years.

A formal announcement on her nomination is expected to be made by the White House on Wednesday.

"I just nominated Rao to be on the DC circuit court of appeals, the seat of justice Brett Kavanaugh. That could be a big story," Trump announced.

Rao thanked the president for the "confidence" he has shown in her by nominating her to the powerful US court.

Trump made the announcement in the presence of his top Indian-American officials and Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna.

Called the 'regulatory czar' of Trump administration in her current capacity, she oversees implementation of the administration's deregulatory agenda and regulation-related executive orders.

She was confirmed by the Senate with a 54-41 vote in July 2017 to head the OIRA and is known among legal circles as a highly respected administrative law scholar who has distinguished herself for her right-of-centre views, media reports stated.

A former clerk for conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Rao was recommended for the post by former White House counsel Don McGahn. Trump's nomination of Rao is in recognition of her contribution in cutting down regulations.

Rao has previously served in all three branches of the federal government, and before taking on her current role in the executive branch, she was associate counsel and special assistant to the president for the George W Bush administration.

She has been known for promoting separation of powers in the three branches of government. Prior to joining the Trump administration in July 2017.

A graduate of Yale University and the University of Chicago Law School, Rao also worked in the private sector, in the international arbitration group of the London-based law firm, Clifford Chance LLP.

Born to Zerin Rao and Jehangir Narioshang Rao, both Parsi physicians from India, Rao grew up in Michigan and did her schooling from Detroit High School. She is married to Alan Lefkowitz and the couple has two children.&nbsp;

Kavanaugh has been embroiled in a bitter battle to stave off claims of sexual assault, which he denies.&nbsp;

Washington, Nov 14 (PTI) Prominent Indian-American lawyer Neomi Rao has been nominated by US President Donald Trump to fill Justice Brett Kavanaugh's seat on the powerful DC Circuit Court of Appeals.

Washington, Nov 14 (PTI) Prominent Indian-American lawyer Neomi Rao has been nominated by US President Donald Trump to fill Justice Brett Kavanaugh's seat on the powerful DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Trump during Diwali celebrations on Tuesday at the historic Roosevelt Room of the White House announced the nomination of the 45-year-old regulatory czar for the DC Circuit which is considered next to the US Supreme Court. And, if confirmed by the Senate, Rao, who is currently administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), would be the second Indian-American judge in this powerful court after judge Sree Srinivasan, who was appointed during the previous Obama regime. "She is going to be fantastic. Great person," Trump said on his nominee. Rao would fill the seat vacated by Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh, who served on the appeals court for 12 years. A formal announcement on her nomination is expected to be made by the White House on Wednesday. "I just nominated Rao to be on the DC circuit court of appeals, the seat of justice Brett Kavanaugh. That could be a big story," Trump announced. Rao thanked the president for the "confidence" he has shown in her by nominating her to the powerful US court. Trump made the announcement in the presence of his top Indian-American officials and Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna. Called the 'regulatory czar' of Trump administration in her current capacity, she oversees implementation of the administration's deregulatory agenda and regulation-related executive orders. She was confirmed by the Senate with a 54-41 vote in July 2017 to head the OIRA and is known among legal circles as a highly respected administrative law scholar who has distinguished herself for her right-of-centre views, media reports stated. A former clerk for conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Rao was recommended for the post by former White House counsel Don McGahn. Trump's nomination of Rao is in recognition of her contribution in cutting down regulations. Rao has previously served in all three branches of the federal government, and before taking on her current role in the executive branch, she was associate counsel and special assistant to the president for the George W Bush administration. She has been known for promoting separation of powers in the three branches of government. Prior to joining the Trump administration in July 2017. A graduate of Yale University and the University of Chicago Law School, Rao also worked in the private sector, in the international arbitration group of the London-based law firm, Clifford Chance LLP. Born to Zerin Rao and Jehangir Narioshang Rao, both Parsi physicians from India, Rao grew up in Michigan and did her schooling from Detroit High School. She is married to Alan Lefkowitz and the couple has two children. Kavanaugh has been embroiled in a bitter battle to stave off claims of sexual assault, which he denies.

Trump picks Indian-American Neomi Rao to replace Brett Kavanaugh on DC Circuit Court of Appeals

Five security personnel and one civilian were injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast here in Bijapur district on Wednesday.

The incident took place at around 9:00 am in a truck carrying Border Security Forces (BSF) troops of 414 Adhoc Batallion in the Bijapur Ghatti.

Out of the five security personnel injured, four of them belonged to BSF while one person was from District Reserve Guard (DRG).

Elaborating upon the incident, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Naxal Operation) P Sundarraj said, "4 BSF jawans, one DRG and one civilian have been injured in IED blast in Bijapur Ghatti (7 kms from Bijapur). All injured have been admitted to a hospital in Bijapur."

According to initial reports, all the injured are out of danger and would be airlifted to Raipur if required. No polling personnel was there during the incident.

The exchange of fire is underway between security forces and Naxals. The situation is under control, Sundarraj added.

More details are awaited. On Monday, two Naxals were killed in the encounter with security forces, just a few hours after voting in the first phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections concluded.

The gunfight had begun at around 6 pm between the District Reserve Guards (DRG) Sukma and the Naxals near Mudwal village. The Naxals were killed and two rifles were recovered.

Meanwhile, two suspected Naxals were taken into custody for interrogation after an encounter took place in Sukma.In another incident, three CoBRA personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) suffered bullet wounds in a gun battle with the Naxals in Chhattisgarh`s Majiguda village.

Although the first phase of voting in Chhattisgarh was conducted smoothly and saw a significant voter turnout, voters in a village in Dantewada district were seen removing the electoral ink mark from their fingers, fearing their lives.

Naxals in the region near the Indrawati River of Dantewada had threatened to chop off the fingers of villagers if they cast their votes. But despite the threat, a large number of people visited polling booths to exercise their franchise.

The first phase of Assembly elections was held in Chhattisgarh on November 12, where 18 seats went to polls, out of which 12 are reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat.

