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Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has become the first institute in the country to have a gender-neutral hostel, news agency ANI reported.

According to reports, the move followed efforts by Queer Collective, an informal student body that advocates a safe space for LGBTQ students.

Akunth, Cultural Secretary on TISS student Union and a resident of gender-neutral hostel space called for more such hostels and spaces across India. He stated that the hostel is no different from the others, just that it is a gender-neutral space and does not have demarcations on the lines of gender stereotypes.&nbsp;

"It's just like any other hostel. It is a place for everyone but without the dysphoria of being segregated along the lines of gender. It is a liberal space."<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oIc02zyfV6Y" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Akunth added that the gender-neutral washrooms are now also available in the campus.

The ground floor of TISS' girls&nbsp;hostel has been marked as a gender-neutral space. The floor has 10 twin-seater rooms that will host transgenders, or gender non-conforming students.

The Supreme Court of India, in its historic verdict, on September 6 decided to decriminalise homosexuality in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

According to reports, the move followed efforts by Queer Collective, an informal student body that advocates a safe space for LGBTQ students.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has become the first institute in the country to have a gender-neutral hostel, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the move followed efforts by Queer Collective, an informal student body that advocates a safe space for LGBTQ students. Akunth, Cultural Secretary on TISS student Union and a resident of gender-neutral hostel space called for more such hostels and spaces across India. He stated that the hostel is no different from the others, just that it is a gender-neutral space and does not have demarcations on the lines of gender stereotypes. "It's just like any other hostel. It is a place for everyone but without the dysphoria of being segregated along the lines of gender. It is a liberal space." Akunth added that the gender-neutral washrooms are now also available in the campus. The ground floor of TISS' girls hostel has been marked as a gender-neutral space. The floor has 10 twin-seater rooms that will host transgenders, or gender non-conforming students. The Supreme Court of India, in its historic verdict, on September 6 decided to decriminalise homosexuality in the country. (With inputs from ANI)

India gets first ever gender-neutral hostel in Mumbai

Productivity of most employees is impacted by unrelated tasks and administrative work as 86 per cent in a survey feel that they lose time each day on work-specific tasks but unrelated to their core job.

Nearly nine in 10 employees (86 per cent) say they lose time each day on work-specific tasks unrelated to their core job, with 41 per cent of full-time employees wasting more than an hour a day on these extraneous activities, according to a workforce management provider Kronos Incorporated survey.

The survey was conducted between July 31 and August 9 on 2,800 employees, both full and part, in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico and Britain.

Additionally, 40 per cent of employees waste an hour-plus each day on administrative tasks that do not drive value for their organisation, the survey reveals.

Servicing customers, patients or students, is one of the top tasks on which individual contributors (56 per cent) and people managers (28 per cent) usually spend majority of their time.

The next highest-rated daily tasks for individual contributors is collaborating with co-workers (42 per cent), administrative work (35 per cent), manual labour (33 per cent) and responding to emails (31 per cent).

While people managers list attending meetings (27 per cent), administrative work (27 per cent), collaborating with co-workers (26 per cent) and responding to emails (26 per cent) as the top ways they spend their workday.

The survey also reveals that full time employees feel 'Fixing a problem not caused by me' (22 per cent) and administrative work (17 per cent) as the top two tasks they waste the most time on at work.

Meetings (12 per cent), email (11 per cent) and customer issues (11 per cent) round out the top five time-wasters, it adds.

Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) apparently waste the most time fixing problems caused by someone else (26 per cent), while Gen Z (born from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s) is least-likely to clean up after others (18 per cent), yet they are most-likely to waste time on handling workplace conflict (9 per cent).

Millennials blame social media as a time-sucker (10 per cent) and agree with Gen X (born from early-to-mid 1960s to the early 1980s) that meetings (13 per cent) are a waste of time.

Gen Z (10 per cent) think talking on the phone is a time-waste.

Further, the survey reveals that worldwide 53 per cent of employees feel pressure to work longer hours or pick up extra shifts to grow their career, came from within.

Of those who feel pressure to work longer, 60 per cent put pressure on themselves while the rest say that pressure came from their managers, it added.

Workers in France (66 per cent) and India (62 per cent) feel by far the most pressure to work longer hours, while employees in Canada (38 per cent), the US (44 per cent), and Australia (47 per cent) felt the least amount of pressure, it added.

Servicing customers, patients or students, is one of the top tasks on which individual contributors (56 per cent) and people managers (28 per cent) usually spend majority of their time.

Productivity of most employees is impacted by unrelated tasks and administrative work as 86 per cent in a survey feel that they lose time each day on work-specific tasks but unrelated to their core job. Nearly nine in 10 employees (86 per cent) say they lose time each day on work-specific tasks unrelated to their core job, with 41 per cent of full-time employees wasting more than an hour a day on these extraneous activities, according to a workforce management provider Kronos Incorporated survey. The survey was conducted between July 31 and August 9 on 2,800 employees, both full and part, in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico and Britain. Additionally, 40 per cent of employees waste an hour-plus each day on administrative tasks that do not drive value for their organisation, the survey reveals. Servicing customers, patients or students, is one of the top tasks on which individual contributors (56 per cent) and people managers (28 per cent) usually spend majority of their time. The next highest-rated daily tasks for individual contributors is collaborating with co-workers (42 per cent), administrative work (35 per cent), manual labour (33 per cent) and responding to emails (31 per cent). While people managers list attending meetings (27 per cent), administrative work (27 per cent), collaborating with co-workers (26 per cent) and responding to emails (26 per cent) as the top ways they spend their workday. The survey also reveals that full time employees feel 'Fixing a problem not caused by me' (22 per cent) and administrative work (17 per cent) as the top two tasks they waste the most time on at work. Meetings (12 per cent), email (11 per cent) and customer issues (11 per cent) round out the top five time-wasters, it adds. Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) apparently waste the most time fixing problems caused by someone else (26 per cent), while Gen Z (born from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s) is least-likely to clean up after others (18 per cent), yet they are most-likely to waste time on handling workplace conflict (9 per cent). Millennials blame social media as a time-sucker (10 per cent) and agree with Gen X (born from early-to-mid 1960s to the early 1980s) that meetings (13 per cent) are a waste of time. Gen Z (10 per cent) think talking on the phone is a time-waste. Further, the survey reveals that worldwide 53 per cent of employees feel pressure to work longer hours or pick up extra shifts to grow their career, came from within. Of those who feel pressure to work longer, 60 per cent put pressure on themselves while the rest say that pressure came from their managers, it added. Workers in France (66 per cent) and India (62 per cent) feel by far the most pressure to work longer hours, while employees in Canada (38 per cent), the US (44 per cent), and Australia (47 per cent) felt the least amount of pressure, it added.

Most employees waste time on administrative work: Survey

Maharashtra Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on Saturday, announced that the motorcycle used in the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh has been seized, news agency ANI reported.

Karnataka Police's special investigation team (SIT), along with Maharashtra ATS, is investigating the case and links of the accused involved in Maharashtra, a senior official of Maharashtra Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) said late Saturday evening.

According to reports, the motorcycle was found during the probe.

Meanwhile, last month, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had announced the involvement of some of the accused arrested in the Lankesh case in the Dabholkar murder conspiracy.

The CBI is currently probing the Dabholkar murder case.&nbsp;

Narendra Dabholkar, a Maharashtra-based rationalist, was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants while returning home from a morning walk on August 20, 2013.&nbsp;

55-year-old anti-establishment voice, Gauri Lankesh, was shot dead by unknown assailants at her Bengaluru home on September 5, 2017.

According to reports, the motorcycle was found during the probe.

Maharashtra Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on Saturday, announced that the motorcycle used in the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh has been seized, news agency ANI reported. Karnataka Police's special investigation team (SIT), along with Maharashtra ATS, is investigating the case and links of the accused involved in Maharashtra, a senior official of Maharashtra Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) said late Saturday evening. According to reports, the motorcycle was found during the probe. Meanwhile, last month, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had announced the involvement of some of the accused arrested in the Lankesh case in the Dabholkar murder conspiracy. The CBI is currently probing the Dabholkar murder case. Narendra Dabholkar, a Maharashtra-based rationalist, was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants while returning home from a morning walk on August 20, 2013. 55-year-old anti-establishment voice, Gauri Lankesh, was shot dead by unknown assailants at her Bengaluru home on September 5, 2017.

Maharashtra ATS seizes motorcycle used in Gauri Lankesh murder 

Not discharging a patient or declining to hand over a body to relatives by hospitals over payment disputes may soon become an offence if a charter on patients' rights released by the Union Health Ministry comes into force.

According to the draft of Patient Charter, hospitals cannot detain a patient in the hospital and not allow him or her to take discharge over procedural grounds such as dispute in payment of hospital charges.

The charter states that it is duty of the hospital to not wrongfully confine any patient, or dead body of a patient, treated in the hospital under any circumstance.&nbsp;

"Caretakers also have the right to the dead body of a patient who had been treated in a hospital and the dead body cannot be detained on procedural grounds, including nonpayment/dispute regarding payment of hospital charges against wishes of the caretakers," the draft charter says.

According to a notice issued by Joint Secretary Sudhir Kumar, the ministry plans to implement the charter through state governments for provision of proper healthcare by clinical establishments.

The draft charter, prepared by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has been put up on the website of the Health Ministry, inviting suggestions and comments from the public and stakeholders.

The draft states the patient and caregivers have the right to a fair and prompt redressal of their grievances and receive in writing the outcome of the complaint within 15 days from the date of the receipt of the complaint.

Every hospital and clinical establishment have the duty to set up an internal redressal mechanism as well as to fully comply and cooperate with official redressal mechanisms including making available all relevant information and taking action in full accordance with orders of the redressal body as per the Patient's Right Charter or as per the applicable existing laws, it states.

Patients and caregivers have the right to seek redressal in case they are aggrieved, on account of infringement of any their rights mentioned in the charter.&nbsp;

"This may be done by lodging a complaint with an official designated for this purpose by the hospital and further with an official mechanism constituted by the government such as Patients' Rights Tribunal Forum or clinical establishments regulatory authority as the case may be," it states.

Also the draft states that every patient or their family members have the right to access originals or copies of case papers, indoor patient records, investigation reports during period of admission, preferably within 24 hours and after discharge, within 72 hours.

