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Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Tuesday he had sent a legal notice to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over alleged irregularities in the Rafale deal.

In the notice, the AAP leader demanded that the Rafale deal be scrapped and Dassault Reliance Aerospace be barred from handling or manufacturing Rafale fighter jets. He also sought a probe by a Supreme Court-monitored special investigation team (SIT).

"My client (Singh) is constrained to issue this legal notice in the subject matter (Rafale Deal) due to your covert actions and deeds with regard to the pricing and induction of strategic partner of a company with zero credentials much to the detriment to the security of the nation," the notice, sent to Sitharaman by Singh's lawyers, read.

He threatened to approach the court if the defence minister failed to heed to his demands in the next three days. A legal notice is a precursor to a case being filed in a court. 
Commenting on the issue, Singh said, "The Rafale deal involves a 'mahaghotala' (mega scam) of Rs 36,000 crore. When I raised the issue in the Parliament, along with other UPA MPs, Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre gave contradictory replies."

"Our allegations have been proved by French former president (Francois) Hollande's statement. I also asked the government why the 78-year-old HAL was denied manufacturing of the planes, while a 12-day-old Reliance company was given (the contract). No reply has been given by the government," Singh told reporters.

The Rafale controversy took a new turn last week after Hollande, who was the 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 the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government had proposed the name of Reliance as the offset partner for the aerospace giant.

Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.&nbsp;

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Tuesday he had sent a legal notice to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over alleged irregularities in the Rafale deal.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Tuesday he had sent a legal notice to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over alleged irregularities in the Rafale deal. In the notice, the AAP leader demanded that the Rafale deal be scrapped and Dassault Reliance Aerospace be barred from handling or manufacturing Rafale fighter jets. He also sought a probe by a Supreme Court-monitored special investigation team (SIT). "My client (Singh) is constrained to issue this legal notice in the subject matter (Rafale Deal) due to your covert actions and deeds with regard to the pricing and induction of strategic partner of a company with zero credentials much to the detriment to the security of the nation," the notice, sent to Sitharaman by Singh's lawyers, read. He threatened to approach the court if the defence minister failed to heed to his demands in the next three days. A legal notice is a precursor to a case being filed in a court. Commenting on the issue, Singh said, "The Rafale deal involves a 'mahaghotala' (mega scam) of Rs 36,000 crore. When I raised the issue in the Parliament, along with other UPA MPs, Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre gave contradictory replies." "Our allegations have been proved by French former president (Francois) Hollande's statement. I also asked the government why the 78-year-old HAL was denied manufacturing of the planes, while a 12-day-old Reliance company was given (the contract). No reply has been given by the government," Singh told reporters. The Rafale controversy took a new turn last week after Hollande, who was the 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 the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government had proposed the name of Reliance as the offset partner for the aerospace giant. Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.

AAP leader sends legal notice to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over Rafale deal

A Haryana court on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of a doctor and accused in the Rewari gang rape case Sanjeev.

According to a report, the bail plea was rejected after the Special Investigation Team argues that the investigation is still pending and more arrests were to be made.

Prime accused Nishu was remanded in judicial custody till October 5 at the end of his four-day police remand.

Haryana Police on Sunday had arrested two key accused in the case, including an Army man, who kept changing their hideouts when they were on the run.

The accused Sanjeev was a medical practitioner who had attended to the woman first after the crime and Deendayal was the owner of the property where she was allegedly gang-raped

Army man Pankaj and another key accused Manish were nabbed from Satnali in Mahendergarh district in the morning near a dhaba, head of Special Investigation Team, which had been set up to probe into the case, said briefing the media at Rewari after their arrest.

Many local villagers have alleged that the property where the victim was gang-raped was used for "nefarious activities" in the past. The SIT said these allegations are already under investigation.

A woman was abducted at a bus stop in Kanina town in neighbouring Mahendragarh district on September 12 while she was on the way to a coaching class.

She was allegedly drugged and gang-raped at a room housing a tubewell for irrigation.

The gangrape had prompted opposition parties to demand Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's resignation on moral grounds, alleging the state had failed to protect its daughters.

 
After the incident took place on September 12, the Haryana Police had set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Mewat SP Naazneen Bhasin and announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of the main accused in the case.

The victim's mother, while demanding capital punishment for the prime accused, had earlier told reporters earlier that her daughter was in "acute trauma" after the incident.

Doctors who attended on the victim too had said she was in "severe trauma", though her vital health parameters were said to be stable. 
The police had drawn flak for allegedly not initiating prompt action after the complaint was registered.

After the shunting out of Rewari Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Duggal, a woman assistant sub-inspector had later been suspended over alleged delay in taking action in the gangrape case.

The victim's family had alleged that the police failed to take prompt action on their complaint and delayed action by citing jurisdictional issues between their units in Rewari and Mahendragarh districts.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Haryana court on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of a doctor and accused in the Rewari gang rape case Sanjeev. According to a report, the bail plea was rejected after the Special Investigation Team argues that the investigation is still pending and more arrests were to be made.

A Haryana court on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of a doctor and accused in the Rewari gang rape case Sanjeev. According to a report, the bail plea was rejected after the Special Investigation Team argues that the investigation is still pending and more arrests were to be made. Prime accused Nishu was remanded in judicial custody till October 5 at the end of his four-day police remand. Haryana Police on Sunday had arrested two key accused in the case, including an Army man, who kept changing their hideouts when they were on the run. The accused Sanjeev was a medical practitioner who had attended to the woman first after the crime and Deendayal was the owner of the property where she was allegedly gang-raped Army man Pankaj and another key accused Manish were nabbed from Satnali in Mahendergarh district in the morning near a dhaba, head of Special Investigation Team, which had been set up to probe into the case, said briefing the media at Rewari after their arrest. Many local villagers have alleged that the property where the victim was gang-raped was used for "nefarious activities" in the past. The SIT said these allegations are already under investigation. A woman was abducted at a bus stop in Kanina town in neighbouring Mahendragarh district on September 12 while she was on the way to a coaching class. She was allegedly drugged and gang-raped at a room housing a tubewell for irrigation. The gangrape had prompted opposition parties to demand Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's resignation on moral grounds, alleging the state had failed to protect its daughters. After the incident took place on September 12, the Haryana Police had set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Mewat SP Naazneen Bhasin and announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of the main accused in the case. The victim's mother, while demanding capital punishment for the prime accused, had earlier told reporters earlier that her daughter was in "acute trauma" after the incident. Doctors who attended on the victim too had said she was in "severe trauma", though her vital health parameters were said to be stable. The police had drawn flak for allegedly not initiating prompt action after the complaint was registered. After the shunting out of Rewari Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Duggal, a woman assistant sub-inspector had later been suspended over alleged delay in taking action in the gangrape case. The victim's family had alleged that the police failed to take prompt action on their complaint and delayed action by citing jurisdictional issues between their units in Rewari and Mahendragarh districts. (With inputs from agencies)

Haryana gangrape case:Bail plea of accused rejected

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Delhi Police on Tuesday filed the status report in Delhi High Court in the Sunanda Pushkar death case, news agency ANI reported, following which the court has listed the matter for final hearing on October 9.

Sunanda Pushkar, wife of senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor who is also an accused int he case, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a suite of a five-star hotel in Delhi on the of January 17, 2014.&nbsp;

The couple was staying in the hotel, as the official bungalow of Shashi Tharoor was being renovated at that time.

Delhi Police, on May 14, filed a charge sheet naming Tharoor as an accused under sections 306 (Abetment of suicide) and 498A (Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).&nbsp;

Tharoor, however, has dismissed the charge sheet describing it as "preposterous".

The Thiruvananthapuram MP was granted bail by the court on July 7 after he appeared before court after he was summoned as an accused.

He was also directed not to leave the country without permission.

Delhi Police on Tuesday filed the status report in Delhi High Court in the Sunanda Pushkar death case, news agency ANI reported, following which the court has listed the matter for final hearing on October 9.

