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A man and a girl were swept away in Kangra and Kullu districts, respectively, as heavy rains triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh on Monday with officials sounding a "high alert" for the latter district.

As water level increased in rivers and streams following incessant rain, a man died after he was swept away in the swelling Nahad Khad (rivulet) in Kangra district, the district administration said.

Tilak Raj, a resident of Luskwara village in Jawali tehsil, was swept away when he was crossing the rivulet Monday morning. Efforts were on to trace the body, the officials said.

In another incident, a 14-year-old girl was washed away in Kullu's Bajaoura, state Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur said.

The minister visited several affected areas of Kullu district and met the family members of the deceased girl to express his grief.

Several houses were also swept away in flash floods as the Beas is flowing at a dangerous level, he said, cautioning people against going near rivers and nullahs for collecting wood, gravel etc.

Thakur also honoured Indian Air Force squadron leader Vipul Goel and his team Moday for rescuing, with the help of a chopper, 19 people stranded due to flash floods at Dobi in Kullu district on Sunday.

Deputy Commissioner Yunus has issued "high alert" for Kullu district.

Meanwhile, schools in most districts of the state were closed Monday as a precautionary measure due to continuing moderate to heavy rains.

People residing in low-lying areas, especially in Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts, are being evacuated, officials said. They are also being asked to remain alert due to rising water levels in rivers and streams, they said.

In Chamba, the Ravi river is still flowing at a dangerous level and people are being evacuated from low-lying areas by the administration since Sunday, Superintendent of Police Monica Bhutunguru said.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar has alerted officials and people residing in low-lying areas that water would be released from the Pandoh reservoir as per a message from his counterpart in Mandi.

Issuing a flood warning, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) said excess water from the Pong Dam would be released due to high-pattern inflows in the Pong reservoir due to heavy rain in catchment areas.

The MeT department has predicted heavy rains in middle hills, plains and snowfall in upper hills in the state till Monday.

Most parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed moderate to heavy rains, Shimla MeT centre director Manmohan Singh said.

According to data recorded at 8.30 am, Dalhousie in Chamba district experienced 170 mm rain in the past 24 hours, followed by Chamba 117 mm, Manali 121 mm, Kangra 120.8 mm, Palampur 108 mm, Dharamshala 62.6 mm and Una 62 mm. State capital Shimla experienced 23.1 mm rainfall.

Widespread rain and snowfall in higher altitudes brought down the mercury. Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district shivered below the freezing point, according to the Meteorological Centre.

Keylong recorded its lowest temperature at minus 0.2 degree Celsius. 
The highest temperature was recorded in Una as 27.2 degrees Celsius, he added.

The weatherman further said that light to moderate rainfall would occur at scattered places over mid and low hills and at isolated places over higher reaches of the state on September 25, thereafter the weather would almost be dry.&nbsp;

A man and a girl were swept away in Kangra and Kullu districts, respectively, as heavy rains triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh on Monday with officials sounding a "high alert" for the latter district.

A man and a girl were swept away in Kangra and Kullu districts, respectively, as heavy rains triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradesh on Monday with officials sounding a "high alert" for the latter district. As water level increased in rivers and streams following incessant rain, a man died after he was swept away in the swelling Nahad Khad (rivulet) in Kangra district, the district administration said. Tilak Raj, a resident of Luskwara village in Jawali tehsil, was swept away when he was crossing the rivulet Monday morning. Efforts were on to trace the body, the officials said. In another incident, a 14-year-old girl was washed away in Kullu's Bajaoura, state Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur said. The minister visited several affected areas of Kullu district and met the family members of the deceased girl to express his grief. Several houses were also swept away in flash floods as the Beas is flowing at a dangerous level, he said, cautioning people against going near rivers and nullahs for collecting wood, gravel etc. Thakur also honoured Indian Air Force squadron leader Vipul Goel and his team Moday for rescuing, with the help of a chopper, 19 people stranded due to flash floods at Dobi in Kullu district on Sunday. Deputy Commissioner Yunus has issued "high alert" for Kullu district. Meanwhile, schools in most districts of the state were closed Monday as a precautionary measure due to continuing moderate to heavy rains. People residing in low-lying areas, especially in Kangra, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi districts, are being evacuated, officials said. They are also being asked to remain alert due to rising water levels in rivers and streams, they said. In Chamba, the Ravi river is still flowing at a dangerous level and people are being evacuated from low-lying areas by the administration since Sunday, Superintendent of Police Monica Bhutunguru said. Kangra Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar has alerted officials and people residing in low-lying areas that water would be released from the Pandoh reservoir as per a message from his counterpart in Mandi. Issuing a flood warning, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) said excess water from the Pong Dam would be released due to high-pattern inflows in the Pong reservoir due to heavy rain in catchment areas. The MeT department has predicted heavy rains in middle hills, plains and snowfall in upper hills in the state till Monday. Most parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed moderate to heavy rains, Shimla MeT centre director Manmohan Singh said. According to data recorded at 8.30 am, Dalhousie in Chamba district experienced 170 mm rain in the past 24 hours, followed by Chamba 117 mm, Manali 121 mm, Kangra 120.8 mm, Palampur 108 mm, Dharamshala 62.6 mm and Una 62 mm. State capital Shimla experienced 23.1 mm rainfall. Widespread rain and snowfall in higher altitudes brought down the mercury. Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district shivered below the freezing point, according to the Meteorological Centre. Keylong recorded its lowest temperature at minus 0.2 degree Celsius. The highest temperature was recorded in Una as 27.2 degrees Celsius, he added. The weatherman further said that light to moderate rainfall would occur at scattered places over mid and low hills and at isolated places over higher reaches of the state on September 25, thereafter the weather would almost be dry.

Heavy rains trigger flash floods in Himachal, 2 dead

A moderate intensity earthquake was felt in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district Monday afternoon, officials said.&nbsp;

No loss of life or property was reported.

"An earthquake measuring 3.7 was recorded at 2:22 pm Monday," said Director at Shimla Meteorological Centre Manmohan Singh.

The epicentre was 10 km northeast of Sirmaur, he said, adding that mild tremors were felt in the adjoining areas.

Most parts of Himachal fall in high seismic sensitive zone, he said.

A moderate intensity earthquake was felt in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district Monday afternoon, officials said. No loss of life or property was reported. "An earthquake measuring 3.

A moderate intensity earthquake was felt in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district Monday afternoon, officials said. No loss of life or property was reported. "An earthquake measuring 3.7 was recorded at 2:22 pm Monday," said Director at Shimla Meteorological Centre Manmohan Singh. The epicentre was 10 km northeast of Sirmaur, he said, adding that mild tremors were felt in the adjoining areas. Most parts of Himachal fall in high seismic sensitive zone, he said.

Moderate earthquake hits Himachal Pradesh

Indian Navy's decorated sailor Commander Abhilash Tomy was rescued from the Indian Ocean on Monday, three days after he suffered a severe injury when the main mast of his boat was ripped off in a storm, officials said.

Tomy was sailing his boat as part of the Golden Globe Race (GGR) - a solo sailboat race around the world — when his boat was damaged in the storm about 1,900 nautical miles from Perth, Australia.

Tomy was battling for life on the dismasted sailboat Thoriya with a severe back injury, the officials said.

The Australian Rescue Coordination Centre at Canberra was coordinating the rescue mission in cooperation with many agencies, including the Australian Defence Department and the Indian Navy.

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REPORT JUST IN from JRCC they have him BRAVO!! OSIRIS AND ALL INVOLVED! They have Tomy Onboard and he is conscious and talking...FANTASTIC NEWS..WELL DONE ALL INVOLVED INCREDIBLE NEWS!!!!<a href="https://t.co/w0ykzwrfX3">https://t.co/w0ykzwrfX3</a>
— Golden Globe Race 2018 (@ggr2018official) <a href="https://twitter.com/ggr2018official/status/1044140970625912832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He has been rescued and has been pulled out on a stretcher by French Fishing Vessel Osiris. He is conscious and is in safe hands: Navy Spokesperson Captain DK Sharma on Commander and Golden Globe Race (GGR) skipper Abhilash Tomy <a href="https://t.co/oMNgoZ445t">pic.twitter.com/oMNgoZ445t</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044136756117942273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Indian Navy Ace Sailor Abhilash Tomy who was injured and incapacitated day before has been tracked by the Indian Navy Reconnaissance aircraft. As seen, Boat Mast broken and hanging on the side: Navy <a href="https://t.co/jkCkV3agLg">pic.twitter.com/jkCkV3agLg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1043763981729583104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Navy deployed its P-8i surveillance aircraft to as part of the rescue mission, officials said.

A French vessel, Osiris, was also deployed in the rescue mission.

Indian Navy's decorated sailor Commander Abhilash Tomy was rescued from the Indian Ocean on Monday, three days after he suffered a severe injury when the main mast of his boat was ripped off in a storm, officials said.

