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Four people have been injured including a woman in Guwahati after an explosion rocked the nearby area of Shukleshwa r Ghat&nbsp;on Saturday, ANI reported.

The explosion reportedly occurred in a busy market&nbsp;around 11:45 am.

So far there is no information on casualties or what caused the explosion.

"An explosion occurred at the riverfront . Preliminary investigation rules out any sabotage activity. Bomb disposal squad is present at the spot," Joint CP Diganta Borah has been quoted&nbsp;as saying by ANI.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Guwahati?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Guwahati</a>: Around 11:45 am, an explosion occurred at the river front. Preliminary investigation rules out any sabotage activity. Bomb disposal squad is present at the spot, further investigation is underway: Joint CP Diganta Borah <a href="https://t.co/rr7UQqUynt">pic.twitter.com/rr7UQqUynt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1051018611450630145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Further nvestigation is underway.&nbsp;

Four people have been injured including a woman in Guwahati after an explosion rocked the nearby area of Shukleshwa r Ghat on Saturday, ANI reported. The explosion reportedly occurred in a busy market around 11:45 am.

Four people have been injured including a woman in Guwahati after an explosion rocked the nearby area of Shukleshwa r Ghat on Saturday, ANI reported. The explosion reportedly occurred in a busy market around 11:45 am. So far there is no information on casualties or what caused the explosion. "An explosion occurred at the riverfront . Preliminary investigation rules out any sabotage activity. Bomb disposal squad is present at the spot," Joint CP Diganta Borah has been quoted as saying by ANI. #Guwahati: Around 11:45 am, an explosion occurred at the river front. Preliminary investigation rules out any sabotage activity. Bomb disposal squad is present at the spot, further investigation is underway: Joint CP Diganta Borah pic.twitter.com/rr7UQqUynt — ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2018 × Further nvestigation is underway.

Guwahati: 4 injured in explosion near Shukleshwar Ghat

The US wants to prohibit data localisation to ensure that there is a free flow of information across borders, a senior Trump administration official has said, amidst reports that major American IT companies are up in arms against the latest Indian directive which kicks off next week.

Data localisation is an act of storing data on any device that is physically present within the borders of a particular country where the data was generated. 
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in a circular in April, said all system providers will have to ensure that the entire data relating to payment systems operated by them are stored in a system only in India. It gave time till October 15 to comply with the mandate.

"We want to have prohibitions on data localisation to ensure that there's free flow of information, free flow of data across borders, disciplines around countries requiring companies to give up their source code, permanent ban on taxation or duties on digital transmissions," Dennis Shea, Deputy US Trade Representative and US Ambassador to the WTO, told a Washington audience on Friday.

"And by the way, South Africa and India want to rethink the current moratorium on those duties," Shea said in response to a question at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a top American think-tank.

American financial companies are believed to have approached the administration against an RBI directive which, beginning October 15, requires them to store in India any payment-related data from transactions that take place inside the country.

India has rejected their request of mirroring.

"If implemented, this policy will put an unnecessary burden on American companies and hurt consumers, who will endure higher costs and increased cybersecurity risks," Republican Strategist Andy Surabian, who is also a political adviser to Donald Trump Jr, wrote in BreitBart News this week.

"And they are planning to do all of this in spite of the unprecedented level of economic support the US has provided India over the course of decades. The Trump administration should stand up to these reckless actions, just like they have done in other situations when Americans were getting bullied and pushed around," Surabian demanded.

During his CSIS appearance, Shea did not specifically pointed out India on the data localisation issue, but made his views pretty clear where the Trump administration stands on this issue.

Shea said the US is very engaged at the multilateral issue and has a very high-ambition approach to that.

The general view is that the negotiation part of this process may begin early next year, or perhaps a ministerial statement around Davos.

Other members of the WTO, he said, have lower ambitions so "how this works out still remains to be seen," he added.

Mobile messaging platform WhatsApp has said it has built a system that stores payments-related data in India, in line with RBI's data localisation policy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The US wants to prohibit data localisation to ensure that there is a free flow of information across borders, a senior Trump administration official has said, amidst reports that major American IT companies are up in arms against the latest Indian directive which kicks off next week.

The US wants to prohibit data localisation to ensure that there is a free flow of information across borders, a senior Trump administration official has said, amidst reports that major American IT companies are up in arms against the latest Indian directive which kicks off next week. Data localisation is an act of storing data on any device that is physically present within the borders of a particular country where the data was generated. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in a circular in April, said all system providers will have to ensure that the entire data relating to payment systems operated by them are stored in a system only in India. It gave time till October 15 to comply with the mandate. "We want to have prohibitions on data localisation to ensure that there's free flow of information, free flow of data across borders, disciplines around countries requiring companies to give up their source code, permanent ban on taxation or duties on digital transmissions," Dennis Shea, Deputy US Trade Representative and US Ambassador to the WTO, told a Washington audience on Friday. "And by the way, South Africa and India want to rethink the current moratorium on those duties," Shea said in response to a question at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a top American think-tank. American financial companies are believed to have approached the administration against an RBI directive which, beginning October 15, requires them to store in India any payment-related data from transactions that take place inside the country. India has rejected their request of mirroring. "If implemented, this policy will put an unnecessary burden on American companies and hurt consumers, who will endure higher costs and increased cybersecurity risks," Republican Strategist Andy Surabian, who is also a political adviser to Donald Trump Jr, wrote in BreitBart News this week. "And they are planning to do all of this in spite of the unprecedented level of economic support the US has provided India over the course of decades. The Trump administration should stand up to these reckless actions, just like they have done in other situations when Americans were getting bullied and pushed around," Surabian demanded. During his CSIS appearance, Shea did not specifically pointed out India on the data localisation issue, but made his views pretty clear where the Trump administration stands on this issue. Shea said the US is very engaged at the multilateral issue and has a very high-ambition approach to that. The general view is that the negotiation part of this process may begin early next year, or perhaps a ministerial statement around Davos. Other members of the WTO, he said, have lower ambitions so "how this works out still remains to be seen," he added. Mobile messaging platform WhatsApp has said it has built a system that stores payments-related data in India, in line with RBI's data localisation policy.

US wants to prohibit data localisation, top trade official says amid looming RBI directive

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to interact with nearly 100 working and retired employees of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday.

Informing about his meeting at the state-owned aerospace and defence manufacturer, Rahul tweeted on Saturday that the interaction will be held from 3:00 pm onwards outside the HAL headquarters in Bengaluru.

"HAL is India's strategic asset. The future of India's aerospace industry has been destroyed by snatching #Rafale from HAL &amp; gifting it to Anil Ambani. Come defend the dignity of India's defenders. I am in Bengaluru to stand with HAL's employees. Join me outside HAL HQ, at 3 PM," the tweet read.

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HAL is India's strategic asset. The future of India's aerospace industry has been destroyed by snatching <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> from HAL &amp; gifting it to Anil Ambani. 
 
Come defend the dignity of India's defenders. I am in Bengaluru to stand with HAL’s employees. Join me outside HAL HQ, at 3 PM. <a href="https://t.co/FzfVGZ17Z6">pic.twitter.com/FzfVGZ17Z6</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1050983130536927234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The meeting comes at a time when the Congress party-led opposition is mounting attack on the government over the India-France Rafale deal and the selection of Reliance Defence Limited, instead of HAL, as an offset partner for France's Dassault Aviation.

Gandhi, time and again, has accused the Narendra Modi-led NDA government of ousting HAL as Rafale's offset partner and choosing Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Limited to save the company's debt-ridden chairperson and his business.

In his recent campaign in poll-bound Rajasthan, the Congress president also alleged that Prime Minister Modi has "become the Chowkidaar of his friends including Ambani, and not the nation's."

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to interact with nearly 100 working and retired employees of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday. Informing about his meeting at the state-owned aerospace and defence manufacturer, Rahul tweeted on Saturday that the interaction will be held from 3:00 pm onwards outside the HAL headquarters in Bengaluru.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to interact with nearly 100 working and retired employees of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday. Informing about his meeting at the state-owned aerospace and defence manufacturer, Rahul tweeted on Saturday that the interaction will be held from 3:00 pm onwards outside the HAL headquarters in Bengaluru. "HAL is India's strategic asset. The future of India's aerospace industry has been destroyed by snatching #Rafale from HAL & gifting it to Anil Ambani. Come defend the dignity of India's defenders. I am in Bengaluru to stand with HAL's employees. Join me outside HAL HQ, at 3 PM," the tweet read. HAL is India's strategic asset. The future of India's aerospace industry has been destroyed by snatching #Rafale from HAL & gifting it to Anil Ambani. Come defend the dignity of India's defenders. I am in Bengaluru to stand with HAL’s employees. Join me outside HAL HQ, at 3 PM. pic.twitter.com/FzfVGZ17Z6 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 13, 2018 × The meeting comes at a time when the Congress party-led opposition is mounting attack on the government over the India-France Rafale deal and the selection of Reliance Defence Limited, instead of HAL, as an offset partner for France's Dassault Aviation. Gandhi, time and again, has accused the Narendra Modi-led NDA government of ousting HAL as Rafale's offset partner and choosing Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Limited to save the company's debt-ridden chairperson and his business. In his recent campaign in poll-bound Rajasthan, the Congress president also alleged that Prime Minister Modi has "become the Chowkidaar of his friends including Ambani, and not the nation's."

Rahul Gandhi to interact with HAL employees today

Voting for the third phase of urban local body polls is underway in Kashmir amid the tight security arrangement by election authorities.

The polling began at 6 am and expected to conclude at 4 pm, PTI reported.

