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Literature is an excellent medium to grasp a concept, because not only will you be exposed to a vast repertoire of writings explaining a concept, but also counter-arguments, a full-fledged body of criticisms that will jolt your analytical capabilities and force you to think critically.

The idea of secularity has always intrigued me. Living in a polytheist country like India, secularity often emerges during regular coffee-table discussions. Secularity, in my opinion, is an elusive bird, when you feel you have it, in that very finite moment, it escapes you.

In this piece, I will touch upon the work of two celebrated scholars in their respective fields -- Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor and English biologist and ethologist Richard Dawkins. One has his views deeply rooted in philosophy, the other one is a man of science and reason. Their varying notions on secularity and religion caught my fancy, prompting me to re-read their work that has religion and the concept of secularity at its heart.

For centuries, man has been in conflict with those of his kind who broke away and started believing in something different. These people brought about other forms of beliefs and systems into existence. It’s a never-ending tale of human survival and evolution there shall always be a creator, and then there is a disruptor who will bring about something new. I believe secularity rests on the premise of co-existence it is all about achieving a balance between the old and the new, the consensual togetherness of a believer and a non-believer.

Who is a believer and how is he different from a non-believer?

“Belief in God is no longer static. There are alternatives,” Charles Taylor notes in his essay - A Secular Age, 2007.

Charles Taylor is a philosopher. His education in political science and philosophy emanates from his critically philosophical yet accommodating views on religion.

Dawkins, on the other hand, is an evolutionary biologist who blatantly bats off religious philosophies with his views backed by facts and evidence.

For Taylor, a non-believer is someone who might most likely be an atheist, the one who “cannot find the fullness of peace and a sense of satisfaction and completeness in his life.”

Dawkins, on the other hand, sees it very critically, suggesting that a person’s beliefs are the immediate produce of the education he has received, and not necessarily his “childhood indoctrination.”

For Dawkins, “to be an atheist is a realistic aspiration and a brave and splendid one. You can be an atheist who is happy, balanced, moral, and intellectually fulfilled,” he notes in his critically acclaimed book, The God Delusion, 2006.

So where does secularity come into play between all this?

In my opinion, disbelief stems from the critical and rational conditioning of the mind, it is an urge to question the status quo, or what has been. In that sense, science does at times stand against long-standing, archaic beliefs, even the religious ones.

Dawkins is a ‘non-believer’ an atheist who holds his beliefs after a critical examination of the existing order and religious doctrine. A ‘believer’ is also capable of such critical thinking and logical reasoning. Taylor is a ‘believer’ a philosopher who is capable of critically examining the nature of religious beliefs and other systems. His take on religion and secularism is an optimistic one and his choice to practice Roman Catholicism is based on the application of his rationale and critical thought.

A theist and an atheist both can be secular -- if they are capable of critical thought and thereby take the responsibility of their beliefs. They must believe in the idea of co-existence, accommodating those who choose to differ.

Unfortunately, it is those few ‘believers’ who lack criticality and decide to live in a total denial of the existence of other religious sects or the event of their beliefs getting exposed to scepticism.

All in all, secularity does not mean the fall of old traditions in the wake of the emergence of new beliefs, rather it is a dynamic phenomenon that carries forward what is described as ‘traditional’, making room for the non-conformists or those who choose to follow something else.

I see secularity as a tool that enables building a freer and more tolerant world where, as Charles Taylor opines, public spaces are getting emptied of religion, yet it doesn’t mean the dying away of the traditional values. It translates into the co-existence of “new inventions, newly constructed self-understandings and related practices’’ and the freedom to make individual choices. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A theist and an atheist both can be secular -- if they are capable of critical thought and thereby take the responsibility of their beliefs. They must believe in the idea of co-existence, accommodating those who choose to differ.

Literature is an excellent medium to grasp a concept, because not only will you be exposed to a vast repertoire of writings explaining a concept, but also counter-arguments, a full-fledged body of criticisms that will jolt your analytical capabilities and force you to think critically. The idea of secularity has always intrigued me. Living in a polytheist country like India, secularity often emerges during regular coffee-table discussions. Secularity, in my opinion, is an elusive bird, when you feel you have it, in that very finite moment, it escapes you. In this piece, I will touch upon the work of two celebrated scholars in their respective fields -- Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor and English biologist and ethologist Richard Dawkins. One has his views deeply rooted in philosophy, the other one is a man of science and reason. Their varying notions on secularity and religion caught my fancy, prompting me to re-read their work that has religion and the concept of secularity at its heart. For centuries, man has been in conflict with those of his kind who broke away and started believing in something different. These people brought about other forms of beliefs and systems into existence. It’s a never-ending tale of human survival and evolution there shall always be a creator, and then there is a disruptor who will bring about something new. I believe secularity rests on the premise of co-existence it is all about achieving a balance between the old and the new, the consensual togetherness of a believer and a non-believer. Who is a believer and how is he different from a non-believer? “Belief in God is no longer static. There are alternatives,” Charles Taylor notes in his essay - A Secular Age, 2007. Charles Taylor is a philosopher. His education in political science and philosophy emanates from his critically philosophical yet accommodating views on religion. Dawkins, on the other hand, is an evolutionary biologist who blatantly bats off religious philosophies with his views backed by facts and evidence. For Taylor, a non-believer is someone who might most likely be an atheist, the one who “cannot find the fullness of peace and a sense of satisfaction and completeness in his life.” Dawkins, on the other hand, sees it very critically, suggesting that a person’s beliefs are the immediate produce of the education he has received, and not necessarily his “childhood indoctrination.” For Dawkins, “to be an atheist is a realistic aspiration and a brave and splendid one. You can be an atheist who is happy, balanced, moral, and intellectually fulfilled,” he notes in his critically acclaimed book, The God Delusion, 2006. So where does secularity come into play between all this? In my opinion, disbelief stems from the critical and rational conditioning of the mind, it is an urge to question the status quo, or what has been. In that sense, science does at times stand against long-standing, archaic beliefs, even the religious ones. Dawkins is a ‘non-believer’ an atheist who holds his beliefs after a critical examination of the existing order and religious doctrine. A ‘believer’ is also capable of such critical thinking and logical reasoning. Taylor is a ‘believer’ a philosopher who is capable of critically examining the nature of religious beliefs and other systems. His take on religion and secularism is an optimistic one and his choice to practice Roman Catholicism is based on the application of his rationale and critical thought. A theist and an atheist both can be secular -- if they are capable of critical thought and thereby take the responsibility of their beliefs. They must believe in the idea of co-existence, accommodating those who choose to differ. Unfortunately, it is those few ‘believers’ who lack criticality and decide to live in a total denial of the existence of other religious sects or the event of their beliefs getting exposed to scepticism. All in all, secularity does not mean the fall of old traditions in the wake of the emergence of new beliefs, rather it is a dynamic phenomenon that carries forward what is described as ‘traditional’, making room for the non-conformists or those who choose to follow something else. I see secularity as a tool that enables building a freer and more tolerant world where, as Charles Taylor opines, public spaces are getting emptied of religion, yet it doesn’t mean the dying away of the traditional values. It translates into the co-existence of “new inventions, newly constructed self-understandings and related practices’’ and the freedom to make individual choices. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: Secularism is consensual togetherness of believer and non-believer

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking resumption of dialogue between the two neighbours at the UN General Assembly meet later this month in New York. Khan has asked the PM Modi to allow a meeting between external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the UN meet.

WION accesses letter written by Pak PM to PM Modi

The government is likely to announce on Thursday curbs on imports of "non-essential" items to support the rupee, two government sources said, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration scrambles to tackle growing concerns over the economy.

A third government source said the country may raise import duties on components used in mobile handsets, most of them imported from China, as one of the measures. The federal steel ministry has also proposed increasing duties on some steel products.

The sources declined to be named ahead of an expected public announcement. The Finance Ministry did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

The rupee is down about 12 per cent this year, hitting successive lows over the past few weeks amid a widening current account deficit and a selloff in emerging markets.

Indian financial markets are closed on Thursday for a public holiday.

The rupee is Asia's worst performing currency this year, and a poll by a news agency of 10 market participants showed on Thursday that short bets on the rupee were at a five-year high.

In addition to higher import duties, India is considering asking the central bank to offer dollars directly to oil marketing companies or through a state-run bank to reduce domestic demand for dollars. The government could also look at raising dollars by tapping expatriates to invest in bonds for non-resident Indians.

The rupee is down about 12 per cent this year, hitting successive lows over the past few weeks amid a widening current account deficit and a selloff in emerging markets.

The government is likely to announce on Thursday curbs on imports of "non-essential" items to support the rupee, two government sources said, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration scrambles to tackle growing concerns over the economy. A third government source said the country may raise import duties on components used in mobile handsets, most of them imported from China, as one of the measures. The federal steel ministry has also proposed increasing duties on some steel products. The sources declined to be named ahead of an expected public announcement. The Finance Ministry did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The rupee is down about 12 per cent this year, hitting successive lows over the past few weeks amid a widening current account deficit and a selloff in emerging markets. Indian financial markets are closed on Thursday for a public holiday. The rupee is Asia's worst performing currency this year, and a poll by a news agency of 10 market participants showed on Thursday that short bets on the rupee were at a five-year high. In addition to higher import duties, India is considering asking the central bank to offer dollars directly to oil marketing companies or through a state-run bank to reduce domestic demand for dollars. The government could also look at raising dollars by tapping expatriates to invest in bonds for non-resident Indians.

India likely to announce curbs on 'non-essential' imports to support rupee: Sources

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Pakistan PM Imran Khan wrote a <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pm-imran-writes-to-modi-calls-for-resuming-comprehensive-bilateral-dialogue-process-166775">letter to PM Modi to start "comprehensive dialogue"</a>, asserting both countries owe it to future generations to resolve all "outstanding issues, including the Jammu & Kashmir dispute".

Full&nbsp;letter of PM Imran Khan:

 
Dear Modi Sahab,&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
I wish to thank you for your warm greetings and best wishes on my assumption of charge as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
I endorse your sentiment that the only way forward for our two countries lies in “constructive engagement”. It was in this spirit that Pakistan's Minister of Law and Information attended the funeral of Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi. Mr. Vajpayee contributed in trying to bring a positive change in our bilateral relations and was also a major proponent of a strong SAARC for building bridges and developing ties.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Pakistan and India have an undeniably challenging relationship. We, however, owe it to our people, especially the future generations to peacefully resolve all outstanding issues, including the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, to bridge differences and achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. Siachin and Sir Creek need close attention to move towards resolution. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Pakistan remains ready to discuss terrorism.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Discussion on trade, people to people contacts, religious tourism, humanitarian issues are also important. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Building on mutual desire for peace between our two countries. I wish to propose a meeting between foreign minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and the External Affairs minister Ms. Sushma Swaraj, before the informal meeting of the SAARC foreign ministers at the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. The can explore the way forward, especially the holding of the SAARC Council of Ministers followed by the SAARC Summit in Islamabad. The summit will offer an opportunity for you to visit Pakistan and for us to re-start the stalled dialogue process. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
I look forward to working with you for the benefit of the people of both our countries.&nbsp;

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

<img alt="Pak11_1.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="692" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Pak11_1.jpg" width="720" />

Pakistan remains ready to discuss terrorism, Imran Khan said.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan wrote a letter to PM Modi to start "comprehensive dialogue", asserting both countries owe it to future generations to resolve all "outstanding issues, including the Jammu & Kashmir dispute". Full letter of PM Imran Khan: Dear Modi Sahab, I wish to thank you for your warm greetings and best wishes on my assumption of charge as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. I endorse your sentiment that the only way forward for our two countries lies in “constructive engagement”. It was in this spirit that Pakistan's Minister of Law and Information attended the funeral of Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi. Mr. Vajpayee contributed in trying to bring a positive change in our bilateral relations and was also a major proponent of a strong SAARC for building bridges and developing ties. Pakistan and India have an undeniably challenging relationship. We, however, owe it to our people, especially the future generations to peacefully resolve all outstanding issues, including the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, to bridge differences and achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. Siachin and Sir Creek need close attention to move towards resolution. Pakistan remains ready to discuss terrorism. Discussion on trade, people to people contacts, religious tourism, humanitarian issues are also important. Building on mutual desire for peace between our two countries. I wish to propose a meeting between foreign minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and the External Affairs minister Ms. Sushma Swaraj, before the informal meeting of the SAARC foreign ministers at the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. The can explore the way forward, especially the holding of the SAARC Council of Ministers followed by the SAARC Summit in Islamabad. The summit will offer an opportunity for you to visit Pakistan and for us to re-start the stalled dialogue process. I look forward to working with you for the benefit of the people of both our countries. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Read full letter of Pak PM Imran Khan to PM Modi

The Supreme Court Thursday reserved its verdict on a plea by historian Romila Thapar and others seeking the immediate release of five rights activists in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and an SIT probe into their arrest.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, reserved the judgment after counsel for both parties including senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Harish Salve and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta concluded their submissions.

