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Ex-liquor baron &nbsp;Vijay Mallya said he had "met the finance minister" before leaving for the UK and had repeated his offer to settle with Indian banks.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/idbi-bank-officials-were-well-aware-of-kingfishers-losses-vijay-mallyas-lawyer-in-uk-court-165265">Also Read:&nbsp;IDBI bank officials were aware of Kingfisher's losses: Vijay Mallya's lawyer in UK court</a>

Speaking to reporters outside London's Westminster Magistrates' Court, Mallya said: "I met the finance minister before I left, repeated my offer to settle with the banks."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> "I met the Finance Minister before I left, repeated my offer to settle with the banks", says Vijay Mallya outside London's Westminster Magistrates' Court <a href="https://t.co/5wvLYItPQf">pic.twitter.com/5wvLYItPQf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039857770013618177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He later clarified his statements and said he&nbsp;happened to meet Jaitley in Parliament and did not have any formal meeting with him.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Vijay Mallya outside London Court clarifies on his statement that he met Finance Minister before leaving from the country, says "I happened to meet Mr Jaitley in Parliament & told him that I am leaving for London... I did not have any formal meetings scheduled with him." <a href="https://t.co/U0ZnbKXrnM">pic.twitter.com/U0ZnbKXrnM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039888983646523392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the lawyer&nbsp;told the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London that there was no evidence that Mallya or Kingfisher had applied for bank loans with "bad intent".

The lawyer told the court that IDBI bank officials were well aware of losses at Kingfisher.&nbsp;

"E-mail from IDBI officials show that government accusation that Vijay Mallya hid losses is baseless," the lawyer told the UK court. &nbsp;When reporters asked the ex-Kingfisher boss if he had the means to pay what he said he would, Mallya replied: "Obviously, that is why a settlement offer has been made. The hearing is on 18th September."

The CBI had submitted detailed documents to the UK court, which included case of conspiracy against former IDBI Bank deputy managing Director BK Batra. Batra had reportedly helped Mallya to sanction some of the loans to the now-defunct Kingfisher without following due diligence procedures.

The Westminster Magistrate's Court which is hearing the final set of arguments in Vijay Mallya's extradition case had asked the Indian government to submit videos of the barack in Arthur Road Jail where it intends to imprison the former liquor baron. The video was submitted by the Indian prosecutor lawyer on behalf of the CBI today.

The UK court had earlier granted permission to its enforcement officer&nbsp;to enter the 62-year-old tycoon's properties in Hertfordshire, near London&nbsp;seeking to recover funds owed to 13 Indian banks by Vijay Mallya in the&nbsp; 
Rs 9,000 crore money laundering case.

The 13 Indian banks included State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Corporation bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd.

Earlier, the lawyer told the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London that there was no evidence that Mallya or Kingfisher had applied for bank loans with "bad intent".

Ex-liquor baron Vijay Mallya said he had "met the finance minister" before leaving for the UK and had repeated his offer to settle with Indian banks. Also Read: IDBI bank officials were aware of Kingfisher's losses: Vijay Mallya's lawyer in UK court Speaking to reporters outside London's Westminster Magistrates' Court, Mallya said: "I met the finance minister before I left, repeated my offer to settle with the banks." #WATCH "I met the Finance Minister before I left, repeated my offer to settle with the banks", says Vijay Mallya outside London's Westminster Magistrates' Court pic.twitter.com/5wvLYItPQf — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2018 × He later clarified his statements and said he happened to meet Jaitley in Parliament and did not have any formal meeting with him. #WATCH: Vijay Mallya outside London Court clarifies on his statement that he met Finance Minister before leaving from the country, says "I happened to meet Mr Jaitley in Parliament & told him that I am leaving for London... I did not have any formal meetings scheduled with him." pic.twitter.com/U0ZnbKXrnM — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2018 × Earlier, the lawyer told the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London that there was no evidence that Mallya or Kingfisher had applied for bank loans with "bad intent". The lawyer told the court that IDBI bank officials were well aware of losses at Kingfisher. "E-mail from IDBI officials show that government accusation that Vijay Mallya hid losses is baseless," the lawyer told the UK court. When reporters asked the ex-Kingfisher boss if he had the means to pay what he said he would, Mallya replied: "Obviously, that is why a settlement offer has been made. The hearing is on 18th September." The CBI had submitted detailed documents to the UK court, which included case of conspiracy against former IDBI Bank deputy managing Director BK Batra. Batra had reportedly helped Mallya to sanction some of the loans to the now-defunct Kingfisher without following due diligence procedures. The Westminster Magistrate's Court which is hearing the final set of arguments in Vijay Mallya's extradition case had asked the Indian government to submit videos of the barack in Arthur Road Jail where it intends to imprison the former liquor baron. The video was submitted by the Indian prosecutor lawyer on behalf of the CBI today. The UK court had earlier granted permission to its enforcement officer to enter the 62-year-old tycoon's properties in Hertfordshire, near London seeking to recover funds owed to 13 Indian banks by Vijay Mallya in the Rs 9,000 crore money laundering case. The 13 Indian banks included State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Corporation bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd.