At least 2 lakh 35 thousand voters are expected to exercise their franchise in the third phase of the polls.

Of the 40 wards going to polls on Saturday, 20 falls in Srinagar city's downtown area, where the voter turnout has been generally low since the eruption of militancy in the state in 1989.

The wards in downtown city going to polls are Khanqah-e-Mualla, Maharajgunj, Jamia Masjid, Makhdoom Sahib, Khwaja Bazaar, Aqilmir Khanyar, Rozabal, Daulatabad, Islamyarbal, Nawab Bazaar, Nawa Kadal, Safakadal, Rathpora, Edigah, Palpora and Tarabal.

Ten other wards in the civil lines area of the city, where polling will be held on Saturday, are Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, Ikhrajpora, Mehjoor Nagar, Natipora, Chanapora, Budshah Nagar, Baghat Barzulla, Hyderpora and Rawalpora.

The voting for the second phase of the urban local body polls in Jammu and Kashmir took place on Wednesday. The polls received about 80 per cent of voter turnout in Jammu while it was 3.4 per cent came out to vote in Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Valley witnessed a low voter turnout in the first phase of municipal polls which concluded on October 8. The first phase of elections saw 70 per cent voter turnout in Jammu region and 8.2 per cent in the Valley.

The four-phase urban local body elections began on October 8 and will end on October 16.

Meanwhile, the National Conference, the PDP and the CPI(M) have boycotted the polls due to the legal challenge to Article 35-A of the Constitution in the Supreme Court.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Voting for the third phase of urban local body polls is underway in Kashmir amid the tight security arrangement by election authorities. The polling began at 6 am and expected to conclude at 4 pm, PTI reported.

Voting for the third phase of urban local body polls is underway in Kashmir amid the tight security arrangement by election authorities. The polling began at 6 am and expected to conclude at 4 pm, PTI reported. At least 2 lakh 35 thousand voters are expected to exercise their franchise in the third phase of the polls. Of the 40 wards going to polls on Saturday, 20 falls in Srinagar city's downtown area, where the voter turnout has been generally low since the eruption of militancy in the state in 1989. The wards in downtown city going to polls are Khanqah-e-Mualla, Maharajgunj, Jamia Masjid, Makhdoom Sahib, Khwaja Bazaar, Aqilmir Khanyar, Rozabal, Daulatabad, Islamyarbal, Nawab Bazaar, Nawa Kadal, Safakadal, Rathpora, Edigah, Palpora and Tarabal. Ten other wards in the civil lines area of the city, where polling will be held on Saturday, are Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, Ikhrajpora, Mehjoor Nagar, Natipora, Chanapora, Budshah Nagar, Baghat Barzulla, Hyderpora and Rawalpora. The voting for the second phase of the urban local body polls in Jammu and Kashmir took place on Wednesday. The polls received about 80 per cent of voter turnout in Jammu while it was 3.4 per cent came out to vote in Kashmir. The Valley witnessed a low voter turnout in the first phase of municipal polls which concluded on October 8. The first phase of elections saw 70 per cent voter turnout in Jammu region and 8.2 per cent in the Valley. The four-phase urban local body elections began on October 8 and will end on October 16. Meanwhile, the National Conference, the PDP and the CPI(M) have boycotted the polls due to the legal challenge to Article 35-A of the Constitution in the Supreme Court. (With inputs from news agencies)

J&K: Voting underway for third phase of urban local body polls

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Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Ltd will get about 10% of the offset investments from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-supreme-court-asks-govt-for-details-of-decision-making-process-170590">Rafale deal</a>, Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier told AFP in an interview.&nbsp;

India is buying 36 Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation.&nbsp;

Under India's defence acquisition laws, a foreign company making a large sale to India has to invest 30 of the money paid to it back in India. This is called an "offset".&nbsp;

"In full compliance with this regulation, Dassault Aviation therefore decided to set up the DRAL joint venture with Reliance and build a plant in Nagpur, which should enable us to meet about 10% of these offset obligations," Trappier told AFP.&nbsp;

"We're in talks with about 100 Indian firms, including around 30 with which we've already confirmed partnerships," Trappier added.&nbsp;

Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is currently in France, meanwhile reiterated that the NDA government had nothing to do with Dassault choosing Reliance as its Indian offset partner.&nbsp;

"We are very clear: With the government of France, we agreed to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft in flyaway condition," Sitharaman said.

"And in an intergovernmental agreement, there are no mentions of any individual firms," she said.

"It is more for the companies which have chosen A, B or C as their partners to answer questions if there are any," she said.&nbsp;

The opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

An original deal to buy 126 Rafale fighter planes from France's Dassault Aviation had been brokered by India's UPA government in 2012. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi tore up that deal in 2015, signing a new government-to-government deal with then French president Francois Hollande to buy only 36 of the planes.&nbsp;

The opposition — led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi — says the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale.&nbsp;

Gandhi has also accused the government of crony capitalism.&nbsp;

The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence — now of course Trappier says Reliance is not the only partner.&nbsp;

Reliance Defence was only 12 days old when it made its way into the deal. It also has no experience in the defence and aerospace industries.&nbsp;

While the government continues to say it was Dassault which chose Reliance Defence and that they had nothing to do with it, Hollande recently said — he was on a trip to India at the time — recently&nbsp;said it was the Indian government which had said Reliance was to be brought into the deal in place of HAL.&nbsp;

The Congress meanwhile has also alleged that Sitharaman's trip to France is an attempt at a cover-up.&nbsp;

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreatRafaleCoverUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreatRafaleCoverUp</a> has begun. To try and show the deal is legit, Raksha Mantri will need to generate minutes of imaginary meetings held between the French &amp; our MOD &amp; both sides will need to agree on a common story to be spun to the media. 
 
RM left for France last night.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1050311182593286145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from AFP)

Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Ltd will get about 10% of the offset investments from the Rafale deal, Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier told AFP in an interview.

Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Ltd will get about 10% of the offset investments from the Rafale deal, Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier told AFP in an interview. India is buying 36 Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation. Under India's defence acquisition laws, a foreign company making a large sale to India has to invest 30 of the money paid to it back in India. This is called an "offset". "In full compliance with this regulation, Dassault Aviation therefore decided to set up the DRAL joint venture with Reliance and build a plant in Nagpur, which should enable us to meet about 10% of these offset obligations," Trappier told AFP. "We're in talks with about 100 Indian firms, including around 30 with which we've already confirmed partnerships," Trappier added. Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is currently in France, meanwhile reiterated that the NDA government had nothing to do with Dassault choosing Reliance as its Indian offset partner. "We are very clear: With the government of France, we agreed to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft in flyaway condition," Sitharaman said. "And in an intergovernmental agreement, there are no mentions of any individual firms," she said. "It is more for the companies which have chosen A, B or C as their partners to answer questions if there are any," she said. The opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal. An original deal to buy 126 Rafale fighter planes from France's Dassault Aviation had been brokered by India's UPA government in 2012. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi tore up that deal in 2015, signing a new government-to-government deal with then French president Francois Hollande to buy only 36 of the planes. The opposition — led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi — says the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale. Gandhi has also accused the government of crony capitalism. The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence — now of course Trappier says Reliance is not the only partner. Reliance Defence was only 12 days old when it made its way into the deal. It also has no experience in the defence and aerospace industries. While the government continues to say it was Dassault which chose Reliance Defence and that they had nothing to do with it, Hollande recently said — he was on a trip to India at the time — recently said it was the Indian government which had said Reliance was to be brought into the deal in place of HAL. The Congress meanwhile has also alleged that Sitharaman's trip to France is an attempt at a cover-up. The #GreatRafaleCoverUp has begun. To try and show the deal is legit, Raksha Mantri will need to generate minutes of imaginary meetings held between the French & our MOD & both sides will need to agree on a common story to be spun to the media. RM left for France last night. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 11, 2018 × (With inputs from AFP)

Reliance Defence not Dassault's only Indian partner in Rafale deal: CEO Eric Trappier

There should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment and exploitation against journalists and other members of the media, a spokesperson for President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa said.&nbsp;

The remarks came in response to a question on the explosion of the MeToo movement in India, where several women from the field of media, entertainment and journalism have come forward and shared personal stories of being sexually harassed and assaulted by their male bosses, colleagues and even prominent political leaders and artists.&nbsp;

"The President of the General Assembly has made very clear that there is zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual violence and since we are talking about members of the press and journalists, there is also zero tolerance for journalists to be harassed when they are doing their job," Espinosa's spokesperson Monica Grayley said at her daily press briefing here Thursday.&nbsp;

Women from a wide spectrum of fields are taking to social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to name and shame those who abused or harmed them and demanding justice and stern action.&nbsp;

Grayley said while she cannot comment on specific cases as she was not aware of them, she said the General Assembly President is "very firm" on her stance on zero tolerance for sexual abuse.&nbsp;

"When you take a stance against sexual violence, sexual harassment of any kind and harassment to members of the press, one is not talking about only a specific area of the world. You are talking about universal terms. It is zero tolerance, zero is zero, it is not zero minus one or zero plus one. It is not acceptable," she said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

There should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment and exploitation against journalists and other members of the media, a spokesperson for President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa said.

