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The Sabarimala temple row does not seem to end. As many as 19 review petitions have been filed challenging the Supreme Court verdict which had allowed menstruating women to enter the shrine of Lord Ayyappa inside the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.&nbsp;

Earlier a five-judge bench had delivered a judgment in which they allowed women of all ages to enter the temple.

However, the judgment has caused massive unrest in the state as conservative factions have expressed anger as the custom of not allowing menstruating women to enter is essential to maintaining the sanctity of the temple.&nbsp;

The Devasom board which manages the Sabarimala temple has filed a review petition asking the top court to review its judgment.

CJI Ranjan Gogoi led bench heard the urgent mentioning today and asked the petitioners to wait till tomorrow. The apex court will decide tomorrow as to when can all 19 review petitions be heard.

The Sabarimala temple row does not seem to end. As many as 19 review petitions have been filed challenging the Supreme Court verdict which had allowed menstruating women to enter the shrine of Lord Ayyappa inside the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

The Sabarimala temple row does not seem to end. As many as 19 review petitions have been filed challenging the Supreme Court verdict which had allowed menstruating women to enter the shrine of Lord Ayyappa inside the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Earlier a five-judge bench had delivered a judgment in which they allowed women of all ages to enter the temple. However, the judgment has caused massive unrest in the state as conservative factions have expressed anger as the custom of not allowing menstruating women to enter is essential to maintaining the sanctity of the temple. The Devasom board which manages the Sabarimala temple has filed a review petition asking the top court to review its judgment. CJI Ranjan Gogoi led bench heard the urgent mentioning today and asked the petitioners to wait till tomorrow. The apex court will decide tomorrow as to when can all 19 review petitions be heard.

Sabarimala Temple verdict: SC to decide date for hearing review petitions on Tuesday

A 19-year-old man injured in Friday's train tragedy succumbed to his wounds at a hospital here Sunday, taking the death toll to 62.

Municipal Councillor Rajinder Saini said Harsh, a resident of ward number 24, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday evening.

However, the death could not be confirmed from the district authorities.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had said that 59 people had died, while Sub-Divisonal Magistrate Amritsar Rajesh Sharma had put the toll at 61 on that day.

The tragic incident took place on Friday evening when a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching the burning of a Ravana effigy was run over by a train near Joda Phatak here.

At least 300 people were watching the 'Ravana dahan' at a ground adjacent to the tracks.

A 19-year-old man injured in Friday's train tragedy succumbed to his wounds at a hospital here Sunday, taking the death toll to 62. Municipal Councillor Rajinder Saini said Harsh, a resident of ward number 24, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday evening.

A 19-year-old man injured in Friday's train tragedy succumbed to his wounds at a hospital here Sunday, taking the death toll to 62. Municipal Councillor Rajinder Saini said Harsh, a resident of ward number 24, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday evening. However, the death could not be confirmed from the district authorities. On Saturday, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had said that 59 people had died, while Sub-Divisonal Magistrate Amritsar Rajesh Sharma had put the toll at 61 on that day. The tragic incident took place on Friday evening when a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching the burning of a Ravana effigy was run over by a train near Joda Phatak here. At least 300 people were watching the 'Ravana dahan' at a ground adjacent to the tracks.

Amritsar train tragedy: One more succumbs to injuries; death toll 62

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday used a popular song from Bollywood blockbuster "Sholay" to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "proximity" to industrialist Anil Ambani.

Rahul Gandhi used the hit song, "Ye dosti hum nahin todenge", from the film, using the pictures of Modi and Ambani, whose company, according to the Congress chief, had received the offset contract worth Rs. 30,000 crore in the Rafale deal.

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<a href="https://t.co/oitcfRCAlE">pic.twitter.com/oitcfRCAlE</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1054001552648794112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 17-second video uploaded by Mr Gandhi on Twitter only shows the smiling faces of Modi and Ambani with the song playing in the background.

Rahul Gandhi has been attacking the prime minister over alleged corruption and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal with a French firm.

According to the Congress chief, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has renegotiated the deal by leaving out the State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which was set to get the offset contract as per the deal negotiated by the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday used a popular song from Bollywood blockbuster "Sholay" to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "proximity" to industrialist Anil Ambani.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Sunday used a popular song from Bollywood blockbuster "Sholay" to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "proximity" to industrialist Anil Ambani. Rahul Gandhi used the hit song, "Ye dosti hum nahin todenge", from the film, using the pictures of Modi and Ambani, whose company, according to the Congress chief, had received the offset contract worth Rs. 30,000 crore in the Rafale deal. pic.twitter.com/oitcfRCAlE — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 21, 2018 × The 17-second video uploaded by Mr Gandhi on Twitter only shows the smiling faces of Modi and Ambani with the song playing in the background. Rahul Gandhi has been attacking the prime minister over alleged corruption and favouritism in the Rafale fighter jet deal with a French firm. According to the Congress chief, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has renegotiated the deal by leaving out the State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which was set to get the offset contract as per the deal negotiated by the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

Rahul Gandhi's 'Sholay' jibe at PM Modi-Anil Ambani over Rafale

Yet another woman in the "barred" age group made a futile attempt Monday to reach Sabarimala but was forced to retreat by agitated protesters, while security was tightened at the shrine amid reports that more women of menstruating age could try to visit the temple before its doors close tonight.

Bindu, a Dalit activist, who was proceeding to Pamba at the foothills of Sabarimala temple from where devotees undertake an arduous 5 km trek to the shrine, was given police protection at her request, officials said.

However, when the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus she was travelling on with police personnel was about to reach Pamba, a group of BJP workers and those opposing the entry of girls and women aged between 10 and 50 years into the temple, blocked the road and forced her to alight.

She was then escorted to safety in a police jeep, officials said.

Nearly a dozen women have been turned back by angry protesters while attempting to visit the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala temple considered "naishtika brahmachari" (eternally celibate), since its door opened for a five-day pooja on October 17.

No pooja was performed on the first day of the opening of the temple. The doors to the shrine will close at 10 pm Monday.

Hundreds of devotees are camping at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam temple complex to prevent women of menstruating age group from reaching the shrine situated in a dense forest.

Despite clamping of section 144 CrPC at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilackal and Elavumkal, hundreds of Ayyappa devotees have prevented women of the "barred" age group from visiting the shrine.

Police have tightened the security at Sannidhanam and other areas following reports that some women could try to visit the temple.

Inspector General of Police S Sreejith, deputed to ensure security of women devotees, offered prayers at the temple Monday morning.

Visuals of the officer offering prayers with tearful eyes before the deity were telecast by the local media.

Sreejith had faced the ire of the devotees for taking activist Rehana Fathima to the temple under police security.

However, police could not facilitate her entry into the main temple because of strong protests by Ayyappa devotees.

Six women were prevented from entering the Sabarimala temple Sunday alone.

Amid high drama, the devotees, up in arms against the Kerala government's decision to enforce the Supreme Court order lifting the ban on the entry of women in the 10-50 age group blocked the six -- all Telugu-speaking women -- from reaching the famed shrine.&nbsp;

Yet another woman in the "barred" age group made a futile attempt Monday to reach Sabarimala but was forced to retreat by agitated protesters, while security was tightened at the shrine amid reports that more women of menstruating age could try to visit the temple before its doors close tonight.

Yet another woman in the "barred" age group made a futile attempt Monday to reach Sabarimala but was forced to retreat by agitated protesters, while security was tightened at the shrine amid reports that more women of menstruating age could try to visit the temple before its doors close tonight. Bindu, a Dalit activist, who was proceeding to Pamba at the foothills of Sabarimala temple from where devotees undertake an arduous 5 km trek to the shrine, was given police protection at her request, officials said. However, when the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus she was travelling on with police personnel was about to reach Pamba, a group of BJP workers and those opposing the entry of girls and women aged between 10 and 50 years into the temple, blocked the road and forced her to alight. She was then escorted to safety in a police jeep, officials said. Nearly a dozen women have been turned back by angry protesters while attempting to visit the shrine of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala temple considered "naishtika brahmachari" (eternally celibate), since its door opened for a five-day pooja on October 17. No pooja was performed on the first day of the opening of the temple. The doors to the shrine will close at 10 pm Monday. Hundreds of devotees are camping at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam temple complex to prevent women of menstruating age group from reaching the shrine situated in a dense forest. Despite clamping of section 144 CrPC at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, Pamba, Nilackal and Elavumkal, hundreds of Ayyappa devotees have prevented women of the "barred" age group from visiting the shrine. Police have tightened the security at Sannidhanam and other areas following reports that some women could try to visit the temple. Inspector General of Police S Sreejith, deputed to ensure security of women devotees, offered prayers at the temple Monday morning. Visuals of the officer offering prayers with tearful eyes before the deity were telecast by the local media. Sreejith had faced the ire of the devotees for taking activist Rehana Fathima to the temple under police security. However, police could not facilitate her entry into the main temple because of strong protests by Ayyappa devotees. Six women were prevented from entering the Sabarimala temple Sunday alone. Amid high drama, the devotees, up in arms against the Kerala government's decision to enforce the Supreme Court order lifting the ban on the entry of women in the 10-50 age group blocked the six -- all Telugu-speaking women -- from reaching the famed shrine.

Day 6: Yet another woman stopped from entering Sabarimala

Hundreds of drivers for ride-hailing giant Uber and its local rival Ola went on strike in&nbsp;Delhi and Mumbai, on Monday, demanding higher fares to meet rising fuel costs that are eating away at their incomes.

Fuel prices in India have risen more than 20 per cent since the start of the year but drivers say fares have not grown at the same rate, making it difficult for them to meet expenses despite working longer hours.

