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Travellers will soon be able to enter airports in the country with facial recognition biometric under the government's Digi Yatra initiative.

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said the initiative would be "forward-looking and futuristic" and would be launched soon.

He also said it would be voluntary for passengers on whether to opt for facial recognition biometric for air travel.

Digi Yatra initiative seeks to promote paperless and hassle-free air travel.

It is biometrics-based digital processing system for passenger entry and related requirements at the airport.

The Digi Yatra platform would be operational by February 2019, according to the ministry.&nbsp;

Travellers will soon be able to enter airports in the country with facial recognition biometric under the government's Digi Yatra initiative. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said the initiative would be "forward-looking and futuristic" and would be launched soon.

Travellers will soon be able to enter airports in the country with facial recognition biometric under the government's Digi Yatra initiative. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said the initiative would be "forward-looking and futuristic" and would be launched soon. He also said it would be voluntary for passengers on whether to opt for facial recognition biometric for air travel. Digi Yatra initiative seeks to promote paperless and hassle-free air travel. It is biometrics-based digital processing system for passenger entry and related requirements at the airport. The Digi Yatra platform would be operational by February 2019, according to the ministry.

Soon, face recognition to allow flyers to enter airports: Civil Aviation Minister

Islamabad is seeking an American role in facilitating <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-imran-writes-to-modi-calls-for-resuming-comprehensive-bilateral-dialogue-process-166775">talks between India and Pakistan</a> because the two neighbouring countries are not engaging bilaterally, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said, warning that absence of such a facilitation could lead to escalation of tension.

But the latest Pakistani request in this regard has again been rejected by the US, the top Pakistani diplomat told a Washington audience on Wednesday, a day after he had meetings with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton, during which he raised the issue only to be pushed back by the Trump administration.

"When we asked the US, to play a facilitating role...Why do we ask? Simply because we are not engaging bilaterally. And that bilateral disengagement is...a distraction. We want to focus, we want to move on the western side of the border, which we are not being able to because we have to watch our back from eastern side (towards India). That is not a healthy situation to be in," Mr Qureshi said in response to a question at the US Institute of Peace, a US Congress-funded top American think-tank.

"Now can you (United States) facilitate? The answer from them is no. They wanted (it done) bilaterally. But there is no bilateral movement," Mr Qureshi said. He went on to warn that this could lead to an escalation of tension between the two countries.

"If that lack of facilitation leads to escalation and some of the statements that have come out of late have not been very helpful," the Pakistani foreign minister said in an apparent reference to the remarks by Indian leaders; "the so-called surgical strikes and stuff like that doesn't make sense. It does not, that's politics.. there are elections around the corner," he claimed in response to a question.

Imran Khan's new government in Pakistan, he claimed, is not shy of engaging.

Referring to the cancelling of his meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New York, he alleged that India backed off. However, he quickly evaded India's reasons for this glorification of terrorists by issuing postal stamps and brutal killing of India's security personnel by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

"If the Indians have a better option, share it with us. If disengagement, if not talking to each other will resolve and stabilise the region, fine. If that's their analysis fine, a hassled Mr Qureshi said.

Mr Qureshi who left for Pakistan after his meetings with Trump administration officials said it is unfortunate that the two countries are not engaging. "It's unfortunate. That's the way it is. Now. What does this government want? We want normalisation. We want co-existence. You've got to recognise the reality. Pakistan is a reality. So is India. We have issues. How do we resolve them?" he asked.

After coming to power, the first speech made by the Prime Minister Khan was "that every step you (India) take towards peace, we will take two. And he meant it. It wasn't just because it sounded good. It wasn't to please anyone. He is too blunt a person to please people. He can be very straight and he can be very blunt. But he said that because he feels that way," Mr Qureshi claimed.

India has highlighted how Pakistan created the conditions for cancellation of the meeting in New York - due to Pakistan issuing postage stamps glorifying terrorists and the brutal killing of three of its security personnel by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

The Pakistan foreign minister did not mention that in his answer and only said that the stalled dialogue process is not good for the two countries and the region.

Responding to a question on India's stand that talks and terrorism cannot go together, a view which is shared by Washington too, Mr Qureshi referred to a statement by Imran Khan while he was an opposition leader and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a visit to New Delhi that "there would always be spoilers."

"There will always be spoilers. There will always be elements that will scuttle the process of peace. But when they do that, let us re-engage to fight them. They will push us back. But we have to see what is in our interest, what is in the regional interest. What's in Pakistan's interest," Mr Qureshi said quoting what Imran Khan had told Prime Minister Modi.

Islamabad is seeking an American role in facilitating talks between India and Pakistan because the two neighbouring countries are not engaging bilaterally, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said, warning that absence of such a facilitation could lead to escalation of tension.

Islamabad is seeking an American role in facilitating talks between India and Pakistan because the two neighbouring countries are not engaging bilaterally, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said, warning that absence of such a facilitation could lead to escalation of tension. But the latest Pakistani request in this regard has again been rejected by the US, the top Pakistani diplomat told a Washington audience on Wednesday, a day after he had meetings with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton, during which he raised the issue only to be pushed back by the Trump administration. "When we asked the US, to play a facilitating role...Why do we ask? Simply because we are not engaging bilaterally. And that bilateral disengagement is...a distraction. We want to focus, we want to move on the western side of the border, which we are not being able to because we have to watch our back from eastern side (towards India). That is not a healthy situation to be in," Mr Qureshi said in response to a question at the US Institute of Peace, a US Congress-funded top American think-tank. "Now can you (United States) facilitate? The answer from them is no. They wanted (it done) bilaterally. But there is no bilateral movement," Mr Qureshi said. He went on to warn that this could lead to an escalation of tension between the two countries. "If that lack of facilitation leads to escalation and some of the statements that have come out of late have not been very helpful," the Pakistani foreign minister said in an apparent reference to the remarks by Indian leaders; "the so-called surgical strikes and stuff like that doesn't make sense. It does not, that's politics.. there are elections around the corner," he claimed in response to a question. Imran Khan's new government in Pakistan, he claimed, is not shy of engaging. Referring to the cancelling of his meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New York, he alleged that India backed off. However, he quickly evaded India's reasons for this glorification of terrorists by issuing postal stamps and brutal killing of India's security personnel by Pakistan-backed terrorists. "If the Indians have a better option, share it with us. If disengagement, if not talking to each other will resolve and stabilise the region, fine. If that's their analysis fine, a hassled Mr Qureshi said. Mr Qureshi who left for Pakistan after his meetings with Trump administration officials said it is unfortunate that the two countries are not engaging. "It's unfortunate. That's the way it is. Now. What does this government want? We want normalisation. We want co-existence. You've got to recognise the reality. Pakistan is a reality. So is India. We have issues. How do we resolve them?" he asked. After coming to power, the first speech made by the Prime Minister Khan was "that every step you (India) take towards peace, we will take two. And he meant it. It wasn't just because it sounded good. It wasn't to please anyone. He is too blunt a person to please people. He can be very straight and he can be very blunt. But he said that because he feels that way," Mr Qureshi claimed. India has highlighted how Pakistan created the conditions for cancellation of the meeting in New York - due to Pakistan issuing postage stamps glorifying terrorists and the brutal killing of three of its security personnel by Pakistan-backed terrorists. The Pakistan foreign minister did not mention that in his answer and only said that the stalled dialogue process is not good for the two countries and the region. Responding to a question on India's stand that talks and terrorism cannot go together, a view which is shared by Washington too, Mr Qureshi referred to a statement by Imran Khan while he was an opposition leader and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a visit to New Delhi that "there would always be spoilers." "There will always be spoilers. There will always be elements that will scuttle the process of peace. But when they do that, let us re-engage to fight them. They will push us back. But we have to see what is in our interest, what is in the regional interest. What's in Pakistan's interest," Mr Qureshi said quoting what Imran Khan had told Prime Minister Modi.

Pakistan asked US to facilitate talks with India, they said no

The Congress Wednesday compared RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement on early construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya with the&nbsp;noise made by frogs during rains.

Accusing the&nbsp;RSS-BJP of sending Lord Ram to "exile" after every election,&nbsp;Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the BJP and the RSS were like "Kalyug's Kaikeyi" who remember Lord Ram four months before every election and then send him to exile after it, reported news agency PTI.

"During the season of rains and elections, a number of frogs make noise and that every noise does not become a reality. Lord Ram is everywhere and in the country," Surjewala was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

"At one time in Satyug, Kaikeyi had got Lord Ram banished to a 14-year exile. In today's Kalyug, 'Kaikeyi BJP and RSS' have sent Lord Ram to exile of 30 years.

"After every election, they send Lord Ram to exile and remember him four months before every election. What is the character of BJP and RSS? Ram in their speech and Nathuram in their thought. This is the truth of the BJP.," he said.

Surjewala said the Congress believes that the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue is pending before the Supreme Court and whatever verdict comes all sides should abide by it and the government should implement it.&nbsp;

The Congress Wednesday compared RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement on early construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya with the noise made by frogs during rains. Accusing the RSS-BJP of sending Lord Ram to "exile" after every election, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the BJP and the RSS were like "Kalyug's Kaikeyi" who remember Lord Ram four months before every election and then send him to exile after it, reported news agency PTI.

The Congress Wednesday compared RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement on early construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya with the noise made by frogs during rains. Accusing the RSS-BJP of sending Lord Ram to "exile" after every election, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the BJP and the RSS were like "Kalyug's Kaikeyi" who remember Lord Ram four months before every election and then send him to exile after it, reported news agency PTI. "During the season of rains and elections, a number of frogs make noise and that every noise does not become a reality. Lord Ram is everywhere and in the country," Surjewala was quoted as saying. "At one time in Satyug, Kaikeyi had got Lord Ram banished to a 14-year exile. In today's Kalyug, 'Kaikeyi BJP and RSS' have sent Lord Ram to exile of 30 years. "After every election, they send Lord Ram to exile and remember him four months before every election. What is the character of BJP and RSS? Ram in their speech and Nathuram in their thought. This is the truth of the BJP.," he said. Surjewala said the Congress believes that the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue is pending before the Supreme Court and whatever verdict comes all sides should abide by it and the government should implement it.

