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Underlining the losses suffered by Andhra Pradesh due to the bifurcation, Chief Minister N&nbsp;Chandrababu Naidu has sought an assistance of Rs 1,09,023 crores for development of infrastructure in the state.

In a meeting with the members of the 15th Finance Commission, the Chief Minister presented a report before the panel, asking for the amount.

He said that the central government had promised to allot Rs 2,500 crores, but released only Rs 1,500 crores for infrastructure development so far. 
 
Naidu also made appeals to the Finance Commission to accord Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh, consider population as per 1971 census, and continue revenue deficit grants, disaster relief for crop failures.

The Chief Minister also appealed to allot Rs 22,250 crore for backward regions development in the state and sought allotment of Rs 10,000 crores for development of ports, airports, and roads in Andhra Pradesh.

Describing the country as a "victim of the century", Naidu said that the Centre failed to fulfill the assurances made during the state bifurcation.

He said that though the state is ahead in several sectors, it is lagging behind in per capita income on par with the neighbouring states.

The Chief Minister also said that his government opted for convergence of technology to the maximum level to establish most liveable standards and ease of living in the state. He affirmed that Amaravati would be developed as "hub of artificial intelligence."

Praising the Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government, fifteenth Finance Commission chairman NK Singh described the Chief Minister as the original CEO who has developed the state in all sectors.

He also assured him positive help and said that the state should grow together.

The 15th Finance Commission, led by chairman NK Singh and also comprising of former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das, Anoop Singh, Ashok

Lahiri, Ramesh Chand, secretary Arvind Mehta, Joint secretary Mukhmeet Singh Bhatia, Joint secretary Ravi Kota, Economic advisor Antony Cyriac and other officials, visited the secretariat on Thursday to hear the appeals of the state government.

Minister for Finance Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Puneta, Finance Secretary Ravichandran, Chief Minister's Special Chief Secretary Satish Chandra and others were also present in the meeting.&nbsp;

Underlining the losses suffered by Andhra Pradesh due to the bifurcation, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has sought an assistance of Rs 1,09,023 crores for development of infrastructure in the state.

Underlining the losses suffered by Andhra Pradesh due to the bifurcation, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has sought an assistance of Rs 1,09,023 crores for development of infrastructure in the state. In a meeting with the members of the 15th Finance Commission, the Chief Minister presented a report before the panel, asking for the amount. He said that the central government had promised to allot Rs 2,500 crores, but released only Rs 1,500 crores for infrastructure development so far. Naidu also made appeals to the Finance Commission to accord Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh, consider population as per 1971 census, and continue revenue deficit grants, disaster relief for crop failures. The Chief Minister also appealed to allot Rs 22,250 crore for backward regions development in the state and sought allotment of Rs 10,000 crores for development of ports, airports, and roads in Andhra Pradesh. Describing the country as a "victim of the century", Naidu said that the Centre failed to fulfill the assurances made during the state bifurcation. He said that though the state is ahead in several sectors, it is lagging behind in per capita income on par with the neighbouring states. The Chief Minister also said that his government opted for convergence of technology to the maximum level to establish most liveable standards and ease of living in the state. He affirmed that Amaravati would be developed as "hub of artificial intelligence." Praising the Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government, fifteenth Finance Commission chairman NK Singh described the Chief Minister as the original CEO who has developed the state in all sectors. He also assured him positive help and said that the state should grow together. The 15th Finance Commission, led by chairman NK Singh and also comprising of former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das, Anoop Singh, Ashok Lahiri, Ramesh Chand, secretary Arvind Mehta, Joint secretary Mukhmeet Singh Bhatia, Joint secretary Ravi Kota, Economic advisor Antony Cyriac and other officials, visited the secretariat on Thursday to hear the appeals of the state government. Minister for Finance Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Puneta, Finance Secretary Ravichandran, Chief Minister's Special Chief Secretary Satish Chandra and others were also present in the meeting.

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu seeks central assistance of Rs 1 lakh crore for state

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-claims-to-have-audio-video-recordings-to-prove-journalist-jamal-khashoggis-murder-171096">Turkey claims to have audio, video recordings to prove Khashoggi's murder: Report</a>

Turkey claims that it has audio and video recordings that prove the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul earlier this month. A media report quoted a source as saying that the evidence Turkey has, shows signs of assault and struggle inside the consulate.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/housefull-4-sajid-khan-steps-down-as-director-akshay-kumar-says-wont-work-with-proven-offenders-171068">Akshay Kumar says 'will not work with proven offenders', Sajid Khan steps down as 'Housefull 4' director</a>

Upcoming Bollywood film ‘Housefull 4’ finds itself in the middle of #MeToo controversy as director Sajid Khan steps down from his post in the wake of several sexual assault allegations levied against him.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-consolidates-top-position-in-test-rankings-171094">Kohli consolidates top position in ICC Test rankings, Windies' Roston Chase moves up</a>

India captain Virat Kohli, who struck 139 in India's massive win in the first Test against the West Indies, on Friday consolidated his position at the top of the Test rankings, moving within one point of his highest rating point of 937.&nbsp;

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The world's longest commercial flight arrived in New York on Friday after a nearly 18-hour trip from Singapore, completing the world's longest commercial flight.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-high-court-judge-sacked-over-remarks-against-isi-171141">Pak High Court judge sacked over remarks against ISI</a>

A senior Pakistani judge, who was in line to become the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court next month, was sacked for his controversial statement that the country's powerful spy agency ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to get favourable decisions.

Turkey claims to have audio, video recordings to prove Khashoggi's murder: Report Turkey claims that it has audio and video recordings that prove the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul earlier this month.

Turkey claims to have audio, video recordings to prove Khashoggi's murder: Report Turkey claims that it has audio and video recordings that prove the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul earlier this month. A media report quoted a source as saying that the evidence Turkey has, shows signs of assault and struggle inside the consulate. Akshay Kumar says 'will not work with proven offenders', Sajid Khan steps down as 'Housefull 4' director Upcoming Bollywood film ‘Housefull 4’ finds itself in the middle of #MeToo controversy as director Sajid Khan steps down from his post in the wake of several sexual assault allegations levied against him. Kohli consolidates top position in ICC Test rankings, Windies' Roston Chase moves up India captain Virat Kohli, who struck 139 in India's massive win in the first Test against the West Indies, on Friday consolidated his position at the top of the Test rankings, moving within one point of his highest rating point of 937. Jetliner lands in US after world's longest flight The world's longest commercial flight arrived in New York on Friday after a nearly 18-hour trip from Singapore, completing the world's longest commercial flight. Pak High Court judge sacked over remarks against ISI A senior Pakistani judge, who was in line to become the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court next month, was sacked for his controversial statement that the country's powerful spy agency ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to get favourable decisions.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing a high-level meeting&nbsp;in Delhi on the state of the economy and oil sector with an agenda aimed to curb the rupee's continuous slide.

The main focus of the meeting is the rupee's continuing weakness against the dollar.

According to reports, the government could announce measures to control the current account deficit and the crude oil prices in the light of the upcoming sanctions on Iran by us. It may also announce a fresh set of measures that could include higher customs duties and import restrictions on certain non-essential items.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu are part of the meeting.

The government recently increased import duty on several electronic and consumer items including refrigerators, air conditioners and telecom equipment to rein in current account deficit and stabilise the rupee.

It also hiked duty on footwear, diamonds, and jet fuel as a part of its plan to get foreign funds flowing back to India recently.

According to WION's sources, there could be a new list of items that would attract higher import duty and there could be quantitative restrictions on inward shipments. &nbsp;

India's current account deficit widened to 2.4 per cent of GDP in April-June and the rupee is hovering around 74 to a dollar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing a high-level meeting in Delhi on the state of the economy and oil sector with an agenda aimed to curb the rupee's continuous slide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing a high-level meeting in Delhi on the state of the economy and oil sector with an agenda aimed to curb the rupee's continuous slide. The main focus of the meeting is the rupee's continuing weakness against the dollar. According to reports, the government could announce measures to control the current account deficit and the crude oil prices in the light of the upcoming sanctions on Iran by us. It may also announce a fresh set of measures that could include higher customs duties and import restrictions on certain non-essential items. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu are part of the meeting. The government recently increased import duty on several electronic and consumer items including refrigerators, air conditioners and telecom equipment to rein in current account deficit and stabilise the rupee. It also hiked duty on footwear, diamonds, and jet fuel as a part of its plan to get foreign funds flowing back to India recently. According to WION's sources, there could be a new list of items that would attract higher import duty and there could be quantitative restrictions on inward shipments. India's current account deficit widened to 2.4 per cent of GDP in April-June and the rupee is hovering around 74 to a dollar.

PM Modi chairs high-level meeting on economy, finance & oil ministers attend

The Supreme Court Friday dismissed two separate petitions of senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Sachin Pilot seeking directions to the Election Commission to provide the draft voters' list in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in text format, news agency PTI reported.

"We have dismissed these petitions," said a bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan. &nbsp;

The apex court had reserved its verdict on October 8 on the plea of leaders alleging duplication of voters in the list and sought a proper redressal of grievances to ensure free and fair elections.

Polls in Madhya Pradesh will be held on November 28 and in Rajasthan on December 7.

The plea filed by Nath said directions should be issued to publish the voters' lists in a "text format as per rules", instead of the PDF format, and expeditious decisions are taken on all complaints before their final publication, the report added.

The senior Congress leader has also said a direction should be issued to the poll panel to randomly verify the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with votes cast on electronic voting machines (EVMs) at 10 per cent randomly-selected polling stations in every constituency.

On September 18, the poll panel had, in its affidavit, justified providing the draft electoral roll in PDF format in Madhya Pradesh without the pictures of the voters and said it was done to prevent manipulation of electors' data. 
The pleas of leaders further alleged that according to a survey, there were over 60 lakh fake voters in Madhya Pradesh and similarly, in Rajasthan, there were over 41 lakh duplicate voters.

In Rajasthan, the poll panel had added 71 lakh new voters, the plea said, demanding that directions be given to remove inconsistencies and conduct free and fair elections.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Friday dismissed two separate petitions of senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Sachin Pilot seeking directions to the Election Commission to provide the draft voters' list in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in text format, news agency PTI reported.

