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India and China plan to cooperate more on Afghanistan in the coming days and months.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION, China's Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said: "Training of diplomats is just first step. I am sure in future dates, discussion going on how to upgrade and cooperate on other concrete projects. This is just beginning for China India to cooperate on Afghan issues. It's implementation of Wuhan spirit."

This came on a day when India started the training of Afghan diplomats as part of the outcome from Wuhan. India and China, after the informal summit in Wuhan between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, agreed on several things including joint projects in Afghanistan. The training of 10 Afghan diplomats which will take place for two weeks from October 15 to 25 is part of the informal summit that took place in Wuhan. In the second leg of the training, the Afghan diplomats will go to China to be trained by the foreign ministry in Bejing.

The Chinese ambassador also called for "China India plus" cooperation. He added that "China-India Plus cooperation should be extended from Afghanistan to other countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Iran and Myanmar. We can also join hands under the mechanisms of SAARC, BIMSTEC and BCIM to promote 
regional peace, stability and prosperity."&nbsp;

Chinese media reports have suggested that India and China are planning a rail link connecting Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Highlighting India and China's "common interests and similar stance" on Afghanistan, Ambassador Zhaohui said both of "us support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace reconciliation process. Both of us uphold that Afghanistan should realise peace, stability and prosperity. Both of us are against terrorism."

Further focusing on connectivity, he said, "We are talking a lot about the regional connectivity initiatives, such as International North-South Transport Corridor, India-Afghanistan-Iran transit and trade arrangement, and China-Pakistan-Afghanistan cooperation. All of these have provided a solid foundation for the current and future cooperation between China and India in Afghanistan."

Other than joint cooperation on Afghanistan, a number of high-level visits were agreed on as part of the informal Wuhan summit.&nbsp;

At the end of this week, Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi will visit India. In December, Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will visit India and launch the first China-India High-Level People-to-People Exchanges Mechanism. The mechanism will be headed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Yi.&nbsp;

India and China plan to cooperate more on Afghanistan in the coming days and months. Speaking exclusively to WION, China's Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said: "Training of diplomats is just first step.

India and China plan to cooperate more on Afghanistan in the coming days and months. Speaking exclusively to WION, China's Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said: "Training of diplomats is just first step. I am sure in future dates, discussion going on how to upgrade and cooperate on other concrete projects. This is just beginning for China India to cooperate on Afghan issues. It's implementation of Wuhan spirit." This came on a day when India started the training of Afghan diplomats as part of the outcome from Wuhan. India and China, after the informal summit in Wuhan between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, agreed on several things including joint projects in Afghanistan. The training of 10 Afghan diplomats which will take place for two weeks from October 15 to 25 is part of the informal summit that took place in Wuhan. In the second leg of the training, the Afghan diplomats will go to China to be trained by the foreign ministry in Bejing. The Chinese ambassador also called for "China India plus" cooperation. He added that "China-India Plus cooperation should be extended from Afghanistan to other countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Iran and Myanmar. We can also join hands under the mechanisms of SAARC, BIMSTEC and BCIM to promote regional peace, stability and prosperity." Chinese media reports have suggested that India and China are planning a rail link connecting Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Highlighting India and China's "common interests and similar stance" on Afghanistan, Ambassador Zhaohui said both of "us support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace reconciliation process. Both of us uphold that Afghanistan should realise peace, stability and prosperity. Both of us are against terrorism." Further focusing on connectivity, he said, "We are talking a lot about the regional connectivity initiatives, such as International North-South Transport Corridor, India-Afghanistan-Iran transit and trade arrangement, and China-Pakistan-Afghanistan cooperation. All of these have provided a solid foundation for the current and future cooperation between China and India in Afghanistan." Other than joint cooperation on Afghanistan, a number of high-level visits were agreed on as part of the informal Wuhan summit. At the end of this week, Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi will visit India. In December, Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will visit India and launch the first China-India High-Level People-to-People Exchanges Mechanism. The mechanism will be headed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Yi.

India, China to cooperate more on Afghanistan: Chinese Ambassador

Fuel prices continued to soar across the country on Monday, with diesel prices surging by 8 paise and 9 paise in four metropolitan cities.

While Delhi and Kolkata saw a hike of 8 paise, a litre of diesel has increased by 9 paise in Mumbai and Chennai.

After the revision of the rates, diesel in Delhi is being retailed at Rs 75.46 per litre and Rs 77. 31 per litre in Kolkata.

In Mumbai, diesel touched Rs 79. 11 per litre mark, while the same is being retailed at Rs 79.80 per litre in Chennai.

Meanwhile, Petrol remained stagnant and&nbsp;is being sold at 82.74 per litre in Delhi, while in Mumbai it is priced at 88.18 per lire.

Fuel prices have been witnessing a steep rise since the past few months. While the Opposition has repeatedly blamed the union government for not doing enough to keep a check on prices, the latter has maintained that global crude oil prices and other international factors are causing a hike in prices of petroleum products.

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is will hold a third annual meeting with chief executives of top global and Indian oil and gas companies to deliberate on ways to revive investment in oil and gas exploration and production.&nbsp;

Last week, Modi also chaired a high-level meeting with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi to discuss petroleum issues.

According to reports, the meeting discussion focused on increasing domestic oil production, subsidy borne by oil marketing companies and reducing imports to cut down the account deficit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Fuel prices continued to soar across the country on Monday, with diesel prices surging by 8 paise and 9 paise in four metropolitan cities. While Delhi and Kolkata saw a hike of 8 paise, a litre of diesel has increased by 9 paise in Mumbai and Chennai.

Fuel prices continued to soar across the country on Monday, with diesel prices surging by 8 paise and 9 paise in four metropolitan cities. While Delhi and Kolkata saw a hike of 8 paise, a litre of diesel has increased by 9 paise in Mumbai and Chennai. After the revision of the rates, diesel in Delhi is being retailed at Rs 75.46 per litre and Rs 77. 31 per litre in Kolkata. In Mumbai, diesel touched Rs 79. 11 per litre mark, while the same is being retailed at Rs 79.80 per litre in Chennai. Meanwhile, Petrol remained stagnant and is being sold at 82.74 per litre in Delhi, while in Mumbai it is priced at 88.18 per lire. Fuel prices have been witnessing a steep rise since the past few months. While the Opposition has repeatedly blamed the union government for not doing enough to keep a check on prices, the latter has maintained that global crude oil prices and other international factors are causing a hike in prices of petroleum products. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is will hold a third annual meeting with chief executives of top global and Indian oil and gas companies to deliberate on ways to revive investment in oil and gas exploration and production. Last week, Modi also chaired a high-level meeting with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi to discuss petroleum issues. According to reports, the meeting discussion focused on increasing domestic oil production, subsidy borne by oil marketing companies and reducing imports to cut down the account deficit.

Fuel hike: Diesel price increased by 9 paise in Mumbai, petrol unchanged

A Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) of the Indian Army&nbsp;convicted seven personnel, including a Major General for their alleged involvement in a 1994 fake encounter case&nbsp;in Assam.

According to reports, AK Lal, Colonel Thomas Mathew, Colonel RS Sibiren, Captain Dilip Singh, Captain Jagdeo Singh, Naik Albindar Singh and Naik Shivendar Singh have been awarded life imprisonment for their involvement in a fake encounter of the five youths that had taken place in Assam's Tinsukia district 24-years-ago.

However, the judgement of life imprisonment is yet to be confirmed by Eastern Army Command in Kolkata&nbsp;and Army Headquarter in Delhi, which may take a few more months.

In February 1994, the army had detained nine youths who were&nbsp;picked up by the unit&nbsp;of the Punjab regiment from different areas of Tinsukia district over suspicion that they were involved in the killing of a top tea garden executive who&nbsp;was killed by ULFA militants. The youths were&nbsp;All Assam Students Union activists.

Army personnel reportedly killed five of them after branding them as ULFA militants. Other four reportedly were released after apparently being threatened at gunpoint.

On February 22 of the same year, Jagdish Bhuyan, then All Assam Students Union leader&nbsp;filed a Habeas Corpus petition in the Gauhati High Court seeking to know the details of the youths. The High court asked the Indian Army to produce the nine All Assam Students Union leaders at the nearest police station, later&nbsp;the Army reportedly produced five bodies at the Dholla Police Station in Assam.

The probe of the case handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) which chargesheeted seven army personnel in the case.

The High Court had asked the army to conduct a court-martial which began on July 16 this year and concluded on July 27. The quantum of punishment was pronounced on Saturday.

The court-martial was also challenged by the army in the Supreme Court. After taking a nod from the apex court, the army started the process of holding the SGCM.

A Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) of the Indian Army convicted seven personnel, including a Major General for their alleged involvement in a 1994 fake encounter case in Assam.

A Summary General Court Martial (SGCM) of the Indian Army convicted seven personnel, including a Major General for their alleged involvement in a 1994 fake encounter case in Assam. According to reports, AK Lal, Colonel Thomas Mathew, Colonel RS Sibiren, Captain Dilip Singh, Captain Jagdeo Singh, Naik Albindar Singh and Naik Shivendar Singh have been awarded life imprisonment for their involvement in a fake encounter of the five youths that had taken place in Assam's Tinsukia district 24-years-ago. However, the judgement of life imprisonment is yet to be confirmed by Eastern Army Command in Kolkata and Army Headquarter in Delhi, which may take a few more months. In February 1994, the army had detained nine youths who were picked up by the unit of the Punjab regiment from different areas of Tinsukia district over suspicion that they were involved in the killing of a top tea garden executive who was killed by ULFA militants. The youths were All Assam Students Union activists. Army personnel reportedly killed five of them after branding them as ULFA militants. Other four reportedly were released after apparently being threatened at gunpoint. On February 22 of the same year, Jagdish Bhuyan, then All Assam Students Union leader filed a Habeas Corpus petition in the Gauhati High Court seeking to know the details of the youths. The High court asked the Indian Army to produce the nine All Assam Students Union leaders at the nearest police station, later the Army reportedly produced five bodies at the Dholla Police Station in Assam. The probe of the case handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) which chargesheeted seven army personnel in the case. The High Court had asked the army to conduct a court-martial which began on July 16 this year and concluded on July 27. The quantum of punishment was pronounced on Saturday. The court-martial was also challenged by the army in the Supreme Court. After taking a nod from the apex court, the army started the process of holding the SGCM.

Army court sentences Major General, 6 others to life in fake encounter case

Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani.&nbsp;

Over 10 women have accused Akbar of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-this-storm-just-before-general-elections-mj-akbar-to-take-legal-action-over-sexual-assault-allegations-171421">Akbar returns, says he will take legal action</a>

The latest charge came on Friday from the US-based CNN journalist Majlie de Puy Kamp who said Akbar forcibly kissed her — she had he put his tongue into her mouth — on her last day in office when she was interning with the Asian Age.