Congress compares Mohan Bhagwat's comment on Ram temple with 'frog's cry'

The Congress Thursday urged the CAG to carry out a forensic audit of the "Rs 60,150-crore" Rafale fighter jet deal and bring all "facts" on record to enable Parliament to fix accountability for the alleged scam in the contract.

A delegation of Congress leaders met the Comptroller and Auditor General of India Rajiv Mehrishi -- it is the second time within a month that they met the central auditor over the Rafale deal -- and presented a memorandum to him along with fresh documents.

The party had met the CAG on September 19 and thereafter the CVC on September 24 demanding a probe into the deal.

Subsequent to the submissions made before the CAG earlier, the Congress alleged that documents and revelations made at the highest level in India and France have "exposed a deep-rooted sinister conspiracy and a clear-cut case of loss to public exchequer".

"The Rafale scam has now emerged as India's biggest 'defence scam'. Skeletons are tumbling out of the closet every day with repeated disclosures getting zero answers from the Defence Ministry. In fact, the only 'truth' of this government is 'subterfuge'. The stench of 'corruption' and 'cronyism' in the Rafale deal is nauseating, requiring urgent intervention," the Congress memorandum said.

Congress leader Anand Sharma said the party brought to the CAG's attention additional developments and revelations that have come up since it submitted the memorandum last time.

He said the party expected the CAG to take note of important developments like the statement of former French president Francois Hollande and the dissent note by a senior Defence Ministry official responsible for jets' acquisition.&nbsp;

He also pointed out that Dassault CEO Eric Trapier's statement made 17 days before the new agreement was entered into, contradicts the government's stand.

"Parliament alone has the authority then to scrutinize the CAG report and to fix accountability for 'this biggest scam of the century' i.E. PM's arbitrary decision to purchase 36 aircraft three times the price which was negotiated.

"We are also very clear that once all these facts come on record, the Congress party will insist not only demand, we will insist on a JPC to take charge of all the documents which will come along with the CAG report and then fix accountability to those who have plundered the public money and cheated the public exchequer," he told reporters.

Sharma claimed the CAG gave the assurance that it functions as per established procedures and norms and "we do hope...That all the facts come on record for the Joint Parliamentary Committee, then, through examination, fix the accountability for this big scam."

He said the issue is bound to have global ramifications and every detail and document "must go through CAG's forensic audit before a report is submitted to the Parliament".

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party has again brought before the CAG some new facts and revelations that have come to light after it last met the auditor.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The party also alleged that in a classic case of blatant 'crony capitalism', private entity Reliance Defence was deliberately enriched by an award of a Rs 30,000- crore offset contract at the cost of state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government.&nbsp;

"The above facts reflect a clear-cut case of loss to the public exchequer and rampant corruption coupled with a concerted conspiracy of by-passing PSU, HAL. It also reveals illegal and undue benefit to 'crony friends' by the highest echelons of power in the Modi Government, in the unilateral purchase of 36 Rafale Jets from Dassault Aviation i.E India's biggest ever defence contract worth Rs 60,150 Crore," it said.

The party told the CAG that all the contours of conspiracy, corruption, endangering of national security and crony capitalism can only be uncovered through a probe by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

"It is expected that the CAG which has a Constitutional mandate and authority to scrutinize every document, in this case including original tender, an understanding reached between Dassault and HAL and the arbitrary decision of the Prime Minister without any mandate from Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will undertake a forensic audit.&nbsp;

"We, therefore, request the CAG to bring all facts on record to enable the Parliament to fix accountability for Rafale scam," the Congress memorandum said.

The opposition party had earlier taken the matter to the CAG and said the federal auditor told the party it is "already examining" the entire issue for its report to Parliament.

The government had said it does not think a JPC or a CAG audit is set up to satisfy the "ego of an ill-informed leader" who repeats lies with alarming regularity, in an apparent dig at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress leaders who were part of the delegation to CAG also included Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, RPN Singh and Vivek Tankha.

The Congress Thursday urged the CAG to carry out a forensic audit of the "Rs 60,150-crore" Rafale fighter jet deal and bring all "facts" on record to enable Parliament to fix accountability for the alleged scam in the contract.

The Congress Thursday urged the CAG to carry out a forensic audit of the "Rs 60,150-crore" Rafale fighter jet deal and bring all "facts" on record to enable Parliament to fix accountability for the alleged scam in the contract. A delegation of Congress leaders met the Comptroller and Auditor General of India Rajiv Mehrishi -- it is the second time within a month that they met the central auditor over the Rafale deal -- and presented a memorandum to him along with fresh documents. The party had met the CAG on September 19 and thereafter the CVC on September 24 demanding a probe into the deal. Subsequent to the submissions made before the CAG earlier, the Congress alleged that documents and revelations made at the highest level in India and France have "exposed a deep-rooted sinister conspiracy and a clear-cut case of loss to public exchequer". "The Rafale scam has now emerged as India's biggest 'defence scam'. Skeletons are tumbling out of the closet every day with repeated disclosures getting zero answers from the Defence Ministry. In fact, the only 'truth' of this government is 'subterfuge'. The stench of 'corruption' and 'cronyism' in the Rafale deal is nauseating, requiring urgent intervention," the Congress memorandum said. Congress leader Anand Sharma said the party brought to the CAG's attention additional developments and revelations that have come up since it submitted the memorandum last time. He said the party expected the CAG to take note of important developments like the statement of former French president Francois Hollande and the dissent note by a senior Defence Ministry official responsible for jets' acquisition. He also pointed out that Dassault CEO Eric Trapier's statement made 17 days before the new agreement was entered into, contradicts the government's stand. "Parliament alone has the authority then to scrutinize the CAG report and to fix accountability for 'this biggest scam of the century' i.E. PM's arbitrary decision to purchase 36 aircraft three times the price which was negotiated. "We are also very clear that once all these facts come on record, the Congress party will insist not only demand, we will insist on a JPC to take charge of all the documents which will come along with the CAG report and then fix accountability to those who have plundered the public money and cheated the public exchequer," he told reporters. Sharma claimed the CAG gave the assurance that it functions as per established procedures and norms and "we do hope...That all the facts come on record for the Joint Parliamentary Committee, then, through examination, fix the accountability for this big scam." He said the issue is bound to have global ramifications and every detail and document "must go through CAG's forensic audit before a report is submitted to the Parliament". Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party has again brought before the CAG some new facts and revelations that have come to light after it last met the auditor. The party also alleged that in a classic case of blatant 'crony capitalism', private entity Reliance Defence was deliberately enriched by an award of a Rs 30,000- crore offset contract at the cost of state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government. "The above facts reflect a clear-cut case of loss to the public exchequer and rampant corruption coupled with a concerted conspiracy of by-passing PSU, HAL. It also reveals illegal and undue benefit to 'crony friends' by the highest echelons of power in the Modi Government, in the unilateral purchase of 36 Rafale Jets from Dassault Aviation i.E India's biggest ever defence contract worth Rs 60,150 Crore," it said. The party told the CAG that all the contours of conspiracy, corruption, endangering of national security and crony capitalism can only be uncovered through a probe by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). "It is expected that the CAG which has a Constitutional mandate and authority to scrutinize every document, in this case including original tender, an understanding reached between Dassault and HAL and the arbitrary decision of the Prime Minister without any mandate from Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) will undertake a forensic audit. "We, therefore, request the CAG to bring all facts on record to enable the Parliament to fix accountability for Rafale scam," the Congress memorandum said. The opposition party had earlier taken the matter to the CAG and said the federal auditor told the party it is "already examining" the entire issue for its report to Parliament. The government had said it does not think a JPC or a CAG audit is set up to satisfy the "ego of an ill-informed leader" who repeats lies with alarming regularity, in an apparent dig at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. The Congress leaders who were part of the delegation to CAG also included Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, RPN Singh and Vivek Tankha.

Congress presses for CAG audit of Rafale deal, meets auditor

Amid the competing politics over Ram temple, the Shiv Sena on Thursday announced that its chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya after Dussehra to reaffirm his party's commitment to the issue.

The announcement came a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Trust chief Janmejay Sharanji Maharaj met Thackeray at the party's headquarters Sena Bhawan here.

Sharanji Maharaj invited Thackeray to visit Ayodhya, telling him that the trust needed Sena's assistance for the construction of Ram temple, Shiv Sena sources said.

Thackeray will announce the date of his visit to Ayodhya at the party's annual Dussehra rally to be held in Mumbai on October 19, senior Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told PTI.

He said his party has been maintaining that only the Shiv Sena has the "courage" to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The Shiv Sena is of the view that if the Ram temple is not constructed now, then it cannot be constructed ever, he added.

Thackeray had recently said that the BJP would once again rake up the emotive issue of Ram temple in the run-up to the 2019 polls.

Ram temple construction in Ayodhya has been one of the core issues of the BJP, which is an ally of the Shiv Sena.

The Sena, which has resolved to go solo in the future elections, has often targeted the BJP for "delaying" the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya despite having a majority.

"The Sena has always championed the cause of Ram temple in Ayodhya. The BJP, despite being in power for four years, has not yet fulfilled its commitment of building a grand Ram temple there," Raut said Thursday.

Sharanji Maharaj said he told the Shiv Sena chief that his father late Bal Thackeray had contributed to the demolition of the Babri Masjid (on December 6, 1992), he should now contribute to the construction of the Ram temple there.

With the Lok Sabha polls less than a year away, the pitch for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya has been intensifying lately within the BJP, even as the matter is sub-judice.

Senior Sena leader Arvind Sawant said that before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the NDA had given three assurances to people -to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and to solve the Kashmir issue.

