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India will buy 9 million barrels of Iranian oil in November, two industry sources said, indicating the world's third-biggest oil importer will <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-wont-cut-oil-import-iran-iran-foreign-minister-167921">continue purchasing crude from the Islamic </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-wont-cut-oil-import-iran-iran-foreign-minister-167921">republic</a> despite US&nbsp;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 US," a second source said.

A US&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 US, 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 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 US," 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 US, 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 oil from Iran despite US sanctions: Sources

Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy, who was under medical observation at Ile Amsterdam after sustaining grievous injuries while participating in the Golden Globe Race, was brought to Visakhapatnam safely Saturday, a Navy statement said.

On September 21, his sailing vessel 'Thuriya' was caught in a violent storm in the South Indian Ocean.

Tomy, who had suffered severe back injury, has now been shifted to INHS Kalyani, the naval hospital of the Eastern Naval Command for observation and medical assistance as required.

"Vice Adm Karambir Singh FOC-in-C ENC briefly interacted with Cdr Tomy and enquired about his health condition and the rescue operation," the statement said.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

The 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 IN Ships Satpura and Jyoti to undertake search and rescue operations.&nbsp;

On September 24, French Fishing Vessel (FV) Osiris reached in vicinity of 'Thuriya' and carried rescue and later shifted Tomy to Ile Amsterdam for shelter.

INS Satpura, after fuelling from INS Jyoti, arrived off the Ile Amsterdam and safely evacuated Tomy using the ship's helicopter on September 28.

He was thereafter provided the requisite medical treatment on board during the passage to Visakhapatnam.&nbsp;

"The ship successfully executed 'Operation Raksham' and brought Cdr Tomy safely to Visakhapatnam displaying Indian Navy's reach, mobility and versatility to responding to the challenges of 'Search and Rescue' mission. The event is another testimony of the Indian Navy being a credible 'Net Security Provider' in the Indian Ocean Region," the statement said.

Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy, who was under medical observation at Ile Amsterdam after sustaining grievous injuries while participating in the Golden Globe Race, was brought to Visakhapatnam safely Saturday, a Navy statement said.

Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy, who was under medical observation at Ile Amsterdam after sustaining grievous injuries while participating in the Golden Globe Race, was brought to Visakhapatnam safely Saturday, a Navy statement said. On September 21, his sailing vessel 'Thuriya' was caught in a violent storm in the South Indian Ocean. Tomy, who had suffered severe back injury, has now been shifted to INHS Kalyani, the naval hospital of the Eastern Naval Command for observation and medical assistance as required. "Vice Adm Karambir Singh FOC-in-C ENC briefly interacted with Cdr Tomy and enquired about his health condition and the rescue operation," the statement said. 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 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 IN Ships Satpura and Jyoti to undertake search and rescue operations. On September 24, French Fishing Vessel (FV) Osiris reached in vicinity of 'Thuriya' and carried rescue and later shifted Tomy to Ile Amsterdam for shelter. INS Satpura, after fuelling from INS Jyoti, arrived off the Ile Amsterdam and safely evacuated Tomy using the ship's helicopter on September 28. He was thereafter provided the requisite medical treatment on board during the passage to Visakhapatnam. "The ship successfully executed 'Operation Raksham' and brought Cdr Tomy safely to Visakhapatnam displaying Indian Navy's reach, mobility and versatility to responding to the challenges of 'Search and Rescue' mission. The event is another testimony of the Indian Navy being a credible 'Net Security Provider' in the Indian Ocean Region," the statement said.

Commander Abhilash Tomy arrives in Visakhapatnam

In what seems to be a strong message by the US on India-Russia deal on 5 units of S400, the US State Department spoke to WION has said there is a strict criterion for considering a waiver.&nbsp;

According to Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which is an American law, any country has a significant transaction with Russian Defence sector can be sanctioned. But the law also has a provision for a waiver which has to be given by the President of US.

The US state department told WION, "The waiver authority is not country-specific. There are strict criteria for considering a waiver. The waiver is narrow, intended to wean countries off of Russian equipment and allow for things such as spare parts for previously-purchased equipment."

The state dept also urged all "of our allies and partners" to forgo transactions "with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)."

CAATSA law was adopted by the US Congress on July 28, 2017, and signed by President Trump August 2, 2017. Responding to a question is New Delhi concerned about US sanctions due to S400, a top govt official responded by saying "deal in national interest and S400 deal negotiation precedes CAATSA by a long period" 
&nbsp;‎ 
The Trump Administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is "new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system."

Recently, Russia's ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said, Washington's sanctions are not only unfair but aimed at driving Russia out of the Indian defence sector and its military and political space.&nbsp;

The state dept also highlighted its sanctions on China for buying S400 which "underscores the seriousness of our resolve on this issue." 
China took delivery of 10 Sukhoi fighter aircraft, specifically Su-25s, in December of 2017 and a batch of S-400 &nbsp;surface-to-air missile systems in January of this year.

But the US, many will say cant put Bejing alongside New Delhi, given the growing closeness between both the countries. The new Indo Pacific construct has brought both closer to each other. India has been increasing its defence trade with the US which currently stands at $15 billion.

In what seems to be a strong message by the US on India-Russia deal on 5 units of S400, the US State Department spoke to WION has said there is a strict criterion for considering a waiver.

In what seems to be a strong message by the US on India-Russia deal on 5 units of S400, the US State Department spoke to WION has said there is a strict criterion for considering a waiver. According to Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which is an American law, any country has a significant transaction with Russian Defence sector can be sanctioned. But the law also has a provision for a waiver which has to be given by the President of US. The US state department told WION, "The waiver authority is not country-specific. There are strict criteria for considering a waiver. The waiver is narrow, intended to wean countries off of Russian equipment and allow for things such as spare parts for previously-purchased equipment." The state dept also urged all "of our allies and partners" to forgo transactions "with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)." CAATSA law was adopted by the US Congress on July 28, 2017, and signed by President Trump August 2, 2017. Responding to a question is New Delhi concerned about US sanctions due to S400, a top govt official responded by saying "deal in national interest and S400 deal negotiation precedes CAATSA by a long period" ‎ The Trump Administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is "new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system." Recently, Russia's ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said, Washington's sanctions are not only unfair but aimed at driving Russia out of the Indian defence sector and its military and political space. The state dept also highlighted its sanctions on China for buying S400 which "underscores the seriousness of our resolve on this issue." China took delivery of 10 Sukhoi fighter aircraft, specifically Su-25s, in December of 2017 and a batch of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems in January of this year. But the US, many will say cant put Bejing alongside New Delhi, given the growing closeness between both the countries. The new Indo Pacific construct has brought both closer to each other. India has been increasing its defence trade with the US which currently stands at $15 billion.

US sanctions waiver intended to 'wean' countries like India off Russian equipment

A Delhi court today granted bail to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav and others in an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) scam case lodged by the CBI.

Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj also granted interim bail till November 19 to Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others in a money laundering case filed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to the alleged scam.

The court also directed Lalu Yadav to be produced through video conference on November 19 in the cases filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate.

The court granted bail to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav in the CBI case on a personal bond of&nbsp;Rs&nbsp;1 lakh and a surety of a like amount.

However, the regular bail was not granted to the accused in the ED case after the agency sought time to file a reply to the bail applications.

The court had on August 31 granted interim bail to the accused, except Lalu Yadav in the case filed by the CBI after the agency had sought time to file a reply today.

Earlier, the court had summoned and asked Lalu Yadav's family and all others involved to appear before it.

The case is related to alleged irregularities in granting the operational contract of two IRCTC hotels to a private firm.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav did not appear before the court on Friday since he was in a Jharkhand jail on another charge.

The CBI, which had on April 16 filed the charge sheet in the case, had said there was enough evidence against Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others.

Earlier, the CBI had informed the court that sanction has been procured from authorities concerned to prosecute Additional Member of Railway Board BK Agarwal, who was then the group general manager of the IRCTC.

Besides Lalu Yadav, and his family members, former Union minister Prem Chand Gupta and his wife Sarla Gupta and Agarwal, then managing director of IRCTC PK Goyal and then IRCTC director Rakesh Saxena were also named in the charge sheet.

The other names in the charge sheet include then group general managers of IRCTC VK&nbsp; Asthana and RK&nbsp; Goyal, and Vijay Kochhar, Vinay Kochhar, both directors of Sujata Hotels and owners of Chanakya Hotel.