She was 18 at the time.&nbsp;

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I extended my hand to him in gratitude, he shoved his 55-yr-old tongue down my 18-yr-old throat. <a href="https://t.co/WLTyMndJYd">https://t.co/WLTyMndJYd</a>
— Majlie de Puy Kamp (@MajliedePuyKamp) <a href="https://twitter.com/MajliedePuyKamp/status/1050759087212941312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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But Akbar has zeroed in on Priya Ramani because he says she began "this campaign" against him a year ago (see her tweet below).&nbsp;

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I began this piece with my MJ Akbar story. Never named him because he didn’t “do” anything. Lots of women have worse stories about this predator—maybe they’ll share. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ulti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ulti</a> <a href="https://t.co/5jVU5WHHo7">https://t.co/5jVU5WHHo7</a>
— Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyaramani/status/1049279608263245824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Akbar returned to India only yesterday. He had been in Nigeria leading a trade delegation.&nbsp;

He had been expected to resign; a few television channels even ran reports Sunday saying he had emailed his resignation.

But Akbar finally released a statement saying "accusation without evidence has become a viral fever among some sections"&nbsp;(see his tweet below).

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<a href="https://t.co/z4IL6kf7Q0">pic.twitter.com/z4IL6kf7Q0</a>
— M.J. Akbar (@mjakbar) <a href="https://twitter.com/mjakbar/status/1051452381983068161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He added that his "lawyers will look into these wild and baseless allegations in order to decide our future course of legal action".&nbsp;

News reports Monday quoted five of the women journalists who had accused Akbar of assault and harassment as saying they stood by their statements and would fight him.&nbsp;

Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani. Over 10 women have accused Akbar of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.

Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani. Over 10 women have accused Akbar of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor. Also read: Akbar returns, says he will take legal action The latest charge came on Friday from the US-based CNN journalist Majlie de Puy Kamp who said Akbar forcibly kissed her — she had he put his tongue into her mouth — on her last day in office when she was interning with the Asian Age. She was 18 at the time. I extended my hand to him in gratitude, he shoved his 55-yr-old tongue down my 18-yr-old throat. https://t.co/WLTyMndJYd — Majlie de Puy Kamp (@MajliedePuyKamp) October 12, 2018 × But Akbar has zeroed in on Priya Ramani because he says she began "this campaign" against him a year ago (see her tweet below). I began this piece with my MJ Akbar story. Never named him because he didn’t “do” anything. Lots of women have worse stories about this predator—maybe they’ll share. #ulti https://t.co/5jVU5WHHo7 — Priya Ramani (@priyaramani) October 8, 2018 × Akbar returned to India only yesterday. He had been in Nigeria leading a trade delegation. He had been expected to resign; a few television channels even ran reports Sunday saying he had emailed his resignation. But Akbar finally released a statement saying "accusation without evidence has become a viral fever among some sections" (see his tweet below). pic.twitter.com/z4IL6kf7Q0 — M.J. Akbar (@mjakbar) October 14, 2018 × He added that his "lawyers will look into these wild and baseless allegations in order to decide our future course of legal action". News reports Monday quoted five of the women journalists who had accused Akbar of assault and harassment as saying they stood by their statements and would fight him.

#MeToo: Union Minister MJ Akbar files criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563">#MeToo: Union Minister MJ Akbar files </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563">criminal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563"> defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani</a>

Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani.&nbsp;

Over 10 women have accused Akbar of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.&nbsp;

But Akbar has zeroed in on Priya Ramani because he says she began "this campaign" against him a year ago.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-metoo-allegations-bjp-says-akbar-has-given-his-version-it-is-not-about-agreeing-or-disagreeing-with-him-171593">'Akbar has given his version,' BJP says on #MeToo allegations</a>

In its first comments on the sexual harassment allegations against Union Minister MJ Akbar, the BJP said Monday he has given his version on the row and that it is not about whether the party agrees or disagrees with him.

Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson GV L Narasimha Rao was asked at a press conference whether the ruling party agrees with Akbar on his statement on the allegations levelled against him by several women.

"It is not about agreeing or disagreeing. He has presented his version," Rao said.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/alok-nath-files-civil-defamation-against-vinta-nanda-seeks-apology-re-1-compensation-171565">#MeToo: Alok Nath files civil defamation case against Vinta Nanda, demands Re 1</a>

The actor Alok Nath filed a civil defamation case on Monday against the writer-producer Vinta Nanda. Nanda had accused Alok Nath of having raped her 19 years ago.

Nath, in his complaint, asked for a written apology and Re 1 compensation.&nbsp;

Nath, in a Facebook post, had said said she had been raped — more than once — by an "actor par excellence who is known as the most #Sanskaari (Cultured) person in the film and television industry".&nbsp;

When she was asked a day later if it was Alok Nath, she said yes.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-rising-fuel-prices-pm-modi-meets-experts-from-oil-gas-sectors-171578">PM Modi tells oil-producing countries that high prices are hurting global growth</a>

Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad.

The meeting which was held in Delhi to attract private investment and raise domestic and gas oil production was attended by Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Mukesh Ambani among others.

PM Modi in the meeting highlighted the economic challenges including serious resource crunch that the consuming countries face due to rising crude oil prices.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-chetan-bhagat-responds-to-fake-charges-against-him-171564">#MeToo: Chetan Bhagat responds to charges by author Ira Trivedi, asks 'who wanted to kiss whom?'</a>

Author Chetan Bhagat, in a series of tweets, has responded to the `fake` sexual assault allegations by author Ira Trivedi.

To defend himself, the 44-year-old shared a screenshot of a `self-explanatory` mail which apparently Trivedi sent to him in 2013.

"So who wanted to kiss whom?", wrote Bhagat, adding, "@iratrivedi`s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, especially last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don't harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed"`

#MeToo: Union Minister MJ Akbar files criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani.

#MeToo: Union Minister MJ Akbar files criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani Union Minister MJ Akbar has filed a criminal defamation case against the journalist Priya Ramani. Over 10 women have accused Akbar of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor. But Akbar has zeroed in on Priya Ramani because he says she began "this campaign" against him a year ago. 'Akbar has given his version,' BJP says on #MeToo allegations In its first comments on the sexual harassment allegations against Union Minister MJ Akbar, the BJP said Monday he has given his version on the row and that it is not about whether the party agrees or disagrees with him. Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson GV L Narasimha Rao was asked at a press conference whether the ruling party agrees with Akbar on his statement on the allegations levelled against him by several women. "It is not about agreeing or disagreeing. He has presented his version," Rao said. #MeToo: Alok Nath files civil defamation case against Vinta Nanda, demands Re 1 The actor Alok Nath filed a civil defamation case on Monday against the writer-producer Vinta Nanda. Nanda had accused Alok Nath of having raped her 19 years ago. Nath, in his complaint, asked for a written apology and Re 1 compensation. Nath, in a Facebook post, had said said she had been raped — more than once — by an "actor par excellence who is known as the most #Sanskaari (Cultured) person in the film and television industry". When she was asked a day later if it was Alok Nath, she said yes. PM Modi tells oil-producing countries that high prices are hurting global growth Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad. The meeting which was held in Delhi to attract private investment and raise domestic and gas oil production was attended by Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Mukesh Ambani among others. PM Modi in the meeting highlighted the economic challenges including serious resource crunch that the consuming countries face due to rising crude oil prices. #MeToo: Chetan Bhagat responds to charges by author Ira Trivedi, asks 'who wanted to kiss whom?' Author Chetan Bhagat, in a series of tweets, has responded to the `fake` sexual assault allegations by author Ira Trivedi. To defend himself, the 44-year-old shared a screenshot of a `self-explanatory` mail which apparently Trivedi sent to him in 2013. "So who wanted to kiss whom?", wrote Bhagat, adding, "@iratrivedi`s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, especially last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don't harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed"`

News brief: Big stories of the day

In its first comments on the sexual harassment allegations against Union Minister MJ Akbar, the BJP said Monday he has given his version on the row and that it is not about whether the party agrees or disagrees with him.

Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson GV L Narasimha Rao was asked at a press conference whether the ruling party agrees with Akbar on his statement on the allegations levelled against him by several women.

"It is not about agreeing or disagreeing. He has presented his version," Rao said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563">Union Minister MJ Akbar files </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563">criminal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-union-minister-mj-akbar-files-defamation-case-against-journalist-priya-ramani-171563"> defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani</a>

The Minister of State for External Affairs had Sunday rejected the allegations as "false, fabricated and deeply distressing" and said he was taking appropriate legal action against the accusers.

BJP leaders and spokespersons had so far maintained a studied silence on the issue amid an increasing demand for the minister to quit his position.

Some woman Union minister have supported the #MeToo movement, which has encouraged women in different fields to come out with their stories of sexual harassment by men in powerful position over the years.&nbsp;

In its first comments on the sexual harassment allegations against Union Minister MJ Akbar, the BJP said Monday he has given his version on the row and that it is not about whether the party agrees or disagrees with him.

In its first comments on the sexual harassment allegations against Union Minister MJ Akbar, the BJP said Monday he has given his version on the row and that it is not about whether the party agrees or disagrees with him. Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson GV L Narasimha Rao was asked at a press conference whether the ruling party agrees with Akbar on his statement on the allegations levelled against him by several women. "It is not about agreeing or disagreeing. He has presented his version," Rao said. Also read: Union Minister MJ Akbar files criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani The Minister of State for External Affairs had Sunday rejected the allegations as "false, fabricated and deeply distressing" and said he was taking appropriate legal action against the accusers. BJP leaders and spokespersons had so far maintained a studied silence on the issue amid an increasing demand for the minister to quit his position. Some woman Union minister have supported the #MeToo movement, which has encouraged women in different fields to come out with their stories of sexual harassment by men in powerful position over the years.

'Akbar has given his version,' BJP says on #MeToo allegations

Author Chetan Bhagat, in a series of tweets, has responded to the `fake` sexual assault allegations by author Ira Trivedi.

To defend himself, the 44-year-old shared a screenshot of a `self-explanatory` mail which apparently Trivedi sent to him in 2013.

"So who wanted to kiss whom?", wrote Bhagat, adding, "@iratrivedi`s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, especially last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don't harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed"`

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So who wanted to kiss whom? <a href="https://twitter.com/iratrivedi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iratrivedi</a>’s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, esp last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don’t harm a movement with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fakecharges?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fakecharges</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/harassed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#harassed</a> <a href="https://t.co/SWeaSCfHLd">pic.twitter.com/SWeaSCfHLd</a>
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetan_bhagat/status/1051691435848687616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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'The Girl in Room 105` author also shared a video of an event - which according to him, took place in 2015-106 - in which Trivedi had called Bhagat to launch her book.

He wrote alongside, "Who calls their harasser as chief guest for their book launch?"

Bhagat further urged people to not "support this kind of smear campaign" and to not "believe such nonsense".