The remaining 72 constituencies in the state will go to polls on November 20, while the result of the Assembly polls will be announced on December 11.

Five security personnel and one civilian were injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast here in Bijapur district on Wednesday. The incident took place at around 9:00 am in a truck carrying Border Security Forces (BSF) troops of 414 Adhoc Batallion in the Bijapur Ghatti.

Five security personnel and one civilian were injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast here in Bijapur district on Wednesday. The incident took place at around 9:00 am in a truck carrying Border Security Forces (BSF) troops of 414 Adhoc Batallion in the Bijapur Ghatti. Out of the five security personnel injured, four of them belonged to BSF while one person was from District Reserve Guard (DRG). Elaborating upon the incident, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Naxal Operation) P Sundarraj said, "4 BSF jawans, one DRG and one civilian have been injured in IED blast in Bijapur Ghatti (7 kms from Bijapur). All injured have been admitted to a hospital in Bijapur." According to initial reports, all the injured are out of danger and would be airlifted to Raipur if required. No polling personnel was there during the incident. The exchange of fire is underway between security forces and Naxals. The situation is under control, Sundarraj added. More details are awaited. On Monday, two Naxals were killed in the encounter with security forces, just a few hours after voting in the first phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections concluded. The gunfight had begun at around 6 pm between the District Reserve Guards (DRG) Sukma and the Naxals near Mudwal village. The Naxals were killed and two rifles were recovered. Meanwhile, two suspected Naxals were taken into custody for interrogation after an encounter took place in Sukma.In another incident, three CoBRA personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) suffered bullet wounds in a gun battle with the Naxals in Chhattisgarh`s Majiguda village. Although the first phase of voting in Chhattisgarh was conducted smoothly and saw a significant voter turnout, voters in a village in Dantewada district were seen removing the electoral ink mark from their fingers, fearing their lives. Naxals in the region near the Indrawati River of Dantewada had threatened to chop off the fingers of villagers if they cast their votes. But despite the threat, a large number of people visited polling booths to exercise their franchise. The first phase of Assembly elections was held in Chhattisgarh on November 12, where 18 seats went to polls, out of which 12 are reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat. The remaining 72 constituencies in the state will go to polls on November 20, while the result of the Assembly polls will be announced on December 11.

Chhattisgarh: 5 security personnel, 1 civilian injured in Bijapur IED blast

The Supreme Court on Wednesday began examining the documents submitted by the Centre on the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph is holding the crucial hearing in the case during which the petitioners, who have sought a court-monitored investigation into the deal, will also make submissions.

The initial arguments are being commenced by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma, who told the court that the Inter Government Agreement was "illegal" and sought an investigation in the matter.

The bench is likely to peruse the pricing details submitted by the government in a sealed cover.

On Monday, the Centre handed over a 14-page document to the Supreme Court came after discussions between Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Attorney General KK Venugopal, reports said.

The court had earlier directed the central government to apprise it of the steps taken in the decision-making process related to the Rafale Deal.

The petitioners are likely to respond to the contents of the documents in which it has been stated by the government that the deal for 36 Rafale jets were negotiated on "better terms" and the Defence Procurement Procedure laid out in 2013 were "completely followed".

(With inputs from PTI)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday began examining the documents submitted by the Centre on the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph is holding the crucial hearing in the case during which the petitioners, who have sought a court-monitored investigation into the deal, will also make submissions.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday began examining the documents submitted by the Centre on the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph is holding the crucial hearing in the case during which the petitioners, who have sought a court-monitored investigation into the deal, will also make submissions. The initial arguments are being commenced by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma, who told the court that the Inter Government Agreement was "illegal" and sought an investigation in the matter. The bench is likely to peruse the pricing details submitted by the government in a sealed cover. On Monday, the Centre handed over a 14-page document to the Supreme Court came after discussions between Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Attorney General KK Venugopal, reports said. The court had earlier directed the central government to apprise it of the steps taken in the decision-making process related to the Rafale Deal. The petitioners are likely to respond to the contents of the documents in which it has been stated by the government that the deal for 36 Rafale jets were negotiated on "better terms" and the Defence Procurement Procedure laid out in 2013 were "completely followed". (With inputs from PTI)

Rafale deal: Supreme Court begins hearing, petitioners to respond to Centre’s documents

India's heaviest rocket, the GSLV-MkIII-D2, blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh at 5.08 pm on Wednesday. It carried the GSAT-29 communication satellite on board.

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the GSLV-MkIII stands 43.4 metres tall and weighs 640 tonnes.

The GSAT-29 satellite on board will boost communications in remote areas.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSLVMkIIID2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLVMkIIID2</a> launches <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT29?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT29</a>. Credit goes to entire <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROTeam</a> for this achievement, says Dr K Sivan, Chairman. <a href="https://t.co/qrXLpIKa4U">pic.twitter.com/qrXLpIKa4U</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1062677098693685250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This satellite will aid the communication needs of Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast&nbsp;region under Digital India programme of Government of India, said K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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This particular satellite is going to provide services to remote place in India, especially in J&amp;K&amp;northeast India under Digital India program of GoI:K Sivan Chairman ISRO after successful launch of GSLV-MK-III D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite from SDSC in Sriharikota.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/oYDrbXbJFN">pic.twitter.com/oYDrbXbJFN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062679820121919488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The countdown for the rocket launch began at 2.50 p.m. on Tuesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Update #4<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a> 
The filling of fuel (UH25) and oxidiser (N2O4) in L110 stage has been completed for today's 17:08 (IST) launch of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSLVMkIIID2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLVMkIIID2</a> carrying <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT29?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT29</a> from SDSC SHAR Sriharikota. Watch this space for all updates.<a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/QCINRlY7iP">pic.twitter.com/QCINRlY7iP</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1062575000278822917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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With a design life of 10 years, the GSAT-29 satellite carries Ka/Ku-band high throughput communication transponders intended to meet the communication requirements of users including those in remote areas.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Update #8<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISROMissions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISROMissions</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSLVMkIIID2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSLVMkIIID2</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSAT29?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSAT29</a> 
 
Watch the live telecast on <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNational?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNational</a> at 16:45 (IST) and live streaming on our website <a href="https://t.co/PM74Oc8f2u">https://t.co/PM74Oc8f2u</a> 
 
Updates to follow. <a href="https://t.co/H8neLg2rXm">pic.twitter.com/H8neLg2rXm</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1062631651816046592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In addition, several new technologies such as Q/V-band payload, data transmission through optical communication link will be demonstrated. This will help in realising future advanced satellites, ISRO said.