Delight Marketing Company, now known as Lara Projects, and Sujata Hotels Private Limited have also been named as accused companies in the charge sheet.

The CBI had registered a case in July last year and carried out searches at 12 locations in Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar and Gurgaon in connection with the case.

The charges in the case include criminal conspiracy (120-B), cheating (420) under the Indian Penal Code and corruption, the central probe agency had said.

The Enforcement Directorate had filed a case based on the the CBI complaint.

A Delhi court today granted bail to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav and others in an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) scam case lodged by the CBI.

A Delhi court today granted bail to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav and others in an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) scam case lodged by the CBI. Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj also granted interim bail till November 19 to Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others in a money laundering case filed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to the alleged scam. The court also directed Lalu Yadav to be produced through video conference on November 19 in the cases filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate. The court granted bail to Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav in the CBI case on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and a surety of a like amount. However, the regular bail was not granted to the accused in the ED case after the agency sought time to file a reply to the bail applications. The court had on August 31 granted interim bail to the accused, except Lalu Yadav in the case filed by the CBI after the agency had sought time to file a reply today. Earlier, the court had summoned and asked Lalu Yadav's family and all others involved to appear before it. The case is related to alleged irregularities in granting the operational contract of two IRCTC hotels to a private firm. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav did not appear before the court on Friday since he was in a Jharkhand jail on another charge. The CBI, which had on April 16 filed the charge sheet in the case, had said there was enough evidence against Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others. Earlier, the CBI had informed the court that sanction has been procured from authorities concerned to prosecute Additional Member of Railway Board BK Agarwal, who was then the group general manager of the IRCTC. Besides Lalu Yadav, and his family members, former Union minister Prem Chand Gupta and his wife Sarla Gupta and Agarwal, then managing director of IRCTC PK Goyal and then IRCTC director Rakesh Saxena were also named in the charge sheet. The other names in the charge sheet include then group general managers of IRCTC VK Asthana and RK Goyal, and Vijay Kochhar, Vinay Kochhar, both directors of Sujata Hotels and owners of Chanakya Hotel. Delight Marketing Company, now known as Lara Projects, and Sujata Hotels Private Limited have also been named as accused companies in the charge sheet. The CBI had registered a case in July last year and carried out searches at 12 locations in Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar and Gurgaon in connection with the case. The charges in the case include criminal conspiracy (120-B), cheating (420) under the Indian Penal Code and corruption, the central probe agency had said. The Enforcement Directorate had filed a case based on the the CBI complaint.

Railway hotel scam: Lalu Yadav's wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi get bail

Newly-elected Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Saturday stressed the need for improving the quality of lawyers offering legal aid.

Addressing a felicitation programme organised by the Bar Council of India, Gogoi, while acknowledging the depth of legal aid, said: "In India, 67 per cent of prisoners are undertrials, out of these undertrials, almost 47 per cent are between 18-30 years, which means a large population of youth are undertrials. Quality of lawyers who are offering legal aid needs to be improved."

He also advocated for the improvement of facilities for lawyers and said that the lawyer to population ratio in India needs to grow.

"What is the lawyer population in India? About 13-14 lakh lawyers, that is not much. In the United States, there is 1 lawyer for every 200 people but in India, it is one lawyer for every 1800 people. Lawyer-population ratio has to grow," he said.

Gogoi took over as the 46th Chief Justice of India on October 3. He was administered the oath of office by President Ram Nath Kovind at a function held in Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Newly-elected Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Saturday stressed the need for improving the quality of lawyers offering legal aid. Addressing a felicitation programme organised by the Bar Council of India, Gogoi, while acknowledging the depth of legal aid, said: "In India, 67 per cent of prisoners are undertrials, out of these undertrials, almost 47 per cent are between 18-30 years, which means a large population of youth are undertrials.

Newly-elected Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Saturday stressed the need for improving the quality of lawyers offering legal aid. Addressing a felicitation programme organised by the Bar Council of India, Gogoi, while acknowledging the depth of legal aid, said: "In India, 67 per cent of prisoners are undertrials, out of these undertrials, almost 47 per cent are between 18-30 years, which means a large population of youth are undertrials. Quality of lawyers who are offering legal aid needs to be improved." He also advocated for the improvement of facilities for lawyers and said that the lawyer to population ratio in India needs to grow. "What is the lawyer population in India? About 13-14 lakh lawyers, that is not much. In the United States, there is 1 lawyer for every 200 people but in India, it is one lawyer for every 1800 people. Lawyer-population ratio has to grow," he said. Gogoi took over as the 46th Chief Justice of India on October 3. He was administered the oath of office by President Ram Nath Kovind at a function held in Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Quality of lawyers offering legal aid needs improvement: CJI Gogoi

BJP president Amit Shah today formally launched the party's mass contact campaign in the Malwa-Nimad region of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh.

Shah launched the 'Maha Jansampark Abhiyan' from the Rajwada area and sought support from the people for his party in the upcoming polls.

He garlanded a statue of Ahilyabai Holkar, a former queen of the kingdom of Malwa, in front of the historic Rajwada Palace of the erstwhile Holkar dynasty.

Shah also offered prayers at a Mahalaxmi temple located in the vicinity.

The BJP chief launched the campaign from a famous 'paan&nbsp;shop' in Rajwada and its owner offered a 'paan' to Mr Shah.

Standing on the foot-board of his vehicle, Mr Shah greeted the people gathered in the area and then travelled from Rajwada Palace to Krishnapura Chhatri, covering a distance of about half-a-kilometer.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who is the BJP MP from Indore, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other senior party leaders accompanied Mr Shah.

The mass contact programme will cover the Malwa-Nimar region of western Madhya Pradesh, an area considered a BJP bastion.

The BJP is in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003.

BJP president Amit Shah today formally launched the party's mass contact campaign in the Malwa-Nimad region of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. Shah launched the 'Maha Jansampark Abhiyan' from the Rajwada area and sought support from the people for his party in the upcoming polls.

BJP president Amit Shah today formally launched the party's mass contact campaign in the Malwa-Nimad region of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. Shah launched the 'Maha Jansampark Abhiyan' from the Rajwada area and sought support from the people for his party in the upcoming polls. He garlanded a statue of Ahilyabai Holkar, a former queen of the kingdom of Malwa, in front of the historic Rajwada Palace of the erstwhile Holkar dynasty. Shah also offered prayers at a Mahalaxmi temple located in the vicinity. The BJP chief launched the campaign from a famous 'paan shop' in Rajwada and its owner offered a 'paan' to Mr Shah. Standing on the foot-board of his vehicle, Mr Shah greeted the people gathered in the area and then travelled from Rajwada Palace to Krishnapura Chhatri, covering a distance of about half-a-kilometer. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who is the BJP MP from Indore, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other senior party leaders accompanied Mr Shah. The mass contact programme will cover the Malwa-Nimar region of western Madhya Pradesh, an area considered a BJP bastion. The BJP is in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003.

Amit Shah launches BJP's mass contact campaign in Madhya Pradesh

A Kerala court today extended the judicial custody of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun, by 14 days.

The magistrate's court in Pala in Kottayam district remanded the bishop to judicial custody till October 20.

The 54-year-old clergyman was produced before the court after the period of his judicial custody ended today.

Sources said the lawyers of the bishop were planning to approach the Kerala High Court once again, seeking bail.

The high court had dismissed Mulakkal's bail plea on Wednesday, while accepting the prosecution's argument that the accused, holding a high position in the society, would try to influence the witnesses in the case if he was granted bail.

The police had said the investigation in the case was progressing even after the arrest of the accused.

The bishop is currently lodged in a sub-jail in Pala.

In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal had raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May, 2014 and subsequently, sexually exploited her on several occasions.

The nun had said she had to approach the police as the church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman.

However, the bishop has denied the charges.

A Kerala court today extended the judicial custody of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun, by 14 days.

