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Indians are the most positive about their children taking up a career in teaching, a new global study has revealed.

The UK-based Varkey Foundation's Global Teacher Status Index (GTSI) 2018' was released on Thursday and is described as the most comprehensive study of how society views teachers across 35 countries around the world.

It revealed that over half (54 per cent) of Indian people polled said they encourage their children to become teachers more than in any other country surveyed, including China (50 per cent).&nbsp;

By comparison, under a quarter of British people (23 per cent) would encourage their child to become a teacher, while only 6 per cent would encourage their child to become a teacher in Russia, the lowest of any country surveyed.&nbsp;

Overall, India ranks eighth among the 35 countries surveyed in the 'Global Teacher Status Index 2018', in which China is the highest-ranked country and Brazil the lowest.&nbsp;

The index reveals, for the very first time, that there is a direct link between teacher status and pupil performance as measured by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scores.&nbsp;

"When we conducted the 'Global Teacher Status Index' five years ago we were alarmed by the weight of evidence pointing to the low status of teachers around the world. It was this that inspired us to create the Global Teacher Prize, which shines a light on the extraordinary work that teachers do around the world," said Indian-origin entrepreneur and philanthropist Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation.

The survey is based on in-depth opinion polling and analysis by Professor Peter Dolton and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research of over 35,000 adults aged 16-64 and over 5,500 additional serving teachers across 35 countries. The 2018 index expands upon the first GTSI, which surveyed 21 countries back in 2013 and inspired the Varkey Foundation's annual USD 1-million Global Teacher Prize.

The survey also found that over three-quarters (77 per cent) of Indian respondents think that pupils respect their teachers&nbsp;the third-highest of any country surveyed after Uganda (79 per cent) and China (81 per cent).&nbsp;

By contrast, only 9 per cent of people in Brazil think pupils respect their teachers, lower than any other country polled.

Indians believe strongly in their country's education system rating it 7.11 out of 10, the fourth-highest of any country polled, with only Finland (8), Switzerland (7.2), and Singapore (7.1) higher. By contrast, Egyptians rated their country's education system lower than any other surveyed at 3.8.

When asked to rank 14 professions in order of respect (including headteachers, primary and secondary teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers, and librarians), Indian respondents ranked headteachers the fourth-highest of all the countries surveyed after Malaysia, Indonesia, and China.&nbsp;

Indians ranked secondary school teachers the seventh-highest of all the countries surveyed, with China ranking them the highest.

The latest index found that teacher status was rising globally and of the 35 countries polled, Asian nations of India, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Korea rank higher in terms of teacher status than every European country and every Western nation&nbsp;including the US, New Zealand and Canada.&nbsp;

Indians are the most positive about their children taking up a career in teaching, a new global study has revealed. The UK-based Varkey Foundation's Global Teacher Status Index (GTSI) 2018' was released on Thursday and is described as the most comprehensive study of how society views teachers across 35 countries around the world.

Indians are the most positive about their children taking up a career in teaching, a new global study has revealed. The UK-based Varkey Foundation's Global Teacher Status Index (GTSI) 2018' was released on Thursday and is described as the most comprehensive study of how society views teachers across 35 countries around the world. It revealed that over half (54 per cent) of Indian people polled said they encourage their children to become teachers more than in any other country surveyed, including China (50 per cent). By comparison, under a quarter of British people (23 per cent) would encourage their child to become a teacher, while only 6 per cent would encourage their child to become a teacher in Russia, the lowest of any country surveyed. Overall, India ranks eighth among the 35 countries surveyed in the 'Global Teacher Status Index 2018', in which China is the highest-ranked country and Brazil the lowest. The index reveals, for the very first time, that there is a direct link between teacher status and pupil performance as measured by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scores. "When we conducted the 'Global Teacher Status Index' five years ago we were alarmed by the weight of evidence pointing to the low status of teachers around the world. It was this that inspired us to create the Global Teacher Prize, which shines a light on the extraordinary work that teachers do around the world," said Indian-origin entrepreneur and philanthropist Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation. The survey is based on in-depth opinion polling and analysis by Professor Peter Dolton and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research of over 35,000 adults aged 16-64 and over 5,500 additional serving teachers across 35 countries. The 2018 index expands upon the first GTSI, which surveyed 21 countries back in 2013 and inspired the Varkey Foundation's annual USD 1-million Global Teacher Prize. The survey also found that over three-quarters (77 per cent) of Indian respondents think that pupils respect their teachers the third-highest of any country surveyed after Uganda (79 per cent) and China (81 per cent). By contrast, only 9 per cent of people in Brazil think pupils respect their teachers, lower than any other country polled. Indians believe strongly in their country's education system rating it 7.11 out of 10, the fourth-highest of any country polled, with only Finland (8), Switzerland (7.2), and Singapore (7.1) higher. By contrast, Egyptians rated their country's education system lower than any other surveyed at 3.8. When asked to rank 14 professions in order of respect (including headteachers, primary and secondary teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers, and librarians), Indian respondents ranked headteachers the fourth-highest of all the countries surveyed after Malaysia, Indonesia, and China. Indians ranked secondary school teachers the seventh-highest of all the countries surveyed, with China ranking them the highest. The latest index found that teacher status was rising globally and of the 35 countries polled, Asian nations of India, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Korea rank higher in terms of teacher status than every European country and every Western nation including the US, New Zealand and Canada.

Indians most positive about teaching as a career for their kids: Study

The BJP's Telangana unit has sent proposals to its high command for organising three public meeting to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the forthcoming Assembly elections, the party's state president K Laxman said Thursday.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the partys national president Amit Shah is also expected to address a few more public meetings before the elections.

Polls will be held on December 7 for the Telangana Assembly.

"Arrangements are underway for three public meetings of Modi. Amit Shah is also expected once again. We requested the Prime Minister to participate at least in four meetings. Proposals have been sent for three meetings," Laxman said.

He claimed that the Congress-led grand alliance is marching towards "grand defeat" and the Amit Shah-led party is the only alternative to the people of Telangana for betterment.

"The grand alliance under the leadership of Congress is marching towards grand defeat. Parties with opposite ideologies are coming together and forging alliances. Congress and Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi are joining hands with Telugu Desam Party which is known as a betrayer of Telangana," Laxman told reporters.

Meanwhile, Yuva Telangana party leaders have met senior leaders of the BJP.

YTP president Jitta Balakrishna Reddy said his party had decided to work with the BJP for the Assembly polls.

When contacted, BJP Telangana's chief spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao said Shah is expected to address five public meetings before the polls.

He, however, said the details are yet to be finalised and the proposals are yet to be approved.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The BJP's Telangana unit has sent proposals to its high command for organising three public meeting to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the forthcoming Assembly elections, the party's state president K Laxman said Thursday.

The BJP's Telangana unit has sent proposals to its high command for organising three public meeting to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the forthcoming Assembly elections, the party's state president K Laxman said Thursday. Speaking to reporters here, he said the partys national president Amit Shah is also expected to address a few more public meetings before the elections. Polls will be held on December 7 for the Telangana Assembly. "Arrangements are underway for three public meetings of Modi. Amit Shah is also expected once again. We requested the Prime Minister to participate at least in four meetings. Proposals have been sent for three meetings," Laxman said. He claimed that the Congress-led grand alliance is marching towards "grand defeat" and the Amit Shah-led party is the only alternative to the people of Telangana for betterment. "The grand alliance under the leadership of Congress is marching towards grand defeat. Parties with opposite ideologies are coming together and forging alliances. Congress and Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi are joining hands with Telugu Desam Party which is known as a betrayer of Telangana," Laxman told reporters. Meanwhile, Yuva Telangana party leaders have met senior leaders of the BJP. YTP president Jitta Balakrishna Reddy said his party had decided to work with the BJP for the Assembly polls. When contacted, BJP Telangana's chief spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao said Shah is expected to address five public meetings before the polls. He, however, said the details are yet to be finalised and the proposals are yet to be approved.

Telangana polls: BJP sends proposals for PM Modi's public meetings

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fires-attorney-general-jeff-sessions-vows-to-fight-democrats-if-they-launch-probes-176119">Trump fires Attorney General Jeff Sessions, vows to fight Democrats if they launch probes</a>

President Donald Trump on Wednesday forced out Attorney General Jeff Sessions a day after congressional elections, and vowed to fight if the US House of Representatives' new Democratic majority&nbsp;launches probes into his administration.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-revokes-press-pass-of-cnn-reporter-after-furious-exchange-with-trump-176127">White House revokes CNN reporter's press pass after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-revokes-press-pass-of-cnn-reporter-after-furious-exchange-with-trump-176127">furious</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-revokes-press-pass-of-cnn-reporter-after-furious-exchange-with-trump-176127"> exchange with Trump</a>

White House has barred CNN reporter, Jim Acosta, after a heated exchange when a visibly angry US President Donald Trump called the former "enemy of the people" and a "terrible person" after being asked why he "demonized immigrants"

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-christian-woman-asia-bibi-leaves-jail-flies-out-of-multan-176122">Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi leaves jail, flies out of Multan</a>

A Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row for blasphemy has been freed from jail and is believed to have already flown out of the city of Multan where she was being held, heading for an unknown destination, her lawyer said Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-christian-woman-asia-bibi-leaves-jail-flies-out-of-multan-176122">Delhi chokes after Diwali as several places record AQI at 999</a>

A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319. The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-prices-down-again-petrol-at-rs-7821-per-litre-in-delhi-8372-per-litre-in-mumbai-176126">Fuel prices down again, petrol at Rs 78.21 per litre in Delhi, Rs 83.72 per litre in Mumbai</a>

Fuel prices in the country continued to decline on Thursday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 78.21 per litre in Delhi and Rs 83.72 per litre in Mumbai. While petrol reduced by 21 paise in Delhi and 20 paise in Mumbai, diesel witnessed a reduction of 18 paise in the national capital and 19 paise in Mumbai.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump fires Attorney General Jeff Sessions, vows to fight Democrats if they launch probes President Donald Trump on Wednesday forced out Attorney General Jeff Sessions a day after congressional elections, and vowed to fight if the US House of Representatives' new Democratic majority launches probes into his administration.

Trump fires Attorney General Jeff Sessions, vows to fight Democrats if they launch probes President Donald Trump on Wednesday forced out Attorney General Jeff Sessions a day after congressional elections, and vowed to fight if the US House of Representatives' new Democratic majority launches probes into his administration. White House revokes CNN reporter's press pass after furious exchange with Trump White House has barred CNN reporter, Jim Acosta, after a heated exchange when a visibly angry US President Donald Trump called the former "enemy of the people" and a "terrible person" after being asked why he "demonized immigrants" Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi leaves jail, flies out of Multan A Pakistani Christian woman who spent eight years on death row for blasphemy has been freed from jail and is believed to have already flown out of the city of Multan where she was being held, heading for an unknown destination, her lawyer said Thursday. Delhi chokes after Diwali as several places record AQI at 999 A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319. The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category. Fuel prices down again, petrol at Rs 78.21 per litre in Delhi, Rs 83.72 per litre in Mumbai Fuel prices in the country continued to decline on Thursday with prices of petrol reaching Rs 78.21 per litre in Delhi and Rs 83.72 per litre in Mumbai. While petrol reduced by 21 paise in Delhi and 20 paise in Mumbai, diesel witnessed a reduction of 18 paise in the national capital and 19 paise in Mumbai.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A massive fire at a factory in the Bawana area in Delhi, was among the over 200 fire-related incidents reported to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) on Diwali, officials said.

No casualties have been reported in the incident at the factory and 18 fire tenders have been pressed into service to douse the blaze, the Delhi Fire Services (DFC) said.

"The fire broke out at a factory in outer Delhi's Bawana locality. The call about the fire was received at 6:37 pm and immediately 18 fire tenders were rushed to the spot.&nbsp;

"The fire team is trying the bring the situation under control. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties have been reported so far," a senior DFS officer said.&nbsp;

He said a fire also broke out in an ATM in Delhi's Laxmi Nagar.&nbsp;

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A fire which broke out in an ATM in Delhi's Laxmi Nagar has now been doused <a href="https://t.co/5dZ8fzQ5Q6">pic.twitter.com/5dZ8fzQ5Q6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1060196695924006914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Officials said at least 209 fire-related calls were received until 10 pm Wednesday. Fires from crackers were less this year, they said.&nbsp;

Out of the total calls, 89 were fire at garbage and dump yards. Fires were also reported from factories and at houses due to domestic items and those related to electricity wires, officials said.

There has been no decline in the number of calls related to fire-incidents this year. Last year it was 200, they said.&nbsp;

The 209 calls were made from midnight of November 6 to November 7 until 10 pm, the official said.&nbsp;

Maximum calls were received from west and northwest districts of Delhi.&nbsp;

"We have been receiving frequent calls from across the city. However, maximum calls have been received from west and northwest parts of Delhi until now," the official said.&nbsp;

"Even last year, there was a ban on sale of firecrackers but we got close to 200 calls. This year, there were time restrictions on bursting of firecrackers and only green firecrackers were sold in the market but there has been frequent calls related to fire-incidents," he said.&nbsp;

There has been frequent calls coming in from various parts of the city. There has been no decline in calls. However, calls related to fire-crackers have been comparatively less, the official said.&nbsp;

Besides the 59 permanent fire stations in the national capital, the department has set up temporary stations at different locations across the city.&nbsp;

A massive fire at a factory in the Bawana area in Delhi, was among the over 200 fire-related incidents reported to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) on Diwali, officials said.

