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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Uttarakhand Investors Summit-2018 on Sunday.

After the inauguration, PM Modi also addressed the gathering in which he talked about the tax system of the country and said that "We have improved the tax system in the country. We are trying to make the tax system more swift and transparent."

"Doing business has become easier due to Insolvency &amp; Bankruptcy Code. The banking system has also got strengthened," he also added.

He further said that Uttarakhand is on the path of growth and has the potential to be an energy surplus state.

"Potential, policy and performance, these are the sources of progress", He said.

Along with Modi, Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat was also at the summit who said that for the past three months,&nbsp;the state is preparing for the summit.

Explain that the Uttarakhand government had been engaged in the preparations for the Investors Summit for the last 3 months.

The two-day event will conclude on Monday and Home Minister Rajnath Singh will address it on the second day.&nbsp;

Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, KJ Alphons and CR Chaudhary are also expected to participate in the sessions on different subjects.

Uttarakhand so far has generated over 70 thousand crore investment proposals during the run-up to the event; Trivendra Singh Rawat informed media. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Uttarakhand Investors Summit-2018 on Sunday. After the inauguration, PM Modi also addressed the gathering in which he talked about the tax system of the country and said that "We have improved the tax system in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Uttarakhand Investors Summit-2018 on Sunday. After the inauguration, PM Modi also addressed the gathering in which he talked about the tax system of the country and said that "We have improved the tax system in the country. We are trying to make the tax system more swift and transparent." "Doing business has become easier due to Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code. The banking system has also got strengthened," he also added. He further said that Uttarakhand is on the path of growth and has the potential to be an energy surplus state. "Potential, policy and performance, these are the sources of progress", He said. Along with Modi, Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat was also at the summit who said that for the past three months, the state is preparing for the summit. Explain that the Uttarakhand government had been engaged in the preparations for the Investors Summit for the last 3 months. The two-day event will conclude on Monday and Home Minister Rajnath Singh will address it on the second day. Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, KJ Alphons and CR Chaudhary are also expected to participate in the sessions on different subjects. Uttarakhand so far has generated over 70 thousand crore investment proposals during the run-up to the event; Trivendra Singh Rawat informed media.

We have improved the tax system in the country: PM Modi at Uttarakhand Investors' Summit

India's Strategic Forces Command Saturday successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile during night time as part of a user trial by the Army from a test range in Odisha, defence sources said.

The surface-to-surface missile, which has a strike range of 350 km, was launched from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore around 8.30 pm, they said.

Prithvi-II was previously successfully test-fired during night time on February 21 this year from the ITR at Chandipur.

The missile is capable of carrying 500 to 1,000 kilogramme of warheads and is thrusted by liquid propulsion twin engines. The state-of-the-art missile uses an advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target, they said.

The missile was randomly chosen from the production stock and the entire launch activities were carried out by the specially-formed Strategic Forces

Command of the Army and monitored by the scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of training exercise, they said.

"The missile trajectory was tracked by radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations by the DRDO along the coast of Odisha," the sources said.

The downrange teams on board the ship deployed near the designated impact point in the Bay of Bengal monitored the terminal events and splashdown.

On November 21, 2016, two Prithvi-II missiles were successfully test fired in salvo mode in quick succession from the same base.

Inducted into the Armed forces of the country in 2003, the nine-metre-tall, single-stage liquid-fuelled Prithvi-II is the first missile to have been developed by the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, the sources said.

India's Strategic Forces Command Saturday successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile during night time as part of a user trial by the Army from a test range in Odisha, defence sources said.

India's Strategic Forces Command Saturday successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile during night time as part of a user trial by the Army from a test range in Odisha, defence sources said. The surface-to-surface missile, which has a strike range of 350 km, was launched from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore around 8.30 pm, they said. Prithvi-II was previously successfully test-fired during night time on February 21 this year from the ITR at Chandipur. The missile is capable of carrying 500 to 1,000 kilogramme of warheads and is thrusted by liquid propulsion twin engines. The state-of-the-art missile uses an advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target, they said. The missile was randomly chosen from the production stock and the entire launch activities were carried out by the specially-formed Strategic Forces Command of the Army and monitored by the scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of training exercise, they said. "The missile trajectory was tracked by radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations by the DRDO along the coast of Odisha," the sources said. The downrange teams on board the ship deployed near the designated impact point in the Bay of Bengal monitored the terminal events and splashdown. On November 21, 2016, two Prithvi-II missiles were successfully test fired in salvo mode in quick succession from the same base. Inducted into the Armed forces of the country in 2003, the nine-metre-tall, single-stage liquid-fuelled Prithvi-II is the first missile to have been developed by the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, the sources said.

Successful night trial of Prithvi-II missile conducted

For India, getting a presidential waiver from the biting CAATSA sanctions might not be that easy, some American experts believe referring to the changing political dynamics within the administration and President Donald Trump's personal strong views against New Delhi's trade and tariff policies and calling it a "tariff king".

Under the CAATSA which was signed into law last year, India is subject to sanctions now that it has entered into an agreement with Russia to purchase S-400 Triumf missile defense system in USD 5.4 billion, which is considered by the US as a significant purchase.

The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA gives the Trump administration more ways to target Russia, Iran and North Korea with economic and political sanctions.

Only last month, US had used CAATSA to impose sanctions on Chinese entities for purchase of S-400. Friends of India in the US hope that New Delhi will receive a presidential waiver, given that Trump Administration has recognised India as a major defense partner and is in advance stage of selling billions of dollars' worth of equipment to India in the next few years.

Congressional sources say that both Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pushed for a presidential CAATSA waiver keeping India in mind. But the final decision will be taken by Trump, who in the last several weeks has been very critical of India's trade and tariff policies.

Last week, Trump described India as a "tariff king" and said India wants to have a trade deal with the US after he warned them of imposing additional tariffs on their imports. His latest statements have made some experts feel that the presidential waiver might not be that easy.

"At the very least, the administration will likely use the possibility of a sanctions waiver as leverage over India in other trade disputes. India may get the waiver in the end, but the administration will likely extract something for it. We just don't know what yet," a Republican Congressional watcher told PTI.

Anish Goel, who served in the Obama White House and was a key staffer of the Senate Armed Services Committee for several years, said that National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2019 does not automatically grant a waiver from sanctions for India's defense purchases from Russia.

"The language is non-country specific and merely gives the Administration the authority to grant a waiver if it desires. The ultimate decision is up to the Administration," said Goel, senior fellow at New America think-tank. 
 
"In this case, obtaining such a waiver is not a foregone conclusion. While Mattis is likely a strong supporter of granting one, and many believe he advocated for the legislation because of India's unique situation, there are others in the administration who will oppose giving India special treatment, particularly when it comes to the proliferation of the S-400. It is hard to predict whose arguments will win out," Goel told PTI in response to a question.

Bharat Gopalaswamy from Atlantic Council think tank hoped that India will finally get the presidential waiver given the strong relationship that the two countries have.

"I am hopeful that the US would grant India the necessary waiver acknowledging the fact that India is on a positive trajectory towards getting closer to the US and these issues are just a 'passing cloud'," he told PTI.

"As we are all aware, India has had a path dependency with Russia for the supply of their military hardware. While India is diversifying their sources of military supplies, in the short run, it is resorting to systems from Russia to ensure that its security is not compromised," he said.

"We have to remind ourselves that US-India relationship in this sphere is less than two decades because in 1998 India was a target of US sanctions. I also understand that India had fewer alternatives," he noted.

But some Congressional sources who closely follow the Trump Administration are quick to point towards the changing dynamics inside the administration.

Based on Mattis's strong advocacy for the CAATSA waiver authority in this year's NDAA, the Indian government likely believes that obtaining a waiver from the sanctions will be relatively straightforward, an informed Congressional source said.

"I don't know if this played any role in India's decision to move ahead with the S-400 purchase, but it's possible that India felt safe that the purchase would not harm US-India relations or incur CAATSA-related sanctions," said the source.

"However, whether India actually gets the waiver will largely be up to National Security Advisor (John) Bolton, who has long been against giving India any special treatment," sources told PTI.

"In addition, the Trump administration has stated that limiting proliferation of the S-400 missile system is one of their strategic priorities, and recently levied sanctions against China for its purchase of the S-400. It is certainly within the realm of possibilities that the administration will not look too kindly on India's actions and decide to levy sanctions against India," the Congressional source said.

"In the end, I think it will come down to who has more influence in this debate - Mattis or Bolton. (Pompeo's personal position is a bit unclear.) I don't know the answer to that question - Mattis's star seems to be fading just a touch and Bolton seems to be ascendant and taking over foreign policy formulation. So it's quite possible that India's faith in getting a waiver is mistaken," the sources said.

 
&nbsp;

For India, getting a presidential waiver from the biting CAATSA sanctions might not be that easy, some American experts believe referring to the changing political dynamics within the administration and President Donald Trump's personal strong views against New Delhi's trade and tariff policies and calling it a "tariff king".

