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The rupee recovered by 8 paise to 72.61 against the dollar in early trade Wednesday on mild selling of the US currency by exporters amid easing crude oil prices.

Currency traders said weakness in the dollar against some global currencies overseas and a higher opening of the domestic equity market supported the rupee.

The rupee had lost 6 paise to close at 72.69 on Tuesday due to sustained demand for the American currency amid soaring crude prices.

In the international market, Brent crude slipped by 0.10 per cent to USD 81.18 per barrel after surging to USD 82.55 in Tuesday's trade.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose by 200.76 points or 0.55 per cent to 36,852.82 in early trade.

Foreign portfolio investors withdrew Rs 1,231.70 crore on a net basis from the stock market on Tuesday, according to BSE data.

The rupee recovered by 8 paise to 72.61 against the dollar in early trade Wednesday on mild selling of the US currency by exporters amid easing crude oil prices.

The rupee recovered by 8 paise to 72.61 against the dollar in early trade Wednesday on mild selling of the US currency by exporters amid easing crude oil prices. Currency traders said weakness in the dollar against some global currencies overseas and a higher opening of the domestic equity market supported the rupee. The rupee had lost 6 paise to close at 72.69 on Tuesday due to sustained demand for the American currency amid soaring crude prices. In the international market, Brent crude slipped by 0.10 per cent to USD 81.18 per barrel after surging to USD 82.55 in Tuesday's trade. Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose by 200.76 points or 0.55 per cent to 36,852.82 in early trade. Foreign portfolio investors withdrew Rs 1,231.70 crore on a net basis from the stock market on Tuesday, according to BSE data.

Rupee recovers 8 paise against US dollar

Indian Americans donated $1.2 billion to 37 US universities between 2000 and 2018, according to an Indiaspora research of publicly available information from 68 such donations of more than $1 million.

Released by the not-for-profit Indiaspora, which aims at transforming the success of Indian Americans into a meaningful impact worldwide, the first-of-its-kind report is part of its project -- Monitor of University Giving.

It is a "living database" to keep abreast of Indian American philanthropic donations to higher education, said Silicon Valley-based philanthropist and venture capitalist MR Rangaswami.

The brain behind Indiaspora, Rangaswami said the goal of such a database was to illustrate how Indian Americans, the most highly-educated ethnic minority in America, were giving back to higher education in their adopted homeland.

According to the report, 50 individuals made 68 donations of $1 million or more, amounting to over $1.2 billion. Of them, nearly half are repeat donors, indicating how passionately Indian Americans feel towards giving back to American institutions of higher education, in many but not all cases, their alma maters.

Additionally, while the frequency of large donations has stayed fairly consistent since 2000, the dollar amount of donations has increased on average since then, the report said.

The million-plus donations calculated by Indiaspora include donations made to colleges and universities that have been publicly disclosed. Since smaller gifts are not tracked, this results in under-reporting of the total contributions made by Indian Americans, but allows for consistent year-to-year comparisons of donations, Indiaspora said.

"While Indian Americans continue to donate time and money towards causes in India, our community also believes that charity begins at home," Rangaswami said.

"Indian Americans are acutely aware of the vital role played by the American institutions of higher education in their professional success stories and many of us consider it a moral obligation to give back and pay it forward for the next generation of Americans," he added.

According to the report, private universities were targeted for donation more than twice as often as public schools and receive $5 for every $2 donated to public schools.

University of California, Los Angeles received the greatest number of donations, with Harvard University and Boston University tied for second, closely followed by University of Chicago and University of Pennsylvania. Interestingly, three of the 37 colleges receiving donations were community colleges, it said.

Among the states, Massachusetts schools received the most money (between $250 million and $300 million), followed by those in Florida, New York and California.

Among the donations directed towards specific academic areas of interest, however, the two most prevalent recipient fields are business and medicine, closely followed by India studies and engineering.

Medicine and engineering are among some of the most stereotypically Indian professions and by funding them in colleges, "Indian-American philanthropists are improving and elevating the impacts of these fields not just for Indians, but for students from every culture", the report said.

Medicine, engineering and nutrition accounted for larger percentages of the total funds received than they did for the number of donations.

This means donations for those fields were on an average larger than the donations for other academic fields, the report said.

One academic field that received comparatively small donations is South Asia Studies since it occupied a significantly smaller percentage of funds received than the number of donations in the database, it said.

Further, the India Studies donations created 10 positions, programmes or centres to promote Indian culture.

The inaugural 2018 findings from the Indiaspora Monitor of University Giving clearly showed that Indian Americans were "giving back" as a community to the institutions that provided opportunities for young people of all backgrounds, the report said.

At the same time, the report noted that Indian-American philanthropy towards universities was in its infancy.

If people of Indian origin residing in America are able to continue gaining traction in the American society, education, business, and politics, their philanthropic giving to colleges will only increase through the 21st century.

Indian Americans donated $1.2 billion to 37 US universities between 2000 and 2018, according to an Indiaspora research of publicly available information from 68 such donations of more than $1 million.

Indian Americans donated $1.2 billion to 37 US universities between 2000 and 2018, according to an Indiaspora research of publicly available information from 68 such donations of more than $1 million. Released by the not-for-profit Indiaspora, which aims at transforming the success of Indian Americans into a meaningful impact worldwide, the first-of-its-kind report is part of its project -- Monitor of University Giving. It is a "living database" to keep abreast of Indian American philanthropic donations to higher education, said Silicon Valley-based philanthropist and venture capitalist MR Rangaswami. The brain behind Indiaspora, Rangaswami said the goal of such a database was to illustrate how Indian Americans, the most highly-educated ethnic minority in America, were giving back to higher education in their adopted homeland. According to the report, 50 individuals made 68 donations of $1 million or more, amounting to over $1.2 billion. Of them, nearly half are repeat donors, indicating how passionately Indian Americans feel towards giving back to American institutions of higher education, in many but not all cases, their alma maters. Additionally, while the frequency of large donations has stayed fairly consistent since 2000, the dollar amount of donations has increased on average since then, the report said. The million-plus donations calculated by Indiaspora include donations made to colleges and universities that have been publicly disclosed. Since smaller gifts are not tracked, this results in under-reporting of the total contributions made by Indian Americans, but allows for consistent year-to-year comparisons of donations, Indiaspora said. "While Indian Americans continue to donate time and money towards causes in India, our community also believes that charity begins at home," Rangaswami said. "Indian Americans are acutely aware of the vital role played by the American institutions of higher education in their professional success stories and many of us consider it a moral obligation to give back and pay it forward for the next generation of Americans," he added. According to the report, private universities were targeted for donation more than twice as often as public schools and receive $5 for every $2 donated to public schools. University of California, Los Angeles received the greatest number of donations, with Harvard University and Boston University tied for second, closely followed by University of Chicago and University of Pennsylvania. Interestingly, three of the 37 colleges receiving donations were community colleges, it said. Among the states, Massachusetts schools received the most money (between $250 million and $300 million), followed by those in Florida, New York and California. Among the donations directed towards specific academic areas of interest, however, the two most prevalent recipient fields are business and medicine, closely followed by India studies and engineering. Medicine and engineering are among some of the most stereotypically Indian professions and by funding them in colleges, "Indian-American philanthropists are improving and elevating the impacts of these fields not just for Indians, but for students from every culture", the report said. Medicine, engineering and nutrition accounted for larger percentages of the total funds received than they did for the number of donations. This means donations for those fields were on an average larger than the donations for other academic fields, the report said. One academic field that received comparatively small donations is South Asia Studies since it occupied a significantly smaller percentage of funds received than the number of donations in the database, it said. Further, the India Studies donations created 10 positions, programmes or centres to promote Indian culture. The inaugural 2018 findings from the Indiaspora Monitor of University Giving clearly showed that Indian Americans were "giving back" as a community to the institutions that provided opportunities for young people of all backgrounds, the report said. At the same time, the report noted that Indian-American philanthropy towards universities was in its infancy. If people of Indian origin residing in America are able to continue gaining traction in the American society, education, business, and politics, their philanthropic giving to colleges will only increase through the 21st century.

Indian Americans donated $1.2 billion to 37 US universities between 2000-18

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Waris Pathan apologised for chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' at a pandal in Mumbai's Byculla recently.

The MLA tendered an apology reportedly after receiving flak from the party. Pathan released a video and sought forgiveness for using certain words.

'Yes, I accept my mistake. Won't do it again. I am also a human and a human being, we all commit mistakes. Even I did and I regret it. I know Allah will forgive me and so will you all,' he said.

While visiting a Ganesh pandal in his constituency, Pathan had chanted Ganpati Bappa Morya. As per reports, soon after the video of the MLA's visit to the pandal emerged, his party disapproved of it, forcing Pathan to tender an apology.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Waris Pathan apologised for chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' at a pandal in Mumbai's Byculla recently. The MLA tendered an apology reportedly after receiving flak from the party.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Waris Pathan apologised for chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' at a pandal in Mumbai's Byculla recently. The MLA tendered an apology reportedly after receiving flak from the party. Pathan released a video and sought forgiveness for using certain words. 'Yes, I accept my mistake. Won't do it again. I am also a human and a human being, we all commit mistakes. Even I did and I regret it. I know Allah will forgive me and so will you all,' he said. While visiting a Ganesh pandal in his constituency, Pathan had chanted Ganpati Bappa Morya. As per reports, soon after the video of the MLA's visit to the pandal emerged, his party disapproved of it, forcing Pathan to tender an apology.

I know Allah will forgive me: AIMIM MLA Waris Pathan apologises for chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya

Commander Abhilash Tomy, undergoing treatment in a remote Indian Ocean island after being rescued mid-sea, Wednesday said he survived in the storm hit ocean because of his sailing skills and Naval training.

Thanking all those responsible for saving him, the Naval officer said the sea where his non-motorised yacht was damaged in a storm Friday while competing in the Golden Globe Race was very rough.

"The sea was unbelievably rough. Me &amp; my boat Thuriya were pitched against nature's might.

I survived because of my sailing skills, the soldier bit in me and my Naval training cut-in for that fight - Cdr Abhilash Tomy.

Very thankful to #IndianNavy &amp; all who rescued me", Tomy was quoted as saying in the Indian Navy spokesman's tweet.

Tomy will possibly be taken to Mauritius when naval vessel INS Satpura reaches him Thursday.

A defence official said in Mumbai that the vessel was expected to reach Ile Amsterdam, a French territory, Thursday and the Indian crew would meet Tomy, a Kirti Chakra awardee.

The 39-year-old sailor had reached there Tuesday after being rescued by a French vessel, the official said.

His non-motorised sailing yacht was damaged in a storm Friday while competing in the Golden Globe Race.

A Navy official said Wednesday that their priority was to shift Tomy to Mauritius, where the Indian Navy has a physical presence.

"He will be taken to a hospital, and if permitted, he would be flown back to India," he said.

A defence spokesman said Tomy suffered some "blunt injuries", but there was no sign of permanent damage to any body part.

"The decision on shifting him back to India will be taken only after his thorough medical check-up at Mauritius," he said.

Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P, the vice chief of Naval staff, spoke to Tomy.

"He is doing fine and recovering fast under medical supervision. His medical reports are also fine," he said.

Navy spokesperson D K Sharma said the options were open on making arrangements to shift him to India.

Tomy's mentor and race manager Commander (Retd) Dilip Donde had said earlier the sailor was stable and in safe hands at the tiny island, which had sound medical facilities.

The island does not have an air strip and Tomy would have to be taken by the sea route itself to either Mauritius, the Reunion Island or Australia, he had said.

Tomy was drifting for nearly three days in his 32-feet long yacht, Thuriya, which was damaged in a storm.

Vessels and naval assets in the vicinity were deployed for his rescue.

Tomy texted through a satellite-based device, requesting for evacuation, stating that his back was injured and he was unable to move.

He was participating in the Golden Globe Race, where 11 participants are using 1968 vintage boats and technology to circumnavigate solo and non-stop.

The race is being held to celebrate the golden anniversary of the first such solo circumnavigation in 1968.

Videos and pictures of Tomy's evacuation by the crew of Osiris were released by the Indian Navy and the Australian authorities, whose reconnaissance aircraft were in the skies whilst the rescue happened.

