Government on Thursday it is raising import tariffs on several electronic items and communication devices, in a bid to rein in imports and contain the slide in the rupee.

This is the second time in two weeks that the government has moved to raise import tariffs, as it aims to curtail the import of goods that it deems as "non-essential" items.

It was not immediately clear how much of a tariff increase is being levied on each specific item.

Government on Thursday it is raising import tariffs on several electronic items and communication devices, in a bid to rein in imports and contain the slide in the rupee.

Government on Thursday it is raising import tariffs on several electronic items and communication devices, in a bid to rein in imports and contain the slide in the rupee. This is the second time in two weeks that the government has moved to raise import tariffs, as it aims to curtail the import of goods that it deems as "non-essential" items. It was not immediately clear how much of a tariff increase is being levied on each specific item.

Government to raise import tariffs on electronic and communication items

Joby Pathrose, a farmer living a kilometre away from the usually languid Periyar river in southern India, was woken in the night by the sound of rushing waters. Hours later his plantations and everything he owned were completely submerged.

"There was absolutely no warning from the government side," said Pathrose, describing the devastating flooding that hit his village of Okkal, in Kerala state, on August 15. Pathrose says local authorities had advised his fields were safe, despite the incessant rains that battered Kerala at the peak of the monsoon.

More than 5 million people in Kerala were affected and over 200 were killed amid torrential rain and floods in August. The flooding, dubbed the worst to hit the southern state in nearly a century, caused billions of dollars of damage to fields, homes and other infrastructure.

As the rain intensified in mid-August state authorities were forced to release water from 35 dams to manage rising waters in reservoirs, many of which are used to generate hydroelectricity.

Pathrose and others living near the Periyar say the sudden opening of dam gates without proper warnings to those living downstream was a big factor in the devastation.

More than half a dozen experts who Reuters consulted were divided on the extent to which dam water spills contributed to the flooding, but almost all, including India's Central Water Commission (CWC), said reservoirs levels were too high ahead of the disaster.

"Because of this carelessness the disaster proportions were multiplied," said Himanshu Thakkar, co-ordinator of the South Asia Network of Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), a non-governmental body that advocates for better water management practices.

The release of dam water, sharply criticised by some water management experts, has put a focus on reservoir operations and the need for better flood mapping and warning systems in India.&nbsp;

State government officials say the severity of the flooding was due to a once-in-a-century storm that could not reasonably have been prepared for, and that the spilling of dam water had little impact.&nbsp;

No emergency plans

Reuters has learned the two largest reservoirs in Kerala - Idukki and Idamalayar - have been operating for years without any emergency action plans - a basic requirement for major dams worldwide. The reservoirs also lack "rule curves", another key safety protocol that dictates the level of water that can safely be maintained behind a dam at any point given seasonal factors.

These protocols, while recommended by the CWC, are not yet mandated by law. CWC says it is merely an advisory body and it hopes a new dam safety bill, under federal consideration, will make dam operators more accountable.&nbsp;

Reuters has also analysed historical data that shows both reservoirs were at more than 90 per cent of their full capacity on August&nbsp;2, or more than double their 10-year historical averages for that time of the year.

Dam management experts who spoke to Reuters said such levels were dangerously high for the middle of India`s monsoon season.

"One of the key advantages of a dam is it can help moderate floods," said SANDRP`s Thakkar, an engineering graduate from the elite Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mumbai. "That didn`t happen as Kerala`s dams were already full by end-July. Dams aren`t supposed to be full before the end of the monsoons."

India`s monsoon season runs from June through September, and southern states such as Kerala also typically receive heavy rain in the months of October and November as monsoon winds reverse.

The data also shows that if the water levels in Idukki and Idamalayar had been slowly lowered to closer to their historical averages in the two weeks before the worst flooding began they would have been able to absorb all the rain that fell during the mid-August storm.

"The release could have started earlier so that by August 9 there would have been left-over capacities in the reservoirs to store the water," said Biswajit Mukhopadhyay, director of water resources at US-based engineering firm IEA, who analysed some of the publicly available data at the request of Reuters.&nbsp;

NS Pillai, chairman of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), a state-run body that manages most of Kerala`s big dams, said that was a "highly hypothetical and imaginary conclusion". Heavy rain had not been forecast and blaming the dams for the flooding was "not justifiable", he said.

Full reservoirs

Still, dozens of flood victims interviewed by Reuters, who live in villages dotting the banks of Kerala's biggest river, the 244 km (152 mile) Periyar, say they faced no floods despite torrential rain in late July and early August. All of them said waters only rose overnight on August 15.

That was when more intense rainfall forced KSEB to rapidly ramp-up releases of water from Idukki and Idamalayar reservoirs, which feed into the Periyar.&nbsp;

Water management experts note state authorities and the KSEB issued an alert on Idukki`s high water levels on July 31, when the reservoir was 92 per cent full, but only began a slow release of water on August 9, when levels were at 98 per cent. Data shows Idamalayar spills began only when it exceeded its full capacity on August 9.

James Wilson, who works for the Kerala government as special officer on an inter-state water advisory committee, said blaming KSEB was unfair, as Kerala's dams only have the capacity to store less than a tenth of the state`s annual rainfall, and even less in years of extreme rainfall.

"However you prepare you to have a problem with these type of events," said Wilson, adding Kerala`s steep hills and relatively short river lengths give officials little time to react to freak rainfall.&nbsp;

CWC also said the rain in Kerala would have led to flooding regardless of whether water had been spilled from the dams.&nbsp;

"The release from reservoirs had only a minor role in flood augmentation," said CWC in a report seen by Reuters.

The report noted, however, that most of the dams were already "at or very close to" full reservoir levels just before the most intense rain, and it called for a review of water storage norms at all major reservoirs in Kerala. It also shows nearly half the outflows into the Periyar between the peak flood days of Aug.

15 to August 17 were from within the catchment areas of big dams.

Blame game

While opposition parties in Kerala have demanded a judicial probe into the release of dam water, state officials have blamed the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for poor forecasts and the release of water into Idukki reservoir from Mullaperiyar - a dam managed by next-door Tamil Nadu state - for exacerbating the flooding.

In court filings, Tamil Nadu said the water released from the Mullaperiyar dam only constituted a small part of the spill from the much bigger Idukki reservoir.

The IMD has also responded, saying it "issued all necessary severe weather warnings".

KSEB's Pillai said forecasts failed to predict the intensity of the rain.

"If reliable forecasting is done in respect of very heavy and extremely heavy rainfall, we can manage dam operations very efficiently," said Pillai, warning that more conservative water storage would lower KSEB`s power generation ability.

"If somebody strongly believes these dams should be used for flood control, I can only differ with them," he said.

Nayan Sharma, an expert on river engineering and a former professor at IIT Roorkee, says hydroelectric dams incentivize operators to stockpile water as turbines are most efficient at full reservoir levels.

Inadequate warnings

&nbsp;In January, CWC published guidelines for preparing operating manuals for dams. It even cited examples of plans to be followed to prevent the need for "heavy peak flood releases in panic".

This came after a 2017 report from India's Comptroller and Auditor General, the government spending watchdog, criticised the lack of dam operating manuals and emergency action plans (EAPs) for reservoirs in many states.

Kerala's revenue secretary and head of disaster management, PH&nbsp;Kurien, told Reuters he has twice written to KSEB requesting EAPs and has yet to receive them.

KSEB's Pillai said EAPs and dam operation manuals were still being prepared. CWC said it was working with Kerala`s government to speed this up. The Kerala Chief Minister`s office did not respond to requests for comment.

Authorities in towns visited by Reuters, meanwhile, say that evacuation warnings were given.

"We made repeated microphone announcements about the opening of dam gates and asked people to move to safe places," said NR&nbsp;Jayaraj, deputy superintendent of police in Aluva, a town on the Periyar`s banks that was badly hit by the floods.

Many people interviewed by Reuters who live close to the Periyar said they got no warnings at all, while those that did said the information provided was inadequate.&nbsp;

"We were told the dam gates would be opened and we`d have to be alert, but no one was warned to expect this much water," said KC&nbsp;Anupama, who works at a school in Neriamangalam, adding the school is 20 feet above the river and was still flooded.&nbsp;

"No one in their wildest dream thought this would happen. No one thought waters would get here."

Joby Pathrose, a farmer living a kilometre away from the usually languid Periyar river in southern India, was woken in the night by the sound of rushing waters. Hours later his plantations and everything he owned were completely submerged.