The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khaniwlkar and D Y Chandrachud, asked the Maharashtra police to file their case diary pertaining to the ongoing investigation in the case by September 24. It also asked the parties to file their written submissions by then.

The five activists --Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha-- are under arrest at their respective homes since August 29.

The plea by Thapar and economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala has sought an independent probe into the arrests and the immediate release of the five activists.&nbsp

The Maharashtra police had arrested the rights activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had later triggered violence at Koregaon-Bhima village.

The apex court had said on September 19 that it would look into the case with a hawk's eye as liberty cannot be "sacrificed at the altar of conjectures".

It had told the Maharashtra government that there should be a clear-cut distinction between opposition and dissent on one hand and attempts to create disturbance, law and order problems or overthrow the government on the other.

Senior advocate Anand Grover, Ashwini Kumar and advocate Prashant Bhushan also alleged that the entire case was cooked up and adequate safeguards should be provided to protect the liberty of five activists.

The apex court had earlier said that it may order an SIT probe if it found that the evidence has been "cooked up".&nbsp

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, reserved the judgment after counsel for both parties including senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Harish Salve and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta concluded their submissions.

The Supreme Court Thursday reserved its verdict on a plea by historian Romila Thapar and others seeking the immediate release of five rights activists in connection with the Koregaon-Bhima violence case and an SIT probe into their arrest. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, reserved the judgment after counsel for both parties including senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Harish Salve and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta concluded their submissions. The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khaniwlkar and D Y Chandrachud, asked the Maharashtra police to file their case diary pertaining to the ongoing investigation in the case by September 24. It also asked the parties to file their written submissions by then. The five activists --Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha-- are under arrest at their respective homes since August 29. The plea by Thapar and economists Prabhat Patnaik and Devaki Jain, sociology professor Satish Deshpande and human rights lawyer Maja Daruwala has sought an independent probe into the arrests and the immediate release of the five activists. The Maharashtra police had arrested the rights activists on August 28 in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave -- 'Elgaar Parishad' -- held on December 31 last year that had later triggered violence at Koregaon-Bhima village. The apex court had said on September 19 that it would look into the case with a hawk's eye as liberty cannot be "sacrificed at the altar of conjectures". It had told the Maharashtra government that there should be a clear-cut distinction between opposition and dissent on one hand and attempts to create disturbance, law and order problems or overthrow the government on the other. Senior advocate Anand Grover, Ashwini Kumar and advocate Prashant Bhushan also alleged that the entire case was cooked up and adequate safeguards should be provided to protect the liberty of five activists. The apex court had earlier said that it may order an SIT probe if it found that the evidence has been "cooked up".

Koregaon-Bhima case: SC reserves verdict on 5 activists' arrests

The US has praised India for its significant counter-terrorism actions and said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-based-terror-outfits-jem-let-pose-regional-threat-in-subcontinent-us-166742">Pakistan-based terror groups</a> continued their terror attacks in the country.&nbsp;

In its annual 'Country Report on Terrorism', as mandated by the Congress, the State Department on Wednesday said the Indian leadership has expressed resolve to prevent terrorist attacks domestically and to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism, in cooperation with the US and other like-minded countries.&nbsp;

The parts of India seriously impacted by terrorism in 2017 included Jammu and Kashmir, the northeast Indian states, and parts of central India in which Maoists remain active, it said.&nbsp;

"India continued to experience attacks, including by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/european-experts-corner-pakistan-for-sponsoring-terror-166653">Pakistan-based</a> terrorist organisations as well as tribal and Maoist insurgents. Indian authorities blamed Pakistan for cross-border attacks in the state of Jammu and Kashmir," the report said.

India, the report said, continued to apply sustained pressure to detect, disrupt and degrade terror operations within its borders.&nbsp;

Over the course of 2017, India sought to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation and information sharing with the US, including through the first-ever Designations Dialogue held in Delhi in December, it said.&nbsp;

In the same year, India and the US pledged to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qaida, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba and D-Company, it said.&nbsp;

During a June 2017 summit, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed officials to establish a new mechanism for cooperation on terrorist designations.&nbsp;

The report further said the Indian government closely monitored the domestic threat from transnational terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaida.&nbsp;

The State Department praised India for its significant counter terrorism actions.&nbsp;

Citing an example of a significant counter-terrorism law enforcement action by India, it said the police arrested Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) leader Mohammad Idris from a hideout in Kolkata on March 8.&nbsp; 
Idris was allegedly involved in the July 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Bangladesh capital, Dhaka.&nbsp;

The parts of India seriously impacted by terrorism in 2017 included Jammu and Kashmir, the northeast Indian states, and parts of central India in which Maoists remain active, it said.

The US has praised India for its significant counter-terrorism actions and said Pakistan-based terror groups continued their terror attacks in the country. In its annual 'Country Report on Terrorism', as mandated by the Congress, the State Department on Wednesday said the Indian leadership has expressed resolve to prevent terrorist attacks domestically and to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorism, in cooperation with the US and other like-minded countries. The parts of India seriously impacted by terrorism in 2017 included Jammu and Kashmir, the northeast Indian states, and parts of central India in which Maoists remain active, it said. "India continued to experience attacks, including by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations as well as tribal and Maoist insurgents. Indian authorities blamed Pakistan for cross-border attacks in the state of Jammu and Kashmir," the report said. India, the report said, continued to apply sustained pressure to detect, disrupt and degrade terror operations within its borders. Over the course of 2017, India sought to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation and information sharing with the US, including through the first-ever Designations Dialogue held in Delhi in December, it said. In the same year, India and the US pledged to strengthen cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qaida, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba and D-Company, it said. During a June 2017 summit, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed officials to establish a new mechanism for cooperation on terrorist designations. The report further said the Indian government closely monitored the domestic threat from transnational terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaida. The State Department praised India for its significant counter terrorism actions. Citing an example of a significant counter-terrorism law enforcement action by India, it said the police arrested Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) leader Mohammad Idris from a hideout in Kolkata on March 8. Idris was allegedly involved in the July 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Bangladesh capital, Dhaka.

India continues to detect and disrupt terror operations: US report

A Jet Airways flight on Thursday was turned back to Mumbai mid-air after the crew forgot to select switch to maintain cabin pressure leading to nose and ear bleeds in several passengers.&nbsp;

The passengers of the Mumbai-Jaipur&nbsp;9W 697&nbsp;flight also complained of a headache while 30 out of the total 166 suffered ear and nose bleeds. Oxygen masks were deployed.&nbsp;

The passengers are now being treated at the Mumbai airport.&nbsp;

Five Jet Airways passengers, who suffered nose and ear bleeding Thursday after the crew failed to turn on a switch that controls cabin air pressure, were suffering from "mild conductive deafness", according to a hospital.

The five were taken to Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, while the rest were attended to by doctors at the Mumbai airport.&nbsp;

As per their preliminary examination by ENT doctors, the five passengers suffered "barotrauma" of ear, which is caused due to a change in air pressure, said Rajendra Patankar, chief operating officer of Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital.

"The five patients, all males, have mild conductive deafness, a temporary condition which is likely to take a week or 10 days to heal. They are advised not to fly till then," Patankar told reporters here.

"They are under observation and are stable. It seems there is no need for their admission in hospital. They are undergoing all required tests," he said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Inside visuals of Jet Airways Mumbai-Jaipur flight that was turned back to Mumbai airport midway today after a loss in cabin pressure (Source: Mobile visuals) <a href="https://t.co/SEktwy3kvw">pic.twitter.com/SEktwy3kvw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1042633352917000193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to a passenger, the oxygen masks came out but no one gave the flyers any warning or instructions. "They announced after 15 minutes that we're landing but didn't even tell where. It was very scary," he told ANI after landing in Jaipur.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The crew has been taken off duty and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has started an investigation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) informed, ANI reported.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has sought a report from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation over the incident.

Taking cognisance of the matter, the MoCA said that the crew members who were on duty for the particular flight are being de-rostered on account of the incident.

The flight will now take off from Mumbai for Jaipur at 10:15 am.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The passengers of the Mumbai-Jaipur flight also complained of a headache while 30 out of the total 166 suffered ear and nosebleeds due to problems with pressure in the flight. Oxygen masks were deployed.

A Jet Airways flight on Thursday was turned back to Mumbai mid-air after the crew forgot to select switch to maintain cabin pressure leading to nose and ear bleeds in several passengers. The passengers of the Mumbai-Jaipur 9W 697 flight also complained of a headache while 30 out of the total 166 suffered ear and nose bleeds. Oxygen masks were deployed. The passengers are now being treated at the Mumbai airport. Five Jet Airways passengers, who suffered nose and ear bleeding Thursday after the crew failed to turn on a switch that controls cabin air pressure, were suffering from "mild conductive deafness", according to a hospital. The five were taken to Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, while the rest were attended to by doctors at the Mumbai airport. As per their preliminary examination by ENT doctors, the five passengers suffered "barotrauma" of ear, which is caused due to a change in air pressure, said Rajendra Patankar, chief operating officer of Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital. "The five patients, all males, have mild conductive deafness, a temporary condition which is likely to take a week or 10 days to heal. They are advised not to fly till then," Patankar told reporters here. "They are under observation and are stable. It seems there is no need for their admission in hospital. They are undergoing all required tests," he said. #WATCH: Inside visuals of Jet Airways Mumbai-Jaipur flight that was turned back to Mumbai airport midway today after a loss in cabin pressure (Source: Mobile visuals) pic.twitter.com/SEktwy3kvw — ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2018 × According to a passenger, the oxygen masks came out but no one gave the flyers any warning or instructions. "They announced after 15 minutes that we're landing but didn't even tell where. It was very scary," he told ANI after landing in Jaipur. The crew has been taken off duty and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has started an investigation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) informed, ANI reported. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has sought a report from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation over the incident. Taking cognisance of the matter, the MoCA said that the crew members who were on duty for the particular flight are being de-rostered on account of the incident. The flight will now take off from Mumbai for Jaipur at 10:15 am. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Jet Airways flight returns to Mumbai after passengers suffer nose, ear bleeds

The Congress on Monday demanded a "comprehensive probe" into the alleged role of the Prime Minister's Office and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in helping embattled business tycoon Vijay Mallya flee the country.

The trinity of Mallya, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Bharatiya Janata Party have cheated the country and now it is time to fix the responsibility, the Congress's communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala told reporters.

Asked which agency does the Congress wants to conduct a probe into the case, Surjewala said that there were "still bigger institutions" left in the country than the Modi government.&nbsp

He said since the Prime Minister's Office, the Finance Minister and his office, the CBI, the State Bank of India and other banks, fall in the circle of suspicion, a "high-level probe" is required.

Surjewala also demanded that the Prime Minister should give a statement over the issue and dismiss the finance minister.

"'Operation Cover-Up' in 'MallyaGate' stands uncovered! Complicity, collusion, connivance and collaboration of the Modi government at the highest level has been unmasked. Nothing can absolve Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the 'Vijay Mallya Escape'," he alleged in a statement.

He also gave a timeline of events in the Mallya case.

Surjewala claimed that the CBI shifted its stance on the Mallya case thrice, and asked who in the PMO had nudged the investigation agency.

"Why has CBI shifted its stance thrice -- 'Seeking Advance Information' to 'Inadvertent Error' to 'Error of Judgment'. Why are the two officers responsible, i.e. Joint Director A K Sharma and SP Harshita Attaluri, mum on the reason for changing 'LOC (Look Out Circular) to Detain' into 'inform'?" Surjewala said.

He also accused the consortium of 17 banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) of collusion and asked who directed them not to act against Mallya. Surjewala said Mallya met Jaitley in Parliament and stated that he is "leaving for London".

"Jaitley already knew that the 17 banks were seeking to recover their Rs 9,091 crore from a 'willful defaulter', Vijay Mallya. The Finance Minister chooses to remain mum. Jaitley doesn't inform the banks, the CBI, the ED (Enforcement Directorate), the

SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office), and Immigration Authorities to act against Mallya and detain him.