The pictures show Tomy being pulled out on a stretcher from the cabin of Thuriya and then carefully lowered into a small raft which had come to fetch him from the Osiris located nearby.

Tomy was placed third in the race when he faced the storm.

Commander Abhilash Tomy, undergoing treatment in a remote Indian Ocean island after being rescued mid-sea, Wednesday said he survived in the storm hit ocean because of his sailing skills and Naval training.

Commander Abhilash Tomy, undergoing treatment in a remote Indian Ocean island after being rescued mid-sea, Wednesday said he survived in the storm hit ocean because of his sailing skills and Naval training. Thanking all those responsible for saving him, the Naval officer said the sea where his non-motorised yacht was damaged in a storm Friday while competing in the Golden Globe Race was very rough. "The sea was unbelievably rough. Me & my boat Thuriya were pitched against nature's might. I survived because of my sailing skills, the soldier bit in me and my Naval training cut-in for that fight - Cdr Abhilash Tomy. Very thankful to #IndianNavy & all who rescued me", Tomy was quoted as saying in the Indian Navy spokesman's tweet. Tomy will possibly be taken to Mauritius when naval vessel INS Satpura reaches him Thursday. A defence official said in Mumbai that the vessel was expected to reach Ile Amsterdam, a French territory, Thursday and the Indian crew would meet Tomy, a Kirti Chakra awardee. The 39-year-old sailor had reached there Tuesday after being rescued by a French vessel, the official said. His non-motorised sailing yacht was damaged in a storm Friday while competing in the Golden Globe Race. A Navy official said Wednesday that their priority was to shift Tomy to Mauritius, where the Indian Navy has a physical presence. "He will be taken to a hospital, and if permitted, he would be flown back to India," he said. A defence spokesman said Tomy suffered some "blunt injuries", but there was no sign of permanent damage to any body part. "The decision on shifting him back to India will be taken only after his thorough medical check-up at Mauritius," he said. Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P, the vice chief of Naval staff, spoke to Tomy. "He is doing fine and recovering fast under medical supervision. His medical reports are also fine," he said. Navy spokesperson D K Sharma said the options were open on making arrangements to shift him to India. Tomy's mentor and race manager Commander (Retd) Dilip Donde had said earlier the sailor was stable and in safe hands at the tiny island, which had sound medical facilities. The island does not have an air strip and Tomy would have to be taken by the sea route itself to either Mauritius, the Reunion Island or Australia, he had said. Tomy was drifting for nearly three days in his 32-feet long yacht, Thuriya, which was damaged in a storm. Vessels and naval assets in the vicinity were deployed for his rescue. Tomy texted through a satellite-based device, requesting for evacuation, stating that his back was injured and he was unable to move. He was participating in the Golden Globe Race, where 11 participants are using 1968 vintage boats and technology to circumnavigate solo and non-stop. The race is being held to celebrate the golden anniversary of the first such solo circumnavigation in 1968. Videos and pictures of Tomy's evacuation by the crew of Osiris were released by the Indian Navy and the Australian authorities, whose reconnaissance aircraft were in the skies whilst the rescue happened. The pictures show Tomy being pulled out on a stretcher from the cabin of Thuriya and then carefully lowered into a small raft which had come to fetch him from the Osiris located nearby. Tomy was placed third in the race when he faced the storm.

Survived because of sailing skills, naval training: Abhilash Tomy

The government on Wednesday said that it hiked customs duty on 19 items, with an aim to curb "non-essential imports" and narrow the current account deficit.

The new tariff structure, which goes into effect Thursday, will see the government raise customs duties on items such as air conditioners, refrigerators, footwear and aviation turbine fuel, among other items.

The government had earlier said it was contemplating such a move to take pressure off the rupee, which has weakened by more than 12 percent so far this year.&nbsp;

The total value of imports of these items in the year 2017-18 was about Rs 86000 Crore, an ANI report said.

The government on Wednesday said that it hiked customs duty on 19 items, with an aim to curb "non-essential imports" and narrow the current account deficit. The new tariff structure, which goes into effect Thursday, will see the government raise customs duties on items such as air conditioners, refrigerators, footwear and aviation turbine fuel, among other items.

The government on Wednesday said that it hiked customs duty on 19 items, with an aim to curb "non-essential imports" and narrow the current account deficit. The new tariff structure, which goes into effect Thursday, will see the government raise customs duties on items such as air conditioners, refrigerators, footwear and aviation turbine fuel, among other items. The government had earlier said it was contemplating such a move to take pressure off the rupee, which has weakened by more than 12 percent so far this year. The total value of imports of these items in the year 2017-18 was about Rs 86000 Crore, an ANI report said.

ACs, refrigerators to cost more as India raises import tariffs on 19 items

Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, on Tuesday, stated that the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held a series of bilateral meetings with her counterparts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

"The highlight has been a series of bilateral meetings which EAM had with her counterparts. In the first two days, she had a total of 13 bilateral meetings. She also attended a high-level meeting chaired by US President Trump on 'Global call to action on world drug problem'," Kumar told media.&nbsp;

Swaraj met Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Aurelia Frick, Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo, Foreign Minister of Ecuador Jose Valencia, Foreign Minister of Australia Marise Payne and Foreign Minister of Mongolia Damdin Tsogtbaatar, PTI reported.&nbsp;

During the day, she also briefly met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Gambian President Adama Barrow and Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan.

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Swaraj at the United Nations General Assembly took a strict stand on terrorism stating that "no one should be allowed to support terror or its perpetrators."

She added that "terror and hateful ideologies" are growing across and beyond borders and are impacting lives, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Our world is still beset with conflicts, terror &amp; hateful ideologies that are transcending borders and impacting our lives," Swaraj noted at Nelson Mandela Peace Summit at United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, on Tuesday, stated that the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held a series of bilateral meetings with her counterparts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, on Tuesday, stated that the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held a series of bilateral meetings with her counterparts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. "The highlight has been a series of bilateral meetings which EAM had with her counterparts. In the first two days, she had a total of 13 bilateral meetings. She also attended a high-level meeting chaired by US President Trump on 'Global call to action on world drug problem'," Kumar told media. Swaraj met Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Aurelia Frick, Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo, Foreign Minister of Ecuador Jose Valencia, Foreign Minister of Australia Marise Payne and Foreign Minister of Mongolia Damdin Tsogtbaatar, PTI reported. During the day, she also briefly met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Gambian President Adama Barrow and Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan. Highlight has been a series of bilateral meetings which EAM had with her counterparts. In first 2 days, she had a total of 13 bilateral meetings.She also attended the high level meeting chaired by President Trump on 'Global call to action on world drug problem': Raveesh Kumar,MEA pic.twitter.com/ouScuGvhgr — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × Swaraj at the United Nations General Assembly took a strict stand on terrorism stating that "no one should be allowed to support terror or its perpetrators." She added that "terror and hateful ideologies" are growing across and beyond borders and are impacting lives, news agency ANI reported. "Our world is still beset with conflicts, terror & hateful ideologies that are transcending borders and impacting our lives," Swaraj noted at Nelson Mandela Peace Summit at United Nations General Assembly. (With inputs from agencies)

External Affairs Minister Swaraj held 13 bilateral meetings at UN: MEA 

Facing heat from the DMK over corruption charges against him, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister&nbsp;

K Palaniswami dubbed the Opposition party a "company" and said its working president M K Stalin rose in the party ranks due to his late father M Karunanidhi.&nbsp;

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) termed the remarks as "cheap".&nbsp;

"DMK is not a party, it is a company," Palaniswami said and alleged Stalin was occupying the top party post only because of his late father and party patriarch M Karunanidhi and not on his own strength.

Addressing a meet Tuesday night at Salem, the chief minister said Stalin became a legislator because of his father, unlike the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leaders like him, who had to work their way to the top.&nbsp;

Listing out several DMK leaders whose children occupied party posts, he repeated that the main opposition party was a company.

Taking strong objection to the use of the word "coward" against him allegedly by the DMK chief, Palaniswami said, "We are not cowards, we want to do good to the people...You tried to break our party... Were you successful?"

Refuting the graft allegations against him and his cabinet colleagues, the AIADMK leader quoted a Tamil proverb stating those who have done nothing wrong need not fear.

The DMK had approached the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption and the Madras High Court, levelling corruption charges against Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.

The Opposition party had also levelled corruption charges against state ministers C Vijayabaskar (Health), S P Velumani (Local Administration) and P Thangamani (Electricity).

The AIADMK has time and again denied the allegations and dismissed them as "politically motivated".

Meanwhile, Stalin lashed out at Palaniswami for calling his party a "company", saying it was "cheap" criticism that showed that the chief minister had no control over the choice of his words.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Facing heat from the DMK over corruption charges against him, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami dubbed the Opposition party a "company" and said its working president M K Stalin rose in the party ranks due to his late father M Karunanidhi.

Facing heat from the DMK over corruption charges against him, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami dubbed the Opposition party a "company" and said its working president M K Stalin rose in the party ranks due to his late father M Karunanidhi. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) termed the remarks as "cheap". "DMK is not a party, it is a company," Palaniswami said and alleged Stalin was occupying the top party post only because of his late father and party patriarch M Karunanidhi and not on his own strength. Addressing a meet Tuesday night at Salem, the chief minister said Stalin became a legislator because of his father, unlike the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leaders like him, who had to work their way to the top. Listing out several DMK leaders whose children occupied party posts, he repeated that the main opposition party was a company. Taking strong objection to the use of the word "coward" against him allegedly by the DMK chief, Palaniswami said, "We are not cowards, we want to do good to the people...You tried to break our party... Were you successful?" Refuting the graft allegations against him and his cabinet colleagues, the AIADMK leader quoted a Tamil proverb stating those who have done nothing wrong need not fear. The DMK had approached the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption and the Madras High Court, levelling corruption charges against Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam. The Opposition party had also levelled corruption charges against state ministers C Vijayabaskar (Health), S P Velumani (Local Administration) and P Thangamani (Electricity). The AIADMK has time and again denied the allegations and dismissed them as "politically motivated". Meanwhile, Stalin lashed out at Palaniswami for calling his party a "company", saying it was "cheap" criticism that showed that the chief minister had no control over the choice of his words.

Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami calls DMK 'company'; Stalin dubs remarks as 'cheap'

India's economy continues on a robust growth path, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Wednesday while maintaining the growth forecast for the current fiscal at 7.3 per cent.

However, depreciation of the rupee and volatile external financial markets pose challenges, the multilateral lending agency added, in an update of its flagship annual economic publication, the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2018.

Growth remains stable across most of developing Asia due to robust domestic demand, buoyant oil and gas prices and a consolidation of India's growth rebound, it said.

"But escalating trade tensions will test the region's resilience, underscoring the importance of efforts to bolster trade ties among its countries," it added.

On India, the report said its economy continues on a robust growth path. 
"Its growth forecasts are unchanged at 7.3 per cent for 2018 and 7.6 per cent for 2019 as the temporary effects of the demonetisation of large banknotes and the introduction of the national Goods and Services Tax abate as expected," it said.

The report further said the impact of the rising oil prices is offset by robust domestic demand and rising exports, particularly of manufactures.

"Depreciation of the rupee and volatile external financial markets pose challenges, as does accelerating inflation through tighter fiscal policy will help quell inflationary pressures," said the report of the Manila-based development bank.

India's economy continues on a robust growth path, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Wednesday while maintaining the growth forecast for the current fiscal at 7.

India's economy continues on a robust growth path, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Wednesday while maintaining the growth forecast for the current fiscal at 7.3 per cent. However, depreciation of the rupee and volatile external financial markets pose challenges, the multilateral lending agency added, in an update of its flagship annual economic publication, the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2018. Growth remains stable across most of developing Asia due to robust domestic demand, buoyant oil and gas prices and a consolidation of India's growth rebound, it said. "But escalating trade tensions will test the region's resilience, underscoring the importance of efforts to bolster trade ties among its countries," it added. On India, the report said its economy continues on a robust growth path. "Its growth forecasts are unchanged at 7.3 per cent for 2018 and 7.6 per cent for 2019 as the temporary effects of the demonetisation of large banknotes and the introduction of the national Goods and Services Tax abate as expected," it said. The report further said the impact of the rising oil prices is offset by robust domestic demand and rising exports, particularly of manufactures. "Depreciation of the rupee and volatile external financial markets pose challenges, as does accelerating inflation through tighter fiscal policy will help quell inflationary pressures," said the report of the Manila-based development bank.

