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The 21st round of India-China border talks led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be held in China next month, informed sources said here.

Both Doval and Wang are designated special representatives for the border talks scheduled for November 23-25.

This will be the first round of talks for Wang who earlier this year succeeded Yang Jiechi as state councillor in a reshuffle.

While the dates have been finalised, the venue for the talks, which are expected to held outside Beijing, is yet to be finalised, the sources told PTI.

Special Representatives' talks are regarded as highly significant by both countries as they cover all aspects of bilateral relations besides making efforts to resolve the border dispute.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC). China also claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet.

Officials on both sides maintain that though a solution to the border dispute still eludes the two countries, a lot of headway has been made in the 20 rounds of talks so far in terms of working out mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity along the border to resolve tensions due to aggressive patrolling by troops.

The last round of talks which was held in New Delhi between Doval and Yang took place in the immediate backdrop of last year's 73-day standoff between the two militaries at Dokalam over the Chinese military's plan to build a road close to India's strategic Chicken's Neck corridor that connects the northeastern states.

The standoff ended after the People's Liberation Army(PLA) halted plans to build the road.

The meeting between Doval and Yang also prepared the ground for the informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan in April this year, which resulted not only in normalisation of relations but gave a new fillip to the improvement of relations in all spheres of relations notwithstanding the border dispute.

Since then both countries have held several rounds of talks to enhance India's exports to China to reduce the USD 51 billion trade deficit as well as improving military-to-military relations.

Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale said last month at a meeting here that India-China military exchanges grew rapidly after the Wuhan summit.

Since then military commanders from both sides are now talking to each other more frankly and more candidly than ever before, he said.

Chinese Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe had visited India in August, met Modi and held talks with his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Chinese defence ministry said after Wei's visit that both countries are discussing a new version of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence exchanges and cooperation to improve on the 2006 agreement besides establishing a direct confidential phone line between the two defence ministries and strengthening communications at all levels.

The 21st round of India-China border talks led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be held in China next month, informed sources said here.

The 21st round of India-China border talks led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be held in China next month, informed sources said here. Both Doval and Wang are designated special representatives for the border talks scheduled for November 23-25. This will be the first round of talks for Wang who earlier this year succeeded Yang Jiechi as state councillor in a reshuffle. While the dates have been finalised, the venue for the talks, which are expected to held outside Beijing, is yet to be finalised, the sources told PTI. Special Representatives' talks are regarded as highly significant by both countries as they cover all aspects of bilateral relations besides making efforts to resolve the border dispute. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC). China also claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet. Officials on both sides maintain that though a solution to the border dispute still eludes the two countries, a lot of headway has been made in the 20 rounds of talks so far in terms of working out mechanisms to restore peace and tranquillity along the border to resolve tensions due to aggressive patrolling by troops. The last round of talks which was held in New Delhi between Doval and Yang took place in the immediate backdrop of last year's 73-day standoff between the two militaries at Dokalam over the Chinese military's plan to build a road close to India's strategic Chicken's Neck corridor that connects the northeastern states. The standoff ended after the People's Liberation Army(PLA) halted plans to build the road. The meeting between Doval and Yang also prepared the ground for the informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan in April this year, which resulted not only in normalisation of relations but gave a new fillip to the improvement of relations in all spheres of relations notwithstanding the border dispute. Since then both countries have held several rounds of talks to enhance India's exports to China to reduce the USD 51 billion trade deficit as well as improving military-to-military relations. Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale said last month at a meeting here that India-China military exchanges grew rapidly after the Wuhan summit. Since then military commanders from both sides are now talking to each other more frankly and more candidly than ever before, he said. Chinese Defence Minister Gen Wei Fenghe had visited India in August, met Modi and held talks with his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman. The Chinese defence ministry said after Wei's visit that both countries are discussing a new version of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence exchanges and cooperation to improve on the 2006 agreement besides establishing a direct confidential phone line between the two defence ministries and strengthening communications at all levels.

India, China to hold 21st round of border talks next month

BJP leader Sambit Patra raised the National Herald case Saturday to target Congress president Rahul Gandhi, alleging that his family has "looted the country for decades".

Patra, who is a party spokesperson, held a press conference on the roadside in front of a commercial building in MP Nagar area here, claiming that the land had been allotted to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) "helmed by the Gandhi family at a throw-away price" for printing the National Herald newspaper.

The Congress has dismissed allegations of wrongdoing in the matter. The party's Madhya Pradesh unit said Saturday it is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission against Patra for holding a press conference without permission on a public property.

Asked why the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, which is in power for 15 years, did not get the property vacated if it was illegally acquired, Patra claimed that the Bhopal Development Authority has issued eviction notices and the matter is before court.

"The commercial building behind me is a monument of corruption as it was acquired by Associated Journals Limited helmed by the Gandhi family at a throw-away price to print the National Herald.

"Rahul was accused number two in the case related to land grab on the pretext of printing National Herald in various parts of the country," he alleged.

"The Gandhi family has looted the country for decades and this commercial building on a public land allotted to AJL for printing a newspaper speaks of it (the alleged loot)," he alleged.

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy has filed a private complaint in a Delhi court, accusing the Gandhis and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds by paying Rs 50 lakh through which Young Indian Pvt Ltd obtained the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that Associate Journals Ltd (which runs National Herald) owed to the Congress party.

All the accused in the case, who are on bail, have denied the allegations. The case is going on before a metropolitan magistrate in Delhi.

Asked about Rahul Gandhi's "chowkidar chor hai" remark accusing the prime minister of corruption in the Rafale deal, Patra said that if Gandhi has evidence, he should approach court.

Rahul Gandhi had reiterated his allegations of irregularities in Rafale fighter jet deal, which the government has denied, during his recent tours in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh.

When the press conference was about to end, an unidentified man arrived and asked journalists why they were asking "attacking questions".

There was a heated exchange between the reporters and the man before the police took him away.

Later, Patra visited the building, saying he was going to find out whether National Herald was printed there.

State Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said the party is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission against Patra for holding a press conference without permission, that too on a public property (a road).

"We are also going to file a police complaint," Gupta said.&nbsp;

BJP leader Sambit Patra raised the National Herald case Saturday to target Congress president Rahul Gandhi, alleging that his family has "looted the country for decades".

BJP leader Sambit Patra raised the National Herald case Saturday to target Congress president Rahul Gandhi, alleging that his family has "looted the country for decades". Patra, who is a party spokesperson, held a press conference on the roadside in front of a commercial building in MP Nagar area here, claiming that the land had been allotted to Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) "helmed by the Gandhi family at a throw-away price" for printing the National Herald newspaper. The Congress has dismissed allegations of wrongdoing in the matter. The party's Madhya Pradesh unit said Saturday it is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission against Patra for holding a press conference without permission on a public property. Asked why the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, which is in power for 15 years, did not get the property vacated if it was illegally acquired, Patra claimed that the Bhopal Development Authority has issued eviction notices and the matter is before court. "The commercial building behind me is a monument of corruption as it was acquired by Associated Journals Limited helmed by the Gandhi family at a throw-away price to print the National Herald. "Rahul was accused number two in the case related to land grab on the pretext of printing National Herald in various parts of the country," he alleged. "The Gandhi family has looted the country for decades and this commercial building on a public land allotted to AJL for printing a newspaper speaks of it (the alleged loot)," he alleged. BJP MP Subramanian Swamy has filed a private complaint in a Delhi court, accusing the Gandhis and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds by paying Rs 50 lakh through which Young Indian Pvt Ltd obtained the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that Associate Journals Ltd (which runs National Herald) owed to the Congress party. All the accused in the case, who are on bail, have denied the allegations. The case is going on before a metropolitan magistrate in Delhi. Asked about Rahul Gandhi's "chowkidar chor hai" remark accusing the prime minister of corruption in the Rafale deal, Patra said that if Gandhi has evidence, he should approach court. Rahul Gandhi had reiterated his allegations of irregularities in Rafale fighter jet deal, which the government has denied, during his recent tours in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. When the press conference was about to end, an unidentified man arrived and asked journalists why they were asking "attacking questions". There was a heated exchange between the reporters and the man before the police took him away. Later, Patra visited the building, saying he was going to find out whether National Herald was printed there. State Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said the party is going to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission against Patra for holding a press conference without permission, that too on a public property (a road). "We are also going to file a police complaint," Gupta said.

BJP targets Rahul Gandhi over National Herald issue; says family has 'looted country for decades'

The sudden regime change in Sri Lanka encompasses "several mysteries" and has triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen and Tamils in the island nation, DMK leader MK Stalin said on Saturday.

Stalin, the leader of opposition in the assembly, said the return of Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the country's new prime minister has shocked Tamils across the world.

"The changes that have occurred in the Sri Lankan government in a single night encompasses several mysteries and have threatened the Tamils there who are denied their rights," he alleged.

Also, the developments have triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen, he added.

Stalin cited the recent Delhi visits of Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe and media reports about Sirisena alleging that Indian intelligence agency RAW hatched a plot to assassinate him.&nbsp;

Sirisena, however, later denied making such allegations.&nbsp;

The background to Rajapaksa assuming office all of a sudden as Sri Lanka's premier, though he doesn't have a majority, has shocked Tamils, Stalin claimed.

The DMK chief alleged that Rajapaksa was behind the killings of Tamil people (during the civil war between Sri Lankan Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 2009) and Tamil Nadu fishermen at the hands of Lankan Navy during his tenure.

Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Saturday sought an emergency session of Parliament to prove his majority, as the island nation plunged into a constitutional crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked him and made former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa the new premier.

Stalin said that "if such a situation continued in Sri Lanka", it would become a challenge to India's interests. He asked the Centre to give clarifications on the recent visits of Lankan leaders and the allegations drawing RAW into a controversy.

Referring to the Tamil Nadu government's recent recommendation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit to release all convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, the DMK leader asked the Centre to devote its "attention" to the matter and urged Purohit to take a favourable decision.&nbsp;

The sudden regime change in Sri Lanka encompasses "several mysteries" and has triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen and Tamils in the island nation, DMK leader MK Stalin said on Saturday.

The sudden regime change in Sri Lanka encompasses "several mysteries" and has triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen and Tamils in the island nation, DMK leader MK Stalin said on Saturday. Stalin, the leader of opposition in the assembly, said the return of Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as the country's new prime minister has shocked Tamils across the world. "The changes that have occurred in the Sri Lankan government in a single night encompasses several mysteries and have threatened the Tamils there who are denied their rights," he alleged. Also, the developments have triggered concerns among Tamil Nadu fishermen, he added. Stalin cited the recent Delhi visits of Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe and media reports about Sirisena alleging that Indian intelligence agency RAW hatched a plot to assassinate him. Sirisena, however, later denied making such allegations. The background to Rajapaksa assuming office all of a sudden as Sri Lanka's premier, though he doesn't have a majority, has shocked Tamils, Stalin claimed. The DMK chief alleged that Rajapaksa was behind the killings of Tamil people (during the civil war between Sri Lankan Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 2009) and Tamil Nadu fishermen at the hands of Lankan Navy during his tenure. Ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Saturday sought an emergency session of Parliament to prove his majority, as the island nation plunged into a constitutional crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked him and made former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa the new premier. Stalin said that "if such a situation continued in Sri Lanka", it would become a challenge to India's interests. He asked the Centre to give clarifications on the recent visits of Lankan leaders and the allegations drawing RAW into a controversy. Referring to the Tamil Nadu government's recent recommendation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit to release all convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, the DMK leader asked the Centre to devote its "attention" to the matter and urged Purohit to take a favourable decision.

Political developments in Sri Lanka 'mysterious'; triggering concerns among Tamils: MK Stalin

Hours after BJP Chief Amit Shah threatened to pull down the Pinarayi Vijayan government if the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-backs-sabarimala-devotees-slams-kerala-government-on-arrest-of-protesters-173811">Sabarimala temple</a> traditions are not adhered to, Vijayan said Shah`s remarks were an attack on the apex court and the Constitution.

"Amit Shah's statement in Kannur is against the constitution and law of the land. It's a clear intention of their agenda of not to guarantee the fundamental rights. This shows the agenda of the RSS and the Sangh Parivar,'' Vijayan said Vijayan in a Facebook post.

His statement that the apex court should pronounce verdicts that are implementable is nothing but a challenge to the various rights that the Constitution guarantees," said Vijayan.&nbsp;

Shah attacked Vijayan at the latter`s hometown Kannur, while inaugurating the new district office of the BJP. Amit&nbsp;

Shah also extended full support to the protest by Ayyappa devotees against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme court order on the entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala temple, saying the Left government was trying to "suppress" the agitation by force.