Delhi Police on Tuesday filed the status report in Delhi High Court in the Sunanda Pushkar death case, news agency ANI reported, following which the court has listed the matter for final hearing on October 9. Sunanda Pushkar, wife of senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor who is also an accused int he case, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a suite of a five-star hotel in Delhi on the of January 17, 2014. The couple was staying in the hotel, as the official bungalow of Shashi Tharoor was being renovated at that time. Delhi Police, on May 14, filed a charge sheet naming Tharoor as an accused under sections 306 (Abetment of suicide) and 498A (Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Tharoor, however, has dismissed the charge sheet describing it as "preposterous". The Thiruvananthapuram MP was granted bail by the court on July 7 after he appeared before court after he was summoned as an accused. He was also directed not to leave the country without permission.

Sunanda Pushkar case: Final hearing to take place on October 9

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the Opposition of indulging in mud-slinging at it finds it easier than debating on issues.&nbsp;

''Opposition indulging in mud-slinging because it finds it easier than debating on issues like development,'' Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday in an apparent reference to allegations on Rafale deal.&nbsp;

Speaking at a rally in Bhopal, &nbsp;Modi also targetted the grand alliance.&nbsp;

'Maha gatbandhan' (grand alliance) has been formed due to&nbsp;fear of losing elections, Modi said and added Congress not ready to introspect why it has been reduced to 44 seats in Lok Sabha because of its arrogance, Modi said.&nbsp;

Vote-bank politics has caused immense damage to the country in 70 years after Independence. Even in the Islamic nations across the world, Triple Talaq is not accepted. But here due to vote-bank politics, the party that is led by a woman is not worried about my Muslim sisters who are victims of Triple Talaq, he said&nbsp;and added ''Our government believes in social justice''.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the Opposition of indulging in mud-slinging at it finds it easier than debating on issues. ''Opposition indulging in mud-slinging because it finds it easier than debating on issues like development,'' Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday in an apparent reference to allegations on Rafale deal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the Opposition of indulging in mud-slinging at it finds it easier than debating on issues. ''Opposition indulging in mud-slinging because it finds it easier than debating on issues like development,'' Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday in an apparent reference to allegations on Rafale deal. Speaking at a rally in Bhopal, Modi also targetted the grand alliance. 'Maha gatbandhan' (grand alliance) has been formed due to fear of losing elections, Modi said and added Congress not ready to introspect why it has been reduced to 44 seats in Lok Sabha because of its arrogance, Modi said. Vote-bank politics has caused immense damage to the country in 70 years after Independence. Even in the Islamic nations across the world, Triple Talaq is not accepted. But here due to vote-bank politics, the party that is led by a woman is not worried about my Muslim sisters who are victims of Triple Talaq, he said and added ''Our government believes in social justice''. Such is the condition of the more than 100 years old party that they are seeking certificates of much smaller parties. Had they done some introspection in the last four years then such a situation would not have arisen : PM Narendra Modi addressing party workers in Bhopal pic.twitter.com/XWvIaLW4UV — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 ×

Opposition indulging in mud-slinging as it's easier: PM Modi 

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2018 which seeks to criminalize the practice of Triple Talaq, reported news agency ANI.

The petition has been filed by the Samastha Kerala Jam’eyyath ul-Ulama, a religious organisation of the Sunni Muslim scholars and clerics based in Kerala, the report added.

The petitioner has prayed that the Triple Talaq ordinance be struck down as it violates Articles 14, 15 and 21. It further contends that the ordinance was promulgated by a misuse of Article 123 of the Constitution.

This petition comes close on the heels of a similar petition filed in the Bombay High Court, challenging the Triple Talaq Ordinance as being “illegal, null, void, unreasonable and arbitrary.”

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 was passed in the Lok Sabha in December last year. However, the Bill did not see the light of day as Opposition in the Rajya Sabha expressed reservations over some provisions.

The Centre, therefore, took the Ordinance route, introducing a few changes to the 2017 Bill.

One of the changes introduced is that the police can lodge an FIR only if approached by the victim, her blood relations, or people who become her relatives by virtue of marriage.

Further, the offence has now been made non-compoundable, where a magistrate can use his powers to settle the dispute.

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2018 which seeks to criminalize the practice of Triple Talaq, reported news agency ANI.

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2018 which seeks to criminalize the practice of Triple Talaq, reported news agency ANI. The petition has been filed by the Samastha Kerala Jam’eyyath ul-Ulama, a religious organisation of the Sunni Muslim scholars and clerics based in Kerala, the report added. The petitioner has prayed that the Triple Talaq ordinance be struck down as it violates Articles 14, 15 and 21. It further contends that the ordinance was promulgated by a misuse of Article 123 of the Constitution. This petition comes close on the heels of a similar petition filed in the Bombay High Court, challenging the Triple Talaq Ordinance as being “illegal, null, void, unreasonable and arbitrary.” The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 was passed in the Lok Sabha in December last year. However, the Bill did not see the light of day as Opposition in the Rajya Sabha expressed reservations over some provisions. The Centre, therefore, took the Ordinance route, introducing a few changes to the 2017 Bill. One of the changes introduced is that the police can lodge an FIR only if approached by the victim, her blood relations, or people who become her relatives by virtue of marriage. Further, the offence has now been made non-compoundable, where a magistrate can use his powers to settle the dispute.

Triple Talaq Ordinance challenged in Supreme Court 

The Congress Tuesday rejected BJP's claim that Rahul Gandhi wanted the Rafale deal scrapped to help a firm linked to his brother-in-law Robert Vadra and said the Modi government was responding to the alleged "scam" with abuses and mud-slinging.

On Monday, the BJP alleged that the Congress president was involved in a "conspiracy, internationally" and former French president Francois Hollande was part of the "nexus" to sabotage the Rafale deal.

Responding to the claims, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the Congress government gave the contract to state-run firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave it to Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence.

"The tender was issued in 2007 August, and on December 12, 2012, it was opened...And in March 13, 2014, the Congress government gave the offset contract to state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited," Surjewala told reporters.

He cited the statements made by Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier and former HAL chairperson T S Raju.

Hitting out at Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Modi government, Surjewala said they were responding to the Rafale "scam" with abuses and mud-slinging.

"The country has heard the tale of Ali Baba aur Chaalis Chor, now it is asking that when will Modi Baba and Chaalis Chor answer," Surjewala said in a word play on the folk tale "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves".

"Are you Ambani's PM, or the country's prime minister?" he asked.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union minister Gajendra Shekhawat had dragged the Gandhi family into the intensifying political row over the fighter aircraft deal, 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 Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000 crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart on Friday 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;

The Congress Tuesday rejected BJP's claim that Rahul Gandhi wanted the Rafale deal scrapped to help a firm linked to his brother-in-law Robert Vadra and said the Modi government was responding to the alleged "scam" with abuses and mud-slinging.

The Congress Tuesday rejected BJP's claim that Rahul Gandhi wanted the Rafale deal scrapped to help a firm linked to his brother-in-law Robert Vadra and said the Modi government was responding to the alleged "scam" with abuses and mud-slinging. On Monday, the BJP alleged that the Congress president was involved in a "conspiracy, internationally" and former French president Francois Hollande was part of the "nexus" to sabotage the Rafale deal. Responding to the claims, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the Congress government gave the contract to state-run firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave it to Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence. "The tender was issued in 2007 August, and on December 12, 2012, it was opened...And in March 13, 2014, the Congress government gave the offset contract to state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited," Surjewala told reporters. He cited the statements made by Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier and former HAL chairperson T S Raju. Hitting out at Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and the Modi government, Surjewala said they were responding to the Rafale "scam" with abuses and mud-slinging. "The country has heard the tale of Ali Baba aur Chaalis Chor, now it is asking that when will Modi Baba and Chaalis Chor answer," Surjewala said in a word play on the folk tale "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves". "Are you Ambani's PM, or the country's prime minister?" he asked. Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union minister Gajendra Shekhawat had dragged the Gandhi family into the intensifying political row over the fighter aircraft deal, 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 Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000 crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart on Friday 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 responding to Rafale 'scam' with abuses, mud-slinging: Congress

With oil traders forecasting crude oil to rise to $100 a barrel by the end of the year, Indian refiners are considering cutting back their imports and relying more on cheaper crude already stored in inventories, according to industry executives.

