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Bodies of two terrorists have been recovered in Pulwama's Tral town following an exchange of fire between terrorists and security personnel, Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Wednesday.

The police further informed that they have recovered arms and ammunition, including M4 and AK 47 rifles and other incriminating materials from the site of the encounter.

The dead terrorists have been identified as Showkat Ahmad, a resident of Tral, and Usman from Pakistan.

In its statement, the state police said, "The terrorists were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the same group was involved in a series of attacks and firing on the security forces'&nbsp;camp from a distance, in recent times. They were also involved in many other civilian atrocities in the area. The police investigation has started."

The Police have also cautioned citizens not to venture near the encounter zone as stray explosive materials can prove to be dangerous.

"People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosives materials if any," the police said. 
&nbsp;

Bodies of two terrorists have been recovered in Pulwama's Tral town following an exchange of fire between terrorists and security personnel, Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Wednesday.

Bodies of two terrorists have been recovered in Pulwama's Tral town following an exchange of fire between terrorists and security personnel, Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Wednesday. The police further informed that they have recovered arms and ammunition, including M4 and AK 47 rifles and other incriminating materials from the site of the encounter. The dead terrorists have been identified as Showkat Ahmad, a resident of Tral, and Usman from Pakistan. In its statement, the state police said, "The terrorists were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the same group was involved in a series of attacks and firing on the security forces' camp from a distance, in recent times. They were also involved in many other civilian atrocities in the area. The police investigation has started." The Police have also cautioned citizens not to venture near the encounter zone as stray explosive materials can prove to be dangerous. "People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosives materials if any," the police said.

J&K: Bodies of 2 terrorists, ammunition recovered in Tral

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the central government for pricing details of the Rafale deal. The court also asked for details of the deal's offset partner.&nbsp;

The court told the government that details of the deal that should legitimately be in the public domain should be shared with the petitioners who have filed PILs against the deal.&nbsp;

The court added that the details should be handed over in a sealed cover within the next 10 days.&nbsp;

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Supreme Court asks Centre to give details of the pricing and strategic details of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> aircraft in a sealed cover to the court, in 10 days. <a href="https://t.co/wqKbErKpbh">pic.twitter.com/wqKbErKpbh</a>
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The court made clear Wednesday that it did not want technical details of the deal, saying that none of the PILs filed against the deal had challenged the suitability of the fighter jet.&nbsp;

The court also added that the government did not need to hand over any details that were secret, or which might affect national security.&nbsp;

Attorney General KK Venugopal however told the court that the deal's pricing details could not be shared with the court, in reply to which the court ordered the Centre to file an affidavit saying why that was so.&nbsp;

The court had earlier asked the government for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-supreme-court-asks-govt-for-details-of-decision-making-process-170590">details of the deal's decision-making process</a>.&nbsp;

The opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal. &nbsp;

An original deal to buy 126 Rafale fighter planes from France's Dassault Aviation had been brokered by the UPA government. Then, in 2015, Modi signed a new government-to-government deal with then French president Francois Hollande to buy 36 of the planes.&nbsp;

The opposition — led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi — says the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale. The opposition has also accused the government of crony capitalism.&nbsp;

According to India's defence acquisition rules, a foreign company making a large sale to India has to funnel 30% of the money paid to it back into India. That by definition requires it to have an Indian partner or partners.&nbsp;

The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries.&nbsp;

The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it but Hollande, while on a trip to India, recently said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the central government for pricing details of the Rafale deal. The court also asked for details of the deal's offset partner.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the central government for pricing details of the Rafale deal. The court also asked for details of the deal's offset partner. The court told the government that details of the deal that should legitimately be in the public domain should be shared with the petitioners who have filed PILs against the deal. The court added that the details should be handed over in a sealed cover within the next 10 days. Supreme Court asks Centre to give details of the pricing and strategic details of #Rafale aircraft in a sealed cover to the court, in 10 days. pic.twitter.com/wqKbErKpbh — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2018 × Supreme Court asks Central government to disclose information on #Rafale deal which can be legitimately put in public domain and information on induction of Indian offset partner be furnished to petitioners who have filed PILs https://t.co/XWMpffILGJ — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2018 × The court made clear Wednesday that it did not want technical details of the deal, saying that none of the PILs filed against the deal had challenged the suitability of the fighter jet. The court also added that the government did not need to hand over any details that were secret, or which might affect national security. Attorney General KK Venugopal however told the court that the deal's pricing details could not be shared with the court, in reply to which the court ordered the Centre to file an affidavit saying why that was so. The court had earlier asked the government for details of the deal's decision-making process. The opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal. An original deal to buy 126 Rafale fighter planes from France's Dassault Aviation had been brokered by the UPA government. Then, in 2015, Modi signed a new government-to-government deal with then French president Francois Hollande to buy 36 of the planes. The opposition — led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi — says the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale. The opposition has also accused the government of crony capitalism. According to India's defence acquisition rules, a foreign company making a large sale to India has to funnel 30% of the money paid to it back into India. That by definition requires it to have an Indian partner or partners. The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries. The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it but Hollande, while on a trip to India, recently said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name.

Rafale deal: SC asks Centre for pricing details, govt says cannot share

The Supreme Court clarified on Wednesday that firecrackers other than green crackers will not be sold in the Delhi-NCR region this festival season.

A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said firecrackers already produced can be sold in this festival season only in other parts of the country.

In Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and other southern states, firecrackers can be burst from 4 am-5 am and from 9 pm-10 pm during festivals, the apex court said.

It said its direction on community bursting of firecrackers will apply pan India for two hours.&nbsp;

Its directions on the ban on sale of firecrackers through e-commerce websites will apply pan India, the court said.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court clarified on Wednesday that firecrackers other than green crackers will not be sold in the Delhi-NCR region this festival season. A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said firecrackers already produced can be sold in this festival season only in other parts of the country.

The Supreme Court clarified on Wednesday that firecrackers other than green crackers will not be sold in the Delhi-NCR region this festival season. A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said firecrackers already produced can be sold in this festival season only in other parts of the country. In Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and other southern states, firecrackers can be burst from 4 am-5 am and from 9 pm-10 pm during festivals, the apex court said. It said its direction on community bursting of firecrackers will apply pan India for two hours. Its directions on the ban on sale of firecrackers through e-commerce websites will apply pan India, the court said.

Firecrackers other than green crackers will not be sold in Delhi-NCR: Supreme Court

The nation remembered former prime minister Indira Gandhi on her 34th death anniversary Wednesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his predecessor Manmohan Singh, former president Pranab Mukherjee and several other leaders paying tributes to her.

"Tributes to our former Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary," Modi said in a tweet.

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, party president Rahul Gandhi and Manmohan Singh were the first to pay floral tributes to the late prime minister at her memorial, Shakti Sthal.&nbsp;

Later, Sonia, Rahul, Singh along with Mukherjee and former vice president Hamid Ansari attended a prayer meeting at the Indira Gandhi Memorial at 1 Akbar Road here.

Many former Union ministers, senior Congress leaders and Members of Parliament were also present.

"Remembering Dadi (Grandmother) today with a deep sense of happiness. She taught me so much and gave me unending love. She gave so much of herself to her people. I am very proud of her," Rahul said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Indira Gandhi was assassinated this day in 1984 by two of her security guards.&nbsp;

The nation remembered former prime minister Indira Gandhi on her 34th death anniversary Wednesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his predecessor Manmohan Singh, former president Pranab Mukherjee and several other leaders paying tributes to her.

The nation remembered former prime minister Indira Gandhi on her 34th death anniversary Wednesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his predecessor Manmohan Singh, former president Pranab Mukherjee and several other leaders paying tributes to her. "Tributes to our former Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary," Modi said in a tweet. Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, party president Rahul Gandhi and Manmohan Singh were the first to pay floral tributes to the late prime minister at her memorial, Shakti Sthal. Later, Sonia, Rahul, Singh along with Mukherjee and former vice president Hamid Ansari attended a prayer meeting at the Indira Gandhi Memorial at 1 Akbar Road here. Many former Union ministers, senior Congress leaders and Members of Parliament were also present. "Remembering Dadi (Grandmother) today with a deep sense of happiness. She taught me so much and gave me unending love. She gave so much of herself to her people. I am very proud of her," Rahul said on Twitter. Indira Gandhi was assassinated this day in 1984 by two of her security guards.

Tribute paid to Indira Gandhi on her 34th death anniversary

Fuel prices in the country remained unchanged on Wednesday after reducing for thirteen consecutive days.

Petrol price in the national capital was revised to 79.55 per litre on Tuesday while diesel price to Rs 73.78 per litre.

The prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 81.43 in Kolkata, Rs 85.04 in Mumbai and Rs 82.65 in Chennai on Tuesday.

Petrol price in the national capital&nbsp;reduced to over 3 Rs in the last 13 days, while diesel witnessed a reduction of Rs 1.91.

The fuel prices in the country have witnessed a relentless hike since the past few months in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket.

In a bid to ease the crunch caused by soaring fuel prices, finance minister Arun Jaitley on October 2&nbsp;announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices.

The ministry had curbed the excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre.&nbsp;

The fuel rate in the country is revised every single day based on global oil prices. State-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum revise the prices with effect from 6 am on a daily basis.&nbsp;

The government allowed revision of fuel rates on a daily basis since mid-June last year to reflect changes in costs instantly.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Fuel prices in the country remained unchanged on Wednesday after reducing for thirteen consecutive days. Petrol price in the national capital was revised to 79.55 per litre on Tuesday while diesel price to Rs 73.