India's economy continues on a robust growth path: ADB

The Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar will have different impact for different folks, a relief for those who no longer have to link their cards to their bank accounts and mobiles but tying millions dependent on subsidies to the biometric id, say activists and others.&nbsp;

The apex court Wednesday declared the Aadhaar scheme constitutionally valid, striking down some of its provisions, including its linking with bank accounts, mobile phones and school admissions.&nbsp;

Some like Bipasha Mukherjee, 21, whose mobile stopped working for 72 hours last month, welcomed the judgement.&nbsp;

Following a visit to the telecom company's customer care centre, she was told the connection was disrupted because the "sim was not linked to her Aadhaar card".

"I was completely cut off for three days without any explanation from the telecom company," she said. 
However, Bipasha's relief did not trickle down to Gauri Devi, who works as a household help in Dwarka and needs the Aadhaar to avail facilities of welfare schemes and government subsidies.

In fact, Gauri said, it further polarises the haves and the have-nots.

She told PTI that she and her two sons applied for Aadhaar, but only her younger son received the document.

While the younger son could get admission to the Vidya Bharti School in North West Delhi, life became tougher for her. Collecting rations and accessing subsidised health services for her family was "impossible" without the card.&nbsp;

"Nothing happens without Aadhaar. To avail each subsidy, be it for food or health services, we are supposed to have the card. I did not get my Aadhaar even after registering myself...We are being deprived for no fault of ours," she said.&nbsp;

According to farmer leader and activist Vijoo Krishnan, food security, particularly among the poor, has been "worst hit" by the judgement.&nbsp;

According to data revealed earlier this year by the Right To Food (RTF) campaign, an advocacy group, 14 people allegedly starved to death in Jharkhand over 10 months after being denied rations because they didn't have Aadhaar cards.&nbsp;

"Denial of ration/food grains have been reported widely over UID issues including problems of biometric... The starvation deaths in Jharkhand, massive malnutrition and related deaths of children in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and tribal areas are pointers to the danger that lies in such a judgement," the Delhi-based activist said.&nbsp;

According to human rights organisation Amnesty India, "making an Aadhaar card a prerequisite to access essential services and benefits can obstruct access to several constitutional rights, including the rights of people to food, health care, education and social security".&nbsp;

Right to food activist Dipa Sinha added that they were expecting that welfare schemes would be delinked from Aaadhar too. 
"So, in that way the judgment is quite disappointing," she said.&nbsp;

Not everyone agreed with her.

Charles Assisi, who has co-authored an upcoming book titled, "The Aadhaar Effect: Why the World's Largest Identity Project Matters", said the verdict was, "very balanced" and that the country was "headed in the right direction".

According to him, the scheme, in fact, benefits people at the bottom of the totem pole the most.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"One of the things we figured out is that the poorest of the country, that run into a few hundred million people, have absolutely no form of identity. You have to provide them with that so they can claim their rightful dues," Assisi told PTI.

"It brings them into the formal economy," he said.

Social media, too, was abuzz with mixed reactions.&nbsp;

While many took to Twitter to express their relief over freedom from "harassment" at the hands of banks and telecom companies, others used the social networking site to voice their disappointment.&nbsp;

A Jaiveer Shergill on Twitter "withdrew" his consent to share his data, and asked telecom companies and banks to "delete" the information they might have about him.&nbsp;"Dear Mobile Phone Operators &amp; Banks-You harassed us &amp; forced us to link #Aadhaar to your system-After #SupremeCourt Judgment -Kindly delete the data collected otherwise u shall b considered in possession of stolen property as I withdraw my consent to use my info #AadhaarVerdict," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Many noted that the verdict "has hurt welfare", adding that there was need and possibility of a review petition.&nbsp;

"Some important Modifications to #Aadhaar sought by majority judgment..But it is overall a disappointment as it doesn't consider large failures reported by welfare beneficiaries &amp; that mandation of #UID has hurt welfare. JYC's strong dissent opens up possibility of a review petition," Srinivasan Ramani tweeted, referring to Justice D Y Chandrachud's dissenting judgement.

Another tweeter Sunit Arora wrote the constitutional validation of Adhaar will result in great suffering for the poor.&nbsp;

"Very disappointing #Aadhaar verdict. Constitutional validity sets the stage for a (future) fascist state. The abject poor will suffer the most.

"A future government will HAVE to challenge this," Arora wrote.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar will have different impact for different folks, a relief for those who no longer have to link their cards to their bank accounts and mobiles but tying millions dependent on subsidies to the biometric id, say activists and others.

The Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar will have different impact for different folks, a relief for those who no longer have to link their cards to their bank accounts and mobiles but tying millions dependent on subsidies to the biometric id, say activists and others. The apex court Wednesday declared the Aadhaar scheme constitutionally valid, striking down some of its provisions, including its linking with bank accounts, mobile phones and school admissions. Some like Bipasha Mukherjee, 21, whose mobile stopped working for 72 hours last month, welcomed the judgement. Following a visit to the telecom company's customer care centre, she was told the connection was disrupted because the "sim was not linked to her Aadhaar card". "I was completely cut off for three days without any explanation from the telecom company," she said. However, Bipasha's relief did not trickle down to Gauri Devi, who works as a household help in Dwarka and needs the Aadhaar to avail facilities of welfare schemes and government subsidies. In fact, Gauri said, it further polarises the haves and the have-nots. She told PTI that she and her two sons applied for Aadhaar, but only her younger son received the document. While the younger son could get admission to the Vidya Bharti School in North West Delhi, life became tougher for her. Collecting rations and accessing subsidised health services for her family was "impossible" without the card. "Nothing happens without Aadhaar. To avail each subsidy, be it for food or health services, we are supposed to have the card. I did not get my Aadhaar even after registering myself...We are being deprived for no fault of ours," she said. According to farmer leader and activist Vijoo Krishnan, food security, particularly among the poor, has been "worst hit" by the judgement. According to data revealed earlier this year by the Right To Food (RTF) campaign, an advocacy group, 14 people allegedly starved to death in Jharkhand over 10 months after being denied rations because they didn't have Aadhaar cards. "Denial of ration/food grains have been reported widely over UID issues including problems of biometric... The starvation deaths in Jharkhand, massive malnutrition and related deaths of children in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and tribal areas are pointers to the danger that lies in such a judgement," the Delhi-based activist said. According to human rights organisation Amnesty India, "making an Aadhaar card a prerequisite to access essential services and benefits can obstruct access to several constitutional rights, including the rights of people to food, health care, education and social security". Right to food activist Dipa Sinha added that they were expecting that welfare schemes would be delinked from Aaadhar too. "So, in that way the judgment is quite disappointing," she said. Not everyone agreed with her. Charles Assisi, who has co-authored an upcoming book titled, "The Aadhaar Effect: Why the World's Largest Identity Project Matters", said the verdict was, "very balanced" and that the country was "headed in the right direction". According to him, the scheme, in fact, benefits people at the bottom of the totem pole the most. "One of the things we figured out is that the poorest of the country, that run into a few hundred million people, have absolutely no form of identity. You have to provide them with that so they can claim their rightful dues," Assisi told PTI. "It brings them into the formal economy," he said. Social media, too, was abuzz with mixed reactions. While many took to Twitter to express their relief over freedom from "harassment" at the hands of banks and telecom companies, others used the social networking site to voice their disappointment. A Jaiveer Shergill on Twitter "withdrew" his consent to share his data, and asked telecom companies and banks to "delete" the information they might have about him. "Dear Mobile Phone Operators & Banks-You harassed us & forced us to link #Aadhaar to your system-After #SupremeCourt Judgment -Kindly delete the data collected otherwise u shall b considered in possession of stolen property as I withdraw my consent to use my info #AadhaarVerdict," he tweeted. Many noted that the verdict "has hurt welfare", adding that there was need and possibility of a review petition. "Some important Modifications to #Aadhaar sought by majority judgment..But it is overall a disappointment as it doesn't consider large failures reported by welfare beneficiaries & that mandation of #UID has hurt welfare. JYC's strong dissent opens up possibility of a review petition," Srinivasan Ramani tweeted, referring to Justice D Y Chandrachud's dissenting judgement. Another tweeter Sunit Arora wrote the constitutional validation of Adhaar will result in great suffering for the poor. "Very disappointing #Aadhaar verdict. Constitutional validity sets the stage for a (future) fascist state. The abject poor will suffer the most. "A future government will HAVE to challenge this," Arora wrote.

Aadhaar verdict: Different impact for different folks

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday stated that the constitutional arrangement can never be protected only by the judiciary and that the onus rests with the political leadership, civil society, religious leaders and the intelligentsia.

"No constitutional arrangement can be protected only by the judiciary. However vigilant the judges may be, ultimately it comes down to political leadership, civil society, religious leaders and intelligentsia to defend the constitution and its secular commitment," Singh stated.

"The judiciary needs to arrive at its own enlightened view of its custodianship of the constitution irrespective of the irresponsible and selfish politicians who may have no qualms in injecting the communal virus in our body politic," the former Prime Minister noted.&nbsp;

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No constitutional arrangement can be protected only by judiciary. However vigilant the judges may be, ultimately it comes down to political leadership, civil society, religious leaders&amp;intelligentsia to defend constitution&amp;its secular commitment: Former PM Manmohan Singh (25.09) <a href="https://t.co/roXJQ53LY4">pic.twitter.com/roXJQ53LY4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044663806943621120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Singh also commented on the Indian Armed Forces saying that it enjoys a "glorious record of keeping away from politicians' manipulations and intrigues."

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The judiciary needs to arrive at its own enlightened view of its custodianship of the constitution irrespective of the irresponsible and selfish politicians who may have no qualms in injecting communal virus in our body politic: Former PM Manmohan Singh in Delhi (25.09.2018) <a href="https://t.co/B8fwWSxokD">pic.twitter.com/B8fwWSxokD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044665260496445440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"As the custodian of the integrity of the electoral process, it is incumbent upon the Election Commission to see to it that religion, religious sentiments and prejudices do not get worked into the election discourse," Singh shared.&nbsp;

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Our Armed Forces are a splendid embodiment of our secular project. Our Armed Forces have a glorious record of keeping away from politicians' manipulation&amp; intrigues. It's vitally important that they remain uncontaminated from any sectarian appeal: Former PM Manmohan Singh (25.09) <a href="https://t.co/gQqzvtvXwE">pic.twitter.com/gQqzvtvXwE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044666555798216704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ex-Prime Minister's comments came amid the government's plans to celebrate on September 29 the second anniversary of the surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK). The Congress has been accusing the Modi government of politicising the armed forces for electoral gains.