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution accords special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

"We are not doing something which we haven't spoken about earlier. When nobody took responsibility for the Babri Masjid demolition, (Sena founder) Balasaheb did so.

Now four-and-a-half years have passed (since NDA came to power) but the construction of Ram temple has still not begun and the issue is pending in court," Sawant said.

"The Sena will stand for the issue," said the Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai South constituency.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party is a constituent of the BJP-led NDA governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra

Amid the competing politics over Ram temple, the Shiv Sena on Thursday announced that its chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya after Dussehra to reaffirm his party's commitment to the issue.

Amid the competing politics over Ram temple, the Shiv Sena on Thursday announced that its chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya after Dussehra to reaffirm his party's commitment to the issue. The announcement came a day after Ram Janmabhoomi Trust chief Janmejay Sharanji Maharaj met Thackeray at the party's headquarters Sena Bhawan here. Sharanji Maharaj invited Thackeray to visit Ayodhya, telling him that the trust needed Sena's assistance for the construction of Ram temple, Shiv Sena sources said. Thackeray will announce the date of his visit to Ayodhya at the party's annual Dussehra rally to be held in Mumbai on October 19, senior Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told PTI. He said his party has been maintaining that only the Shiv Sena has the "courage" to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Shiv Sena is of the view that if the Ram temple is not constructed now, then it cannot be constructed ever, he added. Thackeray had recently said that the BJP would once again rake up the emotive issue of Ram temple in the run-up to the 2019 polls. Ram temple construction in Ayodhya has been one of the core issues of the BJP, which is an ally of the Shiv Sena. The Sena, which has resolved to go solo in the future elections, has often targeted the BJP for "delaying" the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya despite having a majority. "The Sena has always championed the cause of Ram temple in Ayodhya. The BJP, despite being in power for four years, has not yet fulfilled its commitment of building a grand Ram temple there," Raut said Thursday. Sharanji Maharaj said he told the Shiv Sena chief that his father late Bal Thackeray had contributed to the demolition of the Babri Masjid (on December 6, 1992), he should now contribute to the construction of the Ram temple there. With the Lok Sabha polls less than a year away, the pitch for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya has been intensifying lately within the BJP, even as the matter is sub-judice. Senior Sena leader Arvind Sawant said that before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the NDA had given three assurances to people -to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and to solve the Kashmir issue. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution accords special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. "We are not doing something which we haven't spoken about earlier. When nobody took responsibility for the Babri Masjid demolition, (Sena founder) Balasaheb did so. Now four-and-a-half years have passed (since NDA came to power) but the construction of Ram temple has still not begun and the issue is pending in court," Sawant said. "The Sena will stand for the issue," said the Lok Sabha MP from Mumbai South constituency. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party is a constituent of the BJP-led NDA governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra

Uddhav Thackeray to visit Ayodhya for Ram temple

The Delhi Police has handed over the copies of documents, including electronic evidence, to the counsel of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor in connection with the death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar.

Tharoor had earlier requested for the documents. The case will next be heard on October 12 in Delhi's Patiala House Court.

Earlier on May 14, the Delhi Police had filed a charge sheet in the court naming Tharoor as an accused under Sections 306 (Abetment of suicide) and 498A (Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Tharoor, however, had dismissed the charge sheet as "preposterous".Sunanda was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a suite of a five-star hotel in Delhi on the night of January 17, 2014.

The Delhi Police has handed over the copies of documents, including electronic evidence, to the counsel of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor in connection with the death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar.

The Delhi Police has handed over the copies of documents, including electronic evidence, to the counsel of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor in connection with the death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar. Tharoor had earlier requested for the documents. The case will next be heard on October 12 in Delhi's Patiala House Court. Earlier on May 14, the Delhi Police had filed a charge sheet in the court naming Tharoor as an accused under Sections 306 (Abetment of suicide) and 498A (Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Tharoor, however, had dismissed the charge sheet as "preposterous".Sunanda was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a suite of a five-star hotel in Delhi on the night of January 17, 2014.

Sunanda Pushkar death: Police hands over copies of docs to Tharoor

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday at the latter's residence in New Delhi ahead of summit talks.

"Welcome to India, President Putin. Looking forward to our deliberations, which will further enhance India-Russia friendship" said Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in a tweet.

On Friday India and Russia will hold high-level delegation talks and are expected to sign a deal worth more than $5 billion on the delivery of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles.

Local media reported that the two nations are also expected to announce a&nbsp;new space cooperation programme.

The United States has warned India against a planned purchase of S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia when President Vladimir Putin visits New Delhi this week, saying such an acquisition would attract sanctions under US&nbsp;law.

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India's military wants the missile batteries, both as a deterrent against China and to gain an edge over traditional rival, Pakistan, as they are able to track and shoot down combat aircraft, even stealth planes, at unprecedented ranges.

The United States has warned countries trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors they would face automatic sanctions under a sweeping legislation called Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) that President Donald Trump signed into law last August.

The law is designed to punish Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, involvement in the Syrian civil war and meddling in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election.

"We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US&nbsp;State Department representative said.

"The 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."

Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on China's military for its purchase of combat fighters as well as the S-400 missile system it bought from Russia this year.

The United States is also concerned about NATO ally Turkey’s decision to buy the Russian missile system, seeing it as incompatible with the alliance systems.

Modi's government, caught in the US-Russia crossfire, hopes the Trump administration will give it a pass on the proposed arms transfer from Russia, officials in New Delhi said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters India was closing in on the deal to buy the air defence system from Russia, with which it has long-standing military ties.

"Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Sitharaman said last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia."

More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry.

The United States is one of its top arms suppliers, closing $15 billion worth of deals in just the last decade.

&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday at the latter's residence in New Delhi ahead of summit talks. "Welcome to India, President Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday at the latter's residence in New Delhi ahead of summit talks. "Welcome to India, President Putin. Looking forward to our deliberations, which will further enhance India-Russia friendship" said Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in a tweet. On Friday India and Russia will hold high-level delegation talks and are expected to sign a deal worth more than $5 billion on the delivery of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles. Local media reported that the two nations are also expected to announce a new space cooperation programme. The United States has warned India against a planned purchase of S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia when President Vladimir Putin visits New Delhi this week, saying such an acquisition would attract sanctions under US law. #WATCH: Russian President #VladimirPutin meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. He is on a two-day visit to India. pic.twitter.com/HlvfOGsEcQ — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × India's military wants the missile batteries, both as a deterrent against China and to gain an edge over traditional rival, Pakistan, as they are able to track and shoot down combat aircraft, even stealth planes, at unprecedented ranges. The United States has warned countries trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors they would face automatic sanctions under a sweeping legislation called Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) that President Donald Trump signed into law last August. The law is designed to punish Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, involvement in the Syrian civil war and meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. "We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US State Department representative said. "The 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." Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on China's military for its purchase of combat fighters as well as the S-400 missile system it bought from Russia this year. The United States is also concerned about NATO ally Turkey’s decision to buy the Russian missile system, seeing it as incompatible with the alliance systems. Modi's government, caught in the US-Russia crossfire, hopes the Trump administration will give it a pass on the proposed arms transfer from Russia, officials in New Delhi said. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters India was closing in on the deal to buy the air defence system from Russia, with which it has long-standing military ties. "Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Sitharaman said last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia." More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry. The United States is one of its top arms suppliers, closing $15 billion worth of deals in just the last decade.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India, meets PM Modi ahead of summit talks

S-400 sytem has an estimated range of 400 kilometres with an altitude of 30 kilometres. It also has the capability to intercept the intermediate-range ballistic missile, not just that the Tiumph system can target aircrafts, UAVs, cruise missiles with equal ease engaging 300 targets at a time.

Star Wars: America's THAAD vs Russia's S-400 missile defence system

Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India Thursday evening.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he will hold the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit on Friday, but all eyes will be on the S-400 Triumf defence system deal the two countries are expected to sign during Putin's visit.&nbsp;

The S-400 is a missile defence system, the most advanced in Russia's armoury.&nbsp;

India would like to include it in its own arsenal, especially to help tighten its defences along its 4,000 km long Sino-Indian border.&nbsp;

The US however has said buying the S-400 could invoke sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) which says any country buying a majority of its military equipment from Russia could be sanctioned. The US is keen India buy the American made Thaad defence system. &nbsp;

The US however has also hinted that President Donald Trump may waive the sanctions against India.&nbsp;

China already has the S-400.&nbsp;

New Delhi in turn has so far indicated that it will go ahead with the deal notwithstanding the US sanctions.

"India has maintained its sovereignty as regards to its relationship with countries. We shall maintain it in all earnestness," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told PTI recently when asked whether the US sanctions will hit India's defence ties with Russia.&nbsp;

The S-400 is expected to cost India over $5 billion.&nbsp;

Apart from the S-400, Moscow and New Delhi are also likely to sign a $2.5 billion deal for four more Krivak/Talwar-class stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. Under the agreement, two of the warships will be constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad and two at Goa Shipyard Limited.

Finally, Russia has reportedly also expressed an interest in helping India with its manned space mission. There have been reports that Moscow has offered to train Indian astronauts for its 2022 moon mission.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India Thursday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he will hold the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit on Friday, but all eyes will be on the S-400 Triumf defence system deal the two countries are expected to sign during Putin's visit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India Thursday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he will hold the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit on Friday, but all eyes will be on the S-400 Triumf defence system deal the two countries are expected to sign during Putin's visit. The S-400 is a missile defence system, the most advanced in Russia's armoury. India would like to include it in its own arsenal, especially to help tighten its defences along its 4,000 km long Sino-Indian border. The US however has said buying the S-400 could invoke sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) which says any country buying a majority of its military equipment from Russia could be sanctioned. The US is keen India buy the American made Thaad defence system. The US however has also hinted that President Donald Trump may waive the sanctions against India. China already has the S-400. New Delhi in turn has so far indicated that it will go ahead with the deal notwithstanding the US sanctions. "India has maintained its sovereignty as regards to its relationship with countries. We shall maintain it in all earnestness," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told PTI recently when asked whether the US sanctions will hit India's defence ties with Russia. The S-400 is expected to cost India over $5 billion. Apart from the S-400, Moscow and New Delhi are also likely to sign a $2.5 billion deal for four more Krivak/Talwar-class stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. Under the agreement, two of the warships will be constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad and two at Goa Shipyard Limited. Finally, Russia has reportedly also expressed an interest in helping India with its manned space mission. There have been reports that Moscow has offered to train Indian astronauts for its 2022 moon mission. (With inputs from PTI)

Putin to arrive in India today, all eyes on S-400 missile defence system deal

The US on Wednesday urged its allies not to enter into transactions with Russia and warned that it would trigger American sanctions, a day after it was reported that India was planning to purchase multi-billion S-400 missile defense system from Moscow.