I met the finance minister before I left, repeated my offer to settle with banks: Vijay Mallya

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told the European Parliament on Tuesday he would not bow to EU "blackmail" as lawmakers prepared to vote on whether to punish Budapest for eroding democracy.

Some momentum might have been building against Orban during the evening ahead of the Wednesday vote. But it was still unclear whether the 751-strong European Parliament would be able to muster the two-thirds majority needed to pass the censure motion, which accuses Hungary&nbspof breaching core EU values.

Since sweeping to power in 2010, Orban has pressured&nbspHungary's courts, media and non-governmental groups, as well as refusing to take in asylum seekers arriving in Europe. Though the European Union has often protested, it has largely failed to stop what his critics decry as his growing authoritarianism.

If approved, the motion would go to the EU's national leaders, theoretically opening the way for sanctions such as a suspension of&nbspHungary's voting rights in the bloc.

But in practice that is sure to be blocked by Orban's ally, the nationalist government in Poland that is locked in its own dispute with the EU over undercutting the rule of law.

Directly addressing EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, Orban cast Wednesday's vote as an act of revenge for his refusal to host refugees who have fled to Europe from the Middle East and North Africa since 2015.

"Hungary&nbspshall not bow to blackmail," said Orban, whose right-wing Fidesz party was re-elected with a landslide majority last April.

"Hungary&nbspshall continue to defend its borders, stop illegal immigration and defend its rights – against you, too, if necessary," he said, drawing applause from the eurosceptic, far-right lawmakers in the assembly.

Orban has said the mostly Muslim refugees pose an existential threat to Europe's Christian civilisation. He has also waged a vociferous campaign against Hungarian-born, Jewish American billionaire philanthropist George Soros and the liberal causes he backs in formerly-communist eastern Europe.

Since sweeping to power in 2010, Orban has pressured Hungary's courts, media and non-governmental groups, as well as refusing to take in asylum seekers arriving in Europe

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told the European Parliament on Tuesday he would not bow to EU "blackmail" as lawmakers prepared to vote on whether to punish Budapest for eroding democracy. Some momentum might have been building against Orban during the evening ahead of the Wednesday vote. But it was still unclear whether the 751-strong European Parliament would be able to muster the two-thirds majority needed to pass the censure motion, which accuses Hungary&nbspof breaching core EU values. Since sweeping to power in 2010, Orban has pressured&nbspHungary's courts, media and non-governmental groups, as well as refusing to take in asylum seekers arriving in Europe. Though the European Union has often protested, it has largely failed to stop what his critics decry as his growing authoritarianism. If approved, the motion would go to the EU's national leaders, theoretically opening the way for sanctions such as a suspension of&nbspHungary's voting rights in the bloc. But in practice that is sure to be blocked by Orban's ally, the nationalist government in Poland that is locked in its own dispute with the EU over undercutting the rule of law. Directly addressing EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, Orban cast Wednesday's vote as an act of revenge for his refusal to host refugees who have fled to Europe from the Middle East and North Africa since 2015. "Hungary&nbspshall not bow to blackmail," said Orban, whose right-wing Fidesz party was re-elected with a landslide majority last April. "Hungary&nbspshall continue to defend its borders, stop illegal immigration and defend its rights – against you, too, if necessary," he said, drawing applause from the eurosceptic, far-right lawmakers in the assembly. Orban has said the mostly Muslim refugees pose an existential threat to Europe's Christian civilisation. He has also waged a vociferous campaign against Hungarian-born, Jewish American billionaire philanthropist George Soros and the liberal causes he backs in formerly-communist eastern Europe.