Indian Navy's decorated sailor Commander Abhilash Tomy was rescued from the Indian Ocean on Monday, three days after he suffered a severe injury when the main mast of his boat was ripped off in a storm, officials said. Tomy was sailing his boat as part of the Golden Globe Race (GGR) - a solo sailboat race around the world — when his boat was damaged in the storm about 1,900 nautical miles from Perth, Australia. Tomy was battling for life on the dismasted sailboat Thoriya with a severe back injury, the officials said. The Australian Rescue Coordination Centre at Canberra was coordinating the rescue mission in cooperation with many agencies, including the Australian Defence Department and the Indian Navy. REPORT JUST IN from JRCC they have him BRAVO!! OSIRIS AND ALL INVOLVED! They have Tomy Onboard and he is conscious and talking...FANTASTIC NEWS..WELL DONE ALL INVOLVED INCREDIBLE NEWS!!!!https://t.co/w0ykzwrfX3 — Golden Globe Race 2018 (@ggr2018official) September 24, 2018 × He has been rescued and has been pulled out on a stretcher by French Fishing Vessel Osiris. He is conscious and is in safe hands: Navy Spokesperson Captain DK Sharma on Commander and Golden Globe Race (GGR) skipper Abhilash Tomy pic.twitter.com/oMNgoZ445t — ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2018 × Indian Navy Ace Sailor Abhilash Tomy who was injured and incapacitated day before has been tracked by the Indian Navy Reconnaissance aircraft. As seen, Boat Mast broken and hanging on the side: Navy pic.twitter.com/jkCkV3agLg — ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2018 × The Indian Navy deployed its P-8i surveillance aircraft to as part of the rescue mission, officials said. A French vessel, Osiris, was also deployed in the rescue mission.

Indian Navy sailor Abhilash Tomy rescued 3 days after his boat was damaged in storm

Punjab government Monday issued a ‘red alert’ in the wake of heavy rain in the state and has asked district authorities to maintain vigil, an official said.&nbsp;

Chief minister Amarinder Singh has also called a meeting of senior officers Monday to review arrangements to deal with flood-like situations, a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said here. “Red alert has been issued in view of incessant rain in the state”, he said.

District administrations have been asked to maintain a constant vigil in view of rain, the spokesman said. Punjab has been witnessing widespread rain for the last two days and the downpour continued Monday, prompting state authorities to review preparations to tackle flood-like situations.

District control rooms have been activated for fast response and the Army has also been alerted, the spokesman said. “The Army has been requested for standby,” he said. District authorities in catchment areas of rivers have been asked to make sufficient arrangements of boats for any rescue operation, the spokesman said.

Punjab government Monday issued a ‘red alert’ in the wake of heavy rain in the state and has asked district authorities to maintain vigil, an official said. Chief minister Amarinder Singh has also called a meeting of senior officers Monday to review arrangements to deal with flood-like situations, a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said here.

Punjab government Monday issued a ‘red alert’ in the wake of heavy rain in the state and has asked district authorities to maintain vigil, an official said. Chief minister Amarinder Singh has also called a meeting of senior officers Monday to review arrangements to deal with flood-like situations, a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said here. “Red alert has been issued in view of incessant rain in the state”, he said. District administrations have been asked to maintain a constant vigil in view of rain, the spokesman said. Punjab has been witnessing widespread rain for the last two days and the downpour continued Monday, prompting state authorities to review preparations to tackle flood-like situations. District control rooms have been activated for fast response and the Army has also been alerted, the spokesman said. “The Army has been requested for standby,” he said. District authorities in catchment areas of rivers have been asked to make sufficient arrangements of boats for any rescue operation, the spokesman said.

Punjab rain 2018: State government issues red alert in wake of heavy rainfall

Bishop Franco Mulakkal who was arrested on the charge of raping a nun filed a bail petition in the Kerala High Court on Monday, September 24, 2018.

Mulakkal, who headed the Roman Catholic Diocese in Jalandhar, Punjab, was arrested on Friday in Tripunithura after three days of questioning in the case where he has been accused of repeatedly raping the senior nun between 2014 to 2016.

Mulakkal was produced in court on Saturday, following which he was sent to two-day police custody.

Earlier, the bishop was discharged from the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam, where he was admitted on Friday night following complaints of chest pain.

The 54-year-old clergyman had complained of pain in his chest while being taken to Kottayam Police club from the Crime Branch office at Thrippunithura in Ernakulam district on Friday night.

Bishop Franco Mulakkal who was arrested on the charge of raping a nun filed a bail petition in the Kerala High Court on Monday, September 24, 2018. Mulakkal, who headed the Roman Catholic Diocese in Jalandhar, Punjab, was arrested on Friday in Tripunithura after three days of questioning in the case where he has been accused of repeatedly raping the senior nun between 2014 to 2016.

Bishop Franco Mulakkal who was arrested on the charge of raping a nun filed a bail petition in the Kerala High Court on Monday, September 24, 2018. Mulakkal, who headed the Roman Catholic Diocese in Jalandhar, Punjab, was arrested on Friday in Tripunithura after three days of questioning in the case where he has been accused of repeatedly raping the senior nun between 2014 to 2016. Mulakkal was produced in court on Saturday, following which he was sent to two-day police custody. Earlier, the bishop was discharged from the Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam, where he was admitted on Friday night following complaints of chest pain. The 54-year-old clergyman had complained of pain in his chest while being taken to Kottayam Police club from the Crime Branch office at Thrippunithura in Ernakulam district on Friday night.

Kerala nun rape case: Bishop Franco Mulakkal sent to judicial custody till October 6

The Supreme Court Monday referred to a five-judge constitution bench the plea challenging practice of female genital mutilation among Dawoodi Bohra Muslims.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud was hearing a PIL filed by a Delhi-based lawyer challenging the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) of minor girls of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community.

Female genital mutilation is performed “illegally upon girls (between five years and before she attains puberty)” and is against the “UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights of which is India is a signatory”, the plea said, adding the practice caused “permanent disfiguration to the body of a girl child”.

A group of Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community members had earlier told the apex court that the female circumcision is practised by a few sects of Islam, including the Dawoodi Bohra community, and the validity of this be examined, if at all, by a larger constitution bench.

The Supreme Court Monday referred to a five-judge constitution bench the plea challenging practice of female genital mutilation among Dawoodi Bohra Muslims. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud was hearing a PIL filed by a Delhi-based lawyer challenging the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) of minor girls of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community.

The Supreme Court Monday referred to a five-judge constitution bench the plea challenging practice of female genital mutilation among Dawoodi Bohra Muslims. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud was hearing a PIL filed by a Delhi-based lawyer challenging the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) of minor girls of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community. Female genital mutilation is performed “illegally upon girls (between five years and before she attains puberty)” and is against the “UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights of which is India is a signatory”, the plea said, adding the practice caused “permanent disfiguration to the body of a girl child”. A group of Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community members had earlier told the apex court that the female circumcision is practised by a few sects of Islam, including the Dawoodi Bohra community, and the validity of this be examined, if at all, by a larger constitution bench.

Supreme Court refers PIL against female genital mutilation to five-judge constitution bench

PM Modi inaugurates Sikkim's first-ever airport

PM to launch world's biggest state-run health scheme today

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hits out at Rahul Gandhi

An encounter broke out Sunday between militants and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dar Ganie Gund village in Tral's Aribal area in the south Kashmir district Sunday morning, a police official said.

He said the operation was launched after receiving specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the area.

The encounter broke out after the militants fired upon the forces who retaliated, the official said.

The gunfight is on and further details are being collected, he said.

An encounter broke out Sunday between militants and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dar Ganie Gund village in Tral's Aribal area in the south Kashmir district Sunday morning, a police official said.

An encounter broke out Sunday between militants and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dar Ganie Gund village in Tral's Aribal area in the south Kashmir district Sunday morning, a police official said. He said the operation was launched after receiving specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the area. The encounter broke out after the militants fired upon the forces who retaliated, the official said. The gunfight is on and further details are being collected, he said.

Encounter breaks out between militants, security forces in J&K's Pulwama

The European Union and India are "fully committed" to moving forward on the proposed free trade agreement and discussions are on between the two sides on the much-delayed pact, according to an EU official.

The negotiations for the pact, officially dubbed as the Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), have been held up since May 2013 and have witnessed many hurdles.

"Discussions between European Union and India are going on. Both sides are fully committed to moving this agenda forward and discussions are on," Ambassador of the 28-nation grouping to India Tomasz Kozlowski told PTI when asked about the BTIA talks.

The negotiations for the pact were launched in 2007.

Besides demanding significant duty cuts in automobiles, the EU wants tax reduction on wines, spirits and dairy products, and a strong intellectual property regime.

On the other hand, India is asking it be granted data secure nation status by the EU. The country is among the nations not considered as data secure by the EU.

"The grant of a data secure nation status to India by the EU will provide the country's IT firms enhanced market access to European nations and also improve their business prospects significantly," EAZY ERP Technologies Managing Director Kunal Singhal said.

The two sides have to also iron out differences related to the movement of professionals.

Two-way trade between India and the EU dipped to USD 88.4 billion in 2015-16 from USD 98.5 billion in the previous fiscal.

The European Union and India are "fully committed" to moving forward on the proposed free trade agreement and discussions are on between the two sides on the much-delayed pact, according to an EU official.