Fuel prices in the country remained unchanged on Wednesday after reducing for thirteen consecutive days. Petrol price in the national capital was revised to 79.55 per litre on Tuesday while diesel price to Rs 73.78 per litre. The prices of petrol were recorded at Rs 81.43 in Kolkata, Rs 85.04 in Mumbai and Rs 82.65 in Chennai on Tuesday. Petrol price in the national capital reduced to over 3 Rs in the last 13 days, while diesel witnessed a reduction of Rs 1.91. The fuel prices in the country have witnessed a relentless hike since the past few months in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket. In a bid to ease the crunch caused by soaring fuel prices, finance minister Arun Jaitley on October 2 announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices. The ministry had curbed the excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre. The fuel rate in the country is revised every single day based on global oil prices. State-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum revise the prices with effect from 6 am on a daily basis. The government allowed revision of fuel rates on a daily basis since mid-June last year to reflect changes in costs instantly.

After 13 consecutive days of price cuts, fuel prices remain unchanged today

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The national capital's air quality turned 'very poor', a day after recording 'severe' pollution, as wind speed picked up early morning and dispersed pollutants, authorities said.

The overall air quality index of Delhi was recorded at 366 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

An official with the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said the improvement in air quality can be attributed to increased speed of early morning winds.

"Early morning winds picked up, which came as respite and dispersed particles rapidly and pulled back air quality towards very poor range," the official said.

On Tuesday, the city recorded the worst air quality of the season after pollution level turned severe at 401, prompting authorities to ban construction activities along with halting operations of industries using coal and biomass as fuel between November 1 and 10.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority are considering regulating use of private vehicles if the pollution level in the national capital deteriorated.

On Wednesday, the PM2.5 was recorded at 215. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10.

The PM10 level (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 370, according to the CPCB data.

On Wednesday, regional factors like stubble burning contributed to 22 per cent of PM2.5 pollution in the national capital, according to SAFAR.

Ten areas of Delhi recorded severe air quality while 23 areas recorded very poor air quality, according to CPCB data.

A thick pall of haze continued to engulf the national capital, and according to authorities would continue to hover over the city for the next three days. 
&nbsp;

The national capital's air quality turned 'very poor', a day after recording 'severe' pollution, as wind speed picked up early morning and dispersed pollutants, authorities said.

The national capital's air quality turned 'very poor', a day after recording 'severe' pollution, as wind speed picked up early morning and dispersed pollutants, authorities said. The overall air quality index of Delhi was recorded at 366 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An official with the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said the improvement in air quality can be attributed to increased speed of early morning winds. "Early morning winds picked up, which came as respite and dispersed particles rapidly and pulled back air quality towards very poor range," the official said. On Tuesday, the city recorded the worst air quality of the season after pollution level turned severe at 401, prompting authorities to ban construction activities along with halting operations of industries using coal and biomass as fuel between November 1 and 10. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority are considering regulating use of private vehicles if the pollution level in the national capital deteriorated. On Wednesday, the PM2.5 was recorded at 215. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10. The PM10 level (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 370, according to the CPCB data. On Wednesday, regional factors like stubble burning contributed to 22 per cent of PM2.5 pollution in the national capital, according to SAFAR. Ten areas of Delhi recorded severe air quality while 23 areas recorded very poor air quality, according to CPCB data. A thick pall of haze continued to engulf the national capital, and according to authorities would continue to hover over the city for the next three days.

Delhi's air quality returns to very poor category after wind speed picks up: Authorities

In a bid to counter BJP chief Amit Shah's 'rath yatras' in Bengal ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls, opposition Congress and the CPI(M) have decided to take up mass contact programmes and 'padayatras' (foot marches) in the state.

The ruling TMC, however, refused to attach any importance to either Shah's rath yatras or events organised by the opposition, saying people of the state were firmly with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The BJP, which is trying to make inroads in Bengal, stood second to the Trinamool Congress in the local body polls held recently. The saffron party has emerged as the principle challenger to TMC, leaving its two traditional rivals -- the Congress and CPI(M) -- fuming.

The state Congress, on its part, has decided to launch 'Jan Samparak Abhiyan' (mass contact) programme across the state, as part of a nationwide initiative, likely from the end of next month, party sources said.

The CPI(M) leadership under the banner of its farmer wing - Kisan Sabha - has announced three foot marches from Singur in Hoogly district, Coochbehar district and Farakka in Murshidabad district, sources in the party said.

According to the sources in both parties, these programmes will clash with the timing of the three rath yatras of Shah in the state from December 5-9, and are aimed at countering it.&nbsp;

West Bengal Congress president Somen Mitra said the 'Jan Samparak Abhiyan' is targeted at reaching out to the masses with the objectives of the party and highlight the "corruption, communal politics and misrule" of the Narendra Modi government.

"In every district, blocks and booths of the state, our party workers will reach out to the masses and communicate our vision. We will also raise a donation of Rs 2 to Rs 5 from every household for the party. Through these activities, we will strengthen our party organisation," Mitra told PTI.

Asked whether the outreach programmes are aimed at countering Shah's rath yatras, Mitra said, "Our programme is part of a nationwide campaign of AICC. We are not competing with anyone, but yes, the Congress will oppose any sort of communal or divisive politics of the BJP and during our mass contact programme, we will speak out against it".&nbsp;

CPI(M) politburo member and Kisan Sabha general secretary Hannan Mollah said apart from various issues related to farmers, including the land policy of the TMC government, the party will propagate against the communal politics of the BJP.

"It is obvious that when the CPI(M) is organising a programme, we will speak out against communal politics and will advocate in favour of unity of masses to defeat the BJP and divisive forces. During our padayatras too, we will do the same," Mollah told PTI.

"It is also obvious that Amit Shah during his rath yatras will try to create communal polarisation in the state in order to reap benefits in the Lok Sabha polls. We will fight tooth and nail against it," he said, adding, the first foot march will start from Singur on November 28.

CPI(M) state committee member and state secretary, Kisan Sabha, Amal Haldar said the party will emphasise on issues relating to farmers.

"We will highlight the anti-farmer policies of the state and central governments. Farmers' distress, agricultural loans and lies of the TMC government regarding the issue of Singur and its land policy will be raised during our programmes," Haldar said, and claimed that the campaigns are not aimed at the rath yatras of the BJP.

Reacting to the proposed mass contact programmes, BJP Bengal president Dilip Ghosh said both the parties were "spent force" in state politics, and people were looking up to the saffron party to fight against the misrule of the TMC government.

"We are not bothered about what the Congress and the CPI(M) are planning. In the last panchayat polls and several by-elections, it has been proved that the BJP is the only alternative to the TMC in Bengal," Ghosh told PTI.

TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said neither the rath yatras of the BJP nor the outreach programmes of the Congress and the CPI(M) would yield any result, as the people of Bengal stand together with the CM.

The BJP chief will kick-off his rath yatra in Bengal, starting December 5, from the temple town of Tarapith in Birbhum district. The yatras will cover all the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies of the state.

The second and third rath yatras will start from Coochbehar district in north Bengal and Gangasagar in south Bengal on December 7 and 9, respectively. Each rath yatra will cover 14 Lok Sabha constituencies.

The tableau of these rath yatras will stop at various places for public meetings and interactions. The three yatras will span across 40 days, and will be followed by a massive rally in Kolkata at the end of January or the beginning of February.

Shah has set a target of winning 22 seats from Bengal in the next Lok Sabha polls. The party presently has two Lok Sabha seats -- Asansol and Darjeeling.

The CPI(M) and the Congress at present have two and four Lok Sabha seats, respectively, in the state.&nbsp;

In a bid to counter BJP chief Amit Shah's 'rath yatras' in Bengal ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls, opposition Congress and the CPI(M) have decided to take up mass contact programmes and 'padayatras' (foot marches) in the state.