For India, getting a presidential waiver from the biting CAATSA sanctions might not be that easy, some American experts believe referring to the changing political dynamics within the administration and President Donald Trump's personal strong views against New Delhi's trade and tariff policies and calling it a "tariff king". Under the CAATSA which was signed into law last year, India is subject to sanctions now that it has entered into an agreement with Russia to purchase S-400 Triumf missile defense system in USD 5.4 billion, which is considered by the US as a significant purchase. The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA gives the Trump administration more ways to target Russia, Iran and North Korea with economic and political sanctions. Only last month, US had used CAATSA to impose sanctions on Chinese entities for purchase of S-400. Friends of India in the US hope that New Delhi will receive a presidential waiver, given that Trump Administration has recognised India as a major defense partner and is in advance stage of selling billions of dollars' worth of equipment to India in the next few years. Congressional sources say that both Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pushed for a presidential CAATSA waiver keeping India in mind. But the final decision will be taken by Trump, who in the last several weeks has been very critical of India's trade and tariff policies. Last week, Trump described India as a "tariff king" and said India wants to have a trade deal with the US after he warned them of imposing additional tariffs on their imports. His latest statements have made some experts feel that the presidential waiver might not be that easy. "At the very least, the administration will likely use the possibility of a sanctions waiver as leverage over India in other trade disputes. India may get the waiver in the end, but the administration will likely extract something for it. We just don't know what yet," a Republican Congressional watcher told PTI. Anish Goel, who served in the Obama White House and was a key staffer of the Senate Armed Services Committee for several years, said that National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2019 does not automatically grant a waiver from sanctions for India's defense purchases from Russia. "The language is non-country specific and merely gives the Administration the authority to grant a waiver if it desires. The ultimate decision is up to the Administration," said Goel, senior fellow at New America think-tank. "In this case, obtaining such a waiver is not a foregone conclusion. While Mattis is likely a strong supporter of granting one, and many believe he advocated for the legislation because of India's unique situation, there are others in the administration who will oppose giving India special treatment, particularly when it comes to the proliferation of the S-400. It is hard to predict whose arguments will win out," Goel told PTI in response to a question. Bharat Gopalaswamy from Atlantic Council think tank hoped that India will finally get the presidential waiver given the strong relationship that the two countries have. "I am hopeful that the US would grant India the necessary waiver acknowledging the fact that India is on a positive trajectory towards getting closer to the US and these issues are just a 'passing cloud'," he told PTI. "As we are all aware, India has had a path dependency with Russia for the supply of their military hardware. While India is diversifying their sources of military supplies, in the short run, it is resorting to systems from Russia to ensure that its security is not compromised," he said. "We have to remind ourselves that US-India relationship in this sphere is less than two decades because in 1998 India was a target of US sanctions. I also understand that India had fewer alternatives," he noted. But some Congressional sources who closely follow the Trump Administration are quick to point towards the changing dynamics inside the administration. Based on Mattis's strong advocacy for the CAATSA waiver authority in this year's NDAA, the Indian government likely believes that obtaining a waiver from the sanctions will be relatively straightforward, an informed Congressional source said. "I don't know if this played any role in India's decision to move ahead with the S-400 purchase, but it's possible that India felt safe that the purchase would not harm US-India relations or incur CAATSA-related sanctions," said the source. "However, whether India actually gets the waiver will largely be up to National Security Advisor (John) Bolton, who has long been against giving India any special treatment," sources told PTI. "In addition, the Trump administration has stated that limiting proliferation of the S-400 missile system is one of their strategic priorities, and recently levied sanctions against China for its purchase of the S-400. It is certainly within the realm of possibilities that the administration will not look too kindly on India's actions and decide to levy sanctions against India," the Congressional source said. "In the end, I think it will come down to who has more influence in this debate - Mattis or Bolton. (Pompeo's personal position is a bit unclear.) I don't know the answer to that question - Mattis's star seems to be fading just a touch and Bolton seems to be ascendant and taking over foreign policy formulation. So it's quite possible that India's faith in getting a waiver is mistaken," the sources said.

Getting presidential waiver on S-400 might not be easy for India: Experts

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be wiped out from the country in about three years.

Addressing troops of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) on the occasion of their 26th-anniversary celebrations here, Singh said their action should be rapid and quick but never "reckless."

Singh, speaking at the CRPF camp here, said districts affected by Naxal violence in the country have come down to about 10-12 as compared to 126 some time back.

The day is not far, may be in a time period of 1-2 or 3 years, that the LWE will be eliminated from the country and this would happen due to your (CRPF) determination, courage and hard work and that of the state police forces, he said.

"I congratulate you on the kind of work you have done in the LWE theatre of the country," Singh said.

The minister said the force has killed 131 Maoists and militants this year while it has apprehended 1,278 of them and has effected 58 surrenders during the same time.

The home minister also asserted that Jammu and Kashmir, where the CRPF is deployed as the lead counter-militancy force, has been and will be an "inseparable" part of India.

Some youth there (J-K) have been misled into militancy, but this force has ensured security commendably, he said.

Talking about the specific role of the RAF, a special unit under the CRPF, during riots and protests, the home minister advised them to be prompt and rapid but never "reckless."

All the police forces are like civilised units and they should never do anything that will label them as "brutal."

One should know how to behave during crowd control and similar duties and should always know how much and when to use force, he said.

Singh's comments can be seen in the context of a recent incident in Uttar Pradesh's capital where a police jawan allegedly killed an unarmed MNC executive.

An RAF battalion has a strength of just over 1,000 personnel and it is equipped with gadgets and non-lethal weapons like pump action guns, tear smoke grenade launchers and others to enforce security and law and order in case of protests or riot-like situations.

The force is part of the Central Reserve Police Force, the country's largest paramilitary force or the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) with over 3 lakh personnel. It was raised and made fully operational in October, 1992. It has ten battalions (of about 10,000) based in various parts of the country in order to cut down response time to counter an incident of trouble.

The ten existing RAF battalions are based in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Aligarh, Coimbatore, Jamshedpur, Bhopal and Meerut.

Five of its new bases are in Jaipur, Varanasi, Mangalore, Hajipur(Bihar) and Nuh (Haryana).

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be wiped out from the country in about three years. Addressing troops of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) on the occasion of their 26th-anniversary celebrations here, Singh said their action should be rapid and quick but never "reckless.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday said the menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be wiped out from the country in about three years. Addressing troops of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) on the occasion of their 26th-anniversary celebrations here, Singh said their action should be rapid and quick but never "reckless." Singh, speaking at the CRPF camp here, said districts affected by Naxal violence in the country have come down to about 10-12 as compared to 126 some time back. The day is not far, may be in a time period of 1-2 or 3 years, that the LWE will be eliminated from the country and this would happen due to your (CRPF) determination, courage and hard work and that of the state police forces, he said. "I congratulate you on the kind of work you have done in the LWE theatre of the country," Singh said. The minister said the force has killed 131 Maoists and militants this year while it has apprehended 1,278 of them and has effected 58 surrenders during the same time. The home minister also asserted that Jammu and Kashmir, where the CRPF is deployed as the lead counter-militancy force, has been and will be an "inseparable" part of India. Some youth there (J-K) have been misled into militancy, but this force has ensured security commendably, he said. Talking about the specific role of the RAF, a special unit under the CRPF, during riots and protests, the home minister advised them to be prompt and rapid but never "reckless." All the police forces are like civilised units and they should never do anything that will label them as "brutal." One should know how to behave during crowd control and similar duties and should always know how much and when to use force, he said. Singh's comments can be seen in the context of a recent incident in Uttar Pradesh's capital where a police jawan allegedly killed an unarmed MNC executive. An RAF battalion has a strength of just over 1,000 personnel and it is equipped with gadgets and non-lethal weapons like pump action guns, tear smoke grenade launchers and others to enforce security and law and order in case of protests or riot-like situations. The force is part of the Central Reserve Police Force, the country's largest paramilitary force or the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) with over 3 lakh personnel. It was raised and made fully operational in October, 1992. It has ten battalions (of about 10,000) based in various parts of the country in order to cut down response time to counter an incident of trouble. The ten existing RAF battalions are based in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Aligarh, Coimbatore, Jamshedpur, Bhopal and Meerut. Five of its new bases are in Jaipur, Varanasi, Mangalore, Hajipur(Bihar) and Nuh (Haryana).

Naxalism will be eliminated from India in 3 years: Rajnath Singh

Hundreds of migrants from the Hindi heartland are fleeing Gujarat.&nbsp;

The exodus has been sparked by the rape last week of a 14-month-old baby girl, allegedly by a migrant worker from Bihar. The rape has led to retaliatory attacks on migrant workers from UP, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

News reports Sunday said at least 180 people had been arrested in the districts of Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Sabarkantha, Patan, and Mehsana for targeting migrants.&nbsp;

The reports added that police are patrolling the streets of Sabarkantha where the rape took place.&nbsp;

"In reaction to the Himmatnagar's Gambhoi rape incident, some people are targeting those who have come to Gujarat from other states. This is totally unacceptable. We have arrested more than 150 such people and are patrolling areas that have more non-Gujarati people," Gujarat Director General of Police Shivanand Jha told ANI.

