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Assam has witnessed a 10 fold rise in child marriage since 2015-16 with 317 instances recorded during 2017-18, said Social Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma in the Assembly Friday.

There were 32 instances of child marriage during 2015-16 which rose to 96 during 2016-17 and 317 during 2017-18, the minister told the House while replying to a question of MLA Roselina Tirkey of the Congress.

From zero record in 2015-16, Kamrup district with 59 such instances this year topped the list of child marriage cases, which are recorded by the district child protection units in 27 districts of the state, Brahma said.

Neighboring Barpeta district followed with 39 and Baksa district with 26 instances this year, she added.&nbsp;

Assam has witnessed a 10 fold rise in child marriage since 2015-16 with 317 instances recorded during 2017-18, said Social Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma in the Assembly Friday.

Assam has witnessed a 10 fold rise in child marriage since 2015-16 with 317 instances recorded during 2017-18, said Social Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma in the Assembly Friday. There were 32 instances of child marriage during 2015-16 which rose to 96 during 2016-17 and 317 during 2017-18, the minister told the House while replying to a question of MLA Roselina Tirkey of the Congress. From zero record in 2015-16, Kamrup district with 59 such instances this year topped the list of child marriage cases, which are recorded by the district child protection units in 27 districts of the state, Brahma said. Neighboring Barpeta district followed with 39 and Baksa district with 26 instances this year, she added.

317 child marriage instances in Assam during 2017-18: Minister

As per studies, a silent heart attack is often symptomless but the risk of a person dying is the same as that during asymptomatic heart attack.&nbsp;

Though silent heart attacks strike men more often than women, the latter are equally at risk.

About 45 per cent of all heart attacks are silent, according to a research. On World Heart Day, awareness needs to be raised on this condition and that it becomes apparent only during a chance electrogram indicating damage to heart muscles.

Silent heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely.&nbsp;

Statistics indicate that about 25 per cent of all heart attacks occur in people below the age of 40 years.&nbsp;

The classic symptoms of a silent heart attack such as fatigue or physical discomfort, poor sleep, and age-related ache or pain are often confused as gastric reflux, indigestion, and heartburn.

Speaking about this, Dr Suman Bhandari of Fortis Hospital, Noida, said, "The outcome of a silent heart attack is as bad as one whose symptoms are detected. However, there is a lack of knowledge about these signs, which can delay timely diagnosis and treatment."

"At times, the location of pain can be misdiagnosed. For instance, some people feel a discomfort in the centre of the chest as opposed to a sharp pain on the left side, a symptom often associated with heart attack.&nbsp;

Many people also feel completely normal during and after a silent heart attack which further increases the probability of missing the warning signs.&nbsp;

Recurring silent heart attacks can cause scarring and damage to the heart. In the absence of treatment, this condition multiplies the risk of a second and potentially more harmful heart attack."

Some risk factors for a silent heart attack include smoking, excess weight, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. It is a warning sign to address an underlying health issue.

Dr Bhandari added, "One of the primary reasons for this condition is blockage in the flow of blood in the coronary arteries due to build-up of plaque. It is important to understand that even subtle symptoms should not be ignored. Being aware of your risk factors and getting evaluated at the right time is key to preventing further complications."

Among the various treatment options for a silent heart attack are angioplasty (a special tubing with an attached deflated balloon is threaded up to the coronary arteries); artificial heart valve surgery (abnormal or diseased heart valve is replaced with a healthy one); bypass surgery (treats blocked heart arteries by creating new passages for blood to flow to the heart muscle); cardiomyoplasty; and heart transplant (diseased heart is removed and replaced with a donated healthy human heart).

Dr Vishal Rastogi of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute &amp; Research Centre, New Delhi has shared some tips to keep your heart healthy.&nbsp;

Consume a heart-healthy balanced diet that consists of fruits and vegetables, and whole grain foods. Avoid junk and processed foods that are loaded with unhealthy fats, salt and sugar.

Quit smoking and avoid binge drinking to reduce the risk of heart disease.&nbsp;Control your weight by staying active. At least 30 minutes of daily physical activity has been shown to be helpful in preventing a heart attack.&nbsp;

Get regular health checkups done to detect any possible underlying risk factors. Manage your risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.&nbsp;

As per studies, a silent heart attack is often symptomless but the risk of a person dying is the same as that during asymptomatic heart attack. Though silent heart attacks strike men more often than women, the latter are equally at risk.

As per studies, a silent heart attack is often symptomless but the risk of a person dying is the same as that during asymptomatic heart attack. Though silent heart attacks strike men more often than women, the latter are equally at risk. About 45 per cent of all heart attacks are silent, according to a research. On World Heart Day, awareness needs to be raised on this condition and that it becomes apparent only during a chance electrogram indicating damage to heart muscles. Silent heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. Statistics indicate that about 25 per cent of all heart attacks occur in people below the age of 40 years. The classic symptoms of a silent heart attack such as fatigue or physical discomfort, poor sleep, and age-related ache or pain are often confused as gastric reflux, indigestion, and heartburn. Speaking about this, Dr Suman Bhandari of Fortis Hospital, Noida, said, "The outcome of a silent heart attack is as bad as one whose symptoms are detected. However, there is a lack of knowledge about these signs, which can delay timely diagnosis and treatment." "At times, the location of pain can be misdiagnosed. For instance, some people feel a discomfort in the centre of the chest as opposed to a sharp pain on the left side, a symptom often associated with heart attack. Many people also feel completely normal during and after a silent heart attack which further increases the probability of missing the warning signs. Recurring silent heart attacks can cause scarring and damage to the heart. In the absence of treatment, this condition multiplies the risk of a second and potentially more harmful heart attack." Some risk factors for a silent heart attack include smoking, excess weight, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. It is a warning sign to address an underlying health issue. Dr Bhandari added, "One of the primary reasons for this condition is blockage in the flow of blood in the coronary arteries due to build-up of plaque. It is important to understand that even subtle symptoms should not be ignored. Being aware of your risk factors and getting evaluated at the right time is key to preventing further complications." Among the various treatment options for a silent heart attack are angioplasty (a special tubing with an attached deflated balloon is threaded up to the coronary arteries); artificial heart valve surgery (abnormal or diseased heart valve is replaced with a healthy one); bypass surgery (treats blocked heart arteries by creating new passages for blood to flow to the heart muscle); cardiomyoplasty; and heart transplant (diseased heart is removed and replaced with a donated healthy human heart). Dr Vishal Rastogi of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute & Research Centre, New Delhi has shared some tips to keep your heart healthy. Consume a heart-healthy balanced diet that consists of fruits and vegetables, and whole grain foods. Avoid junk and processed foods that are loaded with unhealthy fats, salt and sugar. Quit smoking and avoid binge drinking to reduce the risk of heart disease. Control your weight by staying active. At least 30 minutes of daily physical activity has been shown to be helpful in preventing a heart attack. Get regular health checkups done to detect any possible underlying risk factors. Manage your risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.

About 45% of heart attacks are silent and cause long-term damage

A 40-year-old man was arrested here Thursday for allegedly raping his teenage daughter, who claimed that she was being sexually harassed by her father for the last three years, a police official said.

The man, a daily wage labourer, had raped the 14-year-old girl two days ago after which she somehow reached the police and narrated her ordeal, the official said.

"The family belongs to Bihar and they were staying in Chhijarsi village here for last some years. The girl's mother, who is a housewife, was aware of the happenings but both were threatened to remain silent," said the official from Phase-III police station.

"She has said in her complaint that her father is a drug addict and also did not allow her to attend school," the policeman said.

An FIR was registered in the case and the accused was arrested from his&nbsp; 
house.

He was booked under IPC Section 376 (rape) and under provisions of the Protection of Child against Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act and remanded in judicial custody, the official said.

A 40-year-old man was arrested here Thursday for allegedly raping his teenage daughter, who claimed that she was being sexually harassed by her father for the last three years, a police official said.

A 40-year-old man was arrested here Thursday for allegedly raping his teenage daughter, who claimed that she was being sexually harassed by her father for the last three years, a police official said. The man, a daily wage labourer, had raped the 14-year-old girl two days ago after which she somehow reached the police and narrated her ordeal, the official said. "The family belongs to Bihar and they were staying in Chhijarsi village here for last some years. The girl's mother, who is a housewife, was aware of the happenings but both were threatened to remain silent," said the official from Phase-III police station. "She has said in her complaint that her father is a drug addict and also did not allow her to attend school," the policeman said. An FIR was registered in the case and the accused was arrested from his house. He was booked under IPC Section 376 (rape) and under provisions of the Protection of Child against Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act and remanded in judicial custody, the official said.

Man held for raping 14-yr-old daughter in Noida

NDMC authorities Thursday directed officials to carry out a fresh survey of houses in a week's time to identify dangerous properties, a day after a five-storeyed building collapsed in north-west Delhi's Sawan Park area, killing seven persons.

According to the last survey conducted by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), 181 buildings were found&nbsp;dangerous as on September 21.

On account of rain and collapse of one building at Sawan Park, the authorities said, the survey will seek to find other dangerous houses in the NDMC area.

"All EEs (Maintenance) are directed to carry out a fresh house-to-house survey to identify dangerous buildings falling in their jurisdiction areas," an order issued by the NDMC said.

"The exercise must be completed within one week's time and the required action should be taken as per the provisions of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act for the identified dangerous properties," it said.

Any "laxity or misreporting" in this regard shall be viewed very seriously and the staff shall be held responsible personally, the order said.

In a statement issued later, the NDMC said, "It was also decided that already identified dangerous buildings' (owners) be given notices for actions as required under provisions of the DMC Act. The vacation notices be issued, and properties be sealed if they are found dangerous for life so that such incidents of house collapse are not repeated".&nbsp;

Four children were among the seven dead in the collapse of the five-storeyed "weak" building in Ashok Vihar. The Delhi government and the area's mayor have ordered separate inquiries into the incident.

Ashok Vihar falls in the Keshav Puram Zone of the NDMC. In the last survey, "no building" in this zone were reported as dangerous.

While police claimed that the building was inspected 20 days ago following complaints to the municipal body that it was in "dangerous" condition, the NDMC claimed that the building was not declared "dangerous" and it had not received any complaint against it.

The civic body, however, admitted that the building was about 20-25 years old and its structure was "weak" and in a "deteriorated condition" while asserting that no new construction activity or construction material was found at the site.