There should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment and exploitation against journalists and other members of the media, a spokesperson for President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa said. The remarks came in response to a question on the explosion of the MeToo movement in India, where several women from the field of media, entertainment and journalism have come forward and shared personal stories of being sexually harassed and assaulted by their male bosses, colleagues and even prominent political leaders and artists. "The President of the General Assembly has made very clear that there is zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual violence and since we are talking about members of the press and journalists, there is also zero tolerance for journalists to be harassed when they are doing their job," Espinosa's spokesperson Monica Grayley said at her daily press briefing here Thursday. Women from a wide spectrum of fields are taking to social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to name and shame those who abused or harmed them and demanding justice and stern action. Grayley said while she cannot comment on specific cases as she was not aware of them, she said the General Assembly President is "very firm" on her stance on zero tolerance for sexual abuse. "When you take a stance against sexual violence, sexual harassment of any kind and harassment to members of the press, one is not talking about only a specific area of the world. You are talking about universal terms. It is zero tolerance, zero is zero, it is not zero minus one or zero plus one. It is not acceptable," she said.

There should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment: Spokesperson for UNGA President on #MeToo in India

India appears set to be elected to the United Nations's top human rights body in the Asia-Pacific category for a period of three years.&nbsp;

The 193-member UN General Assembly will elect new members on Friday to the UN Human Rights Council. The members are elected by absolute majority through a secret ballot. Countries need a minimum of 97 votes to get elected to the Council.&nbsp;

India will be vying for the seat in the Asia Pacific category. Along with India, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji and the Philippines will also stake a claim in the same regional group. Given that there are five nations vying for five seats in the Asia Pacific category, India's election to the Council is all but certain.&nbsp;

Ahead of the election, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had tweeted that "Pitching together. Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji, India &amp; the Philippines stake claim to 5 seats for Asia-Pacific region at Human Rights Council elections."&nbsp;

The new members will serve a term of three years beginning January 1, 2019. India had previously been elected to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council for the 2011-2014 and 2014-2017 term. Its last tenure had ended on December 31, 2017 and in accordance with the rules, it was not eligible for immediate re-election since it had already served two consecutive terms.&nbsp;

Created by the Assembly in March 2006 as the principal United Nations body dealing with human rights, the Human Rights Council comprises 47 elected Member States.&nbsp;

On the basis of equitable geographical distribution, Council seats are allocated to the five regional groups as follows: African States, 13 seats; Asia Pacific States, 13 seats; Eastern European States, 6 seats; Latin American and Caribbean States, 8 seats; and Western European and other States, 7 seats.&nbsp;

All five of the General Assembly's regional groups submitted competition-free slates, meaning that all candidates, regardless of their rights records, are virtually assured seats on the council.&nbsp;

Since 18 nations are vying for a total of 18 seats across five geographical groups, they are expected to be elected unopposed. Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Eritrea, Somalia and Togo are vying for five seats in the African States category, Bulgaria and Czech Republic for two seats in the Eastern European States group, Argentina, Bahamas and Uruguay for three seats in the Latin American &amp; Caribbean States group and Austria, Denmark and Italy for three vacant seats in the Western European &amp; other States category.&nbsp;

On the eve of the elections, rights group Human Rights Watch said UN member countries should oppose the candidacies of the Philippines and Eritrea for the Human Rights Council because of their "egregious human rights records?.

India appears set to be elected to the United Nations's top human rights body in the Asia-Pacific category for a period of three years. The 193-member UN General Assembly will elect new members on Friday to the UN Human Rights Council.

India appears set to be elected to the United Nations's top human rights body in the Asia-Pacific category for a period of three years. The 193-member UN General Assembly will elect new members on Friday to the UN Human Rights Council. The members are elected by absolute majority through a secret ballot. Countries need a minimum of 97 votes to get elected to the Council. India will be vying for the seat in the Asia Pacific category. Along with India, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji and the Philippines will also stake a claim in the same regional group. Given that there are five nations vying for five seats in the Asia Pacific category, India's election to the Council is all but certain. Ahead of the election, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had tweeted that "Pitching together. Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji, India & the Philippines stake claim to 5 seats for Asia-Pacific region at Human Rights Council elections." The new members will serve a term of three years beginning January 1, 2019. India had previously been elected to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council for the 2011-2014 and 2014-2017 term. Its last tenure had ended on December 31, 2017 and in accordance with the rules, it was not eligible for immediate re-election since it had already served two consecutive terms. Created by the Assembly in March 2006 as the principal United Nations body dealing with human rights, the Human Rights Council comprises 47 elected Member States. On the basis of equitable geographical distribution, Council seats are allocated to the five regional groups as follows: African States, 13 seats; Asia Pacific States, 13 seats; Eastern European States, 6 seats; Latin American and Caribbean States, 8 seats; and Western European and other States, 7 seats. All five of the General Assembly's regional groups submitted competition-free slates, meaning that all candidates, regardless of their rights records, are virtually assured seats on the council. Since 18 nations are vying for a total of 18 seats across five geographical groups, they are expected to be elected unopposed. Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Eritrea, Somalia and Togo are vying for five seats in the African States category, Bulgaria and Czech Republic for two seats in the Eastern European States group, Argentina, Bahamas and Uruguay for three seats in the Latin American & Caribbean States group and Austria, Denmark and Italy for three vacant seats in the Western European & other States category. On the eve of the elections, rights group Human Rights Watch said UN member countries should oppose the candidacies of the Philippines and Eritrea for the Human Rights Council because of their "egregious human rights records?.

India appears all set to win election to UN Human Rights Council unopposed

An Air India Express plane hit an airport wall during take-off from Tamil Nadu's Trichy yesterday. There were 136 passengers on board.&nbsp;

The plane, which was flying to Dubai, was diverted to Mumbai where it landed safely.&nbsp;

Air India Express is a low-cost airline and a wholly-owned&nbsp;subsidiary of Air India.&nbsp;

ANI reported that the plane's underbelly suffered damage and another plane was arranged for to take the passengers onwards to Dubai.&nbsp;

The plane that hit the airport wall was&nbsp;declared fit for operations after inspection at Mumbai airport.&nbsp;

The plane's pilot and co-pilot have been taken off flying duties and an internal enquiry set up.&nbsp;

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Trichy- Dubai Air India flight with 136 passengers on board hit the ATC compound wall at Trichy Airport yesterday and was diverted to Mumbai. The flight had got damaged under the belly, was declared fit for operations after inspection at Mumbai Airport. <a href="https://t.co/8cczII46Mp">pic.twitter.com/8cczII46Mp</a>
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"After the incident, an internal inquiry has been set up, pilot and co-pilot derostered till the investigation is done," Air Indian Express said in a statement.

The statement added that the airline had informed the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and that "all passengers were landed safely at Mumbai airport and another aircraft from Mumbai to Dubai was arranged."&nbsp;

An Air India Express plane hit an airport wall during take-off from Tamil Nadu's Trichy yesterday. There were 136 passengers on board. The plane, which was flying to Dubai, was diverted to Mumbai where it landed safely.

An Air India Express plane hit an airport wall during take-off from Tamil Nadu's Trichy yesterday. There were 136 passengers on board. The plane, which was flying to Dubai, was diverted to Mumbai where it landed safely. Air India Express is a low-cost airline and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India. ANI reported that the plane's underbelly suffered damage and another plane was arranged for to take the passengers onwards to Dubai. The plane that hit the airport wall was declared fit for operations after inspection at Mumbai airport. The plane's pilot and co-pilot have been taken off flying duties and an internal enquiry set up. Trichy- Dubai Air India flight with 136 passengers on board hit the ATC compound wall at Trichy Airport yesterday and was diverted to Mumbai. The flight had got damaged under the belly, was declared fit for operations after inspection at Mumbai Airport. pic.twitter.com/8cczII46Mp — ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2018 × "After the incident, an internal inquiry has been set up, pilot and co-pilot derostered till the investigation is done," Air Indian Express said in a statement. The statement added that the airline had informed the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and that "all passengers were landed safely at Mumbai airport and another aircraft from Mumbai to Dubai was arranged."

Air India Express plane with 136 on board hits Trichy airport wall during take-off

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is likely to give up some his&nbsp;portfolios after Dussehra, according to ministers who met him Friday in a hospital in New Delhi to discuss governance issues in his home state, reported news agency PTI.

Parrikar, who is undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment in New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), held meetings with party leaders as well as allies to discuss ways to ensure that his government functions normally, the report added.

Leaders of the ruling BJP and allies, who met Parrikar separately, ruled out any change in leadership in the coastal state.

Union Minister and BJP leader Shripad Naik told that the chief minister held review of the governance in Goa during the meeting.

"There was no discussion about leadership change. Parrikar is recovering and he will continue to be the chief minister," the Minister of State for AYUSH said.

Vijay Sardesai, leader of BJP ally Goa Foward Party (GFP) and state Agriculture Minister, said Parrikar "wants to delegate many of the portfolios that he has".

In the 40-member state assembly, the Parrikar-led government has the support of 23 MLAs.

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is likely to give up some his portfolios after Dussehra, according to ministers who met him Friday in a hospital in New Delhi to discuss governance issues in his home state, reported news agency PTI.

Ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is likely to give up some his portfolios after Dussehra, according to ministers who met him Friday in a hospital in New Delhi to discuss governance issues in his home state, reported news agency PTI. Parrikar, who is undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment in New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), held meetings with party leaders as well as allies to discuss ways to ensure that his government functions normally, the report added. Leaders of the ruling BJP and allies, who met Parrikar separately, ruled out any change in leadership in the coastal state. Union Minister and BJP leader Shripad Naik told that the chief minister held review of the governance in Goa during the meeting. "There was no discussion about leadership change. Parrikar is recovering and he will continue to be the chief minister," the Minister of State for AYUSH said. Vijay Sardesai, leader of BJP ally Goa Foward Party (GFP) and state Agriculture Minister, said Parrikar "wants to delegate many of the portfolios that he has". In the 40-member state assembly, the Parrikar-led government has the support of 23 MLAs.