A Kerala court today extended the judicial custody of Roman Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a nun, by 14 days. The magistrate's court in Pala in Kottayam district remanded the bishop to judicial custody till October 20. The 54-year-old clergyman was produced before the court after the period of his judicial custody ended today. Sources said the lawyers of the bishop were planning to approach the Kerala High Court once again, seeking bail. The high court had dismissed Mulakkal's bail plea on Wednesday, while accepting the prosecution's argument that the accused, holding a high position in the society, would try to influence the witnesses in the case if he was granted bail. The police had said the investigation in the case was progressing even after the arrest of the accused. The bishop is currently lodged in a sub-jail in Pala. In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal had raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May, 2014 and subsequently, sexually exploited her on several occasions. The nun had said she had to approach the police as the church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman. However, the bishop has denied the charges.

Rape accused Bishop's judicial custody extended by 14 days

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the Modi government made false promises of turning black money into white and that farmers, Adivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited under BJP.&nbsp;

"Today, farmers, Aadivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited. One by one their rights are being taken away from them. On one side there is BJP, on the other side are the marginalised and the Congress party standing with them," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

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Today, farmers, Aadivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited. One by one their rights are being taken away from them. On one side there is BJP, on the other side are the marginalised &amp; the Congress party standing with them: Congress President <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressSankalpYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressSankalpYatra</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1048497535768096768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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His comments came during a public gathering in Morena in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh where he will address the public in Jabalpur after Morena and also perform Narmada Puja, reports said.&nbsp;

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MP: Tribals &amp; farmers in large numbers gather at Morena stadium ground for Adivasi Ekta Parishad meeting, to be addressed by Congress President Rahul Gandhi, later today. The tribals are demanding land, home under 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana' &amp; implementation of Forest Rights Act <a href="https://t.co/DgymaT3CBT">pic.twitter.com/DgymaT3CBT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1048474490546655232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Saturday, tribals and farmers in large numbers gather at Morena stadium ground for Adivasi Ekta Parishad meeting. The tribals have been demanding land, home under 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana' and implementation of Forest Rights Act, news agency ANI reported.

Gandhi said that it was the Congress who formed the Tribal Bill but the BJP has refused to implement it, adding that if they come to power they will bring the bill into force.&nbsp;

Gandhi further attacked the BJP government and said that the government helps offenders flee the country but arrest people who are fighting for their rights.

"Vijay Mallya stole Rs 10,000 crore. He fled to London the day after he met FM Arun Jaitly. No action is taken against Nirav Modi or Vijay Mallya, but a farmer protesting for a piece of his land is jailed," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

Talking&nbsp;about the Rafale deal, Gandhi said that "Rafale deal given to HAL would've created hundreds of jobs in India. But PM Modi steals this from HAL and gives the Rs 30,000 crore&nbsp;contract to Anil Ambani's company."

"Rs 30,000 crore&nbsp;given to Anil Ambani would've helped to implement MNREGA in the entire country. More than Rs 3,00,000 crore&nbsp;is written off of loans of 15-20 industrialists, but why can't the same money be used to help farmers, Adivasis?" Rahul Gandhi asked.

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₹30,000Cr given to Anil Ambani would've helped to implement MNREGA in the entire country. More than ₹3,00,000Cr is written off of loans of 15-20 industrialists, but why can't the same money be used to help farmers, Aadivasis?: CP <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressSankalpYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressSankalpYatra</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1048494983857111040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Election Commission announced the dates for Assembly elections in four states — Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Mizoram, today.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram assembly elections to be held on 28th November, Rajasthan and Telangana assembly elections to be held on 7th December and Chhattisgarh will hold elections on 12 and 20 November.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the Modi government made false promises of turning black money into white and that farmers, Adivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited under BJP.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that the Modi government made false promises of turning black money into white and that farmers, Adivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited under BJP. "Today, farmers, Aadivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited. One by one their rights are being taken away from them. On one side there is BJP, on the other side are the marginalised and the Congress party standing with them," Gandhi said. Today, farmers, Aadivasis, Dalits and minorities are exploited. One by one their rights are being taken away from them. On one side there is BJP, on the other side are the marginalised & the Congress party standing with them: Congress President @RahulGandhi #CongressSankalpYatra — Congress (@INCIndia) October 6, 2018 × His comments came during a public gathering in Morena in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh where he will address the public in Jabalpur after Morena and also perform Narmada Puja, reports said. MP: Tribals & farmers in large numbers gather at Morena stadium ground for Adivasi Ekta Parishad meeting, to be addressed by Congress President Rahul Gandhi, later today. The tribals are demanding land, home under 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana' & implementation of Forest Rights Act pic.twitter.com/DgymaT3CBT — ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2018 × On Saturday, tribals and farmers in large numbers gather at Morena stadium ground for Adivasi Ekta Parishad meeting. The tribals have been demanding land, home under 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana' and implementation of Forest Rights Act, news agency ANI reported. Gandhi said that it was the Congress who formed the Tribal Bill but the BJP has refused to implement it, adding that if they come to power they will bring the bill into force. Gandhi further attacked the BJP government and said that the government helps offenders flee the country but arrest people who are fighting for their rights. "Vijay Mallya stole Rs 10,000 crore. He fled to London the day after he met FM Arun Jaitly. No action is taken against Nirav Modi or Vijay Mallya, but a farmer protesting for a piece of his land is jailed," Gandhi said. Talking about the Rafale deal, Gandhi said that "Rafale deal given to HAL would've created hundreds of jobs in India. But PM Modi steals this from HAL and gives the Rs 30,000 crore contract to Anil Ambani's company." "Rs 30,000 crore given to Anil Ambani would've helped to implement MNREGA in the entire country. More than Rs 3,00,000 crore is written off of loans of 15-20 industrialists, but why can't the same money be used to help farmers, Adivasis?" Rahul Gandhi asked. ₹30,000Cr given to Anil Ambani would've helped to implement MNREGA in the entire country. More than ₹3,00,000Cr is written off of loans of 15-20 industrialists, but why can't the same money be used to help farmers, Aadivasis?: CP @RahulGandhi #CongressSankalpYatra — Congress (@INCIndia) October 6, 2018 × The BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003. Meanwhile, the Election Commission announced the dates for Assembly elections in four states — Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Mizoram, today. Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram assembly elections to be held on 28th November, Rajasthan and Telangana assembly elections to be held on 7th December and Chhattisgarh will hold elections on 12 and 20 November.

Adivasis, Dalits, minorities are exploited under BJP: Rahul Gandhi in Morena 

At least 15 people were killed and 19 injured when a minibus fell into a deep gorge along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near here, a senior police officer said on Saturday.

“So far, 10 bodies were retrieved from the accident site, while 15 people rushed to a hospital,” Deputy Inspector General of Police, Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban range, Rafiq-ul-Hassan said.

SSP, Ramban, Anita Sharma said the jam-packed minibus was going to Ramban from Banihal.

On reaching Kela morh near Maroof, the driver lost control and the vehicle rolled down into the 200-feet-deep gorge, she said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a>: 15 people died and 19 injured in the accident where a minibus fell into a deep gorge at Kela Moth on Jammu Srinagar National Highway while it was going from Banihal to Ramban. 8 people have been airlifted to Jammu. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/4bHMEDwqCw">pic.twitter.com/4bHMEDwqCw</a>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a>: A minibus on its way from Banihal to Ramban fell into a deep gorge at Kela Moth on Jammu Srinagar National Highway. Rescue operations underway. More details awaited. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/IDHNLFnoPU">pic.twitter.com/IDHNLFnoPU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1048446829711556608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, the death toll might go up as the rescue operation was still in progress and the condition of some of the injured was stated to be “critical”.

He said police and Army personnel, along with local volunteers, are engaged in the rescue operation.

At least 15 people were killed and 19 injured when a minibus fell into a deep gorge along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near here, a senior police officer said on Saturday.

At least 15 people were killed and 19 injured when a minibus fell into a deep gorge along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near here, a senior police officer said on Saturday. “So far, 10 bodies were retrieved from the accident site, while 15 people rushed to a hospital,” Deputy Inspector General of Police, Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban range, Rafiq-ul-Hassan said. SSP, Ramban, Anita Sharma said the jam-packed minibus was going to Ramban from Banihal. On reaching Kela morh near Maroof, the driver lost control and the vehicle rolled down into the 200-feet-deep gorge, she said. #SpotVisuals: 15 people died and 19 injured in the accident where a minibus fell into a deep gorge at Kela Moth on Jammu Srinagar National Highway while it was going from Banihal to Ramban. 8 people have been airlifted to Jammu. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/4bHMEDwqCw — ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2018 × #SpotVisuals: A minibus on its way from Banihal to Ramban fell into a deep gorge at Kela Moth on Jammu Srinagar National Highway. Rescue operations underway. More details awaited. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/IDHNLFnoPU — ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2018 × According to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, the death toll might go up as the rescue operation was still in progress and the condition of some of the injured was stated to be “critical”. He said police and Army personnel, along with local volunteers, are engaged in the rescue operation.

