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A delegation of senior Congress leaders Wednesday met the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on the Rafale fighter jet deal and asked the auditor to prepare a report on alleged irregularities in it.&nbsp

The Congress delegation handed a memorandum to the CAG and said it expects the truth to prevail after the report on the Rafale deal is made public.&nbsp

"We have given a detailed memorandum along with enclosures on the irregularities and acts of omission and commission by the Government in the fighter jet deal. We expect the CAG will prepare a report soon and present it before Parliament," senior Congress leader Anand Sharma told reporters after meeting the CAG.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala added that all evidence and facts relating to the Rafale deal have been submitted to the CAG.

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We submitted a detailed memorandum along with enclosures which very clearly establishes irregularities in Rafale purchase. We hope that the matter will be looked into by CAG: Anand Sharma after meeting of Congress delegation with Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) <a href="https://t.co/mUGMap4VZc">pic.twitter.com/mUGMap4VZc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1042302730092593152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We explained to the CAG how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was removed from the deal to benefit a private player. We hope the CAG will give its report soon. The CAG has assured us that they are already examining all aspects of the deal.

"We expect that when the report on the deal comes out in public domain, the real scam will come out and the truth shall prevail," he told reporters.&nbsp

The Congress has stepped up the&nbspheat on the government over the Rafale deal and is seeking to make it a major poll issue ahead of assembly elections to some key states later this year and the general elections in 2019.&nbsp

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala added that all evidence and facts relating to the Rafale deal have been submitted to the CAG.

A delegation of senior Congress leaders Wednesday met the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on the Rafale fighter jet deal and asked the auditor to prepare a report on alleged irregularities in it. The Congress delegation handed a memorandum to the CAG and said it expects the truth to prevail after the report on the Rafale deal is made public. "We have given a detailed memorandum along with enclosures on the irregularities and acts of omission and commission by the Government in the fighter jet deal. We expect the CAG will prepare a report soon and present it before Parliament," senior Congress leader Anand Sharma told reporters after meeting the CAG. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala added that all evidence and facts relating to the Rafale deal have been submitted to the CAG. We submitted a detailed memorandum along with enclosures which very clearly establishes irregularities in Rafale purchase. We hope that the matter will be looked into by CAG: Anand Sharma after meeting of Congress delegation with Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) pic.twitter.com/mUGMap4VZc — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2018 × "We explained to the CAG how Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was removed from the deal to benefit a private player. We hope the CAG will give its report soon. The CAG has assured us that they are already examining all aspects of the deal. "We expect that when the report on the deal comes out in public domain, the real scam will come out and the truth shall prevail," he told reporters. The Congress has stepped up the&nbspheat on the government over the Rafale deal and is seeking to make it a major poll issue ahead of assembly elections to some key states later this year and the general elections in 2019.

Congress leaders meet CAG on Rafale deal, demand early report on 'irregularities'

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had written to Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal over Kartarpur Sahib corridor issue, the government has been taking up the matter with Pakistan but no revert has come, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Pakistan's government has so far neither agreed to include visits to Kartarpur Sahib by Indian pilgrims nor sent any official communication for establishing the corridor," ANI reported.&nbsp;

Days after Pakistani information and broadcasting minister Fawad Chowdhary said that the Kartarpur Border will be opened for pilgrims, India denied receiving any request on the corridor from Islamabad.

Answering WION's questions on the corridor on the sidelines of an event in FICCI in Delhi, Union Cabinet minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said last week, "nothing has been received by the government of India from Islamabad indicating they are willing to do this."&nbsp;

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EAM wrote to Union Min Harsimrat Kaur Badal over Kartarpur Sahib corridor states 'Govt had been taking up matter with Pak.However,Pak govt has so far neither agreed to include visits to Kartarpur Sahib by Indian pilgrims nor sent official communication for establishing corridor'
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1041915032227872769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Minister of State, External Affairs and Former Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh also maintained the same saying India has “not received any proposal” from Pakistan to open the route.&nbsp;

“Nothing has come from the government's (Pakistan) side. This issue has been going on for a very long time. If anything comes about we will let you know," he said.&nbsp;

The Kartarpur route, along India-Pakistan border, is nearly three kilometres away from Gurdaspur, Punjab. If opened, it will allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. The idea though an old one, got a fresh lease of life when Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu met Pakistan army chief during oath-taking ceremony of new Pakistan PM Imran Khan.

According to reports, the government maintains having received no revert from Pak government.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had written to Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal over Kartarpur Sahib corridor issue, the government has been taking up the matter with Pakistan but no revert has come, news agency ANI reported. "Pakistan's government has so far neither agreed to include visits to Kartarpur Sahib by Indian pilgrims nor sent any official communication for establishing the corridor," ANI reported. Days after Pakistani information and broadcasting minister Fawad Chowdhary said that the Kartarpur Border will be opened for pilgrims, India denied receiving any request on the corridor from Islamabad. Answering WION's questions on the corridor on the sidelines of an event in FICCI in Delhi, Union Cabinet minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said last week, "nothing has been received by the government of India from Islamabad indicating they are willing to do this." EAM wrote to Union Min Harsimrat Kaur Badal over Kartarpur Sahib corridor states 'Govt had been taking up matter with Pak.However,Pak govt has so far neither agreed to include visits to Kartarpur Sahib by Indian pilgrims nor sent official communication for establishing corridor' — ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2018 × Minister of State, External Affairs and Former Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh also maintained the same saying India has “not received any proposal” from Pakistan to open the route. “Nothing has come from the government's (Pakistan) side. This issue has been going on for a very long time. If anything comes about we will let you know," he said. The Kartarpur route, along India-Pakistan border, is nearly three kilometres away from Gurdaspur, Punjab. If opened, it will allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. The idea though an old one, got a fresh lease of life when Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu met Pakistan army chief during oath-taking ceremony of new Pakistan PM Imran Khan.

No official communication on Kartarpur corridor from Pak: Sushma Swaraj

Union Cabinet Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Monday took to Twitter stating that Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj had reprimanded senior Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu for "messing up Kartarpur corridor," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The cricketer-turned-politician was also chided for "misusing political clearance granted for a private visit by hugging military Chief responsible for killing our soldiers," Badal tweeted.&nbsp;

According to reports, Sidhu, during a meeting with Swaraj, raised the issue of Kartarpur corridor and was told that the matter has already been by Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal in her letter to the EAM.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj had written to Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal over Kartarpur Sahib corridor issue, the government has been taking up the matter with Pakistan, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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External Affairs Minister reprimands Navjot Sidhu for messing up Kartarpur Sahib corridor dialogue and misusing political clearance granted for private visit by hugging military Chief responsible for killing our soldiers.
— Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarsimratBadal_/status/1041663483572436992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, the government maintains having received no revert from Pak government.&nbsp;

"Pakistan's government has so far neither agreed to include visits to Kartarpur Sahib by Indian pilgrims nor sent any official communication for establishing the corridor," ANI reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Minister of State, External Affairs and Former Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh also maintained the same saying India has “not received any proposal” from Pakistan to open the route.&nbsp;

“Nothing has come from the government's (Pakistan) side. This issue has been going on for a very long time. If anything comes about we will let you know," he stated on Monday.&nbsp;

According to reports, Sidhu, during a meeting with Swaraj, raised the issue of Kartarpur corridor and was told that the matter has already been by Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

Union Cabinet Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Monday took to Twitter stating that Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj had reprimanded senior Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu for "messing up Kartarpur corridor," news agency ANI reported. The cricketer-turned-politician was also chided for "misusing political clearance granted for a private visit by hugging military Chief responsible for killing our soldiers," Badal tweeted. According to reports, Sidhu, during a meeting with Swaraj, raised the issue of Kartarpur corridor and was told that the matter has already been by Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal in her letter to the EAM. External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj had written to Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal over Kartarpur Sahib corridor issue, the government has been taking up the matter with Pakistan, news agency ANI reported. External Affairs Minister reprimands Navjot Sidhu for messing up Kartarpur Sahib corridor dialogue and misusing political clearance granted for private visit by hugging military Chief responsible for killing our soldiers. — Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) September 17, 2018 × According to reports, the government maintains having received no revert from Pak government. "Pakistan's government has so far neither agreed to include visits to Kartarpur Sahib by Indian pilgrims nor sent any official communication for establishing the corridor," ANI reported. Meanwhile, Minister of State, External Affairs and Former Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh also maintained the same saying India has “not received any proposal” from Pakistan to open the route. “Nothing has come from the government's (Pakistan) side. This issue has been going on for a very long time. If anything comes about we will let you know," he stated on Monday.

Sushma Swaraj reprimands Sidhu for hugging Pak Army Chief: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

A UAE court has ordered the extradition of AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel to India.&nbsp

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.&nbsp

He was placed under detention after India asked for his extradition through Dubai court.

CBI had in 2013 registered a case in connection with alleged bribes paid by the firm to Indians to clinch the deal for 12 helicopters to ferry VVIPs including the President and Prime Minister.

However, 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.

(With inputs from agencies)

CBI had in 2013 registered a case in connection with alleged bribes paid by the firm to Indians to clinch the deal for 12 helicopters to ferry VVIPs including the President and Prime Minister.

A UAE court has ordered the extradition of AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel to India. 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. CBI had in 2013 registered a case in connection with alleged bribes paid by the firm to Indians to clinch the deal for 12 helicopters to ferry VVIPs including the President and Prime Minister. However, 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. (With inputs from agencies)

VVIP chopper case: UAE to extradite AgustaWestland scam middleman Christian Michel to India

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has said "most Indian men don't see women as equals".&nbsp;

He added that the attitude needed to change and that he himself believed a woman can do anything a man can.&nbsp;

Gandhi was speaking in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh where he was meeting with college students.&nbsp;

"Most Indian men don't see women as equals, this attitude needs to change. I for one believe that women are as capable as men, and a woman can do anything than a man can do," ANI quoted Gandhi as saying.&nbsp;

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Most Indian men don't see women as equals, this attitude needs to change. I for one believe that women are as capable as men, and a woman can do anything than a man can do: Congress President Rahul Gandhi during interaction with students in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool <a href="https://t.co/CIQOTVr4o6">pic.twitter.com/CIQOTVr4o6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1041988374377193473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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I am in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh today to meet with Congress party workers and leaders. Also scheduled are meetings with youth and farmers from the region. At 3 PM, I will address a public meeting at the STBC college ground. <a href="https://t.co/7GETJapMSU">pic.twitter.com/7GETJapMSU</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1041948303267688448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Gandhi was in Kurnool to meet with Congress party workers and leaders. He had also scheduled meetings with the region's farmers and youth.

'Most Indian men don't see women as equals, this attitude needs to change. I for one believe that women are as capable as men, and a woman can do anything than a man can do,' Gandhi said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has said "most Indian men don't see women as equals". He added that the attitude needed to change and that he himself believed a woman can do anything a man can. Gandhi was speaking in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh where he was meeting with college students. "Most Indian men don't see women as equals, this attitude needs to change. I for one believe that women are as capable as men, and a woman can do anything than a man can do," ANI quoted Gandhi as saying. Most Indian men don't see women as equals, this attitude needs to change. I for one believe that women are as capable as men, and a woman can do anything than a man can do: Congress President Rahul Gandhi during interaction with students in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool pic.twitter.com/CIQOTVr4o6 — ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2018 × I am in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh today to meet with Congress party workers and leaders. Also scheduled are meetings with youth and farmers from the region. At 3 PM, I will address a public meeting at the STBC college ground. pic.twitter.com/7GETJapMSU — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 18, 2018 × Gandhi was in Kurnool to meet with Congress party workers and leaders. He had also scheduled meetings with the region's farmers and youth.

Most Indian men don't see women as equals: Rahul Gandhi

About 8,02,000 infant deaths were reported in India in 2017, the lowest in five years, according to the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME).

A new UNIGME report said 6,05,000 neonatal deaths were reported in India in 2017, while the number of deaths among children aged 5?14 was 1,52,000.

About 8,02,000 infant deaths were reported in India in 2017, the report said.

"India continues to show an impressive decline in child deaths, with its share of global under-five deaths for the first time equalling its share of childbirths," Yasmin Ali Haque, Representative, UNICEF India said.