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I am not a vindictive person. More than anything I just want me and my family to be left alone and people to ignore fake charges. Love to all who supported me. I won’t let you down. This was my <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a> story. Peace out.
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetan_bhagat/status/1051693959469137921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Shame on media like <a href="https://twitter.com/Outlookindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@outlookindia</a> who carried a fake charges story without even checking with me. They could have easily checked on YouTube that I launched her book in 2015/16. Who calls their harasser as chief guest for their book launch? Video here: <a href="https://t.co/g6uIOVLjeS">https://t.co/g6uIOVLjeS</a>
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetan_bhagat/status/1051692961434484736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Also, it is she who comes from very powerful family connected to pol party (regularly dropped top names of people in power then ). i was less known in 2010. was intimidated by her. My old col on Air India talks of entitled IAS kid demanding upgrades at Air India counter. It's her <a href="https://t.co/GGNGjZgbz9">pic.twitter.com/GGNGjZgbz9</a>
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetan_bhagat/status/1051692509494095872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the ongoing #MeToo movement, writer Ira Trivedi, on October 13, had detailed her experience of being sexually harassed by Chetan Bhagat and Suhel Seth.&nbsp;

Author Chetan Bhagat, in a series of tweets, has responded to the `fake` sexual assault allegations by author Ira Trivedi. To defend himself, the 44-year-old shared a screenshot of a `self-explanatory` mail which apparently Trivedi sent to him in 2013.

Author Chetan Bhagat, in a series of tweets, has responded to the `fake` sexual assault allegations by author Ira Trivedi. To defend himself, the 44-year-old shared a screenshot of a `self-explanatory` mail which apparently Trivedi sent to him in 2013. "So who wanted to kiss whom?", wrote Bhagat, adding, "@iratrivedi`s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, especially last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don't harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed"` So who wanted to kiss whom? @iratrivedi’s self-explanatory email from 2013 to me, esp last line, easily shows her claims from 2010 are false, and she knows this too. This mental harassment of me and my family has to stop. Please don’t harm a movement with #fakecharges #harassed pic.twitter.com/SWeaSCfHLd — Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) October 15, 2018 × 'The Girl in Room 105` author also shared a video of an event - which according to him, took place in 2015-106 - in which Trivedi had called Bhagat to launch her book. He wrote alongside, "Who calls their harasser as chief guest for their book launch?" Bhagat further urged people to not "support this kind of smear campaign" and to not "believe such nonsense". I am not a vindictive person. More than anything I just want me and my family to be left alone and people to ignore fake charges. Love to all who supported me. I won’t let you down. This was my #MeToo story. Peace out. — Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) October 15, 2018 × Shame on media like @outlookindia who carried a fake charges story without even checking with me. They could have easily checked on YouTube that I launched her book in 2015/16. Who calls their harasser as chief guest for their book launch? Video here: https://t.co/g6uIOVLjeS — Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) October 15, 2018 × Also, it is she who comes from very powerful family connected to pol party (regularly dropped top names of people in power then ). i was less known in 2010. was intimidated by her. My old col on Air India talks of entitled IAS kid demanding upgrades at Air India counter. It's her pic.twitter.com/GGNGjZgbz9 — Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) October 15, 2018 × In the ongoing #MeToo movement, writer Ira Trivedi, on October 13, had detailed her experience of being sexually harassed by Chetan Bhagat and Suhel Seth.

#MeToo: Chetan Bhagat responds to charges by author Ira Trivedi, asks 'who wanted to kiss whom?'

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has kicked up a row with remarks that no "good" Hindu would favour a Ram temple in Ayodhya by demolishing somebody else's place of worship, drawing stinging criticism from the BJP which dubbed his party and its chief Rahul Gandhi "anti- Hindu".

Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, made the comments at an event in Chennai on Sunday.

"As a Hindu, obviously, I am conscious that a vast majority of my fellow Hindus believe that that was the specific birthplace of Ram.

"For this reason, most good Hindus would want to see a Ram temple at the site where Ram was supposed to be born. But I also believe that no good Hindu would have wanted that a temple be built by demolishing somebody else's place of worship," he said.

The BJP hit back at Tharoor over his remarks, with the party's national spokesman Sambit Patra saying they "exposed" the real face of Rahul Gandhi.

"Rahul Gandhi's real face stands exposed," Patra told a tv news channel, criticising Tharoor's comments. He made a reference to the Congress president's frequent visits to temples in election-bound states.

He said while Gandhi "does fancy dress shows" by visiting Hindu temples, a leader of his party makes such comments.

"These remarks completely expose the Congress....Rahul Gandhi. They are anti-Hindu," he said.

Tharoor insisted his comments were personal and not those of his party. His remarks, Tharoor insisted, were distorted out of malice.

"I was asked for my personal opinion at a literary festival &amp; gave it as such. I am not a Spokesperson for my party &amp; did not claim to be speaking for @incindia," he tweeted.

"I condemn the malicious distortion of my words by some media in the service of political masters. I said: most Hindus would want a temple at what they believe to be Rams birthplace. But no good Hindu would want it to be built by destroying anothers place of worship."

Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said Tharoor was trying to "arrogate" to himself spiritual powers and that he has his "lost balance".

"He is no authority on Hindu. He has led a life which has nothing to do with Hinduism. He is arrogating to himself spiritual powers or powers of religious authority. He has lost his balance," Swamy said.

Tharoor had sparked off a controversy in July with comments that if the BJP was voted to power again, it will rewrite the Constitution that will eventually create a "Hindu Pakistan".

At an event in Thiruvanthapuram, Tharoor said, "If they are able to win a repeat of their current strength in the Lok Sabha then, frankly, our own democratic Constitution, as we understand [it], will not survive... Because then they will have all the three elements they need to tear up the Constitution of India and write a new one."

"And that will enshrine the principle of Hindu Rashtra, that will remove equality for the minorities, and that will create a Hindu Pakistan...And that is not what Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and great heroes of freedom struggle fought for," he noted.

The Congress had distanced itself from Tharoor's comments.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has kicked up a row with remarks that no "good" Hindu would favour a Ram temple in Ayodhya by demolishing somebody else's place of worship, drawing stinging criticism from the BJP which dubbed his party and its chief Rahul Gandhi "anti- Hindu".

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has kicked up a row with remarks that no "good" Hindu would favour a Ram temple in Ayodhya by demolishing somebody else's place of worship, drawing stinging criticism from the BJP which dubbed his party and its chief Rahul Gandhi "anti- Hindu". Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, made the comments at an event in Chennai on Sunday. "As a Hindu, obviously, I am conscious that a vast majority of my fellow Hindus believe that that was the specific birthplace of Ram. "For this reason, most good Hindus would want to see a Ram temple at the site where Ram was supposed to be born. But I also believe that no good Hindu would have wanted that a temple be built by demolishing somebody else's place of worship," he said. The BJP hit back at Tharoor over his remarks, with the party's national spokesman Sambit Patra saying they "exposed" the real face of Rahul Gandhi. "Rahul Gandhi's real face stands exposed," Patra told a tv news channel, criticising Tharoor's comments. He made a reference to the Congress president's frequent visits to temples in election-bound states. He said while Gandhi "does fancy dress shows" by visiting Hindu temples, a leader of his party makes such comments. "These remarks completely expose the Congress....Rahul Gandhi. They are anti-Hindu," he said. Tharoor insisted his comments were personal and not those of his party. His remarks, Tharoor insisted, were distorted out of malice. "I was asked for my personal opinion at a literary festival & gave it as such. I am not a Spokesperson for my party & did not claim to be speaking for @incindia," he tweeted. "I condemn the malicious distortion of my words by some media in the service of political masters. I said: most Hindus would want a temple at what they believe to be Rams birthplace. But no good Hindu would want it to be built by destroying anothers place of worship." Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said Tharoor was trying to "arrogate" to himself spiritual powers and that he has his "lost balance". "He is no authority on Hindu. He has led a life which has nothing to do with Hinduism. He is arrogating to himself spiritual powers or powers of religious authority. He has lost his balance," Swamy said. Tharoor had sparked off a controversy in July with comments that if the BJP was voted to power again, it will rewrite the Constitution that will eventually create a "Hindu Pakistan". At an event in Thiruvanthapuram, Tharoor said, "If they are able to win a repeat of their current strength in the Lok Sabha then, frankly, our own democratic Constitution, as we understand [it], will not survive... Because then they will have all the three elements they need to tear up the Constitution of India and write a new one." "And that will enshrine the principle of Hindu Rashtra, that will remove equality for the minorities, and that will create a Hindu Pakistan...And that is not what Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and great heroes of freedom struggle fought for," he noted. The Congress had distanced itself from Tharoor's comments.

Good Hindus won't want temple by demolishing someone else's place of worship: Tharoor

A 53-year-old female flight attendant fell off a stationary Air India plane while closing its door at the Mumbai airport Monday, suffering serious injuries, airline and hospital authorities said.

The wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft was preparing to depart for New Delhi when Harsha Lobo fell on the tarmac from a height of 20 feet, apparently through a gap between the rear door and the step ladder, a senior Air India official said.

The incident occurred at around 6 am, the official said. 
Lobo suffered multiple fractures in her legs and was rushed to the Nanavati Hospital where she is being treated, the airline said.

Owing to the incident, the flight AI-864, scheduled to take off at 7 am, got delayed by about one-and-a-half hours.

"In an unfortunate incident, one of our cabin crew (member), Harsha Lobo, fell down on the tarmac from the Boeing-777 aircraft door while closing it," the airline said in a statement.

The statement said Air India is inquiring into the incident.

"Though full investigation will establish the reasons for the incident, prima facie it seems there was a gap between the aircraft gate and the step ladder, through which she slipped off 20 feet down on the tarmac," an official of the airline said.

The airline's safety department has called all the people related to the incident on Tuesday as part of its probe, the official added.

The Nanavati Hospital said a cabin crew member of the Air India flight was brought to the hospital at 7 am after she suffered "serious injuries".

"The patient is suffering from right leg compound fracture, fracture in both heels and soft tissue injury in chest, abdomen and lower spine. She also suffered a sprain in the neck (cervical spine)," it said in a statement.

The woman is under observation and is being treated by Dr Prakash M Doshi, director of orthopedics and traumatology, Nanavati Hospital's Chief Operating Officer Dr Rajendra Patankar said.

Last week, 136 passengers and crew on board an aircraft of Air India Express, which is the low-cost international arm of the national carrier, had a miraculous escape after the plane hit a wall and suffered extensive damage while taking off from Tiruchirappalli airport for Dubai.

Despite the extensive damage to the belly of the aircraft, the Boeing 737 continued flying for nearly four hours, before being recalled by the airline and made to land in Mumbai in emergency conditions.

Earlier in September, about 370 passengers on board an Air India flight AI-101 between New Delhi and New York had a narrow escape after the B 777 planes instrument landing system failed.

This happened when the aircraft was about to land at New Yorks JFK airport, forcing the crew to abort landing and do a go around.

Air India generally operates flights on its domestic routes with smaller planes such as A320s but deploys bigger planes to key destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, among others to meet the increased passenger demand during festival periods such as Dussehra, Diwali and Holi.

Besides B777, it will also operate its 423-seater, double-decker Boeing 747 aircraft to Mumbai and Kolkata from New Delhi, starting Tuesday as part of this strategy.&nbsp;

A 53-year-old female flight attendant fell off a stationary Air India plane while closing its door at the Mumbai airport Monday, suffering serious injuries, airline and hospital authorities said.