"Jaitley, in fact, remains mum for 30 months thereafter, admitting to his meeting to Vijay Mallya for the first time on September 12, 2018, in a Facebook post," he said.

The Congress demands that there should be a "comprehensive probe" in the role of the PMO, Finance Minister, Finance Ministry officials, the CBI, including the then director Anil Sinha, Joint Director A K Sharma, SP Harshita Attaluri, and the consortium of banks, particularly management of State Bank of India, in not acting against Mallya, Surjewala said.

Jaitley has, however, denied the charges against him. The Congress and the BJP are locked in a fierce war of words over the Mallya case.

While Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has openly accused Jaitley of lying and allowing the billionaire tycoon to flee the country, the BJP has claimed that the Gandhi family tried to help Mallya's floundering Kingfisher Airlines in 2011-12.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Surjewala claimed that the CBI shifted its stance on the Mallya case thrice, and asked who in the PMO had nudged the investigation agency.

The Congress on Monday demanded a "comprehensive probe" into the alleged role of the Prime Minister's Office and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in helping embattled business tycoon Vijay Mallya flee the country. The trinity of Mallya, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Bharatiya Janata Party have cheated the country and now it is time to fix the responsibility, the Congress's communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala told reporters. Asked which agency does the Congress wants to conduct a probe into the case, Surjewala said that there were "still bigger institutions" left in the country than the Modi government. He said since the Prime Minister's Office, the Finance Minister and his office, the CBI, the State Bank of India and other banks, fall in the circle of suspicion, a "high-level probe" is required. Surjewala also demanded that the Prime Minister should give a statement over the issue and dismiss the finance minister. "'Operation Cover-Up' in 'MallyaGate' stands uncovered! Complicity, collusion, connivance and collaboration of the Modi government at the highest level has been unmasked. Nothing can absolve Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the 'Vijay Mallya Escape'," he alleged in a statement. He also gave a timeline of events in the Mallya case. Surjewala claimed that the CBI shifted its stance on the Mallya case thrice, and asked who in the PMO had nudged the investigation agency. "Why has CBI shifted its stance thrice -- 'Seeking Advance Information' to 'Inadvertent Error' to 'Error of Judgment'. Why are the two officers responsible, i.e. Joint Director A K Sharma and SP Harshita Attaluri, mum on the reason for changing 'LOC (Look Out Circular) to Detain' into 'inform'?" Surjewala said. He also accused the consortium of 17 banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) of collusion and asked who directed them not to act against Mallya. Surjewala said Mallya met Jaitley in Parliament and stated that he is "leaving for London". "Jaitley already knew that the 17 banks were seeking to recover their Rs 9,091 crore from a 'willful defaulter', Vijay Mallya. The Finance Minister chooses to remain mum. Jaitley doesn't inform the banks, the CBI, the ED (Enforcement Directorate), the SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office), and Immigration Authorities to act against Mallya and detain him. "Jaitley, in fact, remains mum for 30 months thereafter, admitting to his meeting to Vijay Mallya for the first time on September 12, 2018, in a Facebook post," he said. The Congress demands that there should be a "comprehensive probe" in the role of the PMO, Finance Minister, Finance Ministry officials, the CBI, including the then director Anil Sinha, Joint Director A K Sharma, SP Harshita Attaluri, and the consortium of banks, particularly management of State Bank of India, in not acting against Mallya, Surjewala said. Jaitley has, however, denied the charges against him. The Congress and the BJP are locked in a fierce war of words over the Mallya case. While Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has openly accused Jaitley of lying and allowing the billionaire tycoon to flee the country, the BJP has claimed that the Gandhi family tried to help Mallya's floundering Kingfisher Airlines in 2011-12.

Congress demands probe into role of PMO, FM in Mallya escape

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in Delhi on Wednesday morning, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, President Ghani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks on a number of issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

The two leaders are expected to hold dialogue over regional security and 'peace talks' with the Taliban.&nbsp;

They are also expected to review the progress made on the infrastructure work being done in Afghanistan by India.

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Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrives in Delhi he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a number of issues of mutual interest <a href="https://t.co/XdtyX7RK2i">pic.twitter.com/XdtyX7RK2i</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1042265404603805697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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President Ghani is also expected to attend an event organised by the India Foundation later in the day. Afghan President's visit comes shortly after Pakistan's newly-appointed foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi visited Kabul.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is slated to go to polls next month.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The two leaders are expected to hold dialogue over regional security and 'peace talks' with the Taliban.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in Delhi on Wednesday morning, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, President Ghani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks on a number of issues of mutual interest. The two leaders are expected to hold dialogue over regional security and 'peace talks' with the Taliban. They are also expected to review the progress made on the infrastructure work being done in Afghanistan by India. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrives in Delhi he will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a number of issues of mutual interest pic.twitter.com/XdtyX7RK2i — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2018 × President Ghani is also expected to attend an event organised by the India Foundation later in the day. Afghan President's visit comes shortly after Pakistan's newly-appointed foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi visited Kabul. Afghanistan is slated to go to polls next month.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani arrives in Delhi, will hold talks with PM Modi

Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal, accused in Kerala nun rape case, arrived at Crime Branch (CID) in Kochi earlier today, news agency ANI reported.

Bishop Mulakkal is being interrogated by a special five-member investigation team of the Kerala police led by Vaikom Deputy SP K Subhash.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Amnesty International India on Tuesday said that the authorities in Kerala must ensure timely justice to a nun who has accused the bishop of raping her over a period of two years.

"Revealing the identity of a survivor of sexual violence is a crime under Indian law, but to face a backlash from the very community to which she has dedicated her life, is tragic," news agency PTI quoted.&nbsp;

"This is a blatant and extremely unfortunate attempt at victim naming and shaming," said Asmita Basu, Amnesty International India's Programme Director.

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Kerala nun rape case: Accused Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal arrives at Crime Branch (CID) in Kochi where he will be interrogated by a 5 members team led by Vaikom DySP K Subhash. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/BGWDGMH6b5">pic.twitter.com/BGWDGMH6b5</a>
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Basu was responding to allegations of repeated instances of sexual violence faced by a Kerala-based nun, allegedly by the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar, and subsequent smear campaigns against her by the Congregation of the Missionaries of Jesus.

The accused, Franco Mulakkal, has written to the Pope offering to "step aside temporarily" as the Bishop of the Jalandhar diocese, a move which comes ahead of his appearance before the Kerala Police on Wednesday to join the investigation in the case.

The Kerala-based nun had accused the clergyman of sexually assaulting her 13 times between 2014 and 2016 during his visits to the Jalandhar-diocese run convent at Kuruvilangad in Kottayam district.

The bishop has, however, dismissed the allegations as "baseless and concocted".

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Bishop Mulakkal is being interrogated by a five-member team led by Vaikom Deputy SP K Subhash.

Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal, accused in Kerala nun rape case, arrived at Crime Branch (CID) in Kochi earlier today, news agency ANI reported. Bishop Mulakkal is being interrogated by a special five-member investigation team of the Kerala police led by Vaikom Deputy SP K Subhash. Meanwhile, Amnesty International India on Tuesday said that the authorities in Kerala must ensure timely justice to a nun who has accused the bishop of raping her over a period of two years. "Revealing the identity of a survivor of sexual violence is a crime under Indian law, but to face a backlash from the very community to which she has dedicated her life, is tragic," news agency PTI quoted. "This is a blatant and extremely unfortunate attempt at victim naming and shaming," said Asmita Basu, Amnesty International India's Programme Director. Kerala nun rape case: Accused Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal arrives at Crime Branch (CID) in Kochi where he will be interrogated by a 5 members team led by Vaikom DySP K Subhash. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/BGWDGMH6b5 — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2018 × Basu was responding to allegations of repeated instances of sexual violence faced by a Kerala-based nun, allegedly by the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar, and subsequent smear campaigns against her by the Congregation of the Missionaries of Jesus. The accused, Franco Mulakkal, has written to the Pope offering to "step aside temporarily" as the Bishop of the Jalandhar diocese, a move which comes ahead of his appearance before the Kerala Police on Wednesday to join the investigation in the case. The Kerala-based nun had accused the clergyman of sexually assaulting her 13 times between 2014 and 2016 during his visits to the Jalandhar-diocese run convent at Kuruvilangad in Kottayam district. The bishop has, however, dismissed the allegations as "baseless and concocted". (With inputs from agencies)

SIT interrogates Bishop Franco accused in Kerala nun rape case

Sources from the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday stated that the final call in the extradition of <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-uae-to-extradite-agustawestland-scam-middleman-christian-michel-to-india-166511">AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel to India</a>&nbsp;rests with the UAE "foreign office".

"As per rules, the final call is always taken by the foreign office of a particular country. In case of UAE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) decides the fate of an accused against whom the court has given an extradition order," ANI quoted MEA sources on Christian Michel.

The statement also added that no formal communication or confirmation has come from UAE.

"As per the law, the accused has right to appeal. It's a matter of UAE, no formal communication or confirmation has come from UAE."

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As per the law, the accused has right to appeal. It's a matter of UAE, no formal communication or confirmation has come from UAE: MEA sources on Christian Michel. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AugustaWestland?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AugustaWestland</a>
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Christian Michel was arrested in February 2017 by the UAE authorities.&nbsp;

The Indian investigative agencies had been pushing UAE for extradition ever since. Michel has been in detention in Dubai since June. He was placed under detention after India asked for his extradition through Dubai court.

The AgustaWestland case involves alleged bribes paid by the firm to Indians to clinch the deal for 12 helicopters to ferry VVIPs including the President and Prime Minister.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had in 2013 registered a case in connection with the matter.

Several politicians and military officials have been accused of accepting bribes from AgustaWestland in order to win the ₹36 billion (US$500 million) Indian contract.

The statement also added that no formal communication or confirmation has come from UAE.

Sources from the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday stated that the final call in the extradition of AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel to India rests with the UAE "foreign office". "As per rules, the final call is always taken by the foreign office of a particular country. In case of UAE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) decides the fate of an accused against whom the court has given an extradition order," ANI quoted MEA sources on Christian Michel. The statement also added that no formal communication or confirmation has come from UAE. "As per the law, the accused has right to appeal. It's a matter of UAE, no formal communication or confirmation has come from UAE." As per the law, the accused has right to appeal. It's a matter of UAE, no formal communication or confirmation has come from UAE: MEA sources on Christian Michel. #AugustaWestland — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2018 × Christian Michel was arrested in February 2017 by the UAE authorities. The Indian investigative agencies had been pushing UAE for extradition ever since. Michel has been in detention in Dubai since June. He was placed under detention after India asked for his extradition through Dubai court. The AgustaWestland case involves alleged bribes paid by the firm to Indians to clinch the deal for 12 helicopters to ferry VVIPs including the President and Prime Minister. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had in 2013 registered a case in connection with the matter. Several politicians and military officials have been accused of accepting bribes from AgustaWestland in order to win the ₹36 billion (US$500 million) Indian contract.

UAE to take final call: MEA sources on Michel's extradition to India

India successfully launched its workhorse rocket PSLV as a purely commercial mission. PSLV demonstrated its capability to match small satellite requirements but competition is intense with the spurt in dedicated small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) ventures. An SSLV has a quick turnaround time eliminating the frustration in small satellite industry that has to wait for months before a launch opportunity arrives. The PSLV is not capable of this with the existing infrastructure and, therefore, ISRO’s response is to field its own SSLV starting launches next year.

Small satellite companies intend to launch thousands of small satellites for low latency communications, Internet, imaging, vehicle and ship tracking services etc. The Internet of Things paradigm also depends on these constellations. This market is expanding into a multi-billion industry opening a lucrative market for launch service providers. For example, OneWeb contracted 21 Soyuz launches in a more than $1 billion deal.

Earlier, small satellites had to wait long before a piggyback launch opportunity arrived. The wait time dealt a loss to the business ventures. Sensing this frustration, a new generation of small satellite launch service providers started experimenting with smaller launch vehicles that have quick turnaround times. Rocket Lab is an example of this emerging industry.

This raised competition for traditional space companies that could reorient their existing rockets for the small satellite industry. For example, ISRO had the PSLV demonstrate its fourth stage restart capability targeting multiple orbits for this reason. It also orbited about 100 small satellites in a single launch. These contracts were predominantly American as the US lacked dedicated SSLVs.