"The efforts for improving institutional delivery, along with countrywide scale-up of special newborn care units and strengthening of routine immunization, have been instrumental towards this," she said.

The number of infant deaths has come down from 8.67 lakh in 2016 to 8.02 lakh in 2017.

In 2016, India's infant mortality rate was 44 per 1,000 live births.

In 2017, sex-specific under-five mortality rate was 39 in 1,000 for male and 40 in 1,000 for females.

"Even more heartening is the fourfold decline in the gender gap in the survival of the girl child over last five years," Haque said.

The investment on ensuring holistic nutrition under the POSHAN campaign and national commitment to make India open defecation-free by 2019 are steps that will help in accelerating progress further, she added.

According to the report, an estimated 6.3 million children aged below 15 died in 2017, or 1 every 5 seconds, mostly of preventable causes, according to new mortality estimates released by UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United

Nations Population Division and the World Bank Group.

A vast majority of these deaths, 5.4 million, occurred in the first five years of life, with newborns accounting for around half of the deaths.

"Without urgent action, 56 million children under five will die from now until 2030, half of them newborns," said Laurence Chandy, UNICEF Director of Data, Research and Policy.

"We have made remarkable progress to save children since 1990, but millions are still dying because of who they are and where they are born. With simple solutions like medicines, clean water, electricity and vaccines, we can change that reality for every child," she said.

Globally, in 2017, half of all deaths under five years of age took place in sub-Saharan Africa and another 30 per cent in Southern Asia. In sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 13 children died before their fifth birthday. In high-income countries, that number was 1 in 185.

"Millions of babies and children should not still be dying every year from lack of access to water, sanitation, proper nutrition or basic health services,? said Princess Nono Simelela, Assistant Director-General for Family, Women and Children's Health at WHO.

"We must prioritize providing universal access to quality health services for every child, particularly around the time of birth and through the early years, to give them the best possible chance to survive and thrive," Simelela said.

Most children under five die due to preventable or treatable causes such as complications during birth, pneumonia, diarrhoea, neonatal sepsis and malaria, the report said.

By comparison, among children between 5 and 14 years of age, injuries become a more prominent cause of death, especially from drowning and road traffic. Within this age group, regional differences also exist, with the risk of dying for a child from sub-Saharan Africa 15 times higher than in Europe, it said.

"More than six million children dying before their fifteenth birthday is a cost we simply can't afford," said Timothy Evans, Senior Director and Head of the Health, Nutrition and Population Global Practice at the World Bank Group.

"Ending preventable deaths and investing in the health of young people is a basic foundation for building countries' human capital, which will drive their future growth and prosperity," the report read.

For children everywhere, the riskiest period of life is the first month. In 2017, 2.5 million newborns died in their first month.

A baby born in sub-Saharan Africa or in Southern Asia was nine times more likely to die in the first month than a baby born in a high-income country.

And progress towards saving newborns has been slower than for other children under five years of age since 1990.

Even within countries, disparities persist. Under-five mortality rates among children in rural areas are, on average, 50 per cent higher than among children in urban areas. In addition, those born to uneducated mothers are more than twice as likely to die before turning five than those born to mothers with a secondary or higher education.

Despite these challenges, fewer children are dying each year worldwide.

The number of children dying under five has fallen dramatically from 12.6 million in 1990 to 5.4 million in 2017.

The number of deaths in older children aged between 5 to 14 years dropped from 1.7 million to under a million in the same period.&nbsp

'India continues to show an impressive decline in child deaths,' Yasmin Ali Haque, Representative, UNICEF India said

About 8,02,000 infant deaths were reported in India in 2017, the lowest in five years, according to the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME). A new UNIGME report said 6,05,000 neonatal deaths were reported in India in 2017, while the number of deaths among children aged 5?14 was 1,52,000. About 8,02,000 infant deaths were reported in India in 2017, the report said. "India continues to show an impressive decline in child deaths, with its share of global under-five deaths for the first time equalling its share of childbirths," Yasmin Ali Haque, Representative, UNICEF India said. "The efforts for improving institutional delivery, along with countrywide scale-up of special newborn care units and strengthening of routine immunization, have been instrumental towards this," she said. The number of infant deaths has come down from 8.67 lakh in 2016 to 8.02 lakh in 2017. In 2016, India's infant mortality rate was 44 per 1,000 live births. In 2017, sex-specific under-five mortality rate was 39 in 1,000 for male and 40 in 1,000 for females. "Even more heartening is the fourfold decline in the gender gap in the survival of the girl child over last five years," Haque said. The investment on ensuring holistic nutrition under the POSHAN campaign and national commitment to make India open defecation-free by 2019 are steps that will help in accelerating progress further, she added. According to the report, an estimated 6.3 million children aged below 15 died in 2017, or 1 every 5 seconds, mostly of preventable causes, according to new mortality estimates released by UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Population Division and the World Bank Group. A vast majority of these deaths, 5.4 million, occurred in the first five years of life, with newborns accounting for around half of the deaths. "Without urgent action, 56 million children under five will die from now until 2030, half of them newborns," said Laurence Chandy, UNICEF Director of Data, Research and Policy. "We have made remarkable progress to save children since 1990, but millions are still dying because of who they are and where they are born. With simple solutions like medicines, clean water, electricity and vaccines, we can change that reality for every child," she said. Globally, in 2017, half of all deaths under five years of age took place in sub-Saharan Africa and another 30 per cent in Southern Asia. In sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 13 children died before their fifth birthday. In high-income countries, that number was 1 in 185. "Millions of babies and children should not still be dying every year from lack of access to water, sanitation, proper nutrition or basic health services,? said Princess Nono Simelela, Assistant Director-General for Family, Women and Children's Health at WHO. "We must prioritize providing universal access to quality health services for every child, particularly around the time of birth and through the early years, to give them the best possible chance to survive and thrive," Simelela said. Most children under five die due to preventable or treatable causes such as complications during birth, pneumonia, diarrhoea, neonatal sepsis and malaria, the report said. By comparison, among children between 5 and 14 years of age, injuries become a more prominent cause of death, especially from drowning and road traffic. Within this age group, regional differences also exist, with the risk of dying for a child from sub-Saharan Africa 15 times higher than in Europe, it said. "More than six million children dying before their fifteenth birthday is a cost we simply can't afford," said Timothy Evans, Senior Director and Head of the Health, Nutrition and Population Global Practice at the World Bank Group. "Ending preventable deaths and investing in the health of young people is a basic foundation for building countries' human capital, which will drive their future growth and prosperity," the report read. For children everywhere, the riskiest period of life is the first month. In 2017, 2.5 million newborns died in their first month. A baby born in sub-Saharan Africa or in Southern Asia was nine times more likely to die in the first month than a baby born in a high-income country. And progress towards saving newborns has been slower than for other children under five years of age since 1990. Even within countries, disparities persist. Under-five mortality rates among children in rural areas are, on average, 50 per cent higher than among children in urban areas. In addition, those born to uneducated mothers are more than twice as likely to die before turning five than those born to mothers with a secondary or higher education. Despite these challenges, fewer children are dying each year worldwide. The number of children dying under five has fallen dramatically from 12.6 million in 1990 to 5.4 million in 2017. The number of deaths in older children aged between 5 to 14 years dropped from 1.7 million to under a million in the same period.

About 8,02,000 infant deaths reported in India in 2017: United Nations

India’s permanent representative to UN, Syed Akbaruddin, on Tuesday stated that Taliban, along with their aided supporters, "continue to pursue military operations perpetrating violence over several parts of Afghanistan," news agency ANI reported.

"These offences are planned and launched by those harboured in safe havens in the neighbourhood of Afghanistan," Akbaruddin noted.&nbsp;

He stated that these "sanctuaries" have provided safety to terror networks.&nbsp;

"These sanctuaries have, for years, provided safety for dark agendas of ideologically and operationally fused terror networks like the Taliban, the Haqqani network, Daesh, the Al Qaeda and its prescribed affiliates Lashkar-e-Taiba & Jaish-e-Mohammed," he added.&nbsp;

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The agendas of these orgs draw financial sustenance not only from extortion & forced levies & taxes but also benefit significantly from criminal networks operating drug cartels & stealing Afghanistan's natural resources: Syed Akbaruddin, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN <a href="https://t.co/THs1q4TLxm">pic.twitter.com/THs1q4TLxm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1041900694771392514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Akbaruddin said that these terror outfits draw "financial sustenance" from extortion, forced levies, and through criminal networks. &nbsp;

"The agendas of these organisations draw financial sustenance not only from extortion and forced levies & taxes but also benefit significantly from criminal networks operating drug cartels and stealing Afghanistan's natural resources," Akbaruddin further added.&nbsp;

The United States, time and again, has resounded India's view over repeated terror incidents in and around the Afghan-Pak border region.&nbsp;

United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, during her three-day visit to India in June, stated that Pakistan is becoming a 'safe haven'&nbsp;for terrorists.

She said that even though Pakistan is a partner to the United States, terrorism operating on the Pakistan soil would not be tolerated by them.

"We share a commitment to defeating terrorism and the hateful ideology that motivates it. The US values Pakistan as a partner but we cannot tolerate the state becoming a haven for terrorists and hope to see a change," Haley said.

US Army General in April this year told the lawmakers that it was very difficult to contain the insurgency in war-torn Afghanistan if Islamabad continues to harbour terrorists on its soil.

"It's very, very difficult to eliminate any insurgency if that insurgency has 'safe haven'&nbsp;in another country. But right now, the Taliban, the Haqqanis and other organisations do, in fact, enjoy some safe haven in the border regions on the Pakistani side of the border. Pakistan has got to be part of the solution," General Mark A Milley, Chief of Staff of the US Army, told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing.

These sanctuaries have, for years, provided safety for dark agendas of ideologically and operationally fused terror networks: Akbaruddin

India’s permanent representative to UN, Syed Akbaruddin, on Tuesday stated that Taliban, along with their aided supporters, "continue to pursue military operations perpetrating violence over several parts of Afghanistan," news agency ANI reported. "These offences are planned and launched by those harboured in safe havens in the neighbourhood of Afghanistan," Akbaruddin noted. He stated that these "sanctuaries" have provided safety to terror networks. "These sanctuaries have, for years, provided safety for dark agendas of ideologically and operationally fused terror networks like the Taliban, the Haqqani network, Daesh, the Al Qaeda and its prescribed affiliates Lashkar-e-Taiba & Jaish-e-Mohammed," he added. The agendas of these orgs draw financial sustenance not only from extortion & forced levies & taxes but also benefit significantly from criminal networks operating drug cartels & stealing Afghanistan's natural resources: Syed Akbaruddin, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN pic.twitter.com/THs1q4TLxm — ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2018 × Akbaruddin said that these terror outfits draw "financial sustenance" from extortion, forced levies, and through criminal networks. "The agendas of these organisations draw financial sustenance not only from extortion and forced levies & taxes but also benefit significantly from criminal networks operating drug cartels and stealing Afghanistan's natural resources," Akbaruddin further added. The United States, time and again, has resounded India's view over repeated terror incidents in and around the Afghan-Pak border region. United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, during her three-day visit to India in June, stated that Pakistan is becoming a 'safe haven' for terrorists. She said that even though Pakistan is a partner to the United States, terrorism operating on the Pakistan soil would not be tolerated by them. "We share a commitment to defeating terrorism and the hateful ideology that motivates it. The US values Pakistan as a partner but we cannot tolerate the state becoming a haven for terrorists and hope to see a change," Haley said. US Army General in April this year told the lawmakers that it was very difficult to contain the insurgency in war-torn Afghanistan if Islamabad continues to harbour terrorists on its soil. "It's very, very difficult to eliminate any insurgency if that insurgency has 'safe haven' in another country. But right now, the Taliban, the Haqqanis and other organisations do, in fact, enjoy some safe haven in the border regions on the Pakistani side of the border. Pakistan has got to be part of the solution," General Mark A Milley, Chief of Staff of the US Army, told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing.

