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Catholic priest of Jalanadhar diocese, Franco Mulakkal, who allegedly raped a Kerala nun, appeared before a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala police for the second day on Thursday.

The senior priest arrived at the Crime Branch (CID) office in Thrippunithura and is being quizzed by a five-member team headed by Vaikom Deputy Superintendent of Police, K Subhash, over the nun's allegations.

The senior priest has denied the rape allegations and assured full co-operation in the probe.

On Wednesday, the Bishop, who travelled from Jalandhar to Kochi after being summoned by Kerala police, was questioned for seven hours.

Bishop Mulakkal filed for anticipatory bail in Kerala High Court on Tuesday, which was deferred by the court to September 25.

He also wrote to Pope Francis, the highest authority in the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy, expressing his desire to 'temporarily step aside' from the responsibilities of the diocese, allowing him time to fight his case and repeated travels to Kerala, where the case is lodged.

Several priests and nuns have been protesting against the Bishop in Kerala. On Thursday, activists staged a protest outside the Kerala Secretariat in Trivandrum, demanding that the prelate be arrested.

The alleged victim nun wrote to Apostolic Nuncio, the representative of the Pope in India, demanding justice in the matter, following which the Vatican formed a one-member panel to probe the rape allegations against the priest.

The nun has accused the priest of raping her 13 times between 2014 and 2016. The Bishop, however, refuted the allegations, terming them "baseless and concocted".&nbsp

The senior priest arrived at the Crime Branch (CID) office in Thrippunithura and is being quizzed by a five-member team headed by Vaikom Deputy Superintendent of Police, K Subhash, over the nun's allegations.

Catholic priest of Jalanadhar diocese, Franco Mulakkal, who allegedly raped a Kerala nun, appeared before a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala police for the second day on Thursday. The senior priest arrived at the Crime Branch (CID) office in Thrippunithura and is being quizzed by a five-member team headed by Vaikom Deputy Superintendent of Police, K Subhash, over the nun's allegations. The senior priest has denied the rape allegations and assured full co-operation in the probe. On Wednesday, the Bishop, who travelled from Jalandhar to Kochi after being summoned by Kerala police, was questioned for seven hours. Bishop Mulakkal filed for anticipatory bail in Kerala High Court on Tuesday, which was deferred by the court to September 25. He also wrote to Pope Francis, the highest authority in the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy, expressing his desire to 'temporarily step aside' from the responsibilities of the diocese, allowing him time to fight his case and repeated travels to Kerala, where the case is lodged. Several priests and nuns have been protesting against the Bishop in Kerala. On Thursday, activists staged a protest outside the Kerala Secretariat in Trivandrum, demanding that the prelate be arrested. The alleged victim nun wrote to Apostolic Nuncio, the representative of the Pope in India, demanding justice in the matter, following which the Vatican formed a one-member panel to probe the rape allegations against the priest. The nun has accused the priest of raping her 13 times between 2014 and 2016. The Bishop, however, refuted the allegations, terming them "baseless and concocted".

Rape accused Bishop being questioned for second day

The Supreme Court Thursday extended by three months the deadline given to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to complete the probe in the Aircel-Maxis deal case.

A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said the probe should be completed in three months.&nbsp;

Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the ED, said the agency needs some two-three months to complete the probe as it needs to confront some accused with several e-mails.&nbsp;

The apex court had in March given the ED a six-month deadline to complete the probe in the case.&nbsp;

The ED is probing a money-laundering case in the Aircel-Maxis matter arising out of 2G spectrum cases.

A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said the probe should be completed in three months.

The Supreme Court Thursday extended by three months the deadline given to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to complete the probe in the Aircel-Maxis deal case. A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said the probe should be completed in three months. Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the ED, said the agency needs some two-three months to complete the probe as it needs to confront some accused with several e-mails. The apex court had in March given the ED a six-month deadline to complete the probe in the case. The ED is probing a money-laundering case in the Aircel-Maxis matter arising out of 2G spectrum cases.

SC extends deadline by 3 months for completing probe in Aircel-Maxis deal case

India has contributed a whopping USD 1 million for the installation of solar panels on the roof of the imposing UN building at the world body's headquarters here.

The contribution will help reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable energy, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said in a tweet.

He said that India is the "first responder" to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call for climate action.

"India funds solar project @UN Hqrs to reduce carbon footprint & promote sustainable energy," Akbaruddin said, referring to India's contribution of USD 1 million to the UN Headquarters' Solar Project, in which solar panels will be installed on the roof of the imposing UN headquarters.

"I thank Ambassador @AkbaruddinIndia @IndiaUNNewYork for India's generous contribution for the installation of solar panels on the roof of the @UN conference building. A strong message promoting #Innovation for action on #climatechange #efficiency," Under-Secretary-General for Management Jan Beagle said in a tweet, expressing gratitude to Akbaruddin and the Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

In June, Akbaruddin said during a session on World Environment Day that India intends to partner with the UN Secretariat to use renewable solar energy at the UN premises.

He had expressed hope that by the next World Environment Day, solar energy would be part of the energy mix used in the UN building.&nbsp

The contribution will help reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable energy, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said in a tweet.

India has contributed a whopping USD 1 million for the installation of solar panels on the roof of the imposing UN building at the world body's headquarters here. The contribution will help reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable energy, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said in a tweet. He said that India is the "first responder" to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call for climate action. "India funds solar project @UN Hqrs to reduce carbon footprint & promote sustainable energy," Akbaruddin said, referring to India's contribution of USD 1 million to the UN Headquarters' Solar Project, in which solar panels will be installed on the roof of the imposing UN headquarters. "I thank Ambassador @AkbaruddinIndia @IndiaUNNewYork for India's generous contribution for the installation of solar panels on the roof of the @UN conference building. A strong message promoting #Innovation for action on #climatechange #efficiency," Under-Secretary-General for Management Jan Beagle said in a tweet, expressing gratitude to Akbaruddin and the Permanent Mission of India to the UN. In June, Akbaruddin said during a session on World Environment Day that India intends to partner with the UN Secretariat to use renewable solar energy at the UN premises. He had expressed hope that by the next World Environment Day, solar energy would be part of the energy mix used in the UN building.

India contributes $1 million to UN's ambitious solar project

A senior Indian-origin medic who heads Britain's leading doctors' union on Thursday called on the government-funded National Health Service to treat its black and minority ethnic doctors more fairly, alleging that there is an "unconscious racism" within the system.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the British Medical Association (BMA), said despite making up a third of the National Health Service (NHS) workforce, the Black And Minority Ethnic (BAME) doctors were not proportionately represented at senior managerial levels of the UK's health service.

BAME doctors are more prone to bullying and being referred to the country's medical watchdog General Medical Council (GMC) over allegations of misconduct, he claimed.

Nagpaul cited the findings of a new survey he launched as the first Indian-origin head of the association to warn against an "unconscious racism" within the system acting as a barrier for BAME doctors in the NHS, many of them Indian.

"As well as a culture of fear and blame, the survey concluded that the BAME doctors remain disadvantaged by the NHS. Only half of ethnic minority doctors feel respected or culturally included in their place of work. They talked of experiencing unconscious racism in everything from job progression to training and patient interaction," the BMA said in a statement.

Nagpaul said that despite making up a third of the NHS workforce, BAME doctors were not proportionately represented at senior managerial levels of the UK's health service and are more prone to bullying and being referred to the country's medical watchdog General Medical Council (GMC) over allegations of misconduct.

"BAME doctors make up more than a third of the medical workforce and play a vital role, day in day out, delivering care to patients across the country. Yet despite their commitment they're more likely to face referral to the GMC, are more likely to have their cases investigated and are more likely to face harsh sanctions following an investigation," he said.

BMA highlights that only seven per cent of very senior managers in the NHS are currently from the BAME backgrounds, something Nagpaul says is not down to "lack of ability".

"BAME staff in the NHS workforce as a whole are more likely to experience bullying, harassment or abuse from other staff. Differential achievement in exams and poorer career progression are another worrying factor, and with independent research showing that this is not related to any lack of ability. In the 21st century, that is not acceptable," said Nagpaul, who has been a General Practitioner (GP) with the NHS for nearly 30 years.

The "Caring, supportive, collaborative?" project, undertaken by the BMA to find solutions to the challenges faced by the NHS, was launched by Nagpaul early this year to engage doctors across the UK in an open conversation about their daily working experiences and what they want the NHS to look like in the future.

Its report notes: "It is concerning that BAME doctors are clearly more fearful about being unfairly blamed or suffering adverse consequences if they raise concerns.

"This fear is likely to stem from the fact that BAME doctors are more likely to face disciplinary proceedings, be referred to the GMC by their employer and face investigations and sanctions".

BAME doctors were found to be more than twice as likely than their white counterparts to say that there is often a problem with bullying, undermining or harassment in their main place of work (18 per cent versus seven per cent).

The BMA said that in recent months nearly 8,000 doctors ? junior doctors to GPs and hospital doctors ? have provided their accounts of working life across the NHS in a major survey.

 
The BMA notes: "The results are stark: they show the damaging impact of asking doctors to provide care without enough funding, staff, beds or equipment to meet the needs of patients.

 
"Adding to this, the results suggest that poor lines of communication and organisational divisions between general practice and hospitals is undermining patient care. A lack of IT support is holding back efforts to encourage collaboration and greater innovation in our health services". 
BMA said the purpose of its project is to ensure that the voices of doctors from all disciplines and backgrounds are heard by the NHS, regulators and the government as the future sustainability of the NHS is considered and planned for.&nbsp

BAME doctors are more prone to bullying and being referred to the country's medical watchdog General Medical Council (GMC) over allegations of misconduct, he claimed.

A senior Indian-origin medic who heads Britain's leading doctors' union on Thursday called on the government-funded National Health Service to treat its black and minority ethnic doctors more fairly, alleging that there is an "unconscious racism" within the system. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the British Medical Association (BMA), said despite making up a third of the National Health Service (NHS) workforce, the Black And Minority Ethnic (BAME) doctors were not proportionately represented at senior managerial levels of the UK's health service. BAME doctors are more prone to bullying and being referred to the country's medical watchdog General Medical Council (GMC) over allegations of misconduct, he claimed. Nagpaul cited the findings of a new survey he launched as the first Indian-origin head of the association to warn against an "unconscious racism" within the system acting as a barrier for BAME doctors in the NHS, many of them Indian. "As well as a culture of fear and blame, the survey concluded that the BAME doctors remain disadvantaged by the NHS. Only half of ethnic minority doctors feel respected or culturally included in their place of work. They talked of experiencing unconscious racism in everything from job progression to training and patient interaction," the BMA said in a statement. Nagpaul said that despite making up a third of the NHS workforce, BAME doctors were not proportionately represented at senior managerial levels of the UK's health service and are more prone to bullying and being referred to the country's medical watchdog General Medical Council (GMC) over allegations of misconduct. "BAME doctors make up more than a third of the medical workforce and play a vital role, day in day out, delivering care to patients across the country. Yet despite their commitment they're more likely to face referral to the GMC, are more likely to have their cases investigated and are more likely to face harsh sanctions following an investigation," he said. BMA highlights that only seven per cent of very senior managers in the NHS are currently from the BAME backgrounds, something Nagpaul says is not down to "lack of ability". "BAME staff in the NHS workforce as a whole are more likely to experience bullying, harassment or abuse from other staff. Differential achievement in exams and poorer career progression are another worrying factor, and with independent research showing that this is not related to any lack of ability. In the 21st century, that is not acceptable," said Nagpaul, who has been a General Practitioner (GP) with the NHS for nearly 30 years. The "Caring, supportive, collaborative?" project, undertaken by the BMA to find solutions to the challenges faced by the NHS, was launched by Nagpaul early this year to engage doctors across the UK in an open conversation about their daily working experiences and what they want the NHS to look like in the future. Its report notes: "It is concerning that BAME doctors are clearly more fearful about being unfairly blamed or suffering adverse consequences if they raise concerns. "This fear is likely to stem from the fact that BAME doctors are more likely to face disciplinary proceedings, be referred to the GMC by their employer and face investigations and sanctions". BAME doctors were found to be more than twice as likely than their white counterparts to say that there is often a problem with bullying, undermining or harassment in their main place of work (18 per cent versus seven per cent). The BMA said that in recent months nearly 8,000 doctors ? junior doctors to GPs and hospital doctors ? have provided their accounts of working life across the NHS in a major survey. The BMA notes: "The results are stark: they show the damaging impact of asking doctors to provide care without enough funding, staff, beds or equipment to meet the needs of patients. "Adding to this, the results suggest that poor lines of communication and organisational divisions between general practice and hospitals is undermining patient care. A lack of IT support is holding back efforts to encourage collaboration and greater innovation in our health services". BMA said the purpose of its project is to ensure that the voices of doctors from all disciplines and backgrounds are heard by the NHS, regulators and the government as the future sustainability of the NHS is considered and planned for.