In a bid to counter BJP chief Amit Shah's 'rath yatras' in Bengal ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls, opposition Congress and the CPI(M) have decided to take up mass contact programmes and 'padayatras' (foot marches) in the state. The ruling TMC, however, refused to attach any importance to either Shah's rath yatras or events organised by the opposition, saying people of the state were firmly with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The BJP, which is trying to make inroads in Bengal, stood second to the Trinamool Congress in the local body polls held recently. The saffron party has emerged as the principle challenger to TMC, leaving its two traditional rivals -- the Congress and CPI(M) -- fuming. The state Congress, on its part, has decided to launch 'Jan Samparak Abhiyan' (mass contact) programme across the state, as part of a nationwide initiative, likely from the end of next month, party sources said. The CPI(M) leadership under the banner of its farmer wing - Kisan Sabha - has announced three foot marches from Singur in Hoogly district, Coochbehar district and Farakka in Murshidabad district, sources in the party said. According to the sources in both parties, these programmes will clash with the timing of the three rath yatras of Shah in the state from December 5-9, and are aimed at countering it. West Bengal Congress president Somen Mitra said the 'Jan Samparak Abhiyan' is targeted at reaching out to the masses with the objectives of the party and highlight the "corruption, communal politics and misrule" of the Narendra Modi government. "In every district, blocks and booths of the state, our party workers will reach out to the masses and communicate our vision. We will also raise a donation of Rs 2 to Rs 5 from every household for the party. Through these activities, we will strengthen our party organisation," Mitra told PTI. Asked whether the outreach programmes are aimed at countering Shah's rath yatras, Mitra said, "Our programme is part of a nationwide campaign of AICC. We are not competing with anyone, but yes, the Congress will oppose any sort of communal or divisive politics of the BJP and during our mass contact programme, we will speak out against it". CPI(M) politburo member and Kisan Sabha general secretary Hannan Mollah said apart from various issues related to farmers, including the land policy of the TMC government, the party will propagate against the communal politics of the BJP. "It is obvious that when the CPI(M) is organising a programme, we will speak out against communal politics and will advocate in favour of unity of masses to defeat the BJP and divisive forces. During our padayatras too, we will do the same," Mollah told PTI. "It is also obvious that Amit Shah during his rath yatras will try to create communal polarisation in the state in order to reap benefits in the Lok Sabha polls. We will fight tooth and nail against it," he said, adding, the first foot march will start from Singur on November 28. CPI(M) state committee member and state secretary, Kisan Sabha, Amal Haldar said the party will emphasise on issues relating to farmers. "We will highlight the anti-farmer policies of the state and central governments. Farmers' distress, agricultural loans and lies of the TMC government regarding the issue of Singur and its land policy will be raised during our programmes," Haldar said, and claimed that the campaigns are not aimed at the rath yatras of the BJP. Reacting to the proposed mass contact programmes, BJP Bengal president Dilip Ghosh said both the parties were "spent force" in state politics, and people were looking up to the saffron party to fight against the misrule of the TMC government. "We are not bothered about what the Congress and the CPI(M) are planning. In the last panchayat polls and several by-elections, it has been proved that the BJP is the only alternative to the TMC in Bengal," Ghosh told PTI. TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said neither the rath yatras of the BJP nor the outreach programmes of the Congress and the CPI(M) would yield any result, as the people of Bengal stand together with the CM. The BJP chief will kick-off his rath yatra in Bengal, starting December 5, from the temple town of Tarapith in Birbhum district. The yatras will cover all the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies of the state. The second and third rath yatras will start from Coochbehar district in north Bengal and Gangasagar in south Bengal on December 7 and 9, respectively. Each rath yatra will cover 14 Lok Sabha constituencies. The tableau of these rath yatras will stop at various places for public meetings and interactions. The three yatras will span across 40 days, and will be followed by a massive rally in Kolkata at the end of January or the beginning of February. Shah has set a target of winning 22 seats from Bengal in the next Lok Sabha polls. The party presently has two Lok Sabha seats -- Asansol and Darjeeling. The CPI(M) and the Congress at present have two and four Lok Sabha seats, respectively, in the state.

CPI(M), Congress aim to counter Amit Shah's Bengal rath yatras

The Finance Ministry said Wednesday that both the government and the RBI have to be guided by public interest and the requirements of the economy.&nbsp;

It added that "autonomy for the Central Bank within framework of RBI Act is essential and accepted governance requirement. Governments have nurtured and respected this."&nbsp;

There have been several media reports of late of a massive rift opening up between the government and the Reserve Bank of India.&nbsp;

RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya said last week in a public speech that "governments that do not respect central bank's independence will sooner or later <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-govt-that-does-not-respect-rbis-independence-will-incur-wrath-of-markets-rbi-deputy-governor-173752">incur the wrath of financial markets</a>". Acharya is said to have had the backing of his boss, RBI Governor Urjit Patel.&nbsp;

The government was reportedly "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-very-upset-with-rbi-for-making-rift-public-sources-174359">very upset</a>" by the RBI talking about the rift in public.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, wionews.com reported that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513">Patel may be considering resigning</a>.&nbsp;

In its statement Wednesday, the Finance Ministry added that: "Extensive consultations on several issues take place between government and RBI from time to time. This is equally true of all regulators. Government has never made public the subject matter of those consultations. Only final decisions are communicated."&nbsp;

The Finance Ministry said Wednesday that both the government and the RBI have to be guided by public interest and the requirements of the economy. It added that "autonomy for the Central Bank within framework of RBI Act is essential and accepted governance requirement.

The Finance Ministry said Wednesday that both the government and the RBI have to be guided by public interest and the requirements of the economy. It added that "autonomy for the Central Bank within framework of RBI Act is essential and accepted governance requirement. Governments have nurtured and respected this." There have been several media reports of late of a massive rift opening up between the government and the Reserve Bank of India. RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya said last week in a public speech that "governments that do not respect central bank's independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets". Acharya is said to have had the backing of his boss, RBI Governor Urjit Patel. The government was reportedly "very upset" by the RBI talking about the rift in public. On Wednesday, wionews.com reported that Patel may be considering resigning. In its statement Wednesday, the Finance Ministry added that: "Extensive consultations on several issues take place between government and RBI from time to time. This is equally true of all regulators. Government has never made public the subject matter of those consultations. Only final decisions are communicated."

Both govt & RBI have to be guided by public interest, Finance Ministry says amid reports of row

The campaigning for the November 28 Mizoram Assembly elections is on in full swing, though the notification for polling to the 40-member House is yet to be issued.

The stakes are high this time as Mizoram is the only north-eastern state which has a Congress government and the BJP, which is upbeat after ousting the CPI(M) from Tripura, is keen on making inroads in the Christian-dominated state.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, his cabinet colleagues and top Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee leaders have already hit the campaign trail, and so has former CM Zoramthanga of the main opposition, the MNF - part of the BJP-headed NEDA (North East Democratic Alliance).

With major political parties announcing the names of almost all candidates, party leaders, star campaigners and workers are carrying out door-to-door canvassing under the watchful eyes of the Mizoram People's Forum (MPF), which has been formed by different churches and NGOs for electoral reformation.

The MPF, which had prohibited door-to-door campaigning in the earlier elections, has allowed it this time but with a rider -- the campaigners have to be accompanied by local leaders of the outfit to ensure that no money changes hands --sources in the organisation said.

Political parties have agreed to curtail a number of poll campaign strategies, and the guidelines laid down are deemed to be more stringent than the model code of conduct of the Election Commission, the sources said.

Joint platforms have been organised in the towns and villages of the north-eastern state, and these are being chaired by local MPF leaders, while individual candidates are holding public meetings to woo voters.

The ruling Congress has announced the candidates for all the 40 seats. The MNF also declared names for all the seats, except for Tuichawng, which falls within the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC).

This was due to the diktat of the powerful NGO Coordination Committee, a conglomerate of major civil societies and student bodies, asking political parties not to field any candidate belonging to the Chakma community, MNF sources said.

The civil societies are of the opinion that CADC was created unconstitutionally to harbour illegal immigrants from erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and have been demanding scrapping of CADC, sources in the committee said.

While the Zoram People's Movement, an alliance of two small political parties and five other groups have announced the names of 35 candidates, the BJP has declared only 13 names so far.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has said it would contest at least five seats, but is yet to announce the names. The National People's Party (NPP), too, is yet to state the number of seats it would contest.

The gazette notification for Mizoram Assembly poll is scheduled on November 2 and the last date for filing nominations is November 9.

The date for scrutiny of nominations is scheduled for November 12 and the last date for withdrawal of candidatures is November 14, the Election Commission said.

The counting of votes in Mizoram will take place on December 11 along with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, the poll body added. 
&nbsp;

The campaigning for the November 28 Mizoram Assembly elections is on in full swing, though the notification for polling to the 40-member House is yet to be issued.

The campaigning for the November 28 Mizoram Assembly elections is on in full swing, though the notification for polling to the 40-member House is yet to be issued. The stakes are high this time as Mizoram is the only north-eastern state which has a Congress government and the BJP, which is upbeat after ousting the CPI(M) from Tripura, is keen on making inroads in the Christian-dominated state. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, his cabinet colleagues and top Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee leaders have already hit the campaign trail, and so has former CM Zoramthanga of the main opposition, the MNF - part of the BJP-headed NEDA (North East Democratic Alliance). With major political parties announcing the names of almost all candidates, party leaders, star campaigners and workers are carrying out door-to-door canvassing under the watchful eyes of the Mizoram People's Forum (MPF), which has been formed by different churches and NGOs for electoral reformation. The MPF, which had prohibited door-to-door campaigning in the earlier elections, has allowed it this time but with a rider -- the campaigners have to be accompanied by local leaders of the outfit to ensure that no money changes hands --sources in the organisation said. Political parties have agreed to curtail a number of poll campaign strategies, and the guidelines laid down are deemed to be more stringent than the model code of conduct of the Election Commission, the sources said. Joint platforms have been organised in the towns and villages of the north-eastern state, and these are being chaired by local MPF leaders, while individual candidates are holding public meetings to woo voters. The ruling Congress has announced the candidates for all the 40 seats. The MNF also declared names for all the seats, except for Tuichawng, which falls within the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC). This was due to the diktat of the powerful NGO Coordination Committee, a conglomerate of major civil societies and student bodies, asking political parties not to field any candidate belonging to the Chakma community, MNF sources said. The civil societies are of the opinion that CADC was created unconstitutionally to harbour illegal immigrants from erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and have been demanding scrapping of CADC, sources in the committee said. While the Zoram People's Movement, an alliance of two small political parties and five other groups have announced the names of 35 candidates, the BJP has declared only 13 names so far. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has said it would contest at least five seats, but is yet to announce the names. The National People's Party (NPP), too, is yet to state the number of seats it would contest. The gazette notification for Mizoram Assembly poll is scheduled on November 2 and the last date for filing nominations is November 9. The date for scrutiny of nominations is scheduled for November 12 and the last date for withdrawal of candidatures is November 14, the Election Commission said. The counting of votes in Mizoram will take place on December 11 along with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, the poll body added.