Despite the need, the US continues to restrict the PSLV due to non-transparency in pricing. This restriction has been extended recently by the Federal Aviation Administration citing the need to protect its nascent SSLV industry. Although the American companies can obtain a one-time waiver to use the PSLV, the bureaucratic process coupled with the upcoming availability of domestic launch options could reduce the PSLV market share.

Moreover, PSLV cannot match the turnaround times of a dedicated SSLV, not to mention the pressing domestic launch demands. Therefore, ISRO is pacing to industrialise the PSLV to achieve a higher launch rate as well as pricing transparency. However, the targeted year 2021 is three years away.

On the other hand, China had tweaked its space policy in 2014 for allowing private players. The result of this policy is the series of successful tests carried out by private entities such as LandSpace, OneSpace etc. this year. LandSpace is aiming for the first private launch later this year. The funding for these companies came from private sources suggesting that this industry could be a momentum play.

However, China is debarred from launching American satellites because of inadvertent technology transfer concerns. Therefore, the major market for it would be European, as many of these countries actively promote startups.

Space startups working on small satellites are increasing and a majority of others require space-derived data for their products. PSLV had launched European satellites since the late 1990s and this market could be targeted by China. In fact, LandSpace was contracted by Danish CubeSat manufacturer GomSpace for a launch in 2018.

Within Europe, Italy and Portugal propose to field SSLVs and the UK has an aggressive strategy to set up launch services within the country. The UK is already a world leader in satellite manufacturing and is considering launch services as a major part of its industrial strategy. However, these efforts could take time as the new spaceports need to raise their confidence levels. This gives space for China as long as the European space companies do not use American components for their satellites.

This has compelled ISRO to go for its own SSLV venture to be started by mid-2019.

ISRO is planning to include the private industry in developing and launching the SSLV. The demand for a higher rate component, motor or stage production from the industry could be better realized through the SSLV given the expected launch frequency. The quick turnaround time also suggests the on-demand nature of the SSLV, which could be a strategic asset given China’s demonstration of anti-satellite weapons.

This does not mean that the SSLV is a replacement for the PSLV. The pressing domestic demand and emerging markets in the Global South needing remote sensing satellite launch services could be tapped by the PSLV. A combination of PSLV and SSLV will retain India’s competitive edge in the global launch vehicle market as well as assuring independent access to space. But a tight competition is emerging in the SSLV segment and how India fares in this would demonstrate its innovation and industry potential.

 
(This article was first published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-more-players-rising-in-space-launch-vehicle-market-2664762">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Small satellite companies intend to launch thousands of small satellites for low latency communications, Internet, imaging, vehicle and ship tracking services etc.

India successfully launched its workhorse rocket PSLV as a purely commercial mission. PSLV demonstrated its capability to match small satellite requirements but competition is intense with the spurt in dedicated small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) ventures. An SSLV has a quick turnaround time eliminating the frustration in small satellite industry that has to wait for months before a launch opportunity arrives. The PSLV is not capable of this with the existing infrastructure and, therefore, ISRO’s response is to field its own SSLV starting launches next year. Small satellite companies intend to launch thousands of small satellites for low latency communications, Internet, imaging, vehicle and ship tracking services etc. The Internet of Things paradigm also depends on these constellations. This market is expanding into a multi-billion industry opening a lucrative market for launch service providers. For example, OneWeb contracted 21 Soyuz launches in a more than $1 billion deal. Earlier, small satellites had to wait long before a piggyback launch opportunity arrived. The wait time dealt a loss to the business ventures. Sensing this frustration, a new generation of small satellite launch service providers started experimenting with smaller launch vehicles that have quick turnaround times. Rocket Lab is an example of this emerging industry. This raised competition for traditional space companies that could reorient their existing rockets for the small satellite industry. For example, ISRO had the PSLV demonstrate its fourth stage restart capability targeting multiple orbits for this reason. It also orbited about 100 small satellites in a single launch. These contracts were predominantly American as the US lacked dedicated SSLVs. Despite the need, the US continues to restrict the PSLV due to non-transparency in pricing. This restriction has been extended recently by the Federal Aviation Administration citing the need to protect its nascent SSLV industry. Although the American companies can obtain a one-time waiver to use the PSLV, the bureaucratic process coupled with the upcoming availability of domestic launch options could reduce the PSLV market share. Moreover, PSLV cannot match the turnaround times of a dedicated SSLV, not to mention the pressing domestic launch demands. Therefore, ISRO is pacing to industrialise the PSLV to achieve a higher launch rate as well as pricing transparency. However, the targeted year 2021 is three years away. On the other hand, China had tweaked its space policy in 2014 for allowing private players. The result of this policy is the series of successful tests carried out by private entities such as LandSpace, OneSpace etc. this year. LandSpace is aiming for the first private launch later this year. The funding for these companies came from private sources suggesting that this industry could be a momentum play. However, China is debarred from launching American satellites because of inadvertent technology transfer concerns. Therefore, the major market for it would be European, as many of these countries actively promote startups. Space startups working on small satellites are increasing and a majority of others require space-derived data for their products. PSLV had launched European satellites since the late 1990s and this market could be targeted by China. In fact, LandSpace was contracted by Danish CubeSat manufacturer GomSpace for a launch in 2018. Within Europe, Italy and Portugal propose to field SSLVs and the UK has an aggressive strategy to set up launch services within the country. The UK is already a world leader in satellite manufacturing and is considering launch services as a major part of its industrial strategy. However, these efforts could take time as the new spaceports need to raise their confidence levels. This gives space for China as long as the European space companies do not use American components for their satellites. This has compelled ISRO to go for its own SSLV venture to be started by mid-2019. ISRO is planning to include the private industry in developing and launching the SSLV. The demand for a higher rate component, motor or stage production from the industry could be better realized through the SSLV given the expected launch frequency. The quick turnaround time also suggests the on-demand nature of the SSLV, which could be a strategic asset given China’s demonstration of anti-satellite weapons. This does not mean that the SSLV is a replacement for the PSLV. The pressing domestic demand and emerging markets in the Global South needing remote sensing satellite launch services could be tapped by the PSLV. A combination of PSLV and SSLV will retain India’s competitive edge in the global launch vehicle market as well as assuring independent access to space. But a tight competition is emerging in the SSLV segment and how India fares in this would demonstrate its innovation and industry potential. (This article was first published on The DNA. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: India needs to prove its mettle in space launch vehicle market

Bhagwat said the minorities should visit the RSS's shakhas before forming an opinion about the right-wing organisation.

Homosexuals, Ram Temple, & the other things Mohan Bhagwat spoke about

RSS chief <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/we-are-committed-towards-constitution-did-nothing-against-it-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat-166477">Mohan Bhagwat</a> spoke on a number of issues related to Sangh and invited the delegates to visit Sangh before they make the opinion. In the context of the issue of Muslims and RSS, he said that Sangh has changed over a period of time and Muslims are very much part of RSS's vision. He said that certain lines from 'Bunch of Thoughts' written by Hedgewar have been removed because they were contextual.

"Only eternal and timeless thoughts have been kept and reproduced by us, " he said. He also said that the idea of change itself was instilled by Hedgewar. He also took the opportunity to say that all sections of minorities are invited to visit RSS shakhas to see how they work.

He also said that RSS is committed to the idea of reservation in the Constitution. "We have been misinterpreted number of times. The reservation will continue till the time those who are getting it decide that they do not require it anymore," said Mohan Bhagwat. BJP had lost Bihar assembly elections because of Bhagwat's statement on the reservation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rss-idea-is-similar-to-the-idea-of-muslim-brotherhood-in-arab-world-rahul-gandhi--161261">Rahul Gandhi equates RSS to Muslim Brotherhood</a>

RSS also made it clear that they are opposed to article 370 and they would continue to oppose it. Bhagwat also spoke on the issue of 370 and did not support the Supreme Court verdict fully. He said that society has changed and those who believe in alternative sexuality cannot be sidelined but declined to support it wholeheartedly. He contextualized his answer by medicalising the issue and called it a problem. His statement shows that RSS still has the reservation on this issue.

On the issue of Ayodhya, he said that Ram temple must be built soon and the matter should not have taken so much time. He also addressed the issue of RSS and politics. A question which I asked," If RSS is removed from politics then how come to organisational Secretary to BJP is always from RSS." Mohan Bhagwat replied in a lighter vein," &nbsp;We give Sangathan Mantri to those who demand it. Till now no other political party has demanded it. If a demand comes then it will be considered. He said that RSS will stay away from politics."

Bhagwat also spoke on the issue of demographic balance. He said that demographic balance must be maintained in India and there should be a proper study in this regard. "Infiltration is one big cause of demographic change and it must be stopped at any cost," he said.

He also said that violence in the name of cow protection is unacceptable. But he reiterated his commitment towards cow protection. RSS also walked a tightrope on language policy. He said that RSS is not opposed to English but Hindi as a language should be promoted but not at the cost of regional languages.

He also spoke on the issue of the way RSS is run. He said that RSS chief does not enjoy any powers and it is the number two who calls the shot. &nbsp;" I can be the boss for a lifetime and chose another boss but I do things as per the elected number two. We elect are number 2 every three years. All that I spoke in three days was discussed with senior office holders. What I speak is the consensus within the organisation. This is what RSS is. The consensus is core to the RSS functioning," he said.

This was an RSS attempt to reach out to the intellectuals and do away with misconceptions about it. Throughout three days, the focus remained on Sangh's commitment to character building and its commitment to work at the societal level.

Bhagwat also spoke on the issue of demographic balance. He said that demographic balance must be maintained in India and there should be a proper study in this regard.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke on a number of issues related to Sangh and invited the delegates to visit Sangh before they make the opinion. In the context of the issue of Muslims and RSS, he said that Sangh has changed over a period of time and Muslims are very much part of RSS's vision. He said that certain lines from 'Bunch of Thoughts' written by Hedgewar have been removed because they were contextual. "Only eternal and timeless thoughts have been kept and reproduced by us, " he said. He also said that the idea of change itself was instilled by Hedgewar. He also took the opportunity to say that all sections of minorities are invited to visit RSS shakhas to see how they work. He also said that RSS is committed to the idea of reservation in the Constitution. "We have been misinterpreted number of times. The reservation will continue till the time those who are getting it decide that they do not require it anymore," said Mohan Bhagwat. BJP had lost Bihar assembly elections because of Bhagwat's statement on the reservation. Also read: Rahul Gandhi equates RSS to Muslim Brotherhood RSS also made it clear that they are opposed to article 370 and they would continue to oppose it. Bhagwat also spoke on the issue of 370 and did not support the Supreme Court verdict fully. He said that society has changed and those who believe in alternative sexuality cannot be sidelined but declined to support it wholeheartedly. He contextualized his answer by medicalising the issue and called it a problem. His statement shows that RSS still has the reservation on this issue. On the issue of Ayodhya, he said that Ram temple must be built soon and the matter should not have taken so much time. He also addressed the issue of RSS and politics. A question which I asked," If RSS is removed from politics then how come to organisational Secretary to BJP is always from RSS." Mohan Bhagwat replied in a lighter vein," We give Sangathan Mantri to those who demand it. Till now no other political party has demanded it. If a demand comes then it will be considered. He said that RSS will stay away from politics." Bhagwat also spoke on the issue of demographic balance. He said that demographic balance must be maintained in India and there should be a proper study in this regard. "Infiltration is one big cause of demographic change and it must be stopped at any cost," he said. He also said that violence in the name of cow protection is unacceptable. But he reiterated his commitment towards cow protection. RSS also walked a tightrope on language policy. He said that RSS is not opposed to English but Hindi as a language should be promoted but not at the cost of regional languages. He also spoke on the issue of the way RSS is run. He said that RSS chief does not enjoy any powers and it is the number two who calls the shot. " I can be the boss for a lifetime and chose another boss but I do things as per the elected number two. We elect are number 2 every three years. All that I spoke in three days was discussed with senior office holders. What I speak is the consensus within the organisation. This is what RSS is. The consensus is core to the RSS functioning," he said. This was an RSS attempt to reach out to the intellectuals and do away with misconceptions about it. Throughout three days, the focus remained on Sangh's commitment to character building and its commitment to work at the societal level.

Minorities should visit our shakhas to see how they work: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

In second such incident in the last few days, a man attacked his daughter and son-in-law with a knife on Erragadda main road in Hyderabad on Wednesday afternoon.