"The statement that women should not be allowed entry clearly shows that they (BJP) stand for the male hegemony. I wish to state that this government was elected by the people and not with the help or support of the BJP. People who support democracy should come out against this statement," said Vijayan.

Hours after BJP Chief Amit Shah threatened to pull down the Pinarayi Vijayan government if the Sabarimala temple traditions are not adhered to, Vijayan said Shah`s remarks were an attack on the apex court and the Constitution.

Hours after BJP Chief Amit Shah threatened to pull down the Pinarayi Vijayan government if the Sabarimala temple traditions are not adhered to, Vijayan said Shah`s remarks were an attack on the apex court and the Constitution. "Amit Shah's statement in Kannur is against the constitution and law of the land. It's a clear intention of their agenda of not to guarantee the fundamental rights. This shows the agenda of the RSS and the Sangh Parivar,'' Vijayan said Vijayan in a Facebook post. His statement that the apex court should pronounce verdicts that are implementable is nothing but a challenge to the various rights that the Constitution guarantees," said Vijayan. Shah attacked Vijayan at the latter`s hometown Kannur, while inaugurating the new district office of the BJP. Amit Shah also extended full support to the protest by Ayyappa devotees against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme court order on the entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala temple, saying the Left government was trying to "suppress" the agitation by force. "The statement that women should not be allowed entry clearly shows that they (BJP) stand for the male hegemony. I wish to state that this government was elected by the people and not with the help or support of the BJP. People who support democracy should come out against this statement," said Vijayan.

Amit Shah's statement in Kannur against the constitution: Kerala CM Vijayan 

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday held an interaction with ex-servicemen where a number of issues, including the Centre's One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme and the Rafale deal were discussed.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
For Anil 
 
30,000 CR from Rafale + all procedures bypassed + midnight sacking of CBI director. 
 
For Forces 
 
No OROP + sound thrashing to veterans at Jantar Mantar + lies and broken promises. <a href="https://t.co/OthPwllHsZ">pic.twitter.com/OthPwllHsZ</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1056167225407819777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Briefing press after the interaction, Rahul attacked the central government for failing to implement the OROP as per expectations of ex-servicemen.

He further raked up the issue of Rafale deal and criticised the government for ignoring the welfare of former service personnel.

"During the discussion, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the wrong non-strategic approach of the government, the division that has been created there and the cost that is being paid by our soldiers came up. Rafale came up. These things are connected. The connection is that Anil Ambani can be given Rs 30,000 crore for doing nothing, but our soldiers can't be given OROP. This is the connection- Rs 30,000 crore is more than enough to solve the OROP problem,” said the Gandhi scion.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The situation in J&amp;K,wrong non-strategic approach of govt, &amp; the cost that is being paid by our soldiers came up. Rafale came up. These things are connected. Connection is that Anil Ambani can be given Rs 30,000 cr for doing nothing, but our soldiers can't be given OROP: R Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/cgCoGkN2Cg">pic.twitter.com/cgCoGkN2Cg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056105049632526336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Continuing his analogy between OROP and India’s fighter jet deal with France, he said, “OROP can be implemented in Rs 8,300 crore, but instead, Rs 30,000 crore is being given to Anil Ambani without experience, without any background."

Gandhi further said that the way India's ex-servicemen are being treated is wrong and the government has to change its way of functioning.

During the hour-long interaction, the ex-servicemen submitted two memoranda to the Congress President for his review.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday held an interaction with ex-servicemen where a number of issues, including the Centre's One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme and the Rafale deal were discussed.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday held an interaction with ex-servicemen where a number of issues, including the Centre's One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme and the Rafale deal were discussed. For Anil 30,000 CR from Rafale + all procedures bypassed + midnight sacking of CBI director. For Forces No OROP + sound thrashing to veterans at Jantar Mantar + lies and broken promises. pic.twitter.com/OthPwllHsZ — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 27, 2018 × Briefing press after the interaction, Rahul attacked the central government for failing to implement the OROP as per expectations of ex-servicemen. He further raked up the issue of Rafale deal and criticised the government for ignoring the welfare of former service personnel. "During the discussion, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the wrong non-strategic approach of the government, the division that has been created there and the cost that is being paid by our soldiers came up. Rafale came up. These things are connected. The connection is that Anil Ambani can be given Rs 30,000 crore for doing nothing, but our soldiers can't be given OROP. This is the connection- Rs 30,000 crore is more than enough to solve the OROP problem,” said the Gandhi scion. The situation in J&K,wrong non-strategic approach of govt, & the cost that is being paid by our soldiers came up. Rafale came up. These things are connected. Connection is that Anil Ambani can be given Rs 30,000 cr for doing nothing, but our soldiers can't be given OROP: R Gandhi pic.twitter.com/cgCoGkN2Cg — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2018 × Continuing his analogy between OROP and India’s fighter jet deal with France, he said, “OROP can be implemented in Rs 8,300 crore, but instead, Rs 30,000 crore is being given to Anil Ambani without experience, without any background." Gandhi further said that the way India's ex-servicemen are being treated is wrong and the government has to change its way of functioning. During the hour-long interaction, the ex-servicemen submitted two memoranda to the Congress President for his review.

Government can give Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani, can’t implement OROP: Rahul Gandhi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supreme-court-reimposes-ban-on-indian-content-173850">Pakistan Supreme Court reimposes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supreme-court-reimposes-ban-on-indian-content-173850">ban</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supreme-court-reimposes-ban-on-indian-content-173850"> on Indian films, TV content</a>

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Saturday reintroduced a ban on country's local channels from airing Indian films and television content, reported news agency PTI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-wi-3rd-odi-india-need-284-to-win-against-west-indies-173851">IND vs WI, 3rd ODI: India need 284 runs to win against West Indies</a>

Shai Hope and Ashley Nurse helped West Indies to set a fighting target of 283 runs for team India in the third ODI of the five-match series on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-rejects-turkey-call-to-extradite-khashoggi-killers-173820">Saudi Arabia rejects Turkey call to extradite Khashoggi killers</a>

Riyadh Saturday dismissed Ankara's calls to extradite 18 Saudis wanted for the murder of critic Jamal Khashoggi, as Washington warned the crisis risked destabilising the Middle East.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-submits-details-regarding-decision-making-in-rafale-deal-to-supreme-court-173807">Government submits details of decision making in Rafale deal to Supreme Court</a>

The government on Saturday submitted the details regarding the decision-making process in the controversial Rafale deal to the Supreme Court.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-group-kills-41-us-backed-fighters-in-eastern-syria-monitor-173859">Islamic State group kills 41 US-backed fighters in eastern Syria: Monitor</a>

The Islamic State group has killed 41 US-backed fighters in Syria battling to oust the jihadists from their eastern holdout of Hajin on the Iraqi border, a war monitor said on Saturday.

&nbsp;

Pakistan Supreme Court reimposes ban on Indian films, TV content Pakistan's Supreme Court on Saturday reintroduced a ban on country's local channels from airing Indian films and television content, reported news agency PTI.

Pakistan Supreme Court reimposes ban on Indian films, TV content Pakistan's Supreme Court on Saturday reintroduced a ban on country's local channels from airing Indian films and television content, reported news agency PTI. IND vs WI, 3rd ODI: India need 284 runs to win against West Indies Shai Hope and Ashley Nurse helped West Indies to set a fighting target of 283 runs for team India in the third ODI of the five-match series on Saturday. Saudi Arabia rejects Turkey call to extradite Khashoggi killers Riyadh Saturday dismissed Ankara's calls to extradite 18 Saudis wanted for the murder of critic Jamal Khashoggi, as Washington warned the crisis risked destabilising the Middle East. Government submits details of decision making in Rafale deal to Supreme Court The government on Saturday submitted the details regarding the decision-making process in the controversial Rafale deal to the Supreme Court. Islamic State group kills 41 US-backed fighters in eastern Syria: Monitor The Islamic State group has killed 41 US-backed fighters in Syria battling to oust the jihadists from their eastern holdout of Hajin on the Iraqi border, a war monitor said on Saturday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India has called for the UN Security Council sanctions regime to "proactively" list terrorists and terror groups involved in sexual violence in armed conflicts, underscoring that prosecution of criminals engaged in trans-boundary crimes is critical to deliver justice to victims.

First Secretary in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, Paulomi Tripathi, on Thursday said that women's role and perspectives in peace processes remain largely neglected despite the normative and operative frameworks relating to women, peace and security agenda having been considerably strengthened across the UN system over the last two decades.

She voiced concern that sexual violence, abductions and human trafficking continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations.&nbsp;

"Rapidly expanding trans-boundary criminal networks finance terror, supply arms, recruit and train of foreign fighters and destabilise whole regions which disproportionately affect women," she said during a UN Security Council debate on 'Women, Peace and Security'.

Tripathi noted that large scale movements of refugees emanating from armed conflicts increase the vulnerability of women to discrimination and exploitation. Emphasising the need for global cooperation in this front, she said no country is in a position to effectively counter these challenges alone.

"As the General Assembly focuses on gender sensitive and inclusive development to build peaceful and resilient societies, the Council must push for effective cooperation on countering terrorism that threatens peace and security," she said.

Tripathi asserted that the Council must make all efforts to realise the full potential of integrating women, peace and security considerations in sanctions regimes.&nbsp;

"The Sanctions Committees of the Security Council need to address the issue of proactively listing terrorist individuals and entities involved in sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflicts.&nbsp;

"International cooperation for prosecution of criminals engaged in trans-boundary crimes is important to bring justice to the victims, large number of whom is women and girls," she said.

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Council's annual high-level debate that the participation of women in formal peace processes remains extremely limited and the international community still has "far to go" as conflict continues to have a devastating effect on women and girls.

He said between 1990 and 2017, women constituted just 2 per cent of the mediators, 8 per cent of the negotiators and 5 per cent of the witnesses and the signatories in all major peace processes.

The UN documented more than 800 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2017, a 56 per cent increase since 2016, he said.

"Women human rights defenders, political leaders, journalists and activists, who play an important role in addressing the root causes of conflict, are targeted at alarming rates," Guterres said adding that women's marginalisation, lack of access to health and education services, and economic disempowerment continue to be both a cause and an effect of conflict.

He also voiced concern that funding for programmes to promote gender equality and empowerment of women in countries affected by conflict is just 5 per cent of the total bilateral aid to such countries.

Tripathi pointed out that the importance of women's active engagement and leadership in peace and reconciliation processes and in countering spread of violent extremism is well established.

She said the issue of women peace and security has also to be seen in the wider societal context, involving gender and development issues, which are dealt with outside the Council.

Tripathi told the 15-nation UN body that India is committed to a higher representation of women in peacekeeping missions and has fulfilled the pledge to have 15 per cent of military observers as women.

India has recently partnered with the UN Women toward a capacity building initiative. Under the initiative, the New Delhi-based Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUPNK) conducted the third UN female military officers course for 40 women military officers from 26 countries.

India also fully supports UN Secretary General's zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, and strong commitment to achieving gender parity in peace operations, she said.&nbsp;

Despite greater participation of women in building and sustaining peace and the recognition from all quarters of the value they bring, the realities on the ground show that much more remains to be done, Guterres said.

"Every year, we make laudable commitments. But they are not backed with the requisite financial and political support," he said, noting lack of inclusion in mediation efforts and limited space for women to participate as peace builders.

He said it was "crippling to our credibility and protection capacity that women represent only four per cent of our military peacekeepers and ten per cent of police".&nbsp;

He added that the UN fully supports the innovative efforts launched by the member states this year to incentivise greater women representation.

India has called for the UN Security Council sanctions regime to "proactively" list terrorists and terror groups involved in sexual violence in armed conflicts, underscoring that prosecution of criminals engaged in trans-boundary crimes is critical to deliver justice to victims.