Goa: Ailing Parrikar meets BJP leaders, allies; likely to shed some portfolios

A very severe cyclonic storm packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.

Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall on the eastern coast early Thursday, wreaking havoc mainly in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha's Gajapati and Ganjam districts.

Traffic on the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway was hit after uprooted trees blocked some sections of the road.

The South Central Railway, as well as the East Coast Railway, cancelled several trains while some were terminated midway, officials said, adding a few express trains were also diverted.

Train services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh also remained suspended since 10 pm Wednesday.&nbsp;

According to the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall near Palasa in Srikakulam district, southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha with an estimated maximum sustained surface wind speed of 140-150 km per hour gusting to 165 km per hour between 4.30 am and 5.30 am.

The cyclonic storm system is now moving northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and will weaken gradually, the IMD said.&nbsp;

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said the cyclone caused widespread damage in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, and threw normal life out of gear as heavy to very heavy rains lashed the two north coastal districts since late Wednesday night.

While a 62-year-old woman died at Gudivada Agraharam village after a tree fell on her, a 55-year-old man died in a house collapse at Rotanasa village in Srikakulam, the SDMA said.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office said the other six killed were fishermen who had ventured into the sea. 
Of the 67 fishing boats that had gone into the sea over the last few days from Kakinada in East Godavari district, 65 had returned to the shore safely, the CMO said.

The road network in Srikakulam district suffered extensive damage, while the power distribution network was also severely affected. More than 2,000 electric poles were uprooted.

The Eastern Power Distribution Company that caters to the electricity needs of the north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, reported that the distribution system for 4,319 villages and six towns in Srikakulam district was affected.

In Odisha, the cyclonic storm led to very heavy rainfall mainly in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts and caused minor damage to power supply and communication.

An eight-year-old boy drowned in a canal in the Hinjili area of Ganjam district, where five people were reported missing after being swept away in the flood waters.

Ganjam Collector Kulange Vijay Amruta said the five people, including two women and two children, were swept away by flood water while returning home from a cyclone shelter in Sorada.

As the cyclone triggered heavy downpour after crossing the Odisha coast, fear of flood gripped many areas as the major rivers in the state's southern region are rising menacingly, prompting the state government to launch a fresh evacuation. 
In all, eight districts -- Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore -- were affected, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said.

Officials said southern Odisha districts like Gajapati, Ganjam and Rayagada were pounded by incessant rains since Wednesday, leading the water levels of Bansadhara and Rushikulya rivers to rise.

While vast areas were inundated in south Odisha districts, reports of flash flood poured in from various parts, they said.

The state government on Wednesday evacuated over three lakh people to safe places. The evacuees were housed in 1,112 shelters.

Altogether, 105 pregnant women in Ganjam district and 18 in Jagatsinghpur have been shifted to hospitals, Sethi said.

Gajapati district was the worst affected in Odisha. It received 228.4 mm rainfall triggering flood scare, the SRC said.

Water Resources Secretary P K Jena said with the Bansadhara and Rusikulya rivers rising, the Odisha government is taking measures to avoid a flood.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Boudh, Bolangir, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Bhadrak, Balasore districts till Friday.

Power supply and telephone links got disrupted, and road communication snapped due to uprooted trees at many places in Gajapati district, Sethi said.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the situation and instructed officials to expedite restoration efforts once the situation improves.

"The chief minister gave instruction to send two more teams of NDRF to Gajapati where extensive damage has been caused to roads, hutments, electric and telephone poles," Chief Secretary A P Padhi said.

Thirteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force and Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force were deployed in affected areas along with fire brigade personnel.

According to East Coast Railway CPRO, J P Mishra, some railway station buildings were damaged at a few places, including in Palasa. Signal poles and overhead electric masts were damaged at places between Palasa and Kottabomali stations.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and assured them all possible help to deal with the aftermath of cyclone Titli.

"Spoke to Shri @ncbn Ji and Shri @Naveen_Odisha Ji regarding the situation arising due to cyclone related conditions in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Assured all possible help from the Centre," the prime minister tweeted.

He also prayed for the safety and wellbeing of those affected by the cyclone.&nbsp;

The cyclone packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.&nbsp;

A very severe cyclonic storm packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.

A very severe cyclonic storm packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states. Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall on the eastern coast early Thursday, wreaking havoc mainly in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha's Gajapati and Ganjam districts. Traffic on the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway was hit after uprooted trees blocked some sections of the road. The South Central Railway, as well as the East Coast Railway, cancelled several trains while some were terminated midway, officials said, adding a few express trains were also diverted. Train services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh also remained suspended since 10 pm Wednesday. According to the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall near Palasa in Srikakulam district, southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha with an estimated maximum sustained surface wind speed of 140-150 km per hour gusting to 165 km per hour between 4.30 am and 5.30 am. The cyclonic storm system is now moving northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and will weaken gradually, the IMD said. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said the cyclone caused widespread damage in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, and threw normal life out of gear as heavy to very heavy rains lashed the two north coastal districts since late Wednesday night. While a 62-year-old woman died at Gudivada Agraharam village after a tree fell on her, a 55-year-old man died in a house collapse at Rotanasa village in Srikakulam, the SDMA said. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office said the other six killed were fishermen who had ventured into the sea. Of the 67 fishing boats that had gone into the sea over the last few days from Kakinada in East Godavari district, 65 had returned to the shore safely, the CMO said. The road network in Srikakulam district suffered extensive damage, while the power distribution network was also severely affected. More than 2,000 electric poles were uprooted. The Eastern Power Distribution Company that caters to the electricity needs of the north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, reported that the distribution system for 4,319 villages and six towns in Srikakulam district was affected. In Odisha, the cyclonic storm led to very heavy rainfall mainly in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts and caused minor damage to power supply and communication. An eight-year-old boy drowned in a canal in the Hinjili area of Ganjam district, where five people were reported missing after being swept away in the flood waters. Ganjam Collector Kulange Vijay Amruta said the five people, including two women and two children, were swept away by flood water while returning home from a cyclone shelter in Sorada. As the cyclone triggered heavy downpour after crossing the Odisha coast, fear of flood gripped many areas as the major rivers in the state's southern region are rising menacingly, prompting the state government to launch a fresh evacuation. In all, eight districts -- Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore -- were affected, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said. Officials said southern Odisha districts like Gajapati, Ganjam and Rayagada were pounded by incessant rains since Wednesday, leading the water levels of Bansadhara and Rushikulya rivers to rise. While vast areas were inundated in south Odisha districts, reports of flash flood poured in from various parts, they said. The state government on Wednesday evacuated over three lakh people to safe places. The evacuees were housed in 1,112 shelters. Altogether, 105 pregnant women in Ganjam district and 18 in Jagatsinghpur have been shifted to hospitals, Sethi said. Gajapati district was the worst affected in Odisha. It received 228.4 mm rainfall triggering flood scare, the SRC said. Water Resources Secretary P K Jena said with the Bansadhara and Rusikulya rivers rising, the Odisha government is taking measures to avoid a flood. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Boudh, Bolangir, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Bhadrak, Balasore districts till Friday. Power supply and telephone links got disrupted, and road communication snapped due to uprooted trees at many places in Gajapati district, Sethi said. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the situation and instructed officials to expedite restoration efforts once the situation improves. "The chief minister gave instruction to send two more teams of NDRF to Gajapati where extensive damage has been caused to roads, hutments, electric and telephone poles," Chief Secretary A P Padhi said. Thirteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force and Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force were deployed in affected areas along with fire brigade personnel. According to East Coast Railway CPRO, J P Mishra, some railway station buildings were damaged at a few places, including in Palasa. Signal poles and overhead electric masts were damaged at places between Palasa and Kottabomali stations. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and assured them all possible help to deal with the aftermath of cyclone Titli. "Spoke to Shri @ncbn Ji and Shri @Naveen_Odisha Ji regarding the situation arising due to cyclone related conditions in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Assured all possible help from the Centre," the prime minister tweeted. He also prayed for the safety and wellbeing of those affected by the cyclone. The cyclone packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.

Cyclone Titli: PM Modi assures help as 8 die in Andhra Pradesh, one in Odisha

A special NIA court here has ordered the attachment of four properties in Mumbai belonging to absconding Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, booked under an anti-terror law.

Charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) two years ago, Naik was declared a proclaimed offender by the court in June 2017.

Following the same, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had attached two flats and a commercial establishment in the city belonging to the 52- year-old televangelist.

The central agency's application seeking permission to attach four properties in the Mazgaon area that were owned by Naik was allowed Thursday by the special court.

The court accepted the plea after the NIA submitted that Naik, staying overseas, was trying to sell these properties since his funding from various sources has been stopped after the central agency filed a case against him.

Advocate Anand Sukhdev, who appeared for the NIA, told the court that Naik was trying to obtain citizenship in several foreign nations and therefore, was trying to raise money for the same by selling these Mazgaon properties.

In November 2016, the central government had declared Naik's Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation as an "unlawful" association under the UAPA.

Soon after, the NIA had registered a case against Naik, accusing him of having incited many persons to take up terror activities, and promoting enmity between different religious groups in India through his public speeches and lectures.

A special NIA court here has ordered the attachment of four properties in Mumbai belonging to absconding Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, booked under an anti-terror law.