This is 33rd communication satellite built by ISRO and fifth in 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India's heaviest rocket, the GSLV-MkIII-D2, blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh at 5.08 pm on Wednesday. It carried the GSAT-29 communication satellite on board.

India's heaviest rocket, the GSLV-MkIII-D2, blasted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh at 5.08 pm on Wednesday. It carried the GSAT-29 communication satellite on board. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the GSLV-MkIII stands 43.4 metres tall and weighs 640 tonnes. The GSAT-29 satellite on board will boost communications in remote areas. #ISROMissions #GSLVMkIIID2 launches #GSAT29. Credit goes to entire #ISROTeam for this achievement, says Dr K Sivan, Chairman. pic.twitter.com/qrXLpIKa4U — ISRO (@isro) November 14, 2018 × This satellite will aid the communication needs of Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast region under Digital India programme of Government of India, said K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO. This particular satellite is going to provide services to remote place in India, especially in J&K&northeast India under Digital India program of GoI:K Sivan Chairman ISRO after successful launch of GSLV-MK-III D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite from SDSC in Sriharikota.#AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/oYDrbXbJFN — ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2018 × The countdown for the rocket launch began at 2.50 p.m. on Tuesday. Update #4#ISROMissions The filling of fuel (UH25) and oxidiser (N2O4) in L110 stage has been completed for today's 17:08 (IST) launch of #GSLVMkIIID2 carrying #GSAT29 from SDSC SHAR Sriharikota. Watch this space for all updates.@PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/QCINRlY7iP — ISRO (@isro) November 14, 2018 × With a design life of 10 years, the GSAT-29 satellite carries Ka/Ku-band high throughput communication transponders intended to meet the communication requirements of users including those in remote areas. Update #8#ISROMissions#GSLVMkIIID2#GSAT29 Watch the live telecast on @DDNational at 16:45 (IST) and live streaming on our website https://t.co/PM74Oc8f2u Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/H8neLg2rXm — ISRO (@isro) November 14, 2018 × In addition, several new technologies such as Q/V-band payload, data transmission through optical communication link will be demonstrated. This will help in realising future advanced satellites, ISRO said. This is 33rd communication satellite built by ISRO and fifth in 2018.

ISRO launches India's heaviest rocket, satellite on board will aid communications

Pink colour which largely represents women in certain categories has become a subject of controversy in the run-up to Telangana elections as the Election Commission decided to continue to use the colour for ballot papers on EVMs in the December 7 Assembly polls.

The colour 'gives jitters' to the Congress as K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samiti uses pink as the party's official colour scheme for all its promotional material.

Leaders including KCR always wear pink scarf around their neck during party functions.

There were representations to the Election Commission from Congress not to use the colour as they feel it may influence voters towards the TRS party.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief spokesperson Dasoju Sravan sarcastically said, "The Commission seems to have been infected with some pink disease."

Sravan alleged that the Commission represented by the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer issued orders for printing 90 lakh ballot papers in 'pink' colour.

"We openly raised red flag opposing the introduction of pink ballot papers that it would give undue electoral advantage to TRS.

However, the Election Commission in Telangana has taken no action to stop those violations rather the aforesaid illegal decision is reinforced ignoring the open plea made by us," he said.

Reacting to the development Chief Electoral officer Rajat Kumar Monday said the EC has decided to hold the elections with pink-coloured ballot papers pasted on EVMs but the voter slips would be in white colour, according to the provisions of the Representation of People's Act.

"The Representation of the People Act has to be amended for changing the colour of the ballot paper," he noted.

However, TRS has a reason for choosing Pink as its party's colour.

TRS MP Vinod Kumar said pink represents peace and love and in 2001 when separate Telangana movement was started by KCR, they decided to use it for the same reason.

"Those who object using pink ballot papers should go and ask former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Because during his time in 1952 , it was decided that white would be used for Parliament and pink for Assembly ballot papers," Vinod Kumar said.

The Election Symbol of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, is "Car" and is usually drawn on a pink-coloured rectangular party flag.

Pink colour which largely represents women in certain categories has become a subject of controversy in the run-up to Telangana elections as the Election Commission decided to continue to use the colour for ballot papers on EVMs in the December 7 Assembly polls.

Pink colour which largely represents women in certain categories has become a subject of controversy in the run-up to Telangana elections as the Election Commission decided to continue to use the colour for ballot papers on EVMs in the December 7 Assembly polls. The colour 'gives jitters' to the Congress as K Chandrasekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samiti uses pink as the party's official colour scheme for all its promotional material. Leaders including KCR always wear pink scarf around their neck during party functions. There were representations to the Election Commission from Congress not to use the colour as they feel it may influence voters towards the TRS party. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief spokesperson Dasoju Sravan sarcastically said, "The Commission seems to have been infected with some pink disease." Sravan alleged that the Commission represented by the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer issued orders for printing 90 lakh ballot papers in 'pink' colour. "We openly raised red flag opposing the introduction of pink ballot papers that it would give undue electoral advantage to TRS. However, the Election Commission in Telangana has taken no action to stop those violations rather the aforesaid illegal decision is reinforced ignoring the open plea made by us," he said. Reacting to the development Chief Electoral officer Rajat Kumar Monday said the EC has decided to hold the elections with pink-coloured ballot papers pasted on EVMs but the voter slips would be in white colour, according to the provisions of the Representation of People's Act. "The Representation of the People Act has to be amended for changing the colour of the ballot paper," he noted. However, TRS has a reason for choosing Pink as its party's colour. TRS MP Vinod Kumar said pink represents peace and love and in 2001 when separate Telangana movement was started by KCR, they decided to use it for the same reason. "Those who object using pink ballot papers should go and ask former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Because during his time in 1952 , it was decided that white would be used for Parliament and pink for Assembly ballot papers," Vinod Kumar said. The Election Symbol of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, is "Car" and is usually drawn on a pink-coloured rectangular party flag.