India has called for the UN Security Council sanctions regime to "proactively" list terrorists and terror groups involved in sexual violence in armed conflicts, underscoring that prosecution of criminals engaged in trans-boundary crimes is critical to deliver justice to victims. First Secretary in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, Paulomi Tripathi, on Thursday said that women's role and perspectives in peace processes remain largely neglected despite the normative and operative frameworks relating to women, peace and security agenda having been considerably strengthened across the UN system over the last two decades. She voiced concern that sexual violence, abductions and human trafficking continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations. "Rapidly expanding trans-boundary criminal networks finance terror, supply arms, recruit and train of foreign fighters and destabilise whole regions which disproportionately affect women," she said during a UN Security Council debate on 'Women, Peace and Security'. Tripathi noted that large scale movements of refugees emanating from armed conflicts increase the vulnerability of women to discrimination and exploitation. Emphasising the need for global cooperation in this front, she said no country is in a position to effectively counter these challenges alone. "As the General Assembly focuses on gender sensitive and inclusive development to build peaceful and resilient societies, the Council must push for effective cooperation on countering terrorism that threatens peace and security," she said. Tripathi asserted that the Council must make all efforts to realise the full potential of integrating women, peace and security considerations in sanctions regimes. "The Sanctions Committees of the Security Council need to address the issue of proactively listing terrorist individuals and entities involved in sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflicts. "International cooperation for prosecution of criminals engaged in trans-boundary crimes is important to bring justice to the victims, large number of whom is women and girls," she said. Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Council's annual high-level debate that the participation of women in formal peace processes remains extremely limited and the international community still has "far to go" as conflict continues to have a devastating effect on women and girls. He said between 1990 and 2017, women constituted just 2 per cent of the mediators, 8 per cent of the negotiators and 5 per cent of the witnesses and the signatories in all major peace processes. The UN documented more than 800 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2017, a 56 per cent increase since 2016, he said. "Women human rights defenders, political leaders, journalists and activists, who play an important role in addressing the root causes of conflict, are targeted at alarming rates," Guterres said adding that women's marginalisation, lack of access to health and education services, and economic disempowerment continue to be both a cause and an effect of conflict. He also voiced concern that funding for programmes to promote gender equality and empowerment of women in countries affected by conflict is just 5 per cent of the total bilateral aid to such countries. Tripathi pointed out that the importance of women's active engagement and leadership in peace and reconciliation processes and in countering spread of violent extremism is well established. She said the issue of women peace and security has also to be seen in the wider societal context, involving gender and development issues, which are dealt with outside the Council. Tripathi told the 15-nation UN body that India is committed to a higher representation of women in peacekeeping missions and has fulfilled the pledge to have 15 per cent of military observers as women. India has recently partnered with the UN Women toward a capacity building initiative. Under the initiative, the New Delhi-based Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUPNK) conducted the third UN female military officers course for 40 women military officers from 26 countries. India also fully supports UN Secretary General's zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, and strong commitment to achieving gender parity in peace operations, she said. Despite greater participation of women in building and sustaining peace and the recognition from all quarters of the value they bring, the realities on the ground show that much more remains to be done, Guterres said. "Every year, we make laudable commitments. But they are not backed with the requisite financial and political support," he said, noting lack of inclusion in mediation efforts and limited space for women to participate as peace builders. He said it was "crippling to our credibility and protection capacity that women represent only four per cent of our military peacekeepers and ten per cent of police". He added that the UN fully supports the innovative efforts launched by the member states this year to incentivise greater women representation.

India calls for UN sanctions against terrorists involved in sexual violence

Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' for the fourth day Saturday with eight areas of the national capital recording severe pollution levels, as authorities warned the situation may deteriorate further next week due to localised emissions during festival and stubble burning.

The Central Pollution Control Board recorded the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 350. The highest AQI of this season was recorded Friday at 361.

In the NCR region, Ghaziabad recorded severe pollution level, while Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida and Greater Noida all recorded 'very poor' air quality, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board data on Saturday.

The eight areas that recorded 'severe' air quality Saturday are Anand Vihar, Dwarka Sector 8, Narela, Punjabi Bagh, Bawana, Mundaka, Vivek Vihar and Rohini.

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 CPCB-led task force has recommended stringent measures from November 1 to 10, forecasting further deterioration in the air quality ahead of Diwali.

Some of these recommendations include shut down of coal and biomass factories, intensification of inspection by transport department to check polluting vehicles and control traffic congestion in Delhi NCR during November 1-10.

Authorities also issued an advisory to public, asking them to avoid outdoor strenuous activities and minimise the use of private vehicles.

The task force also warned that at the beginning of November, the situation may get further deteriorated on account of localised emissions during festival and regional contribution due to stubble burning.

The PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 179. The PM2.5, also called "fine particulates," can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10.

The PM10 level (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 321, according to the data from the SAFAR.

The SAFAR also issued a heath advisory due to increased pollution level in Delhi, urging people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

It also recommended people to go for shorter walks instead of jogs, keeping windows closed and wearing masks while stepping outside.

Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' for the fourth day Saturday with eight areas of the national capital recording severe pollution levels, as authorities warned the situation may deteriorate further next week due to localised emissions during festival and stubble burning.

Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor' for the fourth day Saturday with eight areas of the national capital recording severe pollution levels, as authorities warned the situation may deteriorate further next week due to localised emissions during festival and stubble burning. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 350. The highest AQI of this season was recorded Friday at 361. In the NCR region, Ghaziabad recorded severe pollution level, while Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida and Greater Noida all recorded 'very poor' air quality, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board data on Saturday. The eight areas that recorded 'severe' air quality Saturday are Anand Vihar, Dwarka Sector 8, Narela, Punjabi Bagh, Bawana, Mundaka, Vivek Vihar and Rohini. 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 CPCB-led task force has recommended stringent measures from November 1 to 10, forecasting further deterioration in the air quality ahead of Diwali. Some of these recommendations include shut down of coal and biomass factories, intensification of inspection by transport department to check polluting vehicles and control traffic congestion in Delhi NCR during November 1-10. Authorities also issued an advisory to public, asking them to avoid outdoor strenuous activities and minimise the use of private vehicles. The task force also warned that at the beginning of November, the situation may get further deteriorated on account of localised emissions during festival and regional contribution due to stubble burning. The PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 179. The PM2.5, also called "fine particulates," can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10. The PM10 level (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 321, according to the data from the SAFAR. The SAFAR also issued a heath advisory due to increased pollution level in Delhi, urging people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. It also recommended people to go for shorter walks instead of jogs, keeping windows closed and wearing masks while stepping outside.

Delhi continues to choke with 'very poor' air quality, 8 areas record severe pollution: Authorities

Seven sitting parliamentarians and 199 MLAs in the country have not declared their PAN details which is needed in filing nomination papers for elections, a report said Friday.

The report prepared after analysis of permanent account number(PAN) details of 542 Lok Sabha MPs and 4,086 MLAs has been brought out by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the National Election Watch (NEW).

Details of PAN are to be furnished before returning officers by candidates contesting elections for parliament and state legislative bodies, in affidavits along with their nomination papers.

"The highest number of MLAs (51) who have not declared PAN details are from Congress followed by 42 BJP MLAs, 25 CPI(M) MLAs. Statewise, the highest number (33) was from Kerala, followed by Mizoram (28) and Madhya Pradesh (19)," said a statement from ADR.

Interestingly, Mizoram state Assembly has a strength of 40 MLAs out of which 28 did not give details of their PAN.

In case of MPs, two each from Odisha (both from BJD) and Tamil Nadu (both AIDMK), and one each from Assam, Mizoram and Lakshadweep have not declared their PAN details. One MP each from Congress, AIUDF and NCP have also not declared their PAN details, said the report.

The highest number of reelected MLAs (18) whose PAN details had discrepancy belonged to the BJP followed by nine from the Congress and three from the JD(U),

Four reelected MPs from the BJD, two reelected MPs each from the BJP and the Congress, and one reelected MP each of the NCP and JD(S) have discrepancy in their PAN details, the report said.

Seven sitting parliamentarians and 199 MLAs in the country have not declared their PAN details which is needed in filing nomination papers for elections, a report said Friday.

Seven sitting parliamentarians and 199 MLAs in the country have not declared their PAN details which is needed in filing nomination papers for elections, a report said Friday. The report prepared after analysis of permanent account number(PAN) details of 542 Lok Sabha MPs and 4,086 MLAs has been brought out by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the National Election Watch (NEW). Details of PAN are to be furnished before returning officers by candidates contesting elections for parliament and state legislative bodies, in affidavits along with their nomination papers. "The highest number of MLAs (51) who have not declared PAN details are from Congress followed by 42 BJP MLAs, 25 CPI(M) MLAs. Statewise, the highest number (33) was from Kerala, followed by Mizoram (28) and Madhya Pradesh (19)," said a statement from ADR. Interestingly, Mizoram state Assembly has a strength of 40 MLAs out of which 28 did not give details of their PAN. In case of MPs, two each from Odisha (both from BJD) and Tamil Nadu (both AIDMK), and one each from Assam, Mizoram and Lakshadweep have not declared their PAN details. One MP each from Congress, AIUDF and NCP have also not declared their PAN details, said the report. The highest number of reelected MLAs (18) whose PAN details had discrepancy belonged to the BJP followed by nine from the Congress and three from the JD(U), Four reelected MPs from the BJD, two reelected MPs each from the BJP and the Congress, and one reelected MP each of the NCP and JD(S) have discrepancy in their PAN details, the report said.

7 lawmakers, 199 legislators have not declared PAN details: Report

Battle lines have been drawn for the first phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly polls to be held on November 12 wherein 190 candidates, including Chief Minister Raman Singh, will be in the fray for 18 seats.

After the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers ended on Friday for the first phase of polls, 190 candidates remained in the fray.

Eighteen constituencies spread across eight naxal-affected districts will go to polls in the first phase, a public relation officer of the office of state Chief Electoral Officer said on Saturday.

"As many as 421 candidates had filed their nominations for the first phase, but papers of only 231 aspirants were found valid in the scrutiny. Of them, 41 candidates withdrew their nominations, leaving 190 in the fray," he said.

The son of former leader of opposition late Mahendra Karma, Chhavindra Karma, who had filed his nomination as an independent candidate from Dantewada (ST) seat from where his mother Devti Karma is a Congress nominee, withdrew from the election.

The first phase of voting will cover Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Jagdalpur, Keshkal, Chitrakot, Dantewada, Bijapur, Konta, Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji and Mohla-Manpur seats.

The highest number of 30 candidates will lock horns in Rajnandgaon constituency, while the lowest number of five candidates will fight it out in Bastar and Kondagaon seats each.

The keenly-watched constituency will be Rajnandgaon, where CM Raman Singh of the ruling BJP and Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, are in the fray.

The ruling BJP has reposed its faith in old faces and fielded two incumbent ministers- Mahesh Gagda (Bijapur), Kedar Kashyap (Narayanpur); sitting MLAs- Santosh Bafna (Jagdalpur), Sarojani Banjare (Dongargarh) and those who had lost the 2013 polls- Lata Usendi (Kondgaon), Subhau Kashyap (Bastar), Komal Janghel (Khairagarh), Bhima Mandavi (Dantewada) and Dhaniram Barse (Konta).

The Congress has renominated its nine sitting legislators- Manoj Singh Mandavi (Bhanupratappur), Mohan Lal Markam (Kondagaon), Lakheshwar Baghel (Bastar), Deepak Kumar Baij (Chitrakot), Devati Karma (Dantewada), Kawasi Lakhma (Konta), Girwar Janghel (Khairagarh), Daleshwar Sahu (Dongargaon) and Santram Netam (Keshkal).

Of the 18 seats going to polls in the first phase, 12 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) while one for Scheduled Caste (SC) category.

The stakes are very high for the ruling BJP on these 18 seats, as it had lost 12 of them in the last polls in 2013.

In the last assembly polls, of the total 90 seats, BJP had won 49 seats, Congress 39, BSP 1 and independent 1.

The remaining 72 constituencies will go to polls on November 20. The counting of the votes will be held on December 11.

This time, the coalition between Mayawati-led BSP, former chief minister Ajit Jogi's JCC (J) and Communist Party of India (CPI) has added another dimension to the electoral politics of Chhattisgarh, which has always been dominated by the ruling BJP and opposition Congress.

Battle lines have been drawn for the first phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly polls to be held on November 12 wherein 190 candidates, including Chief Minister Raman Singh, will be in the fray for 18 seats.