The Supreme Court Friday dismissed two separate petitions of senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Sachin Pilot seeking directions to the Election Commission to provide the draft voters' list in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in text format, news agency PTI reported. "We have dismissed these petitions," said a bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan. The apex court had reserved its verdict on October 8 on the plea of leaders alleging duplication of voters in the list and sought a proper redressal of grievances to ensure free and fair elections. Polls in Madhya Pradesh will be held on November 28 and in Rajasthan on December 7. The plea filed by Nath said directions should be issued to publish the voters' lists in a "text format as per rules", instead of the PDF format, and expeditious decisions are taken on all complaints before their final publication, the report added. The senior Congress leader has also said a direction should be issued to the poll panel to randomly verify the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with votes cast on electronic voting machines (EVMs) at 10 per cent randomly-selected polling stations in every constituency. On September 18, the poll panel had, in its affidavit, justified providing the draft electoral roll in PDF format in Madhya Pradesh without the pictures of the voters and said it was done to prevent manipulation of electors' data. The pleas of leaders further alleged that according to a survey, there were over 60 lakh fake voters in Madhya Pradesh and similarly, in Rajasthan, there were over 41 lakh duplicate voters. In Rajasthan, the poll panel had added 71 lakh new voters, the plea said, demanding that directions be given to remove inconsistencies and conduct free and fair elections. (With PTI inputs)

Supreme Court dismisses Congress leaders' plea on voters' list of MP, Rajasthan 

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi and his party of repeatedly "spreading falsehood and lies" over the Rafale deal and called him a "serial liar".

Addressing a press conference here, he said, "We have of late been experiencing the activities of a serial liar. Only an issue-less man can repeat a lie again and again. Even if a lie is repeated 100 times, it can never substitute the truth,'' &nbsp;said Goyal.&nbsp;

''The government negotiated terms which are far better than what was agreed by UPA. We have gotten faster delivery, longer maintenance tenure, better availability of spare parts and much-needed defence capabilities,'' he added.&nbsp;

Goyal's&nbsp;remarks came in the wake of Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier saying that the company`s joint venture with Reliance in Nagpur represents only about 10 per cent of the offset obligations in the deal to purchase 36 fighter jets from France and it was in negotiations with about a hundred Indian companies to meet the requirements under the Defence Procurement Procedure of the Indian government.

He&nbsp;said the Congressmen were possibly trying to hide their own misdemeanours of 2012 when under the pressure of the first family (Gandhi family) they cancelled important negotiations over the deal to benefit their associates and compromised national security.&nbsp;

Referring to Trappier`s comments, the BJP leader said that he has categorically confirmed that since the "implementation of offset was an obligation under the Indian regulation" also drafted under the UPA, they themselves choose the partners to implement the offsets".&nbsp;

"The CEO has confirmed that of their volition and choice they chose a particular company with which their discussions and contracts are persisting since 2012," he said.&nbsp;

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi and his party of repeatedly "spreading falsehood and lies" over the Rafale deal and called him a "serial liar".

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi and his party of repeatedly "spreading falsehood and lies" over the Rafale deal and called him a "serial liar". Addressing a press conference here, he said, "We have of late been experiencing the activities of a serial liar. Only an issue-less man can repeat a lie again and again. Even if a lie is repeated 100 times, it can never substitute the truth,'' said Goyal. ''The government negotiated terms which are far better than what was agreed by UPA. We have gotten faster delivery, longer maintenance tenure, better availability of spare parts and much-needed defence capabilities,'' he added. Goyal's remarks came in the wake of Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier saying that the company`s joint venture with Reliance in Nagpur represents only about 10 per cent of the offset obligations in the deal to purchase 36 fighter jets from France and it was in negotiations with about a hundred Indian companies to meet the requirements under the Defence Procurement Procedure of the Indian government. He said the Congressmen were possibly trying to hide their own misdemeanours of 2012 when under the pressure of the first family (Gandhi family) they cancelled important negotiations over the deal to benefit their associates and compromised national security. Referring to Trappier`s comments, the BJP leader said that he has categorically confirmed that since the "implementation of offset was an obligation under the Indian regulation" also drafted under the UPA, they themselves choose the partners to implement the offsets". "The CEO has confirmed that of their volition and choice they chose a particular company with which their discussions and contracts are persisting since 2012," he said.

Piyush Goyal slams 'serial liar' Rahul Gandhi for spreading falsehood on Rafale deal 

Minister for women and child development Maneka Gandhi on Friday said that she believes in all the charges made by women against sexual harassment and thereafter called for a committee of four retired judges to conduct public hearings of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-bombay-high-court-justice-says-judiciary-plagued-with-rampant-sexism-171078">all the cases</a>.&nbsp;

“I believe in all of them. I believe in the pain and trauma behind every single complainant," Gandhi told PTI.&nbsp;

“I am proposing to set up a committee with senior judicial and legal persons as members to look into all issues emanating from the #MeToo campaign,” she said in an interview to PTI. The committee will look into the legal and institutional framework which is in place for handling complaints of sexual harassment, including some of the complaints if required, and advise the ministry on how to strengthen these, she said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Minister for Women &amp; Child Development Maneka Gandhi explains about the committee which will be set up to examine all issues emanating from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeTooIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeTooIndia</a> movement. <a href="https://t.co/Uo9qEl1wIb">pic.twitter.com/Uo9qEl1wIb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050703117984194560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She also called for an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Minister of State (MoS) External Affairs MJ Akbar, who has become the first minister to be accused of sexual harassment, reports said.

Gandhi had earlier said that she is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/happy-that-metoo-movement-has-started-in-india-says-maneka-gandhi-hopes-it-doesnt-go-out-of-control-170208">happy that the #MeToo movement</a> has started in India and hoped that the campaign does not go out of control.&nbsp;

The Union Minister then gave a message to all the women who have been subjected to some or the other form of harassment and said, "Please remember that you can now - as we have interpreted it - complain 10 years later, 15 years later, it doesn't matter how much later. The point is, if you are going to complain, the avenue is still open."

More recently, upcoming Bollywood film ‘Housefull 4’ finds itself in the middle of #MeToo controversy as director <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/metoo-multiple-women-accuse-sajid-khan-of-sexual-misconduct-harassment-171007">Sajid Khan</a> steps down from his post in the wake of several sexual assault allegations levied against him.

Several filmmakers and actors, politicians and journalists have been named in a wave of sexual misconduct allegations, spurred on by actor Tanushree Dutta’s claims that she was harassed by her colleague Nana Patekar on the sets of a 2008 movie.

Meanwhile, this is what the Bollywood stars and leaders had to say about the #MeToo movement:

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It has just started here. I think it's very good, better late than never. If you take this step now in future we'll be able to control it. If women have been through any kind of harassment whether it's physical,mental,emotional,any which way, I support them: Malaika Arora <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a> <a href="https://t.co/9GYnLQHqTK">pic.twitter.com/9GYnLQHqTK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050687353575084032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I’m disturbed by all the happenings with regards to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a>. My company and I believe in providing women with utmost respect and safety. If anyone has wronged even a single woman, neither ADF nor I will stand for it.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaydevgn/status/1050680117955981314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: I welcome this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a> campaign but I don't consider women journalists to be so innocent that anyone can misuse them, says Lata Kelkar, Chief of Madhya Pradesh BJP women wing on MJ Akbar. (11.10.18) <a href="https://t.co/4gM5shTkg3">pic.twitter.com/4gM5shTkg3</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050637509384761344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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More than the names it’s the description of the way things happened is what is disturbing me the most. Makes me have this terrible feeling that we have discovered only the tip of this iceberg. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Metoo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Metoo</a>
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) <a href="https://twitter.com/taapsee/status/1050626661866078208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Minister for women and child development Maneka Gandhi on Friday said that she believes in all the charges made by women against sexual harassment and thereafter called for a committee of four retired judges to conduct public hearings of all the cases.

Minister for women and child development Maneka Gandhi on Friday said that she believes in all the charges made by women against sexual harassment and thereafter called for a committee of four retired judges to conduct public hearings of all the cases. “I believe in all of them. I believe in the pain and trauma behind every single complainant," Gandhi told PTI. “I am proposing to set up a committee with senior judicial and legal persons as members to look into all issues emanating from the #MeToo campaign,” she said in an interview to PTI. The committee will look into the legal and institutional framework which is in place for handling complaints of sexual harassment, including some of the complaints if required, and advise the ministry on how to strengthen these, she said. #WATCH: Minister for Women & Child Development Maneka Gandhi explains about the committee which will be set up to examine all issues emanating from the #MeTooIndia movement. pic.twitter.com/Uo9qEl1wIb — ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2018 × She also called for an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Minister of State (MoS) External Affairs MJ Akbar, who has become the first minister to be accused of sexual harassment, reports said. Gandhi had earlier said that she is happy that the #MeToo movement has started in India and hoped that the campaign does not go out of control. The Union Minister then gave a message to all the women who have been subjected to some or the other form of harassment and said, "Please remember that you can now - as we have interpreted it - complain 10 years later, 15 years later, it doesn't matter how much later. The point is, if you are going to complain, the avenue is still open." More recently, upcoming Bollywood film ‘Housefull 4’ finds itself in the middle of #MeToo controversy as director Sajid Khan steps down from his post in the wake of several sexual assault allegations levied against him. Several filmmakers and actors, politicians and journalists have been named in a wave of sexual misconduct allegations, spurred on by actor Tanushree Dutta’s claims that she was harassed by her colleague Nana Patekar on the sets of a 2008 movie. Meanwhile, this is what the Bollywood stars and leaders had to say about the #MeToo movement: It has just started here. I think it's very good, better late than never. If you take this step now in future we'll be able to control it. If women have been through any kind of harassment whether it's physical,mental,emotional,any which way, I support them: Malaika Arora #MeToo pic.twitter.com/9GYnLQHqTK — ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2018 × I’m disturbed by all the happenings with regards to #MeToo. My company and I believe in providing women with utmost respect and safety. If anyone has wronged even a single woman, neither ADF nor I will stand for it. — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) October 12, 2018 × #WATCH: I welcome this #MeToo campaign but I don't consider women journalists to be so innocent that anyone can misuse them, says Lata Kelkar, Chief of Madhya Pradesh BJP women wing on MJ Akbar. (11.10.18) pic.twitter.com/4gM5shTkg3 — ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2018 × More than the names it’s the description of the way things happened is what is disturbing me the most. Makes me have this terrible feeling that we have discovered only the tip of this iceberg. #Metoo — taapsee pannu (@taapsee) October 12, 2018 ×

I believe in all #MeToo cases, says Maneka Gandhi, calls for panel to hold public hearings

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Friday demanded that Mumbai Central railway station be renamed after Dalit icon Babasaheb Ambedkar, reported news agency PTI.

Union minister of state for Social Justice and Empowerment in a statement on Friday said that he would soon meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal to submit this demand.

"Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had spent a lot of time in Mumbai and led several social movements conceptualised by him. It will be appropriate to name Mumbai Central station after him," Athawale reportedly said.

"Dalits welcomed the renaming of Mumbai International Airport and Victoria Terminus after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We would also be happy if Babasaheb's name is given to Mumbai Central railway station," Athawale said.