The reports quoted fleeing migrants as saying the news of the rape had spread like wildfire on Facebook and over WhatsApp. And that the retaliatory attacks had begun after that.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the child, who was raped on september 28, was on Saturday discharged from a hospital in Ahmedabad. News reports Sunday said she is out of danger.&nbsp;

The suspected rapist had been arrested on September 28 itself.&nbsp;

Both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress meanwhile have called for calm.&nbsp;

Reports quoted the BJP as saying what had happened was a black spot on "our society".&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
This is unfortunate, we have never advocated violence and only talked peace.All Indians are safe in Gujarat: Alpesh Thakor,Congress MLA on allegations that he fanned violence against UP/Bihar migrants after a rape case in Sabarkantha. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/DTJiY3eYE4">pic.twitter.com/DTJiY3eYE4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1048833820789809153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress meanwhile said the anger against migrants had been caused by rising unemployment in Gujarat.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hundreds of migrants from the Hindi heartland are fleeing Gujarat. The exodus has been sparked by the rape last week of a 14-month-old baby girl, allegedly by a migrant worker from Bihar.

Hundreds of migrants from the Hindi heartland are fleeing Gujarat. The exodus has been sparked by the rape last week of a 14-month-old baby girl, allegedly by a migrant worker from Bihar. The rape has led to retaliatory attacks on migrant workers from UP, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. News reports Sunday said at least 180 people had been arrested in the districts of Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Sabarkantha, Patan, and Mehsana for targeting migrants. The reports added that police are patrolling the streets of Sabarkantha where the rape took place. "In reaction to the Himmatnagar's Gambhoi rape incident, some people are targeting those who have come to Gujarat from other states. This is totally unacceptable. We have arrested more than 150 such people and are patrolling areas that have more non-Gujarati people," Gujarat Director General of Police Shivanand Jha told ANI. The reports quoted fleeing migrants as saying the news of the rape had spread like wildfire on Facebook and over WhatsApp. And that the retaliatory attacks had begun after that. Meanwhile, the child, who was raped on september 28, was on Saturday discharged from a hospital in Ahmedabad. News reports Sunday said she is out of danger. The suspected rapist had been arrested on September 28 itself. Both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress meanwhile have called for calm. Reports quoted the BJP as saying what had happened was a black spot on "our society". This is unfortunate, we have never advocated violence and only talked peace.All Indians are safe in Gujarat: Alpesh Thakor,Congress MLA on allegations that he fanned violence against UP/Bihar migrants after a rape case in Sabarkantha. #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/DTJiY3eYE4 — ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2018 × The Congress meanwhile said the anger against migrants had been caused by rising unemployment in Gujarat.

Hindi-speaking migrants flee Gujarat after retaliatory attacks on them

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said he will become prime minister if allies want him but the first step is for all parties to get together and defeat the ruling BJP.

It's a two-stage process and a decision on who will be prime minister comes second, Gandhi said.&nbsp;

"We have had discussions with allies and what we decided is that this is a two-stage process stage -- one is to get together and defeat BJP and stage two is, once the election is over then we will decide what happens," the Congress president explained.&nbsp;

Probed further about the possibility of him becoming prime minister, Gandhi said, "If they (allies) want me, sure... I will."

The Congress chief, who was speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, answered questions on a range of issues, including his temple visits and the RSS.

Gandhi said he has been going to temples, gurdwaras and mosques for years, but the issue of his visits to temples has suddenly been publicised.&nbsp;

"I guess BJP doesn't like it. It infuriates them. BJP feels only they can go to temples, he said.

He said he has developed a thick skin. He can understand the criticism and is not disturbed by it. "My response is to listen."

"Leadership is an evolution. It is something which is constantly changing and you learn. At least in my evolution, I am going much more into listening to people and trying to understand them," Gandhi said.

He added that while he does not see India in blocks, he believes every Indian is a stakeholder.

Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and its ideological mentor RSS, Gandhi said a single, suffocating ideology is being imposed upon 1.2 billion Indians. "The ideological centre that is fighting the BJP can only be the Congress," he said.

"I am ready to take criticisms and questions. Why can't the prime minister do the same. India desperately needs healing and listening and all sections want it," he said.

Asked about the difference between his leadership style and that of his mother, Sonia Gandhi, the Congress president said, "I have learnt a lot from her, she has taught me to be patient. I used to be much more impatient. She tells me how to be patient, sometimes I tell her she is too patient."&nbsp;

"She goes by gut feeling and I go by thinking," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

He added that he now listens more, like his mother.

Replying to a question about whether there is anyone special in his life, Gandhi smiled and replied that he has a lot of special people in his life, like his mother and sister.

He also attacked the government on various fronts, including demonetisation, foreign policy and governance.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said he will become prime minister if allies want him but the first step is for all parties to get together and defeat the ruling BJP.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said he will become prime minister if allies want him but the first step is for all parties to get together and defeat the ruling BJP. It's a two-stage process and a decision on who will be prime minister comes second, Gandhi said. "We have had discussions with allies and what we decided is that this is a two-stage process stage -- one is to get together and defeat BJP and stage two is, once the election is over then we will decide what happens," the Congress president explained. Probed further about the possibility of him becoming prime minister, Gandhi said, "If they (allies) want me, sure... I will." The Congress chief, who was speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, answered questions on a range of issues, including his temple visits and the RSS. Gandhi said he has been going to temples, gurdwaras and mosques for years, but the issue of his visits to temples has suddenly been publicised. "I guess BJP doesn't like it. It infuriates them. BJP feels only they can go to temples, he said. He said he has developed a thick skin. He can understand the criticism and is not disturbed by it. "My response is to listen." "Leadership is an evolution. It is something which is constantly changing and you learn. At least in my evolution, I am going much more into listening to people and trying to understand them," Gandhi said. He added that while he does not see India in blocks, he believes every Indian is a stakeholder. Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and its ideological mentor RSS, Gandhi said a single, suffocating ideology is being imposed upon 1.2 billion Indians. "The ideological centre that is fighting the BJP can only be the Congress," he said. "I am ready to take criticisms and questions. Why can't the prime minister do the same. India desperately needs healing and listening and all sections want it," he said. Asked about the difference between his leadership style and that of his mother, Sonia Gandhi, the Congress president said, "I have learnt a lot from her, she has taught me to be patient. I used to be much more impatient. She tells me how to be patient, sometimes I tell her she is too patient." "She goes by gut feeling and I go by thinking," Gandhi said. He added that he now listens more, like his mother. Replying to a question about whether there is anyone special in his life, Gandhi smiled and replied that he has a lot of special people in his life, like his mother and sister. He also attacked the government on various fronts, including demonetisation, foreign policy and governance.

If allies want me, I will: Rahul Gandhi on becoming PM

At least 13 Army men were injured when their vehicle met with an accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district Saturday, news agency PTI reported quoting defence sources.

The Army vehicle turned turtle near Kanipora in the south Kashmir district Saturday morning, they said.

Thirteen jawans were injured and they have been taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Their condition has been stated as stable, the sources said.&nbsp;

At least 13 Army men were injured when their vehicle met with an accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district Saturday, news agency PTI reported quoting defence sources.

At least 13 Army men were injured when their vehicle met with an accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district Saturday, news agency PTI reported quoting defence sources. The Army vehicle turned turtle near Kanipora in the south Kashmir district Saturday morning, they said. Thirteen jawans were injured and they have been taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Their condition has been stated as stable, the sources said.

13 jawans injured after Army vehicle turns turtle in J&K

Days after being rescued from the Indian Ocean in a multi-nation operation, Commander Abhilash Tomy, who was under medical observation at Ile Amsterdam, was brought here safely onboard INS Satpura Saturday.

Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, briefly interacted with Commander Tomy and enquired about his health condition and the rescue operation, an ENC release said.

Tomy has now been shifted to INHS Kalyani, the naval hospital of ENC, for observation and medical assistance as required, it said.

The Commander-in-Chief also interacted with Capt Alok Ananda, the commanding officer of INS Satpura who lost his father while the ship was on operational deployment and diverted for the search and rescue operation.

Tomy was participating in the Golden Globe Race 2018 (GGR) representing India in the historic around the world race without modern navigation aids.

His sailing vessel, 'Thuriya, was dismasted on September 21 after being caught in a violent storm in the South Indian Ocean, approximately 1900 nautical miles West of Perth, Australia.

Tomy suffered a severe back injury and dropped out of the race.

The Australian Rescue Coordination Centre at Canberra coordinated the rescue mission in conjunction with many agencies including the Australian Defence Department and the Indian Navy.

The release said Indian Navy launched 'Operation Raksham' to rescue the injured officer by immediately deploying the Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I in the area staging through Mauritius for providing close support and monitoring the rescue operations and diverted INS Satpura and Jyoti to undertake rescue operations.

On September 24, French fishing vessel Osiris reached the spot where the vessel was detected and carried out a successful rescue operation and later shifted Tomy to Ile Amsterdam.

INS Satpura safely evacuated Tomy using the ship's helicopter on September 28. He was thereafter provided the requisite medical treatment onboard during the passage to Visakhapatnam, the release said.

The ship successfully executed 'Operation Raksham' and brought Cdr Tomy safely to Visakhapatnam displaying Indian Navys reach, mobility and versatility to responding to the challenges of 'search and rescue' mission, the release said.

"The event is another testimony of the Indian Navy being a credible 'Net Security Provider' in the Indian Ocean Region, it added.