Battle lines have been drawn for the first phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly polls to be held on November 12 wherein 190 candidates, including Chief Minister Raman Singh, will be in the fray for 18 seats. After the deadline for withdrawal of nomination papers ended on Friday for the first phase of polls, 190 candidates remained in the fray. Eighteen constituencies spread across eight naxal-affected districts will go to polls in the first phase, a public relation officer of the office of state Chief Electoral Officer said on Saturday. "As many as 421 candidates had filed their nominations for the first phase, but papers of only 231 aspirants were found valid in the scrutiny. Of them, 41 candidates withdrew their nominations, leaving 190 in the fray," he said. The son of former leader of opposition late Mahendra Karma, Chhavindra Karma, who had filed his nomination as an independent candidate from Dantewada (ST) seat from where his mother Devti Karma is a Congress nominee, withdrew from the election. The first phase of voting will cover Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Jagdalpur, Keshkal, Chitrakot, Dantewada, Bijapur, Konta, Khairagarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji and Mohla-Manpur seats. The highest number of 30 candidates will lock horns in Rajnandgaon constituency, while the lowest number of five candidates will fight it out in Bastar and Kondagaon seats each. The keenly-watched constituency will be Rajnandgaon, where CM Raman Singh of the ruling BJP and Congress candidate Karuna Shukla, niece of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, are in the fray. The ruling BJP has reposed its faith in old faces and fielded two incumbent ministers- Mahesh Gagda (Bijapur), Kedar Kashyap (Narayanpur); sitting MLAs- Santosh Bafna (Jagdalpur), Sarojani Banjare (Dongargarh) and those who had lost the 2013 polls- Lata Usendi (Kondgaon), Subhau Kashyap (Bastar), Komal Janghel (Khairagarh), Bhima Mandavi (Dantewada) and Dhaniram Barse (Konta). The Congress has renominated its nine sitting legislators- Manoj Singh Mandavi (Bhanupratappur), Mohan Lal Markam (Kondagaon), Lakheshwar Baghel (Bastar), Deepak Kumar Baij (Chitrakot), Devati Karma (Dantewada), Kawasi Lakhma (Konta), Girwar Janghel (Khairagarh), Daleshwar Sahu (Dongargaon) and Santram Netam (Keshkal). Of the 18 seats going to polls in the first phase, 12 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) while one for Scheduled Caste (SC) category. The stakes are very high for the ruling BJP on these 18 seats, as it had lost 12 of them in the last polls in 2013. In the last assembly polls, of the total 90 seats, BJP had won 49 seats, Congress 39, BSP 1 and independent 1. The remaining 72 constituencies will go to polls on November 20. The counting of the votes will be held on December 11. This time, the coalition between Mayawati-led BSP, former chief minister Ajit Jogi's JCC (J) and Communist Party of India (CPI) has added another dimension to the electoral politics of Chhattisgarh, which has always been dominated by the ruling BJP and opposition Congress.

Chhattisgarh polls: 190 candidates in fray for 18 seats in 1st phase

Avoiding outdoor exercises and minimal use of private vehicles are some of the measures the CPCB-led task force has suggested for implementation in

Delhi-NCR during the first 10 days of November as the air quality is likely to deteriorate further owing to localised emissions around festivals and stubble burning in neighbouring states.

The Central Pollution Control Board's task force also recommended closure of all construction activities that generate dust pollution between November 1 and 10.

In a meeting with representatives from Environment Ministry, IMD, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Haryana Pollution Control Board and Delhi Pollution Control Board Friday, the task force apprised the members on the levels of air pollution in Delhi-NCR showing an upward trend.

Siddharth Singh, a representative from the India Meteorological Department, said Delhi's air quality, which has deteriorated to the very poor level, would continue to remain in that category for a few days.

The task force said that at the beginning of November the situation may further deteriorate on account of localised emissions during festivals and regional contribution due to stubble burning.

In view of this and considering previous years' experience, the task force recommended a few additional measures as proactive steps to deal with the situation for consideration by the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority.

It has recommended avoiding outdoor strenuous exercises, minimal use of private vehicles to reduce exposure to toxic air.

Other measures included shut down of coal and biomass-based industries (excluding thermal and waste-to-energy plants) from November 4 to 10, intensification of efforts by transport department to check polluting vehicles and controlling traffic congestion in Delhi-NCR between November 1 and 10, according to the minutes of the meeting.

The task force also recommended efforts to provide uninterrupted power supply in NCR areas to avoid the requirement of operating diesel generator (DG) sets.

D Saha, former air quality chief at CPCB, said meteorological factors like wind speed, solar direction and temperature are mostly responsible for increasing pollution levels in the city.

"If these factors come under control, the air quality automatically improves," he said.

The measures recommended by the task force are only preventive steps and not to create panic as the air pollution in Delhi is governed by meteorological conditions, he said.

"One strong wind is enough for dispersion of entire pollutants load. Clear sky in south, southeast and western part will improve ventilation coefficient and will improve situation in Delhi and NCR," Saha said.

The India Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, said large number of biomass fire spots were seen in satellite imageries in neighbouring states of Delhi.

"The prevailing meteorological conditions are not very favourable for dispersal of pollutants for next two days due to very low ventilation index and low wind speed," the IITM warned.

"As per Air Quality Forecast, the Air Quality is likely to be in very poor to severe category at various places in Delhi for the next two days. The dominant pollutant of AQ Index is PM2.5 and PM10," the IITM said.

Delhi's air quality remained very poor for the fourth day Saturday with five areas of the national capital recording severe pollution levels.

The CPCB recorded the overall? Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 341. The highest AQI of the season was recorded on Friday at 361.

On Saturday,&nbsp;five areas recorded severe pollution levels. They are Anand Vihar, Dwarka Sector 8, Narela, Punjabi Bagh and Rohini. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest pollution level in the national capital at 434.

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".

Avoiding outdoor exercises and minimal use of private vehicles are some of the measures the CPCB-led task force has suggested for implementation in Delhi-NCR during the first 10 days of November as the air quality is likely to deteriorate further owing to localised emissions around festivals and stubble burning in neighbouring states.

Avoiding outdoor exercises and minimal use of private vehicles are some of the measures the CPCB-led task force has suggested for implementation in Delhi-NCR during the first 10 days of November as the air quality is likely to deteriorate further owing to localised emissions around festivals and stubble burning in neighbouring states. The Central Pollution Control Board's task force also recommended closure of all construction activities that generate dust pollution between November 1 and 10. In a meeting with representatives from Environment Ministry, IMD, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Haryana Pollution Control Board and Delhi Pollution Control Board Friday, the task force apprised the members on the levels of air pollution in Delhi-NCR showing an upward trend. Siddharth Singh, a representative from the India Meteorological Department, said Delhi's air quality, which has deteriorated to the very poor level, would continue to remain in that category for a few days. The task force said that at the beginning of November the situation may further deteriorate on account of localised emissions during festivals and regional contribution due to stubble burning. In view of this and considering previous years' experience, the task force recommended a few additional measures as proactive steps to deal with the situation for consideration by the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority. It has recommended avoiding outdoor strenuous exercises, minimal use of private vehicles to reduce exposure to toxic air. Other measures included shut down of coal and biomass-based industries (excluding thermal and waste-to-energy plants) from November 4 to 10, intensification of efforts by transport department to check polluting vehicles and controlling traffic congestion in Delhi-NCR between November 1 and 10, according to the minutes of the meeting. The task force also recommended efforts to provide uninterrupted power supply in NCR areas to avoid the requirement of operating diesel generator (DG) sets. D Saha, former air quality chief at CPCB, said meteorological factors like wind speed, solar direction and temperature are mostly responsible for increasing pollution levels in the city. "If these factors come under control, the air quality automatically improves," he said. The measures recommended by the task force are only preventive steps and not to create panic as the air pollution in Delhi is governed by meteorological conditions, he said. "One strong wind is enough for dispersion of entire pollutants load. Clear sky in south, southeast and western part will improve ventilation coefficient and will improve situation in Delhi and NCR," Saha said. The India Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, said large number of biomass fire spots were seen in satellite imageries in neighbouring states of Delhi. "The prevailing meteorological conditions are not very favourable for dispersal of pollutants for next two days due to very low ventilation index and low wind speed," the IITM warned. "As per Air Quality Forecast, the Air Quality is likely to be in very poor to severe category at various places in Delhi for the next two days. The dominant pollutant of AQ Index is PM2.5 and PM10," the IITM said. Delhi's air quality remained very poor for the fourth day Saturday with five areas of the national capital recording severe pollution levels. The CPCB recorded the overall? Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 341. The highest AQI of the season was recorded on Friday at 361. On Saturday, five areas recorded severe pollution levels. They are Anand Vihar, Dwarka Sector 8, Narela, Punjabi Bagh and Rohini. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest pollution level in the national capital at 434. 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".

Delhi air deteriorates; avoid outdoor activities, minimise use of private vehicles, warns CPCB

BJP president Amit Shah Saturday extended full support to the protest by Ayyappa devotees against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme court order on the entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala temple, saying the Left government was trying to "suppress" the agitation by force.

Addressing party workers after inaugurating the district BJP office here, Shah said the state government was using police force to challenge the protest by devotees.

He condemned the arrest of over 2,000 devotees, including RSS and Sangh Parivar activists, across the state agitating against the entry of women of all ages into the temple.

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Shah, who began his speech with 'Swamiya Saranam Ayyappa' mantra, said the LDF government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would have to pay a "heavy price" if the suppression of the agitation continues.

In a warning to Vijayan, he said the effort by his government to clamp down on the agitation amounted to "playing with fire".

"Chief Minister must stop the brutality in the name of implementing the SC verdict," he said adding that even women in the state were against the government move to implement the top court's order.

Alleging that the Left government was trying to "destroy" Sabarimala temple and the "Hindu traditions," the BJP chief said the saffron party won't allow the CPI(M)-led government to "gamble with Hindu faith."

"There is no restriction for women to offer prayers in any other Ayyappa temple... The uniqueness of the Sabarimala shrine has to be protected," he said.

"The communist government is conspiring against temples. They have created an emergency like situation in Kerala," he added.

Recalling that the Left government had not implemented several court orders before, Shah said the court order in the matter should be implemented by respecting the sentiments of devotees.

Making it clear that the saffron party was all set to make the Sabarimala issue one of its main agendas in the state, he concluded his speech by asking party workers to call "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa."

The temple had witnessed high drama with around a dozen women in 10-50 age group being prevented from entering the temple by protesting devotees after the doors were opened for all women following the apex court verdict.

BJP president Amit Shah Saturday extended full support to the protest by Ayyappa devotees against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme court order on the entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala temple, saying the Left government was trying to "suppress" the agitation by force.

BJP president Amit Shah Saturday extended full support to the protest by Ayyappa devotees against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme court order on the entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala temple, saying the Left government was trying to "suppress" the agitation by force. Addressing party workers after inaugurating the district BJP office here, Shah said the state government was using police force to challenge the protest by devotees. He condemned the arrest of over 2,000 devotees, including RSS and Sangh Parivar activists, across the state agitating against the entry of women of all ages into the temple. Today in Kerala a struggle is going on between religious beliefs and state Govt's cruelty. More than 2000 activists and workers from BJP, RSS and other orgs have been arrested. BJP is standing like a rock with devotees, Left Govt be warned: Amit Shah in Kannur. #Sabarimala pic.twitter.com/nPPoUFHIKx — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2018 × Shah, who began his speech with 'Swamiya Saranam Ayyappa' mantra, said the LDF government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan would have to pay a "heavy price" if the suppression of the agitation continues. In a warning to Vijayan, he said the effort by his government to clamp down on the agitation amounted to "playing with fire". "Chief Minister must stop the brutality in the name of implementing the SC verdict," he said adding that even women in the state were against the government move to implement the top court's order. Alleging that the Left government was trying to "destroy" Sabarimala temple and the "Hindu traditions," the BJP chief said the saffron party won't allow the CPI(M)-led government to "gamble with Hindu faith." "There is no restriction for women to offer prayers in any other Ayyappa temple... The uniqueness of the Sabarimala shrine has to be protected," he said. "The communist government is conspiring against temples. They have created an emergency like situation in Kerala," he added. Recalling that the Left government had not implemented several court orders before, Shah said the court order in the matter should be implemented by respecting the sentiments of devotees. Making it clear that the saffron party was all set to make the Sabarimala issue one of its main agendas in the state, he concluded his speech by asking party workers to call "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa." The temple had witnessed high drama with around a dozen women in 10-50 age group being prevented from entering the temple by protesting devotees after the doors were opened for all women following the apex court verdict.

Amit Shah backs Sabarimala devotees, slams Kerala govt on arrest of protesters

Activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, both accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, have been sent to police custody till November 6 by a Pune Sessions Court.

On Friday, the Supreme Court rejected a review petition filed by historian Romila Thapar against the verdict that refused a Special Investigation Team-led (SIT) probe into the house arrests of five activists in the case in August and allowed Maharashtra Police to continue with the investigation.

On Wednesday, the apex court declined to hold an urgent hearing over Thapar's review plea against its ruling.

The top court allowed the Maharashtra Police to continue with its probe.

Thapar, along with four other activists, had earlier filed a petition in the apex court against the house arrest of the five activists in connection to the Bhima Koregaon violence case.

On September 28, the top court turned down the request and extended the house arrest.

The five activists, namely poet Vara Vara Rao, lawyer Sudha Bhardwaj, activists Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, and Gautam Navlakha, have been under house arrest since August 29 for their alleged involvement in the violence which took place on January 1.