A massive fire at a factory in the Bawana area in Delhi, was among the over 200 fire-related incidents reported to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) on Diwali, officials said. No casualties have been reported in the incident at the factory and 18 fire tenders have been pressed into service to douse the blaze, the Delhi Fire Services (DFC) said. "The fire broke out at a factory in outer Delhi's Bawana locality. The call about the fire was received at 6:37 pm and immediately 18 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. "The fire team is trying the bring the situation under control. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties have been reported so far," a senior DFS officer said. He said a fire also broke out in an ATM in Delhi's Laxmi Nagar. A fire which broke out in an ATM in Delhi's Laxmi Nagar has now been doused pic.twitter.com/5dZ8fzQ5Q6 — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2018 × Officials said at least 209 fire-related calls were received until 10 pm Wednesday. Fires from crackers were less this year, they said. Out of the total calls, 89 were fire at garbage and dump yards. Fires were also reported from factories and at houses due to domestic items and those related to electricity wires, officials said. There has been no decline in the number of calls related to fire-incidents this year. Last year it was 200, they said. The 209 calls were made from midnight of November 6 to November 7 until 10 pm, the official said. Maximum calls were received from west and northwest districts of Delhi. "We have been receiving frequent calls from across the city. However, maximum calls have been received from west and northwest parts of Delhi until now," the official said. "Even last year, there was a ban on sale of firecrackers but we got close to 200 calls. This year, there were time restrictions on bursting of firecrackers and only green firecrackers were sold in the market but there has been frequent calls related to fire-incidents," he said. There has been frequent calls coming in from various parts of the city. There has been no decline in calls. However, calls related to fire-crackers have been comparatively less, the official said. Besides the 59 permanent fire stations in the national capital, the department has set up temporary stations at different locations across the city.

Fire breaks out at factory, over 200 fire-related calls on Diwali

Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the recent deployment of India's nuclear submarine INS Arihant, saying there should be no doubt about Islamabad's resolve and capabilities to meet the challenges in the nuclear and conventional realms in South Asia.

"This development marks the first actual deployment of ready-to-fire nuclear warheads in South Asia which is a matter of concern not only for the Indian Ocean littoral states but also for the international community at large," Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said.

Nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol this week, taking India into a club of a handful of countries which have the capability to design, construct and operate such a submarine or SSBN.

The spokesperson said the "bellicose" language employed by the top Indian leadership highlights the threats to strategic stability in South Asia and raises questions about responsible nuclear stewardship in India.

He said the increased frequency of missile tests by India, aggressive posturing and deployment of nuclear weapons calls for an assessment of the non-proliferation benefits resulting from India's membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

The spokesperson said Pakistan is committed to the objective of strategic stability in South Asia and believes that the only way forward for both countries is to agree on measures for nuclear and missile restraint.

"At the same time no one should be in doubt about Pakistan's resolve and capabilities to meet the challenges posed by the latest developments both in the nuclear and conventional realms in South Asia," he said.

Replying to a question about the follow up of Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent visit to China, Faisal said a high-level Pakistan delegation will have talks with their counterparts in Beijing to sort out technical matters and finalise the modalities for further enhancing the existing bilateral and strategic cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields.

On the proposed Afghanistan peace talks in Moscow, he said a Pakistan delegation led by an additional secretary will attend the dialogue.

The spokesperson said Taliban leader Mullah Baradar was released to give an impetus to the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

He said Pakistan has always been emphasising the need for seeking a negotiated settlement on the Afghan issue with the participation of all stakeholders.

He said it is a matter of concern that a recent American report points out that the Afghan administration and the foreign forces are losing control over the security situation in the war-torn country.

Responding to questions on Christian woman Asia Bibi who was recently released from jail, Faisal said she is still in Pakistan at a safe location.

Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the recent deployment of India's nuclear submarine INS Arihant, saying there should be no doubt about Islamabad's resolve and capabilities to meet the challenges in the nuclear and conventional realms in South Asia.

Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the recent deployment of India's nuclear submarine INS Arihant, saying there should be no doubt about Islamabad's resolve and capabilities to meet the challenges in the nuclear and conventional realms in South Asia. "This development marks the first actual deployment of ready-to-fire nuclear warheads in South Asia which is a matter of concern not only for the Indian Ocean littoral states but also for the international community at large," Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said. Nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol this week, taking India into a club of a handful of countries which have the capability to design, construct and operate such a submarine or SSBN. The spokesperson said the "bellicose" language employed by the top Indian leadership highlights the threats to strategic stability in South Asia and raises questions about responsible nuclear stewardship in India. He said the increased frequency of missile tests by India, aggressive posturing and deployment of nuclear weapons calls for an assessment of the non-proliferation benefits resulting from India's membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The spokesperson said Pakistan is committed to the objective of strategic stability in South Asia and believes that the only way forward for both countries is to agree on measures for nuclear and missile restraint. "At the same time no one should be in doubt about Pakistan's resolve and capabilities to meet the challenges posed by the latest developments both in the nuclear and conventional realms in South Asia," he said. Replying to a question about the follow up of Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent visit to China, Faisal said a high-level Pakistan delegation will have talks with their counterparts in Beijing to sort out technical matters and finalise the modalities for further enhancing the existing bilateral and strategic cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields. On the proposed Afghanistan peace talks in Moscow, he said a Pakistan delegation led by an additional secretary will attend the dialogue. The spokesperson said Taliban leader Mullah Baradar was released to give an impetus to the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan has always been emphasising the need for seeking a negotiated settlement on the Afghan issue with the participation of all stakeholders. He said it is a matter of concern that a recent American report points out that the Afghan administration and the foreign forces are losing control over the security situation in the war-torn country. Responding to questions on Christian woman Asia Bibi who was recently released from jail, Faisal said she is still in Pakistan at a safe location.

Pakistan expresses concern over deployment of India's nuke submarine INS Arihant

A thick haze engulfed the national capital Wednesday night with the air quality deteriorating to the "very poor" category as Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, the authorities said.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 302 at 11 pm, which fell in the very poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB.

The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals.

The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court.

But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm.

Several areas showed a spike in air pollution. Areas like Anand Vihar, ITO and Jahangirpuri recorded very high pollution levels.

Violations of the Supreme Court order were reported from Mayur Vihar Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Lutyens Delhi, IP extension, Dwarka, Noida Sector 78 among other places.

The police admitted that there were violations, adding that they would take serious legal action against those violating the apex court order.

The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city indicated "poor" and "very poor" air quality as the volume of ultra-fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10, which enter the respiratory system and manage to reach the bloodstream, sharply rose from around 8 pm.

According to the CPCB data, the 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10 were 164 and 294 micrograms per cubic metre respectively.

The SAFAR forecast "bad" air quality Thursday even though partially toxic crackers were burst as compared to 2017. It also said the pollution levels would peak between 11 am and 3 am Wednesday and Thursday.

The situation was similar, if not worse, in the neighbouring areas of Delhi such as Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad, where crackers were burst as usual, raising question marks on the efficacy of the administration in enforcing the apex court's ban.

A "very poor" AQI essentially means that people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on a prolonged exposure to such air. If the air quality dips further, the AQI will turn "severe", which may trouble even those with sound health conditions and seriously affect those with ailments.

As many as 209 calls were received by the Delhi Fire Services on Diwali, including one related to a huge fire in a factory at Bawana, officials said.

Of these, 89 calls were related to fire incidents at garbage and dumpyards, while the rest were related to fire incidents involving electric wires, at factories and residential areas, a senior Delhi Fire Services officer said.&nbsp;

The officials said the number of calls related to firecrackers was comparatively low, but there was no decline in the number of calls related to fire incidents.

The Centre, in collaboration with the Delhi government, has launched a 10-day "Clean Air Campaign" from November 1 to 10 to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action.

About 52 teams deployed under the campaign are visiting different parts of Delhi and the adjacent towns of Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida.

The teams are being led by the sub-divisional magistrates of the respective areas and comprise senior officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), representatives of the CPCB, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

A thick haze engulfed the national capital Wednesday night with the air quality deteriorating to the "very poor" category as Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, the authorities said.

A thick haze engulfed the national capital Wednesday night with the air quality deteriorating to the "very poor" category as Delhiites continued to burst firecrackers long after the deadline set by the Supreme Court, the authorities said. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 302 at 11 pm, which fell in the very poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB. The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals. The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court. But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm. Several areas showed a spike in air pollution. Areas like Anand Vihar, ITO and Jahangirpuri recorded very high pollution levels. Violations of the Supreme Court order were reported from Mayur Vihar Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Lutyens Delhi, IP extension, Dwarka, Noida Sector 78 among other places. The police admitted that there were violations, adding that they would take serious legal action against those violating the apex court order. The online indicators of the pollution monitoring stations in the city indicated "poor" and "very poor" air quality as the volume of ultra-fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10, which enter the respiratory system and manage to reach the bloodstream, sharply rose from around 8 pm. According to the CPCB data, the 24-hour rolling average of PM2.5 and PM10 were 164 and 294 micrograms per cubic metre respectively. The SAFAR forecast "bad" air quality Thursday even though partially toxic crackers were burst as compared to 2017. It also said the pollution levels would peak between 11 am and 3 am Wednesday and Thursday. The situation was similar, if not worse, in the neighbouring areas of Delhi such as Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad, where crackers were burst as usual, raising question marks on the efficacy of the administration in enforcing the apex court's ban. A "very poor" AQI essentially means that people may suffer from respiratory illnesses on a prolonged exposure to such air. If the air quality dips further, the AQI will turn "severe", which may trouble even those with sound health conditions and seriously affect those with ailments. As many as 209 calls were received by the Delhi Fire Services on Diwali, including one related to a huge fire in a factory at Bawana, officials said. Of these, 89 calls were related to fire incidents at garbage and dumpyards, while the rest were related to fire incidents involving electric wires, at factories and residential areas, a senior Delhi Fire Services officer said. The officials said the number of calls related to firecrackers was comparatively low, but there was no decline in the number of calls related to fire incidents. The Centre, in collaboration with the Delhi government, has launched a 10-day "Clean Air Campaign" from November 1 to 10 to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action. About 52 teams deployed under the campaign are visiting different parts of Delhi and the adjacent towns of Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida. The teams are being led by the sub-divisional magistrates of the respective areas and comprise senior officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), representatives of the CPCB, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

Thick haze engulfs Delhi as Diwali celebrations continue long after Supreme Court deadline

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday stated that it is aware of the meeting that the Russian Federation will hold on November 9 to discuss Afghanistan, adding that "India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan."

The MEA further added that India's participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level.

"We are aware of the Russian Federation hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)," news agency ANI quoted the MEA.&nbsp;

According to an AFP report, Russia on Saturday said it will <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-to-host-international-talks-on-afghanistan-175271">host international talks on Afghanistan on November 9</a>, with representatives of both the Afghan government and the Taliban, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

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Moscow said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the Taliban have agreed to send delegations to the conference.

"It will be the first time that a delegation of the Political Office of the Taliban Movement in Doha will take part in international talks (at) such a level," the foreign ministry's statement said.&nbsp;

"We are still negotiating and talking with Russian officials (about the conference). We have not reached an agreement yet," Sebghatullah Ahmadi, an Afghan foreign ministry spokesman, told AFP.&nbsp;

Moscow said it had also invited representatives from the US as well as Iran, China, Pakistan and five former Soviet republics in Central Asia to take part.

"The Russian side reaffirms its position that there is no alternative to a political settlement in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," the statement said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday stated that it is aware of the meeting that the Russian Federation will hold on November 9 to discuss Afghanistan, adding that "India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday stated that it is aware of the meeting that the Russian Federation will hold on November 9 to discuss Afghanistan, adding that "India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan." The MEA further added that India's participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level. "We are aware of the Russian Federation hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)," news agency ANI quoted the MEA. According to an AFP report, Russia on Saturday said it will host international talks on Afghanistan on November 9, with representatives of both the Afghan government and the Taliban, the foreign ministry said in a statement. We are aware of the Russian Federation hosting a meeting in Moscow on 9 November on Afghanistan. India supports all efforts at peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Our participation at the meeting will be at the non-official level: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × Moscow said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and the Taliban have agreed to send delegations to the conference. "It will be the first time that a delegation of the Political Office of the Taliban Movement in Doha will take part in international talks (at) such a level," the foreign ministry's statement said. "We are still negotiating and talking with Russian officials (about the conference). We have not reached an agreement yet," Sebghatullah Ahmadi, an Afghan foreign ministry spokesman, told AFP. Moscow said it had also invited representatives from the US as well as Iran, China, Pakistan and five former Soviet republics in Central Asia to take part. "The Russian side reaffirms its position that there is no alternative to a political settlement in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

Aware of Russia hosting meeting on Afghanistan in Moscow, India will participate at non-official level: MEA 

TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties to take on BJP in the Lok Sabha elections next year, will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy here on Thursday.

Naidu will meet Gowda at his residence at Padmanabha Nagar and Kumaraswamy would also bepresent during the meeting, JD(S) said on Wednesday.

Interestingly, Naidu's meeting with the JD(S) supremo comes in the backdrop of Congress-JD(S) coalition resolving to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together against the BJP, buoyed by the victory in the bypolls.

The Congress-JD(S)coalition in Karnataka on Tuesday won two of the three Lok Sabha seats and both assembly constituencies in the fiercely fought by-polls, giving a shot in the arm to the ruling combine that faces frequent questions about its longevity.

BJP had managed to hold on to the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat.

The electoral sweep by the ruling coalition comes as a boost to it as the by-polls were seen as a barometer of the public mood ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Naidu had called his Karnataka counterpart over phone on Tuesday and congratulated the latter on the JD(S)-Congress combine's "spectacular victory" in the by-elections.

JD(S) MLC Sharavana said Naidu's meeting with Gowda is in continuation of the discussions the Andhra Chief Minister was holding with "secular" party leaders across the country.

"The bypolls results that have come is a good development as people of state have understood the need for secular forces. He (Naidu) is expected to seek Deve Gowda's cooperation," he added.

Naidu had also recently met NCP chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, among others.&nbsp;

TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties to take on BJP in the Lok Sabha elections next year, will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy here on Thursday.

TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties to take on BJP in the Lok Sabha elections next year, will meet former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy here on Thursday. Naidu will meet Gowda at his residence at Padmanabha Nagar and Kumaraswamy would also bepresent during the meeting, JD(S) said on Wednesday. Interestingly, Naidu's meeting with the JD(S) supremo comes in the backdrop of Congress-JD(S) coalition resolving to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together against the BJP, buoyed by the victory in the bypolls. The Congress-JD(S)coalition in Karnataka on Tuesday won two of the three Lok Sabha seats and both assembly constituencies in the fiercely fought by-polls, giving a shot in the arm to the ruling combine that faces frequent questions about its longevity. BJP had managed to hold on to the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat. The electoral sweep by the ruling coalition comes as a boost to it as the by-polls were seen as a barometer of the public mood ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Naidu had called his Karnataka counterpart over phone on Tuesday and congratulated the latter on the JD(S)-Congress combine's "spectacular victory" in the by-elections. JD(S) MLC Sharavana said Naidu's meeting with Gowda is in continuation of the discussions the Andhra Chief Minister was holding with "secular" party leaders across the country. "The bypolls results that have come is a good development as people of state have understood the need for secular forces. He (Naidu) is expected to seek Deve Gowda's cooperation," he added. Naidu had also recently met NCP chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, among others.

Chandrababu Naidu to meet Deve Gowda today

Janata Dal (Secular) chief and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda of Thursday slammed BJP government for creating many problems "including destabilising constitutionally created institutes," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

He added that secular parties, including the Congress, must come together to replace the NDA government.&nbsp;

Gowda's comments came shortly after a meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu earlier in the day.

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AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu has taken the lead and met several leaders to consolidate all secular parties to remove NDA govt in 2019. He met me &amp; HD Kumaraswamy today to work out further strategy: JDS leader &amp; Former PM Deve Gowda <a href="https://t.co/ujOUK0f7L2">pic.twitter.com/ujOUK0f7L2</a>
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"Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu has taken the lead and met several leaders to consolidate all secular parties to remove NDA government in 2019. He met me and HD Kumaraswamy today to work out further strategy," Gowda noted.&nbsp;

TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties to take on BJP in the Lok Sabha elections next year, met former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday.

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Interestingly, Naidu's meeting with the JD(S) supremo comes in the backdrop of Congress-JD(S) coalition resolving to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together against the BJP, buoyed by the victory in the bypolls.

The Congress-JD(S)coalition in Karnataka on Tuesday won two of the three Lok Sabha seats and both assembly constituencies in the fiercely fought by-polls, giving a shot in the arm to the ruling combine that faces frequent questions about its longevity.

BJP had managed to hold on to the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat.

The electoral sweep by the ruling coalition comes as a boost to it as the by-polls were seen as a barometer of the public mood ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Janata Dal (Secular) chief and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda of Thursday slammed BJP government for creating many problems "including destabilising constitutionally created institutes," news agency ANI reported.

Janata Dal (Secular) chief and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda of Thursday slammed BJP government for creating many problems "including destabilising constitutionally created institutes," news agency ANI reported. He added that secular parties, including the Congress, must come together to replace the NDA government. Gowda's comments came shortly after a meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu earlier in the day. AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu has taken the lead and met several leaders to consolidate all secular parties to remove NDA govt in 2019. He met me & HD Kumaraswamy today to work out further strategy: JDS leader & Former PM Deve Gowda pic.twitter.com/ujOUK0f7L2 — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × "Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu has taken the lead and met several leaders to consolidate all secular parties to remove NDA government in 2019. He met me and HD Kumaraswamy today to work out further strategy," Gowda noted. TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties to take on BJP in the Lok Sabha elections next year, met former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu meets former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/HCrWHB41BH — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × Interestingly, Naidu's meeting with the JD(S) supremo comes in the backdrop of Congress-JD(S) coalition resolving to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections together against the BJP, buoyed by the victory in the bypolls. The Congress-JD(S)coalition in Karnataka on Tuesday won two of the three Lok Sabha seats and both assembly constituencies in the fiercely fought by-polls, giving a shot in the arm to the ruling combine that faces frequent questions about its longevity. BJP had managed to hold on to the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat. The electoral sweep by the ruling coalition comes as a boost to it as the by-polls were seen as a barometer of the public mood ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. (With inputs from agencies)

Secular parties, including Congress, must come together to remove BJP: Deve Gowda

Taking a dig at its ally BJP over the recent debacle in Karnataka bypolls, the Shiv Sena Thursday said the poll outcome indicates that "acche din" (good days) will return for the Congress in 2019, when general elections are due.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party also said the BJP's defeat in a string of Lok Sabha and assembly bypolls in the country would infuse a "fresh lease of life" in the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

In an editorial laced with sarcasm in the party mouthpiece "Saamana", the Sena also said the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) probably lost in Karnataka for ignoring poll promises like the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya and for "imposing some other agenda".

Mocking the BJP, the edit said the party should think why its "losing streak" is continuing unabated even as some "revolutionary changes" are taking place in the country under the BJP-led government by its own admission.

In a major setback to the BJP, the JD(S)-Congress coalition candidates Tuesday won four of five constituencies--three Lok Sabha and two assembly seats--that went to polls last week.

The defeat was more stinging for the BJP as the party lost its bastion Ballari Lok Sabha seat to the Congress.

"The BJP would study and introspect its losses in the bypolls, starting from Uttar Pradesh, in its own way. But, when so much good is happening in the country and revolutionary changes are taking place according to the ruling party, then why its losing streak is not stopping? The defeat of the BJP (in various bypolls) would give a fresh lease of life to the Congress," the Sena said.

The BJP had suffered a stunning electoral upset in the bypolls for Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh earlier this year, months after it lost bypolls for Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats, also in UP.

While Rashtriya Lok Dal's Tabassum Hasan won the Kairana seat, Naeemul Hasan of the Samajwadi Party bagged the Noorpur Assembly seat.

The Sena, which is a constituent of the BJP-led coalition governments in Centre and Maharashtra, also questioned why the "jod-tod (make-break) mathematics of the BJP is not working now".

The allies of the ruling party must be wondering now about what happened to the 'Modi-wave' prevailing in 2014, it said.

The Sena said the BJP's announcement for "Congress-mukt Bharat" seems to have fallen flat on face.

"The BJP had spoken about a Congress-free India in 2014 and promised to usher in 'acche din'. However, in a span of just four years, the 'Congress-mukt Bharat' slogan seems to be falling flat. At the same time, the results of Karnataka by-polls indicate that 'Acche din' are returning for the Congress," it said.

From clinching 282 seats in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP has lost 10 seats in the subsequent bypolls, and that the recent poll outcome should ring alarm bells for the party, the edit said.

"This (poll) outcome may be the result of the BJP keeping its promises of Ram temple, abolishing article 370 and Uniform Civil Code at the side and imposing some other agenda," the Sena said sarcastically in its edit.

The Karnataka BJP had said the Congress and the JD(S) won the elections by "misusing money and power".&nbsp;

Taking a dig at its ally BJP over the recent debacle in Karnataka bypolls, the Shiv Sena Thursday said the poll outcome indicates that "acche din" (good days) will return for the Congress in 2019, when general elections are due.

Taking a dig at its ally BJP over the recent debacle in Karnataka bypolls, the Shiv Sena Thursday said the poll outcome indicates that "acche din" (good days) will return for the Congress in 2019, when general elections are due. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party also said the BJP's defeat in a string of Lok Sabha and assembly bypolls in the country would infuse a "fresh lease of life" in the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. In an editorial laced with sarcasm in the party mouthpiece "Saamana", the Sena also said the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) probably lost in Karnataka for ignoring poll promises like the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya and for "imposing some other agenda". Mocking the BJP, the edit said the party should think why its "losing streak" is continuing unabated even as some "revolutionary changes" are taking place in the country under the BJP-led government by its own admission. In a major setback to the BJP, the JD(S)-Congress coalition candidates Tuesday won four of five constituencies--three Lok Sabha and two assembly seats--that went to polls last week. The defeat was more stinging for the BJP as the party lost its bastion Ballari Lok Sabha seat to the Congress. "The BJP would study and introspect its losses in the bypolls, starting from Uttar Pradesh, in its own way. But, when so much good is happening in the country and revolutionary changes are taking place according to the ruling party, then why its losing streak is not stopping? The defeat of the BJP (in various bypolls) would give a fresh lease of life to the Congress," the Sena said. The BJP had suffered a stunning electoral upset in the bypolls for Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh earlier this year, months after it lost bypolls for Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats, also in UP. While Rashtriya Lok Dal's Tabassum Hasan won the Kairana seat, Naeemul Hasan of the Samajwadi Party bagged the Noorpur Assembly seat. The Sena, which is a constituent of the BJP-led coalition governments in Centre and Maharashtra, also questioned why the "jod-tod (make-break) mathematics of the BJP is not working now". The allies of the ruling party must be wondering now about what happened to the 'Modi-wave' prevailing in 2014, it said. The Sena said the BJP's announcement for "Congress-mukt Bharat" seems to have fallen flat on face. "The BJP had spoken about a Congress-free India in 2014 and promised to usher in 'acche din'. However, in a span of just four years, the 'Congress-mukt Bharat' slogan seems to be falling flat. At the same time, the results of Karnataka by-polls indicate that 'Acche din' are returning for the Congress," it said. From clinching 282 seats in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP has lost 10 seats in the subsequent bypolls, and that the recent poll outcome should ring alarm bells for the party, the edit said. "This (poll) outcome may be the result of the BJP keeping its promises of Ram temple, abolishing article 370 and Uniform Civil Code at the side and imposing some other agenda," the Sena said sarcastically in its edit. The Karnataka BJP had said the Congress and the JD(S) won the elections by "misusing money and power".

BJP's defeat in Karnataka bypolls signals 'acche din' for Congress: Shiv Sena

Just a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party lost out its Bellary bastion to the Congress in the parliamentary bypoll, there came more bad news. Mining baron and former minister Gali Janardhana Reddy's name has surfaced in a Ponzi scam in Karnataka, amounting to a whopping Rs 600 crores.

While there is no evidence of Reddy being directly involved in the scam, preliminary investigations have indicated that Janardhana Reddy might have been given Rs 18 crores in gold by the owner of the fraudulent company, to influence the Enforcement Directorate probe into the scam.&nbsp;

What is the ponzi scheme all about?&nbsp;

Ambidant Marketing Private Ltd was started by Fareed and his son in December 2016. The chain-link investment fraud scheme by Ambidant promised 30-40% returns to its investors.

In order to build faith, the company initially delivered the returns that it promised. However, things started unravelling by April 2017, when investors in large numbers approached the Bengaluru city police and also staged protests.

The Central Crime Branch team headed by Alok Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Police that initiated investigations, found that nearly 15,000 investors were duped to the tune of Rs 600 crore.

In January this year, when the police team raided Ambidant, it found that Fareed had transferred as much as Rs 18 crore to one Ramesh Kothari, a jeweller from Bengaluru. This money was then converted to 57kgs of gold bullion and handed over to another jeweller by the name Ramesh in Ballari.

When Ramesh (Ballari) was questioned about the same, he told the police that the gold was handed over to Ali Khan, a close aide of Janardhana Reddy.&nbsp;

While Janardhana Reddy and Ali Khan remain inaccessible, CCB teams have raided the former minister's homes in Bengaluru and Ballari. At least four teams of the Central Crime Branch are on the lookout for Reddy and Khan, who have moved a Telangana court seeking anticipatory bail.

Reddy's troubled past&nbsp;

Gali Janardhana Reddy, once the invincible mining baron of iron-rich Bellary, was arrested in September 2011 for his involvement in the infamous mining scam of Karnataka. Reddy was then the Tourism, Youth and Infrastructure minister of Karnataka.

In an extensive report filed by the then Lokayukta Justice Santhosh Hegde, Reddy was accused of illegal mining, tampering with state borders and forest laws and also laundering money through international tax havens among other offences.

After three years in jail, Reddy was granted bail in January 2015 by the Supreme Court on the condition that he will not enter Ballari. Despite the restrictions, Reddy campaigned for several BJP candidates during the 2018 State Assembly elections.&nbsp;

In an exclusive conversation to WION, Former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde, said that the latest development shows that Reddy was still wielding considerable influence, despite being out on bail.

"Whether he has done it or not he has given information to the other side he can control the ED and close the case for Rs 20 crore. It indicates that he's still powerful, isn't it? Obviously he has a clout through the administration and his words are still believed in the market. Certainly, I think it is a very good ground&nbsp;for cancellation of bail because one of the basic conditions is that you should not indulge in unlawful activities when you're on bail. I'm sure whoever is the concerned should file an application for cancellation of bail."&nbsp;says Justice Hegde.&nbsp;

Political implications of Reddy's troubles

Soon after the mining scam erupted under the BS Yeddyurappa administration in 2011, the Bharatiya Janata Party had distanced itself from Gali Janardhana Reddy. The sacking of Reddy brothers soon after the arrest, even led to their close aide B Sriramulu forming a separate political outfit.

The disintegration of the state BJP (Yeddyurappa forming KJP, Sriramulu forming BSR Congress) led to the terrible electoral failure of the party in 2013 assembly elections.&nbsp;

Having learnt its lessons, we could see more of the Reddy factor to 2018 Assembly elections. Though Supreme Court did not permit the mining baron to campaign in Ballari, he was seen actively partaking in processions in Chitradurga and Bengaluru.

In April, Reddy also shared the&nbsp;stage with BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and B Sriramulu. So what will the BJP do now, especially since its position has further been weakened in Ballari by the bypoll defeat?&nbsp;

"Janardhana Reddy was never in the forefront of BJP politics. He was always doing things from the back. He has always been frowned upon by the central leadership of the party. This gives an opportunity to the central leadership of the BJP to sideline the state leadership, as they have been waiting for an opportunity to do that. This allows the central leadership to micromanage the state in the BJP. It is difficult for them to replace Yeddyurappa at this stage, but in the next few months he will be sidelined and all critical decisions will happen from the national level", says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst. &nbsp;

The importance of Ballari &nbsp;

Ballari is a crucial constituency for the Bharati Janata Party as it formed the backbone of the state funding for electoral campaigns. The Reddy's once again getting into legal mess will only further force the central leadership to distance themselves from the powerful mining baron. The recent failure on part of the Reddy brothers to muster majority during floor test and the assembly elections have broken the cash-rich backbone.&nbsp;

In the past, 1999 had seen the district get national attention when Sonia Gandhi was pitted against Sushma Swaraj. Gandhi had won the election by a slender margin of 53,000. However, BJP won every consecutive election thereafter (until 2018), sealing the region as a saffron party bastion.