Benchmark Brent crude oil futures surged 2 per cent on Monday to over $80 a barrel as markets have tightened ahead of the start of sanctions by the United States on Iran, with commodity merchants Trafigura and Mercuria predicting $100 oil by the end of 2018.

The soaring oil prices are occurring at the same time emerging market currencies, such as India's rupee, are under pressure. That combination means Indian crude imports are 47 per cent more expensive this year in rupee terms.

To cope with the higher costs, India, the world's third-biggest oil importer, is considering cutting its imports and relying on stockpiled crude, said two refinery sources with knowledge of the matter who asked to remain unidentified.

The Chairman of India's biggest oil refiner Indian Oil Corp, Sanjiv Singh, confirmed the plan to cut imports in favour of stockpiled crude was discussed at a Sept. 15 meeting attended by refinery officials.

"Apart from other options we are also considering reducing inventory to cut import costs," said Singh, adding that the refiners would also look at reviewing their crude slate and widening their crude sources.

Brent has climbed 30 per cent to $80.47 a barrel on Monday from its low for the year on February 13. However, in rupee terms, Brent has gained 47 per cent since then as the Indian currency has plunged to a record low against the dollar.

The rupee was at 72.53 to the U.S. dollar at 0822 GMT.

Indian refiners must pay for their crude in dollars and the soaring import costs are becoming a headache for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government ahead of general elections next year.

India' petrol prices are among the highest in the world in terms of how much it costs as a portion of gross domestic product per person.

R. Ramachandran, the head of refiners at Bharat Petroleum Corp, also confirmed that the meeting, which included all of India's refinery companies, took place and that refiners may cut their imports.

"We are looking at various options to contain the costs including reducing our inventory. This will be a coordinated effort among refiners", he said. "If need be, we will talk to other countries for a coordinated effort."

Other Indian refiners including Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy did not respond to emailed requests for comment sent on Sunday. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd declined to comment.

Shares in Indian refiners were trading lower amid a wider sell off in the markets.

India imports more than 80 per cent of its oil needs. The country imported 4.4 million barrels per day (bpd) oil in August, costing about $12 billion, according to government data.

India's crude inventory levels are not made public.

Risky strategy

aUsing up crude inventories could save Indian refiners short-term import costs but poses the risk that if prices do not ease later on the companies will have to import more later at higher prices.

Despite this, the Indian government supports the plan, the two unidentified sources said. India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas did not respond to an email from Reuters seeking comments on the plans to curtail imports.

Former BPCL Chairman R.K. Singh said India's state refiners had resorted to this strategy in the past.

In 2013, BPCL halved its crude inventories to an average of 15 days of supply for its operations, when the rupee declined to below 68 to the dollar and oil prices were over $100 per barrel, he said.

Oil prices have steadily gained since the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) started curtailing production together with other, non-OPEC suppliers, including top crude producer Russia.

However, prices have surged recently ahead of the start of the U.S. sanctions on Iran, OPEC's third-largest producer and a major Indian crude supplier, that is set for Nov. 4.

With oil traders forecasting crude oil to rise to $100 a barrel by the end of the year, Indian refiners are considering cutting back their imports and relying more on cheaper crude already stored in inventories, according to industry executives.

With oil traders forecasting crude oil to rise to $100 a barrel by the end of the year, Indian refiners are considering cutting back their imports and relying more on cheaper crude already stored in inventories, according to industry executives. Benchmark Brent crude oil futures surged 2 per cent on Monday to over $80 a barrel as markets have tightened ahead of the start of sanctions by the United States on Iran, with commodity merchants Trafigura and Mercuria predicting $100 oil by the end of 2018. The soaring oil prices are occurring at the same time emerging market currencies, such as India's rupee, are under pressure. That combination means Indian crude imports are 47 per cent more expensive this year in rupee terms. To cope with the higher costs, India, the world's third-biggest oil importer, is considering cutting its imports and relying on stockpiled crude, said two refinery sources with knowledge of the matter who asked to remain unidentified. The Chairman of India's biggest oil refiner Indian Oil Corp, Sanjiv Singh, confirmed the plan to cut imports in favour of stockpiled crude was discussed at a Sept. 15 meeting attended by refinery officials. "Apart from other options we are also considering reducing inventory to cut import costs," said Singh, adding that the refiners would also look at reviewing their crude slate and widening their crude sources. Brent has climbed 30 per cent to $80.47 a barrel on Monday from its low for the year on February 13. However, in rupee terms, Brent has gained 47 per cent since then as the Indian currency has plunged to a record low against the dollar. The rupee was at 72.53 to the U.S. dollar at 0822 GMT. Indian refiners must pay for their crude in dollars and the soaring import costs are becoming a headache for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government ahead of general elections next year. India' petrol prices are among the highest in the world in terms of how much it costs as a portion of gross domestic product per person. R. Ramachandran, the head of refiners at Bharat Petroleum Corp, also confirmed that the meeting, which included all of India's refinery companies, took place and that refiners may cut their imports. "We are looking at various options to contain the costs including reducing our inventory. This will be a coordinated effort among refiners", he said. "If need be, we will talk to other countries for a coordinated effort." Other Indian refiners including Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy did not respond to emailed requests for comment sent on Sunday. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd declined to comment. Shares in Indian refiners were trading lower amid a wider sell off in the markets. India imports more than 80 per cent of its oil needs. The country imported 4.4 million barrels per day (bpd) oil in August, costing about $12 billion, according to government data. India's crude inventory levels are not made public. Risky strategy aUsing up crude inventories could save Indian refiners short-term import costs but poses the risk that if prices do not ease later on the companies will have to import more later at higher prices. Despite this, the Indian government supports the plan, the two unidentified sources said. India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas did not respond to an email from Reuters seeking comments on the plans to curtail imports. Former BPCL Chairman R.K. Singh said India's state refiners had resorted to this strategy in the past. In 2013, BPCL halved its crude inventories to an average of 15 days of supply for its operations, when the rupee declined to below 68 to the dollar and oil prices were over $100 per barrel, he said. Oil prices have steadily gained since the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) started curtailing production together with other, non-OPEC suppliers, including top crude producer Russia. However, prices have surged recently ahead of the start of the U.S. sanctions on Iran, OPEC's third-largest producer and a major Indian crude supplier, that is set for Nov. 4.

As oil forecasts call for $100, India considers cutting back crude imports

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been nominated for Noble Peace Prize 2019 by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu president Dr&nbsp;Tamilisai Soundarajan.

Soundarajan has nominated Prime Minister Modi for launching the world's largest healthcare scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - ''Ayushman Bharat''&nbsp;and also appealed to people to join her in nominating the Prime Minister.

The BJP Tamil Nadu president's husband, Professor Dr&nbsp;P Soundarajan, Head of Department and Senior Consultant in Nephrology at a private university in the state, has also nominated the Prime Minister for the honour.

Soundarajan said in a release, "This path-breaking initiative of visionary Prime Minister Modi will transform the lives of millions of people especially the underprivileged and vulnerable."

She added that the leading cause of poverty in India is healthcare expenditure for tertiary and secondary care.

Soundarajan further urged the healthcare institutions and medical practitioners to fully utilize the scheme, which will eventually revolutionize the health care delivery system in India.

Soundarajan also appealed to all healthcare providers in India and abroad to join her in nominating Prime Minister Modi for Nobel Peace Prize 2019.

"The last date for nomination for Noble Peace Prize 2019 is January 31, 2019. The nomination processes start in September each year. University Professors and Members of Parliament among others can also nominate our Prime Minister Modi," release from the state BJP chief's office said.