The five accused were arrested from various cities for their alleged involvement in the violence that erupted earlier this year during the 200th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle. One person was killed and scores were injured in the clashes.&nbsp;

Activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, both accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, have been sent to police custody till November 6 by a Pune Sessions Court.

Activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, both accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, have been sent to police custody till November 6 by a Pune Sessions Court. On Friday, the Supreme Court rejected a review petition filed by historian Romila Thapar against the verdict that refused a Special Investigation Team-led (SIT) probe into the house arrests of five activists in the case in August and allowed Maharashtra Police to continue with the investigation. On Wednesday, the apex court declined to hold an urgent hearing over Thapar's review plea against its ruling. The top court allowed the Maharashtra Police to continue with its probe. Thapar, along with four other activists, had earlier filed a petition in the apex court against the house arrest of the five activists in connection to the Bhima Koregaon violence case. On September 28, the top court turned down the request and extended the house arrest. The five activists, namely poet Vara Vara Rao, lawyer Sudha Bhardwaj, activists Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, and Gautam Navlakha, have been under house arrest since August 29 for their alleged involvement in the violence which took place on January 1. The five accused were arrested from various cities for their alleged involvement in the violence that erupted earlier this year during the 200th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle. One person was killed and scores were injured in the clashes.

Bhima Koregaon case: Gonsalves, Ferreira sent to police custody till November 6

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Qatar and Kuwait from October 28 to 31 in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region.

She will have engagements in Qatar on October 28 and 29 and in Kuwait on October 30 and 31, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

During her visit to Qatar, Swaraj will interact with her counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister. She will also call on Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar. During her visit, she will also interact with the Indian community in Doha, the MEA said.

India and Qatar share millennia old historic multi-dimensional, relations.

The bilateral visit of the Emir of Qatar in March 2015 and Prime Minister of Qatar to India in December 2016 and that of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Qatar in June 2016 have further boosted traditionally cordial and close ties between the two countries, the MEA said.

Qatar hosts about seven lakh Indians who form the largest expatriate community there. Qatar is a reliable energy partner, supplying more than 50 per cent of India's natural gas imports, it said.

India's bilateral trade with Qatar in 2017-18 was $ 9.9 billion, the MEA said.

The next leg of the visit would be to Kuwait, where Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait.

She will also call on the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and interact with the Indian community.

India and Kuwait have close and friendly bilateral relations. Kuwait is a reliable energy supplier to India and hosts about 10 lakh Indians forming the largest expatriate community. India's bilateral trade with Kuwait in 2017-18 was $ 8.5 billion, the MEA said.

This will be Swaraj's first visit as External Affairs Minister to both the countries.

The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region which is in India's extended neighbourhood.

It will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions with the political leadership on a wide range of global, regional and bilateral issues and will advance India's growing engagement with these countries in particular and the region in general, the MEA added.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Qatar and Kuwait from October 28 to 31 in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Qatar and Kuwait from October 28 to 31 in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region. She will have engagements in Qatar on October 28 and 29 and in Kuwait on October 30 and 31, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. During her visit to Qatar, Swaraj will interact with her counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister. She will also call on Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar. During her visit, she will also interact with the Indian community in Doha, the MEA said. India and Qatar share millennia old historic multi-dimensional, relations. The bilateral visit of the Emir of Qatar in March 2015 and Prime Minister of Qatar to India in December 2016 and that of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Qatar in June 2016 have further boosted traditionally cordial and close ties between the two countries, the MEA said. Qatar hosts about seven lakh Indians who form the largest expatriate community there. Qatar is a reliable energy partner, supplying more than 50 per cent of India's natural gas imports, it said. India's bilateral trade with Qatar in 2017-18 was $ 9.9 billion, the MEA said. The next leg of the visit would be to Kuwait, where Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait. She will also call on the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and interact with the Indian community. India and Kuwait have close and friendly bilateral relations. Kuwait is a reliable energy supplier to India and hosts about 10 lakh Indians forming the largest expatriate community. India's bilateral trade with Kuwait in 2017-18 was $ 8.5 billion, the MEA said. This will be Swaraj's first visit as External Affairs Minister to both the countries. The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region which is in India's extended neighbourhood. It will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions with the political leadership on a wide range of global, regional and bilateral issues and will advance India's growing engagement with these countries in particular and the region in general, the MEA added.

Sushma Swaraj to visit Qatar, Kuwait from October 28

A day after Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy said he will soon visit the island nation to raise the issue of the Indian fishermen and will also suggest a solution for resolving the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils.

The BJP leader took to Twitter to inform that he received a call from Sri Lanka's premier Mahinda Rajapaksha, whom he congratulated for being elevated as country's prime minister. The former Sri Lankan president had travelled to India last month on an invitation by the BJP Member of Parliament.

"I was happy to receive a call from Prime Minister Rajapaksha. I congratulated him and said I will come to Colombo soon and raise remaining issues of Sri Lankan Tamils and suggest solutions after consulting Sri Lankan Tamils. I also will raise the Indian fishermen issue with him," Swamy wrote on Twitter.

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I was happy to receive call from Prime Minister Rajapaksha. I congratulated him and said I will come to Colombo soon&amp;raise remaining issues of Sri Lankan Tamils and suggest solutions after consulting Sri Lankan Tamils. I also will raise the Indian fishermen issue with him.
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) <a href="https://twitter.com/Swamy39/status/1056014657968840704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, Sri Lankan President Maithripla Sirisena sacked country's prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with his (Sirisena) predecessor Rajapaksa after the collapse of the governing coalition between Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and United National Party (UNP), New York Times reported.

Underlining the risk of chaos in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka, where the government had been under pressure over a misfiring economy, Media and Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Twitter that the appointment of Rajapaksa as prime minister was a violation of the constitution, which was amended in 2015 to curtail the executive powers of the president.

DMK leader TRB Rajaa expressed gratification&nbsp;and wrote on Twitter: "CLEARLY this huge turnaround in #SriLanka has happened with the FULL "Aseervadham" of #Delhi."

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CLEARLY this huge turnaround in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> has happened with the FULL "Aseervadham" of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>
— T R B Rajaa (@TRBRajaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/TRBRajaa/status/1055851120684281857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Eelam People's Democratic Party Parliamentarian Douglas Devananda also expressed his support to the new Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

A day after Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy said he will soon visit the island nation to raise the issue of the Indian fishermen and will also suggest a solution for resolving the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils.

A day after Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy said he will soon visit the island nation to raise the issue of the Indian fishermen and will also suggest a solution for resolving the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils. The BJP leader took to Twitter to inform that he received a call from Sri Lanka's premier Mahinda Rajapaksha, whom he congratulated for being elevated as country's prime minister. The former Sri Lankan president had travelled to India last month on an invitation by the BJP Member of Parliament. "I was happy to receive a call from Prime Minister Rajapaksha. I congratulated him and said I will come to Colombo soon and raise remaining issues of Sri Lankan Tamils and suggest solutions after consulting Sri Lankan Tamils. I also will raise the Indian fishermen issue with him," Swamy wrote on Twitter. I was happy to receive call from Prime Minister Rajapaksha. I congratulated him and said I will come to Colombo soon&raise remaining issues of Sri Lankan Tamils and suggest solutions after consulting Sri Lankan Tamils. I also will raise the Indian fishermen issue with him. — Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) October 27, 2018 × On Friday, Sri Lankan President Maithripla Sirisena sacked country's prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with his (Sirisena) predecessor Rajapaksa after the collapse of the governing coalition between Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and United National Party (UNP), New York Times reported. Underlining the risk of chaos in Sri Lanka, where the government had been under pressure over a misfiring economy, Media and Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Twitter that the appointment of Rajapaksa as prime minister was a violation of the constitution, which was amended in 2015 to curtail the executive powers of the president. DMK leader TRB Rajaa expressed gratification and wrote on Twitter: "CLEARLY this huge turnaround in #SriLanka has happened with the FULL "Aseervadham" of #Delhi." CLEARLY this huge turnaround in #SriLanka has happened with the FULL "Aseervadham" of #Delhi — T R B Rajaa (@TRBRajaa) October 26, 2018 × Eelam People's Democratic Party Parliamentarian Douglas Devananda also expressed his support to the new Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Received a call from PM Rajapaksa, congratulated him; will visit Colombo soon: Subramanian Swamy

Pitching for "effective independence", RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya Friday said governments that do not respect central bank's independence would sooner or later incur the wrath of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/markets-need-rbis-assurance-169531">financial markets</a>.

Amid instances of apparent differences between the government and the RBI, Acharya emphasised that undermining a central bank's independence is akin to committing a "self goal" for any government.

Wiser politicians will give a central bank necessary autonomy so that they reap electoral benefits of stable macroeconomic conditions which such independence will bring, Acharya said here.

Delivering the AD Shroff Memorial Lecture, he said, "What matters is the effective independence with which these powers (vested in the Acts governing the RBI or any central bank) can be exercised in practice."

"Governments that do not respect central bank's 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.

Noting that markets have a keen eye on this aspect, he said that if uncertainty grows and confidence in central bank's independence and credibility erodes, "then markets rap bond yields and exchange rate on the knuckles!"

"Wiser governments which accord the necessary leeway will benefit through lower costs of borrowing, the love of international investors and longer life spans," he said.&nbsp;

In recent months, the RBI and the government have been apparently differing on approach to certain issues, such as those pertaining to payment systems regulator and Prompt Corrective Action (PAC) norms for banks.

In his over 85-minute long speech, the academic-turned-central banker seemed to be expressing some satisfaction with the level of independence achieved by the RBI but underlined the need for more leeway, especially for regulating state-run banks where the RBI cannot effect any management changes, balance sheet management where fiscally pressured government eyes the surplus, and "regulatory scope" like its ongoing tussle on who manages the payments landscape with government.

To illustrate the achievements, he pointed out the inflation targeting framework and the setting up of the rate setting panel and introduction of bankruptcy laws.

He termed the RBI as a "friend" of the government, which will "tell the government unpleasant but brutally honest truths and correct, to the extent it can, any adverse long-term consequences of government policies".

Acharya cited global experience to point out that not maintaining independence of central banks has led to deep economic troubles as in Argentina in 2010 and also pointed out that issues faced by countries like Turkey have their roots in central bank's independence.

The basic difference between a central bank and a "myopic" government is of the time horizon for which decisions are made, he said, comparing central banks with cricket Test teams and the executive arms of the government as T-20 teams looking for quick results.

The speech comes amid a host of issues on which the RBI is reportedly sparring with the government.

It comes exactly a week after it decided to go public with its displeasure on who will regulate payment systems by posting a dissent note, and amid pressure from the government to relax the prompt corrective action (PCA) norms which restrict lenders' activities for having high levels of dud assets and depleting capital reserves.

"Sweeping bank loan losses under the rug by compromising supervisory and regulatory standards can create a facade of financial stability in the short run, but inevitably cause the fragile deck of cards to fall in a heap at some point in future, likely with a greater taxpayer bill and loss of potential output," he said, pointing to the over&nbsp; 
Rs 10.50 lakh crore NPAs the banking system is plagued with.

He also spoke about the scenarios which can compromise the central bank's independence such as appointment of government officials rather than technocrats to key positions such as governor, erosion of its powers through "piece-meal legislative amendments", blocking of rule-based central bank policies and setting up of parallel regulatory agencies.

Acharya concluded his speech asserting that "independent central bankers will remain undeterred", making clear the institutional resolve.&nbsp;

Pitching for "effective independence", RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya Friday said governments that do not respect central bank's independence would sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets.