Days after being rescued from the Indian Ocean in a multi-nation operation, Commander Abhilash Tomy, who was under medical observation at Ile Amsterdam, was brought here safely onboard INS Satpura Saturday.

Days after being rescued from the Indian Ocean in a multi-nation operation, Commander Abhilash Tomy, who was under medical observation at Ile Amsterdam, was brought here safely onboard INS Satpura Saturday. Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, briefly interacted with Commander Tomy and enquired about his health condition and the rescue operation, an ENC release said. Tomy has now been shifted to INHS Kalyani, the naval hospital of ENC, for observation and medical assistance as required, it said. The Commander-in-Chief also interacted with Capt Alok Ananda, the commanding officer of INS Satpura who lost his father while the ship was on operational deployment and diverted for the search and rescue operation. Tomy was participating in the Golden Globe Race 2018 (GGR) representing India in the historic around the world race without modern navigation aids. His sailing vessel, 'Thuriya, was dismasted on September 21 after being caught in a violent storm in the South Indian Ocean, approximately 1900 nautical miles West of Perth, Australia. Tomy suffered a severe back injury and dropped out of the race. The Australian Rescue Coordination Centre at Canberra coordinated the rescue mission in conjunction with many agencies including the Australian Defence Department and the Indian Navy. The release said Indian Navy launched 'Operation Raksham' to rescue the injured officer by immediately deploying the Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I in the area staging through Mauritius for providing close support and monitoring the rescue operations and diverted INS Satpura and Jyoti to undertake rescue operations. On September 24, French fishing vessel Osiris reached the spot where the vessel was detected and carried out a successful rescue operation and later shifted Tomy to Ile Amsterdam. INS Satpura safely evacuated Tomy using the ship's helicopter on September 28. He was thereafter provided the requisite medical treatment onboard during the passage to Visakhapatnam, the release said. The ship successfully executed 'Operation Raksham' and brought Cdr Tomy safely to Visakhapatnam displaying Indian Navys reach, mobility and versatility to responding to the challenges of 'search and rescue' mission, the release said. "The event is another testimony of the Indian Navy being a credible 'Net Security Provider' in the Indian Ocean Region, it added.

Navy commander Abhilash Tomy brought safely to Visakhapatnam onboard INS Satpura

The Election Commission on Saturday announced dates for the Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly elections.&nbsp;

While polls in Chhattisgarh are likely to be held in two phases, elections in the other states might see polling in one phase.

"Model Code of Conduct will be effective from today (after the press conference) in MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram as well as Telangana," said Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat.

Counting of votes in all five states will be held on December 11, 2018, the Election Commission announced in a press conference.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, &nbsp;byelection on three parliamentary seats and two assembly seats will be held on November 03.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>State</td>
			<td>Date of polling</td>
			<td>Date of vote count</td>
			<td>Number of seats</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rajasthan</td>
			<td>December 7</td>
			<td>December 11</td>
			<td>200</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Telangana</td>
			<td>December 7</td>
			<td>December 11</td>
			<td>119</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Madhya Pradesh</td>
			<td>November 28</td>
			<td>December 11</td>
			<td>230</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mizoram</td>
			<td>November 28</td>
			<td>December 11</td>
			<td>40</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chhattisgarh</td>
			<td>November 12/20</td>
			<td>December 11</td>
			<td>90</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Election Commissioner OP Rawat said that polling slips will also be issued in Braille because the poll panels aim remains to make the election process accessible to all. He said that all-women booths will also be set up where security officials will also be women.&nbsp;

Mizoram’s 40-member House expires on December 15, 2018. Chhattisgarh’s Assembly, comprising 90 members, ends on January 5, 2019. The tenure of the Madhya Pradesh 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019. The 200-member Rajasthan House expires on January 20, 2019. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao recently dissolved the House to avoid a possible clubbing of Assembly polls with the Lok Sabha elections.

These five assembly elections would be crucial for the BJP as it gears up for the Lok Sabha election next year.

The BJP is in power in three of these states — Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. While the Congress is in power in Mizoram, Telangana Rashtra Samithi was in power in Telangana before the assembly was dissolved.

The Election Commission on Saturday announced dates for the Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly elections. While polls in Chhattisgarh are likely to be held in two phases, elections in the other states might see polling in one phase.

The Election Commission on Saturday announced dates for the Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly elections. While polls in Chhattisgarh are likely to be held in two phases, elections in the other states might see polling in one phase. "Model Code of Conduct will be effective from today (after the press conference) in MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram as well as Telangana," said Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat. Counting of votes in all five states will be held on December 11, 2018, the Election Commission announced in a press conference. Meanwhile, byelection on three parliamentary seats and two assembly seats will be held on November 03. State Date of polling Date of vote count Number of seats Rajasthan December 7 December 11 200 Telangana December 7 December 11 119 Madhya Pradesh November 28 December 11 230 Mizoram November 28 December 11 40 Chhattisgarh November 12/20 December 11 90 Election Commissioner OP Rawat said that polling slips will also be issued in Braille because the poll panels aim remains to make the election process accessible to all. He said that all-women booths will also be set up where security officials will also be women. Mizoram’s 40-member House expires on December 15, 2018. Chhattisgarh’s Assembly, comprising 90 members, ends on January 5, 2019. The tenure of the Madhya Pradesh 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019. The 200-member Rajasthan House expires on January 20, 2019. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao recently dissolved the House to avoid a possible clubbing of Assembly polls with the Lok Sabha elections. These five assembly elections would be crucial for the BJP as it gears up for the Lok Sabha election next year. The BJP is in power in three of these states — Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. While the Congress is in power in Mizoram, Telangana Rashtra Samithi was in power in Telangana before the assembly was dissolved.

EC announces dates for Assembly polls in five states, results on December 11

The bodies of a retired Andhra judge and his wife were on Friday found on the railway tracks near Tirupati.&nbsp;

Police said the judge had thrown himself in front of a train, and that his wife followed suit a few hours later.&nbsp;

Police identified the retired additional district judge as Pamuluru Sudhaka and his wife as Varalakshmi. They were 62 and 56. News reports Saturday said their bodies were recovered from the railway tracks near Chadalavada Engineering College in Renigunta, 10 km from Tirupati.&nbsp;

The reports quoted the judge's suicide note as saying he was no longer able to bear the trauma of the kidney disease he was suffering from, which is why he was ending his life.&nbsp;

Police said that on hearing the news, the judge's son and daughter, Sandeep and Sabitha, both of whom are software professionals in Bengaluru, rushed home.&nbsp;

Varalakshmi on the other hand visited the spot and took the same extreme step as her husband.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The bodies of a retired Andhra judge and his wife were on Friday found on the railway tracks near Tirupati. Police said the judge had thrown himself in front of a train, and that his wife followed suit a few hours later.

The bodies of a retired Andhra judge and his wife were on Friday found on the railway tracks near Tirupati. Police said the judge had thrown himself in front of a train, and that his wife followed suit a few hours later. Police identified the retired additional district judge as Pamuluru Sudhaka and his wife as Varalakshmi. They were 62 and 56. News reports Saturday said their bodies were recovered from the railway tracks near Chadalavada Engineering College in Renigunta, 10 km from Tirupati. The reports quoted the judge's suicide note as saying he was no longer able to bear the trauma of the kidney disease he was suffering from, which is why he was ending his life. Police said that on hearing the news, the judge's son and daughter, Sandeep and Sabitha, both of whom are software professionals in Bengaluru, rushed home. Varalakshmi on the other hand visited the spot and took the same extreme step as her husband.

Retired Andhra judge throws himself in front of train, wife follows a few hours later

Election Commission announces poll dates for five states, counting on December 11

 Western Railway lost linen worth 2.5 crores last year

Delhi's air quality worsens

EC announces dates for Assembly polls in five states

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said the government is at war with its own people as it wants to impose "one imagination" on 1.3 billion Indians.

He also said aspiration is turning into anger and hatred due to unfulfilled promises.

Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, Gandhi said, India has been imagined and re-imagined for centuries and those courageous men and women who fought for country's liberty imagined a nation where all its children would be free, and where none would be discriminated on the basis of their caste, gender, religion or creed.&nbsp;

They imagined a tolerant and fair India, who would force no agenda on any of its friends or neighbours but guide them along the path that we had travelled: one of unity and brotherhood, Gandhi said.&nbsp;

"The Indian government has gone to war with its own people because it wants to impose one imagination on 1.3 billion of us. It wants to impose one singular, suffocating memory on our 1.3 billion memories," he said at the event.&nbsp;

Noting that the work of imagination is never over as it is always in constant flow and flux, he lamented that what one sees today is not a re-imagining."It is a defaming, a maligning of the Indian imagination."&nbsp;

He alleged that farmers are committing suicide by the thousands, the economy is decimated, the rupee "is on its knees", petrol prices at all-time high, the stock market has imploded and with Rs 12 lakh crore NPAs, the banking system is "jammed shut".&nbsp;

The informal sector, he said, was decimated as a result of demonetisation and an extremely complex multi-layered GST has led to small and medium businesses wiped out.