Campaigning gathers steam in poll-bound Mizoram

CBI Additional SP S S Gurm alleged in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday that Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who has filed a petition seeking the quashing of an FIR against him in a bribery case, was misleading the court by placing "selective" facts before it.

Gurm, who was transferred along with other CBI officials in the feud between CBI Director Alok Verma and Asthana, has sought to be made a party in the petition filed by Asthana.

The officer, who was transferred from Delhi to Jabalpur, has sought an opportunity to be heard in the case.

In an application before the high court, the additional SP claimed he has "reasonable" apprehension that CBI is seeking to protect and support Asthana and may not effectively contest the petition.

He has also sought dismissal of Asthana's petition.

The separate petitions of Asthana, Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar and alleged middleman Manoj Prasad seeking to quash the FIR against them are scheduled to be heard by Justice Najmi Waziri on Thursday.

CBI Additional SP S S Gurm alleged in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday that Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who has filed a petition seeking the quashing of an FIR against him in a bribery case, was misleading the court by placing "selective" facts before it.

CBI Additional SP S S Gurm alleged in the Delhi High Court on Wednesday that Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who has filed a petition seeking the quashing of an FIR against him in a bribery case, was misleading the court by placing "selective" facts before it. Gurm, who was transferred along with other CBI officials in the feud between CBI Director Alok Verma and Asthana, has sought to be made a party in the petition filed by Asthana. The officer, who was transferred from Delhi to Jabalpur, has sought an opportunity to be heard in the case. In an application before the high court, the additional SP claimed he has "reasonable" apprehension that CBI is seeking to protect and support Asthana and may not effectively contest the petition. He has also sought dismissal of Asthana's petition. The separate petitions of Asthana, Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar and alleged middleman Manoj Prasad seeking to quash the FIR against them are scheduled to be heard by Justice Najmi Waziri on Thursday.

CBI Additional SP Gurm approaches Delhi High Court against Asthana

Indian government officials are very upset with the central bank for publicly talking about a rift with the government, fearing it could tarnish the country's image among investors, senior officials said on Monday.

On Friday night, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned that undermining a central bank's independence could be "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-govt-that-does-not-respect-rbis-independence-will-incur-wrath-of-markets-rbi-deputy-governor-173752">potentially catastrophic</a>", in an indication that it is pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers.

In a speech to top industrialists Acharya cited the Argentine government's meddling in its central bank's affairs in 2010 as an example of what can go wrong. That led to a surge in bond yields that badly hurt the South American economy.

"Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution," Acharya said.

The government officials Reuters spoke to on Monday declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject.

One said that it was vital that what happened between the government in New Delhi and the RBI in Mumbai was kept confidential. "The government respects the autonomy and independence of the RBI but they must understand their responsibility," the official said.

A second official, based in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office, said it was "very unfortunate" that the RBI took the matters public. "The government is very upset. It was not expected from the RBI," the official added.

An RBI spokesman was not immediately available for comments after business hours.

Government officials have recently called for the RBI to relax its lending restrictions on some banks, and New Delhi has also been trying to trim the RBI's regulatory powers by setting up a new regulator for the country's payments system.

The Modi administration has also been pushing the central bank to part with some of its 3.6 trillion rupees ($49 billion)surplus to help bridge the fiscal deficit and finance its welfare programmes.

JAPAN TRIP

The officials in New Delhi were particularly angry that Acharya launched the attack while Modi was about to head to Japan for talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the first source said.

Finance ministry officials remained largely silent in response to the speech at the weekend, as they didn't want to aggravate the issue when Modi and top officials were in Japan, this official said.

Government officials believe that RBI Governor Urjit Patel has some responsibility for the controversy, and he cannot expect an extension of his current three-year term - which ends next September - "as his right", one of the officials added.

Acharya had three of his fellow deputy governors in the audience and also thanked Governor Patel for his "suggestion to explore this theme for a speech", in a show of unity from an institution typically known for its restraint.

The official in the prime minister's office said Patel could face a tough time when he appears before a parliamentary standing committee on Nov. 12.

Top government officials said they were surprised that Patel, who was appointed by the Modi administration in 2016, and initially cooperated with New Delhi, is creating tensions when the government is facing criticism over handling of the economy before a national election, due by next May.

On Monday, a third government source said the finance ministry was worried how markets would respond to Acharya's public comments, but felt more relaxed after they rose. The gains were largely a result of a separate announcement by the RBI about an injection of liquidity through government bond buying.

The benchmark stock index rose as much as 2.15 percent and the yields on the 10-year benchmark fell to 7.81 percent, compared with 7.88 percent on Friday.

Modi's government is pushing the central bank to relax lending norms for small businesses and pump more liquidity into the market to bolster economic growth before key state elections due in the next few weeks and the general election.

It is worried that the central bank's hawkish monetary stance and stringent regulations on lending by state banks could push economic growth below 7 percent in the October-December quarter - the last quarter for which data would be available ahead of the general election.

"When we are facing problems on the external front like high crude oil prices, trade tensions putting pressure on our current account balance, can we afford another domestic crisis?" the third government source said.

Indian government officials are very upset with the central bank for publicly talking about a rift with the government, fearing it could tarnish the country's image among investors, senior officials said on Monday.

Indian government officials are very upset with the central bank for publicly talking about a rift with the government, fearing it could tarnish the country's image among investors, senior officials said on Monday. On Friday night, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned that undermining a central bank's independence could be "potentially catastrophic", in an indication that it is pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers. In a speech to top industrialists Acharya cited the Argentine government's meddling in its central bank's affairs in 2010 as an example of what can go wrong. That led to a surge in bond yields that badly hurt the South American economy. "Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution," Acharya said. The government officials Reuters spoke to on Monday declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject. One said that it was vital that what happened between the government in New Delhi and the RBI in Mumbai was kept confidential. "The government respects the autonomy and independence of the RBI but they must understand their responsibility," the official said. A second official, based in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office, said it was "very unfortunate" that the RBI took the matters public. "The government is very upset. It was not expected from the RBI," the official added. An RBI spokesman was not immediately available for comments after business hours. Government officials have recently called for the RBI to relax its lending restrictions on some banks, and New Delhi has also been trying to trim the RBI's regulatory powers by setting up a new regulator for the country's payments system. The Modi administration has also been pushing the central bank to part with some of its 3.6 trillion rupees ($49 billion)surplus to help bridge the fiscal deficit and finance its welfare programmes. JAPAN TRIP The officials in New Delhi were particularly angry that Acharya launched the attack while Modi was about to head to Japan for talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the first source said. Finance ministry officials remained largely silent in response to the speech at the weekend, as they didn't want to aggravate the issue when Modi and top officials were in Japan, this official said. Government officials believe that RBI Governor Urjit Patel has some responsibility for the controversy, and he cannot expect an extension of his current three-year term - which ends next September - "as his right", one of the officials added. Acharya had three of his fellow deputy governors in the audience and also thanked Governor Patel for his "suggestion to explore this theme for a speech", in a show of unity from an institution typically known for its restraint. The official in the prime minister's office said Patel could face a tough time when he appears before a parliamentary standing committee on Nov. 12. Top government officials said they were surprised that Patel, who was appointed by the Modi administration in 2016, and initially cooperated with New Delhi, is creating tensions when the government is facing criticism over handling of the economy before a national election, due by next May. On Monday, a third government source said the finance ministry was worried how markets would respond to Acharya's public comments, but felt more relaxed after they rose. The gains were largely a result of a separate announcement by the RBI about an injection of liquidity through government bond buying. The benchmark stock index rose as much as 2.15 percent and the yields on the 10-year benchmark fell to 7.81 percent, compared with 7.88 percent on Friday. Modi's government is pushing the central bank to relax lending norms for small businesses and pump more liquidity into the market to bolster economic growth before key state elections due in the next few weeks and the general election. It is worried that the central bank's hawkish monetary stance and stringent regulations on lending by state banks could push economic growth below 7 percent in the October-December quarter - the last quarter for which data would be available ahead of the general election. "When we are facing problems on the external front like high crude oil prices, trade tensions putting pressure on our current account balance, can we afford another domestic crisis?" the third government source said.

Government very upset with RBI for making rift public: Sources

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to businessman Satish Sana, complainant in the alleged bribery case against CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana.&nbsp;

A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices U U Lalit and K M Joseph refused to stay the CBI summons against him and also rejected his plea for recording of his statement in presence of retired former Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik.&nbsp;

Sana, on whose complaint an FIR was registered against the CBI Special Director, had moved the apex court on Monday seeking police protection and a stay on the notice issued by the agency summoning him for interrogation.&nbsp;

The CBI had booked Asthana on October 15 on the basis of a complaint from Sana, facing probe in a 2017 case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, claiming that the special director had allegedly helped him to get a clean chit from the probe agency.