Joby Pathrose, a farmer living a kilometre away from the usually languid Periyar river in southern India, was woken in the night by the sound of rushing waters. Hours later his plantations and everything he owned were completely submerged. "There was absolutely no warning from the government side," said Pathrose, describing the devastating flooding that hit his village of Okkal, in Kerala state, on August 15. Pathrose says local authorities had advised his fields were safe, despite the incessant rains that battered Kerala at the peak of the monsoon. More than 5 million people in Kerala were affected and over 200 were killed amid torrential rain and floods in August. The flooding, dubbed the worst to hit the southern state in nearly a century, caused billions of dollars of damage to fields, homes and other infrastructure. As the rain intensified in mid-August state authorities were forced to release water from 35 dams to manage rising waters in reservoirs, many of which are used to generate hydroelectricity. Pathrose and others living near the Periyar say the sudden opening of dam gates without proper warnings to those living downstream was a big factor in the devastation. More than half a dozen experts who Reuters consulted were divided on the extent to which dam water spills contributed to the flooding, but almost all, including India's Central Water Commission (CWC), said reservoirs levels were too high ahead of the disaster. "Because of this carelessness the disaster proportions were multiplied," said Himanshu Thakkar, co-ordinator of the South Asia Network of Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), a non-governmental body that advocates for better water management practices. The release of dam water, sharply criticised by some water management experts, has put a focus on reservoir operations and the need for better flood mapping and warning systems in India. State government officials say the severity of the flooding was due to a once-in-a-century storm that could not reasonably have been prepared for, and that the spilling of dam water had little impact. No emergency plans Reuters has learned the two largest reservoirs in Kerala - Idukki and Idamalayar - have been operating for years without any emergency action plans - a basic requirement for major dams worldwide. The reservoirs also lack "rule curves", another key safety protocol that dictates the level of water that can safely be maintained behind a dam at any point given seasonal factors. These protocols, while recommended by the CWC, are not yet mandated by law. CWC says it is merely an advisory body and it hopes a new dam safety bill, under federal consideration, will make dam operators more accountable. Reuters has also analysed historical data that shows both reservoirs were at more than 90 per cent of their full capacity on August 2, or more than double their 10-year historical averages for that time of the year. Dam management experts who spoke to Reuters said such levels were dangerously high for the middle of India`s monsoon season. "One of the key advantages of a dam is it can help moderate floods," said SANDRP`s Thakkar, an engineering graduate from the elite Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mumbai. "That didn`t happen as Kerala`s dams were already full by end-July. Dams aren`t supposed to be full before the end of the monsoons." India`s monsoon season runs from June through September, and southern states such as Kerala also typically receive heavy rain in the months of October and November as monsoon winds reverse. The data also shows that if the water levels in Idukki and Idamalayar had been slowly lowered to closer to their historical averages in the two weeks before the worst flooding began they would have been able to absorb all the rain that fell during the mid-August storm. "The release could have started earlier so that by August 9 there would have been left-over capacities in the reservoirs to store the water," said Biswajit Mukhopadhyay, director of water resources at US-based engineering firm IEA, who analysed some of the publicly available data at the request of Reuters. NS Pillai, chairman of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), a state-run body that manages most of Kerala`s big dams, said that was a "highly hypothetical and imaginary conclusion". Heavy rain had not been forecast and blaming the dams for the flooding was "not justifiable", he said. Full reservoirs Still, dozens of flood victims interviewed by Reuters, who live in villages dotting the banks of Kerala's biggest river, the 244 km (152 mile) Periyar, say they faced no floods despite torrential rain in late July and early August. All of them said waters only rose overnight on August 15. That was when more intense rainfall forced KSEB to rapidly ramp-up releases of water from Idukki and Idamalayar reservoirs, which feed into the Periyar. Water management experts note state authorities and the KSEB issued an alert on Idukki`s high water levels on July 31, when the reservoir was 92 per cent full, but only began a slow release of water on August 9, when levels were at 98 per cent. Data shows Idamalayar spills began only when it exceeded its full capacity on August 9. James Wilson, who works for the Kerala government as special officer on an inter-state water advisory committee, said blaming KSEB was unfair, as Kerala's dams only have the capacity to store less than a tenth of the state`s annual rainfall, and even less in years of extreme rainfall. "However you prepare you to have a problem with these type of events," said Wilson, adding Kerala`s steep hills and relatively short river lengths give officials little time to react to freak rainfall. CWC also said the rain in Kerala would have led to flooding regardless of whether water had been spilled from the dams. "The release from reservoirs had only a minor role in flood augmentation," said CWC in a report seen by Reuters. The report noted, however, that most of the dams were already "at or very close to" full reservoir levels just before the most intense rain, and it called for a review of water storage norms at all major reservoirs in Kerala. It also shows nearly half the outflows into the Periyar between the peak flood days of Aug. 15 to August 17 were from within the catchment areas of big dams. Blame game While opposition parties in Kerala have demanded a judicial probe into the release of dam water, state officials have blamed the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for poor forecasts and the release of water into Idukki reservoir from Mullaperiyar - a dam managed by next-door Tamil Nadu state - for exacerbating the flooding. In court filings, Tamil Nadu said the water released from the Mullaperiyar dam only constituted a small part of the spill from the much bigger Idukki reservoir. The IMD has also responded, saying it "issued all necessary severe weather warnings". KSEB's Pillai said forecasts failed to predict the intensity of the rain. "If reliable forecasting is done in respect of very heavy and extremely heavy rainfall, we can manage dam operations very efficiently," said Pillai, warning that more conservative water storage would lower KSEB`s power generation ability. "If somebody strongly believes these dams should be used for flood control, I can only differ with them," he said. Nayan Sharma, an expert on river engineering and a former professor at IIT Roorkee, says hydroelectric dams incentivize operators to stockpile water as turbines are most efficient at full reservoir levels. Inadequate warnings In January, CWC published guidelines for preparing operating manuals for dams. It even cited examples of plans to be followed to prevent the need for "heavy peak flood releases in panic". This came after a 2017 report from India's Comptroller and Auditor General, the government spending watchdog, criticised the lack of dam operating manuals and emergency action plans (EAPs) for reservoirs in many states. Kerala's revenue secretary and head of disaster management, PH Kurien, told Reuters he has twice written to KSEB requesting EAPs and has yet to receive them. KSEB's Pillai said EAPs and dam operation manuals were still being prepared. CWC said it was working with Kerala`s government to speed this up. The Kerala Chief Minister`s office did not respond to requests for comment. Authorities in towns visited by Reuters, meanwhile, say that evacuation warnings were given. "We made repeated microphone announcements about the opening of dam gates and asked people to move to safe places," said NR Jayaraj, deputy superintendent of police in Aluva, a town on the Periyar`s banks that was badly hit by the floods. Many people interviewed by Reuters who live close to the Periyar said they got no warnings at all, while those that did said the information provided was inadequate. "We were told the dam gates would be opened and we`d have to be alert, but no one was warned to expect this much water," said KC Anupama, who works at a school in Neriamangalam, adding the school is 20 feet above the river and was still flooded. "No one in their wildest dream thought this would happen. No one thought waters would get here."

Did Kerala's dams exacerbate India's once-in-century floods?

Discussions with "very valuable ally" India on a trade deal has started, the White House said Thursday, days after President Donald Trump insisted that New Delhi has reached out to his administration on this, news agency PTI reported.

"Yes discussions (with India on a trade deal) has started. No details, please. But discussions have started. India is a very valuable ally," Larry Kudlow, top economic advisor to President Trump, told reporters at the White House.

However, Kudlow refrained from providing any further detail about the nature of the talks with India, the report added.

Trump recently attacked India calling it ''tariff king''. He said India has reached out to him for a trade deal. Trump said this happened after he said that he will impose similar high tariff on import of Indian products.

"India, which is the tariff king -- they called us, and they say, 'We want to start negotiations immediately.' When Bob Lighthizer said, 'What happened? He would never do this.' They said, 'No, we want to keep your President happy.' Isn't that nice? Isn't that nice? It's true. They have to keep us happy because they understand that we're wise to what's been happening," Trump had said.

Trump, however, said that he has a good relationship with India.

"My relationship with India is great, with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi is great. They're going to start doing a lot. They've already called us to make a deal. We didn't even call them. They called us to make a deal, which is, like, shocking to people," said the US President.&nbsp;

Discussions with "very valuable ally" India on a trade deal has started, the White House said Thursday, days after President Donald Trump insisted that New Delhi has reached out to his administration on this, news agency PTI reported.

Discussions with "very valuable ally" India on a trade deal has started, the White House said Thursday, days after President Donald Trump insisted that New Delhi has reached out to his administration on this, news agency PTI reported. "Yes discussions (with India on a trade deal) has started. No details, please. But discussions have started. India is a very valuable ally," Larry Kudlow, top economic advisor to President Trump, told reporters at the White House. However, Kudlow refrained from providing any further detail about the nature of the talks with India, the report added. Trump recently attacked India calling it ''tariff king''. He said India has reached out to him for a trade deal. Trump said this happened after he said that he will impose similar high tariff on import of Indian products. "India, which is the tariff king -- they called us, and they say, 'We want to start negotiations immediately.' When Bob Lighthizer said, 'What happened? He would never do this.' They said, 'No, we want to keep your President happy.' Isn't that nice? Isn't that nice? It's true. They have to keep us happy because they understand that we're wise to what's been happening," Trump had said. Trump, however, said that he has a good relationship with India. "My relationship with India is great, with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi is great. They're going to start doing a lot. They've already called us to make a deal. We didn't even call them. They called us to make a deal, which is, like, shocking to people," said the US President.

