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Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant, India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, successfully completed its first successful deterrence patrol on Monday.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lauded the accomplishment calling it “historic” and a “fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail.”

"The success of INS Arihant is a big step towards strengthening national security. For the country's enemies, it is an open challenge. It is a fitting response to those indulging in nuclear blackmail, credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour," PM Modi said.

"Dhanteras gets even more special! India's pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol! I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history," Prime Minister tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dhanteras gets even more special! 
 
India’s pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol! 
 
I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history. <a href="https://t.co/tjeOj2cBdX">pic.twitter.com/tjeOj2cBdX</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1059361293579124736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Prime Minister outlined that this is a major achievement, adding that a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour.

"The success of INS Arihant enhances India's security needs. It is a major achievement for our entire nation. True to its name, INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region. In an era such as this, a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour. The success of INS Arihant gives a fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail", he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The success of INS Arihant enhances India’s security needs. 
 
It is a major achievement for our entire nation. 
 
True to its name, INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1059361854332391425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A statement released by the Prime Minister Office also informed that the Prime Minister congratulated the crew and all those involved in the achievement which puts India among a handful of countries having the capability to design, construct and operate SSBNs.

"Prime Minister Modi commended the courage and commitment of India's brave soldiers and the talent and perseverance of its scientists, whose untiring efforts transformed the scientific achievement of nuclear tests into establishment of an immensely complex and credible nuclear triad, and dispelled all doubts and questions about India's capability and resolve in this regard," the statement read.

Drawing a comparison with the festival of light, Diwali, the Prime Minister expressed hope that just as light dispels darkness and fear, INS Arihant will be the harbinger of fearlessness for the country.

Reiterating India's commitment to the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use, the statement read, "As a responsible nation, India has put in place a robust nuclear command and control structure, effective safety assurance architecture and strict political control, under its Nuclear Command Authority. It remains committed to the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use, as enshrined in the decision taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security in its meeting chaired by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on January 04, 2003.

(With inputs from ANI)

Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant, India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, successfully completed its first successful deterrence patrol on Monday.

Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant, India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, successfully completed its first successful deterrence patrol on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lauded the accomplishment calling it “historic” and a “fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail.” "The success of INS Arihant is a big step towards strengthening national security. For the country's enemies, it is an open challenge. It is a fitting response to those indulging in nuclear blackmail, credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour," PM Modi said. "Dhanteras gets even more special! India's pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol! I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history," Prime Minister tweeted. Dhanteras gets even more special! India’s pride, nuclear submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol! I congratulate all those involved, especially the crew of INS Arihant for this accomplishment, which will always be remembered in our history. pic.twitter.com/tjeOj2cBdX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2018 × The Prime Minister outlined that this is a major achievement, adding that a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour. "The success of INS Arihant enhances India's security needs. It is a major achievement for our entire nation. True to its name, INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region. In an era such as this, a credible nuclear deterrence is the need of the hour. The success of INS Arihant gives a fitting response to those who indulge in nuclear blackmail", he tweeted. The success of INS Arihant enhances India’s security needs. It is a major achievement for our entire nation. True to its name, INS Arihant will protect the 130 crore Indians from external threats and contribute to the atmosphere of peace in the region. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 5, 2018 × A statement released by the Prime Minister Office also informed that the Prime Minister congratulated the crew and all those involved in the achievement which puts India among a handful of countries having the capability to design, construct and operate SSBNs. "Prime Minister Modi commended the courage and commitment of India's brave soldiers and the talent and perseverance of its scientists, whose untiring efforts transformed the scientific achievement of nuclear tests into establishment of an immensely complex and credible nuclear triad, and dispelled all doubts and questions about India's capability and resolve in this regard," the statement read. Drawing a comparison with the festival of light, Diwali, the Prime Minister expressed hope that just as light dispels darkness and fear, INS Arihant will be the harbinger of fearlessness for the country. Reiterating India's commitment to the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use, the statement read, "As a responsible nation, India has put in place a robust nuclear command and control structure, effective safety assurance architecture and strict political control, under its Nuclear Command Authority. It remains committed to the doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use, as enshrined in the decision taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security in its meeting chaired by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on January 04, 2003. (With inputs from ANI)

Fitting response to nuke blackmailers, says PM Modi on INS Arihant completing nuclear triad

Terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen's posters, asking people to stay away from the upcoming panchayat elections, have surfaced in Doda district, prompting the police to lodge a case against miscreants, an official said Sunday.

A case was registered Sunday on the surfacing of posters in Dhandal and Gurmal area of Kastigarh after which over a dozen suspected persons were rounded up for questioning, the official said.

The nine-phase village panchayat elections are scheduled to start in the state on November 17.

"Police received specific information about the pasting of some posters purportedly by banned Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist group with the intention to disrupt the upcoming elections. The message on the posters asked prospective candidates not to participate in the panchayat election," he said.

He said the police swung into action and registered a case under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Ranbir Penal Code at Doda police station and started the investigation.

During the preliminary investigation, around 13 suspects were rounded up and questioned, the officer said, adding further probe is on in the matter. 
Some more suspects are likely to be questioned, he added.

Doda Deputy Commissioner Anshul Garg visited the area Saturday and held a public meeting to reassure people not to be afraid of miscreants' threat and understand their designs, the officer said.

To restore the general public's confidence, the police have also launched regular patrolling in the area, besides conducting the police-community partnership group meetings in Dhandal and Kastigarh areas and assured them that the miscreants would be traced soon and booked, the official said.

Even as the local people continue to be upbeat about the elections, the police appealed to them to remain steadfast and participate in the democratic process without any fear "to frustrate the nefarious designs of the elements inimical to the peace and development", he said.

As many as 232 nominations have been filed in Kashtigarh block for 88 seats of panch and sarpanch of village panchayats.

Terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen's posters, asking people to stay away from the upcoming panchayat elections, have surfaced in Doda district, prompting the police to lodge a case against miscreants, an official said Sunday.

Terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen's posters, asking people to stay away from the upcoming panchayat elections, have surfaced in Doda district, prompting the police to lodge a case against miscreants, an official said Sunday. A case was registered Sunday on the surfacing of posters in Dhandal and Gurmal area of Kastigarh after which over a dozen suspected persons were rounded up for questioning, the official said. The nine-phase village panchayat elections are scheduled to start in the state on November 17. "Police received specific information about the pasting of some posters purportedly by banned Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist group with the intention to disrupt the upcoming elections. The message on the posters asked prospective candidates not to participate in the panchayat election," he said. He said the police swung into action and registered a case under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Ranbir Penal Code at Doda police station and started the investigation. During the preliminary investigation, around 13 suspects were rounded up and questioned, the officer said, adding further probe is on in the matter. Some more suspects are likely to be questioned, he added. Doda Deputy Commissioner Anshul Garg visited the area Saturday and held a public meeting to reassure people not to be afraid of miscreants' threat and understand their designs, the officer said. To restore the general public's confidence, the police have also launched regular patrolling in the area, besides conducting the police-community partnership group meetings in Dhandal and Kastigarh areas and assured them that the miscreants would be traced soon and booked, the official said. Even as the local people continue to be upbeat about the elections, the police appealed to them to remain steadfast and participate in the democratic process without any fear "to frustrate the nefarious designs of the elements inimical to the peace and development", he said. As many as 232 nominations have been filed in Kashtigarh block for 88 seats of panch and sarpanch of village panchayats.

Kashmir: Hizbul Mujahideen posters tell voters to stay away from panchayat polls

GoAir on Sunday issued a statement saying that the luggage of passengers in its flight G8 213 from Srinagar to Jammu was not loaded due to flight load restrictions.

A GoAir spokesperson said in a statement that half of the luggage has been delivered to Jammu via another airline, while the other half will be delivered to passengers at their respective locations.

"Baggage of some passengers was not loaded on flight G8 213 due to flight-load restrictions. Due to bad weather yesterday at Srinagar, the airline tried to accommodate a lot of stranded passengers who had further connections. Half the luggage has been delivered to Jammu through another airline and the rest will be delivered to the respective locations of the passengers. GoAir sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers," the statement read.

Several passengers complained at the Jammu airport that they did not receive their luggage on arrival.&nbsp;

GoAir on Sunday issued a statement saying that the luggage of passengers in its flight G8 213 from Srinagar to Jammu was not loaded due to flight load restrictions.