"The companies don`t understand the issues drivers face ... they have reduced fares when they should be paying a higher rate," said Sunil Borkar, secretary at Mumbai taxi drivers` union Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh.&nbsp;

Borkar said there have been calls from some drivers for an indefinite strike in Mumbai until demands for higher fares are met. He was unsure about how many drivers would eventually join the strike, he added.&nbsp;

Uber said in a statement: "We regret the disruption caused to our rider and driver-partner community, due to a small group of individuals." It is committed to ensuring that drivers "continue to access a stable income", it added.

Ola did not respond to an email seeking comments.

In both cities, passengers said they had to wait longer than normal for Uber and Ola cars.

At a protest outside Uber`s office in Mumbai, dozens of drivers held up placards with messages including "Uber go back" and "Ola is the biggest thief" while shouting slogans like "down with Uber", according to a Reuters witness.&nbsp;

One protestor was seen angrily beating a poster of Ola`s founder Bhavish Aggarwal with a flip-flop. Some drivers who were still ferrying passengers were pulled up by protesters and asked to stop working, the witness said.&nbsp;

In Delhi, the strike by drivers was exacerbated by a separate stoppage by fuel pump owners demanding the city government cut the price of petrol and diesel in line with neighbouring states.&nbsp;

The rising cost of fuel, caused by higher oil prices and a weak rupee, is the latest setback for drivers already operating on thin margins. Their incomes have plunged over the past two years after Uber and Ola cut incentives to boost profitability.

When incentives were high many drivers quit well-paying jobs and took out loans to buy cars in the hope of higher earnings. As more drivers joined the platforms and the supply of cars increased, the companies started scaling back on incentives.&nbsp;

Some drivers say they are forced to work for up to 16 hours a day to make enough to pay interest on their loans, meet expenses and provide for their families.

Uber should consider increasing fares to make the situation sustainable, said one Uber driver who has been operating on the platform for three years, and who did not join the strike. He did not wish to be named.&nbsp;

He said some drivers stayed off the roads because they feared they would be targeted by those striking if they continued working. 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of drivers for ride-hailing giant Uber and its local rival Ola went on strike in Delhi and Mumbai, on Monday, demanding higher fares to meet rising fuel costs that are eating away at their incomes.

Hundreds of drivers for ride-hailing giant Uber and its local rival Ola went on strike in Delhi and Mumbai, on Monday, demanding higher fares to meet rising fuel costs that are eating away at their incomes. Fuel prices in India have risen more than 20 per cent since the start of the year but drivers say fares have not grown at the same rate, making it difficult for them to meet expenses despite working longer hours. "The companies don`t understand the issues drivers face ... they have reduced fares when they should be paying a higher rate," said Sunil Borkar, secretary at Mumbai taxi drivers` union Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh. Borkar said there have been calls from some drivers for an indefinite strike in Mumbai until demands for higher fares are met. He was unsure about how many drivers would eventually join the strike, he added. Uber said in a statement: "We regret the disruption caused to our rider and driver-partner community, due to a small group of individuals." It is committed to ensuring that drivers "continue to access a stable income", it added. Ola did not respond to an email seeking comments. In both cities, passengers said they had to wait longer than normal for Uber and Ola cars. At a protest outside Uber`s office in Mumbai, dozens of drivers held up placards with messages including "Uber go back" and "Ola is the biggest thief" while shouting slogans like "down with Uber", according to a Reuters witness. One protestor was seen angrily beating a poster of Ola`s founder Bhavish Aggarwal with a flip-flop. Some drivers who were still ferrying passengers were pulled up by protesters and asked to stop working, the witness said. In Delhi, the strike by drivers was exacerbated by a separate stoppage by fuel pump owners demanding the city government cut the price of petrol and diesel in line with neighbouring states. The rising cost of fuel, caused by higher oil prices and a weak rupee, is the latest setback for drivers already operating on thin margins. Their incomes have plunged over the past two years after Uber and Ola cut incentives to boost profitability. When incentives were high many drivers quit well-paying jobs and took out loans to buy cars in the hope of higher earnings. As more drivers joined the platforms and the supply of cars increased, the companies started scaling back on incentives. Some drivers say they are forced to work for up to 16 hours a day to make enough to pay interest on their loans, meet expenses and provide for their families. Uber should consider increasing fares to make the situation sustainable, said one Uber driver who has been operating on the platform for three years, and who did not join the strike. He did not wish to be named. He said some drivers stayed off the roads because they feared they would be targeted by those striking if they continued working.

Uber, Ola drivers strike in Mumbai and Delhi, demand higher fares

India's main opposition Congress party said on Monday it would not name its leader Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of an alliance seeking to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in next year's general election.

Congress is working to build an opposition front with other parties in preparation for the vote, and spokesman Sanjay Jha said it would respect the "aspirations" of potential alliance partners though no alternative candidates will be nominated.

Jha said the party would be following the same strategy as it did in 2004 when its alliance defeated a coalition led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) without formally naming a prime ministerial nominee.

"Defeating the BJP is our primary goal, and therefore the Congress party is going to be very politically accommodating because we believe that regional parties' aspirations and their ambitions will have to be respected depending upon relative strengths in different areas," he told Reuters on Monday.

Many of Congress's potential alliance parties are run by ambitious regional leaders with years of governance experience.

Echoing Jha's comments, senior Congress leader and former finance and home minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said the party's main focus was on forging an alliance to win the election, due by May 2019.

"We want to form a coalition, make it win and then the parties involved will decide who becomes prime minister," he told TV channel News18 Tamil Nadu in an interview broadcast at the weekend.

Scion of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty

Gandhi, 48, is a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for nearly four decades since its independence from Britain in 1947.

Unlike Modi, a powerful orator who ran the state of Gujarat before becoming prime minister, Gandhi has never held a ministerial position despite being a lawmaker since 2004 and critics question whether he has the charisma or experience to defeat Modi.

The decision by Congress not to impose Gandhi's candidacy could also be exploited by Modi to suggest the opposition alliance is indecisive and not fit for government, political analysts say.

It comes as the party struggles to hold together a so-called "grand alliance" ahead of not only next year's national vote but a series of state elections this year. Modi, meanwhile, is being buffeted by a jobs crisis and farm distress.

An opinion poll by TV channel Times Now predicted in August that nationally Congress would raise its seat count in the lower house of parliament next year to 78 from 44 in 2014.

The BJP is projected to continue its lead over other parties, though its seat strength could fall to 227 from 282 at the last election. A party needs to win 272 seats for a simple-majority out of the 543 seats in fray.

India's main opposition Congress party said on Monday it would not name its leader Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of an alliance seeking to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in next year's general election.

India's main opposition Congress party said on Monday it would not name its leader Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of an alliance seeking to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in next year's general election. Congress is working to build an opposition front with other parties in preparation for the vote, and spokesman Sanjay Jha said it would respect the "aspirations" of potential alliance partners though no alternative candidates will be nominated. Jha said the party would be following the same strategy as it did in 2004 when its alliance defeated a coalition led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) without formally naming a prime ministerial nominee. "Defeating the BJP is our primary goal, and therefore the Congress party is going to be very politically accommodating because we believe that regional parties' aspirations and their ambitions will have to be respected depending upon relative strengths in different areas," he told Reuters on Monday. Many of Congress's potential alliance parties are run by ambitious regional leaders with years of governance experience. Echoing Jha's comments, senior Congress leader and former finance and home minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said the party's main focus was on forging an alliance to win the election, due by May 2019. "We want to form a coalition, make it win and then the parties involved will decide who becomes prime minister," he told TV channel News18 Tamil Nadu in an interview broadcast at the weekend. Scion of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty Gandhi, 48, is a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for nearly four decades since its independence from Britain in 1947. Unlike Modi, a powerful orator who ran the state of Gujarat before becoming prime minister, Gandhi has never held a ministerial position despite being a lawmaker since 2004 and critics question whether he has the charisma or experience to defeat Modi. The decision by Congress not to impose Gandhi's candidacy could also be exploited by Modi to suggest the opposition alliance is indecisive and not fit for government, political analysts say. It comes as the party struggles to hold together a so-called "grand alliance" ahead of not only next year's national vote but a series of state elections this year. Modi, meanwhile, is being buffeted by a jobs crisis and farm distress. An opinion poll by TV channel Times Now predicted in August that nationally Congress would raise its seat count in the lower house of parliament next year to 78 from 44 in 2014. The BJP is projected to continue its lead over other parties, though its seat strength could fall to 227 from 282 at the last election. A party needs to win 272 seats for a simple-majority out of the 543 seats in fray.

Congress will not name Rahul Gandhi as PM candidate in election battle

India on Monday asked China to support the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, officials said.&nbsp;

It also asked Beijing not to give shelter to hardline ULFA leader Paresh Baruah on its soil, they said.

The two key issues were raised at the first India-China high level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, China, here.

"The key concerns of both the countries were flagged and both the sides assured each other full cooperation," an official, who was part of the Indian delegation, said.

The key Indian concerns are China's objection to the application to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council, frequent visit of United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah to China and smuggling of arms and narcotics to the Northeast, the official said.

A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked the bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as global terrorist.

The official said that Chinese concerns included insurgency in Xinjiang by Uyghur extremists.

After two rounds of meetings, restricted talks between Singh and Zhao followed by delegation-level parleys, the home ministry said in a statement that the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, and welcomed increased security cooperation between India and China.

An agreement on security cooperation between the Home Ministry and China's Ministry of Public Security was also signed by the two ministers. This was first ever India-China security cooperation pact.

"The agreement will further strengthen and consolidate discussions and cooperation in areas of counter-terrorism, organised crimes, drug control and other such relevant areas," the statement said.

Even though an MoU had been signed by the two sides in the spheres of security years ago, it had lapsed a few years ago.