Besides seeking a stay on CBI's summons against him, Sana in his petition had expressed fear for his life and sought police protection during the pendency of the inquiry against Asthana, who along side CBI Director Alok Verma has been divested of duties and sent on leave by the Central government.&nbsp;

The businessman, in his plea, had referred to the apex court's October 26 order on the petition of the CBI Director by which the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was asked to conclude inquiry against Verma within two weeks under the supervision of former apex court judge Justice A K Patnaik.

He had said that the CBI moved "in haste" to issue notice to him under Section 160 of the CrPC (Code Of Criminal Procedure) to attend the proceedings on October 29 before the probe agency and said that the same be recorded before Justice Patnaik.

Sana had said that he gave a statement under section 161 before the CBI on a October 20 and on the same day, under section 164 statement was recorded before the Metropolitan Magistrate in Saket Court and the relevant statements of the applicant are already in record.

He had said that he has written a letter to Justice (retired) Patnaik, who would be supervising the CVC's inquiry into the allegations against Verma, stating readiness and willingness to give statements under his supervision.

He had sought the court's direction that he be questioned only under the supervision of Justice Patnaik.

"This will ensure that the interests of justice are met since the applicant came forward as a whistle blower trusting the officials of the CBI.&nbsp;Without casting any aspersions on the present Investigating Officer, the applicant fears that the change in IO and other surrounding circumstances may put his life in danger and therefore seeks a direction to the Hyderabad SP to provide police protection to the applicant till such time as the inquiry mandated by the top court is completed," the plea had said.&nbsp;

Sana had also said that he was willing to cooperate with the investigation by coming to Delhi as and when directed by the judge supervising the enquiry.&nbsp;

The feud between Verma and Asthana escalated recently leading to registration of an FIR against Asthana and others including Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, who is in the CBI custody in an alleged bribery case.

The FIR was lodged on a written complaint of Sana on October 15. It alleged that Kumar, the investigating officer (IO) in a case, was repeatedly calling him to the CBI office to harass and compel him to pay bribe of Rs 5 crore for giving him clean chit.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to businessman Satish Sana, complainant in the alleged bribery case against CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

The Supreme Court Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to businessman Satish Sana, complainant in the alleged bribery case against CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices U U Lalit and K M Joseph refused to stay the CBI summons against him and also rejected his plea for recording of his statement in presence of retired former Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik. Sana, on whose complaint an FIR was registered against the CBI Special Director, had moved the apex court on Monday seeking police protection and a stay on the notice issued by the agency summoning him for interrogation. The CBI had booked Asthana on October 15 on the basis of a complaint from Sana, facing probe in a 2017 case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, claiming that the special director had allegedly helped him to get a clean chit from the probe agency. Besides seeking a stay on CBI's summons against him, Sana in his petition had expressed fear for his life and sought police protection during the pendency of the inquiry against Asthana, who along side CBI Director Alok Verma has been divested of duties and sent on leave by the Central government. The businessman, in his plea, had referred to the apex court's October 26 order on the petition of the CBI Director by which the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was asked to conclude inquiry against Verma within two weeks under the supervision of former apex court judge Justice A K Patnaik. He had said that the CBI moved "in haste" to issue notice to him under Section 160 of the CrPC (Code Of Criminal Procedure) to attend the proceedings on October 29 before the probe agency and said that the same be recorded before Justice Patnaik. Sana had said that he gave a statement under section 161 before the CBI on a October 20 and on the same day, under section 164 statement was recorded before the Metropolitan Magistrate in Saket Court and the relevant statements of the applicant are already in record. He had said that he has written a letter to Justice (retired) Patnaik, who would be supervising the CVC's inquiry into the allegations against Verma, stating readiness and willingness to give statements under his supervision. He had sought the court's direction that he be questioned only under the supervision of Justice Patnaik. "This will ensure that the interests of justice are met since the applicant came forward as a whistle blower trusting the officials of the CBI. Without casting any aspersions on the present Investigating Officer, the applicant fears that the change in IO and other surrounding circumstances may put his life in danger and therefore seeks a direction to the Hyderabad SP to provide police protection to the applicant till such time as the inquiry mandated by the top court is completed," the plea had said. Sana had also said that he was willing to cooperate with the investigation by coming to Delhi as and when directed by the judge supervising the enquiry. The feud between Verma and Asthana escalated recently leading to registration of an FIR against Asthana and others including Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, who is in the CBI custody in an alleged bribery case. The FIR was lodged on a written complaint of Sana on October 15. It alleged that Kumar, the investigating officer (IO) in a case, was repeatedly calling him to the CBI office to harass and compel him to pay bribe of Rs 5 crore for giving him clean chit.

SC directs Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to complainant against Rakesh Asthana

Investigators hunt for Black Box of Lion Air plane

In a tragic incident, an Indian couple died after falling 800 feet in an area with steep terrain in California's Yosemite National Park this week, according to a media report.

Vishnu Viswanath, 29, and Meenakshi Moorthy, 30, fell to their deaths from Taft Point in Yosemite National Park. They were identified on Monday as a married couple from India living in the United States, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The report said that the couple had recently moved from New York after Vishnu Viswanath took a job as a systems engineer at Cisco, based in San Jose. Together, they chronicled their adventures of travelling around the world in a blog called '<a href="http://holidaysandhappilyeverafters.com/">Holidays and </a><a href="http://holidaysandhappilyeverafters.com/">HappilyEverAfters</a>'.

Rangers recovered their bodies on the steep terrain on Thursday below Taft Point, a popular tourist spot that offers spectacular views of the Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. Visitors had spotted the bodies a day earlier.

Park spokesman Jamie Richards was quoted as saying in the report that "We still do not know what caused them to fall. We're trying to understand what happened. We may never know, (but) from everything we see, this was a tragic fall."

Investigators were looking into how the couple fell or what had occurred when the accident happened at the famous spot which is a favourite place for tourists from around the world to take scenic and memorable photos.

Earlier, the National Park Service had said in a statement that the recovery operation for a male and female visitor who had died in the fall from Taft Point was completed on the afternoon of October 25. The department said the two people fell approximately 800 feet below Taft Point in an area with very steep terrain.

This recovery operation involved Park Rangers using technical climbing and rappelling techniques, in addition to helicopter support from the California Highway Patrol for a short-haul operation.

The report added that the couple had been married since 2014 and both were software engineers. On the cover of Vishnu Viswanath's Facebook page is a picture of the two of them smiling on the edge of a cliff at the Grand Canyon.

In a Facebook post, College of Engineering, Chengannur said the two were its alumni and added that it deeply mourns their "accidental demise". The college said Vishnu Viswanath and Meenakshi Moorthy belonged to the BTech 2006-10 Computer Science and Engineering batch.

"Our hearts go to the friends and family members of this lovely couple. May their souls rest in peace," the college said.

Raj Katta, 24, of New York, said he got to know both of them while attending Bradley University, in Illinois. He said Vishnu Viswanath was a "thoughtful and amazing guy, very talented. They are a really happy couple. Very positive."

Mr Katta described Meenakshi Moorthy as extremely positive and enthusiastic. "She's one of those girls who wants to explore the world and discover a deeper meaning in life."

He said in the report that Vishnu and Meenakshi had decided six months ago that he would take the job at Cisco and they would live in California for a year or so.

In a tragic incident, an Indian couple died after falling 800 feet in an area with steep terrain in California's Yosemite National Park this week, according to a media report.

In a tragic incident, an Indian couple died after falling 800 feet in an area with steep terrain in California's Yosemite National Park this week, according to a media report. Vishnu Viswanath, 29, and Meenakshi Moorthy, 30, fell to their deaths from Taft Point in Yosemite National Park. They were identified on Monday as a married couple from India living in the United States, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The report said that the couple had recently moved from New York after Vishnu Viswanath took a job as a systems engineer at Cisco, based in San Jose. Together, they chronicled their adventures of travelling around the world in a blog called 'Holidays and HappilyEverAfters'. Rangers recovered their bodies on the steep terrain on Thursday below Taft Point, a popular tourist spot that offers spectacular views of the Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. Visitors had spotted the bodies a day earlier. Park spokesman Jamie Richards was quoted as saying in the report that "We still do not know what caused them to fall. We're trying to understand what happened. We may never know, (but) from everything we see, this was a tragic fall." Investigators were looking into how the couple fell or what had occurred when the accident happened at the famous spot which is a favourite place for tourists from around the world to take scenic and memorable photos. Earlier, the National Park Service had said in a statement that the recovery operation for a male and female visitor who had died in the fall from Taft Point was completed on the afternoon of October 25. The department said the two people fell approximately 800 feet below Taft Point in an area with very steep terrain. This recovery operation involved Park Rangers using technical climbing and rappelling techniques, in addition to helicopter support from the California Highway Patrol for a short-haul operation. The report added that the couple had been married since 2014 and both were software engineers. On the cover of Vishnu Viswanath's Facebook page is a picture of the two of them smiling on the edge of a cliff at the Grand Canyon. In a Facebook post, College of Engineering, Chengannur said the two were its alumni and added that it deeply mourns their "accidental demise". The college said Vishnu Viswanath and Meenakshi Moorthy belonged to the BTech 2006-10 Computer Science and Engineering batch. "Our hearts go to the friends and family members of this lovely couple. May their souls rest in peace," the college said. Raj Katta, 24, of New York, said he got to know both of them while attending Bradley University, in Illinois. He said Vishnu Viswanath was a "thoughtful and amazing guy, very talented. They are a really happy couple. Very positive." Mr Katta described Meenakshi Moorthy as extremely positive and enthusiastic. "She's one of those girls who wants to explore the world and discover a deeper meaning in life." He said in the report that Vishnu and Meenakshi had decided six months ago that he would take the job at Cisco and they would live in California for a year or so.