A 53-year-old female flight attendant fell off a stationary Air India plane while closing its door at the Mumbai airport Monday, suffering serious injuries, airline and hospital authorities said. The wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft was preparing to depart for New Delhi when Harsha Lobo fell on the tarmac from a height of 20 feet, apparently through a gap between the rear door and the step ladder, a senior Air India official said. The incident occurred at around 6 am, the official said. Lobo suffered multiple fractures in her legs and was rushed to the Nanavati Hospital where she is being treated, the airline said. Owing to the incident, the flight AI-864, scheduled to take off at 7 am, got delayed by about one-and-a-half hours. "In an unfortunate incident, one of our cabin crew (member), Harsha Lobo, fell down on the tarmac from the Boeing-777 aircraft door while closing it," the airline said in a statement. The statement said Air India is inquiring into the incident. "Though full investigation will establish the reasons for the incident, prima facie it seems there was a gap between the aircraft gate and the step ladder, through which she slipped off 20 feet down on the tarmac," an official of the airline said. The airline's safety department has called all the people related to the incident on Tuesday as part of its probe, the official added. The Nanavati Hospital said a cabin crew member of the Air India flight was brought to the hospital at 7 am after she suffered "serious injuries". "The patient is suffering from right leg compound fracture, fracture in both heels and soft tissue injury in chest, abdomen and lower spine. She also suffered a sprain in the neck (cervical spine)," it said in a statement. The woman is under observation and is being treated by Dr Prakash M Doshi, director of orthopedics and traumatology, Nanavati Hospital's Chief Operating Officer Dr Rajendra Patankar said. Last week, 136 passengers and crew on board an aircraft of Air India Express, which is the low-cost international arm of the national carrier, had a miraculous escape after the plane hit a wall and suffered extensive damage while taking off from Tiruchirappalli airport for Dubai. Despite the extensive damage to the belly of the aircraft, the Boeing 737 continued flying for nearly four hours, before being recalled by the airline and made to land in Mumbai in emergency conditions. Earlier in September, about 370 passengers on board an Air India flight AI-101 between New Delhi and New York had a narrow escape after the B 777 planes instrument landing system failed. This happened when the aircraft was about to land at New Yorks JFK airport, forcing the crew to abort landing and do a go around. Air India generally operates flights on its domestic routes with smaller planes such as A320s but deploys bigger planes to key destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, among others to meet the increased passenger demand during festival periods such as Dussehra, Diwali and Holi. Besides B777, it will also operate its 423-seater, double-decker Boeing 747 aircraft to Mumbai and Kolkata from New Delhi, starting Tuesday as part of this strategy.

Air hostess falls out of plane at Mumbai airport

Repeating his 'suit-boot' jibe at Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Monday alleged there is no place for the poor in the prime minister's heart, adding, "If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai".

Gandhi also accused Modi of remaining silent when Dalits, women, minorities, tribals and the poor are attacked in the country and alleged that he and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were trying to save a rape accused BJP MLA in the northern state.

On a campaign trail in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, the Congress president again took on Modi over the controversial Rafale jet deal and alleged he had close proximity with businessmen like Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Anil Ambani.

He also said that loans of farmers will be waived in 10 days if the Congress comes to power in the state.

Gandhi earlier began his two-day tour of the state by offering prayers at the famous Maa Peetambara Peeth temple complex in Datia in Gwalior division.

Taking a swipe at BJP's assurance on women's safety, Gandhi, without naming anyone, said there is a "need to save our daughters from BJP MLAs". Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a BJP MLA from UP, is accused of raping a minor girl in Unnao district.

Noting that the prime minister had said before the 2014 polls he wanted to be a "chowkidar" (guard), Gandhi alleged only 15-20 industrialists of the country benefitted under his government, instead of farmers.

"Prime Minister addresses Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai (brother), Nirav Modi as Nirav bhai and Anil Ambani as Anil bhai but he never addresses a labourer, a poor and a farmer as bhai or hugs them. There is no place for them in his heart.If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai," Gandhi said addressing a public gathering in Datia.

"The prime minister let jeweller Nirav Modi escape with Rs 35,000 crore, which is equal to the entire budget of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)," Gandhi further charged.

He was referring to the PNB banking fraud allegedly involving Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others.

Taking a dig at the ruling party over the issue of women's safety, Gandhi said, "The BJP gave a good slogan 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' (save and educate daughters).

"But in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were trying to save a rape accused BJP MLA. The PM didn't speak a word," he alleged. 
"There is a need now to save our daughters from BJP MLAs."

On the multi-billion dollar Rafale jet deal with France, Gandhi alleged that Modi ensured the offset contract for Anil Ambani, "who owes Rs 45,000 crore to public sector banks".

"The prime minister does not have the courage to reply why the offset contract for the French aircraft was "snatched" from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and instead, given to Ambani's firm," he said.

"The prime minister could not look me in the eye (during debate in Parliament). The PM gives speeches but no answers...He doesn't have the courage to reply as to why the contract was snatched from HAL and given to Anil Ambani."

The Modi government has denied allegations of irregularities in Rafale deal and Ambani, too, has dismissed the Congress's allegations that he got any undue benefit.

Gandhi accused Modi of "insulting every Indian by mocking the governance of other parties during 70 years, before the BJP-led NDA came to power.

"From the Red Fort, Modi (during his Independence Day speech) said the country was sleeping before he took over as country's prime minister. This is not an insult to Congress leaders. This is insult to the country's people.

"This is an insult to farmers, labourers, youths, small traders and people who toiled hard to build this country. This is an insult to your mother and father," he added.

Repeating his 'suit-boot' jibe at Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Monday alleged there is no place for the poor in the prime minister's heart, adding, "If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai".

Repeating his 'suit-boot' jibe at Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Monday alleged there is no place for the poor in the prime minister's heart, adding, "If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai". Gandhi also accused Modi of remaining silent when Dalits, women, minorities, tribals and the poor are attacked in the country and alleged that he and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were trying to save a rape accused BJP MLA in the northern state. On a campaign trail in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, the Congress president again took on Modi over the controversial Rafale jet deal and alleged he had close proximity with businessmen like Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Anil Ambani. He also said that loans of farmers will be waived in 10 days if the Congress comes to power in the state. Gandhi earlier began his two-day tour of the state by offering prayers at the famous Maa Peetambara Peeth temple complex in Datia in Gwalior division. Taking a swipe at BJP's assurance on women's safety, Gandhi, without naming anyone, said there is a "need to save our daughters from BJP MLAs". Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a BJP MLA from UP, is accused of raping a minor girl in Unnao district. Noting that the prime minister had said before the 2014 polls he wanted to be a "chowkidar" (guard), Gandhi alleged only 15-20 industrialists of the country benefitted under his government, instead of farmers. "Prime Minister addresses Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai (brother), Nirav Modi as Nirav bhai and Anil Ambani as Anil bhai but he never addresses a labourer, a poor and a farmer as bhai or hugs them. There is no place for them in his heart.If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai," Gandhi said addressing a public gathering in Datia. "The prime minister let jeweller Nirav Modi escape with Rs 35,000 crore, which is equal to the entire budget of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)," Gandhi further charged. He was referring to the PNB banking fraud allegedly involving Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others. Taking a dig at the ruling party over the issue of women's safety, Gandhi said, "The BJP gave a good slogan 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' (save and educate daughters). "But in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were trying to save a rape accused BJP MLA. The PM didn't speak a word," he alleged. "There is a need now to save our daughters from BJP MLAs." On the multi-billion dollar Rafale jet deal with France, Gandhi alleged that Modi ensured the offset contract for Anil Ambani, "who owes Rs 45,000 crore to public sector banks". "The prime minister does not have the courage to reply why the offset contract for the French aircraft was "snatched" from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and instead, given to Ambani's firm," he said. "The prime minister could not look me in the eye (during debate in Parliament). The PM gives speeches but no answers...He doesn't have the courage to reply as to why the contract was snatched from HAL and given to Anil Ambani." The Modi government has denied allegations of irregularities in Rafale deal and Ambani, too, has dismissed the Congress's allegations that he got any undue benefit. Gandhi accused Modi of "insulting every Indian by mocking the governance of other parties during 70 years, before the BJP-led NDA came to power. "From the Red Fort, Modi (during his Independence Day speech) said the country was sleeping before he took over as country's prime minister. This is not an insult to Congress leaders. This is insult to the country's people. "This is an insult to farmers, labourers, youths, small traders and people who toiled hard to build this country. This is an insult to your mother and father," he added.

'If you are not in suit-boot you are not PM's bhai', Rahul at Madhya Pradesh poll rally

Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad.

The meeting which was held in Delhi to attract private investment and raise domestic and gas oil production was attended by Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Mukesh Ambani among others.

PM Modi in the meeting&nbsp;highlighted the&nbsp;economic challenges including serious resource crunch that the consuming countries face due to rising crude oil prices.

He also noted that the oil market was producer driven and both the quantity and prices are determined by the oil-producing countries.&nbsp;

PM Modi added that though there was enough production, the unique features of marketing in the oil sector had pushed up the oil prices.

He also emphasised that the cooperation of oil-producing countries would be very critical to bridging this gap.

The prime minister also noted the significant positioning of India in the oil and gas market and said the oil market was producer driven and quantity and prices were determined by oil-producing countries.

He also asked the oil producers like Saudi Arabia to initiate steps to bring down rates to reasonable levels.

Later speaking at the meeting Saudi Oil Minister Khalid A Al-Falih raised the issue of "consumer pain" from high crude oil prices.

He said the consumer pain was heard loud and clear from the prime minister.&nbsp;

Falih added that the "pain" would have been "much louder" but the action by Saudi Arabia to invest in creating spare capacity has used to lessen price shocks.

"Prime minister cautioned producers like myself not to kill hen that lays golden egg, he said referring to consumers are the golden hen," Al-Falih added.

On technology, PM Modi appealed for assistance in areas where high pressure and high-temperature technology applications are relevant to commercial exploitation of natural gas.&nbsp;

He also requested for review of payment terms so as to provide temporary relief to the local currency.

Speaking at the event Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at India Energy Forum in New Delhi said, "Energy today is a global industry and oil is truly a global commodity. Hence our engagements with global energy community has to be continuous to address the challenges of transition in energy for a secured energy future".

Global CEOs and Experts appreciated steps taken by Government over last four years, for ease of doing business and specifically in energy sector in India. Experts made special mention of India’s competitive ranking from upstream investment point of view which has gone up from 56 to 44, ANI reported.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Under PM Modi's stewardship, doing business in India has become significantly easier. FDI has grown and inflation is under <a href="https://t.co/N8evHq6gNi">https://t.co/N8evHq6gNi</a> other words, PM Modi is making good of his promise of 'Acche Din': Saudi Arabia Energy Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih <a href="https://t.co/4KmB32EAJU">pic.twitter.com/4KmB32EAJU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051784569287045120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

This was PM Modi's third meeting to revive investment in oil and gas exploration and production.

Modi's first meeting was on January 5, 2016, where suggestions for reforming natural gas prices were made. More than a year later, the government allowed higher natural gas price for yet-to-be-produced fields in difficult areas like deep sea.