Trade deal negotiations with 'very valuable ally' India started: White House

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be visiting India on October 30.

Conte will be accompanied by a delegation that will participate in the 24th edition of the DST-CII India-Italy Technology Summit 2018.

During the visit, Conte will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two leaders will later address the valedictory session of the Technology Summit.

The summit is organised by the Department of Science &amp; Technology (DST) of the Government of India in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

This edition of the summit will focus on seven areas viz. Cleantech, Renewable, ICT, Healthcare, Aerospace, Education and Cultural Heritage.

The objective of the Summit is to facilitate technology transfers, joint ventures, R&amp;D, and market access between industry and research institutions in India and Italy.

Conte's India visit will be a part of the ongoing celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Italy.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be visiting India on October 30. Conte will be accompanied by a delegation that will participate in the 24th edition of the DST-CII India-Italy Technology Summit 2018.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be visiting India on October 30. Conte will be accompanied by a delegation that will participate in the 24th edition of the DST-CII India-Italy Technology Summit 2018. During the visit, Conte will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two leaders will later address the valedictory session of the Technology Summit. The summit is organised by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) of the Government of India in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This edition of the summit will focus on seven areas viz. Cleantech, Renewable, ICT, Healthcare, Aerospace, Education and Cultural Heritage. The objective of the Summit is to facilitate technology transfers, joint ventures, R&D, and market access between industry and research institutions in India and Italy. Conte's India visit will be a part of the ongoing celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Italy.

Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte to visit India

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that India "will soon find out" about his decision on the punitive CAATSA sanctions after India signed a 5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia.

Under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA sanctions, which was amended early this year, only Trump has the authority for the presidential waiver to India on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia.

India last week inked a $ 5 billion deal to purchase S-400 Triumf air defence system from Moscow. The mega deal was sealed in New Delhi during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Asked about the agreement between India and Russia, Trump while interacting with reporters in the Oval Office of the White House, said, "India will find out. Aren't they?"&nbsp;

"India is going to find out,? he reiterated in response to India specific question.

Asked when, he said, "You will see. Sooner than you think."

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also in the room when Trump answered the question on CAATSA sanctions. Pompeo was scheduled to meet the president later.

Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis had earlier argued the case for a waiver to India.&nbsp;

Last week, the White House had said that the US presidential waiver on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia is intended to "wean" countries like India off the Russian equipment.

"The (CAATSA presidential) waiver is narrow, intended to wean countries off Russian equipment and allow for things such as spare parts for previously-purchased equipment," a White House National Security Council Spokesperson had said after the conclusion of the S-400 contract.

The US embassy spokesperson in New Delhi had said that the CAATSA was aimed at Moscow and not intended to damage the military capabilities of its "allies and partners." 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that India "will soon find out" about his decision on the punitive CAATSA sanctions after India signed a 5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that India "will soon find out" about his decision on the punitive CAATSA sanctions after India signed a 5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia. Under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA sanctions, which was amended early this year, only Trump has the authority for the presidential waiver to India on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia. India last week inked a $ 5 billion deal to purchase S-400 Triumf air defence system from Moscow. The mega deal was sealed in New Delhi during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asked about the agreement between India and Russia, Trump while interacting with reporters in the Oval Office of the White House, said, "India will find out. Aren't they?" "India is going to find out,? he reiterated in response to India specific question. Asked when, he said, "You will see. Sooner than you think." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also in the room when Trump answered the question on CAATSA sanctions. Pompeo was scheduled to meet the president later. Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis had earlier argued the case for a waiver to India. Last week, the White House had said that the US presidential waiver on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia is intended to "wean" countries like India off the Russian equipment. "The (CAATSA presidential) waiver is narrow, intended to wean countries off Russian equipment and allow for things such as spare parts for previously-purchased equipment," a White House National Security Council Spokesperson had said after the conclusion of the S-400 contract. The US embassy spokesperson in New Delhi had said that the CAATSA was aimed at Moscow and not intended to damage the military capabilities of its "allies and partners."

India will soon find out about my decision over S-400 deal with Russia: Trump

Environment activist GD Agarwal, who was sitting on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the government to clean the river Ganga, died at the AIIMS hospital in Rishikesh on Thursday, officials said.

The 86-year old former IIT-Kanpur professor, Agarwal had been on hunger strike since June 22 for a pollution-free and uninterrupted flow in the Ganga.&nbsp;

He had demanded that steps be taken to make the river free-flowing for natural cleansing, and also a ban on construction of all hydroelectric projects along the tributaries of the Ganga besides enactment of the Ganga Protection Management Act.&nbsp;

Agarwal had sent several letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had in 2014 pledged on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi that immediate steps would be taken to ensure cleaning of the holy river.&nbsp;

However, the government paid no heed to his demands, said `IITians for Holy Ganga`, a forum formed to preserve the heritage and ecology of the river.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
GD Agarwal, our leading environmentalist who fasted 109 days to save the Ganga, was forcibly picked up by the Uttarakhand police&amp;hospitalized yesterday.He passed away today after his pleas to save the Ganga fell on Modi's deaf years. RIP Dear Sir. This world is not for pure souls <a href="https://t.co/7a95ICK1tq">https://t.co/7a95ICK1tq</a>
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/pbhushan1/status/1050329507855515648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Agarwal was moved to the AIIMS, Rishikesh, on October 9 from the protest site.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan criticised the government saying Agarwal was forcibly picked up by the Uttarakhand police and hospitalised.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Modi ji said river Ganga is calling him but it is even more polluted than it was in '14. Rs 22000 Cr was allotted for cleaning it,not even 1/4th of it has been used. Is Namami Gange also a 'jumla'?Maybe GD Agarwal ji's sacrifice will provide vision to this blind govt: R Surjewala <a href="https://t.co/H2tGPQb7eg">pic.twitter.com/H2tGPQb7eg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050390968036483072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"He passed away today after his pleas to save the Ganga fell on Modi`s deaf ears. RIP Dear Sir. This world is not for pure souls," Bhushan tweeted.

Union River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Nitin Gadkari had in August this year said nearly 70-80 per cent of the cleaning work of the Ganga would be completed by March 2019 and the holy river would become completely clean by 2020.

Environment activist GD Agarwal, who was sitting on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the government to clean the river Ganga, died at the AIIMS hospital in Rishikesh on Thursday, officials said.

Environment activist GD Agarwal, who was sitting on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the government to clean the river Ganga, died at the AIIMS hospital in Rishikesh on Thursday, officials said. The 86-year old former IIT-Kanpur professor, Agarwal had been on hunger strike since June 22 for a pollution-free and uninterrupted flow in the Ganga. He had demanded that steps be taken to make the river free-flowing for natural cleansing, and also a ban on construction of all hydroelectric projects along the tributaries of the Ganga besides enactment of the Ganga Protection Management Act. Agarwal had sent several letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had in 2014 pledged on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi that immediate steps would be taken to ensure cleaning of the holy river. However, the government paid no heed to his demands, said `IITians for Holy Ganga`, a forum formed to preserve the heritage and ecology of the river. GD Agarwal, our leading environmentalist who fasted 109 days to save the Ganga, was forcibly picked up by the Uttarakhand police&hospitalized yesterday.He passed away today after his pleas to save the Ganga fell on Modi's deaf years. RIP Dear Sir. This world is not for pure souls https://t.co/7a95ICK1tq — Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) October 11, 2018 × Agarwal was moved to the AIIMS, Rishikesh, on October 9 from the protest site. Senior Supreme Court lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan criticised the government saying Agarwal was forcibly picked up by the Uttarakhand police and hospitalised. Modi ji said river Ganga is calling him but it is even more polluted than it was in '14. Rs 22000 Cr was allotted for cleaning it,not even 1/4th of it has been used. Is Namami Gange also a 'jumla'?Maybe GD Agarwal ji's sacrifice will provide vision to this blind govt: R Surjewala pic.twitter.com/H2tGPQb7eg — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × "He passed away today after his pleas to save the Ganga fell on Modi`s deaf ears. RIP Dear Sir. This world is not for pure souls," Bhushan tweeted. Union River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Nitin Gadkari had in August this year said nearly 70-80 per cent of the cleaning work of the Ganga would be completed by March 2019 and the holy river would become completely clean by 2020.

Activist GD Agarwal, on indefinite fast to save Ganga, dies

US President Donald Trump has mocked the "#MeToo" movement, saying that he needs to censor himself due to the rules of this movement, which is being enforced by the press.

"There's an expression, but under the rules of #MeToo, I am not allowed to use that expression anymore. I can't do it," Trump said at a mid-term election rally in Pennsylvania, and then he pointed at the phrase "the girl that got away".

"It's the person that got away. The old days, it was a little different than Pennsylvania to it," Trump said referring to the GOP's inability to win presidential elections earlier.

Pointing to the media, Trump said he would use the original phrase, except for the media. "I would do it except for these people up there. They would say, did you hear what President Trump said? Did you hear what he said?" he said imitating reporters.

"So, there is an expression, but we'll change the expression. Pennsylvania was always the person that got away. That's pretty good," he said amidst applause from the audience.