On September 23, Prime Minister Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) -Ayushman Bharat, and had termed it a "game-changer initiative to serve the poor".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been nominated for Noble Peace Prize 2019 by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu president Dr Tamilisai Soundarajan. Soundarajan has nominated Prime Minister Modi for launching the world's largest healthcare scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - ''Ayushman Bharat'' and also appealed to people to join her in nominating the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been nominated for Noble Peace Prize 2019 by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu president Dr Tamilisai Soundarajan. Soundarajan has nominated Prime Minister Modi for launching the world's largest healthcare scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - ''Ayushman Bharat'' and also appealed to people to join her in nominating the Prime Minister. The BJP Tamil Nadu president's husband, Professor Dr P Soundarajan, Head of Department and Senior Consultant in Nephrology at a private university in the state, has also nominated the Prime Minister for the honour. Soundarajan said in a release, "This path-breaking initiative of visionary Prime Minister Modi will transform the lives of millions of people especially the underprivileged and vulnerable." She added that the leading cause of poverty in India is healthcare expenditure for tertiary and secondary care. Soundarajan further urged the healthcare institutions and medical practitioners to fully utilize the scheme, which will eventually revolutionize the health care delivery system in India. Soundarajan also appealed to all healthcare providers in India and abroad to join her in nominating Prime Minister Modi for Nobel Peace Prize 2019. "The last date for nomination for Noble Peace Prize 2019 is January 31, 2019. The nomination processes start in September each year. University Professors and Members of Parliament among others can also nominate our Prime Minister Modi," release from the state BJP chief's office said. On September 23, Prime Minister Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) -Ayushman Bharat, and had termed it a "game-changer initiative to serve the poor".

Tamil Nadu BJP chief nominates PM Modi for Noble Peace Prize

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he understands the pain of jawans, Air Force officers, the families of martyred pilots as well as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited workers and will work to bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from them.&nbsp;

Gandhi addressed them all on Twitter in his apparent attack against the Narendra Modi government on the issue of the Rafale fighter jet deal.&nbsp;

"To every Air Force officer and Jawan who has served India. To the family of every martyred Indian fighter pilot. To every person who ever worked for HAL.

We hear your pain. We understand how you feel. We will bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from you," he said on Twitter.&nbsp;

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To every Air Force officer and Jawan who has served India. To the family of every martyred Indian fighter pilot. To every person who ever worked for HAL. We hear your pain. We understand how you feel. We will bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from you. <a href="https://t.co/gNFgnaYn4W">pic.twitter.com/gNFgnaYn4W</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1044499479456600064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Gandhi has been attacking the government on the Rafale deal, accusing the Modi government and the prime minister of putting money into the pockets of his "crony" friends.&nbsp;

Yesterday, he said the country's "chowkidar" Modi snatched money away from the poor and handed it over to industrialist Anil Ambani. Gandhi also asked the prime minister for answers on several issues relating to the Rafale jet fighter deal.

"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," Gandhi said at a meeting in the Jais area of his Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

"HAL which has been in the business for 70 years, makes aircraft...While Anil Ambani had not made an aircraft in his life and also has an outstanding bank loan of Rs 45,000 crore," he said. 
&nbsp;

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he understands the pain of jawans, Air Force officers, the families of martyred pilots as well as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited workers and will work to bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from them.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he understands the pain of jawans, Air Force officers, the families of martyred pilots as well as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited workers and will work to bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from them. Gandhi addressed them all on Twitter in his apparent attack against the Narendra Modi government on the issue of the Rafale fighter jet deal. "To every Air Force officer and Jawan who has served India. To the family of every martyred Indian fighter pilot. To every person who ever worked for HAL. We hear your pain. We understand how you feel. We will bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from you," he said on Twitter. To every Air Force officer and Jawan who has served India. To the family of every martyred Indian fighter pilot. To every person who ever worked for HAL. We hear your pain. We understand how you feel. We will bring to justice all those who dishonoured and stole from you. pic.twitter.com/gNFgnaYn4W — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 25, 2018 × Gandhi has been attacking the government on the Rafale deal, accusing the Modi government and the prime minister of putting money into the pockets of his "crony" friends. Yesterday, he said the country's "chowkidar" Modi snatched money away from the poor and handed it over to industrialist Anil Ambani. Gandhi also asked the prime minister for answers on several issues relating to the Rafale jet fighter deal. "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," Gandhi said at a meeting in the Jais area of his Lok Sabha constituency. "HAL which has been in the business for 70 years, makes aircraft...While Anil Ambani had not made an aircraft in his life and also has an outstanding bank loan of Rs 45,000 crore," he said.

Rafale deal:  Will bring to justice those who stole from you, Rahul tells jawans, IAF officers

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla's Tuzzar gunned down two terrorists in an encounter on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area earlier today following an exchange of fire with terrorists.&nbsp;

The operation continues, more details are awaited.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Two terrorists killed in an encounter with security forces in Baramulla's Tuzzar. Operation continues. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/yRlcFgr9Tp">pic.twitter.com/yRlcFgr9Tp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044508429400920064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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An encounter broke out on Sunday between militants and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, news agency PTI reported.

The encounter broke out after the militants fired upon the forces who retaliated, the official said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Security forces have launched a cordon and search operation in Baramulla following exchange of fire with terrorists in the early morning. No casualties/injuries have been reported. More details awaited.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044406372593487872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dar Ganie Gund village in south Kashmir, a police official said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla's Tuzzar gunned down two terrorists in an encounter on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area earlier today following an exchange of fire with terrorists.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla's Tuzzar gunned down two terrorists in an encounter on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area earlier today following an exchange of fire with terrorists. The operation continues, more details are awaited. #UPDATE Two terrorists killed in an encounter with security forces in Baramulla's Tuzzar. Operation continues. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/yRlcFgr9Tp — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × An encounter broke out on Sunday between militants and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, news agency PTI reported. The encounter broke out after the militants fired upon the forces who retaliated, the official said. #JammuAndKashmir: Security forces have launched a cordon and search operation in Baramulla following exchange of fire with terrorists in the early morning. No casualties/injuries have been reported. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dar Ganie Gund village in south Kashmir, a police official said. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K: Two terrorists killed in encounter in Baramulla's Tuzzar 

Andhra Pradesh has been named the best state in the country in the 'Ease of Living Index' rankings under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Odisha comes second on the list whereas the third spot is taken by Madhya Pradesh, the Union Housing and Urban Affairs ministry said on Monday.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the index will encourage all cities to move towards an "outcome-based" approach to urban planning and management, and promote healthy competition among cities.

"The Ease of Living Index seeks to assist cities in undertaking a 360-degree assessment of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats," Puri spoke at a National Dissemination Workshop on 'Ease of Living Index'.&nbsp;

AMRUT was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2015 with an aim to ensure robust sewage networks, water supply and other infrastructure to improve the quality of life in urban areas.

Puri shared that the index marked a "major milestone" in India's goal to promote evidence-based planning and action towards sustainable urbanisation.

The minister hoped that the National Dissemination Workshop would provide an opportunity for states and cities to offer their valuable suggestions and also use lessons learnt from the previous index rankings to ensure a more robust methodology in the future. 
&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh has been named the best state in the country in the 'Ease of Living Index' rankings under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), news agency PTI reported.

Andhra Pradesh has been named the best state in the country in the 'Ease of Living Index' rankings under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), news agency PTI reported. Odisha comes second on the list whereas the third spot is taken by Madhya Pradesh, the Union Housing and Urban Affairs ministry said on Monday. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the index will encourage all cities to move towards an "outcome-based" approach to urban planning and management, and promote healthy competition among cities. "The Ease of Living Index seeks to assist cities in undertaking a 360-degree assessment of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats," Puri spoke at a National Dissemination Workshop on 'Ease of Living Index'. AMRUT was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2015 with an aim to ensure robust sewage networks, water supply and other infrastructure to improve the quality of life in urban areas. Puri shared that the index marked a "major milestone" in India's goal to promote evidence-based planning and action towards sustainable urbanisation. The minister hoped that the National Dissemination Workshop would provide an opportunity for states and cities to offer their valuable suggestions and also use lessons learnt from the previous index rankings to ensure a more robust methodology in the future.

Andhra Pradesh gets 1st rank for quality of life in government's 'Ease of Living Index' 

A passenger sparked panic in mid-air when he tried to open a plane door, apparently mistaking it for the toilet, GoAir airline said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-jet-airways-flight-returns-to-mumbai-after-passengers-suffer-nose-ear-bleeds--166780">Watch: Jet Airways flight returns to Mumbai after passengers suffer nose, ear bleeds</a>

The man was travelling on a GoAir flight from New Delhi to Patna on Saturday when he attempted to open the aircraft's rear exit, the carrier said.