Pitching for "effective independence", RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya Friday said governments that do not respect central bank's independence would sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets. Amid instances of apparent differences between the government and the RBI, Acharya emphasised that undermining a central bank's independence is akin to committing a "self goal" for any government. Wiser politicians will give a central bank necessary autonomy so that they reap electoral benefits of stable macroeconomic conditions which such independence will bring, Acharya said here. Delivering the AD Shroff Memorial Lecture, he said, "What matters is the effective independence with which these powers (vested in the Acts governing the RBI or any central bank) can be exercised in practice." "Governments that do not respect central bank's 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. Noting that markets have a keen eye on this aspect, he said that if uncertainty grows and confidence in central bank's independence and credibility erodes, "then markets rap bond yields and exchange rate on the knuckles!" "Wiser governments which accord the necessary leeway will benefit through lower costs of borrowing, the love of international investors and longer life spans," he said. In recent months, the RBI and the government have been apparently differing on approach to certain issues, such as those pertaining to payment systems regulator and Prompt Corrective Action (PAC) norms for banks. In his over 85-minute long speech, the academic-turned-central banker seemed to be expressing some satisfaction with the level of independence achieved by the RBI but underlined the need for more leeway, especially for regulating state-run banks where the RBI cannot effect any management changes, balance sheet management where fiscally pressured government eyes the surplus, and "regulatory scope" like its ongoing tussle on who manages the payments landscape with government. To illustrate the achievements, he pointed out the inflation targeting framework and the setting up of the rate setting panel and introduction of bankruptcy laws. He termed the RBI as a "friend" of the government, which will "tell the government unpleasant but brutally honest truths and correct, to the extent it can, any adverse long-term consequences of government policies". Acharya cited global experience to point out that not maintaining independence of central banks has led to deep economic troubles as in Argentina in 2010 and also pointed out that issues faced by countries like Turkey have their roots in central bank's independence. The basic difference between a central bank and a "myopic" government is of the time horizon for which decisions are made, he said, comparing central banks with cricket Test teams and the executive arms of the government as T-20 teams looking for quick results. The speech comes amid a host of issues on which the RBI is reportedly sparring with the government. It comes exactly a week after it decided to go public with its displeasure on who will regulate payment systems by posting a dissent note, and amid pressure from the government to relax the prompt corrective action (PCA) norms which restrict lenders' activities for having high levels of dud assets and depleting capital reserves. "Sweeping bank loan losses under the rug by compromising supervisory and regulatory standards can create a facade of financial stability in the short run, but inevitably cause the fragile deck of cards to fall in a heap at some point in future, likely with a greater taxpayer bill and loss of potential output," he said, pointing to the over Rs 10.50 lakh crore NPAs the banking system is plagued with. He also spoke about the scenarios which can compromise the central bank's independence such as appointment of government officials rather than technocrats to key positions such as governor, erosion of its powers through "piece-meal legislative amendments", blocking of rule-based central bank policies and setting up of parallel regulatory agencies. Acharya concluded his speech asserting that "independent central bankers will remain undeterred", making clear the institutional resolve.

A govt that does not respect RBI's independence will incur wrath of markets: RBI Deputy Governor

The opposition RJD in Bihar on Friday sought to fish in troubled waters, scoffing at the BJP for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-bjp-jdu-to-contest-equal-number-of-seats-in-bihar-173681">agreeing to treat the JD(U) as its equal in terms of seat-sharing</a> while "neglecting trusted allies" like Ram Vilas Paswan and Upendra Kushwaha in order to woo an "undependable" Nitish Kumar.

RJD heir-apparent Tejashwi Yadav made the statement hours after BJP national president Amit Shah, in a press conference in New Delhi, said that his party and the JD(U) will be assigned "an equal number" of seats and the remaining two allies will be "duly represented".

"The BJP had won 22 out of 40 seats in Bihar in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Its willingness to treat Kumar as an equal partner, whose JD(U) had won only two seats and lost its deposit in most, shows the desperation on part of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the leader of the opposition in the state assembly told reporters here.

"Moreover, the meeting between Shah and Kumar gives the impression that the BJP has made up its mind to go with the JD(U) chief, who is undependable having cheated both them (BJP) and us (RJD), and given a short shrift to Paswan and Kushwaha, who have been firmly with the NDA," the former deputy Bihar Chief Minister said.

About his meeting with Kushwaha&nbsp;who heads the RLSP earlier in the day at Arwal district, Yadav said, "People are free to draw their own conclusions. I can only say that the meeting was not pre-planned. It was a coincidence that he and I were at the Circuit House at the same time and hence it was natural for us to exchange pleasantries."

Pressed further, he said, "It is probably the first time that I have met Kushwaha in person. As far as prospects of his joining our Mahagathbandhan is concerned, we had invited him to do so long ago and the invitation stands. It is for him to accept it or ignore it."

Speculations have been rife, for quite some time that Kushwaha might gravitate towards the Grand Alliance which at present comprises the RJD, the Congress and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha.

The speculations have gained ground since RJD national vice president and state unit chief Shivanand Tiwary and Ram Chandra Purve respectively turned up at a "human chain" organised by the RLSP and got photographed holding Kushwaha's hands even as leaders of the BJP and the JD(U) remained conspicuous by their absence.

A couple of months ago Kushwaha, despite having repeatedly said that he will remain with the NDA, said that he looked forward to preparing a "kheer" -- cooked with the help of rice grown traditionally by members of his caste and milk, produced by Yadavs -- which was seen as an indication of his willingness to form an alliance with the RJD.

Yadav, on his part, has been claiming that Kushwaha will leave the NDA and join the Grand Alliance following in the footsteps of Manjhi, who had quit the BJP-led coalition in February this year.

Like Manjhi, Kushwaha is a former JD(U) leader, who had formed his own party after falling out with Nitish Kumar and joined the NDA while the Bihar Chief Minister was out of the BJP-led coalition.

Kumar's return to the NDA last year was understood to have caused a lot of consternation among the likes of Kushwaha and Manjhi.

The opposition RJD in Bihar on Friday sought to fish in troubled waters, scoffing at the BJP for agreeing to treat the JD(U) as its equal in terms of seat-sharing while "neglecting trusted allies" like Ram Vilas Paswan and Upendra Kushwaha in order to woo an "undependable" Nitish Kumar.

The opposition RJD in Bihar on Friday sought to fish in troubled waters, scoffing at the BJP for agreeing to treat the JD(U) as its equal in terms of seat-sharing while "neglecting trusted allies" like Ram Vilas Paswan and Upendra Kushwaha in order to woo an "undependable" Nitish Kumar. RJD heir-apparent Tejashwi Yadav made the statement hours after BJP national president Amit Shah, in a press conference in New Delhi, said that his party and the JD(U) will be assigned "an equal number" of seats and the remaining two allies will be "duly represented". "The BJP had won 22 out of 40 seats in Bihar in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Its willingness to treat Kumar as an equal partner, whose JD(U) had won only two seats and lost its deposit in most, shows the desperation on part of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the leader of the opposition in the state assembly told reporters here. "Moreover, the meeting between Shah and Kumar gives the impression that the BJP has made up its mind to go with the JD(U) chief, who is undependable having cheated both them (BJP) and us (RJD), and given a short shrift to Paswan and Kushwaha, who have been firmly with the NDA," the former deputy Bihar Chief Minister said. About his meeting with Kushwaha who heads the RLSP earlier in the day at Arwal district, Yadav said, "People are free to draw their own conclusions. I can only say that the meeting was not pre-planned. It was a coincidence that he and I were at the Circuit House at the same time and hence it was natural for us to exchange pleasantries." Pressed further, he said, "It is probably the first time that I have met Kushwaha in person. As far as prospects of his joining our Mahagathbandhan is concerned, we had invited him to do so long ago and the invitation stands. It is for him to accept it or ignore it." Speculations have been rife, for quite some time that Kushwaha might gravitate towards the Grand Alliance which at present comprises the RJD, the Congress and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha. The speculations have gained ground since RJD national vice president and state unit chief Shivanand Tiwary and Ram Chandra Purve respectively turned up at a "human chain" organised by the RLSP and got photographed holding Kushwaha's hands even as leaders of the BJP and the JD(U) remained conspicuous by their absence. A couple of months ago Kushwaha, despite having repeatedly said that he will remain with the NDA, said that he looked forward to preparing a "kheer" -- cooked with the help of rice grown traditionally by members of his caste and milk, produced by Yadavs -- which was seen as an indication of his willingness to form an alliance with the RJD. Yadav, on his part, has been claiming that Kushwaha will leave the NDA and join the Grand Alliance following in the footsteps of Manjhi, who had quit the BJP-led coalition in February this year. Like Manjhi, Kushwaha is a former JD(U) leader, who had formed his own party after falling out with Nitish Kumar and joined the NDA while the Bihar Chief Minister was out of the BJP-led coalition. Kumar's return to the NDA last year was understood to have caused a lot of consternation among the likes of Kushwaha and Manjhi.

BJP-JD(U) seat sharing: RJD scoffs at saffron party for 'neglecting trusted allies' in Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Japan on Saturday to attend the annual summit on October 28 and 29 with his counterpart Shinzo Abe.

In a statement Friday, before leaving for Japan, Modi described India and Japan a "winning combination" and said the island nation is New Delhi's most trusted partner in its economic and technological modernisation.

He said India's partnership with Japan is of great substance and purpose.

"We have a special strategic and global partnership. Our ties with Japan, both economic and strategic, stand completely transformed in recent years. It is today a partnership of great substance and purpose. It rests on the strong pillars of India's Act East Policy, and our shared vision and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," he said.

Modi said it will be his 12th meeting with Abe since he first visited Japan as prime minister in September 2014.

He said, as democracies, the two countries have shared values and they seek peace and prosperity for all.

"Our complementarities make India and Japan a winning combination. Japan today is one of the most trusted partners in India's economic and technological modernisations and one of the top investors in India," he pointed out.

The PM said projects such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail and Dedicated Freight Corridors reflect the high level and "strength of our economic engagement".

"Japan is also at the forefront of engaging in our national initiatives, such as 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Digital India', 'Start-Up India'... Japanese investors have faith in India's economic future, which is marked with myriad opportunities," Modi said.

He said India values Japan's global leadership in innovation, technologies and best practices and during his visit, he will have a chance to see some of Japan's high-tech capabilities in robotics.

"I will have wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and interact with business leaders and captains of industry from both countries. I will also address the Indian community. These interactions will help to further strengthen our trade and investment ties, and cooperation in new areas such as healthcare, digital technologies, agriculture and food processing, disaster risk reduction and disaster resilient infrastructure," he said.&nbsp;

He recalled that last year, he had hosted Prime Minister Abe and his wife Akie Abe in his home state Gujarat.

In a special gesture, Modi will be hosted by his Japanese counterpart for a private dinner at his holiday home in the picturesque Yamanashi prefecture on October 28, which will be, perhaps, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Japan on Saturday to attend the annual summit on October 28 and 29 with his counterpart Shinzo Abe. In a statement Friday, before leaving for Japan, Modi described India and Japan a "winning combination" and said the island nation is New Delhi's most trusted partner in its economic and technological modernisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Japan on Saturday to attend the annual summit on October 28 and 29 with his counterpart Shinzo Abe. In a statement Friday, before leaving for Japan, Modi described India and Japan a "winning combination" and said the island nation is New Delhi's most trusted partner in its economic and technological modernisation. He said India's partnership with Japan is of great substance and purpose. "We have a special strategic and global partnership. Our ties with Japan, both economic and strategic, stand completely transformed in recent years. It is today a partnership of great substance and purpose. It rests on the strong pillars of India's Act East Policy, and our shared vision and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," he said. Modi said it will be his 12th meeting with Abe since he first visited Japan as prime minister in September 2014. He said, as democracies, the two countries have shared values and they seek peace and prosperity for all. "Our complementarities make India and Japan a winning combination. Japan today is one of the most trusted partners in India's economic and technological modernisations and one of the top investors in India," he pointed out. The PM said projects such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail and Dedicated Freight Corridors reflect the high level and "strength of our economic engagement". "Japan is also at the forefront of engaging in our national initiatives, such as 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Digital India', 'Start-Up India'... Japanese investors have faith in India's economic future, which is marked with myriad opportunities," Modi said. He said India values Japan's global leadership in innovation, technologies and best practices and during his visit, he will have a chance to see some of Japan's high-tech capabilities in robotics. "I will have wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and interact with business leaders and captains of industry from both countries. I will also address the Indian community. These interactions will help to further strengthen our trade and investment ties, and cooperation in new areas such as healthcare, digital technologies, agriculture and food processing, disaster risk reduction and disaster resilient infrastructure," he said. He recalled that last year, he had hosted Prime Minister Abe and his wife Akie Abe in his home state Gujarat. In a special gesture, Modi will be hosted by his Japanese counterpart for a private dinner at his holiday home in the picturesque Yamanashi prefecture on October 28, which will be, perhaps, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

PM Modi leaves for two-day visit to Japan

The Appointments&nbsp;Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Saturday appointed a new ED interim director Sanjay Mishra for a period of three months.

Mishra has been appointed the interim director for a period of either three months or till the appointment of a regular incumbent, whichever is earlier.&nbsp;

The ACC has forwarded the "necessary communication" in the matter to the Department of Revenue.

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Sanjay Mishra appointed interim director of Enforcement Directorate(ED) by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), for a period of three months or till the appointment of a regular incumbent <a href="https://t.co/qycVerhvN3">pic.twitter.com/qycVerhvN3</a>
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The appointment has come as the current ED chief Karnal Singh is set to retire today.