Indian techie couple fall 800 feet to their deaths at US's Yosemite National Park

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday that a currency swap agreement it signed with India was intended to function as a safety net in case of a financial crisis.

Japan&nbsp;and India signed a US $75 billion bilateral currency swap agreement on Monday during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo.

The agreement will further strengthen and widen the depth and diversity of economic cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters, Aso also said the US $30 billion currency swap deal&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;signed with China last week would support&nbsp;Japanese companies and banks operating in China if they had trouble exchanging yen for yuan.

“India and Japan agreed to enter into a bilateral swap arrangement of $75 billion. This swap arrangement would be 50% higher than our last swap agreement,” finance minister Arun Jaitley tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
India and Japan agreed to enter into a bilateral swap arrangement of 75 billion dollars. This Swap arrangement would be 50% higher than our last Swap agreement. This bilateral swap reflects depth of our deeper economic relationship.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting Japan, and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe held delegation-level talks during which the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday that a currency swap agreement it signed with India was intended to function as a safety net in case of a financial crisis.

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday that a currency swap agreement it signed with India was intended to function as a safety net in case of a financial crisis. Japan and India signed a US $75 billion bilateral currency swap agreement on Monday during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo. The agreement will further strengthen and widen the depth and diversity of economic cooperation between the two countries. Speaking to reporters, Aso also said the US $30 billion currency swap deal Japan signed with China last week would support Japanese companies and banks operating in China if they had trouble exchanging yen for yuan. “India and Japan agreed to enter into a bilateral swap arrangement of $75 billion. This swap arrangement would be 50% higher than our last swap agreement,” finance minister Arun Jaitley tweeted. India and Japan agreed to enter into a bilateral swap arrangement of 75 billion dollars. This Swap arrangement would be 50% higher than our last Swap agreement. This bilateral swap reflects depth of our deeper economic relationship. — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) October 29, 2018 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting Japan, and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe held delegation-level talks during which the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

India, Japan sign $75 billion currency swap agreement

Delhi's air quality was on the brink of turning severe on Tuesday morning which witnessed worst pollution of the season as stubble burning in neighbouring states intensified, authorities said.

The air quality of Delhi was recorded at 397, just three points below the severe level and highest of this season, according to the data of the Central Pollution Control Board.

Seventeen areas of the national capital recorded severe air quality, the data said.

Meanwhile, Delhiites woke up to a misty Tuesday morning with the minimum temperature settling at 16.5 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) attributed "heavy stubble burning in the last 24 hours and calm winds as the reason behind the further deterioration of air capital.

The SAFAR said about 28 per cent of pollution by PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) on Tuesday was caused due to regional factors like stubble burning.

PM2.5 was recorded at 251, the highest of this season. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10.

Humidity was recorded at 88 per cent at 8.30 AM, said a Met department official.

The weatherman has predicted clear skies for the rest of the day.

"The maximum temperature is expected to settle at 31 degrees," the weatherman said.

Farmers in Punjab have stepped up burning of crop reside after the harvest to prepare their fields for the next round of planting.

This has a direct bearing on the air quality particularly when surface wind is blowing at a slow speed of 2.5 km per hour, favouring accumulation of very small particulate matter called PM-2.5.&nbsp;

On Monday, the maximum temperature settled at 31.1 degrees Celsius while the minimum was recorded at 15.5 degrees.

Delhi's air quality was on the brink of turning severe on Tuesday morning which witnessed worst pollution of the season as stubble burning in neighbouring states intensified, authorities said.

Delhi's air quality was on the brink of turning severe on Tuesday morning which witnessed worst pollution of the season as stubble burning in neighbouring states intensified, authorities said. The air quality of Delhi was recorded at 397, just three points below the severe level and highest of this season, according to the data of the Central Pollution Control Board. Seventeen areas of the national capital recorded severe air quality, the data said. Meanwhile, Delhiites woke up to a misty Tuesday morning with the minimum temperature settling at 16.5 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season's average. The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) attributed "heavy stubble burning in the last 24 hours and calm winds as the reason behind the further deterioration of air capital. The SAFAR said about 28 per cent of pollution by PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) on Tuesday was caused due to regional factors like stubble burning. PM2.5 was recorded at 251, the highest of this season. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10. Humidity was recorded at 88 per cent at 8.30 AM, said a Met department official. The weatherman has predicted clear skies for the rest of the day. "The maximum temperature is expected to settle at 31 degrees," the weatherman said. Farmers in Punjab have stepped up burning of crop reside after the harvest to prepare their fields for the next round of planting. This has a direct bearing on the air quality particularly when surface wind is blowing at a slow speed of 2.5 km per hour, favouring accumulation of very small particulate matter called PM-2.5. On Monday, the maximum temperature settled at 31.1 degrees Celsius while the minimum was recorded at 15.5 degrees.

Delhi's air on brink of turning severe, worst pollution of season recorded Tuesday: Authorities

India has made technology a medium to attain social justice, empowerment, inclusion and transparency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

He said the government was using technology to ensure effective 'last mile delivery of services' and it was also being made an effective medium to bring in 'Ease of Living'.

Modi was addressing DST-CII India Italy Technology Summit, along with his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte.

"India has made technology a medium for attaining social justice, empowerment, inclusion and transparency. The government is using technology to ensure effective last mile delivery of services," he said.

Highlighting the achievements of the Indian space programme, he said it was an example of innovation with quality.

The prime minister said India was now able to send satellites of many countries, including Italy, into space and this showcased the nation's capability of creating innovative solutions at a low cost.

In his address, Conte said he had a "fruitful discussion" with Modi and the two sides explored the possible contribution of Italy to 'Make in India' in various sectors.

Conte said he and the prime minister explored the potential for a new partnership in the area of railway and re-launching of cooperation in the development of renewable energy.

"India and Italy have a lot of similarities and complementarities that make us natural allies in offering effective solutions to the challenges in the 21st century," Conte said.

Innovation, he said, could be a catalyst for achieving inclusive growth and instrument to growth of global development.

Increasing cooperation in the area of heritage was also one of the important aspects, the Italian prime minister said.

"I'm pleased that cultural heritage has been included in the focus area of this technology summit. As Italy has the highest number of UNESCO sites, we have used innovation technology for conservation of monuments. We are pleased to share with India the unique expertise we have gathered in this area," he said.

Modi said to strengthen economic ties, the countries have agreed to set up the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) under which a CEO forum would also be established.

He said the two sides have agreed to establish a fast track mechanism to increase two-way investment and remove hurdles in trade.

"The common goal of our two governments is to become the most strategic partners in innovations to provide a very concrete and more effective answer to the global challenges that we face.

India has made technology a medium to attain social justice, empowerment, inclusion and transparency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. He said the government was using technology to ensure effective 'last mile delivery of services' and it was also being made an effective medium to bring in 'Ease of Living'.

India has made technology a medium to attain social justice, empowerment, inclusion and transparency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. He said the government was using technology to ensure effective 'last mile delivery of services' and it was also being made an effective medium to bring in 'Ease of Living'. Modi was addressing DST-CII India Italy Technology Summit, along with his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte. "India has made technology a medium for attaining social justice, empowerment, inclusion and transparency. The government is using technology to ensure effective last mile delivery of services," he said. Highlighting the achievements of the Indian space programme, he said it was an example of innovation with quality. The prime minister said India was now able to send satellites of many countries, including Italy, into space and this showcased the nation's capability of creating innovative solutions at a low cost. In his address, Conte said he had a "fruitful discussion" with Modi and the two sides explored the possible contribution of Italy to 'Make in India' in various sectors. Conte said he and the prime minister explored the potential for a new partnership in the area of railway and re-launching of cooperation in the development of renewable energy. "India and Italy have a lot of similarities and complementarities that make us natural allies in offering effective solutions to the challenges in the 21st century," Conte said. Innovation, he said, could be a catalyst for achieving inclusive growth and instrument to growth of global development. Increasing cooperation in the area of heritage was also one of the important aspects, the Italian prime minister said. "I'm pleased that cultural heritage has been included in the focus area of this technology summit. As Italy has the highest number of UNESCO sites, we have used innovation technology for conservation of monuments. We are pleased to share with India the unique expertise we have gathered in this area," he said. Modi said to strengthen economic ties, the countries have agreed to set up the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) under which a CEO forum would also be established. He said the two sides have agreed to establish a fast track mechanism to increase two-way investment and remove hurdles in trade. "The common goal of our two governments is to become the most strategic partners in innovations to provide a very concrete and more effective answer to the global challenges that we face.