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban vows to defy EU pressure ahead of unprecedented vote

Absconding jeweller Mehul Choksi has claimed that the charges of money laundering and corruption against him are a "big political conspiracy" and that there is "extraordinary pressure" on the ruling dispensation to bring back at least one bank defaulter as this has the potential for changing the results of forthcoming elections.

Calling himself a "soft target", Choksi, an accused in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, said he has <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-mehul-choksi-speaks-out-for-first-time-says-all-allegations-against-him-false-and-baseless-165059">been made a sacrificial lamb</a> for the "fault" of the state-owned bank where, he alleged, the problem was of a "mismatch" in the reporting mechanism to the Reserve Bank.

"This is a big political conspiracy and it (the case) has now become political. I am a soft target. There is a lot of pressure on the government to bring back the bank defaulters and if even one person is not brought back then the results of elections can change.

"I have been made a scapegoat and if you see my companies were associated with the banks since 1995 and there has never been a problem," Choksi, who is stated to be in the caribbean nation of Antigua now, told ABP News.

He said Punjab National Bank (PNB) was at "full fault" in this case, but considering it was a national entity, he was sacrificed.

"So, whatever complacency was there, was in the reporting system of the bank to RBI. I have been attacked on the basis of this mismatch," he said, adding the government wants to save the banks "at any cost".

Choksi, the maternal uncle of designer diamond jeweller and co-accused in the case Nirav Modi, said as the criminal action was launched by the government against Nirav Modi's companies, and his firms too were included.

The businessman, against whom an Interpol notice sought by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is pending, added he had no business relations with Nirav Modi now.

"I was with Nirav Modi's company between 1998-2000 and since then I have no business relations with him. My company is 50 years old and it has been given 150 government awards for social concerns over the years and there has been no government inquiry against them. But suddenly all agencies have come in the picture," he said.

Over 6,000 people are employed in my companies, directly or indirectly, he said, and it has never happened in India that a firm has been shut down in a day without any investigation being conducted.&nbsp;

"This happened because of extraordinary pressure on the government," he said, adding his companies were also counted amongst the world's best luxury companies.

Without taking any name, Choksi said that as one political party said that banks are being cheated and fraudsters are running away, his name was dragged in.

The businessman, who has been charged with "diverting" and money laundering over Rs 3,250 crore of funds, said he was "shocked" when he heard a criminal case was slapped against him in January.

"I was under medical treatment in the US at that time. I was in a hospital for a month," he said.

Choksi, who have taken citizenship of the Caribbean nation of Antigua, said his family is in "trauma" since these cases came up. Even none of his business and personal friends talk to him now.

"My family is concerned as to what will happen to me if I go to India now? I shudder to make any phone call to India and even no one is talking to me since February 15.

"No one in the business community, no employee, no family member, no friends as they are very afraid that if they keep relations with me, they will be raided," he said.

Asked what was he doing in Antigua, Choksi said he was undergoing "medical treatment" there. "I am also spending some time with my lawyers. It is a lovely country and I want to lead a life like a free bird," he said.&nbsp; 
The owner of Gitanjali Group of Companies said he had "full faith in democracy and I am sure that I will get justice".

Asked if there had been any criminal cases against him in the past, Choksi said as his gems and jewellery went to 4,000 shops so "there could be some cases here and there and that is an occupational hazard".

"I have never gone to a police station in my life and neither to courts with regard to a criminal case," he said.&nbsp;

Assembly elections in some states, including Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, will be held later this year, and the parliamentary election is scheduled for early next year.&nbsp;

'This is a big political conspiracy and it (the case) has now become political. I am a soft target. There is a lot of pressure on the government to bring back the bank defaulters and if even one person is not brought back then the results of elections can change,' said Choksi.