"Public confidence is in tatters. This my friends is the price of hatred. Aspiration is turning into anger," he noted.&nbsp;

Gandhi said Dalits and tribals are agitating across the country and minorities are under vicious attack, while those who criticised the prime minister are sacked.

"Fresh thinking is unwelcome," he said, adding that those in power hate thinkers like Raghuram Rajan, Amartya Sen, while institutions are being "destroyed".

"Today in India the fear is palpable. And while India burns, all they do is talk but their slogans. But their slogans have a shelf life: Make in India. Startup India. Clean India. What exactly have they translated into? Nothing.&nbsp;

"Because the people in charge are convinced that they have a monopoly on knowledge. They are convinced that only they understand. That no one in this country understands anything about India or the dreams of its people except them," he said.&nbsp;

The Congress chief said his career in politics has been about fighting for and alongside India's most vulnerable and told the gathering that he wants to be a mirror for their aspirations and voices. "I want to fight for you too", he said, adding that he has a record of delivering in the past.

"Everyone in India is a stakeholder - all of us, rich or poor, weak or strong, north or south, east or west, every voice is a part of the harmony that makes India. We don't subscribe to black or white ideologies, we don't believe in binaries. India is a partnership between all its people," he said.

Noting that "We must re-imagine that old India", he ended his brief speech at the summit with Rabindranath Tagore's poem, "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high. Where knowledge is free. Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls."

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said the government is at war with its own people as it wants to impose "one imagination" on 1.3 billion Indians. He also said aspiration is turning into anger and hatred due to unfulfilled promises.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said the government is at war with its own people as it wants to impose "one imagination" on 1.3 billion Indians. He also said aspiration is turning into anger and hatred due to unfulfilled promises. Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, Gandhi said, India has been imagined and re-imagined for centuries and those courageous men and women who fought for country's liberty imagined a nation where all its children would be free, and where none would be discriminated on the basis of their caste, gender, religion or creed. They imagined a tolerant and fair India, who would force no agenda on any of its friends or neighbours but guide them along the path that we had travelled: one of unity and brotherhood, Gandhi said. "The Indian government has gone to war with its own people because it wants to impose one imagination on 1.3 billion of us. It wants to impose one singular, suffocating memory on our 1.3 billion memories," he said at the event. Noting that the work of imagination is never over as it is always in constant flow and flux, he lamented that what one sees today is not a re-imagining."It is a defaming, a maligning of the Indian imagination." He alleged that farmers are committing suicide by the thousands, the economy is decimated, the rupee "is on its knees", petrol prices at all-time high, the stock market has imploded and with Rs 12 lakh crore NPAs, the banking system is "jammed shut". The informal sector, he said, was decimated as a result of demonetisation and an extremely complex multi-layered GST has led to small and medium businesses wiped out. "Public confidence is in tatters. This my friends is the price of hatred. Aspiration is turning into anger," he noted. Gandhi said Dalits and tribals are agitating across the country and minorities are under vicious attack, while those who criticised the prime minister are sacked. "Fresh thinking is unwelcome," he said, adding that those in power hate thinkers like Raghuram Rajan, Amartya Sen, while institutions are being "destroyed". "Today in India the fear is palpable. And while India burns, all they do is talk but their slogans. But their slogans have a shelf life: Make in India. Startup India. Clean India. What exactly have they translated into? Nothing. "Because the people in charge are convinced that they have a monopoly on knowledge. They are convinced that only they understand. That no one in this country understands anything about India or the dreams of its people except them," he said. The Congress chief said his career in politics has been about fighting for and alongside India's most vulnerable and told the gathering that he wants to be a mirror for their aspirations and voices. "I want to fight for you too", he said, adding that he has a record of delivering in the past. "Everyone in India is a stakeholder - all of us, rich or poor, weak or strong, north or south, east or west, every voice is a part of the harmony that makes India. We don't subscribe to black or white ideologies, we don't believe in binaries. India is a partnership between all its people," he said. Noting that "We must re-imagine that old India", he ended his brief speech at the summit with Rabindranath Tagore's poem, "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high. Where knowledge is free. Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls."

Government is at war with its own people: Rahul Gandhi

After the government announced Rs 2.5 excise duty cut on petrol and diesel on Thursday, petrol prices increased marginally on Saturday.&nbsp;

Petrol is being sold at Rs 87.15 per litre in Mumbai, an increase of Rs 0.18 while diesel price came down by Rs 0.70 at Rs 76.75.&nbsp;

In Delhi, the cost of a litre petrol is 81.68 per litre, an increase by Rs 0.18 while price of diesel has gone up by Rs 0.19 paise and selling at Rs 73.24.&nbsp;

Consumers received some relief from skyrocketing fuel prices when the central government cut excise duty on fuel by Rs 2.50 per litre on Thursday. Modi government also asked state governments to slash taxes by an equal margin. While several BJP-ruled states obliged, others refused by&nbsp;saying they had already cut VAT on fuel.&nbsp;

There is also a raging debate over the most-recent price cut with BJP president Amit Shah saying that it reflects how this government is sensitive to the needs of the people. Congress countered by saying that the reduced prices are like 'putting band-aid after inflicting a thousand cuts.'

After the government announced Rs 2.5 excise duty cut on petrol and diesel on Thursday, petrol prices increased marginally on Saturday. Petrol is being sold at Rs 87.

After the government announced Rs 2.5 excise duty cut on petrol and diesel on Thursday, petrol prices increased marginally on Saturday. Petrol is being sold at Rs 87.15 per litre in Mumbai, an increase of Rs 0.18 while diesel price came down by Rs 0.70 at Rs 76.75. In Delhi, the cost of a litre petrol is 81.68 per litre, an increase by Rs 0.18 while price of diesel has gone up by Rs 0.19 paise and selling at Rs 73.24. Consumers received some relief from skyrocketing fuel prices when the central government cut excise duty on fuel by Rs 2.50 per litre on Thursday. Modi government also asked state governments to slash taxes by an equal margin. While several BJP-ruled states obliged, others refused by saying they had already cut VAT on fuel. There is also a raging debate over the most-recent price cut with BJP president Amit Shah saying that it reflects how this government is sensitive to the needs of the people. Congress countered by saying that the reduced prices are like 'putting band-aid after inflicting a thousand cuts.'

Petrol prices rise again, diesel falls marginally in Mumbai

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/backing-from-senators-puts-kavanaugh-on-track-for-us-supreme-court-169715">Backing from senators puts Trump nominee Brett Kavanaugh on track for US Supreme Court</a>

President Donald Trump's nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, looked headed for a lifetime job on the US Supreme Court on Friday after two crucial senators said that sexual misconduct accusations against the judge would not prevent them from voting to confirm him.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-keep-buying-iranian-oil-despite-us-sanctions-sources-169718">India to keep buying oil from Iran despite US sanctions: Sources</a>

India will buy 9 million barrels of Iranian oil in November, two industry sources said, indicating the world's third-biggest oil importer will continue purchasing crude from the Islamic republic despite US sanctions coming into force on November 4.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-divided-un-china-quietly-blazes-path-to-power-169721">In divided UN, China quietly blazes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-divided-un-china-quietly-blazes-path-to-power-169721">path</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-divided-un-china-quietly-blazes-path-to-power-169721"> to power</a>

Criticised by the White House for&nbsp;alleged interference in US politics, China has quietly blazed a path at the United Nations where it is, little by little, becoming one of the most influential members.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-economy-booms-as-elections-near-but-who-gets-credit-169720">US economy booms as elections near, but who gets credit?</a>

Forecasts point to solid chances that Democrats could wrest control of the House of Representatives away from Republicans, drastically shifting the political landscape in Washington.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-joint-statement-russia-reaffirms-unwavering-support-to-india-for-unsc-seat-169714">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-joint-statement-russia-reaffirms-unwavering-support-to-india-for-unsc-seat-169714">joint</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-joint-statement-russia-reaffirms-unwavering-support-to-india-for-unsc-seat-169714"> statement, Russia reaffirms 'unwavering support' to India for UNSC seat</a>

Russia reaffirmed its "unwavering support" to India for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council as both nations called for reform of the powerful UN organ to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges. 
&nbsp;

Backing from senators puts Trump nominee Brett Kavanaugh on track for US Supreme Court President Donald Trump's nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, looked headed for a lifetime job on the US Supreme Court on Friday after two crucial senators said that sexual misconduct accusations against the judge would not prevent them from voting to confirm him.

Backing from senators puts Trump nominee Brett Kavanaugh on track for US Supreme Court President Donald Trump's nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, looked headed for a lifetime job on the US Supreme Court on Friday after two crucial senators said that sexual misconduct accusations against the judge would not prevent them from voting to confirm him. India to keep buying oil from Iran despite US sanctions: Sources India will buy 9 million barrels of Iranian oil in November, two industry sources said, indicating the world's third-biggest oil importer will continue purchasing crude from the Islamic republic despite US sanctions coming into force on November 4. In divided UN, China quietly blazes path to power Criticised by the White House for alleged interference in US politics, China has quietly blazed a path at the United Nations where it is, little by little, becoming one of the most influential members. US economy booms as elections near, but who gets credit? Forecasts point to solid chances that Democrats could wrest control of the House of Representatives away from Republicans, drastically shifting the political landscape in Washington. In joint statement, Russia reaffirms 'unwavering support' to India for UNSC seat Russia reaffirmed its "unwavering support" to India for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council as both nations called for reform of the powerful UN organ to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Social networking platform Facebook Saturday said it will encourage engagement between people and political leaders on its platform for 'free and fair election' and deploy task force to check hate speeches during polls.