Earlier in July this year, Elphinstone Road station on Western Railway's suburban network was rechristened Prabhadevi.

The decision to change the name of Elphinstone Road station was approved by the Maharashtra Assembly on December 16, 2016.&nbsp;

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Friday demanded that Mumbai Central railway station be renamed after Dalit icon Babasaheb Ambedkar, reported news agency PTI. Union minister of state for Social Justice and Empowerment in a statement on Friday said that he would soon meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal to submit this demand.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Friday demanded that Mumbai Central railway station be renamed after Dalit icon Babasaheb Ambedkar, reported news agency PTI. Union minister of state for Social Justice and Empowerment in a statement on Friday said that he would soon meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal to submit this demand. "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had spent a lot of time in Mumbai and led several social movements conceptualised by him. It will be appropriate to name Mumbai Central station after him," Athawale reportedly said. "Dalits welcomed the renaming of Mumbai International Airport and Victoria Terminus after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We would also be happy if Babasaheb's name is given to Mumbai Central railway station," Athawale said. Earlier in July this year, Elphinstone Road station on Western Railway's suburban network was rechristened Prabhadevi. The decision to change the name of Elphinstone Road station was approved by the Maharashtra Assembly on December 16, 2016.

Rename Mumbai Central Railway station after Ambedkar: Union minister Athawale

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO members including Pakistan to assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, saying terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to development and prosperity.

In an apparent reference to the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Swaraj said that all connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability.

India has opposed the CPEC projects and protested to China as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Swaraj, who is in Tajikistan's capital to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), said: "terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to our common goals of development and prosperity".

As the footprint of terrorism expands, governments must assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, she said in the presence of Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

"We have all benefited from globalisation. We must further develop our trade and investment cooperation. We support an open, stable international trade regime based on centrality of the World Trade Organization," Swaraj said.

India has actively supported the SCO Qingdao Summit Leaders' "Appeal to Youth" against radicalisation of youth, she said and congratulated all her colleagues on the successful completion of the 'SCO Peace Mission 2018'.

It was the first time that India participated in these counter-terrorism exercises.

India stands committed to a peace process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled, that can help Afghanistan emerge as a peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation, Swaraj said.

"In this context, we welcome the signing of the Protocol of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group on the sidelines of the Qingdao Summit. We would be happy to co-host with Afghanistan, the next meeting of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group in India," she said.

India is determined to work together in the SCO on environmentally friendly energy alternatives to ensure sustainable development, Swaraj said.

"India shares the desire of the SCO members for enhanced connectivity. All connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability," she said.

The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet project of President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing China's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects.

"I am happy to note that SCO has taken a positive step in this direction by organising the first meeting of the Heads of Railways of the SCO Member States last month," she added.

It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geo-politics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue.

Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year.

The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO members including Pakistan to assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, saying terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to development and prosperity.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO members including Pakistan to assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, saying terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to development and prosperity. In an apparent reference to the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Swaraj said that all connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability. India has opposed the CPEC projects and protested to China as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Swaraj, who is in Tajikistan's capital to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), said: "terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to our common goals of development and prosperity". As the footprint of terrorism expands, governments must assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, she said in the presence of Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. "We have all benefited from globalisation. We must further develop our trade and investment cooperation. We support an open, stable international trade regime based on centrality of the World Trade Organization," Swaraj said. India has actively supported the SCO Qingdao Summit Leaders' "Appeal to Youth" against radicalisation of youth, she said and congratulated all her colleagues on the successful completion of the 'SCO Peace Mission 2018'. It was the first time that India participated in these counter-terrorism exercises. India stands committed to a peace process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled, that can help Afghanistan emerge as a peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation, Swaraj said. "In this context, we welcome the signing of the Protocol of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group on the sidelines of the Qingdao Summit. We would be happy to co-host with Afghanistan, the next meeting of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group in India," she said. India is determined to work together in the SCO on environmentally friendly energy alternatives to ensure sustainable development, Swaraj said. "India shares the desire of the SCO members for enhanced connectivity. All connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability," she said. The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet project of President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing China's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects. "I am happy to note that SCO has taken a positive step in this direction by organising the first meeting of the Heads of Railways of the SCO Member States last month," she added. It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geo-politics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

Terrorism remains most overwhelming threat to development: Sushma Swaraj

India’s first luxury cruise line service between Mumbai-Goa to begin soon

Air India flight taking off hits wall in Trichy, lands safely in Mumbai

On Wednesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kanye-west-hugs-trump-muses-on-presidential-run-170975">Donald Trump</a> said "India is going to find out" whether it will be sanctioned for its purchase of the S-400 Triumf missile defence sytem from Russia.&nbsp;

And a day later, US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert quoted him as saying "we'll take care of that" on the question of India buying oil from Iran.&nbsp;

The US, which imposed sanctions on Iran after Trump walked out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, has been leaning on India to stop importing oil from Iran.&nbsp;

India has so far said that it will continue to buy oil from Iran. (India, which is the world's third largest importer of oil, gets about 10 per cent of its oil from Iran.)&nbsp;

"The President had addressed it. He was asked whether or not India would buy oil from Iran after sanctions are reimposed and president said 'we’ll take care of that'," US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said on Thursday.&nbsp;

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The President had addressed it, he was asked whether or not India would buy oil from Iran after sanctions are reimposed. And President said, 'we’ll take care of that.' He was asked also about CAATSA sanctions&amp;possible imposition of CAATSA sanctions: Heather Nauert, US State Dept <a href="https://t.co/hJeJ7BLY0q">pic.twitter.com/hJeJ7BLY0q</a>
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"He was asked also about CAATSA sanctions and possible imposition of CAATSA sanctions," Nauert added.&nbsp;

"And he (US President) said, India is going to find out. And India will find out. We’ll see. So I’m not going to get ahead of him, but certainly when we hear about things such as purchasing oil or purchasing of the S-400 systems, it’s not helpful," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to India to buy five units of the S-400. The deal will cost India over $5 billion.&nbsp;

India plans to use the defence sytem along its border with China.&nbsp;

The trouble is the purchase could attract US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Throught Sanctions Act or CAATSA which says the US has to sanction any country which buys a significant portion of its military firepower from Russia. (The US was also keen that India buy its Thaad missile defence system rather than the S-400.)&nbsp;

India has asked that the sanctions be waived.&nbsp;

On Wednesday Donald Trump said "India is going to find out" whether it will be sanctioned for its purchase of the S-400 Triumf missile defence sytem from Russia.

On Wednesday Donald Trump said "India is going to find out" whether it will be sanctioned for its purchase of the S-400 Triumf missile defence sytem from Russia. And a day later, US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert quoted him as saying "we'll take care of that" on the question of India buying oil from Iran. The US, which imposed sanctions on Iran after Trump walked out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, has been leaning on India to stop importing oil from Iran. India has so far said that it will continue to buy oil from Iran. (India, which is the world's third largest importer of oil, gets about 10 per cent of its oil from Iran.) "The President had addressed it. He was asked whether or not India would buy oil from Iran after sanctions are reimposed and president said 'we’ll take care of that'," US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said on Thursday. The President had addressed it, he was asked whether or not India would buy oil from Iran after sanctions are reimposed. And President said, 'we’ll take care of that.' He was asked also about CAATSA sanctions&possible imposition of CAATSA sanctions: Heather Nauert, US State Dept pic.twitter.com/hJeJ7BLY0q — ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2018 × "He was asked also about CAATSA sanctions and possible imposition of CAATSA sanctions," Nauert added. "And he (US President) said, India is going to find out. And India will find out. We’ll see. So I’m not going to get ahead of him, but certainly when we hear about things such as purchasing oil or purchasing of the S-400 systems, it’s not helpful," she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a deal during Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to India to buy five units of the S-400. The deal will cost India over $5 billion. India plans to use the defence sytem along its border with China. The trouble is the purchase could attract US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Throught Sanctions Act or CAATSA which says the US has to sanction any country which buys a significant portion of its military firepower from Russia. (The US was also keen that India buy its Thaad missile defence system rather than the S-400.) India has asked that the sanctions be waived.

We'll take care of that: Trump on India buying oil from Iran

Justice Gautam Patel of the Bombay High Court has come out in support of the ongoing #MeToo movement currently <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/housefull-4-sajid-khan-steps-down-as-director-akshay-kumar-says-wont-work-with-proven-offenders-171068">sweeping the country's landscape</a>, saying the patriarchal world does not allow women to speak freely.

Justice Patel Thursday said he "fully supported" the women who had decided to share their experiences of sexual harassment and name their tormentors.

Speaking at an event organised by the women's wing of the Indian Merchants' Chamber in the city, Justice Patel cited the case of American actor and comedian Bill Cosby, who was convicted last month in a case of sexual assault that took place 14 years ago.

He said just as evidence was gathered and due process of law was followed by the authorities in Cosby's case, authorities in India also must ensure that the due legal process was followed in cases where women were naming their harassers and seeking action.

"I fully support women who are coming out and have the courage to speak because it takes lot of courage to speak at any time.

"Why women have not come forward is a very serious problem, and the reason is that because our world is so patriarchal and so biased that it does not allow our women to speak freely at times when they should or they could," he said.

"We now need to have a discussion on how we are going to get rid of this completely damaged, mocked system that we have of judging this cause," he said.

Though he steered clear of taking names or pointing out specific instances, Justice Patel said the judiciary was also plagued with "rampant sexism and the culture of patriarchy".

"This incessant bullying of women, no matter how competent they are is because they are women and this is the archetypal, nauseating patriarchy of our legal profession. It is not discussed, it happens everywhere.

"If I find a male lawyer trying to intimidate a female lawyer, I must never allow that to happen...The effort must be to strive towards gender neutrality," he said.

Justice Patel also used the occasion to draw one's attention to overburdened courts, another problem faced by the country's judiciary.

"By December 2019, eleven judges (of the Bombay High Court) will retire and there are only four names finalised by now. We are going to be in lot of trouble," he said.&nbsp;

Justice Gautam Patel of the Bombay High Court has come out in support of the ongoing #MeToo movement currently sweeping the country's landscape, saying the patriarchal world does not allow women to speak freely.