"A co-passenger raised the alarm and he was intercepted by the crew," GoAir said in a statement emailed to AFP on Tuesday.

Reports said he was a first-time flier in his late 20s.&nbsp;

When fellow passengers asked him what he was doing he told them he "needed to use the washroom urgently and kept tugging at the exit door", reports said.

GoAir said the passenger was handed over to the authorities for further investigation after the plane arrived safely at its destination.

A spokesperson for the airline added that the man wouldn't have succeeded in opening the door anyway due to air pressure in the cabin.

The incident comes almost a week after a cockpit mix-up left more than 30 passengers on a Jet Airways plane bleeding from their ears and noses after the crew reportedly forgot to flick a switch regulating cabin air pressure.

The flight from Mumbai to Jaipur, which was carrying 166 passengers, had to turn back. Those affected were given medical attention while the flight crew was suspended pending an investigation.

A passenger sparked panic in mid-air when he tried to open a plane door, apparently mistaking it for the toilet, GoAir airline said. Watch: Jet Airways flight returns to Mumbai after passengers suffer nose, ear bleeds The man was travelling on a GoAir flight from New Delhi to Patna on Saturday when he attempted to open the aircraft's rear exit, the carrier said.

A passenger sparked panic in mid-air when he tried to open a plane door, apparently mistaking it for the toilet, GoAir airline said. Watch: Jet Airways flight returns to Mumbai after passengers suffer nose, ear bleeds The man was travelling on a GoAir flight from New Delhi to Patna on Saturday when he attempted to open the aircraft's rear exit, the carrier said. "A co-passenger raised the alarm and he was intercepted by the crew," GoAir said in a statement emailed to AFP on Tuesday. Reports said he was a first-time flier in his late 20s. When fellow passengers asked him what he was doing he told them he "needed to use the washroom urgently and kept tugging at the exit door", reports said. GoAir said the passenger was handed over to the authorities for further investigation after the plane arrived safely at its destination. A spokesperson for the airline added that the man wouldn't have succeeded in opening the door anyway due to air pressure in the cabin. The incident comes almost a week after a cockpit mix-up left more than 30 passengers on a Jet Airways plane bleeding from their ears and noses after the crew reportedly forgot to flick a switch regulating cabin air pressure. The flight from Mumbai to Jaipur, which was carrying 166 passengers, had to turn back. Those affected were given medical attention while the flight crew was suspended pending an investigation.

Mid-air scare as passenger mistakes exit door for toilet in GoAir flight

The trade potential between India and Pakistan stands at USD 37 billion, according to a World Bank report which said that continued political tensions and lack of normal trade relations between the two nations have cast a shadow over cooperation efforts within South Asia.

The report 'A Glass Half Full: The Promise of Regional Trade in South Asia', which was released on Monday, has highlighted among key factors, the long list of product restrictions in bilateral trade. India and Pakistan continue to maintain long, sensitive lists of items on which no tariff concessions are granted.

The lack of normal bilateral trade relations between the two countries affects the formation or deepening of regional value-chains in various high-value trading sectors, Dawn newspaper reported quoting the report.

Pakistan has a list of 936 items and almost 17.9 per cent of tariff lines that apply to imports from all South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) countries.&nbsp;

India maintains a list of 25 items (0.5 per cent of tariff lines), which includes goods such as alcohol, firearms, etc.

However, it has a much longer, 64-item list, (almost 11.7 per cent of tariff lines) for Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but which effectively applies only to Pakistan, because India applies a smaller sensitive list to Sri Lanka as part of a separate India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.

Items on the Indian sensitive list can be imported at the most-favoured-nation tariffs from any SAFTA country, including Pakistan, because India accorded Pakistan the status in 1996, soon after the accession of the two countries to the World Trade Organisation.&nbsp;

However, Pakistan has not granted India the most-favoured nation's status or non-discriminatory market access.

In addition, the preferential access granted by Pakistan on 82.1 per cent of tariff lines under SAFTA is partially blocked in the case of India because Pakistan maintains a negative list comprising 1,209 items that cannot be imported from India.&nbsp;

In practice, many of these items are exported from India to Pakistan through a third country, usually the United Arab Emirates.

The report says another barrier to bilateral trade is the proliferation of NTMs (non-tariff measures), some of which take the form of non-tariff barriers, such as port restrictions.

Pakistan allows only 138 items to be imported from India over the Attari-Wagah land route. Furthermore, cargo trucks from either side cannot move beyond their border zones, which means that goods must be trans-loaded at the border, adding to the time and cost of trading.

Another factor impeding bilateral trade in goods and services, as well as FDI, is the encumbered visa regime that India and Pakistan have created for each other, which restricts the mobility of people between the two countries.

Continued political tensions and lack of normal trade relations between India and Pakistan have cast a shadow over cooperation efforts within South Asia, contributing to the lack of progress in the regional cooperation agenda of SAARC and SAFTA, the report said.

The trade potential between India and Pakistan stands at USD 37 billion, according to a World Bank report which said that continued political tensions and lack of normal trade relations between the two nations have cast a shadow over cooperation efforts within South Asia.

The trade potential between India and Pakistan stands at USD 37 billion, according to a World Bank report which said that continued political tensions and lack of normal trade relations between the two nations have cast a shadow over cooperation efforts within South Asia. The report 'A Glass Half Full: The Promise of Regional Trade in South Asia', which was released on Monday, has highlighted among key factors, the long list of product restrictions in bilateral trade. India and Pakistan continue to maintain long, sensitive lists of items on which no tariff concessions are granted. The lack of normal bilateral trade relations between the two countries affects the formation or deepening of regional value-chains in various high-value trading sectors, Dawn newspaper reported quoting the report. Pakistan has a list of 936 items and almost 17.9 per cent of tariff lines that apply to imports from all South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) countries. India maintains a list of 25 items (0.5 per cent of tariff lines), which includes goods such as alcohol, firearms, etc. However, it has a much longer, 64-item list, (almost 11.7 per cent of tariff lines) for Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but which effectively applies only to Pakistan, because India applies a smaller sensitive list to Sri Lanka as part of a separate India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement. Items on the Indian sensitive list can be imported at the most-favoured-nation tariffs from any SAFTA country, including Pakistan, because India accorded Pakistan the status in 1996, soon after the accession of the two countries to the World Trade Organisation. However, Pakistan has not granted India the most-favoured nation's status or non-discriminatory market access. In addition, the preferential access granted by Pakistan on 82.1 per cent of tariff lines under SAFTA is partially blocked in the case of India because Pakistan maintains a negative list comprising 1,209 items that cannot be imported from India. In practice, many of these items are exported from India to Pakistan through a third country, usually the United Arab Emirates. The report says another barrier to bilateral trade is the proliferation of NTMs (non-tariff measures), some of which take the form of non-tariff barriers, such as port restrictions. Pakistan allows only 138 items to be imported from India over the Attari-Wagah land route. Furthermore, cargo trucks from either side cannot move beyond their border zones, which means that goods must be trans-loaded at the border, adding to the time and cost of trading. Another factor impeding bilateral trade in goods and services, as well as FDI, is the encumbered visa regime that India and Pakistan have created for each other, which restricts the mobility of people between the two countries. Continued political tensions and lack of normal trade relations between India and Pakistan have cast a shadow over cooperation efforts within South Asia, contributing to the lack of progress in the regional cooperation agenda of SAARC and SAFTA, the report said.

Indo-Pak trade potential stands at $37 billion: World Bank

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday called Congress president Rahul Gandhi "irresponsible, liar" over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection to the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

"It's a matter of shame for Congress that a person like Rahul Gandhi, who is irresponsible and is a liar, is their president. We can't expect anything else from a leader whose entire family is buried in scams, be it Bofors or National Herald," Prasad noted.