They also have the right to seek second opinion and in such a case the hospital management has a duty to respect the patient's right to second opinion, and should provide to the patients caregivers all necessary records and information required for seeking such opinion without any extra cost or delay.&nbsp;

All patients have a right to privacy, and doctors have a duty to hold information about their health condition and treatment plan in strict confidentiality, unless it is essential in specific circumstances to communicate such information in the interest of protecting other or due to public health considerations.&nbsp;

The draft available on the website also says that every patient and their caregivers have the right to information on the rates to be charged by the hospital for each type of service provided and facilities available on a prominent display board and a brochure.&nbsp;

They have a right to receive an itemized detailed bill at the time of payment.&nbsp;

It would be the duty of the hospital and clinical establishment to display key rates at a conspicuous place in local as well as English language, and to make available the detailed schedule of rates in a booklet form to all patients and their family members.

"Every patient has the right to receive treatment without any discrimination based on his or her illnesses or conditions, including HIV status or other health condition, religion, caste, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, linguistic or geographical/social origins," it stated.&nbsp;

The charter states that it is duty of the hospital to not wrongfully confine any patient, or dead body of a patient, treated in the hospital under any circumstance

Not discharging a patient or declining to hand over a body to relatives by hospitals over payment disputes may soon become an offence if a charter on patients' rights released by the Union Health Ministry comes into force. According to the draft of Patient Charter, hospitals cannot detain a patient in the hospital and not allow him or her to take discharge over procedural grounds such as dispute in payment of hospital charges. The charter states that it is duty of the hospital to not wrongfully confine any patient, or dead body of a patient, treated in the hospital under any circumstance. "Caretakers also have the right to the dead body of a patient who had been treated in a hospital and the dead body cannot be detained on procedural grounds, including nonpayment/dispute regarding payment of hospital charges against wishes of the caretakers," the draft charter says. According to a notice issued by Joint Secretary Sudhir Kumar, the ministry plans to implement the charter through state governments for provision of proper healthcare by clinical establishments. The draft charter, prepared by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has been put up on the website of the Health Ministry, inviting suggestions and comments from the public and stakeholders. The draft states the patient and caregivers have the right to a fair and prompt redressal of their grievances and receive in writing the outcome of the complaint within 15 days from the date of the receipt of the complaint. Every hospital and clinical establishment have the duty to set up an internal redressal mechanism as well as to fully comply and cooperate with official redressal mechanisms including making available all relevant information and taking action in full accordance with orders of the redressal body as per the Patient's Right Charter or as per the applicable existing laws, it states. Patients and caregivers have the right to seek redressal in case they are aggrieved, on account of infringement of any their rights mentioned in the charter. "This may be done by lodging a complaint with an official designated for this purpose by the hospital and further with an official mechanism constituted by the government such as Patients' Rights Tribunal Forum or clinical establishments regulatory authority as the case may be," it states. Also the draft states that every patient or their family members have the right to access originals or copies of case papers, indoor patient records, investigation reports during period of admission, preferably within 24 hours and after discharge, within 72 hours. They also have the right to seek second opinion and in such a case the hospital management has a duty to respect the patient's right to second opinion, and should provide to the patients caregivers all necessary records and information required for seeking such opinion without any extra cost or delay. All patients have a right to privacy, and doctors have a duty to hold information about their health condition and treatment plan in strict confidentiality, unless it is essential in specific circumstances to communicate such information in the interest of protecting other or due to public health considerations. The draft available on the website also says that every patient and their caregivers have the right to information on the rates to be charged by the hospital for each type of service provided and facilities available on a prominent display board and a brochure. They have a right to receive an itemized detailed bill at the time of payment. It would be the duty of the hospital and clinical establishment to display key rates at a conspicuous place in local as well as English language, and to make available the detailed schedule of rates in a booklet form to all patients and their family members. "Every patient has the right to receive treatment without any discrimination based on his or her illnesses or conditions, including HIV status or other health condition, religion, caste, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, linguistic or geographical/social origins," it stated.

Soon hospitals cannot detain patients, bodies over payment disputes

Jammu and Kashmir panchayat polls will be held in nine phases on November 17, 20, 24, 27, 29 and December 1, 4, 8 and 11 respectively, J&K Chief Electoral Officer Shaleen Kabra told media.

According to reports, counting of votes will take place on the day of polling. Votes will be cast using ballot paper, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp

Meanwhile, Kabra also announced that urban local bodies elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in four phases starting October 8.

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Panchayat polls will be held in 9 phases. Date of polls will be Nov 17, Nov 20, Nov 24, Nov 27, Nov 29, Dec 1, Dec 4, Dec 8 & Dec 11. Counting will take place on the day of polling. Votes will be cast using ballot paper: Shaleen Kabra, J&K Chief Electoral Officer <a href="https://t.co/0yTbXSzfvW">pic.twitter.com/0yTbXSzfvW</a>
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"We shall be starting the local bodies elections for municipal bodies first and then the panchayat elections. The municipal elections will be four phased and it will be held on party-basis," Kabra told reporters.

"The last date for filing nominations for the phase will be September 25 while the date of withdrawal of nominations will be September 28. The date of poll for the first phase will be October 8," Kabra added.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp

Counting of votes will take place on the day of polling, votes will be cast using ballot paper.

Jammu and Kashmir panchayat polls will be held in nine phases on November 17, 20, 24, 27, 29 and December 1, 4, 8 and 11 respectively, J&K Chief Electoral Officer Shaleen Kabra told media. According to reports, counting of votes will take place on the day of polling. Votes will be cast using ballot paper, news agency ANI reported. Meanwhile, Kabra also announced that urban local bodies elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in four phases starting October 8. Panchayat polls will be held in 9 phases. Date of polls will be Nov 17, Nov 20, Nov 24, Nov 27, Nov 29, Dec 1, Dec 4, Dec 8 & Dec 11. Counting will take place on the day of polling. Votes will be cast using ballot paper: Shaleen Kabra, J&K Chief Electoral Officer pic.twitter.com/0yTbXSzfvW — ANI (@ANI) September 16, 2018 × "We shall be starting the local bodies elections for municipal bodies first and then the panchayat elections. The municipal elections will be four phased and it will be held on party-basis," Kabra told reporters. "The last date for filing nominations for the phase will be September 25 while the date of withdrawal of nominations will be September 28. The date of poll for the first phase will be October 8," Kabra added. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K panchayat polls to be held in nine phases starting November 17

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday held "broad-based" talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defence Secretary James Mattis and his American counterpart John Bolton during which they discussed the "future direction" of the strategic Indo-US ties.

Doval's meeting with the top three officials of the Trump administration came a week after the successful India-US 2+2 Dialogue between the defence and foreign ministers of the two countries.

This was Doval's first meeting with Bolton, the new National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Doval had met Pompeo and Mattis last week in New Delhi too.

"During the three back-to-back meetings, Doval had good chance to review the entire bilateral relationship after the 2+2 talks. They build upon the discussion in New Delhi last week," informed sources told.

India's ambassador to the US, Navtej Singh Sarna, accompanied Doval in these meetings.&nbsp;

Describing it "as a very broad-based discussion", the sources said that Doval and the three top Trump administration officials talked about the "future direction" of the strategic relationship and identified areas of co-operation.

Regional issues and global developments too figured in the talks, they said, without going into specifics.

The US Ambassador to India, Ken Juster in a tweet said that the last week's 2+2 dialogue "set the course for even closer ties" between the two countries.

He said India-US partnership are on an upward trajectory.

We've seen positive momentum regarding the US-India relationship these past few weeks with 2+2 dialogue and the progress continues with Doval's visit to the US," said the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF).

India and the US signed the landmark Communications, Compatibility, Security Agreement (COMCASA) after the 2+2 talks External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had with Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mattis on September 6.

The COMCASA will allow India to receive high-end military communications equipment from the US and will also help get real-time encrypted information from the US.

Doval's meeting with the top three officials of the Trump administration came a week after the successful India-US 2+2 Dialogue between the defence and foreign ministers of the two countries.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday held "broad-based" talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defence Secretary James Mattis and his American counterpart John Bolton during which they discussed the "future direction" of the strategic Indo-US ties. Doval's meeting with the top three officials of the Trump administration came a week after the successful India-US 2+2 Dialogue between the defence and foreign ministers of the two countries. This was Doval's first meeting with Bolton, the new National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump. Doval had met Pompeo and Mattis last week in New Delhi too. "During the three back-to-back meetings, Doval had good chance to review the entire bilateral relationship after the 2+2 talks. They build upon the discussion in New Delhi last week," informed sources told. India's ambassador to the US, Navtej Singh Sarna, accompanied Doval in these meetings. Describing it "as a very broad-based discussion", the sources said that Doval and the three top Trump administration officials talked about the "future direction" of the strategic relationship and identified areas of co-operation. Regional issues and global developments too figured in the talks, they said, without going into specifics. The US Ambassador to India, Ken Juster in a tweet said that the last week's 2+2 dialogue "set the course for even closer ties" between the two countries. He said India-US partnership are on an upward trajectory. We've seen positive momentum regarding the US-India relationship these past few weeks with 2+2 dialogue and the progress continues with Doval's visit to the US," said the US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF). India and the US signed the landmark Communications, Compatibility, Security Agreement (COMCASA) after the 2+2 talks External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had with Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mattis on September 6. The COMCASA will allow India to receive high-end military communications equipment from the US and will also help get real-time encrypted information from the US.

Ajit Doval holds talks with Mike Pompeo, James Mattis on 'future direction' of Indo-US ties

Security forces gunned down five militants during an encounter in Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

The encounter broke out when the security forces launched a search operation after receiving specific inputs about the presence of militants in Chowgam village of the district during which militants opened fire at them. In retaliation, the forces opened fire at the militants and killed five militants.

A total of five terrorists have been killed so far and a search operation is underway, said IGP Kashmir SP Pani.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, train services have been suspended in the valley due to apprehensions of law and order problems.

The train services between Baramulla-Qazigund have been suspended, the official said.&nbsp;

Train services have been suspended in the valley due to apprehensions of law and order problems.

Security forces gunned down five militants during an encounter in Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The encounter broke out when the security forces launched a search operation after receiving specific inputs about the presence of militants in Chowgam village of the district during which militants opened fire at them. In retaliation, the forces opened fire at the militants and killed five militants. A total of five terrorists have been killed so far and a search operation is underway, said IGP Kashmir SP Pani. Meanwhile, train services have been suspended in the valley due to apprehensions of law and order problems. The train services between Baramulla-Qazigund have been suspended, the official said.