In the last edition in October 2017, suggestions were made for giving out equity to foreign and private companies in producing oil and gas fields of state-owned ONGC and OIL. But the plan could not go through in view of strong opposition from Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC).

The government is looking at private investment to raise domestic oil and gas production, which has stagnated for the last few years while fuel demand has been rising by 5-6 per cent annually.

India is dependent on imports to meet 83 per cent of its demand and more than half of its natural gas requirements.

The Prime Minister in 2015 had set a target of reducing India's oil dependence by 10 per cent to 67 per cent (based on import dependence of 77 per cent in 2014-15) by 2022. Import dependence has only increased since then and the government is now looking for ways to raise domestic output.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad.

Amid the rising fuel price in the country, Prime Minister Modi on Monday held a meeting with CEOs and experts from the Oil and Gas sector from both India and abroad. The meeting which was held in Delhi to attract private investment and raise domestic and gas oil production was attended by Union Ministers Arun Jaitley and Dharmendra Pradhan, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Mukesh Ambani among others. PM Modi in the meeting highlighted the economic challenges including serious resource crunch that the consuming countries face due to rising crude oil prices. He also noted that the oil market was producer driven and both the quantity and prices are determined by the oil-producing countries. PM Modi added that though there was enough production, the unique features of marketing in the oil sector had pushed up the oil prices. He also emphasised that the cooperation of oil-producing countries would be very critical to bridging this gap. The prime minister also noted the significant positioning of India in the oil and gas market and said the oil market was producer driven and quantity and prices were determined by oil-producing countries. He also asked the oil producers like Saudi Arabia to initiate steps to bring down rates to reasonable levels. Later speaking at the meeting Saudi Oil Minister Khalid A Al-Falih raised the issue of "consumer pain" from high crude oil prices. He said the consumer pain was heard loud and clear from the prime minister. Falih added that the "pain" would have been "much louder" but the action by Saudi Arabia to invest in creating spare capacity has used to lessen price shocks. "Prime minister cautioned producers like myself not to kill hen that lays golden egg, he said referring to consumers are the golden hen," Al-Falih added. On technology, PM Modi appealed for assistance in areas where high pressure and high-temperature technology applications are relevant to commercial exploitation of natural gas. He also requested for review of payment terms so as to provide temporary relief to the local currency. Speaking at the event Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at India Energy Forum in New Delhi said, "Energy today is a global industry and oil is truly a global commodity. Hence our engagements with global energy community has to be continuous to address the challenges of transition in energy for a secured energy future". Global CEOs and Experts appreciated steps taken by Government over last four years, for ease of doing business and specifically in energy sector in India. Experts made special mention of India’s competitive ranking from upstream investment point of view which has gone up from 56 to 44, ANI reported. #WATCH Under PM Modi's stewardship, doing business in India has become significantly easier. FDI has grown and inflation is under https://t.co/N8evHq6gNi other words, PM Modi is making good of his promise of 'Acche Din': Saudi Arabia Energy Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih pic.twitter.com/4KmB32EAJU — ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2018 × This was PM Modi's third meeting to revive investment in oil and gas exploration and production. Modi's first meeting was on January 5, 2016, where suggestions for reforming natural gas prices were made. More than a year later, the government allowed higher natural gas price for yet-to-be-produced fields in difficult areas like deep sea. In the last edition in October 2017, suggestions were made for giving out equity to foreign and private companies in producing oil and gas fields of state-owned ONGC and OIL. But the plan could not go through in view of strong opposition from Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC). The government is looking at private investment to raise domestic oil and gas production, which has stagnated for the last few years while fuel demand has been rising by 5-6 per cent annually. India is dependent on imports to meet 83 per cent of its demand and more than half of its natural gas requirements. The Prime Minister in 2015 had set a target of reducing India's oil dependence by 10 per cent to 67 per cent (based on import dependence of 77 per cent in 2014-15) by 2022. Import dependence has only increased since then and the government is now looking for ways to raise domestic output. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi tells oil-producing countries that high prices are hurting global growth

MJ Akbar files defamation case against female journalists

PM Modi set to meet oil company chiefs

Kerala High Court&nbsp;on Monday granted "conditional bail"&nbsp;to Roman Catholic Bishop Mulakkal, who was arrested over allegations of&nbsp;raping and sexually assaulting a nun.

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While granting the bail, the High Court judge, Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan laid down the conditions that Bishop Franco Mulakkal should not enter Kerala except for appearing before&nbsp;the probe&nbsp;officer once in&nbsp;two weeks.

The court also directed the bishop&nbsp;to surrender his passport before the court.

The conditions will be applicable till a chargesheet is filed.

On October 3rd, Bishop&nbsp;Mulakkal&nbsp;was denied bail by the court on prosecutions' argument that the accused, holding a high position in society will try to influence witnesses in the case if he is granted bail.

The 54-year-old Bishop, currently lodged in a sub-jail in Pala in Kottayam district, moved the High Court again after a magistrate court extended his judicial remand.

In September, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-nun-rape-case-bishop-franco-mulakkal-arrested-167036">Mulakkal -- head of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Jalandhar, Punjab -- was arrested </a>in Tripunithura after three days of questioning in the case where he was&nbsp;accused of repeatedly raping a&nbsp;senior nun between 2014 to 2016.

The nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later sexually exploited her on several occasions.

The nun also said she had to approach the police as church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman.

However, the bishop denied the charges.&nbsp;

Kerala High Court on Monday granted "conditional bail" to Roman Catholic Bishop Mulakkal, who was arrested over allegations of raping and sexually assaulting a nun.

Kerala High Court on Monday granted "conditional bail" to Roman Catholic Bishop Mulakkal, who was arrested over allegations of raping and sexually assaulting a nun. Kerala High Court has laid down the conditions that Bishop Franco Mulakkal should not enter Kerala & should surrender his passport before the court. https://t.co/qvd7FsQgfy — ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2018 × While granting the bail, the High Court judge, Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan laid down the conditions that Bishop Franco Mulakkal should not enter Kerala except for appearing before the probe officer once in two weeks. The court also directed the bishop to surrender his passport before the court. The conditions will be applicable till a chargesheet is filed. On October 3rd, Bishop Mulakkal was denied bail by the court on prosecutions' argument that the accused, holding a high position in society will try to influence witnesses in the case if he is granted bail. The 54-year-old Bishop, currently lodged in a sub-jail in Pala in Kottayam district, moved the High Court again after a magistrate court extended his judicial remand. In September, Mulakkal -- head of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Jalandhar, Punjab -- was arrested in Tripunithura after three days of questioning in the case where he was accused of repeatedly raping a senior nun between 2014 to 2016. The nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later sexually exploited her on several occasions. The nun also said she had to approach the police as church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman. However, the bishop denied the charges.

Nun rape case: High Court grants bail to Bishop Mulakkal; barred from entering Kerala

The BJP core committee in Goa will meet Monday to discuss the political situation in the state, a senior party leader said.

The discussions have been planned a day after Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar returned to Goa from New Delhi where he was undergoing treatment for pancreatic ailment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

"The state core committee will meet today and discuss the current political situation in Goa," the leader said.

The core committee is the BJP's key decision-making body in Goa, comprising senior leaders Parrikar, Union minister Shripad Naik, Lok Sabha MP Narendra Sawaikar and party state chief Vinay Tendulkar, among others.

Meanwhile, Parrikar, 62, was undergoing treatment at his private residence at Dona Paula near here, where a team of doctors from the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) have set up make-shift medical facility.

"Parrikar is at home and is being taken care by a team of doctors from the GCMH," a senior official in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) told PTI.

The chief minister is following the line of treatment prescribed by the doctors at AIIMS, he said.

BJP legislator and power minister Nilesh Cabral Sunday said, "We hope that he recovers fast. I think it must be his personal decision to come back to Goa. When I met him last time, he spoke well."

State civil supplies minister and Independent MLA Govind Gawade, who is supporting the Parrikar-led coalition, said the chief minister should have stayed back at AIIMS for some more time and fully recovered before returning to Goa.

"But we welcome him back. Goa was missing its leader," he added.

Parrikar was Sunday morning discharged from the AIIMS, where he was admitted on September 15, and was flown in a special flight to Goa. He was later taken to his private residence in an ambulance.

Parrikar had Friday met Goa BJP's core committee members and ministers from coalition partners at AIIMS to discuss ways to ensure his government functions normally during his absence from office due to ill health.

Leaders of the ruling BJP and its allies, who met Parrikar separately, had ruled out any change in leadership in the coastal state.&nbsp;

The BJP core committee in Goa will meet Monday to discuss the political situation in the state, a senior party leader said. The discussions have been planned a day after Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar returned to Goa from New Delhi where he was undergoing treatment for pancreatic ailment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

The BJP core committee in Goa will meet Monday to discuss the political situation in the state, a senior party leader said. The discussions have been planned a day after Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar returned to Goa from New Delhi where he was undergoing treatment for pancreatic ailment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). "The state core committee will meet today and discuss the current political situation in Goa," the leader said. The core committee is the BJP's key decision-making body in Goa, comprising senior leaders Parrikar, Union minister Shripad Naik, Lok Sabha MP Narendra Sawaikar and party state chief Vinay Tendulkar, among others. Meanwhile, Parrikar, 62, was undergoing treatment at his private residence at Dona Paula near here, where a team of doctors from the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) have set up make-shift medical facility. "Parrikar is at home and is being taken care by a team of doctors from the GCMH," a senior official in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) told PTI. The chief minister is following the line of treatment prescribed by the doctors at AIIMS, he said. BJP legislator and power minister Nilesh Cabral Sunday said, "We hope that he recovers fast. I think it must be his personal decision to come back to Goa. When I met him last time, he spoke well." State civil supplies minister and Independent MLA Govind Gawade, who is supporting the Parrikar-led coalition, said the chief minister should have stayed back at AIIMS for some more time and fully recovered before returning to Goa. "But we welcome him back. Goa was missing its leader," he added. Parrikar was Sunday morning discharged from the AIIMS, where he was admitted on September 15, and was flown in a special flight to Goa. He was later taken to his private residence in an ambulance. Parrikar had Friday met Goa BJP's core committee members and ministers from coalition partners at AIIMS to discuss ways to ensure his government functions normally during his absence from office due to ill health. Leaders of the ruling BJP and its allies, who met Parrikar separately, had ruled out any change in leadership in the coastal state.

BJP core committee to discuss Goa's political situation

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee Chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy and other party leaders Monday inspected the arrangements for the visit of party President Rahul Gandhi to Telangana on October 20.

Reddy and others left from Hyderabad by a chopper to Bhainsa near Adilabad where Gandhi will address a public meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Reddy attacked the TRS government in Telangana for allegedly ignoring farmers' and other sections and highlighted the promises of Congress for the December 7 Legislative Assembly elections.

Gandhi would address two public meetings in Telangana on October 20.

He would hoist the Congress flag near Charminar here and address the gathering on the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration day, they said.

Former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh K Rosaiah will be conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration award.

Later, the Congress leader would visit Bhainsa town and address a public meeting and another one in Kamareddy, they added.