 
Late last month, the Trump administration imposed sanctions under Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA, which was signed into law last August, on China for purchasing fighter jets and missile defense system from Russia.

The CAATSA law tries to push back against Russia's malign activity around the world.

"We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under CAATSA," a State Department Spokesperson told PTI when asked about India's plan to purchase multi-billion S-400 missile defense system from Russia.

"The 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 defense system," the spokesperson said.

According to a report, India and Russia will sign a deal for the multi-billion-dollar S-400 surface-to-air missile system this week.

The signing of the deal for Moscow's most advanced air defence system will be overseen by Russian president Vladimir Putin, who is visiting New Delhi on October 4-5 for the annual India-Russia summit, the report said quoting a top Kremlin official said.

"The President is trying to develop a relationship and change that, but we've not been successful, at least to date," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told NBC news in an interview.

In September, a senior administration official told reporters that purchase of major military system like multi-billion S-400 missile defense system would be considered as a "significant transaction and thus has a potential" for CAATSA sanctions.

The official emphasized that the ultimate target of these sanctions was Russia.

The CAATSA sanctions in this context are not intended to undermine the defence capabilities of any particular country.

 
"They are instead aimed at imposing costs upon Russia in response to its malign activities," the official had said.&nbsp;

The US on Wednesday urged its allies not to enter into transactions with Russia and warned that it would trigger American sanctions, a day after it was reported that India was planning to purchase multi-billion S-400 missile defense system from Moscow.

The US on Wednesday urged its allies not to enter into transactions with Russia and warned that it would trigger American sanctions, a day after it was reported that India was planning to purchase multi-billion S-400 missile defense system from Moscow. Late last month, the Trump administration imposed sanctions under Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA, which was signed into law last August, on China for purchasing fighter jets and missile defense system from Russia. The CAATSA law tries to push back against Russia's malign activity around the world. "We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under CAATSA," a State Department Spokesperson told PTI when asked about India's plan to purchase multi-billion S-400 missile defense system from Russia. "The 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 defense system," the spokesperson said. According to a report, India and Russia will sign a deal for the multi-billion-dollar S-400 surface-to-air missile system this week. The signing of the deal for Moscow's most advanced air defence system will be overseen by Russian president Vladimir Putin, who is visiting New Delhi on October 4-5 for the annual India-Russia summit, the report said quoting a top Kremlin official said. "The President is trying to develop a relationship and change that, but we've not been successful, at least to date," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told NBC news in an interview. In September, a senior administration official told reporters that purchase of major military system like multi-billion S-400 missile defense system would be considered as a "significant transaction and thus has a potential" for CAATSA sanctions. The official emphasized that the ultimate target of these sanctions was Russia. The CAATSA sanctions in this context are not intended to undermine the defence capabilities of any particular country. "They are instead aimed at imposing costs upon Russia in response to its malign activities," the official had said.

As Putin heads to India, US warns of sanctions

A panel of the Delhi government Thursday rejected the pleas of early release of convicts of three high-profile murder cases, including Manu Sharma sentenced to life imprisonment for killing model Jessica Lal at a restaurant in South Delhi in 1999.

The Sentence Review Board (SRB) of the Delhi government also rejected the applications of Santosh Singh, convicted in the Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case, and Sushil Sharma, sentenced in the infamous Tandoor murder case.

The SRB, at its meeting, recommended release of 22 convicts on completion of their sentences and rejected 86 other cases, including the three high-profile murder cases. 
"The board has rejected early release applications of all the convicts in these three high-profile murder cases," a government official said.

The SRB examines the records of those who have spent more than 14 years in jail and those who were given life sentence, and recommends or rejects pleas for release of convicts.

The panel, chaired by the Delhi Home minister, comprises principal secretary (Home), principal secretary (law), director general (prisons), joint commissioner of police (crime), chief probation officer and a district judge.

In the past, the board had to postpone its decision on release of Jessica Lal murder convict Manu Sharma and other convicts lodged in the Tihar jail. Manu Sharma was sentenced to life imprisonment by the high court in December 2006.

The trial court had acquitted him, but the Delhi High Court reversed the verdict and the Supreme Court upheld the life sentence in April 2010.

Jessica Lal, who was tending a bar at the Tamarind Court restaurant owned by socialite Bina Ramani at the Qutub Colonnade in South Delhi's Mehrauli area on April 30, 1999, was gunned down by Sharma after she refused to serve him alcohol.

Another convict Santosh Kumar Singh, a third-year law student in Delhi University, had raped and murdered 25-year-old law student Priyadarshini Mattoo in January 1996.

He was acquitted by the trial court on December 3, 1999, but the Delhi High Court had on October 27, 2006 reversed the decision, holding him guilty of rape and murder.

In the infamous Tandoor case, Sushil Sharma had shot his wife Naina Sahni in 1995 objecting to her alleged relationship with a male friend.

He had then chopped her body into pieces and attempted to burn it in a restaurant's oven. PTI BUN TDS SMN 10042053

A panel of the Delhi government Thursday rejected the pleas of early release of convicts of three high-profile murder cases, including Manu Sharma sentenced to life imprisonment for killing model Jessica Lal at a restaurant in South Delhi in 1999.

A panel of the Delhi government Thursday rejected the pleas of early release of convicts of three high-profile murder cases, including Manu Sharma sentenced to life imprisonment for killing model Jessica Lal at a restaurant in South Delhi in 1999. The Sentence Review Board (SRB) of the Delhi government also rejected the applications of Santosh Singh, convicted in the Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case, and Sushil Sharma, sentenced in the infamous Tandoor murder case. The SRB, at its meeting, recommended release of 22 convicts on completion of their sentences and rejected 86 other cases, including the three high-profile murder cases. "The board has rejected early release applications of all the convicts in these three high-profile murder cases," a government official said. The SRB examines the records of those who have spent more than 14 years in jail and those who were given life sentence, and recommends or rejects pleas for release of convicts. The panel, chaired by the Delhi Home minister, comprises principal secretary (Home), principal secretary (law), director general (prisons), joint commissioner of police (crime), chief probation officer and a district judge. In the past, the board had to postpone its decision on release of Jessica Lal murder convict Manu Sharma and other convicts lodged in the Tihar jail. Manu Sharma was sentenced to life imprisonment by the high court in December 2006. The trial court had acquitted him, but the Delhi High Court reversed the verdict and the Supreme Court upheld the life sentence in April 2010. Jessica Lal, who was tending a bar at the Tamarind Court restaurant owned by socialite Bina Ramani at the Qutub Colonnade in South Delhi's Mehrauli area on April 30, 1999, was gunned down by Sharma after she refused to serve him alcohol. Another convict Santosh Kumar Singh, a third-year law student in Delhi University, had raped and murdered 25-year-old law student Priyadarshini Mattoo in January 1996. He was acquitted by the trial court on December 3, 1999, but the Delhi High Court had on October 27, 2006 reversed the decision, holding him guilty of rape and murder. In the infamous Tandoor case, Sushil Sharma had shot his wife Naina Sahni in 1995 objecting to her alleged relationship with a male friend. He had then chopped her body into pieces and attempted to burn it in a restaurant's oven. PTI BUN TDS SMN 10042053

Jessica Lal, Priyadarshini Mattoo murder cases: Panel rejects pleas for early release of convicts

Pakistan Army on Thursday evening resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Indian Army retaliated and the firing stopped after a while.

The incident came few days after a Pakistani chopper on Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said.

News agency PTI quoting Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said that the helicopter violated the airspace around 12:13 pm.

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J&amp;K: Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector earlier this evening. Indian Army retaliated &amp; the firing stopped after sometime.
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The helicopter flew for nearly five minutes inside Poonch area near Line of Control, the report added.&nbsp;

Official sources said a white-colour chopper crossed into this side in Gulpur sector and hovered for sometime before turning back.

Helicopters are barred coming within 1 kilometre of the LoC, according to sources.&nbsp;

Pakistan Army on Thursday evening resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Indian Army retaliated and the firing stopped after a while.

Pakistan Army on Thursday evening resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Indian Army retaliated and the firing stopped after a while. The incident came few days after a Pakistani chopper on Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said. News agency PTI quoting Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said that the helicopter violated the airspace around 12:13 pm. J&K: Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector earlier this evening. Indian Army retaliated & the firing stopped after sometime. — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × The helicopter flew for nearly five minutes inside Poonch area near Line of Control, the report added. Official sources said a white-colour chopper crossed into this side in Gulpur sector and hovered for sometime before turning back. Helicopters are barred coming within 1 kilometre of the LoC, according to sources.

J&K: Pak army resorted to unprovoked firing in Poonch, India retaliated

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday stated that his government had already reduced fuel prices by Rs 2 last month hinting at the possibility of no new revision in fuel prices for the state.