US President Donald Trump has mocked the "#MeToo" movement, saying that he needs to censor himself due to the rules of this movement, which is being enforced by the press.

US President Donald Trump has mocked the "#MeToo" movement, saying that he needs to censor himself due to the rules of this movement, which is being enforced by the press. "There's an expression, but under the rules of #MeToo, I am not allowed to use that expression anymore. I can't do it," Trump said at a mid-term election rally in Pennsylvania, and then he pointed at the phrase "the girl that got away". "It's the person that got away. The old days, it was a little different than Pennsylvania to it," Trump said referring to the GOP's inability to win presidential elections earlier. Pointing to the media, Trump said he would use the original phrase, except for the media. "I would do it except for these people up there. They would say, did you hear what President Trump said? Did you hear what he said?" he said imitating reporters. "So, there is an expression, but we'll change the expression. Pennsylvania was always the person that got away. That's pretty good," he said amidst applause from the audience.

Donald Trump mocks #MeToo movement

Cyclone Titli uprooted trees and electric poles and damaged hutments in Odisha's Ganjam and Gajapati districts after making <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/landfall-process-for-very-severe-cyclone-titli-starts-at-odishas-gopalpur-170759">landfall</a> early Thursday morning, but no loss of life was reported from any part of the state, officials said.

The cyclone also triggered heavy rainfall in at least three districts and caused minor damage to power and communication.

"There has been no major damage or report of casualty received from any part of the state so far. Some destruction was reported from Ganjam and Gajapati districts," Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said.

Power supply and telephone links got disrupted and road communication snapped due to uprooted trees at many places of Gajapati district, the SRC said.

Efforts are on to clear roads blocked by uprooted trees and restore power supply in affected areas at the earliest, he said.

In all, eight districts - Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore - have been affected by "very severe cyclone Titli", he said.

Cyclone 'Titli' triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts of Odisha, while damage of hutments and asbestos-roofed houses, street lights, road blockade due to uprooted trees were reported from Ganjam.

Road communication between Paralakhemundi and Mohana and some other block headquarters in Gajapati had been disrupted under the impact of the cyclone, he said.

In Ganjam, reports of damage to hutments and other structures and uprooting of trees were received from some areas, he said.

The latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) report said cyclone 'Titli made the landfall between 4.30 and 5.30 am in south-west coast of Gopalpur near Palasa in Andhra Pradesh with an estimated maximum sustained surface wind speed of 140-150 kmph gusting to 165 kmph.

The landfall process has been completed and "the centre of eye of cyclone 'Titli' lies over the land," the IMD said.

The system is now moving northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and it will weaken gradually, it said.

An hour after the landfall, Gopalpur in Odisha reported surface wind at 126 kmph, Kalingapatanam in Andhra Pradesh recorded wind speed of 56 kmph.

As cyclone 'Titli' entered the land mass, some districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri, are receiving good amount of rainfall coupled with high speed wind.

Director of Meteorological (MeT) Centre Bhubaneswar H R Biswas said the "very severe cyclonic storm" (VSCS) is being monitored by the coastal

Doppler Weather Radars at Visakhapatnam, Gopalpur and Paradip.

As part of its pre-cyclone preparedness, the Odisha government has evacuated over 3 lakh people living in low-lying areas of the five coastal districts ahead of the landfall.

They were accommodated in 1,112 cyclone shelters.

Altogether, 105 pregnant women in Ganjam district and 18 in Jagatsinghpur have been shifted to hospitals, the SRC said.

He said 13 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed at several places along with fire brigade.&nbsp;

Cyclone Titli uprooted trees and electric poles and damaged hutments in Odisha's Ganjam and Gajapati districts after making landfall early Thursday morning, but no loss of life was reported from any part of the state, officials said.

Cyclone Titli uprooted trees and electric poles and damaged hutments in Odisha's Ganjam and Gajapati districts after making landfall early Thursday morning, but no loss of life was reported from any part of the state, officials said. The cyclone also triggered heavy rainfall in at least three districts and caused minor damage to power and communication. "There has been no major damage or report of casualty received from any part of the state so far. Some destruction was reported from Ganjam and Gajapati districts," Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said. Power supply and telephone links got disrupted and road communication snapped due to uprooted trees at many places of Gajapati district, the SRC said. Efforts are on to clear roads blocked by uprooted trees and restore power supply in affected areas at the earliest, he said. In all, eight districts - Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore - have been affected by "very severe cyclone Titli", he said. Cyclone 'Titli' triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts of Odisha, while damage of hutments and asbestos-roofed houses, street lights, road blockade due to uprooted trees were reported from Ganjam. Road communication between Paralakhemundi and Mohana and some other block headquarters in Gajapati had been disrupted under the impact of the cyclone, he said. In Ganjam, reports of damage to hutments and other structures and uprooting of trees were received from some areas, he said. The latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) report said cyclone 'Titli made the landfall between 4.30 and 5.30 am in south-west coast of Gopalpur near Palasa in Andhra Pradesh with an estimated maximum sustained surface wind speed of 140-150 kmph gusting to 165 kmph. The landfall process has been completed and "the centre of eye of cyclone 'Titli' lies over the land," the IMD said. The system is now moving northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and it will weaken gradually, it said. An hour after the landfall, Gopalpur in Odisha reported surface wind at 126 kmph, Kalingapatanam in Andhra Pradesh recorded wind speed of 56 kmph. As cyclone 'Titli' entered the land mass, some districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri, are receiving good amount of rainfall coupled with high speed wind. Director of Meteorological (MeT) Centre Bhubaneswar H R Biswas said the "very severe cyclonic storm" (VSCS) is being monitored by the coastal Doppler Weather Radars at Visakhapatnam, Gopalpur and Paradip. As part of its pre-cyclone preparedness, the Odisha government has evacuated over 3 lakh people living in low-lying areas of the five coastal districts ahead of the landfall. They were accommodated in 1,112 cyclone shelters. Altogether, 105 pregnant women in Ganjam district and 18 in Jagatsinghpur have been shifted to hospitals, the SRC said. He said 13 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed at several places along with fire brigade.

Cyclone Titli crosses Odisha coast, no casualties reported

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said his party will contest all the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and not enter into alliance.

"We will fight on all Lok Sabha seats from the state, we will not enter into any tie-up with anyone," Kejriwal, who was in Bathinda to attend a party legislator's wedding, told reporters.

He lashed out at the ruling Congress in the state and accused it of failing on all fronts.

"He (Amarinder) had promised to give a job in each family. He had said if anyone is unemployed then he will be given unemployment allowance, he had talked about raising social security pension, waiving debt of farmers, promised smartphones to youths. Only tall promises were made, but none have been fulfilled. He spoke lies and now people of Punjab are fed up with them," he alleged.

Kejriwal said Singh had promised to wipe out drug problem from the state, but it was still there.

He also charged the Congress government of failing to act on the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission's inquiry report on incidents of religious sacrilege in the state.

"Justice Ranjit Singh Commission report puts the Badals in the dock. Despite this, Capt Sahab is not taking any action against them. No FIR has been registered against them, because they are hand-in-glove.. People are finding viable alternative in the shape of the AAP," he said.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal attended the wedding of party MLA from Bathinda (rural) Rupinder Kaur Ruby.

On a personal visit, Kejriwal was accompanied by his deputy, Manish Sisodia.

Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Harpal Singh Cheema, Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann and party MLA Aman Arora, were among other party leaders who attended the wedding.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said his party will contest all the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and not enter into alliance.

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal Thursday said his party will contest all the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and not enter into alliance. "We will fight on all Lok Sabha seats from the state, we will not enter into any tie-up with anyone," Kejriwal, who was in Bathinda to attend a party legislator's wedding, told reporters. He lashed out at the ruling Congress in the state and accused it of failing on all fronts. "He (Amarinder) had promised to give a job in each family. He had said if anyone is unemployed then he will be given unemployment allowance, he had talked about raising social security pension, waiving debt of farmers, promised smartphones to youths. Only tall promises were made, but none have been fulfilled. He spoke lies and now people of Punjab are fed up with them," he alleged. Kejriwal said Singh had promised to wipe out drug problem from the state, but it was still there. He also charged the Congress government of failing to act on the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission's inquiry report on incidents of religious sacrilege in the state. "Justice Ranjit Singh Commission report puts the Badals in the dock. Despite this, Capt Sahab is not taking any action against them. No FIR has been registered against them, because they are hand-in-glove.. People are finding viable alternative in the shape of the AAP," he said. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal attended the wedding of party MLA from Bathinda (rural) Rupinder Kaur Ruby. On a personal visit, Kejriwal was accompanied by his deputy, Manish Sisodia. Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Harpal Singh Cheema, Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann and party MLA Aman Arora, were among other party leaders who attended the wedding.

Arvind Kejriwal to contest all 13 LS seats in Punjab, no tie-up on cards

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will implement in full its directive that forces global payment companies to store data locally from this month, four sources told Reuters, a blow to the firms who had lobbied to dilute the measure.

The RBI in April said all payments data should within six months be stored only in the country for "unfettered supervisory access". The deadline for the companies to adhere is October 15.