The party has formed an alliance with the TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and been holding talks on seat-sharing for the polls.

Gandhi had visited Telangana in August last and interacted with women of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and others.

The state Congress hoped Gandhi's visit would give a boost to its prospects in the assembly elections.&nbsp;

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee Chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy and other party leaders Monday inspected the arrangements for the visit of party President Rahul Gandhi to Telangana on October 20.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee Chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy and other party leaders Monday inspected the arrangements for the visit of party President Rahul Gandhi to Telangana on October 20. Reddy and others left from Hyderabad by a chopper to Bhainsa near Adilabad where Gandhi will address a public meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Reddy attacked the TRS government in Telangana for allegedly ignoring farmers' and other sections and highlighted the promises of Congress for the December 7 Legislative Assembly elections. Gandhi would address two public meetings in Telangana on October 20. He would hoist the Congress flag near Charminar here and address the gathering on the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration day, they said. Former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh K Rosaiah will be conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra commemoration award. Later, the Congress leader would visit Bhainsa town and address a public meeting and another one in Kamareddy, they added. The party has formed an alliance with the TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and been holding talks on seat-sharing for the polls. Gandhi had visited Telangana in August last and interacted with women of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and others. The state Congress hoped Gandhi's visit would give a boost to its prospects in the assembly elections.

Telangana Congress gearing up for Rahul Gandhi's visit

The Gujarat government Monday extended formal invitation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami for the inauguration of the world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in that state on October 31.

A team led by Gujarat Minister Ganpat Vasava, who holds Tribal Development and Tourism portfolios among others, presented the invitation to Palaniswami at the Secretariat here to attend the unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity,' an official release said.

The Gujarat Minister was accompanied by party MP Kirit Solanki and a couple of state Legislators, it said.

The 'Statue of Unity' dedicated to Patel, India's first Home Minister, is touted to be the tallest in the world at 182 metres.

Being built at a cost of Rs 2,389 crore at Sadhu Bet island on Narmada river, the statue is set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31 on the occasion of Sardar Patel's birth anniversary.

The Gujarat government Monday extended formal invitation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami for the inauguration of the world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in that state on October 31.

The Gujarat government Monday extended formal invitation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami for the inauguration of the world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in that state on October 31. A team led by Gujarat Minister Ganpat Vasava, who holds Tribal Development and Tourism portfolios among others, presented the invitation to Palaniswami at the Secretariat here to attend the unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity,' an official release said. The Gujarat Minister was accompanied by party MP Kirit Solanki and a couple of state Legislators, it said. The 'Statue of Unity' dedicated to Patel, India's first Home Minister, is touted to be the tallest in the world at 182 metres. Being built at a cost of Rs 2,389 crore at Sadhu Bet island on Narmada river, the statue is set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31 on the occasion of Sardar Patel's birth anniversary.

Gujarat government invites Tamil Nadu CM to inauguration of Vallabhbhai Patel statue

P Lal Thanhawla has been&nbsp;the chief minister of Mizoram since 2008 for a record&nbsp;five times. He started with Mizo National Front (MNF) in 1966 and subsequently joined Congress in 1967. He gave up the position of chief minister for Pu Laldenga when former late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi signed the peace accord. Though BJP is not much of a force in Mizoram, the chief minister&nbsp;will face both BJP and MNF at the same time.

He spoke to WION’S Kartikeya Sharma on a&nbsp;number of issues ranging from prohibition to BJP and&nbsp;trade links with Bangladesh.

 
WION: How hopeful you are of wresting Mizoram again?

Lal Thanhawla: I’m very hopeful of winning back Mizoram again. Trends are in our favour and there is no anti-incumbency in the state. People are with us and our candidates will do very well.

WION: What are the issues in the upcoming assembly elections?

Lal Thanhawla: There aren’t many issues. Economically Mizoram has done well. &nbsp;Congress&nbsp;is a popular government. Our policies have benefitted the poor. Mizoram is part of the best performing states in India. It is ahead of Gujarat in some parameters. Mizoram’s per capita income is higher than the national average. We have been able to cater to the low-income strata very well.

WION: Is prohibition an issue in the elections?

Lal Thanhawla: Prohibition is not an issue. We implemented the prohibition on the advice of the Church which failed miserably. We had to find alternatives after its failure. We made the sale of liquor legal but added strong provisions to control its rampant sale.

WION: Two important ministers have quit your government...

Lal Thanhawla: There resignation will not affect my government. Some years ago our vice-president also quit but we came back with a thumping majority. We will repeat our performance again.

WION: What explains the rise of BJP in the state and is Opposition a force in Mizoram?

Lal Thanhawla: BJP has come up in North-East through money power. Even in the past money power was used in Mizoram. It did not find success in the state. We will defeat BJP’s attempt to intrude in the state. MNF is not a major force even in the legislature today. They only have 5 MLAs in an assembly of 40. Though some regional parties are trying to come together, Congress will defeat all of them.

WION: Will you be the CM again or would you like to go to the Centre?

Lal Thanhawla: I have no plans of doing politics at the Centre. I do not want to leave the state.

WION: What will you do if you are voted back into power?

Lal Thanhawla: I want to establish trade links with Bangladesh. Nothing was done for 10 years when I was not in power. Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very keen on trade links with our state. We already have trade links with Myanmar. This will give us access to the port. It will benefit Mizoram immensely.

P Lal Thanhawla has been the chief minister of Mizoram since 2008 for a record five times. He started with Mizo National Front (MNF) in 1966 and subsequently joined Congress in 1967.

P Lal Thanhawla has been the chief minister of Mizoram since 2008 for a record five times. He started with Mizo National Front (MNF) in 1966 and subsequently joined Congress in 1967. He gave up the position of chief minister for Pu Laldenga when former late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi signed the peace accord. Though BJP is not much of a force in Mizoram, the chief minister will face both BJP and MNF at the same time. He spoke to WION’S Kartikeya Sharma on a number of issues ranging from prohibition to BJP and trade links with Bangladesh. WION: How hopeful you are of wresting Mizoram again? Lal Thanhawla: I’m very hopeful of winning back Mizoram again. Trends are in our favour and there is no anti-incumbency in the state. People are with us and our candidates will do very well. WION: What are the issues in the upcoming assembly elections? Lal Thanhawla: There aren’t many issues. Economically Mizoram has done well. Congress is a popular government. Our policies have benefitted the poor. Mizoram is part of the best performing states in India. It is ahead of Gujarat in some parameters. Mizoram’s per capita income is higher than the national average. We have been able to cater to the low-income strata very well. WION: Is prohibition an issue in the elections? Lal Thanhawla: Prohibition is not an issue. We implemented the prohibition on the advice of the Church which failed miserably. We had to find alternatives after its failure. We made the sale of liquor legal but added strong provisions to control its rampant sale. WION: Two important ministers have quit your government... Lal Thanhawla: There resignation will not affect my government. Some years ago our vice-president also quit but we came back with a thumping majority. We will repeat our performance again. WION: What explains the rise of BJP in the state and is Opposition a force in Mizoram? Lal Thanhawla: BJP has come up in North-East through money power. Even in the past money power was used in Mizoram. It did not find success in the state. We will defeat BJP’s attempt to intrude in the state. MNF is not a major force even in the legislature today. They only have 5 MLAs in an assembly of 40. Though some regional parties are trying to come together, Congress will defeat all of them. WION: Will you be the CM again or would you like to go to the Centre? Lal Thanhawla: I have no plans of doing politics at the Centre. I do not want to leave the state. WION: What will you do if you are voted back into power? Lal Thanhawla: I want to establish trade links with Bangladesh. Nothing was done for 10 years when I was not in power. Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very keen on trade links with our state. We already have trade links with Myanmar. This will give us access to the port. It will benefit Mizoram immensely.

Congress will defeat BJP’s money power: Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla to WION

Thousands of BJP activists Monday marched to the secretariat here to protest implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups entry into the Sabarimala shrine.

In another development, the Travancore Devaswom Board has convened a meeting of various stakeholders of the shrine including the Tantri (head priest) family, Pandalam royals and Ayyappa Seva Sangam here tomorrow.

The meeting, called to discuss the preparations of the three-month-long annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrim season starting from November 17, was expected to discuss the recent Apex court order also.&nbsp;

The shrine will reopen on Wednesday for monthly rituals.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

BJP activists, including a large number of women and children, marched to the administrative hub, Secretariat here, chanting mantras of Lord Ayyappa and holding the garlanded pictures of the deity.

The mammoth foot march, which started last week from Pandalam, was in protest against the Left government's decision to implement the top court order without considering sentiments of believers and Lord Ayyappa devotees.

The BJP has also alleged that the attempt to implement the judgement was a "conspiracy" to destroy the hillock shrine, where lakhs of people from the country and abroad visit during the three-month-long pilgrim season beginning mid-November.

An array of senior leaders of NDA including actor-turned MP, Suresh Gopi, Bharatiya Dharma Jana Sena chief Thushar Vellappally, were in the forefront of the march, led by BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai.

Pillai said if the state government failed to resolve the issue at the earliest, the BJP-NDA's agitation would take a new turn.

"We will meet each villager in Kerala and chalk out a massive agitation plan to protect the Sabarimala Temple, its centuries-old traditions and the sentiments of Lord Ayyappa devotees," he said.

Claiming that their first phase of the Sabarimala stir was a major 'milestone,' the BJP said if the CPI(M)-led LDF government does not find a solution in the next 24 hours, the party-led NDA would chalk out a 'massive' agitation plan to reach their goal.

The Sabarimala Temple, opening on October 17 evening, would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly pooja of Malayalam month of 'Thulam'.

Heavy security arrangements were put in place across the capital city, especially on the routes through which the BJP foot march passed.

Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits for some days demanding that the sanctity of the temple rituals be protected.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Thousands of BJP activists Monday marched to the secretariat here to protest implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups entry into the Sabarimala shrine.

Thousands of BJP activists Monday marched to the secretariat here to protest implementation of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all age groups entry into the Sabarimala shrine. In another development, the Travancore Devaswom Board has convened a meeting of various stakeholders of the shrine including the Tantri (head priest) family, Pandalam royals and Ayyappa Seva Sangam here tomorrow. The meeting, called to discuss the preparations of the three-month-long annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrim season starting from November 17, was expected to discuss the recent Apex court order also. The shrine will reopen on Wednesday for monthly rituals. BJP activists, including a large number of women and children, marched to the administrative hub, Secretariat here, chanting mantras of Lord Ayyappa and holding the garlanded pictures of the deity. The mammoth foot march, which started last week from Pandalam, was in protest against the Left government's decision to implement the top court order without considering sentiments of believers and Lord Ayyappa devotees. The BJP has also alleged that the attempt to implement the judgement was a "conspiracy" to destroy the hillock shrine, where lakhs of people from the country and abroad visit during the three-month-long pilgrim season beginning mid-November. An array of senior leaders of NDA including actor-turned MP, Suresh Gopi, Bharatiya Dharma Jana Sena chief Thushar Vellappally, were in the forefront of the march, led by BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai. Pillai said if the state government failed to resolve the issue at the earliest, the BJP-NDA's agitation would take a new turn. "We will meet each villager in Kerala and chalk out a massive agitation plan to protect the Sabarimala Temple, its centuries-old traditions and the sentiments of Lord Ayyappa devotees," he said. Claiming that their first phase of the Sabarimala stir was a major 'milestone,' the BJP said if the CPI(M)-led LDF government does not find a solution in the next 24 hours, the party-led NDA would chalk out a 'massive' agitation plan to reach their goal. The Sabarimala Temple, opening on October 17 evening, would be closed on October 22 after the five-day monthly pooja of Malayalam month of 'Thulam'. Heavy security arrangements were put in place across the capital city, especially on the routes through which the BJP foot march passed. Kerala has been witnessing a series of agitations by various devotee groups and Hindu outfits for some days demanding that the sanctity of the temple rituals be protected. On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by then chief justice Dipak Misra, lifted the ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Sabarimala issue: Massive BJP rally in Thiruvananthapuram

A Delhi court on Monday granted bail to industrialist and Congress leader Naveen Jindal and 14 others, accused of money laundering in a case pertaining to irregularities in the allocation of a Jharkhand coal block.