Justice Gautam Patel of the Bombay High Court has come out in support of the ongoing #MeToo movement currently sweeping the country's landscape, saying the patriarchal world does not allow women to speak freely. Justice Patel Thursday said he "fully supported" the women who had decided to share their experiences of sexual harassment and name their tormentors. Speaking at an event organised by the women's wing of the Indian Merchants' Chamber in the city, Justice Patel cited the case of American actor and comedian Bill Cosby, who was convicted last month in a case of sexual assault that took place 14 years ago. He said just as evidence was gathered and due process of law was followed by the authorities in Cosby's case, authorities in India also must ensure that the due legal process was followed in cases where women were naming their harassers and seeking action. "I fully support women who are coming out and have the courage to speak because it takes lot of courage to speak at any time. "Why women have not come forward is a very serious problem, and the reason is that because our world is so patriarchal and so biased that it does not allow our women to speak freely at times when they should or they could," he said. "We now need to have a discussion on how we are going to get rid of this completely damaged, mocked system that we have of judging this cause," he said. Though he steered clear of taking names or pointing out specific instances, Justice Patel said the judiciary was also plagued with "rampant sexism and the culture of patriarchy". "This incessant bullying of women, no matter how competent they are is because they are women and this is the archetypal, nauseating patriarchy of our legal profession. It is not discussed, it happens everywhere. "If I find a male lawyer trying to intimidate a female lawyer, I must never allow that to happen...The effort must be to strive towards gender neutrality," he said. Justice Patel also used the occasion to draw one's attention to overburdened courts, another problem faced by the country's judiciary. "By December 2019, eleven judges (of the Bombay High Court) will retire and there are only four names finalised by now. We are going to be in lot of trouble," he said.

#MeToo: Bombay High Court judge says judiciary plagued with 'rampant sexism'

Here is why oil is burning a hole in your pocket

On a hot morning in India's tourist mecca of Jaipur, an open truck painted in the signature lime-green colours of Facebook's WhatsApp messaging service pulls into a dusty lane, where five men spill out and begin to perform a skit.

The event is part of a major grassroots effort by WhatsApp to battle fake news, which has triggered numerous lynchings in a country where 200 million people use the service, more than anywhere else in the world.

The actors soon draw a crowd as the play unveils how spreading misinformation online can stir up mob violence, especially in the countryside, where caste and religious prejudices run deep.

"Our society is better than theirs and that's why you should hate them," says one, citing one example of an incendiary text circulating on WhatsApp in India. "If you are truly one of us, spread this message." Such texts, pictures and videos aim to sow discord, warns another, as the viewers in the capital of India's western desert state of Rajasthan are then told how to identify forwarded messages and use WhatsApp responsibly.

The drive follows intense government pressure for both Facebook and WhatsApp to fight fake news and rumour-mongering that have led to more than 30 deaths in about 70 lynching attempts since Jan. 2017, data portal IndiaSpend says.

The campaign is not entirely altruistic. It is being run in conjunction with Reliance Jio, the fast-growing telecom carrier controlled by billionaire Mukesh Ambani that recently made WhatsApp available on its $20 JioPhone.

Instructions on how to install and use the app on the JioPhone, which has connected tens of millions of low-income Indians to the Internet for the first time, are also a part of the 10-city roadshow.

Hundreds of people from WhatsApp and Jio are helping drive the campaign, with some WhatsApp employees having flown in from California, a WhatsApp spokeswoman said in an emailed statement, adding that the company did not reveal financial details. A source familiar with the matter said the costs were mostly being paid by WhatsApp.

POLITICAL HEAT

WhatsApp's efforts to battle fake news in India include a limit on forwarded messages in a market where more users pass around messages, photographs and videos than any other.

It has launched newspaper and radio campaigns and tied up with Delhi-based non-profit Digital Empowerment Foundation to develop a digital literacy curriculum for India.

The company is also training police and law enforcement officials to use WhatsApp in helping them do their jobs.

"Our goal is to drive one of the largest coordinated public education efforts on misinformation to date anywhere in the world," WhatsApp said.

India's technology minister has demanded the company do more, including working out how to trace the origin of "sinister" messages. But WhatsApp says it will not take such steps, which would require it to weaken encryption and other privacy protections. It is not clear how much the public information campaigns will change people's behaviour. But in Jaipur, at least some of the messages seem to be getting through.

"I learnt how to quit a WhatsApp group created by strangers," said Bhawani Singh Rathore, a 35-year-old teacher, who began using the service just months ago and attended.

"And I also learned how to identify a forwarded message and to not send it ahead without checking its accuracy," he told Reuters.

On a hot morning in India's tourist mecca of Jaipur, an open truck painted in the signature lime-green colours of Facebook's WhatsApp messaging service pulls into a dusty lane, where five men spill out and begin to perform a skit.

On a hot morning in India's tourist mecca of Jaipur, an open truck painted in the signature lime-green colours of Facebook's WhatsApp messaging service pulls into a dusty lane, where five men spill out and begin to perform a skit. The event is part of a major grassroots effort by WhatsApp to battle fake news, which has triggered numerous lynchings in a country where 200 million people use the service, more than anywhere else in the world. The actors soon draw a crowd as the play unveils how spreading misinformation online can stir up mob violence, especially in the countryside, where caste and religious prejudices run deep. "Our society is better than theirs and that's why you should hate them," says one, citing one example of an incendiary text circulating on WhatsApp in India. "If you are truly one of us, spread this message." Such texts, pictures and videos aim to sow discord, warns another, as the viewers in the capital of India's western desert state of Rajasthan are then told how to identify forwarded messages and use WhatsApp responsibly. The drive follows intense government pressure for both Facebook and WhatsApp to fight fake news and rumour-mongering that have led to more than 30 deaths in about 70 lynching attempts since Jan. 2017, data portal IndiaSpend says. The campaign is not entirely altruistic. It is being run in conjunction with Reliance Jio, the fast-growing telecom carrier controlled by billionaire Mukesh Ambani that recently made WhatsApp available on its $20 JioPhone. Instructions on how to install and use the app on the JioPhone, which has connected tens of millions of low-income Indians to the Internet for the first time, are also a part of the 10-city roadshow. Hundreds of people from WhatsApp and Jio are helping drive the campaign, with some WhatsApp employees having flown in from California, a WhatsApp spokeswoman said in an emailed statement, adding that the company did not reveal financial details. A source familiar with the matter said the costs were mostly being paid by WhatsApp. POLITICAL HEAT WhatsApp's efforts to battle fake news in India include a limit on forwarded messages in a market where more users pass around messages, photographs and videos than any other. It has launched newspaper and radio campaigns and tied up with Delhi-based non-profit Digital Empowerment Foundation to develop a digital literacy curriculum for India. The company is also training police and law enforcement officials to use WhatsApp in helping them do their jobs. "Our goal is to drive one of the largest coordinated public education efforts on misinformation to date anywhere in the world," WhatsApp said. India's technology minister has demanded the company do more, including working out how to trace the origin of "sinister" messages. But WhatsApp says it will not take such steps, which would require it to weaken encryption and other privacy protections. It is not clear how much the public information campaigns will change people's behaviour. But in Jaipur, at least some of the messages seem to be getting through. "I learnt how to quit a WhatsApp group created by strangers," said Bhawani Singh Rathore, a 35-year-old teacher, who began using the service just months ago and attended. "And I also learned how to identify a forwarded message and to not send it ahead without checking its accuracy," he told Reuters.

WhatsApp hits the road with skits to stamp out fake news in India

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO member countries to join hands to address global challenges and highlighted the need to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity and regional peace.

Swaraj, who is here to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), called on Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon along with the heads of delegation from other SCO countries.

Swaraj, speaking at the Restricted Format Meeting of the SCO Heads of Government Council here, highlighted the need to join hands to fight terrorism, address climate change, promote connectivity and regional peace, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

The conclave, also attended by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, will focus on boosting cooperation in fighting terrorism, besides deliberating on pressing regional and global issues.

The CHG meeting is also likely to review situation in Syria, Afghanistan and the Korean peninsula.

It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geopolitics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue.

Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan became its members last year.

The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO member countries to join hands to address global challenges and highlighted the need to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity and regional peace.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO member countries to join hands to address global challenges and highlighted the need to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity and regional peace. Swaraj, who is here to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), called on Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon along with the heads of delegation from other SCO countries. Swaraj, speaking at the Restricted Format Meeting of the SCO Heads of Government Council here, highlighted the need to join hands to fight terrorism, address climate change, promote connectivity and regional peace, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. The conclave, also attended by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, will focus on boosting cooperation in fighting terrorism, besides deliberating on pressing regional and global issues. The CHG meeting is also likely to review situation in Syria, Afghanistan and the Korean peninsula. It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geopolitics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

Swaraj urges SCO members to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity

A top US envoy on Iran is headed to India this week for talks ahead of the November 4 deadline set by the Trump administration for countries to bring down their import of Iranian oil to zero.

In addition to India, Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook will be travelling to Europe to further discuss US foreign policy toward Iran.

During this week-long trip, Hook will engage "allies and partners on our shared" need to counter the entirety of the Iranian regime's destructive behaviour in the Middle East, and in their own neighbourhoods, the State Department said.

In India, he and Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Francis R Fannon will meet with their counterparts for consultations, and in Luxembourg, he will attend meetings with officials gathered for the European Union meeting of ministers.

In France, Hook and Bureau of Energy Resources officials will meet with the executive director of the International Energy Agency, and in Belgium, he will meet with EU counterparts to discuss the Iranian regime's continued missile proliferation, the State Department said.

Meanwhile, it said it expected all allies and friends to bring down their purchase of Iranian oil to zero or be ready to face punitive sanctions beginning November 4.

Responding to questions on reports that India will continue to purchase oil from Iran after November 4, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said this was not helpful.

"Overall with regard to those sanctions that will take effect on November 4th and you're referring to the oil sanctions for Iran and countries that choose to continue purchasing oil from Iran we have conversations with many partners and allies around the world about those sanctions," she said.&nbsp;

''We make our policies very clear to those countries. We continue to have conversations with the government of Iraq about that particular issue and the implications for the reimposition of sanctions that were previously lifted or even waived under the JCPOA," Nauert said.&nbsp;

The Trump administration has given the same message to all countries around the world, and the President has said that the United States is committed to re-enforcing all of its sanctions.&nbsp;

"We believe that countries coming together and recognising the malign influence that Iran has had around the world is important. We know that Iran and the government of Iran has taken the benefits that it received under the JCPOA and they've poured that money not into their own population, not into the good of the people, not into its medical hospitals and things of that nature, but rather they've used it for its own nefarious programmes," Nauert said.

Noting that she has seen reports of India continuing to buy oil from Iran after November 4, she said this was a topic of conversation with the Indian government when Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was in India last month.&nbsp;

"The President had addressed it I believe it was just earlier today which he was asked about that question about whether or not India would buy oil from Iran after sanctions are reimposed. And the President said ? and I'm not going to get ahead of the President, certainly but he said we'll take care of that," she said.&nbsp;

"He was asked also about CAATSA sanctions and possible imposition of CAATSA sanctions. And he said, you know, India is going to find out. And India will find out. We'll see. So I'm not going to get ahead of him, but certainly, when we hear about things such as purchasing oil or the S-400 systems, it's not helpful. The United States government just reviews that very carefully," Nauert said. 
&nbsp;

A top US envoy on Iran is headed to India this week for talks ahead of the November 4 deadline set by the Trump administration for countries to bring down their import of Iranian oil to zero.