The hideous incident, days after the murder of a Dalit youth Pranay in Miryalaguda, sent shockwaves through the city. Pranay was hacked to death by a contract killer for marrying an upper caste girl.

Manohar Chary, a goldsmith, attacked his daughter Madhavi and her husband with a knife on Wednesday. Madhavi is in a critical condition while her husband B. Sandeep (21) is safe but severely injured, reports said.

The woman is undergoing treatment at the city's Yashoda Hospital while Sandeep at a private hospital in Sanathnagar, the report added.

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Hyderabad: Police has registered a case u/s 307 IPC against a man for stabbing his daughter and son-in law. Search for accused is underway, couple admitted to a hospital for treatment <a href="https://t.co/dcABvMKDWY">pic.twitter.com/dcABvMKDWY</a>
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Sandeep, a Dalit, married Madhavi belonging to a backward class community last week at a temple in Alwal, Hyderabad.

Sandeep's mother accepted the marriage but Madhavi's family disapproved of it.&nbsp;

The incident was captured on a CCTV camera installed at a car showroom on Erragadda main road. The spine-chilling footage shows the father getting off the bike before drawing a sickle. He first attacked Sandeep and when Madhavi came to her husband's defence, he hacks her thrice. The injured woman started bleeding profusely and collapsed on the spot.

As the incident unfolded, several bystanders and motorists were seen simply passing by. One man tried to kick down the attacker but failed.

The man attacked his daughter and her husband with a knife. The incident, days after the murder of a Dalit youth Pranay in Miryalaguda, sent shockwaves through the city.

In second such incident in the last few days, a man attacked his daughter and son-in-law with a knife on Erragadda main road in Hyderabad on Wednesday afternoon. The hideous incident, days after the murder of a Dalit youth Pranay in Miryalaguda, sent shockwaves through the city. Pranay was hacked to death by a contract killer for marrying an upper caste girl. Manohar Chary, a goldsmith, attacked his daughter Madhavi and her husband with a knife on Wednesday. Madhavi is in a critical condition while her husband B. Sandeep (21) is safe but severely injured, reports said. The woman is undergoing treatment at the city's Yashoda Hospital while Sandeep at a private hospital in Sanathnagar, the report added. Hyderabad: Police has registered a case u/s 307 IPC against a man for stabbing his daughter and son-in law. Search for accused is underway, couple admitted to a hospital for treatment pic.twitter.com/dcABvMKDWY — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2018 × Sandeep, a Dalit, married Madhavi belonging to a backward class community last week at a temple in Alwal, Hyderabad. Sandeep's mother accepted the marriage but Madhavi's family disapproved of it. The incident was captured on a CCTV camera installed at a car showroom on Erragadda main road. The spine-chilling footage shows the father getting off the bike before drawing a sickle. He first attacked Sandeep and when Madhavi came to her husband's defence, he hacks her thrice. The injured woman started bleeding profusely and collapsed on the spot. As the incident unfolded, several bystanders and motorists were seen simply passing by. One man tried to kick down the attacker but failed.

Hyderabad: Man attacks daughter, her husband in broad daylight for inter-caste marriage

The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended the house arrest of five rights activists who were arrested from several cities in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence case by a day.&nbsp;

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud will continue with the hearing on Thursday on the plea filed by historian Romila Thapar and four others.

At the last hearing in the case on September 17, the top court had said it might order a probe by a special investigating team (SIT) if it found that the evidence had been “cooked up”. It had also said that the material, supporting the arrest of the five activists in the case, needed to be examined.

At the last hearing in the case on September 17, the top court had said it might order a probe by a special investigating team (SIT) if it found that the evidence had been "cooked up".

The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended the house arrest of five rights activists who were arrested from several cities in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence case by a day. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud will continue with the hearing on Thursday on the plea filed by historian Romila Thapar and four others. At the last hearing in the case on September 17, the top court had said it might order a probe by a special investigating team (SIT) if it found that the evidence had been “cooked up”. It had also said that the material, supporting the arrest of the five activists in the case, needed to be examined.

Elgaar Parishad: Supreme Court extends house arrest of activists till Thursday

Terrorism is an enemy of humanity and there is a need to create the needed atmosphere and global consensus for fighting the menace, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said on Wednesday in Romania. Naidu, who is visiting the southeastern European country on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of India-Romania diplomatic relations, met President of Romania Klaus Werner Iohannis and talked intensively on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern including trade, IT, defence and space.

“We have to create the needed atmosphere and global consensus for fighting terrorism which is a menace to humanity.

“Terror has no religion, terror does not belong to any particular race, it’s an enemy of humanity. Let us all work together to root out terror from the globe so that the world can move forward peacefully towards a prosperous future,” Naidu said after his meeting with President of the Senate of Romania Calin Popescu-Tariceanu.

The vice president and Romania President Iohannis led delegation-level talks to further strengthen relations in trade, small and medium-sized enterprises, pharma, information technology, defence, agriculture, space and science and technology, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

He also met Liviu Dragnea, the President of Chamber of Deputies at the Palace of Parliament here.

The Petroleum Gas University of Polesti, Romanaia and Pandit Deendayal Petrolium University, Gujarat signed an MoU for capacity building and mutual training.

An agreement in the area of petroleum and gas was also signed between Indian and Romanian Universities on the sidelines of the meeting between Naidu and Popescu-Tariceanu, Kumar said.

“I am pleased to visit this beautiful country on the occasion of 70th anniversary of our strong diplomatic relations. I convey the wishes of 1.3 billion people of the Republic of India to the people of Romania for the Centenary year celebrations,” Naidu said.

India and Romania relations are historic, warm and friendly, he said. “My visit reflects our desire to strengthen our collaboration shared commitment to bolster our friendship and diversify our ties. We agreed that we shall work towards enhancing our already excellent trade relations.

“My talks with Popescu-Tariceanu were meaningful and constructive. The longstanding excellent relations between India and Romania provided the backdrop for our fruitful engagement,” the vice president said.

India stands ready to intensify parliamentary visits and other high-level exchanges between India and Romania to strengthen ties in the political, economic and cultural areas, Naidu said.

He conveyed best wishes for the upcoming Presidency of Council of European Union in January, 2019. “Romania has emerged as a respected leader in the Balkans. We appreciate Romania’s spirit to succeed and have faith in its efforts for a better tomorrow. We agreed that we shall work towards enhancing already excellent trade relations,” Naidu said.

The vice president arrived in Romania on Tuesday on the last leg of his three-nation visit to boost India’s ties with the southeastern European country. He will be in Romania from September 18 to September 20.

Venkaiah Naidu is visiting the southeastern European country on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of India-Romania diplomatic relations.

Terrorism is an enemy of humanity and there is a need to create the needed atmosphere and global consensus for fighting the menace, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said on Wednesday in Romania. Naidu, who is visiting the southeastern European country on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of India-Romania diplomatic relations, met President of Romania Klaus Werner Iohannis and talked intensively on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual concern including trade, IT, defence and space. “We have to create the needed atmosphere and global consensus for fighting terrorism which is a menace to humanity. “Terror has no religion, terror does not belong to any particular race, it’s an enemy of humanity. Let us all work together to root out terror from the globe so that the world can move forward peacefully towards a prosperous future,” Naidu said after his meeting with President of the Senate of Romania Calin Popescu-Tariceanu. The vice president and Romania President Iohannis led delegation-level talks to further strengthen relations in trade, small and medium-sized enterprises, pharma, information technology, defence, agriculture, space and science and technology, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. He also met Liviu Dragnea, the President of Chamber of Deputies at the Palace of Parliament here. The Petroleum Gas University of Polesti, Romanaia and Pandit Deendayal Petrolium University, Gujarat signed an MoU for capacity building and mutual training. An agreement in the area of petroleum and gas was also signed between Indian and Romanian Universities on the sidelines of the meeting between Naidu and Popescu-Tariceanu, Kumar said. “I am pleased to visit this beautiful country on the occasion of 70th anniversary of our strong diplomatic relations. I convey the wishes of 1.3 billion people of the Republic of India to the people of Romania for the Centenary year celebrations,” Naidu said. India and Romania relations are historic, warm and friendly, he said. “My visit reflects our desire to strengthen our collaboration shared commitment to bolster our friendship and diversify our ties. We agreed that we shall work towards enhancing our already excellent trade relations. “My talks with Popescu-Tariceanu were meaningful and constructive. The longstanding excellent relations between India and Romania provided the backdrop for our fruitful engagement,” the vice president said. India stands ready to intensify parliamentary visits and other high-level exchanges between India and Romania to strengthen ties in the political, economic and cultural areas, Naidu said. He conveyed best wishes for the upcoming Presidency of Council of European Union in January, 2019. “Romania has emerged as a respected leader in the Balkans. We appreciate Romania’s spirit to succeed and have faith in its efforts for a better tomorrow. We agreed that we shall work towards enhancing already excellent trade relations,” Naidu said. The vice president arrived in Romania on Tuesday on the last leg of his three-nation visit to boost India’s ties with the southeastern European country. He will be in Romania from September 18 to September 20.

Terror has no religion, need to create global consensus for fighting menace: Venkaiah Naidu in Romania

An Indian-origin family of four in the UK had a lucky escape when their house was targeted in an “unprovoked” arson attack which the police is treating as a hate crime.

Mayur Karlekar, called as Mac Karlekar, and his wife Ritu and two young children were asleep in their home late on Saturday night when they were woken up by their neighbours, who had called in the fire brigade to tackle a huge blaze outside their home in south-east London’s Borkwood Park area of Orpington.

“The Metropolitan Police is investigating this as a hate crime. It is being dealt with as a case of arson and criminal damage. No arrests have been made so far,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said on Wednesday.

CCTV images from the area reportedly show a group of four-five youths, dressed in hoodies, attempting to start a fire on the hedges outside the Karlekars’ home.

“We all were sleeping and were luckily woken up by neighbours on time. Though most of the damage was done to the hedges leaving the house now exposed, my son’s bedroom was just saved – he was sleeping in it at the time of the incident,” said Karlekar, a digital consultant who move to the UK from Mumbai in the late 1990s.

“We are glad it was stopped on time but the damage to our neighbourhood, our society, to our home has been done, irrecoverably. We have not caused any trouble to anyone and have only helped others in all our lifetime. I was special police myself doing voluntary unpaid work. This act happening to us was a complete shock,” said the 43-year-old, who has been appealing for information to bring the suspects to justice across various social media channels.

Karlekar, originally from Dombivali in Thane district of Maharashtra, said he wanted to ensure no other families in the neighbourhood become victims of a similar hate crime. “Hope this kind of arson attack does not happen to any family as it happened on ours unprovoked. If you know anyone or seen any video floating around on social media of dares, please help stop it. Be safe, be vigilant,” he said in his appeal.

Images posted on social media reveal huge flames and extensive damage to the outside of the property in the residential suburb in the borough of Bromley in London. Karlekar has expressed his unhappiness with the nearly 32-hour delay in the Met Police starting their investigation into the case.

“This is the second incident in this area, the first one being a robbery, but we feel more may have happened or are going unreported. We want those people to come out and raise their voice too,” he said.

British police describe hate crimes as those perceived as motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic and monitor it under five strands – race or ethnicity religion or beliefs sexual orientation disability or transgender identity.

According to official figures released earlier this year, incidents of hate crime had registered a spike in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit referendum in 2016. There were 80,393 offences in 2016-17, compared with 62,518 in 2015-16, the largest increase since the UK Home Office began recording these figures in 2011-12.

Images posted on social media reveal huge flames and extensive damage to the outside of the property in the residential suburb in the borough of Bromley in London.