The directive is part of a wider push by India to ask companies to store more of their data locally at a time when governments globally are enforcing more stringent rules to protect user data. &nbsp;

However, the global payments companies fear the new rules would increase their infrastructure costs, hit their global fraud detection analytic platforms and affect planned investments in the country at a time when more and more Indians are using digital modes of payments.&nbsp;

Firms such as Mastercard, Visa and American Express have in recent months met with Indian policymakers, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, to push for an extension of the RBI`s deadline.

They also repeatedly sought dilution of the RBI directive, requesting that they be allowed to store data both locally and at their offshore offices, a practice widely known as 'data mirroring'.

But in a meeting between RBI officials and US&nbsp;payment companies in Mumbai on Wednesday, central bank officials said the industry will need to store all their data only within the country, as per its April directive, and said data mirroring will not be allowed, four sources aware of the discussions said.

"They specifically said no mirroring, the meeting was bad (for the industry), it`s pretty clear," said one of the industry sources.

The RBI also conveyed in the meeting it was not willing to extend the deadline for compliance to the directive, the sources said.

The RBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mastercard, Visa and American Express also did not respond.

Government sources have previously told Reuters that stringent data localisation measures were essential for gaining easier access to data during investigations.&nbsp;

Whatsapp has built a system to store its payment data locally, the company said on Tuesday. The Facebook-owned messenger had begun testing its payments service in India and is keen to deepen its reach.

It was easier for companies such as Whatsapp, which have a relatively smaller-scale payments platform in India, to comply with the central bank directive, but the bigger payment firms will need more time, one of the sources said.

"The bigger companies will have to change a lot of things such as setting up servers and replicating payment processing tools," the source said. 
Another source, who works at a multinational payment company, said moving and storing its data only in India would take at least 12-18 months.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will implement in full its directive that forces global payment companies to store data locally from this month, four sources told Reuters, a blow to the firms who had lobbied to dilute the measure.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will implement in full its directive that forces global payment companies to store data locally from this month, four sources told Reuters, a blow to the firms who had lobbied to dilute the measure. The RBI in April said all payments data should within six months be stored only in the country for "unfettered supervisory access". The deadline for the companies to adhere is October 15. The directive is part of a wider push by India to ask companies to store more of their data locally at a time when governments globally are enforcing more stringent rules to protect user data. However, the global payments companies fear the new rules would increase their infrastructure costs, hit their global fraud detection analytic platforms and affect planned investments in the country at a time when more and more Indians are using digital modes of payments. Firms such as Mastercard, Visa and American Express have in recent months met with Indian policymakers, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, to push for an extension of the RBI`s deadline. They also repeatedly sought dilution of the RBI directive, requesting that they be allowed to store data both locally and at their offshore offices, a practice widely known as 'data mirroring'. But in a meeting between RBI officials and US payment companies in Mumbai on Wednesday, central bank officials said the industry will need to store all their data only within the country, as per its April directive, and said data mirroring will not be allowed, four sources aware of the discussions said. "They specifically said no mirroring, the meeting was bad (for the industry), it`s pretty clear," said one of the industry sources. The RBI also conveyed in the meeting it was not willing to extend the deadline for compliance to the directive, the sources said. The RBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mastercard, Visa and American Express also did not respond. Government sources have previously told Reuters that stringent data localisation measures were essential for gaining easier access to data during investigations. Whatsapp has built a system to store its payment data locally, the company said on Tuesday. The Facebook-owned messenger had begun testing its payments service in India and is keen to deepen its reach. It was easier for companies such as Whatsapp, which have a relatively smaller-scale payments platform in India, to comply with the central bank directive, but the bigger payment firms will need more time, one of the sources said. "The bigger companies will have to change a lot of things such as setting up servers and replicating payment processing tools," the source said. Another source, who works at a multinational payment company, said moving and storing its data only in India would take at least 12-18 months.

RBI sticking with plan to force payments firms to store data locally: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/landfall-process-for-very-severe-cyclone-titli-starts-at-odishas-gopalpur-170759">Moving at 140km per hour, very severe cyclone '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/landfall-process-for-very-severe-cyclone-titli-starts-at-odishas-gopalpur-170759">Titli</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/landfall-process-for-very-severe-cyclone-titli-starts-at-odishas-gopalpur-170759">' makes landfall at Odisha's Gopalpur</a>

The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">Freely chose Reliance for Rafale deal: Dassault Aviation issues </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">clarification</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">&nbsp;</a>

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;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-no-more-us-reconstruction-aid-to-syria-if-iran-stays-170756">Pompeo says no more US reconstruction aid to Syria if Iranian troops stay</a>

The United States will refuse any additional reconstruction assistance to war-torn Syria so long as Iranian troops are present in the country, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/floods-kill-at-least-ten-on-the-spanish-island-of-mallorca-170753">Floods kill at least ten on Spanish island of Mallorca</a>

At least 10 people including two Britons were killed as heavy rain and flash floods hit the Spanish island of Mallorca, authorities said on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-declared-absconder-in-directorate-of-revenue-intelligence-case-170762">Nirav Modi declared absconder in Directorate of Revenue Intelligence case</a>

The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat, on Wednesday, issued an order declaring fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Nirav Modi as an absconder in a case filed against him by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly evading customs duty on import of diamonds and pearls.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Moving at 140km per hour, very severe cyclone 'Titli' makes landfall at Odisha's Gopalpur The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Moving at 140km per hour, very severe cyclone 'Titli' makes landfall at Odisha's Gopalpur The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Freely chose Reliance for Rafale deal: Dassault Aviation issues clarification 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. Pompeo says no more US reconstruction aid to Syria if Iranian troops stay The United States will refuse any additional reconstruction assistance to war-torn Syria so long as Iranian troops are present in the country, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday. Floods kill at least ten on Spanish island of Mallorca At least 10 people including two Britons were killed as heavy rain and flash floods hit the Spanish island of Mallorca, authorities said on Wednesday. Nirav Modi declared absconder in Directorate of Revenue Intelligence case The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat, on Wednesday, issued an order declaring fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Nirav Modi as an absconder in a case filed against him by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly evading customs duty on import of diamonds and pearls.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

News agency ANI reported cyclone 'Titli' moving at a speed of 140-150 km per hour. "Odisha's Gopalpur reported 102 km per hour and Andhra Pradesh's Kalingapatnam reported 56 km per hour surface wind speed."

"The process of landfall has started and it will completely cross the Odisha coast in one or two hours. The system will pass close to Gopalpur," H R Biswas, Director of Metereological Centre, Bhubaneswar, told PTI.

The IMD said, "The forward sector of the eye of the storm has been entering into the land mass."

While Gopalpur in Odisha reported surface winds at 126 kmph, Kalingapatanam in Andhra Pradesh recorded wind speed of 56 kmph.

As the landfall process started, at least five districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Khurda and Jagatsinghpur are receiving good amount of rainfall coupled with high-speed winds under the impact of Titli.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TitliCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TitliCyclone</a> makes landfall in Gopalpur. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a> <a href="https://t.co/x49MsPkU9U">pic.twitter.com/x49MsPkU9U</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050186599034703872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Biswas said the very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS), 'Titli', is being monitored by the coastal Doppler Weather Radars at Visakhapatnam, Gopalpur and Paradip.

The latest observations indicate that 'Titli', over west-central Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of about 19 kmph during the past six hours.

After the landfall, the system is very likely to re-curve gradually northeastwards, move towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and weaken gradually.

Reports of trees, electric poles getting uprooted and damages to kuchha houses were reported, officials said, adding that road communication in some places, including Gopalpur and Berhampur, was snapped.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Ganjam's Gopalpur after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TitliCyclone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TitliCyclone</a> made landfall in the region at 5:30 am today. 10,000 people from low lying areas had been evacuated to govt shelters till last night. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a> <a href="https://t.co/HEYog0DNe7">pic.twitter.com/HEYog0DNe7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050193758279671808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Odisha government has geared up its machinery to tackle the situation. The state government has already evacuated over 3 lakh people living in low lying areas and kuchha houses ahead of the landfall in five coastal districts.