5 terrorists shot dead in encounter with security forces in J&K

The victims of the 19-year-old&nbsp;student who was allegedly abducted from a bus stop on her way to a coaching centre,&nbsp;drugged and gang-raped in Haryana's Mahendargarh district two days ago, have been identified.

Raids were conducted to arrest three accused, police said on Friday.&nbsp;A Special Investigation Team was also set up to probe the case.

On Saturday,&nbsp;Nuh Superintendent of Police Naazneen Bhasin visited the 19-year-old gangrape victim at a district hospital in Rewari.

A SIT&nbsp;has been formed to investigate the case is being headed by Nuh SP Bhasin. She informed that the health condition of the ex-CBSE topper is now stable.&nbsp;

"I have spoken to the victim today, her condition is stable. The main accused have been identified. We are investigating every aspect of the case," Bhasin told ANI.&nbsp;

According to the FIR, the young woman had gone to attend a coaching class when she was abducted Wednesday while she was waiting at a bus-stop in Kanina.

She was allegedly kidnapped by the accused who arrived in a car and was taken to a secluded place where she was gang-raped after being offered a drink laced with sedatives, the survivor alleged in her complaint.

The accused left her near a bus stop in Kanina later that day.

Meanwhile, the victim was admitted to a hospital in Rewari after she complained of pain in the abdomen.

"The patient was brought here with a complaint of abdominal pain and we admitted her. Her ultrasound and X-ray were done which were normal," said a doctor at civil hospital at Rewari.

"Her vitals are stable, &nbsp;though she appears to be tense. We will also seek a psychiatric opinion. She will be kept at the hospital overnight for observation," the doctor said.

The father of the young woman, a school topper who was felicitated by the government, said she could have been raped by eight to 10 men.

"She has named three accused, but when the horrific incident took place, she sensed that 8-10 persons could have been there," the victim's father told reporters in Rewari Friday, noting she was drugged by the accused.

The father of the young woman, a school topper who was felicitated by the government, said she could have been raped by eight to 10 men.

The victims of the 19-year-old student who was allegedly abducted from a bus stop on her way to a coaching centre, drugged and gang-raped in Haryana's Mahendargarh district two days ago, have been identified. Raids were conducted to arrest three accused, police said on Friday. A Special Investigation Team was also set up to probe the case. On Saturday, Nuh Superintendent of Police Naazneen Bhasin visited the 19-year-old gangrape victim at a district hospital in Rewari. A SIT has been formed to investigate the case is being headed by Nuh SP Bhasin. She informed that the health condition of the ex-CBSE topper is now stable. "I have spoken to the victim today, her condition is stable. The main accused have been identified. We are investigating every aspect of the case," Bhasin told ANI. According to the FIR, the young woman had gone to attend a coaching class when she was abducted Wednesday while she was waiting at a bus-stop in Kanina. She was allegedly kidnapped by the accused who arrived in a car and was taken to a secluded place where she was gang-raped after being offered a drink laced with sedatives, the survivor alleged in her complaint. The accused left her near a bus stop in Kanina later that day. Meanwhile, the victim was admitted to a hospital in Rewari after she complained of pain in the abdomen. "The patient was brought here with a complaint of abdominal pain and we admitted her. Her ultrasound and X-ray were done which were normal," said a doctor at civil hospital at Rewari. "Her vitals are stable, though she appears to be tense. We will also seek a psychiatric opinion. She will be kept at the hospital overnight for observation," the doctor said. The father of the young woman, a school topper who was felicitated by the government, said she could have been raped by eight to 10 men. "She has named three accused, but when the horrific incident took place, she sensed that 8-10 persons could have been there," the victim's father told reporters in Rewari Friday, noting she was drugged by the accused.

Rewari gangrape case: Victims identified, girl's health condition stable, says police

Manohar Parrikar, who has been admitted to hospital, spoke to BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday and it was decided that he would continue as the chief minister of Goa, a party leader said.

"Parrikar spoke to Shah and briefed him about the political situation in the state, and also informed him about his health condition. It was decided that Parrikar will continue as the chief minister but he might give some of his portfolios to his cabinet colleagues," he told PTI.

Parrikar on Thursday was admitted to a hospital in Candolim and is undergoing treatment.

"By next week, the government will work out the exact arrangement through which the work burden on Parrikar could be reduced. A thought would also be given to replacing the two ailing ministers in the cabinet, Pandurang Madkaikar and Francis D'Souza," the leader said.

Parrikar, 62, had undergone treatment in the US for three months earlier this year for a pancreatic ailment and returned in June. He went to the US again for a follow-up earlier this month.

He went back to the country again on August 10 for a follow-up and returned on August 22. He was later admitted to a private hospital in Mumbai the next day due to health complications.

Earlier in the day, Goa BJP held a meeting of its state-level core committee. The core committee later met Parrikar.

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Goa CM will reach AIIMS, Delhi at 1 pm today.Amit Shah&Modi ji are monitoring the situation in Goa. Portfolios that were with CM will be distributed among ministers so that administration runs smoothly.Parrikar ji will continue to serve as CM:Michael Lobo. Dy Speaker Goa assembly <a href="https://t.co/EiBtrWyc6P">pic.twitter.com/EiBtrWyc6P</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1040836258719821830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Parrikar on Thursday was admitted to a hospital in Candolim and is undergoing treatment.

Manohar Parrikar, who has been admitted to hospital, spoke to BJP chief Amit Shah on Friday and it was decided that he would continue as the chief minister of Goa, a party leader said. "Parrikar spoke to Shah and briefed him about the political situation in the state, and also informed him about his health condition. It was decided that Parrikar will continue as the chief minister but he might give some of his portfolios to his cabinet colleagues," he told PTI. Parrikar on Thursday was admitted to a hospital in Candolim and is undergoing treatment. "By next week, the government will work out the exact arrangement through which the work burden on Parrikar could be reduced. A thought would also be given to replacing the two ailing ministers in the cabinet, Pandurang Madkaikar and Francis D'Souza," the leader said. Parrikar, 62, had undergone treatment in the US for three months earlier this year for a pancreatic ailment and returned in June. He went to the US again for a follow-up earlier this month. He went back to the country again on August 10 for a follow-up and returned on August 22. He was later admitted to a private hospital in Mumbai the next day due to health complications. Earlier in the day, Goa BJP held a meeting of its state-level core committee. The core committee later met Parrikar. Goa CM will reach AIIMS, Delhi at 1 pm today.Amit Shah&Modi ji are monitoring the situation in Goa. Portfolios that were with CM will be distributed among ministers so that administration runs smoothly.Parrikar ji will continue to serve as CM:Michael Lobo. Dy Speaker Goa assembly pic.twitter.com/EiBtrWyc6P — ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2018 ×

Parrikar to continue as Goa CM, may give some of his portfolios to cabinet colleagues: BJP

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has responded to the allegations levelled by Congress President Rahul Gandhi against the investigation agency of helping Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi in fleeing the country.&nbsp

The CBI refuted the charges of the Congress president. The central agency termed the allegation ‘baseless’.

In a statement, the agency said, “As has been stated a no. of times earlier, the decision to change LOC against Vijay Mallya was taken as at the time there were not sufficient grounds for CBI to detain and arrest him. The decision was taken at the appropriate level as a part of the process and not individually by the officer as alleged.”&nbsp

The agency also claimed that the complaint against Nirave Modi and Mehul Choksi in PNB scam was received almost a month after they had left the country, so the question of any CBI officer having any hand in their fleeing the country does not arise.

The CBI further stated that proper action should have been taken if the complaint was filed in time. Earlier, the Congress president had accused CBI’s Joint Director A K Sharma of weakening the lookout notice which allowed Mallya to escape.

Gandhi in his tweet called Sharma,’ PM’s blue-eyed-boy’. He also alleged that Sharma also helped Nirav and Choksi to escape India.&nbsp

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CBI Jt. Director, A K Sharma, weakened Mallya’s “Look Out” notice, allowing Mallya to escape. 
 
Mr Sharma, a Gujarat cadre officer, is the PM’s blue-eyed-boy in the CBI. 
 
The same officer was in charge of Nirav Modi & Mehul Choksi’s escape plans. Ooops... 
investigation!
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1040852094310395904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress has continuously attacked the Modi government after Mallya claimed that he met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley before leaving India. However, Jaitley denied Mallya’s claims.

A CBI spokesperson called Gandhi’s allegations baseless. “Some baseless allegations have been made by certain individuals against a senior officer of CBI,” he said.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has responded to the allegations levelled by Congress President Rahul Gandhi against the investigation agency of helping Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi in fleeing the country. The CBI refuted the charges of the Congress president. The central agency termed the allegation ‘baseless’. In a statement, the agency said, “As has been stated a no. of times earlier, the decision to change LOC against Vijay Mallya was taken as at the time there were not sufficient grounds for CBI to detain and arrest him. The decision was taken at the appropriate level as a part of the process and not individually by the officer as alleged.” The agency also claimed that the complaint against Nirave Modi and Mehul Choksi in PNB scam was received almost a month after they had left the country, so the question of any CBI officer having any hand in their fleeing the country does not arise. The CBI further stated that proper action should have been taken if the complaint was filed in time. Earlier, the Congress president had accused CBI’s Joint Director A K Sharma of weakening the lookout notice which allowed Mallya to escape. Gandhi in his tweet called Sharma,’ PM’s blue-eyed-boy’. He also alleged that Sharma also helped Nirav and Choksi to escape India. CBI Jt. Director, A K Sharma, weakened Mallya’s “Look Out” notice, allowing Mallya to escape. Mr Sharma, a Gujarat cadre officer, is the PM’s blue-eyed-boy in the CBI. The same officer was in charge of Nirav Modi & Mehul Choksi’s escape plans. Ooops... investigation! — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 15, 2018 × The Congress has continuously attacked the Modi government after Mallya claimed that he met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley before leaving India. However, Jaitley denied Mallya’s claims.

CBI rubbishes Rahul Gandhi’s charges against its officer, calls allegations ‘baseless’

Fuel prices have yet again witnessed a hike on Saturday, with petrol and diesel breaching earlier figures to touch new record highs.

In New Delhi, petrol is being sold 35 paise higher at Rs 81.63 per litre, while the price of diesel has been hiked by 24 paise to Rs 73.54 per litre.