Following the incident, NDMC has discontinued the contract of an engineer while suspended two others.

According to the last survey, maximum dangerous buildings, 171 out of 181 were found in the Narela Zone, four in Karol Bagh Zone, three in City-Sadar Paharganj Zone, two in Rohini Zone an one in Civil Lines Zone.

"When a house is surveyed, the owners or residents are either advised to get it repaired if doable or vacate the premises and demolish it, in case it is very dangerous, and rebuild it," a senior civic official said.&nbsp;

NDMC authorities Thursday directed officials to carry out a fresh survey of houses in a week's time to identify dangerous properties, a day after a five-storeyed building collapsed in north-west Delhi's Sawan Park area, killing seven persons.

NDMC authorities Thursday directed officials to carry out a fresh survey of houses in a week's time to identify dangerous properties, a day after a five-storeyed building collapsed in north-west Delhi's Sawan Park area, killing seven persons. According to the last survey conducted by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), 181 buildings were found dangerous as on September 21. On account of rain and collapse of one building at Sawan Park, the authorities said, the survey will seek to find other dangerous houses in the NDMC area. "All EEs (Maintenance) are directed to carry out a fresh house-to-house survey to identify dangerous buildings falling in their jurisdiction areas," an order issued by the NDMC said. "The exercise must be completed within one week's time and the required action should be taken as per the provisions of the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act for the identified dangerous properties," it said. Any "laxity or misreporting" in this regard shall be viewed very seriously and the staff shall be held responsible personally, the order said. In a statement issued later, the NDMC said, "It was also decided that already identified dangerous buildings' (owners) be given notices for actions as required under provisions of the DMC Act. The vacation notices be issued, and properties be sealed if they are found dangerous for life so that such incidents of house collapse are not repeated". Four children were among the seven dead in the collapse of the five-storeyed "weak" building in Ashok Vihar. The Delhi government and the area's mayor have ordered separate inquiries into the incident. Ashok Vihar falls in the Keshav Puram Zone of the NDMC. In the last survey, "no building" in this zone were reported as dangerous. While police claimed that the building was inspected 20 days ago following complaints to the municipal body that it was in "dangerous" condition, the NDMC claimed that the building was not declared "dangerous" and it had not received any complaint against it. The civic body, however, admitted that the building was about 20-25 years old and its structure was "weak" and in a "deteriorated condition" while asserting that no new construction activity or construction material was found at the site. Following the incident, NDMC has discontinued the contract of an engineer while suspended two others. According to the last survey, maximum dangerous buildings, 171 out of 181 were found in the Narela Zone, four in Karol Bagh Zone, three in City-Sadar Paharganj Zone, two in Rohini Zone an one in Civil Lines Zone. "When a house is surveyed, the owners or residents are either advised to get it repaired if doable or vacate the premises and demolish it, in case it is very dangerous, and rebuild it," a senior civic official said.

NDMC orders for fresh survey to identify dangerous buildings after storeyed building collapses

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-plans-meet-macron-putin-erdogan-syria-october-168197">German Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to meet Macron, Putin, Erdogan on Syria in October</a>

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday she and the leaders of Turkey, Russia and France planned to hold a summit next month on the situation in war-ravaged Syria.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supriya-sule-says-pawar-has-been-misunderstood-rafale-168216">Supriya Sule says Pawar has been misunderstood on Rafale remarks</a>

NCP leader Supriya Sule on Friday said party chief Sharad Pawar`s comment on the Prime Minister and the Rafale deal have been misunderstood as he has actually demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into it.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/smartphone-users-india-consuming-average-1gb-data-day-report-168206">Smartphone users in India consuming average 1GB data a day: Report</a>

Smartphone users in India are using up to one 1GB data a day, jumping from an average use of 4GB a month before, a Neilson India report said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-panel-heads-vote-trumps-supreme-court-nominee-brett-kavanaugh-168163">US Senate panel heads to vote on Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh</a>

Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to a lifetime seat on the US Supreme Court hung in the balance on Friday after a jarring and raucous hearing into sexual misconduct allegations against him.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-rocked-75-magnitude-quake-tsunami-warning-issued-168167">Indonesia rocked by 7.5 magnitude quake, tsunami warning called off</a>

Indonesia on Friday was struck by a very strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake, news agency AFP reported citing US Geological Survey.

&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to meet Macron, Putin, Erdogan on Syria in October German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday she and the leaders of Turkey, Russia and France planned to hold a summit next month on the situation in war-ravaged Syria.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to meet Macron, Putin, Erdogan on Syria in October German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday she and the leaders of Turkey, Russia and France planned to hold a summit next month on the situation in war-ravaged Syria. Supriya Sule says Pawar has been misunderstood on Rafale remarks NCP leader Supriya Sule on Friday said party chief Sharad Pawar`s comment on the Prime Minister and the Rafale deal have been misunderstood as he has actually demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into it. Smartphone users in India consuming average 1GB data a day: Report Smartphone users in India are using up to one 1GB data a day, jumping from an average use of 4GB a month before, a Neilson India report said. US Senate panel heads to vote on Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to a lifetime seat on the US Supreme Court hung in the balance on Friday after a jarring and raucous hearing into sexual misconduct allegations against him. Indonesia rocked by 7.5 magnitude quake, tsunami warning called off Indonesia on Friday was struck by a very strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake, news agency AFP reported citing US Geological Survey.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A court in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district convicted four people on Thursday in connection with a hooch tragedy that left around 170 people dead in 2011.

Additional district and sessions judge P S Chakraborty found Noor Islam Fakir alias Khora Badshah, the prime accused, and three others -- Dukhi Laskar, Khairul Laskar and Nazmul alias Kola Laskar -- guilty in the case.

The quantum of punishment would be pronounced on Friday. The court also acquitted six others for lack of evidence.

In the worst hooch tragedy in the state, around 170 people died in December 2011 in Sangrampur in South 24 Parganas district after consuming toxic liquor.&nbsp;

A court in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district convicted four people on Thursday in connection with a hooch tragedy that left around 170 people dead in 2011.

A court in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district convicted four people on Thursday in connection with a hooch tragedy that left around 170 people dead in 2011. Additional district and sessions judge P S Chakraborty found Noor Islam Fakir alias Khora Badshah, the prime accused, and three others -- Dukhi Laskar, Khairul Laskar and Nazmul alias Kola Laskar -- guilty in the case. The quantum of punishment would be pronounced on Friday. The court also acquitted six others for lack of evidence. In the worst hooch tragedy in the state, around 170 people died in December 2011 in Sangrampur in South 24 Parganas district after consuming toxic liquor.

4 convicted in Bengal hooch tragedy that left 170 dead

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj emphasised to SAARC countries that an environment of peace and security in South Asia is essential for cooperation and economic development, but Pakistan accused India of obstructing the region's progress and prosperity.

Swaraj's statement on Thursday came at a meeting of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

The SAARC grouping includes India, Pakistan and six other regional countries. It was established in December 1985 with an aim to promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia.

"An environment of peace and security is essential for regional cooperation to progress and achieve economic development and prosperity of our people," Swaraj said at the SAARC Ministers Meeting.

She said the number of incidents endangering South Asia are on the rise and terrorism remains the single-largest threat to peace and stability in the geopolitical region, and the world.

"It is necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination, and end the ecosystem of its support," she said according to sources.

Swaraj left the SAARC meeting early.

Shortly after her statement, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told reporters that Pakistan wants to see SAARC become result-oriented.

"We have to decide the next step. I have no hesitation in saying that in the way of SAARC's progress and in the way of the region's connectivity and prosperity, there is only one obstruction and one attitude. The attitude of one nation is making the spirit of SAARC and the spirit of the founding fathers of SAARC unfulfilled," he said, without naming India.

Asked if he had talks with Swaraj at the meeting, Qureshi denied. "She left the meeting mid-way, may be she was not feeling well," he said.

He said Swaraj talked about regional cooperation, but "my question is how will regional cooperation be possible when the regional nations are ready to sit together and you are the obstruction in that dialogue and discussion."

Qureshi said a majority of the members present in the meeting understands the significance of SAARC. "They want to move on. I cant speak for them but I can deduce from their body language, disappointment; because if you do not move on and if you do not sit and convene meetings how do you move on," he said.

He cited other regional groupings such as ASEAN and the EU and said "look at this (SAARC) atmosphere"

He called Swaraj's statement at the meeting "very vague".

He said "you said the next summit will not happen until there is conducive environment. How do you define what conducive environment is? It can vary from country to country."

Qureshi's remarks came days after New Delhi cancelled a proposed meeting between foreign ministers of India and Pakistan in New York.

India cited attacks by Islamabad-backed groups in Jammu and Kashmir and stamps released by Pakistan glorifying Kashmiri terrorists as reasons for cancellation of the proposed talks.

SAARC member-states have previously said they view the strained relations between India and Pakistan as one of the reasons for the little progress achieved by the geopolitical grouping in recent years.

Nepal And Sri Lanka have expressed interest in reviving the summit postponed in 2016 after New Delhi pulled out over Islamabad's unrelenting support to terrorist activities in India and after Pakistan-based terrorists attack an Indian Army base in Uri.

Bhutan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan had also joined India in boycotting the summit.

SAARC summits are usually held biennially. The member-state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the association. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj emphasised to SAARC countries that an environment of peace and security in South Asia is essential for cooperation and economic development, but Pakistan accused India of obstructing the region's progress and prosperity.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj emphasised to SAARC countries that an environment of peace and security in South Asia is essential for cooperation and economic development, but Pakistan accused India of obstructing the region's progress and prosperity. Swaraj's statement on Thursday came at a meeting of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session in New York. The SAARC grouping includes India, Pakistan and six other regional countries. It was established in December 1985 with an aim to promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia. "An environment of peace and security is essential for regional cooperation to progress and achieve economic development and prosperity of our people," Swaraj said at the SAARC Ministers Meeting. She said the number of incidents endangering South Asia are on the rise and terrorism remains the single-largest threat to peace and stability in the geopolitical region, and the world. "It is necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination, and end the ecosystem of its support," she said according to sources. Swaraj left the SAARC meeting early. Shortly after her statement, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told reporters that Pakistan wants to see SAARC become result-oriented. "We have to decide the next step. I have no hesitation in saying that in the way of SAARC's progress and in the way of the region's connectivity and prosperity, there is only one obstruction and one attitude. The attitude of one nation is making the spirit of SAARC and the spirit of the founding fathers of SAARC unfulfilled," he said, without naming India. Asked if he had talks with Swaraj at the meeting, Qureshi denied. "She left the meeting mid-way, may be she was not feeling well," he said. He said Swaraj talked about regional cooperation, but "my question is how will regional cooperation be possible when the regional nations are ready to sit together and you are the obstruction in that dialogue and discussion." Qureshi said a majority of the members present in the meeting understands the significance of SAARC. "They want to move on. I cant speak for them but I can deduce from their body language, disappointment; because if you do not move on and if you do not sit and convene meetings how do you move on," he said. He cited other regional groupings such as ASEAN and the EU and said "look at this (SAARC) atmosphere" He called Swaraj's statement at the meeting "very vague". He said "you said the next summit will not happen until there is conducive environment. How do you define what conducive environment is? It can vary from country to country." Qureshi's remarks came days after New Delhi cancelled a proposed meeting between foreign ministers of India and Pakistan in New York. India cited attacks by Islamabad-backed groups in Jammu and Kashmir and stamps released by Pakistan glorifying Kashmiri terrorists as reasons for cancellation of the proposed talks. SAARC member-states have previously said they view the strained relations between India and Pakistan as one of the reasons for the little progress achieved by the geopolitical grouping in recent years. Nepal And Sri Lanka have expressed interest in reviving the summit postponed in 2016 after New Delhi pulled out over Islamabad's unrelenting support to terrorist activities in India and after Pakistan-based terrorists attack an Indian Army base in Uri. Bhutan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan had also joined India in boycotting the summit. SAARC summits are usually held biennially. The member-state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the association. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Peace, security in South Asia essential for progress: Swaraj at SAARC meet

The iconic Taj Mansingh hotel in Lutyen's Delhi was retained by the Tata group in an auction by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Friday, official said.

The auction had been pending since the lease expired in 2011.

The lease for the property will be granted to the group for 33 years at double the license fees.

"The Tata group's Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has retained the property at license fees of&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;7.03 crore per month including GST. Earlier, they were paying&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;3.94 crore per month as license fees," a senior NDMC official told PTI.

<iframe data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>The Taj Mansingh was given to the Tata group in 1978 on a 33-year lease, which ended in 2011. The company had since been given nine temporary extensions.

The civic body could not auction the property then as it was tied up in a legal battle with IHCL.

The iconic Taj Mansingh hotel in Lutyen's Delhi was retained by the Tata group in an auction by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Friday, official said. The auction had been pending since the lease expired in 2011.

The iconic Taj Mansingh hotel in Lutyen's Delhi was retained by the Tata group in an auction by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Friday, official said. The auction had been pending since the lease expired in 2011. The lease for the property will be granted to the group for 33 years at double the license fees. "The Tata group's Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has retained the property at license fees of Rs. 7.03 crore per month including GST. Earlier, they were paying Rs. 3.94 crore per month as license fees," a senior NDMC official told PTI. The Taj Mansingh was given to the Tata group in 1978 on a 33-year lease, which ended in 2011. The company had since been given nine temporary extensions. The civic body could not auction the property then as it was tied up in a legal battle with IHCL.

Tata's defeat ITC in NDMC auction to retain iconic Taj Mansingh Hotel

The Delhi High Court has extended the interim protection of former Finance minister P. Chidambaram in connection with the INX media case. He has been granted interim protection from arrest until October 25.

On August 1, the court had extended his interim protection from arrest till September 28.

An anticipatory bail plea was filed by Chidambaram seeking protection from arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Chidambaram and his son, Karti, have been under the scanner of the CBI and ED in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife, Indrani Mukerjea.

The alleged irregularities took place in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Finance minister under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

In February, Karti was arrested for his alleged role in the case. The court, however, granted him bail in March.

The Delhi High Court has extended the interim protection of former Finance minister P. Chidambaram in connection with the INX media case. He has been granted interim protection from arrest until October 25.

The Delhi High Court has extended the interim protection of former Finance minister P. Chidambaram in connection with the INX media case. He has been granted interim protection from arrest until October 25. On August 1, the court had extended his interim protection from arrest till September 28. An anticipatory bail plea was filed by Chidambaram seeking protection from arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Chidambaram and his son, Karti, have been under the scanner of the CBI and ED in connection with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media, a venture promoted by former media baron Peter Mukerjea and his wife, Indrani Mukerjea. The alleged irregularities took place in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Finance minister under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. In February, Karti was arrested for his alleged role in the case. The court, however, granted him bail in March.

INX media: Court extends interim protection to Chidambaram

NCP leader Supriya Sule on Friday said party chief Sharad Pawar`s comment on the Prime Minister and the Rafale deal have been misunderstood as he has actually demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into it.

Sule's remarks came soon after party General Secretary Tariq Anwar quit the party and the Lok Sabha expressing his disagreement with Pawar who gave a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale deal.

In a series of tweets, Sule said it was "disappointing" that the issues raised by Pawar in an interview to a Marathi channel regarding the Rafale fighter jet deal were ignored.

"It`s disappointing that people have not heard Pawar ... where he has clearly raised three questions: 1) what is the justification for a 300 per cent price increase from Rs 526 crore to Rs 1,670 crore which potentially could be a significant loss to the exchequer?," said Sule, a Lok Sabha member and a daughter of Pawar.

"2) If such doubts have been raised and the government is so confident, then why are they shying from setting up a JPC? 3) When the BJP raised both price and specification issues during the Bofors allegations, then why are they hiding behind the artificial justification of secrecy of agreements vis-a-vis both commercial price and offset agreements."

Reacting to Pawar`s interview in which he had said he did not think people doubt Modi`s intentions on a personal level, Anwar told media: "The Prime Minister is fully involved in the Rafale deal.

"I have resigned from the NCP as well as the membership of Lok Sabha because I totally disagree with Sharad Pawar`s statement in support of Modi on Rafale deal," said the 67-year-old who was expelled from the Congress in 1999 along with Pawar and P.A. Sangma after they questioned the foreign origins of Sonia Gandhi.

NCP leader Supriya Sule on Friday said party chief Sharad Pawar`s comment on the Prime Minister and the Rafale deal have been misunderstood as he has actually demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into it.

NCP leader Supriya Sule on Friday said party chief Sharad Pawar`s comment on the Prime Minister and the Rafale deal have been misunderstood as he has actually demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into it. Sule's remarks came soon after party General Secretary Tariq Anwar quit the party and the Lok Sabha expressing his disagreement with Pawar who gave a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale deal. In a series of tweets, Sule said it was "disappointing" that the issues raised by Pawar in an interview to a Marathi channel regarding the Rafale fighter jet deal were ignored. "It`s disappointing that people have not heard Pawar ... where he has clearly raised three questions: 1) what is the justification for a 300 per cent price increase from Rs 526 crore to Rs 1,670 crore which potentially could be a significant loss to the exchequer?," said Sule, a Lok Sabha member and a daughter of Pawar. "2) If such doubts have been raised and the government is so confident, then why are they shying from setting up a JPC? 3) When the BJP raised both price and specification issues during the Bofors allegations, then why are they hiding behind the artificial justification of secrecy of agreements vis-a-vis both commercial price and offset agreements." Reacting to Pawar`s interview in which he had said he did not think people doubt Modi`s intentions on a personal level, Anwar told media: "The Prime Minister is fully involved in the Rafale deal. "I have resigned from the NCP as well as the membership of Lok Sabha because I totally disagree with Sharad Pawar`s statement in support of Modi on Rafale deal," said the 67-year-old who was expelled from the Congress in 1999 along with Pawar and P.A. Sangma after they questioned the foreign origins of Sonia Gandhi.

Supriya Sule says Pawar has been misunderstood on Rafale remarks 

The Centre Friday questioned the Supreme Court for its reported remark terming as "murderers" some Manipur Police personnel, chargesheeted in alleged fake encounter cases, saying it has "completely shaken" the morale of armed forces and securitymen operating in insurgency-hit areas.

The government told a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta that they supported the applications filed by some Manipur Police personnel seeking recusal of the bench from hearing the Manipur fake encounters cases in which the CBI's special investigation team (SIT) is carrying out a probe.

The petitioners, however, challenged the government's contention, saying this was an attempt to "overawe" the court, which should not recuse from hearing the matter. 
The court, which is hearing a PIL seeking a probe into as many as 1,528 cases of alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur, had on July 14 last year constituted an SIT of the CBI and ordered lodging of FIRs and investigating them.

Besides the policemen, over 300 army personnel have also approached the top court challenging registration of FIRs against them for operations in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is in force.&nbsp;

"I have instructions from the Union of India that we are supporting these petitions (seeking recusal of bench). So far as armed forces in Manipur are concerned, they are having difficult time fighting insurgency," Attorney General (AG) K K Venugopal told the bench.

The AG also questioned the prosecution of personnel from the armed forces and the police for conducting operations in the areas where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is in force, saying "they cannot understand why they are asked to face the prosecution".

He said the reported remarks by the bench that "murderers" were walking freely has "shaken" the morale of armed forces and police personnel as they were sacrificing their lives but facing the prospect of being awarded death penalty for the alleged offence of murder.

The bench, however, said the oral remarks by the bench during the hearing on July 30 was not "designed or directed" against any individual as it happened during the discussion in the court with the CBI Director.

Justice Lalit said that on July 30, they were asking the CBI Director, who was then present in the court, about the status of the case. The court was informed that till then, 14 persons were chargesheeted for the alleged offences of murder, criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence by the SIT.

"We will make it clear and we will pass an order today that whatever had happened was in the course of discussion (with the CBI Director). It was not intended against any individual," the bench said.

Senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for petitioners, told the court that persons who were chargesheeted had a "genuine apprehension" that they would not get a fair trial and impartial justice due to the remarks by the bench.

"This affects morale of Army and police personnel," he said, adding "this is our submission that this bench should not hear this case".

Rohatgi, while making it clear that nobody was saying that court was "biased", said these persons, having been chargesheeted for the offence of murder, were facing the charge of life or death.

The bench after hearing the submissions reserved its order on the application seeking its recusal from hearing the matter.

During the arguments, Venugopal said personnel from armed forces and police were "sacrificing their lives" in the insurgency hit areas and after the reported remarks by the bench, "they do not know what will happen to them".

He said after this remark by the highest court of the land, it would be very difficult for the trial judge to go against the observations of the apex court.

"Even if you clarify this, will they ever be able to get rid of this thought from their mind. They are not saying that this matter should not be heard. But some other bench should hear this," Venugopal said.

To this, the bench observed, "The CBI is investigating. No court is going to interfere with the investigation. We are just monitoring it. Is it your submission that some other bench should monitor the investigation?"&nbsp;

The bench also said it has not been stated that the CBI was not investigating these cases properly.

"Morale of entire armed forces in insurgency hit area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is shaken," the Attorney General said, adding that even before the trial in the alleged encounter cases have started, the police personnel were termed as "murderers".

"It is justified that you leave it to other bench to monitor this. Life of people is involved," he said.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is representing the petitioners in the main case related to alleged fake encounters in Manipur by Army, Assam Rifles and state police, said the bench should not recuse from hearing the matter as it had not said that these accused were murderers.

"It (seeking recusal) is an attempt to overawe the court," he said, adding that these applications should be dismissed with cost.

An advocate, assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the main matter, also opposed the plea seeking recusal of the bench.

Rohatgi, however, said, "Anybody can make a mistake. The court can also make a mistake. In section 377 (apex court's verdict on gay sex) and adultery case, the mistakes made earlier by this court has been corrected by this court".&nbsp;

The Centre Friday questioned the Supreme Court for its reported remark terming as "murderers" some Manipur Police personnel, chargesheeted in alleged fake encounter cases, saying it has "completely shaken" the morale of armed forces and securitymen operating in insurgency-hit areas.

The Centre Friday questioned the Supreme Court for its reported remark terming as "murderers" some Manipur Police personnel, chargesheeted in alleged fake encounter cases, saying it has "completely shaken" the morale of armed forces and securitymen operating in insurgency-hit areas. The government told a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta that they supported the applications filed by some Manipur Police personnel seeking recusal of the bench from hearing the Manipur fake encounters cases in which the CBI's special investigation team (SIT) is carrying out a probe. The petitioners, however, challenged the government's contention, saying this was an attempt to "overawe" the court, which should not recuse from hearing the matter. The court, which is hearing a PIL seeking a probe into as many as 1,528 cases of alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur, had on July 14 last year constituted an SIT of the CBI and ordered lodging of FIRs and investigating them. Besides the policemen, over 300 army personnel have also approached the top court challenging registration of FIRs against them for operations in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is in force. "I have instructions from the Union of India that we are supporting these petitions (seeking recusal of bench). So far as armed forces in Manipur are concerned, they are having difficult time fighting insurgency," Attorney General (AG) K K Venugopal told the bench. The AG also questioned the prosecution of personnel from the armed forces and the police for conducting operations in the areas where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is in force, saying "they cannot understand why they are asked to face the prosecution". He said the reported remarks by the bench that "murderers" were walking freely has "shaken" the morale of armed forces and police personnel as they were sacrificing their lives but facing the prospect of being awarded death penalty for the alleged offence of murder. The bench, however, said the oral remarks by the bench during the hearing on July 30 was not "designed or directed" against any individual as it happened during the discussion in the court with the CBI Director. Justice Lalit said that on July 30, they were asking the CBI Director, who was then present in the court, about the status of the case. The court was informed that till then, 14 persons were chargesheeted for the alleged offences of murder, criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence by the SIT. "We will make it clear and we will pass an order today that whatever had happened was in the course of discussion (with the CBI Director). It was not intended against any individual," the bench said. Senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for petitioners, told the court that persons who were chargesheeted had a "genuine apprehension" that they would not get a fair trial and impartial justice due to the remarks by the bench. "This affects morale of Army and police personnel," he said, adding "this is our submission that this bench should not hear this case". Rohatgi, while making it clear that nobody was saying that court was "biased", said these persons, having been chargesheeted for the offence of murder, were facing the charge of life or death. The bench after hearing the submissions reserved its order on the application seeking its recusal from hearing the matter. During the arguments, Venugopal said personnel from armed forces and police were "sacrificing their lives" in the insurgency hit areas and after the reported remarks by the bench, "they do not know what will happen to them". He said after this remark by the highest court of the land, it would be very difficult for the trial judge to go against the observations of the apex court. "Even if you clarify this, will they ever be able to get rid of this thought from their mind. They are not saying that this matter should not be heard. But some other bench should hear this," Venugopal said. To this, the bench observed, "The CBI is investigating. No court is going to interfere with the investigation. We are just monitoring it. Is it your submission that some other bench should monitor the investigation?" The bench also said it has not been stated that the CBI was not investigating these cases properly. "Morale of entire armed forces in insurgency hit area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is shaken," the Attorney General said, adding that even before the trial in the alleged encounter cases have started, the police personnel were termed as "murderers". "It is justified that you leave it to other bench to monitor this. Life of people is involved," he said. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is representing the petitioners in the main case related to alleged fake encounters in Manipur by Army, Assam Rifles and state police, said the bench should not recuse from hearing the matter as it had not said that these accused were murderers. "It (seeking recusal) is an attempt to overawe the court," he said, adding that these applications should be dismissed with cost. An advocate, assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the main matter, also opposed the plea seeking recusal of the bench. Rohatgi, however, said, "Anybody can make a mistake. The court can also make a mistake. In section 377 (apex court's verdict on gay sex) and adultery case, the mistakes made earlier by this court has been corrected by this court".

SC's remark has 'shaken' morale of armed forces, cops: Centre to Supreme Court

Smartphone users in India are using up to one 1GB data a day, jumping from an average use of 4GB a month before, a Neilson India report said.&nbsp;

The user habits of Indian smartphone users indicated that users across the segments (entry level, mid and premium) spend more than 90 minutes a day on online activities while the premium segment takes the usage up to 130 minutes per day.

The appetite for data consumption has risen over the last 15 to 18 months. The highest engagement occurs on apps that consume a lot of data like Facebook, WhatsApp Messenger, Instagram and Google Chrome, the report added.&nbsp;

India has emerged among the most preferred smartphone markets in the world owing to affordable handset prices and low-cost data penetration, triggering a huge replacement demand among the customers across segments, the Nielsen Smartphone 2018 report added.

The average cost has steadily risen from about Rs 7,700 in 2015 to about Rs 10,000 in 2017.

Nielsen, in its report, said that there is a strong correlation between the amount of time people use their handsets and the evolution of the usage. "Half of India’s entry-level users are between 15 and 24 years old, mostly students, and can be assumed to be data-hungry, though less affluent than premium handset owners. Among premium handset users, 60% are over 24 years old, primarily working professionals or self-employed. These users are usually affluent and data-hungry," it said.

Smartphone users in India are using up to one 1GB data a day, jumping from an average use of 4GB a month before, a Neilson India report said. The user habits of Indian smartphone users indicated that users across the segments (entry level, mid and premium) spend more than 90 minutes a day on online activities while the premium segment takes the usage up to 130 minutes per day.

Smartphone users in India are using up to one 1GB data a day, jumping from an average use of 4GB a month before, a Neilson India report said. The user habits of Indian smartphone users indicated that users across the segments (entry level, mid and premium) spend more than 90 minutes a day on online activities while the premium segment takes the usage up to 130 minutes per day. The appetite for data consumption has risen over the last 15 to 18 months. The highest engagement occurs on apps that consume a lot of data like Facebook, WhatsApp Messenger, Instagram and Google Chrome, the report added. India has emerged among the most preferred smartphone markets in the world owing to affordable handset prices and low-cost data penetration, triggering a huge replacement demand among the customers across segments, the Nielsen Smartphone 2018 report added. The average cost has steadily risen from about Rs 7,700 in 2015 to about Rs 10,000 in 2017. Nielsen, in its report, said that there is a strong correlation between the amount of time people use their handsets and the evolution of the usage. "Half of India’s entry-level users are between 15 and 24 years old, mostly students, and can be assumed to be data-hungry, though less affluent than premium handset owners. Among premium handset users, 60% are over 24 years old, primarily working professionals or self-employed. These users are usually affluent and data-hungry," it said.

Smartphone users in India consuming average 1GB data a day: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay an official visit to India from October 4-5, reported news agency ANI quoting official sources in the ministry of external affairs on Friday.

Putin will be here to participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, the report added quoting the source.&nbsp;

During the visit President Putin will hold official talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and also have a meeting with the President of India Ram Nath Kovind, besides holding other official engagements.

Russia is expected to sign a deal to supply advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to India during Putin's visit.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay an official visit to India from October 4-5, reported news agency ANI quoting official sources in the ministry of external affairs on Friday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay an official visit to India from October 4-5, reported news agency ANI quoting official sources in the ministry of external affairs on Friday. Putin will be here to participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, the report added quoting the source. During the visit President Putin will hold official talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and also have a meeting with the President of India Ram Nath Kovind, besides holding other official engagements. Russia is expected to sign a deal to supply advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to India during Putin's visit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India from October 4-5

Vice president M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said that South Indian dishes like idli, sambar, and dosa will outwear pizza and burger globally, reports said.&nbsp;

His comments came while he was addressing a crowd at the convocation ceremony hosted by the National Institute of Technology, Goa.&nbsp;

He also said that &nbsp;“English mind” is an illness, and not the language, and stated the country should be proud of its rich heritage.&nbsp;

Naidu’s statement came in the backdrop of certain comments attributed to him. Some section of the media had quoted Naidu as saying “English is an illness left behind by the British” during a Hindi Day event held in New Delhi early this month.&nbsp;

“Somewhere I was speaking about protecting and encouraging the mother tongue and some section of the media wrote that I said English is (an) illness, I did not say English is (an) illness."

“English is not (an) illness, but English mind is (an) illness which we have inherited from the Britishers. Britishers have left but they have created an inferiority complex. They have given the thought that Britishers are great, foreigners are great and we are nothing," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We must come out of this mentality. We must feel proud of our heritage, our past and our great leaders of this country,” the vice president further said.

Naidu recalled that India never attacked any country, but it was “ruined” by invaders.

(With PTI inputs)

Vice president M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said that South Indian dishes like idli, sambar, and dosa will outwear pizza and burger globally, reports said. His comments came while he was addressing a crowd at the convocation ceremony hosted by the National Institute of Technology, Goa.

Vice president M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said that South Indian dishes like idli, sambar, and dosa will outwear pizza and burger globally, reports said. His comments came while he was addressing a crowd at the convocation ceremony hosted by the National Institute of Technology, Goa. He also said that “English mind” is an illness, and not the language, and stated the country should be proud of its rich heritage. Naidu’s statement came in the backdrop of certain comments attributed to him. Some section of the media had quoted Naidu as saying “English is an illness left behind by the British” during a Hindi Day event held in New Delhi early this month. “Somewhere I was speaking about protecting and encouraging the mother tongue and some section of the media wrote that I said English is (an) illness, I did not say English is (an) illness." “English is not (an) illness, but English mind is (an) illness which we have inherited from the Britishers. Britishers have left but they have created an inferiority complex. They have given the thought that Britishers are great, foreigners are great and we are nothing," he added. “We must come out of this mentality. We must feel proud of our heritage, our past and our great leaders of this country,” the vice president further said. Naidu recalled that India never attacked any country, but it was “ruined” by invaders. (With PTI inputs)

Idli, dosa will outlast pizza, burgers: Vice President

SAARC informal meet on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly saw India snubbing Pakistan and strongly raising the issue of terror.

The meet that happened in The Westin Grand Central hotel in New York was attended by all members of SAARC but the meeting that was to happen for two hours concluded in just over one hour with India's external affairs minister making the statement and leaving.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paks-qureshi-accuses-india-creating-obstacle-regional-cooperation-168061">Also Read:&nbsp;The attitude of only 'one country' is hampering SAARC, says Pak foreign minister Qureshi</a>

Highlighting the number of threats and incidents that endanger South Asia, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said, terrorism remains the single largest threat to peace and stability in our region. She said it is "necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination and end the ecosystem of its support."

But it was Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was at his undiplomatic best. Confirming that there were no talks between India and Pakistan, Qureshi said, "EAM left midway, maybe she wasn't feeling well. I listened to her statement. She talked of regional cooperation. How is regional cooperation possible, when everybody is ready to sit &amp; talk &amp; you're blocking that?"

Without taking name he said, "attitude of one country is blocking the progress of SAARC, connectivity&amp;prosperity of this region &amp; defying the spirit of SAARC".

Meanwhile, India has slammed Pakistan saying remarks by Pakistani Foreign Minister about EAM leaving SAARC foreign minister's informal meeting were "surprising and unfortunate." New Delhi also dismissed allegations by Pakistani Foreign Min regarding India not being serious about SAARC as "baseless &amp; away from reality."

India did extensively talked about various SAARC related projects &amp; expressed its commitment for making SAARC a success as a regional grouping.

Interestingly, Afghanistan's foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani had also left from SAARC FMs meet midway. Afghanistan has already highlight Pakistan using terror as a policy.

Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah who represented his country at the annual UNGA meet said terror "breeding grounds and sanctuaries" need to be shut but the "response has been sparse."

It must be recalled that SAARC summit which was to be held in Islamabad was boycotted by not only India but Afghanistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Many will say what happened at the SAARC meet confirms Pakistan's isolation.

All eyes are now on September, 29th when India's external affairs minister and Pakistan's foreign minister will speak at UNGA.

SAARC informal meet on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly saw India snubbing Pakistan and strongly raising the issue of terror. The meet that happened in The Westin Grand Central hotel in New York was attended by all members of SAARC but the meeting that was to happen for two hours concluded in just over one hour with India's external affairs minister making the statement and leaving.

SAARC informal meet on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly saw India snubbing Pakistan and strongly raising the issue of terror. The meet that happened in The Westin Grand Central hotel in New York was attended by all members of SAARC but the meeting that was to happen for two hours concluded in just over one hour with India's external affairs minister making the statement and leaving. Also Read: The attitude of only 'one country' is hampering SAARC, says Pak foreign minister Qureshi Highlighting the number of threats and incidents that endanger South Asia, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said, terrorism remains the single largest threat to peace and stability in our region. She said it is "necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination and end the ecosystem of its support." But it was Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was at his undiplomatic best. Confirming that there were no talks between India and Pakistan, Qureshi said, "EAM left midway, maybe she wasn't feeling well. I listened to her statement. She talked of regional cooperation. How is regional cooperation possible, when everybody is ready to sit & talk & you're blocking that?" Without taking name he said, "attitude of one country is blocking the progress of SAARC, connectivity&prosperity of this region & defying the spirit of SAARC". Meanwhile, India has slammed Pakistan saying remarks by Pakistani Foreign Minister about EAM leaving SAARC foreign minister's informal meeting were "surprising and unfortunate." New Delhi also dismissed allegations by Pakistani Foreign Min regarding India not being serious about SAARC as "baseless & away from reality." India did extensively talked about various SAARC related projects & expressed its commitment for making SAARC a success as a regional grouping. Interestingly, Afghanistan's foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani had also left from SAARC FMs meet midway. Afghanistan has already highlight Pakistan using terror as a policy. Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah who represented his country at the annual UNGA meet said terror "breeding grounds and sanctuaries" need to be shut but the "response has been sparse." It must be recalled that SAARC summit which was to be held in Islamabad was boycotted by not only India but Afghanistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Many will say what happened at the SAARC meet confirms Pakistan's isolation. All eyes are now on September, 29th when India's external affairs minister and Pakistan's foreign minister will speak at UNGA.

India snubs Pak at SAARC meet in New York as Sushma Swaraj leaves meeting midway

Former union&nbsp;minister and NCP leader Tariq Anwar quit NCP over Sharad Pawar’s proximity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking with WION Anwar said that Sharad Pawar’s statement in support of the Prime Minister on Rafale is not acceptable.

“Lot of mixed signals were coming from the party. People had started to say that NCP can go with BJP anytime. We also initially supported BJP in Maharashtra,” said Tariq Anwar. He also said that he respects NCP President Sharad Pawar but ideology cannot be diluted before the elections when a united Opposition is trying to mount a challenge against Narendra Modi.

When asked about his future, he said, "All options are open.”

Tariq Anwar also said that party was giving out mixed signals to the electorate on the side which it might take and that was not acceptable to him. 
&nbsp; 
Tariq Anwar started his career with the Congress Party. He quit Congress Party with Sharad Pawar and PA Sangama on Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin in 1999.

All three of them to found NCP which subsequently aligned with Congress to defeat BJP in 2004. &nbsp;Tariq Anwar remained associated with Sharad Pawar for more than 2 decades.

He in his career been elected to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Congress has been very aggressive on the Rafale deal and using it as a principle plank to target and attack BJP on the issue of corruption.

The issue personally has been addressed in public domain number of times by Congress President Rahul Gandhi himself. Tariq Anwar was elected to Lok Sabha from Katihar in Bihar in 1980 on a Congress ticket.

Former union minister and NCP leader Tariq Anwar quit NCP over Sharad Pawar’s proximity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking with WION Anwar said that Sharad Pawar’s statement in support of the Prime Minister on Rafale is not acceptable.

Former union minister and NCP leader Tariq Anwar quit NCP over Sharad Pawar’s proximity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking with WION Anwar said that Sharad Pawar’s statement in support of the Prime Minister on Rafale is not acceptable. “Lot of mixed signals were coming from the party. People had started to say that NCP can go with BJP anytime. We also initially supported BJP in Maharashtra,” said Tariq Anwar. He also said that he respects NCP President Sharad Pawar but ideology cannot be diluted before the elections when a united Opposition is trying to mount a challenge against Narendra Modi. When asked about his future, he said, "All options are open.” Tariq Anwar also said that party was giving out mixed signals to the electorate on the side which it might take and that was not acceptable to him. Tariq Anwar started his career with the Congress Party. He quit Congress Party with Sharad Pawar and PA Sangama on Sonia Gandhi’s foreign origin in 1999. All three of them to found NCP which subsequently aligned with Congress to defeat BJP in 2004. Tariq Anwar remained associated with Sharad Pawar for more than 2 decades. He in his career been elected to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Congress has been very aggressive on the Rafale deal and using it as a principle plank to target and attack BJP on the issue of corruption. The issue personally has been addressed in public domain number of times by Congress President Rahul Gandhi himself. Tariq Anwar was elected to Lok Sabha from Katihar in Bihar in 1980 on a Congress ticket.

Tariq Anwar quits NCP over Pawar’s dalliance with BJP 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's refusal to interfere with the probe by the state police against five Left-wing activists in connection with violence in Koregaon- Bhima in December last year.

Fadnavis said the decision of the top court proved that there was no conspiracy behind action by the state police against Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha.

The five are under arrest at their respective homes since August 29.

Fadnavis was reacting soon after the Supreme Court declined to appoint an SIT to probe the arrest of the five activists by the Pune police.

The court said the arrests were not because of dissent of activists but there was prima facie material to show their link with banned CPI (Maoist) organisation.

The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 2:1 verdict, refused the plea seeking the immediate release of the activists.

"The Supreme Court has vindicated the state of the government and the Pune police. The court has no doubt over the material evidence submitted," the chief minister told reporters here.

"A conspiracy against the nation has been unearthed by the police," he said on the arrest of the five activists.

According to the Supreme Court order, the government will go to the "appropriate forum" in the case, he said.

Fadnavis also defended the state police for addressing a press conference after the arrest, which had been come in for criticism. 
"A lot of things were said against the police after the arrest and an atmosphere was created by pseudo, so-called neo-liberals in the media that the arrests have been made without evidence. The police had to say that the arrests were not motivated but backed by real and powerful evidence," he said.

"We will look into the fine print of the order regarding the police press conference. The press conference is not important but the real issue of conspiracy against the nation is. If holding the press conference was wrong, we will improve it," he said.

Fadnavis said political parties should not support the arrested persons for political reasons after the SC verdict, "otherwise the political parties will stand exposed."

Prominent Telugu poet Rao was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while activists Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana and civil liberties activist Navlakha from Delhi.

The majority verdict by the Supreme Court said the protection of house arrest of the activists will remain in force for four more weeks to enable the accused to seek appropriate legal remedy at appropriate legal forum.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's refusal to interfere with the probe by the state police against five Left-wing activists in connection with violence in Koregaon- Bhima in December last year.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's refusal to interfere with the probe by the state police against five Left-wing activists in connection with violence in Koregaon- Bhima in December last year. Fadnavis said the decision of the top court proved that there was no conspiracy behind action by the state police against Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha. The five are under arrest at their respective homes since August 29. Fadnavis was reacting soon after the Supreme Court declined to appoint an SIT to probe the arrest of the five activists by the Pune police. The court said the arrests were not because of dissent of activists but there was prima facie material to show their link with banned CPI (Maoist) organisation. The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 2:1 verdict, refused the plea seeking the immediate release of the activists. "The Supreme Court has vindicated the state of the government and the Pune police. The court has no doubt over the material evidence submitted," the chief minister told reporters here. "A conspiracy against the nation has been unearthed by the police," he said on the arrest of the five activists. According to the Supreme Court order, the government will go to the "appropriate forum" in the case, he said. Fadnavis also defended the state police for addressing a press conference after the arrest, which had been come in for criticism. "A lot of things were said against the police after the arrest and an atmosphere was created by pseudo, so-called neo-liberals in the media that the arrests have been made without evidence. The police had to say that the arrests were not motivated but backed by real and powerful evidence," he said. "We will look into the fine print of the order regarding the police press conference. The press conference is not important but the real issue of conspiracy against the nation is. If holding the press conference was wrong, we will improve it," he said. Fadnavis said political parties should not support the arrested persons for political reasons after the SC verdict, "otherwise the political parties will stand exposed." Prominent Telugu poet Rao was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while activists Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana and civil liberties activist Navlakha from Delhi. The majority verdict by the Supreme Court said the protection of house arrest of the activists will remain in force for four more weeks to enable the accused to seek appropriate legal remedy at appropriate legal forum.

Maharashtra CM welcomes SC decision on activists' arrest

GST Council, the highest decision-making body of the Goods and Services Tax regime, today decided to set up a seven-member group of ministers to suggest on cess demand for Kerala flood rehabilitation.

Briefing reporters after the 30th meeting of the GST Council, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the panel discussed the proposal from Kerala to levy Calamity Tax, a special tax or cess to raise additional resources aimed at meeting the cost of reconstruction in Kerala in the aftermath of floods.

The Kerala government on Thursday also announced it will give free ration for three months to all those who lost everything in the deadly floods, reports said.&nbsp;

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act scheme announced the decision adding that various committees headed by senior officials to formulate policies and to speed up rebuilding efforts in flood-hit state.

Since this would set a precedence, a group of ministers was formed to give suggestions, he said.

The Council also reviewed revenue trends and deficit of states, he said, adding state deficit this year is 13 per cent and may reduce further as consumption picks up.

GST collections in many North-east states is above expectation.

GST Council, the highest decision-making body of the Goods and Services Tax regime, today decided to set up a seven-member group of ministers to suggest on cess demand for Kerala flood rehabilitation.

GST Council, the highest decision-making body of the Goods and Services Tax regime, today decided to set up a seven-member group of ministers to suggest on cess demand for Kerala flood rehabilitation. Briefing reporters after the 30th meeting of the GST Council, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the panel discussed the proposal from Kerala to levy Calamity Tax, a special tax or cess to raise additional resources aimed at meeting the cost of reconstruction in Kerala in the aftermath of floods. The Kerala government on Thursday also announced it will give free ration for three months to all those who lost everything in the deadly floods, reports said. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act scheme announced the decision adding that various committees headed by senior officials to formulate policies and to speed up rebuilding efforts in flood-hit state. Since this would set a precedence, a group of ministers was formed to give suggestions, he said. The Council also reviewed revenue trends and deficit of states, he said, adding state deficit this year is 13 per cent and may reduce further as consumption picks up. GST collections in many North-east states is above expectation.

GST council meets to consider new tax for Kerala flood, future calamities

Attacking the Congress for its alleged support to Maoists, fake activists and corrupt elements, BJP president Amit Shah Friday said "there is only one place for idiocy and it's called the Congress".

Shah's response came after the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the arrest of five rights activists by the Maharashtra Police in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and declined to appoint a SIT to probe their arrest.

"There is only one place for idiocy and it's called the Congress. Support 'Bharat Ke Tukde Tukde Gang' (break India gang), Maoists, fake activists and corrupt elements. Defame all those who are honest and working.&nbsp;Welcome to Rahul Gandhi's Congress," he said in a tweet.

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There is only one place for idiocy and it's called the Congress. Support ‘Bharat Ke Tukde Tukde Gang’, Maoists, fake activists and corrupt elements. Defame all those who are honest and working.&nbsp; 
 
Welcome to Rahul Gandhi’s Congress.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhimaKoregaon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhimaKoregaon</a> <a href="https://t.co/eWoeT0qo1L">https://t.co/eWoeT0qo1L</a>
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He used the hashtag Bhima Koregaon.

The Bharatiya Janata Party chief was responding to a tweet posted by Congress president Rahul Gandhi on August 28.

Gandhi had said following the arrests that there is a place for only one NGO in India and it's called the RSS.

"Shut down all other NGOs. Jail all activists and shoot those that complain. Welcome to the new India," he said.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 2:1 verdict, Friday refused the plea seeking the immediate release of the activists.

Attacking the Congress for its alleged support to Maoists, fake activists and corrupt elements, BJP president Amit Shah Friday said "there is only one place for idiocy and it's called the Congress".

Attacking the Congress for its alleged support to Maoists, fake activists and corrupt elements, BJP president Amit Shah Friday said "there is only one place for idiocy and it's called the Congress". Shah's response came after the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the arrest of five rights activists by the Maharashtra Police in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and declined to appoint a SIT to probe their arrest. "There is only one place for idiocy and it's called the Congress. Support 'Bharat Ke Tukde Tukde Gang' (break India gang), Maoists, fake activists and corrupt elements. Defame all those who are honest and working. Welcome to Rahul Gandhi's Congress," he said in a tweet. There is only one place for idiocy and it's called the Congress. Support ‘Bharat Ke Tukde Tukde Gang’, Maoists, fake activists and corrupt elements. Defame all those who are honest and working. Welcome to Rahul Gandhi’s Congress. #BhimaKoregaon https://t.co/eWoeT0qo1L — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 28, 2018 × He used the hashtag Bhima Koregaon. The Bharatiya Janata Party chief was responding to a tweet posted by Congress president Rahul Gandhi on August 28. Gandhi had said following the arrests that there is a place for only one NGO in India and it's called the RSS. "Shut down all other NGOs. Jail all activists and shoot those that complain. Welcome to the new India," he said. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 2:1 verdict, Friday refused the plea seeking the immediate release of the activists.

Only one place for idiocy and it's called Congress: Amit Shah

The Supreme Court Friday refused to interfere in the arrest of five rights activists in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and declined to appoint a SIT for probe into their arrest.

The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 2:1 verdict, refused the plea seeking the immediate release of the activists.&nbsp;

The majority verdict said accused persons cannot choose which investigating agency should probe the case, and this was not a case of arrest merely because of difference in political views.

Justice A M Khanwilkar read out the majority verdict for himself and the CJI, while Justice D Y Chandrachud said he was unable to agree with view of the two judges.

Justice Chandrachud, in his judgement dissenting with the majority, said arrest of the five accused was an attempt by state to muzzle dissent, and dissent is symbol of a vibrant democracy.

The five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- are under arrest at their respective homes since August 29.

The Maharashtra police had arrested them on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had later triggered violence at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state.

Prominent Telugu poet Rao was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while activists Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana and civil liberties activist Navlakha from Delhi.&nbsp;

The majority verdict said the protection of house arrest of the activists will remain in force for four more weeks to enable the accused to seek appropriate legal remedy at appropriate legal forum.

It said arrests were not because of dissent of activists but there was prima facie material to show their link with banned CPI (Maoist) organisation.

The majority verdict disagreed with the PIL by historian Romila Thapar and others seeking the immediate release of five rights activist, with liberty to the accused to seek remedy in appropriate court.

Justice Khanwilkar said the protection of house arrest shall remain in force for four weeks to enable the accused to seek legal remedy.

He refrained from commenting on the case saying it may prejudice case of accused and prosecution.

Justice Chandrachud said liberty cherished by the Constitution would have no meaning if persecution of the five activists is allowed without proper investigation.

He said the petition was genuine and lashes out at Maharashtra police for press meet, distribution of letters to media.

Justice Chandrachud said the court should proceed as if personal practices are essential but whether they are derogatory to liberty, dignity enshrined in Fundamental Rights.

He said letters alleged to be written by activist Sudha Bhardwaj were flashed on TV channels. Police selectively disclosing the probe details to media amounts to casting cloud on fair investigation, he said.

The Supreme Court Friday refused to interfere in the arrest of five rights activists in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and declined to appoint a SIT for probe into their arrest.

The Supreme Court Friday refused to interfere in the arrest of five rights activists in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and declined to appoint a SIT for probe into their arrest. The three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 2:1 verdict, refused the plea seeking the immediate release of the activists. The majority verdict said accused persons cannot choose which investigating agency should probe the case, and this was not a case of arrest merely because of difference in political views. Justice A M Khanwilkar read out the majority verdict for himself and the CJI, while Justice D Y Chandrachud said he was unable to agree with view of the two judges. Justice Chandrachud, in his judgement dissenting with the majority, said arrest of the five accused was an attempt by state to muzzle dissent, and dissent is symbol of a vibrant democracy. The five activists -- Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha -- are under arrest at their respective homes since August 29. The Maharashtra police had arrested them on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had later triggered violence at Koregaon-Bhima village in the state. Prominent Telugu poet Rao was arrested on August 28 from Hyderabad, while activists Gonsalves and Ferreira were nabbed from Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj from Faridabad in Haryana and civil liberties activist Navlakha from Delhi. The majority verdict said the protection of house arrest of the activists will remain in force for four more weeks to enable the accused to seek appropriate legal remedy at appropriate legal forum. It said arrests were not because of dissent of activists but there was prima facie material to show their link with banned CPI (Maoist) organisation. The majority verdict disagreed with the PIL by historian Romila Thapar and others seeking the immediate release of five rights activist, with liberty to the accused to seek remedy in appropriate court. Justice Khanwilkar said the protection of house arrest shall remain in force for four weeks to enable the accused to seek legal remedy. He refrained from commenting on the case saying it may prejudice case of accused and prosecution. Justice Chandrachud said liberty cherished by the Constitution would have no meaning if persecution of the five activists is allowed without proper investigation. He said the petition was genuine and lashes out at Maharashtra police for press meet, distribution of letters to media. Justice Chandrachud said the court should proceed as if personal practices are essential but whether they are derogatory to liberty, dignity enshrined in Fundamental Rights. He said letters alleged to be written by activist Sudha Bhardwaj were flashed on TV channels. Police selectively disclosing the probe details to media amounts to casting cloud on fair investigation, he said.

Koregaon-Bhima case: Supreme Court refuses to interfere with arrest of five activists

The Justice A Arumughaswamy Commission of Inquiry probing the death of late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has completed examining as many as 100 witnesses, with its tenure set to end next month.

Besides, as on September 25, 57 witnesses have been cross-examined and 11 more, including Apollo Hospitals doctors, will face questioning Thursday from the counsel for VK Sasikala, an aide of the former AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa.

Significantly, Dr K S Sivakumar, the personal physician of Jayalalithaa, has been summoned to appear on September 28 for re-examination.

Sivakumar's next appearance will be his fifth and he has been asked by the panel to furnish a list of doctors the late leader consulted between 2014 and 2016 and the medication prescribed and followed by her.

Some of those summoned have sought an adjournment, including Alok Kumar, a bank manager in Nilgiris district and two more people who are abroad.

Apollo Hospitals' radiologist Dr Meera and emergency doctor Thava Pazhani have been summoned to appear on September 28.

A few days ago, Dr Archana, a doctor at the Apollo Hospitals, where the former chief minister was admitted during her final days, told the panel that an audio clip released in May was indeed recorded at the hospital when she was being treated there.

Dr Snehasri, an emergency doctor too had deposed that when she went to the Poes Garden residence of Jayalalithaa on September 22, 2016 (hours before her hospitalisation) the late leader was drowsy but conscious.

AIADMK leader P Manoj Pandian, who appeared on September 25, blamed Sasikala during his cross-examination for the alleged "mysterious" circumstances surrounding the former chief minister's death.

Jayalalithaa passed away on December 5, 2016, after being treated in the hospital for 75 days from September 22 for various ailments.

In September 2017, the state government had constituted the probe panel under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, mandating it to probe the circumstances leading to Jayalalithaa's hospitalisation and also the treatment provided by the hospital until her demise.

The commission, whose term has been extended twice since then, had invited all those having "personal knowledge and direct acquaintance" to furnish information related to her.

Several persons, including present Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and his followers, had earlier raised suspicions about the circumstances leading to Jayalalithaa's death.

The Commission began its hearing on November 22, 2017, and Madurai-based DMK functionary P Saravanan deposed before the panel on that day.

He said he had brought to the panel's notice&nbsp;the alleged discrepancies in press releases and the final discharge summary of the hospital where Jayalalithaa received treatment.

The Justice A Arumughaswamy Commission of Inquiry probing the death of late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has completed examining as many as 100 witnesses, with its tenure set to end next month.

The Justice A Arumughaswamy Commission of Inquiry probing the death of late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has completed examining as many as 100 witnesses, with its tenure set to end next month. Besides, as on September 25, 57 witnesses have been cross-examined and 11 more, including Apollo Hospitals doctors, will face questioning Thursday from the counsel for VK Sasikala, an aide of the former AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa. Significantly, Dr K S Sivakumar, the personal physician of Jayalalithaa, has been summoned to appear on September 28 for re-examination. Sivakumar's next appearance will be his fifth and he has been asked by the panel to furnish a list of doctors the late leader consulted between 2014 and 2016 and the medication prescribed and followed by her. Some of those summoned have sought an adjournment, including Alok Kumar, a bank manager in Nilgiris district and two more people who are abroad. Apollo Hospitals' radiologist Dr Meera and emergency doctor Thava Pazhani have been summoned to appear on September 28. A few days ago, Dr Archana, a doctor at the Apollo Hospitals, where the former chief minister was admitted during her final days, told the panel that an audio clip released in May was indeed recorded at the hospital when she was being treated there. Dr Snehasri, an emergency doctor too had deposed that when she went to the Poes Garden residence of Jayalalithaa on September 22, 2016 (hours before her hospitalisation) the late leader was drowsy but conscious. AIADMK leader P Manoj Pandian, who appeared on September 25, blamed Sasikala during his cross-examination for the alleged "mysterious" circumstances surrounding the former chief minister's death. Jayalalithaa passed away on December 5, 2016, after being treated in the hospital for 75 days from September 22 for various ailments. In September 2017, the state government had constituted the probe panel under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, mandating it to probe the circumstances leading to Jayalalithaa's hospitalisation and also the treatment provided by the hospital until her demise. The commission, whose term has been extended twice since then, had invited all those having "personal knowledge and direct acquaintance" to furnish information related to her. Several persons, including present Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and his followers, had earlier raised suspicions about the circumstances leading to Jayalalithaa's death. The Commission began its hearing on November 22, 2017, and Madurai-based DMK functionary P Saravanan deposed before the panel on that day. He said he had brought to the panel's notice the alleged discrepancies in press releases and the final discharge summary of the hospital where Jayalalithaa received treatment.

Ex-Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa death probe: Panel completes examining 100 witnesses

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday reaffirmed India's commitment to the Palestinian cause and said that New Delhi will further develop a partnership to assist in its nation-building and capacity building efforts.

"India's deep and abiding commitment to Palestine is a reference point of our foreign relations. Our long-standing friendship with Palestine is built around three core dimensions-solidarity with Palestinian people; steadfast support to the Palestinian cause, and development of a partnership to assist nation building and capacity building efforts. We are proud that this NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) Ministerial Committee on Palestine was established under India's Presidency during the seventh NAM Summit in New Delhi in 1983," she said in a statement at Ministerial Committee of the NAM on Palestine, on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Palestine and Israel have been fighting over the Gaza Strip for decades. They were later allotted a large part of Palestine, which they considered their ancestorial land but the Arabs who were already residing in and around the neighbouring countries felt that they have fallen into a pit of injustice and didn't accept the new country.

India's support for the Palestinian cause is an integral part of the nation's foreign policy. In 1974, India became the first Non-Arab State to recognize Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

India was also one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. In 1996, India opened its Representative Office to the State of Palestine in Gaza, which was shifted to Ramallah in 2003.

India has always played an active role in garnering support for the Palestinian cause across various multilateral fora. India co-sponsored the draft resolution on "the right of Palestinians to self-determination" during the 53rd session of the UNGA and voted in favour of it.

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EAM in her statement at NAM Ministerial Committee Meeting on Palestine yesterday: Our continued commitment to the Palestinian cause &amp; earnestness to develop stronger bilateral relations is demonstrated in the successive high level visits. (Image courtesy - MEA spox Raveesh Kumar) <a href="https://t.co/nkYpfr5bWI">pic.twitter.com/nkYpfr5bWI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1045116819378450433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India also voted in favour of UNGA Resolution in October 2003 against the construction of the separation wall by Israel and supported subsequent resolutions of the UNGA in this regard.

India voted in favour of accepting Palestine as a full member of UNESCO. In 2012 at the UNGA, Palestine became a 'non-member state'&nbsp;and India had co-sponsored this resolution and voted in favour of it.

India supported the Bandung Declaration on Palestine at Asian African Commemorative Conference in April 2015 as well as the supported installation of Palestinian flag at UN premises in September 2015.

Elaborating further about the initiatives undertaken by India to boost bilateral ties with Palestine, Swaraj said, "India is investing in projects of healthcare, educational infrastructure, women empowerment and a printing press, in addition to other capacity building programmes. We have set up various bilateral institutional consultation mechanisms including Foreign Office consultations and a Joint Commission, which pursues these partnership projects. Development partnership projects worth around US$ 70 million are under implementation during the last five years. These include flagship projects like the super-speciality hospital in Beit Sahour and the India-Palestine Technology Park, which was inaugurated last year in Ramallah."

"The number of youth delegates to participate in the youth exchange programme has been doubled this year. We have also substantially enhanced the scholarships made available for Palestinian professionals and students for technical training and higher education from this year," she added.

The External Affairs Minister also lauded the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for making efforts to provide aid to Palestine refugees and added that "India have increased our contribution to UNRWA by a factor of four times from a figure of $1.25 million to now $5 million annually".

In her concluding remarks, Swaraj said that an early resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine can move towards finding out a comprehensive resolution of the issue. "A negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable solution to the issue to bring sustainable peace and lasting security. Restraint and moderation are required on all sides. The stagnation since the collapse of talks four years ago and the deterioration in the security situation continues to cause serious concern," she said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday reaffirmed India's commitment to the Palestinian cause and said that New Delhi will further develop a partnership to assist in its nation-building and capacity building efforts.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday reaffirmed India's commitment to the Palestinian cause and said that New Delhi will further develop a partnership to assist in its nation-building and capacity building efforts. "India's deep and abiding commitment to Palestine is a reference point of our foreign relations. Our long-standing friendship with Palestine is built around three core dimensions-solidarity with Palestinian people; steadfast support to the Palestinian cause, and development of a partnership to assist nation building and capacity building efforts. We are proud that this NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) Ministerial Committee on Palestine was established under India's Presidency during the seventh NAM Summit in New Delhi in 1983," she said in a statement at Ministerial Committee of the NAM on Palestine, on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Palestine and Israel have been fighting over the Gaza Strip for decades. They were later allotted a large part of Palestine, which they considered their ancestorial land but the Arabs who were already residing in and around the neighbouring countries felt that they have fallen into a pit of injustice and didn't accept the new country. India's support for the Palestinian cause is an integral part of the nation's foreign policy. In 1974, India became the first Non-Arab State to recognize Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. India was also one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. In 1996, India opened its Representative Office to the State of Palestine in Gaza, which was shifted to Ramallah in 2003. India has always played an active role in garnering support for the Palestinian cause across various multilateral fora. India co-sponsored the draft resolution on "the right of Palestinians to self-determination" during the 53rd session of the UNGA and voted in favour of it. EAM in her statement at NAM Ministerial Committee Meeting on Palestine yesterday: Our continued commitment to the Palestinian cause & earnestness to develop stronger bilateral relations is demonstrated in the successive high level visits. (Image courtesy - MEA spox Raveesh Kumar) pic.twitter.com/nkYpfr5bWI — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × India also voted in favour of UNGA Resolution in October 2003 against the construction of the separation wall by Israel and supported subsequent resolutions of the UNGA in this regard. India voted in favour of accepting Palestine as a full member of UNESCO. In 2012 at the UNGA, Palestine became a 'non-member state' and India had co-sponsored this resolution and voted in favour of it. India supported the Bandung Declaration on Palestine at Asian African Commemorative Conference in April 2015 as well as the supported installation of Palestinian flag at UN premises in September 2015. Elaborating further about the initiatives undertaken by India to boost bilateral ties with Palestine, Swaraj said, "India is investing in projects of healthcare, educational infrastructure, women empowerment and a printing press, in addition to other capacity building programmes. We have set up various bilateral institutional consultation mechanisms including Foreign Office consultations and a Joint Commission, which pursues these partnership projects. Development partnership projects worth around US$ 70 million are under implementation during the last five years. These include flagship projects like the super-speciality hospital in Beit Sahour and the India-Palestine Technology Park, which was inaugurated last year in Ramallah." "The number of youth delegates to participate in the youth exchange programme has been doubled this year. We have also substantially enhanced the scholarships made available for Palestinian professionals and students for technical training and higher education from this year," she added. The External Affairs Minister also lauded the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for making efforts to provide aid to Palestine refugees and added that "India have increased our contribution to UNRWA by a factor of four times from a figure of $1.25 million to now $5 million annually". In her concluding remarks, Swaraj said that an early resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine can move towards finding out a comprehensive resolution of the issue. "A negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable solution to the issue to bring sustainable peace and lasting security. Restraint and moderation are required on all sides. The stagnation since the collapse of talks four years ago and the deterioration in the security situation continues to cause serious concern," she said.

India reaffirms commitment to Palestinian cause

The Indian Army has been serving as peacekeepers under United Nations interim force in Lebanon for decades in the conflict-affected area of Golan Heights and historically important Cheeba village.&nbsp;

The Indian troops and their presence in the village is one of the reasons villagers feel secure and consider Indian forces as their own.

Aiming to promote Gandhi's principle of non-violence among the youths of war-ravaged Lebanon, the Indian contingent of the United Nations interim force, with the help of local municipality in Lebanon, has built a park in his memory.

Samih Al Bekai is the mayor of Ebel es saqi. He has been a teacher for 40 years and used to teach his students about Mahatma Gandhi. Moved by the&nbsp;unwavering cooperation of Indian men in blue helmets, he offered the land for Mahatma Gandhi park.&nbsp;

He said, now he is experiencing the teachings of Gandhi after seeing the Indian peacekeepers risking their lives to sustain peace in the conflicted area of southern Lebanon.

"India has a very positive impact in Ebel es saqi and the villagers see Indians with great respect. All the Indian battalions have shown the same teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and are spreading his teachings… They are the peacekeepers and are sacrificing their lives to maintain peace for years," he continued.

In Southern Lebanon, due to an unending conflict in the area of Golan Heights, several people lost their lives when Israel attacked and occupied the area near Ebel es saqi, perhaps Mahatma Gandhi's teachings of austerity, peace and non-violence are even more important than before in parts of southern Lebanon.

The park, in Ebel es saqi, is the symbol of friendship between India and Lebanon and their common dream of ever-lasting peace for Lebanon.

The Indian contingent has been celebrating Gandhi Jayanti in South Lebanon for the past few years where a series of programmes are organised to make the locals aware of his teachings.

The message of peace, non-violence and co-existence that Gandhi spread throughout the world has inspired not just India but even those countries which have been the victim of unending battles.

The Indian Army has been serving as peacekeepers under United Nations interim force in Lebanon for decades in the conflict-affected area of Golan Heights and historically important Cheeba village.

The Indian Army has been serving as peacekeepers under United Nations interim force in Lebanon for decades in the conflict-affected area of Golan Heights and historically important Cheeba village. The Indian troops and their presence in the village is one of the reasons villagers feel secure and consider Indian forces as their own. Aiming to promote Gandhi's principle of non-violence among the youths of war-ravaged Lebanon, the Indian contingent of the United Nations interim force, with the help of local municipality in Lebanon, has built a park in his memory. Samih Al Bekai is the mayor of Ebel es saqi. He has been a teacher for 40 years and used to teach his students about Mahatma Gandhi. Moved by the unwavering cooperation of Indian men in blue helmets, he offered the land for Mahatma Gandhi park. He said, now he is experiencing the teachings of Gandhi after seeing the Indian peacekeepers risking their lives to sustain peace in the conflicted area of southern Lebanon. "India has a very positive impact in Ebel es saqi and the villagers see Indians with great respect. All the Indian battalions have shown the same teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and are spreading his teachings… They are the peacekeepers and are sacrificing their lives to maintain peace for years," he continued. In Southern Lebanon, due to an unending conflict in the area of Golan Heights, several people lost their lives when Israel attacked and occupied the area near Ebel es saqi, perhaps Mahatma Gandhi's teachings of austerity, peace and non-violence are even more important than before in parts of southern Lebanon. The park, in Ebel es saqi, is the symbol of friendship between India and Lebanon and their common dream of ever-lasting peace for Lebanon. The Indian contingent has been celebrating Gandhi Jayanti in South Lebanon for the past few years where a series of programmes are organised to make the locals aware of his teachings. The message of peace, non-violence and co-existence that Gandhi spread throughout the world has inspired not just India but even those countries which have been the victim of unending battles.

Gandhi park opens in southern Lebanon, carries forward Gandhian legacy

At a time the opposition led by the Congress is mounting attacks on the government over the Rafale fighter jet issue, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has said people "do not have doubts" over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intentions.&nbsp;

In an interview to a Marathi news channel, former Defence Minister Pawar also said the opposition's demand to share technical details relating to the fighter jet "made no sense".&nbsp;

He, however, said there was no harm for the government to disclose prices of the aircraft.

"I don't think people have doubts about Modi's intentions personally," Pawar told the news channel.

He, however, said the way Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the government's side led to confusion in the minds of people.

"Now, (Union Finance Minister Arun) Jaitley can be seen articulating (government's stand) on the issue (instead of Sitharaman)," he added.&nbsp;

The Congress has launched an offensive against the BJP government over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and violation of rules by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It has accused the government of causing loss to the public exchequer and endangering national security by bypassing state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in favour of some businessman "friends" for offset contract.

At a time the opposition led by the Congress is mounting attacks on the government over the Rafale fighter jet issue, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has said people "do not have doubts" over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intentions.

At a time the opposition led by the Congress is mounting attacks on the government over the Rafale fighter jet issue, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has said people "do not have doubts" over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intentions. In an interview to a Marathi news channel, former Defence Minister Pawar also said the opposition's demand to share technical details relating to the fighter jet "made no sense". He, however, said there was no harm for the government to disclose prices of the aircraft. "I don't think people have doubts about Modi's intentions personally," Pawar told the news channel. He, however, said the way Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the government's side led to confusion in the minds of people. "Now, (Union Finance Minister Arun) Jaitley can be seen articulating (government's stand) on the issue (instead of Sitharaman)," he added. The Congress has launched an offensive against the BJP government over the Rafale deal, alleging corruption and violation of rules by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It has accused the government of causing loss to the public exchequer and endangering national security by bypassing state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in favour of some businessman "friends" for offset contract.

People don't have doubts over PM Modi's intentions over Rafale deal: Sharad Pawar

A video of students crossing the river using aluminium pots to reach their school has attracted sharp reactions from Twitter users.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Students of a primary govt school in Assam's Biswanath district cross the river using aluminium pots to reach their school. <a href="https://t.co/qeH5npjaBJ">pic.twitter.com/qeH5npjaBJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1045347714727215104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The students belong to a primary government school in Assam's Biswanath district.&nbsp;

One Twitter user said it's a very bad situation after 72 years of freedom while another said it's shameful to watch school kids risking their lives for want of safe transport facilities. How did the state government build a school without the basic infrastructure in place?&nbsp;

''It worries me that the students cross the river using aluminium pots as there is no bridge in the area. They earlier used makeshift boats made from Banana trees,'' said J Das, a teacher at the govt primary school in Biswanath district's Naduwar area.&nbsp;

Pramod Borthakur, MLA Biswanath, Assam said he is ashamed to see children suffer.

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It worries me that the students cross the river using aluminum pots as there is no bridge in the area. They earlier used makeshift boats made from Banana trees: J Das, teacher at the govt primary school, in Biswanath district's Naduwar area, in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assam</a> <a href="https://t.co/b7fmuOs6sh">pic.twitter.com/b7fmuOs6sh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1045355194345697281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''I'm ashamed to see this. There is no PWD road in the area. Don't know how government constructed a school on an island. We can definitely provide a boat for the students. I will ask the district officer to shift the school to another place,'' he added.&nbsp;

A video of students crossing the river using aluminium pots to reach their school has attracted sharp reactions from Twitter users. #WATCH Students of a primary govt school in Assam's Biswanath district cross the river using aluminium pots to reach their school.

A video of students crossing the river using aluminium pots to reach their school has attracted sharp reactions from Twitter users. #WATCH Students of a primary govt school in Assam's Biswanath district cross the river using aluminium pots to reach their school. pic.twitter.com/qeH5npjaBJ — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × The students belong to a primary government school in Assam's Biswanath district. One Twitter user said it's a very bad situation after 72 years of freedom while another said it's shameful to watch school kids risking their lives for want of safe transport facilities. How did the state government build a school without the basic infrastructure in place? ''It worries me that the students cross the river using aluminium pots as there is no bridge in the area. They earlier used makeshift boats made from Banana trees,'' said J Das, a teacher at the govt primary school in Biswanath district's Naduwar area. Pramod Borthakur, MLA Biswanath, Assam said he is ashamed to see children suffer. It worries me that the students cross the river using aluminum pots as there is no bridge in the area. They earlier used makeshift boats made from Banana trees: J Das, teacher at the govt primary school, in Biswanath district's Naduwar area, in #Assam pic.twitter.com/b7fmuOs6sh — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × ''I'm ashamed to see this. There is no PWD road in the area. Don't know how government constructed a school on an island. We can definitely provide a boat for the students. I will ask the district officer to shift the school to another place,'' he added.

Watch: Students in Assam cross river using aluminium pots to reach school

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