A top US envoy on Iran is headed to India this week for talks ahead of the November 4 deadline set by the Trump administration for countries to bring down their import of Iranian oil to zero. In addition to India, Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook will be travelling to Europe to further discuss US foreign policy toward Iran. During this week-long trip, Hook will engage "allies and partners on our shared" need to counter the entirety of the Iranian regime's destructive behaviour in the Middle East, and in their own neighbourhoods, the State Department said. In India, he and Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Francis R Fannon will meet with their counterparts for consultations, and in Luxembourg, he will attend meetings with officials gathered for the European Union meeting of ministers. In France, Hook and Bureau of Energy Resources officials will meet with the executive director of the International Energy Agency, and in Belgium, he will meet with EU counterparts to discuss the Iranian regime's continued missile proliferation, the State Department said. Meanwhile, it said it expected all allies and friends to bring down their purchase of Iranian oil to zero or be ready to face punitive sanctions beginning November 4. Responding to questions on reports that India will continue to purchase oil from Iran after November 4, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said this was not helpful. "Overall with regard to those sanctions that will take effect on November 4th and you're referring to the oil sanctions for Iran and countries that choose to continue purchasing oil from Iran we have conversations with many partners and allies around the world about those sanctions," she said. ''We make our policies very clear to those countries. We continue to have conversations with the government of Iraq about that particular issue and the implications for the reimposition of sanctions that were previously lifted or even waived under the JCPOA," Nauert said. The Trump administration has given the same message to all countries around the world, and the President has said that the United States is committed to re-enforcing all of its sanctions. "We believe that countries coming together and recognising the malign influence that Iran has had around the world is important. We know that Iran and the government of Iran has taken the benefits that it received under the JCPOA and they've poured that money not into their own population, not into the good of the people, not into its medical hospitals and things of that nature, but rather they've used it for its own nefarious programmes," Nauert said. Noting that she has seen reports of India continuing to buy oil from Iran after November 4, she said this was a topic of conversation with the Indian government when Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was in India last month. "The President had addressed it I believe it was just earlier today which he was asked about that question about whether or not India would buy oil from Iran after sanctions are reimposed. And the President said ? and I'm not going to get ahead of the President, certainly but he said we'll take care of that," she said. "He was asked also about CAATSA sanctions and possible imposition of CAATSA sanctions. And he said, you know, India is going to find out. And India will find out. We'll see. So I'm not going to get ahead of him, but certainly, when we hear about things such as purchasing oil or the S-400 systems, it's not helpful. The United States government just reviews that very carefully," Nauert said.

Top US envoy on Iran to hold talks with India, European nations regarding oil import

Congress president Rahul Gandhi came out in support of India's burgeoning #MeToo movement on Friday.&nbsp;

"It’s about time everyone learns to treat women with respect and dignity," he tweeted.&nbsp;

"I’m glad the space for those who don't, is closing. The truth needs to be told loud and clear in order to bring about change," he added.&nbsp;

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It’s about time everyone learns to treat women with respect and dignity. 
 
I’m glad the space for those who don't, is closing. The truth needs to be told loud and clear in order to bring about change. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeToo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeToo</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1050629984014884864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-most-indian-men-dont-see-women-as-equals-166453">Most Indian men don't see women as equals, says Rahul Gandhi</a>

India's #MeToo movement began two weeks ago with the actress Tanushree Dutta accusing the actor Nana Patekar of sexual harassment. She said he had tried to touch her inappropriately.&nbsp;

Since then the floodgates have opened and woman after woman in the (till now) media and entertainment industries have accused men of having sexually assaulted and harassed them.&nbsp;

The list of men accused so far reads like a list of the rich and powerful. They include: the actor Alok Nath, the popular writer Chetan Bhagat, the Queen director Vikash Bahl, Suhel Seth, the director Subhash Ghai, the director Sajid Khan, the former Times of India and DNA editor Gautam Adhikhari, a number of other journalists, and Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar.&nbsp;

The names of a number of other men in a number of professions are expected to tumble out too. On Friday, Justice Gautam Patel of the Bombay High Court came out in support of the movement, saying the judiciary too was plagued with "rampant sexism and the culture of patriarchy".

So far, seven women have accused MJ Akbar of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a journalist and editor. Akbar, who is currently in Nigeria with a trade delegation, has not yet responded to the charges.&nbsp;

Calls for his sacking however have grown louder and louder.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi came out in support of India's burgeoning #MeToo movement on Friday. "It’s about time everyone learns to treat women with respect and dignity," he tweeted.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi came out in support of India's burgeoning #MeToo movement on Friday. "It’s about time everyone learns to treat women with respect and dignity," he tweeted. "I’m glad the space for those who don't, is closing. The truth needs to be told loud and clear in order to bring about change," he added. It’s about time everyone learns to treat women with respect and dignity. I’m glad the space for those who don't, is closing. The truth needs to be told loud and clear in order to bring about change. #MeToo — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 12, 2018 × Also read: Most Indian men don't see women as equals, says Rahul Gandhi India's #MeToo movement began two weeks ago with the actress Tanushree Dutta accusing the actor Nana Patekar of sexual harassment. She said he had tried to touch her inappropriately. Since then the floodgates have opened and woman after woman in the (till now) media and entertainment industries have accused men of having sexually assaulted and harassed them. The list of men accused so far reads like a list of the rich and powerful. They include: the actor Alok Nath, the popular writer Chetan Bhagat, the Queen director Vikash Bahl, Suhel Seth, the director Subhash Ghai, the director Sajid Khan, the former Times of India and DNA editor Gautam Adhikhari, a number of other journalists, and Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar. The names of a number of other men in a number of professions are expected to tumble out too. On Friday, Justice Gautam Patel of the Bombay High Court came out in support of the movement, saying the judiciary too was plagued with "rampant sexism and the culture of patriarchy". So far, seven women have accused MJ Akbar of sexual assault and harassment from when he was a journalist and editor. Akbar, who is currently in Nigeria with a trade delegation, has not yet responded to the charges. Calls for his sacking however have grown louder and louder.

#MeToo: 'Truth needs to be told loud and clear,' says Rahul Gandhi

As the most female ministers have avoided&nbsp;commenting on sexual allegations levelled against minister of state for external affairs, MJ Akbar,&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party's women wing chief for Madhya Pradesh, Lata Kelkar came out in defence of Akbar in a press conference in Bhopal as she said, "I don't consider women journalists to be so innocent that anyone can misuse them".

"I welcome this MeToo campaign but I don't consider women journalists to be so innocent that anyone can misuse them," Kelkar told reporters as she was asked about the charges against the minister.

In the media interaction, she was also asked whether Akbar should resign from his post to which she responded saying that it wasn't for her to say and can only be decided by him and the party command.

However, she also said that she would have asked for the resignations after reporters asked for her reaction&nbsp;if similar allegations were levelled against a Congress leader.

As the #MeToo campaign is gathering momentum in the country, some women journalists came out and accused MJ Akbar of sexually harassing them during his stint as editor in two newspapers.

Akbar, whose resignation from the government is being demanded by opposition political parties and various others, has however not reacted to the allegations so far.

Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi came out in support of the #MeToo movement, saying it was about time that everyone learns to treat women with respect and dignity.

He also said he is happy that the space for those who don't treat women with respect and dignity is closing. 
&nbsp;

As the most female ministers have avoided commenting on sexual allegations levelled against minister of state for external affairs, MJ Akbar, Bharatiya Janata Party's women wing chief for Madhya Pradesh, Lata Kelkar came out in defence of Akbar in a press conference in Bhopal as she said, "I don't consider women journalists to be so innocent that anyone can misuse them".

As the most female ministers have avoided commenting on sexual allegations levelled against minister of state for external affairs, MJ Akbar, Bharatiya Janata Party's women wing chief for Madhya Pradesh, Lata Kelkar came out in defence of Akbar in a press conference in Bhopal as she said, "I don't consider women journalists to be so innocent that anyone can misuse them". "I welcome this MeToo campaign but I don't consider women journalists to be so innocent that anyone can misuse them," Kelkar told reporters as she was asked about the charges against the minister. In the media interaction, she was also asked whether Akbar should resign from his post to which she responded saying that it wasn't for her to say and can only be decided by him and the party command. However, she also said that she would have asked for the resignations after reporters asked for her reaction if similar allegations were levelled against a Congress leader. As the #MeToo campaign is gathering momentum in the country, some women journalists came out and accused MJ Akbar of sexually harassing them during his stint as editor in two newspapers. Akbar, whose resignation from the government is being demanded by opposition political parties and various others, has however not reacted to the allegations so far. Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi came out in support of the #MeToo movement, saying it was about time that everyone learns to treat women with respect and dignity. He also said he is happy that the space for those who don't treat women with respect and dignity is closing.

Don't consider women journalists to be so innocent: MP BJP's women's wing chief on allegations against MoS Akbar

The All India Congress Committee has instituted as an austerity measure committee to tighten its belt on expenditure. The letter signed by General Secretary Administration Motilal Vora has been circulated to all the office holders of the All India Congress Committee.&nbsp;

The letter states that General Secretaries who are the members of Parliament should not claim travel allowance from the AICC. The letter also states that the expenses on canteen expenditure, newspaper and computer peripherals should be minimized by the office holders.&nbsp;

The letter further states that one staff member of the General Secretary must submit weekly expenditure to the office of the treasurer. 
&nbsp; 
The AICC members have also been requested to save power. The letter states that electrical gadgets must be switched off whenever office holders are out of office and they must ensure that staff cars are not misused.

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The AICC secretaries have also been asked to stay put in their assigned states for more than 15 to 20 days. The party has also decided to shift their offices to the respective states.&nbsp;They will only be provided with working stations in Delhi.

The drastic change in the AICC stands in stark contrast to the way Congress functioned under UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Today, the AICC officeholders are expected to travel by air only when the distance is more than 1400kms, this facility would be limited to twice in a month. 
&nbsp; 
This is part and parcel of larger tightening of the belt by the AICC. The party, lately, has also gone in for crowdfunding.

The All India Congress Committee has instituted as an austerity measure committee to tighten its belt on expenditure. The letter signed by General Secretary Administration Motilal Vora has been circulated to all the office holders of the All India Congress Committee.