India has made technology medium to attain social justice and inclusion: Narendra Modi

Taking note of the over 55,000 vacancies in the country's six paramilitary forces, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday ordered that the recruitment process to fill the posts be expedited, officials said.&nbsp;

Of the total vacancies, 21,000 posts are lying vacant in the country's largest paramilitary force CRPF while there are 16,000 vacant posts in the border guarding force BSF.&nbsp;

Taking stock of the vacancies and recruitment procedure for the paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police during a high-level meeting, the home minister directed initiation of special mechanisms for reducing the delays and fast-tracking the recruitment activities in a time-bound manner, a ministry official said.&nbsp;

Nearly 1.35 lakh youths have been recruited in the paramilitary forces in the last two years.&nbsp;

Among the vacancies, 233 posts are of DSPs and 140 of commandants and DIGs.&nbsp;

The vacancies in the paramilitary forces arise due to retirement, resignation, death, creation of new posts or raising of new battalions, another official said.

Other forces where there are sizeable vacancies include the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Assam Rifles.&nbsp;

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is primarily deployed for the assistance of state police forces in internal security, fighting militants in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast, and in anti-Naxal operations in Maoist-hit areas.&nbsp;

The Border Security Force (BSF) guards the Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh borders, while the SSB protects the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders, and the ITBP is deployed along the Sino-Indian border.&nbsp;

The CISF guards the airports, nuclear and industrial installations, sensitive government buildings, Delhi Metro besides others.&nbsp;

The Assam Rifles is deployed for guarding the Indo-Myanmar border and fighting insurgency in the northeast.&nbsp;

The combined strength of the paramilitary forces is around 10 lakh.&nbsp;

Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, director generals of the paramilitary forces and commissioner of the Delhi Police were also present in the meeting.&nbsp;

Taking note of the over 55,000 vacancies in the country's six paramilitary forces, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday ordered that the recruitment process to fill the posts be expedited, officials said.

Taking note of the over 55,000 vacancies in the country's six paramilitary forces, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday ordered that the recruitment process to fill the posts be expedited, officials said. Of the total vacancies, 21,000 posts are lying vacant in the country's largest paramilitary force CRPF while there are 16,000 vacant posts in the border guarding force BSF. Taking stock of the vacancies and recruitment procedure for the paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police during a high-level meeting, the home minister directed initiation of special mechanisms for reducing the delays and fast-tracking the recruitment activities in a time-bound manner, a ministry official said. Nearly 1.35 lakh youths have been recruited in the paramilitary forces in the last two years. Among the vacancies, 233 posts are of DSPs and 140 of commandants and DIGs. The vacancies in the paramilitary forces arise due to retirement, resignation, death, creation of new posts or raising of new battalions, another official said. Other forces where there are sizeable vacancies include the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Assam Rifles. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is primarily deployed for the assistance of state police forces in internal security, fighting militants in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast, and in anti-Naxal operations in Maoist-hit areas. The Border Security Force (BSF) guards the Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh borders, while the SSB protects the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders, and the ITBP is deployed along the Sino-Indian border. The CISF guards the airports, nuclear and industrial installations, sensitive government buildings, Delhi Metro besides others. The Assam Rifles is deployed for guarding the Indo-Myanmar border and fighting insurgency in the northeast. The combined strength of the paramilitary forces is around 10 lakh. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, director generals of the paramilitary forces and commissioner of the Delhi Police were also present in the meeting.

Over 55,000 vacant posts in paramilitary forces, Rajnath Singh orders immediate recruitment

India's first engineless train debuts

India, caught flatfooted by the appointment of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-rajapaksa-camp-says-will-seize-pm-home-office-if-wickremesinghe-does-not-resign-today-173930">Mahinda Rajapaksa</a> as Sri Lanka's premier, has opened urgent diplomatic and political contacts with the strongman who drew close to China during his previous tenure as president, officials said.

The tear-shaped island, located off the southern tip of India, has become an arena of tussle between New Delhi and Beijing, which has built ports, power stations and highways as part of its Belt and Road Initiative of trade and transport links across Asia.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/newly-appointed-sri-lankan-cabinet-sworn-in-174301">Newly-appointed Sri Lankan cabinet sworn in</a>

Rajapaksa had opened up Sri Lanka's main port to Chinese naval submarines when he was president, which stoked anger in India. His return to power in a surprise move by current President Maithripala Sirisena has drawn concern in New Delhi that China would tighten its grip on the island that lies along busy shipping lanes.

"It is advantage China at the moment," said Srikanth Kondappali, a specialist on India-China ties at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University who closely tracks the regional rivalry between the Asian giants.

He said Beijing had invested in Rajapaksa and in his political constituency of Hambantota in the south of Sri Lanka where it has built a $1.5 billion deep water port, an airport and also planned an industrial zone.

China's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Cheng Xueyuan, was among the first diplomats to meet Rajapaksa soon after he was sworn in as prime minister and he presented a congratulatory message from Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang.

Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday and named Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island.

Wickremesinghe, who was seen as pro-India, said his sacking was illegal and he has maintained that he is still prime minister and had majority support in parliament.

Sri Lanka is one of a chain of countries where the India-China rivalry is playing out, stretching from Bangladesh, Nepal to the Maldives, where a pro-China leader was voted out in a surprise election result last month that was welcomed by India, the United States and the European Union.

Indian diplomats were in contact with Rajapaksa's camp, officials in New Delhi said, adding they were ready to do business with the new leader so long as his appointment was in line with the country's constitution.

"India will continue to extend our developmental assistance to the people of Sri Lanka," an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday.

Separately, leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing Hindu nationalist-led alliance, have reached out to Rajapaksa to promote ties, party sources said.

PREDATORY

Seshadri Chari, an RSS leader involved in the track two diplomacy, said he was confident New Delhi and Colombo will work for better relations under the new leadership in Sri Lanka.

"In the changed geo-political realities, we have to be practical and pragmatic to protect our national self-interest and do better business," he said. The RSS wields influence in the Modi administration and has acted as an unofficial intermediary with some neighbouring countries.

China has in recent years faced criticism that many of its investments in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and other countries run the risk of driving smaller nations into debt and potentially impinge on their sovereignty.

"We are seeing an international pushback against China's predatory practices. It can only intensify and in that backdrop it's hard to see Sri Lanka doling out more projects even under Rajapaksa," said an Indian government source.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing believes the people and government of Sri Lanka have the wisdom to "appropriately handle" the situation, and China hopes all sides can resolve differences via dialogue, to protect the country's stability.

Harinda Vidanage, director of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, a thinktank in Colombo, said Sri Lanka had become a greater strategic prize after the pro-China president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, lost the election.

"For China, both Sri Lanka and Maldives were very important in their effort to gain a foothold in the Indian Ocean. China to certain extent lost the Maldivian connection when Yameen lost the elections," he said.

Shailesh Kumar, Asia director at the Eurasia group, said the changes in Sri Lanka would benefit China.

"While Beijing lost a pro-Chinese government earlier this month in the Maldives, it will make up ground in South Asia with the change of guard in Sri Lanka," he said, adding that it came as Sri Lanka's economy was in financial difficulties.

"The decision to bring Rajapaksa back into the mainstream is likely intended to open the flow of Chinese funds, given the close relationship he cultivated with the Chinese leadership."

India, caught flatfooted by the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka's premier, has opened urgent diplomatic and political contacts with the strongman who drew close to China during his previous tenure as president, officials said.

India, caught flatfooted by the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka's premier, has opened urgent diplomatic and political contacts with the strongman who drew close to China during his previous tenure as president, officials said. The tear-shaped island, located off the southern tip of India, has become an arena of tussle between New Delhi and Beijing, which has built ports, power stations and highways as part of its Belt and Road Initiative of trade and transport links across Asia. Also read: Newly-appointed Sri Lankan cabinet sworn in Rajapaksa had opened up Sri Lanka's main port to Chinese naval submarines when he was president, which stoked anger in India. His return to power in a surprise move by current President Maithripala Sirisena has drawn concern in New Delhi that China would tighten its grip on the island that lies along busy shipping lanes. "It is advantage China at the moment," said Srikanth Kondappali, a specialist on India-China ties at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University who closely tracks the regional rivalry between the Asian giants. He said Beijing had invested in Rajapaksa and in his political constituency of Hambantota in the south of Sri Lanka where it has built a $1.5 billion deep water port, an airport and also planned an industrial zone. China's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Cheng Xueyuan, was among the first diplomats to meet Rajapaksa soon after he was sworn in as prime minister and he presented a congratulatory message from Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday and named Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island. Wickremesinghe, who was seen as pro-India, said his sacking was illegal and he has maintained that he is still prime minister and had majority support in parliament. Sri Lanka is one of a chain of countries where the India-China rivalry is playing out, stretching from Bangladesh, Nepal to the Maldives, where a pro-China leader was voted out in a surprise election result last month that was welcomed by India, the United States and the European Union. Indian diplomats were in contact with Rajapaksa's camp, officials in New Delhi said, adding they were ready to do business with the new leader so long as his appointment was in line with the country's constitution. "India will continue to extend our developmental assistance to the people of Sri Lanka," an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday. Separately, leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing Hindu nationalist-led alliance, have reached out to Rajapaksa to promote ties, party sources said. PREDATORY Seshadri Chari, an RSS leader involved in the track two diplomacy, said he was confident New Delhi and Colombo will work for better relations under the new leadership in Sri Lanka. "In the changed geo-political realities, we have to be practical and pragmatic to protect our national self-interest and do better business," he said. The RSS wields influence in the Modi administration and has acted as an unofficial intermediary with some neighbouring countries. China has in recent years faced criticism that many of its investments in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and other countries run the risk of driving smaller nations into debt and potentially impinge on their sovereignty. "We are seeing an international pushback against China's predatory practices. It can only intensify and in that backdrop it's hard to see Sri Lanka doling out more projects even under Rajapaksa," said an Indian government source. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing believes the people and government of Sri Lanka have the wisdom to "appropriately handle" the situation, and China hopes all sides can resolve differences via dialogue, to protect the country's stability. Harinda Vidanage, director of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, a thinktank in Colombo, said Sri Lanka had become a greater strategic prize after the pro-China president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, lost the election. "For China, both Sri Lanka and Maldives were very important in their effort to gain a foothold in the Indian Ocean. China to certain extent lost the Maldivian connection when Yameen lost the elections," he said. Shailesh Kumar, Asia director at the Eurasia group, said the changes in Sri Lanka would benefit China. "While Beijing lost a pro-Chinese government earlier this month in the Maldives, it will make up ground in South Asia with the change of guard in Sri Lanka," he said, adding that it came as Sri Lanka's economy was in financial difficulties. "The decision to bring Rajapaksa back into the mainstream is likely intended to open the flow of Chinese funds, given the close relationship he cultivated with the Chinese leadership."