GoAir on Sunday issued a statement saying that the luggage of passengers in its flight G8 213 from Srinagar to Jammu was not loaded due to flight load restrictions. A GoAir spokesperson said in a statement that half of the luggage has been delivered to Jammu via another airline, while the other half will be delivered to passengers at their respective locations. "Baggage of some passengers was not loaded on flight G8 213 due to flight-load restrictions. Due to bad weather yesterday at Srinagar, the airline tried to accommodate a lot of stranded passengers who had further connections. Half the luggage has been delivered to Jammu through another airline and the rest will be delivered to the respective locations of the passengers. GoAir sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers," the statement read. Several passengers complained at the Jammu airport that they did not receive their luggage on arrival.

GoAir plane flies from Srinagar to Jammu, forgets passengers' luggage

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-turns-police-fortress-as-ayyappa-temple-is-set-to-open-for-special-puja-175656">Sabarimala Temple re-opens for special 5-hour pooja amid heavy security</a>

Hundreds of police personnel, armed commandos, surveillance cameras and mobile jammers have turned Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, into a virtual fortress, as it opens for a special puja on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fitting-response-to-nuke-blackmailers-said-pm-modi-on-ins-arihant-completing-the-nuclear-triad-175646">Fitting response to nuke blackmailers, says PM Modi on INS Arihant completing </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fitting-response-to-nuke-blackmailers-said-pm-modi-on-ins-arihant-completing-the-nuclear-triad-175646">nuclear</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fitting-response-to-nuke-blackmailers-said-pm-modi-on-ins-arihant-completing-the-nuclear-triad-175646"> triad</a>

Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant, India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, successfully completed its first successful deterrence patrol.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-oppose-unilateral-sanctions-and-long-arm-jurisdiction-against-iran-china-175654">We oppose unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction against Iran: China</a>

As US oil sanctions on Iran kicked-in, China opposed the Trump administration's decision calling it a "unilateral" action."China opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-sanctions-mike-pompeo-issues-veiled-warning-to-india-and-china-on-crude-imports-from-iran-says-watch-what-we-do-175677">US issues veiled warning to India, China on crude imports from Iran, says 'watch what we do'</a>

The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/azhar-rings-bell-at-eden-gambhir-questions-bccis-no-tolerance-policy-against-corrupt-175669">Azhar rings </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/azhar-rings-bell-at-eden-gambhir-questions-bccis-no-tolerance-policy-against-corrupt-175669">bell</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/azhar-rings-bell-at-eden-gambhir-questions-bccis-no-tolerance-policy-against-corrupt-175669"> at Eden, Gambhir questions BCCI's 'no tolerance policy against corrupt'</a>

Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir on Monday slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Committee of Administrators (COA) and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for inviting former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin to ring the bell for the India vs West Indies T20I at Eden Gardens.

Sabarimala Temple re-opens for special 5-hour pooja amid heavy security Hundreds of police personnel, armed commandos, surveillance cameras and mobile jammers have turned Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, into a virtual fortress, as it opens for a special puja on Monday.

Sabarimala Temple re-opens for special 5-hour pooja amid heavy security Hundreds of police personnel, armed commandos, surveillance cameras and mobile jammers have turned Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, into a virtual fortress, as it opens for a special puja on Monday. Fitting response to nuke blackmailers, says PM Modi on INS Arihant completing nuclear triad Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant, India's nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, successfully completed its first successful deterrence patrol. We oppose unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction against Iran: China As US oil sanctions on Iran kicked-in, China opposed the Trump administration's decision calling it a "unilateral" action."China opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. US issues veiled warning to India, China on crude imports from Iran, says 'watch what we do' The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran. Azhar rings bell at Eden, Gambhir questions BCCI's 'no tolerance policy against corrupt' Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir on Monday slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Committee of Administrators (COA) and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for inviting former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin to ring the bell for the India vs West Indies T20I at Eden Gardens.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A Pakistani national, Jalaluddin, who was released from Varanasi Central Jail on Sunday after 16 years, took home Bhagavad Gita with him.

Jalaluddin was arrested from Varanasi`s Cantonment area with suspicious documents and is now on his way back to his country.

Senior Superintendent of Varanasi Central Jail Ambrish Gaud told the media that in 2001, Jalaluddin hailed from Sindh province in Pakistan, and was arrested from the Cantonment area.

He was nabbed near the Air Force office by the police with some suspicious documents. The police had recovered maps of the Cantonment area and other important places from Jalaluddin.

A court had then sentenced the Pakistani national to 16 years of imprisonment.

Gaud elucidated, "He was imprisoned under the Official Secrets Act and Foreigner's Act.

He has been handed over to the local police. He has taken a copy of (Bhagavad) Gita with him.

"When he was arrested, he had only graduated from high school. He completed his intermediate and did his MA from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). He also undertook an electrician course as well in the jail. He had been an umpire in the jail cricket leagues for the last three years," he added.

A special team has taken Jalaluddin to Amritsar, where he will be handed over to concerned authorities at the Wagah-Attari border, following which he will return to Pakistan.&nbsp;

A Pakistani national, Jalaluddin, who was released from Varanasi Central Jail on Sunday after 16 years, took home Bhagavad Gita with him. Jalaluddin was arrested from Varanasi`s Cantonment area with suspicious documents and is now on his way back to his country.

A Pakistani national, Jalaluddin, who was released from Varanasi Central Jail on Sunday after 16 years, took home Bhagavad Gita with him. Jalaluddin was arrested from Varanasi`s Cantonment area with suspicious documents and is now on his way back to his country. Senior Superintendent of Varanasi Central Jail Ambrish Gaud told the media that in 2001, Jalaluddin hailed from Sindh province in Pakistan, and was arrested from the Cantonment area. He was nabbed near the Air Force office by the police with some suspicious documents. The police had recovered maps of the Cantonment area and other important places from Jalaluddin. A court had then sentenced the Pakistani national to 16 years of imprisonment. Gaud elucidated, "He was imprisoned under the Official Secrets Act and Foreigner's Act. He has been handed over to the local police. He has taken a copy of (Bhagavad) Gita with him. "When he was arrested, he had only graduated from high school. He completed his intermediate and did his MA from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). He also undertook an electrician course as well in the jail. He had been an umpire in the jail cricket leagues for the last three years," he added. A special team has taken Jalaluddin to Amritsar, where he will be handed over to concerned authorities at the Wagah-Attari border, following which he will return to Pakistan.

Pakistan national freed after 16 years, takes Bhagavad Gita home

The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran.

Taking effect Monday, the measures are the most concrete result yet of US President Donald Trump's controversial decision in May to abandon the multi-nation nuclear deal with Tehran.

They will directly affect companies from third countries doing business with Iran. They could upset world oil markets, though the US has granted temporary waivers to eight jurisdictions to continue importing Iranian oil.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced the measures on Saturday, saying Trump had "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser in the long-running quarrel between the countries.

The US side was unmoved.&nbsp;

"Sanctions from the United States will be reimposed at midnight tonight," Pompeo told CBS's "Face the Nation." He said what he called "the terror regime" in Tehran must change its ways.

Oil markets on alert

World oil markets were on alert, nervously set to gauge the consequences of the sanctions.

"All eyes will be on Iranian exports, whether there will be some cheating around US sanctions, and on how quickly production will fall," said Riccardo Fabiani, an analyst for Energy Aspects.

Oil is Iran's main source of income. But the sword has two edges: Iran is also the OPEC cartel's third-largest producer.

The US stance has already inflicted serious pain on Iranians, with the country's currency, the rial, losing more than two-thirds of its value since May.&nbsp;

Iranian oil exports have fallen by about a million barrels a day in that time, though India and China have continued to purchase it. Most Europeans, as well as Japan and South Korea, have stopped.

Asked if the US had firm commitments from India and China to stop all oil purchases from Iran within six months, Pompeo replied: "Watch what we do. Watch as we've already taken more crude oil off the market than any time in the previous history."

Saudi Arabia is the only country with the capacity to make up for lost Iranian oil production.

'Utter disregard'&nbsp;

Hours before the fresh sanctions went ahead, thousands of people in Iran marked the anniversary of the 1979 hostage-taking at the US embassy by carrying placards mocking Trump and burning American flags and fake dollars.

Trump has long argued that the 2015 nuclear deal is badly flawed, in part because its provisions would expire in 10 to 15 years and partly because it does not adequately constrain Iran's destabilizing behaviour in the region.

His decision was widely criticized abroad and by Democrats at home, who said that while imperfect, the pact had placed the Iranian nuclear program under the tightest scrutiny ever.

In parallel with the imposition of the crude oil sanctions, the US Treasury Department is placing more than 600 Iranian individuals and entities on a blacklist.

And Pompeo said that any Iranian banks involved in "sanctionable behaviour will be sanctioned by the Department of Treasury, period, full stop."

The European Union has established a mechanism to permit its multinational companies to maintain presences in Iran, but all signs are that the US sanctions will be dissuasive. Both Airbus and Total have announced plans to leave Iran.