Absconding jeweller Mehul Choksi has claimed that the charges of money laundering and corruption against him are a "big political conspiracy" and that there is "extraordinary pressure" on the ruling dispensation to bring back at least one bank defaulter as this has the potential for changing the results of forthcoming elections. Calling himself a "soft target", Choksi, an accused in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, said he has been made a sacrificial lamb for the "fault" of the state-owned bank where, he alleged, the problem was of a "mismatch" in the reporting mechanism to the Reserve Bank. "This is a big political conspiracy and it (the case) has now become political. I am a soft target. There is a lot of pressure on the government to bring back the bank defaulters and if even one person is not brought back then the results of elections can change. "I have been made a scapegoat and if you see my companies were associated with the banks since 1995 and there has never been a problem," Choksi, who is stated to be in the caribbean nation of Antigua now, told ABP News. He said Punjab National Bank (PNB) was at "full fault" in this case, but considering it was a national entity, he was sacrificed. "So, whatever complacency was there, was in the reporting system of the bank to RBI. I have been attacked on the basis of this mismatch," he said, adding the government wants to save the banks "at any cost". Choksi, the maternal uncle of designer diamond jeweller and co-accused in the case Nirav Modi, said as the criminal action was launched by the government against Nirav Modi's companies, and his firms too were included. The businessman, against whom an Interpol notice sought by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is pending, added he had no business relations with Nirav Modi now. "I was with Nirav Modi's company between 1998-2000 and since then I have no business relations with him. My company is 50 years old and it has been given 150 government awards for social concerns over the years and there has been no government inquiry against them. But suddenly all agencies have come in the picture," he said. Over 6,000 people are employed in my companies, directly or indirectly, he said, and it has never happened in India that a firm has been shut down in a day without any investigation being conducted. "This happened because of extraordinary pressure on the government," he said, adding his companies were also counted amongst the world's best luxury companies. Without taking any name, Choksi said that as one political party said that banks are being cheated and fraudsters are running away, his name was dragged in. The businessman, who has been charged with "diverting" and money laundering over Rs 3,250 crore of funds, said he was "shocked" when he heard a criminal case was slapped against him in January. "I was under medical treatment in the US at that time. I was in a hospital for a month," he said. Choksi, who have taken citizenship of the Caribbean nation of Antigua, said his family is in "trauma" since these cases came up. Even none of his business and personal friends talk to him now. "My family is concerned as to what will happen to me if I go to India now? I shudder to make any phone call to India and even no one is talking to me since February 15. "No one in the business community, no employee, no family member, no friends as they are very afraid that if they keep relations with me, they will be raided," he said. Asked what was he doing in Antigua, Choksi said he was undergoing "medical treatment" there. "I am also spending some time with my lawyers. It is a lovely country and I want to lead a life like a free bird," he said. The owner of Gitanjali Group of Companies said he had "full faith in democracy and I am sure that I will get justice". Asked if there had been any criminal cases against him in the past, Choksi said as his gems and jewellery went to 4,000 shops so "there could be some cases here and there and that is an occupational hazard". "I have never gone to a police station in my life and neither to courts with regard to a criminal case," he said. Assembly elections in some states, including Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, will be held later this year, and the parliamentary election is scheduled for early next year.

Mehul Choksi: 'Extraordinary pressure' on govt to bring back at least one defaulter before elections

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-granted-parole-to-attend-wife-kulsooms-funeral-165164">Nawaz Sharif granted parole to attend wife Kulsoom's funeral</a>

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt (retd) Muhammad Safdar reached Lahore in early hours of Wednesday after they were released from Adiala Jail Rawalpindi on a 12-hour parole to attend the funeral of Begum Kulsoom Nawaz.

Kulsoom, Sharif's wife, died Tuesday in London after a long battle with cancer. She was 68. Her body will be brought back to Lahore and buried at the Sharifs' Jati Umra residence.&nbsp

 
<a href="http://wionews.com/sports/india-england-series-has-revived-test-cricket-says-virat-kohli-after-4-1-defeat-165163">India-England series has revived Test cricket, says Virat Kohli after 4-1 defeat</a>

Defeated India skipper Virat Kohli took some comfort from a 4-1 drubbing in England, saying the series had revived test cricket.

The final scoreline was harsh on the world`s top-ranked test nation who played a full part in an unpredictable series full of twists and turns, right up to the final day.

 
<a href="http://wionews.com/business-&-economy/us-to-probe-mahindra-over-fiat-chrysler-jeep-complaint-165170">US</a><a href="http://wionews.com/business-&-economy/us-to-probe-mahindra-over-fiat-chrysler-jeep-complaint-165170"> to probe Mahindra over Fiat Chrysler Jeep complaint</a>

A US regulator said on Tuesday it would launch an investigation into an off-road utility vehicle produced by Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd following a complaint by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV that it infringed upon the intellectual property rights of its Jeep design.