Terror attacks are planned in safe havens in neighbourhood of Afghanistan: India at UN

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi Tuesday counted benefits of Aadhar seeding saying the central and the state governments have been able to save about Rs 90,000 crore under various welfare schemes by removing fake and duplicate beneficiaries due to it. He emphasised on the need for completing the integration of bank accounts with mobile and Aadhaar numbers in order to bring in more transparency and check corruption.

Modi was speaking after launching “Bihar Aadhaar Authentication Framework (BAAF)” portal which is an umbrella framework to enable all Aadhaar based transactions in the state making service delivery more effective and efficient.

BAAF is providing two major services namely- authentication of Aadhaar numbers and enabling e-KYC. “Digital is a way of life and the digital revolution is changing the way of life. We are facing new problems in the cyber, digital age… Bank accounts are being integrated with mobile and aadhaar numbers in order to bring in more transparency and check corruption. There is a minimum human interference in it,” Modi said.

Modi, who also holds finance portfolio, said that Aadhaar and its usage have been able to identify 2.75 crore fake ration cards across the country and thus saved Rs 29,708 crore while Rs 16,000 crore was saved in MNREGA scheme following Adhaar seeding.

The government saved Rs 42,275 crore by cancelling 3.80 crore fake LPG connections and 2.22 crore people sacrificing subsidy on the gas cylinder, he said. A total of 10.17 crore people of Bihar have got their Aadhaar card which is 83 per cent of state’s population, he said.

There are 8.19 crore bank accounts in the state of which 5.82 crore accounts have been seeded with Aadhaar while Aadhaar authentication work of 4.84 crore accounts have been completed. Besides 5.13 crore accounts have been integrated with mobile phone numbers.

The state government has transferred Rs 8,152 crore under “Direct Benefit Transfer” scheme to 4.21 crore beneficiaries, Modi said.

Information Technology Department’s Secretary Rahul Singh, Planning and Development Department’s Secretary Manish Kumar Verma and Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Assistant Director General, Patna, Rupesh Kumar Srivastava also addressed the function.

Modi was speaking after launching "Bihar Aadhaar Authentication Framework (BAAF)" portal which is an umbrella framework to enable all Aadhaar based transactions in the state making service delivery more effective and efficient.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi Tuesday counted benefits of Aadhar seeding saying the central and the state governments have been able to save about Rs 90,000 crore under various welfare schemes by removing fake and duplicate beneficiaries due to it. He emphasised on the need for completing the integration of bank accounts with mobile and Aadhaar numbers in order to bring in more transparency and check corruption. Modi was speaking after launching “Bihar Aadhaar Authentication Framework (BAAF)” portal which is an umbrella framework to enable all Aadhaar based transactions in the state making service delivery more effective and efficient. BAAF is providing two major services namely- authentication of Aadhaar numbers and enabling e-KYC. “Digital is a way of life and the digital revolution is changing the way of life. We are facing new problems in the cyber, digital age… Bank accounts are being integrated with mobile and aadhaar numbers in order to bring in more transparency and check corruption. There is a minimum human interference in it,” Modi said. Modi, who also holds finance portfolio, said that Aadhaar and its usage have been able to identify 2.75 crore fake ration cards across the country and thus saved Rs 29,708 crore while Rs 16,000 crore was saved in MNREGA scheme following Adhaar seeding. The government saved Rs 42,275 crore by cancelling 3.80 crore fake LPG connections and 2.22 crore people sacrificing subsidy on the gas cylinder, he said. A total of 10.17 crore people of Bihar have got their Aadhaar card which is 83 per cent of state’s population, he said. There are 8.19 crore bank accounts in the state of which 5.82 crore accounts have been seeded with Aadhaar while Aadhaar authentication work of 4.84 crore accounts have been completed. Besides 5.13 crore accounts have been integrated with mobile phone numbers. The state government has transferred Rs 8,152 crore under “Direct Benefit Transfer” scheme to 4.21 crore beneficiaries, Modi said. Information Technology Department’s Secretary Rahul Singh, Planning and Development Department’s Secretary Manish Kumar Verma and Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Assistant Director General, Patna, Rupesh Kumar Srivastava also addressed the function.

Aadhaar seeding helped govt save Rs 90,000 cr under various schemes, says Sushil Modi

We are almost at the fourth anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which makes this an opportune time to look at what makes it tick. The numbers speak for themselves, including the unprecedented increase in toilet coverage, and the resultant health and financial gains.&nbsp;

Sanitation coverage in rural India increased from 38 per cent in 2014 to over 92 per cent in 2018 and 8.5 crore toilets have been constructed in rural India since the Mission began. Usage of toilets as per a recent, large-scale survey under the World Bank support project is also above 90 per cent. More than 4.5 lakh villages and over 450 districts have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF).&nbsp;

Big impact

These notable achievements of the Mission are expected to result in significant health, economic and social benefits. As per a recent WHO report, it is estimated that SBM will account for over 3 lakh avoided diarrhoeal deaths by the time India becomes free from open defecation – a milestone not too far from us today. UNICEF (2017) has estimated that each family in an ODF village in India saves Rs 50,000 per year on account of avoided medical costs, less sick days and the value of lives saved.&nbsp;

How Swachh Bharat is different

While India has had schemes for sanitation for decades now, Swachh Bharat has surged ahead due to reasons that make the Mission unique. Primary among these is the strong political will and inspiring leadership behind the programme, with the Prime Minister of the country championing the cause at national and international levels. Swachh Bharat Mission has always found references in his monthly Mann ki Baat addresses and other public speeches, inspiring the masses to be part of this jan andolan. It is his personal drive towards this Mission that has further encouraged other senior political leaders including Union Ministers, State CMs, MPs, MLAs to spread the message of Swachhata in their region. Subsequently, government officers have put the sanitation agenda on priority.

The Mission’s emphasis on behaviour change, and focus on outputs rather than outcomes also makes it stand ahead of its previous counterparts, which focussed primarily on the construction of toilets and bathrooms, mistakenly assuming use of toilets as a given. The Swachh Bharat Mission has followed the demand-driven approach as opposed to the supply-driven outlook.&nbsp;

Decentralised monitoring and use of technology

The Swachh Bharat Mission also focuses heavily on measuring outputs in terms of monitoring progress of ODF villages and districts. The guidelines for declaring a village and district ODF are well-defined and communicated to all States. Villages declared ODF are verified within three months of a declaration by block and district officials. More than 80 per cent of villages declared ODF have been verified successfully. In case of any gaps identified during verification, block officials are informed and asked to take corrective measures in a timely manner.&nbsp;

Even toilets constructed are to be geotagged mandatorily so as to ensure the quality and usage of toilets. Verification and geotagging are also linked to funding release of funds to States so as to safeguard against slippages in verification and geotagging protocols. Technology is also being used heavily for capacity building at scale through virtual learning and a master trainer ecosystem.

Progress in aspirational districts

The Government of India has launched the Aspirational Districts programme to improve the socio-economic conditions in 117 backward districts in the country. The programme, led by NITI Aayog, focuses on five key themes including water and sanitation infrastructure. All themes have a direct bearing on the quality of life and economic productivity of citizens. Swachh Bharat Mission has been able to successfully deliver in these challenging districts as well. The rural sanitation coverage in these districts is almost at par with the national sanitation coverage, which speaks volumes about the program’s overarching impact across the entire nation.

The way forward: Sustaining the progress

Based on the current rate of progress, the entire country will achieve ODF status well before the end of the programme. Unfair criticisms notwithstanding, a fair question to ask is, what next? The country has once experienced the pitfalls of considering sanitation a one-time exercise. Many villages in the country were handed Nirmal Gram Puraskars with great fanfare a few years back. Yet, a few years down the line, it was found that many of these had slipped back to old ways. The country was littered with dysfunctional toilets which the government had built, but the people had not used. To ensure the sustainability of the programme, the SBM guidelines incentivise on-ground Swachhagrahis to continue their door-to-door messaging, regular verifications and early morning nigrani visits to open defecation hotspots in the village long after it has been declared ODF. A long-term strategy is also being developed by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation to ensure that the gains made will be sustained and also to transition from ODF to ODF Plus.

Lately, I have been reading a few articles poking holes in the success of the Mission. To all the friends writing these pieces, for a massive developmental programme being implemented at this large-scale, there are bound to be gaps in isolated cases. The responsibility of the fourth pillar of democracy is to highlight these gaps in a productive manner to help the government address them. To those criticising the drive based on isolated incidents, without sound evidence, I say, reflected glory is a powerful driving force. And nothing gives you access to reflected glory in our times than criticising the most successful sanitation programme in the history of not just our country, but the world.&nbsp;

(This article was first published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-success-of-swachh-bharat-2664303">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

Sanitation coverage in rural India increased from 38 per cent in 2014 to over 92 per cent in 2018 and 8.5 crore toilets have been constructed in rural India since the Mission began.

We are almost at the fourth anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which makes this an opportune time to look at what makes it tick. The numbers speak for themselves, including the unprecedented increase in toilet coverage, and the resultant health and financial gains. Sanitation coverage in rural India increased from 38 per cent in 2014 to over 92 per cent in 2018 and 8.5 crore toilets have been constructed in rural India since the Mission began. Usage of toilets as per a recent, large-scale survey under the World Bank support project is also above 90 per cent. More than 4.5 lakh villages and over 450 districts have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). Big impact These notable achievements of the Mission are expected to result in significant health, economic and social benefits. As per a recent WHO report, it is estimated that SBM will account for over 3 lakh avoided diarrhoeal deaths by the time India becomes free from open defecation – a milestone not too far from us today. UNICEF (2017) has estimated that each family in an ODF village in India saves Rs 50,000 per year on account of avoided medical costs, less sick days and the value of lives saved. How Swachh Bharat is different While India has had schemes for sanitation for decades now, Swachh Bharat has surged ahead due to reasons that make the Mission unique. Primary among these is the strong political will and inspiring leadership behind the programme, with the Prime Minister of the country championing the cause at national and international levels. Swachh Bharat Mission has always found references in his monthly Mann ki Baat addresses and other public speeches, inspiring the masses to be part of this jan andolan. It is his personal drive towards this Mission that has further encouraged other senior political leaders including Union Ministers, State CMs, MPs, MLAs to spread the message of Swachhata in their region. Subsequently, government officers have put the sanitation agenda on priority. The Mission’s emphasis on behaviour change, and focus on outputs rather than outcomes also makes it stand ahead of its previous counterparts, which focussed primarily on the construction of toilets and bathrooms, mistakenly assuming use of toilets as a given. The Swachh Bharat Mission has followed the demand-driven approach as opposed to the supply-driven outlook. Decentralised monitoring and use of technology The Swachh Bharat Mission also focuses heavily on measuring outputs in terms of monitoring progress of ODF villages and districts. The guidelines for declaring a village and district ODF are well-defined and communicated to all States. Villages declared ODF are verified within three months of a declaration by block and district officials. More than 80 per cent of villages declared ODF have been verified successfully. In case of any gaps identified during verification, block officials are informed and asked to take corrective measures in a timely manner. Even toilets constructed are to be geotagged mandatorily so as to ensure the quality and usage of toilets. Verification and geotagging are also linked to funding release of funds to States so as to safeguard against slippages in verification and geotagging protocols. Technology is also being used heavily for capacity building at scale through virtual learning and a master trainer ecosystem. Progress in aspirational districts The Government of India has launched the Aspirational Districts programme to improve the socio-economic conditions in 117 backward districts in the country. The programme, led by NITI Aayog, focuses on five key themes including water and sanitation infrastructure. All themes have a direct bearing on the quality of life and economic productivity of citizens. Swachh Bharat Mission has been able to successfully deliver in these challenging districts as well. The rural sanitation coverage in these districts is almost at par with the national sanitation coverage, which speaks volumes about the program’s overarching impact across the entire nation. The way forward: Sustaining the progress Based on the current rate of progress, the entire country will achieve ODF status well before the end of the programme. Unfair criticisms notwithstanding, a fair question to ask is, what next? The country has once experienced the pitfalls of considering sanitation a one-time exercise. Many villages in the country were handed Nirmal Gram Puraskars with great fanfare a few years back. Yet, a few years down the line, it was found that many of these had slipped back to old ways. The country was littered with dysfunctional toilets which the government had built, but the people had not used. To ensure the sustainability of the programme, the SBM guidelines incentivise on-ground Swachhagrahis to continue their door-to-door messaging, regular verifications and early morning nigrani visits to open defecation hotspots in the village long after it has been declared ODF. A long-term strategy is also being developed by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation to ensure that the gains made will be sustained and also to transition from ODF to ODF Plus. Lately, I have been reading a few articles poking holes in the success of the Mission. To all the friends writing these pieces, for a massive developmental programme being implemented at this large-scale, there are bound to be gaps in isolated cases. The responsibility of the fourth pillar of democracy is to highlight these gaps in a productive manner to help the government address them. To those criticising the drive based on isolated incidents, without sound evidence, I say, reflected glory is a powerful driving force. And nothing gives you access to reflected glory in our times than criticising the most successful sanitation programme in the history of not just our country, but the world. (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: Swachh Bharat Mission a grand success

Congress party, in a statement released on Tuesday, stated that its Delhi unit President Ajay Maken has not resigned, news agency ANI reported.