Telangana polls: 'Pink fight' over ballot paper colour

An Irish woman passenger on board Air India flight verbally abuses the crew after she was refused more wine.

The incident took place on November 10 when Air India flight was on its way to London from Mumbai.

A drunk business class passenger went on a rant onboard a London-bound Air India flight after the crew refused to serve her any more alcohol.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> An Irish national on board Air India London-Mumbai flight verbally abuses the crew after she was refused more wine. The incident took place on November 10. (Note: Strong language) <a href="https://t.co/bdZWico5Qq">pic.twitter.com/bdZWico5Qq</a>
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The passenger was arrested after the flight landed in London's Heathrow airport and is currently in custody.

An Irish woman passenger on board Air India flight verbally abuses the crew after she was refused more wine. The incident took place on November 10 when Air India flight was on its way to London from Mumbai.

An Irish woman passenger on board Air India flight verbally abuses the crew after she was refused more wine. The incident took place on November 10 when Air India flight was on its way to London from Mumbai. A drunk business class passenger went on a rant onboard a London-bound Air India flight after the crew refused to serve her any more alcohol. #WATCH An Irish national on board Air India London-Mumbai flight verbally abuses the crew after she was refused more wine. The incident took place on November 10. (Note: Strong language) pic.twitter.com/bdZWico5Qq — ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2018 × The passenger was arrested after the flight landed in London's Heathrow airport and is currently in custody.

Video: Drunk Irish woman abuses Air India crew after being denied alcohol

The BJP on Wednesday launched an attack on Rahul Gandhi over his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-probe-will-throw-up-names-of-modi-ambani-rahul-gandhi-177380">comments made during a rally in Chhattisgarh earlier in the day</a>. Union Minister of State for external affairs VK Singh said that those who are levelling accusations over Rafale deal are "illiterate."

"Those who are making accusations are illiterate. They don't have any knowledge about it. So it won't be right to further comment on it," Singh told media.&nbsp;

Over the involvement of Reliance group in the Rafale deal, Singh stated that the authorities from the group have already spoken on the issue and that there is no point dragging the matter, taking names, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Singh's remarks came after Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday stated that a probe into the procurement of Rafale fighter jets from France would throw up names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Anil Ambani; Gandhi was addressing a rally in Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

Gandhi also claimed the NDA government bought the planes at Rs 1,600 crore a piece as against the Rs 526 crore for each aircraft fixed by the Congress-led UPA government.

Rahul Gandhi's comments came on a day the Supreme Court said a discussion on the pricing of the Rafale jets can only take place if the facts of the deal are allowed to come into the public domain.

The apex court, which began its hearing on pleas seeking a court-monitored probe into the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, also said it would like to hear from an Air Force officer and not an official of the Defence Ministry.

"The CBI director (Alok Verma) initiated a probe in the Rafale deal. The prime minister removed him at 12 in the night. I am telling you, the day a probe will begin in Rafale deal, two names will surface: Anil Ambani and Narendra Modi," Gandhi told the gathering.

On former French president Francois Hollande's comments in French media that the Indian government had proposed Reliance Defence as a partner for Dassault Aviation in the deal and that France did not have a choice, Gandhi said Modi named Ambani's company as Dassault's partner in the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale deal, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The Modi government chose Ambani's "inexperienced" company over the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) which has a long experience in the aerospace and defence sector, PTI quoted the Congress president.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The BJP on Wednesday launched an attack on Rahul Gandhi over his comments made during a rally in Chhattisgarh earlier in the day. Union Minister of State for external affairs VK Singh said that those who are levelling accusations over Rafale deal are "illiterate.

The BJP on Wednesday launched an attack on Rahul Gandhi over his comments made during a rally in Chhattisgarh earlier in the day. Union Minister of State for external affairs VK Singh said that those who are levelling accusations over Rafale deal are "illiterate." "Those who are making accusations are illiterate. They don't have any knowledge about it. So it won't be right to further comment on it," Singh told media. Over the involvement of Reliance group in the Rafale deal, Singh stated that the authorities from the group have already spoken on the issue and that there is no point dragging the matter, taking names, news agency ANI reported. Singh's remarks came after Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday stated that a probe into the procurement of Rafale fighter jets from France would throw up names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Anil Ambani; Gandhi was addressing a rally in Chhattisgarh. Gandhi also claimed the NDA government bought the planes at Rs 1,600 crore a piece as against the Rs 526 crore for each aircraft fixed by the Congress-led UPA government. Rahul Gandhi's comments came on a day the Supreme Court said a discussion on the pricing of the Rafale jets can only take place if the facts of the deal are allowed to come into the public domain. The apex court, which began its hearing on pleas seeking a court-monitored probe into the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, also said it would like to hear from an Air Force officer and not an official of the Defence Ministry. "The CBI director (Alok Verma) initiated a probe in the Rafale deal. The prime minister removed him at 12 in the night. I am telling you, the day a probe will begin in Rafale deal, two names will surface: Anil Ambani and Narendra Modi," Gandhi told the gathering. On former French president Francois Hollande's comments in French media that the Indian government had proposed Reliance Defence as a partner for Dassault Aviation in the deal and that France did not have a choice, Gandhi said Modi named Ambani's company as Dassault's partner in the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale deal, news agency PTI reported. The Modi government chose Ambani's "inexperienced" company over the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) which has a long experience in the aerospace and defence sector, PTI quoted the Congress president. (With inputs from agencies)

Those making accusations over Rafale deal are 'ílliterate': Union Minister VK Singh

Days after the Moscow meet on Afghanistan — in which the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-future-of-afghanistan-will-be-won-through-peace-talks-with-taliban-161009">Taliban</a> participated — Russia has said it would like a higher-level Indian presence at the talks but added that any level of Indian participation is welcomed.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said, "India is welcomed at any level of its preference. The higher the level, the better, that is what I can say. But any level of Indian participation is welcomed. India is welcomed anytime at anywhere."