Jammu and Kashmir: 15 killed, 19 injured as minibus falls into gorge near Banihal

The US State Department has told WION that it urges all "allies and partners to forego transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions".&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Friday signed a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to buy the S-400 Triumf missile defence system from Russia.&nbsp;

India wishes to use the missile defence system, which will cost it over $5 billion, to bolster its defences along its China border. China already has the system.&nbsp;

The deal however could invoke sanctions by the US under CAATSA or Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. CAATSA says sanctions are to be imposed against any country getting a significant portion of its military hardware from Russia. &nbsp;

‎"We urge all of our allies and partners to forego transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions," the US State Department told WION on Saturday.&nbsp;

US lawmakers have earlier hinted that the possible sanctions against India may be waived but on Saturday the State Department told WION that there are "strict criteria for considering a waiver".&nbsp;

On Friday, the US embassy in Delhi had said the intent of CAATSA was to impose costs on Russia for "its malign behavior, including by stopping the flow of money to Russia’s defence sector".&nbsp;

The embassy had added that "CAATSA is not intended to impose damage to the military capabilities of our allies or partners".

The US State Department has told WION that it urges all "allies and partners to forego transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions". Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Friday signed a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to buy the S-400 Triumf missile defence system from Russia.

The US State Department has told WION that it urges all "allies and partners to forego transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions". Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Friday signed a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to buy the S-400 Triumf missile defence system from Russia. India wishes to use the missile defence system, which will cost it over $5 billion, to bolster its defences along its China border. China already has the system. The deal however could invoke sanctions by the US under CAATSA or Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. CAATSA says sanctions are to be imposed against any country getting a significant portion of its military hardware from Russia. ‎"We urge all of our allies and partners to forego transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions," the US State Department told WION on Saturday. US lawmakers have earlier hinted that the possible sanctions against India may be waived but on Saturday the State Department told WION that there are "strict criteria for considering a waiver". On Friday, the US embassy in Delhi had said the intent of CAATSA was to impose costs on Russia for "its malign behavior, including by stopping the flow of money to Russia’s defence sector". The embassy had added that "CAATSA is not intended to impose damage to the military capabilities of our allies or partners".

US State Dept to WION: Urge allies to forego transactions with Russia that will trigger sanctions

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Saturday that he would speak with the BSP about a possible tie-up for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh elections.&nbsp;

"Congress has made us wait for long. We will hold talks with the BSP," ANI quoted Akhilesh as saying.&nbsp;

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Congress has made us wait for long. We will hold talks with BSP : Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav on possible alliance with BSP for upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh <a href="https://t.co/wFLgQoaO67">pic.twitter.com/wFLgQoaO67</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1048479733456015360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mayawati had recently announced that she would not be partnering with the Congress in Madhya Pradesh.

The state — along with Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Mizoram — is expected to go to the polls before December this year.&nbsp;

Mayawati had also snubbed the Congress in Chhattisgarh where she has tied up with Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

Mayawati's, and now Akhilesh's announcements have been a setback for opposition unity before the 2019 general elections — which is the final goal.&nbsp;The opposition seems to believe the only way to take on the BJP in 2019 is by coming together and fielding only one opposition candidate in every seat against the ruling party.&nbsp;

That would make certain that the opposition vote is not split.&nbsp;The opposition has had some success with the strategy so far like in the Kairana (UP) Lok Sabha byelection in May this year.&nbsp;

But for now, Mayawati and perhaps Akhilesh have only said no to tie-ups for the assembly elections.&nbsp;

It remains to be seen what they will decide for the 2019 general election.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Saturday that he would speak with the BSP about a possible tie-up for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh elections. "Congress has made us wait for long.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Saturday that he would speak with the BSP about a possible tie-up for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh elections. "Congress has made us wait for long. We will hold talks with the BSP," ANI quoted Akhilesh as saying. Congress has made us wait for long. We will hold talks with BSP : Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav on possible alliance with BSP for upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh pic.twitter.com/wFLgQoaO67 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 6, 2018 × Mayawati had recently announced that she would not be partnering with the Congress in Madhya Pradesh. The state — along with Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Mizoram — is expected to go to the polls before December this year. Mayawati had also snubbed the Congress in Chhattisgarh where she has tied up with Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh. Mayawati's, and now Akhilesh's announcements have been a setback for opposition unity before the 2019 general elections — which is the final goal. The opposition seems to believe the only way to take on the BJP in 2019 is by coming together and fielding only one opposition candidate in every seat against the ruling party. That would make certain that the opposition vote is not split. The opposition has had some success with the strategy so far like in the Kairana (UP) Lok Sabha byelection in May this year. But for now, Mayawati and perhaps Akhilesh have only said no to tie-ups for the assembly elections. It remains to be seen what they will decide for the 2019 general election.

Cong has made us wait for long, will hold talks with BSP on alliance in MP: Akhilesh Yadav

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that he is prime minister of the nation, but a worker for the BJP.&nbsp;

''I am Prime Minister for the nation, but a worker for the BJP. So wherever I am invited, even if at a booth level meeting, I will be present,'' Modi said addressing a rally Ajmer's Pushkar.&nbsp;

Accusing the Opposition parties of nepotism, he said If the parties who do vote bank politics comes to power, they divide the government officers too.&nbsp;

If the parties who do vote bank politics comes to power, they divide the government officers too according to their politics and provides posts only to those who fit their vote bank politics, and thus, destroy bureaucracy, Modi said.&nbsp;

This is Modi's first political rally in Rajasthan, where Assembly polls will be held later this year.&nbsp;

Tight security arrangements have been made for the rally which is estimated to be attended by nearly three lakh people.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that he is prime minister of the nation, but a worker for the BJP. ''I am Prime Minister for the nation, but a worker for the BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that he is prime minister of the nation, but a worker for the BJP. ''I am Prime Minister for the nation, but a worker for the BJP. So wherever I am invited, even if at a booth level meeting, I will be present,'' Modi said addressing a rally Ajmer's Pushkar. Accusing the Opposition parties of nepotism, he said If the parties who do vote bank politics comes to power, they divide the government officers too. If the parties who do vote bank politics comes to power, they divide the government officers too according to their politics and provides posts only to those who fit their vote bank politics, and thus, destroy bureaucracy, Modi said. This is Modi's first political rally in Rajasthan, where Assembly polls will be held later this year. Tight security arrangements have been made for the rally which is estimated to be attended by nearly three lakh people.

I am PM for the nation, worker for the BJP: Modi in Ajmer

The Election Commission is expected to announce the poll schedules for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram today.&nbsp;

All four states are expected to go to the polls this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

PTI quoted sources as saying the elections in the four states are expected to be wrapped up by December.&nbsp;

The sources added that while Chhattisgarh is expected to go to the polls over two phases, the other states will go to the polls in one single phase.&nbsp;

The commission has called a press conference for Saturday afternoon, at which it will make the announcements.

The commission may also announce the poll schedule for Telangana at the conference.

The Election Commission however <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-questions-independence-after-ec-reschedules-press-conference-ahead-of-modi-rally-169791">came under fire</a> on Tuesday after the Congress accused it of pushing back its press conference so as to not interfere with a rally to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer, Rajasthan today.&nbsp;

The Congress's Randeep Singh Surjewala said the EC had called its press conference for 12.30 pm on Saturday. But that the commission pushed the conference back to 3 pm since a 12.30 announcement would have interfered with Modi's rally which is scheduled for 1 pm today.&nbsp;

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3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 
 
1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 
 
2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 
 
3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. 
 