Just a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party lost out its Bellary bastion to the Congress in the parliamentary bypoll, there came more bad news. Mining baron and former minister Gali Janardhana Reddy's name has surfaced in a Ponzi scam in Karnataka, amounting to a whopping Rs 600 crores.

Just a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party lost out its Bellary bastion to the Congress in the parliamentary bypoll, there came more bad news. Mining baron and former minister Gali Janardhana Reddy's name has surfaced in a Ponzi scam in Karnataka, amounting to a whopping Rs 600 crores. While there is no evidence of Reddy being directly involved in the scam, preliminary investigations have indicated that Janardhana Reddy might have been given Rs 18 crores in gold by the owner of the fraudulent company, to influence the Enforcement Directorate probe into the scam. What is the ponzi scheme all about? Ambidant Marketing Private Ltd was started by Fareed and his son in December 2016. The chain-link investment fraud scheme by Ambidant promised 30-40% returns to its investors. In order to build faith, the company initially delivered the returns that it promised. However, things started unravelling by April 2017, when investors in large numbers approached the Bengaluru city police and also staged protests. The Central Crime Branch team headed by Alok Kumar, Additional Commissioner of Police that initiated investigations, found that nearly 15,000 investors were duped to the tune of Rs 600 crore. In January this year, when the police team raided Ambidant, it found that Fareed had transferred as much as Rs 18 crore to one Ramesh Kothari, a jeweller from Bengaluru. This money was then converted to 57kgs of gold bullion and handed over to another jeweller by the name Ramesh in Ballari. When Ramesh (Ballari) was questioned about the same, he told the police that the gold was handed over to Ali Khan, a close aide of Janardhana Reddy. While Janardhana Reddy and Ali Khan remain inaccessible, CCB teams have raided the former minister's homes in Bengaluru and Ballari. At least four teams of the Central Crime Branch are on the lookout for Reddy and Khan, who have moved a Telangana court seeking anticipatory bail. Reddy's troubled past Gali Janardhana Reddy, once the invincible mining baron of iron-rich Bellary, was arrested in September 2011 for his involvement in the infamous mining scam of Karnataka. Reddy was then the Tourism, Youth and Infrastructure minister of Karnataka. In an extensive report filed by the then Lokayukta Justice Santhosh Hegde, Reddy was accused of illegal mining, tampering with state borders and forest laws and also laundering money through international tax havens among other offences. After three years in jail, Reddy was granted bail in January 2015 by the Supreme Court on the condition that he will not enter Ballari. Despite the restrictions, Reddy campaigned for several BJP candidates during the 2018 State Assembly elections. In an exclusive conversation to WION, Former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde, said that the latest development shows that Reddy was still wielding considerable influence, despite being out on bail. "Whether he has done it or not he has given information to the other side he can control the ED and close the case for Rs 20 crore. It indicates that he's still powerful, isn't it? Obviously he has a clout through the administration and his words are still believed in the market. Certainly, I think it is a very good ground for cancellation of bail because one of the basic conditions is that you should not indulge in unlawful activities when you're on bail. I'm sure whoever is the concerned should file an application for cancellation of bail." says Justice Hegde. Political implications of Reddy's troubles Soon after the mining scam erupted under the BS Yeddyurappa administration in 2011, the Bharatiya Janata Party had distanced itself from Gali Janardhana Reddy. The sacking of Reddy brothers soon after the arrest, even led to their close aide B Sriramulu forming a separate political outfit. The disintegration of the state BJP (Yeddyurappa forming KJP, Sriramulu forming BSR Congress) led to the terrible electoral failure of the party in 2013 assembly elections. Having learnt its lessons, we could see more of the Reddy factor to 2018 Assembly elections. Though Supreme Court did not permit the mining baron to campaign in Ballari, he was seen actively partaking in processions in Chitradurga and Bengaluru. In April, Reddy also shared the stage with BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and B Sriramulu. So what will the BJP do now, especially since its position has further been weakened in Ballari by the bypoll defeat? "Janardhana Reddy was never in the forefront of BJP politics. He was always doing things from the back. He has always been frowned upon by the central leadership of the party. This gives an opportunity to the central leadership of the BJP to sideline the state leadership, as they have been waiting for an opportunity to do that. This allows the central leadership to micromanage the state in the BJP. It is difficult for them to replace Yeddyurappa at this stage, but in the next few months he will be sidelined and all critical decisions will happen from the national level", says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst. The importance of Ballari Ballari is a crucial constituency for the Bharati Janata Party as it formed the backbone of the state funding for electoral campaigns. The Reddy's once again getting into legal mess will only further force the central leadership to distance themselves from the powerful mining baron. The recent failure on part of the Reddy brothers to muster majority during floor test and the assembly elections have broken the cash-rich backbone. In the past, 1999 had seen the district get national attention when Sonia Gandhi was pitted against Sushma Swaraj. Gandhi had won the election by a slender margin of 53,000. However, BJP won every consecutive election thereafter (until 2018), sealing the region as a saffron party bastion.

Karnataka Ponzi scam: Central Crime Branch sees 'Red'dy

It is that time of the year again when the South Indian state of Karnataka erupts in political mudslinging and violence over the state-sponsored celebration of Tipu Jayanti.&nbsp;

The BJP has once again come out with all guns blazing against the Kumaraswamy Government's decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti. Interestingly, the JD(S) leader had accused Siddaramaiah of trying to reap political mileage out of the celebrations last year. Tipu Jayanti is set to be celebrated on November 10.&nbsp;

'Why are they celebrating Tipu Jayanti? If they are going to celebrate tyrants, then tomorrow they will celebrate Babar Jayanti, Gajini Mohommad Jayanti, Chengis Khan Jayanti and Bin Laden Jayanti too. Can we allow it to happen?', says Pratap Simha, Mysuru MP. One of the harshest critiques of the celebration, Uttara Kannada MP Ananth Kumar Hegde, has shot a letter alleging that despite widespread condemnation, the government is going ahead with the celebration purely for political gain.&nbsp;

The government in retaliation has accused the BJP of spreading communal hatred. The Chief Minister went as far as to say that the Bharatiya Janata Party will be held responsible for any violence that occurs during Tipu Jayanti. 'If you are objecting to the occasion being celebrated, you should stay at home. Why should you object? In our democracy, there are several communities. These communities are celebrating their personalities. Why are you objecting to such a celebration? There is no need to politicise the issue. I have participated in Tipu Jayanti several times in the past. It has nothing to do with being part of the government. I have told officials that if anyone is inciting violence or destroying property, then it will not be tolerated and stringent action will be initiated.' said Chief Minister Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;

So why has a celebrated ruler like Tipu Sultan become a point of debate in Karnataka? Experts and political pundits have been unanimous in accusing the JD(S), Congress and BJP of politicising the ruler and handling history in a dangerous manner. Historian Chandan Gowda says that while the legacy of the ruler has been terribly distorted, the Congress and JD(S) should have observed caution and taken protesting parties into confidence.&nbsp;

'A lot of discussion about historical figures is driven by political motivations in the present, which has always meant an extraordinary simplification of the past. One must understand the past in its own terms to understand what a ruler was thinking before he/she did anything. Many of our historical characters are multilayered and multidimensional and we have to be extremely openminded to understand how completely different they were. Tipu is absolutely adored in Mysuru. Even the Wodeyars who were unseated by his father have shown great respect to him. He, however, is known to have been cruel with regions that he tried to conquer like any other king at that time. Reading historical events from the point of view of addressing a wrong, to seek vengeance in the present, does involve, usually, a gross simplification of the complexity of the episode. If one bothers to do history, one will have to do very carefully.', says Prof Chandan Gowda, a historian with the Azim Premji University. &nbsp;

Another sociologist from Bengaluru who spoke on condition of anonymity had a different view. 'Tipu is being made out to be a hero or villain because we have defined heroes and villains. I would think we need to respect the sensitivities of people. If there are some who think they will be offended by Tipu being celebrated, we should not go ahead with the celebrations. We need to heal the wounds.' says the sociologist.&nbsp;

But of course, it boils down to what is at stake for the three major political parties of Karnataka - JD(S), Congress and BJP. 'The controversy surrounding Tipu Jayanti reflects the intense polarisation of Karnataka politics. Given the fact that you have a JD(S)-Congress govt in Karnataka, and these two parties have largely received the support of minority communities, it is but expected that these two parties focus on Tipu Jayanti. They are communicating with minority communities that their interests are secure. BJP has objected to such celebrations as being minority appeasement. Given the fact that these are consecutive election years, Tipu Jayanti has become a convenient platform to try and use the platform to serve their own partisan and political interests. In the process what all these three political parties don't seem to realise is that for short-term political gain, they are sacrificing long-term peace and harmony of the state.' says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst. &nbsp;

Tipu Sultan was an 18th-century ruler of Mysuru and is popularly known as the Tiger of Mysuru for fighting against the British. However, he has also been criticised for his repression of Hindus and Christians in territories that he sought to conquer, like the hill town of Kodagu in Karnataka. Numerous protest marches are being reported from across the state, particularly in Kodagu, in the run-up to the celebrations. 65000 police will be deployed including the Rapid Action Force in Karnataka for Tipu Jayanti this year. The government has also prohibited processions, in favour of or against, the erstwhile Mysuru ruler on November 10.

It is that time of the year again when the South Indian state of Karnataka erupts in political mudslinging and violence over the state-sponsored celebration of Tipu Jayanti.

It is that time of the year again when the South Indian state of Karnataka erupts in political mudslinging and violence over the state-sponsored celebration of Tipu Jayanti. The BJP has once again come out with all guns blazing against the Kumaraswamy Government's decision to celebrate Tipu Jayanti. Interestingly, the JD(S) leader had accused Siddaramaiah of trying to reap political mileage out of the celebrations last year. Tipu Jayanti is set to be celebrated on November 10. 'Why are they celebrating Tipu Jayanti? If they are going to celebrate tyrants, then tomorrow they will celebrate Babar Jayanti, Gajini Mohommad Jayanti, Chengis Khan Jayanti and Bin Laden Jayanti too. Can we allow it to happen?', says Pratap Simha, Mysuru MP. One of the harshest critiques of the celebration, Uttara Kannada MP Ananth Kumar Hegde, has shot a letter alleging that despite widespread condemnation, the government is going ahead with the celebration purely for political gain. The government in retaliation has accused the BJP of spreading communal hatred. The Chief Minister went as far as to say that the Bharatiya Janata Party will be held responsible for any violence that occurs during Tipu Jayanti. 'If you are objecting to the occasion being celebrated, you should stay at home. Why should you object? In our democracy, there are several communities. These communities are celebrating their personalities. Why are you objecting to such a celebration? There is no need to politicise the issue. I have participated in Tipu Jayanti several times in the past. It has nothing to do with being part of the government. I have told officials that if anyone is inciting violence or destroying property, then it will not be tolerated and stringent action will be initiated.' said Chief Minister Kumaraswamy. So why has a celebrated ruler like Tipu Sultan become a point of debate in Karnataka? Experts and political pundits have been unanimous in accusing the JD(S), Congress and BJP of politicising the ruler and handling history in a dangerous manner. Historian Chandan Gowda says that while the legacy of the ruler has been terribly distorted, the Congress and JD(S) should have observed caution and taken protesting parties into confidence. 'A lot of discussion about historical figures is driven by political motivations in the present, which has always meant an extraordinary simplification of the past. One must understand the past in its own terms to understand what a ruler was thinking before he/she did anything. Many of our historical characters are multilayered and multidimensional and we have to be extremely openminded to understand how completely different they were. Tipu is absolutely adored in Mysuru. Even the Wodeyars who were unseated by his father have shown great respect to him. He, however, is known to have been cruel with regions that he tried to conquer like any other king at that time. Reading historical events from the point of view of addressing a wrong, to seek vengeance in the present, does involve, usually, a gross simplification of the complexity of the episode. If one bothers to do history, one will have to do very carefully.', says Prof Chandan Gowda, a historian with the Azim Premji University. Another sociologist from Bengaluru who spoke on condition of anonymity had a different view. 'Tipu is being made out to be a hero or villain because we have defined heroes and villains. I would think we need to respect the sensitivities of people. If there are some who think they will be offended by Tipu being celebrated, we should not go ahead with the celebrations. We need to heal the wounds.' says the sociologist. But of course, it boils down to what is at stake for the three major political parties of Karnataka - JD(S), Congress and BJP. 'The controversy surrounding Tipu Jayanti reflects the intense polarisation of Karnataka politics. Given the fact that you have a JD(S)-Congress govt in Karnataka, and these two parties have largely received the support of minority communities, it is but expected that these two parties focus on Tipu Jayanti. They are communicating with minority communities that their interests are secure. BJP has objected to such celebrations as being minority appeasement. Given the fact that these are consecutive election years, Tipu Jayanti has become a convenient platform to try and use the platform to serve their own partisan and political interests. In the process what all these three political parties don't seem to realise is that for short-term political gain, they are sacrificing long-term peace and harmony of the state.' says Sandeep Shastri, Political Analyst. Tipu Sultan was an 18th-century ruler of Mysuru and is popularly known as the Tiger of Mysuru for fighting against the British. However, he has also been criticised for his repression of Hindus and Christians in territories that he sought to conquer, like the hill town of Kodagu in Karnataka. Numerous protest marches are being reported from across the state, particularly in Kodagu, in the run-up to the celebrations. 65000 police will be deployed including the Rapid Action Force in Karnataka for Tipu Jayanti this year. The government has also prohibited processions, in favour of or against, the erstwhile Mysuru ruler on November 10.

The political sword of Tipu Sultan Jayanti

Pollution in New Delhi rose to a "severe" level on Thursday after revellers let off fireworks long into the night to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali.

Two central government pollution indices showed air at "very poor" and "severe" levels, indicating that prolonged exposure could lead to respiratory illnesses.