The first set of sanctions announced August 7 prompted European automakers Daimler and PSA to quit Iran.

To continue exporting crude oil, Iranian tankers in recent weeks have been turning off their transponders to avoid detection. But satellites have continued to track them.

The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran.

The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran. Taking effect Monday, the measures are the most concrete result yet of US President Donald Trump's controversial decision in May to abandon the multi-nation nuclear deal with Tehran. They will directly affect companies from third countries doing business with Iran. They could upset world oil markets, though the US has granted temporary waivers to eight jurisdictions to continue importing Iranian oil. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced the measures on Saturday, saying Trump had "disgraced" US prestige and would be the ultimate loser in the long-running quarrel between the countries. The US side was unmoved. "Sanctions from the United States will be reimposed at midnight tonight," Pompeo told CBS's "Face the Nation." He said what he called "the terror regime" in Tehran must change its ways. Oil markets on alert World oil markets were on alert, nervously set to gauge the consequences of the sanctions. "All eyes will be on Iranian exports, whether there will be some cheating around US sanctions, and on how quickly production will fall," said Riccardo Fabiani, an analyst for Energy Aspects. Oil is Iran's main source of income. But the sword has two edges: Iran is also the OPEC cartel's third-largest producer. The US stance has already inflicted serious pain on Iranians, with the country's currency, the rial, losing more than two-thirds of its value since May. Iranian oil exports have fallen by about a million barrels a day in that time, though India and China have continued to purchase it. Most Europeans, as well as Japan and South Korea, have stopped. Asked if the US had firm commitments from India and China to stop all oil purchases from Iran within six months, Pompeo replied: "Watch what we do. Watch as we've already taken more crude oil off the market than any time in the previous history." Saudi Arabia is the only country with the capacity to make up for lost Iranian oil production. 'Utter disregard' Hours before the fresh sanctions went ahead, thousands of people in Iran marked the anniversary of the 1979 hostage-taking at the US embassy by carrying placards mocking Trump and burning American flags and fake dollars. Trump has long argued that the 2015 nuclear deal is badly flawed, in part because its provisions would expire in 10 to 15 years and partly because it does not adequately constrain Iran's destabilizing behaviour in the region. His decision was widely criticized abroad and by Democrats at home, who said that while imperfect, the pact had placed the Iranian nuclear program under the tightest scrutiny ever. In parallel with the imposition of the crude oil sanctions, the US Treasury Department is placing more than 600 Iranian individuals and entities on a blacklist. And Pompeo said that any Iranian banks involved in "sanctionable behaviour will be sanctioned by the Department of Treasury, period, full stop." The European Union has established a mechanism to permit its multinational companies to maintain presences in Iran, but all signs are that the US sanctions will be dissuasive. Both Airbus and Total have announced plans to leave Iran. The first set of sanctions announced August 7 prompted European automakers Daimler and PSA to quit Iran. To continue exporting crude oil, Iranian tankers in recent weeks have been turning off their transponders to avoid detection. But satellites have continued to track them.

US issues veiled warning to India, China on crude imports from Iran, says 'watch what we do'

With a large number of farmers marching to Bhubaneswar to stage a demonstration here Monday, the Odisha government stopped them Sunday midway at various places, triggering criticism from the opposition Congress and BJP.

The farmers, who are on 'padayatra' demanding "price, prestige and pension", were stopped by the police at various places to foil their protest, alleged Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) convenor Akshya Kumar.

As the farmers marched to the state capital from Cuttack and Khurda, the administration clamped prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code at Hansapal and Tamando to stall the protest, said a leader of the NNKS, which is spearheading the agitation.

He alleged the farmers have been held up at various places like Keonjhar, Balugaon, Jatasinghpur and Jajpur since October 29.

Accusing the state government of trying to suppress the farmers' voice, Kumar and other NNKS leaders said the action is being taken also against the people for criticising the government.

Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police Anup Kumar Sahu said necessary arrangements have been made to prevent any untoward incident during farmers' demonstration in the state capital.

Around 25 platoons of police, each having around 30 personnel, have been deployed to prevent law and order problems, he said, adding special attention is being given to ensure smooth traffic movement, especially on the national highways near the capital city.

While senior Congress leader and former MP Pradip Majhi led a 'padyatra' from Khurda, NNKS convener Akshya Kumar and former Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda joined the peasants' march from Cuttack.

The state government has shown little concern for the farmers despite their repeated demands, Majhi said, adding if the government fails to fulfil their demands by tomorrow, the state capital will be put under seize.

The NNKS has been demanding minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 5,000 per quintal for paddy and a monthly pension of Rs 5,000 for the youths and Rs 1,500 for the elderly, said Kumar.

Panda slammed the state government for trying to "throttle" the voice of farmers.

Thousands of farmers from across the state are staging a peaceful agitation but the way the administration is trying to obstruct them is not justified, he said.

The BJP also hit out at the Odisha government for failing to address the grievances of the farmers in the state.

BJP state unit vice-president Samir Mohanty said his party supports the farmers' peaceful agitation.

The Union government has taken several measures to double the farmers' income in the country, but due to wrong policies of the Odisha government, the farmers have been deprived of the benefits of the Centre's various schemes, Mohanty claimed.

Dismissing the allegations, BJD spokesperson Sameer Dash claimed that the farmers across the country are facing problems.

With a large number of farmers marching to Bhubaneswar to stage a demonstration here Monday, the Odisha government stopped them Sunday midway at various places, triggering criticism from the opposition Congress and BJP.

With a large number of farmers marching to Bhubaneswar to stage a demonstration here Monday, the Odisha government stopped them Sunday midway at various places, triggering criticism from the opposition Congress and BJP. The farmers, who are on 'padayatra' demanding "price, prestige and pension", were stopped by the police at various places to foil their protest, alleged Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) convenor Akshya Kumar. As the farmers marched to the state capital from Cuttack and Khurda, the administration clamped prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code at Hansapal and Tamando to stall the protest, said a leader of the NNKS, which is spearheading the agitation. He alleged the farmers have been held up at various places like Keonjhar, Balugaon, Jatasinghpur and Jajpur since October 29. Accusing the state government of trying to suppress the farmers' voice, Kumar and other NNKS leaders said the action is being taken also against the people for criticising the government. Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police Anup Kumar Sahu said necessary arrangements have been made to prevent any untoward incident during farmers' demonstration in the state capital. Around 25 platoons of police, each having around 30 personnel, have been deployed to prevent law and order problems, he said, adding special attention is being given to ensure smooth traffic movement, especially on the national highways near the capital city. While senior Congress leader and former MP Pradip Majhi led a 'padyatra' from Khurda, NNKS convener Akshya Kumar and former Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda joined the peasants' march from Cuttack. The state government has shown little concern for the farmers despite their repeated demands, Majhi said, adding if the government fails to fulfil their demands by tomorrow, the state capital will be put under seize. The NNKS has been demanding minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 5,000 per quintal for paddy and a monthly pension of Rs 5,000 for the youths and Rs 1,500 for the elderly, said Kumar. Panda slammed the state government for trying to "throttle" the voice of farmers. Thousands of farmers from across the state are staging a peaceful agitation but the way the administration is trying to obstruct them is not justified, he said. The BJP also hit out at the Odisha government for failing to address the grievances of the farmers in the state. BJP state unit vice-president Samir Mohanty said his party supports the farmers' peaceful agitation. The Union government has taken several measures to double the farmers' income in the country, but due to wrong policies of the Odisha government, the farmers have been deprived of the benefits of the Centre's various schemes, Mohanty claimed. Dismissing the allegations, BJD spokesperson Sameer Dash claimed that the farmers across the country are facing problems.

Odisha government stops farmers marching to Bhubaneswar, draws flak

The BJP Monday accused Congress leader P Chidambaram of “mocking” the “Ram temple initiative” and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue, saying the former Union minister’s comments were “highly irresponsible and very provocative”. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a case of “classic hypocrisy” that while Congress president Rahul Gandhi visits temples and portrays himself as a ‘Shiv Bhakt’, a senior leader of his party was making such comments.

Prasad’s attack on the Congress came after Chidambaram tweeted targeting the Modi government. “At the beginning of five years, the promise is for Development, Jobs and Money in every citizen’s bank account. Nothing achieved, at the end of five years, the new promise is for grand Temples, giant Statues and Doles,” the Congress leader had tweeted.

Prasad said Chidambaram is obviously mocking the Ram temple initiative and the Patel’s Statue of Liberty, the tallest in the world. “Please stop it. Don’t play with sentiments,” he said, asking Gandhi to make his stand clear on the issue and demanding that he and his mother Sonia Gandhi express regret.