The statement added that Maken is facing some health issues and will be back soon.

"He has some health issues and has gone for a check-up. He will be back soon. He had recently met party President Rahul Gandhi and party in charge of Delhi affairs PC Chacko," the party stated.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ajay Maken has some health problem&has gone for medical checkup.He'll be back next week&probably he's little worried that he can't devote full time or travel the way he wants.On his return,we'll discuss working arrangements but the fact is he has not resigned: PC Chacko, Congress <a href="https://t.co/JfBCaP4mPz">pic.twitter.com/JfBCaP4mPz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1041905692532039680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress' clarification came shortly after reports of Maken's resignation went viral.&nbsp;

BJP spokesperson, Harish Khurana tweeted out on Tuesday over reports of Maken's resignation.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
सुना है <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaymaken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajaymaken</a> ने दिल्ली प्रदेश <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> से इस्तीफ़ा दिया । 
यानी <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AamAadmiParty</a> और <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> से गठबंधन की तैयारी शुरू । 
काहे जनता को बेफ़क़ूफ बनाते हो भाई जनता को बोल दो हम साथ साथ है।<a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Delhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Delhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ManojTiwariMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ManojTiwariMP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShahOffice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShahOffice</a>
— Harish Khurana (@HarishKhuranna) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarishKhuranna/status/1041886370539565056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I have heard that Ajay Maken has resigned as Congress' Delhi president. It is suggestive of an alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, say it out loud, why to fool the public?" Khurana's tweet read.&nbsp;

The statement added that Maken is facing some health issues and will be back soon.

Congress party, in a statement released on Tuesday, stated that its Delhi unit President Ajay Maken has not resigned, news agency ANI reported. The statement added that Maken is facing some health issues and will be back soon. "He has some health issues and has gone for a check-up. He will be back soon. He had recently met party President Rahul Gandhi and party in charge of Delhi affairs PC Chacko," the party stated. Ajay Maken has some health problem&has gone for medical checkup.He'll be back next week&probably he's little worried that he can't devote full time or travel the way he wants.On his return,we'll discuss working arrangements but the fact is he has not resigned: PC Chacko, Congress pic.twitter.com/JfBCaP4mPz — ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2018 × Congress' clarification came shortly after reports of Maken's resignation went viral. BJP spokesperson, Harish Khurana tweeted out on Tuesday over reports of Maken's resignation. सुना है @ajaymaken ने दिल्ली प्रदेश @INCIndia से इस्तीफ़ा दिया । यानी @AamAadmiParty और @INCIndia से गठबंधन की तैयारी शुरू । काहे जनता को बेफ़क़ूफ बनाते हो भाई जनता को बोल दो हम साथ साथ है।@BJP4Delhi @ManojTiwariMP @AmitShahOffice — Harish Khurana (@HarishKhuranna) September 18, 2018 × "I have heard that Ajay Maken has resigned as Congress' Delhi president. It is suggestive of an alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, say it out loud, why to fool the public?" Khurana's tweet read.

Ajay Maken has not resigned as Delhi party chief: Congress clarifies 

Widening its probe, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has zeroed in on foreign assets worth about Rs 4,000 crore of absconding diamond jeweller Nirav Modi for quick attachment under the anti-money laundering law in connection with the alleged USD 2 billion PNB fraud case.

Officials said the agency has got issued a number of judicial requests (Letters Rogatories), and with a few being in the pipeline, from a local court in Mumbai to be sent to countries like the US, UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore for attachment of immovable properties likes houses and villas and bank accounts of Nirav Modi and his family.

The agency, they said, had deployed a special team of officers to find out these assets located in the foreign shores and after getting official inputs, it has now begun the action to attach them under the criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) soon, with help from foreign authorities.

The estimated value of these about two dozen assets is approximately Rs 4,000 crore, they said. The central probe agency, in the past, has attached assets in Australia and the United States of America (USA) as part of its PMLA probe in other cases related to frauds. 
The identified foreign assets are in the name of Modi, his family members and in some cases in the name of firms that the agency has called “bogus or dummy”. It is understood that some showrooms of the diamond jeweller in these countries are under the ED radar which will soon face attachment action.

Nirav Modi has been absconding since the alleged bank fraud, by far the highest in the country in terms of value, came to light early this year and an Interpol arrest warrant was recently notified against him even as India is working to get him extradited from the United Kingdom, where he was last reported to have been based.

The agency has attached assets worth Rs 700 crore of Modi and his family in the country till now. It has also filed a charge sheet against him alleging that he laundered and diverted over Rs 6,400 crore of bank funds abroad to dummy companies that were under his and his families’ control.

A total of 24 accused were listed in the charge sheet, filed under section 45 of the PMLA, including Nirav Modi, his father Deepak Modi, brother Neeshal Modi, sister Purvi Modi, brother-in-law Maiank Mehta and the designer jewellers’ firms–Ms Solar Exports, Stellar Diamonds and Diamonds R Us.

“These firms and Modi’s Firestar group of companies had fraudulently obtained Rs 6,498 crore through Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) issued by the Punjab National Bank, Brady House branch in Mumbai,” the central probe agency had said in a statement. 
The funds so obtained, it said, by the three firms were “partly utilised for payment to various overseas companies and also for offsetting earlier LOUs”.

“It was revealed during investigation that the payments were made to 17 overseas entities in Hong Kong, Dubai and the USA since 2011 in the guise of export and import,” the agency said in its charge sheet. The ED had registered an FIR, called the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), in this instance on February 14.

The CBI had also filed two charge sheets in this case early this month, one against Nirav Modi and the other against his uncle who is absconding in the same case — Mehul Choksi. Nirav Modi and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs 13,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

Both Nirav Modi and Choksi are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them. Choksi is reported to have recently taken the citizenship of Antigua, a caribbean nation, and India has begun extradition proceedings against him too.

Widening its probe, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has zeroed in on foreign assets worth about Rs 4,000 crore of absconding diamond jeweller Nirav Modi for quick attachment under the anti-money laundering law in connection with the alleged USD 2 billion PNB fraud case.

Widening its probe, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has zeroed in on foreign assets worth about Rs 4,000 crore of absconding diamond jeweller Nirav Modi for quick attachment under the anti-money laundering law in connection with the alleged USD 2 billion PNB fraud case. Officials said the agency has got issued a number of judicial requests (Letters Rogatories), and with a few being in the pipeline, from a local court in Mumbai to be sent to countries like the US, UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore for attachment of immovable properties likes houses and villas and bank accounts of Nirav Modi and his family. The agency, they said, had deployed a special team of officers to find out these assets located in the foreign shores and after getting official inputs, it has now begun the action to attach them under the criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) soon, with help from foreign authorities. The estimated value of these about two dozen assets is approximately Rs 4,000 crore, they said. The central probe agency, in the past, has attached assets in Australia and the United States of America (USA) as part of its PMLA probe in other cases related to frauds. The identified foreign assets are in the name of Modi, his family members and in some cases in the name of firms that the agency has called “bogus or dummy”. It is understood that some showrooms of the diamond jeweller in these countries are under the ED radar which will soon face attachment action. Nirav Modi has been absconding since the alleged bank fraud, by far the highest in the country in terms of value, came to light early this year and an Interpol arrest warrant was recently notified against him even as India is working to get him extradited from the United Kingdom, where he was last reported to have been based. The agency has attached assets worth Rs 700 crore of Modi and his family in the country till now. It has also filed a charge sheet against him alleging that he laundered and diverted over Rs 6,400 crore of bank funds abroad to dummy companies that were under his and his families’ control. A total of 24 accused were listed in the charge sheet, filed under section 45 of the PMLA, including Nirav Modi, his father Deepak Modi, brother Neeshal Modi, sister Purvi Modi, brother-in-law Maiank Mehta and the designer jewellers’ firms–Ms Solar Exports, Stellar Diamonds and Diamonds R Us. “These firms and Modi’s Firestar group of companies had fraudulently obtained Rs 6,498 crore through Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) issued by the Punjab National Bank, Brady House branch in Mumbai,” the central probe agency had said in a statement. The funds so obtained, it said, by the three firms were “partly utilised for payment to various overseas companies and also for offsetting earlier LOUs”. “It was revealed during investigation that the payments were made to 17 overseas entities in Hong Kong, Dubai and the USA since 2011 in the guise of export and import,” the agency said in its charge sheet. The ED had registered an FIR, called the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), in this instance on February 14. The CBI had also filed two charge sheets in this case early this month, one against Nirav Modi and the other against his uncle who is absconding in the same case — Mehul Choksi. Nirav Modi and others are being probed under various criminal laws after the fraud came to light this year following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of over Rs 13,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank. Both Nirav Modi and Choksi are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them. Choksi is reported to have recently taken the citizenship of Antigua, a caribbean nation, and India has begun extradition proceedings against him too.

PNB fraud: ED eyes Rs 4,000-cr foreign assets of Nirav Modi for attachment under PMLA

The opposition Congress and BJP Tuesday mocked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her foreign visits seeking investments and said the state government should publish a white paper on the number of investments that the state has received in last few years. Stating that she was invited by industrialists, businessmen and the governments of the two European countries, Banerjee on Sunday left for a 12-day trip to Germany and Italy to attract investments to the state.

“Earlier also she has visited several foreign countries but not a single rupee has come to the state. Every year the state government organises Global Bengal Business Summit but we don’t know its result,” state Congress president Adhir Chowdhury said. The state government should publish a white paper on the amount of investment the state has received in the last seven years after the Trinamool Congress came to power, Chowdhury said.

“We too want investments and industry for the state but we don’t want to be fooled by the state government. The chief minister has turned those foreign trips into her annual European holiday programme,” he said. BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha also echoed the views of Chowdhury and said instead of undertaking foreign trips, she should concentrate on good governance.

“When markets are burning and bridges are collapsing due to lack of maintenance, our chief minister is roaming around in a foreign nation enjoying the holiday in the name of seeking investments. She should stop such theatrics. People of this state can no longer be fooled,” he said.

TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee dubbed the allegations as baseless and said the opposition should refrain from scoring political brownie points when the chief minister is out in a foreign country. “Such comments no only demean for our chief minister but also demean our country’s prestige at the international level,” Chatterjee said.&nbsp

The opposition Congress and BJP Tuesday mocked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her foreign visits seeking investments and said the state government should publish a white paper on the amount of investments that the state has received in last few years.

The opposition Congress and BJP Tuesday mocked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her foreign visits seeking investments and said the state government should publish a white paper on the number of investments that the state has received in last few years. Stating that she was invited by industrialists, businessmen and the governments of the two European countries, Banerjee on Sunday left for a 12-day trip to Germany and Italy to attract investments to the state. “Earlier also she has visited several foreign countries but not a single rupee has come to the state. Every year the state government organises Global Bengal Business Summit but we don’t know its result,” state Congress president Adhir Chowdhury said. The state government should publish a white paper on the amount of investment the state has received in the last seven years after the Trinamool Congress came to power, Chowdhury said. “We too want investments and industry for the state but we don’t want to be fooled by the state government. The chief minister has turned those foreign trips into her annual European holiday programme,” he said. BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha also echoed the views of Chowdhury and said instead of undertaking foreign trips, she should concentrate on good governance. “When markets are burning and bridges are collapsing due to lack of maintenance, our chief minister is roaming around in a foreign nation enjoying the holiday in the name of seeking investments. She should stop such theatrics. People of this state can no longer be fooled,” he said. TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee dubbed the allegations as baseless and said the opposition should refrain from scoring political brownie points when the chief minister is out in a foreign country. “Such comments no only demean for our chief minister but also demean our country’s prestige at the international level,” Chatterjee said.