Indian-origin doctor warns of 'unconscious racism' in UK's state-run health service

Two militants were killed on Thursday in a gunfight between the security forces and the militants in north Kashmir Bandipora district, according to reports.

"Two militants have been killed in the encounter. One militant`s body has been recovered while the other is still at the encounter site", a report said quoting police.

Troops of counter insurgency Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operations Group (SOG) of state police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had started a cordon and search operation in Sumlar village of Bandipora after specific information about the presence of militants.

"As the cordon was tightened, hiding militants fired triggering an encounter", police said.

Although firing exchanges have stopped, searches are still going on, police added.

Two militants were killed on Thursday in a gunfight between the security forces and the militants in north Kashmir Bandipora district, according to reports. "Two militants have been killed in the encounter.

Two militants were killed on Thursday in a gunfight between the security forces and the militants in north Kashmir Bandipora district, according to reports. "Two militants have been killed in the encounter. One militant`s body has been recovered while the other is still at the encounter site", a report said quoting police. Troops of counter insurgency Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operations Group (SOG) of state police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had started a cordon and search operation in Sumlar village of Bandipora after specific information about the presence of militants. "As the cordon was tightened, hiding militants fired triggering an encounter", police said. Although firing exchanges have stopped, searches are still going on, police added.

J&K: Two militants killed in Bandipora gunfight

The government will mark two years of the 'surgical strikes' on September 29, Union minister Piyush Goyal said Wednesday.

He said the 2016 strikes, which saw commandos going into the Pakistan territory to eliminate terrorist launch pads, have showed the world that we "mean business".

"On the 29th of this month, we complete the second anniversary of the surgical strikes. And we will celebrate the day," he said speaking at the Priyadarshini awards, in remarks that come months ahead of the general elections.

"The country is in good hands is in the hands of a leader who is protecting every citizen," Mr Goyal said. He also lauded businessman Ronnie Screwvala for coming out with a film on the surgical strike, saying it will inspire the youth of the country.

He said the 2016 strikes, which saw commandos going into the Pakistan territory to eliminate terrorist launch pads, have showed the world that we 'mean business'.

The government will mark two years of the 'surgical strikes' on September 29, Union minister Piyush Goyal said Wednesday. He said the 2016 strikes, which saw commandos going into the Pakistan territory to eliminate terrorist launch pads, have showed the world that we "mean business". "On the 29th of this month, we complete the second anniversary of the surgical strikes. And we will celebrate the day," he said speaking at the Priyadarshini awards, in remarks that come months ahead of the general elections. "The country is in good hands is in the hands of a leader who is protecting every citizen," Mr Goyal said. He also lauded businessman Ronnie Screwvala for coming out with a film on the surgical strike, saying it will inspire the youth of the country.

Government will mark 2 years of surgical strikes, says Piyush Goyal

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday called Congress president Rahul Gandhi a "Clown Prince" and the opposition party hit back to dub the senior BJP leader as a "court jester" in bitter personal attacks over Rafale deal, NPAs and waiving loans of industrialists.

As the rival parties accused each other of resorting to falsehood and lies, the Congress also demanded Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's resignation for allegedly "misleading" the people on the Rafale deal. Gandhi accusing the minister of "lying" on HAL's capability to build the jet fighters, saying her position is untenable. 
In a hard hitting Facebook blog titled "Falsehood of a 'Clown Prince'" to reply to&nbsp; 
Gandhi's charges made during his political rallies, Jaitley accused him of "lying" about Modi government waiving Rs 2.5 lakh crore of loans of 15 industrialists. He asserted not a single rupee of any debtor has been waived by the BJP government.

Loans to the country's 12 defaulters were given out prior to 2014 and it was only the present government which was making recoveries, he said, adding defaulters are losing their companies and assets as they are being auctioned to recover dues.

"You lied on the Rafale deal, you lied on the Non Performing Assets(NPAs). Your temperament to concoct facts raises a legitimate question ? do people whose natural preference is falsehood deserve to be a part of the public discourse," he said.

"The world's largest democracy must seriously introspect whether public discourse should be allowed to be polluted by the falsehood of a 'Clown Prince'." 
Jaitley alleged the previous Congress-led UPA government "concealed" the loans despite default by rolling them over and NPAs or bad loans were hidden under the carpet.

"The truth, Mr Rahul Gandhi, is that your Government allowed the banks to be looted. The loans were inadequately securitized. Your Government was in complicity," he wrote.

Jaitley accused Gandhi of "concocting a lie" and repeating it as many times and went on to cite previous arguments he had made to counter the charges on Rafale deal.

"In mature democracies, those who rely on falsehood are considered unfit for public life. Many have been banished from political activity because they were caught lying.&nbsp; 
But this rule obviously can't apply to a dynastic organisation like Congress party," he said.

"If the 'Rafale concoctions' were the first big lie, the second one stated repeatedly is that Mr Modi waived off Rs 2.50 lakh crores of 15 industrialists. Every word of that sentence repeatedly uttered by Rahul Gandhi is false."

The Congress on its part accused Jaitley of "lying" on the issue of NPAs and dubbed him as a "court jester" writing "wasteful" blogs,

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala accused Jaitley of making desperate attempts at spreading "fake agenda to stay relevant as a court jester" and asked him why he is hiding behind abuse to the opposition and demanded answers from him on the issue of NPAs as well as the Rafale jet fighter deal with France.

He said Jaitley and the Modi government have been "trapped" on the Rafale issue and that is why they are resorting to abuse against the opposition instead of replying to questions asked.

"Arun Jaitley is desperate in his attempt to stay relevant as a ?Court Jester' to ?Modi Sultanate'. 'Abuse, diversion' and deception' are the desperate tools of a 'Lying -Jait-LIE'.

"Instead of hiding behind the cloak of expletives for the opposition, let FM coherently answer politically relevant issues," Surjewala told reporters.

Attacking the government on the issue of NPAs, the Congress leader alleged collusion between NPA's, bank looters and the Modi government.

"Political amnesia and chest thumping cannot obliterate your dismal record of dismantling India's economic progress or as also the surging NPA's resulting out of ?bankruptcy of economic vision' of Modi Government," he alleged.

Gandhi took to Twitter to attack Sitharaman, alleging that her position as the defence minister has become untenable as a former chief of the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has "nailed her lie".

"The RM (Rafale Minister) tasked with defending corruption has been caught lying again. The former HAL Chief, T S Raju, has nailed her lie, that HAL didn't have the capability to build the RAFALE. Her position is untenable &amp; she must resign," he tweeted and tagged a media report on the former HAL chief's assertion.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari cited the remarks of former HAL chief T Suvarna Raju to attack Sitharaman over the issue of HAL's capability to build the Rafale aircraft.

Tewari hit out at Sitharaman for alleging that the UPA did not extend support to HAL when the state-run company was engaged in talks with French firm Dassault Aviation for the manufacturer of Rafale jets in India under the offset agreement.

He said the former HAL chief had made certain "extremely pertinent points" that "absolutely demolish" the entire case that the NDA government has been trying to build on the Rafale issue.

Tewari said Raju had made it clear in his statement that HAL and Dassault had signed the mutual workshare contract and given it to the government.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday called Congress president Rahul Gandhi a "Clown Prince" and the opposition party hit back to dub the senior BJP leader as a "court jester" in bitter personal attacks over Rafale deal, NPAs and waiving loans of industrialists.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday called Congress president Rahul Gandhi a "Clown Prince" and the opposition party hit back to dub the senior BJP leader as a "court jester" in bitter personal attacks over Rafale deal, NPAs and waiving loans of industrialists. As the rival parties accused each other of resorting to falsehood and lies, the Congress also demanded Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's resignation for allegedly "misleading" the people on the Rafale deal. Gandhi accusing the minister of "lying" on HAL's capability to build the jet fighters, saying her position is untenable. In a hard hitting Facebook blog titled "Falsehood of a 'Clown Prince'" to reply to Gandhi's charges made during his political rallies, Jaitley accused him of "lying" about Modi government waiving Rs 2.5 lakh crore of loans of 15 industrialists. He asserted not a single rupee of any debtor has been waived by the BJP government. Loans to the country's 12 defaulters were given out prior to 2014 and it was only the present government which was making recoveries, he said, adding defaulters are losing their companies and assets as they are being auctioned to recover dues. "You lied on the Rafale deal, you lied on the Non Performing Assets(NPAs). Your temperament to concoct facts raises a legitimate question ? do people whose natural preference is falsehood deserve to be a part of the public discourse," he said. "The world's largest democracy must seriously introspect whether public discourse should be allowed to be polluted by the falsehood of a 'Clown Prince'." Jaitley alleged the previous Congress-led UPA government "concealed" the loans despite default by rolling them over and NPAs or bad loans were hidden under the carpet. "The truth, Mr Rahul Gandhi, is that your Government allowed the banks to be looted. The loans were inadequately securitized. Your Government was in complicity," he wrote. Jaitley accused Gandhi of "concocting a lie" and repeating it as many times and went on to cite previous arguments he had made to counter the charges on Rafale deal. "In mature democracies, those who rely on falsehood are considered unfit for public life. Many have been banished from political activity because they were caught lying. But this rule obviously can't apply to a dynastic organisation like Congress party," he said. "If the 'Rafale concoctions' were the first big lie, the second one stated repeatedly is that Mr Modi waived off Rs 2.50 lakh crores of 15 industrialists. Every word of that sentence repeatedly uttered by Rahul Gandhi is false." The Congress on its part accused Jaitley of "lying" on the issue of NPAs and dubbed him as a "court jester" writing "wasteful" blogs, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala accused Jaitley of making desperate attempts at spreading "fake agenda to stay relevant as a court jester" and asked him why he is hiding behind abuse to the opposition and demanded answers from him on the issue of NPAs as well as the Rafale jet fighter deal with France. He said Jaitley and the Modi government have been "trapped" on the Rafale issue and that is why they are resorting to abuse against the opposition instead of replying to questions asked. "Arun Jaitley is desperate in his attempt to stay relevant as a ?Court Jester' to ?Modi Sultanate'. 'Abuse, diversion' and deception' are the desperate tools of a 'Lying -Jait-LIE'. "Instead of hiding behind the cloak of expletives for the opposition, let FM coherently answer politically relevant issues," Surjewala told reporters. Attacking the government on the issue of NPAs, the Congress leader alleged collusion between NPA's, bank looters and the Modi government. "Political amnesia and chest thumping cannot obliterate your dismal record of dismantling India's economic progress or as also the surging NPA's resulting out of ?bankruptcy of economic vision' of Modi Government," he alleged. Gandhi took to Twitter to attack Sitharaman, alleging that her position as the defence minister has become untenable as a former chief of the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has "nailed her lie". "The RM (Rafale Minister) tasked with defending corruption has been caught lying again. The former HAL Chief, T S Raju, has nailed her lie, that HAL didn't have the capability to build the RAFALE. Her position is untenable & she must resign," he tweeted and tagged a media report on the former HAL chief's assertion. Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari cited the remarks of former HAL chief T Suvarna Raju to attack Sitharaman over the issue of HAL's capability to build the Rafale aircraft. Tewari hit out at Sitharaman for alleging that the UPA did not extend support to HAL when the state-run company was engaged in talks with French firm Dassault Aviation for the manufacturer of Rafale jets in India under the offset agreement. He said the former HAL chief had made certain "extremely pertinent points" that "absolutely demolish" the entire case that the NDA government has been trying to build on the Rafale issue. Tewari said Raju had made it clear in his statement that HAL and Dassault had signed the mutual workshare contract and given it to the government.