An Indian-origin family of four in the UK had a lucky escape when their house was targeted in an “unprovoked” arson attack which the police is treating as a hate crime. Mayur Karlekar, called as Mac Karlekar, and his wife Ritu and two young children were asleep in their home late on Saturday night when they were woken up by their neighbours, who had called in the fire brigade to tackle a huge blaze outside their home in south-east London’s Borkwood Park area of Orpington. “The Metropolitan Police is investigating this as a hate crime. It is being dealt with as a case of arson and criminal damage. No arrests have been made so far,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said on Wednesday. CCTV images from the area reportedly show a group of four-five youths, dressed in hoodies, attempting to start a fire on the hedges outside the Karlekars’ home. “We all were sleeping and were luckily woken up by neighbours on time. Though most of the damage was done to the hedges leaving the house now exposed, my son’s bedroom was just saved – he was sleeping in it at the time of the incident,” said Karlekar, a digital consultant who move to the UK from Mumbai in the late 1990s. “We are glad it was stopped on time but the damage to our neighbourhood, our society, to our home has been done, irrecoverably. We have not caused any trouble to anyone and have only helped others in all our lifetime. I was special police myself doing voluntary unpaid work. This act happening to us was a complete shock,” said the 43-year-old, who has been appealing for information to bring the suspects to justice across various social media channels. Karlekar, originally from Dombivali in Thane district of Maharashtra, said he wanted to ensure no other families in the neighbourhood become victims of a similar hate crime. “Hope this kind of arson attack does not happen to any family as it happened on ours unprovoked. If you know anyone or seen any video floating around on social media of dares, please help stop it. Be safe, be vigilant,” he said in his appeal. Images posted on social media reveal huge flames and extensive damage to the outside of the property in the residential suburb in the borough of Bromley in London. Karlekar has expressed his unhappiness with the nearly 32-hour delay in the Met Police starting their investigation into the case. “This is the second incident in this area, the first one being a robbery, but we feel more may have happened or are going unreported. We want those people to come out and raise their voice too,” he said. British police describe hate crimes as those perceived as motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic and monitor it under five strands – race or ethnicity religion or beliefs sexual orientation disability or transgender identity. According to official figures released earlier this year, incidents of hate crime had registered a spike in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit referendum in 2016. There were 80,393 offences in 2016-17, compared with 62,518 in 2015-16, the largest increase since the UK Home Office began recording these figures in 2011-12.

London: Indian-origin family wake up to fire outside their home, police say hate crime

As fuel prices inch closer to the psychological Rs 90-mark in the city where petrol and diesel are the costliest, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari Tuesday admitted that fuel prices are "very high and hurting the public".

While petrol was selling at Rs 89.54 a litre in the city Tuesday, up 10 paise from Monday, and diesel at Rs 78.42, up nine paise, in over a dozen cities in the state, petrol is already selling at Rs 90-91 a litre, and diesel over Rs 80.

".... One thing is there that (fuel) rates are very high and it is a situation where definitely people are facing problems," Gadkari said while addressing the third Bloomberg India Economic Forum here.

Gadkari also said he has been told that there is a likelihood of the global crude prices going down. He, however, did not clarify on the source of his information.

The minister, who is in charge of shipping, ports, road transport and also Ganga rejuvenation, was replying to a specific question on high fuel prices and if we should expect any duty or tax cuts in order to make it cheaper for the common people, and said lowering taxes is not in his remit, but of the finance minister.

It can be noted that Maharashtra has the highest fuel cost among all the states as it charges the highest VAT on the petrol and diesel at a little over 39 per cent, including the Rs 9 surcharge on petrol and Re 1 on diesel.

While the state charges 25 per cent value-added tax on petrol in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai, it charges 26 per cent in the rest of the state. For diesel, VAT is 21 per cent in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai, and 22 per cent rest of the state, with a surcharge of Re 1 a litre across the state.

Petrol and diesel prices in Mumbai have gone up by Rs 2.60 and Rs 4.03 a litre, respectively, since August 31.

In cities like Parbhani, Nandurbar, Nanded, Latur, Jalgaon, Beed, Aurangabad and Ratnagiri, among others, petrol has crossed the Rs 90-mark Sunday.

The issue of high fuel prices, which will directly trickle into inflation, comes months ahead of the general elections scheduled for next year. If anything, the depreciation of the rupee against the dollar only aggravates the pain.

Gadkari, however, said that he is confident of the BJP retaining power in the 2019 elections on its performance in the government and enlisted a slew of schemes which it has carried out in diverse sectors including social security and financial inclusion.

The minister said that he does not have any ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister even if any difficult situation were to arise.

"Modiji is going to be our prime minister. We are all with him, we support him and we are confident that in the next election, he will be our next prime minister," he said.

Gadkari said there are projects close to his heart, including the Rs 2-lakh-crore river-linking project that will connect five rivers, and Ganga cleaning project, and he wants to see them get completed.

He rued that agriculture is not economically viable, stressing on the need for more policy focus on this area and pitched for a shift in crop patterns in the country to support the country's energy needs.

Gadkari said irrigation is of prime importance as we focus on agriculture and added that water should be taken to distant areas using pipes instead of the current system of canals.

In the meeting, he also appealed bankers to be more amenable to funding road projects stating that 99 per cent of the projects stuck have been cleared by his ministry including through Cabinet decisions.

"Clearing stuck projects have helped the banks as otherwise over Rs 3 lakh crore of assets would have slipped into non-performing assets pile," said Gadkari.

He also said that resources are not a worry for his ministry at present and added that expenditure is something which needs focus at present.

Works of over Rs 10 lakh crore have been awarded by his ministry and in the next two years, over one crore direct jobs will be created, he said.

As part of the Sagarmala initiative, over 289 projects involving an investment of Rs 2.65 lakh crore have already been awarded, he added.&nbsp

Gadkari also said he has been told that there is a likelihood of the global crude prices going down. He, however, did not clarify on the source of his information.

As fuel prices inch closer to the psychological Rs 90-mark in the city where petrol and diesel are the costliest, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari Tuesday admitted that fuel prices are "very high and hurting the public". While petrol was selling at Rs 89.54 a litre in the city Tuesday, up 10 paise from Monday, and diesel at Rs 78.42, up nine paise, in over a dozen cities in the state, petrol is already selling at Rs 90-91 a litre, and diesel over Rs 80. ".... One thing is there that (fuel) rates are very high and it is a situation where definitely people are facing problems," Gadkari said while addressing the third Bloomberg India Economic Forum here. Gadkari also said he has been told that there is a likelihood of the global crude prices going down. He, however, did not clarify on the source of his information. The minister, who is in charge of shipping, ports, road transport and also Ganga rejuvenation, was replying to a specific question on high fuel prices and if we should expect any duty or tax cuts in order to make it cheaper for the common people, and said lowering taxes is not in his remit, but of the finance minister. It can be noted that Maharashtra has the highest fuel cost among all the states as it charges the highest VAT on the petrol and diesel at a little over 39 per cent, including the Rs 9 surcharge on petrol and Re 1 on diesel. While the state charges 25 per cent value-added tax on petrol in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai, it charges 26 per cent in the rest of the state. For diesel, VAT is 21 per cent in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai, and 22 per cent rest of the state, with a surcharge of Re 1 a litre across the state. Petrol and diesel prices in Mumbai have gone up by Rs 2.60 and Rs 4.03 a litre, respectively, since August 31. In cities like Parbhani, Nandurbar, Nanded, Latur, Jalgaon, Beed, Aurangabad and Ratnagiri, among others, petrol has crossed the Rs 90-mark Sunday. The issue of high fuel prices, which will directly trickle into inflation, comes months ahead of the general elections scheduled for next year. If anything, the depreciation of the rupee against the dollar only aggravates the pain. Gadkari, however, said that he is confident of the BJP retaining power in the 2019 elections on its performance in the government and enlisted a slew of schemes which it has carried out in diverse sectors including social security and financial inclusion. The minister said that he does not have any ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister even if any difficult situation were to arise. "Modiji is going to be our prime minister. We are all with him, we support him and we are confident that in the next election, he will be our next prime minister," he said. Gadkari said there are projects close to his heart, including the Rs 2-lakh-crore river-linking project that will connect five rivers, and Ganga cleaning project, and he wants to see them get completed. He rued that agriculture is not economically viable, stressing on the need for more policy focus on this area and pitched for a shift in crop patterns in the country to support the country's energy needs. Gadkari said irrigation is of prime importance as we focus on agriculture and added that water should be taken to distant areas using pipes instead of the current system of canals. In the meeting, he also appealed bankers to be more amenable to funding road projects stating that 99 per cent of the projects stuck have been cleared by his ministry including through Cabinet decisions. "Clearing stuck projects have helped the banks as otherwise over Rs 3 lakh crore of assets would have slipped into non-performing assets pile," said Gadkari. He also said that resources are not a worry for his ministry at present and added that expenditure is something which needs focus at present. Works of over Rs 10 lakh crore have been awarded by his ministry and in the next two years, over one crore direct jobs will be created, he said. As part of the Sagarmala initiative, over 289 projects involving an investment of Rs 2.65 lakh crore have already been awarded, he added.

Gadkari says record fuel prices hurting people

India accounted for 27 per cent of the 10 million people who developed tuberculosis in 2017, the highest among the top 30 high TB burden countries in the world, according to the latest report by the World Health Organization.

The 2018 edition of the Global Tuberculosis Report, released here Tuesday, provides a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the TB epidemic and progress in the response at global, regional and country levels.

The report said that globally, the best estimate is that 10 million people developed TB disease in 2017. Of these, 5.8 million are men, 3.2 million women and one million children.

There were cases in all countries and age groups, but overall 90 per cent were adults, and nine per cent were people living with HIV.

Of the global total, two-thirds were in eight countries alone - India 27 per cent China nine per cent Indonesia eight per cent the Philippines six per cent Pakistan five per cent Nigeria four per cent Bangladesh four per cent and South Africa three per cent.

The report said that these eight nations and 22 other countries in the WHO's list of 30 high TB burden countries accounted for 87 per cent of the world's cases. Only six per cent of the global cases were in the WHO European Region - three per cent and WHO Region of the Americas - three per cent.&nbsp

"TB is the 10th leading cause of death worldwide, and since 2011 it has been the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, ranking above HIV/AIDS," the report said adding that it claims over 4,000 lives a day.

Actions and investments to end the epidemic fall far short and as the high-level UN General Assembly kick starts here next month, heads of State will meet at the first-ever United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on TB on September 26 to commit to accelerate the TB response.

According to an estimated epidemiological burden of TB in 2017, for the 30 high TB burden countries, WHO regions and globally, India's total TB burden incidence was 2.74 million, the highest.

The report noted that estimates of TB incidence and mortality for India are interim, pending results from the national TB prevalence survey planned for 2019/2020.

It further said that drug-resistant TB continues to be a public health crisis. The best estimate is that worldwide in 2017, 558,000 people developed TB that was resistant to rifampicin (RR-TB), the most effective first-line drug, and of these, 82 per cent had multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).

Three countries accounted for almost half of the world's cases of MDR/RR-TB: India 24 per cent China 13 per cent and Russia 10 per cent.&nbsp

Worldwide in 2017, 6.4 million new cases of TB were officially notified to the national authorities and then reported to the WHO.

This number has been increasing since 2013, following four years (2009-2012) in which 5.7-5.8 million new cases were reported annually, mainly due to increased reporting of detected cases by the private sector in India (plus 44 per cent between 2013 and 2017), following the introduction of a national policy of mandatory notification in 2012 and the rollout (also since 2012) of a nationwide web-based and case-based reporting system (called 'Nikshay') that facilitates reporting of detected cases by care providers in the public and private sectors.

Ten countries accounted for 80 per cent of the 3.6 million global gap, the top three being India 26 per cent, Indonesia 11 and Nigeria nine per cent.

The report said that urgent action is required to improve the coverage and quality of diagnosis, treatment and care for people with drug-resistant TB. Globally, 1,60,684 cases of MDR/RR-TB were detected and notified in 2017 (a small increase from 1,53,119 in 2016). Of these, a total of 1,39,114 people, 87 per cent, were enrolled on treatment with a second-line regimen.

India accounted for 32 per cent of global TB deaths among HIV-negative people, and for 27 per cent of the combined total TB deaths in HIV-negative and HIV-positive people.

The report noted that in India, multiple sources of evidence from surveys and surveillance have shown large underreporting of detected TB cases, especially in the private sector.

The report stated that among the six WHO regions, the highest treatment success rates in 2016 were in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region 92 per cent and the WHO Western Pacific Region 91 per cent.

The lowest rates (at 75 per cent) were in the WHO South-East Asia Region (due to high proportions of unevaluated cases, especially in India), the WHO Region of the Americas (due to high levels of loss to follow-up and missing data) and the WHO

European Region (due to high rates of treatment failure and death, influenced by the high frequency of MDR/RR-TB).&nbsp

It noted that as highlighted in the 2017 Global tuberculosis report, in India there has been a particularly striking increase in the TB-specific budget and domestic funding for this budget since 2016.

Between 2016 and 2018, domestic funding for the national budget for TB in India more than quadrupled, from USD 110 million in 2016 to USD 458 million in 2018.