Singh, a 1984-batch IPS officer of Union Territories cadre, will complete an over three-year tenure as the ED Director.

Sanjay Mishra, a 1984-batch Indian Revenue Service officer of the Income Tax cadre, has been appointed as the Principal Special Director in the agency and has been entrusted with the additional charge of ED Director for three months. 
 
Official sources said Mishra, posted as chief commissioner of Income Tax in Delhi at present, has not been empanelled as an additional secretary in the central government and hence has been given the top ED charge in an additional capacity.

He is expected to be empanelled soon and subsequently, will head the ED in a regular capacity, they said.

The ED director post is an additional secretary rank post in the Union government.

The ED enforces two major laws in the country to check black money&nbsp;the criminal Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)

(With inputs from agencies)

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Saturday appointed a new ED interim director Sanjay Mishra for a period of three months. Mishra has been appointed the interim director for a period of either three months or till the appointment of a regular incumbent, whichever is earlier.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Saturday appointed a new ED interim director Sanjay Mishra for a period of three months. Mishra has been appointed the interim director for a period of either three months or till the appointment of a regular incumbent, whichever is earlier. The ACC has forwarded the "necessary communication" in the matter to the Department of Revenue. Sanjay Mishra appointed interim director of Enforcement Directorate(ED) by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), for a period of three months or till the appointment of a regular incumbent pic.twitter.com/qycVerhvN3 — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2018 × The appointment has come as the current ED chief Karnal Singh is set to retire today. Singh, a 1984-batch IPS officer of Union Territories cadre, will complete an over three-year tenure as the ED Director. Sanjay Mishra, a 1984-batch Indian Revenue Service officer of the Income Tax cadre, has been appointed as the Principal Special Director in the agency and has been entrusted with the additional charge of ED Director for three months. Official sources said Mishra, posted as chief commissioner of Income Tax in Delhi at present, has not been empanelled as an additional secretary in the central government and hence has been given the top ED charge in an additional capacity. He is expected to be empanelled soon and subsequently, will head the ED in a regular capacity, they said. The ED director post is an additional secretary rank post in the Union government. The ED enforces two major laws in the country to check black money the criminal Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) (With inputs from agencies)

Government appoints Sanjay Mishra as ED interim director for 3 months

The government on Saturday submitted the details regarding the decision-making process in the controversial <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anil-ambanis-reliance-defence-tells-congress-to-behave-responsibly-while-talking-about-rafale-deal-160846">Rafale deal</a> to the Supreme Court.

The submission of the details of the deal with France to the apex court has come in the wake of severe attacks by the opposition on the Rafale deal.

Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism.&nbsp;

The Congress has been claiming that the Modi government has renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally.

He had said earlier that the UPA government had agreed to buy 126 Rafales at around Rs 526 crore a piece. "But after becoming prime minister, Narendra Modi ji goes to France along with Anil Ambani and purchased each Rafale jets at Rs 1,600 crore per piece".

He also attacked the government claiming that the prime minister had snatched the contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence.

The government, on the&nbsp;other hand, said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-defence-minister-hits-out-at-opposition-on-rafale-deal-173408">BJP-led NDA government has brought greater transparency</a> in defence deals.&nbsp;Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also claims that the government had no role in Dassault choosing the offset partner.&nbsp;

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Central government has submitted before Supreme Court the details of decision making process in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> deal with France with Court Secretary General, in sealed cover. <a href="https://t.co/XxkUYbO7Em">pic.twitter.com/XxkUYbO7Em</a>
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(With inputs from agencies)

The government on Saturday submitted the details regarding the decision-making process in the controversial Rafale deal to the Supreme Court. The submission of the details of the deal with France to the apex court has come in the wake of severe attacks by the opposition on the Rafale deal.

The government on Saturday submitted the details regarding the decision-making process in the controversial Rafale deal to the Supreme Court. The submission of the details of the deal with France to the apex court has come in the wake of severe attacks by the opposition on the Rafale deal. Gandhi and his Congress party have been attacking the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and favouritism. The Congress has been claiming that the Modi government has renegotiated the contract to benefit crony capitalists and reduced India's prestige globally. He had said earlier that the UPA government had agreed to buy 126 Rafales at around Rs 526 crore a piece. "But after becoming prime minister, Narendra Modi ji goes to France along with Anil Ambani and purchased each Rafale jets at Rs 1,600 crore per piece". He also attacked the government claiming that the prime minister had snatched the contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence. The government, on the other hand, said that the BJP-led NDA government has brought greater transparency in defence deals. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also claims that the government had no role in Dassault choosing the offset partner. Central government has submitted before Supreme Court the details of decision making process in the #Rafale deal with France with Court Secretary General, in sealed cover. pic.twitter.com/XxkUYbO7Em — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2018 × (With inputs from agencies)

Government submits details of decision making in Rafale deal to Supreme Court

Nearly a month after quitting the Nationalist Congress Party, Tariq Anwar Saturday joined the Congress after meeting its chief Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, sources said.

Anwar along with his supporters met Gandhi at his Tughlaq Lane residence and was welcomed into the party fold, the sources said.

The former MP from Katihar Lok Sabha constituency would make a formal announcement of his joining the Congress party later in the day, they said.

Anwar announced he was quitting the NCP and was also giving up his Lok Sabha membership on September 28 after Sharad Pawar's "defence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Rafale fighter jet deal. Pawar was quoted in the media as having given a clean chit to Modi on the deal.

Pawar, however, had clarified he was misquoted in the reports and he had given no such clean chit to Modi.

A former president of Congress's Bihar unit, Anwar formed the NCP in the 1990s along with Pawar and the late P A Sangma, opposing Sonia Gandhi taking over as AICC president on grounds of her foreign origin.

The party thereafter allied with the Congress at the national level and also in Maharashtra.

Nearly a month after quitting the Nationalist Congress Party, Tariq Anwar Saturday joined the Congress after meeting its chief Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, sources said.

Nearly a month after quitting the Nationalist Congress Party, Tariq Anwar Saturday joined the Congress after meeting its chief Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, sources said. Anwar along with his supporters met Gandhi at his Tughlaq Lane residence and was welcomed into the party fold, the sources said. The former MP from Katihar Lok Sabha constituency would make a formal announcement of his joining the Congress party later in the day, they said. Anwar announced he was quitting the NCP and was also giving up his Lok Sabha membership on September 28 after Sharad Pawar's "defence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Rafale fighter jet deal. Pawar was quoted in the media as having given a clean chit to Modi on the deal. Pawar, however, had clarified he was misquoted in the reports and he had given no such clean chit to Modi. A former president of Congress's Bihar unit, Anwar formed the NCP in the 1990s along with Pawar and the late P A Sangma, opposing Sonia Gandhi taking over as AICC president on grounds of her foreign origin. The party thereafter allied with the Congress at the national level and also in Maharashtra.

Former NCP leader Tariq Anwar joins Congress

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Thursday conducted searches at two locations of human rights watchdog Amnesty International India here in connection with a foreign exchange contravention case, the agency said.

The searches, officials said, were launched late noon under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) at the two locations of the NGO in the Karnataka capital and the sleuths of the central probe agency are looking for documents and other evidences.

The searches are in connection with alleged violation of foreign direct investment (FDI) norms that is linked to an earlier case of revocation of FCRA licence of the NGO by the Union Home Ministry in 2010, the ED said.

"After Amnesty International India Foundation Trust (AIIFT) was denied the permission/registration under FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) by the MHA (ministry of home affairs) they resorted to bypass the FCRA by floating commercial entity in the name of Amnesty lnternational India Pvt Ltd (AIIPL).&nbsp;

"This entity has received foreign funds through commercial route to the extent of Rs 36 crore till date," the ED said in a statement.&nbsp;

Out of the total amount of Rs 36 crore, it said, Rs 10 crore was received as long term loans.&nbsp;

"This amount was immediately placed in FDs (fixed deposits) and another Indian entity-- Indians for Amnesty International Trust (IAIT) had established an over draft facility for Rs 14.25 crore keeping the said 10 crore FD as collateral which means the receipt of FDI by trust only.&nbsp;

"The remaining Rs 26 crore was received in two other bank accounts of AIIPL as consultancy services. The inwards remittances received by the AIIPL from overseas is in violation of FDI guidelines," it said.&nbsp;

In this background, searches were conducted at Bengaluru office of the NGO and further probe is in progress, it said.

The agency, sometime back, had frozen over a dozen bank accounts of environmental NGO Greenpeace and its linked entity after it conducted searches at their premises in Bengaluru on charges of alleged forex violations after taking cognisance of the FCRA action against it.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Thursday conducted searches at two locations of human rights watchdog Amnesty International India here in connection with a foreign exchange contravention case, the agency said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Thursday conducted searches at two locations of human rights watchdog Amnesty International India here in connection with a foreign exchange contravention case, the agency said. The searches, officials said, were launched late noon under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) at the two locations of the NGO in the Karnataka capital and the sleuths of the central probe agency are looking for documents and other evidences. The searches are in connection with alleged violation of foreign direct investment (FDI) norms that is linked to an earlier case of revocation of FCRA licence of the NGO by the Union Home Ministry in 2010, the ED said. "After Amnesty International India Foundation Trust (AIIFT) was denied the permission/registration under FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) by the MHA (ministry of home affairs) they resorted to bypass the FCRA by floating commercial entity in the name of Amnesty lnternational India Pvt Ltd (AIIPL). "This entity has received foreign funds through commercial route to the extent of Rs 36 crore till date," the ED said in a statement. Out of the total amount of Rs 36 crore, it said, Rs 10 crore was received as long term loans. "This amount was immediately placed in FDs (fixed deposits) and another Indian entity-- Indians for Amnesty International Trust (IAIT) had established an over draft facility for Rs 14.25 crore keeping the said 10 crore FD as collateral which means the receipt of FDI by trust only. "The remaining Rs 26 crore was received in two other bank accounts of AIIPL as consultancy services. The inwards remittances received by the AIIPL from overseas is in violation of FDI guidelines," it said. In this background, searches were conducted at Bengaluru office of the NGO and further probe is in progress, it said. The agency, sometime back, had frozen over a dozen bank accounts of environmental NGO Greenpeace and its linked entity after it conducted searches at their premises in Bengaluru on charges of alleged forex violations after taking cognisance of the FCRA action against it.

Our structure compliant with Indian laws: Amnesty India

The Enforcement Directorate Friday moved a special court here to get the owners of Gujarat-based Sterling Biotech group, charged in an alleged Rs 8,100-crore bank loan fraud case, declared fugitive economic offenders under a new law, officials said.

They said the central agency has filed a plea before a special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), seeking to declare Nitin Sandesara, Chetan Sandesara, Dipti Sandesara and Hitesh Patel fugitives under Section 4 of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, brought by the Modi government this year to check cases of large bank frauds and similar crimes.

"All the four are promoters of the Sterling Group and have fled the country to avoid criminal probe against them in a Rs 8,100-crore bank loan fraud involving a consortium of banks," a senior official said.

The agency has also sought confiscation of the assets worth over Rs 5,000 crore of the Vadodara-based business family as part of the action under the fugitive law.

The agency has filed a fresh chargesheet in this case, under the PMLA, early this week and had charged the Sandesaras and others with money laundering and siphoning bank loans.

While the Sandesaras are reported to be based in Nigeria, Patel is said to be in the US.

The agency will also move for their extradition soon, they said.

The ED had made similar pleas, under the new fugitive law, against Vijay Mallya and diamond jewellers Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi in separate bank loan money laundering probes.

The Enforcement Directorate Friday moved a special court here to get the owners of Gujarat-based Sterling Biotech group, charged in an alleged Rs 8,100-crore bank loan fraud case, declared fugitive economic offenders under a new law, officials said.

The Enforcement Directorate Friday moved a special court here to get the owners of Gujarat-based Sterling Biotech group, charged in an alleged Rs 8,100-crore bank loan fraud case, declared fugitive economic offenders under a new law, officials said. They said the central agency has filed a plea before a special court of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), seeking to declare Nitin Sandesara, Chetan Sandesara, Dipti Sandesara and Hitesh Patel fugitives under Section 4 of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, brought by the Modi government this year to check cases of large bank frauds and similar crimes. "All the four are promoters of the Sterling Group and have fled the country to avoid criminal probe against them in a Rs 8,100-crore bank loan fraud involving a consortium of banks," a senior official said. The agency has also sought confiscation of the assets worth over Rs 5,000 crore of the Vadodara-based business family as part of the action under the fugitive law. The agency has filed a fresh chargesheet in this case, under the PMLA, early this week and had charged the Sandesaras and others with money laundering and siphoning bank loans. While the Sandesaras are reported to be based in Nigeria, Patel is said to be in the US. The agency will also move for their extradition soon, they said. The ED had made similar pleas, under the new fugitive law, against Vijay Mallya and diamond jewellers Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi in separate bank loan money laundering probes.