Jaitley calls Rahul 'Clown Prince', Congress hits back with 'court jester'

AAP minister Rajendra Pal Gautam Wednesday met Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad at his residence in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district and said people of similar ideology need to come at a common platform to fight the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Throwing the BJP out of power in 2019 is the "sole aim", a statement from Rajendra Pal Gautam's office said.

After being released from jail last week, Azad had said he would ensure the Bharatiya Janata Party is routed in the general elections.

Gautam, who is the social welfare minister in the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government, said that Azad's support will be taken in the Lok Sabha polls for "protecting" the Constitution.

The meeting at Azad's residence in Chhutmalpur village in Saharanpur lasted over an hour, according to the statement.

"People of similar ideology need to come at a common platform to fight the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls... The people of the country will oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power," it said.

"Ousting the BJP from power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is the sole aim," the statement quoted Mr Gautam as saying.

Azad was arrested from Himachal Pradesh's Dalhousie in June last year in connection with the May 5 caste violence in which one person was killed and 16 others were injured at Shabbirpur village in Saharanpur.

The Allahabad High Court had granted him bail on November 2, 2017. However, police booked him under the stringent National Security Act days before his release.

Gautam, who is the social welfare minister in the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government, said that Azad's support will be taken in the Lok Sabha polls for 'protecting' the Constitution.

AAP minister Rajendra Pal Gautam Wednesday met Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad at his residence in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district and said people of similar ideology need to come at a common platform to fight the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Throwing the BJP out of power in 2019 is the "sole aim", a statement from Rajendra Pal Gautam's office said. After being released from jail last week, Azad had said he would ensure the Bharatiya Janata Party is routed in the general elections. Gautam, who is the social welfare minister in the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government, said that Azad's support will be taken in the Lok Sabha polls for "protecting" the Constitution. The meeting at Azad's residence in Chhutmalpur village in Saharanpur lasted over an hour, according to the statement. "People of similar ideology need to come at a common platform to fight the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls... The people of the country will oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power," it said. "Ousting the BJP from power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is the sole aim," the statement quoted Mr Gautam as saying. Azad was arrested from Himachal Pradesh's Dalhousie in June last year in connection with the May 5 caste violence in which one person was killed and 16 others were injured at Shabbirpur village in Saharanpur. The Allahabad High Court had granted him bail on November 2, 2017. However, police booked him under the stringent National Security Act days before his release.

AAP minister meets Bhim Army chief, discusses strategy to defeat PM in 2019

In a no-holds-barred attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday people are now heard saying the country's chowkidar is a "thief".

Gandhi's remark at a public meeting provoked a strong reaction from the BJP with Union minister Smriti Irani calling him the "clown prince" who had no respect for the prime minister's post.

Rahul Gandhi was referring to the prime minister's silence on the Rafale fighter aircraft deal with France and the Modi government's failure to bring fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya to book.

He said he had asked questions on this in Parliament but got no reply, and took a jibe at Modi's past assertions on tackling corruption.

Modi had said he did not want to become the country's prime minister, but its "chowkidar" (watchman), Gandhi recalled.

He added now it is heard on the streets that the country's chowkidar' is a thief.

"Gali gali mein shor hai, Hindustan ka chowkidar chor hai," he said in Hindi at a rally in tribal-dominated Sagwara.

He said this is what the people in Rajasthan and elsewhere in the country felt.

Assembly elections will be held in the state later this year, shortly ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

Gandhi said people are disappointed with the Bharatiya Janata Party governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan and the Congress is now set to win.

?Neither the prime minister and the chief minister, nor their money can stop the change of government in Rajasthan,? he said.

Ahead of the rally, the Congress chief offered prayers at the nearby Gayatri Shaktipeeth temple.

Referring to a recent row, Gandhi claimed Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had ?admitted? that Vijay Mallya met him before leaving the country.

?The finance minister allowed Vijay Mallya who defrauded banks to tune of Rs 9,000 crore to leave the country but the prime minister did not break his silence,? he said. 
Mentioning Modi's monthly radio talk, he said the prime minister speaks his ?mann ki baat' in all his speeches but the Congress wants to hear what the people say.

The Congress chief said the promise to provide employment to two crore youths every year and the Make In India campaign had failed as phones, shoes and clothes carried the Made In China tag.

Gandhi claimed only 450 youths get employment in the country each day while China created jobs for 50,000 people every 24 hours.

He alleged an amount of Rs 2,30,000 crore has been ?written off? as bad loan to 15 or 20 big industrialists, but the government has not helped debt-ridden farmers. 
?We will make the people of the state secure and focus on providing employment.&nbsp; 
We want mobile phones with Made in Rajasthan tag,? he said.

Gandhi tried to allay speculation over rifts in the state unit of the party by referring to a motorcycle ride that Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot took together.

The Congress is yet to announce its CM candidate in Rajasthan, unlike the BJP which has said Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje will be nominated again. 
The Congress president assured that party workers will decide on the candidates in the coming election.

?I can guarantee you that this time not a single parachute candidate will be able to get the ticket. If any such candidate comes, I will cut the rope,? he said.

He also asked senior Congress leader Avinash Pandey to find women faces to represent the party.

Gandhi suggested that the BJP was using money from the state exchequer on its campaign meetings.

?You should know that the posters that you see of the prime minister and the chief minister were made with your money,? he said.

He said the demonitisation of high-currency bank notes and the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which he called the ?Gabbar Singh Tax', broke the back of common people and the small businessman.

?We had proposed a one country, one tax system but the prime minister levied a multiple-layer tax system. The Congress government will change it to a single-layer tax system, if voted to power,? he said.

Gandhi accused the Modi government of shelving the Rs 2,000 crore Ratlam-Banswara-Dungarpur rail line plan announced by the previous UPA government, while announcing a bullet train project worth Rs 1 lakh crore. 
&nbsp;

In a no-holds-barred attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday people are now heard saying the country's chowkidar is a "thief".

In a no-holds-barred attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Thursday people are now heard saying the country's chowkidar is a "thief". Gandhi's remark at a public meeting provoked a strong reaction from the BJP with Union minister Smriti Irani calling him the "clown prince" who had no respect for the prime minister's post. Rahul Gandhi was referring to the prime minister's silence on the Rafale fighter aircraft deal with France and the Modi government's failure to bring fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya to book. He said he had asked questions on this in Parliament but got no reply, and took a jibe at Modi's past assertions on tackling corruption. Modi had said he did not want to become the country's prime minister, but its "chowkidar" (watchman), Gandhi recalled. He added now it is heard on the streets that the country's chowkidar' is a thief. "Gali gali mein shor hai, Hindustan ka chowkidar chor hai," he said in Hindi at a rally in tribal-dominated Sagwara. He said this is what the people in Rajasthan and elsewhere in the country felt. Assembly elections will be held in the state later this year, shortly ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. Gandhi said people are disappointed with the Bharatiya Janata Party governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan and the Congress is now set to win. ?Neither the prime minister and the chief minister, nor their money can stop the change of government in Rajasthan,? he said. Ahead of the rally, the Congress chief offered prayers at the nearby Gayatri Shaktipeeth temple. Referring to a recent row, Gandhi claimed Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had ?admitted? that Vijay Mallya met him before leaving the country. ?The finance minister allowed Vijay Mallya who defrauded banks to tune of Rs 9,000 crore to leave the country but the prime minister did not break his silence,? he said. Mentioning Modi's monthly radio talk, he said the prime minister speaks his ?mann ki baat' in all his speeches but the Congress wants to hear what the people say. The Congress chief said the promise to provide employment to two crore youths every year and the Make In India campaign had failed as phones, shoes and clothes carried the Made In China tag. Gandhi claimed only 450 youths get employment in the country each day while China created jobs for 50,000 people every 24 hours. He alleged an amount of Rs 2,30,000 crore has been ?written off? as bad loan to 15 or 20 big industrialists, but the government has not helped debt-ridden farmers. ?We will make the people of the state secure and focus on providing employment. We want mobile phones with Made in Rajasthan tag,? he said. Gandhi tried to allay speculation over rifts in the state unit of the party by referring to a motorcycle ride that Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot took together. The Congress is yet to announce its CM candidate in Rajasthan, unlike the BJP which has said Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje will be nominated again. The Congress president assured that party workers will decide on the candidates in the coming election. ?I can guarantee you that this time not a single parachute candidate will be able to get the ticket. If any such candidate comes, I will cut the rope,? he said. He also asked senior Congress leader Avinash Pandey to find women faces to represent the party. Gandhi suggested that the BJP was using money from the state exchequer on its campaign meetings. ?You should know that the posters that you see of the prime minister and the chief minister were made with your money,? he said. He said the demonitisation of high-currency bank notes and the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which he called the ?Gabbar Singh Tax', broke the back of common people and the small businessman. ?We had proposed a one country, one tax system but the prime minister levied a multiple-layer tax system. The Congress government will change it to a single-layer tax system, if voted to power,? he said. Gandhi accused the Modi government of shelving the Rs 2,000 crore Ratlam-Banswara-Dungarpur rail line plan announced by the previous UPA government, while announcing a bullet train project worth Rs 1 lakh crore.

Gali gali mein shor hai, Hindustan ka chowkidar chor hai: Rahul Gandhi

Dealing a blow to the Congress's plans to sew up an alliance, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Thursday announced 22 candidates for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections and said it will contest all 230 seats.

The list includes three sitting MLAs.