CM Kumaraswamy's remarks came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday announced a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/centre-has-decided-to-cut-fuel-prices-by-rs-25-with-immediate-effect-state">cut in fuel prices by Rs 2.5</a>0 and called for various state governments to follow the lead and implement appropriate fuel-price cut.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah stated that all BJP-led states will implement a fuel-price cut by Rs 2.50.&nbsp;

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Already we had cut the price by Rs 2 last month: Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy when asked if Karnataka govt will reduce the price of petrol &amp; diesel in the state following Central govt's announcement of fuel price reduction. <a href="https://t.co/htB0yd3GbY">pic.twitter.com/htB0yd3GbY</a>
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"PM Modi today gave another decision in public interest by reducing the central tax on petrol and diesel price by Rs. 2.50 per litre. All the BJP-ruled states have also decided to reduce VAT by Rs.2.50 per litre on petrol and diesel prices," Shah told media.&nbsp;

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PM Modi today gave another decision in public interest by reducing the central tax on petrol&amp;diesel price by Rs. 2.50 per litre. All the BJP-ruled states have also decided to reduce VAT by Rs.2.50 per litre on petrol&amp;diesel prices: BJP President Amit Shah <a href="https://t.co/qjdpqhGvPv">pic.twitter.com/qjdpqhGvPv</a>
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State governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chattisgarh, Tripura, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/maharashtra-gujarat-follow-jaitleys-lead-cut-petrol-prices-by-rs-25-169418">Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh have already announced a fuel price cut</a> by Rs 2.50. Maharashtra government contemplates cutting diesel prices whereas Jharkhand government has announced a cut in diesel price by Rs 2.50.&nbsp;

Finance Minister today stated that while the excise duty has been cut by Rs 1.5, various oil marketing companies will also absorb Rs 1 giving a cumulative relief of Rs 2.50 on fuel prices to the consumers.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
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Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday stated that his government had already reduced fuel prices by Rs 2 last month hinting at the possibility of no new revision in fuel prices for the state.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday stated that his government had already reduced fuel prices by Rs 2 last month hinting at the possibility of no new revision in fuel prices for the state. CM Kumaraswamy's remarks came shortly after Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday announced a cut in fuel prices by Rs 2.50 and called for various state governments to follow the lead and implement appropriate fuel-price cut. BJP president Amit Shah stated that all BJP-led states will implement a fuel-price cut by Rs 2.50. Already we had cut the price by Rs 2 last month: Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy when asked if Karnataka govt will reduce the price of petrol & diesel in the state following Central govt's announcement of fuel price reduction. pic.twitter.com/htB0yd3GbY — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × "PM Modi today gave another decision in public interest by reducing the central tax on petrol and diesel price by Rs. 2.50 per litre. All the BJP-ruled states have also decided to reduce VAT by Rs.2.50 per litre on petrol and diesel prices," Shah told media. PM Modi today gave another decision in public interest by reducing the central tax on petrol&diesel price by Rs. 2.50 per litre. All the BJP-ruled states have also decided to reduce VAT by Rs.2.50 per litre on petrol&diesel prices: BJP President Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/qjdpqhGvPv — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × State governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chattisgarh, Tripura, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh have already announced a fuel price cut by Rs 2.50. Maharashtra government contemplates cutting diesel prices whereas Jharkhand government has announced a cut in diesel price by Rs 2.50. Finance Minister today stated that while the excise duty has been cut by Rs 1.5, various oil marketing companies will also absorb Rs 1 giving a cumulative relief of Rs 2.50 on fuel prices to the consumers.

Had cut fuel prices by Rs 2 last month: Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy 

The CBI has started excavating a grave in Bihar's Muzzafarpur, where, it is suspected, remains of some of the victims of minor girls' abuse case in a shelter home could be buried, officials said here Wednesday.

The agency said the excavation site is at Sikandarpur in Muzaffarpur district.

More details may be shared once the excavation is over, they said.&nbsp;

The grave is believed to be located in a burial ground where the agency team reached with an excavator and dug out some human remains, they said.

The agency is likely to carry out DNA tests, and other forensic examination to ascertain the identity of the remains, they said.

Some of the victims in the government-funded shelter home run by Brajesh Thakur's NGO Seva Sankalp Ewam Vikas Samiti (SSEVS) have alleged that some of their fellow inmates were killed and buried after the&nbsp;rape, they said.

The local police had carried out digging at the location identified by the girls but could not find anything, they said.

The agency has questioned a close aide of Thakur after which it decided to carry out the excavation process, they said.&nbsp;

Besides Thakur, the agency had taken into custody Rosy Rani, assistant director in the social welfare department, staff members Guddu, Vijay and Santosh.&nbsp;

The agency has frozen 20 bank accounts of Thakur besides any kind of transaction of his movable and immovable properties have been barred, they said.

The Supreme Court had on September 20 vacated a Patna High Court order restraining the media from reporting on the probe into the shelter home case where several minor girls were allegedly raped and sexually abused over a period of time.

The incident came to light after a report from Tata Institute of Social Sciences alleged sexual abuse of about 34 girls at the shelter home following which an FIR was subsequently registered by the Bihar social welfare department and 10 people, including Thakur, were arrested.

Following a huge outcry, the Nitish Kumar government handed over the probe to the CBI.

His social welfare minister Manju Verma had to resign in August after it was disclosed that her husband had spoken to Thakur several times between January and June this year.

The CBI has started excavating a grave in Bihar's Muzzafarpur, where, it is suspected, remains of some of the victims of minor girls' abuse case in a shelter home could be buried, officials said here Wednesday.

The CBI has started excavating a grave in Bihar's Muzzafarpur, where, it is suspected, remains of some of the victims of minor girls' abuse case in a shelter home could be buried, officials said here Wednesday. The agency said the excavation site is at Sikandarpur in Muzaffarpur district. More details may be shared once the excavation is over, they said. The grave is believed to be located in a burial ground where the agency team reached with an excavator and dug out some human remains, they said. The agency is likely to carry out DNA tests, and other forensic examination to ascertain the identity of the remains, they said. Some of the victims in the government-funded shelter home run by Brajesh Thakur's NGO Seva Sankalp Ewam Vikas Samiti (SSEVS) have alleged that some of their fellow inmates were killed and buried after the rape, they said. The local police had carried out digging at the location identified by the girls but could not find anything, they said. The agency has questioned a close aide of Thakur after which it decided to carry out the excavation process, they said. Besides Thakur, the agency had taken into custody Rosy Rani, assistant director in the social welfare department, staff members Guddu, Vijay and Santosh. The agency has frozen 20 bank accounts of Thakur besides any kind of transaction of his movable and immovable properties have been barred, they said. The Supreme Court had on September 20 vacated a Patna High Court order restraining the media from reporting on the probe into the shelter home case where several minor girls were allegedly raped and sexually abused over a period of time. The incident came to light after a report from Tata Institute of Social Sciences alleged sexual abuse of about 34 girls at the shelter home following which an FIR was subsequently registered by the Bihar social welfare department and 10 people, including Thakur, were arrested. Following a huge outcry, the Nitish Kumar government handed over the probe to the CBI. His social welfare minister Manju Verma had to resign in August after it was disclosed that her husband had spoken to Thakur several times between January and June this year.

Muzzafarpur shelter home abuse case: CBI starts excavation of suspected burial ground

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Wednesday said the country should make efforts to continue oil supplies from Iran against the backdrop of US sanctions as Iranian oil is the cheapest it could get.

As per the sanctions, any country or company that violates the sanctions can itself come under it, he said.

The European Union (EU) has come up with a collective position saying they will work out their own arrangements to trade with Iran despite the sanctions and in Euros rather than in dollars, he said.

It will be interesting to see how that works and whether there is some way for a country like India, he said.

"Because, for us, Iranian oil is the cheapest and easiest oil to get," Tharoor, Chairman of Standing Committee on External Affairs, said.

It would be expensive for the country if it ends up buying American oil (stopping supplies from Iran), he said.

"I don't want to give you a definitive answer because I am not in the government. I don't know what the government is thinking," the Congress leader said.

Tharoor, however, said the country should resist for as long as possible having to stop supplies from Iran.

"Keep it going for as long as possible. But, in the end, explore and we can find another way of sustaining those supplies rather than giving in to the US and ending up having to pay much more for our oil," he said.

Tharoor, who was speaking at an interactive session at the Indian School of Business (ISB) here, was replying to a question on India vis-a-vis US sanctions.

About the recent Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all ages to enter the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala, he said an issue that confronted the court in deciding the case was, "does the yardstick of rational legislation and constitutional reasoning apply to matters of faith."

A woman judge dissented in the matter saying Constitutional reasoning cannot be applied to issues of faith, he said.

Every time any historic change came, there were a lot of traditionalists who resisted, Tharoor&nbsp;said.

"...Those women who do feel very strongly that this is wrong, need not go. The court's judgement does not require anyone to go to Sabarimala. It just says if you want to go, you can no longer be prevented on the grounds of...I think that's the judgment that we all have to follow," he said.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Wednesday said the country should make efforts to continue oil supplies from Iran against the backdrop of US sanctions as Iranian oil is the cheapest it could get.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Wednesday said the country should make efforts to continue oil supplies from Iran against the backdrop of US sanctions as Iranian oil is the cheapest it could get. As per the sanctions, any country or company that violates the sanctions can itself come under it, he said. The European Union (EU) has come up with a collective position saying they will work out their own arrangements to trade with Iran despite the sanctions and in Euros rather than in dollars, he said. It will be interesting to see how that works and whether there is some way for a country like India, he said. "Because, for us, Iranian oil is the cheapest and easiest oil to get," Tharoor, Chairman of Standing Committee on External Affairs, said. It would be expensive for the country if it ends up buying American oil (stopping supplies from Iran), he said. "I don't want to give you a definitive answer because I am not in the government. I don't know what the government is thinking," the Congress leader said. Tharoor, however, said the country should resist for as long as possible having to stop supplies from Iran. "Keep it going for as long as possible. But, in the end, explore and we can find another way of sustaining those supplies rather than giving in to the US and ending up having to pay much more for our oil," he said. Tharoor, who was speaking at an interactive session at the Indian School of Business (ISB) here, was replying to a question on India vis-a-vis US sanctions. About the recent Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all ages to enter the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala, he said an issue that confronted the court in deciding the case was, "does the yardstick of rational legislation and constitutional reasoning apply to matters of faith." A woman judge dissented in the matter saying Constitutional reasoning cannot be applied to issues of faith, he said. Every time any historic change came, there were a lot of traditionalists who resisted, Tharoor said. "...Those women who do feel very strongly that this is wrong, need not go. The court's judgement does not require anyone to go to Sabarimala. It just says if you want to go, you can no longer be prevented on the grounds of...I think that's the judgment that we all have to follow," he said.