The All India Congress Committee has instituted as an austerity measure committee to tighten its belt on expenditure. The letter signed by General Secretary Administration Motilal Vora has been circulated to all the office holders of the All India Congress Committee. The letter states that General Secretaries who are the members of Parliament should not claim travel allowance from the AICC. The letter also states that the expenses on canteen expenditure, newspaper and computer peripherals should be minimized by the office holders. The letter further states that one staff member of the General Secretary must submit weekly expenditure to the office of the treasurer. The AICC members have also been requested to save power. The letter states that electrical gadgets must be switched off whenever office holders are out of office and they must ensure that staff cars are not misused. The AICC secretaries have also been asked to stay put in their assigned states for more than 15 to 20 days. The party has also decided to shift their offices to the respective states. They will only be provided with working stations in Delhi. The drastic change in the AICC stands in stark contrast to the way Congress functioned under UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Today, the AICC officeholders are expected to travel by air only when the distance is more than 1400kms, this facility would be limited to twice in a month. This is part and parcel of larger tightening of the belt by the AICC. The party, lately, has also gone in for crowdfunding.

AICC tightens belt, institutes austerity measure on expenditure 

With the US and the EU proposing significant changes to tally each UN member state's share of peacekeeping financing, India has expressed concern over such efforts to introduce the element of maximum ceiling in paying for peacekeeping budgets.&nbsp;

During a session of the General Assembly's Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), the representatives of the US and the European Union proposed significant changes to the way in which each Member State's share of peacekeeping financing is tallied up.&nbsp;

Setting out her government's position, the representative of the United States&nbsp;which accounts for 28.47 per cent of the $ 6.7 billion peacekeeping budget for 2018/19, said no other international organisation depends on one country for more than one-quarter of its assessed resources.&nbsp;

India expressed concern at the efforts by delegations to introduce the element of the maximum ceiling in the peacekeeping scale.&nbsp;

"The peacekeeping scale must continue to clearly reflect the special responsibilities of the permanent members of the Security Council for the maintenance of peace and security. The current system of discounts applied to the peacekeeping scale for developing countries based on low per capita income must continue," First Secretary in The Permanent Mission of India to the UN Mahesh Kumar said at the session Wednesday.&nbsp;

The American delegate Cherith Norman-Chalet said that as President Donald Trump noted in his recent address to the General Assembly, the United States is calling for a 25 per cent ceiling on the peacekeeping scale of assessments, adding that such a ceiling would be in the organisation's best interests while reducing its reliance on any single member state. She said her delegation looks forward to working with all Member States to negotiate an equitable share of the burden.&nbsp;

"We recognise this will not be easy, but we believe there is a way if there is a will," she added.&nbsp;

The European Union's representation, emphasising that the bloc's member States are the largest collective financial contributors to the United Nations, said that&nbsp; "like the regular budget" peacekeeping rates of assessment should reflect Member States' capacity to pay while taking into account the special responsibility of the five permanent Security Council members. Specific additional peacekeeping discounts should be based on justifiable, objective and comparable criteria that would provide relief to countries with low per capita income, the EU delegate said.&nbsp;

Kumar further said that India calls for reform in the Security Council, and reiterated its readiness to fully assume financial responsibilities arising out from India's permanent membership of the Security Council.&nbsp;

"Our insistence on efficient utilization of resources and the entire current reform exercise would not mean much if assessments are not paid on time. All the members of the United Nations should honour financial obligations arising out of the membership in full, on time and without any conditions," he said.&nbsp;

Kumar noted that more than $ 3.3 billion assessed amount is outstanding and this is roughly one-third of the annual assessment of the organisation.&nbsp;

"This hampers efficient deployment of resources in the service of mandates given by the member states. This situation put those member states that would have benefitted from the efficient implementation of mandates, and the member states that would have paid their assessments on time to a serious disadvantage,"&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

He also noted that contributions of several developing countries including India are due for a significant increase, based on the current methodology. He voiced India's commitment to fulfilling its financial responsibilities. India has paid in full its regular budget assessment for the year 2019 in advance.&nbsp; 
Kumar said that despite the upcoming appreciable increase in India's assessed contribution, India believes that the current methodology has worked well and must continue.&nbsp;

The principles of "capacity to pay" and the "low per capita income adjustment" are fundamental criteria in the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations.&nbsp;

"They are not negotiable," he said adding that core elements of the current methodology of the scale of assessments, such as base period, Gross National Income, conversion rates, gradient, floor, ceiling for Least Developed Countries, and debt stock adjustment must be kept intact.&nbsp;

As the largest cumulative Troops and Police contributor to the peacekeeping operations, India is "acutely aware" of the role of adequate resources in the implementation of peacekeeping mandates.&nbsp;

"The failure to honour financial obligation in full towards the peacekeeping operations has over the years resulted in the prolonged and unacceptable situation of some closed peacekeeping missions ending in financial deficit," he said.&nbsp;

He expressed concern that Troop and Police contributing countries, who render the greatest service in maintaining international peace and security, are forced to wait endlessly for their payments.&nbsp;

"There are large amounts due to India both from the closed and active peacekeeping missions," he said.

With the US and the EU proposing significant changes to tally each UN member state's share of peacekeeping financing, India has expressed concern over such efforts to introduce the element of maximum ceiling in paying for peacekeeping budgets.

With the US and the EU proposing significant changes to tally each UN member state's share of peacekeeping financing, India has expressed concern over such efforts to introduce the element of maximum ceiling in paying for peacekeeping budgets. During a session of the General Assembly's Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), the representatives of the US and the European Union proposed significant changes to the way in which each Member State's share of peacekeeping financing is tallied up. Setting out her government's position, the representative of the United States which accounts for 28.47 per cent of the $ 6.7 billion peacekeeping budget for 2018/19, said no other international organisation depends on one country for more than one-quarter of its assessed resources. India expressed concern at the efforts by delegations to introduce the element of the maximum ceiling in the peacekeeping scale. "The peacekeeping scale must continue to clearly reflect the special responsibilities of the permanent members of the Security Council for the maintenance of peace and security. The current system of discounts applied to the peacekeeping scale for developing countries based on low per capita income must continue," First Secretary in The Permanent Mission of India to the UN Mahesh Kumar said at the session Wednesday. The American delegate Cherith Norman-Chalet said that as President Donald Trump noted in his recent address to the General Assembly, the United States is calling for a 25 per cent ceiling on the peacekeeping scale of assessments, adding that such a ceiling would be in the organisation's best interests while reducing its reliance on any single member state. She said her delegation looks forward to working with all Member States to negotiate an equitable share of the burden. "We recognise this will not be easy, but we believe there is a way if there is a will," she added. The European Union's representation, emphasising that the bloc's member States are the largest collective financial contributors to the United Nations, said that "like the regular budget" peacekeeping rates of assessment should reflect Member States' capacity to pay while taking into account the special responsibility of the five permanent Security Council members. Specific additional peacekeeping discounts should be based on justifiable, objective and comparable criteria that would provide relief to countries with low per capita income, the EU delegate said. Kumar further said that India calls for reform in the Security Council, and reiterated its readiness to fully assume financial responsibilities arising out from India's permanent membership of the Security Council. "Our insistence on efficient utilization of resources and the entire current reform exercise would not mean much if assessments are not paid on time. All the members of the United Nations should honour financial obligations arising out of the membership in full, on time and without any conditions," he said. Kumar noted that more than $ 3.3 billion assessed amount is outstanding and this is roughly one-third of the annual assessment of the organisation. "This hampers efficient deployment of resources in the service of mandates given by the member states. This situation put those member states that would have benefitted from the efficient implementation of mandates, and the member states that would have paid their assessments on time to a serious disadvantage," he said. He also noted that contributions of several developing countries including India are due for a significant increase, based on the current methodology. He voiced India's commitment to fulfilling its financial responsibilities. India has paid in full its regular budget assessment for the year 2019 in advance. Kumar said that despite the upcoming appreciable increase in India's assessed contribution, India believes that the current methodology has worked well and must continue. The principles of "capacity to pay" and the "low per capita income adjustment" are fundamental criteria in the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations. "They are not negotiable," he said adding that core elements of the current methodology of the scale of assessments, such as base period, Gross National Income, conversion rates, gradient, floor, ceiling for Least Developed Countries, and debt stock adjustment must be kept intact. As the largest cumulative Troops and Police contributor to the peacekeeping operations, India is "acutely aware" of the role of adequate resources in the implementation of peacekeeping mandates. "The failure to honour financial obligation in full towards the peacekeeping operations has over the years resulted in the prolonged and unacceptable situation of some closed peacekeeping missions ending in financial deficit," he said. He expressed concern that Troop and Police contributing countries, who render the greatest service in maintaining international peace and security, are forced to wait endlessly for their payments. "There are large amounts due to India both from the closed and active peacekeeping missions," he said.

India concerned over proposed changes to formula for dividing UN peacekeeping bill

Dassault Aviation on Thursday clarified stating it freely chose the Reliance Group for the Rafale deal, news agency ANI reported. It also called Reliance a vital part of the deal noting that the deal came as a trade-off.&nbsp;

"Within the framework of September 2016 Inter-Govt Agreement between France and India, Dassault Aviation sold 36 Rafale aircraft to India. In compliance with Indian regulations (Defence Procurement Procedure), Dassault Aviation committed to offsets worth 50% of the value of the purchase," Dassault Aviation noted in a statement.&nbsp;

"In order to deliver some of these offsets, Dassault Aviation decided to create a joint venture. Dassault Aviation has freely chosen to make a partnership with India’s Reliance Group. This joint-venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL), was created February 10, 2017," it further added.&nbsp;

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In order to deliver some of these offsets, Dassault Aviation has decided to create a joint venture. Dassault Aviation has freely chosen to make a partnership with India’s Reliance Group. This joint-venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL), was created February 10, 2017. <a href="https://t.co/74Pmpp4H32">pic.twitter.com/74Pmpp4H32</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050184870499151872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, French government sources told WION that the deal was not a trade-off and rubbished Mediapart report.

According to French government sources, the definition of 'offset partner'&nbsp;led to confusion and Mediapart is "putting a story where there is none."&nbsp;

A French media report on Wednesday claimed that an internal report of French aerospace major Dassault Aviation was presented with no option but to tie-up with Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence as offset partner.

The report further said that it was '<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dassault-was-told-signing-reliance-defence-was-imperative-and-mandatory-to-bag-the-rafale-deal-report-170754">imperative and mandatory' for Dassault</a> Aviation to bag the Rafale jets contract.

The claim was made by French publication ‘Mediapart’ in an investigative report.&nbsp;

Last month, former French President Francois Hollande was quoted by 'Mediapart' as saying that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance to partner with the French aerospace giant. The former French president's comments triggered a massive political row.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with Hollande on April 10, &nbsp;2015 &nbsp;in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016.

Sitharaman's visit to France comes in the backdrop of a huge controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets.

The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal.