India participated at the Moscow meet on Afghanistan at a non-official level by sending former diplomats who have served in the Af-Pak region. Amar Sinha, who was India's envoy to Afghanistan, and TCA Raghavan, who was India's envoy to Pakistan, represented India at the Moscow talks.&nbsp;

India's participation at the meet has been called a departure from official New Delhi policy on engagement with the Taliban — India has not engaged with the Taliban with the exception of duing the 1999 hijacking of IC 814.&nbsp;

The MEA however has denied any departure in policy with MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar saying in his weekly press briefing that India will support any effort which is "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and also with the participation of the government of Afghanistan".

The Moscow meet on Afghanistan, which took place on November 9, saw participation by Afghanistan, Russia, the US, Iran, Pakistan, India, Central Asian countries, and the Taliban. Afghanistan was represented by High Peace Council (a body of the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program which was established by Hamid Karzai to negotiate with elements of the Taliban.)&nbsp;

This was the first time the Taliban participated in the meet.

The Russian ambassador also lauded India-Russia ties, saying "they are specially privileged strategic relationship and they will remain to be so". &nbsp;

Kudashev added that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are "not just political partners, not just strategic partners, they are friends".&nbsp;

Asked if Modi and Putin will be meeting before the year-end, he said, "I will not be surprised if they meet one another at the earliest."&nbsp;

The two leaders have met three times in 2018 — first at the informal Sochi meeting, then in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, and then in Delhi for the annual India-Russia Summit.

Days after the Moscow meet on Afghanistan — in which the Taliban participated — Russia has said it would like a higher-level Indian presence at the talks but added that any level of Indian participation is welcomed.

Days after the Moscow meet on Afghanistan — in which the Taliban participated — Russia has said it would like a higher-level Indian presence at the talks but added that any level of Indian participation is welcomed. Speaking exclusively to WION, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said, "India is welcomed at any level of its preference. The higher the level, the better, that is what I can say. But any level of Indian participation is welcomed. India is welcomed anytime at anywhere." India participated at the Moscow meet on Afghanistan at a non-official level by sending former diplomats who have served in the Af-Pak region. Amar Sinha, who was India's envoy to Afghanistan, and TCA Raghavan, who was India's envoy to Pakistan, represented India at the Moscow talks. India's participation at the meet has been called a departure from official New Delhi policy on engagement with the Taliban — India has not engaged with the Taliban with the exception of duing the 1999 hijacking of IC 814. The MEA however has denied any departure in policy with MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar saying in his weekly press briefing that India will support any effort which is "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and also with the participation of the government of Afghanistan". The Moscow meet on Afghanistan, which took place on November 9, saw participation by Afghanistan, Russia, the US, Iran, Pakistan, India, Central Asian countries, and the Taliban. Afghanistan was represented by High Peace Council (a body of the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Program which was established by Hamid Karzai to negotiate with elements of the Taliban.) This was the first time the Taliban participated in the meet. The Russian ambassador also lauded India-Russia ties, saying "they are specially privileged strategic relationship and they will remain to be so". Kudashev added that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are "not just political partners, not just strategic partners, they are friends". Asked if Modi and Putin will be meeting before the year-end, he said, "I will not be surprised if they meet one another at the earliest." The two leaders have met three times in 2018 — first at the informal Sochi meeting, then in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, and then in Delhi for the annual India-Russia Summit.

Russia envoy says would like higher-level India participation at Moscow meet on Afghanistan

The Income Tax Department has busted a Hawala racket and recovered documents with transaction details of more than Rs 500 crore in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur city.

The details were recovered during raids conducted at multiple locations in the last two days.

As per sources, the IT department conducted raids at 17 different locations in the state. During the raids, the IT department recovered undisclosed property of Rs 3.5 crore and Rs 60 lakh worth of cash belonging to a businessman in Jabalpur.

Investigation in the matter is underway. A political angle is also being probed by the IT department.

Madhya Pradesh will go to polls on November 28 to elect members to 230 constituencies. Results will be declared on December 11.

The Income Tax Department has busted a Hawala racket and recovered documents with transaction details of more than Rs 500 crore in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur city.

The Income Tax Department has busted a Hawala racket and recovered documents with transaction details of more than Rs 500 crore in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur city. The details were recovered during raids conducted at multiple locations in the last two days. As per sources, the IT department conducted raids at 17 different locations in the state. During the raids, the IT department recovered undisclosed property of Rs 3.5 crore and Rs 60 lakh worth of cash belonging to a businessman in Jabalpur. Investigation in the matter is underway. A political angle is also being probed by the IT department. Madhya Pradesh will go to polls on November 28 to elect members to 230 constituencies. Results will be declared on December 11.

Rs 500 crore hawala cash documents recovered in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh

Although the first phase of voting in Chhattisgarh was conducted smoothly and saw a significant voter turnout, voters in a village in Dantewada district were seen removing the electoral ink mark from their fingers, fearing their lives.

Naxals in the region near the Indrawati River of Dantewada had threatened to chop off the fingers of villagers if they cast their votes. But despite the threat, a large number of people visited polling booths to exercise their franchise.

Addressing the issue, Dantewada SP Abhishek Pallav said that following the threats of the Naxals, they had to relocate seven booths located near the Indrawati River. However, voters, he said, travelled the extra mile to cast their votes.