India should continue buying oil from Iran: Shashi Tharoor

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-calls-united-nation-world-court-politicized-us-limit-exposure-169280">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-calls-united-nation-world-court-politicized-us-limit-exposure-169280"> says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-calls-united-nation-world-court-politicized-us-limit-exposure-169280">International</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-calls-united-nation-world-court-politicized-us-limit-exposure-169280"> Court of Justice is 'politicised and ineffective'</a>

The United States is taking steps to avoid exposure to binding decisions by the International Court of Justice, the US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday as he accused the UN court of being "politicised and ineffective."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-arrive-india-today-all-eyes-s-400-defence-system-deal-169293">Putin to arrive in India today, all eyes on S-400 defence system deal</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin will hold the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit on Friday, but all eyes will be on the S-400 Triumf defence system deal the two countries are expected to sign during Putin's visit.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/petrol-price-rises-rs-9134litre-mumbai-rs-84litre-delhi-169288">Petrol prices up again, selling at Rs 91.34 a litre in Mumbai</a>

Fuel prices continued to rise across the country on October 4. The price of petrol in Mumbai increased by 0.14 paise to Rs 91.34 per litre, while that of diesel rose by 0.21 paise to Rs 80.10 per litre.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-accuses-russia-global-cyber-attacks-campaign-169286">UK</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-accuses-russia-global-cyber-attacks-campaign-169286"> accuses Russia of global cyber attacks campaign</a>

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Thursday accused Russian military intelligence of conducting a campaign of "indiscriminate and reckless" online attacks targeting political institutions, businesses, media and sport bodies around the world.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-urges-us-resume-aid-backs-taliban-outreach-169290">Pakistan urges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-urges-us-resume-aid-backs-taliban-outreach-169290">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-urges-us-resume-aid-backs-taliban-outreach-169290"> to resume military aid</a>

Pakistan pledged Wednesday to support negotiations with the Taliban to end Afghanistan's 17-year war as it asked the United States to restore military aid and stop blaming Islamabad for the extremists' strengths.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US says International Court of Justice is 'politicised and ineffective' The United States is taking steps to avoid exposure to binding decisions by the International Court of Justice, the US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday as he accused the UN court of being "politicised and ineffective.

US says International Court of Justice is 'politicised and ineffective' The United States is taking steps to avoid exposure to binding decisions by the International Court of Justice, the US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday as he accused the UN court of being "politicised and ineffective." Putin to arrive in India today, all eyes on S-400 defence system deal Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin will hold the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit on Friday, but all eyes will be on the S-400 Triumf defence system deal the two countries are expected to sign during Putin's visit. Petrol prices up again, selling at Rs 91.34 a litre in Mumbai Fuel prices continued to rise across the country on October 4. The price of petrol in Mumbai increased by 0.14 paise to Rs 91.34 per litre, while that of diesel rose by 0.21 paise to Rs 80.10 per litre. UK accuses Russia of global cyber attacks campaign British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Thursday accused Russian military intelligence of conducting a campaign of "indiscriminate and reckless" online attacks targeting political institutions, businesses, media and sport bodies around the world. Pakistan urges US to resume military aid Pakistan pledged Wednesday to support negotiations with the Taliban to end Afghanistan's 17-year war as it asked the United States to restore military aid and stop blaming Islamabad for the extremists' strengths.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Kerala Meteorological Department on Thursday warned of heavy rainfall in the state for the next five days and have issued a district-wise warning, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for next 2-4 days," K Santosh, Director Kerala Meteorological Department told media.

The rainfall is expected to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours and then move northwestwards to develop into a cyclonic storm before moving northwest towards the coast of Oman, the MeT department noted.&nbsp;

"Under the influence of cyclonic circulation which is lying over Southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep Maldives area, a low-pressure area is expected to form over Southeast Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep during next 24 hours," Santosh added.&nbsp;

State authorities today opened 4 shutters of Malampuzha dam in Palakkad region by 9 cm.&nbsp;

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It is likely to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours&amp;then move northwestwards&amp;develop into a cyclonic storm&amp;again move in northwest direction towards Oman Coast: K Santosh, Director <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> Meteorological Department <a href="https://t.co/5VN2h83zrG">pic.twitter.com/5VN2h83zrG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047841406511976448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kerala Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-offing-kerala-cm-issues-warning-red-alert-sounded-3-districts-169236">Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities</a> against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state.&nbsp;

"The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7.

Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs.

Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala.&nbsp;

The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.&nbsp;

Kerala Meteorological Department on Thursday warned of heavy rainfall in the state for the next five days and have issued a district-wise warning, news agency ANI reported.

Kerala Meteorological Department on Thursday warned of heavy rainfall in the state for the next five days and have issued a district-wise warning, news agency ANI reported. "Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea for next 2-4 days," K Santosh, Director Kerala Meteorological Department told media. The rainfall is expected to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours and then move northwestwards to develop into a cyclonic storm before moving northwest towards the coast of Oman, the MeT department noted. "Under the influence of cyclonic circulation which is lying over Southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep Maldives area, a low-pressure area is expected to form over Southeast Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep during next 24 hours," Santosh added. State authorities today opened 4 shutters of Malampuzha dam in Palakkad region by 9 cm. It is likely to intensify further into a depression in subsequent 36 hours&then move northwestwards&develop into a cyclonic storm&again move in northwest direction towards Oman Coast: K Santosh, Director #Kerala Meteorological Department pic.twitter.com/5VN2h83zrG — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday cautioned the state authorities against a warning sounded by the Indian Meteorological Department. CM Vijayan stated that the IMD has "issued a warning about a low-pressure area in the Arabian sea close to Sri Lankan coast," which may develop into a cyclonic storm and hit the state. "The predicted trajectory will be along the coast of Lakshadweep," news agency ANI quoted CM Vijayan who added that a red alert has been sounded in three districts for October 7. Unabated rainfall in Kerala during this monsoon season wreaked havoc, prompting the state authorities to open the shutters of as many as 22 dangerously full dams and reservoirs. Mammoth flooding, landslides destroyed many parts of the state rendering lakhs of people homeless and displaced who took shelter in over 5,000 relief camps set-up across Kerala. The destructive deluge claimed nearly 500 lives with an estimated loss to the state worth over Rs 21,000 crore.

Kerala to receive very heavy rainfall for next 5 days: MeT department

The government today&nbsp;deported seven Rohingya immigrants, who were&nbsp;staying in Assam illegally, to their country of origin Myanmar, in a first such move.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-intervene-deportation-7-rohingya-refugees-myanmar-169333">Also Read:&nbsp;Supreme Court refuses to interfere in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-intervene-deportation-7-rohingya-refugees-myanmar-169333">deportation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-intervene-deportation-7-rohingya-refugees-myanmar-169333"> of 7 Rohingya refugees</a>

The illegal immigrants were detained in 2012 and since then they had been lodged in Cachar Central Jail in Assam's Silchar.

"Seven Myanmarese nationals have been deported today. They were handed over to the authorities of Myanmar at Moreh border post in Manipur," Assam Additional Director General of Police (Border) Bhaskar J Mahanta said.

Consular access had been given to Myanmar diplomats, who confirmed the identity of the immigrants, Mahanta said.

The confirmation of the Myanmarese citizenship of the illegal immigrants came after the government of the neighbouring country verified their addresses in Rakhine State and all of them were given travel documents by Myanmar.

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Upon reconfirming their willingness to be repatriated on Oct 3, 2018 &amp; with the full concurrence of the Government of Myanmar, in accordance with established procedures and laws, the Government of Assam has arranged for the repatriation of these seven individuals to Myanmar: MEA
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047809829971083264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is for the first time Rohingya immigrants were sent back to Myanmar from India.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court rejected the plea made by one of the Rohingya refugees seeking to restrain the Centre from deporting them to Myanmar.

Allowing the deportation of the seven Rohingya Muslims, the Supreme Court said they were found by the competent court as illegal immigrants and have been accepted by their country of origin as citizens.

"Having considered the prayer, we would not like to interfere with the decision taken. The petition is dismissed," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said.

"Even the country of their origin has accepted them as its citizens," it said.

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In accordance with established procedures&amp;previous precedent&amp;with the assistance of MEA, the Embassy of Myanmar was able to establish the identity of these individuals as residents of that country: MEA
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047809822618468353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Centre told the apex court that the seven Rohingya illegally migrated to India in 2012 and were convicted under the Foreigners Act.

The Centre also informed the court that Myanmar has issued a certificate of identity to the seven immigrants along with one-month visa to facilitate their deportation.

The seven immigrants were apprehended on July 29, 2012, for violating the Foreigners Act.

Those who were deported include Md Jamal, Mohbul Khan, Jamal Hussain, Md Yonus, Sabir Ahmed, Rahim Uddin and Md Salam and are in the age bracket of 26-32 years.

Another official said all the Rohingya immigrants were "keen" to go back to their country and thanked the Assam government for the treatment meted out to them during their incarceration.

The Indian government had informed Parliament last year that over 14,000 Rohingya people, registered with the UN refugee agency UNHCR, stay in India.

However, aid agencies estimate there are about 40,000 Rohingya people in the country.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, described by the UN as the most persecuted minority in the world, fled their homes last year to escape an alleged crackdown by the Myanmarese military.

Human rights group Amnesty International has blamed Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the country's government for "burying their heads in the sand over the horrors unfolding in Rakhine State".