As Rajapaksa takes over as Sri Lanka PM, India scrambles to claw back ground from China

US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as Chief Guest of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-unlikely-to-honour-indias-invite-for-republic-day-celebrations-174076">India's Republic Day celebrations</a> next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington last year.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet.

"President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI on Monday, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation.&nbsp;

It is said that the annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to both Houses of the US Congress by Trump is likely to be around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day.

The SOTU is normally delivered in the last week of January or first week of February.

The spokesperson said that the US President and Modi enjoy a strong personal rapport and Trump is committed to deepening the India-US relationship.

"The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the

US-India strategic partnership," the spokesperson said.

"The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity," the White House spokesperson said.

Modi and Trump are scheduled to attend the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. It is possible that the two leaders might meet and discuss bilateral relationship there.

Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations.

In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president.

This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations.

In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014.

The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as Chief Guest of India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said.

US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as Chief Guest of India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington last year. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. "President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI on Monday, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. It is said that the annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to both Houses of the US Congress by Trump is likely to be around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. The SOTU is normally delivered in the last week of January or first week of February. The spokesperson said that the US President and Modi enjoy a strong personal rapport and Trump is committed to deepening the India-US relationship. "The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership," the spokesperson said. "The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity," the White House spokesperson said. Modi and Trump are scheduled to attend the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. It is possible that the two leaders might meet and discuss bilateral relationship there. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac.

Trump not coming to India's Republic Day celebrations: White House

19 Indian cities among World's 20 most polluted: WHO

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/earths-wild-animal-population-plummets-60-per-cent-in-44-years-wwf-174289">In 40 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF</a>

Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-fiancee-hits-at-trump-response-warns-of-money-influence-174297">Khashoggi fiancee slams Trump response to </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-fiancee-hits-at-trump-response-warns-of-money-influence-174297">killing</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-fiancee-hits-at-trump-response-warns-of-money-influence-174297">, tells him to set aside trade interests</a>

The fiancée of Jamal Khashoggi on Monday criticized President Donald Trump’s response to his killing, urging him to set aside US trade interests in the push for truth, and demanded Riyadh disclose more details to bring those who ordered it to justice.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-1-lakh-children-under-five-died-due-to-toxic-air-in-2016-who-study-174295">Over 100,000 Indian children under 5 died from air pollution in 2016: WHO</a>

Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-drop-for-13th-straight-day-petrol-at-rs-7955-per-litre-in-delhi-174298">Fuel prices continue to drop, petrol at Rs 79.55 per </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-drop-for-13th-straight-day-petrol-at-rs-7955-per-litre-in-delhi-174298">litre</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fuel-prices-drop-for-13th-straight-day-petrol-at-rs-7955-per-litre-in-delhi-174298"> in Delhi</a>

Fuel prices in the national capital dropped for the thirteenth consecutive day on Tuesday as petrol prices stood at Rs 79.55 per litre, down by Rs 0.20 paise, and diesel prices at Rs. 73.73, down by Rs 0.07 paise.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-interviews-indian-american-woman-to-replace-kavanaugh-in-dc-circuit-court-174293">Trump interviews Indian-American woman to replace Kavanaugh in DC circuit court</a>

US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report.

In 40 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

In 40 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday. Khashoggi fiancee slams Trump response to killing, tells him to set aside trade interests The fiancée of Jamal Khashoggi on Monday criticized President Donald Trump’s response to his killing, urging him to set aside US trade interests in the push for truth, and demanded Riyadh disclose more details to bring those who ordered it to justice. Over 100,000 Indian children under 5 died from air pollution in 2016: WHO Over one lakh children under five years of age died in India in 2016 due to exposure to toxic air, according to a new WHO study which noted that about 98 per cent of children in the same age group in low- and middle-income countries were exposed to air pollution. Fuel prices continue to drop, petrol at Rs 79.55 per litre in Delhi Fuel prices in the national capital dropped for the thirteenth consecutive day on Tuesday as petrol prices stood at Rs 79.55 per litre, down by Rs 0.20 paise, and diesel prices at Rs. 73.73, down by Rs 0.07 paise. Trump interviews Indian-American woman to replace Kavanaugh in DC circuit court US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report.

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Delhi recorded its worst air quality

The Delhi High Court Tuesday said it would hear on November 1 a plea of middleman Manoj Prasad, arrested in the bribery case involving CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, seeking quashing of the FIR against him.

Justice Najmi Waziri, who was scheduled to hear the petition Tuesday, listed it for Thursday after Prasad’s counsel sought an adjournment saying the senior advocate who has to argue the matter was on his legs in the Supreme Court.

On November 1, the court would hear three separate pleas — of Asthana, CBI Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar and Prasad seeking quashing of FIR against them.

The court had on Monday heard the three pleas, while Asthana and Kumar’s petitions were listed for November, Prasad’s matter was fixed for Tuesday.

Prasad, arrested on October 17, was produced before a trial court in Delhi Tuesday on expiry of his CBI custody and was sent to 14-day in judicial custody along with Kumar, who was arrested on October 23.

The high court had on Monday observed that Prasad’s case was on a different footing from that of Asthana and Kumar.

It had said Prasad was a private person while Asthana and Kumar were public servants and nothing stops CBI from probing a private individual.

Prasad has also sought a stay on the investigation by the agency till the disposal of the petition.

The CBI had registered the case against Asthana on the basis of a complaint from Hyderabad-based businessman Satish Sana, facing probe in the 2017 case allegedly involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi.

Sana alleged that the officer had helped him get a clean chit.

The agency had also arrested Prasad in the case, when he returned from Dubai. It was alleged by Sana that Prasad and his brother Somesh had taken Rs 2 crore to arrange clean chit to him.

Prasad, a resident of Burj Khalifa in Dubai, has arrayed as respondents — the CBI, its chief Alok Kumar Verma, Superintendent of Police S S Gurm, Deputy Superintendent Ajay Kumar Bassi — in the matter.

He has also arrayed Sana as a respondent on whose complaint the FIR was lodged.

Prasad’s sister has filed the petition on his behalf on October 26.

The Delhi High Court Tuesday said it would hear on November 1 a plea of middleman Manoj Prasad, arrested in the bribery case involving CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, seeking quashing of the FIR against him.

The Delhi High Court Tuesday said it would hear on November 1 a plea of middleman Manoj Prasad, arrested in the bribery case involving CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, seeking quashing of the FIR against him. Justice Najmi Waziri, who was scheduled to hear the petition Tuesday, listed it for Thursday after Prasad’s counsel sought an adjournment saying the senior advocate who has to argue the matter was on his legs in the Supreme Court. On November 1, the court would hear three separate pleas — of Asthana, CBI Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar and Prasad seeking quashing of FIR against them. The court had on Monday heard the three pleas, while Asthana and Kumar’s petitions were listed for November, Prasad’s matter was fixed for Tuesday. Prasad, arrested on October 17, was produced before a trial court in Delhi Tuesday on expiry of his CBI custody and was sent to 14-day in judicial custody along with Kumar, who was arrested on October 23. The high court had on Monday observed that Prasad’s case was on a different footing from that of Asthana and Kumar. It had said Prasad was a private person while Asthana and Kumar were public servants and nothing stops CBI from probing a private individual. Prasad has also sought a stay on the investigation by the agency till the disposal of the petition. The CBI had registered the case against Asthana on the basis of a complaint from Hyderabad-based businessman Satish Sana, facing probe in the 2017 case allegedly involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi. Sana alleged that the officer had helped him get a clean chit. The agency had also arrested Prasad in the case, when he returned from Dubai. It was alleged by Sana that Prasad and his brother Somesh had taken Rs 2 crore to arrange clean chit to him. Prasad, a resident of Burj Khalifa in Dubai, has arrayed as respondents — the CBI, its chief Alok Kumar Verma, Superintendent of Police S S Gurm, Deputy Superintendent Ajay Kumar Bassi — in the matter. He has also arrayed Sana as a respondent on whose complaint the FIR was lodged. Prasad’s sister has filed the petition on his behalf on October 26.

CBI row: Delhi HC to hear middleman’s plea on November 1 in bribery case involving Rakesh Asthana

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