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As the custodian of the integrity of the electoral process, it is incumbent upon the Election Commission to see to it that religion, religious sentiments and prejudices do not get worked into the election discourse: Former PM Manmohan Singh (25.09.2018) <a href="https://t.co/ZEFPLIuy7Y">pic.twitter.com/ZEFPLIuy7Y</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044668584545284096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to rule on the disqualification issue stating that the Parliament must create a law to bar candidates with criminal background from contesting elections.&nbsp;

"Parliament must ensure that criminals must not come to politics," Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra noted while reading out the verdict on PIL seeking to disqualify candidates contesting polls. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday stated that the constitutional arrangement can never be protected only by the judiciary and that the onus rests with the political leadership, civil society, religious leaders and the intelligentsia.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday stated that the constitutional arrangement can never be protected only by the judiciary and that the onus rests with the political leadership, civil society, religious leaders and the intelligentsia. "No constitutional arrangement can be protected only by the judiciary. However vigilant the judges may be, ultimately it comes down to political leadership, civil society, religious leaders and intelligentsia to defend the constitution and its secular commitment," Singh stated. "The judiciary needs to arrive at its own enlightened view of its custodianship of the constitution irrespective of the irresponsible and selfish politicians who may have no qualms in injecting the communal virus in our body politic," the former Prime Minister noted. No constitutional arrangement can be protected only by judiciary. However vigilant the judges may be, ultimately it comes down to political leadership, civil society, religious leaders&intelligentsia to defend constitution&its secular commitment: Former PM Manmohan Singh (25.09) pic.twitter.com/roXJQ53LY4 — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × Singh also commented on the Indian Armed Forces saying that it enjoys a "glorious record of keeping away from politicians' manipulations and intrigues." The judiciary needs to arrive at its own enlightened view of its custodianship of the constitution irrespective of the irresponsible and selfish politicians who may have no qualms in injecting communal virus in our body politic: Former PM Manmohan Singh in Delhi (25.09.2018) pic.twitter.com/B8fwWSxokD — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × "As the custodian of the integrity of the electoral process, it is incumbent upon the Election Commission to see to it that religion, religious sentiments and prejudices do not get worked into the election discourse," Singh shared. Our Armed Forces are a splendid embodiment of our secular project. Our Armed Forces have a glorious record of keeping away from politicians' manipulation& intrigues. It's vitally important that they remain uncontaminated from any sectarian appeal: Former PM Manmohan Singh (25.09) pic.twitter.com/gQqzvtvXwE — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × Ex-Prime Minister's comments came amid the government's plans to celebrate on September 29 the second anniversary of the surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK). The Congress has been accusing the Modi government of politicising the armed forces for electoral gains. As the custodian of the integrity of the electoral process, it is incumbent upon the Election Commission to see to it that religion, religious sentiments and prejudices do not get worked into the election discourse: Former PM Manmohan Singh (25.09.2018) pic.twitter.com/ZEFPLIuy7Y — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to rule on the disqualification issue stating that the Parliament must create a law to bar candidates with criminal background from contesting elections. "Parliament must ensure that criminals must not come to politics," Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra noted while reading out the verdict on PIL seeking to disqualify candidates contesting polls. (With inputs from agencies)

Religious sentiments, prejudices should not get worked into election discourse: Manmohan Singh 

An Indian national who was aware of an alleged plot to assassinate Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has been arrested, a court was told.

The Indian national, identified as M Thomas by Lankan media, was arrested on Tuesday from the residence of the Anti Corruption Movement operations director Namal Kumara, who exposed the assassination plot, CID Chief Inspector Ranjith Munasinghe informed the Fort Magistrate Court.

Magistrate Jayaratne instructed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to further interrogate Thomas and report the findings to the court.

Thomas was arrested when he visited Kumara's home at Warakapola in the southwestern region.

Kumara had revealed that former in-charge of the Terrorist Investigation Division DIG Nalaka de Silva had discussed with him the alleged plot to kill Sirisena and the former Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the court was told.

Silva was questioned by the CID on Kumara's revelations. He has been transferred out of the terrorism bureau pending investigations.

Thomas who was taken into custody for his alleged links to Kumara, arrived in the country on a tourist visa, which he overstayed, the court was told.

Meanwhile, the court has ordered to check the authenticity of sound tapes which Kumara had produced purported to be conversations between him and Silva.&nbsp;

An Indian national who was aware of an alleged plot to assassinate Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has been arrested, a court was told. The Indian national, identified as M Thomas by Lankan media, was arrested on Tuesday from the residence of the Anti Corruption Movement operations director Namal Kumara, who exposed the assassination plot, CID Chief Inspector Ranjith Munasinghe informed the Fort Magistrate Court.

An Indian national who was aware of an alleged plot to assassinate Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has been arrested, a court was told. The Indian national, identified as M Thomas by Lankan media, was arrested on Tuesday from the residence of the Anti Corruption Movement operations director Namal Kumara, who exposed the assassination plot, CID Chief Inspector Ranjith Munasinghe informed the Fort Magistrate Court. Magistrate Jayaratne instructed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to further interrogate Thomas and report the findings to the court. Thomas was arrested when he visited Kumara's home at Warakapola in the southwestern region. Kumara had revealed that former in-charge of the Terrorist Investigation Division DIG Nalaka de Silva had discussed with him the alleged plot to kill Sirisena and the former Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the court was told. Silva was questioned by the CID on Kumara's revelations. He has been transferred out of the terrorism bureau pending investigations. Thomas who was taken into custody for his alleged links to Kumara, arrived in the country on a tourist visa, which he overstayed, the court was told. Meanwhile, the court has ordered to check the authenticity of sound tapes which Kumara had produced purported to be conversations between him and Silva.

Indian national aware of alleged plot to kill Sri Lankan President arrested

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-trump-kim-summit-more-likely-after-october-report-167820">Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Trump-Kim summit more likely after October: Report</a>

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was working to set up the next summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but any meeting will likely be after October.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uidai-sees-victory-sc-judgement-says-private-usage-restricted-167800">Aadhaar verdict: UIDAI sees victory in Supreme Court judgement, says private usage restricted</a>

The UIDAI Wednesday termed the Supreme Court judgement, which upheld Aadhaar as a constitutionally valid scheme, as a victory.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/10-afghan-children-2-women-dead-air-strike-un-initial-report-167798">10 Afghan children, 2 women dead in air strike: UN initial report</a>

An air strike appears to have killed 12 members of an Afghan family, most of them children, the United Nations said, citing preliminary findings, as US and Afghan forces ramp up aerial bombardments against militants.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-labour-partys-corbyn-say-will-vote-against-pm-mays-brexit-deal-it-stands-167816">Labour will vote against PM May's Chequers Brexit plan, says Jeremy Corbyn</a>

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday Labour would vote against a Brexit deal based on Theresa May's proposals, the strongest warning yet to a prime minister whose plan to leave the European Union is hanging by a thread.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliament-passes-pension-bill-key-second-reading-167808">Russian parliament passes pension bill in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliament-passes-pension-bill-key-second-reading-167808">key</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliament-passes-pension-bill-key-second-reading-167808"> second reading</a>

The Russian parliament's lower house, State Duma passed the controversial pension bill in key second reading on Wednesday.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Trump-Kim summit more likely after October: Report Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was working to set up the next summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but any meeting will likely be after October.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Trump-Kim summit more likely after October: Report Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was working to set up the next summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but any meeting will likely be after October. Aadhaar verdict: UIDAI sees victory in Supreme Court judgement, says private usage restricted The UIDAI Wednesday termed the Supreme Court judgement, which upheld Aadhaar as a constitutionally valid scheme, as a victory. 10 Afghan children, 2 women dead in air strike: UN initial report An air strike appears to have killed 12 members of an Afghan family, most of them children, the United Nations said, citing preliminary findings, as US and Afghan forces ramp up aerial bombardments against militants. Labour will vote against PM May's Chequers Brexit plan, says Jeremy Corbyn British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday Labour would vote against a Brexit deal based on Theresa May's proposals, the strongest warning yet to a prime minister whose plan to leave the European Union is hanging by a thread. Russian parliament passes pension bill in key second reading The Russian parliament's lower house, State Duma passed the controversial pension bill in key second reading on Wednesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Hitting back at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for using "foul language" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh minister Sidharth Nath Singh said Tuesday the Amethi MP had graduated from being a 'shehzada' (prince) to "an emperor of lies".

Alleging that the Congress chief was misleading people, Mr Singh, who is also a spokesperson of the UP government, demanded that Mr Gandhi spell out details to substantiate his claims on the then UPA government's decisions on the Rafale deal.

"The shehzada has graduated and become the shehenshah (emperor)...Rahul Gandhi has become an emperor of lies. I am saying this as yesterday in Amethi he presented a story that was a total lie," Mr Singh said attacking Rahul Gandhi.

The UP minister alleged that Mr Gandhi was trying to "convert lies into truth" by continually repeating them.

"Rahul is saying his (UPA) government had inked a deal with Rafale for 126 fighter jets. He says the order was given to HAL. I want to know from Rahul Gandhi about the dates of these events. Please tell the country what the deal was (with Rafale) and what order was placed with HAL," Mr Singh said.

Asked if the Rafale issue would impact the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Singh said he did not believe so as elections were not fought on "lies".

The Congress chief had in Amethi on Monday demanded answers from Prime Minister Modi on several issues related to the Rafale deal.

Mr Gandhi had charged that the country's "chowkidar" Narendra Modi snatched money from the poor and handed it over to industrialist Anil Ambani.

"The chowkidar of the country has taken out Rs. 20,000 crore from the pockets of the poor, martyrs and the jawans and put it in the pocket of (Anil) Ambani," Mr Gandhi said at a meeting in the Jais area of his Lok Sabha constituency.

Hitting back at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for using "foul language" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh minister Sidharth Nath Singh said Tuesday the Amethi MP had graduated from being a 'shehzada' (prince) to "an emperor of lies".

Hitting back at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for using "foul language" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh minister Sidharth Nath Singh said Tuesday the Amethi MP had graduated from being a 'shehzada' (prince) to "an emperor of lies". Alleging that the Congress chief was misleading people, Mr Singh, who is also a spokesperson of the UP government, demanded that Mr Gandhi spell out details to substantiate his claims on the then UPA government's decisions on the Rafale deal. "The shehzada has graduated and become the shehenshah (emperor)...Rahul Gandhi has become an emperor of lies. I am saying this as yesterday in Amethi he presented a story that was a total lie," Mr Singh said attacking Rahul Gandhi. The UP minister alleged that Mr Gandhi was trying to "convert lies into truth" by continually repeating them. "Rahul is saying his (UPA) government had inked a deal with Rafale for 126 fighter jets. He says the order was given to HAL. I want to know from Rahul Gandhi about the dates of these events. Please tell the country what the deal was (with Rafale) and what order was placed with HAL," Mr Singh said. Asked if the Rafale issue would impact the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Singh said he did not believe so as elections were not fought on "lies". The Congress chief had in Amethi on Monday demanded answers from Prime Minister Modi on several issues related to the Rafale deal. Mr Gandhi had charged that the country's "chowkidar" Narendra Modi snatched money from the poor and handed it over to industrialist Anil Ambani. "The chowkidar of the country has taken out Rs. 20,000 crore from the pockets of the poor, martyrs and the jawans and put it in the pocket of (Anil) Ambani," Mr Gandhi said at a meeting in the Jais area of his Lok Sabha constituency.

Rahul Gandhi graduated from being prince to emperor of lies: UP minister

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the key political parties of Uttar Pradesh seem to have chosen their favourite gods.

With the BJP apparently sticking to Lord Ram, the Samajwadi Party seems to have chosen Vishnu and the Congress Lord Shiva to spur their poll fortunes, if remarks by their leaders are any indication.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, fresh from his Mansarovar Yatra, was greeted in his Lok Sabha constituency Amethi this week by hundreds of 'bol bam'-chanting party activists, all dressed up as "Kanwariyas", the devotees of Lord Shiva.

The BJP's UP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey's reiterated the saffron party's backing for a Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayopdhya. He said the party is trying to ensure that the temple is built in Ayodhya through consensus.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, on the other hand, has pledged to develop a grand city named after Lord Vishnu, complete with a spectacular temple in it on lines of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, in the state, if voted to power.

Uttar Pradesh sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha. In the 2014 parliamentary elections, the BJP won 71 seats, its ally Apna Dal got two, while the SP bagged five and the Congress remaining two.

Fresh from his recent Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, the Congress chief Monday was presented a portrait of Lord Shiva by Shiva devotees at Fursatganj.

In a video footage that went viral on social media, Gandhi is seen with his forehead smeared with sandalwood paste with a prominent red 'tilak' in the centre. 
 
With a scarf around his neck, he is seen taking part in a 'puja'.

He was greeted with posters hailing 'Shiv bhakt Rahul Gandhi' on his first visit here after undertaking the arduous 12-day pilgrimage in August to Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.

The Congress chief had announced his intention to undertake the pilgrimage after a mid-air scare when his plane had plunged hundreds of feet down during one of his flights during the Karnataka poll campaign in April.

The pilgrimage was aimed at seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva for the country's prosperity, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said earlier.

In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the entire spectacle is being seen by some as the Congress bid to woo Hindu voters.

UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey, meanwhile, said Sunday, "Ram temple is the centre of faith and devotion for us. It should be built as per the law and we are committed to this."

The BJP is making efforts to build the Ram temple through consensus, he had said.