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) said in a statement that it was launching a patent-related investigation into the Indian automaker's Roxor vehicle.

 
<a href="http://wionews.com/world/russia-launches-biggest-ever-war-games-with-china-nato-says-rehearsal-for-large-scale-conflict-165161">Russia launches biggest-ever war games along with China, NATO says rehearsal for 'large-scale conflict'</a>

Russia launched Tuesday what it called its largest-ever military drills, with hundreds of thousands of troops taking part along with Chinese soldiers in a show of force NATO condemned as a rehearsal for "large-scale conflict."

President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the games after hosting an economic forum in Russia's far eastern city Vladivostok where his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping is one of the prominent guests.

&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-voices-concern-over-chinas-muslim-crackdown-mulls-sanctions-165174">US</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-voices-concern-over-chinas-muslim-crackdown-mulls-sanctions-165174"> voices concern over China's Muslim </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-voices-concern-over-chinas-muslim-crackdown-mulls-sanctions-165174">crackdown,</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-voices-concern-over-chinas-muslim-crackdown-mulls-sanctions-165174"> mulls sanctions</a>

The US State Department on Tuesday expressed deep concern over China's "worsening crackdown" on minority Muslims in the Xinjiang region, as the Trump administration considered sanctions against Chinese senior officials and companies linked to allegations of human rights abuses.

Discussions have gained momentum within the US government over possible economic penalties in response to reports of mass detentions of ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims, which has prompted a growing international outcry, US congressional sources said.

Read the top 5 stories of the morning here

Nawaz Sharif granted parole to attend wife Kulsoom's funeral Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt (retd) Muhammad Safdar reached Lahore in early hours of Wednesday after they were released from Adiala Jail Rawalpindi on a 12-hour parole to attend the funeral of Begum Kulsoom Nawaz. Kulsoom, Sharif's wife, died Tuesday in London after a long battle with cancer. She was 68. Her body will be brought back to Lahore and buried at the Sharifs' Jati Umra residence. India-England series has revived Test cricket, says Virat Kohli after 4-1 defeat Defeated India skipper Virat Kohli took some comfort from a 4-1 drubbing in England, saying the series had revived test cricket. The final scoreline was harsh on the world`s top-ranked test nation who played a full part in an unpredictable series full of twists and turns, right up to the final day. US to probe Mahindra over Fiat Chrysler Jeep complaint A US regulator said on Tuesday it would launch an investigation into an off-road utility vehicle produced by Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd following a complaint by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV that it infringed upon the intellectual property rights of its Jeep design. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) said in a statement that it was launching a patent-related investigation into the Indian automaker's Roxor vehicle. Russia launches biggest-ever war games along with China, NATO says rehearsal for 'large-scale conflict' Russia launched Tuesday what it called its largest-ever military drills, with hundreds of thousands of troops taking part along with Chinese soldiers in a show of force NATO condemned as a rehearsal for "large-scale conflict." President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the games after hosting an economic forum in Russia's far eastern city Vladivostok where his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping is one of the prominent guests. US voices concern over China's Muslim crackdown, mulls sanctions The US State Department on Tuesday expressed deep concern over China's "worsening crackdown" on minority Muslims in the Xinjiang region, as the Trump administration considered sanctions against Chinese senior officials and companies linked to allegations of human rights abuses. Discussions have gained momentum within the US government over possible economic penalties in response to reports of mass detentions of ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims, which has prompted a growing international outcry, US congressional sources said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

As many as 35 journalists were detained Tuesday after they tried to forcibly enter the office of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar, the police said.&nbsp

The journalists, representing small and medium-size local newspapers, had gone to meet the CM to raise the issue of changes made in the state government’s advertisement policy, police said.

“The chief minister wanted a small group of journalists gathered outside his office to meet him, but a large number of scribes tried to force their way into the CM’s office, following which they were detained,” said Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Mayur Chavda. He said the journalists had sought an appointment for 5 PM.

They wanted to meet the chief minister to register their protest against the recent change made in the Advertisement Policy, the SP said, adding that the detainees were released after an hour.

A local scribe said the journalists also wanted to raise the issue of the recent attack on some media persons by police personnel outside the residence of Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who is observing indefinite fast near Ahmedabad.

Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said the incident showed the BJP government’s apathy towards journalists in the state. “Despite knowing how journalists were treated outside the residence of Hardik Patel, the government did not deem it necessary to inquire into the matter. This shows the BJP government’s apathy towards the representatives of the fourth pillar of democracy,” he said.

Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said the incident showed the BJP government's apathy towards journalists in Gujarat

As many as 35 journalists were detained Tuesday after they tried to forcibly enter the office of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar, the police said. The journalists, representing small and medium-size local newspapers, had gone to meet the CM to raise the issue of changes made in the state government’s advertisement policy, police said. “The chief minister wanted a small group of journalists gathered outside his office to meet him, but a large number of scribes tried to force their way into the CM’s office, following which they were detained,” said Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Mayur Chavda. He said the journalists had sought an appointment for 5 PM. They wanted to meet the chief minister to register their protest against the recent change made in the Advertisement Policy, the SP said, adding that the detainees were released after an hour. A local scribe said the journalists also wanted to raise the issue of the recent attack on some media persons by police personnel outside the residence of Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who is observing indefinite fast near Ahmedabad. Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said the incident showed the BJP government’s apathy towards journalists in the state. “Despite knowing how journalists were treated outside the residence of Hardik Patel, the government did not deem it necessary to inquire into the matter. This shows the BJP government’s apathy towards the representatives of the fourth pillar of democracy,” he said.

Gujarat: Journalists detained outside CM Vijay Rupani’s office

The death toll in a bus accident in Telangana's Jagtial district on Tuesday has climbed to 57. According to reports, the deceased include at least 6 children while as many as 20 people have been injured in the tragedy.&nbsp;

The state-owned Road Transport Corporation was on its way to Jagtial from Kondagattu with over 60 passengers onboard when it skidded and fell into a valley near a village.&nbsp;

Although the main reason for the accident is not clear, authorities suspect brake failure as one of the probable reasons for the mishap.&nbsp;

"The incident happened between 11.45 am and noon," Jagtial District Collector A Sharat, who is supervising the relief and rescue work, told news agency PTI.

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52 people have died so far in the incident. CM KC Rao has even announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the family members of the deceased: Finance Minister Etela Rajender on a state-run RTC bus accident that had occurred near Kondaagattu, earlier today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a> <a href="https://t.co/Jfd8wWCGaJ">pic.twitter.com/Jfd8wWCGaJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039473933236367360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The bus was carrying pilgrims who were returning after a visit to a temple in Kondagattu.

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The bus accident in Telangana’s Jagtial district is shocking beyond words. Anguished by the loss of lives. My thoughts and solidarity with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover quickly, tweets PM Narendra Modi (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/kTFxUxv6bO">pic.twitter.com/kTFxUxv6bO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039481681567272960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Telangana Caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has announced Rs five lakh each to the family of the deceased and has expressed sadness over the accident.&nbsp;

The injured have been moved to the nearest hospital in Jagtial.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed remorse over the unfortunate incident and described it as "shocking".

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TRS MP K Kavitha&Telangana Min KT Rama Rao visit hospital to meet those injured in the state-run RTC bus accident that occurred near Kondaagattu, today. K Kavitha says,“Govt announced ex-gratia to families of the deceased. State Govt will pay for treatment of injured.” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a> <a href="https://t.co/msKVoKUxv1">pic.twitter.com/msKVoKUxv1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039502959804129280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The bus accident in Telangana’s Jagtial district is shocking beyond words. Anguished by the loss of lives. My thoughts and solidarity with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover quickly," PM Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Although the main reason for the accident is not clear, authorities suspect brake failure as one of the probable reasons for the mishap.