Mumbai continues to be the worst affected by rising fuel prices, with petrol retailing at a staggering Rs 89.01 per litre and diesel at Rs 78.07 per litre.

The union government has been facing flak in the past few weeks for not implementing stringent measures to curb prices.

Earlier this week, the Congress Party and 21 other regional and national parties observed a `Bharat Bandh` on account of the consistent rise in fuel prices and urged the government to take necessary steps to reduce citizens` woes.

However, the Centre has maintained that external factors, including a rise in international crude oil prices, are influencing domestic fuel prices.&nbsp;

In New Delhi, petrol is being sold 35 paise higher at Rs 81.63 per litre, while the price of diesel has been hiked by 24 paise to Rs 73.54 per litre.

Fuel prices have yet again witnessed a hike on Saturday, with petrol and diesel breaching earlier figures to touch new record highs. In New Delhi, petrol is being sold 35 paise higher at Rs 81.63 per litre, while the price of diesel has been hiked by 24 paise to Rs 73.54 per litre. Mumbai continues to be the worst affected by rising fuel prices, with petrol retailing at a staggering Rs 89.01 per litre and diesel at Rs 78.07 per litre. The union government has been facing flak in the past few weeks for not implementing stringent measures to curb prices. Earlier this week, the Congress Party and 21 other regional and national parties observed a `Bharat Bandh` on account of the consistent rise in fuel prices and urged the government to take necessary steps to reduce citizens` woes. However, the Centre has maintained that external factors, including a rise in international crude oil prices, are influencing domestic fuel prices.

No respite for consumers as fuel prices touch new record high

The Gujarat Congress Saturday said it would move a no-confidence motion against the Vijay Rupani government which it claimed had failed on all fronts and had lost the faith of the people.

The two-day monsoon session of the Gujarat Assembly begins on September 18.

Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar Saturday said that he had submitted a no-confidence motion notice against the BJP government in the state.

“This government has failed on all fronts, whether it is the issue of farmers, rising cost of education and living, corruption…which is why we have moved the no-confidence motion,” Parmar said.

Parmar said that among the issues on which the government has failed are those related to farmers.

He claimed that the state government did not come up with a loan waiver scheme for farmers nor did it ensure proper supply of water for irrigation or offer them a good support price for crops.

The government had also not been able to control private school fees despite coming out with a fee regulation act which has been a failure, Parmar said.

The government failed to initiate a proper probe into the alleged groundnut procurement scam, which involves some top-ranking government officials and ministers, he alleged.

The Congress had demanded a probe by a committee headed by a sitting High Court judge, but the government, instead, set up a committee under a retired judge to look into incidents of fire in groundnut godowns, the MLA said.

The state government had also failed on the law and order front, he said.

“The government should discuss the motion if it believes in taking all stakeholders together in running the state. We will ensure that we are not suspended from the House,” he said.

Earlier, the opposition party had, during the budget session this year, moved a no-confidence motion against Assembly Speaker Rajendra Trivedi after accusing him of being partisan.

The opposition party withdrew the motion after the BJP agreed to reduce the duration of suspension of three Congress MLAs till the end of the Budget session.

Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar Saturday said that he had submitted a no-confidence motion notice against the Vijay Rupani led BJP government in the state.

The Gujarat Congress Saturday said it would move a no-confidence motion against the Vijay Rupani government which it claimed had failed on all fronts and had lost the faith of the people. The two-day monsoon session of the Gujarat Assembly begins on September 18. Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar Saturday said that he had submitted a no-confidence motion notice against the BJP government in the state. “This government has failed on all fronts, whether it is the issue of farmers, rising cost of education and living, corruption…which is why we have moved the no-confidence motion,” Parmar said. Parmar said that among the issues on which the government has failed are those related to farmers. He claimed that the state government did not come up with a loan waiver scheme for farmers nor did it ensure proper supply of water for irrigation or offer them a good support price for crops. The government had also not been able to control private school fees despite coming out with a fee regulation act which has been a failure, Parmar said. The government failed to initiate a proper probe into the alleged groundnut procurement scam, which involves some top-ranking government officials and ministers, he alleged. The Congress had demanded a probe by a committee headed by a sitting High Court judge, but the government, instead, set up a committee under a retired judge to look into incidents of fire in groundnut godowns, the MLA said. The state government had also failed on the law and order front, he said. “The government should discuss the motion if it believes in taking all stakeholders together in running the state. We will ensure that we are not suspended from the House,” he said. Earlier, the opposition party had, during the budget session this year, moved a no-confidence motion against Assembly Speaker Rajendra Trivedi after accusing him of being partisan. The opposition party withdrew the motion after the BJP agreed to reduce the duration of suspension of three Congress MLAs till the end of the Budget session.

Gujarat: Congress to move no-confidence motion against BJP government

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will fly to Delhi Saturday for his follow-up treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), news agency PTI reported quoting a senior official.

Parrikar, 62, is currently undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment at a private hospital at Candolim in North Goa.

"He will be flying to Delhi around 10.30 am today by a special flight and would be admitted to AIIMS for his follow-up treatment," a senior official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) was quoted as saying.

Parrikar had returned from the US in the first week of September following which he was admitted to the hospital at Candolim.

Earlier this year, he had undergone a three-month-long treatment in the US.

Sources stated that Parrikar had Friday spoken to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah over phone, who enquired about his health.

The Goa BJP had held a meeting of its state-level core committee on Friday. The core committee members had later met Parrikar.&nbsp;

Parrikar, 62, is currently undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment at a private hospital at Candolim in North Goa.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will fly to Delhi Saturday for his follow-up treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), news agency PTI reported quoting a senior official. Parrikar, 62, is currently undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment at a private hospital at Candolim in North Goa. "He will be flying to Delhi around 10.30 am today by a special flight and would be admitted to AIIMS for his follow-up treatment," a senior official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) was quoted as saying. Parrikar had returned from the US in the first week of September following which he was admitted to the hospital at Candolim. Earlier this year, he had undergone a three-month-long treatment in the US. Sources stated that Parrikar had Friday spoken to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah over phone, who enquired about his health. The Goa BJP had held a meeting of its state-level core committee on Friday. The core committee members had later met Parrikar.

Goa CM Manohar Parrikar to be flown to Delhi AIIMS for follow-up treatment

A blast occurred in Maqsudan police station in a busy area of Punjab's Jalandhar city on Friday evening, in which a police personnel had minor injuries, police said.

They said the possibility of a terror angle or even plain mischief could not be ruled out at this stage.

The blast, caused by some crude explosive, in all likelihood was triggered after the explosive material was hurled inside the police station, the police said.

The incident created panic as the police station is located in a busy area.

"The police station is housed in a building of a primary health centre. It appears that someone hurled some explosive from outside. The police station is open from two sides and has low boundary wall," Jalandhar Police Commissioner Praveen Kumar Sinha told PTI over phone.

At the time of the incident, Maqsudan Police Station's SHO was holding a meeting with some other personnel posted there.

Sinha said a police personnel sustained minor injuries.<iframe data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

"We will investigate case from all angles," he said.

Asked if it was an attempt to blow up the police station and if there was a terror angle, he said, "It'll be presumptuous to say anything at this stage, but at the same time nothing can be ruled out. It can be anything. It can also be a mischief on someone's part. But we are taking it very seriously."

"We have cordoned off the area and security has been stepped up in entire Jalandhar," he said.

A case has been registered against unidentified persons under provisions of the IPC and the Explosives Act, he added.

Forensic team has been summoned and the CCTV footage will be examined, he said.&nbsp

The blast, caused by some crude explosive, in all likelihood was triggered after the explosive material was hurled inside the police station, the police said.

A blast occurred in Maqsudan police station in a busy area of Punjab's Jalandhar city on Friday evening, in which a police personnel had minor injuries, police said. They said the possibility of a terror angle or even plain mischief could not be ruled out at this stage. The blast, caused by some crude explosive, in all likelihood was triggered after the explosive material was hurled inside the police station, the police said. The incident created panic as the police station is located in a busy area. "The police station is housed in a building of a primary health centre. It appears that someone hurled some explosive from outside. The police station is open from two sides and has low boundary wall," Jalandhar Police Commissioner Praveen Kumar Sinha told PTI over phone. At the time of the incident, Maqsudan Police Station's SHO was holding a meeting with some other personnel posted there. Sinha said a police personnel sustained minor injuries. "We will investigate case from all angles," he said. Asked if it was an attempt to blow up the police station and if there was a terror angle, he said, "It'll be presumptuous to say anything at this stage, but at the same time nothing can be ruled out. It can be anything. It can also be a mischief on someone's part. But we are taking it very seriously." "We have cordoned off the area and security has been stepped up in entire Jalandhar," he said. A case has been registered against unidentified persons under provisions of the IPC and the Explosives Act, he added. Forensic team has been summoned and the CCTV footage will be examined, he said.

Blast after 'explosives thrown' at Jalandhar police station, cop injured

India on Friday raised concern over China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the 39th Session of the Human Rights Council, underlining that the 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor' (CPEC) project ignores New Delhi's core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity.

While asserting that India shares the international community's desire for enhancing physical connectivity and believes that it should bring greater economic benefits to all in an equitable and balanced manner, India's Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Virander Paul said, "Regarding the so-called 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor', which is being projected as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, the international community is well aware of India's position. No country can accept a project that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"India reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the Right to Development," he added.

Paul said in his statement on the Report of the Working Group on the Right to Development that India understands that the right to development remains extremely important for an overwhelming majority of the global population. However, it is regrettable that even after three decades of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development, and after 19 sessions of the working group on this subject, the right still remains a distant reality.

He further said that progress in the working group is possible only if participating member states demonstrate the necessary political will for seeking common ground with a result oriented approach.

"We agree that the process of development needs to be nationally owned and driven by national needs and priorities. However, what it needs to be complemented by is equitable economic relations and a favourable environment at the international level. It is high time that we recognise the Right to Development is central to the realisation of all other human rights," he said.

Paul said in his statement on the Report of the Working Group on the Right to Development that India understands that the right to development remains extremely important for an overwhelming majority of the global population.