A special NIA court here has ordered the attachment of four properties in Mumbai belonging to absconding Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, booked under an anti-terror law. Charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) two years ago, Naik was declared a proclaimed offender by the court in June 2017. Following the same, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had attached two flats and a commercial establishment in the city belonging to the 52- year-old televangelist. The central agency's application seeking permission to attach four properties in the Mazgaon area that were owned by Naik was allowed Thursday by the special court. The court accepted the plea after the NIA submitted that Naik, staying overseas, was trying to sell these properties since his funding from various sources has been stopped after the central agency filed a case against him. Advocate Anand Sukhdev, who appeared for the NIA, told the court that Naik was trying to obtain citizenship in several foreign nations and therefore, was trying to raise money for the same by selling these Mazgaon properties. In November 2016, the central government had declared Naik's Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation as an "unlawful" association under the UAPA. Soon after, the NIA had registered a case against Naik, accusing him of having incited many persons to take up terror activities, and promoting enmity between different religious groups in India through his public speeches and lectures.

NIA court orders attachment of four properties of Zakir Naik

The Madras High Court Friday dismissed a petition of a woman, who claimed that she was the biological daughter of late chief minister Jayalalithaa, stating that she "miserably failed in her endeavour to establish the same".

Justice S Vaidyanathan, who dismissed the petition, said that since the woman could not establish that she was the biological daughter, there was no question of the court allowing her to perform the last rites for Jayalalitha as per Vaishnavite rituals, as requested.

The judge dismissed the petition of S Amrutha (38) of Bengaluru, her relatives L S Lalitha and Ranjani Ravindranath.

Concurring with the submission of Advocate General Vijay Narayan that Amrutha was trying to defame late Jayalalithaa, the judge said that according to the Puranas, even deceased people have got the right to privacy and their souls should not be disturbed, "as they have an immortal life after their death".

"In this case, though we are able to see a lot of twists and turns, creating moments of excitement and anxiousness that alone cannot be sufficient to arrive at a definite conclusion in the absence of any supporting documents thereof," he said.

The judge said that it was saddening to note that the death of Jayalalithaa was still a mystery, "though her photos were then and there published by Apollo Hospitals, showing as if she was taking idly, doing physical exercise, cracking jokes, conducting meetings with the officials of the state government, thereby portraying the Hospitals and others, who have given an untrue story, as villains."

The judge while referring to the present case, said Amrutha had not produced any photograph to establish that she had stayed with Jayalalithaa.

Her averment that she made several phone calls to Jayalalithaa cannot be a good ground for the court to accept her contention, she said.

Though she had averred that Jayalalithaa used to hug her whenever she saw her, it would only be considered as spoken in the air, merely showing her delusive quality.

The court cannot take the same into account for the purpose of granting relief, the judge said.

On Amrutha's prayer to conduct a DNA test, the judge said it can be&nbsp;done only if there is&nbsp;strong grounds, which was not established by producing appropriate documentary evidence.

Her averment that she sent representations to all public authorities, including Supreme Court judges, seeking to cremate Jayalalithaa's mortal remains as per rites, rituals and customs of Vaishnava Iyengar Brahmin community does not sound good and there is no need for the Judges to look into such representation concerning the private affairs of a person, the judge said.

Though she had contended that her blood samples and Deepa Jayakumar, Jayalalithaa's niece, have to be sent for DNA matching to ascertain her maternity, there was not an iota of evidence, more particularly, strong and cogent reasons to substantiate her claim, the judge said.

"In the absence of substantial evidence,this court cannot grant the relief sought by her. &nbsp; &nbsp;If the said relief is granted, it will not only open a Pandora's box, but also the coffin of Jayalalithaa. The court is not inclined to do so," the judge said.

On Amrutha's claim that she was born to Jayalalithaa on August 14, 1980 at her residence, the judge said a photograph produced by the AG at a public function in 1980 showed no sign of Jayalalithaa in an advanced stage of pregnancy.

If Amrutha's averment were true, then Jayalalithaa would not have actively participated in the Filmfare Award function in Chennai on July 6 1980, he said.

Referring to Nov 1, 1971 will executed by Sandya, the mother of Jayalalithaa, the judge said that a reading of the will would make it very clear that she had only two children, Jayakumar and Jayalalithaa.

There was no mention about Amrutha's foster mother, late Shylaja, in the will, the judge said.

Also, it was to be noted that Amrutha had not filed any case before any court for conduct of a paternity test, the judge said and dismissed the petition.

The Madras High Court Friday dismissed a petition of a woman, who claimed that she was the biological daughter of late chief minister Jayalalithaa, stating that she "miserably failed in her endeavour to establish the same".

The Madras High Court Friday dismissed a petition of a woman, who claimed that she was the biological daughter of late chief minister Jayalalithaa, stating that she "miserably failed in her endeavour to establish the same". Justice S Vaidyanathan, who dismissed the petition, said that since the woman could not establish that she was the biological daughter, there was no question of the court allowing her to perform the last rites for Jayalalitha as per Vaishnavite rituals, as requested. The judge dismissed the petition of S Amrutha (38) of Bengaluru, her relatives L S Lalitha and Ranjani Ravindranath. Concurring with the submission of Advocate General Vijay Narayan that Amrutha was trying to defame late Jayalalithaa, the judge said that according to the Puranas, even deceased people have got the right to privacy and their souls should not be disturbed, "as they have an immortal life after their death". "In this case, though we are able to see a lot of twists and turns, creating moments of excitement and anxiousness that alone cannot be sufficient to arrive at a definite conclusion in the absence of any supporting documents thereof," he said. The judge said that it was saddening to note that the death of Jayalalithaa was still a mystery, "though her photos were then and there published by Apollo Hospitals, showing as if she was taking idly, doing physical exercise, cracking jokes, conducting meetings with the officials of the state government, thereby portraying the Hospitals and others, who have given an untrue story, as villains." The judge while referring to the present case, said Amrutha had not produced any photograph to establish that she had stayed with Jayalalithaa. Her averment that she made several phone calls to Jayalalithaa cannot be a good ground for the court to accept her contention, she said. Though she had averred that Jayalalithaa used to hug her whenever she saw her, it would only be considered as spoken in the air, merely showing her delusive quality. The court cannot take the same into account for the purpose of granting relief, the judge said. On Amrutha's prayer to conduct a DNA test, the judge said it can be done only if there is strong grounds, which was not established by producing appropriate documentary evidence. Her averment that she sent representations to all public authorities, including Supreme Court judges, seeking to cremate Jayalalithaa's mortal remains as per rites, rituals and customs of Vaishnava Iyengar Brahmin community does not sound good and there is no need for the Judges to look into such representation concerning the private affairs of a person, the judge said. Though she had contended that her blood samples and Deepa Jayakumar, Jayalalithaa's niece, have to be sent for DNA matching to ascertain her maternity, there was not an iota of evidence, more particularly, strong and cogent reasons to substantiate her claim, the judge said. "In the absence of substantial evidence,this court cannot grant the relief sought by her. If the said relief is granted, it will not only open a Pandora's box, but also the coffin of Jayalalithaa. The court is not inclined to do so," the judge said. On Amrutha's claim that she was born to Jayalalithaa on August 14, 1980 at her residence, the judge said a photograph produced by the AG at a public function in 1980 showed no sign of Jayalalithaa in an advanced stage of pregnancy. If Amrutha's averment were true, then Jayalalithaa would not have actively participated in the Filmfare Award function in Chennai on July 6 1980, he said. Referring to Nov 1, 1971 will executed by Sandya, the mother of Jayalalithaa, the judge said that a reading of the will would make it very clear that she had only two children, Jayakumar and Jayalalithaa. There was no mention about Amrutha's foster mother, late Shylaja, in the will, the judge said. Also, it was to be noted that Amrutha had not filed any case before any court for conduct of a paternity test, the judge said and dismissed the petition.

Madras HC dismisses woman's claim that she is Jayalaliathaa's daughter

Several cyber attackers have now found a new way to break into customers accounts in China and swipe off unknown amounts of cash - through their Apple IDs - Ant Financial’s Alipay,&nbsp;the operator of one of China's top two mobile payment apps, and Tencent Holdings Ltd. warned on Thursday.&nbsp;

As per reports by Bloomberg, in this rare security breach for China's digital payment providers, Alipay said on its Weibo blog that it has since contacted Apple and looking to resolve the issue as soon as possible.&nbsp;

'Alipay has contacted Apple many times...and the issue has not been resolved,' the post said.

It warned users who have linked their Apple identities to any payment services, including Tencent Holdings' WePay, to lower transaction limits to prevent further losses.

The breach has affected users of both Alipay and Tencent Holdings Ltd's WeChat and some users lost up to $288, state media outlet Xinhua said on Thursday.

The two companies have also told users to take safety steps to further prevent their Apple accounts like changing their passwords.&nbsp;

It’s unclear how the attackers goth their hands on the Apple IDs, which are required for iPhone users that buy content such as music from iTunes or the app store. Apple representatives haven’t clarified&nbsp;yet.&nbsp;

Apple was chastised by Chinese state media in July for the amount of spam being sent on iMessage, with media saying with the company's strict stance on privacy was hindering its ability to crack down on illegal behaviour

Several cyber attackers have now found a new way to break into customers accounts in China and swipe off unknown amounts of cash - through their Apple IDs - Ant Financial’s Alipay, the operator of one of China's top two mobile payment apps, and Tencent Holdings Ltd.