There cannot be a bigger insult to Patel, he said, asking why the Congress reacted in such a manner to his one statue when hundreds of schemes, awards, scholarships among other recognitions are named after Nehru-Gandhi family. The Congress worked to erase Patel’s legacy and the BJP is proud that the biggest statue in his memory was built under the Modi government, Prasad said. He also objected to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge drawing a parallel between Modi and Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and said it was due to the party’s frustration and its impending defeat in the coming elections.

Polls in five states are scheduled for this month and December and will be followed by the Lok Sabha elections. Taking a dig at Kharge, Prasad said he cannot take one step without permission of his party’s ruling family while the BJP is run on democratic principles.

The BJP Monday accused Congress leader P Chidambaram of “mocking” the “Ram temple initiative” and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue, saying the former Union minister’s comments were “highly irresponsible and very provocative”.

The BJP Monday accused Congress leader P Chidambaram of “mocking” the “Ram temple initiative” and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue, saying the former Union minister’s comments were “highly irresponsible and very provocative”. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a case of “classic hypocrisy” that while Congress president Rahul Gandhi visits temples and portrays himself as a ‘Shiv Bhakt’, a senior leader of his party was making such comments. Prasad’s attack on the Congress came after Chidambaram tweeted targeting the Modi government. “At the beginning of five years, the promise is for Development, Jobs and Money in every citizen’s bank account. Nothing achieved, at the end of five years, the new promise is for grand Temples, giant Statues and Doles,” the Congress leader had tweeted. Prasad said Chidambaram is obviously mocking the Ram temple initiative and the Patel’s Statue of Liberty, the tallest in the world. “Please stop it. Don’t play with sentiments,” he said, asking Gandhi to make his stand clear on the issue and demanding that he and his mother Sonia Gandhi express regret. There cannot be a bigger insult to Patel, he said, asking why the Congress reacted in such a manner to his one statue when hundreds of schemes, awards, scholarships among other recognitions are named after Nehru-Gandhi family. The Congress worked to erase Patel’s legacy and the BJP is proud that the biggest statue in his memory was built under the Modi government, Prasad said. He also objected to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge drawing a parallel between Modi and Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and said it was due to the party’s frustration and its impending defeat in the coming elections. Polls in five states are scheduled for this month and December and will be followed by the Lok Sabha elections. Taking a dig at Kharge, Prasad said he cannot take one step without permission of his party’s ruling family while the BJP is run on democratic principles.

BJP accuses P Chidambaram of mocking Ram temple initiative, Statue of Unity

A Delhi court on Monday acquitted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a criminal defamation case filed by a former aide of Congress leader Sheila Dikshit.&nbsp;

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal granted relief to the AAP leader citing lack of evidence against him.

The AAP chief was accused by Dikshit’s then political secretary Pawan Khera alleging remarks against Dikshit during power tariff hike protests in October 2012.

A Delhi court on Monday acquitted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a criminal defamation case filed by a former aide of Congress leader Sheila Dikshit. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal granted relief to the AAP leader citing lack of evidence against him.

A Delhi court on Monday acquitted Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a criminal defamation case filed by a former aide of Congress leader Sheila Dikshit. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal granted relief to the AAP leader citing lack of evidence against him. The AAP chief was accused by Dikshit’s then political secretary Pawan Khera alleging remarks against Dikshit during power tariff hike protests in October 2012.

Delhi court acquits CM Arvind Kejriwal in criminal defamation case filed by former aide of Sheila Dikshit

Outrage on social media after tigress Avni's killing

INS Arihant, India's nuclear ballistic missile submarine, completes first deterrence patrol

Hundreds of police personnel, armed commandos, surveillance cameras and mobile jammers have turned Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, into a virtual fortress,&nbsp;as it opens for a special puja on Monday.

The unprecedented security arrangements have been made in the backdrop of protests by devotees and Hindu outfits from October 17-22 opposing the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government's decision to implement the landmark Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the hill shrine.

However, the security arrangements have not gone down well with the devotees and right-wing activists who protested at several places against the restrictions at Sabarimala, considered the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa, a celibate.

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Kerala: Devotees climb the sacred Pathinettam Padi to enter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> to offer prayers. The temple, which opened this evening, will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. <a href="https://t.co/jfLfc0A6jt">pic.twitter.com/jfLfc0A6jt</a>
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Kerala: Devotees throng <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> after its portals opened this evening. The temple will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. <a href="https://t.co/1RwqqyeMDp">pic.twitter.com/1RwqqyeMDp</a>
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The temple opened at 5 pm and will close at 10 pm for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" puja slated for Tuesday, marking the birthday of the last king of the princely state of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma.

The government and police machinery are on high alert to avoid any untoward incidents in and around the shrine, where ban orders under CrPC 144 are in force till Tuesday night.

Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police T Narayanan had Sunday said that all arrangements have been made for devotees to ensure smooth 'darshan'.

Around 2,300 personnel, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been deployed for the security of the devotees.

At least 15 women police personnel, who are over 50 years of age, have been deployed at the 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex), police said.

TV footage showed devotees locked in a war of words with police at several places along the route from Nilackal to Pamba, the key base camps on way to the shrine.

Besides being unsettled by the intense checking by the police, the pilgrims also complained about the lack of amenities at the base camps, which had witnessed widespread damage during the August deluge.

A group of devotees, who arrived at Erumeli since Sunday evening, protested this morning when they were not allowed to leave for Pamba. They blocked road traffic chanting 'Ayyappa Saranam' mantra.

Another batch of devotees complained that women police personnel asked their names and identity cards while travelling to Pamba in a state-run bus.

"They stopped the bus and asked our names and demanded that we show the identity cards. I said my name is Ayyappa... everyone in our group said the same (as the Ayyappa devotees are called).

"In Sabarimala, everyone is Ayyappa... devotees call each other as swamy," a devotee, carrying the sacred 'irumudikettu' (offerings to Lord Ayyappa) on his head, told a TV channel.

Another young devotee said he was not allowed to chant 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' by the security officials.

Several devotees could be seen walking to Pamba after waiting for the Kerala State Transport buses at Nilackal.

Around 500 devotees, who reached Pamba after walking for several hours, blocked road traffic en-route in protest.

Media personnel were also not allowed to leave Nilackal for Pamba, the last entry point, and 'Sannidhanam' in the morning but the restriction was lifted later.

Some women journalists proceeded to Pamba with a police escort.

Hindu outfits, agitating against the entry of women of menstrual age into Sabarimala, Sunday had urged media houses not to depute women journalists under 50 to cover the issue.

A series of surveillance cameras have been installed at several points in an around the temple complex.

Local TV channels reported that mobile jammers have been installed in front of the room of 'tantri' (head priest), Kadararu Rajeevaru at the temple complex and some other places.

They also said police have restrained the priest from speaking to media.

Police have already prepared a registry of right-wing activists who are likely to reach the shrine to take part in the agitation against the entry of young women.

The BJP and various Hindu outfits are on a warpath against the Left-front government over its decision not to seek a review of the top court verdict lifting the ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group.

So far, 3,731 people have been arrested and 545 cases registered in connection with last month's protests and violence.

Around a dozen women in the age group of 10-50 were prevented from reaching the temple and police and the agitators fought a pitched battle last month over the LDF government's decision to implement the court order.

Hundreds of police personnel, armed commandos, surveillance cameras and mobile jammers have turned Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, into a virtual fortress, as it opens for a special puja on Monday.