"We want our platform to support free and fair election and positive civic engagement. We welcome people to engage with their political leaders but we don't want people to abuse that," Facebook Vice President for Public&nbsp;Policy EMEA Richard Allan told reporters.

The company has faced criticism for misuse of its platform for manipulating views during elections, spreading hate speech etc.

Facebook has come up with a policy around hate speech under which it removes content that intends to spread hate speech and violence etc. 
Allan said that the abuse differs from country to country but principle is same, and Facebook is accordingly fine-tuning its policy to address the issue.

"When we see elections coming up, obviously India is top of mind, biggest democracy in the world, so we have a task force working on that -security specialist, content specialist. We trying to understand what is possible form of abuse in India versus UK versus any other country," he said.

Assembly elections are due in five states --Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.

Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, the Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Assembly elections will be held on November 28. Assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7.

Facebook blocks content using automation as well as through experts after scrutinising it. The social media major has developed its guidelines based on feedback from local community experts.

"We have a general policy that applies all across the world. As we have looked issues in different country, one of the things that came out was that there is a view that hate speech is directed against people in India, in particular, and Indians outside India also. They may direct hate speech against each other on the basis of ...Caste," Allan said.

He said that one should not carry out hate speech attack based on gender, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religion etc.

Allan said that attacking a concept or saying someone that he doesn't like a religion is not a hate speech. However, one can not say that he hates followers of that religion or concept.

"Trust is very clear distinction between not liking a concept, not liking an idea. Some people find that controversial. They feel attacking religion is same as attacking the same as followers," Allan said.

He said that the company has policy against excessively violent content and hate speech.

"You can show images to raise awareness about violence, You can't show the image to encourage more violence. Video would not be allowed to be shown if it is hate crime, somebody is killing someone because of their religion and there is any sense that person is trying to encourage more people to do the same. That will be a very very serious breach of the policy," Allan said.

Facebook executive claimed that the company has developed good capacity to remove terrorist content, child abuse images and other images that cannot be legally shared through automation.

Facebook has plans to have around 20,000 people working across different aspect of building the automation tools, security and content review to check hate speech.

"When we got an election coming up, we will pull together specialists to work with political parties to understand... We will pull together security specialists. We will pull together people from our community operations team to check the standards are working well," Allan said.

Facebook is working on features to enhance transparency on political advertisements on its platform during Indian elections by March. Allan said that phase one of the plan has been already implemented in India.

"What the task force is trying to do is to make sure we don't miss things (abusive content) because we have seen in the past that we have missed things. In the run-up to US elections, there were things happening on the service issue, we didn't respond. It is really about making sure, in Indian context in particular, we are not missing things," Allan said.&nbsp;

Social networking platform Facebook Saturday said it will encourage engagement between people and political leaders on its platform for 'free and fair election' and deploy task force to check hate speeches during polls.

Social networking platform Facebook Saturday said it will encourage engagement between people and political leaders on its platform for 'free and fair election' and deploy task force to check hate speeches during polls. "We want our platform to support free and fair election and positive civic engagement. We welcome people to engage with their political leaders but we don't want people to abuse that," Facebook Vice President for Public Policy EMEA Richard Allan told reporters. The company has faced criticism for misuse of its platform for manipulating views during elections, spreading hate speech etc. Facebook has come up with a policy around hate speech under which it removes content that intends to spread hate speech and violence etc. Allan said that the abuse differs from country to country but principle is same, and Facebook is accordingly fine-tuning its policy to address the issue. "When we see elections coming up, obviously India is top of mind, biggest democracy in the world, so we have a task force working on that -security specialist, content specialist. We trying to understand what is possible form of abuse in India versus UK versus any other country," he said. Assembly elections are due in five states --Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram. Chhattisgarh will go to the polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, the Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Assembly elections will be held on November 28. Assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7. Facebook blocks content using automation as well as through experts after scrutinising it. The social media major has developed its guidelines based on feedback from local community experts. "We have a general policy that applies all across the world. As we have looked issues in different country, one of the things that came out was that there is a view that hate speech is directed against people in India, in particular, and Indians outside India also. They may direct hate speech against each other on the basis of ...Caste," Allan said. He said that one should not carry out hate speech attack based on gender, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religion etc. Allan said that attacking a concept or saying someone that he doesn't like a religion is not a hate speech. However, one can not say that he hates followers of that religion or concept. "Trust is very clear distinction between not liking a concept, not liking an idea. Some people find that controversial. They feel attacking religion is same as attacking the same as followers," Allan said. He said that the company has policy against excessively violent content and hate speech. "You can show images to raise awareness about violence, You can't show the image to encourage more violence. Video would not be allowed to be shown if it is hate crime, somebody is killing someone because of their religion and there is any sense that person is trying to encourage more people to do the same. That will be a very very serious breach of the policy," Allan said. Facebook executive claimed that the company has developed good capacity to remove terrorist content, child abuse images and other images that cannot be legally shared through automation. Facebook has plans to have around 20,000 people working across different aspect of building the automation tools, security and content review to check hate speech. "When we got an election coming up, we will pull together specialists to work with political parties to understand... We will pull together security specialists. We will pull together people from our community operations team to check the standards are working well," Allan said. Facebook is working on features to enhance transparency on political advertisements on its platform during Indian elections by March. Allan said that phase one of the plan has been already implemented in India. "What the task force is trying to do is to make sure we don't miss things (abusive content) because we have seen in the past that we have missed things. In the run-up to US elections, there were things happening on the service issue, we didn't respond. It is really about making sure, in Indian context in particular, we are not missing things," Allan said.

Facebook to deploy task force in upcoming Indian elections to check hate speech

A 63-year-old jeweller was abducted from Lucknow on September 28 while returning from his shop. He was taken to Nepal and is currently under police custody.&nbsp;

The person has been identified as Kishorilal Soni.&nbsp;

A case of kidnapping under section 364 of IPC (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder) has been registered at the Madiyava police station here.&nbsp;

On September 29, the victim`s family received a call from Nepal stating that he was being placed under police custody.&nbsp;

A similar call from Nepal was received by Lucknow Police, who were informed that Soni is under arrest in connection with a murder and robbery case.&nbsp;

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Lucknow confirmed the news and said, "On 29 September, a case was registered under section 364 of Indian Penal Code pertaining to kidnapping or abducting in order to murder at Madiyava Police Station of the city. During the probe, CCTV footage of incident emerged. After the incident, victim`s family received calls from Nepal, stating he was being placed under police custody."&nbsp;

"As per Nepal police, in 2004, his daughter was married in Nepal. In the year 2006, there was a big incident of robbery and murder at Nepal`s Newdeep Jewellers. As per our information, he has been taken into custody in connection with the same incident. This being an international incident now, we have involved different concerned entities of the Central government and are in touch with Nepal embassy. We are conducting a detailed investigation in the matter of Kidnapping and are looking for the vehicle that has been used in the kidnapping. Further investigation is underway and action will be initiated as necessary," he added.&nbsp;

The entire episode of kidnapping was caught on a CCTV camera. In the footage it can be seen how two men shove Soni inside a car, while another man, who arrived at the crime spot moments later flees away, takes away his scooter.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Vikas Soni, the son of the Lucknow jeweller, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj urging an impartial probe by higher officials in the case.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A 63-year-old jeweller was abducted from Lucknow on September 28 while returning from his shop. He was taken to Nepal and is currently under police custody. The person has been identified as Kishorilal Soni.

A 63-year-old jeweller was abducted from Lucknow on September 28 while returning from his shop. He was taken to Nepal and is currently under police custody. The person has been identified as Kishorilal Soni. A case of kidnapping under section 364 of IPC (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder) has been registered at the Madiyava police station here. On September 29, the victim`s family received a call from Nepal stating that he was being placed under police custody. A similar call from Nepal was received by Lucknow Police, who were informed that Soni is under arrest in connection with a murder and robbery case. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Lucknow confirmed the news and said, "On 29 September, a case was registered under section 364 of Indian Penal Code pertaining to kidnapping or abducting in order to murder at Madiyava Police Station of the city. During the probe, CCTV footage of incident emerged. After the incident, victim`s family received calls from Nepal, stating he was being placed under police custody." "As per Nepal police, in 2004, his daughter was married in Nepal. In the year 2006, there was a big incident of robbery and murder at Nepal`s Newdeep Jewellers. As per our information, he has been taken into custody in connection with the same incident. This being an international incident now, we have involved different concerned entities of the Central government and are in touch with Nepal embassy. We are conducting a detailed investigation in the matter of Kidnapping and are looking for the vehicle that has been used in the kidnapping. Further investigation is underway and action will be initiated as necessary," he added. The entire episode of kidnapping was caught on a CCTV camera. In the footage it can be seen how two men shove Soni inside a car, while another man, who arrived at the crime spot moments later flees away, takes away his scooter. Meanwhile, Vikas Soni, the son of the Lucknow jeweller, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj urging an impartial probe by higher officials in the case.