India on Friday raised concern over China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the 39th Session of the Human Rights Council, underlining that the 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor' (CPEC) project ignores New Delhi's core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity. While asserting that India shares the international community's desire for enhancing physical connectivity and believes that it should bring greater economic benefits to all in an equitable and balanced manner, India's Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Virander Paul said, "Regarding the so-called 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor', which is being projected as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, the international community is well aware of India's position. No country can accept a project that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity." "India reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the Right to Development," he added. Paul said in his statement on the Report of the Working Group on the Right to Development that India understands that the right to development remains extremely important for an overwhelming majority of the global population. However, it is regrettable that even after three decades of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development, and after 19 sessions of the working group on this subject, the right still remains a distant reality. He further said that progress in the working group is possible only if participating member states demonstrate the necessary political will for seeking common ground with a result oriented approach. "We agree that the process of development needs to be nationally owned and driven by national needs and priorities. However, what it needs to be complemented by is equitable economic relations and a favourable environment at the international level. It is high time that we recognise the Right to Development is central to the realisation of all other human rights," he said.

China-Pak trade corridor ignores our 'core concerns', says India at UN

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Saturday that the government is confident of meeting its fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent of gross domestic product in the current fiscal year, a day after outlining a number of measures to bolster the falling rupee.

In a message clearly aimed at allaying market concerns that a confluence of factors could derail the Indian economy, Arun Jaitley said on Saturday the government is sure of meeting the fiscal deficit target given robust tax collections.

"We will have a growth rate higher than what we`d projected earlier this year in the budget," Jaitley said after he and his team briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the economy.&nbsp;

Jaitley's message comes a day after he outlined a slew of measures aimed at stemming a decline in the rupee - the worst-performing Asian currency this year.&nbsp;

Despite strong GDP growth, the rupee has weakened about 11 per cent this year amid higher oil prices and an emerging markets sell-off. This has widened India's current account deficit and pushed its balance of payments into the red in April-June for the first time in six quarters.

"The government is confident and will strictly maintain the 3.3 per cent fiscal deficit target," said Jaitley, adding Modi expressed satisfaction on the macroeconomic data that has so far emerged for this year.&nbsp;

Jaitley said the fiscal year that ends in March 2019, will be completed without any spending cuts, adding that inflation remained broadly under control.&nbsp;

India on Friday said it will take steps to cut down "non-necessary" imports, ease overseas borrowing norms for the manufacturing sector and relax rules around banks raising masala bonds, or rupee-denominated overseas bonds.

Speaking to reporters after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed various departments of the finance ministry, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the government is confident of surpassing the 7.2-7.5% GDP growth rate.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Saturday that the government is confident of meeting its fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent of gross domestic product in the current fiscal year, a day after outlining a number of measures to bolster the falling rupee. In a message clearly aimed at allaying market concerns that a confluence of factors could derail the Indian economy, Arun Jaitley said on Saturday the government is sure of meeting the fiscal deficit target given robust tax collections. "We will have a growth rate higher than what we`d projected earlier this year in the budget," Jaitley said after he and his team briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the economy. Jaitley's message comes a day after he outlined a slew of measures aimed at stemming a decline in the rupee - the worst-performing Asian currency this year. Despite strong GDP growth, the rupee has weakened about 11 per cent this year amid higher oil prices and an emerging markets sell-off. This has widened India's current account deficit and pushed its balance of payments into the red in April-June for the first time in six quarters. "The government is confident and will strictly maintain the 3.3 per cent fiscal deficit target," said Jaitley, adding Modi expressed satisfaction on the macroeconomic data that has so far emerged for this year. Jaitley said the fiscal year that ends in March 2019, will be completed without any spending cuts, adding that inflation remained broadly under control. India on Friday said it will take steps to cut down "non-necessary" imports, ease overseas borrowing norms for the manufacturing sector and relax rules around banks raising masala bonds, or rupee-denominated overseas bonds.

Government will stick to 3.3% fiscal deficit target, says Arun Jaitley

The National Commission for Women stepped in Saturday as an army man and two others accused of raping a woman in Haryana’s Mahendragarh district continued to evade arrest.

A top commander said the Army will help the police in the probe.

The Haryana police set up a special investigation team and announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to their arrest.

The victim’s father has said 8 or 10 men may have raped her but she could identify only three of them.

The woman, a school topper who had been felicitated by the government, was abducted at a bus stop in Kanina town while she was on the way to a coaching class, police said.

She was then allegedly drugged and gang-raped at a secluded spot.

Haryana’s Director General of Police BS Sandhu confirmed Saturday that one of the accused is an army man posted in Rajasthan.

A police team has been sent there, “and I hope that he will be arrested today”, he told reporters.

Sandhu said the army man was on leave and expected to rejoin later in the day. 
In Jaipur, Lt Gen Cherish Mathson, who heads the South Western Command, said the army will help bring the rape accused to book.

“We do not shelter criminals. We would facilitate in searching out the accused, and will make sure that if any Army man is found involved in the rape case, he is brought to the book,” he told reporters at an Army event.

Also on Saturday, the National Commission for Women (NCW) condemned the incident and asked the Haryana police chief to give an update on the probe.

The special investigation team, led by Nuh Superintendent of Police Naazneen Bhasin, visited the crime spot.

Bhasin told reporters in Rewari that the sketches of the accused will soon be released by police.

Their antecedents are also being checked for any past criminal record.

She said a medical examination had confirmed rape.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rewari?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rewari</a> gang-rape case: Rewari police has released photos of the three accused, Manish (pic 1), Nishu (pic 2) and Pankaj - an Army personnel (pic 3). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Haryana?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Haryana</a> <a href="https://t.co/RLbEatFGU5">pic.twitter.com/RLbEatFGU5</a>
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The victim’s mother had accused the police of delay in acting after a complaint was filed, but Bhasin countered the charge.

She said the police sent out raiding teams when they were told about the crime. “But the accused had left the place on the day of the incident, according to their mobile forensics.”

Multiple teams have been formed to nab them, she said.

The SP said police personnel attended to the victim properly.

“The most important factor was to make the victim comfortable to take her statement in a sensitive way,” she said, adding there was no delay in this procedure.

The army man who allegedly raped the woman was identified as Pankaj, posted in Kota.

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Haryana: Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrives at the spot of the incident for further investigation of the Rewari gang-rape case. <a href="https://t.co/AOourv1IN1">pic.twitter.com/AOourv1IN1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1040898407051616257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Narnaul and Rewari police are also looking for the other two men, the Haryana police chief said, expressing confidence that they will be caught soon.

Sandhu said all the three accused were known to the victim.

He said an FIR was registered as soon as the victim lodged her complaint, and a medical examination conducted.

She was allegedly kidnapped by three men who arrived in a car and was taken to a secluded place where she was gang-raped after being offered a drink laced with sedatives, the complainant had alleged.

The accused later left her near a bus stop in Kanina the same day.

The case evoked a sharp reaction from the opposition parties. They demanded the resignation of chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on moral grounds, saying the state had failed to protect its daughters.&nbsp

According to the complaint, the woman was allegedly kidnapped by the accused who arrived in a car and was taken to a secluded place where she was raped after being offered a drink laced with sedatives.

The National Commission for Women stepped in Saturday as an army man and two others accused of raping a woman in Haryana’s Mahendragarh district continued to evade arrest. A top commander said the Army will help the police in the probe. The Haryana police set up a special investigation team and announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to their arrest. The victim’s father has said 8 or 10 men may have raped her but she could identify only three of them. The woman, a school topper who had been felicitated by the government, was abducted at a bus stop in Kanina town while she was on the way to a coaching class, police said. She was then allegedly drugged and gang-raped at a secluded spot. Haryana’s Director General of Police BS Sandhu confirmed Saturday that one of the accused is an army man posted in Rajasthan. A police team has been sent there, “and I hope that he will be arrested today”, he told reporters. Sandhu said the army man was on leave and expected to rejoin later in the day. In Jaipur, Lt Gen Cherish Mathson, who heads the South Western Command, said the army will help bring the rape accused to book. “We do not shelter criminals. We would facilitate in searching out the accused, and will make sure that if any Army man is found involved in the rape case, he is brought to the book,” he told reporters at an Army event. Also on Saturday, the National Commission for Women (NCW) condemned the incident and asked the Haryana police chief to give an update on the probe. The special investigation team, led by Nuh Superintendent of Police Naazneen Bhasin, visited the crime spot. Bhasin told reporters in Rewari that the sketches of the accused will soon be released by police. Their antecedents are also being checked for any past criminal record. She said a medical examination had confirmed rape. #Rewari gang-rape case: Rewari police has released photos of the three accused, Manish (pic 1), Nishu (pic 2) and Pankaj - an Army personnel (pic 3). #Haryana pic.twitter.com/RLbEatFGU5 — ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2018 × The victim’s mother had accused the police of delay in acting after a complaint was filed, but Bhasin countered the charge. She said the police sent out raiding teams when they were told about the crime. “But the accused had left the place on the day of the incident, according to their mobile forensics.” Multiple teams have been formed to nab them, she said. The SP said police personnel attended to the victim properly. “The most important factor was to make the victim comfortable to take her statement in a sensitive way,” she said, adding there was no delay in this procedure. The army man who allegedly raped the woman was identified as Pankaj, posted in Kota. Haryana: Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrives at the spot of the incident for further investigation of the Rewari gang-rape case. pic.twitter.com/AOourv1IN1 — ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2018 × Narnaul and Rewari police are also looking for the other two men, the Haryana police chief said, expressing confidence that they will be caught soon. Sandhu said all the three accused were known to the victim. He said an FIR was registered as soon as the victim lodged her complaint, and a medical examination conducted. She was allegedly kidnapped by three men who arrived in a car and was taken to a secluded place where she was gang-raped after being offered a drink laced with sedatives, the complainant had alleged. The accused later left her near a bus stop in Kanina the same day. The case evoked a sharp reaction from the opposition parties. They demanded the resignation of chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on moral grounds, saying the state had failed to protect its daughters.

Haryana gang-rape: Army man among three accused, NCW steps in

India and Serbia on Saturday signed two agreements, including one on air services, as Vice President Venkaiah Naidu met Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and held "fruitful" discussions with him on strengthening cooperation in a number of areas, including trade, defence and IT.

Naidu, who arrived here on Friday, was welcomed by Vucic at the Serbia Palace.

During the visit, the two sides signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of plant health and plant quarantine and a revised Air Services Agreement.

"These agreements will contribute to further enhancing bilateral economic ties," Vice President's office tweeted.