India is an example of a country that took major steps in 2017-2018 to expand TB-specific cash transfers and linkages to broader nutrition schemes.&nbsp

The report said that for the past year, the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) and National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in India have been capturing data to evaluate TB case-finding activities among people attending antiretroviral therapy centres.

It noted that several anti-TB drugs are being tested across the world, including a Phase II/III trial for prevention of TB recurrence in adults is being implemented in India.&nbsp

Several anti-TB drugs are being tested across the world, including a Phase II/III trial for prevention of TB recurrence in adults is being implemented in India, WHO stated.

India accounted for 27 per cent of the 10 million people who developed tuberculosis in 2017, the highest among the top 30 high TB burden countries in the world, according to the latest report by the World Health Organization. The 2018 edition of the Global Tuberculosis Report, released here Tuesday, provides a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the TB epidemic and progress in the response at global, regional and country levels. The report said that globally, the best estimate is that 10 million people developed TB disease in 2017. Of these, 5.8 million are men, 3.2 million women and one million children. There were cases in all countries and age groups, but overall 90 per cent were adults, and nine per cent were people living with HIV. Of the global total, two-thirds were in eight countries alone - India 27 per cent China nine per cent Indonesia eight per cent the Philippines six per cent Pakistan five per cent Nigeria four per cent Bangladesh four per cent and South Africa three per cent. The report said that these eight nations and 22 other countries in the WHO's list of 30 high TB burden countries accounted for 87 per cent of the world's cases. Only six per cent of the global cases were in the WHO European Region - three per cent and WHO Region of the Americas - three per cent. "TB is the 10th leading cause of death worldwide, and since 2011 it has been the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, ranking above HIV/AIDS," the report said adding that it claims over 4,000 lives a day. Actions and investments to end the epidemic fall far short and as the high-level UN General Assembly kick starts here next month, heads of State will meet at the first-ever United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on TB on September 26 to commit to accelerate the TB response. According to an estimated epidemiological burden of TB in 2017, for the 30 high TB burden countries, WHO regions and globally, India's total TB burden incidence was 2.74 million, the highest. The report noted that estimates of TB incidence and mortality for India are interim, pending results from the national TB prevalence survey planned for 2019/2020. It further said that drug-resistant TB continues to be a public health crisis. The best estimate is that worldwide in 2017, 558,000 people developed TB that was resistant to rifampicin (RR-TB), the most effective first-line drug, and of these, 82 per cent had multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Three countries accounted for almost half of the world's cases of MDR/RR-TB: India 24 per cent China 13 per cent and Russia 10 per cent. Worldwide in 2017, 6.4 million new cases of TB were officially notified to the national authorities and then reported to the WHO. This number has been increasing since 2013, following four years (2009-2012) in which 5.7-5.8 million new cases were reported annually, mainly due to increased reporting of detected cases by the private sector in India (plus 44 per cent between 2013 and 2017), following the introduction of a national policy of mandatory notification in 2012 and the rollout (also since 2012) of a nationwide web-based and case-based reporting system (called 'Nikshay') that facilitates reporting of detected cases by care providers in the public and private sectors. Ten countries accounted for 80 per cent of the 3.6 million global gap, the top three being India 26 per cent, Indonesia 11 and Nigeria nine per cent. The report said that urgent action is required to improve the coverage and quality of diagnosis, treatment and care for people with drug-resistant TB. Globally, 1,60,684 cases of MDR/RR-TB were detected and notified in 2017 (a small increase from 1,53,119 in 2016). Of these, a total of 1,39,114 people, 87 per cent, were enrolled on treatment with a second-line regimen. India accounted for 32 per cent of global TB deaths among HIV-negative people, and for 27 per cent of the combined total TB deaths in HIV-negative and HIV-positive people. The report noted that in India, multiple sources of evidence from surveys and surveillance have shown large underreporting of detected TB cases, especially in the private sector. The report stated that among the six WHO regions, the highest treatment success rates in 2016 were in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region 92 per cent and the WHO Western Pacific Region 91 per cent. The lowest rates (at 75 per cent) were in the WHO South-East Asia Region (due to high proportions of unevaluated cases, especially in India), the WHO Region of the Americas (due to high levels of loss to follow-up and missing data) and the WHO European Region (due to high rates of treatment failure and death, influenced by the high frequency of MDR/RR-TB). It noted that as highlighted in the 2017 Global tuberculosis report, in India there has been a particularly striking increase in the TB-specific budget and domestic funding for this budget since 2016. Between 2016 and 2018, domestic funding for the national budget for TB in India more than quadrupled, from USD 110 million in 2016 to USD 458 million in 2018. India is an example of a country that took major steps in 2017-2018 to expand TB-specific cash transfers and linkages to broader nutrition schemes. The report said that for the past year, the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) and National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in India have been capturing data to evaluate TB case-finding activities among people attending antiretroviral therapy centres. It noted that several anti-TB drugs are being tested across the world, including a Phase II/III trial for prevention of TB recurrence in adults is being implemented in India.

India accounted for 27% of tuberculosis patients in 2017: World Health Organisation

Australia's High Commissioner to India, Harinder Sidhu, on Tuesday expressed hope that the country would be sending a consignment of uranium to India in the near future.

Speaking at the Australia Fest, Sidhu said, "Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was here (in India last year) and after Prime Minister's visit, she had mentioned some samples were sent to the Indian authorities for testing to make sure that uranium was fit to be sold. I understand that conversations are going on and we are genuinely hopeful that there will be a shipment of uranium in the near future. I can assure that from the Australian government's perspective, there is a high level of support and we're very keen to see such progress."

Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of uranium ore, having 40 per cent of its reserves. Both India and Australia had signed a civil nuclear agreement in 2014 to facilitate the supply of uranium to India.

The exports of uranium in India are banned as the country is not a part of the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, Australia has been a supporter of India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG).

Yesterday, Sidhu unveiled the program for Australia Fest - a six-month celebration of Australian culture, involving over 75 events across 20 cities in India.

At the event, Sidhu launched the festival website and also introduced three Australia Fest Ambassadors, Australian cooking sensation Gary Mehigan, and renowned Australian author John Zubrzycki and well-known music composer and Australian alumnus Raghav Sachar.

Australia Fest will culminate on March 30, 2019.

The exports of uranium in India are banned as the country is not a part of the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Australia's High Commissioner to India, Harinder Sidhu, on Tuesday expressed hope that the country would be sending a consignment of uranium to India in the near future. Speaking at the Australia Fest, Sidhu said, "Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was here (in India last year) and after Prime Minister's visit, she had mentioned some samples were sent to the Indian authorities for testing to make sure that uranium was fit to be sold. I understand that conversations are going on and we are genuinely hopeful that there will be a shipment of uranium in the near future. I can assure that from the Australian government's perspective, there is a high level of support and we're very keen to see such progress." Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of uranium ore, having 40 per cent of its reserves. Both India and Australia had signed a civil nuclear agreement in 2014 to facilitate the supply of uranium to India. The exports of uranium in India are banned as the country is not a part of the Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, Australia has been a supporter of India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG). Yesterday, Sidhu unveiled the program for Australia Fest - a six-month celebration of Australian culture, involving over 75 events across 20 cities in India. At the event, Sidhu launched the festival website and also introduced three Australia Fest Ambassadors, Australian cooking sensation Gary Mehigan, and renowned Australian author John Zubrzycki and well-known music composer and Australian alumnus Raghav Sachar. Australia Fest will culminate on March 30, 2019.

Australia hopeful of sending uranium shipment to India soon

The Delhi High Court said Tuesday that no coercive steps be taken against drug companies for FDCs already in market, subject to stopping of their manufacturing.

Justice Vibhu Bakhru granted the relief to some drug manufacturers after they approached the high court.

It had said earlier that no coercive steps be taken against Indian pharma major Wockhardt for sale of stock, already in the market, of its anti-inflammatory medicine which has been banned, subject to the company stopping further production of the drug.

The court, in an interim order, had said the medicine, one of 328 fixed-dose combinations (FDC) drugs banned by the Centre a week ago, has been in the market for past 11 years and its stocks would already be in the distribution network.

The ministry by its September 7 notification had banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of 328 FDC drugs. FDCs are two or more drugs combined in a fixed ratio into a single dosage form.

The court, in an interim order, had said the medicine, one of 328 fixed-dose combinations (FDC) drugs banned by the Centre a week ago, has been in the market for past 11 years.

The Delhi High Court said Tuesday that no coercive steps be taken against drug companies for FDCs already in market, subject to stopping of their manufacturing. Justice Vibhu Bakhru granted the relief to some drug manufacturers after they approached the high court. It had said earlier that no coercive steps be taken against Indian pharma major Wockhardt for sale of stock, already in the market, of its anti-inflammatory medicine which has been banned, subject to the company stopping further production of the drug. The court, in an interim order, had said the medicine, one of 328 fixed-dose combinations (FDC) drugs banned by the Centre a week ago, has been in the market for past 11 years and its stocks would already be in the distribution network. The ministry by its September 7 notification had banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of 328 FDC drugs. FDCs are two or more drugs combined in a fixed ratio into a single dosage form.

High Court says no coercive steps against firms for drugs already in market

Contrary to reports appearing Tuesday, there is no Dubai court order that <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/vvip-chopper-case-uae-to-extradite-agustawestland-scam-middleman-christian-michel-to-india-166511">Christen Michel be extradited to India</a>.&nbsp

Michel is a middleman wanted in connection with the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestand VVIP chopper deal case.&nbsp

News reports Tuesday had said a Dubai court had ordered his extradition to India.&nbsp

On Wednesday however it emerged that the court had not ordered Michel's extradition, it had only voiced an opinion on his possible extradition.&nbsp

Michel is a UK citizen.&nbsp

Authorities had asked the court whether the UAE could extradite the national of another country to a third country.&nbsp

The court had reportedly said that they could.&nbsp

The external affairs ministry had asked its embassy in the UAE to find out all the details relating to the issue.&nbsp

The AgustaWestland deal was signed in 2007 for the purchase of 12 luxury helicopters that would be used to ferry top leaders including the president, the prime minister, and former prime ministers.&nbsp

In 2014, the government scrapped the contract amid allegations that AgustaWestland, which was supplying the luxury helicopters, had paid kickbacks in India.&nbsp

Former Indian Air Force Chief SP Tyagi was arrested in 2016 over allegations that he had accepted bribes to tailor the specifications of the deal. Tyagi is the first and only air force chief to have been arrested.&nbsp

The court had not ordered Michel's extradition, it had only voiced an opinion on his possible extradition.

Contrary to reports appearing Tuesday, there is no Dubai court order that Christen Michel be extradited to India. Michel is a middleman wanted in connection with the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestand VVIP chopper deal case. News reports Tuesday had said a Dubai court had ordered his extradition to India. On Wednesday however it emerged that the court had not ordered Michel's extradition, it had only voiced an opinion on his possible extradition. Michel is a UK citizen. Authorities had asked the court whether the UAE could extradite the national of another country to a third country. The court had reportedly said that they could. The external affairs ministry had asked its embassy in the UAE to find out all the details relating to the issue. The AgustaWestland deal was signed in 2007 for the purchase of 12 luxury helicopters that would be used to ferry top leaders including the president, the prime minister, and former prime ministers. In 2014, the government scrapped the contract amid allegations that AgustaWestland, which was supplying the luxury helicopters, had paid kickbacks in India. Former Indian Air Force Chief SP Tyagi was arrested in 2016 over allegations that he had accepted bribes to tailor the specifications of the deal. Tyagi is the first and only air force chief to have been arrested.

VVIP chopper deal case: No Dubai court order to extradite Christian Michel to India

India's largest law firm, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM), is being scrutinised by federal agents after they seized documents related to the $2 billion fraud at state-run Punjab National Bank (PNB) from CAM’s premises in February, a lawyer representing the government and a police source told Reuters.

In what has been dubbed as India's biggest bank fraud, PNB in January alleged that billionaire diamond jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle had for years fraudulently raised billions of dollars in foreign credit by conspiring with staff at the bank.

In mid-February, Modi's aides packed cartons of documents at one of his diamond firm’s offices in Mumbai and sent them to CAM’s office nearby, from where police seized them within a week on February 21, a review of the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) court filings and witness testimonies showed.

K&nbspRaghavacharyulu, a prosecution lawyer in the Modi case, and two CBI sources who declined to be named said CAM possessed documents detailing Modi's dealings with PNB, even though the firm wasn’t representing the diamond magnate or his companies.