The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The process of landfall of the very severe cyclone Titli started early Thursday with surface wind reaching speeds of 126 kmph at Gopalpur in Odisha's Ganjam district, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. News agency ANI reported cyclone 'Titli' moving at a speed of 140-150 km per hour. "Odisha's Gopalpur reported 102 km per hour and Andhra Pradesh's Kalingapatnam reported 56 km per hour surface wind speed." "The process of landfall has started and it will completely cross the Odisha coast in one or two hours. The system will pass close to Gopalpur," H R Biswas, Director of Metereological Centre, Bhubaneswar, told PTI. The IMD said, "The forward sector of the eye of the storm has been entering into the land mass." While Gopalpur in Odisha reported surface winds at 126 kmph, Kalingapatanam in Andhra Pradesh recorded wind speed of 56 kmph. As the landfall process started, at least five districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Khurda and Jagatsinghpur are receiving good amount of rainfall coupled with high-speed winds under the impact of Titli. #WATCH: #TitliCyclone makes landfall in Gopalpur. #Odisha pic.twitter.com/x49MsPkU9U — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × Biswas said the very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS), 'Titli', is being monitored by the coastal Doppler Weather Radars at Visakhapatnam, Gopalpur and Paradip. The latest observations indicate that 'Titli', over west-central Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of about 19 kmph during the past six hours. After the landfall, the system is very likely to re-curve gradually northeastwards, move towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and weaken gradually. Reports of trees, electric poles getting uprooted and damages to kuchha houses were reported, officials said, adding that road communication in some places, including Gopalpur and Berhampur, was snapped. #Visuals from Ganjam's Gopalpur after #TitliCyclone made landfall in the region at 5:30 am today. 10,000 people from low lying areas had been evacuated to govt shelters till last night. #Odisha pic.twitter.com/HEYog0DNe7 — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × Meanwhile, the Odisha government has geared up its machinery to tackle the situation. The state government has already evacuated over 3 lakh people living in low lying areas and kuchha houses ahead of the landfall in five coastal districts.

Moving at 140km per hour, very severe cyclone Titli makes landfall at Odisha's Gopalpur

Petrol and diesel prices increased again on Thursday by Rs 0.10 and Rs 0.27 respectively in the national capital. Petrol in Delhi will be sold at Rs 82.36 per litre, diesel for the day will be at Rs 74.62 per litre.

In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 87.82 per litre, an increase of Rs 0.9, and Rs 78.22 per litre, up by Rs 0.29, respectively.

On Wednesday petrol remained unchanged at 82.26 but diesel, however, rose to&nbsp;74.35 per litre, increased by Rs 0.24 per litre, in Delhi and Rs 77.93, up by Rs 0.25 per litre, in Mumbai.&nbsp;

Fuel prices have been rising unabated even after the Central government last Thursday announced a relief of Rs 2.50 on petrol and diesel prices. Various state governments also provided a relief of Rs 2.50 to give a &nbsp;cumulative relief of Rs 5 on fuel prices to the customers.&nbsp;

The Finance Minister in his address noted that the world crude prices this year have witnessed an all-time high. He also added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been concerned about the escalating fuel prices in the country.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Petrol and diesel prices increased again on Thursday by Rs 0.10 and Rs 0.27 respectively in the national capital. Petrol in Delhi will be sold at Rs 82.36 per litre, diesel for the day will be at Rs 74.

Petrol and diesel prices increased again on Thursday by Rs 0.10 and Rs 0.27 respectively in the national capital. Petrol in Delhi will be sold at Rs 82.36 per litre, diesel for the day will be at Rs 74.62 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 87.82 per litre, an increase of Rs 0.9, and Rs 78.22 per litre, up by Rs 0.29, respectively. On Wednesday petrol remained unchanged at 82.26 but diesel, however, rose to 74.35 per litre, increased by Rs 0.24 per litre, in Delhi and Rs 77.93, up by Rs 0.25 per litre, in Mumbai. Fuel prices have been rising unabated even after the Central government last Thursday announced a relief of Rs 2.50 on petrol and diesel prices. Various state governments also provided a relief of Rs 2.50 to give a cumulative relief of Rs 5 on fuel prices to the customers. The Finance Minister in his address noted that the world crude prices this year have witnessed an all-time high. He also added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been concerned about the escalating fuel prices in the country.

Petrol prices up again, selling at Rs 82.36 a litre in Delhi

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be participating in the two-day 17th Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan starting from Thursday.

This will be the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of SCO in June last year. Swaraj had also attended the last year's meeting at Sochi.

Swaraj's programme in Dushanbe will include participation in the SCO CHG meeting, both in the restricted as well as extended formats.

The meeting is a forum that enables India to engage with SCO member countries and Observer states of Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia. It is the first major meeting since Kyrgyzstan took over as chair of the organisation.

The leaders will be discussing prospects for the further development of SCO and will exchange in-depth views on current international and regional issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had led the official delegation to the SCO summit in Qingdao, China in June.

India has participated in a number of meetings of the organisation, with over 12 ministerial-level meetings since joining SCO last year.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be participating in the two-day 17th Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan starting from Thursday.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be participating in the two-day 17th Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan starting from Thursday. This will be the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of SCO in June last year. Swaraj had also attended the last year's meeting at Sochi. Swaraj's programme in Dushanbe will include participation in the SCO CHG meeting, both in the restricted as well as extended formats. The meeting is a forum that enables India to engage with SCO member countries and Observer states of Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia. It is the first major meeting since Kyrgyzstan took over as chair of the organisation. The leaders will be discussing prospects for the further development of SCO and will exchange in-depth views on current international and regional issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had led the official delegation to the SCO summit in Qingdao, China in June. India has participated in a number of meetings of the organisation, with over 12 ministerial-level meetings since joining SCO last year.

Sushma Swaraj to attend SCO meeting in Tajikistan today

The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat, on Wednesday, issued an order declaring fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Nirav Modi as an absconder in a case filed against him by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly evading customs duty on import of diamonds and pearls.

Modi was declared an absconder under Section 82 of the code of criminal procedure in the case.

A case of diversion of diamonds and pearls from Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units in Surat by Modi was booked in December 2014, by the DRI, Mumbai Zonal Unit.

The case was about the diversion of duty-free imported goods by the SEZ units of Nirav Modi's companies in Surat - Firestar International Pvt. Ltd., Firestar Diamond International Pvt. Ltd. and Radashir Jewellery Comp. Pvt. Ltd. These units were allegedly into import and export of diamonds, pearls and jewellery.

In the units situated at SEZ, the goods were allowed to be imported customs duty-free for the purpose of export.

However, during the investigation by the DRI, it was revealed that the duty-free diamonds and pearls imported by Modi's companies were clandestinely diverted into the local market and substituted by the locally procured diamonds and pearls.

The companies had allegedly paid Rs. 48.21 crores (customs duty along with interest and penalty) in that case.

During the investigation, the DRI had also seized the export consignments ready for dispatch for Hong Kong and Dubai, lying at Sahar Air Cargo in Mumbai, which was highly overvalued.

The department filed prosecution in the Surat Court against Modi for his alleged role in the evasion of customs duty.The Chief Judicial Magistrate had issued an arrest warrant against Modi on June 22.

As he was not available at his known addresses, the court proclaimed the fugitive jeweller as an absconder.

This will enable the DRI in addition to other things to attach his properties. On October 1, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached assets worth Rs 637 crore belonging to Modi in connection with the PNB scam.

Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi have been accused of allegedly defrauding PNB of $ 2 billion.

While Choksi is in Antigua, Modi is in the United Kingdom and needs to be extradited as non-bailable warrants have been issued by different courts against him.&nbsp;

The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat, on Wednesday, issued an order declaring fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Nirav Modi as an absconder in a case filed against him by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly evading customs duty on import of diamonds and pearls.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Surat, on Wednesday, issued an order declaring fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Nirav Modi as an absconder in a case filed against him by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly evading customs duty on import of diamonds and pearls. Modi was declared an absconder under Section 82 of the code of criminal procedure in the case. A case of diversion of diamonds and pearls from Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units in Surat by Modi was booked in December 2014, by the DRI, Mumbai Zonal Unit. The case was about the diversion of duty-free imported goods by the SEZ units of Nirav Modi's companies in Surat - Firestar International Pvt. Ltd., Firestar Diamond International Pvt. Ltd. and Radashir Jewellery Comp. Pvt. Ltd. These units were allegedly into import and export of diamonds, pearls and jewellery. In the units situated at SEZ, the goods were allowed to be imported customs duty-free for the purpose of export. However, during the investigation by the DRI, it was revealed that the duty-free diamonds and pearls imported by Modi's companies were clandestinely diverted into the local market and substituted by the locally procured diamonds and pearls. The companies had allegedly paid Rs. 48.21 crores (customs duty along with interest and penalty) in that case. During the investigation, the DRI had also seized the export consignments ready for dispatch for Hong Kong and Dubai, lying at Sahar Air Cargo in Mumbai, which was highly overvalued. The department filed prosecution in the Surat Court against Modi for his alleged role in the evasion of customs duty.The Chief Judicial Magistrate had issued an arrest warrant against Modi on June 22. As he was not available at his known addresses, the court proclaimed the fugitive jeweller as an absconder. This will enable the DRI in addition to other things to attach his properties. On October 1, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached assets worth Rs 637 crore belonging to Modi in connection with the PNB scam. Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi have been accused of allegedly defrauding PNB of $ 2 billion. While Choksi is in Antigua, Modi is in the United Kingdom and needs to be extradited as non-bailable warrants have been issued by different courts against him.