The European Union and India are "fully committed" to moving forward on the proposed free trade agreement and discussions are on between the two sides on the much-delayed pact, according to an EU official. The negotiations for the pact, officially dubbed as the Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), have been held up since May 2013 and have witnessed many hurdles. "Discussions between European Union and India are going on. Both sides are fully committed to moving this agenda forward and discussions are on," Ambassador of the 28-nation grouping to India Tomasz Kozlowski told PTI when asked about the BTIA talks. The negotiations for the pact were launched in 2007. Besides demanding significant duty cuts in automobiles, the EU wants tax reduction on wines, spirits and dairy products, and a strong intellectual property regime. On the other hand, India is asking it be granted data secure nation status by the EU. The country is among the nations not considered as data secure by the EU. "The grant of a data secure nation status to India by the EU will provide the country's IT firms enhanced market access to European nations and also improve their business prospects significantly," EAZY ERP Technologies Managing Director Kunal Singhal said. The two sides have to also iron out differences related to the movement of professionals. Two-way trade between India and the EU dipped to USD 88.4 billion in 2015-16 from USD 98.5 billion in the previous fiscal.

EU-India "fully committed" to move forward on free trade pact: EU official

Dr Kafeel Khan, who is out on bail in connection with the death of infants at a state-run hospital in Gorakhpur last year, was arrested Saturday for arguing with doctors and “disturbing” treatment being given to patients at the district hospital here, police said.

Kafeel’s brother Adeel Khan said he was arrested just before he was going to address media on deaths due to acute encephalitis syndrome in the state.

Superintendent of Police Sabharaj Singh said, “Police got information that a person entered the hospital and disturbed treatment being given to the patients admitted there. He was also arguing with the doctors. The person was later arrested and introduced himself as Dr Kafeel Khan”.

Kafeel is one of the nine accused in the case involving the death of 63 children within four days due to disruption in the supply of oxygen at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in August 2017. He was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police in September 2017.

The Allahabad High Court had granted him bail in April this year.

Dr Kafeel Khan, who is out on bail in connection with the death of infants at a state-run hospital in Gorakhpur last year, was arrested Saturday for arguing with doctors and “disturbing” treatment being given to patients at the district hospital here, police said.

Dr Kafeel Khan, who is out on bail in connection with the death of infants at a state-run hospital in Gorakhpur last year, was arrested Saturday for arguing with doctors and “disturbing” treatment being given to patients at the district hospital here, police said. Kafeel’s brother Adeel Khan said he was arrested just before he was going to address media on deaths due to acute encephalitis syndrome in the state. Superintendent of Police Sabharaj Singh said, “Police got information that a person entered the hospital and disturbed treatment being given to the patients admitted there. He was also arguing with the doctors. The person was later arrested and introduced himself as Dr Kafeel Khan”. Kafeel is one of the nine accused in the case involving the death of 63 children within four days due to disruption in the supply of oxygen at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in August 2017. He was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police in September 2017. The Allahabad High Court had granted him bail in April this year.

Dr Kafeel Khan arrested for ‘disturbing’ services in Bahraich hospital: Police

A day after&nbsp;India&nbsp;called-off the proposed&nbsp;India-Pakistan&nbsp;Foreign Minister-level talks,&nbsp;Army Chief&nbsp;General&nbsp;Bipin Rawat&nbsp;has said that it is time to give it back to&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;in the same coin.&nbsp;

"I think our government's policy has been quite clear and concise. We have made no bones about the fact that talks and terrorism can't go hand in hand.&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;needs to curb the menace of terrorism,"&nbsp;Bipin Rawat&nbsp;said here.&nbsp;

"We need to take stern action to avenge the barbarism that terrorists and the&nbsp;Pakistan army have been carrying out. Yes, it is time to give it back to them in the same coin, not resorting to similar kind of barbarism. But I think the other side must also feel the same pain," he added.&nbsp;

Asked about the use of Army in political campaigns,&nbsp;Bipin Rawat&nbsp;said, "I don't want to comment on the political issues. But, I will like to say that we are getting full cooperation. We are given freedom on how to carry out our operations. And, you can see its effect in Kashmir and North-East."&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Army Chief&nbsp;further stated that the&nbsp;Indian Army"&gt;Indian Army requires modern weapons on a continuous basis.&nbsp;

"There is a limit till which we can use a particular weapon, and as new technologies come, we also want them to be included in our forces. So buying of weapons continue," General Rawat said.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Army Chief's statement comes after&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier today expressed discontent over the cancellation of the meeting.&nbsp;

Khan, in his tweet, said, "Disappointed at the arrogant and negative response by&nbsp;India&nbsp;to my call for the resumption of the peace dialogue. However, all my life I have come across small men occupying big offices who do not have the vision to see the larger picture."&nbsp;

On Friday,&nbsp;India&nbsp;pulled out of the proposed meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her&nbsp;Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi, hours after two Special Police Officers and one policeman in Jammu and Kashmir were kidnapped and brutally killed by the terrorists.

A day after India called-off the proposed India-Pakistan Foreign Minister-level talks, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said that it is time to give it back to Pakistan in the same coin.

A day after India called-off the proposed India-Pakistan Foreign Minister-level talks, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said that it is time to give it back to Pakistan in the same coin. "I think our government's policy has been quite clear and concise. We have made no bones about the fact that talks and terrorism can't go hand in hand. Pakistan needs to curb the menace of terrorism," Bipin Rawat said here. "We need to take stern action to avenge the barbarism that terrorists and the Pakistan army have been carrying out. Yes, it is time to give it back to them in the same coin, not resorting to similar kind of barbarism. But I think the other side must also feel the same pain," he added. Asked about the use of Army in political campaigns, Bipin Rawat said, "I don't want to comment on the political issues. But, I will like to say that we are getting full cooperation. We are given freedom on how to carry out our operations. And, you can see its effect in Kashmir and North-East." The Army Chief further stated that the Indian Army">Indian Army requires modern weapons on a continuous basis. "There is a limit till which we can use a particular weapon, and as new technologies come, we also want them to be included in our forces. So buying of weapons continue," General Rawat said. The Army Chief's statement comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier today expressed discontent over the cancellation of the meeting. Khan, in his tweet, said, "Disappointed at the arrogant and negative response by India to my call for the resumption of the peace dialogue. However, all my life I have come across small men occupying big offices who do not have the vision to see the larger picture." On Friday, India pulled out of the proposed meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi, hours after two Special Police Officers and one policeman in Jammu and Kashmir were kidnapped and brutally killed by the terrorists.

Time to give it back to Pakistan in same coin, says Bipin Rawat

The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered the closure of all schools in three districts on Monday after rain and snowfall lashed many areas of the state, officials said on Sunday.

The Met Office has forecast heavy rains and snowfall in the upper hills till Monday.

All government and private schools will remain closed in Kinnaur, Kullu and Kangra districts, officials said.

Several roads in various parts of the state, especially in Kinnaur and Chamba districts, were blocked due to landslides, heavy rains and snowfall, district officials said.

Twenty stranded people were rescued from the Rohtang Pass, which saw about four feet of fresh snowfall on Sunday, a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) official said.

Chamba sub-divisional magistrate has warned the people not to go near the Ravi river and other nullahs as water is being released from the Chamera dam.

The water level in Beas is increasing due to incessant rains in the catchment areas. In Kangra, the Larji dam gates are being opened and, if the situation persists, the shutters of Pandoh dam can be opened at any time, officials said, adding that it had been raining continuously in Jawali town since Saturday evening.

The river was also in spate in Hamirpur district. There was no supply of drinking water in various areas of the district as there was no power. There was heavy loss to the crops, officials said.

State Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur visited the flood-affected areas of Kullu district to take stock of the situation, along with district Deputy Commissioner Yunus, an official said.

The state received moderate-to-heavy rainfall since Saturday, with Naina Devi town in Bilaspur district being the wettest with 178.2 mm of rainfall. Sarkaghat town in Mandi district recorded 137 mm of rain, followed by Mehre (132.6 mm), Manali (127.4 mm), Dharamshala (125.2 mm) and Kasauli (105 mm), the meteorological department said.

Shimla received 47.1 mm of rain.

Kalpa was the coldest place with minimum temperature of nine degrees Celsius. In Dalhousie, the minimum temperature was 10.1 degrees Celsius, followed by Kufri (10.6 degrees), Manali (10.8 degrees), Shimla (13 degrees).&nbsp;

The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered the closure of all schools in three districts on Monday after rain and snowfall lashed many areas of the state, officials said on Sunday.

The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered the closure of all schools in three districts on Monday after rain and snowfall lashed many areas of the state, officials said on Sunday. The Met Office has forecast heavy rains and snowfall in the upper hills till Monday. All government and private schools will remain closed in Kinnaur, Kullu and Kangra districts, officials said. Several roads in various parts of the state, especially in Kinnaur and Chamba districts, were blocked due to landslides, heavy rains and snowfall, district officials said. Twenty stranded people were rescued from the Rohtang Pass, which saw about four feet of fresh snowfall on Sunday, a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) official said. Chamba sub-divisional magistrate has warned the people not to go near the Ravi river and other nullahs as water is being released from the Chamera dam. The water level in Beas is increasing due to incessant rains in the catchment areas. In Kangra, the Larji dam gates are being opened and, if the situation persists, the shutters of Pandoh dam can be opened at any time, officials said, adding that it had been raining continuously in Jawali town since Saturday evening. The river was also in spate in Hamirpur district. There was no supply of drinking water in various areas of the district as there was no power. There was heavy loss to the crops, officials said. State Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur visited the flood-affected areas of Kullu district to take stock of the situation, along with district Deputy Commissioner Yunus, an official said. The state received moderate-to-heavy rainfall since Saturday, with Naina Devi town in Bilaspur district being the wettest with 178.2 mm of rainfall. Sarkaghat town in Mandi district recorded 137 mm of rain, followed by Mehre (132.6 mm), Manali (127.4 mm), Dharamshala (125.2 mm) and Kasauli (105 mm), the meteorological department said. Shimla received 47.1 mm of rain. Kalpa was the coldest place with minimum temperature of nine degrees Celsius. In Dalhousie, the minimum temperature was 10.1 degrees Celsius, followed by Kufri (10.6 degrees), Manali (10.8 degrees), Shimla (13 degrees).