"New impetus to the partnership that is gaining momentum! Vice President @MVenkaiahNaidu & President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic led delegation-level talks between the two sides where fruitful discussions on food production, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, defence industry, tourism & IT followed," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

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New impetus to the partnership that is gaining momentum!Vice President <a href="https://twitter.com/MVenkaiahNaidu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MVenkaiahNaidu</a> & President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic led delegation level talks betwn 2 sides where fruitful discussion on food production,agriculture, pharmaceuticals,defense industry,tourism & IT followed. <a href="https://t.co/uLDKprM4TT">pic.twitter.com/uLDKprM4TT</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1040893612995895296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation and trade to expand the great potential of a partnership between two countries, he said.

"India is the largest global player in generic medicines and with the new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, we have the potential to become the largest drugs manufacturer and exporter in the world, including in the East European region," Naidu said.

"We greatly appreciate the growing interest and increasing popularity of Indian culture, especially in Yoga, Ayurveda and Homeopathy in Serbia," he said.

Today India is one of the fastest growing major economies in the world, Naidu said as he invited Serbian companies to take advantage of the favourable trade and investment environment in India as well as major policy initiatives like Make in India, Smart cities, Digital India and Start-up India by participating in these programmes.

"There is huge scope to promote collaboration in sectors like agriculture and food processing, science & technology, IT and Electronics, pharmaceuticals, education and tourism," the vice president said.

The two leaders jointly presided over India-Serbia Business Forum meeting where leading businessmen were urged to explore new opportunities emerging in both the countries.

The two leaders jointly released the postage stamp of Swami Vivekananda and Nikola Tesla, the great scientist from Serbia to commemorate 70 years of India-Serbia diplomatic relations.

Earlier, Naidu was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Vucic.

Yesterday, Naidu interacted with the Indian community in Belgrade and asked them to be part of India's growth story.

The two leaders jointly presided over India-Serbia Business Forum meeting where leading businessmen were urged to explore new opportunities emerging in both the countries

India and Serbia on Saturday signed two agreements, including one on air services, as Vice President Venkaiah Naidu met Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and held "fruitful" discussions with him on strengthening cooperation in a number of areas, including trade, defence and IT. Naidu, who arrived here on Friday, was welcomed by Vucic at the Serbia Palace. During the visit, the two sides signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of plant health and plant quarantine and a revised Air Services Agreement. "These agreements will contribute to further enhancing bilateral economic ties," Vice President's office tweeted. "New impetus to the partnership that is gaining momentum! Vice President @MVenkaiahNaidu & President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic led delegation-level talks between the two sides where fruitful discussions on food production, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, defence industry, tourism & IT followed," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. New impetus to the partnership that is gaining momentum!Vice President @MVenkaiahNaidu & President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic led delegation level talks betwn 2 sides where fruitful discussion on food production,agriculture, pharmaceuticals,defense industry,tourism & IT followed. pic.twitter.com/uLDKprM4TT — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 15, 2018 × The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation and trade to expand the great potential of a partnership between two countries, he said. "India is the largest global player in generic medicines and with the new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, we have the potential to become the largest drugs manufacturer and exporter in the world, including in the East European region," Naidu said. "We greatly appreciate the growing interest and increasing popularity of Indian culture, especially in Yoga, Ayurveda and Homeopathy in Serbia," he said. Today India is one of the fastest growing major economies in the world, Naidu said as he invited Serbian companies to take advantage of the favourable trade and investment environment in India as well as major policy initiatives like Make in India, Smart cities, Digital India and Start-up India by participating in these programmes. "There is huge scope to promote collaboration in sectors like agriculture and food processing, science & technology, IT and Electronics, pharmaceuticals, education and tourism," the vice president said. The two leaders jointly presided over India-Serbia Business Forum meeting where leading businessmen were urged to explore new opportunities emerging in both the countries. The two leaders jointly released the postage stamp of Swami Vivekananda and Nikola Tesla, the great scientist from Serbia to commemorate 70 years of India-Serbia diplomatic relations. Earlier, Naidu was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Vucic. Yesterday, Naidu interacted with the Indian community in Belgrade and asked them to be part of India's growth story.

VP Venkaiah Naidu discusses bilateral cooperation in trade and defence with Serbian Prez

The Jalandhar Police has served a notice to&nbsp;Bishop Franco Mulakkal to appear for interrogation before the Kerala Police on September&nbsp;19.

A criminal case has also been registered against the Missionaries of Jesus for publishing a letter as well as a photo of the victim nun.&nbsp;

The decision to summon the clergyman was taken after a meeting chaired by Sakhare, Inspector General (Ernakulam range), which was also attended by Kottayam District Superintendent of Police Harisankar and Vaikom Deputy Superintendent of Police K Subhash amid mounting pressure on police to initiate action against Mullakal.

Meanwhile, the brother of the victim has also slammed the congregation for disclosing the identity of the nun.&nbsp;

He said, "Yesterday Missionaries of Jesus published a letter as well as a photo of the victim. I condemn that. It's very shameful, people of a congregation like that don't know Court's order. It is very sad that they want to harass my sister in such a way."

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Jalandhar Bishop Franco has been served notice to appear for interrogation on 19th Sept. A criminal case has been registered against Missionaries of Jesus for publishing a letter as well as a photo of the victim nun: Harishankar, SP Kottayam on Kerala nun rape case <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/BGNvqeqxJh">pic.twitter.com/BGNvqeqxJh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1040890340549582848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bishop Franco Mulakkal, facing probe over allegations of rape by a nun, has handed over <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/bishop-franco-mulakkal-accused-of-raping-kerala-nun-steps-down-165760">his administrative responsibility</a> of Jalandhar diocese to a senior priest.

"In my absence, Msgr Mathew Kokkandam will administer the Diocese as in the normal practice when I am away from the Diocese," Bishop Mulakkal said in a circular.

In the circular, the bishop said there were "several contradictions" in the evidences collected against him by the police probing the case.

"I leave everything into the hand of God as I await the result of the findings of the team probing the allegation," he said in it.

The nun had recently sought the urgent intervention of the Vatican for justice and demanded the bishop's removal as the head of the Jalandhar diocese, questioning why the church was "closing its eyes to the truth" when she had mustered the courage to make public her suffering.

She alleged that Bishop Mulakkal was using "political and money power" to "bury" the case against him.

The nun had accused the clergyman of sexually assaulting her repeatedly between 2014 and 2016.

The bishop had, however, dismissed the allegations as "baseless and concocted", insisting she levelled those as the Catholic order had rejected her demand for favours.

(With inputs from PTI)

The case has now been brought to the notice of the Vatican and the representative from India is in Rome to discuss the issue, ANI report said.

The Jalandhar Police has served a notice to Bishop Franco Mulakkal to appear for interrogation before the Kerala Police on September 19. A criminal case has also been registered against the Missionaries of Jesus for publishing a letter as well as a photo of the victim nun. The decision to summon the clergyman was taken after a meeting chaired by Sakhare, Inspector General (Ernakulam range), which was also attended by Kottayam District Superintendent of Police Harisankar and Vaikom Deputy Superintendent of Police K Subhash amid mounting pressure on police to initiate action against Mullakal. Meanwhile, the brother of the victim has also slammed the congregation for disclosing the identity of the nun. He said, "Yesterday Missionaries of Jesus published a letter as well as a photo of the victim. I condemn that. It's very shameful, people of a congregation like that don't know Court's order. It is very sad that they want to harass my sister in such a way." Jalandhar Bishop Franco has been served notice to appear for interrogation on 19th Sept. A criminal case has been registered against Missionaries of Jesus for publishing a letter as well as a photo of the victim nun: Harishankar, SP Kottayam on Kerala nun rape case #Kerala pic.twitter.com/BGNvqeqxJh — ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2018 × Bishop Franco Mulakkal, facing probe over allegations of rape by a nun, has handed over his administrative responsibility of Jalandhar diocese to a senior priest. "In my absence, Msgr Mathew Kokkandam will administer the Diocese as in the normal practice when I am away from the Diocese," Bishop Mulakkal said in a circular. In the circular, the bishop said there were "several contradictions" in the evidences collected against him by the police probing the case. "I leave everything into the hand of God as I await the result of the findings of the team probing the allegation," he said in it. The nun had recently sought the urgent intervention of the Vatican for justice and demanded the bishop's removal as the head of the Jalandhar diocese, questioning why the church was "closing its eyes to the truth" when she had mustered the courage to make public her suffering. She alleged that Bishop Mulakkal was using "political and money power" to "bury" the case against him. The nun had accused the clergyman of sexually assaulting her repeatedly between 2014 and 2016. The bishop had, however, dismissed the allegations as "baseless and concocted", insisting she levelled those as the Catholic order had rejected her demand for favours. (With inputs from PTI)

Kerala nun rape case: Bishop Franco Mulakkal asked to appear before police on Sept 19

Three militants were killed Saturday in an encounter with the security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, news agency PTI reported quoting police.

Three militants have been killed in the operation at Chowgam in Kulgam district of south Kashmir, the report added quoting a police officer.

A total of five militants were believed to be engaged in the encounter.

Acting on specific information about the presence of militants in Chowgam, the security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area this morning.

Amid the ongoing search operation, the militants opened fire on the security forces, prompting them to retaliate and kill three of the outlaws, the officer said, adding the operation is continuing.

Meanwhile, train services have been suspended in the valley due to apprehensions of law and order problems.

The train services between Baramulla-Qazigund have been suspended, the official said.&nbsp;

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Encounter between terrorists & security forces is underway in Kulgam's Chowgam. 3 terrorists have been killed so far. Train services between Baramulla-Qazigund have been suspended: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> Police (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/FKpU426GVd">pic.twitter.com/FKpU426GVd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1040791453633470466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Acting on specific information about the presence of militants in Chowgam, the security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area this morning.