The Monday's pact may lead to signing of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in future, another official said.

Zhao Kezhi is on a bilateral visit to India from October 21 to 25 during which he will also travel to Mumbai.

The meeting comes just a year after a two-month-long border stand-off between the India Army and the China's People's Liberation Army at Doklam on the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held an informal summit in Wuhan, China, in April this year which helped repair bilateral ties.&nbsp;

The Chinese delegation also visited the headquarters of the CRPF, country's largest paramilitary force, where they were given a presentation about the functions of the force.&nbsp;

India on Monday asked China to support the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, officials said.

India on Monday asked China to support the pending application in the UN to designate Pakistan-based JeM terror group leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, officials said. It also asked Beijing not to give shelter to hardline ULFA leader Paresh Baruah on its soil, they said. The two key issues were raised at the first India-China high level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, China, here. "The key concerns of both the countries were flagged and both the sides assured each other full cooperation," an official, who was part of the Indian delegation, said. The key Indian concerns are China's objection to the application to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council, frequent visit of United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah to China and smuggling of arms and narcotics to the Northeast, the official said. A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked the bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as global terrorist. The official said that Chinese concerns included insurgency in Xinjiang by Uyghur extremists. After two rounds of meetings, restricted talks between Singh and Zhao followed by delegation-level parleys, the home ministry said in a statement that the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, and welcomed increased security cooperation between India and China. An agreement on security cooperation between the Home Ministry and China's Ministry of Public Security was also signed by the two ministers. This was first ever India-China security cooperation pact. "The agreement will further strengthen and consolidate discussions and cooperation in areas of counter-terrorism, organised crimes, drug control and other such relevant areas," the statement said. Even though an MoU had been signed by the two sides in the spheres of security years ago, it had lapsed a few years ago. The Monday's pact may lead to signing of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in future, another official said. Zhao Kezhi is on a bilateral visit to India from October 21 to 25 during which he will also travel to Mumbai. The meeting comes just a year after a two-month-long border stand-off between the India Army and the China's People's Liberation Army at Doklam on the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held an informal summit in Wuhan, China, in April this year which helped repair bilateral ties. The Chinese delegation also visited the headquarters of the CRPF, country's largest paramilitary force, where they were given a presentation about the functions of the force.

India asks China to support application in UN on Masood Azhar, not give shelter to ULFA chief

Terming as "deeply regrettable" Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks on Kashmir, India on Monday said that instead of making comments on internal affairs of another country, Islamabad should take "credible action" to dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its soil.

Pakistan's "deceitful stand" on dialogue, while supporting terror and violence, "stands exposed" to the whole world, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters while replying to queries on Khan's remarks.&nbsp;

Referring to incidents of violence in Kashmir, Khan, in a tweet, said that time has come for<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-calls-for-dialogue-to-resolve-kashmir-issue-172803"> India to realise that it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute</a> through dialogue in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

"Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris....By Indian security forces," he tweeted.

Responding to Khan's remarks, the MEA Spokesperson said the Pakistan leadership should look inwards and address its own issues. He said Islamabad should stop supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours.

"The remarks made by Pakistan's Prime Minister in his tweet today are deeply regrettable. Instead of making comments on India's internal affairs, Pakistan leadership should look inwards and address its own issues.

"Pakistan would serve the interest of the people of the region by taking credible action against all kind of support to terrorism and terror infrastructure from all territories under its control rather than supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours," Kumar said.

It is not the first time Khan has spoken about Kashmir.

In his victory speech after the July elections, Khan expressed his willingness to improve Pakistan's ties with India and said that his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the "core issue" of Kashmir, through talks.&nbsp;

He had said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region.

A meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan was announced on the sidelines of the United National General Assembly. However, in September, New Delhi called it off, citing killings of Indian security personnel by Pakistan-based entities and the release of Pakistani postage stamps "glorifying a terrorist and terrorism".&nbsp;

India maintains that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and Pakistan is in illegal occupation of a part of the state's territory. &nbsp;

Terming as "deeply regrettable" Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks on Kashmir, India on Monday said that instead of making comments on internal affairs of another country, Islamabad should take "credible action" to dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its soil.

Terming as "deeply regrettable" Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks on Kashmir, India on Monday said that instead of making comments on internal affairs of another country, Islamabad should take "credible action" to dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its soil. Pakistan's "deceitful stand" on dialogue, while supporting terror and violence, "stands exposed" to the whole world, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters while replying to queries on Khan's remarks. Referring to incidents of violence in Kashmir, Khan, in a tweet, said that time has come for India to realise that it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. "Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris....By Indian security forces," he tweeted. Responding to Khan's remarks, the MEA Spokesperson said the Pakistan leadership should look inwards and address its own issues. He said Islamabad should stop supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours. "The remarks made by Pakistan's Prime Minister in his tweet today are deeply regrettable. Instead of making comments on India's internal affairs, Pakistan leadership should look inwards and address its own issues. "Pakistan would serve the interest of the people of the region by taking credible action against all kind of support to terrorism and terror infrastructure from all territories under its control rather than supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours," Kumar said. It is not the first time Khan has spoken about Kashmir. In his victory speech after the July elections, Khan expressed his willingness to improve Pakistan's ties with India and said that his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the "core issue" of Kashmir, through talks. He had said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region. A meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan was announced on the sidelines of the United National General Assembly. However, in September, New Delhi called it off, citing killings of Indian security personnel by Pakistan-based entities and the release of Pakistani postage stamps "glorifying a terrorist and terrorism". India maintains that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and Pakistan is in illegal occupation of a part of the state's territory.

India slams Imran's remarks on Kashmir, asks Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil

The doors to Sabarimala temple closed Monday night, six days after opening for the first time since the Supreme Court lifted the ban on entry of women of menstruating age, but climbing the 18 "sacred steps" leading to the sanctum sanctorum proved a tall order for them.

Valiant attempts by around a dozen women, including activists and journalists in the 10-50 years age group to script history came to nought as frenzied devotees of Lord Ayyappa, the eternally celibate deity, heckled and hassled them and forced them to retreat.

Yet another woman in the "barred" age group made a futile attempt Monday to reach Sabarimala but was turned back by agitated protesters.

Bindu, a Dalit activist, who was proceeding to Pamba at the foothills of Sabarimala temple from where devotees undertake an arduous 5 km trek to the shrine, was given police protection at her request, officials said.

However, when the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus she was travelling on with police personnel was about to reach Pamba, a group of BJP workers and those opposing the entry of girls and women aged between 10 and 50 years into the temple, blocked the road and forced her to alight.

She was then escorted to safety in a police jeep, officials said.

'Melsanti' or the head priest and other priests stood on both sides of the idol of Lord Ayyappa and recited divine song "Harivarasanam" and began putting off the lamps in the sanctum sanctorum halfway down the rendition.

As the last line was sung, the doors were closed and locked, shutting out, at least for the time being, spirited women of menstruating age from offering prayers to the deity.

The iron gates to the shrine were opened on Wednesday and every day since then women of the "barred" age group made brave but futile attempts to enter the shrine. Six women were prevented from entering the temple Sunday alone.

Kerala women's rights activist Rehana Fathima and Hyderabad journalist Kavitha Jakkal, wearing helmets and khaki, and surrounded by a police contingent, could manage to go up to Valiya Nadappandhal, the queue complex located a few metres away from the holy 'pathinettam padi', the 18 sacred steps, but not beyond.

Several people, including journalists, were injured on Wednesday as police cracked down on protesters who were up in arms against Kerala's Left Front government for its decision to enforce the Supreme Court order.

Hindu fringe groups called a strike the next day and both the Congress, the main opposition party in Kerala, and the BJP, which is desperately seeking to expand its footprint in the state, lent support to the agitation.

Meanwhile, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages Sabarimala temple, is meeting on Tuesday to discuss how to make an intervention in the Supreme Court while protecting the "interest of devotees".

"The TDB has the legal responsibility to protect the interest of devotees. We also have to look at the rituals and customs of the temple. The board will make its intervention in Supreme Court without harming this," its chief A Padmakumar told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.

He said the meeting would decide the "nature" of the report to be submitted to the apex court.

The Supreme Court Monday said it would decide tomorrow as to when the petitions seeking a review of its Sabarimala verdict will be listed for hearing. In all, 19 review petitions are pending before it for hearing.

The state's Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran welcomed the TDB's decision to approach the Supreme Court with a comprehensive report about the recent developments in Sabarimala.

"It's a good decision...The TDB's move is to bring to the notice of the Supreme Court the difficulties faced by the real devotees," Surendran said.

He conceded that the LDF government was caught between the "devil and the deep sea" while executing the apex court order.

The Congress-led UDF has decided to hold a series of foot marches, vehicle rallies and meetings across the state to explain to people its stand on the issue and "expose" the ruling CPI(M) and BJP's "hidden agenda".

The temple will open briefly on November 5 evening for the next day's 'Chithira Attavisesham' to celebrate the birth anniversary of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the last king of Travancore.

The doors of the shrine will open on November 17 for the three-month-long Mandalam Makaravilakku celebrations when lakhs of devotees from the country and abroad visit the place every year.

If the Supreme Court does not stay or overturn its own verdict by then, enforcing its historic order may prove to be a daunting task for the Kerala government.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The doors to Sabarimala temple closed Monday night, six days after opening for the first time since the Supreme Court lifted the ban on entry of women of menstruating age, but climbing the 18 "sacred steps" leading to the sanctum sanctorum proved a tall order for them.