Heavy rains lash Himachal, snowfall in Spiti

A Jacobite priest has been warned of disciplinary action and a Catholic nun restrained from church duties in a fallout of their participation in protests in Kochi demanding the arrest of rape accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal.

Sister Lucy Kalapura, who returned to her parish in Wayand Sunday morning from Kochi, claimed she was informed orally by the Mother Superior that she should keep away from holding catechism classes, conducting prayers and other activities related to the Syro Malabar catholic church.

"No written orders were given to me. I was only informed orally by the Mother Superior not to participate in any church-related activities," the sister told PTI.

However, in a statement Father Stephen Kottakkal, vicar of the St Mary's church Karakkamala in Wayanad, said Sister Lucy had been asked to keep away from duties in view of certain concerns expressed by the parishioners.

He denied the church had initiated any retaliatory measure against Sister Lucy for participating in the nuns protest in Kochi.

"The believers had informed us that they had some difficulties in sister Lucy participating in the church activities relating to Holy mass and taking classes for their children," he said.

The vicar said he had only 'conveyed' the general feeling of the parishioners with regard to certain posts of sister Lucy in the social media which they felt were not in consonance with the church beliefs. Many of them had informed him of the same, he said.

The Franciscean Clarist Congregation St Mary's province Mananthavady, to which sister Lucy belongs, said she faced disciplinary action for various other reasons.

However, no explanation had been sought or action taken so far against her in connection with the nun's issue.

Sister Lucy, however, maintained the restraint order against her was only for participating in the protests at Kochi.

The priest, Bar Yuhanon Ramban, belonging to a dayara in Ernakulam district, said Sunday he had received a "warning" letter from his church headquarters in Damascus in Syria for supporting the nuns' protest.

The letter also said he had campaigned for the implementation of Church Act, he told PTI.

According to the letter, his involvement and public speeches supporting the Catholic nuns were seemingly more than the envisaged living style of church priests.

It further said his activities had caused 'disgrace' to the status of Monasticism and warned that disciplinary measures would be taken if he continued with such deeds.

The priest alleged that some local bishops had conspired against him and sent wrong information to the church higher-ups in Syria and based on which they had issued the warning letter.

He has written a letter to the Patriarch of Antioch, Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, explaining his stand.

Indulekha Joseph, one of the leaders of the Kerala Catholic Church Reformation movement, alleged the action against sister Lucy was an attempt to silence the voices of protest against any form of unjust activities within the church.

Social activist Swami Agnivesh condemned the action against sister Lucy and the Jacobite priest for supporting the five nuns.

The nuns had protested for 13 days, demanding the arrest of the bishop who was accused of repeatedly raping a fellow nun.

The bishop, arrested on Friday after three days of intense grilling by Kerala police, is now in police custody.&nbsp;

A Jacobite priest has been warned of disciplinary action and a Catholic nun restrained from church duties in a fallout of their participation in protests in Kochi demanding the arrest of rape accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal.

A Jacobite priest has been warned of disciplinary action and a Catholic nun restrained from church duties in a fallout of their participation in protests in Kochi demanding the arrest of rape accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal. Sister Lucy Kalapura, who returned to her parish in Wayand Sunday morning from Kochi, claimed she was informed orally by the Mother Superior that she should keep away from holding catechism classes, conducting prayers and other activities related to the Syro Malabar catholic church. "No written orders were given to me. I was only informed orally by the Mother Superior not to participate in any church-related activities," the sister told PTI. However, in a statement Father Stephen Kottakkal, vicar of the St Mary's church Karakkamala in Wayanad, said Sister Lucy had been asked to keep away from duties in view of certain concerns expressed by the parishioners. He denied the church had initiated any retaliatory measure against Sister Lucy for participating in the nuns protest in Kochi. "The believers had informed us that they had some difficulties in sister Lucy participating in the church activities relating to Holy mass and taking classes for their children," he said. The vicar said he had only 'conveyed' the general feeling of the parishioners with regard to certain posts of sister Lucy in the social media which they felt were not in consonance with the church beliefs. Many of them had informed him of the same, he said. The Franciscean Clarist Congregation St Mary's province Mananthavady, to which sister Lucy belongs, said she faced disciplinary action for various other reasons. However, no explanation had been sought or action taken so far against her in connection with the nun's issue. Sister Lucy, however, maintained the restraint order against her was only for participating in the protests at Kochi. The priest, Bar Yuhanon Ramban, belonging to a dayara in Ernakulam district, said Sunday he had received a "warning" letter from his church headquarters in Damascus in Syria for supporting the nuns' protest. The letter also said he had campaigned for the implementation of Church Act, he told PTI. According to the letter, his involvement and public speeches supporting the Catholic nuns were seemingly more than the envisaged living style of church priests. It further said his activities had caused 'disgrace' to the status of Monasticism and warned that disciplinary measures would be taken if he continued with such deeds. The priest alleged that some local bishops had conspired against him and sent wrong information to the church higher-ups in Syria and based on which they had issued the warning letter. He has written a letter to the Patriarch of Antioch, Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church, explaining his stand. Indulekha Joseph, one of the leaders of the Kerala Catholic Church Reformation movement, alleged the action against sister Lucy was an attempt to silence the voices of protest against any form of unjust activities within the church. Social activist Swami Agnivesh condemned the action against sister Lucy and the Jacobite priest for supporting the five nuns. The nuns had protested for 13 days, demanding the arrest of the bishop who was accused of repeatedly raping a fellow nun. The bishop, arrested on Friday after three days of intense grilling by Kerala police, is now in police custody.

Action against priest, nun for supporting nuns' protest against Kerala bishop accused of rape

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday blamed the RSS and the BJP for the death of two students during a protest against appointment of Urdu teachers in a school and accused them of trying to cause communal disturbance.

Banerjee, who is in Milan, Italy, on an official tour, also came out in support of providing Urdu teachers to Daribhita School in Islampur in North Dinajpur where a clash between protesters and police claimed the lives of the two students. The BJP has called a 12-hour shutdown in the state on September 26 to protest against the death of the two students.

Warning the saffron organisations “not to play with fire by doing politics on the issue”, she appealed to the people of the state not to pay heed to the politics of the BJP and the RSS and foil the shutdown. “The BJP and the RSS should say why the two students were killed,” she said while interacting with journalists from the city who were accompanying her.

“They (BJP, RSS) are like vultures waiting for a death and then start doing politics over it. They do politics even with death of students. First they commit a murder and then play holi with the (dead person’s) blood.

“The BJP and the RSS have to answer why the two students were killed. And until they give their answer I ask my party activists to conduct peaceful meetings and rallies in their respective areas without fighting over the issue,” the Trinamool Congress supremo, who is currently on an official tour of Europe to invite investors, said. Banerjee said that the state government had provided Daribhita school with the Urdu teacher because there was a requisition from the school authority.

“We had provided a Urdu teacher because the school had made a requisition. It’s not the decision of the government but the decision of the school committee or the school governing body. Questioning the rationale behind the protest against appointment of Urdu teachers , Banerjee alleged that BJP was trying to create a communal disturbance in the state during Muharram.

“The entire matter is a planned one by the BJP because they had plans to fuel riots during Muharram yesterday. the BJP has been trying to create this problem since September 18. If there is no problem when a Sanskrit teacher is appointed, then what is the problem over a Urdu teacher? I condemn those who have labelled this issue as communal,” she said. Trouble had brewed in the school over the recruitment of Urdu teachers as the protesting students said they needed science and English teachers. The students and area residents stopped three newly-recruited Urdu teachers from entering the school Thursday, demanding that all vacant teaching posts be filled which led to the clash. The chief minister said students should concentrate on their studies and not on who are appointed teachers.

“It is the job of the governing body or the school committee to look into such matters. Even we (the state government) do not interfere in it. You (students) are opposing when a Urdu teacher is appointed but not when teachers of other subjects are appointed. “I think, I do not have the right to take away the job of a Urdu teacher. All teachers are equal to me. In districts where there are 10 per cent Urdu medium schools, they can have Urdu teachers … To me, Hindus and Muslims are all equal,” she added. Referring to the police report on the clash, Banerjee said that the bullets which caused the students’ death were not fired by the force.

“If the bullets were not of guns used by the police then whose guns were they? From where were the bombs brought in. Who all had brought in people with faces covered. This is lynching politics (of the BJP),” she said during the interaction in Milan aired by local television channels. The police had denied its involvement in the clash though the district superintendent of police had conceded that the two had died of bullet injury. The SP, Sumit Kumar, had said people in the mob were carrying illegal bombs and arms and 14 policemen were injured in the clash.

Alleging that the BJP had “brought in goons from outside the state” and attacked the police, Banerjee said not only students but the police were also injured in the attack. On the call for a state-wide shutdown by the BJP, Banerjee said “I am taking full responsibility and saying that there will be no bandh on Wednesday. There is no question of any bandh. If anyone tries to put up blockades, I am asking the administration to take strict action against the person. I will ask people to counter the bandh in a peaceful manner.”