Rs 8,100 crore bank loan fraud: ED moves court against Sterling Biotech group promoters

Sexual violence and abductions continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations which disproportionately affect women, India has said as it asked the UN Security Council to sanction individuals and entities involved in gender-based violence.&nbsp;

The remarks by Paulomi Tripathi, First Secretary in the India's Permanent Mission here, came after UN chief Antonio Guterres reported a huge increase in such brutalities.&nbsp;

"Today, there is greater awareness about the centrality of meaningful participation of women in peace processes and incorporation of gender perspectives in UN's peace and security efforts," Tripathi said.

Despite these efforts, women's role and perspectives in peace processes remain largely neglected, she said during the UN Security Council open debate on "promoting the implementation of women, peace and security agenda and sustaining peace through women's political and economic empowerment".&nbsp;

"Sexual violence, abductions and human trafficking continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations. Rapidly expanding trans-boundary criminal networks finance terror, supply arms, recruit and train of foreign fighters and destabilise whole regions which disproportionately affect women," she said.

"Large scale movements of refugees emanating from armed conflicts increase the vulnerability of women to discrimination and exploitation, she said. 
Tripathi said India appreciates Secretary General's emphasis and achievement on gender parity in UN's senior leadership.&nbsp;

"As the General Assembly focuses on gender sensitive and inclusive development to build peaceful and resilient societies, the Council must push for effective cooperation on countering terrorism that threatens peace and security," she said.

"The Council must make all efforts to realize the full potential of integrating women, peace and security considerations in sanctions regimes. The Sanctions Committees of the Security Council need to address the issue of proactively listing terrorist individuals and entities involved in sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflicts," she said.&nbsp;

International cooperation for prosecution of criminals engaged in transboundary crimes is important to bring justice to the victims, large number of whom is women and girls, she added. &nbsp;

In India, she said the discourse on women's empowerment has progressed from viewing women as beneficiaries of welfare schemes to mainstreaming their concerns and harnessing their leadership for inclusive development.&nbsp;

More than 1.3 million directly elected women representatives participate in formulating and implementing gender responsive policies in India. Gender-based budgeting has proved beneficial for mainstreaming of gender perspectives in policy implementation across sectors, she said

"India is committed to a higher representation of women in peacekeeping missions and has fulfilled the pledge to have 15 per cent of military observers as women," she said as she cited the example of the landmark first ever deployment by UN of all Female Formed Police Unit in Liberia by India.

The deployment became a role model to the local women to participate in policing and in relevant rule of law frameworks. India is also committed to provide another all-female formed police unit," she said.

India also fully supports UN Secretary General Guterres' zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, and strong commitment to achieving gender parity in peace operations, she said.

"India stands ready to engage with our partners to work towards ensuring the meaningful participation of women and mainstreaming of women, peace and security considerations for building inclusive, peaceful and resilient societies," Tripathi said.&nbsp;

Sexual violence and abductions continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations which disproportionately affect women, India has said as it asked the UN Security Council to sanction individuals and entities involved in gender-based violence.

Sexual violence and abductions continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations which disproportionately affect women, India has said as it asked the UN Security Council to sanction individuals and entities involved in gender-based violence. The remarks by Paulomi Tripathi, First Secretary in the India's Permanent Mission here, came after UN chief Antonio Guterres reported a huge increase in such brutalities. "Today, there is greater awareness about the centrality of meaningful participation of women in peace processes and incorporation of gender perspectives in UN's peace and security efforts," Tripathi said. Despite these efforts, women's role and perspectives in peace processes remain largely neglected, she said during the UN Security Council open debate on "promoting the implementation of women, peace and security agenda and sustaining peace through women's political and economic empowerment". "Sexual violence, abductions and human trafficking continue to be used as weapons of war in armed conflict by non-state actors and terrorist organisations. Rapidly expanding trans-boundary criminal networks finance terror, supply arms, recruit and train of foreign fighters and destabilise whole regions which disproportionately affect women," she said. "Large scale movements of refugees emanating from armed conflicts increase the vulnerability of women to discrimination and exploitation, she said. Tripathi said India appreciates Secretary General's emphasis and achievement on gender parity in UN's senior leadership. "As the General Assembly focuses on gender sensitive and inclusive development to build peaceful and resilient societies, the Council must push for effective cooperation on countering terrorism that threatens peace and security," she said. "The Council must make all efforts to realize the full potential of integrating women, peace and security considerations in sanctions regimes. The Sanctions Committees of the Security Council need to address the issue of proactively listing terrorist individuals and entities involved in sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflicts," she said. International cooperation for prosecution of criminals engaged in transboundary crimes is important to bring justice to the victims, large number of whom is women and girls, she added. In India, she said the discourse on women's empowerment has progressed from viewing women as beneficiaries of welfare schemes to mainstreaming their concerns and harnessing their leadership for inclusive development. More than 1.3 million directly elected women representatives participate in formulating and implementing gender responsive policies in India. Gender-based budgeting has proved beneficial for mainstreaming of gender perspectives in policy implementation across sectors, she said "India is committed to a higher representation of women in peacekeeping missions and has fulfilled the pledge to have 15 per cent of military observers as women," she said as she cited the example of the landmark first ever deployment by UN of all Female Formed Police Unit in Liberia by India. The deployment became a role model to the local women to participate in policing and in relevant rule of law frameworks. India is also committed to provide another all-female formed police unit," she said. India also fully supports UN Secretary General Guterres' zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, and strong commitment to achieving gender parity in peace operations, she said. "India stands ready to engage with our partners to work towards ensuring the meaningful participation of women and mainstreaming of women, peace and security considerations for building inclusive, peaceful and resilient societies," Tripathi said.

India asks UN to impose sanctions against terrorists for sexual violence

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday agreed to hear the petition on the internal feud between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-top-boss-and-deputy-removed-nageswar-rao-takes-interim-charge-173104">Director and special director of CBI</a> and the consequent decision of Centre to ask ex-CBI top boss Alok Verma to go on leave.&nbsp;

However, as per available information, Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana both have been asked to proceed on leave pending inquiry with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).&nbsp;

The petition was filed by former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director, Alok Verma who moved Supreme Court against the order on him being sent on leave.&nbsp;

His plea will be heard by the Supreme Court on Friday.

Earlier on Tuesday night, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) top boss Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana, the special director who is the No 2 at CBI have been asked to go on leave in the midst of an internal rift over bribery allegations against the latter.&nbsp;CBI joint director Nageshwar Rao took over the charge of the investigation agency as new interim chief.
<img alt="CBI" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d351c90-3d51-4ae2-975e-7d12728c8c9c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/CBI_0.jpg" />
Nageshwar Rao, a 1986 batch Indian Police Service officer of the Orissa cadre, hails from Telangana's Warangal district.&nbsp;

“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved that during the period of the subsistence of the aforesaid interim measure, cited in reference above, Shri M Nageshwar Rao, IPS, presently working as Joint Director, CBI shall look after duties and functions of Director CBI and shall take over the duties and functions with immediate effect,” the government notification read.

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday agreed to hear the petition on the internal feud between Director and special director of CBI and the consequent decision of Centre to ask ex-CBI top boss Alok Verma to go on leave.

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday agreed to hear the petition on the internal feud between Director and special director of CBI and the consequent decision of Centre to ask ex-CBI top boss Alok Verma to go on leave. However, as per available information, Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana both have been asked to proceed on leave pending inquiry with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The petition was filed by former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director, Alok Verma who moved Supreme Court against the order on him being sent on leave. His plea will be heard by the Supreme Court on Friday. Earlier on Tuesday night, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) top boss Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana, the special director who is the No 2 at CBI have been asked to go on leave in the midst of an internal rift over bribery allegations against the latter. CBI joint director Nageshwar Rao took over the charge of the investigation agency as new interim chief. Nageshwar Rao, a 1986 batch Indian Police Service officer of the Orissa cadre, hails from Telangana's Warangal district. “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved that during the period of the subsistence of the aforesaid interim measure, cited in reference above, Shri M Nageshwar Rao, IPS, presently working as Joint Director, CBI shall look after duties and functions of Director CBI and shall take over the duties and functions with immediate effect,” the government notification read.

CBI chief Alok Verma moves Supreme Court challenging govt's leave order

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh&nbsp;on Friday said Narendra Modi has failed to fulfill public faith in last four years and that he is a ''paradoxical prime minister''.

Singh was speaking at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's new book&nbsp; __ The Paradoxical Prime Minister: Narendra Modi and His India __ launch.

Modi was elected as India's 14th prime minister on the back of many lofty promises but he failed to fulfill those promises, he said and added that Tharoor has demonstrated this through his "superbly written and devastatingly accurate book".

He said that the prime minister is silent on the current crisis in which CBI's top two bosses were divested of their powers and sent on leave by the government.

"He (Modi) has spoken of being a prime minister for all Indians but the government he presides over has been mostly silent in the face of widespread communal violence, mob lynching and cow vigilantism,'' Singh said.

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He(Modi) has spoken of being a prime minister for all Indians but the govt he presides over has mostly been silent in face of widespread communal violence,mob lynching,cow vigilantism.Environment of our universities&amp; national institutions like CBI has been vitiated:Manmohan Singh <a href="https://t.co/IImHpRtSsf">pic.twitter.com/IImHpRtSsf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1055863153534402561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"At the same time, academic freedoms are being sought to be curbed. The environment in our universities and national institutions like the CBI is being vitiated and dissent stifled," Singh continued.

Talking about recent price hike in petrol Manmohan Singh said, ''Petrol &amp; diesel prices are at historic high despite fall in international crude oil prices because Modi govt chose to levying excessive excise duties instead of passing on benefit of low prices to Indians.''

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Petrol&amp;diesel prices are at historic high despite fall in international crude oil prices because Modi govt chose to levying excessive excise duties instead of passing on benefit of low prices to Indians:Manmohan Singh at release of Shashi Tharoor's"The Paradoxical Prime Minister" <a href="https://t.co/MXmwl6jsvj">pic.twitter.com/MXmwl6jsvj</a>
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Concluding his speech at the book launch he said, ''Modi's rule has not been good for India and it all arises from the Modi paradox that Tharoor has shown in his book.''

"Much of what the Modi government is all about has turned out to be little more than a series of empty gestures...With very little substance having been achieved on the ground," he concluded.&nbsp;

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said Narendra Modi has failed to fulfill public faith in last four years and that he is a ''paradoxical prime minister''.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said Narendra Modi has failed to fulfill public faith in last four years and that he is a ''paradoxical prime minister''. Singh was speaking at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's new book __ The Paradoxical Prime Minister: Narendra Modi and His India __ launch. Modi was elected as India's 14th prime minister on the back of many lofty promises but he failed to fulfill those promises, he said and added that Tharoor has demonstrated this through his "superbly written and devastatingly accurate book". He said that the prime minister is silent on the current crisis in which CBI's top two bosses were divested of their powers and sent on leave by the government. "He (Modi) has spoken of being a prime minister for all Indians but the government he presides over has been mostly silent in the face of widespread communal violence, mob lynching and cow vigilantism,'' Singh said. He(Modi) has spoken of being a prime minister for all Indians but the govt he presides over has mostly been silent in face of widespread communal violence,mob lynching,cow vigilantism.Environment of our universities& national institutions like CBI has been vitiated:Manmohan Singh pic.twitter.com/IImHpRtSsf — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 × "At the same time, academic freedoms are being sought to be curbed. The environment in our universities and national institutions like the CBI is being vitiated and dissent stifled," Singh continued. Talking about recent price hike in petrol Manmohan Singh said, ''Petrol & diesel prices are at historic high despite fall in international crude oil prices because Modi govt chose to levying excessive excise duties instead of passing on benefit of low prices to Indians.'' Petrol&diesel prices are at historic high despite fall in international crude oil prices because Modi govt chose to levying excessive excise duties instead of passing on benefit of low prices to Indians:Manmohan Singh at release of Shashi Tharoor's"The Paradoxical Prime Minister" pic.twitter.com/MXmwl6jsvj — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 × Concluding his speech at the book launch he said, ''Modi's rule has not been good for India and it all arises from the Modi paradox that Tharoor has shown in his book.'' "Much of what the Modi government is all about has turned out to be little more than a series of empty gestures...With very little substance having been achieved on the ground," he concluded.

Modi's rule has not been good for India: Manmohan Singh

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