State Congress president Kamal Nath had said earlier that his party wants to join hands with like-minded parties such as the BSP for taking on the ruling BJP.

Nath had also met BSP supremo Mayawati on July 15.

However, the BSP said Thursday that it will contest all 230 Assembly seats on its own in the state where elections are due by year-end.

A Congress leader said on the condition of anonymity that his party still has hopes that an alliance with the BSP will materialise.

"They have announced only 22 candidates, including three sitting MLAs, for the seats where their position is strong. It is just a move to scare us and get a better seat sharing deal," he said.

"We had offered them 15-16 seats but they wanted more," he said.

However, BSP's Madhya Pradesh in-charge Ram Achal Rajbhar said his party will contest all 230 seats.

The list of candidates released by Rajbhar includes three out of the party's four sitting MLAs: Sheela Tyagi (Mangawa seat), Usha Choudhary (Raigaon) and Satyaprakash Sakwar (Ambah).

The name of a fourth BSP MLA, Balveer Singh Dandotia who represents Dimni in Morena district, does not figure in the list. BSP sources said he wants to contest from the Morena Assembly seat this time.

The list also names candidates for Assembly seats in Datia, Bhind, Shivpuri, Ashoknagar, Chhattarpur, Damoh, Singrauli, Sidhi, Shahdol, Umaria, Katni and Jabalpur districts.&nbsp;

Alliance with Ajit Jogi 
In another setback to the Congress, BSP supremo Mayawati today announced an alliance with Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) for Chhattisgarh elections and declared him the chief ministerial candidate.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will contest 35 seats and the Janta Congress Chhattisgarh 55 in the 90-member Assembly.&nbsp;

"We have decided to forge an alliance with the Janata Congress Chhattisgarh. Ajit Jogi will be the chief ministerial candidate," Mayawati said at a press conference here.

"My views on alliance with other parties are clear. We will go for an alliance if our party gets a respectable number of seats and if the ideologies match," she said.

Mayawati said the BSP and the JCC will soon launch a joint election campaign and a plan for conducting rallies will be finalised soon.

Replying to a question, she said, "Both the parties are capable of stopping the BJP in the state. If some other regional parties want to join us, we will take their help."

She alleged that the BJP government in Chhattisgarh did nothing for the state in the past 15 years and that a "strong regional representation" was necessary to ensure that it is not neglected.

In Chhattisgarh, the Dalit population plays an important role in determining election results in regions such as Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh and Bastar. PTI&nbsp;

Dealing a blow to the Congress's plans to sew up an alliance, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Thursday announced 22 candidates for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections and said it will contest all 230 seats.

Dealing a blow to the Congress's plans to sew up an alliance, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Thursday announced 22 candidates for the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections and said it will contest all 230 seats. The list includes three sitting MLAs. State Congress president Kamal Nath had said earlier that his party wants to join hands with like-minded parties such as the BSP for taking on the ruling BJP. Nath had also met BSP supremo Mayawati on July 15. However, the BSP said Thursday that it will contest all 230 Assembly seats on its own in the state where elections are due by year-end. A Congress leader said on the condition of anonymity that his party still has hopes that an alliance with the BSP will materialise. "They have announced only 22 candidates, including three sitting MLAs, for the seats where their position is strong. It is just a move to scare us and get a better seat sharing deal," he said. "We had offered them 15-16 seats but they wanted more," he said. However, BSP's Madhya Pradesh in-charge Ram Achal Rajbhar said his party will contest all 230 seats. The list of candidates released by Rajbhar includes three out of the party's four sitting MLAs: Sheela Tyagi (Mangawa seat), Usha Choudhary (Raigaon) and Satyaprakash Sakwar (Ambah). The name of a fourth BSP MLA, Balveer Singh Dandotia who represents Dimni in Morena district, does not figure in the list. BSP sources said he wants to contest from the Morena Assembly seat this time. The list also names candidates for Assembly seats in Datia, Bhind, Shivpuri, Ashoknagar, Chhattarpur, Damoh, Singrauli, Sidhi, Shahdol, Umaria, Katni and Jabalpur districts. Alliance with Ajit Jogi In another setback to the Congress, BSP supremo Mayawati today announced an alliance with Ajit Jogi's Janta Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC) for Chhattisgarh elections and declared him the chief ministerial candidate. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will contest 35 seats and the Janta Congress Chhattisgarh 55 in the 90-member Assembly. "We have decided to forge an alliance with the Janata Congress Chhattisgarh. Ajit Jogi will be the chief ministerial candidate," Mayawati said at a press conference here. "My views on alliance with other parties are clear. We will go for an alliance if our party gets a respectable number of seats and if the ideologies match," she said. Mayawati said the BSP and the JCC will soon launch a joint election campaign and a plan for conducting rallies will be finalised soon. Replying to a question, she said, "Both the parties are capable of stopping the BJP in the state. If some other regional parties want to join us, we will take their help." She alleged that the BJP government in Chhattisgarh did nothing for the state in the past 15 years and that a "strong regional representation" was necessary to ensure that it is not neglected. In Chhattisgarh, the Dalit population plays an important role in determining election results in regions such as Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh and Bastar. PTI

Mayawati says BSP will fight MP elections alone, in Chhattisgarh she ties up with Ajit Jogi

Bishop Franco Mulakkal was Thursday grilled for more than eight hours by Kerala police over allegations of rape and unnatural sex levelled by a nun and he will be questioned for a third straight day tomorrow, police said.

The Vatican has, meanwhile, divested Mulakkal, who was the bishop of the Jalandhar diocese of Missionaries of Jesus despite shedding his administrative role, of his pastoral responsibilities "temporarily", the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) said.

"We had decided to complete the interrogation today. But it could not be completed even after 7:30 pm. Verification is required in matters so far placed before the investigation team and that will be completed by tomorrow morning.

"Three teams will verify them. So, the investigation will continue tomorrow also. By tomorrow we will be able to complete the verification," Kottayam Superintendent of Police Hari Sankar said after the marathon questioning of the priest.

Terming the interrogation as "positive", he said Mulakkal has been issued a notice to appear before the SIT at 10:30 am.

Sources in the Special Investigating Team probing the case said the interrogation was likely to conclude tomorrow.

He was questioned for over seven hours on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Kerala's police chief Loknath Behera said the decision on whether to arrest Mulakkal will be taken in the next couple of days.

"After examining him only a decision will be taken. Investigating team is examining him. Let us wait. A decision will be definitely taken today or tomorrow after the interrogation," Behera told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.

Amid the continued outrage over the alleged sexual assault of the nun, the CBCI said Pope Francis had temporarily relieved him of his pastoral responsibilities, a decision that was welcomed by the protesting nuns who termed the development as the "first victory" in their fight against the former bishop.

"The Pope appointed Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Bombay Agnelo Rufino Gracias as the Apostolic administrator of the diocese of Jalandhar with immediate effect," a CBCI statement said.

The Pope took the decision in response to Mulakkal's September 16 letter offering to "step aside temporarily" as the bishop of the Jalandhar diocese, Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council Spokesman Fr Varghese Vallikkattu told.

According to the statement issued by CBCI president Cardinal Oswald Gracias, "The Holy Father has received the request of Bishop Franco Mulakkal to be temporarily relieved of his pastoral responsibilities in the diocese of Jalandhar."

"Having considered all circumstances the Holy Father has accepted this request of Bishop Mulakkal and has appointed Bishop Agnelo Rufino Gracias, Auxilary Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Bombay as Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Jalandhar... With immediate effect," it said.

The group of nuns staging a protest here with representatives of various Catholic reform organisations seeking Mulakkal's arrest and justice for the nun lauded the Pope's decision.

"We are very happy.....The Vatican has finally heard our prayers. It is the first victory in our struggle against the Bishop," a nun said.

More support came in for their agitation from the church, with Fr Augustine Vattoli, convenor of 'Save Our Sisters', criticising the government for the delay in arresting the priest.

"We feel cheated," Vattoli said and warned there would be "uprising" in the streets of Kerala if Mulakkal was not arrested.

Activists of the All India Youth Federation, the students front of the CPI, also held a protest demanding his arrest. They had also staged a protest Wednesday. Some people burnt an effigy of Mulakkal.

Mulakkal has been accused of repeated rape and sexual assault by the Kerala-based nun of his own religious order, but he has denied the allegations.&nbsp;

Bishop Franco Mulakkal was Thursday grilled for more than eight hours by Kerala police over allegations of rape and unnatural sex levelled by a nun and he will be questioned for a third straight day tomorrow, police said.

Bishop Franco Mulakkal was Thursday grilled for more than eight hours by Kerala police over allegations of rape and unnatural sex levelled by a nun and he will be questioned for a third straight day tomorrow, police said. The Vatican has, meanwhile, divested Mulakkal, who was the bishop of the Jalandhar diocese of Missionaries of Jesus despite shedding his administrative role, of his pastoral responsibilities "temporarily", the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) said. "We had decided to complete the interrogation today. But it could not be completed even after 7:30 pm. Verification is required in matters so far placed before the investigation team and that will be completed by tomorrow morning. "Three teams will verify them. So, the investigation will continue tomorrow also. By tomorrow we will be able to complete the verification," Kottayam Superintendent of Police Hari Sankar said after the marathon questioning of the priest. Terming the interrogation as "positive", he said Mulakkal has been issued a notice to appear before the SIT at 10:30 am. Sources in the Special Investigating Team probing the case said the interrogation was likely to conclude tomorrow. He was questioned for over seven hours on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, Kerala's police chief Loknath Behera said the decision on whether to arrest Mulakkal will be taken in the next couple of days. "After examining him only a decision will be taken. Investigating team is examining him. Let us wait. A decision will be definitely taken today or tomorrow after the interrogation," Behera told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. Amid the continued outrage over the alleged sexual assault of the nun, the CBCI said Pope Francis had temporarily relieved him of his pastoral responsibilities, a decision that was welcomed by the protesting nuns who termed the development as the "first victory" in their fight against the former bishop. "The Pope appointed Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Bombay Agnelo Rufino Gracias as the Apostolic administrator of the diocese of Jalandhar with immediate effect," a CBCI statement said. The Pope took the decision in response to Mulakkal's September 16 letter offering to "step aside temporarily" as the bishop of the Jalandhar diocese, Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council Spokesman Fr Varghese Vallikkattu told. According to the statement issued by CBCI president Cardinal Oswald Gracias, "The Holy Father has received the request of Bishop Franco Mulakkal to be temporarily relieved of his pastoral responsibilities in the diocese of Jalandhar." "Having considered all circumstances the Holy Father has accepted this request of Bishop Mulakkal and has appointed Bishop Agnelo Rufino Gracias, Auxilary Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Bombay as Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Jalandhar... With immediate effect," it said. The group of nuns staging a protest here with representatives of various Catholic reform organisations seeking Mulakkal's arrest and justice for the nun lauded the Pope's decision. "We are very happy.....The Vatican has finally heard our prayers. It is the first victory in our struggle against the Bishop," a nun said. More support came in for their agitation from the church, with Fr Augustine Vattoli, convenor of 'Save Our Sisters', criticising the government for the delay in arresting the priest. "We feel cheated," Vattoli said and warned there would be "uprising" in the streets of Kerala if Mulakkal was not arrested. Activists of the All India Youth Federation, the students front of the CPI, also held a protest demanding his arrest. They had also staged a protest Wednesday. Some people burnt an effigy of Mulakkal. Mulakkal has been accused of repeated rape and sexual assault by the Kerala-based nun of his own religious order, but he has denied the allegations.