Meanwhile, West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee at Krishnagar said the death of two persons during a protest in an Islampur school was a “pre-planned” act of RSS and BJP The minister said the activities of the District Inspector of schools of North Dinajpur also under doubt. He alleged that the Islampur incident was a pre-planned one and done by the RSS and BJP and not by the students.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday blamed the RSS and the BJP for the death of two students during a protest against appointment of Urdu teachers in a school and accused them of trying to cause communal disturbance.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday blamed the RSS and the BJP for the death of two students during a protest against appointment of Urdu teachers in a school and accused them of trying to cause communal disturbance. Banerjee, who is in Milan, Italy, on an official tour, also came out in support of providing Urdu teachers to Daribhita School in Islampur in North Dinajpur where a clash between protesters and police claimed the lives of the two students. The BJP has called a 12-hour shutdown in the state on September 26 to protest against the death of the two students. Warning the saffron organisations “not to play with fire by doing politics on the issue”, she appealed to the people of the state not to pay heed to the politics of the BJP and the RSS and foil the shutdown. “The BJP and the RSS should say why the two students were killed,” she said while interacting with journalists from the city who were accompanying her. “They (BJP, RSS) are like vultures waiting for a death and then start doing politics over it. They do politics even with death of students. First they commit a murder and then play holi with the (dead person’s) blood. “The BJP and the RSS have to answer why the two students were killed. And until they give their answer I ask my party activists to conduct peaceful meetings and rallies in their respective areas without fighting over the issue,” the Trinamool Congress supremo, who is currently on an official tour of Europe to invite investors, said. Banerjee said that the state government had provided Daribhita school with the Urdu teacher because there was a requisition from the school authority. “We had provided a Urdu teacher because the school had made a requisition. It’s not the decision of the government but the decision of the school committee or the school governing body. Questioning the rationale behind the protest against appointment of Urdu teachers , Banerjee alleged that BJP was trying to create a communal disturbance in the state during Muharram. “The entire matter is a planned one by the BJP because they had plans to fuel riots during Muharram yesterday. the BJP has been trying to create this problem since September 18. If there is no problem when a Sanskrit teacher is appointed, then what is the problem over a Urdu teacher? I condemn those who have labelled this issue as communal,” she said. Trouble had brewed in the school over the recruitment of Urdu teachers as the protesting students said they needed science and English teachers. The students and area residents stopped three newly-recruited Urdu teachers from entering the school Thursday, demanding that all vacant teaching posts be filled which led to the clash. The chief minister said students should concentrate on their studies and not on who are appointed teachers. “It is the job of the governing body or the school committee to look into such matters. Even we (the state government) do not interfere in it. You (students) are opposing when a Urdu teacher is appointed but not when teachers of other subjects are appointed. “I think, I do not have the right to take away the job of a Urdu teacher. All teachers are equal to me. In districts where there are 10 per cent Urdu medium schools, they can have Urdu teachers … To me, Hindus and Muslims are all equal,” she added. Referring to the police report on the clash, Banerjee said that the bullets which caused the students’ death were not fired by the force. “If the bullets were not of guns used by the police then whose guns were they? From where were the bombs brought in. Who all had brought in people with faces covered. This is lynching politics (of the BJP),” she said during the interaction in Milan aired by local television channels. The police had denied its involvement in the clash though the district superintendent of police had conceded that the two had died of bullet injury. The SP, Sumit Kumar, had said people in the mob were carrying illegal bombs and arms and 14 policemen were injured in the clash. Alleging that the BJP had “brought in goons from outside the state” and attacked the police, Banerjee said not only students but the police were also injured in the attack. On the call for a state-wide shutdown by the BJP, Banerjee said “I am taking full responsibility and saying that there will be no bandh on Wednesday. There is no question of any bandh. If anyone tries to put up blockades, I am asking the administration to take strict action against the person. I will ask people to counter the bandh in a peaceful manner.” Meanwhile, West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee at Krishnagar said the death of two persons during a protest in an Islampur school was a “pre-planned” act of RSS and BJP The minister said the activities of the District Inspector of schools of North Dinajpur also under doubt. He alleged that the Islampur incident was a pre-planned one and done by the RSS and BJP and not by the students.

Mamata Banerjee blames RSS, BJP for the student deaths, accuses them of creating communal disturbance

The army on Sunday foiled an infiltration bid and killed two terrorists in Tangdhar sector on the Line of Control (LoC).

Defence sources said an encounter ensued after the terrorists&nbsp;were challenged by alert troops.

"Two militants have been killed," an official said.

The army on Sunday foiled an infiltration bid and killed two terrorists in Tangdhar sector on the Line of Control (LoC). Defence sources said an encounter ensued after the terrorists were challenged by alert troops.

The army on Sunday foiled an infiltration bid and killed two terrorists in Tangdhar sector on the Line of Control (LoC). Defence sources said an encounter ensued after the terrorists were challenged by alert troops. "Two militants have been killed," an official said.

J&K: Army foils infiltration bid on LoC, kills two terrorists

The Indian Navy said Sunday that its stranded sailor Abhilash Tomy would be rescued in the next 16 hours. Tomy, who is stranded some 1,900 nautical miles off the west coast of Australia, will be picked up by the French vessel Osiris.&nbsp;

Tomy was injured while participating in the Golden Globe Race.&nbsp;

He hurt his back Friday after his yacht was hit by a vicious storm with 14-metre-high waves in the south Indian Ocean.&nbsp;

An Indian Navy aircraft spotted Tomy's boat early Sunday morning.&nbsp;

Tomy is immobile in his boat but in touch with the Indian Navy over text message.&nbsp;

The navy meanwhile said it was maintaining a continuous watch on Tomy until he is rescued. They added that the stealth frigate INS Satpura and the tanker INS Jyoti had been dispatched to aid in the rescue mission.&nbsp;

“He is in the south Indian Ocean, approximately 1900 nautical miles WSW from Perth, Australia and about 2700 nm from Cape Comorin. All out efforts are being made to rescue Commander Abhilash Tomy. The Australian Rescue Coordination centre at Canberra is coordinating the rescue mission in conjunction with many agencies including the Australian Defence Department and the Indian Navy," the Indian Navy &nbsp;said in a press release. &nbsp;

"Indian Navy P-8I aircraft operating ex-Mauritius has visually sighted the SV Thuriya at 0750 hrs on 23 Sep 18. Continuous watch over the boat is being maintained by Indian Navy and RAAF aircraft till rescue is completed. Indian Naval stealth frigate, INS Satpura with a Chetak Helicopter and &nbsp;tanker INS Jyoti &nbsp;operating in the Indian Ocean have been dispatched for the rescue mission. The officer in his last text message has indicated that he is safe on the boat; however is immobile due to back injury,” the navy added.&nbsp;

The Indian Navy said Sunday that its stranded sailor Abhilash Tomy would be rescued in the next 16 hours. Tomy, who is stranded some 1,900 nautical miles off the west coast of Australia, will be picked up by the French vessel Osiris.

The Indian Navy said Sunday that its stranded sailor Abhilash Tomy would be rescued in the next 16 hours. Tomy, who is stranded some 1,900 nautical miles off the west coast of Australia, will be picked up by the French vessel Osiris. Tomy was injured while participating in the Golden Globe Race. He hurt his back Friday after his yacht was hit by a vicious storm with 14-metre-high waves in the south Indian Ocean. An Indian Navy aircraft spotted Tomy's boat early Sunday morning. Tomy is immobile in his boat but in touch with the Indian Navy over text message. The navy meanwhile said it was maintaining a continuous watch on Tomy until he is rescued. They added that the stealth frigate INS Satpura and the tanker INS Jyoti had been dispatched to aid in the rescue mission. “He is in the south Indian Ocean, approximately 1900 nautical miles WSW from Perth, Australia and about 2700 nm from Cape Comorin. All out efforts are being made to rescue Commander Abhilash Tomy. The Australian Rescue Coordination centre at Canberra is coordinating the rescue mission in conjunction with many agencies including the Australian Defence Department and the Indian Navy," the Indian Navy said in a press release. "Indian Navy P-8I aircraft operating ex-Mauritius has visually sighted the SV Thuriya at 0750 hrs on 23 Sep 18. Continuous watch over the boat is being maintained by Indian Navy and RAAF aircraft till rescue is completed. Indian Naval stealth frigate, INS Satpura with a Chetak Helicopter and tanker INS Jyoti operating in the Indian Ocean have been dispatched for the rescue mission. The officer in his last text message has indicated that he is safe on the boat; however is immobile due to back injury,” the navy added.

Stranded Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy will be rescued in next 16 hours: Navy

Price of petrol in Mumbai inched closer to the Rs 90 per litre-mark on September 23, with fuel prices witnessing another hike.&nbsp;

After a 17 paise hike, petrol in the financial capital touched Rs 89.97/litre. Price of diesel rose 11 paise to Rs 78.53/litre.

The prices of Petrol and Diesel in Delhi are Rs 82.61, an increase of 12 paise per litre and Rs 73.97 per litre, an increase of 10 paise, respectively.