Several cyber attackers have now found a new way to break into customers accounts in China and swipe off unknown amounts of cash - through their Apple IDs - Ant Financial’s Alipay, the operator of one of China's top two mobile payment apps, and Tencent Holdings Ltd. warned on Thursday. As per reports by Bloomberg, in this rare security breach for China's digital payment providers, Alipay said on its Weibo blog that it has since contacted Apple and looking to resolve the issue as soon as possible. 'Alipay has contacted Apple many times...and the issue has not been resolved,' the post said. It warned users who have linked their Apple identities to any payment services, including Tencent Holdings' WePay, to lower transaction limits to prevent further losses. The breach has affected users of both Alipay and Tencent Holdings Ltd's WeChat and some users lost up to $288, state media outlet Xinhua said on Thursday. The two companies have also told users to take safety steps to further prevent their Apple accounts like changing their passwords. It’s unclear how the attackers goth their hands on the Apple IDs, which are required for iPhone users that buy content such as music from iTunes or the app store. Apple representatives haven’t clarified yet. Apple was chastised by Chinese state media in July for the amount of spam being sent on iMessage, with media saying with the company's strict stance on privacy was hindering its ability to crack down on illegal behaviour

Cyber hackers using stolen Apple ID's to steal cash from China's Alipay: Report

As part of the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, over 900 prisoners have been released in the first phase of the Centre's scheme for grant of special remission to specific categories of prisoners.

The decision was taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 18, 2018.

The prisoners are decided to be released in three phases -- October 2, 2018, April 6, 2019, and October 2, 2019.

In the week-long first phase of special remission to prisoners, the States and Union Territories, after obtaining the approval of the competent authority in their jurisdictions released the prisoners.

The States and Union Territories have also been advised to hold week-long functions in all prison premises based on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi before the dates specified for the release of prisoners.

The prisoners will garland the status of Mahatma Gandhi and at the time of their release, they will be gifted with books relating to the Father of the Nation.

Women and transgender convicts, who are of 55 years of age and above and have completed 50 per cent of their actual sentence period, are eligible for special remission.

Meanwhile, male convicts of 60 years of age and above, who have completed 50 per cent of their actual sentence period, are also subjected to benefit under the central government's scheme.

Apart from this, physically-challenged convicts with 70 per cent disability, terminally-ill convicts, prisoners who have completed two-thirds of their actual sentence period are also eligible for special remission.

The remission scheme is not available to prisoners who have been convicted for an offence for which the sentence awarded is death or where the death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment.

Cases of convicts involved in crimes like dowry death, rape, human trafficking, and others also are not included in this.&nbsp;

As part of the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, over 900 prisoners have been released in the first phase of the Centre's scheme for grant of special remission to specific categories of prisoners.

As part of the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, over 900 prisoners have been released in the first phase of the Centre's scheme for grant of special remission to specific categories of prisoners. The decision was taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 18, 2018. The prisoners are decided to be released in three phases -- October 2, 2018, April 6, 2019, and October 2, 2019. In the week-long first phase of special remission to prisoners, the States and Union Territories, after obtaining the approval of the competent authority in their jurisdictions released the prisoners. The States and Union Territories have also been advised to hold week-long functions in all prison premises based on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi before the dates specified for the release of prisoners. The prisoners will garland the status of Mahatma Gandhi and at the time of their release, they will be gifted with books relating to the Father of the Nation. Women and transgender convicts, who are of 55 years of age and above and have completed 50 per cent of their actual sentence period, are eligible for special remission. Meanwhile, male convicts of 60 years of age and above, who have completed 50 per cent of their actual sentence period, are also subjected to benefit under the central government's scheme. Apart from this, physically-challenged convicts with 70 per cent disability, terminally-ill convicts, prisoners who have completed two-thirds of their actual sentence period are also eligible for special remission. The remission scheme is not available to prisoners who have been convicted for an offence for which the sentence awarded is death or where the death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment. Cases of convicts involved in crimes like dowry death, rape, human trafficking, and others also are not included in this.

Over 900 prisoners to be released to mark Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary

Your Story: Air India Express crashes at 250 km/h into Trichy airport wall

Continuing its recovery, the rupee Friday strengthened 38 paise to 73.74 against the US dollar in early trade in the forex market after global crude prices eased.

Besides, dollar-selling by exporters and banks, the greenback's weakness against some currencies overseas, helped the recovery in the domestic currency.

Brent crude fell 3 per cent to trade at 80.37 a barrel in the global market.

Forex dealers said a higher opening in the equity market also supported the rupee's sentiment.

The local unit, after hitting a record low of 74.50 Thursday, recovered 9 paise to end at 74.12 against the dollar.

Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex rebounded 377.12 points, or 1.11 per cent, to 34,378.27 in opening trade. 
&nbsp;

Continuing its recovery, the rupee Friday strengthened 38 paise to 73.74 against the US dollar in early trade in the forex market after global crude prices eased.

Continuing its recovery, the rupee Friday strengthened 38 paise to 73.74 against the US dollar in early trade in the forex market after global crude prices eased. Besides, dollar-selling by exporters and banks, the greenback's weakness against some currencies overseas, helped the recovery in the domestic currency. Brent crude fell 3 per cent to trade at 80.37 a barrel in the global market. Forex dealers said a higher opening in the equity market also supported the rupee's sentiment. The local unit, after hitting a record low of 74.50 Thursday, recovered 9 paise to end at 74.12 against the dollar. Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark Sensex rebounded 377.12 points, or 1.11 per cent, to 34,378.27 in opening trade.

Rupee strengthens 38 paise against US dollar

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Central government for details of the decision-making process in the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

PTI reported that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-new-pil-challenging-rafale-deal-on-wednesday-170170">court asked for the details</a> in a sealed cover, while clarifying that it did not want information on the deal's pricing and technical details.&nbsp;

The opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

An original deal to buy 126 Rafale fighter planes from France's Dassault Aviation had been brokered by the UPA government. Then, in 2015, Modi signed a new government-to-government deal with then French president Francois Hollande to buy 36 of the planes.&nbsp;

The opposition — led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi — says the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale. The opposition has also accused the government of crony capitalism.&nbsp;

According to India's defence acquisition rules, a foreign company making a large sale to India has to funnel 30% of the money paid to it back into India. That by definition requires it to have an Indian partner or partners.&nbsp;

The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries.&nbsp;

The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it but Hollande, while on a trip to India, recently&nbsp;said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name.&nbsp;

The Supreme court was on Wednesday hearing various petitions against the Rafale deal. The petitions seek directions from the&nbsp;top court, including asking the Centre to reveal details of the Rafale deal and the comparative prices of the deals brokered by the UPA and the NDA governments.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court bench hearing the petitions on Wednesday comprised Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Central government for details of the decision-making process in the Rafale deal. PTI reported that the court asked for the details in a sealed cover, while clarifying that it did not want information on the deal's pricing and technical details.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Central government for details of the decision-making process in the Rafale deal. PTI reported that the court asked for the details in a sealed cover, while clarifying that it did not want information on the deal's pricing and technical details. The opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal. An original deal to buy 126 Rafale fighter planes from France's Dassault Aviation had been brokered by the UPA government. Then, in 2015, Modi signed a new government-to-government deal with then French president Francois Hollande to buy 36 of the planes. The opposition — led by Congress president Rahul Gandhi — says the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale. The opposition has also accused the government of crony capitalism. According to India's defence acquisition rules, a foreign company making a large sale to India has to funnel 30% of the money paid to it back into India. That by definition requires it to have an Indian partner or partners. The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries. The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it but Hollande, while on a trip to India, recently said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name. The Supreme court was on Wednesday hearing various petitions against the Rafale deal. The petitions seek directions from the top court, including asking the Centre to reveal details of the Rafale deal and the comparative prices of the deals brokered by the UPA and the NDA governments. The Supreme Court bench hearing the petitions on Wednesday comprised Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph. (With inputs from PTI)

Rafale deal: Supreme Court asks govt for details of decision-making process

Eighty-eight candidates have already&nbsp;been declared winners without any opposition in the urban local body elections in&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K) in five districts ahead of the third phase of elections on Saturday.&nbsp;

Out of the 110 candidates, eight-eight candidates have won the polls without a contest.&nbsp;No one filed any nomination from 23 wards.

On Saturday, out of the 157 wards in the five&nbsp;districts in the Kashmir Valley, polls will be held in&nbsp;40 wards where 110 candidates will be fighting the elections.

At least 2 lakh 35 thousand voters are expected to exercise their franchise in the third phase of the polls.

The voting for the second phase of the urban local body polls in Jammu and Kashmir took place on Wednesday. The polls received about 80 per cent of voter turnout in Jammu while it was 3.4 per cent came out to vote in Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Valley witnessed a low voter turnout in the first phase of municipal polls which concluded on October 8. The first phase of elections saw 70 per cent voter turnout in Jammu region&nbsp;and 8.2 per cent in the Valley.

The four-phase urban local body elections began on October 8 and will end on October 16.

Eighty-eight candidates have already been declared winners without any opposition in the urban local body elections in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) in five districts ahead of the third phase of elections on Saturday.

Eighty-eight candidates have already been declared winners without any opposition in the urban local body elections in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) in five districts ahead of the third phase of elections on Saturday. Out of the 110 candidates, eight-eight candidates have won the polls without a contest. No one filed any nomination from 23 wards. On Saturday, out of the 157 wards in the five districts in the Kashmir Valley, polls will be held in 40 wards where 110 candidates will be fighting the elections. At least 2 lakh 35 thousand voters are expected to exercise their franchise in the third phase of the polls. The voting for the second phase of the urban local body polls in Jammu and Kashmir took place on Wednesday. The polls received about 80 per cent of voter turnout in Jammu while it was 3.4 per cent came out to vote in Kashmir. The Valley witnessed a low voter turnout in the first phase of municipal polls which concluded on October 8. The first phase of elections saw 70 per cent voter turnout in Jammu region and 8.2 per cent in the Valley. The four-phase urban local body elections began on October 8 and will end on October 16.