The government today deported seven Rohingya immigrants, who were staying in Assam illegally, to their country of origin Myanmar, in a first such move. Also Read: Supreme Court refuses to interfere in deportation of 7 Rohingya refugees The illegal immigrants were detained in 2012 and since then they had been lodged in Cachar Central Jail in Assam's Silchar.

The government today deported seven Rohingya immigrants, who were staying in Assam illegally, to their country of origin Myanmar, in a first such move. Also Read: Supreme Court refuses to interfere in deportation of 7 Rohingya refugees The illegal immigrants were detained in 2012 and since then they had been lodged in Cachar Central Jail in Assam's Silchar. "Seven Myanmarese nationals have been deported today. They were handed over to the authorities of Myanmar at Moreh border post in Manipur," Assam Additional Director General of Police (Border) Bhaskar J Mahanta said. Consular access had been given to Myanmar diplomats, who confirmed the identity of the immigrants, Mahanta said. The confirmation of the Myanmarese citizenship of the illegal immigrants came after the government of the neighbouring country verified their addresses in Rakhine State and all of them were given travel documents by Myanmar. Upon reconfirming their willingness to be repatriated on Oct 3, 2018 & with the full concurrence of the Government of Myanmar, in accordance with established procedures and laws, the Government of Assam has arranged for the repatriation of these seven individuals to Myanmar: MEA — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × This is for the first time Rohingya immigrants were sent back to Myanmar from India. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court rejected the plea made by one of the Rohingya refugees seeking to restrain the Centre from deporting them to Myanmar. Allowing the deportation of the seven Rohingya Muslims, the Supreme Court said they were found by the competent court as illegal immigrants and have been accepted by their country of origin as citizens. "Having considered the prayer, we would not like to interfere with the decision taken. The petition is dismissed," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph said. "Even the country of their origin has accepted them as its citizens," it said. In accordance with established procedures&previous precedent&with the assistance of MEA, the Embassy of Myanmar was able to establish the identity of these individuals as residents of that country: MEA — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × The Centre told the apex court that the seven Rohingya illegally migrated to India in 2012 and were convicted under the Foreigners Act. The Centre also informed the court that Myanmar has issued a certificate of identity to the seven immigrants along with one-month visa to facilitate their deportation. The seven immigrants were apprehended on July 29, 2012, for violating the Foreigners Act. Those who were deported include Md Jamal, Mohbul Khan, Jamal Hussain, Md Yonus, Sabir Ahmed, Rahim Uddin and Md Salam and are in the age bracket of 26-32 years. Another official said all the Rohingya immigrants were "keen" to go back to their country and thanked the Assam government for the treatment meted out to them during their incarceration. The Indian government had informed Parliament last year that over 14,000 Rohingya people, registered with the UN refugee agency UNHCR, stay in India. However, aid agencies estimate there are about 40,000 Rohingya people in the country. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, described by the UN as the most persecuted minority in the world, fled their homes last year to escape an alleged crackdown by the Myanmarese military. Human rights group Amnesty International has blamed Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the country's government for "burying their heads in the sand over the horrors unfolding in Rakhine State".

Government deports 7 Rohingya immigrants to Myanmar

India deports seven Rohingya men to Myanmar as fear grips community

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Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for his two-day visit to India. He was received by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. <a href="https://t.co/sNUWyS1ZkJ">pic.twitter.com/sNUWyS1ZkJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047846088034672641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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7:08 pm: India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj received Russian President Putin at the Delhi Airport. The Russian president will be meeting PM Modi shortly to address the joint statement.

&nbsp;

President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin arrived in India today on a two-day visit to as&nbsp;India and Russia seek&nbsp;to cement their relations amid complex regional moves in the Asian region.

President Putin will be signing 20 bilateral agreements with India during his visit including in trade, tourism, energy and space exploration. However, it is the acquisition of the high tech S-400 missile defence missile system which will be the focus of attention during his visit to India. The US already expressed its displeasure at India signing&nbsp;the defence deal with Putin, threatening to impose sanctions under CAATSA.

During his visit, Putin will be meeting President Kovind and hold other official engagements to boost India-Russia ties. US and Russia have been taking potshots at each other for several months now with the Trump administration blowing hot and cold with Putin.

The US had expelled&nbsp;60 Russian&nbsp;diplomats alleging that they were spies and closed Russia’s consulate in Seattle, siding with the UK over the poisoning&nbsp;of ex-Russian spy Skripal and his daughter. India, on the other hand, has been able to keep its hand on US handle, however, with the imminent signing of the S-400 deal things could change rapidly.&nbsp;

PM Modi had last engaged with the Russian president during the "informal"&nbsp;Sochi summit in May. Modi's boat ride with Putin in the&nbsp;Black Sea had attracted world attention at the time. All eyes with be on PM Modi and President Putin as they engage with each other in New Delhi over the next two days.

Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for his two-day visit to India. He was received by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. pic.twitter.com/sNUWyS1ZkJ — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × 7:08 pm: India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj received Russian President Putin at the Delhi Airport.

Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for his two-day visit to India. He was received by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. pic.twitter.com/sNUWyS1ZkJ — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × 7:08 pm: India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj received Russian President Putin at the Delhi Airport. The Russian president will be meeting PM Modi shortly to address the joint statement. President Vladimir Putin arrived in India today on a two-day visit to as India and Russia seek to cement their relations amid complex regional moves in the Asian region. President Putin will be signing 20 bilateral agreements with India during his visit including in trade, tourism, energy and space exploration. However, it is the acquisition of the high tech S-400 missile defence missile system which will be the focus of attention during his visit to India. The US already expressed its displeasure at India signing the defence deal with Putin, threatening to impose sanctions under CAATSA. During his visit, Putin will be meeting President Kovind and hold other official engagements to boost India-Russia ties. US and Russia have been taking potshots at each other for several months now with the Trump administration blowing hot and cold with Putin. The US had expelled 60 Russian diplomats alleging that they were spies and closed Russia’s consulate in Seattle, siding with the UK over the poisoning of ex-Russian spy Skripal and his daughter. India, on the other hand, has been able to keep its hand on US handle, however, with the imminent signing of the S-400 deal things could change rapidly. PM Modi had last engaged with the Russian president during the "informal" Sochi summit in May. Modi's boat ride with Putin in the Black Sea had attracted world attention at the time. All eyes with be on PM Modi and President Putin as they engage with each other in New Delhi over the next two days.

Live: President Putin arrives in India to boost India-Russia ties

Fuel prices continued to rise across the country on October 4. The price of petrol in Mumbai increased by 0.14 paise to Rs 91.34 per litre, while that of diesel rose by 0.21 paise to Rs 80.10 per litre.

In Delhi, prices of petrol and diesel were hiked by 0.15 paise and 0.20 paise, respectively. Petrol now costs Rs 84 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 75.45 per litre, according to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).

Petrol is being sold at Rs 87.18 in Chennai while diesel at&nbsp;Rs 79.57 while in Kolkata a litre of petrol costs Rs 85.65 while diesel Rs 77.1.&nbsp;

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently blamed global factors for the increase in prices of petroleum products. He said reducing taxes on these items would not have any lasting impact because crude oil prices were still quite volatile.

"The basic problem is that crude prices are volatile. The effect of any measures, including a reduction in the value-added tax (VAT) by the states and the excise duty by the Centre will not last long due to the volatility in crude prices," Pradhan said.

However, the minister also said that higher fuel prices are a matter of concern and that the government is finding ways to offer some relief to the public.

The Centre currently levies an excise duty of Rs 19.48 per litre on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel.

In addition to this, various states levy VAT at different rates. Mumbai has the highest VAT — 39.12 per cent — on petrol, while Telangana levies the highest VAT — 26 per cent — on diesel.

Fuel prices continued to rise across the country on October 4. The price of petrol in Mumbai increased by 0.14 paise to Rs 91.34 per litre, while that of diesel rose by 0.

Fuel prices continued to rise across the country on October 4. The price of petrol in Mumbai increased by 0.14 paise to Rs 91.34 per litre, while that of diesel rose by 0.21 paise to Rs 80.10 per litre. In Delhi, prices of petrol and diesel were hiked by 0.15 paise and 0.20 paise, respectively. Petrol now costs Rs 84 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 75.45 per litre, according to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Petrol is being sold at Rs 87.18 in Chennai while diesel at Rs 79.57 while in Kolkata a litre of petrol costs Rs 85.65 while diesel Rs 77.1. Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently blamed global factors for the increase in prices of petroleum products. He said reducing taxes on these items would not have any lasting impact because crude oil prices were still quite volatile. "The basic problem is that crude prices are volatile. The effect of any measures, including a reduction in the value-added tax (VAT) by the states and the excise duty by the Centre will not last long due to the volatility in crude prices," Pradhan said. However, the minister also said that higher fuel prices are a matter of concern and that the government is finding ways to offer some relief to the public. The Centre currently levies an excise duty of Rs 19.48 per litre on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel. In addition to this, various states levy VAT at different rates. Mumbai has the highest VAT — 39.12 per cent — on petrol, while Telangana levies the highest VAT — 26 per cent — on diesel.

Petrol prices up again, selling at Rs 91.34 a litre in Mumbai

ICICI Bank Managing Director Chanda Kochhar has resigned from the bank with immediate effect, reported news agency PTI.

The board of the bank has accepted the request of Kochhar to seek early retirement, according to a regulatory filing.&nbsp;

"The board accepted this request with immediate effect. The enquiry instituted by the board will remain unaffected by this and certain benefits will be subject to the outcome of the enquiry," the bank said Thursday.&nbsp;

The board has decided to appoint Sandeep Bakhshi as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, the report added.&nbsp;

His appointment will be for a period of five years until October 3, 2023, subject to various approvals.&nbsp;

Kochhar was earlier sent on forced leave till the completion of an independent investigation into charges of conflict of interest against her in a case of her husband being a beneficiary of loans from the bank’s borrowers.&nbsp;

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing into allegations that the ICICI Bank chief 's husband Deepak Kochhar's company NuPower Renewables received an investment from a Videocon group company as a quid pro quo for a loan from the bank.&nbsp;

ICICI Bank Managing Director Chanda Kochhar has resigned from the bank with immediate effect, reported news agency PTI. The board of the bank has accepted the request of Kochhar to seek early retirement, according to a regulatory filing.