Fuel prices have been witnessing a steep rise since the past few weeks.&nbsp;

While the Opposition has blamed the union government for not doing enough to keep a check on prices, the latter has maintained that global crude oil prices and other international factors are causing a hike in prices of petroleum products.

Meanwhile, Department of Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg on Friday said that discussions are taking place with the United States regarding the reduction of oil imports from Iran.

"We are in talks with the USA and they told us to reduce the import from Iran significantly. We have done that to some extent. As clarity in the situation emerges, steps will be taken accordingly by the government by November 4," he told ANI.

Garg also said that if needed, discussions will be held on trading of oil in terms of the Indian Rupee.

(With inputs from ANI)

Price of petrol in Mumbai inched closer to the Rs 90 per litre-mark on September 23, with fuel prices witnessing another hike. After a 17 paise hike, petrol in the financial capital touched Rs 89.

Price of petrol in Mumbai inched closer to the Rs 90 per litre-mark on September 23, with fuel prices witnessing another hike. After a 17 paise hike, petrol in the financial capital touched Rs 89.97/litre. Price of diesel rose 11 paise to Rs 78.53/litre. The prices of Petrol and Diesel in Delhi are Rs 82.61, an increase of 12 paise per litre and Rs 73.97 per litre, an increase of 10 paise, respectively. Fuel prices have been witnessing a steep rise since the past few weeks. While the Opposition has blamed the union government for not doing enough to keep a check on prices, the latter has maintained that global crude oil prices and other international factors are causing a hike in prices of petroleum products. Meanwhile, Department of Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg on Friday said that discussions are taking place with the United States regarding the reduction of oil imports from Iran. "We are in talks with the USA and they told us to reduce the import from Iran significantly. We have done that to some extent. As clarity in the situation emerges, steps will be taken accordingly by the government by November 4," he told ANI. Garg also said that if needed, discussions will be held on trading of oil in terms of the Indian Rupee. (With inputs from ANI)

Fuel prices witness fresh hike: Petrol inches closer to Rs 90-mark in Mumbai

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the entire Gandhi family has been the source of corruption.&nbsp;

"No wonder today the buzz is #RahulKaPuraKhandanChor," she tweeted.

Defence Minister was attacking back at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi who called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "thief",&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> &amp; Shri. <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> repeat untruth several times and use brazen &amp; abusive language about <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. They betray their sense of desperation in being out-of-power. In our govt there is no corruption. No wonder today the buzz is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulKaPuraKhandanChor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulKaPuraKhandanChor</a> <a href="https://t.co/o76HiaYtDh">https://t.co/o76HiaYtDh</a>
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/1043525438730121216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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#RahulKaPuraKhandanChor has been trending on social media, with BJP supporters vociferously retaliating to the Gandhi scion's sharp verbal assault on PM Modi earlier in the day.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference on the Rafale deal row, Rahul Gandhi said the recent statements of former French president Francois Hollande has left no doubt in the minds of people that the "Prime Minister is a thief".&nbsp;

Union Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was wrong to expect a mature statement from Gandhi since his “entire family is arraigned for scams like the National Herald scam and the Bofors scandal”, reported ANI.

“No party chief ever called the Prime Minister of India a thief,” Prasad said, referring to Gandhi’s accusations on Saturday. “We never expect anything better from him to say. Neither he has any quality nor any ability. He has become the party chief only because of family politics. We don’t expect anything from him at all.”

BJP National President Amit Shah questioned if the Congress was forming an alliance with Pakistan. “Rahul Gandhi says ‘Modi Hatao’,” Shah tweeted on Saturday.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Rahul Gandhi says ‘Modi Hatao’ 
Pakistan says ‘Modi Hatao’ 
 
Now Pakistan also supports Rahul Gandhi’s baseless allegations against PM Modi. 
 
Is Congress forming an International Mahagathbandhan against PM Modi?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaPakNaCongress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NaPakNaCongress</a><a href="https://t.co/eHBs0DGfBP">https://t.co/eHBs0DGfBP</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1043525197008121856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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“Pakistan says ‘Modi Hatao’. Now Pakistan also supports Rahul Gandhi’s baseless allegations against PM Modi. Is Congress forming an international mahagathbandhan against PM Modi.” Shah used the hashtag #NaPakNaCongress (neither Pakistan nor Congress).

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the entire Gandhi family has been the source of corruption. "No wonder today the buzz is #RahulKaPuraKhandanChor," she tweeted.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the entire Gandhi family has been the source of corruption. "No wonder today the buzz is #RahulKaPuraKhandanChor," she tweeted. Defence Minister was attacking back at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi who called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "thief", The @INCIndia & Shri. @RahulGandhi repeat untruth several times and use brazen & abusive language about @PMOIndia @narendramodi. They betray their sense of desperation in being out-of-power. In our govt there is no corruption. No wonder today the buzz is #RahulKaPuraKhandanChor https://t.co/o76HiaYtDh — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 22, 2018 × #RahulKaPuraKhandanChor has been trending on social media, with BJP supporters vociferously retaliating to the Gandhi scion's sharp verbal assault on PM Modi earlier in the day. Addressing a press conference on the Rafale deal row, Rahul Gandhi said the recent statements of former French president Francois Hollande has left no doubt in the minds of people that the "Prime Minister is a thief". Union Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was wrong to expect a mature statement from Gandhi since his “entire family is arraigned for scams like the National Herald scam and the Bofors scandal”, reported ANI. “No party chief ever called the Prime Minister of India a thief,” Prasad said, referring to Gandhi’s accusations on Saturday. “We never expect anything better from him to say. Neither he has any quality nor any ability. He has become the party chief only because of family politics. We don’t expect anything from him at all.” BJP National President Amit Shah questioned if the Congress was forming an alliance with Pakistan. “Rahul Gandhi says ‘Modi Hatao’,” Shah tweeted on Saturday. Rahul Gandhi says ‘Modi Hatao’ Pakistan says ‘Modi Hatao’ Now Pakistan also supports Rahul Gandhi’s baseless allegations against PM Modi. Is Congress forming an International Mahagathbandhan against PM Modi?#NaPakNaCongresshttps://t.co/eHBs0DGfBP — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 22, 2018 × “Pakistan says ‘Modi Hatao’. Now Pakistan also supports Rahul Gandhi’s baseless allegations against PM Modi. Is Congress forming an international mahagathbandhan against PM Modi.” Shah used the hashtag #NaPakNaCongress (neither Pakistan nor Congress).

'#RahulKaPuraKhandanChor', says Nirmala Sitharaman after Rahul Gandhi calls PM Modi 'thief'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brett-kavanaugh-accuser-agrees-testify-us-senate-167171">Brett Kavanaugh accuser agrees to testify before US Senate</a>

The woman whose sexual assault allegation threatens to bring down President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee has agreed to testify in the Senate, her lawyers said Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paradise-power-and-polls-five-questions-maldives-vote-167176">Paradise, power and polls: Five questions as Maldives vote</a>

The Maldives -- a country of 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean best known for its white beaches and blue lagoons -- will vote Sunday in a presidential election.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-summons-3-european-diplomats-over-parade-attack-report-167174">Iran summons 3 European diplomats over parade attack: Report</a>

Iran summoned diplomats from Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain over an attack on an army parade which killed at least 29 people near the Iraqi border, state-run media said on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-kicks-presidential-race-currency-slumps-167173">Indonesia kicks off presidential race as currency slumps</a>

Campaigning for Indonesia's presidential election in April kicked off Sunday, pitting incumbent Joko Widodo against a former military general in the race to lead the world's third-biggest democracy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-capsized-ferry-tanzanias-lake-victoria-rises-207-167145">Death</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-capsized-ferry-tanzanias-lake-victoria-rises-207-167145"> toll in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-capsized-ferry-tanzanias-lake-victoria-rises-207-167145">capsized</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-capsized-ferry-tanzanias-lake-victoria-rises-207-167145"> ferry in Tanzania's Lake Victoria rises to 207</a>

The death toll from a crowded ferry capsizing in Lake Victoria rose sharply to 207 Saturday, a Tanzanian minister said, as rescue workers found a lucky survivor.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Brett Kavanaugh accuser agrees to testify before US Senate The woman whose sexual assault allegation threatens to bring down President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee has agreed to testify in the Senate, her lawyers said Saturday.

Brett Kavanaugh accuser agrees to testify before US Senate The woman whose sexual assault allegation threatens to bring down President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee has agreed to testify in the Senate, her lawyers said Saturday. Paradise, power and polls: Five questions as Maldives vote The Maldives -- a country of 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean best known for its white beaches and blue lagoons -- will vote Sunday in a presidential election. Iran summons 3 European diplomats over parade attack: Report Iran summoned diplomats from Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain over an attack on an army parade which killed at least 29 people near the Iraqi border, state-run media said on Sunday. Indonesia kicks off presidential race as currency slumps Campaigning for Indonesia's presidential election in April kicked off Sunday, pitting incumbent Joko Widodo against a former military general in the race to lead the world's third-biggest democracy. Death toll in capsized ferry in Tanzania's Lake Victoria rises to 207 The death toll from a crowded ferry capsizing in Lake Victoria rose sharply to 207 Saturday, a Tanzanian minister said, as rescue workers found a lucky survivor.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat has said the "government has taken the right decision" in cancelling the meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Only the government can decide if talks should be held in such an environment and I think government has taken the right decision that terrorism and peace talks cannot be held together," Rawat said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had last week written a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking that peace talks between the two countries be resumed. He had also suggested that the foreign ministers of the two countries meet on the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.&nbsp;

India had at first agreed, then called off the talks 24 hours later after the slitting of a BSF soldier's throat — reportedly by personnel of the Pakistan Rangers — along the International Border with Pakistan in Jammu.&nbsp;

"They have been carrying out barbaric acts and Pakistan Army is used to doing this. It is not the first time that they have done it," Rawat said on Sunday when he was asked about the incident.&nbsp;

"They (Pakistan) keep saying that they won't let their soil be used for terrorist activities against other nations. But we can see that terrorist activities are taking place and terrorists are coming from across the border," Rawat added.&nbsp;

"Talks aren't being held,because our government's policy is that talks and terrorism can't take place together. We've given a clear message to Pakistan. Government's policy is clear that Pakistan has to prove with their actions that they aren't promoting terrorism," said Rawat.&nbsp;

Rawat was also asked whether the Indian Army would conduct another surgical strike.