BJP, Congress mock Mamata Banerjee’s foreign visit

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan left for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the foreign office said, amid speculation he may be seeking economic assistance from a staunch ally instead of another IMF bailout.&nbsp

Khan, on his first international visit since taking office last month, was accompanied by Finance Minister Asad Umar and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at a time when the country is trying to avert a balance of currency crisis stemming from a large current account deficit.

Analysts say a fresh bailout package from the International Monetary Fund, which would be its 13th since the late 1980s, is inevitable.

But Umar recently said an IMF rescue was a "fallback option" and that the government was exploring other avenues for assistance, which was broadly interpreted as Islamabad seeking help from China and Saudi Arabia, both of which have provided vast loans in the past.

"The Prime Minister will call on His Majesty King Salman and hold a bilateral meeting with the Crown Prince," Pakistan`s foreign office said in a statement. "The two leaders will discuss issues of bilateral interest." 
In 2014, six months after Pakistan obtained its last IMF bailout, Saudi Arabia loaned Pakistan $1.5 billion, which the government used to strengthen its rupee currency.

Pakistan`s current account deficit widened 43 per cent to $18 billion in the fiscal year that ended June 30, while the fiscal deficit has ballooned to 6.6 per cent of the economy.

Khan`s government came to power on the back of populist assurances to root out corruption and reduce poverty. Since taking office, the government has initiated a number of symbolic austerity measures while promising social welfare reforms.&nbsp

The government on Tuesday announced tax increases for middle and high-income earners and a spike in import duties on luxury products in a bid to raise 183 billion rupees($1.48 billion) in additional revenue.

Analysts say a fresh bailout package from the International Monetary Fund, which would be its 13th since the late 1980s, is inevitable.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan left for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, the foreign office said, amid speculation he may be seeking economic assistance from a staunch ally instead of another IMF bailout. Khan, on his first international visit since taking office last month, was accompanied by Finance Minister Asad Umar and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at a time when the country is trying to avert a balance of currency crisis stemming from a large current account deficit. Analysts say a fresh bailout package from the International Monetary Fund, which would be its 13th since the late 1980s, is inevitable. But Umar recently said an IMF rescue was a "fallback option" and that the government was exploring other avenues for assistance, which was broadly interpreted as Islamabad seeking help from China and Saudi Arabia, both of which have provided vast loans in the past. "The Prime Minister will call on His Majesty King Salman and hold a bilateral meeting with the Crown Prince," Pakistan`s foreign office said in a statement. "The two leaders will discuss issues of bilateral interest." In 2014, six months after Pakistan obtained its last IMF bailout, Saudi Arabia loaned Pakistan $1.5 billion, which the government used to strengthen its rupee currency. Pakistan`s current account deficit widened 43 per cent to $18 billion in the fiscal year that ended June 30, while the fiscal deficit has ballooned to 6.6 per cent of the economy. Khan`s government came to power on the back of populist assurances to root out corruption and reduce poverty. Since taking office, the government has initiated a number of symbolic austerity measures while promising social welfare reforms. The government on Tuesday announced tax increases for middle and high-income earners and a spike in import duties on luxury products in a bid to raise 183 billion rupees($1.48 billion) in additional revenue.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan leaves for Saudi Arabia amid bailout speculation

The Bombay High Court said Monday it was "shocking" how fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi and several other individuals had been permitted to carry out illegal constructions along the beach in Alibaug town of Raigad district in Maharashtra.&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp

Holding that ignoring such violations was a case of "complete non-application of mind" by the authorities, the high court directed the Divisional Commissioner (DC), Konkan region, to start an inquiry into how over 160 illegal private structures were permitted to be constructed along the beach in Alibaug.

A bench of Justices A S Oka and R I Chagla directed the DC to submit, within eight weeks, his inquiry report to the principal secretary, state revenue and forest departments.

The bench also directed the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit detailing the findings of the inquiry and the remedial steps initiated by the state.

The directions were part of the judgement passed by the bench Monday on a petition filed by activist Surendra Dhavale.

The plea had sought that the court directs the authorities to demolish all unauthorised constructions "within the low and high tide areas" in a bunch of villages in Alibaug, a popular weekend gateway from Mumbai.

According to the petition, such constructions had been carried out in violation of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority rules and the land laws of the state.

As per the plea, there are around 175 such private residences in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas in villages such as Varsoli, Sasvane, Kolgaon and Dokvade, among others, all in the Alibaug taluka, belonging to several "wealthy persons, including Nirav Modi and several businessmen and film actors".&nbsp

During a previous hearing in the matter, the bench had been informed that through an order passed in June this year, the authorities concerned had dropped all proceedings against Modi's bungalow and closed the file.

The bench has now directed that the DC call for land records and ascertain how such illegal structures were permitted to be constructed.

It noted that in 2009, Modi had merely been granted permission by the local authorities to carry out some repair work in his three farmhouses in the area.

However, he ended up carrying out fresh construction in an area exceeding 695 sq metres, in violation of the state's land rules and coastal zone norms.

It added that the fugitive diamond jeweller's case was not isolated, but that it was important to highlight the lapses on part of the DC's office in failing to act against such illegal construction.

"The issue is not merely of CRZ violations, but also of illegal construction made along beaches. There is a complete non-application of mind by the authorities. The case of Nirav Modi to say the least is shocking," the bench said.

"The manner in which the DC bypassed previous orders of this court (on CRZ violations and demolition of illegal construction along beaches) calls for a serious inquiry.

"It appears that no adjudication was made on the question of Mr Modi having carried out the illegal construction," the judges said.

"If there is rampant illegal construction in coastal areas, the same will not only result in the violation of environmental laws but, it will also amount to the destruction of our ecosystem," they said.

Modi, who has fled India, is a key accused in the alleged fraud at Punjab National Bank (PNB) which has been pegged at close to USD 2 billion.

The high court noted that the state's own rules granted vast powers to the DC to carry out demolition in case of such illegalities. Therefore, it would be appropriate to direct the DC to call for all land records concerning the structures mentioned in the PIL.

"The DC must scrutinise the records and take necessary action," the bench added.&nbsp 
&nbsp

The plea had sought that the court directs the authorities to demolish all unauthorised constructions in a bunch of villages in Alibaug.

The Bombay High Court said Monday it was "shocking" how fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi and several other individuals had been permitted to carry out illegal constructions along the beach in Alibaug town of Raigad district in Maharashtra. Holding that ignoring such violations was a case of "complete non-application of mind" by the authorities, the high court directed the Divisional Commissioner (DC), Konkan region, to start an inquiry into how over 160 illegal private structures were permitted to be constructed along the beach in Alibaug. A bench of Justices A S Oka and R I Chagla directed the DC to submit, within eight weeks, his inquiry report to the principal secretary, state revenue and forest departments. The bench also directed the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit detailing the findings of the inquiry and the remedial steps initiated by the state. The directions were part of the judgement passed by the bench Monday on a petition filed by activist Surendra Dhavale. The plea had sought that the court directs the authorities to demolish all unauthorised constructions "within the low and high tide areas" in a bunch of villages in Alibaug, a popular weekend gateway from Mumbai. According to the petition, such constructions had been carried out in violation of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority rules and the land laws of the state. As per the plea, there are around 175 such private residences in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas in villages such as Varsoli, Sasvane, Kolgaon and Dokvade, among others, all in the Alibaug taluka, belonging to several "wealthy persons, including Nirav Modi and several businessmen and film actors". During a previous hearing in the matter, the bench had been informed that through an order passed in June this year, the authorities concerned had dropped all proceedings against Modi's bungalow and closed the file. The bench has now directed that the DC call for land records and ascertain how such illegal structures were permitted to be constructed. It noted that in 2009, Modi had merely been granted permission by the local authorities to carry out some repair work in his three farmhouses in the area. However, he ended up carrying out fresh construction in an area exceeding 695 sq metres, in violation of the state's land rules and coastal zone norms. It added that the fugitive diamond jeweller's case was not isolated, but that it was important to highlight the lapses on part of the DC's office in failing to act against such illegal construction. "The issue is not merely of CRZ violations, but also of illegal construction made along beaches. There is a complete non-application of mind by the authorities. The case of Nirav Modi to say the least is shocking," the bench said. "The manner in which the DC bypassed previous orders of this court (on CRZ violations and demolition of illegal construction along beaches) calls for a serious inquiry. "It appears that no adjudication was made on the question of Mr Modi having carried out the illegal construction," the judges said. "If there is rampant illegal construction in coastal areas, the same will not only result in the violation of environmental laws but, it will also amount to the destruction of our ecosystem," they said. Modi, who has fled India, is a key accused in the alleged fraud at Punjab National Bank (PNB) which has been pegged at close to USD 2 billion. The high court noted that the state's own rules granted vast powers to the DC to carry out demolition in case of such illegalities. Therefore, it would be appropriate to direct the DC to call for all land records concerning the structures mentioned in the PIL. "The DC must scrutinise the records and take necessary action," the bench added.

High Court 'shocked' over constructions by Nirav Modi, others along beach

India has extended more help to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh under the third phase of its programme. The Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla handed over 1.1 million litres of SKO or Super Kerosene Oil and 20,000 Kerosene Multi Wick Stoves to Bangladesh's Minister of Disaster Management & Relief Mofazzel Hussain Chowdhury at Cox’s Bazar. The wick stoves and the oil were distributed to Rohingya refugees at Kutupalong camp in Cox’s Bazar. This is the third phase of humanitarian assistance from India to Bangladesh to help the Rohingyas who have been staying in camps after being forced to leave the Rakhine State of Myanmar.&nbsp;

Speaking on the occasion, Indian high commissioner said, "We understand the plight of the displaced persons and Bangladesh’s support to the displaced persons under trying circumstances deserves appreciation. I will also visit 
some of the camps." Conveying that "India will continue to extend humanitarian assistance to support the Government of Bangladesh in its efforts to provide succour to the displaced persons" he said, "Our gesture of providing relief will continue beyond the third tranche."

The kerosene oil and stoves will address the energy needs of the displaced persons and contribute to environmental conservation in Bangladesh, by reducing demand for locally sourced firewood.&nbsp;

The 1st phase of Indian help started in September 2017 under ‘Operation Insaniyat’ and comprised of 981 metric tons of relief supplies. The relief material consisted of family packs of rice, pulses, sugar, salt, cooking oil, tea, ready-to-eat noodles, biscuits, mosquito nets, etc to meet the immediate requirements of the approximately 3,00,000 Rohingyas refugees Bangladesh was hosting that time.

<img alt="IMG-20180917-WA0152.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="853" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/IMG-20180917-WA0152.jpg" width="1280" />

In May 2018, the 2nd phase of Indian assistance began with 373 Metric Tons (MT) of relief materials containing 104 MT milk powder, 102 MT dried fish 61 MT baby food 50,000 raincoats and 50,000 pairs of gumboots for the rainy season.&nbsp;

<img alt="IMG-20180917-WA0339.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="774" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/IMG-20180917-WA0339.jpg" width="1032" />

The Indian High Commissioner said, "India has always stood by Bangladesh in times of need" and the relationship is based on "trust, friendship and shared martyrdom that goes beyond strategic partnership."

Bangladesh has been hosting close to one million Rohingya refugees from the Rakhine State of Myanmar. This has put a strain on Bangladesh's resources and also its ties with neighbouring Myanmar.

India has also started construction of pre-fabricated houses in the Rakhine State in Myanmar. 250 of these pre-fabricated houses are nearing completion and foundation work has already started for 50 houses at a village called Kyein Chaung in Maungdaw district of Myanmar. These dwellings are intended to facilitate the return of displaced persons from Bangladesh.