The doors to Sabarimala temple closed Monday night, six days after opening for the first time since the Supreme Court lifted the ban on entry of women of menstruating age, but climbing the 18 "sacred steps" leading to the sanctum sanctorum proved a tall order for them. Valiant attempts by around a dozen women, including activists and journalists in the 10-50 years age group to script history came to nought as frenzied devotees of Lord Ayyappa, the eternally celibate deity, heckled and hassled them and forced them to retreat. Yet another woman in the "barred" age group made a futile attempt Monday to reach Sabarimala but was turned back by agitated protesters. Bindu, a Dalit activist, who was proceeding to Pamba at the foothills of Sabarimala temple from where devotees undertake an arduous 5 km trek to the shrine, was given police protection at her request, officials said. However, when the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus she was travelling on with police personnel was about to reach Pamba, a group of BJP workers and those opposing the entry of girls and women aged between 10 and 50 years into the temple, blocked the road and forced her to alight. She was then escorted to safety in a police jeep, officials said. 'Melsanti' or the head priest and other priests stood on both sides of the idol of Lord Ayyappa and recited divine song "Harivarasanam" and began putting off the lamps in the sanctum sanctorum halfway down the rendition. As the last line was sung, the doors were closed and locked, shutting out, at least for the time being, spirited women of menstruating age from offering prayers to the deity. The iron gates to the shrine were opened on Wednesday and every day since then women of the "barred" age group made brave but futile attempts to enter the shrine. Six women were prevented from entering the temple Sunday alone. Kerala women's rights activist Rehana Fathima and Hyderabad journalist Kavitha Jakkal, wearing helmets and khaki, and surrounded by a police contingent, could manage to go up to Valiya Nadappandhal, the queue complex located a few metres away from the holy 'pathinettam padi', the 18 sacred steps, but not beyond. Several people, including journalists, were injured on Wednesday as police cracked down on protesters who were up in arms against Kerala's Left Front government for its decision to enforce the Supreme Court order. Hindu fringe groups called a strike the next day and both the Congress, the main opposition party in Kerala, and the BJP, which is desperately seeking to expand its footprint in the state, lent support to the agitation. Meanwhile, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages Sabarimala temple, is meeting on Tuesday to discuss how to make an intervention in the Supreme Court while protecting the "interest of devotees". "The TDB has the legal responsibility to protect the interest of devotees. We also have to look at the rituals and customs of the temple. The board will make its intervention in Supreme Court without harming this," its chief A Padmakumar told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. He said the meeting would decide the "nature" of the report to be submitted to the apex court. The Supreme Court Monday said it would decide tomorrow as to when the petitions seeking a review of its Sabarimala verdict will be listed for hearing. In all, 19 review petitions are pending before it for hearing. The state's Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran welcomed the TDB's decision to approach the Supreme Court with a comprehensive report about the recent developments in Sabarimala. "It's a good decision...The TDB's move is to bring to the notice of the Supreme Court the difficulties faced by the real devotees," Surendran said. He conceded that the LDF government was caught between the "devil and the deep sea" while executing the apex court order. The Congress-led UDF has decided to hold a series of foot marches, vehicle rallies and meetings across the state to explain to people its stand on the issue and "expose" the ruling CPI(M) and BJP's "hidden agenda". The temple will open briefly on November 5 evening for the next day's 'Chithira Attavisesham' to celebrate the birth anniversary of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the last king of Travancore. The doors of the shrine will open on November 17 for the three-month-long Mandalam Makaravilakku celebrations when lakhs of devotees from the country and abroad visit the place every year. If the Supreme Court does not stay or overturn its own verdict by then, enforcing its historic order may prove to be a daunting task for the Kerala government.

Sabarimala shuts. Despite Supreme Court order, no woman is allowed to enter

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WION Pitstop: Rain forest challenge return to India for its 5th edition

Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged Monday that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's "payroll", which is why Jaitley "allowed him to flee".&nbsp;

Gandhi even tweeted the ICICI bank account number Jaitley's daughter is supposed to have received the money from. And he called for Jaitley to resign.&nbsp;

"Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file &amp; allowed him to flee," Gandhi tweeted. (He deliberately misspelled Jaitley's name as Jaitlie.) &nbsp;

"She received money from ICICI a/c no: 12170500316," Gandhi added.&nbsp;

And he hashtagged his tweet "#ArunJaitlieMustResign".&nbsp;

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Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file &amp; allowed him to flee. 
 
She received money from ICICI&nbsp;a/c no: 12170500316 
 
It’s sad that media has blacked out this story. The people of India won’t. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArunJaitlieMustResign?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArunJaitlieMustResign</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1054343261425491968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Choksi is one of the prime accused in the over Rs 13,000 crore PNB scam, the country's largest bank scam.&nbsp;

Gandhi repeated his allegation at a farmers' rally in Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

"You must have heard about Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, who had stolen Rs 35,000 crore of the country. Choksi deposited lakhs of rupees in the bank account of FM Arun Jaitleys daughter," PTI quoted Gandhi as saying.&nbsp;

And he repeated it again at Raipur airport:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Raipur says, "Mehul Choksi deposited money in Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter's bank account." <a href="https://t.co/6pXSxyDKzz">pic.twitter.com/6pXSxyDKzz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1054376901656145920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PTI reported that at the rally in Chhattisgarh, Gandhi also targeted Modi over the Rafale deal, saying the prime minister snatched a contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence which has never made an aeroplane.

Gandhi added 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 said.

Gandhi added that under the UPA agreement, Bengaluru-based HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) was to manufacture the fighter jets which would have ensured technology transfer and jobs to local youths.

"But Modi ji himself snatched the contract from HAL and allotted it to Anil Ambani's company which was newly-formed and had no experience in manufacturing aeroplanes. Ambani would not have even made a plane of paper," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

Ambani has earlier rejected Gandhi's allegations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged Monday that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's "payroll", which is why Jaitley "allowed him to flee".

Congress President Rahul Gandhi alleged Monday that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's "payroll", which is why Jaitley "allowed him to flee". Gandhi even tweeted the ICICI bank account number Jaitley's daughter is supposed to have received the money from. And he called for Jaitley to resign. "Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file & allowed him to flee," Gandhi tweeted. (He deliberately misspelled Jaitley's name as Jaitlie.) "She received money from ICICI a/c no: 12170500316," Gandhi added. And he hashtagged his tweet "#ArunJaitlieMustResign". Arun Jaitlie’s daughter was on the payroll of thief Mehul Choksi. Meanwhile her FM daddy sat on his file & allowed him to flee. She received money from ICICI a/c no: 12170500316 It’s sad that media has blacked out this story. The people of India won’t. #ArunJaitlieMustResign — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 22, 2018 × Choksi is one of the prime accused in the over Rs 13,000 crore PNB scam, the country's largest bank scam. Gandhi repeated his allegation at a farmers' rally in Chhattisgarh. "You must have heard about Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, who had stolen Rs 35,000 crore of the country. Choksi deposited lakhs of rupees in the bank account of FM Arun Jaitleys daughter," PTI quoted Gandhi as saying. And he repeated it again at Raipur airport: #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Raipur says, "Mehul Choksi deposited money in Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter's bank account." pic.twitter.com/6pXSxyDKzz — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2018 × PTI reported that at the rally in Chhattisgarh, Gandhi also targeted Modi over the Rafale deal, saying the prime minister snatched a contract away from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and gave it to the Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence which has never made an aeroplane. Gandhi added 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 said. Gandhi added that under the UPA agreement, Bengaluru-based HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) was to manufacture the fighter jets which would have ensured technology transfer and jobs to local youths. "But Modi ji himself snatched the contract from HAL and allotted it to Anil Ambani's company which was newly-formed and had no experience in manufacturing aeroplanes. Ambani would not have even made a plane of paper," Gandhi said. Ambani has earlier rejected Gandhi's allegations. (With inputs from PTI)

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's daughter was on Mehul Choksi's 'payroll': Rahul Gandhi

After a brief hiatus, the Volkswagen Passat is back in the Indian market. Presenting the 8th generation Volkswagen Passat.

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Two days after the report of Sourabh Madan Mithu, one of the key organisers of the Dussera event in Amritsar, went untraceable; a video message has now been released in which he has&nbsp;claimed that he had taken "all&nbsp;permission". He also said that he and his family are extremely pained by the accident.

The 1 minute 38 seconds long video, posted by ANI, opens with Sourabh Madan saying that "he cannot express in what condition he is in" adding that the event was "organised to unite people."

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Organizer of Dusshera event Saurabh Madan Mithoo releases video message,says ' Had taken all permissions,had alerted crowd atleast 10 times to not stand on tracks. I am extremely pained by the incident. Some ppl are trying to defame me' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsartrainaccident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsartrainaccident</a> (location: unknown) <a href="https://t.co/viPXBws3P8">pic.twitter.com/viPXBws3P8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1054310743405936641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He then continues saying that the event was organised in the Dussehra ground and not on tracks, "we had all permissions...had spoken to police, (municipal) corporation, fire brigade.&nbsp; He also says that "people were standing on the tracks and they were also alerted at least 10 times to not stand on tracks."

"People were standing on the tracks and the train came out of nowhere. It was an act of God, what is my fault in this,"&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;

Sourabh Madan then alleged that some people have "a personal vendetta against me."

At least 59 people died and 57 were injured in Amritsar after a train ran over the crowd, standing along train tracks, to watch an effigy of Ravan being burnt.

The accident took place on Friday in Choura Bazar near Jodha Phatak area of Amritsar.

It was reported on Saturday that, municipal corporation councillor Vijay Madan and his son Sourabh Madan Mithu, the main organisers of the Dussehra celebration in Amritsar have gone underground with his family members.

According to police, a few people angry over the accident had attacked their residence, broke window panes and pelted stones.

Meanwhile, Amritsar Police Commissioner SS Shrivastava has also confirmed that the police permission was granted for organising Dussehra event at Dhobi Ghat ground.