Nun rape case: Pope suspends accused Bishop Mulakkal 'temporarily'

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed Pyongyang's "important commitments" made by Pyongyang during Wednesday's inter-Korean summit, adding Washington was ready to begin negotiating immediately to achieve the denuclearisation of North Korea "by January 2021."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-indian-captain-rohit-sharma-applauds-bowlers-after-win-sarfraz-blames-batsmen--166744">Asia Cup: Indian captain Rohit Sharma applauds bowlers after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-indian-captain-rohit-sharma-applauds-bowlers-after-win-sarfraz-blames-batsmen--166744">win</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-indian-captain-rohit-sharma-applauds-bowlers-after-win-sarfraz-blames-batsmen--166744">, Sarfraz blames batsmen</a>

Indian captain Rohit Sharma applauded his spinners for giving his team crucial breakthroughs as the Men in Blue beat Pakistan in the league phase of the Asia Cup on Wednesday in Dubai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/petrol-prices-hike-to-rs-8222-in-delhi-diesel-prices-remain-unchanged--166767">Petrol prices hiked again, diesel </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/petrol-prices-hike-to-rs-8222-in-delhi-diesel-prices-remain-unchanged--166767">remain</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/petrol-prices-hike-to-rs-8222-in-delhi-diesel-prices-remain-unchanged--166767"> unchanged</a>

Petrol price in Delhi rose by 0.06 paise on Thursday amounting it to a total of Rs 82.22 per litre while the prices of diesel remained unchanged at Rd 73.87 per litre.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-daughter-arrive-in-lahore-after-jail-sentence-is-suspended-166741">Nawaz Sharif, daughter arrive in Lahore after jail sentence is suspended</a>

Deposed Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law were brought to their home turf, Lahore, in a special plane after their release from prison in Islamabad Wednesday evening, hours after the Islamabad High Court suspended their sentences in a major corruption case that jeopardised their political career.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pushes-supreme-court-picks-sex-accuser-to-testify-166752">Trump pushes Supreme Court pick's sex accuser to testify</a>

President Donald Trump piled pressure Wednesday on the woman accusing his Supreme Court pick of sexual assault by insisting that she testify next week if she wants to be heard.

&nbsp

Ready to begin negotiating immediately with North Korea to achieve denuclearisation by 2021: Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed Pyongyang's "important commitments" made by Pyongyang during Wednesday's inter-Korean summit, adding Washington was ready to begin negotiating immediately to achieve the denuclearisation of North Korea "by January 2021." Asia Cup: Indian captain Rohit Sharma applauds bowlers after win, Sarfraz blames batsmen Indian captain Rohit Sharma applauded his spinners for giving his team crucial breakthroughs as the Men in Blue beat Pakistan in the league phase of the Asia Cup on Wednesday in Dubai. Petrol prices hiked again, diesel remain unchanged Petrol price in Delhi rose by 0.06 paise on Thursday amounting it to a total of Rs 82.22 per litre while the prices of diesel remained unchanged at Rd 73.87 per litre. Nawaz Sharif, daughter arrive in Lahore after jail sentence is suspended Deposed Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law were brought to their home turf, Lahore, in a special plane after their release from prison in Islamabad Wednesday evening, hours after the Islamabad High Court suspended their sentences in a major corruption case that jeopardised their political career. Trump pushes Supreme Court pick's sex accuser to testify President Donald Trump piled pressure Wednesday on the woman accusing his Supreme Court pick of sexual assault by insisting that she testify next week if she wants to be heard.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena has offered a Lok Sabha ticket from Agra to Shambhulal Regar, the man who allegedly hacked and burnt a Muslim man to death in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district last year.

Addressing the press conference in Agra, Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena national president Amit Jani announced names of five contestants who would be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2019, which includes Regar from the seat, which is reserved for Scheduled Castes.

Jani claimed that Regar's life is in danger in Jodhpur jail, where he is currently lodged.

"We will save Regar and will give political assurance to him. According to Regar, he did self-defence and it's up to the court whether he is a killer or not," he said.

Jani further lauded Regar's effort to "save Hindutva". He said, "Regar has the constitutional right to contest election till his conviction. We want only Hindutva faces to contest elections on our party's tickets and there can be nobody better than him."

The victim was identified as Mohammed Afrazul Khan, Bengali migrant worker in Rajasthan, and the accused as Regar, a former marble trader.

The videos that were uploaded on social media by 14-year-old nephew of Regar, recorded him saying he killed Afrazul to save a woman from "love jihad".

Addressing the press conference in Agra, Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena national president Amit Jani announced names of five contestants who would be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2019, which includes Regar from the seat.

Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena has offered a Lok Sabha ticket from Agra to Shambhulal Regar, the man who allegedly hacked and burnt a Muslim man to death in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district last year. Addressing the press conference in Agra, Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena national president Amit Jani announced names of five contestants who would be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2019, which includes Regar from the seat, which is reserved for Scheduled Castes. Jani claimed that Regar's life is in danger in Jodhpur jail, where he is currently lodged. "We will save Regar and will give political assurance to him. According to Regar, he did self-defence and it's up to the court whether he is a killer or not," he said. Jani further lauded Regar's effort to "save Hindutva". He said, "Regar has the constitutional right to contest election till his conviction. We want only Hindutva faces to contest elections on our party's tickets and there can be nobody better than him." The victim was identified as Mohammed Afrazul Khan, Bengali migrant worker in Rajasthan, and the accused as Regar, a former marble trader. The videos that were uploaded on social media by 14-year-old nephew of Regar, recorded him saying he killed Afrazul to save a woman from "love jihad".

Shambhulal Regar, who lynched man on camera, may contest 2019 polls

Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar, who has announced an electoral tie-up with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM), met Maharashtra Congress leaders Thursday to discuss a possible alliance.

A Congress source, however, said the party is in a quandary as it wants alliance with Ambedkar but not with the AIMIM.

Ambedkar, who heads Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, met Congress leaders at the official residence of Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil here.

Former state Congress chief Manikrao Thakare was also present at the meeting, a Congress source said.

Ambedkar told Vikhe Patil and Thakare that he is keen on alliance with both the Congress and AIMIM, said the source.

"Congress does not consider AIMIM as a like-minded party. It has communal image, which helps the BJP. Vikhe Patil and (state Congress chief) Ashok Chavan will discuss Ambedkar's proposal with the central leadership," the source said.

Earlier in the day, Ambedkar told reporters here that he wants alliance with the Congress, but has reservations about the NCP, its ally.

"I have joined hands with the AIMIM and now kept the doors open for a tie-up with Congress. But I am not comfortable with the NCP, as its Lok Sabha member from Satara talks in favour of Sambhaji Bhide," he said.

NCP's Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale has been vocal about his support to Bhide, a pro-Hindutva leader who is facing a police case for allegedly inciting violence at Koregaon Bhima near Pune in January this year.

Ambedkar also claimed that though NCP chief Sharad Pawar is secular, "his party is not".

A Congress leader said on the condition of anonymity that like-minded parties need to project solidarity to take on the BJP in the state in the next year's Assembly and Lok Sabha polls.

"In a multi-party polity like in Maharashtra, coalitions have become a situational compulsion since none of the parties have capable candidates for all constituencies.

Congress and NCP are the main parties in Opposition and they have to accommodate smaller outfits," the leader said.

Congress and NCP, which have declared that they will fight the polls together, have approached farmer leader Raju Shetti, Kapil Patil of the Loktantrik Janata Dal and the CPI and CPM for alliance, he said.&nbsp;

Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar, who has announced an electoral tie-up with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM), met Maharashtra Congress leaders Thursday to discuss a possible alliance.

Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar, who has announced an electoral tie-up with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM), met Maharashtra Congress leaders Thursday to discuss a possible alliance. A Congress source, however, said the party is in a quandary as it wants alliance with Ambedkar but not with the AIMIM. Ambedkar, who heads Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, met Congress leaders at the official residence of Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil here. Former state Congress chief Manikrao Thakare was also present at the meeting, a Congress source said. Ambedkar told Vikhe Patil and Thakare that he is keen on alliance with both the Congress and AIMIM, said the source. "Congress does not consider AIMIM as a like-minded party. It has communal image, which helps the BJP. Vikhe Patil and (state Congress chief) Ashok Chavan will discuss Ambedkar's proposal with the central leadership," the source said. Earlier in the day, Ambedkar told reporters here that he wants alliance with the Congress, but has reservations about the NCP, its ally. "I have joined hands with the AIMIM and now kept the doors open for a tie-up with Congress. But I am not comfortable with the NCP, as its Lok Sabha member from Satara talks in favour of Sambhaji Bhide," he said. NCP's Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale has been vocal about his support to Bhide, a pro-Hindutva leader who is facing a police case for allegedly inciting violence at Koregaon Bhima near Pune in January this year. Ambedkar also claimed that though NCP chief Sharad Pawar is secular, "his party is not". A Congress leader said on the condition of anonymity that like-minded parties need to project solidarity to take on the BJP in the state in the next year's Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. "In a multi-party polity like in Maharashtra, coalitions have become a situational compulsion since none of the parties have capable candidates for all constituencies. Congress and NCP are the main parties in Opposition and they have to accommodate smaller outfits," the leader said. Congress and NCP, which have declared that they will fight the polls together, have approached farmer leader Raju Shetti, Kapil Patil of the Loktantrik Janata Dal and the CPI and CPM for alliance, he said.

Ambedkar says ready for alliance with Cong, meets Vikhe Patil

The&nbspGwalior&nbspbench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday ordered the removal of pictures of Prime Minister&nbspNarendra Modi&nbspand Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister&nbspShivraj Singh Chouhan&nbspfrom the tiles laid in houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) by December 20.

The court had issued notices to the state and central governments after a petition was filed in July by Sanjay Purohit, a resident of Datia.

As a result,&nbspthe state&nbspgovernment said that the tiles with the PM and CM’s faces on display would be removed and such tiles will not be used in the future.&nbspIt also said that only the logo of the scheme would be used on the tiles hereafter.

The petitioner’s counsel claimed that the state government with these pictorial tiles has not only misused public money but has also tried taking advantage ahead of the polls.

Furthermore, the petitioner's advocate argued that the houses were built using public money, and not for electoral benefits.

The court had issued notices to the state and central governments after a petition was filed in July by Sanjay Purohit, a resident of Datia.

The&nbspGwalior&nbspbench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday ordered the removal of pictures of Prime Minister&nbspNarendra Modi&nbspand Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister&nbspShivraj Singh Chouhan&nbspfrom the tiles laid in houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) by December 20. The court had issued notices to the state and central governments after a petition was filed in July by Sanjay Purohit, a resident of Datia. As a result,&nbspthe state&nbspgovernment said that the tiles with the PM and CM’s faces on display would be removed and such tiles will not be used in the future.&nbspIt also said that only the logo of the scheme would be used on the tiles hereafter. The petitioner’s counsel claimed that the state government with these pictorial tiles has not only misused public money but has also tried taking advantage ahead of the polls. Furthermore, the petitioner's advocate argued that the houses were built using public money, and not for electoral benefits.