The indices mostly measure the concentration of tiny poisonous particulate matter, or PM 2.5, particles that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter, which can be carried deep into the lungs.

The US&nbsp;embassy said PM 2.5 levels in its part of central Delhi had soared to 689, indicating emergency conditions, posing a serious health risk.

A level of 50 or less is considered safe.

A task-force under the pollution control board was scheduled to meet at 11 am&nbsp;(0530 GMT) to assess the situation, a city government spokesman told Reuters.

Few Delhi residents wear face masks when they go out in heavy smog and joggers and passersby were out as normal near parliament early on Thursday.

Last month, the Supreme Court allowed the use of "green" firecrackers for Diwali, but only for two hours in the evening.

However, there were no "green" fireworks available for sale and countless fireworks were let off through the evening.

Authorities have been reluctant to ban fireworks to avoid offending members of the majority Hindu community. Diwali is one of their biggest festivals.

"The Supreme Court order on fireworks was not followed and health warnings from the government were limited to few newspapers and some websites," said Greenpeace campaigner Sunil Dahiya.

The apparent lack of concern about the toxic air - whether through ignorance or apathy - gives politicians the cover they need for failing to address the problem, say environmental activists and others.

Tiny particulate matter can cause major health problems.

In recent weeks, Delhi doctors have reported an increase in patients with respiratory problems.

Adding to the smog has been smoke from the surrounding countryside, where farmers at this time of the year burn the stubble in their fields to prepare for winter sowing.

More gentle winds and cool air, which can trap pollution, exacerbate the problem.

For a second year, Delhi's chief minister has likened the city to a "gas chamber". Last year, he declared a public health crisis, shut schools for a week and told residents to remain indoors.

Pollution in New Delhi rose to a "severe" level on Thursday after revellers let off fireworks long into the night to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali. Two central government pollution indices showed air at "very poor" and "severe" levels, indicating that prolonged exposure could lead to respiratory illnesses.

Pollution in New Delhi rose to a "severe" level on Thursday after revellers let off fireworks long into the night to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali. Two central government pollution indices showed air at "very poor" and "severe" levels, indicating that prolonged exposure could lead to respiratory illnesses. The indices mostly measure the concentration of tiny poisonous particulate matter, or PM 2.5, particles that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter, which can be carried deep into the lungs. The US embassy said PM 2.5 levels in its part of central Delhi had soared to 689, indicating emergency conditions, posing a serious health risk. A level of 50 or less is considered safe. A task-force under the pollution control board was scheduled to meet at 11 am (0530 GMT) to assess the situation, a city government spokesman told Reuters. Few Delhi residents wear face masks when they go out in heavy smog and joggers and passersby were out as normal near parliament early on Thursday. Last month, the Supreme Court allowed the use of "green" firecrackers for Diwali, but only for two hours in the evening. However, there were no "green" fireworks available for sale and countless fireworks were let off through the evening. Authorities have been reluctant to ban fireworks to avoid offending members of the majority Hindu community. Diwali is one of their biggest festivals. "The Supreme Court order on fireworks was not followed and health warnings from the government were limited to few newspapers and some websites," said Greenpeace campaigner Sunil Dahiya. The apparent lack of concern about the toxic air - whether through ignorance or apathy - gives politicians the cover they need for failing to address the problem, say environmental activists and others. Tiny particulate matter can cause major health problems. In recent weeks, Delhi doctors have reported an increase in patients with respiratory problems. Adding to the smog has been smoke from the surrounding countryside, where farmers at this time of the year burn the stubble in their fields to prepare for winter sowing. More gentle winds and cool air, which can trap pollution, exacerbate the problem. For a second year, Delhi's chief minister has likened the city to a "gas chamber". Last year, he declared a public health crisis, shut schools for a week and told residents to remain indoors.

Smog in Delhi severe after unfettered Diwali fireworks

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday released the third list of 32 candidates for the ensuing Madhya Pradesh assembly elections.

The party has fielded national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya's son Akash Vijayvargiya from the Indore-3 constituency and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Babulal Gaur's daughter-in-law Krishna Gour from Govindpura constituency.

The list includes six Scheduled Castes, two Scheduled Tribes and five women. Among others are Shivmangal Singh Tomar, Rakesh Choudhary, Rajni Prajapati, Anil Jain, Lakhan Patel, Shiv Bahadur Chandel, Moti Kashyap, Babulal Verma, and Malini Gour.

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BJP releases the third list of candidates for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZLN6IayfUz">pic.twitter.com/ZLN6IayfUz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1060434114766086145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the party released the first list of 177 candidates on November 2.

Current Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is contesting from his home constituency, Budhni. The BJP later released the second list of 17 candidates on November 5.

Madhya Pradesh is slated to go to polls on November 28 for 230 constituencies.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday released the third list of 32 candidates for the ensuing Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. The party has fielded national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya's son Akash Vijayvargiya from the Indore-3 constituency and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Babulal Gaur's daughter-in-law Krishna Gour from Govindpura constituency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday released the third list of 32 candidates for the ensuing Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. The party has fielded national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya's son Akash Vijayvargiya from the Indore-3 constituency and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Babulal Gaur's daughter-in-law Krishna Gour from Govindpura constituency. The list includes six Scheduled Castes, two Scheduled Tribes and five women. Among others are Shivmangal Singh Tomar, Rakesh Choudhary, Rajni Prajapati, Anil Jain, Lakhan Patel, Shiv Bahadur Chandel, Moti Kashyap, Babulal Verma, and Malini Gour. BJP releases the third list of candidates for #MadhyaPradeshElections2018 pic.twitter.com/ZLN6IayfUz — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × Earlier, the party released the first list of 177 candidates on November 2. Current Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is contesting from his home constituency, Budhni. The BJP later released the second list of 17 candidates on November 5. Madhya Pradesh is slated to go to polls on November 28 for 230 constituencies.

MP assembly polls: BJP releases third list of 32 candidates

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic."

He alleged that the government has packed the central bank's board with handpicked nominees, and was making every attempt to push through its proposals at the RBI board meeting on November 19.

"The government stares at a fiscal deficit crisis... The government wants to step up the expenditure in an election year. Finding all avenues closed, in desperation, the government has demanded Rs 1 lakh crore from the reserves of RBI," the former finance minister said at a press conference.

If RBI Governor Urjit Patel stands his ground, the Centre was planning to issue a direction under Section 7 of the RBI Act, 1934, directing the apex bank to transfer Rs 1 lakh crore to the government's account, he claimed.

"The day of reckoning is November 19 when the RBI board is scheduled to meet. The government has packed the RBI board with its handpicked nominees and is making every attempt to ram through its proposal at the meeting," Chidambaram said.

"If the RBI either defies the government or RBI governor resigns, in either event, the consequence will be catastrophic," he added.

Chidambaram also added that state-wise alliances are going to benefit the Congress, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"State-wise alliances will benefit Congress, it is the best way to defeat BJP," he told media.&nbsp;

Chidambaram's comments came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley claimed that confiscating money was not the aim of launching demonetisation, adding that the move led to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/demonetisation-led-to-formalisation-of-economy-expanded-tax-base-arun-jaitley-176171">formalisation of the economy and expanded tax base</a>.&nbsp;

The reactions came on the second anniversary of the demonetisation move that the Modi government undertook in the year 2016.&nbsp;

The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in November 2016, Jaitley said, had resulted in more formalisation (of the economy), more revenue, more resources for the poor, better infrastructure, and a better quality of life for our citizens, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The government had on November 8, 2016, announced a ban on old 500 and 1000 rupee notes, to curb black money in the system.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic.

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic." He alleged that the government has packed the central bank's board with handpicked nominees, and was making every attempt to push through its proposals at the RBI board meeting on November 19. "The government stares at a fiscal deficit crisis... The government wants to step up the expenditure in an election year. Finding all avenues closed, in desperation, the government has demanded Rs 1 lakh crore from the reserves of RBI," the former finance minister said at a press conference. If RBI Governor Urjit Patel stands his ground, the Centre was planning to issue a direction under Section 7 of the RBI Act, 1934, directing the apex bank to transfer Rs 1 lakh crore to the government's account, he claimed. "The day of reckoning is November 19 when the RBI board is scheduled to meet. The government has packed the RBI board with its handpicked nominees and is making every attempt to ram through its proposal at the meeting," Chidambaram said. "If the RBI either defies the government or RBI governor resigns, in either event, the consequence will be catastrophic," he added. Chidambaram also added that state-wise alliances are going to benefit the Congress, news agency ANI reported. "State-wise alliances will benefit Congress, it is the best way to defeat BJP," he told media. Chidambaram's comments came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley claimed that confiscating money was not the aim of launching demonetisation, adding that the move led to the formalisation of the economy and expanded tax base. The reactions came on the second anniversary of the demonetisation move that the Modi government undertook in the year 2016. The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in November 2016, Jaitley said, had resulted in more formalisation (of the economy), more revenue, more resources for the poor, better infrastructure, and a better quality of life for our citizens, news agency PTI reported. The government had on November 8, 2016, announced a ban on old 500 and 1000 rupee notes, to curb black money in the system. (With inputs from agencies)

Government trying to capture RBI ahead of Lok Sabha polls: P Chidambaram

Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday, four days ahead of the first phase of elections in the state, police said.

Two personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were also injured in the explosion, the third Naxal attack in 15 days in the poll-bound state.

The attack comes before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit on Friday to Jagdalpur district, about 100 km from Dantewada, to campaign for the BJP.

The IED explosion took place in a hilly area in Bacheli, about 450 km from here, when the CISF personnel were returning to their camp in Akashnagar after purchasing groceries from the market, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallava told PTI.

The Naxals triggered a powerful IED blast near curve no.6 on the hills, killing a CISF jawan, the bus' driver, conductor, cleaner and another person who is yet to be identified, Pallava said.

The private bus, which was targeted, was allotted to the CISF team deployed in the Bailadila mining area of the National Mining Development Corporation in Dantewada for election duty.

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1 CISF jawan&amp;4 civilians lost their lives&amp;2 injured in the attack today. Morale of the forces will not be affected due to such attacks. The upcoming assembly elections will be conducted peacefully:V Sinha, IG Bastar: Visuals from the site of naxal attack near Bacheli,Chhattisgarh <a href="https://t.co/XLLvGZY8bt">pic.twitter.com/XLLvGZY8bt</a>
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Reinforcements were rushed to the spot and the injured personnel and bodies of the deceased shifted to a local hospital, Pallava said. 
Security forces have launched a combing operation in the area to trace the ultras, he added.

On October 30, three police personnel and a cameraman of national broadcaster Doordarshan were killed in a Maoist attack in Dantewada's Aranpur area.

Before that, on October 27, four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and two others injured after Maoists blew up their bulletproof bunker vehicle in Bijapur district.&nbsp;

Naxalites have asked voters to boycott the upcoming state Assembly polls, being held over two phases on November 12 and November 20.

The first phase is to be held in 18 Naxal affected constituencies of Bastar region, that falls in the southern part of the central Indian state.

The remaining 72 constituencies will go to the polls on November 20 and the votes will be counted on December 11.

Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday, four days ahead of the first phase of elections in the state, police said.

Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday, four days ahead of the first phase of elections in the state, police said. Two personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) were also injured in the explosion, the third Naxal attack in 15 days in the poll-bound state. The attack comes before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit on Friday to Jagdalpur district, about 100 km from Dantewada, to campaign for the BJP. The IED explosion took place in a hilly area in Bacheli, about 450 km from here, when the CISF personnel were returning to their camp in Akashnagar after purchasing groceries from the market, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallava told PTI. The Naxals triggered a powerful IED blast near curve no.6 on the hills, killing a CISF jawan, the bus' driver, conductor, cleaner and another person who is yet to be identified, Pallava said. The private bus, which was targeted, was allotted to the CISF team deployed in the Bailadila mining area of the National Mining Development Corporation in Dantewada for election duty. 1 CISF jawan&4 civilians lost their lives&2 injured in the attack today. Morale of the forces will not be affected due to such attacks. The upcoming assembly elections will be conducted peacefully:V Sinha, IG Bastar: Visuals from the site of naxal attack near Bacheli,Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/XLLvGZY8bt — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × Reinforcements were rushed to the spot and the injured personnel and bodies of the deceased shifted to a local hospital, Pallava said. Security forces have launched a combing operation in the area to trace the ultras, he added. On October 30, three police personnel and a cameraman of national broadcaster Doordarshan were killed in a Maoist attack in Dantewada's Aranpur area. Before that, on October 27, four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and two others injured after Maoists blew up their bulletproof bunker vehicle in Bijapur district. Naxalites have asked voters to boycott the upcoming state Assembly polls, being held over two phases on November 12 and November 20. The first phase is to be held in 18 Naxal affected constituencies of Bastar region, that falls in the southern part of the central Indian state. The remaining 72 constituencies will go to the polls on November 20 and the votes will be counted on December 11.

Four civilians, one CISF jawan killed in IED blast in Chhattisgarh

The Congress has identified 5 major issues in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on which Congress President Rahul Gandhi will build a stark contrast between the Congress and the BJP.&nbsp;

Sources said that it will take an anti-Modi campaign to the next level. As of now a large part of Congress' campaign has been against the stated policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

The present attempt is limited to chiselling away the halo around him built on his key decision like demonetisation, surgical strikes, GST, muscular foreign policy and anti-corruption image. But as of now, the criticism has not addressed the issue of alternative vision. Come December and it will happen.

The Congress has identified agriculture, jobs, education, health care and foreign policy as key areas. The party steps up campaigns on these keys areas once assembly elections in five states conclude. The campaign will include interviews by Rahul Gandhi apart from massive social media interface. These subjects have been identified as areas which require massive transformation and through them, the Congress will give an alternative to Narendra Modi’s vision on these subjects.

Sources say that the work on these five areas has already started and meetings with stakeholders are being done in a phased manner. The party has also decided to focus more on smaller target groups like colleges and create mini-events that are more intimate and conversational. To put forward these views, the party is also in the exercise to identify strong credible voices for the national campaign in run up to the Lok Sabha elections. “Everything cannot depend on Rahul Gandhi and he cannot be everywhere,” said a person involved in the project.