ICICI Bank Managing Director Chanda Kochhar has resigned from the bank with immediate effect, reported news agency PTI. The board of the bank has accepted the request of Kochhar to seek early retirement, according to a regulatory filing. "The board accepted this request with immediate effect. The enquiry instituted by the board will remain unaffected by this and certain benefits will be subject to the outcome of the enquiry," the bank said Thursday. The board has decided to appoint Sandeep Bakhshi as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, the report added. His appointment will be for a period of five years until October 3, 2023, subject to various approvals. Kochhar was earlier sent on forced leave till the completion of an independent investigation into charges of conflict of interest against her in a case of her husband being a beneficiary of loans from the bank’s borrowers. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing into allegations that the ICICI Bank chief 's husband Deepak Kochhar's company NuPower Renewables received an investment from a Videocon group company as a quid pro quo for a loan from the bank.

ICICI MD Chanda Kochhar quits bank, Sandeep Bakhshi to replace her

Government cuts petrol, diesel prices by Rs 2.50; asks states to follow suit

Several Indian companies and some Indians have been barred by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/not-educating-girls-costs-15-30-trillion-world-bank-150969">World Bank</a> from its various projects across the globe, the multilateral lending agency said in its first report on its efforts to fight corruption and safeguard donor resources.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-endorses-plan-india-transition-higher-middle-income-country-166894">Also read: World Bank endorses </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-endorses-plan-india-transition-higher-middle-income-country-166894">plan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-bank-endorses-plan-india-transition-higher-middle-income-country-166894"> for India to transition to higher middle-income country</a>

The World bank Group Sanctions System Annual Report for the year 2018 said Olive Health Care and Jay Modi from India have been debarred from for their fraudulent and corrupt practices. They were working on a World Bank project in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

While Olive Health has been debarred for 10 years and six months, Modi has been debarred for seven years and six months, the report said.

In all 78 companies and individuals have been debarred by the World Bank.&nbsp;

The inaugural report, the bank said, is the result of efforts by the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT), the Office of Suspension and Debarment (OSD) and the Sanctions Board to prepare a joint overview of the Bank Group Sanctions System and its activities over the past year.

India-based Angelique International Limited has been debarred by the World Bank for four years and six months for their fraudulent and corrupt practices. The company had a World Bank project in Ethiopia and Nepal.

Family Care from India too has been debarred by the World Bank for four years on similar grounds. They had projects in Argentina and Bangladesh.

For fraudulent practices, Madhucon Projects Ltd from India has been debarred by the World Bank for two years. It had World Bank projects in India. R KD Construction Pvt Ltd has been debarred for one year and six months for the same reason. It has projects in India.

Among other Indian companies debarred by the World Bank for less than a year are Tatve Global Environment Pvt Ltd, SMEC (India) Pvt Ltd, and Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

In addition to the 78 debarments, five firms were sanctioned with conditional non-debarment, which means they remain eligible to participate in World Bank-financed projects but will be debarred if they do not meet certain agreed-upon conditions.

Each of the sanctions related to a finding that the firm or individual engaged in one of the institution's five sanctionable practices - fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion or obstruction - while participating in a Bank Group-funded project, the bank said.

The institution also recognised 73 cross-debarments from other multilateral development banks.

In addition to evaluating allegations of fraud and corruption, INT works to prevent corruption in ongoing Bank Group projects. INT staff identified and worked to mitigate integrity risks in 390 projects, steps that made progress in safeguarding the equivalent of USD 2.2 billion in project commitments, it said.&nbsp;

Several Indian companies and some Indians have been barred by the World Bank from its various projects across the globe, the multilateral lending agency said in its first report on its efforts to fight corruption and safeguard donor resources.

Several Indian companies and some Indians have been barred by the World Bank from its various projects across the globe, the multilateral lending agency said in its first report on its efforts to fight corruption and safeguard donor resources. Also read: World Bank endorses plan for India to transition to higher middle-income country The World bank Group Sanctions System Annual Report for the year 2018 said Olive Health Care and Jay Modi from India have been debarred from for their fraudulent and corrupt practices. They were working on a World Bank project in Bangladesh. While Olive Health has been debarred for 10 years and six months, Modi has been debarred for seven years and six months, the report said. In all 78 companies and individuals have been debarred by the World Bank. The inaugural report, the bank said, is the result of efforts by the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT), the Office of Suspension and Debarment (OSD) and the Sanctions Board to prepare a joint overview of the Bank Group Sanctions System and its activities over the past year. India-based Angelique International Limited has been debarred by the World Bank for four years and six months for their fraudulent and corrupt practices. The company had a World Bank project in Ethiopia and Nepal. Family Care from India too has been debarred by the World Bank for four years on similar grounds. They had projects in Argentina and Bangladesh. For fraudulent practices, Madhucon Projects Ltd from India has been debarred by the World Bank for two years. It had World Bank projects in India. R KD Construction Pvt Ltd has been debarred for one year and six months for the same reason. It has projects in India. Among other Indian companies debarred by the World Bank for less than a year are Tatve Global Environment Pvt Ltd, SMEC (India) Pvt Ltd, and Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd. In addition to the 78 debarments, five firms were sanctioned with conditional non-debarment, which means they remain eligible to participate in World Bank-financed projects but will be debarred if they do not meet certain agreed-upon conditions. Each of the sanctions related to a finding that the firm or individual engaged in one of the institution's five sanctionable practices - fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion or obstruction - while participating in a Bank Group-funded project, the bank said. The institution also recognised 73 cross-debarments from other multilateral development banks. In addition to evaluating allegations of fraud and corruption, INT works to prevent corruption in ongoing Bank Group projects. INT staff identified and worked to mitigate integrity risks in 390 projects, steps that made progress in safeguarding the equivalent of USD 2.2 billion in project commitments, it said.

Several Indian companies barred by World Bank in 2018

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to interfere in the Centre's decision to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-files-an-affidavit-says-rohingya-refugees-are-a-threat-to-national-security-20224">deport 7 Rohingya refugees</a> to Myanmar.&nbsp;

The refugees, who have been in detention in Assam's Silchar since July 29, 2012,&nbsp;are to be handed over to the Myanmarese authorities today at the Moreh border post in Manipur.&nbsp;

The plea that the Supreme Court intervene in the deportation had been filed by the lawyer Prashant Bhushan.&nbsp;

News reports Thursday quoted Bhushan as telling the court that it was the state's responsibility to look after stateless citizens, which he said the Rohingya are.&nbsp;

The court — the plea&nbsp;was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph — reportedly shot back that it was well aware of its duties.

The Centre had earlier told the Supreme Court that Myanmar had accepted the seven Rohingya refugees as citizens of that country and had agreed to take them back.&nbsp;

“We don’t want to interfere with the Centre’s decision,” CJI Gogoi said on Thursday.

The special rapporteur on racism at the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees however has said the move might amount to refoulment — or the deliberate return of refugees to a place where they face persecution and the threat of violence. Refoulment is contrary to international law.&nbsp;

The office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has added that the seven Rohingya should be allowed to make an "informed decision" about whether they wish to return, or claim asylum in India.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on India to pressure Myanmar into creating an environment conducive for the return of Rohingya refugees. He added that he had never seen a humanitarian crisis as grave as that of the Rohingya.&nbsp;

The seven Rohingya refugees were identified in news reports as Md Jamal, Mohbul Khan, Jamal Hussain, Md Yonus, Sabir Ahmed, Rahim Uddin, and Md Salam. Authorities said they are in the age bracket of 26 to 32 years.&nbsp;

The seven of them were bussed to Moreh on Wednesday. The handover was expected to take place on Thursday.&nbsp;

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The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to interfere in the Centre's decision to deport 7 Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. The refugees, who have been in detention in Assam's Silchar since July 29, 2012, are to be handed over to the Myanmarese authorities today at the Moreh border post in Manipur.

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to interfere in the Centre's decision to deport 7 Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. The refugees, who have been in detention in Assam's Silchar since July 29, 2012, are to be handed over to the Myanmarese authorities today at the Moreh border post in Manipur. The plea that the Supreme Court intervene in the deportation had been filed by the lawyer Prashant Bhushan. News reports Thursday quoted Bhushan as telling the court that it was the state's responsibility to look after stateless citizens, which he said the Rohingya are. The court — the plea was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph — reportedly shot back that it was well aware of its duties. The Centre had earlier told the Supreme Court that Myanmar had accepted the seven Rohingya refugees as citizens of that country and had agreed to take them back. “We don’t want to interfere with the Centre’s decision,” CJI Gogoi said on Thursday. The special rapporteur on racism at the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees however has said the move might amount to refoulment — or the deliberate return of refugees to a place where they face persecution and the threat of violence. Refoulment is contrary to international law. The office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has added that the seven Rohingya should be allowed to make an "informed decision" about whether they wish to return, or claim asylum in India. On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on India to pressure Myanmar into creating an environment conducive for the return of Rohingya refugees. He added that he had never seen a humanitarian crisis as grave as that of the Rohingya. The seven Rohingya refugees were identified in news reports as Md Jamal, Mohbul Khan, Jamal Hussain, Md Yonus, Sabir Ahmed, Rahim Uddin, and Md Salam. Authorities said they are in the age bracket of 26 to 32 years. The seven of them were bussed to Moreh on Wednesday. The handover was expected to take place on Thursday.

Supreme Court refuses to interfere in deportation of 7 Rohingya refugees

Why preventing child abuse in schools needs change in approach

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