Dassault Aviation on Thursday clarified stating it freely chose the Reliance Group for the Rafale deal, news agency ANI reported. It also called Reliance a vital part of the deal noting that the deal came as a trade-off.

Dassault Aviation on Thursday clarified stating it freely chose the Reliance Group for the Rafale deal, news agency ANI reported. It also called Reliance a vital part of the deal noting that the deal came as a trade-off. "Within the framework of September 2016 Inter-Govt Agreement between France and India, Dassault Aviation sold 36 Rafale aircraft to India. In compliance with Indian regulations (Defence Procurement Procedure), Dassault Aviation committed to offsets worth 50% of the value of the purchase," Dassault Aviation noted in a statement. "In order to deliver some of these offsets, Dassault Aviation decided to create a joint venture. Dassault Aviation has freely chosen to make a partnership with India’s Reliance Group. This joint-venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL), was created February 10, 2017," it further added. In order to deliver some of these offsets, Dassault Aviation has decided to create a joint venture. Dassault Aviation has freely chosen to make a partnership with India’s Reliance Group. This joint-venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL), was created February 10, 2017. pic.twitter.com/74Pmpp4H32 — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × Meanwhile, French government sources told WION that the deal was not a trade-off and rubbished Mediapart report. According to French government sources, the definition of 'offset partner' led to confusion and Mediapart is "putting a story where there is none." A French media report on Wednesday claimed that an internal report of French aerospace major Dassault Aviation was presented with no option but to tie-up with Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence as offset partner. The report further said that it was 'imperative and mandatory' for Dassault Aviation to bag the Rafale jets contract. The claim was made by French publication ‘Mediapart’ in an investigative report. Last month, former French President Francois Hollande was quoted by 'Mediapart' as saying that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance to partner with the French aerospace giant. The former French president's comments triggered a massive political row. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015 in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016. Sitharaman's visit to France comes in the backdrop of a huge controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets. The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal.

Freely chose Reliance for Rafale deal: Dassault Aviation issues clarification 

Enforcement Directorate attached assets of Karti Chidambaram -- son of former finance minister P Chidambaram -- worth Rs 54 crore in India, UK and Spain in INX media case.

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ED attaches around Rs 54 crores worth properties and bank deposits of Karti Chidambaram in connection with INX Media case. Properties include, 
Jor Bagh in New Delhi, Ooty &amp; Kodaikanal bungalows, residence in UK and property in Barcelona <a href="https://t.co/TTK31PMTTo">pic.twitter.com/TTK31PMTTo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050261335307706368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Attached properties include Jor Bagh in New Delhi, Ooty &amp; Kodaikanal bungalows, residence in UK and property in Barcelona.

Chidambaram and his son, Karti, have been under the scanner of the CBI and ED in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife, Indrani Mukerjea.

The alleged irregularities took place in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Finance minister under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

On September 28, the Delhi High Court has extended the interim protection of former Finance minister P&nbsp;Chidambaram in connection with the INX media case.&nbsp; 
He was granted interim protection from arrest until October 25.

On August 1, the court had extended his interim protection from arrest till September 28.

An anticipatory bail plea was filed by Chidambaram seeking protection from arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

In February, Karti was arrested for his alleged role in the case. The court, however, granted him bail in March.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Enforcement Directorate attached assets of Karti Chidambaram -- son of former finance minister P Chidambaram -- worth Rs 54 crore in India, UK and Spain in INX media case.

Enforcement Directorate attached assets of Karti Chidambaram -- son of former finance minister P Chidambaram -- worth Rs 54 crore in India, UK and Spain in INX media case. ED attaches around Rs 54 crores worth properties and bank deposits of Karti Chidambaram in connection with INX Media case. Properties include, Jor Bagh in New Delhi, Ooty & Kodaikanal bungalows, residence in UK and property in Barcelona pic.twitter.com/TTK31PMTTo — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × Attached properties include Jor Bagh in New Delhi, Ooty & Kodaikanal bungalows, residence in UK and property in Barcelona. Chidambaram and his son, Karti, have been under the scanner of the CBI and ED in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife, Indrani Mukerjea. The alleged irregularities took place in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Finance minister under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. On September 28, the Delhi High Court has extended the interim protection of former Finance minister P Chidambaram in connection with the INX media case. He was granted interim protection from arrest until October 25. On August 1, the court had extended his interim protection from arrest till September 28. An anticipatory bail plea was filed by Chidambaram seeking protection from arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). In February, Karti was arrested for his alleged role in the case. The court, however, granted him bail in March. (With inputs from news agencies)

INX media case: ED attaches Karti Chidambaram’s assets worth Rs 54 crore in India, UK, Spain

An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists Handwara town of Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the report, two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped.

The area has now been cordoned off by the security officials.

Internet services are also suspended in the area.

Further details regarding the encounter are awaited.

A number of militants have been killed by security forces in recent months, including the Lashkar's Abu Dujana and the Hizbul's Sabzar Ahmed Bhat, indicating a ramping up of anti-militant activity. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pakistan violated ceasefire in Krishna Ghati sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch on Wednesday. One soldier has been injured in the incident.

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Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violated ceasefire in Krishna Ghati sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch last night. One jawan injured <a href="https://t.co/IfMdVuFHv6">pic.twitter.com/IfMdVuFHv6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050255454377598976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last month, three simultaneous encounters were reported between terrorists and security personnel in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The encounters were reported from Dooru Shahabad in Anantnag district, Noorbagh in Srinagar city, and Chadoora in Budgam district.

One terrorist was killed in Dooru and two were killed in the Budgam encounter.

&nbsp;

An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists Handwara town of Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the report, two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped.

An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists Handwara town of Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the report, two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped. The area has now been cordoned off by the security officials. Internet services are also suspended in the area. Further details regarding the encounter are awaited. A number of militants have been killed by security forces in recent months, including the Lashkar's Abu Dujana and the Hizbul's Sabzar Ahmed Bhat, indicating a ramping up of anti-militant activity. Meanwhile, Pakistan violated ceasefire in Krishna Ghati sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch on Wednesday. One soldier has been injured in the incident. Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violated ceasefire in Krishna Ghati sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch last night. One jawan injured pic.twitter.com/IfMdVuFHv6 — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × Last month, three simultaneous encounters were reported between terrorists and security personnel in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The encounters were reported from Dooru Shahabad in Anantnag district, Noorbagh in Srinagar city, and Chadoora in Budgam district. One terrorist was killed in Dooru and two were killed in the Budgam encounter.

J&K: Encounter between security forces and terrorists underway in Kupwara

Amid sexual harassment allegations against her ministerial colleague M J Akbar, Union minister Smriti Irani Thursday said it was for him to respond to the charges even as she favoured justice for the "ladies who are speaking out".

As the #MeToo campaign gathered momentum, some women journalists have come out and accused Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs, of sexually harassing them during his stint as editor in two newspapers.

"The gentleman concerned would be better positioned to speak on this issue," Irani, the Union Textiles Minister, told reporters here while responding to questions over allegations against Akbar.

Akbar, whose resignation from the government is being demanded by opposition political parties and various others, has not reacted to the allegations so far.

"I appreciate that the media is accosting his (former) female colleagues but I think it is for the gentleman concerned to issue a statement (and) not for me because I was personally not present there, Irani said.

She urged people not to mock the women who are speaking out against the harassment meted out to them.

I have said again and again on this particular issue, especially about women speaking out that anybody speaking out that in no way should be shamed, victimised or mocked. That is my only appeal to everybody who is witnessing this surge of outpouring of emotion, of anger on the internet and offline also, she said on the sidelines of an event here.

Irani, a former TV actress, underlined that women don't go to work to be harassed but to work to live their dreams and earn a respectable living.

So, I will say here today it must be very difficult for women to come out and talk about whatever happened in their professional lives. It is extremely an important part in time in our society where more and more women are getting support, so they can speak out.

"I feel there are enough instruments in our judicial and police systems to deliver justice and I am hopeful that all these ladies who are speaking out get, due to due process, the justice that they deserve, Irani said.

Amid sexual harassment allegations against her ministerial colleague M J Akbar, Union minister Smriti Irani Thursday said it was for him to respond to the charges even as she favoured justice for the "ladies who are speaking out".

Amid sexual harassment allegations against her ministerial colleague M J Akbar, Union minister Smriti Irani Thursday said it was for him to respond to the charges even as she favoured justice for the "ladies who are speaking out". As the #MeToo campaign gathered momentum, some women journalists have come out and accused Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs, of sexually harassing them during his stint as editor in two newspapers. "The gentleman concerned would be better positioned to speak on this issue," Irani, the Union Textiles Minister, told reporters here while responding to questions over allegations against Akbar. Akbar, whose resignation from the government is being demanded by opposition political parties and various others, has not reacted to the allegations so far. "I appreciate that the media is accosting his (former) female colleagues but I think it is for the gentleman concerned to issue a statement (and) not for me because I was personally not present there, Irani said. She urged people not to mock the women who are speaking out against the harassment meted out to them. I have said again and again on this particular issue, especially about women speaking out that anybody speaking out that in no way should be shamed, victimised or mocked. That is my only appeal to everybody who is witnessing this surge of outpouring of emotion, of anger on the internet and offline also, she said on the sidelines of an event here. Irani, a former TV actress, underlined that women don't go to work to be harassed but to work to live their dreams and earn a respectable living. So, I will say here today it must be very difficult for women to come out and talk about whatever happened in their professional lives. It is extremely an important part in time in our society where more and more women are getting support, so they can speak out. "I feel there are enough instruments in our judicial and police systems to deliver justice and I am hopeful that all these ladies who are speaking out get, due to due process, the justice that they deserve, Irani said.

It is for Akbar to respond, says Irani on sexual harassment charges against him

The 'very severe cyclonic storm', Titli, which made landfall near Gopalpur district in Odisha this morning will weaken gradually and is expected to turn into a "deep depression" by Friday morning, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday.

"It (cyclone Titli) is very likely to move northwestwards for next 12 hours and then re-curve northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha. It is very likely to weaken gradually becoming severe cyclonic storm around noon, cyclonic storm around evening of today and a deep depression by morning of tomorrow, October 12, 2018," IMD stated.

Earlier on Thursday, Odisha's Gopalpur and Andhra Pradesh's Kalingapatnam reported surface wind speed of 126 kmph at 04:30 am and 59 kmph at 03:30 am respectively. The cyclonic storm caused ''heavy to very heavy rainfall'' in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts of Odisha.

Damage of thatched and asbestos house, street lights, roads blockage due to falling of trees, has been reported in Ganjam district. Further, minor damage to power and communication has also been reported in the district.