&nbsp;This focus has been accompanied by a vibrant social media strategy. The Congress is also working to target new voters and women as specific constituencies. To this effect, Rahul Gandhi’s team has utilized both Facebook and Twitter intensively. It was for this reason that Rahul Gandhi’s Facebook engagement has increased dramatically and his recent outing at 66 Bhog in Madhya Pradesh registered 3.2 million views.

The Congress has identified 5 major issues in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on which Congress President Rahul Gandhi will build a stark contrast between the Congress and the BJP.

The Congress has identified 5 major issues in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on which Congress President Rahul Gandhi will build a stark contrast between the Congress and the BJP. Sources said that it will take an anti-Modi campaign to the next level. As of now a large part of Congress' campaign has been against the stated policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The present attempt is limited to chiselling away the halo around him built on his key decision like demonetisation, surgical strikes, GST, muscular foreign policy and anti-corruption image. But as of now, the criticism has not addressed the issue of alternative vision. Come December and it will happen. The Congress has identified agriculture, jobs, education, health care and foreign policy as key areas. The party steps up campaigns on these keys areas once assembly elections in five states conclude. The campaign will include interviews by Rahul Gandhi apart from massive social media interface. These subjects have been identified as areas which require massive transformation and through them, the Congress will give an alternative to Narendra Modi’s vision on these subjects. Sources say that the work on these five areas has already started and meetings with stakeholders are being done in a phased manner. The party has also decided to focus more on smaller target groups like colleges and create mini-events that are more intimate and conversational. To put forward these views, the party is also in the exercise to identify strong credible voices for the national campaign in run up to the Lok Sabha elections. “Everything cannot depend on Rahul Gandhi and he cannot be everywhere,” said a person involved in the project. This focus has been accompanied by a vibrant social media strategy. The Congress is also working to target new voters and women as specific constituencies. To this effect, Rahul Gandhi’s team has utilized both Facebook and Twitter intensively. It was for this reason that Rahul Gandhi’s Facebook engagement has increased dramatically and his recent outing at 66 Bhog in Madhya Pradesh registered 3.2 million views.

Come December and Congress to go into campaign overdrive

A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319.

The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category.

The AQI in Satyawati College, ITI Shahdra, Jhilmil Industrial Area, Anand Vihar, Patparganj, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium,&nbsp;RK Puram, Rohini, Dwarka, Okhla were recorded at 999.&nbsp;

The complications of breathing in hazardous air quality may lead to serious health effects.

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Thick layer of smog engulfs Delhi; visuals from near Akshardham Temple. <a href="https://t.co/K02CO18o5r">pic.twitter.com/K02CO18o5r</a>
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The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB.

The particulate matter 2.5 in north campus was recorded at 2000 on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the AQI in several other places of the national Capital region was&nbsp;recorded in the "Very unhealthy" category. The AQI in Gurugram was recorded at 330, Greater Noida 228, Faridabad 448 and 327 in Noida.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>'s Anand Vihar at 999, area around US Embassy, Chanakyapuri at 459 &amp; area around Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 999, all under 'Hazardous' category in Air Quality Index (AQI) <a href="https://t.co/QX7z5UYOl9">pic.twitter.com/QX7z5UYOl9</a>
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The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals.

The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court.

But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm.

(With inputs from PTI)

A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319. The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category.

A day after Diwali a thick haze engulfed the national capital region which recorded an overall Air Quality Index of 319. The AQI at several other places in the national capital reached 999 marks falling in the hazardous category. The AQI in Satyawati College, ITI Shahdra, Jhilmil Industrial Area, Anand Vihar, Patparganj, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, RK Puram, Rohini, Dwarka, Okhla were recorded at 999. The complications of breathing in hazardous air quality may lead to serious health effects. Thick layer of smog engulfs Delhi; visuals from near Akshardham Temple. pic.twitter.com/K02CO18o5r — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × The air quality started deteriorating rapidly from 7 pm. The AQI was 281 at 7 pm. It rose to 291 at 8 pm and further deteriorated to 294 at 9 pm and 296 at 10 pm, according to the CPCB. The particulate matter 2.5 in north campus was recorded at 2000 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the AQI in several other places of the national Capital region was recorded in the "Very unhealthy" category. The AQI in Gurugram was recorded at 330, Greater Noida 228, Faridabad 448 and 327 in Noida. #Delhi's Anand Vihar at 999, area around US Embassy, Chanakyapuri at 459 & area around Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at 999, all under 'Hazardous' category in Air Quality Index (AQI) pic.twitter.com/QX7z5UYOl9 — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × The Supreme Court had allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals. It had also allowed manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have a low light and sound emission and less harmful chemicals. The court had asked the police to ensure that banned firecrackers were not sold and said in case of any violation, the station house officer (SHO) of the police station concerned would be held personally liable and it would amount to committing contempt of the court. But despite the apex court order, there were reports of its violation from many areas long after 10 pm. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi chokes after Diwali as several places record AQI at 999

Diwali is an occasion when everyone is headed home in order to spend time with loved ones. However, Indian armed forces stationed in Jammu and Kashmir not only stay away from home on Diwali day but they have to stay vigilant and alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in order to thwart any attempts of infiltration.

In Kashmir, the Border Security Force personnel are maintaining a tight vigil around the fence between India and Pakistan, despite all odds.

These Border Security Forces personnel celebrate the festival of lights with each other while praying for the safety and security of their country. The bad weather and early snowfall have made the task even more difficult on the frontline this year. This BSF patrol looks at every suspicious movement along the fence and continued even on the day of Diwali.&nbsp;

For them, Diwali celebrations are limited but their moral remains high despite adverse conditions. Away from these families, they celebrate the festival of lights guarding the fences even though the celebrations are subdued.&nbsp;

"Our celebration is in the celebration of entire country, we don't feel that we aren't celebrating Diwali at the same time, we don't think we are away from these celebrations," says BSF head constable Kishori Lal, while standing close to the fence.&nbsp;

These forces say that they are happy in celebrating the festival with their colleagues with whom they have developed a strong bond over the years.

The combing operations don’t stop even for a minute. Round the clock vigil is the only way to keep a sneaking enemy at bay. Jawans know, the Diwali won’t be any different. In this area, the lull is only broken by guns shots.

"We sometimes miss the celebrations, but then if people in India celebrate Diwali safely, because of us, I personally feel proud," says another sub-inspector Anuj Kumar, while patrolling the line of control.&nbsp;

After finishing their duties, some of these men gather at a local prayer hall. Here they Pray for the safety and security of India. These vigilant border guards have little time to celebrate before they head for another patrol.&nbsp;

These jawans say that they want people to celebrate a greener Diwali by avoiding the use of firecrackers to curb pollution which has made the conditions worse in the Indian capital state, Delhi.

Many miles away from the fence, celebrations are in full swing at BSF headquarters in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. BSF personnel have gathered with their families at the festival ground which gives them an opportunity to meet an interact with each other.

"These festivals are important for us. We work in a difficult situation but these festivals give us the opportunity to bond together and get together. We celebrate our service to our nation," says BSF Kashmir Inspector General, Abhinav Kumar.

Diwali is an occasion when everyone is headed home in order to spend time with loved ones. However, Indian armed forces stationed in Jammu and Kashmir not only stay away from home on Diwali day but they have to stay vigilant and alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in order to thwart any attempts of infiltration.

Diwali is an occasion when everyone is headed home in order to spend time with loved ones. However, Indian armed forces stationed in Jammu and Kashmir not only stay away from home on Diwali day but they have to stay vigilant and alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in order to thwart any attempts of infiltration. In Kashmir, the Border Security Force personnel are maintaining a tight vigil around the fence between India and Pakistan, despite all odds. These Border Security Forces personnel celebrate the festival of lights with each other while praying for the safety and security of their country. The bad weather and early snowfall have made the task even more difficult on the frontline this year. This BSF patrol looks at every suspicious movement along the fence and continued even on the day of Diwali. For them, Diwali celebrations are limited but their moral remains high despite adverse conditions. Away from these families, they celebrate the festival of lights guarding the fences even though the celebrations are subdued. "Our celebration is in the celebration of entire country, we don't feel that we aren't celebrating Diwali at the same time, we don't think we are away from these celebrations," says BSF head constable Kishori Lal, while standing close to the fence. These forces say that they are happy in celebrating the festival with their colleagues with whom they have developed a strong bond over the years. The combing operations don’t stop even for a minute. Round the clock vigil is the only way to keep a sneaking enemy at bay. Jawans know, the Diwali won’t be any different. In this area, the lull is only broken by guns shots. "We sometimes miss the celebrations, but then if people in India celebrate Diwali safely, because of us, I personally feel proud," says another sub-inspector Anuj Kumar, while patrolling the line of control. After finishing their duties, some of these men gather at a local prayer hall. Here they Pray for the safety and security of India. These vigilant border guards have little time to celebrate before they head for another patrol. These jawans say that they want people to celebrate a greener Diwali by avoiding the use of firecrackers to curb pollution which has made the conditions worse in the Indian capital state, Delhi. Many miles away from the fence, celebrations are in full swing at BSF headquarters in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. BSF personnel have gathered with their families at the festival ground which gives them an opportunity to meet an interact with each other. "These festivals are important for us. We work in a difficult situation but these festivals give us the opportunity to bond together and get together. We celebrate our service to our nation," says BSF Kashmir Inspector General, Abhinav Kumar.

On Diwali day, it's work as usual for jawans far away from home 

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday said demonetisation resulted in formalisation of economy and increased tax base, prompting the government to earmark more resources for the poor and infrastructure development.

In a Facebook post on the second anniversary of Demonetisation, Jaitley said in first four years of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, the number of income tax returns filers has gone up to 6.86 crore from 3.8 crore in May 2014.

By the time the first five years of this government are over, we will be close to doubling the assessee base, he said in the post titled Impact Of Demonetisation".

The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in November 2016, the minister said, had resulted in more formalisation (of economy), more revenue, more resources for the poor, better infrastructure, and a better quality of life for our citizens.

He further said with the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST), it is now becoming increasingly difficult to evade the tax system and the indirect tax to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio has gone up to 5.4 per cent post-GST, from 4.4 per cent in 2014-15.

Terming the criticism, that almost the entire cash money got deposited in the banks post demonetisation, as ill-informed, Jaitley said confiscation of currency was not an objective of demonetisation.

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Getting it into the formal economy and making the holders pay tax was the broader objective. The system required to be shaken in order to make India move from cash to digital transactions. This would obviously have an impact on higher tax revenue and a higher tax base, Jaitley said.

The government had on November 8, 2016, announced ban on old 500 and 1000 rupee notes, to curb black money in the system.

Of the Rs 15.41 lakh crore worth Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in circulation on November 8, 2016, 99.3 per cent or notes worth Rs 15.31 lakh crore have returned to the banking system.

This means, just Rs 10,720 crore of the junked currency did not return to the banking system.

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Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh's Press Statement on two years of Demonetisation &amp; the devastating impact it had &amp; continues to have on the Indian economy. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DestructionByDemonetisation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DestructionByDemonetisation</a> <a href="https://t.co/4d4JE8bdhY">pic.twitter.com/4d4JE8bdhY</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1060401595718918144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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After the note ban, old junked notes, called specified bank notes (SBNs), were allowed to be deposited in banks with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny.

Jaitley said demonetisation compelled holders of cash to deposit the same in the banks.

The enormity of cash deposited and identified with the owner resulted in suspected 17.42 lakh account holders from whom the response has been received online through non-invasive method, he said.

The violators faced punitive actions. Larger deposits in banks improved lending capacity for the banks. A lot of this money was diverted to mutual funds for further investments. It became a part of the formal system, Jaitley added.

He said the share of indigenously developed payment system of unified payments interface (UPI) and RuPay card have reached 65 per cent of the payments done through debit and credit cards.

Jaitley said in 2017-18, the tax returns filed reached 6.86 crore, an increase of 25 per cent over the previous year.

This year, as on October 31, 2018, already 5.99 crore returns have been filed - which is an increase of 54.33 per cent compared to the previous year till this date.

As many as 86.35 lakh new filers were added this year.

Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg said demonetisation and GST reflect long-term vision of the government and its ability to undertake massive structural reforms.

Tax filers under both direct and indirect taxes are close to getting doubled. Digital payments have risen sharply and become commonplace. Fake notes are out,&nbsp;Garg tweeted.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday said demonetisation resulted in formalisation of economy and increased tax base, prompting the government to earmark more resources for the poor and infrastructure development.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday said demonetisation resulted in formalisation of economy and increased tax base, prompting the government to earmark more resources for the poor and infrastructure development. In a Facebook post on the second anniversary of Demonetisation, Jaitley said in first four years of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, the number of income tax returns filers has gone up to 6.86 crore from 3.8 crore in May 2014. By the time the first five years of this government are over, we will be close to doubling the assessee base, he said in the post titled Impact Of Demonetisation". The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in November 2016, the minister said, had resulted in more formalisation (of economy), more revenue, more resources for the poor, better infrastructure, and a better quality of life for our citizens. He further said with the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST), it is now becoming increasingly difficult to evade the tax system and the indirect tax to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio has gone up to 5.4 per cent post-GST, from 4.4 per cent in 2014-15. Terming the criticism, that almost the entire cash money got deposited in the banks post demonetisation, as ill-informed, Jaitley said confiscation of currency was not an objective of demonetisation. × Getting it into the formal economy and making the holders pay tax was the broader objective. The system required to be shaken in order to make India move from cash to digital transactions. This would obviously have an impact on higher tax revenue and a higher tax base, Jaitley said. The government had on November 8, 2016, announced ban on old 500 and 1000 rupee notes, to curb black money in the system. Of the Rs 15.41 lakh crore worth Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in circulation on November 8, 2016, 99.3 per cent or notes worth Rs 15.31 lakh crore have returned to the banking system. This means, just Rs 10,720 crore of the junked currency did not return to the banking system. Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh's Press Statement on two years of Demonetisation & the devastating impact it had & continues to have on the Indian economy. #DestructionByDemonetisation pic.twitter.com/4d4JE8bdhY — Congress (@INCIndia) November 8, 2018 × After the note ban, old junked notes, called specified bank notes (SBNs), were allowed to be deposited in banks with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny. Jaitley said demonetisation compelled holders of cash to deposit the same in the banks. The enormity of cash deposited and identified with the owner resulted in suspected 17.42 lakh account holders from whom the response has been received online through non-invasive method, he said. The violators faced punitive actions. Larger deposits in banks improved lending capacity for the banks. A lot of this money was diverted to mutual funds for further investments. It became a part of the formal system, Jaitley added. He said the share of indigenously developed payment system of unified payments interface (UPI) and RuPay card have reached 65 per cent of the payments done through debit and credit cards. Jaitley said in 2017-18, the tax returns filed reached 6.86 crore, an increase of 25 per cent over the previous year. This year, as on October 31, 2018, already 5.99 crore returns have been filed - which is an increase of 54.33 per cent compared to the previous year till this date. As many as 86.35 lakh new filers were added this year. Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg said demonetisation and GST reflect long-term vision of the government and its ability to undertake massive structural reforms. Tax filers under both direct and indirect taxes are close to getting doubled. Digital payments have risen sharply and become commonplace. Fake notes are out, Garg tweeted.