Nirav Modi declared absconder in Directorate of Revenue Intelligence case

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/us-investigators-working-with-saudis-turkey-on-khashoggis-disappearance-trump-170925">US investigators working with Saudis, Turkey on Khashoggi's disappearance: Trump</a>

As the mystery deepens over the plight of missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi who disappeared after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, US President Trump said US investigators are working with Saudis and Turkey to find his whereabouts.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/us-investigators-working-with-saudis-turkey-on-khashoggis-disappearance-trump-170925">Watch: Russian Soyuz rocket makes emergency landing in Kazakhstan after lift-off to ISS</a>

The two-man crew of a Soyuz rocket are alive after they were forced to make an emergency landing Thursday following lift-off to the International Space Station, the Russian space agency said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/wt20-qualifier-nepal-bowl-out-china-for-26-chase-it-down-in-11-balls-170896">WT20 Qualifier: Nepal bowl out China for 26, chase it down in 11 balls</a>

Chinese cricket team suffered a record defeat at the hands of Nepal after being bundled out for mere 26 runs in 14.5 overs in the ICC regional qualifier clash for the upcoming World T20 in 2020.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-court-to-hear-election-challenge-on-sunday-170915">Maldives court to hear election challenge on Sunday</a>

A day after Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month, the court has decided to hear the election challenge on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-seeks-to-disturb-xinjiang-policies-170904">China says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-seeks-to-disturb-xinjiang-policies-170904">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-seeks-to-disturb-xinjiang-policies-170904"> seeks to 'disturb' Xinjiang policies</a>

China on Thursday accused the United States of seeking to "disturb" its security policies after a US congressional report said&nbsp;Beijing's mass internment of Muslim minorities&nbsp;may constitute "crimes against humanity".

US investigators working with Saudis, Turkey on Khashoggi's disappearance: Trump As the mystery deepens over the plight of missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi who disappeared after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, US President Trump said US investigators are working with Saudis and Turkey to find his whereabouts.

US investigators working with Saudis, Turkey on Khashoggi's disappearance: Trump As the mystery deepens over the plight of missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi who disappeared after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, US President Trump said US investigators are working with Saudis and Turkey to find his whereabouts. Watch: Russian Soyuz rocket makes emergency landing in Kazakhstan after lift-off to ISS The two-man crew of a Soyuz rocket are alive after they were forced to make an emergency landing Thursday following lift-off to the International Space Station, the Russian space agency said. WT20 Qualifier: Nepal bowl out China for 26, chase it down in 11 balls Chinese cricket team suffered a record defeat at the hands of Nepal after being bundled out for mere 26 runs in 14.5 overs in the ICC regional qualifier clash for the upcoming World T20 in 2020. Maldives court to hear election challenge on Sunday A day after Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month, the court has decided to hear the election challenge on Sunday. China says US seeks to 'disturb' Xinjiang policies China on Thursday accused the United States of seeking to "disturb" its security policies after a US congressional report said Beijing's mass internment of Muslim minorities may constitute "crimes against humanity".

'4th Industrial Revolution' will change the nature of jobs and provide more opportunities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he allayed fears of job loss due to technological development.&nbsp;

Speaking at the launch of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he said his government is open to policy changes to help reap benefits of the fourth industrial revolution.

While the previous industrial revolutions eluded the country, India's contribution to the 4th Industrial Revolution would be astonishing, he said.

"India was not independent when the first and second industrial revolution happened. When third industrial revolution happened, India was struggling with challenges of just attained independence," he said.

"Our diversity, our demographic potential, fast-growing market size and digital infrastructure has potential to make India a global hub for research and implementation," he said.

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, blockchain and big data hold potential to take India to new heights, the Prime Minister said.

Modi said teledensity has increased to 93 per cent and nearly 50 crore Indians now have mobiles.

India is the largest mobile data consuming country in the world and also the one with the cheapest data rates, he said, adding mobile data consumption has increased 30 times in four years.

Over 120 crore Indians have Aadhaar, he said, adding work to connect all the 2.5 lakh village panchayats with optic fibre would be completed soon.

In 2014, only 59 panchayats were connected with optic fibre while presently 1 lakh are connected, Modi said.&nbsp;

'4th Industrial Revolution' will change the nature of jobs and provide more opportunities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he allayed fears of job loss due to technological development.

'4th Industrial Revolution' will change the nature of jobs and provide more opportunities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he allayed fears of job loss due to technological development. Speaking at the launch of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he said his government is open to policy changes to help reap benefits of the fourth industrial revolution. While the previous industrial revolutions eluded the country, India's contribution to the 4th Industrial Revolution would be astonishing, he said. "India was not independent when the first and second industrial revolution happened. When third industrial revolution happened, India was struggling with challenges of just attained independence," he said. "Our diversity, our demographic potential, fast-growing market size and digital infrastructure has potential to make India a global hub for research and implementation," he said. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, blockchain and big data hold potential to take India to new heights, the Prime Minister said. Modi said teledensity has increased to 93 per cent and nearly 50 crore Indians now have mobiles. India is the largest mobile data consuming country in the world and also the one with the cheapest data rates, he said, adding mobile data consumption has increased 30 times in four years. Over 120 crore Indians have Aadhaar, he said, adding work to connect all the 2.5 lakh village panchayats with optic fibre would be completed soon. In 2014, only 59 panchayats were connected with optic fibre while presently 1 lakh are connected, Modi said.

4th Industrial Revolution to change nature of jobs: PM Modi

A student allegedly&nbsp;hurled a sandal at Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar&nbsp;but it missed the target by a few metres in Patna on Thursday, according to police.

The student was protesting against reservation. &nbsp;

The Chief Minister along with his senior ministers was present at a public function in Bapu Sabhgar when Chandan Kumar Tiwari threw the footwear at him.

Tiwari was thrashed by some Janata Dal-United workers before he was taken away and detained by the police, the report said.&nbsp;

Tiwari told the media he was against reservation and has been protesting against the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A student allegedly hurled a sandal at Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar but it missed the target by a few metres in Patna on Thursday, according to police. The student was protesting against reservation.

A student allegedly hurled a sandal at Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar but it missed the target by a few metres in Patna on Thursday, according to police. The student was protesting against reservation. The Chief Minister along with his senior ministers was present at a public function in Bapu Sabhgar when Chandan Kumar Tiwari threw the footwear at him. Tiwari was thrashed by some Janata Dal-United workers before he was taken away and detained by the police, the report said. Tiwari told the media he was against reservation and has been protesting against the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar.

Student throws sandal at Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

In pics: Odisha braves 'very severe' cyclone Titli

Indian rupee hits lifetime low, stocks tumble on global markets sell-off

A Delhi court Tuesday ordered attachment of liquor baron Vijay Mallya's properties in Bengaluru in a case relating to FERA violations.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat issued fresh directions after the Bengaluru Police, through ED's special public prosecutor N K Matta and advocate Samvedna Verma, sought more time to execute its earlier order.

The Bengaluru Police had earlier informed the court that it has identified 159 properties belonging to Mallya, but has not been able to attach any of them.

Mallya has been declared a proclaimed offender by the court on January 4 for evading its summons in the case.

The court had on 8 May directed the attachment of Mallya's properties in the case through the Bengaluru Police commissioner and sought a report on it.

It had declared Mallya a proclaimed offender for evading summons in a FERA violation case after noting that he had failed to appear despite repeated summonses.

It had on 12 April last year issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant against the liquor baron.

Unlike a non-bailable warrant, an 'open-ended NBW' does not carry a time limit for execution.

A Delhi court Tuesday ordered attachment of liquor baron Vijay Mallya's properties in Bengaluru in a case relating to FERA violations. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat issued fresh directions after the Bengaluru Police, through ED's special public prosecutor N K Matta and advocate Samvedna Verma, sought more time to execute its earlier order.

A Delhi court Tuesday ordered attachment of liquor baron Vijay Mallya's properties in Bengaluru in a case relating to FERA violations. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat issued fresh directions after the Bengaluru Police, through ED's special public prosecutor N K Matta and advocate Samvedna Verma, sought more time to execute its earlier order. The Bengaluru Police had earlier informed the court that it has identified 159 properties belonging to Mallya, but has not been able to attach any of them. Mallya has been declared a proclaimed offender by the court on January 4 for evading its summons in the case. The court had on 8 May directed the attachment of Mallya's properties in the case through the Bengaluru Police commissioner and sought a report on it. It had declared Mallya a proclaimed offender for evading summons in a FERA violation case after noting that he had failed to appear despite repeated summonses. It had on 12 April last year issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant against the liquor baron. Unlike a non-bailable warrant, an 'open-ended NBW' does not carry a time limit for execution.

Delhi court orders attachment of Mallya's properties in Bengaluru

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a quickly organised press conference, Rahul stated that Modi is a corrupt Prime Minister and claimed that he gave away Rs 30,000 crore rupees to Ambanis.

Sharpening his attack a step further, the Congress president also accused Modi of being Ambani's Prime Minister. "PM Modi Ambani ki chowkidari kar rahe hain (PM Modi is safeguarding Ambani's interest)," Rahul said.

The attack comes in the wake of a report published by a French website Mediapart which said it has accessed an internal document of French aviation major Dassault Aviation where it was being claimed that it is imperative for the company to get into a relationship with a particular Indian counterpart, in this case the Reliance Group.

Rahul also insisted that Prime Minister is directly involved in the Rafale scam and called for an investigation by joint parliamentary committee (JPC).