"Seven booths near Indrawati River were shifted after the threats of the Naxals. We are planning to set up a camp before the Lok Sabha polls so that the people can take shelter there and cast their votes without the threats from the Naxals," he told ANI.

The first phase of Assembly elections was held in Chhattisgarh on November 12, where 18 seats went to polls, out of which 12 are reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat.

The remaining 72 constituencies in the state will go to polls on November 20.

The result of the assembly polls will be announced on December 11.

Although the first phase of voting in Chhattisgarh was conducted smoothly and saw a significant voter turnout, voters in a village in Dantewada district were seen removing the electoral ink mark from their fingers, fearing their lives.

Although the first phase of voting in Chhattisgarh was conducted smoothly and saw a significant voter turnout, voters in a village in Dantewada district were seen removing the electoral ink mark from their fingers, fearing their lives. Naxals in the region near the Indrawati River of Dantewada had threatened to chop off the fingers of villagers if they cast their votes. But despite the threat, a large number of people visited polling booths to exercise their franchise. Addressing the issue, Dantewada SP Abhishek Pallav said that following the threats of the Naxals, they had to relocate seven booths located near the Indrawati River. However, voters, he said, travelled the extra mile to cast their votes. "Seven booths near Indrawati River were shifted after the threats of the Naxals. We are planning to set up a camp before the Lok Sabha polls so that the people can take shelter there and cast their votes without the threats from the Naxals," he told ANI. The first phase of Assembly elections was held in Chhattisgarh on November 12, where 18 seats went to polls, out of which 12 are reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, while one is a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat. The remaining 72 constituencies in the state will go to polls on November 20. The result of the assembly polls will be announced on December 11.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Election 2018: Amid Naxal threats, voters desperately attempt to remove ink

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Singapore

The government Wednesday refused to make public details related to the pricing of the 36 Rafale fighter jets in the Supreme Court, saying "our adversaries may get an advantage" by such a disclosure.

Two days after the government submitted to the apex court in a sealed cover details of pricing of the Rafale deal, Attornet General K K Venugopal defended the secrecy clause related to the pricing of jets before a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.

To the government's submission, the bench, which also comprised justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, said any discussion on pricing of the Rafale fighter jets can only take place if the facts on the deal are allowed to come in the public domain.

"The decision we need to take is whether to bring the fact on pricing in public domain or not," said bench and noted that without bringing the facts in public domain, there was no question of any debate on the pricing of the planes.

Asserting that the decision on types of aircraft and weapons that need to be bought was a matter for experts and not an issue to be adjudicated upon by the judiciary, Venugopal said, "even Parliament has not been told about the complete cost of jets".

Responding to allegation by Prashant Bhushan, one of the petitioners, that there was no sovereign guarantee by France for the deal, the attorney general admitted that there is no sovereign guarantee, but asserted that there is a letter of comfort by France which would be as good as a governmental guarantee.&nbsp;

Venugopal also submitted that in the earlier contract (during UPA government), the jets were not to be loaded with requisite weapons system and the reservation of the government was due to the fact that it did not want to violate the clause of the Inter Government Agreement and the secrecy clause.

The top law officer said the government has already given to the court the complete details of the Rafale jets, the weapons to be fitted on the aircraft and other requirements, and added that "our adversaries may get advantages if the entire details on the pricing is disclosed".

Refusing to publicly divulge details on the pricing aspect, Venugopal said he would not be able to assist the court further on the pricing issue.&nbsp;

"I decided not to peruse it myself as in a case of any leak, my office would be held responsible," he said.

During the hearing, Venugopal said at the exchange rate of November 2016, the cost of a bare fighter jet was Rs 670 crore. 
India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore.

The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

He also told the court that presently three countries France, Egypt and Qatar are flying Rafale fighter jets. 
Venugopal concluded his argument saying that Rafale aircrafts are potent and "had we possessed Rafale during the Kargil war, we could have avoided huge casualties as Rafale is capable of hitting targets from a distance of 60 kms".

To this the bench said,"Mr. Attorney, Kargil was in 1999-2000? Rafale came in 2014."

The top law officer replied, "I said it hypothetically".&nbsp;

The government Wednesday refused to make public details related to the pricing of the 36 Rafale fighter jets in the Supreme Court, saying "our adversaries may get an advantage" by such a disclosure.

The government Wednesday refused to make public details related to the pricing of the 36 Rafale fighter jets in the Supreme Court, saying "our adversaries may get an advantage" by such a disclosure. Two days after the government submitted to the apex court in a sealed cover details of pricing of the Rafale deal, Attornet General K K Venugopal defended the secrecy clause related to the pricing of jets before a three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. To the government's submission, the bench, which also comprised justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, said any discussion on pricing of the Rafale fighter jets can only take place if the facts on the deal are allowed to come in the public domain. "The decision we need to take is whether to bring the fact on pricing in public domain or not," said bench and noted that without bringing the facts in public domain, there was no question of any debate on the pricing of the planes. Asserting that the decision on types of aircraft and weapons that need to be bought was a matter for experts and not an issue to be adjudicated upon by the judiciary, Venugopal said, "even Parliament has not been told about the complete cost of jets". Responding to allegation by Prashant Bhushan, one of the petitioners, that there was no sovereign guarantee by France for the deal, the attorney general admitted that there is no sovereign guarantee, but asserted that there is a letter of comfort by France which would be as good as a governmental guarantee. Venugopal also submitted that in the earlier contract (during UPA government), the jets were not to be loaded with requisite weapons system and the reservation of the government was due to the fact that it did not want to violate the clause of the Inter Government Agreement and the secrecy clause. The top law officer said the government has already given to the court the complete details of the Rafale jets, the weapons to be fitted on the aircraft and other requirements, and added that "our adversaries may get advantages if the entire details on the pricing is disclosed". Refusing to publicly divulge details on the pricing aspect, Venugopal said he would not be able to assist the court further on the pricing issue. "I decided not to peruse it myself as in a case of any leak, my office would be held responsible," he said. During the hearing, Venugopal said at the exchange rate of November 2016, the cost of a bare fighter jet was Rs 670 crore. India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. He also told the court that presently three countries France, Egypt and Qatar are flying Rafale fighter jets. Venugopal concluded his argument saying that Rafale aircrafts are potent and "had we possessed Rafale during the Kargil war, we could have avoided huge casualties as Rafale is capable of hitting targets from a distance of 60 kms". To this the bench said,"Mr. Attorney, Kargil was in 1999-2000? Rafale came in 2014." The top law officer replied, "I said it hypothetically".