Hundreds of police personnel, armed commandos, surveillance cameras and mobile jammers have turned Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, into a virtual fortress, as it opens for a special puja on Monday. The unprecedented security arrangements have been made in the backdrop of protests by devotees and Hindu outfits from October 17-22 opposing the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government's decision to implement the landmark Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the hill shrine. However, the security arrangements have not gone down well with the devotees and right-wing activists who protested at several places against the restrictions at Sabarimala, considered the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa, a celibate. Kerala: Devotees climb the sacred Pathinettam Padi to enter #SabarimalaTemple to offer prayers. The temple, which opened this evening, will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. pic.twitter.com/jfLfc0A6jt — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × Kerala: Devotees throng #SabarimalaTemple after its portals opened this evening. The temple will be closed after the 'Athazha puja' tomorrow evening. pic.twitter.com/1RwqqyeMDp — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × The temple opened at 5 pm and will close at 10 pm for the "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" puja slated for Tuesday, marking the birthday of the last king of the princely state of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. The government and police machinery are on high alert to avoid any untoward incidents in and around the shrine, where ban orders under CrPC 144 are in force till Tuesday night. Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police T Narayanan had Sunday said that all arrangements have been made for devotees to ensure smooth 'darshan'. Around 2,300 personnel, including a 20-member commando team and 100 women, have been deployed for the security of the devotees. At least 15 women police personnel, who are over 50 years of age, have been deployed at the 'Sannidhanam' (temple complex), police said. TV footage showed devotees locked in a war of words with police at several places along the route from Nilackal to Pamba, the key base camps on way to the shrine. Besides being unsettled by the intense checking by the police, the pilgrims also complained about the lack of amenities at the base camps, which had witnessed widespread damage during the August deluge. A group of devotees, who arrived at Erumeli since Sunday evening, protested this morning when they were not allowed to leave for Pamba. They blocked road traffic chanting 'Ayyappa Saranam' mantra. Another batch of devotees complained that women police personnel asked their names and identity cards while travelling to Pamba in a state-run bus. "They stopped the bus and asked our names and demanded that we show the identity cards. I said my name is Ayyappa... everyone in our group said the same (as the Ayyappa devotees are called). "In Sabarimala, everyone is Ayyappa... devotees call each other as swamy," a devotee, carrying the sacred 'irumudikettu' (offerings to Lord Ayyappa) on his head, told a TV channel. Another young devotee said he was not allowed to chant 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' by the security officials. Several devotees could be seen walking to Pamba after waiting for the Kerala State Transport buses at Nilackal. Around 500 devotees, who reached Pamba after walking for several hours, blocked road traffic en-route in protest. Media personnel were also not allowed to leave Nilackal for Pamba, the last entry point, and 'Sannidhanam' in the morning but the restriction was lifted later. Some women journalists proceeded to Pamba with a police escort. Hindu outfits, agitating against the entry of women of menstrual age into Sabarimala, Sunday had urged media houses not to depute women journalists under 50 to cover the issue. A series of surveillance cameras have been installed at several points in an around the temple complex. Local TV channels reported that mobile jammers have been installed in front of the room of 'tantri' (head priest), Kadararu Rajeevaru at the temple complex and some other places. They also said police have restrained the priest from speaking to media. Police have already prepared a registry of right-wing activists who are likely to reach the shrine to take part in the agitation against the entry of young women. The BJP and various Hindu outfits are on a warpath against the Left-front government over its decision not to seek a review of the top court verdict lifting the ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group. So far, 3,731 people have been arrested and 545 cases registered in connection with last month's protests and violence. Around a dozen women in the age group of 10-50 were prevented from reaching the temple and police and the agitators fought a pitched battle last month over the LDF government's decision to implement the court order.

Sabarimala Temple re-opens for special 5-hour pooja amid heavy security

The benchmark BSE Sensex dropped 61 points and settled below the 35,000 marks Monday, tracking weak Asian stocks amid uncertainty around the China-US trade war, fall in rupee and unabated foreign fund outflows.

The Sensex fell below the 35,000-level to touch a low of 34,811.60 due to heavy selling pressure in view of foreign capital outflows and weak global cues.

However, fag-end buying helped to trim losses and the index closed at 34,950.92 with a fall of 60.73 points, or 0.17 per cent.

The gauge had rallied almost 580 points on Friday.

The broader NSE Nifty, after slipping below the 10,500-mark to hit a low of 10,477, finally concluded 29 points, or 0.27 per cent, down at 10,524.

The rupee depreciated 67 paise, to 73.12 (intra-day) against the dollar too had a negative influence.

The market was volatile in a narrow range due to weak global cues and selling pressure in pharma, FMCG and auto, analysts said.

"Rupee weakened on account of crunch in domestic liquidity while the gradual decline in yield may ease the concern. Investors' bit conservative in the holiday-shortened week due to uncertainty regarding US-China trade deal and Fed policy," they added.

Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth a net of Rs 196.90 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares to the tune of Rs 852.99 crore.

The benchmark BSE Sensex dropped 61 points and settled below the 35,000 marks Monday, tracking weak Asian stocks amid uncertainty around the China-US trade war, fall in rupee and unabated foreign fund outflows.

The benchmark BSE Sensex dropped 61 points and settled below the 35,000 marks Monday, tracking weak Asian stocks amid uncertainty around the China-US trade war, fall in rupee and unabated foreign fund outflows. The Sensex fell below the 35,000-level to touch a low of 34,811.60 due to heavy selling pressure in view of foreign capital outflows and weak global cues. However, fag-end buying helped to trim losses and the index closed at 34,950.92 with a fall of 60.73 points, or 0.17 per cent. The gauge had rallied almost 580 points on Friday. The broader NSE Nifty, after slipping below the 10,500-mark to hit a low of 10,477, finally concluded 29 points, or 0.27 per cent, down at 10,524. The rupee depreciated 67 paise, to 73.12 (intra-day) against the dollar too had a negative influence. The market was volatile in a narrow range due to weak global cues and selling pressure in pharma, FMCG and auto, analysts said. "Rupee weakened on account of crunch in domestic liquidity while the gradual decline in yield may ease the concern. Investors' bit conservative in the holiday-shortened week due to uncertainty regarding US-China trade deal and Fed policy," they added. Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth a net of Rs 196.90 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares to the tune of Rs 852.99 crore.

Sensex drops 61 points on negative global cues, weak rupee

Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik has said that the biometric details of Rohingya in the state will be collected in&nbsp;two months.

While addressing a press briefing Malik said, "Biometric details of Rohingyas will be collected within two months".

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Biometric details of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rohingyas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rohingyas</a> will be collected within two months: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, in Jammu <a href="https://t.co/d6sbcfX6RC">pic.twitter.com/d6sbcfX6RC</a>
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He also added that the state administration will try to create an atmosphere for holding talks with stakeholders in the next four to six months.

"I carry a mandate of (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi to reach out to the people, make yourself available to them, do their work, ensure development of the state and create an atmosphere in which talks can be held," Malik told reporters here.

"Stone-pelting and militancy-related incidents have stopped. The civic polls were also held peacefully. Our policy is bringing us good results," he said.

Earlier Union Minister Rajnath Singh had directed the state governments to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics.

More than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017 after Myanmar's army launched a massive crackdown in its northern state. India and Bangladesh are known to have given shelter to a large number of Rohingya refugees.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) had also sought immediate deportation of illegally settled Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals in Jammu and Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik has said that the biometric details of Rohingya in the state will be collected in two months. While addressing a press briefing Malik said, "Biometric details of Rohingyas will be collected within two months".

Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik has said that the biometric details of Rohingya in the state will be collected in two months. While addressing a press briefing Malik said, "Biometric details of Rohingyas will be collected within two months". Biometric details of #Rohingyas will be collected within two months: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, in Jammu pic.twitter.com/d6sbcfX6RC — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × He also added that the state administration will try to create an atmosphere for holding talks with stakeholders in the next four to six months. "I carry a mandate of (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi to reach out to the people, make yourself available to them, do their work, ensure development of the state and create an atmosphere in which talks can be held," Malik told reporters here. "Stone-pelting and militancy-related incidents have stopped. The civic polls were also held peacefully. Our policy is bringing us good results," he said. Earlier Union Minister Rajnath Singh had directed the state governments to identify Rohingyas and carry out biometrics. More than 650,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar's Rakhine state in August 2017 after Myanmar's army launched a massive crackdown in its northern state. India and Bangladesh are known to have given shelter to a large number of Rohingya refugees. Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) had also sought immediate deportation of illegally settled Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals in Jammu and Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

Biometric details of Rohingya in J&K will be collected within 2 months: Governor Satya Pal Malik

In pictures: Air pollution in Delhi 9 times over acceptable limit

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-leader-claims-mizoram-speaker-will-quit-congress-and-join-saffron-party-175552">speaker of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly</a>, Hiphei, resigned from his post today to join the Bhartiya Janata Party.

He is the fifth Congress MLA to resign from the 40-member House since September.&nbsp;

A senior BJP leader had earlier said Hiphei would resign from his post and join the saffron party.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-will-come-back-to-power-in-mizoram-and-defeat-bjps-money-power-cm-lalthanhwala-to-wion-171543">Congress will defeat BJP’s money power, Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla tells WION</a>

"He (Hiphei) would first tender his resignation as the speaker and then from the primary membership of the Congress. He will then join our party," PTI quoted the Bharatiya Janata Party leader as saying on the&nbsp;condition of anonymity.

He added that Hiphei had recently met central leaders of the BJP.

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Aizawl: Congress leader Hiphei who had resigned as Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly, joins BJP <a href="https://t.co/rd8T4PSJv8">pic.twitter.com/rd8T4PSJv8</a>
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The Congress had earlier named Hiphhei as its candidate for the Palak constituency but replaced him with party general secretary KT Rokhaw last week following reports that he might move to the BJP.