Meanwhile, 13 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in several districts of Odisha, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Kendrapada, Nayagarh, Bhadrak, Jagatsingjpur, Balasore, Jajpur, Khurdha and Sambalpur.Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has also deployed its teams in nine districts--Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Cuttack, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Boudh and Kalahandi.

Fire services team are also on alert to respond at short notice of the district administration. Several preparedness measures have also been taken to ward off any untoward situations.

A total of 30 District Emergency Operation Centres have been activated to track and respond to the cyclonic storm effectively.

300 Powerboats of Special Relief Organisation have been kept ready for relief operation while 879 multi-purpose cyclone or flood shelters have been kept in readiness for sheltering people to be evacuated.

Meanwhile, all government officials have been directed to stay in headquarters and not to avail leave. All schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres will also remain closed till October 12.

As of now, around 3,00,000 people have been evacuated and 1112 relief camps have been opened for the evacuees in the shelters. The situation is being closely monitored at different levels.&nbsp;

The 'very severe cyclonic storm', Titli, which made landfall near Gopalpur district in Odisha this morning will weaken gradually and is expected to turn into a "deep depression" by Friday morning, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday.

The 'very severe cyclonic storm', Titli, which made landfall near Gopalpur district in Odisha this morning will weaken gradually and is expected to turn into a "deep depression" by Friday morning, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday. "It (cyclone Titli) is very likely to move northwestwards for next 12 hours and then re-curve northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha. It is very likely to weaken gradually becoming severe cyclonic storm around noon, cyclonic storm around evening of today and a deep depression by morning of tomorrow, October 12, 2018," IMD stated. Earlier on Thursday, Odisha's Gopalpur and Andhra Pradesh's Kalingapatnam reported surface wind speed of 126 kmph at 04:30 am and 59 kmph at 03:30 am respectively. The cyclonic storm caused ''heavy to very heavy rainfall'' in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts of Odisha. Damage of thatched and asbestos house, street lights, roads blockage due to falling of trees, has been reported in Ganjam district. Further, minor damage to power and communication has also been reported in the district. Meanwhile, 13 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in several districts of Odisha, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Kendrapada, Nayagarh, Bhadrak, Jagatsingjpur, Balasore, Jajpur, Khurdha and Sambalpur.Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has also deployed its teams in nine districts--Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Cuttack, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Boudh and Kalahandi. Fire services team are also on alert to respond at short notice of the district administration. Several preparedness measures have also been taken to ward off any untoward situations. A total of 30 District Emergency Operation Centres have been activated to track and respond to the cyclonic storm effectively. 300 Powerboats of Special Relief Organisation have been kept ready for relief operation while 879 multi-purpose cyclone or flood shelters have been kept in readiness for sheltering people to be evacuated. Meanwhile, all government officials have been directed to stay in headquarters and not to avail leave. All schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres will also remain closed till October 12. As of now, around 3,00,000 people have been evacuated and 1112 relief camps have been opened for the evacuees in the shelters. The situation is being closely monitored at different levels.

Cyclone Titli to weaken gradually with time: IMD

India suffered a whopping $ 79.5 billion economic loss due to climate-related disasters in the last 20 years, according to a UN report which highlights the impact of extreme weather events on the global economy.

The report titled 'Economic Losses, Poverty and Disasters 1998-2017' was compiled by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. It states that the years between 1998 to 2017 have seen a dramatic rise of 151 per cent indirect economic losses from climate-related disasters.

In terms of the impact of disasters on the global economy between 1998 and 2017, affected countries reported direct losses of $ 2.908 trillion, more than twice of what was lost in the previous two decades.

Illustrating the growing threat from climate change, extreme weather events now account for 77 per cent of total economic losses of $ 2.245 trillion, said the report released on Wednesday.

This represents a "dramatic rise" of 151 per cent compared with losses reported between 1978 and 1997, which amounted to $ 895 billion. 
The greatest economic losses have been experienced by the US at $ 944.8 billion, followed by China at $ 492.2 billion, Japan at $ 376.3 billion,

India at $ 79.5 billion and Puerto Rico at $ 71.7 billion.

Storms, floods and earthquakes place three European countries in the top ten nations for economic losses: France, $ 48.3 billion; Germany, $ 57.9 billion and Italy $ 56.6 billion. Thailand with $ 52.4 billion and Mexico at $ 46.5 billion complete the list.

In terms of occurrences, climate-related disasters also dominate the picture, accounting for 91 per cent of all 7,255 major recorded events between 1998 and 2017.

Floods (43.4 per cent) and storms (28.2 per cent) are the two most frequently occurring disasters.

During this period, 1.3 million people lost their lives and 4.4 billion people were injured, rendered homeless, displaced or in need of emergency assistance. 
563 earthquakes, including related tsunamis, accounted for 56 per cent of the total deaths or 747,234 lives lost, the report said.

The report was released ahead of the International Day for Disaster Reduction on October 13.

In his message for the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, it was clear that disasters have a steep human cost as millions of people are displaced every year, losing their homes and jobs because of extreme weather events and earthquakes.

"A better understanding of the economic losses from extreme weather events can help to generate greater action on climate change and increased ambition on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

"Measuring economic losses can also motivate Governments to do more to achieve the targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which seeks a substantial reduction in disaster losses by 2030," he said.

Guterres said that reducing the economic losses from disasters has the power to transform lives and contribute greatly to the eradication of poverty.

A key target of the global plan to reduce disaster losses, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, is to reduce economic losses from disasters and the report highlights the fact that 63 per cent of disaster reports contain no economic data.

Another key highlight is the disproportionate impact of disaster events on low and middle-income countries even if high-income countries bear the brunt of absolute economic losses.

Only one high-income territory ranked among the "top ten" in terms of annual average percentage losses relative to GDP - Puerto Rico with 12.2 per cent.

UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Disaster Reduction Mami Mizutori said much needed to be done to address the high number of deaths in seismic zones.

"The death and suffering caused by this month's earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia brings home the need to raise public awareness and to apply high standards for construction in seismic zones.

"The report's analysis makes it clear that economic losses from extreme weather events are unsustainable and a major brake on eradicating poverty in hazard exposed parts of the world," Mizutori said.

Mizutori said there was a need to do a much better job of capturing economic loss data if nations are to have a fuller understanding of what works when it comes to reducing economic losses, saving lives and livelihoods, and managing disaster risk.

While high-income countries recorded losses for 53 per cent of reported disasters between 1998 and 2017, low-income countries only recorded them for 13 per cent of disasters.

The report concludes that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

It said disasters will continue to be major impediments to sustainable development so long as the economic incentives to build and develop hazard-prone locations outweigh the perceived disaster risks.

"Integrating disaster risk reduction into investment decisions is the most cost-effective way to reduce these risks; investing in disaster risk reduction is therefore a pre-condition for developing sustainable in a changing climate," the report states. &nbsp;

India suffered a whopping $ 79.5 billion economic loss due to climate-related disasters in the last 20 years, according to a UN report which highlights the impact of extreme weather events on the global economy.

India suffered a whopping $ 79.5 billion economic loss due to climate-related disasters in the last 20 years, according to a UN report which highlights the impact of extreme weather events on the global economy. The report titled 'Economic Losses, Poverty and Disasters 1998-2017' was compiled by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. It states that the years between 1998 to 2017 have seen a dramatic rise of 151 per cent indirect economic losses from climate-related disasters. In terms of the impact of disasters on the global economy between 1998 and 2017, affected countries reported direct losses of $ 2.908 trillion, more than twice of what was lost in the previous two decades. Illustrating the growing threat from climate change, extreme weather events now account for 77 per cent of total economic losses of $ 2.245 trillion, said the report released on Wednesday. This represents a "dramatic rise" of 151 per cent compared with losses reported between 1978 and 1997, which amounted to $ 895 billion. The greatest economic losses have been experienced by the US at $ 944.8 billion, followed by China at $ 492.2 billion, Japan at $ 376.3 billion, India at $ 79.5 billion and Puerto Rico at $ 71.7 billion. Storms, floods and earthquakes place three European countries in the top ten nations for economic losses: France, $ 48.3 billion; Germany, $ 57.9 billion and Italy $ 56.6 billion. Thailand with $ 52.4 billion and Mexico at $ 46.5 billion complete the list. In terms of occurrences, climate-related disasters also dominate the picture, accounting for 91 per cent of all 7,255 major recorded events between 1998 and 2017. Floods (43.4 per cent) and storms (28.2 per cent) are the two most frequently occurring disasters. During this period, 1.3 million people lost their lives and 4.4 billion people were injured, rendered homeless, displaced or in need of emergency assistance. 563 earthquakes, including related tsunamis, accounted for 56 per cent of the total deaths or 747,234 lives lost, the report said. The report was released ahead of the International Day for Disaster Reduction on October 13. In his message for the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, it was clear that disasters have a steep human cost as millions of people are displaced every year, losing their homes and jobs because of extreme weather events and earthquakes. "A better understanding of the economic losses from extreme weather events can help to generate greater action on climate change and increased ambition on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. "Measuring economic losses can also motivate Governments to do more to achieve the targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which seeks a substantial reduction in disaster losses by 2030," he said. Guterres said that reducing the economic losses from disasters has the power to transform lives and contribute greatly to the eradication of poverty. A key target of the global plan to reduce disaster losses, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, is to reduce economic losses from disasters and the report highlights the fact that 63 per cent of disaster reports contain no economic data. Another key highlight is the disproportionate impact of disaster events on low and middle-income countries even if high-income countries bear the brunt of absolute economic losses. Only one high-income territory ranked among the "top ten" in terms of annual average percentage losses relative to GDP - Puerto Rico with 12.2 per cent. UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Disaster Reduction Mami Mizutori said much needed to be done to address the high number of deaths in seismic zones. "The death and suffering caused by this month's earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia brings home the need to raise public awareness and to apply high standards for construction in seismic zones. "The report's analysis makes it clear that economic losses from extreme weather events are unsustainable and a major brake on eradicating poverty in hazard exposed parts of the world," Mizutori said. Mizutori said there was a need to do a much better job of capturing economic loss data if nations are to have a fuller understanding of what works when it comes to reducing economic losses, saving lives and livelihoods, and managing disaster risk. While high-income countries recorded losses for 53 per cent of reported disasters between 1998 and 2017, low-income countries only recorded them for 13 per cent of disasters. The report concludes that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. It said disasters will continue to be major impediments to sustainable development so long as the economic incentives to build and develop hazard-prone locations outweigh the perceived disaster risks. "Integrating disaster risk reduction into investment decisions is the most cost-effective way to reduce these risks; investing in disaster risk reduction is therefore a pre-condition for developing sustainable in a changing climate," the report states.

India lost $79.5 billion from climate-related disasters in 20 years: UN report

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