Special Judge Bharat Parashar granted the relief on a personal bond of Rs one lakh and one surety of the like amount.

Besides Jindal, those granted reliefs are Jindal Steel and Power Ltd's then adviser Anand Goel, Mumbai's Essar Power Ltd's Executive Vice-Chairman Sushil Kumar Maroo, Nihar Stocks Ltd's

Director BSN Suryanarayan, Mumbai-based KE International's Chief Financial Officer Rajeev Aggarwal and Gurgaon-based Green Infra's Vice-President Siddharth Madra.

Those arrayed as accused also include K Ramakrishna Prasad, Rajiv Jain and Gyan Swaroop Garg.

The case filed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) pertains to the allocation of the Amarkonda Murgadangal coal block in Jharkhand.&nbsp;

A Delhi court on Monday granted bail to industrialist and Congress leader Naveen Jindal and 14 others, accused of money laundering in a case pertaining to irregularities in the allocation of a Jharkhand coal block.

A Delhi court on Monday granted bail to industrialist and Congress leader Naveen Jindal and 14 others, accused of money laundering in a case pertaining to irregularities in the allocation of a Jharkhand coal block. Special Judge Bharat Parashar granted the relief on a personal bond of Rs one lakh and one surety of the like amount. Besides Jindal, those granted reliefs are Jindal Steel and Power Ltd's then adviser Anand Goel, Mumbai's Essar Power Ltd's Executive Vice-Chairman Sushil Kumar Maroo, Nihar Stocks Ltd's Director BSN Suryanarayan, Mumbai-based KE International's Chief Financial Officer Rajeev Aggarwal and Gurgaon-based Green Infra's Vice-President Siddharth Madra. Those arrayed as accused also include K Ramakrishna Prasad, Rajiv Jain and Gyan Swaroop Garg. The case filed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) pertains to the allocation of the Amarkonda Murgadangal coal block in Jharkhand.

Delhi court grants bail to Jindal, others in coal scam case

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday hinted that if a broad consensus is achieved, 'Allahabad will be renamed as Prayagraj.'

Yogi said, "It might be the wish of many people that Allahabad can be renamed as Prayagraj. I think that it will give a very good message. If everyone agrees, we should know this city as Prayag Raj and it can be a good start".

According to some media reports, the banners for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in 2019 mention the name of the city as Prayagraj instead of Allahabad.

Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government might rechristen Allahabad as Prayagraj before next year's Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela will begin in Allahabad on January 15, 2019.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday hinted that if a broad consensus is achieved, 'Allahabad will be renamed as Prayagraj.' Yogi said, "It might be the wish of many people that Allahabad can be renamed as Prayagraj.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday hinted that if a broad consensus is achieved, 'Allahabad will be renamed as Prayagraj.' Yogi said, "It might be the wish of many people that Allahabad can be renamed as Prayagraj. I think that it will give a very good message. If everyone agrees, we should know this city as Prayag Raj and it can be a good start". According to some media reports, the banners for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in 2019 mention the name of the city as Prayagraj instead of Allahabad. Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government might rechristen Allahabad as Prayagraj before next year's Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela will begin in Allahabad on January 15, 2019.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath says Allahabad's name likely to be changed to Prayagraj

Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar returned to India Sunday morning.&nbsp;

There has been a growing clamour for his sacking after at least eight women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.&nbsp;

The latest charge came on Friday from the US-based journalist Majlie de Puy Kamp who said Akbar forcibly kissed her — she had he put his tongue into her mouth — on her last day in office when she was interning with the Asian Age.

She was 18 at the time.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-charges-against-mj-akbar-will-be-probed-says-amit-shah-171229">Charges against MJ Akbar will be probed, says BJP president Amit Shah</a>

"There will be a statement later on," Akbar said on landing in Delhi.&nbsp;

A little later, television news channels began running reports that Akbar had emailed in his resignation but there has been no official confirmation as yet.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Delhi:Union Minister MJ Akbar returns to India amid accusations of sexual harassment against him, says, "there will be a statement later on." <a href="https://t.co/ozI0ARBSz4">pic.twitter.com/ozI0ARBSz4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051311102796189696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PTI quoted party sources earlier as saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take the final call on Akbar's continuance as junior foreign minister.

PTI quoted the party sources as saying the charges against Akbar are serious, and his continuance as minister is no longer guaranteed.&nbsp;

PTI added thought that there is also a view within the party that there is no legal case against Akbar, and that the allegations pertain to a time long before he became a minister.

On Friday, BJP president Amit Shah said that the charges against Akbar would be probed. He added though that anybody can saying anything about anybody on social media, his meaning being that the veracity of the allegations will have to be proved.&nbsp;

The comments by Shah were among the first on Akbar since he was outed in India's burgeoning #MeToo movement.&nbsp;

BJP leaders have by and large avoided comment on their colleague.&nbsp;

Smriti Irani said recently that it was up to the minister to respond to the allegations. Akbar, who was on a tour of Africa, has not done so so far.&nbsp;

Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar returned to India Sunday morning. There has been a growing clamour for his sacking after at least eight women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor.

Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar returned to India Sunday morning. There has been a growing clamour for his sacking after at least eight women have accused him of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a newspaper editor. The latest charge came on Friday from the US-based journalist Majlie de Puy Kamp who said Akbar forcibly kissed her — she had he put his tongue into her mouth — on her last day in office when she was interning with the Asian Age. She was 18 at the time. Also read: Charges against MJ Akbar will be probed, says BJP president Amit Shah "There will be a statement later on," Akbar said on landing in Delhi. A little later, television news channels began running reports that Akbar had emailed in his resignation but there has been no official confirmation as yet. #WATCH Delhi:Union Minister MJ Akbar returns to India amid accusations of sexual harassment against him, says, "there will be a statement later on." pic.twitter.com/ozI0ARBSz4 — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × PTI quoted party sources earlier as saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take the final call on Akbar's continuance as junior foreign minister. PTI quoted the party sources as saying the charges against Akbar are serious, and his continuance as minister is no longer guaranteed. PTI added thought that there is also a view within the party that there is no legal case against Akbar, and that the allegations pertain to a time long before he became a minister. On Friday, BJP president Amit Shah said that the charges against Akbar would be probed. He added though that anybody can saying anything about anybody on social media, his meaning being that the veracity of the allegations will have to be proved. The comments by Shah were among the first on Akbar since he was outed in India's burgeoning #MeToo movement. BJP leaders have by and large avoided comment on their colleague. Smriti Irani said recently that it was up to the minister to respond to the allegations. Akbar, who was on a tour of Africa, has not done so so far.

MJ Akbar returns, party sources say Modi to take final call on his continuance as minister

An emergency action plan will be implemented from Monday to combat air pollution that has begun to show a trend towards very poor category, the Central Pollution Control Board said.

Under the emergency plan called Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), stringent actions are implemented based on the air quality of the city.

If the air quality lies in moderate to poor category- measures like stopping garbage burning in landfills and other places, and enforcing all pollution control regulations in brick kilns and industries would be implemented, an official official said.

If the air quality falls in the very poor category, additional measures of stopping use of diesel generator sets, enhancing parking fees 3-4 times and increasing frequency of metro and buses would be implemented, he added.

If the air quality falls in the severe category, additional measures would be implemented of increasing frequency of mechanised cleaning of roads, sprinkling of water on roads and identifying road stretches with high dust generation.

If the air quality falls to severe plus emergency category, then measures like stopping entry of trucks into Delhi (except essential commodities), stopping construction activities and appointment of task force to take decision on any additional steps, including shutting of schools, are implemented.

The measures depending upon the air quality will be implemented from Monday.

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Currently the air quality is in the poor category but authorities have predicted that it would reach the 'very poor' category in the next couple of days.

In addition to GRAP, the CPCB has also deployed 41 teams across the Delhi NCR to monitor proper implementation of norms enforced to prevent pollution at the source.

Till October 11, 96 inspections were conducted by the teams across Delhi NCR and the inspections would intensify in the coming days, a senior CPCB official said.

The inspections was started by the two-member team on September 15, he added.

Meanwhile, satellite images from the NASA showed rampant stubble burning activity in Punjab and Haryana.

The NASA, on its official website, stated that burning of crop residue in Punjab and Haryana has increased significantly over the past 10 days in and near Amritsar, Ambala, Karnal, Sirsa and Hisar.

Burning of paddy straw every year during October and November and wheat straw during April in Punjab and Haryana are the major contributors of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, as the smoke travels towards the national capital. In Delhi, it mixes with the fog and creates a toxic smoggy winter every year.

An emergency action plan will be implemented from Monday to combat air pollution that has begun to show a trend towards very poor category, the Central Pollution Control Board said.

An emergency action plan will be implemented from Monday to combat air pollution that has begun to show a trend towards very poor category, the Central Pollution Control Board said. Under the emergency plan called Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), stringent actions are implemented based on the air quality of the city. If the air quality lies in moderate to poor category- measures like stopping garbage burning in landfills and other places, and enforcing all pollution control regulations in brick kilns and industries would be implemented, an official official said. If the air quality falls in the very poor category, additional measures of stopping use of diesel generator sets, enhancing parking fees 3-4 times and increasing frequency of metro and buses would be implemented, he added. If the air quality falls in the severe category, additional measures would be implemented of increasing frequency of mechanised cleaning of roads, sprinkling of water on roads and identifying road stretches with high dust generation. If the air quality falls to severe plus emergency category, then measures like stopping entry of trucks into Delhi (except essential commodities), stopping construction activities and appointment of task force to take decision on any additional steps, including shutting of schools, are implemented. The measures depending upon the air quality will be implemented from Monday. × Currently the air quality is in the poor category but authorities have predicted that it would reach the 'very poor' category in the next couple of days. In addition to GRAP, the CPCB has also deployed 41 teams across the Delhi NCR to monitor proper implementation of norms enforced to prevent pollution at the source. Till October 11, 96 inspections were conducted by the teams across Delhi NCR and the inspections would intensify in the coming days, a senior CPCB official said. The inspections was started by the two-member team on September 15, he added. Meanwhile, satellite images from the NASA showed rampant stubble burning activity in Punjab and Haryana. The NASA, on its official website, stated that burning of crop residue in Punjab and Haryana has increased significantly over the past 10 days in and near Amritsar, Ambala, Karnal, Sirsa and Hisar. Burning of paddy straw every year during October and November and wheat straw during April in Punjab and Haryana are the major contributors of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, as the smoke travels towards the national capital. In Delhi, it mixes with the fog and creates a toxic smoggy winter every year.