Jeweller abducted from Lucknow, found in custody of Nepal Police

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday said he has written to his counterparts of different states seeking support to stall the proposed amendments by the BJP-led central government to the Electricity Act, 2003 in the Rajya Sabha.

Addressing a public rally in northwest Delhi's Rohini, Kejriwal said that he will travel to different states from next week to meet respective chief ministers and convince them to stand together to stall the bill so that it is not passed before the Lok Sabha elections.

"I have written to chief ministers of different states on the dangers of the proposed amendment and how it will break the back of the common man. I have urged them to stand against the proposed amendments," he said.

Kejriwal said he would meet several chief ministers, including Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), N Chandra Babu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh), Pinarayi Vijayan (Kerala) and HD

Kumaraswamy (Karnataka), for consensus against the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act.

The AAP national convener's move comes at a time when the Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to be held next year. It is also seen to unite opposition parties against the

Bharatiya Janata Party. The Aam Aadmi Party is gearing up for the general elections.

He alleged that the Modi government is going to introduce the amendment in the Winter Session of Parliament which will "break" the back of the common man as the power tariffs would be "unaffordable" after it is passed.

According to the Delhi chief minister, the proposed amendment aims at phasing out the cross subsidy, which will mean that power tariffs of the common man will be the same as of the commercial and industrial units.

"This would lead to huge increase in tariffs across the country immediately for small and medium domestic consumers as well as farmers, who account for nearly 90 per cent of all consumers," a statement quoted Kejriwal as saying at the public rally.

He said that Delhi citizens, who use up to 200 units, are currently charged Rs 1 per unit, while those using up to 400 units are charged Rs 2.50 per unit.&nbsp;

Kejriwal claimed that once the proposed amendment is done, both the categories will have to pay Rs 7.50 per unit, adding that this would hit hard around 90 per cent of all consumers in Delhi.

Last week, Kejriwal had said the amendments proposed by it to the Electricity Act, 2003 were "very dangerous" and aimed at benefitting "a few power companies" at the cost of the poor people and farmers of the country.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday said he has written to his counterparts of different states seeking support to stall the proposed amendments by the BJP-led central government to the Electricity Act, 2003 in the Rajya Sabha.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday said he has written to his counterparts of different states seeking support to stall the proposed amendments by the BJP-led central government to the Electricity Act, 2003 in the Rajya Sabha. Addressing a public rally in northwest Delhi's Rohini, Kejriwal said that he will travel to different states from next week to meet respective chief ministers and convince them to stand together to stall the bill so that it is not passed before the Lok Sabha elections. "I have written to chief ministers of different states on the dangers of the proposed amendment and how it will break the back of the common man. I have urged them to stand against the proposed amendments," he said. Kejriwal said he would meet several chief ministers, including Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), N Chandra Babu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh), Pinarayi Vijayan (Kerala) and HD Kumaraswamy (Karnataka), for consensus against the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act. The AAP national convener's move comes at a time when the Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to be held next year. It is also seen to unite opposition parties against the Bharatiya Janata Party. The Aam Aadmi Party is gearing up for the general elections. He alleged that the Modi government is going to introduce the amendment in the Winter Session of Parliament which will "break" the back of the common man as the power tariffs would be "unaffordable" after it is passed. According to the Delhi chief minister, the proposed amendment aims at phasing out the cross subsidy, which will mean that power tariffs of the common man will be the same as of the commercial and industrial units. "This would lead to huge increase in tariffs across the country immediately for small and medium domestic consumers as well as farmers, who account for nearly 90 per cent of all consumers," a statement quoted Kejriwal as saying at the public rally. He said that Delhi citizens, who use up to 200 units, are currently charged Rs 1 per unit, while those using up to 400 units are charged Rs 2.50 per unit. Kejriwal claimed that once the proposed amendment is done, both the categories will have to pay Rs 7.50 per unit, adding that this would hit hard around 90 per cent of all consumers in Delhi. Last week, Kejriwal had said the amendments proposed by it to the Electricity Act, 2003 were "very dangerous" and aimed at benefitting "a few power companies" at the cost of the poor people and farmers of the country.

Have written to various CMs to stand against amendments proposed to Electricity Act: Kejriwal

Russia Friday reaffirmed its "unwavering support" to India for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council as both nations called for reform of the powerful UN organ to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges.

The strong backing by Russia was expressed in the joint statement issued after the 19th India-Russia summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here.

Russia and India also underlined the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear programme in order to support international peace and security, to strengthen non-proliferation regime and to develop normal economic cooperation with Iran.

The statement assumes significance amid US' warning to all purchasers of Iranian oil to bring it down to zero by November 4 or face imminent sanctions from it.&nbsp;

The two sides called for all issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme to be resolved peacefully and through dialogue.

Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump had pulled the US out of a nuclear agreement that the administration of former President Barack Obama had signed with Iran.

During the talks here, Russia and India also reaffirmed their commitment to their special and privileged strategic partnership and asserted that this relationship was an important factor for global peace and stability.

The two sides reaffirmed the need to reform the UN Security Council to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges, said the statement titled, 'India-Russia: an Enduring Partnership in a Changing World'.

"Russia reiterated its unwavering support to India for Permanent Membership in an expanded UNSC. Both sides resolved to work closely to ensure peace, security and equitable development both regionally and globally and to coordinate their efforts to address challenges to the stability of the world order," it said.

Currently, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US.&nbsp;

Russia Friday reaffirmed its "unwavering support" to India for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council as both nations called for reform of the powerful UN organ to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges.

Russia Friday reaffirmed its "unwavering support" to India for a permanent seat in an expanded UN Security Council as both nations called for reform of the powerful UN organ to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges. The strong backing by Russia was expressed in the joint statement issued after the 19th India-Russia summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here. Russia and India also underlined the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear programme in order to support international peace and security, to strengthen non-proliferation regime and to develop normal economic cooperation with Iran. The statement assumes significance amid US' warning to all purchasers of Iranian oil to bring it down to zero by November 4 or face imminent sanctions from it. The two sides called for all issues related to the Iranian nuclear programme to be resolved peacefully and through dialogue. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump had pulled the US out of a nuclear agreement that the administration of former President Barack Obama had signed with Iran. During the talks here, Russia and India also reaffirmed their commitment to their special and privileged strategic partnership and asserted that this relationship was an important factor for global peace and stability. The two sides reaffirmed the need to reform the UN Security Council to better reflect the current world order and make it more effective in dealing with emerging global challenges, said the statement titled, 'India-Russia: an Enduring Partnership in a Changing World'. "Russia reiterated its unwavering support to India for Permanent Membership in an expanded UNSC. Both sides resolved to work closely to ensure peace, security and equitable development both regionally and globally and to coordinate their efforts to address challenges to the stability of the world order," it said. Currently, the five veto-wielding permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US.

Russia reiterates support for India's permanent seat in UNSC

India will buy 9 million barrels of Iranian oil in November, two industry sources said, indicating the world`s third-biggest oil importer will continue purchasing crude from the Islamic Republic despite US sanctions coming into force on Nov. 4.

"Refiners have placed November nominations to lift 1.25 million tonnes (about 9 million barrels) of oil from Iran," one of the sources said.

Indian Oil Corp will lift 6 million barrels of Iranian oil and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd 3 million barrels, the source told Reuters.

The United States plans to impose new sanctions targeting Iran`s oil sector on Nov. 4 to try to stop the country`s involvement in conflicts in Syria and Iraq and bring Tehran to the negotiating table over its ballistic missile programme.

The sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media. Indian Oil and Mangalore Refinery did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"India is continuing with its relationship with both its key energy partners Iran and the U.S.," a second source said.

A US government official said the Trump administration is "in the midst of an internal process" of considering waivers for countries that are reducing imports of Iranian crude. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in India last month that the Trump administration would consider waivers for Iranian oil buyers such as India but they must eventually bring the imports to zero.&nbsp;

Indian refiners imported around 10 million barrels of Iranian oil in October, and its November shipments are expected to be lower.

In the previous round of sanctions from 2012 to 2015, India continued to buy Iranian crude although it had to cut purchases significantly to protect its wider exposure to the U.S. financial system.&nbsp;

India`s foreign minister said in May it abides only by sanctions imposed by the United Nations and not those imposed by any other country.

With the European Union considering the creation of a "special purpose vehicle" before November to facilitate trade with Iran, India hopes to find a way to settle payments to Tehran.

"Previously there was no European channel," the second source said. "This time Europe is not working with the U.S., so we intend to evolve a mechanism."

India, Iran`s top client after China, has close diplomatic ties with Iran, where it is building a strategic port called Chabahar that is expected to be operational by 2019. At the same time, India is closely working with the United States to further its strategic interests.

"It is still early to say how India will settle its trade with Iran," the first source said, adding that India could consider paying Iran for crude with the rupee currency. 
&nbsp;

India will buy 9 million barrels of Iranian oil in November, two industry sources said, indicating the world`s third-biggest oil importer will continue purchasing crude from the Islamic Republic despite US sanctions coming into force on Nov.