Remove tiles bearing PM Modi, Shivraj Chouhan’s pictures from PMAY houses: MP High Court

Sindhi political activists have strongly opposed the construction of Kalabagh Dam on the Indus River, calling it as `illegal, unethical and immoral attempt` by Pakistan to deny life to the Sindhi people.

A side-event titled "Construction of Dam - denial of life to Sindhi People" was held during the ongoing 39th Session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday.

Lakhu Luhana, Secretary-General of World Sindhi Congress, said, "Already, there are a number of dams and canals and that have been built against the international laws, conventions and even agreements. So, they are violating all of that. They built these dams and canals and as a result of that, it`s not just hundreds and thousands, the lives of millions of people have been affected".

"Forget about the water for agriculture, you don`t get water even for drinking and that`s a grave situation. The ecological habitats of millions of years have destroyed and then the sea intrusion. The sea has taken over since 1956 and 3.5 million acres of land, along with 157 recorded settled villages are lost," he added.

The Sindhis believe that Kalabagh Dam is tantamount to a death warrant for Sindh province which cannot be accepted under any compulsion.

"There is unemployment, there is poverty, there is disease, there is malnutrition. Children are dying on a daily basis. We are not saying this, it is being reported in the newspapers. According to the United Nations, women are worse in terms of the nutrition than Nigeria. That`s the situation. And, then on top of this, the way they are propagating with the construction of this new dam, they basically want to put the Sindhis in a situation where they are completely and utterly dependent for their survival, even if they have to beg for a drop of water for their upcoming generations. We have to raise this issue on international forums as this is illegal, unethical and immoral," Luhana added.

Dr Hidayat Bhutto, the United Kingdom and Europe organiser of World Sindhi Congress, said, "They are building dams against our wishes and we Sindhis don`t want any dam on the upper stream because it has affected our lives, our culture. Our lives will be destroyed. So, we are against this every single dam they are building on the Indus river."

He added, "They (Pakistanis) are destroying our delta, they are destroying our agriculture. It`s a genocide for Sindhi people and they are against it. They also know that Sindhi people are against it. For example, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court says we will apply Article 6 to those who are opposing dam that means he is willing to give death sentence to 70 million Sindhi people."

Bhutto further said, "The Sindhi people are against it and the Pashtuns are against it as they are building it only for Punjab. They want to kill everybody in the interest of Punjab. They have already devastated our lives. Our situation is in misery and our culture, agriculture has been destroyed. Our natural resources have been destroyed and we don`t want any dam on our Sindh."&nbsp

A side-event titled 'Construction of Dam - denial of life to Sindhi People' was held during the ongoing 39th Session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday.

Sindhi political activists have strongly opposed the construction of Kalabagh Dam on the Indus River, calling it as `illegal, unethical and immoral attempt` by Pakistan to deny life to the Sindhi people. A side-event titled "Construction of Dam - denial of life to Sindhi People" was held during the ongoing 39th Session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday. Lakhu Luhana, Secretary-General of World Sindhi Congress, said, "Already, there are a number of dams and canals and that have been built against the international laws, conventions and even agreements. So, they are violating all of that. They built these dams and canals and as a result of that, it`s not just hundreds and thousands, the lives of millions of people have been affected". "Forget about the water for agriculture, you don`t get water even for drinking and that`s a grave situation. The ecological habitats of millions of years have destroyed and then the sea intrusion. The sea has taken over since 1956 and 3.5 million acres of land, along with 157 recorded settled villages are lost," he added. The Sindhis believe that Kalabagh Dam is tantamount to a death warrant for Sindh province which cannot be accepted under any compulsion. "There is unemployment, there is poverty, there is disease, there is malnutrition. Children are dying on a daily basis. We are not saying this, it is being reported in the newspapers. According to the United Nations, women are worse in terms of the nutrition than Nigeria. That`s the situation. And, then on top of this, the way they are propagating with the construction of this new dam, they basically want to put the Sindhis in a situation where they are completely and utterly dependent for their survival, even if they have to beg for a drop of water for their upcoming generations. We have to raise this issue on international forums as this is illegal, unethical and immoral," Luhana added. Dr Hidayat Bhutto, the United Kingdom and Europe organiser of World Sindhi Congress, said, "They are building dams against our wishes and we Sindhis don`t want any dam on the upper stream because it has affected our lives, our culture. Our lives will be destroyed. So, we are against this every single dam they are building on the Indus river." He added, "They (Pakistanis) are destroying our delta, they are destroying our agriculture. It`s a genocide for Sindhi people and they are against it. They also know that Sindhi people are against it. For example, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court says we will apply Article 6 to those who are opposing dam that means he is willing to give death sentence to 70 million Sindhi people." Bhutto further said, "The Sindhi people are against it and the Pashtuns are against it as they are building it only for Punjab. They want to kill everybody in the interest of Punjab. They have already devastated our lives. Our situation is in misery and our culture, agriculture has been destroyed. Our natural resources have been destroyed and we don`t want any dam on our Sindh."

Construction of dam on Indus River illegal, says Sindhi activists

A record number of 12 Indian-Americans are in the fray for the November 6 mid-term Congressional elections.

Three among them -- Hiral Tipirneni and Anita Malik from Arizona and Pramila Jayapal from Washington State -- are women.

The first Indian-American woman to enter the US House of Representatives, Jayapal, is seeking re-election from the seventh Congressional district of Washington State. Her victory is considered to be a cake walk, given her popularity and that she represents a Democratic stronghold.

Along with Jayapal, three other Indian-Americans -- Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, Ro Khanna and Dr Ami Bera from California -- are seeking re-elections this year. Bera, who was declared winner after recounting of votes in the last three elections, this time faces a tough opponent, Republican Andrew Grant.

He was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 2012, making him the third ever Indian-American to enter the House after Dalip Singh Saund from 1957 to 1963 and Bobby Jindal in 2004.

In 2016, three Indian-Americans -- Krishnamoorthi, Khanna and Jayapal -- joined Bera in the House of representatives, which led to the creation of the so called 'Samosa Caucus'. This year, Krishnamoorthi is pitted against Indian-American Jitender

Diganvker of the Republican Party in the eight Congressional District of Illinois. Notably both of them were elected unopposed during the primaries.

Khanna is pitted against Republican Ron Cohen in the 17th Congressional District of California, which is essentially India-American dominated Silicon Valley. Political pundits expect all four of them to sail through this November.

Indian-Americans are giving a tough fight to their opponents in some of the key Congressional districts.

Prominent among them being emergency room physician Hiral Tipirneni in the eighth Congressional District of Arizona and former diplomat Sri Preston Kulkarni in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas.

Running an aggressive campaign, that has caught national attention, Tipirneni seeks to tip the balance in her favour by defeating the Republican incumbent Debbie Lesko, who won the special elections early this year.

Kulkarni resigned from US foreign service to run for the Congress and is giving a tough fight to Republican Pete Olson, who has been one of the proponents of India-US relationship.

Richard Verma, the former US Ambassador to India, Thursday endorsed Kulkarni for the Congress.

"Today more than ever, we need leaders like Sri who will champion diplomatic solutions and put country over politics," Verma said.

Kulkarni represented the US for 14 years as a Foreign Service Officer with overseas tours in Iraq, Israel, Russia, Taiwan and Jamaica. He then served as a foreign policy and defense advisor on Capitol Hill assisting Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Young Indian-American Aftab Pureval, who is the first person of Tibetan origin to run for the Congress, has received shot in his arm after the recent endorsement by former US President Barack Obama. Pureval is the current Hamilton County Clerk of Courts.

In the eight Congressional District of Florida, incumbent Bill Posey is experiencing a tough fight from Democratic opponent Sanjay Patel. Anita Malik faces Republican incumbent David Schweikert in Arizona's 6th Congressional District in metro Phoenix.

Harry Arora is the second Indian-American Republican candidate to run for the Congress. Pitted against Democrat Jim Himes, who has been representing the fourth Congressional District of Connecticut, he has a tough challenge at his hand. Arora has raised more than USD 700,000, which is less than half the funds raised by Himes.

Independent Shiva Ayyadurai is the only Indian-American in the race for the US Senate seat from Massachusetts. While he has caught national attention and some media space because of his innovative campaigning skills, it would be nothing less than a miracle if Ayyadurai defeats Democratic incumbent Elizabeth Warren in the Senate election from Massachusetts.

Warren is a Democratic Party star and is seen as a strong contender for the party's presidential ticket in 2020.

It is believed that at least half-a-dozen contenders will sail through next January when lawmakers would be sworn in for the 116th Congress.

In addition to these 12 contestants in the race for the US Congress, there are scores of Indian-Americans running for local elections, including State and County.&nbsp;

Three among them -- Hiral Tipirneni and Anita Malik from Arizona and Pramila Jayapal from Washington State -- are women.

A record number of 12 Indian-Americans are in the fray for the November 6 mid-term Congressional elections. Three among them -- Hiral Tipirneni and Anita Malik from Arizona and Pramila Jayapal from Washington State -- are women. The first Indian-American woman to enter the US House of Representatives, Jayapal, is seeking re-election from the seventh Congressional district of Washington State. Her victory is considered to be a cake walk, given her popularity and that she represents a Democratic stronghold. Along with Jayapal, three other Indian-Americans -- Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, Ro Khanna and Dr Ami Bera from California -- are seeking re-elections this year. Bera, who was declared winner after recounting of votes in the last three elections, this time faces a tough opponent, Republican Andrew Grant. He was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 2012, making him the third ever Indian-American to enter the House after Dalip Singh Saund from 1957 to 1963 and Bobby Jindal in 2004. In 2016, three Indian-Americans -- Krishnamoorthi, Khanna and Jayapal -- joined Bera in the House of representatives, which led to the creation of the so called 'Samosa Caucus'. This year, Krishnamoorthi is pitted against Indian-American Jitender Diganvker of the Republican Party in the eight Congressional District of Illinois. Notably both of them were elected unopposed during the primaries. Khanna is pitted against Republican Ron Cohen in the 17th Congressional District of California, which is essentially India-American dominated Silicon Valley. Political pundits expect all four of them to sail through this November. Indian-Americans are giving a tough fight to their opponents in some of the key Congressional districts. Prominent among them being emergency room physician Hiral Tipirneni in the eighth Congressional District of Arizona and former diplomat Sri Preston Kulkarni in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas. Running an aggressive campaign, that has caught national attention, Tipirneni seeks to tip the balance in her favour by defeating the Republican incumbent Debbie Lesko, who won the special elections early this year. Kulkarni resigned from US foreign service to run for the Congress and is giving a tough fight to Republican Pete Olson, who has been one of the proponents of India-US relationship. Richard Verma, the former US Ambassador to India, Thursday endorsed Kulkarni for the Congress. "Today more than ever, we need leaders like Sri who will champion diplomatic solutions and put country over politics," Verma said. Kulkarni represented the US for 14 years as a Foreign Service Officer with overseas tours in Iraq, Israel, Russia, Taiwan and Jamaica. He then served as a foreign policy and defense advisor on Capitol Hill assisting Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Young Indian-American Aftab Pureval, who is the first person of Tibetan origin to run for the Congress, has received shot in his arm after the recent endorsement by former US President Barack Obama. Pureval is the current Hamilton County Clerk of Courts. In the eight Congressional District of Florida, incumbent Bill Posey is experiencing a tough fight from Democratic opponent Sanjay Patel. Anita Malik faces Republican incumbent David Schweikert in Arizona's 6th Congressional District in metro Phoenix. Harry Arora is the second Indian-American Republican candidate to run for the Congress. Pitted against Democrat Jim Himes, who has been representing the fourth Congressional District of Connecticut, he has a tough challenge at his hand. Arora has raised more than USD 700,000, which is less than half the funds raised by Himes. Independent Shiva Ayyadurai is the only Indian-American in the race for the US Senate seat from Massachusetts. While he has caught national attention and some media space because of his innovative campaigning skills, it would be nothing less than a miracle if Ayyadurai defeats Democratic incumbent Elizabeth Warren in the Senate election from Massachusetts. Warren is a Democratic Party star and is seen as a strong contender for the party's presidential ticket in 2020. It is believed that at least half-a-dozen contenders will sail through next January when lawmakers would be sworn in for the 116th Congress. In addition to these 12 contestants in the race for the US Congress, there are scores of Indian-Americans running for local elections, including State and County.