Independence of ECI?
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1048445188165816320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;Parties are not allowed to make poll promises after election dates have been announced by the Election Commission.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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I am Prime Minister for the nation, but a worker for the BJP. So wherever I am invited, even if at a booth level meeting, I will be present: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer's Pushkar. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a> <a href="https://t.co/HqCf7oTLWg">pic.twitter.com/HqCf7oTLWg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1048490128270876672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I am prime minister for the nation, but a worker for the BJP. So wherever I am invited, even if at a booth level meeting, I will be present," Modi said later at his rally in Ajmer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The Election Commission is expected to announce the poll schedules for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram today. All four states are expected to go to the polls this year.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the poll schedules for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram today. All four states are expected to go to the polls this year. PTI quoted sources as saying the elections in the four states are expected to be wrapped up by December. The sources added that while Chhattisgarh is expected to go to the polls over two phases, the other states will go to the polls in one single phase. The commission has called a press conference for Saturday afternoon, at which it will make the announcements. The commission may also announce the poll schedule for Telangana at the conference. The Election Commission however came under fire on Tuesday after the Congress accused it of pushing back its press conference so as to not interfere with a rally to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer, Rajasthan today. The Congress's Randeep Singh Surjewala said the EC had called its press conference for 12.30 pm on Saturday. But that the commission pushed the conference back to 3 pm since a 12.30 announcement would have interfered with Modi's rally which is scheduled for 1 pm today. 3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. Independence of ECI? — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 6, 2018 × Parties are not allowed to make poll promises after election dates have been announced by the Election Commission. I am Prime Minister for the nation, but a worker for the BJP. So wherever I am invited, even if at a booth level meeting, I will be present: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ajmer's Pushkar. #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/HqCf7oTLWg — ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2018 × "I am prime minister for the nation, but a worker for the BJP. So wherever I am invited, even if at a booth level meeting, I will be present," Modi said later at his rally in Ajmer. (With inputs from PTI)

Election dates for MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh & Mizoram to be announced today

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Saturday said a Parliament approved legislation can restore mandatory linking of biometric ID Aadhaar with mobile phones and bank accounts, but did not say if the government will bring a new law for the same.

The Supreme Court had last month upheld the Constitutional validity of Aadhaar, the 12-digit biometric-based unique identity number, but restricted its use by private entities like telecom operators for verifying identity of mobile phone user.

Jaitley said the verdict was a "very sound judgment" as the court accepted that there is legitimate state aim in Aadhaar.

"Aadhaar is not a citizenship card," he said at the HT Leadership Summit here. "Because after all you have a system where you give a lot of government money in form of various support and subsidies to all kinds of people. That was the principle objective of Aadhaar."

The Supreme Court, he said, upheld most of what Aadhaar does.

"What had not been upheld falls in two categories. One is the principle of proportionality that Aadhaar will help in these cases and then do it by an appropriate law.

"So the whole argument which was given that private companies can't use it, there is Section 57 which says you can authorise others either by law or contract. So what has been struck down is by contract," he said.

Finance Minister said a legal provision through a legislation can restore linking of Aadhaar with mobile phones and bank accounts.

"By law it can still be done, provided you do it under the adequate provision of law and do it on the basis of that in this field it is necessary," he said.

He, however, did not say if the government plans to bring a law in Parliament for the purpose.

Jaitley said the Supreme Court has permitted Aadhaar linkage in several areas like income tax, based on "the principle of proportionality".

"If you are able to show the kind of data that in mobile telephony it (Aadhaar linkage) will help, it can happen. So mobile and bank accounts are two critical areas," he said.

The Supreme Court declared constitutional the government's extraordinary attempt to give every resident a biometric ID. It, however, drew a clear line between two kinds of use for biometric authentication -- its use for state-provided services like payment of subsidies and taxation records was declared acceptable but restricted its use as authentication tool by the private sector like telecom companies and banks.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Saturday said a Parliament approved legislation can restore mandatory linking of biometric ID Aadhaar with mobile phones and bank accounts, but did not say if the government will bring a new law for the same.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Saturday said a Parliament approved legislation can restore mandatory linking of biometric ID Aadhaar with mobile phones and bank accounts, but did not say if the government will bring a new law for the same. The Supreme Court had last month upheld the Constitutional validity of Aadhaar, the 12-digit biometric-based unique identity number, but restricted its use by private entities like telecom operators for verifying identity of mobile phone user. Jaitley said the verdict was a "very sound judgment" as the court accepted that there is legitimate state aim in Aadhaar. "Aadhaar is not a citizenship card," he said at the HT Leadership Summit here. "Because after all you have a system where you give a lot of government money in form of various support and subsidies to all kinds of people. That was the principle objective of Aadhaar." The Supreme Court, he said, upheld most of what Aadhaar does. "What had not been upheld falls in two categories. One is the principle of proportionality that Aadhaar will help in these cases and then do it by an appropriate law. "So the whole argument which was given that private companies can't use it, there is Section 57 which says you can authorise others either by law or contract. So what has been struck down is by contract," he said. Finance Minister said a legal provision through a legislation can restore linking of Aadhaar with mobile phones and bank accounts. "By law it can still be done, provided you do it under the adequate provision of law and do it on the basis of that in this field it is necessary," he said. He, however, did not say if the government plans to bring a law in Parliament for the purpose. Jaitley said the Supreme Court has permitted Aadhaar linkage in several areas like income tax, based on "the principle of proportionality". "If you are able to show the kind of data that in mobile telephony it (Aadhaar linkage) will help, it can happen. So mobile and bank accounts are two critical areas," he said. The Supreme Court declared constitutional the government's extraordinary attempt to give every resident a biometric ID. It, however, drew a clear line between two kinds of use for biometric authentication -- its use for state-provided services like payment of subsidies and taxation records was declared acceptable but restricted its use as authentication tool by the private sector like telecom companies and banks.

Banks, telcos could be allowed to use Aadhaar, says Arun Jaitley

Congress President Rahul Gandhi took <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-anil-ambani-jointly-carried-out-surgical-strike-defence-forces-rahul-gandhi">another potshot at Anil Ambani</a> on Saturday.&nbsp;

"When your BFF is the PM, you can get the 1,30,000 Cr. Rafale deal, even without relevant experience. But wait. There’s more!" Gandhi tweeted. &nbsp;

"Apparently, 400,000 JK Govt staff will also be arm twisted into buying health insurance ONLY from your company!" he added.&nbsp;

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When your BFF is the PM, you can get the 1,30,000 Cr. Rafale deal, even without relevant experience. But wait. There’s more! 
 
Apparently, 400,000 JK Govt staff will also be arm twisted into buying health insurance ONLY from your company! <a href="https://t.co/DlEOqWA2NH">https://t.co/DlEOqWA2NH</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1048440756946579456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Gandhi was referring to recent news reports saying Jammu and Kashmir government employees have been made to buy insurance from Reliance.&nbsp;

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Modi- Reliance nexus: 
 
If you want an insight into how Modi is invested to prop up Reliance, look no further than J&amp;K where all Govt employees are being forced to buy Reliance insurance policy but not Govt's LIC wd out bidding. Premium collection wd be 8000 crore per Annum! <a href="https://t.co/CX1QbhY1BK">pic.twitter.com/CX1QbhY1BK</a>
— Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) <a href="https://twitter.com/SalmanNizami_/status/1044967638818906113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The reference to the BFF was to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Gandhi has been relentlessly attacking the Modi-led NDA government and Anil Ambani over the Rafale deal. Gandhi says the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for the Rafale planes it is buying from France's Dassault Aviation.&nbsp;

He has also attacked Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence, which was chosen as Dassault's India partner. The original deal brokered by the UPA government had had the public-sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) as the India partner.&nbsp;

Reliance Defence has no experience in the defence or aerospace industry.&nbsp;

Gandhi says Reliance being made the India partner is an example of crony capitalism.&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi took another potshot at Anil Ambani on Saturday. "When your BFF is the PM, you can get the 1,30,000 Cr. Rafale deal, even without relevant experience.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi took another potshot at Anil Ambani on Saturday. "When your BFF is the PM, you can get the 1,30,000 Cr. Rafale deal, even without relevant experience. But wait. There’s more!" Gandhi tweeted. "Apparently, 400,000 JK Govt staff will also be arm twisted into buying health insurance ONLY from your company!" he added. When your BFF is the PM, you can get the 1,30,000 Cr. Rafale deal, even without relevant experience. But wait. There’s more! Apparently, 400,000 JK Govt staff will also be arm twisted into buying health insurance ONLY from your company! https://t.co/DlEOqWA2NH — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 6, 2018 × Gandhi was referring to recent news reports saying Jammu and Kashmir government employees have been made to buy insurance from Reliance. Modi- Reliance nexus: If you want an insight into how Modi is invested to prop up Reliance, look no further than J&K where all Govt employees are being forced to buy Reliance insurance policy but not Govt's LIC wd out bidding. Premium collection wd be 8000 crore per Annum! pic.twitter.com/CX1QbhY1BK — Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) September 26, 2018 × The reference to the BFF was to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gandhi has been relentlessly attacking the Modi-led NDA government and Anil Ambani over the Rafale deal. Gandhi says the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for the Rafale planes it is buying from France's Dassault Aviation. He has also attacked Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence, which was chosen as Dassault's India partner. The original deal brokered by the UPA government had had the public-sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) as the India partner. Reliance Defence has no experience in the defence or aerospace industry. Gandhi says Reliance being made the India partner is an example of crony capitalism.