"The people know Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya and they want a Ram temple there. The feeling of every Indian is the feeling of the BJP," Pandey had said.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has declared his intent to "develop a city in the name of Lord Vishnu over 2,000 acres of land near Lion Safari (Etawah)."

"We have a lot of land in Chambal ravines and the city will have a grand Vishnu temple akin to the famous Angkor Wat temple."

Yadav's comments had come in the wake of BJP leader and UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya raking up the Ram temple issue and suggesting a legislative route for it.

Yadav, however, has promised that, if voted to power, he would develop a city after the name of Lord Vishnu, with both Lord Ram and Lord Krishna being his incarnations.

A team of experts will be sent to Cambodia to plan the city, which will be a centre for culture and knowledge of our ancient times, the SP chief said.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia is one of the largest religious monuments in the world which was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu but gradually transformed into a Buddhist shrine.&nbsp;

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the key political parties of Uttar Pradesh seem to have chosen their favourite gods. With the BJP apparently sticking to Lord Ram, the Samajwadi Party seems to have chosen Vishnu and the Congress Lord Shiva to spur their poll fortunes, if remarks by their leaders are any indication.

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the key political parties of Uttar Pradesh seem to have chosen their favourite gods. With the BJP apparently sticking to Lord Ram, the Samajwadi Party seems to have chosen Vishnu and the Congress Lord Shiva to spur their poll fortunes, if remarks by their leaders are any indication. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, fresh from his Mansarovar Yatra, was greeted in his Lok Sabha constituency Amethi this week by hundreds of 'bol bam'-chanting party activists, all dressed up as "Kanwariyas", the devotees of Lord Shiva. The BJP's UP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey's reiterated the saffron party's backing for a Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayopdhya. He said the party is trying to ensure that the temple is built in Ayodhya through consensus. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, on the other hand, has pledged to develop a grand city named after Lord Vishnu, complete with a spectacular temple in it on lines of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, in the state, if voted to power. Uttar Pradesh sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha. In the 2014 parliamentary elections, the BJP won 71 seats, its ally Apna Dal got two, while the SP bagged five and the Congress remaining two. Fresh from his recent Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, the Congress chief Monday was presented a portrait of Lord Shiva by Shiva devotees at Fursatganj. In a video footage that went viral on social media, Gandhi is seen with his forehead smeared with sandalwood paste with a prominent red 'tilak' in the centre. With a scarf around his neck, he is seen taking part in a 'puja'. He was greeted with posters hailing 'Shiv bhakt Rahul Gandhi' on his first visit here after undertaking the arduous 12-day pilgrimage in August to Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The Congress chief had announced his intention to undertake the pilgrimage after a mid-air scare when his plane had plunged hundreds of feet down during one of his flights during the Karnataka poll campaign in April. The pilgrimage was aimed at seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva for the country's prosperity, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said earlier. In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the entire spectacle is being seen by some as the Congress bid to woo Hindu voters. UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey, meanwhile, said Sunday, "Ram temple is the centre of faith and devotion for us. It should be built as per the law and we are committed to this." The BJP is making efforts to build the Ram temple through consensus, he had said. "The people know Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya and they want a Ram temple there. The feeling of every Indian is the feeling of the BJP," Pandey had said. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has declared his intent to "develop a city in the name of Lord Vishnu over 2,000 acres of land near Lion Safari (Etawah)." "We have a lot of land in Chambal ravines and the city will have a grand Vishnu temple akin to the famous Angkor Wat temple." Yadav's comments had come in the wake of BJP leader and UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya raking up the Ram temple issue and suggesting a legislative route for it. Yadav, however, has promised that, if voted to power, he would develop a city after the name of Lord Vishnu, with both Lord Ram and Lord Krishna being his incarnations. A team of experts will be sent to Cambodia to plan the city, which will be a centre for culture and knowledge of our ancient times, the SP chief said. Angkor Wat in Cambodia is one of the largest religious monuments in the world which was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu but gradually transformed into a Buddhist shrine.

As BJP sticks to Ram, SP picks Vishnu, Congress Shiva for luck in 2019 polls

India and the G4 nations voiced concern over the lack of substantive progress in the long-pending Security Council reform, saying it is time to finally initiate text-based negotiations to safeguard the legitimacy and credibility of the powerful UN organ.

The G4 nations, India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, have been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council, and support each others' bids for the permanent seats in the top UN body.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj hosted her counterparts Aloysio Nunes Ferreira of Brazil, Heiko Maas of Germany and Taro Kono of Japan at a meeting of the G4 nations held Tuesday at India's Permanent Mission to the UN on the margins of the 73rd session of the General Assembly.

In a joint statement after the meeting, the four nations reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism.

"It was time to finally initiate text-based negotiations during the 73rd session of the General Assembly" in line with the standard operating procedures of the UN General Assembly, the ministers said.

They stressed that adapting the United Nations to the contemporary needs of the 21st century necessarily required reforming the Security Council.

"They stressed the need to safeguard the legitimacy and credibility of this UN organ which deals with international peace and security," the statement said.

The G4 Ministers reaffirmed the need for an early reform of the Council including the expansion of both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership to enhance its legitimacy, effectiveness and representativeness.

They said that the current composition of the 15-nation Council does not reflect the changed global realities and stressed that the UNSC reform is essential to address today's complex challenges.

The ministers reiterated their support for Africa's representation in both categories of membership in a reformed and expanded Security Council.

"As aspiring new permanent members of a reformed Council, the ministers reiterated their commitment to work to strengthen the functioning of the UN and the global multilateral order as well as their support for each other's candidatures," it said.

Reviewing progress on the UNSC reform at the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN), they said substantial progress had not yet been achieved even though next year would mark 40 years since the inscription of the item 'Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the

Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council' on the agenda of the General Assembly.

"Despite an overwhelming majority of UN member states supporting Security Council reform, the IGN has not produced substantive progress over the 10 years since its launch in 2009," the statement said adding that the ministers emphasised the need to revitalise process of the Security Council reform.

The four leaders welcomed the commitment of President of the 73rd session of the General Assembly Mar?a Fernanda Espinosa Garces to the reform process and expressed their readiness to extend full support to her with a view to launching negotiations based on a text comprising all positions and proposals by the member states.

The ministers agreed that all aspects of the comprehensive reform had been thoroughly discussed several times in the IGN and the General Assembly.

They reiterated their commitment to working with other member states to realise the shared vision of the overwhelming majority supporting the initiation of text-based negotiations in a democratic and transparent manner.

The G4 will intensify dialogue with other member states, especially like-minded countries and groups to achieve meaningful progress in the upcoming IGN session, the four ministers said, adding that they are determined to redouble their efforts towards securing concrete outcomes on the UNSC reform during the current session of the General Assembly.

India and the G4 nations voiced concern over the lack of substantive progress in the long-pending Security Council reform, saying it is time to finally initiate text-based negotiations to safeguard the legitimacy and credibility of the powerful UN organ.

India and the G4 nations voiced concern over the lack of substantive progress in the long-pending Security Council reform, saying it is time to finally initiate text-based negotiations to safeguard the legitimacy and credibility of the powerful UN organ. The G4 nations, India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, have been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council, and support each others' bids for the permanent seats in the top UN body. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj hosted her counterparts Aloysio Nunes Ferreira of Brazil, Heiko Maas of Germany and Taro Kono of Japan at a meeting of the G4 nations held Tuesday at India's Permanent Mission to the UN on the margins of the 73rd session of the General Assembly. In a joint statement after the meeting, the four nations reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism. "It was time to finally initiate text-based negotiations during the 73rd session of the General Assembly" in line with the standard operating procedures of the UN General Assembly, the ministers said. They stressed that adapting the United Nations to the contemporary needs of the 21st century necessarily required reforming the Security Council. "They stressed the need to safeguard the legitimacy and credibility of this UN organ which deals with international peace and security," the statement said. The G4 Ministers reaffirmed the need for an early reform of the Council including the expansion of both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership to enhance its legitimacy, effectiveness and representativeness. They said that the current composition of the 15-nation Council does not reflect the changed global realities and stressed that the UNSC reform is essential to address today's complex challenges. The ministers reiterated their support for Africa's representation in both categories of membership in a reformed and expanded Security Council. "As aspiring new permanent members of a reformed Council, the ministers reiterated their commitment to work to strengthen the functioning of the UN and the global multilateral order as well as their support for each other's candidatures," it said. Reviewing progress on the UNSC reform at the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN), they said substantial progress had not yet been achieved even though next year would mark 40 years since the inscription of the item 'Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council' on the agenda of the General Assembly. "Despite an overwhelming majority of UN member states supporting Security Council reform, the IGN has not produced substantive progress over the 10 years since its launch in 2009," the statement said adding that the ministers emphasised the need to revitalise process of the Security Council reform. The four leaders welcomed the commitment of President of the 73rd session of the General Assembly Mar?a Fernanda Espinosa Garces to the reform process and expressed their readiness to extend full support to her with a view to launching negotiations based on a text comprising all positions and proposals by the member states. The ministers agreed that all aspects of the comprehensive reform had been thoroughly discussed several times in the IGN and the General Assembly. They reiterated their commitment to working with other member states to realise the shared vision of the overwhelming majority supporting the initiation of text-based negotiations in a democratic and transparent manner. The G4 will intensify dialogue with other member states, especially like-minded countries and groups to achieve meaningful progress in the upcoming IGN session, the four ministers said, adding that they are determined to redouble their efforts towards securing concrete outcomes on the UNSC reform during the current session of the General Assembly.

India, G4 nations voice concern over lack of progress in long-pending UN Security Council reform

Two priests and a functionary of a prominent Syrian Church in Kerala have formally joined BJP, giving a boost to the saffron party's bid to reach out to minorities in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Fr Geevarghese Thomas Kizhakkedam, a 43-year-old vicar of a Jacobite Syrian Church near Pala, joined BJP on Saturday along with deacon Andrews Mangalath and another priest Fr Thomas Kulathumkal.

Deacon is a post just below the rank of a priest in the religious order.

Fr Kizhakkedam said more people from the minority community are ready to join the party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.

They were welcomed to the party fold by its Kerala state president P S Sreedharan Pillai and district unit chief N Hari at a function here on Saturday.

Talking to PTI, Kizhakkedam said he has been a follower of BJP since 1997, two years after joining an institute near Anand in Gujarat for pursuing a BCA course.

He said the BJP is not a communal outfit, as being alleged by "so called secular parties" like Congress and BJP.

"I am convinced that BJP is the party that represents all sections of society. The party-led governments are pro-poor and take care of the needs of each and every section of the society," he said.

Recalling his personal experience when Narendra Modi took over as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, he said he had applied for a ration card and the officer concerned sought a bribe. It was soon after Modi became Chief Minister.

"I wrote to him complaining about the official. I got a reply from the Chief Minister's office in seven days, informing me that my ration card is ready. Can we think about such a prompt action in Kerala? Such was the quality of his governance," the Kizhakkedam said.

The priest claimed that more Christian priests had contacted him, expressing interest in associating with the BJP.

Asked whether he was willing to accept any post in the party, Kizhakkedam said he joined BJP without aspirations for any post and added that he was ready to accept whatever responsibilities were given to him to serve the party.