Delhi: Air quality worsens, emergency plan kicks in from Monday

The wife of the Gurgaon judge shot by his personal security officer (PSO) has died.&nbsp;

The PSO shot the judge's wife and 18-year-old son in a crowded market area in Gurgaon Sector 49 on Saturday afternoon. News reports said Mahipal first shot the wife and then the son.

In video footage of the incident recorded by a witness, the guard Mahipal is seen trying to push the judge's son Dhruv into the car they were in. Mahipal leaves after he fails to do so.

The judge's wife and son were rushed to hospital. While the wife died from her injuries, Dhruv is still in the hospital.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gurugram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gurugram</a>: Wife of additional sessions judge, who was shot at by his gunman yesterday, has succumed to her injuries. Gunman Mahipal was arrested after he shot at wife &amp; son of additional sessions judge in Sector 49, yesterday. He had been working as the Judge's gunman for 1.5 yrs
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051305390984626176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Wife and son of an additional sessions judge shot at by the judge's gunman in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gurugram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gurugram</a>'s Sector-49. Both the injured have been admitted to the hospital and the gunman has been arrested. <a href="https://t.co/rMqXdYHrxR">pic.twitter.com/rMqXdYHrxR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051087682615595009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Media reports citing doctors that Dhruv who was shot twice in the head, may suffer some disability after the recovery.&nbsp;

Police said the incident occurred around 3.30 pm when Additional Sessions Judge Krishan Kant's wife Ritu and son Dhruv had gone for shopping in the Arcadia market. They were accompanied by the judge's guard, Mahipal Singh.

PTI report says locals informed the police about gunshots being fired outside the market and found both lying in a pool of blood when a police team reached the spot.

The police later arrested Mahipal&nbsp;from Faridabad and&nbsp;launched an investigation into the matter.

"Interrogation is underway and it is too early to comment on the reason behind the incident," Sulochana Gajraj, DCP East Gurugram was quoted as saying by ANI.

So far no confirmed motive has been revealed behind the shooting. However,&nbsp;reports suggested that he was mistreated&nbsp;by the family.

Mahipal reportedly was head constable of Haryana police and serving judge for over a year now as his personal security guard.

PTI reported quoting officials,&nbsp; that he had been demanding leave to go home for the past few days but&nbsp;was&nbsp;denied. This might have led to him suffering from depression.&nbsp;

"The judge also used to scold him often," PTI reported quoting one of the interrogating officers.

On Saturday also, the judge's wife scolded him inside the car when they were going to the market, the officer also said adding that, "He had a grudge against the judge".

The wife of the Gurgaon judge shot by his personal security officer (PSO) has died. The PSO shot the judge's wife and 18-year-old son in a crowded market area in Gurgaon Sector 49 on Saturday afternoon.

The wife of the Gurgaon judge shot by his personal security officer (PSO) has died. The PSO shot the judge's wife and 18-year-old son in a crowded market area in Gurgaon Sector 49 on Saturday afternoon. News reports said Mahipal first shot the wife and then the son. In video footage of the incident recorded by a witness, the guard Mahipal is seen trying to push the judge's son Dhruv into the car they were in. Mahipal leaves after he fails to do so. The judge's wife and son were rushed to hospital. While the wife died from her injuries, Dhruv is still in the hospital. #Gurugram: Wife of additional sessions judge, who was shot at by his gunman yesterday, has succumed to her injuries. Gunman Mahipal was arrested after he shot at wife & son of additional sessions judge in Sector 49, yesterday. He had been working as the Judge's gunman for 1.5 yrs — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2018 × #WATCH: Wife and son of an additional sessions judge shot at by the judge's gunman in #Gurugram's Sector-49. Both the injured have been admitted to the hospital and the gunman has been arrested. pic.twitter.com/rMqXdYHrxR — ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2018 × Media reports citing doctors that Dhruv who was shot twice in the head, may suffer some disability after the recovery. Police said the incident occurred around 3.30 pm when Additional Sessions Judge Krishan Kant's wife Ritu and son Dhruv had gone for shopping in the Arcadia market. They were accompanied by the judge's guard, Mahipal Singh. PTI report says locals informed the police about gunshots being fired outside the market and found both lying in a pool of blood when a police team reached the spot. The police later arrested Mahipal from Faridabad and launched an investigation into the matter. "Interrogation is underway and it is too early to comment on the reason behind the incident," Sulochana Gajraj, DCP East Gurugram was quoted as saying by ANI. So far no confirmed motive has been revealed behind the shooting. However, reports suggested that he was mistreated by the family. Mahipal reportedly was head constable of Haryana police and serving judge for over a year now as his personal security guard. PTI reported quoting officials, that he had been demanding leave to go home for the past few days but was denied. This might have led to him suffering from depression. "The judge also used to scold him often," PTI reported quoting one of the interrogating officers. On Saturday also, the judge's wife scolded him inside the car when they were going to the market, the officer also said adding that, "He had a grudge against the judge".

Gurgaon: Judge's wife shot by personal security officer dies

Against the backdrop of Congress President Rahul Gandhi's interaction with present and past employees of HAL on the Rafale deal, the state-run aerospace company Saturday regretted 'politicisation' of its employees and termed it as a fad and regrettable development that would be detrimental to national security and the organisation.

A HAL statement, which did not specifically refer to Gandhi's interaction with the employees, came after the event, where the Congress president alleged that temples of modern India were being attacked and destroyed.

An official from the agency told PIT that the NADA government has extended full-fledged support (to HAL), having placed supply orders of over Rs 27,340 crore during the 2014-18 period by recognising its premier position.

Towards improvement and up gradation of infrastructure, including ramping up of production facilities, funding to the tune of Rs 7,800 crore was sanctioned during the period, it said.

The official also said HAL enjoys pride of place in the defence and aerospace industry sector and has made an immense contribution to the nation-building process.

"Today's attempt at the politicisation of the employees is a fad and regrettable development and will be detrimental to the interest of the organisation, its employees as well as national security,"the HAL official told PTI in the statement.

In the interaction with former and past employees, Gandhi had accused the Modi government of destroying the "strategic asset" state-run aerospace company HAL and told its employees that Rafale is their right.

Congress, which has been accusing the government of benefiting Reliance Defence Ltd of Anil Ambani from the deal, has also been demanding answers on why the state-run aerospace major HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime.

The party had been accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of snatching jobs of people of Karnataka by taking away the contract from HAL.

Gandhi had been saying that had HAL been selected in place of Reliance Defence, it could have generated employment to scores of unemployed youth in the state.

However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false.

Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.

Against the backdrop of Congress President Rahul Gandhi's interaction with present and past employees of HAL on the Rafale deal, the state-run aerospace company Saturday regretted 'politicisation' of its employees and termed it as a fad and regrettable development that would be detrimental to national security and the organisation.

Against the backdrop of Congress President Rahul Gandhi's interaction with present and past employees of HAL on the Rafale deal, the state-run aerospace company Saturday regretted 'politicisation' of its employees and termed it as a fad and regrettable development that would be detrimental to national security and the organisation. A HAL statement, which did not specifically refer to Gandhi's interaction with the employees, came after the event, where the Congress president alleged that temples of modern India were being attacked and destroyed. An official from the agency told PIT that the NADA government has extended full-fledged support (to HAL), having placed supply orders of over Rs 27,340 crore during the 2014-18 period by recognising its premier position. Towards improvement and up gradation of infrastructure, including ramping up of production facilities, funding to the tune of Rs 7,800 crore was sanctioned during the period, it said. The official also said HAL enjoys pride of place in the defence and aerospace industry sector and has made an immense contribution to the nation-building process. "Today's attempt at the politicisation of the employees is a fad and regrettable development and will be detrimental to the interest of the organisation, its employees as well as national security,"the HAL official told PTI in the statement. In the interaction with former and past employees, Gandhi had accused the Modi government of destroying the "strategic asset" state-run aerospace company HAL and told its employees that Rafale is their right. Congress, which has been accusing the government of benefiting Reliance Defence Ltd of Anil Ambani from the deal, has also been demanding answers on why the state-run aerospace major HAL was not involved in the deal as finalised during the UPA regime. The party had been accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of snatching jobs of people of Karnataka by taking away the contract from HAL. Gandhi had been saying that had HAL been selected in place of Reliance Defence, it could have generated employment to scores of unemployed youth in the state. However, the BJP and Reliance Defence have dismissed all the allegations as false. Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.

HAL regrets 'politicisation' of employees after interaction with Rahul Gandhi

Six new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur on Sunday, taking the total number of infected people to 61, a Rajasthan health department official said.

The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta.

Of the infected people, 11 are pregnant women, a source in the Union Health Ministry said.&nbsp;

The Centre will review the outbreak of Zika in the capital city of Rajasthan on Monday, the source said.&nbsp;

"Forty-five out of the total 60 patients are healthy after treatment," the Rajasthan health department official said. Most of the cases which have been reported are from Shastri Nagar area here where fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out to prevent the spread of the virus.

Till Saturday, door-to-door survey at 76,000 households was conducted in Shastri Nagar and mosquito larvae was found and quarantined in nearly 64,000 households, the officer said.

The state health department has also issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside the affected area to not visit Shastri Nagar.

The virus, transmitted through the aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected, in newborn children.

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.

The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under WHO notification since November 18, 2016.

Six new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur on Sunday, taking the total number of infected people to 61, a Rajasthan health department official said. The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta.

Six new cases of Zika virus were detected in Jaipur on Sunday, taking the total number of infected people to 61, a Rajasthan health department official said. The figures were issued after a review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) medical and health, Veenu Gupta. Of the infected people, 11 are pregnant women, a source in the Union Health Ministry said. The Centre will review the outbreak of Zika in the capital city of Rajasthan on Monday, the source said. "Forty-five out of the total 60 patients are healthy after treatment," the Rajasthan health department official said. Most of the cases which have been reported are from Shastri Nagar area here where fogging and other anti-larvae activities are being carried out to prevent the spread of the virus. Till Saturday, door-to-door survey at 76,000 households was conducted in Shastri Nagar and mosquito larvae was found and quarantined in nearly 64,000 households, the officer said. The state health department has also issued an advisory for pregnant women staying outside the affected area to not visit Shastri Nagar. The virus, transmitted through the aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is significantly smaller than expected, in newborn children. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district in July that year. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management. The disease is under surveillance of the Union Health Ministry although it is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern under WHO notification since November 18, 2016.

Zika virus scare: Six more detected positive in Jaipur, cases rise to 61 in Rajasthan

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