12 Indian-Americans in race for November 6 mid-term Congressional elections

Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday launched yet another attack against Congress leader and Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, by calling him a traitor to the nation who backstabbed "brave jawans".

In a series of tweets addressing both Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu, Harsimrat wrote, "The man who can lie in name of Guru Nanak deserves the harshest condemnation! After Pak's MoFA statement declining any communication with India in Kartarpur Sahab corridor issue, what answer will Rahul Gandhi and Navjot Singh Sidhu give to Sikhs and to Guru Nanak? They must answer."

"Which cheap gimmicks would Sidhu resort to cover his disgraceful and traitorous behavior? It's official now that so far he had lied through his teeth about the proposal for Kartarpur Sahib corridor and deceive his nationality his community, his state, his religion and Guru Sahibaan," she tweeted.

Harsimrat further tweeted, "He is traitor to the Nation, backstabbed the brave jawans and made the mockery of Sikh religious sentiments. @RahulGandhi needs to answer who is ISI pawn? Him or Sidhu? This has been a soap opera of new lows in cheap politics by @sherryontopp."

Harsimrat's remarks came after Pakistan confirmed that there was no formal communication with India on opening the Kartarpur Sahib corridor.

The confirmation from Islamabad came a day after External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj wrote a letter to Harsimrat saying that Pakistan has issued no official statement in connection with opening the Kartarpur route for Indian pilgrims.

In the letter, Swaraj had informed that over the last few years, Pakistani authorities have only allowed a limited number of Indian pilgrims to the Gurdwara and other shrines in Pakistan. She also assured that the "government remains seized of the matter and will continue to take up the matter with Pakistan."

The entire controversy started after Congress leader and Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu claimed that Pakistan will open the corridor to Kartarpur Sahib on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak next year.

The Kartarpur route along the India-Pakistan border is 3 kilometres away from Gurdaspur, Punjab. If opened, it will allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak died in 1539.

Harsimrat's remarks came after Pakistan confirmed that there was no formal communication with India on opening the Kartarpur Sahib corridor.

Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday launched yet another attack against Congress leader and Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, by calling him a traitor to the nation who backstabbed "brave jawans". In a series of tweets addressing both Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu, Harsimrat wrote, "The man who can lie in name of Guru Nanak deserves the harshest condemnation! After Pak's MoFA statement declining any communication with India in Kartarpur Sahab corridor issue, what answer will Rahul Gandhi and Navjot Singh Sidhu give to Sikhs and to Guru Nanak? They must answer." "Which cheap gimmicks would Sidhu resort to cover his disgraceful and traitorous behavior? It's official now that so far he had lied through his teeth about the proposal for Kartarpur Sahib corridor and deceive his nationality his community, his state, his religion and Guru Sahibaan," she tweeted. Harsimrat further tweeted, "He is traitor to the Nation, backstabbed the brave jawans and made the mockery of Sikh religious sentiments. @RahulGandhi needs to answer who is ISI pawn? Him or Sidhu? This has been a soap opera of new lows in cheap politics by @sherryontopp." Harsimrat's remarks came after Pakistan confirmed that there was no formal communication with India on opening the Kartarpur Sahib corridor. The confirmation from Islamabad came a day after External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj wrote a letter to Harsimrat saying that Pakistan has issued no official statement in connection with opening the Kartarpur route for Indian pilgrims. In the letter, Swaraj had informed that over the last few years, Pakistani authorities have only allowed a limited number of Indian pilgrims to the Gurdwara and other shrines in Pakistan. She also assured that the "government remains seized of the matter and will continue to take up the matter with Pakistan." The entire controversy started after Congress leader and Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu claimed that Pakistan will open the corridor to Kartarpur Sahib on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak next year. The Kartarpur route along the India-Pakistan border is 3 kilometres away from Gurdaspur, Punjab. If opened, it will allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak died in 1539.

Sidhu backstabbed brave jawans: Union minister

As the US sanctions on import of Iranian crude oil loom large, India is engaged with the European Union for an alternative channel for making payments to Tehran for buying petroleum products, sources said Wednesday.

They said the EU has been been telling India that it was in the process of coming out with a payment mechanism as using US dollars for oil transaction will be restricted post November 4 when the US sanctions come into force.

So far, the 28-nation bloc has not put forward a concrete proposal for making payments to Iran for buying of oil.

India is in touch with both Iran and the US on the complex issue.

In May, the Trump administration had pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and brought back economic sanctions against Tehran.

The US has told India and other countries to cut oil imports from the Gulf nation to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. India is yet to take a call on complying with the US sanctions on Iran.

However, India has been apprising the US about its energy requirement to fuel its economy as well as the importance of Iranian oil.

Iran is India's third largest oil supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The US' sanctions on import of Iranian petroleum products will be effective from November 4.

India has also been hoping that the US will give it some relief from the sanctions.

Earlier, India was looking at the possibility of falling back on the rupee-rial arrangement for importing oil from Iran in the wake of US sanctions.

The rupee-rial arrangement was used to buy oil from Iran before sanctions were lifted against it three years ago.

Under the mechanism, India used to pay in euros to clear 55 per cent of its dues through Ankara-based Halk bank. The remaining 45 per cent payment was remitted in rupees in accounts Iranian oil companies had with the UCO Bank.

They said the EU has been been telling India that it was in the process of coming out with a payment mechanism as using US dollars for oil transaction will be restricted post November 4 when the US sanctions come into force.

As the US sanctions on import of Iranian crude oil loom large, India is engaged with the European Union for an alternative channel for making payments to Tehran for buying petroleum products, sources said Wednesday. They said the EU has been been telling India that it was in the process of coming out with a payment mechanism as using US dollars for oil transaction will be restricted post November 4 when the US sanctions come into force. So far, the 28-nation bloc has not put forward a concrete proposal for making payments to Iran for buying of oil. India is in touch with both Iran and the US on the complex issue. In May, the Trump administration had pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal and brought back economic sanctions against Tehran. The US has told India and other countries to cut oil imports from the Gulf nation to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. India is yet to take a call on complying with the US sanctions on Iran. However, India has been apprising the US about its energy requirement to fuel its economy as well as the importance of Iranian oil. Iran is India's third largest oil supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The US' sanctions on import of Iranian petroleum products will be effective from November 4. India has also been hoping that the US will give it some relief from the sanctions. Earlier, India was looking at the possibility of falling back on the rupee-rial arrangement for importing oil from Iran in the wake of US sanctions. The rupee-rial arrangement was used to buy oil from Iran before sanctions were lifted against it three years ago. Under the mechanism, India used to pay in euros to clear 55 per cent of its dues through Ankara-based Halk bank. The remaining 45 per cent payment was remitted in rupees in accounts Iranian oil companies had with the UCO Bank.

India in touch with EU over alternative payment for Iran oil imports

Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Wednesday likened Congress president Rahul Gandhi to a "pirated laptop" having only "fraud and fake words".

He also said that the "balloon" of a grand alliance of opposition parties will burst before the 2019 general elections.

On the other hand, the NDA will win the 2019 elections because of the work done under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, he said addressing the party's Jharkhand unit office-bearers.

"As the frustrated opposition has come to know about it, they are showing off unity... But the balloon of Mahagathbandhan will burst before the Lok Sabha elections," a party release quoted the Union minority affairs minister as saying.

Naqvi compared Congress president Rahul Gandhi with "pirated laptop which has only fraud and fake words".&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp

However, the statement did not elaborated on his remarks.<iframe data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

Naqvi said that the prime minister's popularity is increasing and India's honour has increased in the last 4.5 years.

PM Modi took the country's reins when inflation was 11 per cent and it is four per cent now. This happened due to his skilfull management, he claimed.

Prices of grains and edible oil are under control, while there is no shortage of grains, pulses and onions, he said, adding farmers are getting fertilizers and diesel without standing in queues and petrol pumps are not dry.

He said that price of petrol depend on international factors and efforts are on to control the prices.

Naqvi said investors have shown confidence in India and the country is among the fast growing economies.

He also said that the 'balloon' of a grand alliance of opposition parties will burst before the 2019 general elections.

Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Wednesday likened Congress president Rahul Gandhi to a "pirated laptop" having only "fraud and fake words". He also said that the "balloon" of a grand alliance of opposition parties will burst before the 2019 general elections. On the other hand, the NDA will win the 2019 elections because of the work done under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, he said addressing the party's Jharkhand unit office-bearers. "As the frustrated opposition has come to know about it, they are showing off unity... But the balloon of Mahagathbandhan will burst before the Lok Sabha elections," a party release quoted the Union minority affairs minister as saying. Naqvi compared Congress president Rahul Gandhi with "pirated laptop which has only fraud and fake words". However, the statement did not elaborated on his remarks. Naqvi said that the prime minister's popularity is increasing and India's honour has increased in the last 4.5 years. PM Modi took the country's reins when inflation was 11 per cent and it is four per cent now. This happened due to his skilfull management, he claimed. Prices of grains and edible oil are under control, while there is no shortage of grains, pulses and onions, he said, adding farmers are getting fertilizers and diesel without standing in queues and petrol pumps are not dry. He said that price of petrol depend on international factors and efforts are on to control the prices. Naqvi said investors have shown confidence in India and the country is among the fast growing economies.

BJP leader compares Rahul Gandhi to 'pirated laptop' with 'fake words'

India is hopeful of resolving the issue of tariffs on steel and aluminum with the US soon and both sides are engaged in finalising a trade package, official sources said today.

They said both sides have managed to narrow down their differences on a number of contentious issues relating to tariff and India was keen on arriving at an amicable solution at the earliest.

"The contours of the trade package are still under discussions. We are hopeful of an early resolution of the issues," said a top government source.

India has extended the deadline till November 2 for the imposition of higher customs duties on 29 products, including almond, walnut, and pulses, imported from the US.

In June, India decided to impose retaliatory tariffs from August 4. But it was extended by another 45 days till September 18.

In a notification last night, the department of revenue said that now the duties would come effect from November 2.

The duty hike move by India was in retaliation to US President Donald Trump's March 9 decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminum items, a move that has sparked fears of a global trade war.

"We have extended the deadline for imposition of matching duties on steel and aluminum. Discussions are underway and the next round will be held fairly soon. There is narrowing of differences in certain areas. Progress is fairly good on individual issues," the source said.