Three militants were killed Saturday in an encounter with the security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, news agency PTI reported quoting police. Three militants have been killed in the operation at Chowgam in Kulgam district of south Kashmir, the report added quoting a police officer. A total of five militants were believed to be engaged in the encounter. Acting on specific information about the presence of militants in Chowgam, the security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area this morning. Amid the ongoing search operation, the militants opened fire on the security forces, prompting them to retaliate and kill three of the outlaws, the officer said, adding the operation is continuing. Meanwhile, train services have been suspended in the valley due to apprehensions of law and order problems. The train services between Baramulla-Qazigund have been suspended, the official said. Encounter between terrorists & security forces is underway in Kulgam's Chowgam. 3 terrorists have been killed so far. Train services between Baramulla-Qazigund have been suspended: #JammuAndKashmir Police (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/FKpU426GVd — ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2018 ×

3 militants killed in encounter with security forces in J&K, gunfight on: Police

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) will forge an alliance for the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly polls in 2019, party leaders announced Saturday. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi told PTI that preliminary talks held between both parties have yielded positive results.

“(BBM chief) Prakash Ambedkar ji will be holding a public rally in Aurangabad on October 2 in which I too will be present. The formal structure of the alliance will be announced later,” Owaisi said.

Imtiyaz Jaleel, AIMIM MLA from Aurangabad, said the idea behind the alliance was that Dalits, Muslims and OBCs have been ignored for 70 years, have no proper representation in politics and were being treated as vote-banks.

“It is a shame on all so-called secular parties that there is no representation from the Muslim community in Parliament from Maharashtra. Everybody wants their votes but does not want to give them representation. Similar is the case for Dalits,” he said.

He added that once both parties come together, they would be a force to reckon with. Jaleel, who called on Ambedkar at the latter’s home in Pune to hold preliminary talks, added that Owaisi and Ambedkar will meet before the public rally on October 2 and will decide on the structure of the alliance. Haribhau Bhale, former MLA and BBM leader, said Dalits, Muslims and OBCs are upset with mainstream parties.

“There is a growing pressure to form an alternative. Thus, all groups that have been ignored will come together. What shape the alliance will take will be decided by party leaders,” Bhale said.

The Nationalist Congress Party, meanwhile, said that the AIMIM-BBM alliance was an experiment that would be “unimpactful”.

“These experiments were rejected in Nanded last year. People who rejected AIMIM in Nanded, from where it started, want to see the Sena and BJP and BJP defeated,” NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said.

“Why did people reject AIMIM in Nanded and BBM in Bhandara-Gondiya? Such experiments cannot gain any political benefits because people know what to do. They will prefer an alternative to the BJP and Shiv Sena. Nobody is interested in experiments. It will be unimpactful in the state,” Malik claimed.

The Congress termed Ambedkar’s joining hands with AIMIM as “unfortunate”.

“It is very unfortunate that Ambedkar ji has to go with a communal party like AIMIM. AIMIM is a party supported by the BJP and drives its agenda. It is saddening to see Ambedkar ji associate himself with such a party,” Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Sachin Sawant said.

Imtiyaz Jaleel, AIMIM MLA from Aurangabad, said the idea behind the alliance was that Dalits, Muslims and OBCs have been ignored for 70 years, have no proper representation in politics and were being treated as vote-banks.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) will forge an alliance for the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly polls in 2019, party leaders announced Saturday. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi told PTI that preliminary talks held between both parties have yielded positive results. “(BBM chief) Prakash Ambedkar ji will be holding a public rally in Aurangabad on October 2 in which I too will be present. The formal structure of the alliance will be announced later,” Owaisi said. Imtiyaz Jaleel, AIMIM MLA from Aurangabad, said the idea behind the alliance was that Dalits, Muslims and OBCs have been ignored for 70 years, have no proper representation in politics and were being treated as vote-banks. “It is a shame on all so-called secular parties that there is no representation from the Muslim community in Parliament from Maharashtra. Everybody wants their votes but does not want to give them representation. Similar is the case for Dalits,” he said. He added that once both parties come together, they would be a force to reckon with. Jaleel, who called on Ambedkar at the latter’s home in Pune to hold preliminary talks, added that Owaisi and Ambedkar will meet before the public rally on October 2 and will decide on the structure of the alliance. Haribhau Bhale, former MLA and BBM leader, said Dalits, Muslims and OBCs are upset with mainstream parties. “There is a growing pressure to form an alternative. Thus, all groups that have been ignored will come together. What shape the alliance will take will be decided by party leaders,” Bhale said. The Nationalist Congress Party, meanwhile, said that the AIMIM-BBM alliance was an experiment that would be “unimpactful”. “These experiments were rejected in Nanded last year. People who rejected AIMIM in Nanded, from where it started, want to see the Sena and BJP and BJP defeated,” NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said. “Why did people reject AIMIM in Nanded and BBM in Bhandara-Gondiya? Such experiments cannot gain any political benefits because people know what to do. They will prefer an alternative to the BJP and Shiv Sena. Nobody is interested in experiments. It will be unimpactful in the state,” Malik claimed. The Congress termed Ambedkar’s joining hands with AIMIM as “unfortunate”. “It is very unfortunate that Ambedkar ji has to go with a communal party like AIMIM. AIMIM is a party supported by the BJP and drives its agenda. It is saddening to see Ambedkar ji associate himself with such a party,” Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Sachin Sawant said.

Owaisi’s AIMIM, Ambedkar’s BBM to tie up for 2019 polls

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/florences-violent-grind-leaves-five-dead-in-carolinas-165710">Florence's 'violent grind' leaves five dead in Carolinas</a>

Florence crashed into the Carolina coast on Friday, felling trees, dumping nearly three feet of rain on some spots and leading to the death of five people before it was downgraded to a tropical storm still capable of wreaking havoc.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-mangkhut-storm-makes-landfall-in-philippines-165720">Typhoon Mangkhut: Storm makes landfall in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-mangkhut-storm-makes-landfall-in-philippines-165720">Philippines</a>

A fierce typhoon bringing winds of over 200 km per hour made landfall in the northern Philippines on Saturday, bringing powerful gusts, heavy rainfall and causing power outages in some areas.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-cannot-repeat-its-2014-poll-performance-mamata-banerjee--165723">BJP cannot repeat it's 2014 poll performance: Mamata Banerjee</a>

Accusing the BJP government at the Centre of "showing audacity and arrogance", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Friday it has failed in all respects and will be defeated in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/paul-manafort-cooperation-could-energise-special-counsel-mueller-probe-legal-experts-165721">Manafort cooperation could </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/paul-manafort-cooperation-could-energise-special-counsel-mueller-probe-legal-experts-165721">energise</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/paul-manafort-cooperation-could-energise-special-counsel-mueller-probe-legal-experts-165721"> Special Counsel Mueller probe: Legal experts</a>

A plea deal by former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort to cooperate with US prosecutors in their investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election suggests he could shed light on unanswered questions revolving around the campaign, legal experts said on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-readies-tariffs-on-200-billion-more-chinese-goods-despite-talks-source-165714">Trump readies tariffs on $200 billion more Chinese goods despite talks: Source</a>

US President Donald Trump has directed aides to proceed with tariffs on about another US $200 billion of Chinese goods, despite Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's attempts to restart trade talks with China, a source familiar with the matter said on Friday.

Florence's 'violent grind' leaves five dead in Carolinas Florence crashed into the Carolina coast on Friday, felling trees, dumping nearly three feet of rain on some spots and leading to the death of five people before it was downgraded to a tropical storm still capable of wreaking havoc. Typhoon Mangkhut: Storm makes landfall in Philippines A fierce typhoon bringing winds of over 200 km per hour made landfall in the northern Philippines on Saturday, bringing powerful gusts, heavy rainfall and causing power outages in some areas. BJP cannot repeat it's 2014 poll performance: Mamata Banerjee Accusing the BJP government at the Centre of "showing audacity and arrogance", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Friday it has failed in all respects and will be defeated in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Manafort cooperation could energise Special Counsel Mueller probe: Legal experts A plea deal by former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort to cooperate with US prosecutors in their investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election suggests he could shed light on unanswered questions revolving around the campaign, legal experts said on Friday. Trump readies tariffs on $200 billion more Chinese goods despite talks: Source US President Donald Trump has directed aides to proceed with tariffs on about another US $200 billion of Chinese goods, despite Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's attempts to restart trade talks with China, a source familiar with the matter said on Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and member of Haryana's legislative assembly (MLA) Uchana Kalan claimed that unemployed and frustrated youngsters commit heinous crimes like rape.

Speaking to media in Chandigarh at an event, BJP MLA Premlata said, "Youth who are frustrated, unemployed.. They commit such crime (rape) which is a very bad trend in the society."

Premlata was commenting on the alleged gangrape of a 19-year-old young woman that took place on Wednesday in Haryana`s Narnaul in the Mahendragarh district.

The Medical Superintendent of a Rewari hospital, where the victim is undergoing treatment, said that the patient's condition is stable and she is recovering from the trauma.

"The victim's condition is stable and she is recovering from the trauma. Her x-ray and ultrasound reports are normal. We will continue to review her condition regularly," Medical Superintendent Sudarshan Panwar told ANI.

The victim is a school topper, who was awarded by the government.

A serving defence personnel has been identified as the main accused in the case.&nbsp;

Speaking to media in Chandigarh at an event, BJP MLA Premlata said, 'Youth who are frustrated, unemployed.. They commit such crime (rape) which is a very bad trend in the society'.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and member of Haryana's legislative assembly (MLA) Uchana Kalan claimed that unemployed and frustrated youngsters commit heinous crimes like rape. Speaking to media in Chandigarh at an event, BJP MLA Premlata said, "Youth who are frustrated, unemployed.. They commit such crime (rape) which is a very bad trend in the society." Premlata was commenting on the alleged gangrape of a 19-year-old young woman that took place on Wednesday in Haryana`s Narnaul in the Mahendragarh district. The Medical Superintendent of a Rewari hospital, where the victim is undergoing treatment, said that the patient's condition is stable and she is recovering from the trauma. "The victim's condition is stable and she is recovering from the trauma. Her x-ray and ultrasound reports are normal. We will continue to review her condition regularly," Medical Superintendent Sudarshan Panwar told ANI. The victim is a school topper, who was awarded by the government. A serving defence personnel has been identified as the main accused in the case.

Unemployed, frustrated youth commit rape: BJP lawmaker on Haryana rape

The Madras High Court on Friday extended an interim order dispensing with the appearance of former Union minister P Chidambaram's family members before a special court here till October 12 in a case of alleged non-disclosure of foreign assets filed against them by the I-T department.

The bench, comprising Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad, has already reserved its order on the appeals moved by Chidambaram's wife, son and daughter-in-law, challenging the prosecution initiated against them by the Income Tax Department under the Black Money Act.