"But that should not become a hindrance to my responsibilities as a parish priest," he said. 
BJP district president Hari alleged that minorities in Kerala, including Christians and Muslims, constituting nearly 50 per cent of the state's population, were being misled by the state's prominent political forces, including Congress and the Left. 
"Now they have realised the truth. They understand that the anti-BJP propaganda unleashed by these parties in the state is fake. We are certain that more people will come forward to join BJP. The response we get from these sections of society is overwhelming," Hari said.&nbsp;

Two priests and a functionary of a prominent Syrian Church in Kerala have formally joined BJP, giving a boost to the saffron party's bid to reach out to minorities in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Two priests and a functionary of a prominent Syrian Church in Kerala have formally joined BJP, giving a boost to the saffron party's bid to reach out to minorities in the state ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. Fr Geevarghese Thomas Kizhakkedam, a 43-year-old vicar of a Jacobite Syrian Church near Pala, joined BJP on Saturday along with deacon Andrews Mangalath and another priest Fr Thomas Kulathumkal. Deacon is a post just below the rank of a priest in the religious order. Fr Kizhakkedam said more people from the minority community are ready to join the party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. They were welcomed to the party fold by its Kerala state president P S Sreedharan Pillai and district unit chief N Hari at a function here on Saturday. Talking to PTI, Kizhakkedam said he has been a follower of BJP since 1997, two years after joining an institute near Anand in Gujarat for pursuing a BCA course. He said the BJP is not a communal outfit, as being alleged by "so called secular parties" like Congress and BJP. "I am convinced that BJP is the party that represents all sections of society. The party-led governments are pro-poor and take care of the needs of each and every section of the society," he said. Recalling his personal experience when Narendra Modi took over as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, he said he had applied for a ration card and the officer concerned sought a bribe. It was soon after Modi became Chief Minister. "I wrote to him complaining about the official. I got a reply from the Chief Minister's office in seven days, informing me that my ration card is ready. Can we think about such a prompt action in Kerala? Such was the quality of his governance," the Kizhakkedam said. The priest claimed that more Christian priests had contacted him, expressing interest in associating with the BJP. Asked whether he was willing to accept any post in the party, Kizhakkedam said he joined BJP without aspirations for any post and added that he was ready to accept whatever responsibilities were given to him to serve the party. "But that should not become a hindrance to my responsibilities as a parish priest," he said. BJP district president Hari alleged that minorities in Kerala, including Christians and Muslims, constituting nearly 50 per cent of the state's population, were being misled by the state's prominent political forces, including Congress and the Left. "Now they have realised the truth. They understand that the anti-BJP propaganda unleashed by these parties in the state is fake. We are certain that more people will come forward to join BJP. The response we get from these sections of society is overwhelming," Hari said.

Kerala: Two prominent Syrian church priests join BJP

Congress president Rahul Gandhi thanked the Supreme Court for its verdict on the Aadhaar Act on Wednesday and said that it was an "instrument"&nbsp;for his party but a tool of "oppression and surveillance"&nbsp;for the BJP.

"For Congress, Aadhaar was an instrument of empowerment.

"For the BJP, Aadhaar is a tool of oppression and surveillance.

"Thank you Supreme Court for supporting the Congress vision and protecting India," Rahul Gandhi said on Twitter.

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For Congress, Aadhaar was an instrument of empowerment. 
 
For the BJP, Aadhaar is a tool of oppression and surveillance. 
 
Thank you Supreme Court for supporting the Congress vision and protecting 🇮🇳. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AadhaarVerdict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AadhaarVerdict</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1044891845782896640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday upheld the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme.

The top court, in its verdict today, stated that "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies. CBSE, UGC and NEET making Adhaar making mandatory are bad," the ruling noted.&nbsp;

The verdict also rendered the unique identification number not mandatory for new mobile connections and banking services, however, it will still be required for Personal Account Number (PAN) and for filing ITR.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi thanked the Supreme Court for its verdict on the Aadhaar Act on Wednesday and said that it was an "instrument" for his party but a tool of "oppression and surveillance" for the BJP.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi thanked the Supreme Court for its verdict on the Aadhaar Act on Wednesday and said that it was an "instrument" for his party but a tool of "oppression and surveillance" for the BJP. "For Congress, Aadhaar was an instrument of empowerment. "For the BJP, Aadhaar is a tool of oppression and surveillance. "Thank you Supreme Court for supporting the Congress vision and protecting India," Rahul Gandhi said on Twitter. For Congress, Aadhaar was an instrument of empowerment. For the BJP, Aadhaar is a tool of oppression and surveillance. Thank you Supreme Court for supporting the Congress vision and protecting 🇮🇳. #AadhaarVerdict — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 26, 2018 × The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday upheld the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme. The top court, in its verdict today, stated that "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies. CBSE, UGC and NEET making Adhaar making mandatory are bad," the ruling noted. The verdict also rendered the unique identification number not mandatory for new mobile connections and banking services, however, it will still be required for Personal Account Number (PAN) and for filing ITR.

Rahul thanks Supreme Court for supporting 'Congress's vision' on Aadhaar

The following is the chronology of events leading up to the Supreme Court on Wednesday declaring the Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme as constitutionally valid although it struck down some provisions including the linking of the biometric ID with bank accounts, mobile phones and school admissions:

* January 2009: Planning Commission notification on UIDAI.

* 2010-2011: National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010 introduced.

* November&nbsp;2012: Retired Justice K S Puttaswamy and others file PILs in SC challenging validity of Aadhaar.

* November 2013: Supreme Court orders all states and Union Territories be impleaded as respondents.

* March 3, 2016: Aadhaar Bill, 2016 introduced in Lok Sabha; later passed as Money Bill.

* May 2017: Former Union minister and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh moves SC challenging the Centre's decision to treat Aadhaar bill as a money bill.

* August 24, 2017: Supreme Court nine-judge bench rules that right to privacy is a fundamental right.

* December 15: Supreme Court extends deadline for mandatory linking of Aadhaar with various services and welfare schemes till March 31, 2018.

* January 17, 2018: Supreme Court five-judge bench begins hearing Aadhaar case.

* January 25: Supreme Court asks Chhattisgarh HC to modify in 10 days its order directing all trial courts in the state to mandatorily accept copies of Aadhaar card for releasing an accused on bail.

* February 19: Delhi BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeks direction to EC to take appropriate steps to implement an 'Aadhaar based election voting system'.

* February 21: Supreme Court says the alleged defect that citizens' biometric details under the Aadhaar scheme were being collected without any law, could be cured by subsequently bringing a statute.

* March 7: Supreme Court says Aadhaar number not mandatory for enrolment of students in all India exams.

* March 13: SC extends March 31 deadline of Aadhaar linking till it gives its order.

* March 22: UIDAI CEO says breaking the Aadhaar encryption may take "more than the age of the universe for the fastest computer on earth".

* March&nbsp;28: Social activist Reshma Prasad seeks direction to the Centre to create a separate third gender category option on PAN cards for transgenders.

* April 3: Centre tells SC Aadhaar law is just, fair &amp; reasonable.

* April 17: Supreme Court raises concerns that there is a threat of Aadhaar data misuse.

* April 25: Supreme Court questions Centre on mandatory seeding of Aadhaar with mobile.

* May 10: Supreme Court reserves verdict.

* September 26: SC upholds constitutional validity of Aadhaar but strikes down certain provisions 
Including its linking with bank accounts, mobile phones and school admissions.&nbsp;

The following is the chronology of events leading up to the Supreme Court on Wednesday declaring the Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme as constitutionally valid although it struck down some provisions including the linking of the biometric ID with bank accounts, mobile phones and school admissions: * January 2009: Planning Commission notification on UIDAI.

The following is the chronology of events leading up to the Supreme Court on Wednesday declaring the Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme as constitutionally valid although it struck down some provisions including the linking of the biometric ID with bank accounts, mobile phones and school admissions: * January 2009: Planning Commission notification on UIDAI. * 2010-2011: National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010 introduced. * November 2012: Retired Justice K S Puttaswamy and others file PILs in SC challenging validity of Aadhaar. * November 2013: Supreme Court orders all states and Union Territories be impleaded as respondents. * March 3, 2016: Aadhaar Bill, 2016 introduced in Lok Sabha; later passed as Money Bill. * May 2017: Former Union minister and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh moves SC challenging the Centre's decision to treat Aadhaar bill as a money bill. * August 24, 2017: Supreme Court nine-judge bench rules that right to privacy is a fundamental right. * December 15: Supreme Court extends deadline for mandatory linking of Aadhaar with various services and welfare schemes till March 31, 2018. * January 17, 2018: Supreme Court five-judge bench begins hearing Aadhaar case. * January 25: Supreme Court asks Chhattisgarh HC to modify in 10 days its order directing all trial courts in the state to mandatorily accept copies of Aadhaar card for releasing an accused on bail. * February 19: Delhi BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeks direction to EC to take appropriate steps to implement an 'Aadhaar based election voting system'. * February 21: Supreme Court says the alleged defect that citizens' biometric details under the Aadhaar scheme were being collected without any law, could be cured by subsequently bringing a statute. * March 7: Supreme Court says Aadhaar number not mandatory for enrolment of students in all India exams. * March 13: SC extends March 31 deadline of Aadhaar linking till it gives its order. * March 22: UIDAI CEO says breaking the Aadhaar encryption may take "more than the age of the universe for the fastest computer on earth". * March 28: Social activist Reshma Prasad seeks direction to the Centre to create a separate third gender category option on PAN cards for transgenders. * April 3: Centre tells SC Aadhaar law is just, fair & reasonable. * April 17: Supreme Court raises concerns that there is a threat of Aadhaar data misuse. * April 25: Supreme Court questions Centre on mandatory seeding of Aadhaar with mobile. * May 10: Supreme Court reserves verdict. * September 26: SC upholds constitutional validity of Aadhaar but strikes down certain provisions Including its linking with bank accounts, mobile phones and school admissions.

Aadhaar judgement: The timeline of Aadhaar case

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday passed a crucial verdict as it upheld the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme.&nbsp;

The historic verdict was pronounced by a constitutional bench of five- judges comprising -- Justices AK Sikri, AM Khawilkar, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan -- led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

Following are the quotable quotes the five judges.

It is better to be unique than the best.&nbsp;Best is number one, but unique means the only one: Justice A K Sikri&nbsp;

"Only minimum biometrics of iris and fingerprints are sought. The information is collected in silos. There is no merging of silos. Authentication is not on the Internet, nature of the transaction is not shared and registered devices are used," said justice Sikri while ruling out the scare that Aadhaar could lead to a surveillance state.

"There is nothing in the Aadhaar Act that violates right to privacy of an individual, " said Justice Sikri.

"There is no possibility of obtaining a duplicate Aadhaar card", he said, adding "there is sufficient defence mechanism for authentication in Aadhaar scheme."

"Mandating Aadhaar for benefits and services under Section 7 would lead to a situation in which citizens will not be able to live without Aadhaar," observed Justice Chandrachud.

"Aadhaar negates pluralistic identities and reduces a person to just 12 digits," Said Justice Chandrachud.

Justice Chandrachud says "UIDAI has no accountability/responsibility for storage or leakage of data."

Justice Bhushan says biometric data contains certain personal information of citizens and the breach, if any, has to be ascertained.

"Government and UIDAI are empowered to cure defects in Aadhaar scheme" 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday passed a crucial verdict as it upheld the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme. The historic verdict was pronounced by a constitutional bench of five- judges comprising -- Justices AK Sikri, AM Khawilkar, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan -- led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday passed a crucial verdict as it upheld the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme. The historic verdict was pronounced by a constitutional bench of five- judges comprising -- Justices AK Sikri, AM Khawilkar, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan -- led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. Following are the quotable quotes the five judges. It is better to be unique than the best. Best is number one, but unique means the only one: Justice A K Sikri "Only minimum biometrics of iris and fingerprints are sought. The information is collected in silos. There is no merging of silos. Authentication is not on the Internet, nature of the transaction is not shared and registered devices are used," said justice Sikri while ruling out the scare that Aadhaar could lead to a surveillance state. "There is nothing in the Aadhaar Act that violates right to privacy of an individual, " said Justice Sikri. "There is no possibility of obtaining a duplicate Aadhaar card", he said, adding "there is sufficient defence mechanism for authentication in Aadhaar scheme." "Mandating Aadhaar for benefits and services under Section 7 would lead to a situation in which citizens will not be able to live without Aadhaar," observed Justice Chandrachud. "Aadhaar negates pluralistic identities and reduces a person to just 12 digits," Said Justice Chandrachud. Justice Chandrachud says "UIDAI has no accountability/responsibility for storage or leakage of data." Justice Bhushan says biometric data contains certain personal information of citizens and the breach, if any, has to be ascertained. "Government and UIDAI are empowered to cure defects in Aadhaar scheme"

Aadhaar judgement: Quotable quotes of judges

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday broke his silence on the charges of corruption levelled against him by the BJP and said the ruling party had been indulging in a "baseless political witch-hunt" against him for the last four years.&nbsp;

''BJP rakes up my name every time they are cornered whether its falling rupee, soaring oil prices or this latest number when they have been totally exposed selling out nation on Rafale,'' Vadra was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

BJP should tell nation truth about Rafale deal rather than hide behind 'bunch of lies' that people are fed up of hearing, he reportedly told ANI. &nbsp;

Accusing BJP of indulging in a baseless political witch-hunt against him for last 4 years, Vadra said having all the agencies under their beck and call....no one knows better than the present government and the BJP that they have indulged in a baseless political witch hunt against me for the last 4 years.