Demonetisation led to formalisation of economy, expanded tax base: Arun Jaitley

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Harsil near the India-China border in Uttarakhand to celebrate Diwali with Army and ITBP personnel on Wednesday.

Greeting the jawans on the occasion, the prime minister said their devotion to duty in the remote icy heights, is enabling the strength of the nation, and securing the future and the dreams of 125 crore Indians, a statement from his office said.

He said that Diwali is the festival of lights, it spreads the light of goodness and dispels fear. He said that the jawans, through their commitment and discipline, are also helping to spread the sense of security and fearlessness among the people.

The prime minister recalled that he has been visiting soldiers on Diwali ever since he was the chief minister of Gujarat.

He also spoke of his interactions with the jawans of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), years ago when he was part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.&nbsp;

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While interacting with Army and <a href="https://twitter.com/ITBP_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ITBP_official</a> Jawans in Harsil, spoke about the numerous steps being taken by the Government of India for the strengthening of the defence sector, welfare of ex-servicemen and highlighted how Indian forces are admired globally for the skills. <a href="https://t.co/DFAuJfrQwy">pic.twitter.com/DFAuJfrQwy</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1060049142133727232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister said India is taking great strides forward in the defence sector. He spoke of various measures being taken for the welfare of ex-servicemen, including implementation of 'one rank, one pension' (OROP).

Modi said that the Indian Armed Forces draw admiration and appreciation across the world, in UN peacekeeping operations.

The prime minister offered sweets to the jawans. He also interacted with people from nearby areas who had gathered to greet him on Diwali.

Harshil is a cantonment area situated at a height of 7,860 feet close to the India-China border in Uttarkashi district.

The prime minister is scheduled to go to Kedarnath later in the day to offer prayers and review the progress of reconstruction projects at Kedarpuri.

Kedarpuri, the township situated close to the Himalayan shrine, had bore the brunt of the catastrophic floods of 2013 which killed thousands of people.

Responding to Diwali greeting from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night, Modi had said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special."&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Harsil near the India-China border in Uttarakhand to celebrate Diwali with Army and ITBP personnel on Wednesday. Greeting the jawans on the occasion, the prime minister said their devotion to duty in the remote icy heights, is enabling the strength of the nation, and securing the future and the dreams of 125 crore Indians, a statement from his office said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Harsil near the India-China border in Uttarakhand to celebrate Diwali with Army and ITBP personnel on Wednesday. Greeting the jawans on the occasion, the prime minister said their devotion to duty in the remote icy heights, is enabling the strength of the nation, and securing the future and the dreams of 125 crore Indians, a statement from his office said. He said that Diwali is the festival of lights, it spreads the light of goodness and dispels fear. He said that the jawans, through their commitment and discipline, are also helping to spread the sense of security and fearlessness among the people. The prime minister recalled that he has been visiting soldiers on Diwali ever since he was the chief minister of Gujarat. He also spoke of his interactions with the jawans of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), years ago when he was part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. While interacting with Army and @ITBP_official Jawans in Harsil, spoke about the numerous steps being taken by the Government of India for the strengthening of the defence sector, welfare of ex-servicemen and highlighted how Indian forces are admired globally for the skills. pic.twitter.com/DFAuJfrQwy — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2018 × The prime minister said India is taking great strides forward in the defence sector. He spoke of various measures being taken for the welfare of ex-servicemen, including implementation of 'one rank, one pension' (OROP). Modi said that the Indian Armed Forces draw admiration and appreciation across the world, in UN peacekeeping operations. The prime minister offered sweets to the jawans. He also interacted with people from nearby areas who had gathered to greet him on Diwali. Harshil is a cantonment area situated at a height of 7,860 feet close to the India-China border in Uttarkashi district. The prime minister is scheduled to go to Kedarnath later in the day to offer prayers and review the progress of reconstruction projects at Kedarpuri. Kedarpuri, the township situated close to the Himalayan shrine, had bore the brunt of the catastrophic floods of 2013 which killed thousands of people. Responding to Diwali greeting from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night, Modi had said, "Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special."

PM celebrates Diwali with soldiers in Harshil near India-China border

Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, whose removal has been demanded by the chief minister and several NGOs, said he would leave for New Delhi on Wednesday after being summoned by the Election Commission.

Shashank said he would meet the poll panel on Thursday in the national capital.

Meanwhile, hundreds of members of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) continued their picketing in front of the CEO's office from 8am.

The chairman of the NGO Coordination Committee, Vanlalruata, said the picketing would be called off only after the departure of Shashank.

The meeting of a visiting Election Commission team, state government officials and leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee on the current standoff on Tuesday night remained inconclusive as the team sent by Election Commission said that the final call would be made by the poll panel.

The team members said that they would submit their findings to the commission.

Vanlalruata said that Shashank should be transferred from Mizoram and the Bru voters in the Tripura relief camps should exercise their franchise in their respective polling stations in Mizoram.

Thousands of people from the Bru community fled Mizoram in the late 1990s following ethnic clashes. They have been lodged in relief camps in Tripura.

The protesters are also protesting the removal of the state's principal secretary (Home) Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, a native of the state and Gujarat-cadre IAS officer.

The state observed a bandh on Tuesday in response to a call by the Mizoram Merchants' Association (MiMA) to extend support to the agitation.

Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Lal thanhawla had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that "as people have lost faith in him, the only solution for smooth conduct of the Assembly elections 2018 would be removal of CEO S B Shashank from office forthwith."

Election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly is scheduled for November 28.

Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, whose removal has been demanded by the chief minister and several NGOs, said he would leave for New Delhi on Wednesday after being summoned by the Election Commission.

Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, whose removal has been demanded by the chief minister and several NGOs, said he would leave for New Delhi on Wednesday after being summoned by the Election Commission. Shashank said he would meet the poll panel on Thursday in the national capital. Meanwhile, hundreds of members of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) continued their picketing in front of the CEO's office from 8am. The chairman of the NGO Coordination Committee, Vanlalruata, said the picketing would be called off only after the departure of Shashank. The meeting of a visiting Election Commission team, state government officials and leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee on the current standoff on Tuesday night remained inconclusive as the team sent by Election Commission said that the final call would be made by the poll panel. The team members said that they would submit their findings to the commission. Vanlalruata said that Shashank should be transferred from Mizoram and the Bru voters in the Tripura relief camps should exercise their franchise in their respective polling stations in Mizoram. Thousands of people from the Bru community fled Mizoram in the late 1990s following ethnic clashes. They have been lodged in relief camps in Tripura. The protesters are also protesting the removal of the state's principal secretary (Home) Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, a native of the state and Gujarat-cadre IAS officer. The state observed a bandh on Tuesday in response to a call by the Mizoram Merchants' Association (MiMA) to extend support to the agitation. Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Lal thanhawla had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that "as people have lost faith in him, the only solution for smooth conduct of the Assembly elections 2018 would be removal of CEO S B Shashank from office forthwith." Election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly is scheduled for November 28.

Mizoram CEO to leave for Delhi on summons by Election Commission

The Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational 2018 presented by TAKE Solutions got off to a cracking start at the Chandigarh Golf Club on Thursday as Shiv Kapur, one of the star attractions at the Rs. 1.5 crore event, made a memorable return to The City Beautiful after almost two decades by posting a seven-under-65 that equaled the course record and gave him the first round lead. 
&nbsp; 
Chandigarh lad Karandeep Kochhar, playing at his home course, shot an opening round of 66 to be hot on the leader’s heels in second place. 
&nbsp; 
Teenager Karandeep Kochhar kept local hopes alive on day two as he carded a round of two-under-70 to move into the joint halfway lead along with Bengaluru’s Chikkarangappa S who fired the second day’s best score of six-under-66. 
&nbsp; 
Kochhar (66-70) and Chikka (70-66) were tied for the lead with a total eight-under-136. 
&nbsp; 
At the end of a wet and overcast third day, the odds were slightly in favour of Chikkarangappa since the 25-year-old produced a four-under-68, the day’s best score for the second day in succession, to build a two-stroke lead at 12-under-204. 
&nbsp; 
Nineteen-year-old Karandeep Kochhar fired a 70 on day three to be placed second at 10-under-206. 
&nbsp; 
Chikkarangappa’s playoff win over local favourite Karandeep Kochhar provided a fitting finale to the first ever PGTI event to be named after a legendary Indian golfer. 
&nbsp; 
Chikkarangappa S (70-66-68-72) came through in a cliffhanger after he ended the regulation 72 holes tied at the top along with Karandeep Kochhar (66-70-70-70) at 12-under-276. 
&nbsp; 
Chikka finally clinched his 11th title with a par on the first playoff hole of the Rs 1.5 crore event even as Karandeep missed a par putt from two feet to the utter disbelief of the home crowd. Chikka thus ended a two-year title drought. 
&nbsp; 
Chikka, the overnight leader by two shots, began the day with two birdies to extend his lead to four shots and emerge as the frontrunner. However, there was a twist to follow as Karandeep birdied the fourth, fifth and 10th thanks to some long conversions to launch himself into a two-shot lead even as Chikka hit rough weather with bogeys on the fifth, sixth and seventh as a result of some errant iron shots. 
&nbsp; 
The tide turned in Chikka’s favour once again when Kochhar bogeyed the 12th, 13th and 15th after making two three-putts on the stretch to concede a one-shot lead to Chikka. Both players birdied the 17th but Karandeep got back in the game with an unbelievable birdie conversion from off the green on the 18th to take the match into a playoff. 
&nbsp; 
On the playoff hole, the more experienced Chikka kept his nerve by making par with a regulation two-putt while Kochhar missed par from two feet. Chikka thus kept his enviable playoff record intact by winning his fourth playoff on the PGTI. He is so far undefeated in playoffs. He took home the winner’s cheque worth Rs 24,24,750 and as a result climbed from 26th to third position on the PGTI Order of Merit. 
&nbsp; 
Earlier in the week, the main event was preceded by the Pro-Am which saw the participation of Indian track legend and Jeev Milkha Singh’s father Mr. Milkha Singh as well as industrialist Pawan Munjal. The Pro-Am event was won by professional Digvijay Singh and his team comprising of amateurs Jyoti Matharoo, Sanjay Talwar and Gurpreet Bakshi.

The Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational 2018 presented by TAKE Solutions got off to a cracking start at the Chandigarh Golf Club on Thursday as Shiv Kapur, one of the star attractions at the Rs.

The Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational 2018 presented by TAKE Solutions got off to a cracking start at the Chandigarh Golf Club on Thursday as Shiv Kapur, one of the star attractions at the Rs. 1.5 crore event, made a memorable return to The City Beautiful after almost two decades by posting a seven-under-65 that equaled the course record and gave him the first round lead. Chandigarh lad Karandeep Kochhar, playing at his home course, shot an opening round of 66 to be hot on the leader’s heels in second place. Teenager Karandeep Kochhar kept local hopes alive on day two as he carded a round of two-under-70 to move into the joint halfway lead along with Bengaluru’s Chikkarangappa S who fired the second day’s best score of six-under-66. Kochhar (66-70) and Chikka (70-66) were tied for the lead with a total eight-under-136. At the end of a wet and overcast third day, the odds were slightly in favour of Chikkarangappa since the 25-year-old produced a four-under-68, the day’s best score for the second day in succession, to build a two-stroke lead at 12-under-204. Nineteen-year-old Karandeep Kochhar fired a 70 on day three to be placed second at 10-under-206. Chikkarangappa’s playoff win over local favourite Karandeep Kochhar provided a fitting finale to the first ever PGTI event to be named after a legendary Indian golfer. Chikkarangappa S (70-66-68-72) came through in a cliffhanger after he ended the regulation 72 holes tied at the top along with Karandeep Kochhar (66-70-70-70) at 12-under-276. Chikka finally clinched his 11th title with a par on the first playoff hole of the Rs 1.5 crore event even as Karandeep missed a par putt from two feet to the utter disbelief of the home crowd. Chikka thus ended a two-year title drought. Chikka, the overnight leader by two shots, began the day with two birdies to extend his lead to four shots and emerge as the frontrunner. However, there was a twist to follow as Karandeep birdied the fourth, fifth and 10th thanks to some long conversions to launch himself into a two-shot lead even as Chikka hit rough weather with bogeys on the fifth, sixth and seventh as a result of some errant iron shots. The tide turned in Chikka’s favour once again when Kochhar bogeyed the 12th, 13th and 15th after making two three-putts on the stretch to concede a one-shot lead to Chikka. Both players birdied the 17th but Karandeep got back in the game with an unbelievable birdie conversion from off the green on the 18th to take the match into a playoff. On the playoff hole, the more experienced Chikka kept his nerve by making par with a regulation two-putt while Kochhar missed par from two feet. Chikka thus kept his enviable playoff record intact by winning his fourth playoff on the PGTI. He is so far undefeated in playoffs. He took home the winner’s cheque worth Rs 24,24,750 and as a result climbed from 26th to third position on the PGTI Order of Merit. Earlier in the week, the main event was preceded by the Pro-Am which saw the participation of Indian track legend and Jeev Milkha Singh’s father Mr. Milkha Singh as well as industrialist Pawan Munjal. The Pro-Am event was won by professional Digvijay Singh and his team comprising of amateurs Jyoti Matharoo, Sanjay Talwar and Gurpreet Bakshi.