India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

Both sides have managed to narrow down their differences on a number of contentious issues relating to tariff and India was keen on arriving at an amicable solution at the earliest.

India is hopeful of resolving the issue of tariffs on steel and aluminum with the US soon and both sides are engaged in finalising a trade package, official sources said today. They said both sides have managed to narrow down their differences on a number of contentious issues relating to tariff and India was keen on arriving at an amicable solution at the earliest. "The contours of the trade package are still under discussions. We are hopeful of an early resolution of the issues," said a top government source. India has extended the deadline till November 2 for the imposition of higher customs duties on 29 products, including almond, walnut, and pulses, imported from the US. In June, India decided to impose retaliatory tariffs from August 4. But it was extended by another 45 days till September 18. In a notification last night, the department of revenue said that now the duties would come effect from November 2. The duty hike move by India was in retaliation to US President Donald Trump's March 9 decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminum items, a move that has sparked fears of a global trade war. "We have extended the deadline for imposition of matching duties on steel and aluminum. Discussions are underway and the next round will be held fairly soon. There is narrowing of differences in certain areas. Progress is fairly good on individual issues," the source said. India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

India hopeful of resolving tariff issue with US, finalising trade package

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi of spreading falsehood in connection with Rafale deal, and waiving loans given to 15 industrial houses.

In a facebook post titled: Falsehood of a 'Clown Prince', Jaitley said in mature democracies those who rely on falsehood are considered unfit for public life.&nbsp;Many have been banished from political activity because they were caught lying. But this rule obviously can’t apply to a dynastic organisation like Congress Party, he said in the post.

"You lied on the Rafale deal, you lied on the NPAs. Your temperament to concoct facts raises a legitimate question – do people whose natural preference is falsehood deserve to be a part of the public discourse. Public discourse is a serious activity. It is not a laughter challenge. It cannot be reduced to a hug, a wink or repetition of falsehood. The world’s largest democracy must seriously introspect whether public discourse should be allowed to be polluted by the falsehood of a ‘Clown Prince’,'' the minister said.

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In a facebook post titled: Falsehood of a 'Clown Prince', Jaitley said in mature democracies those who rely on falsehood are considered unfit for public life.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday accused Congress President Rahul Gandhi of spreading falsehood in connection with Rafale deal, and waiving loans given to 15 industrial houses. In a facebook post titled: Falsehood of a 'Clown Prince', Jaitley said in mature democracies those who rely on falsehood are considered unfit for public life. Many have been banished from political activity because they were caught lying. But this rule obviously can’t apply to a dynastic organisation like Congress Party, he said in the post. "You lied on the Rafale deal, you lied on the NPAs. Your temperament to concoct facts raises a legitimate question – do people whose natural preference is falsehood deserve to be a part of the public discourse. Public discourse is a serious activity. It is not a laughter challenge. It cannot be reduced to a hug, a wink or repetition of falsehood. The world’s largest democracy must seriously introspect whether public discourse should be allowed to be polluted by the falsehood of a ‘Clown Prince’,'' the minister said. ×

Arun Jaitley, in Facebook blog, calls Rahul Gandhi ‘Clown Prince’

India has agreed to a meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India.&nbsp;The announcement came after Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pm-imran-writes-to-modi-calls-for-resuming-comprehensive-bilateral-dialogue-process-166775">Imran Khan wrote a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>.

In the letter, in which he addressed the Indian prime minister as "Modi sahab", Khan said it was time for India and Pakistan to start talking again.&nbsp;

Khan also suggested that the foreign ministers of the two countries meet.&nbsp;

In his letter, Imran Khan added that Pakistan "remains ready" to discuss terrorism.

Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Thursday that the two foreign ministers — India's Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Shah Mehmood Qureshi — would meet in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

Kumar told a press conference Thursday that it had not been decided what would be discussed at the meeting. It had so far only been decided that the two foreign ministers would meet.&nbsp;

The announcement came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it was time for India and Pakistan to start talking.

India has agreed to a meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India. The announcement came after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the letter, in which he addressed the Indian prime minister as "Modi sahab", Khan said it was time for India and Pakistan to start talking again. Khan also suggested that the foreign ministers of the two countries meet. In his letter, Imran Khan added that Pakistan "remains ready" to discuss terrorism. Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Thursday that the two foreign ministers — India's Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Shah Mehmood Qureshi — would meet in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Kumar told a press conference Thursday that it had not been decided what would be discussed at the meeting. It had so far only been decided that the two foreign ministers would meet.

After Pak's Imran Khan writes letter to Modi, India says Foreign Ministers will meet in New York

The Congress on Thursday demanded Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's resignation for allegedly "misleading" the people on the Rafale deal and said the government's arguments have been "demolished" by the statement of a former chief of the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari cited the remarks of former HAL chief T Suvarna Raju to attack Sitharaman over the issue of HAL's capability to build the Rafale aircraft.

Tewari hit out at Sitharaman for alleging that the UPA did not extend support to HAL when the state-run company was engaged in talks with French firm Dassault Aviation for the manufacturer of Rafale jets in India under the offset agreement.&nbsp

He said the former HAL chief had made certain "extremely pertinent points" that "absolutely demolish" the entire case that the NDA government has been trying to build on the Rafale issue.

Tewari said that Raju had made it clear in his statement that HAL and Dassault had signed the mutual workshare contract and given it to the government.

The first question that arises is that did the defence minister of India intentionally tried to mislead the people of India, the Congress leader said.

"We demeand the resignation of the defence minister on the charge of misleading the people of India. After the disclosure which has been made today by the former head of HAL, the defence minister has no moral authority or no moral right to continue even for a second," he said.

He also reiterated the Congress demand of a Joint Parliametary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale deal.

The Congress spokesperson also cited that Raju had stated that HAL would have built Rafale jets, had the government closed the original contract for 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA).

Therefore, the government's argument that because HAL and Dassault could not come to an agreement and so the 126 MMRCA contract had to be scrapped does not hold, he said.&nbsp

"What has happened today has really blown the defence minister's assertion out of the water," Tewari said.

He also cited Raju's remarks that HAL had built a 25-tonne Sukhoi-30, a fourth-generation fighter jet that forms the mainstay of the Air Force, from raw material stage, and maintained the Mirage-2000 aircraft, manufactured by Rafale maker Dassault Aviation, to highlight the public sector undertaking's capability.

"The nailer is that he (ex-HAL chief) says that if the 126 MMRCA contract would have gone through, India would have been self-reliant in so far as the fighter aircraft platform is concerned," Tewari said.

"What happened to Make in India. Make in India seems to have gone out the window," he said.

Citing that the former HAL chief said that everything with Dassault had been sorted, Tewari slammed the government for stating otherwise.&nbsp

"He (Raju) says everything had been sorted out. It completely and absolutely demolishes the web of lies and insinuations which this government has been trying to construct over the past six months," Tewari said.

He also demanded that the government should make all the files related to the issue public as demanded by the HAL chief.

In 2016, the Modi government signed a government-to-government deal with France for purchase of 36 Rafale jets at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore. The Congress has been alleging irregularities in the deal, saying the UPA had finalised the price of each aircraft at Rs 526 crore while the NDA was buying the same jet at Rs 1,670 crore.&nbsp

Tewari said the former HAL chief had made certain "extremely pertinent points" that "absolutely demolish" the entire case that the NDA government has been trying to build on the Rafale issue

The Congress on Thursday demanded Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's resignation for allegedly "misleading" the people on the Rafale deal and said the government's arguments have been "demolished" by the statement of a former chief of the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari cited the remarks of former HAL chief T Suvarna Raju to attack Sitharaman over the issue of HAL's capability to build the Rafale aircraft. Tewari hit out at Sitharaman for alleging that the UPA did not extend support to HAL when the state-run company was engaged in talks with French firm Dassault Aviation for the manufacturer of Rafale jets in India under the offset agreement. He said the former HAL chief had made certain "extremely pertinent points" that "absolutely demolish" the entire case that the NDA government has been trying to build on the Rafale issue. Tewari said that Raju had made it clear in his statement that HAL and Dassault had signed the mutual workshare contract and given it to the government. The first question that arises is that did the defence minister of India intentionally tried to mislead the people of India, the Congress leader said. "We demeand the resignation of the defence minister on the charge of misleading the people of India. After the disclosure which has been made today by the former head of HAL, the defence minister has no moral authority or no moral right to continue even for a second," he said. He also reiterated the Congress demand of a Joint Parliametary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale deal. The Congress spokesperson also cited that Raju had stated that HAL would have built Rafale jets, had the government closed the original contract for 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). Therefore, the government's argument that because HAL and Dassault could not come to an agreement and so the 126 MMRCA contract had to be scrapped does not hold, he said. "What has happened today has really blown the defence minister's assertion out of the water," Tewari said. He also cited Raju's remarks that HAL had built a 25-tonne Sukhoi-30, a fourth-generation fighter jet that forms the mainstay of the Air Force, from raw material stage, and maintained the Mirage-2000 aircraft, manufactured by Rafale maker Dassault Aviation, to highlight the public sector undertaking's capability. "The nailer is that he (ex-HAL chief) says that if the 126 MMRCA contract would have gone through, India would have been self-reliant in so far as the fighter aircraft platform is concerned," Tewari said. "What happened to Make in India. Make in India seems to have gone out the window," he said. Citing that the former HAL chief said that everything with Dassault had been sorted, Tewari slammed the government for stating otherwise. "He (Raju) says everything had been sorted out. It completely and absolutely demolishes the web of lies and insinuations which this government has been trying to construct over the past six months," Tewari said. He also demanded that the government should make all the files related to the issue public as demanded by the HAL chief. In 2016, the Modi government signed a government-to-government deal with France for purchase of 36 Rafale jets at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore. The Congress has been alleging irregularities in the deal, saying the UPA had finalised the price of each aircraft at Rs 526 crore while the NDA was buying the same jet at Rs 1,670 crore.

Congress accuses Sitharaman of 'misleading' people on Rafale, demands resignation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a ride in the Airport Express Metro from Dhaula Kuan to Dwarka on way to lay the foundation stone of India International Convention and Expo Centre.

According to official sources, the ride was completed in 18 minutes.

The prime minister is to shortly lay the foundation stone of India International Convention and Expo Centre at Sector 25, Dwarka, PTI reported quoting the sources.

Modi has been using the Metro service to reach distant venues to avoid traffic jams which occur during VVIP movement.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi rides metro from Dhaula Kuan to Dwarka, enroute to the India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC) foundation stone laying event. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/T4M6Z8uHFP">pic.twitter.com/T4M6Z8uHFP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1042722147670605825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Official sources said the ride was completed in 18 minutes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a ride in the Airport Express Metro from Dhaula Kuan to Dwarka on way to lay the foundation stone of India International Convention and Expo Centre. According to official sources, the ride was completed in 18 minutes. The prime minister is to shortly lay the foundation stone of India International Convention and Expo Centre at Sector 25, Dwarka, PTI reported quoting the sources. Modi has been using the Metro service to reach distant venues to avoid traffic jams which occur during VVIP movement. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi rides metro from Dhaula Kuan to Dwarka, enroute to the India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC) foundation stone laying event. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/T4M6Z8uHFP — ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2018 ×

Watch: PM Modi takes Metro ride to local event in Delhi

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Watch: PM Modi takes Metro ride to local event in Delhi