Rahul Gandhi now says J&K govt employees being forced to buy Reliance insurance

Congress on Saturday questioned the independence of Election Commission of India (ECI) after it allegedly rescheduled a press conference to announce state elections.

In a tweet, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that &nbsp;ECI had announced a presser at 12.30 today to announce election dates to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ec-to-announce-poll-dates-for-mp-rajasthan-chhattisgarh-mizoram-today-169788">5 states</a>&nbsp;(the EC may announce the poll schedule for Telangana also today, along with those of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram). However, he said, the ECI suddenly changed the time of announcement and press conference to 3 pm as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer in Rajasthan at 1 pm.

Surjewala tweet asked the readers to draw their own conclusion regarding election commission's sudden change in the press conference schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 
 
1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 
 
2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 
 
3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. 
 
Independence of ECI?
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1048445188165816320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. Independence of ECI?'' read his tweet.&nbsp;

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Election commission was to announce poll dates at 12.30 pm; PM to address poll rally at 1 pm in Rajasthan. What happens next? EC postpones it’s PC to 3 pm! 😄
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) <a href="https://twitter.com/sardesairajdeep/status/1048480330758279168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Congress on Saturday questioned the independence of Election Commission of India (ECI) after it allegedly rescheduled a press conference to announce state elections.

Congress on Saturday questioned the independence of Election Commission of India (ECI) after it allegedly rescheduled a press conference to announce state elections. In a tweet, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that ECI had announced a presser at 12.30 today to announce election dates to the 5 states (the EC may announce the poll schedule for Telangana also today, along with those of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram). However, he said, the ECI suddenly changed the time of announcement and press conference to 3 pm as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer in Rajasthan at 1 pm. Surjewala tweet asked the readers to draw their own conclusion regarding election commission's sudden change in the press conference schedule. 3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. Independence of ECI? — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 6, 2018 × ''3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. Independence of ECI?'' read his tweet. Election commission was to announce poll dates at 12.30 pm; PM to address poll rally at 1 pm in Rajasthan. What happens next? EC postpones it’s PC to 3 pm! 😄 — Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) October 6, 2018 ×

Poll dates: Cong says Election Commission moved press conference because of Modi rally

A Delhi court Saturday granted bail to RJD chief Lalu Prasad's wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav and others in an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) scam case lodged by the CBI.

Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj also granted interim bail till November 19 to Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others in a money laundering case filed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to the alleged scam.

The court also directed Prasad to be produced through video conference on November 19 in the cases filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED.

The court granted bail to Rabri and Tejashwi Yadav in the CBI case on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and a surety of a like amount.

However, the regular bail was not granted to the accused in the ED case after the agency sought time to file a reply to the bail applications.

The court had earlier granted interim bail to the accused, except Prasad, on August 31 till today in the case filed by the CBI after the agency had sought time to file a reply today.

Earlier, the court had summoned and asked Prasad's family and all others involved to appear before it.&nbsp;

The case is related to alleged irregularities in granting the operational contract of two IRCTC hotels to a private firm.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Prasad did not appear before the court on Friday as he is imprisoned in a Jharkhand jail on another charge.

The CBI, which had on April 16 filed the charge sheet in the case, had said there was enough evidence against Prasad, Rabri, Tejashwi and others.

Earlier, the CBI had informed the court that sanction has been procured from authorities concerned to prosecute Additional Member of Railway Board B K Agarwal, who was then the group general manager of the IRCTC.

Besides Lalu Prasad and his family members, former Union minister Prem Chand Gupta and his wife Sarla Gupta and Agarwal, then managing director of IRCTC P K Goyal and then IRCTC director Rakesh Saxena were also named in the charge sheet.

The other names in the charge sheet include then group general managers of IRCTC V K Asthana and R K Goyal, and Vijay Kochhar, Vinay Kochhar, both directors of Sujata Hotels and owners of Chanakya Hotel.

Delight Marketing Company, now known as Lara Projects, and Sujata Hotels Private Limited have also been named as accused companies in the charge sheet.

The CBI had registered a case in July last year and carried out searches at 12 locations in Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar and Gurgaon in connection with the case.

The charges in the case include criminal conspiracy (120-B), cheating (420) under IPC and corruption, the central probe agency had said.

The ED had filed a case based on the CBI FIR.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A Delhi court Saturday granted bail to RJD chief Lalu Prasad's wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav and others in an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) scam case lodged by the CBI.

A Delhi court Saturday granted bail to RJD chief Lalu Prasad's wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav and others in an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) scam case lodged by the CBI. Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj also granted interim bail till November 19 to Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others in a money laundering case filed by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to the alleged scam. The court also directed Prasad to be produced through video conference on November 19 in the cases filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED. The court granted bail to Rabri and Tejashwi Yadav in the CBI case on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and a surety of a like amount. However, the regular bail was not granted to the accused in the ED case after the agency sought time to file a reply to the bail applications. The court had earlier granted interim bail to the accused, except Prasad, on August 31 till today in the case filed by the CBI after the agency had sought time to file a reply today. Earlier, the court had summoned and asked Prasad's family and all others involved to appear before it. The case is related to alleged irregularities in granting the operational contract of two IRCTC hotels to a private firm. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Prasad did not appear before the court on Friday as he is imprisoned in a Jharkhand jail on another charge. The CBI, which had on April 16 filed the charge sheet in the case, had said there was enough evidence against Prasad, Rabri, Tejashwi and others. Earlier, the CBI had informed the court that sanction has been procured from authorities concerned to prosecute Additional Member of Railway Board B K Agarwal, who was then the group general manager of the IRCTC. Besides Lalu Prasad and his family members, former Union minister Prem Chand Gupta and his wife Sarla Gupta and Agarwal, then managing director of IRCTC P K Goyal and then IRCTC director Rakesh Saxena were also named in the charge sheet. The other names in the charge sheet include then group general managers of IRCTC V K Asthana and R K Goyal, and Vijay Kochhar, Vinay Kochhar, both directors of Sujata Hotels and owners of Chanakya Hotel. Delight Marketing Company, now known as Lara Projects, and Sujata Hotels Private Limited have also been named as accused companies in the charge sheet. The CBI had registered a case in July last year and carried out searches at 12 locations in Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar and Gurgaon in connection with the case. The charges in the case include criminal conspiracy (120-B), cheating (420) under IPC and corruption, the central probe agency had said. The ED had filed a case based on the CBI FIR.

IRCTC scam: Bail granted to Lalu's wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Delhi on Thursday for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after which Russia and India are expected to sign the S-400 air defence system deal and a number of other pacts in key sectors such as space and energy.

The Russian President is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov among others during his two-day visit.

Live blog: Putin, PM Modi address Investor Summit

Two days ahead of the local body election in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists on Friday shot dead two civilians and injured another by firing at them.

The terrorists opened fire at the people from a&nbsp;close range in Karfali Mohalla area of Srinagar.

The state police have launched a search and rescue operation to find the terrorist&nbsp;involved in the case.&nbsp;

SSP Srinagar Imtiaz Ismail Parray said, "Two people have been killed, they had some political background, we are ascertaining more details".&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Two people have been killed, they had some political background, we are ascertaining more details: SSP Srinagar Imtiaz Ismail Parray <a href="https://t.co/tJ3XKm1jEE">pic.twitter.com/tJ3XKm1jEE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1048102144073715712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Two days ahead of the local body election in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists on Friday shot dead two civilians and injured another by firing at them. The terrorists opened fire at the people from a close range in Karfali Mohalla area of Srinagar.