The kerosene oil and stoves will address the energy needs of the displaced persons and contribute to environmental conservation in Bangladesh, by reducing demand for locally sourced firewood.

India has extended more help to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh under the third phase of its programme. The Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla handed over 1.1 million litres of SKO or Super Kerosene Oil and 20,000 Kerosene Multi Wick Stoves to Bangladesh's Minister of Disaster Management & Relief Mofazzel Hussain Chowdhury at Cox’s Bazar. The wick stoves and the oil were distributed to Rohingya refugees at Kutupalong camp in Cox’s Bazar. This is the third phase of humanitarian assistance from India to Bangladesh to help the Rohingyas who have been staying in camps after being forced to leave the Rakhine State of Myanmar. Speaking on the occasion, Indian high commissioner said, "We understand the plight of the displaced persons and Bangladesh’s support to the displaced persons under trying circumstances deserves appreciation. I will also visit some of the camps." Conveying that "India will continue to extend humanitarian assistance to support the Government of Bangladesh in its efforts to provide succour to the displaced persons" he said, "Our gesture of providing relief will continue beyond the third tranche." The kerosene oil and stoves will address the energy needs of the displaced persons and contribute to environmental conservation in Bangladesh, by reducing demand for locally sourced firewood. The 1st phase of Indian help started in September 2017 under ‘Operation Insaniyat’ and comprised of 981 metric tons of relief supplies. The relief material consisted of family packs of rice, pulses, sugar, salt, cooking oil, tea, ready-to-eat noodles, biscuits, mosquito nets, etc to meet the immediate requirements of the approximately 3,00,000 Rohingyas refugees Bangladesh was hosting that time. In May 2018, the 2nd phase of Indian assistance began with 373 Metric Tons (MT) of relief materials containing 104 MT milk powder, 102 MT dried fish 61 MT baby food 50,000 raincoats and 50,000 pairs of gumboots for the rainy season. The Indian High Commissioner said, "India has always stood by Bangladesh in times of need" and the relationship is based on "trust, friendship and shared martyrdom that goes beyond strategic partnership." Bangladesh has been hosting close to one million Rohingya refugees from the Rakhine State of Myanmar. This has put a strain on Bangladesh's resources and also its ties with neighbouring Myanmar. India has also started construction of pre-fabricated houses in the Rakhine State in Myanmar. 250 of these pre-fabricated houses are nearing completion and foundation work has already started for 50 houses at a village called Kyein Chaung in Maungdaw district of Myanmar. These dwellings are intended to facilitate the return of displaced persons from Bangladesh.

1.1 million litres of kerosene handed over under New Delhi's third phase of aid to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh 

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh Monday said the force was "near" its goal of "completely finishing" militancy in the state.

On his maiden visit to the winter capital after taking over as the acting DGP early this month, Singh said several successful operations were conducted against militants in the last week referring to the killing of 15 terrorists in five separate operations between September 11 and 15.

"Jammu and Kashmir police has been fighting militancy for the last so many years and keeping in view our capabilities, we are near our goal of completely finishing militancy in the state," Singh said in his address to the state's police personnel.&nbsp

"We are premier stakeholders in peace," the DGP said, adding police had the dual responsibility of being the custodian as well maintainer of peace in the state.

Singh complimented the security forces for the successful operation at Kakriyal in Reasi district which resulted in the killing of three Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists on September 13.

"The response to the emerging situation was very quick and adequate. The different forces on ground - police, army and CRPF - exhibited a great spirit with the officers leading from the front," he said as he rewarded the officers and the jawans who took part in the operation.

The DGP also thanked the people of the Kakriyal for cooperating with the police and security forces during the recent encounter.

Acknowledging that over the years, facilities available to the police have increased manifold, the police chief assured the personnel that their requirements would be looked into sympathetically.

He further directed the officers and jawans to be fully prepared to ensure peaceful and smooth urban local bodies and panchayat polls in the state scheduled to take place next month.&nbsp

'We are premier stakeholders in peace,' the DGP said

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh Monday said the force was "near" its goal of "completely finishing" militancy in the state. On his maiden visit to the winter capital after taking over as the acting DGP early this month, Singh said several successful operations were conducted against militants in the last week referring to the killing of 15 terrorists in five separate operations between September 11 and 15. "Jammu and Kashmir police has been fighting militancy for the last so many years and keeping in view our capabilities, we are near our goal of completely finishing militancy in the state," Singh said in his address to the state's police personnel. "We are premier stakeholders in peace," the DGP said, adding police had the dual responsibility of being the custodian as well maintainer of peace in the state. Singh complimented the security forces for the successful operation at Kakriyal in Reasi district which resulted in the killing of three Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists on September 13. "The response to the emerging situation was very quick and adequate. The different forces on ground - police, army and CRPF - exhibited a great spirit with the officers leading from the front," he said as he rewarded the officers and the jawans who took part in the operation. The DGP also thanked the people of the Kakriyal for cooperating with the police and security forces during the recent encounter. Acknowledging that over the years, facilities available to the police have increased manifold, the police chief assured the personnel that their requirements would be looked into sympathetically. He further directed the officers and jawans to be fully prepared to ensure peaceful and smooth urban local bodies and panchayat polls in the state scheduled to take place next month.

Police nearing its goal of ending militancy in J&K: DGP

Australia would like to see the Indo-Pacific region free of coercion, Australian High Commissioner to Indian Harinder Sidhu told WION on Tuesday.&nbsp;

She added that Australia would like to work with democracies in the region to building peace and security.&nbsp;

Sidhu told WION that the "idea of Indo-Pacific makes a lot of sense for Australia", adding that her country "faces the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other side, and when we think what our region is, it's the Indo-Pacific."

"Our interest is very much to deepen our relationship with all the countries of Indo-Pacfic," said Sidhu. "To create Indo-Pacific that is stable and that is free and free from coercion... where there is a free and open trade. It's very very important that we work with key democracies in Indo-Pacfic to build that sense of peace, prosperity and security."

China's role in the region has come under criticism, especially over how it is handling the South China Sea issue. Its ties with India were also hit after the Doklam incident in 2017. Since then, both New Delhi and Beijing have been trying to reset ties with each other and Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have met 3 times in the last few months.

But India, Japan, Australia, and the US have been trying to engage under the auspices of the Quad. A Quad meet is going to take place next month.&nbsp;

When asked what role Australia would like to see for India in the Quad, the high commissioner said, "All the countries that are like-minded countries will deal with each other in different ways. Quad is one way. We have trilateral engagement with India and Japan. Many other combinations. Aussie-India strategic relationship is at all-time high and there is a high level of trust and confidence and it iwill only get better."

India-Australia ties: Genuine warmth&nbsp; 
Calling India-Australia ties as a "very, very strong relationship", Sidhu said there were "more Indian students going to Australia and more tourism happening in both directions" and there is "genuine warmth and friendship between our people".&nbsp; 
Approximately, two per cent of Australia's population is of Indian origin. 
&nbsp; 
The Australian government recently released a paper — Indian economic strategy 2035 — to expand economic relationships with India over the next 20 years. The paper covers all sectors of the economy and looks at how to engage with Individual Indian states to deepen economic ties.

The Khalistan issue was broached too.&nbsp;

Sidhu said we are "aware of the issue and something that we will look in Australia . We are a country where people come from different background. They all have views on the country of &nbsp;the origin and as long as they can express the views peacefully and within the law, they are entitled... we are a free country."

'To create Indo-Pacific that is stable and that is free and free from coercion... where there is a free and open trade. It's very very important that we work with key democracies in Indo-Pacfic to build that sense of peace, prosperity and security,' Australian High Commissioner to India Harinder Sidhu said.

Australia would like to see the Indo-Pacific region free of coercion, Australian High Commissioner to Indian Harinder Sidhu told WION on Tuesday. She added that Australia would like to work with democracies in the region to building peace and security. Sidhu told WION that the "idea of Indo-Pacific makes a lot of sense for Australia", adding that her country "faces the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other side, and when we think what our region is, it's the Indo-Pacific." "Our interest is very much to deepen our relationship with all the countries of Indo-Pacfic," said Sidhu. "To create Indo-Pacific that is stable and that is free and free from coercion... where there is a free and open trade. It's very very important that we work with key democracies in Indo-Pacfic to build that sense of peace, prosperity and security." China's role in the region has come under criticism, especially over how it is handling the South China Sea issue. Its ties with India were also hit after the Doklam incident in 2017. Since then, both New Delhi and Beijing have been trying to reset ties with each other and Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have met 3 times in the last few months. But India, Japan, Australia, and the US have been trying to engage under the auspices of the Quad. A Quad meet is going to take place next month. When asked what role Australia would like to see for India in the Quad, the high commissioner said, "All the countries that are like-minded countries will deal with each other in different ways. Quad is one way. We have trilateral engagement with India and Japan. Many other combinations. Aussie-India strategic relationship is at all-time high and there is a high level of trust and confidence and it iwill only get better." India-Australia ties: Genuine warmth Calling India-Australia ties as a "very, very strong relationship", Sidhu said there were "more Indian students going to Australia and more tourism happening in both directions" and there is "genuine warmth and friendship between our people". Approximately, two per cent of Australia's population is of Indian origin. The Australian government recently released a paper — Indian economic strategy 2035 — to expand economic relationships with India over the next 20 years. The paper covers all sectors of the economy and looks at how to engage with Individual Indian states to deepen economic ties. The Khalistan issue was broached too. Sidhu said we are "aware of the issue and something that we will look in Australia . We are a country where people come from different background. They all have views on the country of the origin and as long as they can express the views peacefully and within the law, they are entitled... we are a free country."

Want Indo-Pacific free from coercion: Australian High Commissioner to WION

Stepping up his attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Government, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday called Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan a "scheme-announcing" machine.

Addressing Congress party workers in Bhopal, the Gandhi scion said, "Just like Sachin Tendulkar was known as the run-making machine by cricket fans, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh is also "scheme-announcing" machine, he announces schemes wherever he goes but does not do anything about it later. Madhya Pradesh has become number one in unemployment, corruption and rapes. This is the truth of Madhya Pradesh and India."

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul said, "The Prime Minister promised jobs and also assured farmers of better conditions, but nothing has been fulfilled. He said that he did not want to become the Prime Minister but wanted to become the Choukidar (security guard), yet Vijay Mallya ran away."

Raising Mallya's claim of having met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley before fleeing the country in 2016, Gandhi said, "A few days back, Mallya said that before fleeing the country he met the Finance Minister and informed him that he was going to London. Even Jaitley admitted to this but he did not inform the Central Bureau of Investigation or Enforcement Directorate, instead he diluted the lookout notice."

Mallya, who left India in March 2016, claimed that he had met the Finance Minister before leaving India. However, Jaitley, who was the Finance Minister in 2016, rebuffed the claims made by the fugitive liquor baron.&nbsp

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul said, 'The Prime Minister promised jobs and also assured farmers of better conditions.'

Stepping up his attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Government, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday called Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan a "scheme-announcing" machine. Addressing Congress party workers in Bhopal, the Gandhi scion said, "Just like Sachin Tendulkar was known as the run-making machine by cricket fans, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh is also "scheme-announcing" machine, he announces schemes wherever he goes but does not do anything about it later. Madhya Pradesh has become number one in unemployment, corruption and rapes. This is the truth of Madhya Pradesh and India." Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul said, "The Prime Minister promised jobs and also assured farmers of better conditions, but nothing has been fulfilled. He said that he did not want to become the Prime Minister but wanted to become the Choukidar (security guard), yet Vijay Mallya ran away." Raising Mallya's claim of having met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley before fleeing the country in 2016, Gandhi said, "A few days back, Mallya said that before fleeing the country he met the Finance Minister and informed him that he was going to London. Even Jaitley admitted to this but he did not inform the Central Bureau of Investigation or Enforcement Directorate, instead he diluted the lookout notice." Mallya, who left India in March 2016, claimed that he had met the Finance Minister before leaving India. However, Jaitley, who was the Finance Minister in 2016, rebuffed the claims made by the fugitive liquor baron.