Rafale deal: Govt refuses to make pricing details public in SC 

The Supreme Court said pricing details of Rafale jets could only be discussed after it decides on whether to make it public, and reserved its order on Wednesday on pleas seeking court-monitored probe in the multi-billion deal amidst the government's vehement opposition to the public disclosure.

The observation by apex court bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, came after the government refused to publicly divulge pricing details of the deal, saying it would give advantage to India's enemies.

Hearing a bunch of pleas alleging criminality in Rafale deal and seeking court-monitored probe into it, the apex court asked wide-ranging questions from the government on issues including lack of sovereign guarantee from the French government, selection of Indian offset partner by the Dassault Aviation and need of entering into Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with France.

The three-judge bench took note of submissions and counter arguments on pricing of the fighter jets with the petitioners alleging that the government has been giving "bogus arguments" and "hiding behind the secrecy clause".

"The decision we need to take is whether to bring the fact on pricing in public domain or not," said the bench, which also comprised justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph.

Vehemently defending non-disclosure of price publicly, Attorney General K K Venugopal said the cost of a bare Rafale jet as per 2016 exchange rate was Rs 670 crore and the disclosure of price of a "fully loaded" aircraft would give an "advantage to the adversaries".

"If cost of a fully loaded aircraft with weaponry and avionics will be disclosed, our adversaries would be able to know what is the nature of avionics and weapons fitted in it," he said, adding, that India cannot renegade on agreement with France to disclose confidential information about specifics on avionics and weaponry.&nbsp;

Countering petitioners' argument that Parliament has been given pricing twice, Venugopal said, "We have been saying that even Parliament has not been told about the complete cost of the jets."

Petitioner lawyer Prashant Bhushan claimed the Union Law Ministry had red-flagged two issues -- absence of sovereign guarantee by France and international arbitration clause in IGA as per which the arbitration seat would be at Geneva -- but the government went ahead with the deal.

Venugopal admitted that there was no sovereign guarantee, but said that France has given a 'letter of comfort' which would be good enough as a governmental guarantee.&nbsp; 
He also said issues like types of aircraft and weapons needed to be bought cannot be adjudicated by a court as these were the matters to be decided by experts.

During the four-hour long hearing, the bench told Venugopal the court would want to interact with the Indian Air Force (IAF) officers instead of the Defence Ministry officials to know about the requirement of the IAF.

"We are dealing with the requirements of the Air Force and would like to ask an Air Force officer about their requirements. We want to hear from an Air force officer and not the official of the Defence Ministry on the issue," the bench said after the AG informed it that Additional Secretary of Defence Ministry was present in the court.

Later, senior IAF official Air Vice Marshall J Chalapati, alongwith other top officers including Air Marshal Anil Khosla and Deputy Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal V R Chaudhari appeared in the court and the CJI interacted with Chalapati over the requirements of the IAF.

During the hearing, Justice Joseph referred to the 2007 Request for Proposal (RFP) for procurement of 126 Rafale jets and observed, "The RFP was scrapped in June 2015. Then how can you (government) claim that the due process laid down earlier was followed?".

The CJI also asked Venugopal, "Is the fresh RFP required in an inter-governmental agreement for the 36 jets?". To this, he said an IGA does not require fresh RFP. 
The court then asked whether the new 36 jets were same as the bare planes which were sought to be procured in 2007. "Yes", said Venugopal and added that "deliverables" are much better this time due to the time gap and improvement in technology.&nbsp;

He also said that even in 2007, pricing of weaponry and avionics were not made public as claimed by the petitioners.

On the issue of offset partner, the bench asked the additional defence secretary, "What happens to the country's interests if the Indian offset partner chosen is not good enough and not able to make good the contract? What was the need to amend offset guidelines with retrospective effect?".

Responding to the query, the official said if selection of offset partner is not valid, then Dassault would run the risk of the government not accepting its decision on the offset partner and a penalty can also be imposed.

Bhushan, appearing on behalf of himself and former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, alleged that the government was hiding behind the secrecy clause. Advocates M L Sharma, Vineet Dhanda and Dheeraj Singh, counsel for AAP MP Sanjay Singh, who have also filed petitions in the case, also advanced their arguments.&nbsp; 
India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore.

The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court said pricing details of Rafale jets could only be discussed after it decides on whether to make it public, and reserved its order on Wednesday on pleas seeking court-monitored probe in the multi-billion deal amidst the government's vehement opposition to the public disclosure.