The BJP dragged the Gandhi family into the intensifying political row over the fighter aircraft deal, with Union minister Gajendra Shekhawat alleging that the U<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-scrapped-rafale-deal-vadras-firm-wasnt-made-middleman-bjp-167508">PA government had called off the multi-billion dollar deal</a> after a private company linked to Vadra was not chosen as a broker.&nbsp;

The Rafale controversy took 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" on selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance 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;

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday broke his silence on the charges of corruption levelled against him by the BJP and said the ruling party had been indulging in a "baseless political witch-hunt" against him for the last four years.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra Wednesday broke his silence on the charges of corruption levelled against him by the BJP and said the ruling party had been indulging in a "baseless political witch-hunt" against him for the last four years. ''BJP rakes up my name every time they are cornered whether its falling rupee, soaring oil prices or this latest number when they have been totally exposed selling out nation on Rafale,'' Vadra was quoted as saying. BJP should tell nation truth about Rafale deal rather than hide behind 'bunch of lies' that people are fed up of hearing, he reportedly told ANI. Accusing BJP of indulging in a baseless political witch-hunt against him for last 4 years, Vadra said having all the agencies under their beck and call....no one knows better than the present government and the BJP that they have indulged in a baseless political witch hunt against me for the last 4 years. The BJP dragged the Gandhi family into the intensifying political row over the fighter aircraft deal, with Union minister Gajendra Shekhawat alleging that the UPA government had called off the multi-billion dollar deal after a private company linked to Vadra was not chosen as a broker. The Rafale controversy took 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" on selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance 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.

BJP indulging in political witch hunt against me for 4 years: Robert Vadra 

The UIDAI Wednesday termed the Supreme Court judgement, which upheld Aadhaar as a constitutionally valid scheme, as a victory.

The Unique Identification Authority of India CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey told&nbsp;that the 4:1 apex court judgement announced Wednesday is in favour of Aadhaar.

"It is 4:1 judgement in favour of Aadhaar. The court has declared Aadhaar constitutionally valid. It is a money bill. It can be used for pan card. It empowers poor and marginalised section. Aadhaar can be used for subsidies and government schemes so that there is no leakage of government funds. It can be used for income tax so that tax evasion and black money can be curbed," Pandey said.

The Supreme Court Wednesday declared the Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme as Constitutionally valid. The apex court's five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said Aadhaar is meant to help benefits reach the marginalised sections of the society and takes into account the dignity of people not only from personal but also from community point of view.

Justice Sikri struck down Section 57 of Aadhaar Act permitting private entities to avail Aadhaar data and ruled that Aadhaar authentication data cannot be stored for more than six months.

Reacting to the court order of annulling section 57, Pandey said: "The court has restricted private usage (of Aadhaar) without any backing of Law. Same has been suggested by Justice Shrikrishna Committee".

The top court said Aadhaar is serving much bigger public interest and Aadhaar means unique and it is better to be unique than being best. There are three sets of judgements being pronounced on the issue.

The first of the three verdicts was pronounced by Justice A K Sikri, who wrote the judgement himself, CJI and Justice A M Khanwilkar. Justice Sikri said robust data protection regime has to be brought in place as early as possible.

The Supreme Court added that CBSE, NEET, UGC cannot make Aadhaar mandatory and it is not compulsory for school admissions. The apex court also said the linking of Aadhaar for opening of bank accounts and for mobile connections is not mandatory.

Cyber Security expert and Indian Infosec Consortium CEO Jiten Jain said that the custodians and interpreters of constitution have delivered a wonderful judgement on Aadhaar, which has taken into account privacy concerns of all stakeholder specially citizens.

"I am happy that Aadhar Act has been upheld and private sector entities have been virtually barred from collecting or linking Aadhar to any services they provide. (The) Supreme court has made it clear that governments can use Aadhaar to serve society but cannot use it to become dangerous master," Jain said.&nbsp;

The UIDAI Wednesday termed the Supreme Court judgement, which upheld Aadhaar as a constitutionally valid scheme, as a victory. The Unique Identification Authority of India CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey told that the 4:1 apex court judgement announced Wednesday is in favour of Aadhaar.

The UIDAI Wednesday termed the Supreme Court judgement, which upheld Aadhaar as a constitutionally valid scheme, as a victory. The Unique Identification Authority of India CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey told that the 4:1 apex court judgement announced Wednesday is in favour of Aadhaar. "It is 4:1 judgement in favour of Aadhaar. The court has declared Aadhaar constitutionally valid. It is a money bill. It can be used for pan card. It empowers poor and marginalised section. Aadhaar can be used for subsidies and government schemes so that there is no leakage of government funds. It can be used for income tax so that tax evasion and black money can be curbed," Pandey said. The Supreme Court Wednesday declared the Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme as Constitutionally valid. The apex court's five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said Aadhaar is meant to help benefits reach the marginalised sections of the society and takes into account the dignity of people not only from personal but also from community point of view. Justice Sikri struck down Section 57 of Aadhaar Act permitting private entities to avail Aadhaar data and ruled that Aadhaar authentication data cannot be stored for more than six months. Reacting to the court order of annulling section 57, Pandey said: "The court has restricted private usage (of Aadhaar) without any backing of Law. Same has been suggested by Justice Shrikrishna Committee". The top court said Aadhaar is serving much bigger public interest and Aadhaar means unique and it is better to be unique than being best. There are three sets of judgements being pronounced on the issue. The first of the three verdicts was pronounced by Justice A K Sikri, who wrote the judgement himself, CJI and Justice A M Khanwilkar. Justice Sikri said robust data protection regime has to be brought in place as early as possible. The Supreme Court added that CBSE, NEET, UGC cannot make Aadhaar mandatory and it is not compulsory for school admissions. The apex court also said the linking of Aadhaar for opening of bank accounts and for mobile connections is not mandatory. Cyber Security expert and Indian Infosec Consortium CEO Jiten Jain said that the custodians and interpreters of constitution have delivered a wonderful judgement on Aadhaar, which has taken into account privacy concerns of all stakeholder specially citizens. "I am happy that Aadhar Act has been upheld and private sector entities have been virtually barred from collecting or linking Aadhar to any services they provide. (The) Supreme court has made it clear that governments can use Aadhaar to serve society but cannot use it to become dangerous master," Jain said.

Aadhaar verdict: UIDAI sees victory in Supreme Court judgement, says private usage restricted

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-upholds-validity-aadhaar-says-cant-be-insisted-education-and-banking">Aadhaar Act</a> could not have been passed as Money Bill as it amounts to a fraud on the Constitution and is liable to be struck down, Supreme Court Justice D Y Chandrachud said Wednesday.

Justice Chandrachud, who was part of the five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, wrote a separate judgement saying he had expressed some views different from that of the verdict pronounced by Justice A K Sikri.

Bypassing the Rajya Sabha to pass the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/complete-list-services-exempted-aadhaar-supreme-court-directive-167758"> Aadhaar Act</a> amounted to subterfuge and the law was liable to be struck down as being violative of Article 110 of the Constitution, he ruled.

Article 110 has specific grounds for Money Bill and the Aadhaar law went beyond this, Justice Chandrachud said, adding that in the current form, the Act cannot be held to be constitutional.

He observed that the enactment of the Act does not save the Centre's Aadhaar scheme.

Noting that mobile phone has become an important feature of life and its seeding with Aadhaar posed a grave threat to privacy, liberty, autonomy, he favoured deletion of consumers' Aadhaar data by the mobile service providers.

Maintaining that the Prevention of Money Laundering Act Rules proceeded on assumption that every bank account holder is a money launderer, he said the assumption that every individual who opens a bank account is a potential terrorist or a launderer is "draconian", he said.

Justice Chandrachud also said collection of data may lead to individual profiling of citizens.

He said the Aadhaar programme violated informational privacy, self-determination and data protection. It has been admitted by UIDAI that it stores vital data which is violative of right to privacy, he added.

This data was vulnerable to be misused by third party and private vendors, and that too, without the consent of an individual, Justice Chandrachud maintained and said the Aadhaar project has failed to remedy the flaws in its design, leading to exclusion.

Allowing private players to use Aadhaar will lead to profiling, which could be used to ascertain the political views of citizens, the judge, who pronounced his separate verdict, said.

He also held that denial of social welfare measures was violation of fundamental rights of citizens.

There is no institutional responsibility of the UIDAI to protect the data of citizens, he said, adding that there was absence of a regulatory mechanism to provide robust data protection.

However, he said it was now impossible to live in India without Aadhaar but it was violative of Article 14.

If Aadhaar is seeded with every database, then there is chance of infringement of right to privacy, he said.

Justice Chandrachud said while Parliament possesses the right to make a law, the absence of protection leads to violation of various rights.

The Aadhaar Act could not have been passed as Money Bill as it amounts to a fraud on the Constitution and is liable to be struck down, Supreme Court Justice D Y Chandrachud said Wednesday.

The Aadhaar Act could not have been passed as Money Bill as it amounts to a fraud on the Constitution and is liable to be struck down, Supreme Court Justice D Y Chandrachud said Wednesday. Justice Chandrachud, who was part of the five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, wrote a separate judgement saying he had expressed some views different from that of the verdict pronounced by Justice A K Sikri. Bypassing the Rajya Sabha to pass the Aadhaar Act amounted to subterfuge and the law was liable to be struck down as being violative of Article 110 of the Constitution, he ruled. Article 110 has specific grounds for Money Bill and the Aadhaar law went beyond this, Justice Chandrachud said, adding that in the current form, the Act cannot be held to be constitutional. He observed that the enactment of the Act does not save the Centre's Aadhaar scheme. Noting that mobile phone has become an important feature of life and its seeding with Aadhaar posed a grave threat to privacy, liberty, autonomy, he favoured deletion of consumers' Aadhaar data by the mobile service providers. Maintaining that the Prevention of Money Laundering Act Rules proceeded on assumption that every bank account holder is a money launderer, he said the assumption that every individual who opens a bank account is a potential terrorist or a launderer is "draconian", he said. Justice Chandrachud also said collection of data may lead to individual profiling of citizens. He said the Aadhaar programme violated informational privacy, self-determination and data protection. It has been admitted by UIDAI that it stores vital data which is violative of right to privacy, he added. This data was vulnerable to be misused by third party and private vendors, and that too, without the consent of an individual, Justice Chandrachud maintained and said the Aadhaar project has failed to remedy the flaws in its design, leading to exclusion. Allowing private players to use Aadhaar will lead to profiling, which could be used to ascertain the political views of citizens, the judge, who pronounced his separate verdict, said. He also held that denial of social welfare measures was violation of fundamental rights of citizens. There is no institutional responsibility of the UIDAI to protect the data of citizens, he said, adding that there was absence of a regulatory mechanism to provide robust data protection. However, he said it was now impossible to live in India without Aadhaar but it was violative of Article 14. If Aadhaar is seeded with every database, then there is chance of infringement of right to privacy, he said. Justice Chandrachud said while Parliament possesses the right to make a law, the absence of protection leads to violation of various rights.

Aadhaar law couldn't have been passed as Money Bill, amounts to fraud on Constitution: Justice Chandrachud

Hours after Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar, former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram launched a scathing attack on the government and said that BJP led NDA tried to convert Aadhaar into a ''monster'' that will rule every aspect of a person's life.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
''The NDA tried to convert <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/complete-list-services-exempted-aadhaar-supreme-court-directive-167758">Aadhaar</a> into a monster that will rule every aspect of a person's life. And the NDA had been firmly rebuffed,'' Chidambaram tweeted.

The majority judgment in the Aadhaar case has retrieved the UPA's ''original'' idea of Aadhaar, he said in another tweet.

Aadhaar was meant to be a ''benign instrument'' to deliver benefits, subsidies and services to the poor. Glad that the UPA's policy has been vindicated, he said.