At least 300 people reportedly were watching the 'Ravana dahan ' at a ground adjacent to the tracks.

Two days after the report of Sourabh Madan Mithu, one of the key organisers of the Dussera event in Amritsar, went untraceable; a video message has now been released in which he has claimed that he had taken "all permission".

Two days after the report of Sourabh Madan Mithu, one of the key organisers of the Dussera event in Amritsar, went untraceable; a video message has now been released in which he has claimed that he had taken "all permission". He also said that he and his family are extremely pained by the accident. The 1 minute 38 seconds long video, posted by ANI, opens with Sourabh Madan saying that "he cannot express in what condition he is in" adding that the event was "organised to unite people." Organizer of Dusshera event Saurabh Madan Mithoo releases video message,says ' Had taken all permissions,had alerted crowd atleast 10 times to not stand on tracks. I am extremely pained by the incident. Some ppl are trying to defame me' #Amritsartrainaccident (location: unknown) pic.twitter.com/viPXBws3P8 — ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2018 × He then continues saying that the event was organised in the Dussehra ground and not on tracks, "we had all permissions...had spoken to police, (municipal) corporation, fire brigade. He also says that "people were standing on the tracks and they were also alerted at least 10 times to not stand on tracks." "People were standing on the tracks and the train came out of nowhere. It was an act of God, what is my fault in this," he added. Sourabh Madan then alleged that some people have "a personal vendetta against me." At least 59 people died and 57 were injured in Amritsar after a train ran over the crowd, standing along train tracks, to watch an effigy of Ravan being burnt. The accident took place on Friday in Choura Bazar near Jodha Phatak area of Amritsar. It was reported on Saturday that, municipal corporation councillor Vijay Madan and his son Sourabh Madan Mithu, the main organisers of the Dussehra celebration in Amritsar have gone underground with his family members. According to police, a few people angry over the accident had attacked their residence, broke window panes and pelted stones. Meanwhile, Amritsar Police Commissioner SS Shrivastava has also confirmed that the police permission was granted for organising Dussehra event at Dhobi Ghat ground. At least 300 people reportedly were watching the 'Ravana dahan ' at a ground adjacent to the tracks.

Amritsar train tragedy: 'Had taken all permissions,' says Dussehra event organiser in video

On the lines of #Metoo, a group of 15 people, including a former French diplomat acquitted in a sexual abuse case in 2017, has launched a #MenToo movement, asking men to come out and speak openly about the sexual harassment faced by them at the hands of women.

The campaign was launched here Saturday by NGO Children’s Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting (Crisp) to protest against the #Metoo movement, false cases against men among others.

Speaking on the occasion, National President of Crisp, Kumar V Jahgirdar said the group would fight for gender-neutral laws and demand punishment for those filing false cases under #MeToo campaign.

Noting that #MeToo was a good movement, he, however, said it should not be misused to fix somebody by levelling false allegations.

“This movement has only resulted in bringing disrepute to men who have worked hard to earn respect in society,” he said.

Later, talking to reporters, Jahgirdar said unlike #MeToo victims, who bring about sexual abuse stories that happened a couple of decades ago, the #MenToo stories would be related to recent incidents.

On #MeToo movement, Jahgirdar further said if the affected women have a genuine case of sexual misbehaviour, they should take legal recourse, instead of putting out stories on social media.

Former French diplomat Pascal Mazurier, who was accused of sexually abusing his daughter and later acquitted by a city court in 2017 also took part in the protest.

He said #MenToo campaign was not at all a counter to #MeToo campaign, but to address the problems of men who do not speak up against women’s atrocities.

“There is real pain among men. They are also suffering, but they are not coming out in the open against women and their misdemeanours,” he said.

The false allegations levelled on men in #MeToo campaign not only destroys children’s future but also families, Pascal noted.

“We make laws to protect women. That is fine, but let us not forget half of humanity are men,” he added.

Pascal is facing a court battle after his wife had moved the Karnataka High Court challenging a city-based court’s verdict acquitting him.

Pascal’s wife has custody of their three children.

The #Me Too movement has gathered pace over the past few days with a number of women speaking out on sexual harassment at their workplace and support for them has been pouring in from various quarters.

Former Union Minister MJ Akbar, film personalities like Alok Nath, Subhash Ghai, Nana Patekar and Vairamuthu have been accused of sexual harassment by a number of women under the #MeToo movement.

On the lines of #Metoo, a group of 15 people, including a former French diplomat acquitted in a sexual abuse case in 2017, has launched a #MenToo movement, asking men to come out and speak openly about the sexual harassment faced by them at the hands of women.

On the lines of #Metoo, a group of 15 people, including a former French diplomat acquitted in a sexual abuse case in 2017, has launched a #MenToo movement, asking men to come out and speak openly about the sexual harassment faced by them at the hands of women. The campaign was launched here Saturday by NGO Children’s Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting (Crisp) to protest against the #Metoo movement, false cases against men among others. Speaking on the occasion, National President of Crisp, Kumar V Jahgirdar said the group would fight for gender-neutral laws and demand punishment for those filing false cases under #MeToo campaign. Noting that #MeToo was a good movement, he, however, said it should not be misused to fix somebody by levelling false allegations. “This movement has only resulted in bringing disrepute to men who have worked hard to earn respect in society,” he said. Later, talking to reporters, Jahgirdar said unlike #MeToo victims, who bring about sexual abuse stories that happened a couple of decades ago, the #MenToo stories would be related to recent incidents. On #MeToo movement, Jahgirdar further said if the affected women have a genuine case of sexual misbehaviour, they should take legal recourse, instead of putting out stories on social media. Former French diplomat Pascal Mazurier, who was accused of sexually abusing his daughter and later acquitted by a city court in 2017 also took part in the protest. He said #MenToo campaign was not at all a counter to #MeToo campaign, but to address the problems of men who do not speak up against women’s atrocities. “There is real pain among men. They are also suffering, but they are not coming out in the open against women and their misdemeanours,” he said. The false allegations levelled on men in #MeToo campaign not only destroys children’s future but also families, Pascal noted. “We make laws to protect women. That is fine, but let us not forget half of humanity are men,” he added. Pascal is facing a court battle after his wife had moved the Karnataka High Court challenging a city-based court’s verdict acquitting him. Pascal’s wife has custody of their three children. The #Me Too movement has gathered pace over the past few days with a number of women speaking out on sexual harassment at their workplace and support for them has been pouring in from various quarters. Former Union Minister MJ Akbar, film personalities like Alok Nath, Subhash Ghai, Nana Patekar and Vairamuthu have been accused of sexual harassment by a number of women under the #MeToo movement.

Now a #MenToo movement to ‘expose’ harassment by women

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Turkey President Erdogan and US President spoke on the phone on Sunday over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.The Turkish president's office said both leaders agreed that Khashoggi's killing needed to be clarified "in all aspects".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petrol-and-diesel-prices-go-down-for-the-fifth-consecutive-day-172692">Petrol and diesel prices go down for the fifth consecutive day</a>

Petrol and diesel prices have been slashed across India and as of today petrol is priced at Rs 81.44 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.30) and diesel is priced at Rs 74.92 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.27), respectively in Delhi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/australia-and-new-zealand/australian-pm-scott-morrison-gives-national-apology-to-victims-of-institutional-child-abuse-172691">Australian PM Scott Morrison apologies to victims of institutional child abuse</a>

"This was done by Australians to Australians, enemies in our midst, enemies in our midst," Morrison told a parliamentary chamber in a televised speech, his voice trembling with emotion.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayurveda-is-the-soft-power-of-india-says-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-172698">Ayurveda is the 'soft power' of India, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat</a>

"There is a need to make the study of Ayurveda and its application more relevant as per the research methodology prevalent in the present system," Bhagwat said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/did-you-win-the-title-kimi-raikkonen-max-verstappen-tease-lewis-hamilton-after-us-grand-prix-result-172695">'Did you win the title,' Raikkonen, Verstappen tease Hamilton</a>

Dutch driver Max Verstappen finished a surprise second after starting 18th in a thrilling finale with the top three cars separated by just 2.1 seconds at the chequered flag.

President Erdogan, Trump speak over the phone; Turkey puts Khashoggi's fiancee under police protection Turkey President Erdogan and US President spoke on the phone on Sunday over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

President Erdogan, Trump speak over the phone; Turkey puts Khashoggi's fiancee under police protection Turkey President Erdogan and US President spoke on the phone on Sunday over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.The Turkish president's office said both leaders agreed that Khashoggi's killing needed to be clarified "in all aspects". Petrol and diesel prices go down for the fifth consecutive day Petrol and diesel prices have been slashed across India and as of today petrol is priced at Rs 81.44 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.30) and diesel is priced at Rs 74.92 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.27), respectively in Delhi. Australian PM Scott Morrison apologies to victims of institutional child abuse "This was done by Australians to Australians, enemies in our midst, enemies in our midst," Morrison told a parliamentary chamber in a televised speech, his voice trembling with emotion. Ayurveda is the 'soft power' of India, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat "There is a need to make the study of Ayurveda and its application more relevant as per the research methodology prevalent in the present system," Bhagwat said. 'Did you win the title,' Raikkonen, Verstappen tease Hamilton Dutch driver Max Verstappen finished a surprise second after starting 18th in a thrilling finale with the top three cars separated by just 2.1 seconds at the chequered flag.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Japan hopes to clinch a military logistics pact with India that will allow access to each other's bases, Tokyo's envoy said on Monday, in a tightening of security ties seen as designed to balance China's growing weight in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Japan this weekend for an annual summit with his counterpart Shinzo Abe, and the proposed Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement between the two militaries is on the agenda.