The Supreme Court said pricing details of Rafale jets could only be discussed after it decides on whether to make it public, and reserved its order on Wednesday on pleas seeking court-monitored probe in the multi-billion deal amidst the government's vehement opposition to the public disclosure. The observation by apex court bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, came after the government refused to publicly divulge pricing details of the deal, saying it would give advantage to India's enemies. Hearing a bunch of pleas alleging criminality in Rafale deal and seeking court-monitored probe into it, the apex court asked wide-ranging questions from the government on issues including lack of sovereign guarantee from the French government, selection of Indian offset partner by the Dassault Aviation and need of entering into Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with France. The three-judge bench took note of submissions and counter arguments on pricing of the fighter jets with the petitioners alleging that the government has been giving "bogus arguments" and "hiding behind the secrecy clause". "The decision we need to take is whether to bring the fact on pricing in public domain or not," said the bench, which also comprised justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph. Vehemently defending non-disclosure of price publicly, Attorney General K K Venugopal said the cost of a bare Rafale jet as per 2016 exchange rate was Rs 670 crore and the disclosure of price of a "fully loaded" aircraft would give an "advantage to the adversaries". "If cost of a fully loaded aircraft with weaponry and avionics will be disclosed, our adversaries would be able to know what is the nature of avionics and weapons fitted in it," he said, adding, that India cannot renegade on agreement with France to disclose confidential information about specifics on avionics and weaponry. Countering petitioners' argument that Parliament has been given pricing twice, Venugopal said, "We have been saying that even Parliament has not been told about the complete cost of the jets." Petitioner lawyer Prashant Bhushan claimed the Union Law Ministry had red-flagged two issues -- absence of sovereign guarantee by France and international arbitration clause in IGA as per which the arbitration seat would be at Geneva -- but the government went ahead with the deal. Venugopal admitted that there was no sovereign guarantee, but said that France has given a 'letter of comfort' which would be good enough as a governmental guarantee. He also said issues like types of aircraft and weapons needed to be bought cannot be adjudicated by a court as these were the matters to be decided by experts. During the four-hour long hearing, the bench told Venugopal the court would want to interact with the Indian Air Force (IAF) officers instead of the Defence Ministry officials to know about the requirement of the IAF. "We are dealing with the requirements of the Air Force and would like to ask an Air Force officer about their requirements. We want to hear from an Air force officer and not the official of the Defence Ministry on the issue," the bench said after the AG informed it that Additional Secretary of Defence Ministry was present in the court. Later, senior IAF official Air Vice Marshall J Chalapati, alongwith other top officers including Air Marshal Anil Khosla and Deputy Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal V R Chaudhari appeared in the court and the CJI interacted with Chalapati over the requirements of the IAF. During the hearing, Justice Joseph referred to the 2007 Request for Proposal (RFP) for procurement of 126 Rafale jets and observed, "The RFP was scrapped in June 2015. Then how can you (government) claim that the due process laid down earlier was followed?". The CJI also asked Venugopal, "Is the fresh RFP required in an inter-governmental agreement for the 36 jets?". To this, he said an IGA does not require fresh RFP. The court then asked whether the new 36 jets were same as the bare planes which were sought to be procured in 2007. "Yes", said Venugopal and added that "deliverables" are much better this time due to the time gap and improvement in technology. He also said that even in 2007, pricing of weaponry and avionics were not made public as claimed by the petitioners. On the issue of offset partner, the bench asked the additional defence secretary, "What happens to the country's interests if the Indian offset partner chosen is not good enough and not able to make good the contract? What was the need to amend offset guidelines with retrospective effect?". Responding to the query, the official said if selection of offset partner is not valid, then Dassault would run the risk of the government not accepting its decision on the offset partner and a penalty can also be imposed. Bhushan, appearing on behalf of himself and former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, alleged that the government was hiding behind the secrecy clause. Advocates M L Sharma, Vineet Dhanda and Dheeraj Singh, counsel for AAP MP Sanjay Singh, who have also filed petitions in the case, also advanced their arguments. India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of Indian Air Force equipment. The estimated cost of the deal is Rs 58,000 crore. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

Rafale deal: Supreme Court says it needs to decide if pricing details should be made public

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians as he pitched India as a favourite destination for investment at the Fintech Festival here.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-narendra-modi-delivers-the-keynote-address-at-fintech-festival-177192">Also read: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore</a>

Modi became the first world leader to address the festival which was launched in 2016 and is in its third edition.

"Financial inclusion has become reality for 1.3 billion Indians. We have generated more than 1.2 billion biometric identities- Aadhaar or foundation- in just a few years," Modi said at the event.

The Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) is already the world's largest event on financial technology&nbsp;or fintech. In 2017, the event drew as many as 30,000 participants from over 100 countries.

The SFF involves a three-day conference, and exhibition of FinTech firms and capabilities, a global competition of FinTech solutions and a platform for matching entrepreneurs and investment capital.

Modi said through Aadhaar and cellphones, his government has launched Jan Dhan Yojana and opened 330 million new bank accounts in three years.

"These are 330 million sources of identity, dignity and opportunities. Less than 50 per cent of Indian had bank accounts in 2014. Now, it is nearly universal. So today, more than a billion biometric identities, more than a billion bank accounts and more than a billion cell phones give India by far the biggest public infrastructure in the world," Modi said.

"We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. From desktop to cloud, from Internet to social media, from IT Services to Internet of Things, we have come a long way in short time," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians as he pitched India as a favourite destination for investment at the Fintech Festival here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians as he pitched India as a favourite destination for investment at the Fintech Festival here. Also read: Fintech can be used to make the world a better place, says PM Modi in Singapore Modi became the first world leader to address the festival which was launched in 2016 and is in its third edition. "Financial inclusion has become reality for 1.3 billion Indians. We have generated more than 1.2 billion biometric identities- Aadhaar or foundation- in just a few years," Modi said at the event. The Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) is already the world's largest event on financial technology or fintech. In 2017, the event drew as many as 30,000 participants from over 100 countries. The SFF involves a three-day conference, and exhibition of FinTech firms and capabilities, a global competition of FinTech solutions and a platform for matching entrepreneurs and investment capital. Modi said through Aadhaar and cellphones, his government has launched Jan Dhan Yojana and opened 330 million new bank accounts in three years. "These are 330 million sources of identity, dignity and opportunities. Less than 50 per cent of Indian had bank accounts in 2014. Now, it is nearly universal. So today, more than a billion biometric identities, more than a billion bank accounts and more than a billion cell phones give India by far the biggest public infrastructure in the world," Modi said. "We are in an age of a historic transition brought about by technology. From desktop to cloud, from Internet to social media, from IT Services to Internet of Things, we have come a long way in short time," he said.

Financial inclusion has become a reality for 1.3 billion Indians, says PM Modi at Fintech festival in Singapore

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