Two days ahead of the local body election in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists on Friday shot dead two civilians and injured another by firing at them. The terrorists opened fire at the people from a close range in Karfali Mohalla area of Srinagar. The state police have launched a search and rescue operation to find the terrorist involved in the case. SSP Srinagar Imtiaz Ismail Parray said, "Two people have been killed, they had some political background, we are ascertaining more details". #UPDATE Two people have been killed, they had some political background, we are ascertaining more details: SSP Srinagar Imtiaz Ismail Parray pic.twitter.com/tJ3XKm1jEE — ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2018 × (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: 2 civilians killed, 1 injured as terrorists open fire in Srinagar

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in Delhi

Russia reaffirmed its "unwavering support" <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/eight-pacts-signed-after-modi-putin-summit-169627">to India for a permanent seat in an</a> 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.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-responds-to-indias-s-400-deal-with-russia-says-cant-prejudge-sanctions-decisions-169645">Also Read:&nbsp;US responds to India's S-400 deal with Russia, says can't prejudge sanctions decisions</a>

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.

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, 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;

Following wide-ranging talks between Modi and Putin on a host of global issues, the two sides declared their support to Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned national peace reconciliation process.

"Concerned with the unabated violence and severely undermined security situation in Afghanistan and its adverse effect on the region, the sides resolved to work through the Moscow Format, SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, and all other recognised formats for an early resolution to the long-term conflict in Afghanistan, end terrorist violence, external safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorists and the worsening drug problem in the country," the statement said.

Both sides called upon the international community to join efforts to thwart any external interference in Afghanistan, to restore its economy, contribute to sustaining peace and security, economic and political development of a stable, secure, united, prosperous and independent Afghanistan, it said.

The two countries will direct their activity to launch joint development and capacity building projects in Afghanistan, the statement said. 
During the talks, the two sides also discussed the situation in Syria and the Korean Peninsula.

The two leaders reaffirmed their determination to support efforts and initiatives aimed at preserving the role of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, and preventing the politicisation of the activities of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. 
&nbsp; 
Both sides also supported the idea of the establishment of regional security architecture, that provides equal and indivisible security to all countries in Asia and in the regions of Pacific and Indian Oceans.&nbsp;

They vowed to enhance interaction and coordination of efforts in the regional multilateral fora such as BRICS, G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Russia-India-China (RIC) and East Asia Summits. During the talks, India expressed its aspiration to broaden cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union.

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.

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. Also Read: US responds to India's S-400 deal with Russia, says can't prejudge sanctions decisions 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. 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, 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. Following wide-ranging talks between Modi and Putin on a host of global issues, the two sides declared their support to Afghan government's efforts towards the realisation of an Afghan-led, and Afghan-owned national peace reconciliation process. "Concerned with the unabated violence and severely undermined security situation in Afghanistan and its adverse effect on the region, the sides resolved to work through the Moscow Format, SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, and all other recognised formats for an early resolution to the long-term conflict in Afghanistan, end terrorist violence, external safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorists and the worsening drug problem in the country," the statement said. Both sides called upon the international community to join efforts to thwart any external interference in Afghanistan, to restore its economy, contribute to sustaining peace and security, economic and political development of a stable, secure, united, prosperous and independent Afghanistan, it said. The two countries will direct their activity to launch joint development and capacity building projects in Afghanistan, the statement said. During the talks, the two sides also discussed the situation in Syria and the Korean Peninsula. The two leaders reaffirmed their determination to support efforts and initiatives aimed at preserving the role of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, and preventing the politicisation of the activities of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Both sides also supported the idea of the establishment of regional security architecture, that provides equal and indivisible security to all countries in Asia and in the regions of Pacific and Indian Oceans. They vowed to enhance interaction and coordination of efforts in the regional multilateral fora such as BRICS, G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Russia-India-China (RIC) and East Asia Summits. During the talks, India expressed its aspiration to broaden cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union.

In joint statement, Russia reaffirms 'unwavering support' to India for UNSC seat

Delhi High Court on Friday acquitted TV anchor and producer&nbsp;Suhaib Ilyasi in the murder case of his wife.&nbsp;

Earlier, a trial court had sentenced him to life term for the murder.

Ilyasi approached the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court order.&nbsp;

Ilyasi, the former host of the popular crime show "India's Most Wanted", &nbsp;was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi court on December 20, 2017 for the murder of his wife Anju 17 years ago.&nbsp;

The court said Ilyasi "committed her murder and gave it a colour of suicide".&nbsp;

Right after the verdict, Ilyasi, 51, shouted that he was innocent and that the conviction was an "injustice".&nbsp;

Ilyasi was earlier charged under milder sections of the IPC, including 304 B (dowry death).

Anju's mother and sister Rashmi Singh had moved the Delhi High Court which in August 2014 ruled that Ilyasi would be tried for murder.

Delhi High Court on Friday acquitted TV anchor and producer Suhaib Ilyasi in the murder case of his wife. Earlier, a trial court had sentenced him to life term for the murder.

Delhi High Court on Friday acquitted TV anchor and producer Suhaib Ilyasi in the murder case of his wife. Earlier, a trial court had sentenced him to life term for the murder. Ilyasi approached the Delhi High Court challenging the trial court order. Ilyasi, the former host of the popular crime show "India's Most Wanted", was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi court on December 20, 2017 for the murder of his wife Anju 17 years ago. The court said Ilyasi "committed her murder and gave it a colour of suicide". Right after the verdict, Ilyasi, 51, shouted that he was innocent and that the conviction was an "injustice". Ilyasi was earlier charged under milder sections of the IPC, including 304 B (dowry death). Anju's mother and sister Rashmi Singh had moved the Delhi High Court which in August 2014 ruled that Ilyasi would be tried for murder.

TV anchor Suhaib Ilyasi acquitted in wife's murder case 

India's top biomedical research body urged the government on Friday to take immediate steps to save Asiatic lions after 23 of the endangered species died in the last three weeks, some due to a rare virus whose spread officials are scrambling to control.

Five of the Asiatic lions, the last remaining species of which live in the Gir forests of western India, were found to have died from the contagious Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a statement.

The deaths have cast a renewed spotlight on the conditions at Gir for the endangered wild cats, as many as 600 of whom live on the roughly 850 square miles-long expanse of the sanctuary that is surrounded by clusters of human settlements.

India's top court ordered to move some of the lions to a separate sanctuary in 2013 after wildlife experts and activists said the relocation was essential to protect the lions from potential calamities like disease outbreaks.

But successive local governments in Gujarat, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, have staunchly opposed the shift, and Modi himself has said the state wouldn't part with any lions because they were "the pride of Gujarat."

“I am not at all surprised, but deeply saddened by this,” said Ravi Chellam, a prominent wildlife biologist and part of a government-appointed committee to oversee the relocation.

The Supreme Court’s order needed to be urgently implemented, he said. “We are only waking up now when there is a crisis on our hands.”

Gujarat opposed the 2013 Supreme Court verdict citing a range of reasons including that breaking up the lions' tribe would be bad for their lives.

D.T. Vasavada, chief conservator of forests in the area, said on Friday he did not want to comment on the relocation as the matter was sub-judice.

"At present, our focus is on saving the lions," he said. "We are taking all precautions to avoid spread of the virus."

At least 33 other lions have been kept under isolation and are being tested for signs of the virus, Vasavada added.

The ICMR said 300 shots of a vaccine for CDV had been imported from the United States to be given to the lions as a precautionary measure, without providing further details.

It recommended that to avoid their extinction, Asiatic lions "should be placed in 2-3 different sanctuaries."

The prevalence and diversity of CDV in wildlife in India has not been studied, it said. An outbreak of the same virus in the Serengeti forests of East Africa in 1994 wiped out around 30 percent of the population of lions there.

India's top biomedical research body urged the government on Friday to take immediate steps to save Asiatic lions after 23 of the endangered species died in the last three weeks, some due to a rare virus whose spread officials are scrambling to control.