In Bhopal, Rahul calls Chouhan 'scheme-announcing' machine

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched a 'Star Rating program' for industries to strengthen State Pollution Control Board's (SPCB) regulatory efforts to reduce pollution.

It is a first-of-its-kind transparency initiative to categorise industries from one to five stars compliant to pollution standards.

The emerging pollution is a serious concern today and industrial pollution is the biggest contributor to that. Keeping all this in mind, the initiative was launched. It will also help citizens to identify the sources of pollution in their neighbourhood and city.

At the launch event, the Chief Minister said, "The Star- Rating Program is an excellent example of the 3T framework Teamwork, Transparency and Technology. This programme will help the public to find out whether industries in their vicinity are fair in their environmental compliance and empower them to strengthen regulations through public participation."

He added, "The Star Rating Programme also recognizes the efforts of industries that take responsibility to maintain a clean environment and go beyond what the regulations require them to do. This system would also encourage and induce industries to adopt clean technologies."

Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has worked with researchers from Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC India) and others to launch a similar program last year, but Odisha's program is first in India to utilize continually monitored emissions data captured in real time from major industrial plants.&nbsp

The initiative will help citizens identify the sources of pollution in their neighbourhood and city.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched a 'Star Rating program' for industries to strengthen State Pollution Control Board's (SPCB) regulatory efforts to reduce pollution. It is a first-of-its-kind transparency initiative to categorise industries from one to five stars compliant to pollution standards. The emerging pollution is a serious concern today and industrial pollution is the biggest contributor to that. Keeping all this in mind, the initiative was launched. It will also help citizens to identify the sources of pollution in their neighbourhood and city. At the launch event, the Chief Minister said, "The Star- Rating Program is an excellent example of the 3T framework Teamwork, Transparency and Technology. This programme will help the public to find out whether industries in their vicinity are fair in their environmental compliance and empower them to strengthen regulations through public participation." He added, "The Star Rating Programme also recognizes the efforts of industries that take responsibility to maintain a clean environment and go beyond what the regulations require them to do. This system would also encourage and induce industries to adopt clean technologies." Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has worked with researchers from Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC India) and others to launch a similar program last year, but Odisha's program is first in India to utilize continually monitored emissions data captured in real time from major industrial plants.

Odisha CM launches star-rating system for industries to reduce air pollution

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (chief) Mohan Bhagwat on the second day of a <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rss-is-not-an-organisation-of-sanyasis-mohan-bhagwat-166223">three-day conclave </a>said that RSS is committed to the principle spirit of the Constitution.&nbsp;

This comes in the wake of a continuous attack by the Congress on RSS that BJP-RSS combine can amend the Constitution. Bhagwat says that RSS does not believe in the alternate power centre.

He also said that RSS does not interfere with day to day basis and respects the framework of the Constitution.&nbsp;

"The RSS accepts the Constitution. There is not even one example in which the RSS has done anything against the Constitution. We do not believe that we are the only organisation which will be responsible for the nation's development. We are not arrogant that way," said the RSS chief.

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>

"Though we have decided to keep away from day to day politics, it does not mean that we will not have a view on national issues. We will have our views and we will express it," said Mohan Bhagwat.&nbsp;

Though he said that RSS does not influence policies of the government and neither they tell people associated with RSS to support a particular political party.

He also said that the reason why RSS has kept away from day to day politics is that it is not possible for any political party to build the society in totality.&nbsp;

"The dynamic of a political party is such that it would be impossible for all sections of the society to come together, " said Mohan Bhagwat. "Hedgewar was a political worker but still a different direction was chosen," he said.

He spoke at length on the issue of Hindutva. He reiterated that Hindutva word though modern is inclusive in nature. He said the word Hindu was chose in because it was the only available word for RSS to address all communities indigenous to the subcontinent.

He said that RSS worldview is not opposed to religious practices within India. He reiterated the point again and again that RSS is primarily focussed on rebuilding the society and it does not discriminate with other religion. Bhagwat said that people should locate the word Hindu with the people of the land and not people of a particular religion.

On Wednesday Mohan Bhagwat will be answering questions put up by the delegates. Mohan Bhagwat did not attack the parties on Opposition at all. He ensured that the focus remains on the cultural world vision of the RSS rather than RSS as an ideological political force in the country. Though he did not touch upon contentious issues like article 370 when he spoke about RSS's commitment to the Constitution.

Bhagwat also said that the reason why RSS has kept away from day to day politics is that it is not possible for any political party to build the society in totality.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (chief) Mohan Bhagwat on the second day of a three-day conclave said that RSS is committed to the principle spirit of the Constitution. This comes in the wake of a continuous attack by the Congress on RSS that BJP-RSS combine can amend the Constitution. Bhagwat says that RSS does not believe in the alternate power centre. He also said that RSS does not interfere with day to day basis and respects the framework of the Constitution. "The RSS accepts the Constitution. There is not even one example in which the RSS has done anything against the Constitution. We do not believe that we are the only organisation which will be responsible for the nation's development. We are not arrogant that way," said the RSS chief. Also read: Rahul Gandhi equates RSS to Muslim Brotherhood "Though we have decided to keep away from day to day politics, it does not mean that we will not have a view on national issues. We will have our views and we will express it," said Mohan Bhagwat. Though he said that RSS does not influence policies of the government and neither they tell people associated with RSS to support a particular political party. He also said that the reason why RSS has kept away from day to day politics is that it is not possible for any political party to build the society in totality. "The dynamic of a political party is such that it would be impossible for all sections of the society to come together, " said Mohan Bhagwat. "Hedgewar was a political worker but still a different direction was chosen," he said. He spoke at length on the issue of Hindutva. He reiterated that Hindutva word though modern is inclusive in nature. He said the word Hindu was chose in because it was the only available word for RSS to address all communities indigenous to the subcontinent. He said that RSS worldview is not opposed to religious practices within India. He reiterated the point again and again that RSS is primarily focussed on rebuilding the society and it does not discriminate with other religion. Bhagwat said that people should locate the word Hindu with the people of the land and not people of a particular religion. On Wednesday Mohan Bhagwat will be answering questions put up by the delegates. Mohan Bhagwat did not attack the parties on Opposition at all. He ensured that the focus remains on the cultural world vision of the RSS rather than RSS as an ideological political force in the country. Though he did not touch upon contentious issues like article 370 when he spoke about RSS's commitment to the Constitution.

We are committed to the Constitution, have done nothing against it: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

A group of terrorists hurled a grenade at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp of 183 battalion in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama earlier today, news agency ANI reported.

According to reports, the grenade didn't explode, the CRPF retaliated. One CRPF personnel has been injured in the exchange of fire and has been moved to the nearest hospital.&nbsp;

No loss of life has been reported so far, more details are awaited.&nbsp;

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Pulwama: Terrorists hurled a grenade at the camp of 183 battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Newa earlier today. The grenade didn't explode, CRPF retailiated. One CRPF personnel sustained bullet injury in the exchange of fire, admitted to hospital. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>
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Meanwhile, miscreants attempted to burn a Panchayat Ghar in Shopian's Nazneenpora in Jammu and Kashmir earlier today. Police and fire services arrived at the spot to douse the fire, ANI reported.

According to reports, the building suffered minor damages. A police case has been registered in this regard, an investigation is underway.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

No loss of life has been reported so far, more details are awaited.

A group of terrorists hurled a grenade at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp of 183 battalion in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama earlier today, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the grenade didn't explode, the CRPF retaliated. One CRPF personnel has been injured in the exchange of fire and has been moved to the nearest hospital. No loss of life has been reported so far, more details are awaited. Pulwama: Terrorists hurled a grenade at the camp of 183 battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Newa earlier today. The grenade didn't explode, CRPF retailiated. One CRPF personnel sustained bullet injury in the exchange of fire, admitted to hospital. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2018 × Meanwhile, miscreants attempted to burn a Panchayat Ghar in Shopian's Nazneenpora in Jammu and Kashmir earlier today. Police and fire services arrived at the spot to douse the fire, ANI reported. According to reports, the building suffered minor damages. A police case has been registered in this regard, an investigation is underway. (With inputs from ANI)

J&K: Terrorists hurl grenade at CRPF camp in Pulwama, one injured

Political parties raise suspicion on the role of Election Commission and make all kinds of allegations when competition is tough but the poll panel accepts all the challenges with open mind and maintains its integrity, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said Tuesday.

Rawat, who was on a two-day visit to the state for a review of the preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state, said there were no “fake voters” as such and the commission was continuously working to delete the duplicate voters and add legitimate ones in the electoral rolls.

It will be completely ensured that no duplicate voter cast vote in the upcoming elections, he added. “When competition is tough, fingers are raised (on the role election commission) by political parties out of suspicion. We have accepted all the challenges with open mind and have come out clean. We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent election process,” Rawat told a press conference here.

All administrative officers have been directed to work without fear and with transparently and act in an unbiased manner if rules are flouted, he said. The poll panel will ensure that the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) theme of ‘no-voter-to-be-left-behind’ was implemented for participation of every voter in building an empowered democracy, he said.

Rawat came to the city Monday on a two-day visit to take up the issues of political parties, civil society groups and review poll preparations. Assembly election in Rajasthan is due later this year. Replying to a question on black money menace in election, Rawat said it has come to fore that there were several expenditure-sensitive constituencies in Rajasthan and the commission was committed address the issues with the help of enforcement agencies.

Rawat said that the commission was also mulling over steps to check instances of candidates furnishing false information in affidavits. A case can be filed by anyone in the court against candidates providing false information in election affidavit. The Commission has also directed Income Tax authorities to probe information provided by candidates. The Commission is mulling to act on the basis of probe report, he added.

"When competition is tough, fingers are raised (on the role election commission) by political parties out of suspicion. We have accepted all the challenges with an open mind and have come out clean," Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said.

Political parties raise suspicion on the role of Election Commission and make all kinds of allegations when competition is tough but the poll panel accepts all the challenges with open mind and maintains its integrity, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said Tuesday. Rawat, who was on a two-day visit to the state for a review of the preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state, said there were no “fake voters” as such and the commission was continuously working to delete the duplicate voters and add legitimate ones in the electoral rolls. It will be completely ensured that no duplicate voter cast vote in the upcoming elections, he added. “When competition is tough, fingers are raised (on the role election commission) by political parties out of suspicion. We have accepted all the challenges with open mind and have come out clean. We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent election process,” Rawat told a press conference here. All administrative officers have been directed to work without fear and with transparently and act in an unbiased manner if rules are flouted, he said. The poll panel will ensure that the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) theme of ‘no-voter-to-be-left-behind’ was implemented for participation of every voter in building an empowered democracy, he said. Rawat came to the city Monday on a two-day visit to take up the issues of political parties, civil society groups and review poll preparations. Assembly election in Rajasthan is due later this year. Replying to a question on black money menace in election, Rawat said it has come to fore that there were several expenditure-sensitive constituencies in Rajasthan and the commission was committed address the issues with the help of enforcement agencies. Rawat said that the commission was also mulling over steps to check instances of candidates furnishing false information in affidavits. A case can be filed by anyone in the court against candidates providing false information in election affidavit. The Commission has also directed Income Tax authorities to probe information provided by candidates. The Commission is mulling to act on the basis of probe report, he added.

Political parties raise suspicion on EC when competition is tough: OP Rawat

Over 22 lakh cases, which are over a decade old, are pending in various subordinate courts of the country, latest official data shows.

These cases constitute 8.29 per cent of the total nearly 2.50 crore cases pending in the lower courts.

According to the National Judicial Data Grid, as on Monday, September 17, a total of 22,90,364 cases, which are 10 years or older, are pending in the lower courts.

Of these, 5,97,595 or nearly 5.97 lakh cases are civil in nature and 16,92,769 or 16.92 lakh are criminal in nature.

Civil cases usually involve private disputes between persons or organisations.

Criminal cases involve an action that is considered to be harmful to society as a whole, according to a definition available on Find Law.

The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) is a part of the on-going e-Courts Integrated Mission Mode Project. The NJDG works as a monitoring tool to identify, manage and reduce pendency of cases.