Under Modi and Abe, bilateral relations have rapidly expanded and the two countries conduct three-way naval exercises involving the United States in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.

Japan's ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu, said it was only natural for the two militaries to have a logistics-sharing agreement because of the large number of manoeuvres they were carrying out each year.

"We hope to start formal negotiations with regard to signing of the ACSA. It is high time we had mutual logistics support," he said.

Under such a pact, Japanese ships would get access to fuel and servicing at major Indian naval bases including the Andaman and Nicobar islands, which lie near the Malacca Straits through which a large amount of Japan's but also China's trade and fuel supplies is shipped.

India's navy, which is increasingly sending ships further out as a way to counter China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean, would get access to Japanese facilities for maintenance.

Modi's government signed a similar agreement with the United States in 2016 ending years of hesitation by previous administrations that worried about upsetting China.

Beijing has in the past expressed concern about multilateral and complex exercises, calling them destabilising to the region.

Hiramatsu said Japan and India had a great deal of convergence with respect to freedom of navigation and transparency in the Indio-Pacific region.

Japan hopes to clinch a military logistics pact with India that will allow access to each other's bases, Tokyo's envoy said on Monday, in a tightening of security ties seen as designed to balance China's growing weight in the region.

Japan hopes to clinch a military logistics pact with India that will allow access to each other's bases, Tokyo's envoy said on Monday, in a tightening of security ties seen as designed to balance China's growing weight in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Japan this weekend for an annual summit with his counterpart Shinzo Abe, and the proposed Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement between the two militaries is on the agenda. Under Modi and Abe, bilateral relations have rapidly expanded and the two countries conduct three-way naval exercises involving the United States in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. Japan's ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu, said it was only natural for the two militaries to have a logistics-sharing agreement because of the large number of manoeuvres they were carrying out each year. "We hope to start formal negotiations with regard to signing of the ACSA. It is high time we had mutual logistics support," he said. Under such a pact, Japanese ships would get access to fuel and servicing at major Indian naval bases including the Andaman and Nicobar islands, which lie near the Malacca Straits through which a large amount of Japan's but also China's trade and fuel supplies is shipped. India's navy, which is increasingly sending ships further out as a way to counter China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean, would get access to Japanese facilities for maintenance. Modi's government signed a similar agreement with the United States in 2016 ending years of hesitation by previous administrations that worried about upsetting China. Beijing has in the past expressed concern about multilateral and complex exercises, calling them destabilising to the region. Hiramatsu said Japan and India had a great deal of convergence with respect to freedom of navigation and transparency in the Indio-Pacific region.

Japan, India negotiating military logistics pact in tightening of ties

The killing of a BJP and a TMC worker in two separate incidents in Birbhum district of West Bengal has triggered a fresh round of battle between the two parties with both blaming each other for the killings.

The body of BJP worker Tapas Bagdi was found hanging from a tree in Dwaraka village of Birbhum district, while TMC block president Dipak Ghosh was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Khayrasole area of the same district Sunday night, police said.

Bagdi's family members said he had left the house after lunch. As he did not return home by night, his family started searching for him and found the body hanging from a tree.

The BJP Birbhum district leadership claimed Bagdi was a party worker.

Ananda Bagdi, father of the deceased, lodged a complaint at the Labhpur police station against five local TMC workers alleging that they killed his son, police said.

The district TMC leaders denied the allegations and said, "Our workers were not at all involved in this case."

Superintendent of Police (SP), Birbhum, Kunal Agarwal said the cause of Bagdi's death would be known only after a postmortem.

"We are now treating it as a case of unnatural death. We don't know whether the person was affiliated to any political party," the SP said.

On the Dipak Ghosh murder case, the SP said seven people have been detained for interrogation.

BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said the TMC had let loose a "reign of terror" across the state and was trying to annihilate BJP workers.

"The TMC is trying to kill our party workers. Our party workers are either harassed, threatened or killed just because they are associated with the BJP. This is really shameful," he said.

The incident brought back memories of two BJP workers found hanging in West Bengal's Purulia district on June 2 and May 31, respectively, just after the panchayat polls concluded in the state.

The central BJP unit had hold nation-wide agitations to protest against the killing of two Dalit workers. BJP national president Amit Shah had also held a rally in Purulia to protest against the killing and had called for defeating the TMC in the state.

TMC Khayrasole block president Dipak Ghosh who was shot at Sunday night by unidentified persons passed away at a private hospital Monday, police said.

Ghosh was riding a motorcycle with a party worker when unidentified persons fired at him near Khayrasole village. Ghosh received bullet injuries to his shoulder and the lower parts of the body.

Birbhum district TMC president Anubrata Mondal alleged that goons hired by the BJP attacked Ghosh.

BJP district president Ramkrishna Roy denied the allegations and claimed that the killing was a result of the TMC's infighting.

Roy's views were endorsed by BJP state president Ghosh who claimed that Birbhum district had over the years turned into a battlefield due to the TMC's infighting.

"The allegations against our party are completely baseless. The TMC leadership should first answer why so many incidents are being reported regularly about infighting within the party," he said.

Senior TMC leader and state minister Firhad Hakim termed the allegations of infighting as baseless and accused the BJP of killing TMC workers in the state.

"Just for the sake of power, the BJP is trying spread violence in various parts of the state. They are trying to terrorise us by killing our party workers. But we are soldiers of Mamata Banerjee and we won't let the divisive politics of the BJP succeed in the state," Hakim said.

The killing of a BJP and a TMC worker in two separate incidents in Birbhum district of West Bengal has triggered a fresh round of battle between the two parties with both blaming each other for the killings.

The killing of a BJP and a TMC worker in two separate incidents in Birbhum district of West Bengal has triggered a fresh round of battle between the two parties with both blaming each other for the killings. The body of BJP worker Tapas Bagdi was found hanging from a tree in Dwaraka village of Birbhum district, while TMC block president Dipak Ghosh was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Khayrasole area of the same district Sunday night, police said. Bagdi's family members said he had left the house after lunch. As he did not return home by night, his family started searching for him and found the body hanging from a tree. The BJP Birbhum district leadership claimed Bagdi was a party worker. Ananda Bagdi, father of the deceased, lodged a complaint at the Labhpur police station against five local TMC workers alleging that they killed his son, police said. The district TMC leaders denied the allegations and said, "Our workers were not at all involved in this case." Superintendent of Police (SP), Birbhum, Kunal Agarwal said the cause of Bagdi's death would be known only after a postmortem. "We are now treating it as a case of unnatural death. We don't know whether the person was affiliated to any political party," the SP said. On the Dipak Ghosh murder case, the SP said seven people have been detained for interrogation. BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said the TMC had let loose a "reign of terror" across the state and was trying to annihilate BJP workers. "The TMC is trying to kill our party workers. Our party workers are either harassed, threatened or killed just because they are associated with the BJP. This is really shameful," he said. The incident brought back memories of two BJP workers found hanging in West Bengal's Purulia district on June 2 and May 31, respectively, just after the panchayat polls concluded in the state. The central BJP unit had hold nation-wide agitations to protest against the killing of two Dalit workers. BJP national president Amit Shah had also held a rally in Purulia to protest against the killing and had called for defeating the TMC in the state. TMC Khayrasole block president Dipak Ghosh who was shot at Sunday night by unidentified persons passed away at a private hospital Monday, police said. Ghosh was riding a motorcycle with a party worker when unidentified persons fired at him near Khayrasole village. Ghosh received bullet injuries to his shoulder and the lower parts of the body. Birbhum district TMC president Anubrata Mondal alleged that goons hired by the BJP attacked Ghosh. BJP district president Ramkrishna Roy denied the allegations and claimed that the killing was a result of the TMC's infighting. Roy's views were endorsed by BJP state president Ghosh who claimed that Birbhum district had over the years turned into a battlefield due to the TMC's infighting. "The allegations against our party are completely baseless. The TMC leadership should first answer why so many incidents are being reported regularly about infighting within the party," he said. Senior TMC leader and state minister Firhad Hakim termed the allegations of infighting as baseless and accused the BJP of killing TMC workers in the state. "Just for the sake of power, the BJP is trying spread violence in various parts of the state. They are trying to terrorise us by killing our party workers. But we are soldiers of Mamata Banerjee and we won't let the divisive politics of the BJP succeed in the state," Hakim said.

BJP, TMC workers' killing in West Bengal triggers fresh face-off between parties

A Congress worker was allegedly stabbed to death, reportedly over a post on social media, in suburban Ghatkopar here in the wee hours Monday.

Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan alleged that the assailants belonged to the BJP.

Manoj Dubey (45) was stabbed by two unidentified assailants near Asalpha Metro Station around 1.30 AM, a police official said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Shocking! 
Manoj Dubey, a staunch Congress worker was murdered for his facebook post by BJP goons. 
We strongly condemn such a coward act! 
The culprits should be brought to justice. 
Our deepest condolences to his family, 
Congress party stands with his family at this hour of grief. <a href="https://t.co/BcVhzZdtD0">pic.twitter.com/BcVhzZdtD0</a>
— Maharashtra Congress (@INCMaharashtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCMaharashtra/status/1054251741883981825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A police team took him to hospital where he was declared dead on arrival, the official added.

Asked about some media reports which said a political post he had written on social media could have led to the killing, the official stated that the exact reason for the attack was yet to be ascertained.

Chavan, a former chief minister, took to Twitter to allege that the culprits were BJP workers.

"BJP workers have brutally killed Congress worker Dubey. The Congress party strongly condemns the attack. It is not just the murder of Congress worker, but murder of democracy," he said, demanding immediate arrest of the attackers.

The BJP has ushered in a trend of "wiping out" the political opponents while taking goons into its fold, he alleged.

A leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil also slammed the BJP-led state government.

"Is there rule of law or of goons in Maharashtra? The government must answer this question," he tweeted.

A Congress worker was allegedly stabbed to death, reportedly over a post on social media, in suburban Ghatkopar here in the wee hours Monday. Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan alleged that the assailants belonged to the BJP.

A Congress worker was allegedly stabbed to death, reportedly over a post on social media, in suburban Ghatkopar here in the wee hours Monday. Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan alleged that the assailants belonged to the BJP. Manoj Dubey (45) was stabbed by two unidentified assailants near Asalpha Metro Station around 1.30 AM, a police official said. Shocking! Manoj Dubey, a staunch Congress worker was murdered for his facebook post by BJP goons. We strongly condemn such a coward act! The culprits should be brought to justice. Our deepest condolences to his family, Congress party stands with his family at this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/BcVhzZdtD0 — Maharashtra Congress (@INCMaharashtra) October 22, 2018 × A police team took him to hospital where he was declared dead on arrival, the official added. Asked about some media reports which said a political post he had written on social media could have led to the killing, the official stated that the exact reason for the attack was yet to be ascertained. Chavan, a former chief minister, took to Twitter to allege that the culprits were BJP workers. "BJP workers have brutally killed Congress worker Dubey. The Congress party strongly condemns the attack. It is not just the murder of Congress worker, but murder of democracy," he said, demanding immediate arrest of the attackers. The BJP has ushered in a trend of "wiping out" the political opponents while taking goons into its fold, he alleged. A leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil also slammed the BJP-led state government. "Is there rule of law or of goons in Maharashtra? The government must answer this question," he tweeted.

Congress worker killed in Mumbai over Facebook post, party cries foul

Petrol and diesel prices have been slashed across India and as of today petrol is priced at Rs 81.44 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.30) and diesel is priced at Rs 74.92 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.27), respectively in Delhi.&nbsp;

Petrol and diesel prices in Mumbai are Rs 86.91 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.30) and Rs 78.54 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.28), respectively.

Currently, fuel rate is revised every single day based on global oil prices. State-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum revise fuel prices with effect from 6 am on a daily basis.&nbsp;

The government allowed revision of fuel rates on a daily basis since mid-June last year to reflect changes in costs instantly.&nbsp;

Globally, oil prices rose on Friday on signs of surging demand in China, the world's second-largest oil consumer, although prices were headed for a second weekly decline on swelling US inventories and concern that trade wars were curbing economic activity, reported news agency Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

Petrol and diesel prices have been slashed across India and as of today petrol is priced at Rs 81.44 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.30) and diesel is priced at Rs 74.

Petrol and diesel prices have been slashed across India and as of today petrol is priced at Rs 81.44 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.30) and diesel is priced at Rs 74.92 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.27), respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices in Mumbai are Rs 86.91 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.30) and Rs 78.54 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.28), respectively. Currently, fuel rate is revised every single day based on global oil prices. State-run oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum revise fuel prices with effect from 6 am on a daily basis. The government allowed revision of fuel rates on a daily basis since mid-June last year to reflect changes in costs instantly. Globally, oil prices rose on Friday on signs of surging demand in China, the world's second-largest oil consumer, although prices were headed for a second weekly decline on swelling US inventories and concern that trade wars were curbing economic activity, reported news agency Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

Petrol and diesel prices go down for the fifth consecutive day

Delhi's air quality oscillated between "poor" and "very poor" category on October 21 as authorities warned of days of severe pollution ahead.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 292, while the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research reported an AQI of 318, which falls in the "very poor" category.

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".

An official said the air quality of Delhi might deteriorate to "severe" category in the coming days as the air becomes heavier and results in the formation of smog.

While Faridabad and Gurgaon recorded "very poor" quality air, Ghaziabad, Noida and Greater Noida reported "poor" air quality.

On October 20, a haze had engulfed the national capital and the worst air quality of this season was recorded at 324.

Anand Vihar, Mundaka, Narela, Dwarka Sector 8, Nehru Nagar and Rohini saw very poor air quality Sunday and were inching towards severe pollution levels, data from the CPCB said.

The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) on October 19 had held a meeting with officials of the Punjab, Haryana and the Delhi governments to discuss the pollution situation in the national capital.

An EPCA member on October 19 said stock of the situation was taken and it was decided that special attention would be given to vulnerable hotspots where poor or very poor air quality was observed.

The PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 143. 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 fewer than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 269, according to the data from the SAFAR.

A CPCB official said a number of factors were responsible for the deteriorating air quality, including vehicular pollution, construction activities and meteorological factors like the direction of the wind, which is now flowing from the stubble burning areas.

Satellite imagery by NASA shows countless spot fires already burning in Haryana and Punjab.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on October 19 warned that Delhi would become a "gas chamber soon" as the Centre, the Punjab and the Haryana governments were doing "absolutely nothing" for farmers involved in stubble burning.

Delhi's air quality oscillated between "poor" and "very poor" category on October 21 as authorities warned of days of severe pollution ahead. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 292, while the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research reported an AQI of 318, which falls in the "very poor" category.

Delhi's air quality oscillated between "poor" and "very poor" category on October 21 as authorities warned of days of severe pollution ahead. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 292, while the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research reported an AQI of 318, which falls in the "very poor" category. 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". An official said the air quality of Delhi might deteriorate to "severe" category in the coming days as the air becomes heavier and results in the formation of smog. While Faridabad and Gurgaon recorded "very poor" quality air, Ghaziabad, Noida and Greater Noida reported "poor" air quality. On October 20, a haze had engulfed the national capital and the worst air quality of this season was recorded at 324. Anand Vihar, Mundaka, Narela, Dwarka Sector 8, Nehru Nagar and Rohini saw very poor air quality Sunday and were inching towards severe pollution levels, data from the CPCB said. The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) on October 19 had held a meeting with officials of the Punjab, Haryana and the Delhi governments to discuss the pollution situation in the national capital. An EPCA member on October 19 said stock of the situation was taken and it was decided that special attention would be given to vulnerable hotspots where poor or very poor air quality was observed. The PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 143. 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 fewer than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 269, according to the data from the SAFAR. A CPCB official said a number of factors were responsible for the deteriorating air quality, including vehicular pollution, construction activities and meteorological factors like the direction of the wind, which is now flowing from the stubble burning areas. Satellite imagery by NASA shows countless spot fires already burning in Haryana and Punjab. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on October 19 warned that Delhi would become a "gas chamber soon" as the Centre, the Punjab and the Haryana governments were doing "absolutely nothing" for farmers involved in stubble burning.

Delhi's air quality oscillates between poor and very poor; authorities warn of further deterioration

Stating that Ayurveda is the "soft power" of India, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat Sunday underlined the need to explain the ancient system of medicine through the latest methodology.

He also said the study of Ayurveda and its application be made more relevant in tune with the modern research methodology.

Speaking as the chief guest at a programme, Bhagwat emphasised the need to take Ayurveda to the maximum number of people.

"Various methodologies are prevalent in medical treatment today. Earlier, people used to rely on direct experience. But now there is a system in place wherein documentation is done and research is conducted. There is a research methodology....a system of methodology has to be approved, which should be pursued by the practitioners of Ayurveda," said the RSS chief.

Acknowledging efforts being made in this regard, Bhagwat demanded that the pace is increased.

"There is a need to make the study of Ayurveda and its application more relevant as per the research methodology prevalent in the present system," he said.

Bhagwat said, "A common medical practitioner keeps records of his observations and experience, and writes papers on them. These papers are then published in (science) journals, on the basis of which experiments are conducted. Good record keeping of Ayurveda is the need of the hour".

He said an Ayurveda practitioner, apart from knowing the ancient science in detail, must also be aware of current trends.

"Ayurveda is the soft power of our country. The world is moving towards wellness than treatment. The world is talking about wellness which is already present in our culture. Ayurveda itself is about wellness," he said.

Stating that Ayurveda is the "soft power" of India, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat Sunday underlined the need to explain the ancient system of medicine through the latest methodology.

Stating that Ayurveda is the "soft power" of India, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat Sunday underlined the need to explain the ancient system of medicine through the latest methodology. He also said the study of Ayurveda and its application be made more relevant in tune with the modern research methodology. Speaking as the chief guest at a programme, Bhagwat emphasised the need to take Ayurveda to the maximum number of people. "Various methodologies are prevalent in medical treatment today. Earlier, people used to rely on direct experience. But now there is a system in place wherein documentation is done and research is conducted. There is a research methodology....a system of methodology has to be approved, which should be pursued by the practitioners of Ayurveda," said the RSS chief. Acknowledging efforts being made in this regard, Bhagwat demanded that the pace is increased. "There is a need to make the study of Ayurveda and its application more relevant as per the research methodology prevalent in the present system," he said. Bhagwat said, "A common medical practitioner keeps records of his observations and experience, and writes papers on them. These papers are then published in (science) journals, on the basis of which experiments are conducted. Good record keeping of Ayurveda is the need of the hour". He said an Ayurveda practitioner, apart from knowing the ancient science in detail, must also be aware of current trends. "Ayurveda is the soft power of our country. The world is moving towards wellness than treatment. The world is talking about wellness which is already present in our culture. Ayurveda itself is about wellness," he said.

Ayurveda is the 'soft power' of India, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

With diesel becoming costlier than petrol in Odisha, the ruling Biju Janata Dal and the opposition Congress Sunday blamed the "faulty" policy of the central government for the rise in the price of diesel.

A litre of diesel cost 12 paise more than that of petrol in Bhubaneswar on Sunday with diesel being sold at Rs 80.69 per litre while petrol cost 80.57 per litre.

Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association general secretary Sanjay Lath said that this was the first time that the price of diesel surpassed that of petrol in Odisha.