India's top biomedical research body urged the government on Friday to take immediate steps to save Asiatic lions after 23 of the endangered species died in the last three weeks, some due to a rare virus whose spread officials are scrambling to control. Five of the Asiatic lions, the last remaining species of which live in the Gir forests of western India, were found to have died from the contagious Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a statement. The deaths have cast a renewed spotlight on the conditions at Gir for the endangered wild cats, as many as 600 of whom live on the roughly 850 square miles-long expanse of the sanctuary that is surrounded by clusters of human settlements. India's top court ordered to move some of the lions to a separate sanctuary in 2013 after wildlife experts and activists said the relocation was essential to protect the lions from potential calamities like disease outbreaks. But successive local governments in Gujarat, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, have staunchly opposed the shift, and Modi himself has said the state wouldn't part with any lions because they were "the pride of Gujarat." “I am not at all surprised, but deeply saddened by this,” said Ravi Chellam, a prominent wildlife biologist and part of a government-appointed committee to oversee the relocation. The Supreme Court’s order needed to be urgently implemented, he said. “We are only waking up now when there is a crisis on our hands.” Gujarat opposed the 2013 Supreme Court verdict citing a range of reasons including that breaking up the lions' tribe would be bad for their lives. D.T. Vasavada, chief conservator of forests in the area, said on Friday he did not want to comment on the relocation as the matter was sub-judice. "At present, our focus is on saving the lions," he said. "We are taking all precautions to avoid spread of the virus." At least 33 other lions have been kept under isolation and are being tested for signs of the virus, Vasavada added. The ICMR said 300 shots of a vaccine for CDV had been imported from the United States to be given to the lions as a precautionary measure, without providing further details. It recommended that to avoid their extinction, Asiatic lions "should be placed in 2-3 different sanctuaries." The prevalence and diversity of CDV in wildlife in India has not been studied, it said. An outbreak of the same virus in the Serengeti forests of East Africa in 1994 wiped out around 30 percent of the population of lions there.

At least 23 Asiatic lions die in Gir forest, five from rare virus

Deputy Mayor of Bengaluru Ramila Umashankar passed away on Friday due to a cardiac arrest, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

44-year-old Umashankar, a leader of Janata Dal (Secular), was also a corporator from Kaveripura ward of Karnataka.

She was elected as the Deputy Mayor of Bengaluru on September 28, 2018, the report said.

Karnataka Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy expressed shock over Umashankar`s demise.

The Chief Minister remembered Umashankar as a "dedicated social worker and committed party worker. "It is shocking to learn that she is no more with us," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

Deputy Mayor of Bengaluru Ramila Umashankar passed away on Friday due to a cardiac arrest, reported news agency ANI. 44-year-old Umashankar, a leader of Janata Dal (Secular), was also a corporator from Kaveripura ward of Karnataka.

Deputy Mayor of Bengaluru Ramila Umashankar passed away on Friday due to a cardiac arrest, reported news agency ANI. 44-year-old Umashankar, a leader of Janata Dal (Secular), was also a corporator from Kaveripura ward of Karnataka. She was elected as the Deputy Mayor of Bengaluru on September 28, 2018, the report said. Karnataka Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy expressed shock over Umashankar`s demise. The Chief Minister remembered Umashankar as a "dedicated social worker and committed party worker. "It is shocking to learn that she is no more with us," he said in a statement.

Bengaluru Deputy Mayor passes away due to cardiac arrest 

The Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) today rejected Pakistan's allegation of Indian security forces using chemical weapons in Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K).

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Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal had on Thursday alleged that Indian security forces were reportedly using chemical weapons against Kashmiris in J&amp;K.&nbsp;

"Such allegations are not new and are totally unfounded," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

"We completely reject allegations made by Pakistan about the reported use of chemical weapons by the Indian security forces against Indian citizens," the MEA spokesman&nbsp;said.

India is the original signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) with the international community recognising India’s abiding commitment to the CWC which is the universal multilateral instrument prohibiting the use of chemical weapons, the MEA said, adding that India has repeatedly stated its complete opposition to the use of chemical weapons.

"It is of deep concern that Pakistan repeatedly tries to make such false allegations. They are acting in a highly irresponsible manner with the sole purpose of repeating untruths in the vain hope that the international community will start believing in their falsehood," the MEA spokesman said.

The Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) today rejected Pakistan's allegation of Indian security forces using chemical weapons in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K). Also Read: In video, terrorists in J&K order ex-sarpanch to tell son to quit police job Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal had on Thursday alleged that Indian security forces were reportedly using chemical weapons against Kashmiris in J&K.

The Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) today rejected Pakistan's allegation of Indian security forces using chemical weapons in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K). Also Read: In video, terrorists in J&K order ex-sarpanch to tell son to quit police job Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal had on Thursday alleged that Indian security forces were reportedly using chemical weapons against Kashmiris in J&K. "Such allegations are not new and are totally unfounded," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. "We completely reject allegations made by Pakistan about the reported use of chemical weapons by the Indian security forces against Indian citizens," the MEA spokesman said. India is the original signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) with the international community recognising India’s abiding commitment to the CWC which is the universal multilateral instrument prohibiting the use of chemical weapons, the MEA said, adding that India has repeatedly stated its complete opposition to the use of chemical weapons. "It is of deep concern that Pakistan repeatedly tries to make such false allegations. They are acting in a highly irresponsible manner with the sole purpose of repeating untruths in the vain hope that the international community will start believing in their falsehood," the MEA spokesman said.

Completely reject Pak allegation on security forces using chemical weapons in J&K: India

Indian buyers reduced US crude purchases and loaded up on Iranian oil ahead of the restart of US sanctions next month and as the WTI-Brent differential narrowed, according to traders and shipping intelligence firm Kpler.

US oil shipments to India fell to 84,000 barrels per day (bpd) last month, down 75 per cent from a record high of 347,000 bpd in June, Kpler data showed. India accounted for 12 percent of U.S. crude exports in June.

Last month, Indian buyers lifted purchases of Iranian crude to 502,000 bpd, up 111,000 bpd over August, in "a last gasp" of purchases "before sanctions actually hit," a US-based trader said, adding that those additional barrels displaced US crude.

Overall US exports also fell 917,000 bpd to 1.7 million bpd in the last week of September, according to the Energy Information Administration, as a stronger US dollar and Brent's premium to WTI fell, making US crude less affordable.

India, which has become a key Asian destination for U.S. crude this year, has been one of the top two buyers of Iranian crude. However, the country's refiners since June have cut purchases of Iranian crude ahead of U.S. sanctions.

US exports to all Asian countries fell 73,000 bpd to 427,000 bpd last week, while U.S. shipments to Europe dropped 102,000 bpd to 543,000 bpd, Kpler data showed.

Iran's crude exports to China also increased by 29,000 bpd to 620,000 bpd, according to Kpler, as China cut its US purchases amid an ongoing trade spat with the United States.

Indian buyers reduced US crude purchases and loaded up on Iranian oil ahead of the restart of US sanctions next month and as the WTI-Brent differential narrowed, according to traders and shipping intelligence firm Kpler.

Indian buyers reduced US crude purchases and loaded up on Iranian oil ahead of the restart of US sanctions next month and as the WTI-Brent differential narrowed, according to traders and shipping intelligence firm Kpler. US oil shipments to India fell to 84,000 barrels per day (bpd) last month, down 75 per cent from a record high of 347,000 bpd in June, Kpler data showed. India accounted for 12 percent of U.S. crude exports in June. Last month, Indian buyers lifted purchases of Iranian crude to 502,000 bpd, up 111,000 bpd over August, in "a last gasp" of purchases "before sanctions actually hit," a US-based trader said, adding that those additional barrels displaced US crude. Overall US exports also fell 917,000 bpd to 1.7 million bpd in the last week of September, according to the Energy Information Administration, as a stronger US dollar and Brent's premium to WTI fell, making US crude less affordable. India, which has become a key Asian destination for U.S. crude this year, has been one of the top two buyers of Iranian crude. However, the country's refiners since June have cut purchases of Iranian crude ahead of U.S. sanctions. US exports to all Asian countries fell 73,000 bpd to 427,000 bpd last week, while U.S. shipments to Europe dropped 102,000 bpd to 543,000 bpd, Kpler data showed. Iran's crude exports to China also increased by 29,000 bpd to 620,000 bpd, according to Kpler, as China cut its US purchases amid an ongoing trade spat with the United States.

US oil exports fall as India turns to Iran ahead of sanctions

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