Prasad further added that no national party president, in the history of independent India, had ever used such words for the Prime Minister.&nbsp;

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In the history of independent India, no national party president has ever made such comments about a prime minister. We will expose the Congress party: Union Minister RS Prasad on Rahul Gandhi's comment 'The fun has just begun'. <a href="https://t.co/uIIM6N8WoC">pic.twitter.com/uIIM6N8WoC</a>
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"In the history of independent India, no national party president has ever made such comments about a prime minister. We will expose the Congress party," he added.&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fun-has-just-begun-rahul-gandhi-rafale-controversy-167557">fun has just begun</a>" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft.

"The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," the Congress chief noted while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night.&nbsp;

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday called Congress president Rahul Gandhi "irresponsible, liar" over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection to the Rafale deal.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday called Congress president Rahul Gandhi "irresponsible, liar" over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection to the Rafale deal. "It's a matter of shame for Congress that a person like Rahul Gandhi, who is irresponsible and is a liar, is their president. We can't expect anything else from a leader whose entire family is buried in scams, be it Bofors or National Herald," Prasad noted. Prasad further added that no national party president, in the history of independent India, had ever used such words for the Prime Minister. In the history of independent India, no national party president has ever made such comments about a prime minister. We will expose the Congress party: Union Minister RS Prasad on Rahul Gandhi's comment 'The fun has just begun'. pic.twitter.com/uIIM6N8WoC — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × "In the history of independent India, no national party president has ever made such comments about a prime minister. We will expose the Congress party," he added. Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft. "The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," the Congress chief noted while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night.

Ravi Shankar Prasad calls Rahul Gandhi 'irresponsible, liar' over 'fun has just begun' remark

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft.

Continuing his tirade against the government over the fighter-jet deal, Gandhi stated that Prime Minister Modi has aided corruption by favouring Anil Ambani in the deal.

"The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," Gandhi had stated.

The Congress President made these comments while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night. The interaction was held at the Forest Department guest house in Amethi and was closed to the media.

However, a video of Rahul Gandhi's jibe at Narendra Modi was recorded by some attendees and was shared with local reporters.

In a cryptic tweet dated August 30, Rahul Gandhi warned of "some big bunker buster bombs in the next couple of weeks" with regard to the fighter-jet deal. Days later, former French president François Hollande, in an interview to a French media house, claimed that the French government had no other option but to choose Reliance Defence as an Offset partner for Dassault Aviation.

However, Hollande later backtracked in another interview and said only Dassault Aviation can comment on why Reliance Defence was chosen as the Offset partner.

The BJP on Monday claimed that the Congress scrapped the Rafale deal with France as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's company was not made a part of the deal.

The controversial deal was signed by the NDA government with the French government in 2016 after scrapping negotiations made by the UPA government earlier.

The UPA's original plan was to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France's Dassault Aviation, with 108 others being assembled in India by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft.

Adding to the controversy surrounding the Rafale deal, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the "fun has just begun" and in coming months his party will expose how every initiative under the Narendra Modi government is an act of theft. Continuing his tirade against the government over the fighter-jet deal, Gandhi stated that Prime Minister Modi has aided corruption by favouring Anil Ambani in the deal. "The man (Prime Minister Modi), who came to remove corruption, has himself given Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani. The fun has just begun, things are set to turn more interesting. In the next 2-3 months, you will have fun after we will show you Narendra Modi's work - Rafale, Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi, Demonetisation, Gabbar Singh Tax. All of it is theft. One by one, we will show that Narendra Modi ji is not a gatekeeper, but a burglar," Gandhi had stated. The Congress President made these comments while addressing social media workers of the Congress in Amethi last night. The interaction was held at the Forest Department guest house in Amethi and was closed to the media. However, a video of Rahul Gandhi's jibe at Narendra Modi was recorded by some attendees and was shared with local reporters. In a cryptic tweet dated August 30, Rahul Gandhi warned of "some big bunker buster bombs in the next couple of weeks" with regard to the fighter-jet deal. Days later, former French president François Hollande, in an interview to a French media house, claimed that the French government had no other option but to choose Reliance Defence as an Offset partner for Dassault Aviation. However, Hollande later backtracked in another interview and said only Dassault Aviation can comment on why Reliance Defence was chosen as the Offset partner. The BJP on Monday claimed that the Congress scrapped the Rafale deal with France as United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's company was not made a part of the deal. The controversial deal was signed by the NDA government with the French government in 2016 after scrapping negotiations made by the UPA government earlier. The UPA's original plan was to buy 18 off-the-shelf jets from France's Dassault Aviation, with 108 others being assembled in India by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.

The fun has just begun: Rahul Gandhi on Rafale controversy

The political climate in the country is abuzz with a speculation and question mark whether the Modi government would repeat its performance of 2014 or retain the power in a coalition framework. Political pundits are indicating the latter. However, there is also an emerging point of view that the united opposition led by Congress may also come in power.

It is true that predicting the election scenario is more difficult in the Indian political setting where national mood keeps shifting at a rapid pace. Notwithstanding the peculiarity of Indian election scenario, however, certain tentative observation can be made about 2019 election.

From my point of view PM Modi holds a good chance to retain the power without any help of coalition partners on the following grounds:

1. There is a “TINA Factor.” The entire opposition is suffering from the acute crisis of political leadership. PM Modi and his party, BJP, is certainly to be benefitted from the leaderless opposition.

2.&nbsp; Its true that many grandeur promises PM Modi made during the 2014 elections remain unfulfilled; but the fact remains that unlike the previous government, Modi government is being seen by the people as hardworking and trying to bring prosperity to the nation.

3.&nbsp; Almost 4 and half years of PM Modi’s leadership has been relatively free of any corruption charges.

4. PM Modi continues to have good appeal amongst the youth segment of Indian society as he continues to champion the vast aspirations of the youth. It is likely that the positive inclination of youth towards PM Modi, &nbsp;will tilt the balance of electoral fortune in BJP's&nbsp;favour.

5. PM Modi is being perceived as the most decisive leader&nbsp;our country has seen in the recent years. This has led to a good section of Indian society reposing a faith in his leadership irrespective of the problem of governance.

6. Despite the constant effort of opposition to project Modi as anti-minority, the same is unlikely to affect the electoral chances of Modi government due to increasing politics of reverse majoritarian Hindu mobilisation against the possible minority mobilisation. Moreover, due to this progressive agenda related to the abolition of Triple Talaq and Uniform Civil Code, a section of Muslim women and men are likely to vote for him and his party.

7. Even though the opposition has tried very hard to prove a failure of &nbsp;PM Modi’s foreign policy and his global visits the fact remains that it has generated a hope among people that he is genuinely trying to attract&nbsp;foreign investments to&nbsp;the country.&nbsp;

Finally, the organisational capacity of BJP&nbsp;in combination with all other above mentioned&nbsp;factors will likely push the BJP in power again.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
 
 
&nbsp;

The political climate in the country is abuzz with a speculation and question mark whether the Modi government would repeat its performance of 2014 or retain the power in a coalition framework.

The political climate in the country is abuzz with a speculation and question mark whether the Modi government would repeat its performance of 2014 or retain the power in a coalition framework. Political pundits are indicating the latter. However, there is also an emerging point of view that the united opposition led by Congress may also come in power. It is true that predicting the election scenario is more difficult in the Indian political setting where national mood keeps shifting at a rapid pace. Notwithstanding the peculiarity of Indian election scenario, however, certain tentative observation can be made about 2019 election. From my point of view PM Modi holds a good chance to retain the power without any help of coalition partners on the following grounds: 1. There is a “TINA Factor.” The entire opposition is suffering from the acute crisis of political leadership. PM Modi and his party, BJP, is certainly to be benefitted from the leaderless opposition. 2. Its true that many grandeur promises PM Modi made during the 2014 elections remain unfulfilled; but the fact remains that unlike the previous government, Modi government is being seen by the people as hardworking and trying to bring prosperity to the nation. 3. Almost 4 and half years of PM Modi’s leadership has been relatively free of any corruption charges. 4. PM Modi continues to have good appeal amongst the youth segment of Indian society as he continues to champion the vast aspirations of the youth. It is likely that the positive inclination of youth towards PM Modi, will tilt the balance of electoral fortune in BJP's favour. 5. PM Modi is being perceived as the most decisive leader our country has seen in the recent years. This has led to a good section of Indian society reposing a faith in his leadership irrespective of the problem of governance. 6. Despite the constant effort of opposition to project Modi as anti-minority, the same is unlikely to affect the electoral chances of Modi government due to increasing politics of reverse majoritarian Hindu mobilisation against the possible minority mobilisation. Moreover, due to this progressive agenda related to the abolition of Triple Talaq and Uniform Civil Code, a section of Muslim women and men are likely to vote for him and his party. 7. Even though the opposition has tried very hard to prove a failure of PM Modi’s foreign policy and his global visits the fact remains that it has generated a hope among people that he is genuinely trying to attract foreign investments to the country. Finally, the organisational capacity of BJP in combination with all other above mentioned factors will likely push the BJP in power again. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 Opinion: Will the Modi government repeat 2014 victory in 2019?