Lath said while other states have different VAT rates for petrol and diesel, Odisha charges a uniform 26 per cent VAT on both.

He claimed that there has been a decline in the sale of diesel in Odisha because of the high prices of the fuel.

Odisha Finance Minister S B Behera said, "This imbalance is mostly due to a faulty policy of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre ... There could be a tactical understanding between the central government and oil marketing companies."

Behera feared that the prices of essential commodities will also go up because of the increase in diesel price.

Senior Congress leader Arya Gyanendra said, "There is an inefficient government at the Centre which failed to regulate fuel price, particularly diesel ..."

BJP state general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said, "Finance minister (Behera) should be judicious while making a statement on an important issue. Everybody in the country knows the reason behind the rise in the prices of fuel. While 13 states have reduced VAT on the fuel, Odisha government is yet taking a decision in this regard."

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is from Odisha, Sunday again asked the state government to reduce the rate of the VAT to give relief to people.

Odisha Byabasai Mahasangha secretary Sudhakar Panda too feared that the price of essential commodities in the state will go up due to the high rate of diesel.

With diesel becoming costlier than petrol in Odisha, the ruling Biju Janata Dal and the opposition Congress Sunday blamed the "faulty" policy of the central government for the rise in the price of diesel.

With diesel becoming costlier than petrol in Odisha, the ruling Biju Janata Dal and the opposition Congress Sunday blamed the "faulty" policy of the central government for the rise in the price of diesel. A litre of diesel cost 12 paise more than that of petrol in Bhubaneswar on Sunday with diesel being sold at Rs 80.69 per litre while petrol cost 80.57 per litre. Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association general secretary Sanjay Lath said that this was the first time that the price of diesel surpassed that of petrol in Odisha. Lath said while other states have different VAT rates for petrol and diesel, Odisha charges a uniform 26 per cent VAT on both. He claimed that there has been a decline in the sale of diesel in Odisha because of the high prices of the fuel. Odisha Finance Minister S B Behera said, "This imbalance is mostly due to a faulty policy of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre ... There could be a tactical understanding between the central government and oil marketing companies." Behera feared that the prices of essential commodities will also go up because of the increase in diesel price. Senior Congress leader Arya Gyanendra said, "There is an inefficient government at the Centre which failed to regulate fuel price, particularly diesel ..." BJP state general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said, "Finance minister (Behera) should be judicious while making a statement on an important issue. Everybody in the country knows the reason behind the rise in the prices of fuel. While 13 states have reduced VAT on the fuel, Odisha government is yet taking a decision in this regard." Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is from Odisha, Sunday again asked the state government to reduce the rate of the VAT to give relief to people. Odisha Byabasai Mahasangha secretary Sudhakar Panda too feared that the price of essential commodities in the state will go up due to the high rate of diesel.

Diesel now more expensive than petrol in Odisha

China on Monday said the flood situation in Yarlung Tsangpo river has returned to normal, which had arisen due to the formation of an artificial lake created by a landslide and blocking its mainstream in Tibet, posing a threat to India's northeastern states.

China also said it will continue to share the flood data with India.&nbsp;

People living along the banks of Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh were moved to safer places after China informed India about the landslide, which occurred on October 17, blocking Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet leading to the formation of the artificial lake.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday had also directed authorities in districts bordering Arunachal Pradesh to "remain alert" for possible flash flood and take all possible steps to prevent any major catastrophe.

The Yarlung Tsangpo river is known as the Siang after it enters India at Arunachal Pradesh from the Tibetan region and is called the Brahmaputra once it reaches Assam.

"By October 20, the river section of the barrier lake has returned to normal. We will keep close monitoring of the landslide situation and maintain close communication and cooperation with the Indian side through the existing channels," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here.&nbsp;

She said the Chinese hydrological department had informed India about the situation immediately after the landslide and also launched the emergency reporting mechanism.&nbsp;

"Up to October 22, we have provided seven bits of hydrological information and 110 bits of statistics. We also reported the Indian side of the flow of barrier lake," Hua said.

China has resumed sharing of hydrological data on the Brahmaputra from May 15 after a gap of one year. It had stopped sharing the data with India last year soon after the Doklam stand-off, stating that its hydrological stations in Tibet were being upgraded and that the data couldn't be shared.

The data is important for predicting floods in basins of the rivers. Brahmaputra gets severely flooded during monsoon months affecting Northeast India and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

India and China have established Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) in 2006 to discuss various issues related to trans-border rivers.

Under the existing bilateral agreements, China provides hydrological information of Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) and Sutlej (Langqen Zangbo) to India during the flood seasons.

As per the arrangement, China provides data of the Brahmaputra river between May 15 and October 15 every year. This year the data sharing was extended due to the barrier lake in the river.

China has been building major dams on the Brahmaputra river to generate electricity. While the dams raised concerns of water shortages in India and Bangladesh, China maintains that its dams were aimed at generating power and not storing water.

China on Monday said the flood situation in Yarlung Tsangpo river has returned to normal, which had arisen due to the formation of an artificial lake created by a landslide and blocking its mainstream in Tibet, posing a threat to India's northeastern states.

China on Monday said the flood situation in Yarlung Tsangpo river has returned to normal, which had arisen due to the formation of an artificial lake created by a landslide and blocking its mainstream in Tibet, posing a threat to India's northeastern states. China also said it will continue to share the flood data with India. People living along the banks of Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh were moved to safer places after China informed India about the landslide, which occurred on October 17, blocking Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet leading to the formation of the artificial lake. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday had also directed authorities in districts bordering Arunachal Pradesh to "remain alert" for possible flash flood and take all possible steps to prevent any major catastrophe. The Yarlung Tsangpo river is known as the Siang after it enters India at Arunachal Pradesh from the Tibetan region and is called the Brahmaputra once it reaches Assam. "By October 20, the river section of the barrier lake has returned to normal. We will keep close monitoring of the landslide situation and maintain close communication and cooperation with the Indian side through the existing channels," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here. She said the Chinese hydrological department had informed India about the situation immediately after the landslide and also launched the emergency reporting mechanism. "Up to October 22, we have provided seven bits of hydrological information and 110 bits of statistics. We also reported the Indian side of the flow of barrier lake," Hua said. China has resumed sharing of hydrological data on the Brahmaputra from May 15 after a gap of one year. It had stopped sharing the data with India last year soon after the Doklam stand-off, stating that its hydrological stations in Tibet were being upgraded and that the data couldn't be shared. The data is important for predicting floods in basins of the rivers. Brahmaputra gets severely flooded during monsoon months affecting Northeast India and Bangladesh. India and China have established Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) in 2006 to discuss various issues related to trans-border rivers. Under the existing bilateral agreements, China provides hydrological information of Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) and Sutlej (Langqen Zangbo) to India during the flood seasons. As per the arrangement, China provides data of the Brahmaputra river between May 15 and October 15 every year. This year the data sharing was extended due to the barrier lake in the river. China has been building major dams on the Brahmaputra river to generate electricity. While the dams raised concerns of water shortages in India and Bangladesh, China maintains that its dams were aimed at generating power and not storing water.

No flood threat now in Arunachal, Assam: China after artificial lake blocks Brahmaputra

The number of taxpayers earning above Rs 1 crore per annum has risen to over 1.40 lakh in the country in the last four years, depicting a growth of about 60 per cent, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said Monday.

Releasing key statistics of income tax and direct taxes for a period of about four years, the policy-making body of the IT department said the number of individual taxpayers earning over Rs 1 crore annually had seen a growth of about 68 per cent.

"The total number of taxpayers (corporates, firms, Hindu undivided families among others) showing income of above Rs 1 crore has registered a sharp increase.

"While 88,649 taxpayers had disclosed income above Rs 1 crore in assessment year 2014-15, the figure was 1,40,139 for AY 2017-18, which is a growth of about 60 per cent," the CBDT said.

Similarly, it said, the number of individual taxpayers disclosing income above Rs 1 crore had increased during the same period from 48,416 to 81,344, which translated into a growth of 68 per cent.

CBDT Chairman Sushil Chandra said these numbers were a result of putting in a number of legislative, informative and enforcement efforts by the tax department over the last four years.

The data also added that a growth of more than 80 per cent was registered in the number of returns filed in the last four financial years -- from 3.79 crore in 2013-14 to 6.85 crore in 2017-18.

The number of taxpayers earning above Rs 1 crore per annum has risen to over 1.40 lakh in the country in the last four years, depicting a growth of about 60 per cent, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said Monday.

The number of taxpayers earning above Rs 1 crore per annum has risen to over 1.40 lakh in the country in the last four years, depicting a growth of about 60 per cent, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said Monday. Releasing key statistics of income tax and direct taxes for a period of about four years, the policy-making body of the IT department said the number of individual taxpayers earning over Rs 1 crore annually had seen a growth of about 68 per cent. "The total number of taxpayers (corporates, firms, Hindu undivided families among others) showing income of above Rs 1 crore has registered a sharp increase. "While 88,649 taxpayers had disclosed income above Rs 1 crore in assessment year 2014-15, the figure was 1,40,139 for AY 2017-18, which is a growth of about 60 per cent," the CBDT said. Similarly, it said, the number of individual taxpayers disclosing income above Rs 1 crore had increased during the same period from 48,416 to 81,344, which translated into a growth of 68 per cent. CBDT Chairman Sushil Chandra said these numbers were a result of putting in a number of legislative, informative and enforcement efforts by the tax department over the last four years. The data also added that a growth of more than 80 per cent was registered in the number of returns filed in the last four financial years -- from 3.79 crore in 2013-14 to 6.85 crore in 2017-18.

In last 4 years, number of Indian crorepatis has risen by 60%: Tax Board

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