The e-Committee of the Supreme Court had launched the National Judicial Data Grid to provide data on cases pending in the district courts across the country.

The data is segregated into civil and criminal cases and further broken down on the basis of the number of years the cases have been pending.

The Centre has been urging chief justices of the 24 high courts to fast-track cases that are pending for more than 10 years.

Successive union law ministers have been requesting the high courts to physically verify the pending cases in the lower courts under their jurisdiction.

Usual attempts to reduce pendency include increasing the number of judges or creating additional benches.

According to the National Judicial Data Grid, 5.97 lakh cases are civil in nature and 16.92 lakh are criminal in nature.

Over 22 lakh cases, which are over a decade old, are pending in various subordinate courts of the country, latest official data shows. These cases constitute 8.29 per cent of the total nearly 2.50 crore cases pending in the lower courts. According to the National Judicial Data Grid, as on Monday, September 17, a total of 22,90,364 cases, which are 10 years or older, are pending in the lower courts. Of these, 5,97,595 or nearly 5.97 lakh cases are civil in nature and 16,92,769 or 16.92 lakh are criminal in nature. Civil cases usually involve private disputes between persons or organisations. Criminal cases involve an action that is considered to be harmful to society as a whole, according to a definition available on Find Law. The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) is a part of the on-going e-Courts Integrated Mission Mode Project. The NJDG works as a monitoring tool to identify, manage and reduce pendency of cases. The e-Committee of the Supreme Court had launched the National Judicial Data Grid to provide data on cases pending in the district courts across the country. The data is segregated into civil and criminal cases and further broken down on the basis of the number of years the cases have been pending. The Centre has been urging chief justices of the 24 high courts to fast-track cases that are pending for more than 10 years. Successive union law ministers have been requesting the high courts to physically verify the pending cases in the lower courts under their jurisdiction. Usual attempts to reduce pendency include increasing the number of judges or creating additional benches.

Over 22 lakh cases stuck in lower courts for more than 10 years: Report

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/nirmala-sitharaman-says-hal-was-edged-out-of-rafale-deal-during-upas-tenure-166462">Nirmala Sitharaman says HAL was edged out of Rafale deal during UPA's tenure</a>

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday that the public-sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) had been edged out of the Rafale deal during the UPA's tenure itself.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/china-actively-trying-to-impact-and-change-our-election-us-president-donald-trump-166467">China 'actively trying to impact and change our election': US President Donald Trump</a>

"China has openly stated that they are actively trying to impact and change our election by attacking our farmers, ranchers and industrial workers because of their loyalty to me," Trump said.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/israel-expresses-sorrow-after-russian-military-plane-is-shot-down-blames-assad-and-iran-166458">Israel says it did not use Russian plane Syria shot down as cover</a>

Israel's military on Tuesday disputed Russia's assertion that it used one of its aircraft as cover while it carried out a strike in Syria, leading to it accidentally being shot down.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-summit-with-trump-stabilised-region-sees-more-progress-166463">Leaders of two Koreas hold </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-summit-with-trump-stabilised-region-sees-more-progress-166463">summit</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-summit-with-trump-stabilised-region-sees-more-progress-166463">, parade down streets of Pyongyang in Kim's limo</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday his "historic" summit with US President Donald Trump in Singapore stabilised regional security, and that he expected further progress at an&nbspinter-Korean summit aimed at reviving stalled nuclear diplomacy.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-military-brutality-against-rohingya-hard-to-fathom-un-investigator-166433">Myanmar military brutality against Rohingya 'hard to fathom': UN investigator</a>

The level of brutality used by Myanmar's military against the Rohingya minority is "hard to fathom", a UN investigator said Tuesday, presenting a damning report calling for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide.

Nirmala Sitharaman says HAL was edged out of Rafale deal during UPA's tenure Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday that the public-sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) had been edged out of the Rafale deal during the UPA's tenure itself. China 'actively trying to impact and change our election': US President Donald Trump "China has openly stated that they are actively trying to impact and change our election by attacking our farmers, ranchers and industrial workers because of their loyalty to me," Trump said. Israel says it did not use Russian plane Syria shot down as cover Israel's military on Tuesday disputed Russia's assertion that it used one of its aircraft as cover while it carried out a strike in Syria, leading to it accidentally being shot down. Leaders of two Koreas hold summit, parade down streets of Pyongyang in Kim's limo North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday his "historic" summit with US President Donald Trump in Singapore stabilised regional security, and that he expected further progress at an&nbspinter-Korean summit aimed at reviving stalled nuclear diplomacy. Myanmar military brutality against Rohingya 'hard to fathom': UN investigator The level of brutality used by Myanmar's military against the Rohingya minority is "hard to fathom", a UN investigator said Tuesday, presenting a damning report calling for top generals to be prosecuted for genocide.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has denied receiving any notices in the past except the recent non-bailable arrest warrant in connection with the Babli project across river Godavari.

The clarification from the Chief Minister comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders claimed that notices are being served to Naidu since a long time in connection with the case.

While speaking in Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Naidu on Monday clarified that he had not received any such notices earlier, except the recent one.

In fact, the Chief Minister claimed that the recently issued non-bailable arrest warrant against him is a result of "political conspiracy".

The arrest warrant was issued by Maharashtra's Dharmabad Court against Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister and 14 others in connection with an agitation held by TDP in 2010 against the Maharashtra government, opposing the construction of Babhali project.

He was participating in a discussion on "Bifurcation Assurances and Central Government Failures" in the state assembly.

During the discussion, the Chief Minister accused the Centre of not doing anything for Andhra Pradesh which has been facing adverse conditions after bifurcation.

He said, "If Prime Minister Modi could spare at least 5 per cent of his love for Gujarat towards Andhra Pradesh, the state would have developed much more. Andhra Pradesh BJP leaders should change their mind, they should think of their motherland, but not of Prime Minister Modi. Then only people will forgive them. The Centre led by the BJP is acting against Andhra Pradesh in a vindictive manner."

Raising the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister added, "The Centre is not giving special status to Andhra Pradesh, nor fulfilling assurances given in the reorganization act. Prime Minister PM Modi is providing financial aid to industries in Gujarat though they are incurring losses, but not even looking at the profit-making industries of Andhra Pradesh. Tax exemptions to industries are announced but not being implemented."&nbsp;

"Vizag metro is kept aside on the name of lack of viability. The NDA government is not paying heed to our request of international flights from Andhra Pradesh capital. The Prime Minister is not resolving the issues between and Telangana instead, he is trying to create tussles between both the states. The BJP is trying to threaten with cases as we are asking for funds. How can the Prime Minister say I have no maturity and KCR has more political maturity? Prime Minister Modi is conspiring against the state with the support of Jagan and Pawan Kalyan," he added.

Chief Minister Naidu further stated that the "Andhra Pradesh government would not leave the matter until justice is done to the state. "We will counter all political conspiracies, and ill motives against the state," he said.

Concluding his speech in the state assembly, Naidu announced that the cases filed against those who fought for special category status would be withdrawn. He clarified that the government would review the agitations held in the non-violent model, and take necessary action.

A few days back, the TDP had condemned the arrest warrant issued against Naidu and called it a "conspiracy" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The TDP had said that it is a political conspiracy by the BJP which is in the rule at the Centre as well as Maharashtra.

The clarification from the Chief Minister comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders claimed that notices are being served to Naidu since a long time in connection with the case.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has denied receiving any notices in the past except the recent non-bailable arrest warrant in connection with the Babli project across river Godavari. The clarification from the Chief Minister comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders claimed that notices are being served to Naidu since a long time in connection with the case. While speaking in Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Naidu on Monday clarified that he had not received any such notices earlier, except the recent one. In fact, the Chief Minister claimed that the recently issued non-bailable arrest warrant against him is a result of "political conspiracy". The arrest warrant was issued by Maharashtra's Dharmabad Court against Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister and 14 others in connection with an agitation held by TDP in 2010 against the Maharashtra government, opposing the construction of Babhali project. He was participating in a discussion on "Bifurcation Assurances and Central Government Failures" in the state assembly. During the discussion, the Chief Minister accused the Centre of not doing anything for Andhra Pradesh which has been facing adverse conditions after bifurcation. He said, "If Prime Minister Modi could spare at least 5 per cent of his love for Gujarat towards Andhra Pradesh, the state would have developed much more. Andhra Pradesh BJP leaders should change their mind, they should think of their motherland, but not of Prime Minister Modi. Then only people will forgive them. The Centre led by the BJP is acting against Andhra Pradesh in a vindictive manner." Raising the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister added, "The Centre is not giving special status to Andhra Pradesh, nor fulfilling assurances given in the reorganization act. Prime Minister PM Modi is providing financial aid to industries in Gujarat though they are incurring losses, but not even looking at the profit-making industries of Andhra Pradesh. Tax exemptions to industries are announced but not being implemented." "Vizag metro is kept aside on the name of lack of viability. The NDA government is not paying heed to our request of international flights from Andhra Pradesh capital. The Prime Minister is not resolving the issues between and Telangana instead, he is trying to create tussles between both the states. The BJP is trying to threaten with cases as we are asking for funds. How can the Prime Minister say I have no maturity and KCR has more political maturity? Prime Minister Modi is conspiring against the state with the support of Jagan and Pawan Kalyan," he added. Chief Minister Naidu further stated that the "Andhra Pradesh government would not leave the matter until justice is done to the state. "We will counter all political conspiracies, and ill motives against the state," he said. Concluding his speech in the state assembly, Naidu announced that the cases filed against those who fought for special category status would be withdrawn. He clarified that the government would review the agitations held in the non-violent model, and take necessary action. A few days back, the TDP had condemned the arrest warrant issued against Naidu and called it a "conspiracy" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The TDP had said that it is a political conspiracy by the BJP which is in the rule at the Centre as well as Maharashtra.

Andhra CM denies receiving any notices earlier in Babli case

Imran Khan is expected to watch Pakistan take on India tomorrow in the Asia Cup being played in Dubai, Pakistani media reported Tuesday.&nbsp;

Khan departed today on a <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-imran-khan-to-visit-riyadh-on-first-trip-officials-166247">two-day visit to Saudi </a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-imran-khan-to-visit-riyadh-on-first-trip-officials-166247">Arabia</a>, and is expected to travel to Dubai to watch the match tomorrow.&nbsp;

An India-Pakistan clash, in cricket or in&nbsp;any other sports, always generates huge interest. That mother of all rivalries is now an even more closely-watched contest considering the two neighbours barely get to play each other.&nbsp;

Tomorrow's game will be the first between the subcontinent rivals since Pakistan thumped India by 180 runs in the final of the Champions Trophy at The Oval in England in June 2017.&nbsp;The rivals will be playing each other in the UAE for the first time since 2006. &nbsp;

Pakistan defeated Hong Kong by 8 wickets in the second match of the Asia Cup on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/india-vs-pakistan-relive-five-memorable-cricket-clashes-166465">India vs Pakistan: Relive five memorable cricket clashes</a>

India

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vc), KL Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Khaleel Ahmed.

Pakistan

Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Khan left on a two-day trip to Saudi Arabia today. Pakistani media reported Tuesday that he is expected to travel to Dubai to catch the match live.

Imran Khan is expected to watch Pakistan take on India tomorrow in the Asia Cup being played in Dubai, Pakistani media reported Tuesday. Khan departed today on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, and is expected to travel to Dubai to watch the match tomorrow. An India-Pakistan clash, in cricket or in any other sports, always generates huge interest. That mother of all rivalries is now an even more closely-watched contest considering the two neighbours barely get to play each other. Tomorrow's game will be the first between the subcontinent rivals since Pakistan thumped India by 180 runs in the final of the Champions Trophy at The Oval in England in June 2017. The rivals will be playing each other in the UAE for the first time since 2006. Pakistan defeated Hong Kong by 8 wickets in the second match of the Asia Cup on Sunday. India vs Pakistan: Relive five memorable cricket clashes India Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vc), KL Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Khaleel Ahmed. Pakistan Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Asia Cup: Imran Khan likely to watch Pakistan take on India tomorrow in Dubai

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