Chikkarangappa comes through in a cliffhanger, edges out local favourite Karandeep Kochhar in a playoff to end two-year title drought

Hours after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the renaming of Faizabad district as Ayodhya, the Gujarat government Tuesday said it was keen on rechristening Ahmedabad as Karnavati, if there were no legal hurdles.

Speaking to reporters in Gandhinagar, deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was willing to change Ahmedabad's name if it gets past the legal hurdles and receives required support.

"People are still having a feeling that Ahmedabad should be renamed as Karnavati. If we get required support to overcome the legal hurdles, we are always ready to change the name of the city," Patel told reporters when asked if the state government had a plan to rename India's only city having the 'World Heritage' tag.

Historically, the area around Ahmedabad has been inhabited since the 11th century, when it was known as Ashaval.&nbsp;

Chaulukya ruler Karna of Anhilwara (modern Patan) had waged a successful war against the Bhil king of Ashaval and established a city called Karnavati on the banks of the Sabarmati river.

Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 A.D. Had laid the foundation of a new walled city near Karnavati and named it Ahmedabad after the four saints in the area by the name Ahmed.

"We can think of changing the name at an appropriate time," Patel added.

Slamming the BJP government over the issue, state unit Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said the promise to rename Ahmedabad was just another "poll gimmick" by the ruling party.

"For the BJP, issues like construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya and renaming Ahmedabad as Karnavati are the means to get votes of Hindus," said Doshi.

"BJP leaders dump such issues after coming to power. They only cheated Hindus all these years," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the eve of Diwali announced that Faizabad district would henceforth be known as Ayodhya.

"Ayodhya is a symbol of our 'aan, baan aur shaan' (honour, pride and prestige)," Adityanath said in Ayodhya.

The BJP government in the northern state had already renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj.&nbsp;

Hours after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the renaming of Faizabad district as Ayodhya, the Gujarat government Tuesday said it was keen on rechristening Ahmedabad as Karnavati, if there were no legal hurdles.

Hours after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the renaming of Faizabad district as Ayodhya, the Gujarat government Tuesday said it was keen on rechristening Ahmedabad as Karnavati, if there were no legal hurdles. Speaking to reporters in Gandhinagar, deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was willing to change Ahmedabad's name if it gets past the legal hurdles and receives required support. "People are still having a feeling that Ahmedabad should be renamed as Karnavati. If we get required support to overcome the legal hurdles, we are always ready to change the name of the city," Patel told reporters when asked if the state government had a plan to rename India's only city having the 'World Heritage' tag. Historically, the area around Ahmedabad has been inhabited since the 11th century, when it was known as Ashaval. Chaulukya ruler Karna of Anhilwara (modern Patan) had waged a successful war against the Bhil king of Ashaval and established a city called Karnavati on the banks of the Sabarmati river. Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 A.D. Had laid the foundation of a new walled city near Karnavati and named it Ahmedabad after the four saints in the area by the name Ahmed. "We can think of changing the name at an appropriate time," Patel added. Slamming the BJP government over the issue, state unit Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said the promise to rename Ahmedabad was just another "poll gimmick" by the ruling party. "For the BJP, issues like construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya and renaming Ahmedabad as Karnavati are the means to get votes of Hindus," said Doshi. "BJP leaders dump such issues after coming to power. They only cheated Hindus all these years," he added. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the eve of Diwali announced that Faizabad district would henceforth be known as Ayodhya. "Ayodhya is a symbol of our 'aan, baan aur shaan' (honour, pride and prestige)," Adityanath said in Ayodhya. The BJP government in the northern state had already renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj.

Now, Gujarat govt says it want to rename Ahmedabad to Karnavati

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday visited the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi site and several ancient temples in this pilgrim town, besides inspecting a probable location near Saryu river for a planned statue of Lord Ram.

His visit to Ram Janmabhoomi site came a day after the three-day Deepotsav ended, in which Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook was the chief guest on the last day.

"He arrived in Ayodhya this morning around 8:30 am from Faizabad where he stayed at the Circuit House last night. First, he visited Hanuman Garhi, and then the Ram Janmabhoomi, where he spent some time," Faizabad BJP president Awadhesh Pandey said.

Pandey said he accompanied the chief minister at a few of the temple visits, during which Yogi also interacted with several religious leaders.

Security was stepped up at the Ram Janmabhoomi site, where a large number of people from across the country Wednesday visited on Diwali.

A police official said about 20,000 people visit the site on Diwali, almost double the footfall recorded on regular days, adding Yogi went in the morning.

Local residents said the chief minister had visited the birthplace of Lord Ram after last year's Deepotsav as well.

Yogi's visit to Ram Janambhomi site came at a time when the chorus has grown within the party and the Sangh Parivar, seeking construction of a temple there through an ordinance.

At present, a statue of Ram Lalla (child avatar of Lord Ram) is kept at the site, which attracts devotees from far and wide.

The Supreme Court recently fixed the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute cases for the first week of January next year before an appropriate bench, which will decide the schedule of hearing.&nbsp;

As many as 14 appeals have been filed against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement that suggested that the 2.77 acres of disputed land be partitioned equally among three parties - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

Pandey said after visiting the Ramjanmabhoomi, Adityanath went to Kanak Bhawan temple and then to Sugriv Kila, located in the heart of Ayodhya. He then visited Maniram Das Ki Chavni and Digamber Akhada.

"Yogiji also inspected a site near Saryu river for a planned statue of Lord Ram there. He later went to Gorakhpur where he met children of a tribal village and attended a programme there," he said.

Pandey said one of the probable sites is a patch of land between the Ram Ghat Halt and railway bridge on Saryu, which Yogi inspected.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Incidentally, Ayodhya Mayor Rishikesh Upadhyay had recently said that plans are afoot to install a statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Saryu river.

Pandey had Tuesday said that the option to resolve the Ayodhya dispute through community dialogue is "over" and the BJP will work towards the construction of a Ram Temple here through constitutional or legislative means.

The Faizabad BJP president also claimed that majority population of Ayodhya want to see the temple getting built as it is a "matter of faith" for them and "BJP is the only party that raises this issue for them".

Many experts have said that the Ayodhya land dispute matter should be taken up by the court after 2019 elections, as it might affect the voters.&nbsp;

The Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, an umbrella body of Hindu seers, in New Delhi on Sunday had "directed" the Narendra Modi government to bring in a legislation or an ordinance to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday visited the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi site and several ancient temples in this pilgrim town, besides inspecting a probable location near Saryu river for a planned statue of Lord Ram.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Wednesday visited the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi site and several ancient temples in this pilgrim town, besides inspecting a probable location near Saryu river for a planned statue of Lord Ram. His visit to Ram Janmabhoomi site came a day after the three-day Deepotsav ended, in which Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook was the chief guest on the last day. "He arrived in Ayodhya this morning around 8:30 am from Faizabad where he stayed at the Circuit House last night. First, he visited Hanuman Garhi, and then the Ram Janmabhoomi, where he spent some time," Faizabad BJP president Awadhesh Pandey said. Pandey said he accompanied the chief minister at a few of the temple visits, during which Yogi also interacted with several religious leaders. Security was stepped up at the Ram Janmabhoomi site, where a large number of people from across the country Wednesday visited on Diwali. A police official said about 20,000 people visit the site on Diwali, almost double the footfall recorded on regular days, adding Yogi went in the morning. Local residents said the chief minister had visited the birthplace of Lord Ram after last year's Deepotsav as well. Yogi's visit to Ram Janambhomi site came at a time when the chorus has grown within the party and the Sangh Parivar, seeking construction of a temple there through an ordinance. At present, a statue of Ram Lalla (child avatar of Lord Ram) is kept at the site, which attracts devotees from far and wide. The Supreme Court recently fixed the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute cases for the first week of January next year before an appropriate bench, which will decide the schedule of hearing. As many as 14 appeals have been filed against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement that suggested that the 2.77 acres of disputed land be partitioned equally among three parties - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. Pandey said after visiting the Ramjanmabhoomi, Adityanath went to Kanak Bhawan temple and then to Sugriv Kila, located in the heart of Ayodhya. He then visited Maniram Das Ki Chavni and Digamber Akhada. "Yogiji also inspected a site near Saryu river for a planned statue of Lord Ram there. He later went to Gorakhpur where he met children of a tribal village and attended a programme there," he said. Pandey said one of the probable sites is a patch of land between the Ram Ghat Halt and railway bridge on Saryu, which Yogi inspected. Incidentally, Ayodhya Mayor Rishikesh Upadhyay had recently said that plans are afoot to install a statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Saryu river. Pandey had Tuesday said that the option to resolve the Ayodhya dispute through community dialogue is "over" and the BJP will work towards the construction of a Ram Temple here through constitutional or legislative means. The Faizabad BJP president also claimed that majority population of Ayodhya want to see the temple getting built as it is a "matter of faith" for them and "BJP is the only party that raises this issue for them". Many experts have said that the Ayodhya land dispute matter should be taken up by the court after 2019 elections, as it might affect the voters. The Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, an umbrella body of Hindu seers, in New Delhi on Sunday had "directed" the Narendra Modi government to bring in a legislation or an ordinance to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Yogi Adityanath visits Ram Janmabhoomi on Diwali, inspects site for planned Lord Ram statue

People residing in the national capital breathed easy on Wednesday after the air quality showed slight improvement due to increased wind speed and requisite control measures undertaken by the government.

The overall Air Quality Index of Delhi at 8:30 am was recorded at 320, which falls under the 'very poor' category, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

At Dhirpur, the AQI was 328 at 8:30 am, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 375. Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 346, 353 and 365, respectively.

The haze will continue to persist during the early morning and late evenings for the next three days.

"The new trend in Delhi to disperse pollutants much faster from one extreme as compared to last year (has been) witnessed in this winter, which means that accumulated pollutants are getting more free path than earlier. It implies that local air is relatively transparent with less suspended dust and fossil fuel mass, which may be an indicator of positive control measures," SAFAR added.

The Centre-run Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), had issued a notification predicting that there will be a depletion of air quality post Diwali period from (November 8 to November 10) due to the low dispersion and winds from the northwest part of India, which will result in increase emission levels in and around Delhi and National Capital Region.

In order to combat the rising air pollution crisis, former Indian Medical Association (IMA) president KK Aggarwal on Tuesday suggested that people must avoid burning of candles and any other products which produce smoke and keeps medicine handy if suffering from Asthma, diabetes and any other respiratory diseases.

Aggrawal further noted that usage of green crackers as recommended by the Supreme Court can help decrease air pollution, but cannot eradicate.

"Green cracker is a cracker. By using these sought of crackers you can only reduce the effects of pollution but cannot eradicate air pollution. At present, we need total elimination of the harmful effects of air pollution," he added.

Increasing toxicity in the air across India had promoted the top court to come up with immediate measures to curb the menace. On October 31, the division bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri, fixed the time hours from 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali for burning crackers and also issued guidelines on the majority of the aspect of the festival.

From partially banning fireworks to set the time limit on the bursting of crackers, the court has issued guidelines on almost every aspect of the festival. The decision from the court came on a clutch of petitions on the behalf of three minors seeking a ban on the sale of firecrackers and manufacturing in an attempt to protect their health.

People residing in the national capital breathed easy on Wednesday after the air quality showed slight improvement due to increased wind speed and requisite control measures undertaken by the government.

People residing in the national capital breathed easy on Wednesday after the air quality showed slight improvement due to increased wind speed and requisite control measures undertaken by the government. The overall Air Quality Index of Delhi at 8:30 am was recorded at 320, which falls under the 'very poor' category, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous. At Dhirpur, the AQI was 328 at 8:30 am, while in Mathura Road area it dipped to 'very poor' category at 375. Furthermore, AQI near Pitampura, Airport, Terminal 3 and Delhi University stood at 346, 353 and 365, respectively. The haze will continue to persist during the early morning and late evenings for the next three days. "The new trend in Delhi to disperse pollutants much faster from one extreme as compared to last year (has been) witnessed in this winter, which means that accumulated pollutants are getting more free path than earlier. It implies that local air is relatively transparent with less suspended dust and fossil fuel mass, which may be an indicator of positive control measures," SAFAR added. The Centre-run Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), had issued a notification predicting that there will be a depletion of air quality post Diwali period from (November 8 to November 10) due to the low dispersion and winds from the northwest part of India, which will result in increase emission levels in and around Delhi and National Capital Region. In order to combat the rising air pollution crisis, former Indian Medical Association (IMA) president KK Aggarwal on Tuesday suggested that people must avoid burning of candles and any other products which produce smoke and keeps medicine handy if suffering from Asthma, diabetes and any other respiratory diseases. Aggrawal further noted that usage of green crackers as recommended by the Supreme Court can help decrease air pollution, but cannot eradicate. "Green cracker is a cracker. By using these sought of crackers you can only reduce the effects of pollution but cannot eradicate air pollution. At present, we need total elimination of the harmful effects of air pollution," he added. Increasing toxicity in the air across India had promoted the top court to come up with immediate measures to curb the menace. On October 31, the division bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri, fixed the time hours from 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali for burning crackers and also issued guidelines on the majority of the aspect of the festival. From partially banning fireworks to set the time limit on the bursting of crackers, the court has issued guidelines on almost every aspect of the festival. The decision from the court came on a clutch of petitions on the behalf of three minors seeking a ban on the sale of firecrackers and manufacturing in an attempt to protect their health.

Delhi's air quality marginally improves, likely to worsen post Diwali

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