"Surgical strike is a weapon of surprise. Let it remain a surprise," Rawat answered.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat says on Indo-Pak talks, "I think the government has taken the right decision that terrorism &amp; peace talks cannot be held together" <a href="https://t.co/suqdt0xIXD">pic.twitter.com/suqdt0xIXD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1043817816284061697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Imran Khan, in his letter to Modi, had said Pakistan was ready to discuss terrorism. After India called off the talks, he said he was "disappointed at the arrogant &amp; negative response by India". He added that "all my life I have come across small men occupying big offices who do not have the vision to see the larger picture".&nbsp;

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Disappointed at the arrogant &amp; negative response by India to my call for resumption of the peace dialogue. However, all my life I have come across small men occupying big offices who do not have the vision to see the larger picture.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1043432600046632960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rawat has often been criticised by political commentators for making "political" remarks not usually expected of Army chiefs.&nbsp;

Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat has said the "government has taken the right decision" in cancelling the meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.

Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat has said the "government has taken the right decision" in cancelling the meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan. "Only the government can decide if talks should be held in such an environment and I think government has taken the right decision that terrorism and peace talks cannot be held together," Rawat said on Sunday. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had last week written a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking that peace talks between the two countries be resumed. He had also suggested that the foreign ministers of the two countries meet on the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. India had at first agreed, then called off the talks 24 hours later after the slitting of a BSF soldier's throat — reportedly by personnel of the Pakistan Rangers — along the International Border with Pakistan in Jammu. "They have been carrying out barbaric acts and Pakistan Army is used to doing this. It is not the first time that they have done it," Rawat said on Sunday when he was asked about the incident. "They (Pakistan) keep saying that they won't let their soil be used for terrorist activities against other nations. But we can see that terrorist activities are taking place and terrorists are coming from across the border," Rawat added. "Talks aren't being held,because our government's policy is that talks and terrorism can't take place together. We've given a clear message to Pakistan. Government's policy is clear that Pakistan has to prove with their actions that they aren't promoting terrorism," said Rawat. Rawat was also asked whether the Indian Army would conduct another surgical strike. "Surgical strike is a weapon of surprise. Let it remain a surprise," Rawat answered. #WATCH: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat says on Indo-Pak talks, "I think the government has taken the right decision that terrorism & peace talks cannot be held together" pic.twitter.com/suqdt0xIXD — ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2018 × Imran Khan, in his letter to Modi, had said Pakistan was ready to discuss terrorism. After India called off the talks, he said he was "disappointed at the arrogant & negative response by India". He added that "all my life I have come across small men occupying big offices who do not have the vision to see the larger picture". Disappointed at the arrogant & negative response by India to my call for resumption of the peace dialogue. However, all my life I have come across small men occupying big offices who do not have the vision to see the larger picture. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) September 22, 2018 × Rawat has often been criticised by political commentators for making "political" remarks not usually expected of Army chiefs.

Govt has taken right decision: Army Chief Bipin Rawat on India cancelling Indo-Pak talks

The French government said Sunday it feared damage to its relations with India after former president Francois Hollande stirred controversy about a major deal to sell fighter jets to New Delhi.

Hollande, who left office in May last year, said Friday during a trip to India that French jet manufacturer Dassault Aviation had been given no choice about its local partner in a 2016 deal with the Indian administration.

The nationalist government of Narendra Modi agreed to buy 36 Rafale jets from Dassault, which announced afterwards it was partnering for the project with billionaire Anil Ambani rather than India's public defence conglomerate HAL.

Hollande's announcement that Dassault "did not have a say in it" added fuel to claims from India's opposition that the New Delhi government had intervened to help Ambani, who is a supporter of Modi and hails from the same state as him.

"I find these remarks made overseas, which concern important international relations between France and India, do not help anyone and above all do not help France," junior foreign minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne said Sunday about Hollande.

"Because one is no longer in office, causing damage to a strategic partnership between India and France by making remarks that clearly cause controversy in India is really not appropriate," he said in an interview on Radio J.

Hollande made the comments to defend himself from accusations of a conflict of interest because Ambani's Reliance conglomerate had partially financed a film produced by his girlfriend, Julie Gayet, in 2016.

The choice of Reliance for a highly strategic contract to upgrade India's ageing fleet of fighter jets had caused surprise at the time because the group had no previous experience in the aeronautics industry.&nbsp;

Hollande's comments were front-page news in Indian newspapers on Saturday and it was the top trending topic on Twitter.

Rahul Gandhi, head of the main opposition Congress party, who is seeking to replace Modi and his rightwing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in elections next year, went on the offensive.

"An ex-president of France is calling him (the prime minister of India) a thief. It's a question of the dignity of the office of the prime minister," he told a news conference in New Delhi.

The French government said Sunday it feared damage to its relations with India after former president Francois Hollande stirred controversy about a major deal to sell fighter jets to New Delhi.

The French government said Sunday it feared damage to its relations with India after former president Francois Hollande stirred controversy about a major deal to sell fighter jets to New Delhi. Hollande, who left office in May last year, said Friday during a trip to India that French jet manufacturer Dassault Aviation had been given no choice about its local partner in a 2016 deal with the Indian administration. The nationalist government of Narendra Modi agreed to buy 36 Rafale jets from Dassault, which announced afterwards it was partnering for the project with billionaire Anil Ambani rather than India's public defence conglomerate HAL. Hollande's announcement that Dassault "did not have a say in it" added fuel to claims from India's opposition that the New Delhi government had intervened to help Ambani, who is a supporter of Modi and hails from the same state as him. "I find these remarks made overseas, which concern important international relations between France and India, do not help anyone and above all do not help France," junior foreign minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne said Sunday about Hollande. "Because one is no longer in office, causing damage to a strategic partnership between India and France by making remarks that clearly cause controversy in India is really not appropriate," he said in an interview on Radio J. Hollande made the comments to defend himself from accusations of a conflict of interest because Ambani's Reliance conglomerate had partially financed a film produced by his girlfriend, Julie Gayet, in 2016. The choice of Reliance for a highly strategic contract to upgrade India's ageing fleet of fighter jets had caused surprise at the time because the group had no previous experience in the aeronautics industry. Hollande's comments were front-page news in Indian newspapers on Saturday and it was the top trending topic on Twitter. Rahul Gandhi, head of the main opposition Congress party, who is seeking to replace Modi and his rightwing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in elections next year, went on the offensive. "An ex-president of France is calling him (the prime minister of India) a thief. It's a question of the dignity of the office of the prime minister," he told a news conference in New Delhi.

France worried about relations with India after Hollande comments on Rafale deal

Pakistani Christians living in Europe and the United Kingdom gathered in front of Palais Wilson, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, and demanded justice and equal rights for the minorities in Pakistan.

Holding placards which read "Save Pakistani Christians", "Stop Human Rights Violations against Christians in Pakistan" and "Abolish Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan", they shouted slogans against the Pakistan government to demand justice for Asia Bibi, a victim of Blasphemy law.

They also carried out a protest march from Palais Wilson to Broken Chair in front of Palace of Nations, to make people aware about the persecution of Christians and other minorities in Pakistan by the state and non-state actors.

The event was held during the ongoing 39th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Advocate Qamar Shams, President of the International Christian Council, said, "The situation is quite serious and is going from bad to worse because it's happening all the time. Hardly a day passes when you don't hear a new case of persecution. And persecution in different ways - it's not persecution of blasphemy laws - it is social persecution, it is economic persecution and at the moment what the condition in Pakistan is of the minorities and particularly the Christians that they have been made to believe that they are not equal human beings. They are not equal citizens, they don't have equal rights, they don't have equal opportunities in jobs and government official positions, in the army, in navy and in the air force."

"Lately, there were ads in the newspapers which said that the job of a sweeper is specifically for Christians and only Christians need to apply. At the moment they (Christians) have been made mentally upset and convinced to believe that they are inferior and meant to do dirty jobs," said Shams.

Anjum Iqbal, a Pakistani Christian based in Amsterdam, who joined the protest, said: "We are in minority and demand equal rights. There are several other issues which members of our community are facing in Pakistan. The major issue is injustice, which should not happen to any Christian, a Hindu or a person of some other religion. We demand equal rights".

Talking about the forced marriages and religious conversion of Christian women, he added, "There are many Christian girls, who have been kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam. If she agrees to live with a Muslim then she will be alive, if she denies their demand, she gets killed. This is a major issue Christian girls have been facing."