The Congress has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-alleges-govt-manipulated-rafale-deal-process-170698">decided to make Rafale</a> into an issue of corruption to target PM Modi. Throughout the press conference, Rahul continued to press the message that Rafale is a scam which has been instituted from top within the NDA regime. He also raised questions on defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman's visit to France.

Though French government and Dassault Aviation <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">continue to deny</a> any quid pro quo, Congress is determined to take on the government on the Rafale issue. In fact, the party has constituted a small group to focus only on the Rafale deal and turn it into an electoral issue.

Rahul Gandhi said that Dassault will say whatever the Indian government wants it to say as the company is sitting on a huge contract. Despite the best effort of the the government, controversy refuses to die down for the government which claims that it went into a deal because of urgent requirement by the Indian Air Force.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a quickly organised press conference, Rahul stated that Modi is a corrupt Prime Minister and claimed that he gave away Rs 30,000 crore rupees to Ambanis.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a quickly organised press conference, Rahul stated that Modi is a corrupt Prime Minister and claimed that he gave away Rs 30,000 crore rupees to Ambanis. Sharpening his attack a step further, the Congress president also accused Modi of being Ambani's Prime Minister. "PM Modi Ambani ki chowkidari kar rahe hain (PM Modi is safeguarding Ambani's interest)," Rahul said. The attack comes in the wake of a report published by a French website Mediapart which said it has accessed an internal document of French aviation major Dassault Aviation where it was being claimed that it is imperative for the company to get into a relationship with a particular Indian counterpart, in this case the Reliance Group. Rahul also insisted that Prime Minister is directly involved in the Rafale scam and called for an investigation by joint parliamentary committee (JPC). The Congress has decided to make Rafale into an issue of corruption to target PM Modi. Throughout the press conference, Rahul continued to press the message that Rafale is a scam which has been instituted from top within the NDA regime. He also raised questions on defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman's visit to France. Though French government and Dassault Aviation continue to deny any quid pro quo, Congress is determined to take on the government on the Rafale issue. In fact, the party has constituted a small group to focus only on the Rafale deal and turn it into an electoral issue. Rahul Gandhi said that Dassault will say whatever the Indian government wants it to say as the company is sitting on a huge contract. Despite the best effort of the the government, controversy refuses to die down for the government which claims that it went into a deal because of urgent requirement by the Indian Air Force.

Rafale deal: In a sharp attack on Modi, Rahul says PM safeguarding Ambani's interest

At least two terrorists were gunned in Handwara town of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday in an ongoing encounter between security officials and terrorists.

According to a report by ANI, arms and ammunition were recovered.&nbsp;

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Two terrorists killed in Handwara encounter. Arms and ammunition recovered. Identities of the slain terrorists are yet to be ascertained. Operation continues: J&amp;K police <a href="https://t.co/0WKsON9bEH">https://t.co/0WKsON9bEH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1050288025958150144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Identities of the slain terrorists are yet to be ascertained.

The area has now been cordoned off by the security officials.

Internet services are also suspended in the area.

As the operation is still underway,&nbsp;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.

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.

At least two terrorists were gunned in Handwara town of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday in an ongoing encounter between security officials and terrorists.

At least two terrorists were gunned in Handwara town of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday in an ongoing encounter between security officials and terrorists. According to a report by ANI, arms and ammunition were recovered. Two terrorists killed in Handwara encounter. Arms and ammunition recovered. Identities of the slain terrorists are yet to be ascertained. Operation continues: J&K police https://t.co/0WKsON9bEH — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2018 × Identities of the slain terrorists are yet to be ascertained. The area has now been cordoned off by the security officials. Internet services are also suspended in the area. As the operation is still underway, 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. 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: 2 Terrorists killed in ongoing encounter in Handwara

Self-styled godman Rampal held guilty on Thursday by Hisar Court in both cases of murder filed against him.

Heavy security measures were taken by the security officials to maintain the law and order in the district ahead of the verdict.

Section 144 has been imposed across Hisar. Around 2000 police personnel have also been deployed.

Rampal was arrested in 2014 after a tense standoff between his supporters and the police after close to 15,000 of his followers were evacuated from the sprawling ashram premises in Barnala. The stand-off had turned violent resulting in the death of five persons.

A case was registered against Rampal and his followers in 2014 under sections 186 (Obstructing a public servant in discharge of public function), 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 353 (Assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty) of the Indian Penal Code.

A separate case of rioting against Rampal and his followers was registered for rioting, unlawful assembly, disobedience to an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant and wrongfully confining any person.

He has been charged with ordering his followers to fire on villagers in 2006. One person was killed and six injured in the incident.&nbsp;

Self-styled godman Rampal held guilty on Thursday by Hisar Court in both cases of murder filed against him. Heavy security measures were taken by the security officials to maintain the law and order in the district ahead of the verdict.

Self-styled godman Rampal held guilty on Thursday by Hisar Court in both cases of murder filed against him. Heavy security measures were taken by the security officials to maintain the law and order in the district ahead of the verdict. Section 144 has been imposed across Hisar. Around 2000 police personnel have also been deployed. Rampal was arrested in 2014 after a tense standoff between his supporters and the police after close to 15,000 of his followers were evacuated from the sprawling ashram premises in Barnala. The stand-off had turned violent resulting in the death of five persons. A case was registered against Rampal and his followers in 2014 under sections 186 (Obstructing a public servant in discharge of public function), 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 353 (Assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty) of the Indian Penal Code. A separate case of rioting against Rampal and his followers was registered for rioting, unlawful assembly, disobedience to an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant and wrongfully confining any person. He has been charged with ordering his followers to fire on villagers in 2006. One person was killed and six injured in the incident.

Haryana: Self-styled godman Rampal held guilty in 2 murder cases

Cyclone ‘Titli’ makes landfall in India’s eastern coast

The Income Tax Department (ITD) Wednesday conducted searches on multiple premises linked to Delhi Transport Kailash Gahlot in connection with a tax evasion case, officials said.

They said at least 16 locations in the national capital and adjoining Gurgaon are being raided by a team of over 60 ITD sleuths and police officials.

The search teams are raiding locations in Delhi's upscale residential areas like Vasant Kunj and Defence Colony, offices and residences in Paschim Vihar, Najafgarh, Laxmi Nagar and Palam Vihar area in Gurgaon, the officials said.

The searches are being conducted as part of a tax evasion probe against two firms -- Brisk Infrastructure and Developers Pvt Ltd and Corporate International Financial Services Limited -- that are operated and owned by the family members of Gahlot, they said.&nbsp;

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1049886929062428673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The officials said multiple transactions and alleged under-reporting of profits has led the department to launch a tax evasion probe against the promoters of the two firms and their operations, they said.

While the former company is engaged in the real estate sector, the latter is said to be a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).

Gahlot is the minister for transport, law and revenue and is an Aam Admi Party (AAP) MLA from the Najafgarh Assembly Constituency.&nbsp;

The Income Tax Department (ITD) Wednesday conducted searches on multiple premises linked to Delhi Transport Kailash Gahlot in connection with a tax evasion case, officials said.

The Income Tax Department (ITD) Wednesday conducted searches on multiple premises linked to Delhi Transport Kailash Gahlot in connection with a tax evasion case, officials said. They said at least 16 locations in the national capital and adjoining Gurgaon are being raided by a team of over 60 ITD sleuths and police officials. The search teams are raiding locations in Delhi's upscale residential areas like Vasant Kunj and Defence Colony, offices and residences in Paschim Vihar, Najafgarh, Laxmi Nagar and Palam Vihar area in Gurgaon, the officials said. The searches are being conducted as part of a tax evasion probe against two firms -- Brisk Infrastructure and Developers Pvt Ltd and Corporate International Financial Services Limited -- that are operated and owned by the family members of Gahlot, they said. Income Tax Department raids 16 locations of Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot in Delhi and Gurugram. Search underway at Brisk Infrastructure and Developers Ltd&Corporate International Financial Services Ltd, at present: Income Tax Sources pic.twitter.com/G6sKYuwvSj — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2018 × The officials said multiple transactions and alleged under-reporting of profits has led the department to launch a tax evasion probe against the promoters of the two firms and their operations, they said. While the former company is engaged in the real estate sector, the latter is said to be a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). Gahlot is the minister for transport, law and revenue and is an Aam Admi Party (AAP) MLA from the Najafgarh Assembly Constituency.

IT Dept raids premises, businesses linked to Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot

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4th Industrial Revolution to change nature of jobs: PM Modi

Student throws sandal at Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

In pics: Odisha braves 'very severe' cyclone Titli

Indian rupee hits lifetime low, stocks tumble on global markets sell-off

Delhi court orders attachment of Mallya's properties in Bengaluru

Rafale deal: In a sharp attack on Modi, Rahul says PM safeguarding Ambani's interest

J&K: 2 Terrorists killed in ongoing encounter in Handwara

Haryana: Self-styled godman Rampal held guilty in 2 murder cases

Cyclone ‘Titli’ makes landfall in India’s eastern coast

IT Dept raids premises, businesses linked to Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot