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Amid speculations that US sanctions on Iran may impact India's energy and connectivity plans, Iran has said that it has got assurances from India that it won't cut oil imports from the country.

Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif said, "Our Indian friends have always been categorical in terms of there intention to continue economic cooperation and import of oil from Iran. Heard the same statement from my counterpart."&nbsp;India is the 2nd largest buyer of oil from Iran.

Iran's FM had met India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly or UNGA meet in New York.

Calling Iran as a reliable source of energy, Zarif said, "We have comprehensive cooperation with India including energy cooperation."

In a media briefing later, Ministry of external affair's spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "India remains engaged with all stakeholders who are a part of the process, Iran is one of them. So it was natural the issue of sanctions did come up during the meeting. We shared each others' position about where we stand at this point in time".

India has been talking to the US on the issue and has sensitized Washington of it sensitivities &amp; expectations.

The issue was also raised during the recent 2+2 dialogue between the Foreign Ministers and Defence ministers of the 2 countries in Delhi.

The US sanctions that kick off on November 5&nbsp;could not only impact India's oil import from the west Asian country but could also impact crucial Chabahar port that links India with Afghanistan and rest of the central Asian countries.

Chabahar is a crucial link between north-south transport corridor that links Mumbai with Moscow and India's answer to Gwadar port in Pakistan which is part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Lauding the "good cooperation" in shipping and transportation, India and Iran have Zarif said "Indian presence in Chabahar is very important" and hoped 
"India and other investors would come to Chabahar and invest for expansion of the port facility." Indian shipments to Afghanistan have already gone through Chabahar.

But US president Donald Trump plans to continue pressuring Iran. At his United Nations general assembly speech, he said, "we’re working with countries that import Iranian crude oil to cut their purchases substantially." He also said that more sanction will be slapped on Tehran soon.

When asked about the speech made by US president on Iran at the United Nations security council, Iranian FM quipped, it was a "theatre which didn't show success but showed isolation" of US.

Interestingly on September 26, India's national security advisor Ajit Doval travelled to Tehran to take part in an NSA Meet in which National Security Council/Deputy Minister of Security from Afghanistan, China, Iran and Russia were also present.

Amid speculations that US sanctions on Iran may impact India's energy and connectivity plans, Iran has said that it has got assurances from India that it won't cut oil imports from the country.

Amid speculations that US sanctions on Iran may impact India's energy and connectivity plans, Iran has said that it has got assurances from India that it won't cut oil imports from the country. Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif said, "Our Indian friends have always been categorical in terms of there intention to continue economic cooperation and import of oil from Iran. Heard the same statement from my counterpart." India is the 2nd largest buyer of oil from Iran. Iran's FM had met India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly or UNGA meet in New York. Calling Iran as a reliable source of energy, Zarif said, "We have comprehensive cooperation with India including energy cooperation." In a media briefing later, Ministry of external affair's spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "India remains engaged with all stakeholders who are a part of the process, Iran is one of them. So it was natural the issue of sanctions did come up during the meeting. We shared each others' position about where we stand at this point in time". India has been talking to the US on the issue and has sensitized Washington of it sensitivities & expectations. The issue was also raised during the recent 2+2 dialogue between the Foreign Ministers and Defence ministers of the 2 countries in Delhi. The US sanctions that kick off on November 5 could not only impact India's oil import from the west Asian country but could also impact crucial Chabahar port that links India with Afghanistan and rest of the central Asian countries. Chabahar is a crucial link between north-south transport corridor that links Mumbai with Moscow and India's answer to Gwadar port in Pakistan which is part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Lauding the "good cooperation" in shipping and transportation, India and Iran have Zarif said "Indian presence in Chabahar is very important" and hoped "India and other investors would come to Chabahar and invest for expansion of the port facility." Indian shipments to Afghanistan have already gone through Chabahar. But US president Donald Trump plans to continue pressuring Iran. At his United Nations general assembly speech, he said, "we’re working with countries that import Iranian crude oil to cut their purchases substantially." He also said that more sanction will be slapped on Tehran soon. When asked about the speech made by US president on Iran at the United Nations security council, Iranian FM quipped, it was a "theatre which didn't show success but showed isolation" of US. Interestingly on September 26, India's national security advisor Ajit Doval travelled to Tehran to take part in an NSA Meet in which National Security Council/Deputy Minister of Security from Afghanistan, China, Iran and Russia were also present.

India won't cut oil import from Iran: Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif

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Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;on Thursday spoke with Naval office&nbsp;Abhilash Tomy&nbsp;who was rescued from high seas following a mishap during a solo circumnavigation sailing tour.

The 39-year-old&nbsp;naval officer&nbsp;was left adrift 3,500 kilometres from&nbsp;western Australia&nbsp;with a serious back injury when he was rescued through an internationally coordinated effort on Monday.

A solo competitor in&nbsp;the Golden Globe&nbsp;round-the-world race, he was badly injured during a storm that damaged his vessel in the&nbsp;Indian Ocean&nbsp;on Friday.

"Spoke to @abhilashtomy and enquired about his wellbeing. Every Indian is praying for his quick recovery. I also compliment the teams that were involved in his rescue,"Modi&nbsp;tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/abhilashtomy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abhilashtomy</a> and enquired about his wellbeing. Every Indian is praying for his quick recovery. I also compliment the teams that were involved in his rescue. 
 
I have fond memories of my meeting with Abhilash, when he came with the team of INSV Tarini. <a href="https://t.co/Yefo9l4Ksu">pic.twitter.com/Yefo9l4Ksu</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1045322091745202176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The&nbsp;prime minister&nbsp;said he has fond memories of his meeting with Tomy when he came with the team of INSV Tarini.

Modi&nbsp;also posted a couple of photographs with the&nbsp;naval officer.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Naval office Abhilash Tomy who was rescued from high seas following a mishap during a solo circumnavigation sailing tour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Naval office Abhilash Tomy who was rescued from high seas following a mishap during a solo circumnavigation sailing tour. The 39-year-old naval officer was left adrift 3,500 kilometres from western Australia with a serious back injury when he was rescued through an internationally coordinated effort on Monday. A solo competitor in the Golden Globe round-the-world race, he was badly injured during a storm that damaged his vessel in the Indian Ocean on Friday. "Spoke to @abhilashtomy and enquired about his wellbeing. Every Indian is praying for his quick recovery. I also compliment the teams that were involved in his rescue,"Modi tweeted. Spoke to @abhilashtomy and enquired about his wellbeing. Every Indian is praying for his quick recovery. I also compliment the teams that were involved in his rescue. I have fond memories of my meeting with Abhilash, when he came with the team of INSV Tarini. pic.twitter.com/Yefo9l4Ksu — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2018 × The prime minister said he has fond memories of his meeting with Tomy when he came with the team of INSV Tarini. Modi also posted a couple of photographs with the naval officer.

PM enquires about well being of naval officer Abhilash Tomy

India Thursday expressed hope that other member states, including the traditional donors, will step in to support the UN agency for Palestinian refugees which is facing serious resource crunch after the US decided not to provide further funding to it.

The Trump administration had last month announced that after carefully reviewing the issue it has decided not to make additional contributions to the United Nation Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

"India has supported UNRWA's work since its establishment. UNRWA has been carrying out commendable work for Palestine refugees," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said at the Ministerial Committee of the NAM on Palestine held Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.

She said from this year, India has increased its contribution to UNRWA from US $1.25 million to US $5 million annually, the country's highest annual voluntary contribution to any of the UN's funds and programmes.&nbsp;

"We hope other member states, including the traditional donors will also step in to support UNRWA at a time when it is faced with a serious resource crunch," Swaraj said. 
State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert had announced that the US was no longer willing to shoulder the very disproportionate share of the burden of UNRWA's costs.&nbsp;

"When we made a US contribution of US $60 million in January, we made it clear that the US was no longer willing to shoulder the very disproportionate share of the burden of UNRWA's costs that we had assumed for many years," Nauert had said in a statement on August 31.

Swaraj also voiced concern over the deterioration in the security situation in the region, reiterating that a negotiated two-State solution remains the only viable solution to the issue to bring sustainable peace and lasting security.&nbsp;

"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. We hope for an early resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine that can move towards finding out a comprehensive resolution of the issue," she said.

She said India's continued commitment to the Palestinian cause and earnestness to develop stronger bilateral relations is demonstrated in the successive high level visit in the recent past.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Palestine in a "historic" trip.&nbsp;

Swaraj told the meeting that India is investing in projects of healthcare, educational infrastructure, women empowerment and a printing press, in addition to other capacity building programmes.&nbsp;

India has also 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, including flagship projects like the super-specialty hospital in Beit Sahour and the India-Palestine Technology Park, which was inaugurated last year in Ramallah, she added.&nbsp;

Skills and capacity development for the youth and their enhanced engagement, as an investment in a better future, is also one of the focus of India-Palestine partnership, she said.&nbsp;

While the number of youth delegates to participate in the youth exchange programme has been doubled this year, India has also substantially enhanced the scholarships made available for Palestinian professionals and students for technical training and higher education from this year, Swaraj said.

India Thursday expressed hope that other member states, including the traditional donors, will step in to support the UN agency for Palestinian refugees which is facing serious resource crunch after the US decided not to provide further funding to it.

India Thursday expressed hope that other member states, including the traditional donors, will step in to support the UN agency for Palestinian refugees which is facing serious resource crunch after the US decided not to provide further funding to it. The Trump administration had last month announced that after carefully reviewing the issue it has decided not to make additional contributions to the United Nation Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "India has supported UNRWA's work since its establishment. UNRWA has been carrying out commendable work for Palestine refugees," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said at the Ministerial Committee of the NAM on Palestine held Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. She said from this year, India has increased its contribution to UNRWA from US $1.25 million to US $5 million annually, the country's highest annual voluntary contribution to any of the UN's funds and programmes. "We hope other member states, including the traditional donors will also step in to support UNRWA at a time when it is faced with a serious resource crunch," Swaraj said. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert had announced that the US was no longer willing to shoulder the very disproportionate share of the burden of UNRWA's costs. "When we made a US contribution of US $60 million in January, we made it clear that the US was no longer willing to shoulder the very disproportionate share of the burden of UNRWA's costs that we had assumed for many years," Nauert had said in a statement on August 31. Swaraj also voiced concern over the deterioration in the security situation in the region, reiterating that 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. We hope for an early resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine that can move towards finding out a comprehensive resolution of the issue," she said. She said India's continued commitment to the Palestinian cause and earnestness to develop stronger bilateral relations is demonstrated in the successive high level visit in the recent past. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Palestine in a "historic" trip. Swaraj told the meeting that India is investing in projects of healthcare, educational infrastructure, women empowerment and a printing press, in addition to other capacity building programmes. India has also 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, including flagship projects like the super-specialty hospital in Beit Sahour and the India-Palestine Technology Park, which was inaugurated last year in Ramallah, she added. Skills and capacity development for the youth and their enhanced engagement, as an investment in a better future, is also one of the focus of India-Palestine partnership, she said. While the number of youth delegates to participate in the youth exchange programme has been doubled this year, India has also substantially enhanced the scholarships made available for Palestinian professionals and students for technical training and higher education from this year, Swaraj said.

Members states will step in to support UNRWA after US' refusal to provide funds to it: Swaraj

The Delhi Congress on Thursday made it clear it will have no alliance with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, after Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel advocated participation of the AAP in the proposed grand alliance of opposition parties to take on the BJP.

The Congress leaders and workers are against any alliance with the AAP, whose vote share is "fast eroding", for 2019 Parliamentary elections, Delhi Congress chief spokesperson Sharmishtha Mukherjee and senior leader Chatar Singh said in a statement.

"Congress will have no alliance with Aam Aadmi Party in the Parliamentary elections in Delhi in 2019," they said.

Referring to Goel's statement, they said there is "no change in the Congress stand" that it will not have any tie-up with the AAP in the Parliamentary elections in 2019.

The Delhi Assembly Speaker, on the sidelines of an event, said that participation of AAP in proposed Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) will be in thee interest of Delhi and the country.

After a meeting with the district Congress committees on June 2 this year, Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken had said that the Congress workers and leaders of Delhi do not want any electoral understanding with Arvind Kejriwal's party in the 2019 Parliamentary elections."

Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) that won 67 out of 70 Assembly seats in the 2015 Assembly elections in Delhi, is now "struggling" to keep its flock together as the popularity of the party has been fast "eroding", the Congress leaders claimed.

The vote share of ruling AAP came down to 26 per cent in last year's municipal corporation elections while the vote percentage of Congress went up from 9.5 percent to 26 per cent, they said.

"Congress graph has been steadily going up since the 2015 Assembly elections. The average vote percentage of the Congress in elections held following 2015 Assembly polls in Delhi had been 26.24 per cent while that of the AAAP came down to 28 per cent from as high as 56-57 per cent," they claimed.

The Delhi Congress on Thursday made it clear it will have no alliance with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, after Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel advocated participation of the AAP in the proposed grand alliance of opposition parties to take on the BJP.

The Delhi Congress on Thursday made it clear it will have no alliance with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, after Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel advocated participation of the AAP in the proposed grand alliance of opposition parties to take on the BJP. The Congress leaders and workers are against any alliance with the AAP, whose vote share is "fast eroding", for 2019 Parliamentary elections, Delhi Congress chief spokesperson Sharmishtha Mukherjee and senior leader Chatar Singh said in a statement. "Congress will have no alliance with Aam Aadmi Party in the Parliamentary elections in Delhi in 2019," they said. Referring to Goel's statement, they said there is "no change in the Congress stand" that it will not have any tie-up with the AAP in the Parliamentary elections in 2019. The Delhi Assembly Speaker, on the sidelines of an event, said that participation of AAP in proposed Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) will be in thee interest of Delhi and the country. After a meeting with the district Congress committees on June 2 this year, Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken had said that the Congress workers and leaders of Delhi do not want any electoral understanding with Arvind Kejriwal's party in the 2019 Parliamentary elections." Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) that won 67 out of 70 Assembly seats in the 2015 Assembly elections in Delhi, is now "struggling" to keep its flock together as the popularity of the party has been fast "eroding", the Congress leaders claimed. The vote share of ruling AAP came down to 26 per cent in last year's municipal corporation elections while the vote percentage of Congress went up from 9.5 percent to 26 per cent, they said. "Congress graph has been steadily going up since the 2015 Assembly elections. The average vote percentage of the Congress in elections held following 2015 Assembly polls in Delhi had been 26.24 per cent while that of the AAAP came down to 28 per cent from as high as 56-57 per cent," they claimed.

Delhi Congress rules out any alliance with AAP for 2019 parliamentary polls

The US and India have formed an alliance comprising leading experts in public and private sectors to combat the menace of tuberculosis, an American official said.

US Agency for International Development (USAID) administrator Mark Green announced the formation of ‘USAID-India End TB Alliance’ at an event in New York in presence of Union Health Minister J P Nadda. Green said the experts in the alliance will offer innovative approaches to combat tuberculosis in India.

Alliance members include industry and civil society leaders, academics, scientists, innovators, investors, and members of the diaspora. Two alliance members – Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Director General of the World Health Organisation, and Blessina Kumar from the Global Coalition of TB Activists – were present during the announcement.

India accounts for 27 per cent of the world’s TB cases, with 421,000 deaths per year, Green said. That’s one person dying every minute, he added. Referring to his visit to India in November, he said he met with a group of TB survivors and their families and learnt about the barriers to testing and treatment they face.

“I was especially moved by those who were initially deterred from seeking treatment because of stigma but persevered, and now those same people, mostly women, are working as patient advocates, supporting others who are also struggling with stigma,” Green said. “A major reason for hope in India is that Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has made an ambitious, but determined commitment to achieve a TB-free India by 2025,” he said. USAID is making an initial USD 30 million commitment, subject to the approval of the US Congress, Green said.

The US and India have formed an alliance comprising leading experts in public and private sectors to combat the menace of tuberculosis, an American official said.

The US and India have formed an alliance comprising leading experts in public and private sectors to combat the menace of tuberculosis, an American official said. US Agency for International Development (USAID) administrator Mark Green announced the formation of ‘USAID-India End TB Alliance’ at an event in New York in presence of Union Health Minister J P Nadda. Green said the experts in the alliance will offer innovative approaches to combat tuberculosis in India. Alliance members include industry and civil society leaders, academics, scientists, innovators, investors, and members of the diaspora. Two alliance members – Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Director General of the World Health Organisation, and Blessina Kumar from the Global Coalition of TB Activists – were present during the announcement. India accounts for 27 per cent of the world’s TB cases, with 421,000 deaths per year, Green said. That’s one person dying every minute, he added. Referring to his visit to India in November, he said he met with a group of TB survivors and their families and learnt about the barriers to testing and treatment they face. “I was especially moved by those who were initially deterred from seeking treatment because of stigma but persevered, and now those same people, mostly women, are working as patient advocates, supporting others who are also struggling with stigma,” Green said. “A major reason for hope in India is that Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has made an ambitious, but determined commitment to achieve a TB-free India by 2025,” he said. USAID is making an initial USD 30 million commitment, subject to the approval of the US Congress, Green said.

USAID-India End TB Alliance to eliminate TB announced

President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, which will supersede the Medical Council of India (MCI) and pave the way for strengthened medical education in the country.

The Ordinance will also pave way for the creation of a Board of Governors (BoG), who will be tasked with implementing much-required reforms in the field of medical education, enhanced tertiary care and expanded access to medical education in underserved areas.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, while welcoming the approval of the ordinance, said that the Centre is committed to improving health care for all, particularly the poor and deprived sections.

"For years, poor people have to travel from far of places to Delhi for getting tertiary care facility at AIIMS. Priority of the government is to expand quality tertiary healthcare facilities in all parts of the country. With the announcement of 14 new AIIMS over the past 4 years, the total number of AIIMS will go up to 22. Further, super speciality blocks are being set up in 54 medical colleges at a cost of around Rs 9,000 crores. 82 new medical colleges costing Rs 16,000 crores are being set up under a centrally sponsored scheme to ensure that there is at least one college for every three parliamentary constituencies," he added.

Based on the 92nd Report of March 2016 of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare and recommendations of a group of experts under late Professor Ranjit Roy Chaudhary, the government introduced the National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 in Lok Sabha on December 29, 2017.

The Bill provides for simplification of procedures and is expected to spur rapid growth in the number of UG and PG seats in the country besides enhancing the governance and quality of medical education.

The NMC Bill provides for distribution of functions among four autonomous boards whose members would be persons of proven ability selected through a transparent process.

The Bill was taken up for consideration on January 1 this year and was referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare for examination.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee presented its 109th Report on the Bill to the House on March 20.

The Ministry, after examining the recommendations, obtained approval of the Cabinet on March 28 for moving official amendments. Thereafter, the Bill was pending in the Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court in its judgment dated May 2, 2016, issued directions to the central government to constitute an Oversight Committee with the authority to oversee all statutory functions of the MCI till a new legislation comes in.

In 2017, another Oversight Committee (OC) was set up with the approval of the Supreme Court after the expiry of the one year term of the first OC.

This OC was chaired by Dr VK Paul and included eminent doctors including Directors of AIIMS Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS.

On July 6, the OC cited instances of non-compliance of their instructions by MCI and said that MCI has not only misinterpreted orders of the Supreme Court but has also challenged the authority of the OC. Subsequently, all members of the OC resigned.

In such circumstances, when the Supreme Court-mandated Oversight Committee is unable to function due to non-cooperation of MCI and the NMC Bill is pending in Parliament and its passage is likely to take some time, certain immediate steps were required to be taken.

Accordingly, an ordinance to supersede the MCI was promulgated, with powers of the council vested in a Board of Governors (BoG).

The BoG will continue to perform till a Council is constituted as per the provision of the Act in one year time.

The Board members include persons of eminence in the medical field namely Dr&nbsp;VK Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Dr&nbsp;Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr&nbsp;Jagat Ram, Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr&nbsp;BN Gangadhar, Director, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Dr&nbsp;Nikhil Tandon, Professor, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, AIIMS, New Delhi who were the members of second OC.

President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, which will supersede the Medical Council of India (MCI) and pave the way for strengthened medical education in the country.

President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, which will supersede the Medical Council of India (MCI) and pave the way for strengthened medical education in the country. The Ordinance will also pave way for the creation of a Board of Governors (BoG), who will be tasked with implementing much-required reforms in the field of medical education, enhanced tertiary care and expanded access to medical education in underserved areas. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda, while welcoming the approval of the ordinance, said that the Centre is committed to improving health care for all, particularly the poor and deprived sections. "For years, poor people have to travel from far of places to Delhi for getting tertiary care facility at AIIMS. Priority of the government is to expand quality tertiary healthcare facilities in all parts of the country. With the announcement of 14 new AIIMS over the past 4 years, the total number of AIIMS will go up to 22. Further, super speciality blocks are being set up in 54 medical colleges at a cost of around Rs 9,000 crores. 82 new medical colleges costing Rs 16,000 crores are being set up under a centrally sponsored scheme to ensure that there is at least one college for every three parliamentary constituencies," he added. Based on the 92nd Report of March 2016 of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare and recommendations of a group of experts under late Professor Ranjit Roy Chaudhary, the government introduced the National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 in Lok Sabha on December 29, 2017. The Bill provides for simplification of procedures and is expected to spur rapid growth in the number of UG and PG seats in the country besides enhancing the governance and quality of medical education. The NMC Bill provides for distribution of functions among four autonomous boards whose members would be persons of proven ability selected through a transparent process. The Bill was taken up for consideration on January 1 this year and was referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare for examination. The Parliamentary Standing Committee presented its 109th Report on the Bill to the House on March 20. The Ministry, after examining the recommendations, obtained approval of the Cabinet on March 28 for moving official amendments. Thereafter, the Bill was pending in the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court in its judgment dated May 2, 2016, issued directions to the central government to constitute an Oversight Committee with the authority to oversee all statutory functions of the MCI till a new legislation comes in. In 2017, another Oversight Committee (OC) was set up with the approval of the Supreme Court after the expiry of the one year term of the first OC. This OC was chaired by Dr VK Paul and included eminent doctors including Directors of AIIMS Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS. On July 6, the OC cited instances of non-compliance of their instructions by MCI and said that MCI has not only misinterpreted orders of the Supreme Court but has also challenged the authority of the OC. Subsequently, all members of the OC resigned. In such circumstances, when the Supreme Court-mandated Oversight Committee is unable to function due to non-cooperation of MCI and the NMC Bill is pending in Parliament and its passage is likely to take some time, certain immediate steps were required to be taken. Accordingly, an ordinance to supersede the MCI was promulgated, with powers of the council vested in a Board of Governors (BoG). The BoG will continue to perform till a Council is constituted as per the provision of the Act in one year time. The Board members include persons of eminence in the medical field namely Dr VK Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Dr Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr Jagat Ram, Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr BN Gangadhar, Director, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Dr Nikhil Tandon, Professor, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, AIIMS, New Delhi who were the members of second OC.

President Kovind approves Ordinance to supersede Indian Medical Council

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Kumar stated that a meeting had been arranged at the request of Foreign Minister of Antigua &amp; Barbuda with External Affairs Minister&nbsp;Sushma Swaraj.

"He personally wanted to tell the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, of the commitment of his Prime Minister, his government regarding the extradition of Mehul Choksi," he noted.&nbsp;

He added that Swaraj had requested the Antiguan Foreign Minister "that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is." The counterpart replied that they're trying their best, "he said there are some legal angles and court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM and the government before the EAM," MEA spokesperson said.&nbsp;

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EAM had requested him that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is. Her counterpart replied that they're trying their best, he said there are some legal angles&amp;court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM&amp;govt before EAM: Raveesh Kumar,MEA <a href="https://t.co/1MsRRdbPgu">pic.twitter.com/1MsRRdbPgu</a>
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Meanwhile, the Antiguan Foreign Minister refused to comment when asked by the media if he will "help India in extraditing Mehul Choksi."

EP Chet Greene claimed, "speak to your Foreign Minister," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Absconding jeweller <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-cries-political-conspiracy-says-govt-under-extraordinary-pressure-ahead-of-polls-165180">Mehul Choksi has claimed that</a> the charges of money laundering and corruption against him are a "big political conspiracy" and that there is "extraordinary pressure" on the ruling dispensation to bring back at least one bank defaulter as this has the potential for changing the results of forthcoming elections.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> New York: Foreign Minister of Antigua &amp; Barbuda EP Chet Greene says 'Speak to your Foreign Minister' when asked 'Will you help India in extraditing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a>?' <a href="https://t.co/TntbYBEDHh">pic.twitter.com/TntbYBEDHh</a>
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Calling himself a "soft target", Choksi, an accused in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, said he has been made a sacrificial lamb for the "fault" of the state-owned bank where, he alleged, the problem was of a "mismatch" in the reporting mechanism to the Reserve Bank.

Choksi, the maternal uncle of designer diamond jeweller and co-accused in the case Nirav Modi, said as the criminal action was launched by the government against Nirav Modi's companies, and his firms too were included.

The businessman, against whom an Interpol notice sought by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is pending, added he had no business relations with Nirav Modi now.

The businessman, who has been charged with "diverting" and money laundering over Rs 3,250 crore of funds, said he was "shocked" when he heard a criminal case was slapped against him in January, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported.

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported. Kumar stated that a meeting had been arranged at the request of Foreign Minister of Antigua & Barbuda with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "He personally wanted to tell the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, of the commitment of his Prime Minister, his government regarding the extradition of Mehul Choksi," he noted. He added that Swaraj had requested the Antiguan Foreign Minister "that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is." The counterpart replied that they're trying their best, "he said there are some legal angles and court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM and the government before the EAM," MEA spokesperson said. EAM had requested him that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is. Her counterpart replied that they're trying their best, he said there are some legal angles&court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM&govt before EAM: Raveesh Kumar,MEA pic.twitter.com/1MsRRdbPgu — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × Meanwhile, the Antiguan Foreign Minister refused to comment when asked by the media if he will "help India in extraditing Mehul Choksi." EP Chet Greene claimed, "speak to your Foreign Minister," news agency ANI reported. Absconding jeweller Mehul Choksi has claimed that the charges of money laundering and corruption against him are a "big political conspiracy" and that there is "extraordinary pressure" on the ruling dispensation to bring back at least one bank defaulter as this has the potential for changing the results of forthcoming elections. #WATCH New York: Foreign Minister of Antigua & Barbuda EP Chet Greene says 'Speak to your Foreign Minister' when asked 'Will you help India in extraditing #MehulChoksi?' pic.twitter.com/TntbYBEDHh — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × Calling himself a "soft target", Choksi, an accused in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, said he has been made a sacrificial lamb for the "fault" of the state-owned bank where, he alleged, the problem was of a "mismatch" in the reporting mechanism to the Reserve Bank. Choksi, the maternal uncle of designer diamond jeweller and co-accused in the case Nirav Modi, said as the criminal action was launched by the government against Nirav Modi's companies, and his firms too were included. The businessman, against whom an Interpol notice sought by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is pending, added he had no business relations with Nirav Modi now. The businessman, who has been charged with "diverting" and money laundering over Rs 3,250 crore of funds, said he was "shocked" when he heard a criminal case was slapped against him in January, news agency PTI reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Antiguan PM, govt committed to extraditing Choksi: Ministry of External Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh of all support from the Centre in tackling the flood situation arising in the state due to incessant rains.

Prime Minister spoke with Singh on phone and enquired about the flood situation in the state, and assured him of all possible help in mitigating the situation arising out of floods and rains, according to an official spokesperson.

Briefing the Prime Minister, the Punjab Chief Minister said that he had visited the affected districts of Kapurthala and Tarn Taran and there had been significant damage to crops in areas around the Beas River.

Singh further stated that the process of the special girdawari, ordered by him to assess the losses, will commence as soon as the waters recede.

He thanked Prime Minister Modi for his assurance and said that he would apprise him of the situation once the girdawai process is completed.

Earlier today, during his visit to Sultanpur Lodhi, the Chief Minister had stated that he would be approaching the Centre for funds for construction of spurs in the River Beas to prevent floods in the future.

He had said that these spurs were necessary for protecting the river banks by keeping the flow of water away.

The chief minister had also stated that he would be meeting Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to seek replacement of the existing pontoon bridges in the district with permanent ones.

Three days of heavy downpour in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir have swelled up the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers in Punjab.

Also, the water levels further escalated in Jalandhar after 56,000 cusecs of water were released from Ropar in Sutlej.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh of all support from the Centre in tackling the flood situation arising in the state due to incessant rains.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh of all support from the Centre in tackling the flood situation arising in the state due to incessant rains. Prime Minister spoke with Singh on phone and enquired about the flood situation in the state, and assured him of all possible help in mitigating the situation arising out of floods and rains, according to an official spokesperson. Briefing the Prime Minister, the Punjab Chief Minister said that he had visited the affected districts of Kapurthala and Tarn Taran and there had been significant damage to crops in areas around the Beas River. Singh further stated that the process of the special girdawari, ordered by him to assess the losses, will commence as soon as the waters recede. He thanked Prime Minister Modi for his assurance and said that he would apprise him of the situation once the girdawai process is completed. Earlier today, during his visit to Sultanpur Lodhi, the Chief Minister had stated that he would be approaching the Centre for funds for construction of spurs in the River Beas to prevent floods in the future. He had said that these spurs were necessary for protecting the river banks by keeping the flow of water away. The chief minister had also stated that he would be meeting Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to seek replacement of the existing pontoon bridges in the district with permanent ones. Three days of heavy downpour in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir have swelled up the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers in Punjab. Also, the water levels further escalated in Jalandhar after 56,000 cusecs of water were released from Ropar in Sutlej.

PM Modi assures support to flood-hit Punjab

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved agreements between India and Uzbekistan for cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, pharmaceuticals and trade.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was approved for cooperation in the sphere of law and justice between the two countries.

The MoU takes care of concerns and requirements in the field of exchange of experience by legal professionals, government functionaries and their training and effective legal aid mechanism for resolution.

The agreement is expected to facilitate greater cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in providing legal services in both countries in the field of exchange of experience through information sharing visits, and training between both countries on enhancing legal capacities of government functionaries.

Another MoU was approved by the Cabinet for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism, which is expected to be signed during the Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev`s visit to India on October 1.

The signing of the MoU in the field of tourism will help the two countries in creating an institutional mechanism for enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector.

It will also help in increasing foreign tourist arrivals from Uzbekistan to the country.

This, in turn, will result in economic development and employment generation.

The agreement shall create favourable conditions for long-term tourism cooperation for the mutual benefits of all stakeholders within the broader framework and areas of cooperation.

In addition, the MoU shall explore to incorporate the best practices to implement the measures that will realise the objectives set out in it.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a MoU between the two countries for the establishment of an Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceutical Zone in the Andijan Region of Uzbekistan, which will also be signed during Mirziyoyev`s visit to India.

The MoU will create an enabling framework of cooperation for setting up an Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceuticals Zone in Andijan region of Uzbekistan.

It will also facilitate Indian pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to invest and establish production facilities in the Uzbek-Indian Free Pharma Zone of Andijan for the manufacture of pharmaceutical products.

The Cabinet also approved the signing of a MoU between India and Uzbekistan for increased cooperation in the areas of trade, industry and research and development of pharmaceutical products.

In view of the importance of the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in both countries and importance of mutual cooperation in trade, production, research and development in the pharmaceutical sector, both the governments have been trying to establish a formal mechanism of bilateral cooperation.

The MoU will explore the possibilities of production of medicines, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in different therapeutic segments in both countries.

It will facilitate the exchange of information on trade and registration procedures, legal and regulatory requirements for export and import of pharmaceuticals products, including APIs.

Another MoU was approved for mutual cooperation in combating illicit trafficking in narcotics, drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, and is expected to help in mutual cooperation in the regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and in combating drug trafficking.

It is an effective framework to deal with all issues requiring mutual assistance and cooperation in the areas identified.

The Cabinet also approved the signing of an agreement between India and Uzbekistan on cooperation in health and medical science.

It covers the following areas of cooperation - expanding opportunities for the development of business cooperation in the field of medical equipment, including equipment for teaching and research laboratories of institutions of medical education, and pharmaceutical products, strengthening of primary health care and setting up of healthcare facilities, medical and health research development, as well as exchange of experience in these areas, among others.

A working group will be set up to further elaborate the details of cooperation and to oversee the implementation of the agreement.

In the field of agriculture and allied sectors, a MoU was approved for cooperation in the exchange of information regarding laws, standards and product samples of mutual interest, establishment of joint agriculture clusters in Uzbekistan, exchange of experience in the field of crop production and their diversification, exchange of experience in the field of seed production based on modern technology, and application of technology for enhanced water use efficiency in agriculture and allied sectors, including irrigation, conduct of joint scientific research on genetics, breeding, biotechnology, plant protection and soil productivity conservation, among others.

The agreement provides for the constitution of a joint working group comprising representatives from both countries, the task of which would be to prepare plans of cooperation, provide solutions to the problems arising during the implementation of the agreement and to monitor the implementation of tasks determined by the parties.

The meetings of the working group shall take place at least every two years, alternately in India and in Uzbekistan.

The agreement shall enter into force on the date of its signing and shall remain in force for a period of five years, is automatically extended for a subsequent period of five years.

The agreement shall be terminated after six months from the date of receipt of notification of either party of its intention to terminate.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved agreements between India and Uzbekistan for cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, pharmaceuticals and trade.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved agreements between India and Uzbekistan for cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, pharmaceuticals and trade. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was approved for cooperation in the sphere of law and justice between the two countries. The MoU takes care of concerns and requirements in the field of exchange of experience by legal professionals, government functionaries and their training and effective legal aid mechanism for resolution. The agreement is expected to facilitate greater cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in providing legal services in both countries in the field of exchange of experience through information sharing visits, and training between both countries on enhancing legal capacities of government functionaries. Another MoU was approved by the Cabinet for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism, which is expected to be signed during the Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev`s visit to India on October 1. The signing of the MoU in the field of tourism will help the two countries in creating an institutional mechanism for enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector. It will also help in increasing foreign tourist arrivals from Uzbekistan to the country. This, in turn, will result in economic development and employment generation. The agreement shall create favourable conditions for long-term tourism cooperation for the mutual benefits of all stakeholders within the broader framework and areas of cooperation. In addition, the MoU shall explore to incorporate the best practices to implement the measures that will realise the objectives set out in it. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a MoU between the two countries for the establishment of an Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceutical Zone in the Andijan Region of Uzbekistan, which will also be signed during Mirziyoyev`s visit to India. The MoU will create an enabling framework of cooperation for setting up an Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceuticals Zone in Andijan region of Uzbekistan. It will also facilitate Indian pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to invest and establish production facilities in the Uzbek-Indian Free Pharma Zone of Andijan for the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. The Cabinet also approved the signing of a MoU between India and Uzbekistan for increased cooperation in the areas of trade, industry and research and development of pharmaceutical products. In view of the importance of the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in both countries and importance of mutual cooperation in trade, production, research and development in the pharmaceutical sector, both the governments have been trying to establish a formal mechanism of bilateral cooperation. The MoU will explore the possibilities of production of medicines, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in different therapeutic segments in both countries. It will facilitate the exchange of information on trade and registration procedures, legal and regulatory requirements for export and import of pharmaceuticals products, including APIs. Another MoU was approved for mutual cooperation in combating illicit trafficking in narcotics, drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, and is expected to help in mutual cooperation in the regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and in combating drug trafficking. It is an effective framework to deal with all issues requiring mutual assistance and cooperation in the areas identified. The Cabinet also approved the signing of an agreement between India and Uzbekistan on cooperation in health and medical science. It covers the following areas of cooperation - expanding opportunities for the development of business cooperation in the field of medical equipment, including equipment for teaching and research laboratories of institutions of medical education, and pharmaceutical products, strengthening of primary health care and setting up of healthcare facilities, medical and health research development, as well as exchange of experience in these areas, among others. A working group will be set up to further elaborate the details of cooperation and to oversee the implementation of the agreement. In the field of agriculture and allied sectors, a MoU was approved for cooperation in the exchange of information regarding laws, standards and product samples of mutual interest, establishment of joint agriculture clusters in Uzbekistan, exchange of experience in the field of crop production and their diversification, exchange of experience in the field of seed production based on modern technology, and application of technology for enhanced water use efficiency in agriculture and allied sectors, including irrigation, conduct of joint scientific research on genetics, breeding, biotechnology, plant protection and soil productivity conservation, among others. The agreement provides for the constitution of a joint working group comprising representatives from both countries, the task of which would be to prepare plans of cooperation, provide solutions to the problems arising during the implementation of the agreement and to monitor the implementation of tasks determined by the parties. The meetings of the working group shall take place at least every two years, alternately in India and in Uzbekistan. The agreement shall enter into force on the date of its signing and shall remain in force for a period of five years, is automatically extended for a subsequent period of five years. The agreement shall be terminated after six months from the date of receipt of notification of either party of its intention to terminate.

Cabinet approves India-Uzbekistan MoUs in tourism, trade

India has rejected references made by Pakistan on the Kashmir issue in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting as the matter is internal to India, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Wednesday (local time).

"As far as OIC is concerned, we always note with regret that the matter, which is very internal to Indian affairs, was again discussed at OIC. We reject such references to a matter very internal to India. We have said in the past that OIC has no locus standi to comment on India's internal affairs. We feel that it is completely unwarranted to discuss a matter related to India's internal affairs in any multi-cultural setup," he said at a press conference here.

Earlier, India's Ambassador to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, had called Pakistan a 'one-trick-pony' for raking up the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and asserted that India was confident of handling the situation.

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We have said in the past that OIC has no locus standi to comment on India's internal affairs. We feel that it is completely unwarranted to discuss matter related to India's internal affairs in any multi-cultural setup: Raveesh Kumar, MEA on Pakistan raising Kashmir issue in OIC <a href="https://t.co/1q3f3odSsT">pic.twitter.com/1q3f3odSsT</a>
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Responding to a question about the possibility of the neighbour country raking up the issue of Kashmir at the UNGA, Akbaruddin stated that the UN works best on multilateralism, adding that 'single act plays have no resonance in such matters.'

On September 21, India had pulled out of the proposed meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the UNGA, hours after two Special Police Officers and one policeman in Jammu and Kashmir were kidnapped and brutally killed by terrorists.

India's withdrawal also came over Pakistan's move to release stamps glorifying terrorist Burhan Wani, who was killed by the Indian security forces in 2016 in Kashmir.

When asked if there will be at least a handshake between Swaraj and Qureshi during the informal meeting of SAARC Council of Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of UNGA, the MEA spokesperson said, "This is something very difficult to predict."

On the recently-held 2+2 dialogue with the United States, Kumar said, "Recently we had a 2+2 dialogue with the US where we sensitised them of our concerns, sensitivities, and expectations. We felt there was a bit of understanding from the US side on our position. We're working towards ensuring our energy security and national security."

Speaking on the sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran, Kumar said that India will remain engaged with all stakeholders who are a part of the process, including Iran.

"It was natural the issue of sanctions did come up during the meeting. We shared each others' position about where we stand at this point of time," he added.

India has rejected references made by Pakistan on the Kashmir issue in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting as the matter is internal to India, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Wednesday (local time).

India has rejected references made by Pakistan on the Kashmir issue in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting as the matter is internal to India, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Wednesday (local time). "As far as OIC is concerned, we always note with regret that the matter, which is very internal to Indian affairs, was again discussed at OIC. We reject such references to a matter very internal to India. We have said in the past that OIC has no locus standi to comment on India's internal affairs. We feel that it is completely unwarranted to discuss a matter related to India's internal affairs in any multi-cultural setup," he said at a press conference here. Earlier, India's Ambassador to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, had called Pakistan a 'one-trick-pony' for raking up the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and asserted that India was confident of handling the situation. We have said in the past that OIC has no locus standi to comment on India's internal affairs. We feel that it is completely unwarranted to discuss matter related to India's internal affairs in any multi-cultural setup: Raveesh Kumar, MEA on Pakistan raising Kashmir issue in OIC pic.twitter.com/1q3f3odSsT — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × Responding to a question about the possibility of the neighbour country raking up the issue of Kashmir at the UNGA, Akbaruddin stated that the UN works best on multilateralism, adding that 'single act plays have no resonance in such matters.' On September 21, India had pulled out of the proposed meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the UNGA, hours after two Special Police Officers and one policeman in Jammu and Kashmir were kidnapped and brutally killed by terrorists. India's withdrawal also came over Pakistan's move to release stamps glorifying terrorist Burhan Wani, who was killed by the Indian security forces in 2016 in Kashmir. When asked if there will be at least a handshake between Swaraj and Qureshi during the informal meeting of SAARC Council of Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of UNGA, the MEA spokesperson said, "This is something very difficult to predict." On the recently-held 2+2 dialogue with the United States, Kumar said, "Recently we had a 2+2 dialogue with the US where we sensitised them of our concerns, sensitivities, and expectations. We felt there was a bit of understanding from the US side on our position. We're working towards ensuring our energy security and national security." Speaking on the sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran, Kumar said that India will remain engaged with all stakeholders who are a part of the process, including Iran. "It was natural the issue of sanctions did come up during the meeting. We shared each others' position about where we stand at this point of time," he added.

India rejects discussion of Kashmir issue at OIC meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday.

Solih, 56, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, emerged victorious over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen in the election held in September 23. The formal results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday.

He will be sworn in on November 17.&nbsp;

The President-elect had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi, after Solih's victory in the September 23 presidential elections, spokesperson for Solih, Mariya Ahmed Didi was quoted as saying in 'The Edition'.

Modi had also invited Solih to visit India, Mariya said, adding that the president-elect had accepted the invitation.

The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the archipelago was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation.

India's ties with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders, including his estranged half brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials.&nbsp;

India had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners.&nbsp;

The Emergency was lifted 45 days later.

In July, India expressed concern over announcement of the presidential election without allowing democratic institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary, to work in a free and transparent manner.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday. Solih, 56, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, emerged victorious over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen in the election held in September 23. The formal results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday. He will be sworn in on November 17. The President-elect had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi, after Solih's victory in the September 23 presidential elections, spokesperson for Solih, Mariya Ahmed Didi was quoted as saying in 'The Edition'. Modi had also invited Solih to visit India, Mariya said, adding that the president-elect had accepted the invitation. The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries. Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the archipelago was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation. India's ties with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders, including his estranged half brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. India had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The Emergency was lifted 45 days later. In July, India expressed concern over announcement of the presidential election without allowing democratic institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary, to work in a free and transparent manner.

Maldives' president-elect Solih invites Modi in swearing-in ceremony

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Wednesday communicated information over India's engagement over Iran sanctions at the United Nations General Assembly session adding that, "India remains engaged with all stakeholders who are a part of the process, Iran is one of them."&nbsp;

"It was natural the issue of sanctions did come up during the meeting. We shared each others' position about where we stand at this point in time," Kumar stated. &nbsp;

"Foreign Minister of Iran shared parts of the discussions which they were having with the European Union. We heard them out and explained our position. As far as the sanctions on Iran goes, we are also engaged with other stakeholders, other countries," news agency ANI quoted MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.&nbsp;

"Recently we had a 2+2 dialogue with the US where we sensitised them of our concerns, sensitivities and expectations. We felt there was a bit of understanding from the US side on our position. We're working towards ensuring our energy security and national security," the MEA stated.&nbsp;

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Foreign Minister of Iran shared parts of the discussions which they were having with the EU. We heard them out&amp;explained our position. As far as the sanctions on Iran goes, we are also engaged with other stakeholders, other countries: Raveesh Kumar, MEA on Iran nuclear sanctions <a href="https://t.co/JI8p2GmoXG">pic.twitter.com/JI8p2GmoXG</a>
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India's comment on Iran comes at a time when US President Donald Trump took his campaign to isolate Iran to the UN Security Council on Wednesday.

Trump accused Tehran of spreading chaos at a meeting that laid bare divisions between Washington and key allies.

Addressing the council after Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron hit back, declaring that concerns about Iran cannot be reduced to "a policy of sanctions and containment" that was in place for years before the landmark deal.

"We need to build together a long-term strategy to manage the crisis that cannot be reduced to a policy of sanctions and containment of Iran," said Macron.

The United States has moved to reimpose sanctions that had been lifted under the 2015 deal to curb Iran's nuclear program and has vowed to punish foreign firms that do business with Iran.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Wednesday communicated information over India's engagement over Iran sanctions at the United Nations General Assembly session adding that, "India remains engaged with all stakeholders who are a part of the process, Iran is one of them.

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Wednesday communicated information over India's engagement over Iran sanctions at the United Nations General Assembly session adding that, "India remains engaged with all stakeholders who are a part of the process, Iran is one of them." "It was natural the issue of sanctions did come up during the meeting. We shared each others' position about where we stand at this point in time," Kumar stated. "Foreign Minister of Iran shared parts of the discussions which they were having with the European Union. We heard them out and explained our position. As far as the sanctions on Iran goes, we are also engaged with other stakeholders, other countries," news agency ANI quoted MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. "Recently we had a 2+2 dialogue with the US where we sensitised them of our concerns, sensitivities and expectations. We felt there was a bit of understanding from the US side on our position. We're working towards ensuring our energy security and national security," the MEA stated. Foreign Minister of Iran shared parts of the discussions which they were having with the EU. We heard them out&explained our position. As far as the sanctions on Iran goes, we are also engaged with other stakeholders, other countries: Raveesh Kumar, MEA on Iran nuclear sanctions pic.twitter.com/JI8p2GmoXG — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × India's comment on Iran comes at a time when US President Donald Trump took his campaign to isolate Iran to the UN Security Council on Wednesday. Trump accused Tehran of spreading chaos at a meeting that laid bare divisions between Washington and key allies. Addressing the council after Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron hit back, declaring that concerns about Iran cannot be reduced to "a policy of sanctions and containment" that was in place for years before the landmark deal. "We need to build together a long-term strategy to manage the crisis that cannot be reduced to a policy of sanctions and containment of Iran," said Macron. The United States has moved to reimpose sanctions that had been lifted under the 2015 deal to curb Iran's nuclear program and has vowed to punish foreign firms that do business with Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran shared parts of its discussions with EU; we heard, explained our position: MEA on Iran sanctions

Hundreds of workers at motorbike companies including Yamaha Corp and Eicher Motors are on strike in Chennai, demanding better wages and a right to form unions to defend their interests.

Employees said the companies had employed a large number of contract workers to get around rigid Indian labour laws that make it difficult to hire and fire full-time staff and have refused to bring them on company payrolls even after years of contract work.

The unrest is the latest to hit the state of Tamil Nadu, dubbed the Detroit of South Asia because big automakers such as BMW, Daimler, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan and Renault have factories in the state.

"Our main demands concern low wages, contract employees not being made permanent and workers being denied basic respect," said S Kannan, Kanchipuram district president at the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, one of the leaders involved in organising the strike at Yamaha.

Kannan said that talks to resolve the strike had made no progress.

A spokesman at Yamaha, which sells in India as well as overseas, said that production is running below capacity.

Yamaha has a 4 per cent share of India's two-wheeler market. It sold about 793,000 motorcycles in the past financial year and exported about 252,000.

Wages are low in India, making it an attractive manufacturing and export hub for companies, but workers feeling the effects of rising inflation have been agitating in recent years for higher pay.

"The issue is not widespread. It is in pockets, but it is a cause of concern, especially since it is an industrial belt," said an executive at a global automaker.

In May protests turned violent at metals conglomerate Vedanta's copper smelter about 400 miles from Chennai over alleged environmental violations that the company said underlined the risks global businesses face in India.

The government has tried to overhaul labour laws, hoping to create millions of new jobs and boost economic growth by making it easier to hire and fire, but has faced resistance.

Workers at Eicher Motors, which owns the Royal Enfield motorcycle company, are protesting one such scheme, the National Employability Enhancement Mission (NEEM), said R Sampath, vice-president of the Royal Enfield Employees Union.

"The scheme stops contract workers from becoming permanent employees, allows management to keep wages low and fire people with one-month's notice," said Sampath, adding that contract workers do not receive other employee benefits.

Royal Enfield, which has about a 4 per cent share of the two-wheeler market and sold more than 800,000 motorcycles in India over the past financial year, is "hopeful of arriving at a mutually beneficial solution", it said in a statement.&nbsp;

"We have forums that address matters related to the wellbeing of workmen and are working to understand the issue that compelled a few workmen to refrain from reporting for work today," the company said.

Eicher Motors competes with US motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson Inc in India.

Hundreds of workers at motorbike companies including Yamaha Corp and Eicher Motors are on strike in Chennai, demanding better wages and a right to form unions to defend their interests.

Hundreds of workers at motorbike companies including Yamaha Corp and Eicher Motors are on strike in Chennai, demanding better wages and a right to form unions to defend their interests. Employees said the companies had employed a large number of contract workers to get around rigid Indian labour laws that make it difficult to hire and fire full-time staff and have refused to bring them on company payrolls even after years of contract work. The unrest is the latest to hit the state of Tamil Nadu, dubbed the Detroit of South Asia because big automakers such as BMW, Daimler, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan and Renault have factories in the state. "Our main demands concern low wages, contract employees not being made permanent and workers being denied basic respect," said S Kannan, Kanchipuram district president at the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, one of the leaders involved in organising the strike at Yamaha. Kannan said that talks to resolve the strike had made no progress. A spokesman at Yamaha, which sells in India as well as overseas, said that production is running below capacity. Yamaha has a 4 per cent share of India's two-wheeler market. It sold about 793,000 motorcycles in the past financial year and exported about 252,000. Wages are low in India, making it an attractive manufacturing and export hub for companies, but workers feeling the effects of rising inflation have been agitating in recent years for higher pay. "The issue is not widespread. It is in pockets, but it is a cause of concern, especially since it is an industrial belt," said an executive at a global automaker. In May protests turned violent at metals conglomerate Vedanta's copper smelter about 400 miles from Chennai over alleged environmental violations that the company said underlined the risks global businesses face in India. The government has tried to overhaul labour laws, hoping to create millions of new jobs and boost economic growth by making it easier to hire and fire, but has faced resistance. Workers at Eicher Motors, which owns the Royal Enfield motorcycle company, are protesting one such scheme, the National Employability Enhancement Mission (NEEM), said R Sampath, vice-president of the Royal Enfield Employees Union. "The scheme stops contract workers from becoming permanent employees, allows management to keep wages low and fire people with one-month's notice," said Sampath, adding that contract workers do not receive other employee benefits. Royal Enfield, which has about a 4 per cent share of the two-wheeler market and sold more than 800,000 motorcycles in India over the past financial year, is "hopeful of arriving at a mutually beneficial solution", it said in a statement. "We have forums that address matters related to the wellbeing of workmen and are working to understand the issue that compelled a few workmen to refrain from reporting for work today," the company said. Eicher Motors competes with US motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson Inc in India.

Motorcycle companies in India's 'Detroit' hit by strike over wages

The Supreme Court is set to pronounce its landmark judgement today on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.&nbsp;

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer will give its verdict on a batch of pleas by Muslim groups on title dispute seeking reconsideration of the 1994 verdict that stated&nbsp;that a mosque was not integral to Islam.

The history of the dispute dates back to the 16th century, the mosque in question is believed to have been in existence since 1528 -- built in Ayodhya by the commander of Mughal emperor, Mir Baqi. On the other hand, the Archaeological Survey of India suggested the existence of a 10th-century temple at the site.&nbsp;

The case gained prominence again after mediation by Art of Living founder Ravi Shankar in 2017.&nbsp;

The Shia Waqf Board, last month, had proposed the formation of a Ram Mandir at the site in Ayodhya while the mosque can be formed in Lucknow.

Ahead of the Supreme Court's crucial verdict today, here's taking a quick look at the timeline of the events related to the dispute.&nbsp;

1800s: The first recorded clash over Ayodhya site took place in 1853. A fence was created by the Britishers for Hindus and Muslims to worship separately.&nbsp;

1949: The government declared the site a disputed area after a group of Hindus allegedly sneaked in Lord Ram idol in the mosque. Muslims stopped offering namaz. In the coming years, various Hindu organisations filed suits seeking exclusive rights to the site.&nbsp;

1961: Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Board of Waqf sought a suit seeking the possession of Babri mosque site.

1980s: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) launched a campaign with an aim to re-open the site and build a grand Ram temple. The Bhartiya Janata Party also backed the movement later on.&nbsp;

1990: A Rath Yatra was launched by the then BJP President LK Advani for the cause of building a Ram Temple on the mosque site. The yatra stretched from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The Yatra triggered riots across the country, Advani was arrested in Samastipur in Bihar. The BJP withdrew its support to the government leading to early parliamentary elections.

1992: Violent protests and communal riots broke out when a large group of people congregated at the site with an aim to demolish the mosque. A makeshift Ram Mandir was built, Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao vowed to rebuild the mosque.&nbsp;

2002: An Ayodhya Cell was set up by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to resolve the dispute. High Court began hearing the case to determine who owns the Ayodhya site the same year.&nbsp;

2003: The Archaeological Survey of India found evidence of a temple beneath the mosque site after carrying out excavations on the direction of the Allahabad High Court. Muslim bodies disputed the findings.

2010: Allahabad High Court pronounced a historic judgement ruling that the 2.77 acres of disputed Ayodhya land should be divided into 3 parts.&nbsp;

According to the verdict, one-third of the land was to be given to Ram Lalla, represented by the Hindu Maha Sabha, one third was entrusted to the Nirmohi Akhara, the remaining one third was to be given to Islamic Sunni Waqf Board.

2017: The matter came into prominence again with the mediation of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who called for an out-of-court solution. It was rejected by political parties and various religious boards.

In December Senior advocate Kapil Sibal submitted that the matter should be heard only after the completion of 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He told the Court that since the BJP has the issue of Ram Mandir in their election manifesto, the Bench must hear the matter only after July 2019. Senior advocates Rajeev Dhavan and Dushyant Dave also echoed Sibal’s arguments and sought leave to recuse themselves from the proceedings.

Court turned down the same. Listed the matter for February 8, 2018, for arguments.

2018: In August, the Shia Central Waqf Board offered a new proposal to the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi conflict in Ayodhya – a Ram temple in Ayodhya, a mosque in Lucknow. The proposal has been rejected by several Muslim bodies.

In July, the court reserved verdict to a larger Bench.

The Supreme Court is set to pronounce its landmark judgement today on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer will give its verdict on a batch of pleas by Muslim groups on title dispute seeking reconsideration of the 1994 verdict that stated that a mosque was not integral to Islam.

The Supreme Court is set to pronounce its landmark judgement today on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer will give its verdict on a batch of pleas by Muslim groups on title dispute seeking reconsideration of the 1994 verdict that stated that a mosque was not integral to Islam. The history of the dispute dates back to the 16th century, the mosque in question is believed to have been in existence since 1528 -- built in Ayodhya by the commander of Mughal emperor, Mir Baqi. On the other hand, the Archaeological Survey of India suggested the existence of a 10th-century temple at the site. The case gained prominence again after mediation by Art of Living founder Ravi Shankar in 2017. The Shia Waqf Board, last month, had proposed the formation of a Ram Mandir at the site in Ayodhya while the mosque can be formed in Lucknow. Ahead of the Supreme Court's crucial verdict today, here's taking a quick look at the timeline of the events related to the dispute. 1800s: The first recorded clash over Ayodhya site took place in 1853. A fence was created by the Britishers for Hindus and Muslims to worship separately. 1949: The government declared the site a disputed area after a group of Hindus allegedly sneaked in Lord Ram idol in the mosque. Muslims stopped offering namaz. In the coming years, various Hindu organisations filed suits seeking exclusive rights to the site. 1961: Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Board of Waqf sought a suit seeking the possession of Babri mosque site. 1980s: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) launched a campaign with an aim to re-open the site and build a grand Ram temple. The Bhartiya Janata Party also backed the movement later on. 1990: A Rath Yatra was launched by the then BJP President LK Advani for the cause of building a Ram Temple on the mosque site. The yatra stretched from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. The Yatra triggered riots across the country, Advani was arrested in Samastipur in Bihar. The BJP withdrew its support to the government leading to early parliamentary elections. 1992: Violent protests and communal riots broke out when a large group of people congregated at the site with an aim to demolish the mosque. A makeshift Ram Mandir was built, Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao vowed to rebuild the mosque. 2002: An Ayodhya Cell was set up by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to resolve the dispute. High Court began hearing the case to determine who owns the Ayodhya site the same year. 2003: The Archaeological Survey of India found evidence of a temple beneath the mosque site after carrying out excavations on the direction of the Allahabad High Court. Muslim bodies disputed the findings. 2010: Allahabad High Court pronounced a historic judgement ruling that the 2.77 acres of disputed Ayodhya land should be divided into 3 parts. According to the verdict, one-third of the land was to be given to Ram Lalla, represented by the Hindu Maha Sabha, one third was entrusted to the Nirmohi Akhara, the remaining one third was to be given to Islamic Sunni Waqf Board. 2017: The matter came into prominence again with the mediation of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who called for an out-of-court solution. It was rejected by political parties and various religious boards. In December Senior advocate Kapil Sibal submitted that the matter should be heard only after the completion of 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He told the Court that since the BJP has the issue of Ram Mandir in their election manifesto, the Bench must hear the matter only after July 2019. Senior advocates Rajeev Dhavan and Dushyant Dave also echoed Sibal’s arguments and sought leave to recuse themselves from the proceedings. Court turned down the same. Listed the matter for February 8, 2018, for arguments. 2018: In August, the Shia Central Waqf Board offered a new proposal to the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi conflict in Ayodhya – a Ram temple in Ayodhya, a mosque in Lucknow. The proposal has been rejected by several Muslim bodies. In July, the court reserved verdict to a larger Bench.

SC verdict on Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir today: A timeline of key events 

India is committed to buying&nbsp;Iranian oil and continuing the two nations' economic cooperation, the&nbsp;Iranian foreign minister said after a meeting with his Indian counterpart and ahead of US&nbsp;sanctions aimed at halting Tehran's oil exports.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's May withdrawal from an international nuclear pact with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;was followed up with plans to impose new sanctions against the third-largest producer among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Washington is pushing allies to cut&nbsp;Iranian oil imports to zero once the sanctions start on November&nbsp;4.

Iran's Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met his Indian counterpart, Sushma Swaraj, in New York on the sidelines of United Nation General Assembly, according to a video from news agency ANI, a Reuters affiliate.

"Our Indian friends have always been categorical in terms of their intention to continue economic cooperation and (the) import of oil from&nbsp;Iran. And I heard the same statement from my Indian counterpart," Zarif said when asked if India has given an assurance about continuing with oil imports.

India,&nbsp;Iran's second-biggest oil client behind China, has already reduced its intake of&nbsp;Iranian oil but has not yet decided whether to end purchases completely.

"We have comprehensive cooperation with India and that comprehensive cooperation also includes energy cooperation because&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has always been a reliable source of energy for India," Zarif added.

Iran&nbsp;is India's third-biggest oil supplier and the South Asian nation had drawn plans to increase purchases this financial year after Tehran offered almost free shipping and extended credit period.

In the previous round of sanctions, India was one of the few countries that continued to trade with Iran.

Zarif said&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;wants to expand its bilateral relations with India.

The Indian-backed Chabahar port complex in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is being developed as part of a new transportation corridor for land-locked Afghanistan. The complex could open the way for millions of dollars in trade and cut India's dependence on sometimes-hostile neighbour Pakistan.

The plant is expected to be operational by 2019.

India is looking at providing a US $3.5 million-equivalent bank guarantee for development of the port through UCO Bank, another Indian government source said.

Zarif said that Chabahar is still functional and&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;wants to expand its capacity with support from Indian and other investors.

India is committed to buying Iranian oil and continuing the two nations' economic cooperation, the Iranian foreign minister said after a meeting with his Indian counterpart and ahead of US sanctions aimed at halting Tehran's oil exports.

India is committed to buying Iranian oil and continuing the two nations' economic cooperation, the Iranian foreign minister said after a meeting with his Indian counterpart and ahead of US sanctions aimed at halting Tehran's oil exports. US President Donald Trump's May withdrawal from an international nuclear pact with Iran was followed up with plans to impose new sanctions against the third-largest producer among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Washington is pushing allies to cut Iranian oil imports to zero once the sanctions start on November 4. Iran's Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met his Indian counterpart, Sushma Swaraj, in New York on the sidelines of United Nation General Assembly, according to a video from news agency ANI, a Reuters affiliate. "Our Indian friends have always been categorical in terms of their intention to continue economic cooperation and (the) import of oil from Iran. And I heard the same statement from my Indian counterpart," Zarif said when asked if India has given an assurance about continuing with oil imports. India, Iran's second-biggest oil client behind China, has already reduced its intake of Iranian oil but has not yet decided whether to end purchases completely. "We have comprehensive cooperation with India and that comprehensive cooperation also includes energy cooperation because Iran has always been a reliable source of energy for India," Zarif added. Iran is India's third-biggest oil supplier and the South Asian nation had drawn plans to increase purchases this financial year after Tehran offered almost free shipping and extended credit period. In the previous round of sanctions, India was one of the few countries that continued to trade with Iran. Zarif said Iran wants to expand its bilateral relations with India. The Indian-backed Chabahar port complex in Iran is being developed as part of a new transportation corridor for land-locked Afghanistan. The complex could open the way for millions of dollars in trade and cut India's dependence on sometimes-hostile neighbour Pakistan. The plant is expected to be operational by 2019. India is looking at providing a US $3.5 million-equivalent bank guarantee for development of the port through UCO Bank, another Indian government source said. Zarif said that Chabahar is still functional and Iran wants to expand its capacity with support from Indian and other investors.

India will continue to buy Iran's oil: Iranian foreign minister

Iran's foreign minister says India to continue economic cooperation, oil imports

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to refer the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-verdict-babri-masjid-ram-mandir-today-timeline-key-events-167874">Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir</a>&nbsp;matter to a larger bench.&nbsp;In its verdict, the court said that all temples, mosques and churches are equally relevant.&nbsp;

Following is the chronology of events in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case:

1528: Babri Masjid built by Mir Baqi, commander of Mughal emperor Babur. 
1885: Mahant Raghubir Das files plea in Faizabad district court seeking permission to build a canopy outside the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid structure. Court rejects plea. 
1949: Idols of Ram Lalla placed under a central dome outside the disputed structure. 
1950: Gopal Simla Visharad files suit in Faizabad district court for rights to worship the idols of Ram Lalla. 
1950: Paramahansa Ramachandra Das files suit for continuation of worship and keeping the idols. 
1959: Nirmohi Akhara files suit seeking possession of the site. 
1981: UP Sunni Central Waqf Board files suit for possession of the site. 
February 1, 1986: Local court orders the government to open the site for Hindu worshippers. 
August 14, 1989: Allahabad HC ordered maintenance of status quo in respect of the disputed structure. 
December 6, 1992: Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid structure demolished. 
April 3, 1993: 'Acquisition of Certain Area at Ayodhya Act' passed for acquisition of land by Centre in the disputed area. 
1993: Various writ petitions, including one by Ismail Faruqui, filed at Allahabad HC challenging various aspects of the Act. 
October 24, 1994: SC says in the historic Ismail Faruqui case that a mosque was not integral to Islam. 
April 2002: HC begins hearing on determining who owns the disputed site. 
March 13, 2003: SC says, in the Aslam alias Bhure case, no religious activity of any nature be allowed at the acquired land. 
March 14: SC says interim order passed should be operative till disposal of the civil suits in Allahabad HC to maintain communal harmony. 
September 30, 2010: HC, in a 2:1 majority, rules three-way division of disputed area between Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. 
May 9, 2011: SC stays HC verdict on Ayodhya land dispute. 
February 26, 2016: Subramanian Swamy files plea in SC seeking construction of Ram Temple at the disputed site. 
March 21, 2017: CJI JS Khehar suggests out-of-court settlement among rival parties. 
August 7: SC constitutes three-judge bench to hear pleas challenging the 1994 verdict of the Allahabad HC. 
August 8: UP Shia Central Waqf Board tells SC mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a reasonable distance from the disputed site. 
September 11: SC directs Chief Justice of the Allahabad HC to nominate two additional district judges within ten days as observers to deal with the upkeep of the disputed site. 
November 20: UP Shia Central Waqf Board tells SC temple can be built in Ayodhya and mosque in Lucknow. 
December 1: Thirty-two civil rights activists file plea challenging the 2010 verdict of the Allahabad HC. 
February 8, 2018: SC starts hearing the civil appeals. 
March 14: SC rejects all interim pleas, including Swamy's, seeking to intervene as parties in the case. 
April 6: Rajeev Dhavan files plea in SC to refer the issue of reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgement to a larger bench. 
July 6: UP government tells SC some Muslim groups were trying to delay the hearing by seeking reconsideration of an observation in the 1994 verdict. 
July 20: SC reserves verdict. 
September 27: SC declines to refer the case to a five-judge Constitution bench. Case to be heard by a newly constituted three-judge bench on October 29.

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to refer the Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir matter to a larger bench. In its verdict, the court said that all temples, mosques and churches are equally relevant.

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to refer the Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir matter to a larger bench. In its verdict, the court said that all temples, mosques and churches are equally relevant. Following is the chronology of events in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case: 1528: Babri Masjid built by Mir Baqi, commander of Mughal emperor Babur. 1885: Mahant Raghubir Das files plea in Faizabad district court seeking permission to build a canopy outside the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid structure. Court rejects plea. 1949: Idols of Ram Lalla placed under a central dome outside the disputed structure. 1950: Gopal Simla Visharad files suit in Faizabad district court for rights to worship the idols of Ram Lalla. 1950: Paramahansa Ramachandra Das files suit for continuation of worship and keeping the idols. 1959: Nirmohi Akhara files suit seeking possession of the site. 1981: UP Sunni Central Waqf Board files suit for possession of the site. February 1, 1986: Local court orders the government to open the site for Hindu worshippers. August 14, 1989: Allahabad HC ordered maintenance of status quo in respect of the disputed structure. December 6, 1992: Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid structure demolished. April 3, 1993: 'Acquisition of Certain Area at Ayodhya Act' passed for acquisition of land by Centre in the disputed area. 1993: Various writ petitions, including one by Ismail Faruqui, filed at Allahabad HC challenging various aspects of the Act. October 24, 1994: SC says in the historic Ismail Faruqui case that a mosque was not integral to Islam. April 2002: HC begins hearing on determining who owns the disputed site. March 13, 2003: SC says, in the Aslam alias Bhure case, no religious activity of any nature be allowed at the acquired land. March 14: SC says interim order passed should be operative till disposal of the civil suits in Allahabad HC to maintain communal harmony. September 30, 2010: HC, in a 2:1 majority, rules three-way division of disputed area between Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. May 9, 2011: SC stays HC verdict on Ayodhya land dispute. February 26, 2016: Subramanian Swamy files plea in SC seeking construction of Ram Temple at the disputed site. March 21, 2017: CJI JS Khehar suggests out-of-court settlement among rival parties. August 7: SC constitutes three-judge bench to hear pleas challenging the 1994 verdict of the Allahabad HC. August 8: UP Shia Central Waqf Board tells SC mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a reasonable distance from the disputed site. September 11: SC directs Chief Justice of the Allahabad HC to nominate two additional district judges within ten days as observers to deal with the upkeep of the disputed site. November 20: UP Shia Central Waqf Board tells SC temple can be built in Ayodhya and mosque in Lucknow. December 1: Thirty-two civil rights activists file plea challenging the 2010 verdict of the Allahabad HC. February 8, 2018: SC starts hearing the civil appeals. March 14: SC rejects all interim pleas, including Swamy's, seeking to intervene as parties in the case. April 6: Rajeev Dhavan files plea in SC to refer the issue of reconsideration of the observations in its 1994 judgement to a larger bench. July 6: UP government tells SC some Muslim groups were trying to delay the hearing by seeking reconsideration of an observation in the 1994 verdict. July 20: SC reserves verdict. September 27: SC declines to refer the case to a five-judge Constitution bench. Case to be heard by a newly constituted three-judge bench on October 29.

Ayodhya verdict: Chronology of events 

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/america-had-no-achievements-un-general-assembly-iran-president-hassan-rouhani-167997">America had no achievements at UN General Assembly: Iran President Hassan Rouhani</a>

The United States was not able to register any achievements at the United Nations General Assembly meeting which took place this week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-raising-kashmir-issue-international-forum-unwarranted-india-168008">Pakistan raising Kashmir issue at international forum 'unwarranted': India</a>

India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-announce-verdict-entry-women-sabarimala-temple-friday-167989">Supreme Court's verdict on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-announce-verdict-entry-women-sabarimala-temple-friday-167989">entry</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-announce-verdict-entry-women-sabarimala-temple-friday-167989"> of women in Sabarimala tomorrow</a>

Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-rockets-hit-ghazni-during-president-ashraf-ghanis-visit-taliban-claims">Afghanistan: Rockets hit Ghazni during president Ashraf Ghani's visit, Taliban claims responsibility</a>

Three rockets hit the Afghan's Ghazni on Thursday while President Ashraf Ghani was visiting the city.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-top-court-pick-brett-kavanaugh-accuser-face-high-stakes-hearing-168001">Woman</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-top-court-pick-brett-kavanaugh-accuser-face-high-stakes-hearing-168001"> who accused Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault to face </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-top-court-pick-brett-kavanaugh-accuser-face-high-stakes-hearing-168001">high-stakes</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-top-court-pick-brett-kavanaugh-accuser-face-high-stakes-hearing-168001"> hearing</a>

A woman who has accused US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in 1982 will testify at a high-stakes Senate hearing on Thursday that could determine whether he is confirmed or rejected for the nation's top court.

&nbsp;

America had no achievements at UN General Assembly: Iran President Hassan Rouhani The United States was not able to register any achievements at the United Nations General Assembly meeting which took place this week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday.

America had no achievements at UN General Assembly: Iran President Hassan Rouhani The United States was not able to register any achievements at the United Nations General Assembly meeting which took place this week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday. Pakistan raising Kashmir issue at international forum 'unwarranted': India India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up. Supreme Court's verdict on entry of women in Sabarimala tomorrow Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said. Afghanistan: Rockets hit Ghazni during president Ashraf Ghani's visit, Taliban claims responsibility Three rockets hit the Afghan's Ghazni on Thursday while President Ashraf Ghani was visiting the city. Woman who accused Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault to face high-stakes hearing A woman who has accused US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in 1982 will testify at a high-stakes Senate hearing on Thursday that could determine whether he is confirmed or rejected for the nation's top court.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to refer the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-verdict-babri-masjid-ram-mandir-today-timeline-key-events-167874">Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir</a> matter to a larger bench.&nbsp;

In its verdict, the court said that all temples, mosques and churches are equally relevant.&nbsp;

The verdict came on a batch of pleas by Muslim groups on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute seeking reconsideration by a larger bench on the observations made by it in a 1994 verdict that a mosque was not integral to Islam.&nbsp;

Justice Bhushan penned down the judgment on behalf of himself and CJI Misra, Justice Nazeer drafted a separate judgment.

Justice Bhushan and CJI Misra in their majority judgment said that the observations in the 1994 verdict won't affect the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute.&nbsp;

"Observations in Ismail Faruqui case on mosques is not essential in the context of the acquisition of mosque and made with respect to the facts of that case," Justice Bhushan said.&nbsp;

The apex court said now the civil suit on land dispute will be heard by a newly constituted three-judge bench from&nbsp;October 29 as Justice Misra will retire on October 2 as the CJI, according to ANI.

A three-judge bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer had taken up the long-pending Ayodhya land title appeals against the Allahabad High Court judgment of 2010, which had ordered a three-way partition of the disputed land.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Supreme Court has been hearing the pleas against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement, which had passed an order to divide the disputed land into three portions.

Earlier, CJI Dipak Misra had said that the appeals would be treated as purely a civil suit consisting of a land dispute and religion would not play any role in the verdict, however, during the hearings, Muslim petitioners argued that Constitution bench should first rule on the importance of mosque in Islam.&nbsp;&nbsp;

1994 Ismail Faruqui verdict

In 1994, a five-judge Constitution Bench, hearing the M Ismail Faruqui vs Union of India case, had held that a mosque was not an “essential part of the practice of the religion of Islam” and hence “its acquisition (by the state) is not prohibited by the provisions in the Constitution of India”. This issue has now come up during the hearing of the Ayodhya title suit.

Every immovable property is liable to be acquired.&nbsp;

While offer of prayer or worship is a religious practice, it's offering at every location where such prayers can be offered would not be an essential or integral part of such religious practice unless the place has a particular significance for that religion so as to form an essential or integral part thereof.

Which means that the SC adjudged that offering namaz at a mosque was not integral to Islam unless that mosque had any particular significance in Islam.

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to refer the Babri Masjid-Ram Mandir matter to a larger bench. In its verdict, the court said that all temples, mosques and churches are equally relevant. The verdict came on a batch of pleas by Muslim groups on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute seeking reconsideration by a larger bench on the observations made by it in a 1994 verdict that a mosque was not integral to Islam. Justice Bhushan penned down the judgment on behalf of himself and CJI Misra, Justice Nazeer drafted a separate judgment. Justice Bhushan and CJI Misra in their majority judgment said that the observations in the 1994 verdict won't affect the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute. "Observations in Ismail Faruqui case on mosques is not essential in the context of the acquisition of mosque and made with respect to the facts of that case," Justice Bhushan said. The apex court said now the civil suit on land dispute will be heard by a newly constituted three-judge bench from October 29 as Justice Misra will retire on October 2 as the CJI, according to ANI. A three-judge bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer had taken up the long-pending Ayodhya land title appeals against the Allahabad High Court judgment of 2010, which had ordered a three-way partition of the disputed land. The Supreme Court has been hearing the pleas against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement, which had passed an order to divide the disputed land into three portions. Earlier, CJI Dipak Misra had said that the appeals would be treated as purely a civil suit consisting of a land dispute and religion would not play any role in the verdict, however, during the hearings, Muslim petitioners argued that Constitution bench should first rule on the importance of mosque in Islam. 1994 Ismail Faruqui verdict In 1994, a five-judge Constitution Bench, hearing the M Ismail Faruqui vs Union of India case, had held that a mosque was not an “essential part of the practice of the religion of Islam” and hence “its acquisition (by the state) is not prohibited by the provisions in the Constitution of India”. This issue has now come up during the hearing of the Ayodhya title suit. Every immovable property is liable to be acquired. While offer of prayer or worship is a religious practice, it's offering at every location where such prayers can be offered would not be an essential or integral part of such religious practice unless the place has a particular significance for that religion so as to form an essential or integral part thereof. Which means that the SC adjudged that offering namaz at a mosque was not integral to Islam unless that mosque had any particular significance in Islam.

Ayodhya verdict: SC declines to refer 1994 judgement to larger bench

India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up.

Pakistan raked up the Kashmir issue at the OIC Contact Group meeting held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.

"We always note with regret that the matter which is very internal to Indian affairs was again discussed at the OIC," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters in New York when asked about Pakistan raising the issue at the OIC meeting.

He said India rejects such references to a matter which is very internal to it.

"We have said in the past that OIC has no locus standi to comment on India's internal affairs" and it is completely unwarranted for OIC as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multi-organisation set up.

When asked about Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also raising the Kashmir issue in his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Kumar said Islamabad has been doing this for a long time.

"It is not the first time they are raising the issue in their bilateral meetings. You would note that what they come up with is their side of the story. What they share and what they say has no acceptance anywhere in the international community," he said.

He said Pakistan has realised its "falsehood" and what it has been projecting had already been rejected by the international community.

On the possibility of any exchange between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the SAARC meeting, Mr Kumar said, "we have made it very clear that it is not bilateral meeting between India and Pakistan," and added that it is "difficult to predict if there will be a handshake" between the two.

Swaraj will be attending the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) meetings on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Swaraj held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Germany, Bolivia, Armenia, Panama, Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Chile, Iran and with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

"A relationship like no other! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met the @PM_Nepal K.P Sharma Oli. Positive and friendly conversation on taking our relationship to an even higher trajectory,"&nbsp;Kumar tweeted.

India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up.

India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up. Pakistan raked up the Kashmir issue at the OIC Contact Group meeting held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. "We always note with regret that the matter which is very internal to Indian affairs was again discussed at the OIC," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters in New York when asked about Pakistan raising the issue at the OIC meeting. He said India rejects such references to a matter which is very internal to it. "We have said in the past that OIC has no locus standi to comment on India's internal affairs" and it is completely unwarranted for OIC as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multi-organisation set up. When asked about Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also raising the Kashmir issue in his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Kumar said Islamabad has been doing this for a long time. "It is not the first time they are raising the issue in their bilateral meetings. You would note that what they come up with is their side of the story. What they share and what they say has no acceptance anywhere in the international community," he said. He said Pakistan has realised its "falsehood" and what it has been projecting had already been rejected by the international community. On the possibility of any exchange between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the SAARC meeting, Mr Kumar said, "we have made it very clear that it is not bilateral meeting between India and Pakistan," and added that it is "difficult to predict if there will be a handshake" between the two. Swaraj will be attending the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) meetings on Thursday. On Wednesday, Swaraj held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Germany, Bolivia, Armenia, Panama, Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Chile, Iran and with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. "A relationship like no other! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met the @PM_Nepal K.P Sharma Oli. Positive and friendly conversation on taking our relationship to an even higher trajectory," Kumar tweeted.

Pakistan raising Kashmir issue at international forum 'unwarranted': India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated the United Nations' (UN) Champions of the Earth award to all Indians and the country's tradition of coexisting with nature.&nbsp;

"I would like to express my gratitude to the global community for conferring this honour upon me. This honour is not meant for any individual, but rather for the great Indian tradition through which, for centuries, we have been taught values like coexistence with nature," the Prime Minister said as a part of his acceptance speech.&nbsp;

He further expressed delight to see that the world has finally started accepting the importance of nature. "The struggle with nature has brought destruction, both on mankind as well as on nature. In this changing situation, all of us are putting emphasis on protecting nature. Whether you call it global warming, carbon emission, whether you are referring to 'developed countries' or 'developing countries', no matter what phrase you use, ultimately, we must all focus on climate justice," Prime Minier Modi added.

He also noted that the marginalised, poor and deprived people are "ultimate victims of climate injustice," adding that, "If we think of the welfare of the marginalised, we need to put the same emphasis on protecting nature as we do on other issues."&nbsp;

"In the pursuit of climate justice, India stands with the world, and is ready to march with you, shoulder to shoulder, in order to achieve this goal," the Prime Minister said.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Modi were on Wednesday recognised in the Policy Leadership category of the United Nation's highest environmental honour - Champions of the Earth.&nbsp;

They were recognised for their work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting cooperation on environmental action. Macron's work on the Global Pact for the Environment and Prime Minister Modi's pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022 also contributed towards them being conferred with the award.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated the United Nations' (UN) Champions of the Earth award to all Indians and the country's tradition of coexisting with nature.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated the United Nations' (UN) Champions of the Earth award to all Indians and the country's tradition of coexisting with nature. "I would like to express my gratitude to the global community for conferring this honour upon me. This honour is not meant for any individual, but rather for the great Indian tradition through which, for centuries, we have been taught values like coexistence with nature," the Prime Minister said as a part of his acceptance speech. He further expressed delight to see that the world has finally started accepting the importance of nature. "The struggle with nature has brought destruction, both on mankind as well as on nature. In this changing situation, all of us are putting emphasis on protecting nature. Whether you call it global warming, carbon emission, whether you are referring to 'developed countries' or 'developing countries', no matter what phrase you use, ultimately, we must all focus on climate justice," Prime Minier Modi added. He also noted that the marginalised, poor and deprived people are "ultimate victims of climate injustice," adding that, "If we think of the welfare of the marginalised, we need to put the same emphasis on protecting nature as we do on other issues." "In the pursuit of climate justice, India stands with the world, and is ready to march with you, shoulder to shoulder, in order to achieve this goal," the Prime Minister said. French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Modi were on Wednesday recognised in the Policy Leadership category of the United Nation's highest environmental honour - Champions of the Earth. They were recognised for their work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting cooperation on environmental action. Macron's work on the Global Pact for the Environment and Prime Minister Modi's pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022 also contributed towards them being conferred with the award.

PM Modi dedicates 'Champions of the Earth' award to Indian tradition

Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said.&nbsp;

Supreme Court reserved the verdict&nbsp;On August 1. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked the counsels of both sides to compile the submissions and submit before these within seven days.&nbsp;

The bench comprises Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. The Indian Young Lawyers Association, among the petitioners challenging the ban, had filed its plea in the top court in 2006, but the case lay in cold storage till it was finally taken up for hearing in January 2016.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-praises-lawyer-for-spirited-defence-in-sabarimala-case-154838"> apex court</a> had said that the constitutional scheme prohibiting exclusion has "some value" in a "vibrant democracy".&nbsp;

In July, the bench had said that it cannot remain "oblivious" of the fact that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-supreme-court-announces-entry-to-all-women-in-sabarimala-temple-152626">entry of women</a> in the age group of 10-50 was barred into the shrine on "physiological ground" of menstruation.

The management of the Sabarimala temple, located on a hilltop in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district, had earlier told the top court that the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years was because they cannot maintain "purity" on account of menstruation.

However, the Kerala government last year had informed the Supreme Court that it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the temple.&nbsp;

In 2007, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had taken a progressive standby favouring women's entry into the temple, which was later overturned by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) dispensation.

Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said.

Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict Friday on a batch of petitions on entry of women between the ages of 10 to 50 at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, reports said. Supreme Court reserved the verdict On August 1. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked the counsels of both sides to compile the submissions and submit before these within seven days. The bench comprises Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. The Indian Young Lawyers Association, among the petitioners challenging the ban, had filed its plea in the top court in 2006, but the case lay in cold storage till it was finally taken up for hearing in January 2016. The apex court had said that the constitutional scheme prohibiting exclusion has "some value" in a "vibrant democracy". In July, the bench had said that it cannot remain "oblivious" of the fact that the entry of women in the age group of 10-50 was barred into the shrine on "physiological ground" of menstruation. The management of the Sabarimala temple, located on a hilltop in the Western Ghats of Pathanamthitta district, had earlier told the top court that the ban on entry of women aged between 10 and 50 years was because they cannot maintain "purity" on account of menstruation. However, the Kerala government last year had informed the Supreme Court that it favoured the entry of women of all age groups in the temple. In 2007, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had taken a progressive standby favouring women's entry into the temple, which was later overturned by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) dispensation.

Supreme Court's verdict on entry of women in Sabarimala tomorrow

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday hit out at the Modi government for reportedly targeting a Defence Ministry official who allegedly raised "objections" over the price of the Rafale jets.

He took to Twitter to take a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a poem in Hindi alleging that he gave benefits to "crony capitalists" at the cost of state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the Rafale deal.

Gandhi also alleged that the officer who raised questions over the deal was penalised, while those who sided with the government were rewarded. 
He tagged a media report that alleged that the Defence Ministry official who raised objections over the price of the Rafale jets "proceeded" on a month's leave and the 36-Rafale deal was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council thereafter.

Citing the same media report, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, in a Tweet, claimed that the Modi government "sent on leave the 'whistleblower'", who questioned the loss to the state exchequer "by paying 300% extra for 36 Rafale".

He also alleged that a senior officer, who overruled the official who raised questions over the Rafale jets pricing, was made a member of UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).&nbsp;

"Perks of pleasing Modi Govt cover corruption tracks," he claimed.

The Congress has been stepping up its attack on the government with the Rafale deal controversy taking a new turn last week after Francois Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000 crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" in selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance Defence as offset partner for the French aerospace giant.

Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.&nbsp;

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मोदी-अंबानी का देखो खेल 
HAL से छीन लिया राफेल 
धन्नासेठों की कैसी भक्ति 
घटा दिया सेना की शक्ति 
जिस अफसर ने चोरी से रोका 
ठगों के सरदार ने उसको ठोका 
पिट्ठुओं को मिली शाबाशी 
सेठों ने उड़ती चिड़िया फाँसी 
 
जन-जन में फैल रही है सनसनी 
मिलकर रोकेंगे लुटेरों की कंपनी <a href="https://t.co/XJPbpVoAj3">https://t.co/XJPbpVoAj3</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1045228268444667904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday hit out at the Modi government for reportedly targeting a Defence Ministry official who allegedly raised "objections" over the price of the Rafale jets.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday hit out at the Modi government for reportedly targeting a Defence Ministry official who allegedly raised "objections" over the price of the Rafale jets. He took to Twitter to take a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a poem in Hindi alleging that he gave benefits to "crony capitalists" at the cost of state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the Rafale deal. Gandhi also alleged that the officer who raised questions over the deal was penalised, while those who sided with the government were rewarded. He tagged a media report that alleged that the Defence Ministry official who raised objections over the price of the Rafale jets "proceeded" on a month's leave and the 36-Rafale deal was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council thereafter. Citing the same media report, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, in a Tweet, claimed that the Modi government "sent on leave the 'whistleblower'", who questioned the loss to the state exchequer "by paying 300% extra for 36 Rafale". He also alleged that a senior officer, who overruled the official who raised questions over the Rafale jets pricing, was made a member of UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). "Perks of pleasing Modi Govt cover corruption tracks," he claimed. The Congress has been stepping up its attack on the government with the Rafale deal controversy taking a new turn last week after Francois Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000 crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" in selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance Defence as offset partner for the French aerospace giant. Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris. मोदी-अंबानी का देखो खेल HAL से छीन लिया राफेल धन्नासेठों की कैसी भक्ति घटा दिया सेना की शक्ति जिस अफसर ने चोरी से रोका ठगों के सरदार ने उसको ठोका पिट्ठुओं को मिली शाबाशी सेठों ने उड़ती चिड़िया फाँसी जन-जन में फैल रही है सनसनी मिलकर रोकेंगे लुटेरों की कंपनी https://t.co/XJPbpVoAj3 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 27, 2018 ×

Rahul says Modi targeted official who raised objections on Rafale deal

The Indian Navy has planned a two-day event starting September 29 in Mumbai and Goa to commemorate the second anniversary of the surgical strike carried out by the defence forces in 2016 to destroy terror launch pads across the Line of Control or LoC, an official said today.

The event, which will take place in the Ballard Pier Cruiser Wharf at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command, will have exhibition stalls and video walls, the navy official said. The entry for the event venue will be from Tiger Gate, the official informed.

"The events will showcase the gallant action of the army in carrying out the surgical strike on September 29, 2016, and will also remember the sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the Uri incident," the official said.

The various events that have been planned include an exhibition showcasing the valour of armed forces, display of ships, submarines, aircraft, arms and equipment models etc, he said.

Ships will be open to public and visits by schoolchildren as well as NCC cadets to ships, submarines and air stations are being planned, he added.

Schoolchildren will be encouraged to participate in letter-writing and card and poster competitions to honour valiant soldiers, he said.

The army had carried out surgical strikes across the LoC to eliminate terrorists and destroy terror launch pads on the night of September 28-29, 2016.

The Indian Navy has planned a two-day event starting September 29 in Mumbai and Goa to commemorate the second anniversary of the surgical strike carried out by the defence forces in 2016 to destroy terror launch pads across the Line of Control or LoC, an official said today.

The Indian Navy has planned a two-day event starting September 29 in Mumbai and Goa to commemorate the second anniversary of the surgical strike carried out by the defence forces in 2016 to destroy terror launch pads across the Line of Control or LoC, an official said today. The event, which will take place in the Ballard Pier Cruiser Wharf at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command, will have exhibition stalls and video walls, the navy official said. The entry for the event venue will be from Tiger Gate, the official informed. "The events will showcase the gallant action of the army in carrying out the surgical strike on September 29, 2016, and will also remember the sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the Uri incident," the official said. The various events that have been planned include an exhibition showcasing the valour of armed forces, display of ships, submarines, aircraft, arms and equipment models etc, he said. Ships will be open to public and visits by schoolchildren as well as NCC cadets to ships, submarines and air stations are being planned, he added. Schoolchildren will be encouraged to participate in letter-writing and card and poster competitions to honour valiant soldiers, he said. The army had carried out surgical strikes across the LoC to eliminate terrorists and destroy terror launch pads on the night of September 28-29, 2016.

Indian Navy plans 2-day event to commemorate surgical strike across LoC

Senior Congress leader Jaipal Reddy Thursday alleged French President Emmanuel Macron did not contradict Francois Hollande's claim on Rafale deal which was tantamount to the confirmation of his predecessor's claim, reported news agency PTI.

Modi is getting caught or sandwiched between international revelations and internal disclosures, he said.

Noting that the "Rafale scam has begin to stink and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has begin to sink", Reddy said India has had a very good relationship with France and "when a former French president says something, this country needs to sit up and take notice".

Reddy&nbsp;alleged Anil Ambani's company was taken as an offset partner because of the pressure from Government of India and it was so intense that the French authorities were left with no choice, the report further said.

"It is for the first time that the present French president Macron while answering a specific question avoided the question. He simply said I was not in charge at that time. In other words, he did not contradict the version of former French president Hollande," he claimed.

"The point we would like to highlight is this consistent non-contradiction by the current French authorities which is absolutely tantamount to confirmation on the facts mentioned by the former president," he added.

"The non-contraction by the current president of France is equivalent to an international revelation," Reddy was quoted as saying.

Reddy said Modi owed an explanation to the nation about the statement made by the former president of France on Ambani's company.

Senior Congress leader Jaipal Reddy Thursday alleged French President Emmanuel Macron did not contradict Francois Hollande's claim on Rafale deal which was tantamount to the confirmation of his predecessor's claim, reported news agency PTI.

Senior Congress leader Jaipal Reddy Thursday alleged French President Emmanuel Macron did not contradict Francois Hollande's claim on Rafale deal which was tantamount to the confirmation of his predecessor's claim, reported news agency PTI. Modi is getting caught or sandwiched between international revelations and internal disclosures, he said. Noting that the "Rafale scam has begin to stink and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has begin to sink", Reddy said India has had a very good relationship with France and "when a former French president says something, this country needs to sit up and take notice". Reddy alleged Anil Ambani's company was taken as an offset partner because of the pressure from Government of India and it was so intense that the French authorities were left with no choice, the report further said. "It is for the first time that the present French president Macron while answering a specific question avoided the question. He simply said I was not in charge at that time. In other words, he did not contradict the version of former French president Hollande," he claimed. "The point we would like to highlight is this consistent non-contradiction by the current French authorities which is absolutely tantamount to confirmation on the facts mentioned by the former president," he added. "The non-contraction by the current president of France is equivalent to an international revelation," Reddy was quoted as saying. Reddy said Modi owed an explanation to the nation about the statement made by the former president of France on Ambani's company.

Macron did not contradict Hollande's claim on Rafale: Jaipal Reddy

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