An under-construction bridge collapsed in Kakdwip area of South 24 Parganas district on Monday, a senior official said.

There has been no report of any casualty, South 24 Parganas district magistrate Y&nbsp;Ratnakara Rao said.

"The incident happened on Monday morning. We are waiting for further details," the district magistrate said.

A team has been rushed to the spot to look into the incident, he said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a>: An under-construction bridge collapsed on Kalnagini river at Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas district. No injuries reported till now. <a href="https://t.co/7PDm3xJsJ6">pic.twitter.com/7PDm3xJsJ6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044107545898434560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is the third incident of the bridge collapse in the state in September.

Majerhat Bridge in south Kolkata had collapsed on September 4, killing three persons and injuring 24.

On September 7, an old bridge had collapsed near Siliguri in north Bengal leaving a truck driver injured.&nbsp;

An under-construction bridge collapsed in Kakdwip area of South 24 Parganas district on Monday, a senior official said. There has been no report of any casualty, South 24 Parganas district magistrate Y Ratnakara Rao said.

An under-construction bridge collapsed in Kakdwip area of South 24 Parganas district on Monday, a senior official said. There has been no report of any casualty, South 24 Parganas district magistrate Y Ratnakara Rao said. "The incident happened on Monday morning. We are waiting for further details," the district magistrate said. A team has been rushed to the spot to look into the incident, he said. #WestBengal: An under-construction bridge collapsed on Kalnagini river at Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas district. No injuries reported till now. pic.twitter.com/7PDm3xJsJ6 — ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2018 × This is the third incident of the bridge collapse in the state in September. Majerhat Bridge in south Kolkata had collapsed on September 4, killing three persons and injuring 24. On September 7, an old bridge had collapsed near Siliguri in north Bengal leaving a truck driver injured.

Video: Under-construction bridge collapses in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas

Under-construction bridge collapses in West Bengal; third incident in state in one month

Sikkim’s first airport to be inaugurated by PM Modi in Pakyong

Reform of multilateral system, climate action, security key priorities for India

Two ministers have been dropped from the Manohar Parrikar cabinet in Goa, the chief minister’s office (CMO) said Monday. The BJP’s Francis D’Souza and Pandurang Madkaikar have been ailing for some time and are admitted at hospitals.

The development comes at a time when Chief Minister Parrikar is undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

D’Souza, who was heading the urban development department, and Madkaikar, who was the power minister, have been dropped from the cabinet, according to an official in the CMO.

D’Souza is currently admitted at a hospital in the USA, while Madkaikar, who had suffered a brain stroke in June, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mumbai.

Two BJP leaders — Nilesh Cabral and Milind Naik — will be sworn in as ministers Monday evening, the official said. Naik was the power minister in the previous Laxmikant Parsekar-led cabinet, while Cabral would be sworn in for the first time.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah had said Sunday that Parrikar would continue in his post and announced that a reshuffle of the state’s ministers would soon take place.

Two ministers have been dropped from the Manohar Parrikar cabinet in Goa, the chief minister’s office (CMO) said Monday. The BJP’s Francis D’Souza and Pandurang Madkaikar have been ailing for some time and are admitted at hospitals.

Two ministers have been dropped from the Manohar Parrikar cabinet in Goa, the chief minister’s office (CMO) said Monday. The BJP’s Francis D’Souza and Pandurang Madkaikar have been ailing for some time and are admitted at hospitals. The development comes at a time when Chief Minister Parrikar is undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. D’Souza, who was heading the urban development department, and Madkaikar, who was the power minister, have been dropped from the cabinet, according to an official in the CMO. D’Souza is currently admitted at a hospital in the USA, while Madkaikar, who had suffered a brain stroke in June, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mumbai. Two BJP leaders — Nilesh Cabral and Milind Naik — will be sworn in as ministers Monday evening, the official said. Naik was the power minister in the previous Laxmikant Parsekar-led cabinet, while Cabral would be sworn in for the first time. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah had said Sunday that Parrikar would continue in his post and announced that a reshuffle of the state’s ministers would soon take place.

Two ministers dropped from Manohar Parrikar’s cabinet in Goa

Terming the controversial Rafale deal as India's "biggest Defence scam", the Congress on Monday demanded the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) KV Chowdary to seize all documents and register an FIR into the alleged corruption.

After meeting the CVC and seeking an independent probe into the case on Monday, Congress leader Anand Sharma said, "A delegation of Congress has met with Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), submitted a detailed memorandum on Rafale fighter jet purchase scam. It is the biggest scam in the acquisition history of this country."

"This was the arbitrary decision of the Prime Minister of India who without any mandate from the Cabinet Committee on Security decided to do away with three important things of the original tender purchase of 126 planes and more importantly the approved price of Rs 526 crore that went up to Rs 1,670 crore. The government has been lying and hiding. Therefore, we have demanded the CVC to take cognizance, to seize all files and documents and register an FIR," he added.

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A delegation of Congress has met with Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), submitted a detailed memorandum on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> jet purchase scam. We have demanded CVC to take cognizance, to seize all files and documents and register an FIR: Anand Sharma, Congress <a href="https://t.co/DRxc5fD520">pic.twitter.com/DRxc5fD520</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044146461271838720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The meeting came days after a Congress delegation met the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv Mehrishi and urged the apex auditor to prepare a report on the alleged irregularities in the deal and present it in Parliament.

The Rafale controversy took a new twist last week after former French president Francois Hollande claimed that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence`s name as the offset partner for Dassault Aviation.

The Congress has been accusing the Centre of irregularities in the high-profile Defence fighter jets contract, alleging that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

(With inputs from agencies)

Terming the controversial Rafale deal as India's "biggest Defence scam", the Congress on Monday demanded the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) KV Chowdary to seize all documents and register an FIR into the alleged corruption.

Terming the controversial Rafale deal as India's "biggest Defence scam", the Congress on Monday demanded the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) KV Chowdary to seize all documents and register an FIR into the alleged corruption. After meeting the CVC and seeking an independent probe into the case on Monday, Congress leader Anand Sharma said, "A delegation of Congress has met with Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), submitted a detailed memorandum on Rafale fighter jet purchase scam. It is the biggest scam in the acquisition history of this country." "This was the arbitrary decision of the Prime Minister of India who without any mandate from the Cabinet Committee on Security decided to do away with three important things of the original tender purchase of 126 planes and more importantly the approved price of Rs 526 crore that went up to Rs 1,670 crore. The government has been lying and hiding. Therefore, we have demanded the CVC to take cognizance, to seize all files and documents and register an FIR," he added. A delegation of Congress has met with Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), submitted a detailed memorandum on #Rafale jet purchase scam. We have demanded CVC to take cognizance, to seize all files and documents and register an FIR: Anand Sharma, Congress pic.twitter.com/DRxc5fD520 — ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2018 × The meeting came days after a Congress delegation met the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv Mehrishi and urged the apex auditor to prepare a report on the alleged irregularities in the deal and present it in Parliament. The Rafale controversy took a new twist last week after former French president Francois Hollande claimed that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence`s name as the offset partner for Dassault Aviation. The Congress has been accusing the Centre of irregularities in the high-profile Defence fighter jets contract, alleging that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress team meets CVC on Rafale deal, demands registration of corruption case 

Twenty-nine people stranded in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district after flash floods and heavy rains were rescued on Monday, officials said. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the all-weather road linking Kashmir to the rest of the country, was also restored Monday a day after it was closed due to landslides at different places, they said.