"CAM was not their attorney in the PNB fraud case, 100 per cent sure ... that’s why they could not cite attorney-client privilege," Raghavacharyulu said, adding that his assessment was based on regular briefings he received from CBI investigating officers.

CAM declined to comment on its relationship with Modi, who is on the run overseas. Its spokeswoman, Madhumita Paul, said the firm "strictly follows the legal best practices and does not comment on matters that are sub-judice or are under investigation”.

In CBI’s first charge sheet in May in the fraud case against Modi and others, the agency said that “incriminating documents/articles relevant to the case” were concealed in the office of CAM. No charges were brought against the law firm and it was not named as a witness in the case.

Since then, Raghavacharyulu said, police have not interviewed any CAM official in the case, though one CBI source said that before filing the first charge sheet, police summoned, questioned and recorded the statement of at least one junior CAM lawyer.

That statement has still not been produced in court because the agency is deliberating whether to charge the law firm for concealment of evidence or name it as a prosecution witness to testify against Modi, the source said.

Raghavacharyulu said it is possible the police could bring charges against CAM for helping conceal documents. “Who told you we are not going to charge them?” he said. “The possibility of naming CAM in the next Nirav Modi case charge sheet has not been ruled out."

CAM declined to comment on the possibility of being charged or being named as a witness, and said the Reuters findings were “full of false and speculative statements”. It did not elaborate.

The firm didn’t comment on why it possessed the documents seized by the CBI.

CBI’s spokesman, Abhishek Dayal, declined to comment for this article, saying the PNB fraud case was under investigation and it will not be appropriate to say anything at this stage.

The CBI first learnt of CAM’s possession of the documents when it questioned Modi's office staff, the police source said. The documents were moved in a mini-truck in 50-60 cartons to the law firm, according to two witness testimonies seen by Reuters.

On the afternoon of February 20, CBI officers went to CAM’s office with a legal search authorization and the documents were found in a meeting room, according to a previously unreported 10-page CBI "search list" seen by Reuters.

The CBI search – which involved eight federal police officers – included locking and sealing the meeting room overnight as the search dragged on over two days. On the night of February 21, CBI officers left with 24,625 pages of documents, which included copies of financial statements of Modi’s firms and details of interbank fund transfers, according to the search list.

CAM has more than 600 lawyers. It has advised companies such as Alphabet Inc's Google, Microsoft, Standard Chartered and India's ICICI Bank, according to research firm The Legal 500. It also advises Thomson Reuters, which owns Reuters, the company’s news division.

The firm didn’t comment on why it possessed the documents seized by the CBI.

India's largest law firm, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM), is being scrutinised by federal agents after they seized documents related to the $2 billion fraud at state-run Punjab National Bank (PNB) from CAM’s premises in February, a lawyer representing the government and a police source told Reuters. In what has been dubbed as India's biggest bank fraud, PNB in January alleged that billionaire diamond jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle had for years fraudulently raised billions of dollars in foreign credit by conspiring with staff at the bank. In mid-February, Modi's aides packed cartons of documents at one of his diamond firm’s offices in Mumbai and sent them to CAM’s office nearby, from where police seized them within a week on February 21, a review of the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) court filings and witness testimonies showed. K&nbspRaghavacharyulu, a prosecution lawyer in the Modi case, and two CBI sources who declined to be named said CAM possessed documents detailing Modi's dealings with PNB, even though the firm wasn’t representing the diamond magnate or his companies. "CAM was not their attorney in the PNB fraud case, 100 per cent sure ... that’s why they could not cite attorney-client privilege," Raghavacharyulu said, adding that his assessment was based on regular briefings he received from CBI investigating officers. CAM declined to comment on its relationship with Modi, who is on the run overseas. Its spokeswoman, Madhumita Paul, said the firm "strictly follows the legal best practices and does not comment on matters that are sub-judice or are under investigation”. In CBI’s first charge sheet in May in the fraud case against Modi and others, the agency said that “incriminating documents/articles relevant to the case” were concealed in the office of CAM. No charges were brought against the law firm and it was not named as a witness in the case. Since then, Raghavacharyulu said, police have not interviewed any CAM official in the case, though one CBI source said that before filing the first charge sheet, police summoned, questioned and recorded the statement of at least one junior CAM lawyer. That statement has still not been produced in court because the agency is deliberating whether to charge the law firm for concealment of evidence or name it as a prosecution witness to testify against Modi, the source said. Raghavacharyulu said it is possible the police could bring charges against CAM for helping conceal documents. “Who told you we are not going to charge them?” he said. “The possibility of naming CAM in the next Nirav Modi case charge sheet has not been ruled out." CAM declined to comment on the possibility of being charged or being named as a witness, and said the Reuters findings were “full of false and speculative statements”. It did not elaborate. The firm didn’t comment on why it possessed the documents seized by the CBI. CBI’s spokesman, Abhishek Dayal, declined to comment for this article, saying the PNB fraud case was under investigation and it will not be appropriate to say anything at this stage. The CBI first learnt of CAM’s possession of the documents when it questioned Modi's office staff, the police source said. The documents were moved in a mini-truck in 50-60 cartons to the law firm, according to two witness testimonies seen by Reuters. On the afternoon of February 20, CBI officers went to CAM’s office with a legal search authorization and the documents were found in a meeting room, according to a previously unreported 10-page CBI "search list" seen by Reuters. The CBI search – which involved eight federal police officers – included locking and sealing the meeting room overnight as the search dragged on over two days. On the night of February 21, CBI officers left with 24,625 pages of documents, which included copies of financial statements of Modi’s firms and details of interbank fund transfers, according to the search list. CAM has more than 600 lawyers. It has advised companies such as Alphabet Inc's Google, Microsoft, Standard Chartered and India's ICICI Bank, according to research firm The Legal 500. It also advises Thomson Reuters, which owns Reuters, the company’s news division.

CBI scrutinises India's largest law firm Amarchand Mangaldas in PNB scam

Kashmiri activists have strongly criticised Pakistan for violating the United Nations resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir by plundering natural resources and carrying out human rights violations in the erstwhile princely state.

Speaking during the 39th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, the exiled Chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Shaukat Ali Kashmiri said, "Pakistan is violating the UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and constructing dams in disputed areas of so-called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Pakistan has diverted Neelum River for Hydropower Project, which is depriving people of Muzaffarabad of their water lifeline".

"The hundreds of thousands of resident of Muzaffarabad facing environmental disaster, there are chances of spreading of diseases because of pollution. Chief Justice of Pakistan recently said that if someone opposes construction of dams would be tried under Article 6 of Pakistan, which is related to high treason. Our natural resources are plundered and local people are forced to leave their own land," he added.

Kashmiri activists also raised the issue of threat to the judiciary and rising incidents of enforced disappearances in the country.

Jamil Maqsood, the former foreign spokesperson of United Kashmir People's National Party, said in his intervention that the areas under Pakistani occupation have no freedom of expression and judiciary is lacking independence.

He said that the misuse of anti-terrorism act in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan is causing worst human rights issues.

"The counter-terrorism operations has resulted significant human rights issues included extrajudicial and targeted killings disappearances torture lack of rule of law, and frequent mob violence and vigilante justice with limited accountability. Arbitrary detention lengthy pretrial detention a lack of judicial independence in the lower and also at high courts governmental infringement on citizens' privacy rights harassment of journalists, and high-profile attacks against journalists and media organizations," Jamil elucidated.

He further said, "Government restrictions on freedom of assembly, movement, and freedom of religion and discrimination against religious minorities, and sectarian violence continued. Lack of criminal investigations or accountability for cases related to rape, violence based on gender, gender identity and sexual orientation, sexual harassment, purchasing land in so-called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan military officers of Pakistan and Pakistani nationals violating State Subject Rule it would change the demography of the disputed regions."

While showing his resentment about the recently-launched 49-page report of Kashmir by UN Human Rights Office, Junaid Qureshi, who hails from Srinagar valley, said, "Prima facie, as a Kashmiri, it was assuaging to note, that such an eminent office has, after all, accepted that we Kashmiris are also worthy of human rights. Yet, it is a cruel irony with the people of Jammu and Kashmir that this report chose to take the killing of a terrorist in 2016, as the starting point of our 70 year-long sufferings. The report did not start with Pakistan's violent invasion of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947 and subsequent illegal occupation, which has caused the forced division of my land and separation of an entire people".

Junaid added that the UN report on Kashmir has no mention about Pakistan-sponsored terrorist camps. He explained, "The High Commissioner seems not to be sensitive to history that ancient, but surely he must know what happened in Jammu and Kashmir 30 years ago when Pakistan fomented its proxy war in the state by creating, funding and training terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taibah, Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammed."

"This blatant export of terrorism emanating from Pakistan continues even today and has shattered peace, disintegrated family structures and ruptured the social fabric of my homeland. But still, it did not warrant a mention in the said report," he further said.

"Respect for human rights is universal and paramount and applies to all countries including India and Pakistan. However, through its incorrect narrative based on serious historical omissions, and factual errors, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, has failed miserably at conveying this simple, yet important message," Junaid concluded.&nbsp

Jamil Maqsood, the former foreign spokesperson of United Kashmir People's National Party, said that the judiciary in Pakistan is lacking independence.

Kashmiri activists have strongly criticised Pakistan for violating the United Nations resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir by plundering natural resources and carrying out human rights violations in the erstwhile princely state. Speaking during the 39th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, the exiled Chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Shaukat Ali Kashmiri said, "Pakistan is violating the UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and constructing dams in disputed areas of so-called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Pakistan has diverted Neelum River for Hydropower Project, which is depriving people of Muzaffarabad of their water lifeline". "The hundreds of thousands of resident of Muzaffarabad facing environmental disaster, there are chances of spreading of diseases because of pollution. Chief Justice of Pakistan recently said that if someone opposes construction of dams would be tried under Article 6 of Pakistan, which is related to high treason. Our natural resources are plundered and local people are forced to leave their own land," he added. Kashmiri activists also raised the issue of threat to the judiciary and rising incidents of enforced disappearances in the country. Jamil Maqsood, the former foreign spokesperson of United Kashmir People's National Party, said in his intervention that the areas under Pakistani occupation have no freedom of expression and judiciary is lacking independence. He said that the misuse of anti-terrorism act in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan is causing worst human rights issues. "The counter-terrorism operations has resulted significant human rights issues included extrajudicial and targeted killings disappearances torture lack of rule of law, and frequent mob violence and vigilante justice with limited accountability. Arbitrary detention lengthy pretrial detention a lack of judicial independence in the lower and also at high courts governmental infringement on citizens' privacy rights harassment of journalists, and high-profile attacks against journalists and media organizations," Jamil elucidated. He further said, "Government restrictions on freedom of assembly, movement, and freedom of religion and discrimination against religious minorities, and sectarian violence continued. Lack of criminal investigations or accountability for cases related to rape, violence based on gender, gender identity and sexual orientation, sexual harassment, purchasing land in so-called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan military officers of Pakistan and Pakistani nationals violating State Subject Rule it would change the demography of the disputed regions." While showing his resentment about the recently-launched 49-page report of Kashmir by UN Human Rights Office, Junaid Qureshi, who hails from Srinagar valley, said, "Prima facie, as a Kashmiri, it was assuaging to note, that such an eminent office has, after all, accepted that we Kashmiris are also worthy of human rights. Yet, it is a cruel irony with the people of Jammu and Kashmir that this report chose to take the killing of a terrorist in 2016, as the starting point of our 70 year-long sufferings. The report did not start with Pakistan's violent invasion of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947 and subsequent illegal occupation, which has caused the forced division of my land and separation of an entire people". Junaid added that the UN report on Kashmir has no mention about Pakistan-sponsored terrorist camps. He explained, "The High Commissioner seems not to be sensitive to history that ancient, but surely he must know what happened in Jammu and Kashmir 30 years ago when Pakistan fomented its proxy war in the state by creating, funding and training terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taibah, Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammed." "This blatant export of terrorism emanating from Pakistan continues even today and has shattered peace, disintegrated family structures and ruptured the social fabric of my homeland. But still, it did not warrant a mention in the said report," he further said. "Respect for human rights is universal and paramount and applies to all countries including India and Pakistan. However, through its incorrect narrative based on serious historical omissions, and factual errors, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, has failed miserably at conveying this simple, yet important message," Junaid concluded.

Pakistan violating UN resolutions on J&K: Kashmiri activists at UNHRC

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