J&K urban local body elections: 88 candidates win without contest in third phase to be held on Saturday

Your Story: CJI Gogoi bans judges from taking leaves on working days

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-central-america-will-help-with-your-development-if-you-cut-down-migration-170966">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-central-america-will-help-with-your-development-if-you-cut-down-migration-170966"> to Central America: Will help with your development if you cut down migration</a>

US Vice President Mike Pence told Central American countries on Thursday the United States was willing to help with economic development and investment if they did more to tackle mass migration, corruption and gang violence.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/save-ganga-crusader-gd-agarwal-dies-after-111-day-fast-govt-says-most-demands-met-170978">Save Ganga crusader GD Agarwal dies after 111-day fast: Govt says most of his demands met</a>

Veteran environmental activist GD Agarwal died at a Rishikesh hospital on Thursday, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga. He was 86.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kanye-west-hugs-trump-muses-on-presidential-run-170975">Kanye hugs Trump who says rapper could be a future US President</a>

Does rap megastar Kanye West support Donald Trump? He loves him -- and proved it Thursday by suddenly striding from his chair at a surreal White House meeting to hug the president.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/im-most-bullied-person-in-world-melania-trump-on-be-best-initiative-170959">I'm the most bullied person in the world: Melania Trump</a>

When asked in an interview why she chose cyberbullying as a pet cause, US President Donald Trump's wife had a surprising answer.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-will-review-paks-bailout-application-to-imf-including-debt-position-170968">US will review Pak's bailout application to IMF, including debt position&nbsp;</a>

The United States has said it will review Pakistan's bailout request to the IMF from all angles, including the country's debt position, as it appeared to have held the huge Chinese debt responsible for it.

&nbsp;

US to Central America: Will help with your development if you cut down migration US Vice President Mike Pence told Central American countries on Thursday the United States was willing to help with economic development and investment if they did more to tackle mass migration, corruption and gang violence.

US to Central America: Will help with your development if you cut down migration US Vice President Mike Pence told Central American countries on Thursday the United States was willing to help with economic development and investment if they did more to tackle mass migration, corruption and gang violence. Save Ganga crusader GD Agarwal dies after 111-day fast: Govt says most of his demands met Veteran environmental activist GD Agarwal died at a Rishikesh hospital on Thursday, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga. He was 86. Kanye hugs Trump who says rapper could be a future US President Does rap megastar Kanye West support Donald Trump? He loves him -- and proved it Thursday by suddenly striding from his chair at a surreal White House meeting to hug the president. I'm the most bullied person in the world: Melania Trump When asked in an interview why she chose cyberbullying as a pet cause, US President Donald Trump's wife had a surprising answer. US will review Pak's bailout application to IMF, including debt position The United States has said it will review Pakistan's bailout request to the IMF from all angles, including the country's debt position, as it appeared to have held the huge Chinese debt responsible for it.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Japan on October 28-29 to hold the annual India-Japan summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe which will focus on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interests, news agency PTI reported quoting External Affairs Ministry on Friday.

It will be the fifth annual summit meeting between Modi and Abe and their 12 meeting overall since 2014, the report added.

Besides bilateral issues, the two leaders are expected to deliberate on a range of regional and global issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Under the framework of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, the two leaders will have wide-ranging discussions over two days on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest," the MEA said.

It said the prime minister's visit will reaffirm the traditional bonds of friendship between the two countries and strengthen their multi-faceted cooperation in diverse fields. "It

will also advance the vision of India and Japan working together to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," the MEA said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Japan on October 28-29 to hold the annual India-Japan summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe which will focus on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interests, news agency PTI reported quoting External Affairs Ministry on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Japan on October 28-29 to hold the annual India-Japan summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe which will focus on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interests, news agency PTI reported quoting External Affairs Ministry on Friday. It will be the fifth annual summit meeting between Modi and Abe and their 12 meeting overall since 2014, the report added. Besides bilateral issues, the two leaders are expected to deliberate on a range of regional and global issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. "Under the framework of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, the two leaders will have wide-ranging discussions over two days on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest," the MEA said. It said the prime minister's visit will reaffirm the traditional bonds of friendship between the two countries and strengthen their multi-faceted cooperation in diverse fields. "It will also advance the vision of India and Japan working together to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," the MEA said.

PM Modi to visit Japan on October 28-29 for India-Japan annual summit

At least 100 cases of dengue have been confirmed in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district till October 10.

Speaking to ANI, RS Rana, Chief Medical Officer of Kangra district, said that the health department has initiated an awareness campaign to prevent the disease from spreading.

"The health department has initiated an awareness campaign in all the regions. Our ASHA workers and other health workers are informing the people about various methods of precautions. Apart from this, our department has started fogging to kill the mosquitoes, which will continue till November," Rana said.

The Chief Medical Officer said that one can protect themselves from dengue by not getting panic attacks and by being cautious.

He also said that all the dengue cases recorded positive are being treated and till now no death has been recorded in this matter. 
&nbsp;

At least 100 cases of dengue have been confirmed in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district till October 10. Speaking to ANI, RS Rana, Chief Medical Officer of Kangra district, said that the health department has initiated an awareness campaign to prevent the disease from spreading.

At least 100 cases of dengue have been confirmed in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district till October 10. Speaking to ANI, RS Rana, Chief Medical Officer of Kangra district, said that the health department has initiated an awareness campaign to prevent the disease from spreading. "The health department has initiated an awareness campaign in all the regions. Our ASHA workers and other health workers are informing the people about various methods of precautions. Apart from this, our department has started fogging to kill the mosquitoes, which will continue till November," Rana said. The Chief Medical Officer said that one can protect themselves from dengue by not getting panic attacks and by being cautious. He also said that all the dengue cases recorded positive are being treated and till now no death has been recorded in this matter.

100 cases of dengue reported in Himachal's Kangra

Dassault Aviation's joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has said.&nbsp;

"We're in talks with about 100 Indian firms, including around 30 with which we've already confirmed partnerships," Trappier told AFP.

Separately on Thursday, speaking at a briefing in Paris, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the government's claim that it had no idea that Dassault Aviation would team up with Reliance Group, run by Anil Ambani.

Several reports say Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite its having almost no experience in the aviation sector.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

On the eve of Sitharaman's visit, French investigative website Mediapart quoted the notes of a meeting between Dassault management and workers' representatives which described the choice of Reliance as "imperative and compulsory".

"We are very clear: With the government of France, we agreed to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft in flyaway condition," Sitharaman said.

"And in an intergovernmental agreement, there are no mentions of any individual firms," she said.

"It is more for the companies which have chosen A, B or C as their partners to answer questions if there are any," she said.

In a statement, Dassault released a transcript of what it said was Trappier's interview with AFP in which he was asked about the status of the offsets.

"Signing an offset contract is a requirement of Indian law (Defence Procurement Procedure). The implementation of offsets is an obligation and, under the Indian regulation, the choice of the partners belongs to us, Trappier was quoted as saying.

"In full compliance with this regulation, Dassault Aviation therefore decided to set up the DRAL joint venture with Reliance and build a plant in Nagpur, which should enable us to meet about 10% of these offset obligations. We are in negotiations with about a hundred Indian companies and partnerships have already been concluded with about thirty of them," he was quoted as saying.

He said what is called "offset"&nbsp;in English is usually translated into French as "compensation"&nbsp;or "contrepartie". With regard to the staff and trades unions organizations, Dassault Aviation uses the term "obligation contractuelle d'offset"&nbsp;or "obligation contractuelle de compensation", he said.

Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India.

But those talks were cancelled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France.&nbsp;

Asked why Dassault chose Reliance over HAL as its partner, Trappier said Dassault Aviation decided to establish a long-term presence in India through DRAL, a joint enterprise in which governance is provided by an Indian Chief Executive Officer and a French Chief Operating Officer.&nbsp;

"Dassault Aviation therefore exercises technical and industrial control over the operations, applying its standards and its flexibility. This JV will produce parts for the Falcon 2000 and Rafale. The choice of the Nagpur site, in central India, was dictated by the availability of land with direct access to an airport runway, he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dassault on Wednesday said it had "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">freely chosen</a>" to form a joint venture with Reliance. But that stance was contradicted recently by former French president Francois Hollande, under whose watch the Rafale deal was signed.

Hollande said last month that France had "no choice" but to join with Reliance after it was pushed by the Indian government -- comments which were seized upon by Indian opposition parties.

Under Indian defence procurement rules, foreign companies winning contracts must "offset" or reinvest half the total value -- in this case around eight billion euros -- in joint ventures or purchases with Indian firms.

Dassault Aviation's joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has said.