“A total of 29 persons, including six women and 10 children, were rescued from various flood-hit areas of Kathua district during overnight operations,” a police officer said. They were rescued from the Nagri, Chabbe Chak and Jakhole and Billawar areas of the district by police and state disaster response force personnel. Bovines are also being moved to safety, the officials said.

Rescue and police teams have been deployed at various areas following the flash floods triggered by incessant rains in different rivers of Kathua district, they said. In Doda district, authorities have ordered the closure of all educational institutions as a precautionary measure and also set up control rooms in view of heavy rains in the Jammu region since the last two days, the officials said.

“Police are on high alert to meet any exigency due to floods. Police teams are deployed at vulnerable points and helpline numbers have been opened,” the officer said. With the improvement in the weather, authorities Monday morning opened the 270-km Jammu-Srinagar national highway for traffic.

“The road was cleared late Sunday night and light motor vehicles were allowed to move on the highway from Srinagar and Jammu Monday morning,” a traffic department spokesman said. Multiple landslides and shooting stones from a hillock along the highway between Ramban and Udhampur districts blocked the arterial road on Sunday morning.

The road was cleared by the road maintenance agency concerned and made traffic worthy, the spokesman said. He said the vehicles stranded at Mansar, Manwal, Flata, Sangoor, Jakheni and Udhampur have been allowed to proceed. In Doda, officials said district authorities announced closure of all educational institutions in view of heavy rains that triggered floods in Neeru stream and various rivulets.

The local administration has also directed people to remain indoors and not venture near water bodies or slopes. “People residing near banks of the Neeru and it’s tributaries have been advised to be careful and avoid crossing temporary bridges or crossings over the streams,” the officials said. On Saturday, the metrological department had predicted moderate to heavy rain or thundershowers for the next 48 hours at most places in the Jammu region.

Twenty-nine people stranded in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district after flash floods and heavy rains were rescued on Monday, officials said. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the all-weather road linking Kashmir to the rest of the country, was also restored Monday a day after it was closed due to landslides at different places, they said.

Twenty-nine people stranded in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district after flash floods and heavy rains were rescued on Monday, officials said. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the all-weather road linking Kashmir to the rest of the country, was also restored Monday a day after it was closed due to landslides at different places, they said. “A total of 29 persons, including six women and 10 children, were rescued from various flood-hit areas of Kathua district during overnight operations,” a police officer said. They were rescued from the Nagri, Chabbe Chak and Jakhole and Billawar areas of the district by police and state disaster response force personnel. Bovines are also being moved to safety, the officials said. Rescue and police teams have been deployed at various areas following the flash floods triggered by incessant rains in different rivers of Kathua district, they said. In Doda district, authorities have ordered the closure of all educational institutions as a precautionary measure and also set up control rooms in view of heavy rains in the Jammu region since the last two days, the officials said. “Police are on high alert to meet any exigency due to floods. Police teams are deployed at vulnerable points and helpline numbers have been opened,” the officer said. With the improvement in the weather, authorities Monday morning opened the 270-km Jammu-Srinagar national highway for traffic. “The road was cleared late Sunday night and light motor vehicles were allowed to move on the highway from Srinagar and Jammu Monday morning,” a traffic department spokesman said. Multiple landslides and shooting stones from a hillock along the highway between Ramban and Udhampur districts blocked the arterial road on Sunday morning. The road was cleared by the road maintenance agency concerned and made traffic worthy, the spokesman said. He said the vehicles stranded at Mansar, Manwal, Flata, Sangoor, Jakheni and Udhampur have been allowed to proceed. In Doda, officials said district authorities announced closure of all educational institutions in view of heavy rains that triggered floods in Neeru stream and various rivulets. The local administration has also directed people to remain indoors and not venture near water bodies or slopes. “People residing near banks of the Neeru and it’s tributaries have been advised to be careful and avoid crossing temporary bridges or crossings over the streams,” the officials said. On Saturday, the metrological department had predicted moderate to heavy rain or thundershowers for the next 48 hours at most places in the Jammu region.

J&K: 29 rescued in Kathua after flash floods, Jammu-Srinagar highway opened for traffic

Social networking site Facebook has appointed Ajit Mohan, the former CEO of video streaming platform Hotstar, as the Managing Director and Vice-President for Facebook India.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Mohan announced the news of his joining as the MD of the social networking site for India.

<blockquote>
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<h5>"I'm excited to announce that I will be joining Facebook early next year as the Managing Director for India. It is an exciting charter to shape the agenda of a company that, between Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram, has brought the world closer together in one of the most exciting markets in the world. I look forward to championing India in Facebook, to helping accelerate the country's big leapfrog in technology, and to building deep and meaningful communities across the country. It has been the ride of a lifetime for me at Star and Hotstar. Building Hotstar has been the most fulfilling mission of my professional career to date. The last 6 1/2 years at Star were spent working with the brightest minds and the best of teams. I am truly grateful for my team at Hotstar that has expanded the frontiers and shown that the future is still exciting for media companies. It is a rockstar team that I am certain will continue to blaze new trails. Looking forward to what lies ahead!"</h5>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I'm excited to announce that I will be joining Facebook early next year as the Managing Director for India. It is an exciting charter to shape the agenda of a company that, between Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram, has brought the world closer together in one of the most exciting markets in the world. I look forward to championing India in Facebook, to helping accelerate the country's big leapfrog in technology, and to building deep and meaningful communities across the country.

It has been the ride of a lifetime for me at Star and Hotstar. Building Hotstar has been the most fulfilling mission of my professional career to date. The last 6 1/2 years at Star were spent working with the brightest minds and the best of teams. I am truly grateful for my team at Hotstar that has expanded the frontiers and shown that the future is still exciting for media companies. It is a rockstar team that I am certain will continue to blaze new trails.
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Mohan will join Facebook from early next year and report directly to the Menlo Park-based headquarter.

He will manage the social networking site's overall strategy and its investment in India. &nbsp;

Ajit will head a senior leadership team in the country to increase the company's efforts in helping people to connect.

Mohit is an alumnus of McKinsey and Company's New York office where he worked with media companies around the globe.

A graduate of the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Mohit launched and built Hotstar into India's leading premium video streaming platform.&nbsp;
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&nbsp;

Social networking site Facebook has appointed Ajit Mohan, the former CEO of video streaming platform Hotstar, as the Managing Director and Vice-President for Facebook India.

Social networking site Facebook has appointed Ajit Mohan, the former CEO of video streaming platform Hotstar, as the Managing Director and Vice-President for Facebook India. In a Facebook post on Monday, Mohan announced the news of his joining as the MD of the social networking site for India. "I'm excited to announce that I will be joining Facebook early next year as the Managing Director for India. It is an exciting charter to shape the agenda of a company that, between Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram, has brought the world closer together in one of the most exciting markets in the world. I look forward to championing India in Facebook, to helping accelerate the country's big leapfrog in technology, and to building deep and meaningful communities across the country. It has been the ride of a lifetime for me at Star and Hotstar. Building Hotstar has been the most fulfilling mission of my professional career to date. The last 6 1/2 years at Star were spent working with the brightest minds and the best of teams. I am truly grateful for my team at Hotstar that has expanded the frontiers and shown that the future is still exciting for media companies. It is a rockstar team that I am certain will continue to blaze new trails. Looking forward to what lies ahead!" × Mohan will join Facebook from early next year and report directly to the Menlo Park-based headquarter. He will manage the social networking site's overall strategy and its investment in India. Ajit will head a senior leadership team in the country to increase the company's efforts in helping people to connect. Mohit is an alumnus of McKinsey and Company's New York office where he worked with media companies around the globe. A graduate of the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Mohit launched and built Hotstar into India's leading premium video streaming platform. ×

Facebook India appoints former Hotstar CEO Ajit Mohan as Managing Director 

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Facebook India appoints former Hotstar CEO Ajit Mohan as Managing Director