On August 31, the court in an interim order dispensed with the appearance of Chidambaram's wife Nalini, his son, Karti and daughter-in-law Srinidhi before the special court for economic offences cases, Egmore till September 14. With the interim order coming to an end Friday, it was extended up to October 12.

The issue pertains to alleged non-disclosure of overseas assets and bank accounts held by the trio.

According to the I-T department, the three had failed to disclose a property they jointly own in Cambridge in the UK, worth Rs 5.37 crore, which amounted to an offence under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act.

The department has also alleged that Karti Chidambaram had failed to disclose an overseas bank account he holds with Metro Bank in the UK and investments he had made in Nano Holdings LLC, USA.

He had also "failed" to disclose investments made by Chess Global Advisory, a company co-owned by him, which amounts to an offence under the Black Money Act, the department has said in its complaint filed in the special court in May this year.

Assailing the prosecution, the three approached the high court. As a single judge bench refused any relief, they moved an appeal.

On June 27, the first bench headed by then Chief Justice Indira Banerjee reserved its order on the appeal. However, as Justice Banerjee was later elevated to the Supreme Court, orders could not be pronounced.

The appeal was then referred to the bench headed by Justice Manikumar for fresh hearing.

During the hearing by Justice Banerjee, counsel for the appellants had contended that prima facie no offence can be made out against them under the Black Money Act.

The act deals with undisclosed income raised from foreign assets. But in the present case, all the relevant information had been disclosed by the petitioners in their returns filed under the Income Tax Act, the counsel had said.&nbsp

On June 27, the first bench headed by then Chief Justice Indira Banerjee reserved its order on the appeal. However, as Justice Banerjee was later elevated to the Supreme Court, orders could not be pronounced.

The Madras High Court on Friday extended an interim order dispensing with the appearance of former Union minister P Chidambaram's family members before a special court here till October 12 in a case of alleged non-disclosure of foreign assets filed against them by the I-T department. The bench, comprising Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad, has already reserved its order on the appeals moved by Chidambaram's wife, son and daughter-in-law, challenging the prosecution initiated against them by the Income Tax Department under the Black Money Act. On August 31, the court in an interim order dispensed with the appearance of Chidambaram's wife Nalini, his son, Karti and daughter-in-law Srinidhi before the special court for economic offences cases, Egmore till September 14. With the interim order coming to an end Friday, it was extended up to October 12. The issue pertains to alleged non-disclosure of overseas assets and bank accounts held by the trio. According to the I-T department, the three had failed to disclose a property they jointly own in Cambridge in the UK, worth Rs 5.37 crore, which amounted to an offence under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act. The department has also alleged that Karti Chidambaram had failed to disclose an overseas bank account he holds with Metro Bank in the UK and investments he had made in Nano Holdings LLC, USA. He had also "failed" to disclose investments made by Chess Global Advisory, a company co-owned by him, which amounts to an offence under the Black Money Act, the department has said in its complaint filed in the special court in May this year. Assailing the prosecution, the three approached the high court. As a single judge bench refused any relief, they moved an appeal. On June 27, the first bench headed by then Chief Justice Indira Banerjee reserved its order on the appeal. However, as Justice Banerjee was later elevated to the Supreme Court, orders could not be pronounced. The appeal was then referred to the bench headed by Justice Manikumar for fresh hearing. During the hearing by Justice Banerjee, counsel for the appellants had contended that prima facie no offence can be made out against them under the Black Money Act. The act deals with undisclosed income raised from foreign assets. But in the present case, all the relevant information had been disclosed by the petitioners in their returns filed under the Income Tax Act, the counsel had said.

HC extends reprieve to Chidambaram family members till Oct 12 in case under Black Money Act

The municipal elections in the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be held in four phases in October this year.

&nbsp;According to details by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer Shaleen Kabra, the urban local body polls in the state will be held on October 8, October 10, October 13 and October 16.&nbsp;

The counting of votes shall take place on October 20 after all the phases are over. The Chief Electoral Officer informed that the voting in the state will be held from 7 AM to 2 PM.

During a press conference in Srinagar, Kabra informed that the notification for phase 1 will be issued on September 18 while the notifications for phase 2, 3 and 4 will be issued on September 20, 22 and 24 respectively. He further informed that nearly 17 lakh voters are registered for the polls.&nbsp;

"With the announcement of the schedule for the elections, the Model Code of Conduct has come into place," said Kabra.

Meanwhile, for the first time, EVMs are being used in municipal polls, following amendment of rules in 2016. Additionally, voting by migrants is being allowed for the first time, by means of postal ballots.

The Chief Electoral Officer informed that the voting in the state will be held from 7 AM to 2 PM.

The municipal elections in the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be held in four phases in October this year. According to details by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer Shaleen Kabra, the urban local body polls in the state will be held on October 8, October 10, October 13 and October 16. The counting of votes shall take place on October 20 after all the phases are over. The Chief Electoral Officer informed that the voting in the state will be held from 7 AM to 2 PM. During a press conference in Srinagar, Kabra informed that the notification for phase 1 will be issued on September 18 while the notifications for phase 2, 3 and 4 will be issued on September 20, 22 and 24 respectively. He further informed that nearly 17 lakh voters are registered for the polls. "With the announcement of the schedule for the elections, the Model Code of Conduct has come into place," said Kabra. Meanwhile, for the first time, EVMs are being used in municipal polls, following amendment of rules in 2016. Additionally, voting by migrants is being allowed for the first time, by means of postal ballots.

J&K: Municipal polls to be held in four phases from October 8; counting on October 20

Accusing the BJP government at the Centre of "showing audacity and arrogance", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Friday it has failed in all respects and will be defeated in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

At a programme of a Bengali TV news channel, she charged the BJP with bringing in "militant Hinduism" and claimed many people had been lynched.

"The BJP had secured only 31 per cent votes and won 283 seats (in the 2014 general election). It cannot be repeated. They have failed in all respects and cannot survive (in the 2019 Lok Sabha poll)," she said.

"We (TMC) want to see the country united. We don't support militant Hinduism," said Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress chief and a strong critic of the BJP.

She said in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, regional parties would play a crucial role and the issue of who will be the prime minister can be decided later.

"The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a people's referendum. The people will say no to BJP and yes to other parties. A message has reached the common people who are the worst sufferers. They want a change. No one will think twice.

"They will throw out the BJP government. Then the question who will be the prime minister will rise. It will be a collective leadership," she said.

Referring to the regional parties, she said they were becoming stronger every passing day.

"The situation has changed now. Maximum regional parties are working together just like a family."

She felt that earlier, there was a misconception that regional parties can't play vital role in national politics. But this has changed now and maximum regional parties are working together.

Asked if the grand alliance will click, she said the BJP is attempting to create a rift among various parties but this time they will not succeed in their mission.

Accusing the Modi government of showing "audacity and arrogance" after winning the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Banerjee said the government has failed in all aspects.

"They carried out demonetisation but 99.3 per cent old currency notes have come back. What was the need for it? Was it for making the black money white," she asked.

She said that crude oil prices were falling in the international market but petroleum prices in the country were rising.

Corruption could be determining factor in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she said.

"How much truth was in Bofors issue we don't know, but Rajiv Gandhi's fate in the election was affected. On Rafale issue also, I am sure, corruption could be a determining factor. There must be something wrong in the Rafale deal," she said.

On cancellation of her Chicago trip, she said she smelt a deep-rooted conspiracy hatched by the Modi government.

"This government is working like a militant, terrorist, religious organisation," she said.

Criticising "discrimination" of people on the National Register of Citizen (NRC) issue, Banerjee said genuine people should not be excluded from the list. It is a matter of shame the way a large number of "genuine Indians" were excluded from the list.

"Are they illegal immigrants?" she asked.

To another question, if people could be able to see her as the PM, Banerjee said "Bengal will play a role no doubt. Not only Bengal, a constructive role will be played by several other states too."&nbsp

She said in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, regional parties would play a crucial role and the issue of who will be the prime minister can be decided later.

Accusing the BJP government at the Centre of "showing audacity and arrogance", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said Friday it has failed in all respects and will be defeated in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. At a programme of a Bengali TV news channel, she charged the BJP with bringing in "militant Hinduism" and claimed many people had been lynched. "The BJP had secured only 31 per cent votes and won 283 seats (in the 2014 general election). It cannot be repeated. They have failed in all respects and cannot survive (in the 2019 Lok Sabha poll)," she said. "We (TMC) want to see the country united. We don't support militant Hinduism," said Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress chief and a strong critic of the BJP. She said in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, regional parties would play a crucial role and the issue of who will be the prime minister can be decided later. "The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a people's referendum. The people will say no to BJP and yes to other parties. A message has reached the common people who are the worst sufferers. They want a change. No one will think twice. "They will throw out the BJP government. Then the question who will be the prime minister will rise. It will be a collective leadership," she said. Referring to the regional parties, she said they were becoming stronger every passing day. "The situation has changed now. Maximum regional parties are working together just like a family." She felt that earlier, there was a misconception that regional parties can't play vital role in national politics. But this has changed now and maximum regional parties are working together. Asked if the grand alliance will click, she said the BJP is attempting to create a rift among various parties but this time they will not succeed in their mission. Accusing the Modi government of showing "audacity and arrogance" after winning the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Banerjee said the government has failed in all aspects. "They carried out demonetisation but 99.3 per cent old currency notes have come back. What was the need for it? Was it for making the black money white," she asked. She said that crude oil prices were falling in the international market but petroleum prices in the country were rising. Corruption could be determining factor in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, she said. "How much truth was in Bofors issue we don't know, but Rajiv Gandhi's fate in the election was affected. On Rafale issue also, I am sure, corruption could be a determining factor. There must be something wrong in the Rafale deal," she said. On cancellation of her Chicago trip, she said she smelt a deep-rooted conspiracy hatched by the Modi government. "This government is working like a militant, terrorist, religious organisation," she said. Criticising "discrimination" of people on the National Register of Citizen (NRC) issue, Banerjee said genuine people should not be excluded from the list. It is a matter of shame the way a large number of "genuine Indians" were excluded from the list. "Are they illegal immigrants?" she asked. To another question, if people could be able to see her as the PM, Banerjee said "Bengal will play a role no doubt. Not only Bengal, a constructive role will be played by several other states too."

BJP cannot repeat it's 2014 poll performance: Mamata Banerjee

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