Dassault Aviation's joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has said. "We're in talks with about 100 Indian firms, including around 30 with which we've already confirmed partnerships," Trappier told AFP. Separately on Thursday, speaking at a briefing in Paris, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the government's claim that it had no idea that Dassault Aviation would team up with Reliance Group, run by Anil Ambani. Several reports say Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite its having almost no experience in the aviation sector. On the eve of Sitharaman's visit, French investigative website Mediapart quoted the notes of a meeting between Dassault management and workers' representatives which described the choice of Reliance as "imperative and compulsory". "We are very clear: With the government of France, we agreed to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft in flyaway condition," Sitharaman said. "And in an intergovernmental agreement, there are no mentions of any individual firms," she said. "It is more for the companies which have chosen A, B or C as their partners to answer questions if there are any," she said. In a statement, Dassault released a transcript of what it said was Trappier's interview with AFP in which he was asked about the status of the offsets. "Signing an offset contract is a requirement of Indian law (Defence Procurement Procedure). The implementation of offsets is an obligation and, under the Indian regulation, the choice of the partners belongs to us, Trappier was quoted as saying. "In full compliance with this regulation, Dassault Aviation therefore decided to set up the DRAL joint venture with Reliance and build a plant in Nagpur, which should enable us to meet about 10% of these offset obligations. We are in negotiations with about a hundred Indian companies and partnerships have already been concluded with about thirty of them," he was quoted as saying. He said what is called "offset" in English is usually translated into French as "compensation" or "contrepartie". With regard to the staff and trades unions organizations, Dassault Aviation uses the term "obligation contractuelle d'offset" or "obligation contractuelle de compensation", he said. Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India. But those talks were cancelled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France. Asked why Dassault chose Reliance over HAL as its partner, Trappier said Dassault Aviation decided to establish a long-term presence in India through DRAL, a joint enterprise in which governance is provided by an Indian Chief Executive Officer and a French Chief Operating Officer. "Dassault Aviation therefore exercises technical and industrial control over the operations, applying its standards and its flexibility. This JV will produce parts for the Falcon 2000 and Rafale. The choice of the Nagpur site, in central India, was dictated by the availability of land with direct access to an airport runway, he was quoted as saying. Dassault on Wednesday said it had "freely chosen" to form a joint venture with Reliance. But that stance was contradicted recently by former French president Francois Hollande, under whose watch the Rafale deal was signed. Hollande said last month that France had "no choice" but to join with Reliance after it was pushed by the Indian government -- comments which were seized upon by Indian opposition parties. Under Indian defence procurement rules, foreign companies winning contracts must "offset" or reinvest half the total value -- in this case around eight billion euros -- in joint ventures or purchases with Indian firms.

Reliance has 10 per cent of offset in Rafael deal: Dassault CEO

Veteran environmental activist GD Agarwal died at a Rishikesh hospital on Thursday, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga. He was 86.

Agarwal, who began his hunger strike on June 22 demanding government measures to save the Ganga, died of a heart attack at the All India Institute of medical Sciences in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, its director Ravi Kant said.

The activist was admitted to hospital on Wednesday after he even gave up water.

Local authorities imposed section 144 of the CrPC, which bans the assembly of people, around the venue of the protest and he was picked up and taken to hospital.

Dr Ravi Kant said Agarwal suffered from hernia, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease and the fast worsened his condition.

GD Agarwal, also known as Swami Gyanswaroop Sanand in his later years, had been a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur and served on the Central Pollution Control Board.

He was protesting against hydroelectric projects on the Ganga's tributaries and had demanded a law to protect the river.

Earlier, he had rejected a plea from Haridwar MP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank to end the fast, following assurances on his demands from the Centre.

Agarwal had been campaigning for the Ganga for several years and undertook a similar fast earlier as well.

A day before Agarwal died, Union Water Resources and Ganga River Rejuvenation Minister Nitin Gadkari said almost all his demands had been met and he had written a letter to the activist to give up his fast.

On Tuesday, the Centre came out with a gazette notification stating the minimum environmental flow that is to be maintained at various locations on the Ganga.

Gadkari said draft legislation on protecting the Ganga had also been sent to the Cabinet for approval.

Reacting to the Ganga crusader's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his passion for saving the environment will always be remembered.

"Saddened by the demise of Shri GD Agarwal Ji. His passion towards learning, education, saving the environment, particularly Ganga cleaning will always be remembered. My condolences," he tweeted.

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Saddened by the demise of Shri GD Agarwal Ji. His passion towards learning, education, saving the environment, particularly Ganga cleaning will always be remembered. My condolences.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1050402246008217600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Gadkari termed Agarwal's death an irreparable loss to the nation.

The water resources minister said Agarwal's contribution towards the environment and the Ganga will be greatly remembered.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh said an "insensitive government" was "waiting? for him to die.

Senior Congress leader and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh expressed anguish over the activist's "martyrdom".

"He was an indefatigable crusader not only for Nirmal Ganga but also for Aviral Ganga (free-flowing Ganga). It was my privilege and good fortune to be able to implement some of his important suggestions to ensure uninterrupted flow in the Ganga and its tributaries in Uttarakhand,"&nbsp;Ramesh said.

A few years ago, the activist adopted Swami Gyanswaroop Sanand as his name.

As he continued the fast continued, on September 9, Agarwal announced he will give up water in October.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga officials then talked with him and Congress president Rahul Gandhi expressed support for his cause.

Agarwal had pledged his organs for medical research at the AIIMS in Rishikesh, the hospital director said.

Veteran environmental activist GD Agarwal died at a Rishikesh hospital on Thursday, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga. He was 86. Agarwal, who began his hunger strike on June 22 demanding government measures to save the Ganga, died of a heart attack at the All India Institute of medical Sciences in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, its director Ravi Kant said.

Veteran environmental activist GD Agarwal died at a Rishikesh hospital on Thursday, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga. He was 86. Agarwal, who began his hunger strike on June 22 demanding government measures to save the Ganga, died of a heart attack at the All India Institute of medical Sciences in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, its director Ravi Kant said. The activist was admitted to hospital on Wednesday after he even gave up water. Local authorities imposed section 144 of the CrPC, which bans the assembly of people, around the venue of the protest and he was picked up and taken to hospital. Dr Ravi Kant said Agarwal suffered from hernia, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease and the fast worsened his condition. GD Agarwal, also known as Swami Gyanswaroop Sanand in his later years, had been a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur and served on the Central Pollution Control Board. He was protesting against hydroelectric projects on the Ganga's tributaries and had demanded a law to protect the river. Earlier, he had rejected a plea from Haridwar MP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank to end the fast, following assurances on his demands from the Centre. Agarwal had been campaigning for the Ganga for several years and undertook a similar fast earlier as well. A day before Agarwal died, Union Water Resources and Ganga River Rejuvenation Minister Nitin Gadkari said almost all his demands had been met and he had written a letter to the activist to give up his fast. On Tuesday, the Centre came out with a gazette notification stating the minimum environmental flow that is to be maintained at various locations on the Ganga. Gadkari said draft legislation on protecting the Ganga had also been sent to the Cabinet for approval. Reacting to the Ganga crusader's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his passion for saving the environment will always be remembered. "Saddened by the demise of Shri GD Agarwal Ji. His passion towards learning, education, saving the environment, particularly Ganga cleaning will always be remembered. My condolences," he tweeted. Saddened by the demise of Shri GD Agarwal Ji. His passion towards learning, education, saving the environment, particularly Ganga cleaning will always be remembered. My condolences. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 11, 2018 × Gadkari termed Agarwal's death an irreparable loss to the nation. The water resources minister said Agarwal's contribution towards the environment and the Ganga will be greatly remembered. Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh said an "insensitive government" was "waiting? for him to die. Senior Congress leader and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh expressed anguish over the activist's "martyrdom". "He was an indefatigable crusader not only for Nirmal Ganga but also for Aviral Ganga (free-flowing Ganga). It was my privilege and good fortune to be able to implement some of his important suggestions to ensure uninterrupted flow in the Ganga and its tributaries in Uttarakhand," Ramesh said. A few years ago, the activist adopted Swami Gyanswaroop Sanand as his name. As he continued the fast continued, on September 9, Agarwal announced he will give up water in October. The National Mission for Clean Ganga officials then talked with him and Congress president Rahul Gandhi expressed support for his cause. Agarwal had pledged his organs for medical research at the AIIMS in Rishikesh, the hospital director said.

Save Ganga crusader GD Agarwal dies after 111-day fast: Govt says most of his demands met

Fuel prices continued to soar on Friday, with petrol and diesel rates hiked by Rs 0.12 and 0.28 respectively in Delhi. Petrol in Delhi will be sold at Rs 82.48 per litre, diesel for the day will be at Rs 74.90 per litre.

In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 87.94 per litre, an increase of Rs 0.12, and Rs 78.51 per litre, up by Rs 0.29, respectively.

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Petrol and diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> are Rs 82.48 per litre (increase by Rs 0.12) and Rs 74.90 (increase by Rs 0.28) respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> are Rs 87.94 per litre (increase by Rs 0.12) and Rs 78.51 per litre (increase by Rs 0.29) respectively. <a href="https://t.co/a6xLXlTH6y">pic.twitter.com/a6xLXlTH6y</a>
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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.

On October 4, the union government had announced a cut of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre.&nbsp;

While making the announcement, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had also recommended all state governments to slash rates by a further Rs 2.5 to make fuel cheaper by Rs 5. 
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Fuel prices continued to soar on Friday, with petrol and diesel rates hiked by Rs 0.12 and 0.28 respectively in Delhi. Petrol in Delhi will be sold at Rs 82.48 per litre, diesel for the day will be at Rs 74.

Fuel prices continued to soar on Friday, with petrol and diesel rates hiked by Rs 0.12 and 0.28 respectively in Delhi. Petrol in Delhi will be sold at Rs 82.48 per litre, diesel for the day will be at Rs 74.90 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 87.94 per litre, an increase of Rs 0.12, and Rs 78.51 per litre, up by Rs 0.29, respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in #Delhi are Rs 82.48 per litre (increase by Rs 0.12) and Rs 74.90 (increase by Rs 0.28) respectively. Petrol and diesel prices in #Mumbai are Rs 87.94 per litre (increase by Rs 0.12) and Rs 78.51 per litre (increase by Rs 0.29) respectively. pic.twitter.com/a6xLXlTH6y — ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2018 × 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. On October 4, the union government had announced a cut of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre. While making the announcement, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had also recommended all state governments to slash rates by a further Rs 2.5 to make fuel cheaper by Rs 5.

Fuel prices continue to rise, petrol sells at Rs 87.94 a litre in Mumbai

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