India will buy 9 million barrels of Iranian oil in November, two industry sources said, indicating the world`s third-biggest oil importer will continue purchasing crude from the Islamic Republic despite US sanctions coming into force on Nov. 4. "Refiners have placed November nominations to lift 1.25 million tonnes (about 9 million barrels) of oil from Iran," one of the sources said. Indian Oil Corp will lift 6 million barrels of Iranian oil and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd 3 million barrels, the source told Reuters. The United States plans to impose new sanctions targeting Iran`s oil sector on Nov. 4 to try to stop the country`s involvement in conflicts in Syria and Iraq and bring Tehran to the negotiating table over its ballistic missile programme. The sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media. Indian Oil and Mangalore Refinery did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "India is continuing with its relationship with both its key energy partners Iran and the U.S.," a second source said. A US government official said the Trump administration is "in the midst of an internal process" of considering waivers for countries that are reducing imports of Iranian crude. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in India last month that the Trump administration would consider waivers for Iranian oil buyers such as India but they must eventually bring the imports to zero. Indian refiners imported around 10 million barrels of Iranian oil in October, and its November shipments are expected to be lower. In the previous round of sanctions from 2012 to 2015, India continued to buy Iranian crude although it had to cut purchases significantly to protect its wider exposure to the U.S. financial system. India`s foreign minister said in May it abides only by sanctions imposed by the United Nations and not those imposed by any other country. With the European Union considering the creation of a "special purpose vehicle" before November to facilitate trade with Iran, India hopes to find a way to settle payments to Tehran. "Previously there was no European channel," the second source said. "This time Europe is not working with the U.S., so we intend to evolve a mechanism." India, Iran`s top client after China, has close diplomatic ties with Iran, where it is building a strategic port called Chabahar that is expected to be operational by 2019. At the same time, India is closely working with the United States to further its strategic interests. "It is still early to say how India will settle its trade with Iran," the first source said, adding that India could consider paying Iran for crude with the rupee currency.

India to keep buying Iranian oil despite US sanctions: Report

Welcoming the announcement of polling dates for five states, the BJP expressed confidence Saturday that it will register a "record victory" in the elections and retain power in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

Senior BJP leader and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Bharatiya Janata Party will have a record victory on the basis of its hard work and development measures besides the performance of its governments in the three states.

He also mocked his party's principal challenger, the Congress, saying it failed miserably in its efforts to forge an alliance against the BJP for the state polls.

It is not in the Congress's DNA to create, maintain and sustain the "gathbandhan Dharma", Prasad said, adding that it is only for a family, a reference to the Gandhi dynasty.

Lauding the performance of the party's three state governments, he said a new state like Chhattisgarh has become a "model of development" in the country.

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh were "bimaru" states under the Congress rule but have scaled great heights of development in agriculture, infrastructure, digitisation and investment.

The Election Commission announced that assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will be held between November 12 and December 7.

While Chhattisgarh will go to polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram will be held on November 28.

Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said.

Counting of votes will be taken up together in all the five states on December 11, he added.

Welcoming the announcement of polling dates for five states, the BJP expressed confidence Saturday that it will register a "record victory" in the elections and retain power in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

Welcoming the announcement of polling dates for five states, the BJP expressed confidence Saturday that it will register a "record victory" in the elections and retain power in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Senior BJP leader and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Bharatiya Janata Party will have a record victory on the basis of its hard work and development measures besides the performance of its governments in the three states. He also mocked his party's principal challenger, the Congress, saying it failed miserably in its efforts to forge an alliance against the BJP for the state polls. It is not in the Congress's DNA to create, maintain and sustain the "gathbandhan Dharma", Prasad said, adding that it is only for a family, a reference to the Gandhi dynasty. Lauding the performance of the party's three state governments, he said a new state like Chhattisgarh has become a "model of development" in the country. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh were "bimaru" states under the Congress rule but have scaled great heights of development in agriculture, infrastructure, digitisation and investment. The Election Commission announced that assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana will be held between November 12 and December 7. While Chhattisgarh will go to polls in two phases on November 12 and 20, elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram will be held on November 28. Polling in Rajasthan and Telangana will be held on December 7, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said. Counting of votes will be taken up together in all the five states on December 11, he added.

We will have a record victory in state polls: BJP

An Indian bus driver who let a monkey behind the wheel of his vehicle was suspended Saturday after a video of the incident went viral, sparking outrage and humour.

The 36-year-old driver is seen smiling and patting the langur monkey as it sits atop the wheel of the moving bus in footage shot by a passenger. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Viral video from Karnataka's Davanagere of a KSRTC bus driver driving with a Langur perched on the steering wheel. The bus driver has been suspended for endangering the lives of the passengers. <a href="https://t.co/RexZAfKZdr">pic.twitter.com/RexZAfKZdr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1048449639052201984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Driver M Prakash has been taken off duty for allowing the monkey to sit on the steering wheel and handle it," TS Latha, a spokesperson for the government's road transport corporation in southern Karnataka state told AFP.

"Passengers' safety is paramount and the driver cannot risk it by allowing a monkey on the steering."

The incident took place Monday but authorities only learnt of it after the video was shared on social media, Latha added.

There were around 30 on the bus at the time and none of them complained.&nbsp;

Local media reports say the langur boarded with a passenger and was at the wheel for almost ten minutes.&nbsp;

The bus was on its regular trip around Davangere, around 170 miles (270 kilometres) from regional capital Bangalore, when the incident took place.&nbsp;

"So sweet. Why suspend. He should have been warned not to repeat this," tweeted Parag Heda. &nbsp;

Another local quipped that the driver was in the wrong profession.&nbsp;

"Good that action is taken and he suspended, but clearly he is in wrong job. This man is a sensitive animal lover (see how langur trusts him) and could be an asset in wildlife-related jobs," he said. &nbsp;

The state transport authority said an investigation was being conducted.&nbsp;

An Indian bus driver who let a monkey behind the wheel of his vehicle was suspended Saturday after a video of the incident went viral, sparking outrage and humour.

An Indian bus driver who let a monkey behind the wheel of his vehicle was suspended Saturday after a video of the incident went viral, sparking outrage and humour. The 36-year-old driver is seen smiling and patting the langur monkey as it sits atop the wheel of the moving bus in footage shot by a passenger. #WATCH Viral video from Karnataka's Davanagere of a KSRTC bus driver driving with a Langur perched on the steering wheel. The bus driver has been suspended for endangering the lives of the passengers. pic.twitter.com/RexZAfKZdr — ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2018 × "Driver M Prakash has been taken off duty for allowing the monkey to sit on the steering wheel and handle it," TS Latha, a spokesperson for the government's road transport corporation in southern Karnataka state told AFP. "Passengers' safety is paramount and the driver cannot risk it by allowing a monkey on the steering." The incident took place Monday but authorities only learnt of it after the video was shared on social media, Latha added. There were around 30 on the bus at the time and none of them complained. Local media reports say the langur boarded with a passenger and was at the wheel for almost ten minutes. The bus was on its regular trip around Davangere, around 170 miles (270 kilometres) from regional capital Bangalore, when the incident took place. "So sweet. Why suspend. He should have been warned not to repeat this," tweeted Parag Heda. Another local quipped that the driver was in the wrong profession. "Good that action is taken and he suspended, but clearly he is in wrong job. This man is a sensitive animal lover (see how langur trusts him) and could be an asset in wildlife-related jobs," he said. The state transport authority said an investigation was being conducted.

India suspends bus driver for letting a monkey 'drive'

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK leader O&nbsp;Panneerselvam on Friday lashed out at Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader TTV Dhinakaran and said that the latter was practising low-level politics.&nbsp;

The AIADMK leader also dismissed TTV claims that at a secret meeting, he plotted Edappadi K. Palaniswami's ouster as Tamil Nadu chief minister.&nbsp;

The statement by Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister comes after AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran alleged that O Panneerselvam had met him in July last year and wanted to sabotage the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister EPS.&nbsp;

Panneerselvam clarified that he is not planning to topple the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led state government.&nbsp;

While addressing a presser, he also berated Dhinakaran and accused him of indulging in low-level politics.&nbsp;

Panneerselvam said, "I am continuing a Dharamyudha to keep out Sasikala family from both the Party and the government. I met him (TTV Dhinakaran) only after our common friend arranged a meeting. I thought he might have changed but he is continuing with low-level politics."

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam on Friday lashed out at Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader TTV Dhinakaran and said that the latter was practising low-level politics.

Former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam on Friday lashed out at Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader TTV Dhinakaran and said that the latter was practising low-level politics. The AIADMK leader also dismissed TTV claims that at a secret meeting, he plotted Edappadi K. Palaniswami's ouster as Tamil Nadu chief minister. The statement by Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister comes after AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran alleged that O Panneerselvam had met him in July last year and wanted to sabotage the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister EPS. Panneerselvam clarified that he is not planning to topple the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led state government. While addressing a presser, he also berated Dhinakaran and accused him of indulging in low-level politics. Panneerselvam said, "I am continuing a Dharamyudha to keep out Sasikala family from both the Party and the government. I met him (TTV Dhinakaran) only after our common friend arranged a meeting. I thought he might have changed but he is continuing with low-level politics."

Panneerselvam dismisses Dhinakaran claims, denies plot to overthrow EPS

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