Hiphei was elected to the Mizoram Assembly from Palak constituency in 2013. He won the state elections six times between 1972 and 1989 from Tuipang.

Mizoram is one of the three states currently ruled by the Congress.

The northeastern state will go to polls on November 28.

Several senior Congress leaders have recently left the party and joined the opposition Mizo National Front.

The speaker of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Hiphei, resigned from his post today to join the Bhartiya Janata Party. He is the fifth Congress MLA to resign from the 40-member House since September.

The speaker of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Hiphei, resigned from his post today to join the Bhartiya Janata Party. He is the fifth Congress MLA to resign from the 40-member House since September. A senior BJP leader had earlier said Hiphei would resign from his post and join the saffron party. Also read: Congress will defeat BJP’s money power, Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla tells WION "He (Hiphei) would first tender his resignation as the speaker and then from the primary membership of the Congress. He will then join our party," PTI quoted the Bharatiya Janata Party leader as saying on the condition of anonymity. He added that Hiphei had recently met central leaders of the BJP. Aizawl: Congress leader Hiphei who had resigned as Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly, joins BJP pic.twitter.com/rd8T4PSJv8 — ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2018 × The Congress had earlier named Hiphhei as its candidate for the Palak constituency but replaced him with party general secretary KT Rokhaw last week following reports that he might move to the BJP. Hiphei was elected to the Mizoram Assembly from Palak constituency in 2013. He won the state elections six times between 1972 and 1989 from Tuipang. Mizoram is one of the three states currently ruled by the Congress. The northeastern state will go to polls on November 28. Several senior Congress leaders have recently left the party and joined the opposition Mizo National Front.

Speaker of Congress-ruled Mizoram resigns, joins BJP

Karnataka government weighs feasibility to ban new vehicles in Bengaluru

Kerala braces for more protests as Sabarimala temple reopens for one day

Thick smog in Delhi days before Diwali, pollution over 11 times safe limit

Sabarimala Temple set to open today, Kerala deploys heavy security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to spend the festival of Diwali in Kedarnath, sources said on Monday.

Prime Minister Modi, after assuming office in 2014, has primarily spent the festival every year with soldiers and security personnel at different parts of the country.

Last year, Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel posted in Gurez at Jammu and Kashmir`s Bandipora district and a day later he visited Kedarnath to inaugurate various development projects.

In 2016, Prime Minister Modi met jawans of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITPB), the Indian Army and Dogra Scouts in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh on the day of Diwali.

In 2015, he visited the Dograi War Memorial in Khasa, Amritsar to celebrate Diwali with the troops.

Months after becoming Prime Minister in 2014, he had paid a surprise visit to the Siachen Base Camp to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers deployed at the World`s highest battlefield.

The festival of lights, Diwali, will be celebrated on November 7 this year.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to spend the festival of Diwali in Kedarnath, sources said on Monday. Prime Minister Modi, after assuming office in 2014, has primarily spent the festival every year with soldiers and security personnel at different parts of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to spend the festival of Diwali in Kedarnath, sources said on Monday. Prime Minister Modi, after assuming office in 2014, has primarily spent the festival every year with soldiers and security personnel at different parts of the country. Last year, Prime Minister Modi celebrated Diwali with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel posted in Gurez at Jammu and Kashmir`s Bandipora district and a day later he visited Kedarnath to inaugurate various development projects. In 2016, Prime Minister Modi met jawans of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITPB), the Indian Army and Dogra Scouts in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh on the day of Diwali. In 2015, he visited the Dograi War Memorial in Khasa, Amritsar to celebrate Diwali with the troops. Months after becoming Prime Minister in 2014, he had paid a surprise visit to the Siachen Base Camp to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers deployed at the World`s highest battlefield. The festival of lights, Diwali, will be celebrated on November 7 this year.

PM Modi likely to spend Diwali at Kedarnath

A four-member Trinamool Congress delegation met the family members of the five people killed by suspected militants and handed over&nbsp;Rs 1 lakh each as compensation.&nbsp;

Led by Derek O'Brien, the TMC parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha, the team comprising the party's Lok Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haq and MLA Mahua Moitra, arrived at Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district on Sunday morning.

"This is a humanitarian visit. This is a visit to stand with the grieving families. We hope to reach Tinsukia in about two hours and spend some time with the families," O'Brien told reporters outside the airport earlier in the morning immediately after his arrival.

Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigue shot dead five individuals, including three members of a family, near the village in the district on Thursday night.

Strongly condemning the incident, the senior TMC leader said, "What has happened is a dastardly killing of the most deprived and poorest Indian citizens... They have been murdered in cold blood."

On Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed anguish over the killings and said an "environment of violence" was prevailing in the country.

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A four-member Trinamool Congress delegation met the family members of the five people killed by suspected militants and handed over Rs 1 lakh each as compensation.

A four-member Trinamool Congress delegation met the family members of the five people killed by suspected militants and handed over Rs 1 lakh each as compensation. Led by Derek O'Brien, the TMC parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha, the team comprising the party's Lok Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haq and MLA Mahua Moitra, arrived at Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district on Sunday morning. "This is a humanitarian visit. This is a visit to stand with the grieving families. We hope to reach Tinsukia in about two hours and spend some time with the families," O'Brien told reporters outside the airport earlier in the morning immediately after his arrival. Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigue shot dead five individuals, including three members of a family, near the village in the district on Thursday night. Strongly condemning the incident, the senior TMC leader said, "What has happened is a dastardly killing of the most deprived and poorest Indian citizens... They have been murdered in cold blood." On Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed anguish over the killings and said an "environment of violence" was prevailing in the country. Dhola(Assam): TMC delegation led by Derek O Brien meets families of the five people killed by ULFA terrorists in Tinsukia pic.twitter.com/XUP0S2aEQG — ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2018 ×

Tinsukia shooting: 4-member Trinamool delegation meets families of 5 killed  

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "hero on a white stallion with an upraised sword in his hand".

Tharoor had waded into a controversy at the Bangalore Literature Festival Sunday last by claiming that an unnamed RSS leader had compared Modi to "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-a-scorpion-on-shivling-cant-remove-with-hand-or-hit-with-chappal-shashi-tharoor-173998">a scorpion sitting on a Shivling</a>" and "you cannot remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a chappal either".

A criminal defamation complaint had been filed against him in a Delhi court earlier in the day for his "scorpion" remark.

Tharoor again took a swipe at the prime minister, calling him "a hero on a white stallion with an upraised sword in his hand saying I know all the answers".

"Modi is a one-man government and everybody is dancing to what he says," he said at an event organised by an industry body, adding India now has the "most centralised PMO" in history.

"Every decision is taken by the PMO (prime minister's office). Every file has to be sent to the PMO for approval," he claimed.&nbsp;

On the next parliamentary election, Tharoor said that there will be both pre-poll and post-poll alliances between the Congress and other opposition parties, but Congress president Rahul Gandhi "may not be" the prime ministerial face.

The coming Lok Sabha election is important in that it will deny the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a second term in power, the Congress MP said.

He said the decision on the prime ministerial face of the Congress alliance would be a collective one and "it may not be him (Gandhi). The Congress has a broader notion of a leader unlike the BJP. We had people like Pranab Mukherjee, P Chidambaram and others having tremendous track record".

Gandhi is the unquestionable choice of Congress workers as their leader. "If free and fair elections are held among the Congress workers, Rahul Gandhi wins hands down," the Congress MP said.

Continuing his criticism of the Modi government, Tharoor said, "We are having a top-down, over-centralised and inefficient government running the country and there is nothing positive in the Indian economy."

"Demonetisation was a bad idea implemented badly and GST was a good idea implemented badly," Tharoor said.

He said that the Indian stock is down across the globe. "The rupee was heading towards the 'Margdarshak Mandal' (a reference to a BJP panel comprising its elderly leaders)," he quipped and later clarified that the BJP panel had leaders above the age of 75.

He said that communalism, cow vigilantism and mob lynching have been so extreme that India had never seen such "bizarre politics in the past".

"There are damning statistics to prove that," he added.

Tharoor, who was the minister of state for external affairs in the UPA government and is currently chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, said there was "total collapse of relations between India with other countries".

"Nobody knows what is the coherent foreign relations policy with Pakistan, similarly with Nepal and Sri Lanka," he said.

Tharoor regretted that Gandhi is being dubbed a 'Pappu' by some in the social media. "This is not fair and it is unjustified. Congress workers are really stitched to the Gandhi family and want their leader to be from there," he said.

Regarding the Sabarimala temple controversy, Tharoor said, "These issues are being whipped up to distract attention from the real problems like oil price rise, Rafale deal, etc."

Speaking at another programme, he alleged that the trend of erecting statues and raising the issue of Ram temple in Ayodhya were attempts to distract the masses from "failures" of the BJP government at the Centre.

He said the trend of erecting statues reminded him of the Roman empire when people where distracted from the oppression they faced through 'bread and circuses' (distribution of free food and staging of huge spectacles).

"The issues of Statue of Unity, Ram temple, Ram statue at Ayodhya are distractions. I would urge the public of India to move away from these distractions and focus on the realities and lives of the Indians," the Congress MP said.

"The reality is the Indian Aam Aadmi (common man) has been suffering for the last four and half years... This suits the agenda of the government that has failed to perform," he said.

Tharoor's comment comes in the backdrop of plans to install a statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Sarayu river in Ayodhya.

Joining the chorus for the construction of Ram temple in the Uttar Pradesh pilgrim town of Ayodhya, Union minister Vijay Goel had Friday said it should be done at the earliest through any means -- constitutional, legislative, judicial or community dialogue.

The VHP and the RSS have demanded an ordinance to acquire land for constructing the temple in Ayodhya.&nbsp;

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "hero on a white stallion with an upraised sword in his hand". Tharoor had waded into a controversy at the Bangalore Literature Festival Sunday last by claiming that an unnamed RSS leader had compared Modi to "a scorpion sitting on a Shivling" and "you cannot remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a chappal either".

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "hero on a white stallion with an upraised sword in his hand". Tharoor had waded into a controversy at the Bangalore Literature Festival Sunday last by claiming that an unnamed RSS leader had compared Modi to "a scorpion sitting on a Shivling" and "you cannot remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a chappal either". A criminal defamation complaint had been filed against him in a Delhi court earlier in the day for his "scorpion" remark. Tharoor again took a swipe at the prime minister, calling him "a hero on a white stallion with an upraised sword in his hand saying I know all the answers". "Modi is a one-man government and everybody is dancing to what he says," he said at an event organised by an industry body, adding India now has the "most centralised PMO" in history. "Every decision is taken by the PMO (prime minister's office). Every file has to be sent to the PMO for approval," he claimed. On the next parliamentary election, Tharoor said that there will be both pre-poll and post-poll alliances between the Congress and other opposition parties, but Congress president Rahul Gandhi "may not be" the prime ministerial face. The coming Lok Sabha election is important in that it will deny the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a second term in power, the Congress MP said. He said the decision on the prime ministerial face of the Congress alliance would be a collective one and "it may not be him (Gandhi). The Congress has a broader notion of a leader unlike the BJP. We had people like Pranab Mukherjee, P Chidambaram and others having tremendous track record". Gandhi is the unquestionable choice of Congress workers as their leader. "If free and fair elections are held among the Congress workers, Rahul Gandhi wins hands down," the Congress MP said. Continuing his criticism of the Modi government, Tharoor said, "We are having a top-down, over-centralised and inefficient government running the country and there is nothing positive in the Indian economy." "Demonetisation was a bad idea implemented badly and GST was a good idea implemented badly," Tharoor said. He said that the Indian stock is down across the globe. "The rupee was heading towards the 'Margdarshak Mandal' (a reference to a BJP panel comprising its elderly leaders)," he quipped and later clarified that the BJP panel had leaders above the age of 75. He said that communalism, cow vigilantism and mob lynching have been so extreme that India had never seen such "bizarre politics in the past". "There are damning statistics to prove that," he added. Tharoor, who was the minister of state for external affairs in the UPA government and is currently chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, said there was "total collapse of relations between India with other countries". "Nobody knows what is the coherent foreign relations policy with Pakistan, similarly with Nepal and Sri Lanka," he said. Tharoor regretted that Gandhi is being dubbed a 'Pappu' by some in the social media. "This is not fair and it is unjustified. Congress workers are really stitched to the Gandhi family and want their leader to be from there," he said. Regarding the Sabarimala temple controversy, Tharoor said, "These issues are being whipped up to distract attention from the real problems like oil price rise, Rafale deal, etc." Speaking at another programme, he alleged that the trend of erecting statues and raising the issue of Ram temple in Ayodhya were attempts to distract the masses from "failures" of the BJP government at the Centre. He said the trend of erecting statues reminded him of the Roman empire when people where distracted from the oppression they faced through 'bread and circuses' (distribution of free food and staging of huge spectacles). "The issues of Statue of Unity, Ram temple, Ram statue at Ayodhya are distractions. I would urge the public of India to move away from these distractions and focus on the realities and lives of the Indians," the Congress MP said. "The reality is the Indian Aam Aadmi (common man) has been suffering for the last four and half years... This suits the agenda of the government that has failed to perform," he said. Tharoor's comment comes in the backdrop of plans to install a statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Sarayu river in Ayodhya. Joining the chorus for the construction of Ram temple in the Uttar Pradesh pilgrim town of Ayodhya, Union minister Vijay Goel had Friday said it should be done at the earliest through any means -- constitutional, legislative, judicial or community dialogue. The VHP and the RSS have demanded an ordinance to acquire land for constructing the temple in Ayodhya.

Modi a hero on a white stallion with upraised sword: Shashi Tharoor

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, saying that it lacks leadership, strategy and principle.

While addressing a public rally days before the first phase of the Assembly election in the state Shah said, "On one side, there is Congress with no leader, no strategy and no principle and on the other hand, there is the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Raman Singh. The Congress always opposed the Chhattisgarh and it was only after Atal Bihari Vajpayee became prime minister that the state was formed."

He also drew a comparison between former Congress government at the Centre and the incumbent BJP government at the Centre.

"Five years back, when there was the Congress government; it gave Chhattisgarh Rs 48,000 crore during the 13th Finance Commission. When the BJP government came in the 14th pay commission, Rs 1, 37,947 crores was given to Chhattisgarh. So, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government increased the amount by as much as Rs 90,000 crore," Shah said.

Outlining the people-oriented policies of the central and state government, Shah further talked about Ujjawala Yojana among other schemes and urged people to vote for the BJP candidates.

"Under the Ujjawala Scheme, 36 lakh poor women of the state were provided with gas cylinder and stove. Under Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana, over 2.5 lakh poor people have been provided with a house. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh government was the first one to start giving rice to poor at the rate of Rs 2/kg," Shah said.

He urged the people of Chhattisgarh to re-elect Raman Singh in 2018 before once again electing Narendra Modi as Prime Minister in 2019.

He also emphasised that both the state and central governments through their combined effort wish to make Chhattisgarh as the most developed state in India in the next five years.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, saying that it lacks leadership, strategy and principle. While addressing a public rally days before the first phase of the Assembly election in the state Shah said, "On one side, there is Congress with no leader, no strategy and no principle and on the other hand, there is the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Raman Singh.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, saying that it lacks leadership, strategy and principle. While addressing a public rally days before the first phase of the Assembly election in the state Shah said, "On one side, there is Congress with no leader, no strategy and no principle and on the other hand, there is the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Raman Singh. The Congress always opposed the Chhattisgarh and it was only after Atal Bihari Vajpayee became prime minister that the state was formed." He also drew a comparison between former Congress government at the Centre and the incumbent BJP government at the Centre. "Five years back, when there was the Congress government; it gave Chhattisgarh Rs 48,000 crore during the 13th Finance Commission. When the BJP government came in the 14th pay commission, Rs 1, 37,947 crores was given to Chhattisgarh. So, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government increased the amount by as much as Rs 90,000 crore," Shah said. Outlining the people-oriented policies of the central and state government, Shah further talked about Ujjawala Yojana among other schemes and urged people to vote for the BJP candidates. "Under the Ujjawala Scheme, 36 lakh poor women of the state were provided with gas cylinder and stove. Under Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana, over 2.5 lakh poor people have been provided with a house. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh government was the first one to start giving rice to poor at the rate of Rs 2/kg," Shah said. He urged the people of Chhattisgarh to re-elect Raman Singh in 2018 before once again electing Narendra Modi as Prime Minister in 2019. He also emphasised that both the state and central governments through their combined effort wish to make Chhattisgarh as the most developed state in India in the next five years.

Congress lacks leadership, strategy and principle: Amit Shah in Chhattisgarh rally

A four-member Trinamool Congress delegation arrived in Assam on Sunday morning and headed to Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district to meet the family members of the five people killed by suspected militants.

Led by Derek O'Brien, the TMC parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha, the team comprises the party's Lok Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haq and MLA Mahua Moitra.

"This is a humanitarian visit. This is a visit to stand with the grieving families. We hope to reach Tinsukia in about two hours and spend some time with the families," O'Brien told reporters outside the airport here.

Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigue shot dead five individuals, including three members of a family, near the village in the district on Thursday night.

Strongly condemning the incident, the senior TMC leader said, "What has happened is a dastardly killing of the most deprived and poorest Indian citizens... They have been murdered in cold blood."

On Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed anguish over the killings and said an "environment of violence" was prevailing in the country.

A TMC delegation of six MPs had gone to Silchar on August 2 to assess the situation in Assam in the wake of the publication of the complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) on July 30, but was stopped at the airport.

They were not allowed to leave the airport and were sent back the next day.&nbsp;

A four-member Trinamool Congress delegation arrived in Assam on Sunday morning and headed to Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district to meet the family members of the five people killed by suspected militants.

A four-member Trinamool Congress delegation arrived in Assam on Sunday morning and headed to Kheronibari village in Tinsukia district to meet the family members of the five people killed by suspected militants. Led by Derek O'Brien, the TMC parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha, the team comprises the party's Lok Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haq and MLA Mahua Moitra. "This is a humanitarian visit. This is a visit to stand with the grieving families. We hope to reach Tinsukia in about two hours and spend some time with the families," O'Brien told reporters outside the airport here. Unidentified gunmen in battle fatigue shot dead five individuals, including three members of a family, near the village in the district on Thursday night. Strongly condemning the incident, the senior TMC leader said, "What has happened is a dastardly killing of the most deprived and poorest Indian citizens... They have been murdered in cold blood." On Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed anguish over the killings and said an "environment of violence" was prevailing in the country. A TMC delegation of six MPs had gone to Silchar on August 2 to assess the situation in Assam in the wake of the publication of the complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) on July 30, but was stopped at the airport. They were not allowed to leave the airport and were sent back the next day.

Tinsukia killings: Four-member Trinamool delegation arrives in Assam

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has issued a show-cause notice to RBI Governor Urjit Patel for "dishonouring" a Supreme Court judgment on disclosure of the wilful defaulters' list.

The CIC has also asked the Prime Minister's Office, the Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to make public the letter of former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan on bad loans.

Irked over the denial of information on disclosure of names of wilful defaulters who have taken bank loans of Rs 50 crore and above by the RBI in spite of a Supreme Court order, the CIC has asked Patel to explain why a maximum penalty should not be imposed on him for "dishonouring" the court verdict, which had upheld a decision taken by then information commissioner Shailesh Gandhi, calling for disclosure of names of wilful defaulters.

Patel, speaking at the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on September 20, had said the guidelines on vigilance, issued by the CVC, were aimed at achieving greater transparency, promoting a culture of honesty and probity in public life and improving the overall vigilance administration in the organisations within its purview, the CIC pointed out.

"The commission feels that there is no match between what RBI governor and deputy governor say and their website regarding their RTI policy, and a great secrecy of vigilance reports and inspection reports is being maintained with impunity, in spite of the Supreme Court confirming the orders of the CIC in the Jayantilal case," Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu said.

He concluded that it would not serve any purpose to punish the CPIO for this defiance, because he acted under the instructions of the top authorities.

"The commission considers the governor as the deemed PIO responsible for non-disclosure and defiance of Supreme Court orders and CIC orders and directs him to show cause why a maximum penalty should not be imposed on him for these reasons, before November 16," Acharyulu said.

He rejected the arguments of Santosh Kumar Panigrahy of the RBI that section 22 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act would not override various laws he quoted, prohibiting disclosure of names and details of wilful defaulters and hence, the RBI should be discharged from the obligations of disclosure.&nbsp;

"His contention that unless the above-referred enactments are repealed, the RBI cannot disclose the details of defaulters is also absurd," Acharyulu said.

He added that another contention of Panigrahy that the pendency of a PIL before the Supreme Court on the issue would prevent him from disclosure was also baseless as he did not present any interim order passed by the Supreme Court preventing the disclosure of names of wilful defaulters or against the proceedings before the CIC.

"These submissions of the RBI show that its legal wing did not bring to the notice of the CPIO that in the RBI vs Jayantilal N Mistry case, a Supreme Court bench consisting of M Y Eqbat and C Nagappan JJ, on December 16, 2015 [Transferred Cases (Civil) Nos. 91 to 101 of 2015], gave a landmark decision, upholding the direction of the CIC to disclose the inspection reports of the RBI and the names of wilful defaulters in many cases, rejecting all the above-referred contentions of the RBI," Acharyulu said.

The information commissioner said in that case, the counsel for the RBI had raised the same contentions, referring to the same cases referred by Panigrahy, and those were straightaway rejected by the Supreme Court.

"The commission finds no merit in hiding the names of, details and action against wilful defaulters of big bad loans worth hundreds of crores of rupees.

"The RBI shall disclose the bad debt details of defaulters worth more than Rs 1,000 crore at the beginning, of Rs 500 crore or less at a later stage within five days and collect such information from the banks in due course to update their voluntary disclosures from time to time as a practice under section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act," he said.

Acharyulu asked the RBI governor to remember, at least once, one of the three lakh farmers who died in the field as he failed to sustain his crop or sell his produce for an appropriate price and hence, could not pay of the debt before defying the transparency law and directions, and discontinue the non-disclosure policy which will seriously harm the economy of the nation.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has issued a show-cause notice to RBI Governor Urjit Patel for "dishonouring" a Supreme Court judgment on disclosure of the wilful defaulters' list.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has issued a show-cause notice to RBI Governor Urjit Patel for "dishonouring" a Supreme Court judgment on disclosure of the wilful defaulters' list. The CIC has also asked the Prime Minister's Office, the Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to make public the letter of former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan on bad loans. Irked over the denial of information on disclosure of names of wilful defaulters who have taken bank loans of Rs 50 crore and above by the RBI in spite of a Supreme Court order, the CIC has asked Patel to explain why a maximum penalty should not be imposed on him for "dishonouring" the court verdict, which had upheld a decision taken by then information commissioner Shailesh Gandhi, calling for disclosure of names of wilful defaulters. Patel, speaking at the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on September 20, had said the guidelines on vigilance, issued by the CVC, were aimed at achieving greater transparency, promoting a culture of honesty and probity in public life and improving the overall vigilance administration in the organisations within its purview, the CIC pointed out. "The commission feels that there is no match between what RBI governor and deputy governor say and their website regarding their RTI policy, and a great secrecy of vigilance reports and inspection reports is being maintained with impunity, in spite of the Supreme Court confirming the orders of the CIC in the Jayantilal case," Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu said. He concluded that it would not serve any purpose to punish the CPIO for this defiance, because he acted under the instructions of the top authorities. "The commission considers the governor as the deemed PIO responsible for non-disclosure and defiance of Supreme Court orders and CIC orders and directs him to show cause why a maximum penalty should not be imposed on him for these reasons, before November 16," Acharyulu said. He rejected the arguments of Santosh Kumar Panigrahy of the RBI that section 22 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act would not override various laws he quoted, prohibiting disclosure of names and details of wilful defaulters and hence, the RBI should be discharged from the obligations of disclosure. "His contention that unless the above-referred enactments are repealed, the RBI cannot disclose the details of defaulters is also absurd," Acharyulu said. He added that another contention of Panigrahy that the pendency of a PIL before the Supreme Court on the issue would prevent him from disclosure was also baseless as he did not present any interim order passed by the Supreme Court preventing the disclosure of names of wilful defaulters or against the proceedings before the CIC. "These submissions of the RBI show that its legal wing did not bring to the notice of the CPIO that in the RBI vs Jayantilal N Mistry case, a Supreme Court bench consisting of M Y Eqbat and C Nagappan JJ, on December 16, 2015 [Transferred Cases (Civil) Nos. 91 to 101 of 2015], gave a landmark decision, upholding the direction of the CIC to disclose the inspection reports of the RBI and the names of wilful defaulters in many cases, rejecting all the above-referred contentions of the RBI," Acharyulu said. The information commissioner said in that case, the counsel for the RBI had raised the same contentions, referring to the same cases referred by Panigrahy, and those were straightaway rejected by the Supreme Court. "The commission finds no merit in hiding the names of, details and action against wilful defaulters of big bad loans worth hundreds of crores of rupees. "The RBI shall disclose the bad debt details of defaulters worth more than Rs 1,000 crore at the beginning, of Rs 500 crore or less at a later stage within five days and collect such information from the banks in due course to update their voluntary disclosures from time to time as a practice under section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act," he said. Acharyulu asked the RBI governor to remember, at least once, one of the three lakh farmers who died in the field as he failed to sustain his crop or sell his produce for an appropriate price and hence, could not pay of the debt before defying the transparency law and directions, and discontinue the non-disclosure policy which will seriously harm the economy of the nation.

RBI chief gets show-cause notice for 'dishonouring' SC judgment

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