The cause of Pakistani Christians was supported by the Members of European Parliament who have asked Pakistan to protect the rights of the minorities in the country.

Tomas Zdechovsky, Member of the European Parliament, said: "The situation is very critical and we have to open the issue of Pakistani Christians with the government. It is an unacceptable situation and we will do our maximum to change the situation".

"If the Pakistan government does not agree to a dialogue, we have to take action. But first, it should be a dialogue with the new Pakistani government and if it will not happen then the government has to take responsibility for that."

Henri Malosse, former President of European Economic and Social Committee, said: "Today, Pakistan is benefitting from European Trade policy. Pakistan is benefiting from what we call GSP+ (Generalised System of Preferences), the trade preferences which allow Pakistan to supply goods free of any duty - textile and other products. But, it has a condition to protect human rights and protection of minorities. And as you hear today, Pakistan government is not respecting this condition because of discrimination, slavery, blasphemy law. So we will ask political groups to stop this trade preference as long as Pakistan is not respecting the human rights and minority rights in its own country".

Gyorgy Holvenyi, a Member of European Parliament, while talking about the misuse of blasphemy law against minorities in Pakistan, said: "We have done a kind of resolution that declares that blasphemy law is against the religious minorities. The majority tries to blame Christians and other minorities, this is unacceptable. If Pakistan wants close relations with Europe, they have to take the consequences. European Parliamentarians shouldn't be lecturing the Pakistan government; they have to do their own homework".

A film and a poster campaign were also launched in Geneva to make people aware about the condition of Christians in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistani Christians living in Europe and the United Kingdom gathered in front of Palais Wilson, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, and demanded justice and equal rights for the minorities in Pakistan.

Pakistani Christians living in Europe and the United Kingdom gathered in front of Palais Wilson, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, and demanded justice and equal rights for the minorities in Pakistan. Holding placards which read "Save Pakistani Christians", "Stop Human Rights Violations against Christians in Pakistan" and "Abolish Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan", they shouted slogans against the Pakistan government to demand justice for Asia Bibi, a victim of Blasphemy law. They also carried out a protest march from Palais Wilson to Broken Chair in front of Palace of Nations, to make people aware about the persecution of Christians and other minorities in Pakistan by the state and non-state actors. The event was held during the ongoing 39th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. Advocate Qamar Shams, President of the International Christian Council, said, "The situation is quite serious and is going from bad to worse because it's happening all the time. Hardly a day passes when you don't hear a new case of persecution. And persecution in different ways - it's not persecution of blasphemy laws - it is social persecution, it is economic persecution and at the moment what the condition in Pakistan is of the minorities and particularly the Christians that they have been made to believe that they are not equal human beings. They are not equal citizens, they don't have equal rights, they don't have equal opportunities in jobs and government official positions, in the army, in navy and in the air force." "Lately, there were ads in the newspapers which said that the job of a sweeper is specifically for Christians and only Christians need to apply. At the moment they (Christians) have been made mentally upset and convinced to believe that they are inferior and meant to do dirty jobs," said Shams. Anjum Iqbal, a Pakistani Christian based in Amsterdam, who joined the protest, said: "We are in minority and demand equal rights. There are several other issues which members of our community are facing in Pakistan. The major issue is injustice, which should not happen to any Christian, a Hindu or a person of some other religion. We demand equal rights". Talking about the forced marriages and religious conversion of Christian women, he added, "There are many Christian girls, who have been kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam. If she agrees to live with a Muslim then she will be alive, if she denies their demand, she gets killed. This is a major issue Christian girls have been facing." The cause of Pakistani Christians was supported by the Members of European Parliament who have asked Pakistan to protect the rights of the minorities in the country. Tomas Zdechovsky, Member of the European Parliament, said: "The situation is very critical and we have to open the issue of Pakistani Christians with the government. It is an unacceptable situation and we will do our maximum to change the situation". "If the Pakistan government does not agree to a dialogue, we have to take action. But first, it should be a dialogue with the new Pakistani government and if it will not happen then the government has to take responsibility for that." Henri Malosse, former President of European Economic and Social Committee, said: "Today, Pakistan is benefitting from European Trade policy. Pakistan is benefiting from what we call GSP+ (Generalised System of Preferences), the trade preferences which allow Pakistan to supply goods free of any duty - textile and other products. But, it has a condition to protect human rights and protection of minorities. And as you hear today, Pakistan government is not respecting this condition because of discrimination, slavery, blasphemy law. So we will ask political groups to stop this trade preference as long as Pakistan is not respecting the human rights and minority rights in its own country". Gyorgy Holvenyi, a Member of European Parliament, while talking about the misuse of blasphemy law against minorities in Pakistan, said: "We have done a kind of resolution that declares that blasphemy law is against the religious minorities. The majority tries to blame Christians and other minorities, this is unacceptable. If Pakistan wants close relations with Europe, they have to take the consequences. European Parliamentarians shouldn't be lecturing the Pakistan government; they have to do their own homework". A film and a poster campaign were also launched in Geneva to make people aware about the condition of Christians in Pakistan.

Pakistani Christians demand equal rights, abolition of blasphemy laws

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said students are shifting from private to government schools for the first time in history after his party came to power and transformed the system, reported news agencies.

"There is a reverse swing now. It is for the first time in the history that students are shifting from private schools to government schools,'' he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

"Recently, a government school was opened in Rohini and 900 students took admission in it. Of these, 750 were from private schools," he said while addressing a gathering in Rithala here.

"Earlier, the condition of schools was such that even the poor did not want to send their kids to these schools. Even if they didn`t have money for food, they wanted to send their kids to private schools," he added.

Kejriwal, also the Chairman of Delhi Jal Board, was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the work of laying down a sewer line in Budh Vihar group of colonies in Rithala.

The estimated cost to be incurred on the project is Rs 79.69 crore and will be completed in 42 months, it said. 
&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said students are shifting from private to government schools for the first time in history after his party came to power and transformed the system, reported news agencies.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said students are shifting from private to government schools for the first time in history after his party came to power and transformed the system, reported news agencies. "There is a reverse swing now. It is for the first time in the history that students are shifting from private schools to government schools,'' he was quoted as saying. "Recently, a government school was opened in Rohini and 900 students took admission in it. Of these, 750 were from private schools," he said while addressing a gathering in Rithala here. "Earlier, the condition of schools was such that even the poor did not want to send their kids to these schools. Even if they didn`t have money for food, they wanted to send their kids to private schools," he added. Kejriwal, also the Chairman of Delhi Jal Board, was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the work of laying down a sewer line in Budh Vihar group of colonies in Rithala. The estimated cost to be incurred on the project is Rs 79.69 crore and will be completed in 42 months, it said.

Students shifting from private to government schools: Arvind Kejriwal

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will continue in his post, as he announced that a reshuffle of the state's ministers will soon take place.

The BJP chief said so in a tweet following a discussion with the Bharatiya Janata Party's core group team from Goa.

"It has been decided during a discussion with the Goa BJP core team that Manohar Parrikar will continue to lead the Goa government. There will soon be a reshuffle of ministers and their portfolios," he said.

Parrikar's poor health has sparked speculation over his continuation as the chief minister of Goa, and Shah had recently sent a central party leaders team to the coastal state to speak to allies and take stock of the political situation.

The opposition Congress, which is the single largest party in the state, has also staked claim to form a government. The BJP has asserted that its government continues to have the support of a majority of MLAs.&nbsp;

Parrikar is at present admitted at the AIIMS and undergoing treatment&nbsp;for a pancreas ailment.&nbsp;

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गोवा प्रदेश भाजपा की कोर टीम के साथ चर्चा कर यह निर्णय लिया गया है कि गोवा के मुख्यमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/manoharparrikar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manoharparrikar</a> जी ही गोवा सरकार का नेतृत्व करते रहेंगे। 
 
प्रदेश सरकार के मंत्रिमंडल व विभागों में बदलाव शीघ्र ही किया जाएगा।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1043821351297986560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will continue in his post, as he announced that a reshuffle of the state's ministers will soon take place.

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will continue in his post, as he announced that a reshuffle of the state's ministers will soon take place. The BJP chief said so in a tweet following a discussion with the Bharatiya Janata Party's core group team from Goa. "It has been decided during a discussion with the Goa BJP core team that Manohar Parrikar will continue to lead the Goa government. There will soon be a reshuffle of ministers and their portfolios," he said. Parrikar's poor health has sparked speculation over his continuation as the chief minister of Goa, and Shah had recently sent a central party leaders team to the coastal state to speak to allies and take stock of the political situation. The opposition Congress, which is the single largest party in the state, has also staked claim to form a government. The BJP has asserted that its government continues to have the support of a majority of MLAs. Parrikar is at present admitted at the AIIMS and undergoing treatment for a pancreas ailment. गोवा प्रदेश भाजपा की कोर टीम के साथ चर्चा कर यह निर्णय लिया गया है कि गोवा के मुख्यमंत्री श्री @manoharparrikar जी ही गोवा सरकार का नेतृत्व करते रहेंगे। प्रदेश सरकार के मंत्रिमंडल व विभागों में बदलाव शीघ्र ही किया जाएगा। — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 23, 2018 ×

Manohar Parrikar will continue to be Goa Chief Minister: Amit Shah

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