Picking on NDA, the Congress leader said the dissenting judgment of Justice Chandrachud has many valuable lessons for all governments,&nbsp;

''The dissenting judgment of Justice Chandrachud has many valuable lessons for all governments, especially the imperious NDA government. They would do well to heed those lessons,'' he said in another tweet.

Justice Chandrachud in his judgment said passing of Aadhaar Act as Money Bill is a fraud on the Constitution.&nbsp;

''The Act came perilously close to being struck down on the ground it was passed as a Money Bill when it was not. The Act was saved by judicial forbearance,''&nbsp;Chidambaram said.

Several provisions of the Act and the Regulations have been struck down as unconstitutional, he said and added the Supreme Court judgement is a humbling lesson for the Ministry of Law.

Congress leader said&nbsp;Aadhaar remains work in progress and the future government will surely bring in amendments.

''For now, we can be satisfied that a rampaging government has been restrained and the reach of Aadhaar has been contained to benefits, subsidies and services paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India,'' he further said.

Hours after Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar, former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram launched a scathing attack on the government and said that BJP led NDA tried to convert Aadhaar into a ''monster'' that will rule every aspect of a person's life.

Hours after Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar, former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram launched a scathing attack on the government and said that BJP led NDA tried to convert Aadhaar into a ''monster'' that will rule every aspect of a person's life. ''The NDA tried to convert Aadhaar into a monster that will rule every aspect of a person's life. And the NDA had been firmly rebuffed,'' Chidambaram tweeted. The majority judgment in the Aadhaar case has retrieved the UPA's ''original'' idea of Aadhaar, he said in another tweet. Aadhaar was meant to be a ''benign instrument'' to deliver benefits, subsidies and services to the poor. Glad that the UPA's policy has been vindicated, he said. Picking on NDA, the Congress leader said the dissenting judgment of Justice Chandrachud has many valuable lessons for all governments, ''The dissenting judgment of Justice Chandrachud has many valuable lessons for all governments, especially the imperious NDA government. They would do well to heed those lessons,'' he said in another tweet. Justice Chandrachud in his judgment said passing of Aadhaar Act as Money Bill is a fraud on the Constitution. ''The Act came perilously close to being struck down on the ground it was passed as a Money Bill when it was not. The Act was saved by judicial forbearance,'' Chidambaram said. Several provisions of the Act and the Regulations have been struck down as unconstitutional, he said and added the Supreme Court judgement is a humbling lesson for the Ministry of Law. Congress leader said Aadhaar remains work in progress and the future government will surely bring in amendments. ''For now, we can be satisfied that a rampaging government has been restrained and the reach of Aadhaar has been contained to benefits, subsidies and services paid out of the Consolidated Fund of India,'' he further said.

NDA tried to convert Aadhaar into a 'monster': P Chidambaram 

Finance minister Arun Jaitley welcomed Supreme Court's decision of upholding the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme as he called the verdict "historic" and said that its concept has been accepted after judicial review.

"It is a historic order, Aadhaar's concept has been accepted after judicial review, we welcome this decision of Supreme Court," Jaitley said in a press briefing after he chaired a cabinet meeting in the capital.

Taking a dig at Congress, Jaitley said, "Everyone who has been criticizing Aadhaar should understand that they cannot defy technology. Mainstream should accept changes, one can understand the fringe being against".

He continued his attack by saying that the "Congress cuts a very sorry figure here, they introduced the idea but they did not know what to do with it." &nbsp;

Elaborating on the importance of Aadhaar for proper distribution of welfare scheme and its benefits, he said&nbsp;the government is saving over Rs 90,000 crore due to Aadhaar.

The top court pronounced its crucial verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme and its enabling 2016 law today where it <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-upholds-validity-aadhaar-says-cant-be-insisted-education-and-banking">upheld the validity of the Unique Identification number</a>.

"Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies. CBSE, UGC and NEET making Adhaar making mandatory are bad," said Supreme Court.

The court's judgement means that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/complete-list-services-exempted-aadhaar-supreme-court-directive-167758">private bodies like mobile telecom operator companies</a>, e-commerce firms, private banks cannot mandatorily ask for Aadhaar details of their customers.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley welcomed Supreme Court's decision of upholding the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme as he called the verdict "historic" and said that its concept has been accepted after judicial review.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley welcomed Supreme Court's decision of upholding the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme as he called the verdict "historic" and said that its concept has been accepted after judicial review. "It is a historic order, Aadhaar's concept has been accepted after judicial review, we welcome this decision of Supreme Court," Jaitley said in a press briefing after he chaired a cabinet meeting in the capital. Taking a dig at Congress, Jaitley said, "Everyone who has been criticizing Aadhaar should understand that they cannot defy technology. Mainstream should accept changes, one can understand the fringe being against". He continued his attack by saying that the "Congress cuts a very sorry figure here, they introduced the idea but they did not know what to do with it." Elaborating on the importance of Aadhaar for proper distribution of welfare scheme and its benefits, he said the government is saving over Rs 90,000 crore due to Aadhaar. The top court pronounced its crucial verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme and its enabling 2016 law today where it upheld the validity of the Unique Identification number. "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies. CBSE, UGC and NEET making Adhaar making mandatory are bad," said Supreme Court. The court's judgement means that private bodies like mobile telecom operator companies, e-commerce firms, private banks cannot mandatorily ask for Aadhaar details of their customers.

'It is a historic order', says Jaitley after Supreme Court's Aadhaar verdict

The Supreme Court today allowed "live streaming" in certain cases.&nbsp;Live streaming will bring transparency, the apex court said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-streaming-of-court-proceedings-can-be-undertaken-centre-tells-supreme-court-150168">Also Read:&nbsp;Live streaming of court proceedings can be undertaken,&nbsp;Centre tells Supreme Court</a>

The three-judge bench while delivering the verdict said it will "serve public interest".

The top court said "it will start from the Supreme Court. Rules have to be followed for this. Live streaming of court proceedings will bring accountability into the judicial system."

Senior advocate Indira Jaising in her petition had sought live streaming of court proceedings in cases that are of "constitutional and national importance having an impact on the public at large or a large number of people."&nbsp;

The petition said live streaming of cases of constitutional and national importance would empower and provide access to ''ordinary citizens'' who cannot personally go to the court due to social and economic constraints, even though the decision might impact them.

Enabling citizens to understand the reasoning in cases affecting their rights forms part of their right to dignity and is an intrinsic value of their right to be heard under Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution, the petition added.

The Supreme Court today allowed "live streaming" in certain cases. Live streaming will bring transparency, the apex court said. Also Read: Live streaming of court proceedings can be undertaken, Centre tells Supreme Court The three-judge bench while delivering the verdict said it will "serve public interest".

The Supreme Court today allowed "live streaming" in certain cases. Live streaming will bring transparency, the apex court said. Also Read: Live streaming of court proceedings can be undertaken, Centre tells Supreme Court The three-judge bench while delivering the verdict said it will "serve public interest". The top court said "it will start from the Supreme Court. Rules have to be followed for this. Live streaming of court proceedings will bring accountability into the judicial system." Senior advocate Indira Jaising in her petition had sought live streaming of court proceedings in cases that are of "constitutional and national importance having an impact on the public at large or a large number of people." The petition said live streaming of cases of constitutional and national importance would empower and provide access to ''ordinary citizens'' who cannot personally go to the court due to social and economic constraints, even though the decision might impact them. Enabling citizens to understand the reasoning in cases affecting their rights forms part of their right to dignity and is an intrinsic value of their right to be heard under Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution, the petition added.

Supreme Court allows live streaming of court proceedings in 'certain cases'

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-upholds-validity-aadhaar-says-cant-be-insisted-education-and-banking">upheld the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme</a>. The top court, in its verdict today, stated that "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies. CBSE, UGC and NEET making Adhaar making mandatory are bad," the ruling noted.&nbsp;

The verdict also rendered the unique identification number not mandatory for new mobile connections and banking services, however, it will still be required for Personal Account Number (PAN) and for filing ITR.&nbsp;

Here's a complete list of services which will no longer require a citizen to produce Aadhaar details:

<ul>
	<li>School admissions</li>
	<li>Opening bank accounts</li>
	<li>Mobile connections</li>
	<li>CBSE, NEET and UGC exams</li>
</ul>

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra held that while Aadhaar would remain mandatory for the filing of IT returns and allotment of Permanent Account Number (PAN), it would not be mandatory to link Aadhaar to bank accounts and telecom service providers cannot seek its linking of Aadhaar for mobile connections.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadhaar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadhaar</a> verdict: Aadhaar mandatory for PAN linking; not compulsory for UGC, NEET &amp; CBSE exams &amp; school admissions. Aadhaar not needed for opening a bank a/c, no mobile company can demand Aadhaar, private companies can't seek Aadhaar data <a href="https://t.co/pNkkfthB6d">pic.twitter.com/pNkkfthB6d</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044838112394956800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It would also not be mandatory for school admissions, as also for the examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Examination, National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for medical entrance and the University Grants Commission.

Justice AK Sikri read out the majority judgment in the case. Justice Sikri started his Aadhaar judgment by saying, "It is better to be unique than the best." &nbsp;He further added that Aadhaar has become the most talked about expression in the recent years.

Justice Sikri said that "the Judgment also deals with Proportionality doctrine, compelling State interest and Strict Scrutiny Test." Talking about the judgment, Justice Sikri said that the concept of Human dignity has been enlarged in it.

Justice Chandrachud&nbsp;said that the Aadhaar project, "failed to remedy the flaws in its design and has led to exclusion."

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Supreme Court on Aadhaar matter: Justice Chandrachud says, "Aadhaar violates the right to privacy as it could possibly lead to profiling of persons and voters" <a href="https://t.co/JLHZkeguRj">pic.twitter.com/JLHZkeguRj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044837655127760897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There is no institutional responsibility of UIDAI to protect data of citizens, said Justice Chandrachud.

"Data vulnerable to misuse by any third party, private vendors, that too without the consent of an individual," he added.&nbsp;

The bench also struck down the national security exception under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday upheld the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme. The top court, in its verdict today, stated that "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies.

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday upheld the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme. The top court, in its verdict today, stated that "Aadhaar cannot be insisted upon in schools and private companies. CBSE, UGC and NEET making Adhaar making mandatory are bad," the ruling noted. The verdict also rendered the unique identification number not mandatory for new mobile connections and banking services, however, it will still be required for Personal Account Number (PAN) and for filing ITR. Here's a complete list of services which will no longer require a citizen to produce Aadhaar details: School admissions Opening bank accounts Mobile connections CBSE, NEET and UGC exams A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra held that while Aadhaar would remain mandatory for the filing of IT returns and allotment of Permanent Account Number (PAN), it would not be mandatory to link Aadhaar to bank accounts and telecom service providers cannot seek its linking of Aadhaar for mobile connections. #Aadhaar verdict: Aadhaar mandatory for PAN linking; not compulsory for UGC, NEET & CBSE exams & school admissions. Aadhaar not needed for opening a bank a/c, no mobile company can demand Aadhaar, private companies can't seek Aadhaar data pic.twitter.com/pNkkfthB6d — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2018 × It would also not be mandatory for school admissions, as also for the examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Examination, National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for medical entrance and the University Grants Commission. Justice AK Sikri read out the majority judgment in the case. Justice Sikri started his Aadhaar judgment by saying, "It is better to be unique than the best." He further added that Aadhaar has become the most talked about expression in the recent years. Justice Sikri said that "the Judgment also deals with Proportionality doctrine, compelling State interest and Strict Scrutiny Test." Talking about the judgment, Justice Sikri said that the concept of Human dignity has been enlarged in it. Justice Chandrachud said that the Aadhaar project, "failed to remedy the flaws in its design and has led to exclusion." Supreme Court on Aadhaar matter: Justice Chandrachud says, "Aadhaar violates the right to privacy as it could possibly lead to profiling of persons and voters" pic.twitter.com/JLHZkeguRj — ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2018 × There is no institutional responsibility of UIDAI to protect data of citizens, said Justice Chandrachud. "Data vulnerable to misuse by any third party, private vendors, that too without the consent of an individual," he added. The bench also struck down the national security exception under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act. (With inputs from PTI)

Complete list of services exempted from Aadhaar as per Supreme Court directive 

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