The death toll in a bus accident in Telangana's Jagtial district on Tuesday has climbed to 57. According to reports, the deceased include at least 6 children while as many as 20 people have been injured in the tragedy. The state-owned Road Transport Corporation was on its way to Jagtial from Kondagattu with over 60 passengers onboard when it skidded and fell into a valley near a village. Although the main reason for the accident is not clear, authorities suspect brake failure as one of the probable reasons for the mishap. "The incident happened between 11.45 am and noon," Jagtial District Collector A Sharat, who is supervising the relief and rescue work, told news agency PTI. 52 people have died so far in the incident. CM KC Rao has even announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the family members of the deceased: Finance Minister Etela Rajender on a state-run RTC bus accident that had occurred near Kondaagattu, earlier today. #Telangana pic.twitter.com/Jfd8wWCGaJ — ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2018 × The bus was carrying pilgrims who were returning after a visit to a temple in Kondagattu. The bus accident in Telangana’s Jagtial district is shocking beyond words. Anguished by the loss of lives. My thoughts and solidarity with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover quickly, tweets PM Narendra Modi (file pic) pic.twitter.com/kTFxUxv6bO — ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2018 × Telangana Caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has announced Rs five lakh each to the family of the deceased and has expressed sadness over the accident. The injured have been moved to the nearest hospital in Jagtial. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed remorse over the unfortunate incident and described it as "shocking". TRS MP K Kavitha&Telangana Min KT Rama Rao visit hospital to meet those injured in the state-run RTC bus accident that occurred near Kondaagattu, today. K Kavitha says,“Govt announced ex-gratia to families of the deceased. State Govt will pay for treatment of injured.” #Telangana pic.twitter.com/msKVoKUxv1 — ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2018 × "The bus accident in Telangana’s Jagtial district is shocking beyond words. Anguished by the loss of lives. My thoughts and solidarity with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover quickly," PM Modi tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

Bus crash in Telangana claims over 57 lives, 6 children included 

In a court hearing in the Westminister Magistrate Court, the UK today, the lawyer of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-for-judge-to-decide-vijay-mallya-on-returning-to-india-164367">defunct Kingfisher airline's boss&nbsp;Vijay Mallya</a> claimed that the government's&nbsp;accusation that Mallya hid losses was "baseless".

Citing email from IDBI officials, the lawyer&nbsp;said that the IDBI bank officials were well aware of the losses at Kingfisher.

The lawyer further said, "There is no evidence that Mallya or Kingfisher applied for bank loans with bad intent....CBI's Rakesh Asthana threatened banks with 'consequences' if they did not file cases against Mallya".

The prosecution lawyer told the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, 'What Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher internally knew was totally different from what it was telling the banks. &nbsp;Kingfisher Airlines misrepresented facts about performance when applying for loans'.

Responding to a question on whether he had&nbsp;the means to pay back his debts, Mallya's lawyer said, "Obviously, that is why a settlement offer has been made. The hearing is on 18th September".

He also said,&nbsp;"I met the finance minister to settle matters before I left. The banks had filed objections to my settlement letters".

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Obviously, that is why a settlement offer has been made. The hearing is on 18th September: Vijay Mallya, outside Westminster Magistrates Court in London, when asked if he has convinced the Court the he has the means to pay what he said he will. <a href="https://t.co/zoIgV6zIIV">pic.twitter.com/zoIgV6zIIV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039799297024421889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The London court which will review the video of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-to-be-kept-in-jail-with-tv-toilet-washing-area-cbi-shows-in-video--161352">Mumbai jail cell</a> today. A 'step-by-step video' of Barrack 12&nbsp;of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail was sent by the&nbsp;Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to UK officials.

Barrack 12 is the cell where former liquor baron Vijay Mallya may&nbsp;be kept if he is extradited&nbsp;to India.

The video was sent after UK's Westminster Magistrate's Court's demand&nbsp;following Mallya's complaint&nbsp;about the "inhabitable conditions"&nbsp;in Indian jails.&nbsp;

The six to eight-minute-long video showed the jail to have a personal toilet, library, washing area and a TV set along with a courtyard.&nbsp;

The UK court asked the Indian government for a video of the prison cell for "the avoidance of doubt" over the availability of natural light in the cell where the businessman was expected to be detained pre-trial, during trial and in the event he was convicted by the Indian courts.

Vijay Mallya's defense lawyers had challenged the extradition on grounds that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India and that the conditions in Indian jails were&nbsp;not habitable.&nbsp;

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IDBI bank officials were well aware of losses at Kingfisher. E-mail from IDBI officials show that govt accusation that Vijay Mallya hid losses, is baseless: Lawyer of Vijay Mallya tells Westminster Magistrates Court in London (file pic - Vijay Mallya) <a href="https://t.co/obMn2mTqbb">pic.twitter.com/obMn2mTqbb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039814427229528064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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There is no evidence that Mallya or Kingfisher applied for bank loans with bad intent: Lawyer of Vijay Mallya tells Westminster Magistrates' Court in London (File pic: Vijay Mallya) <a href="https://t.co/o85n4SWXYp">pic.twitter.com/o85n4SWXYp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039832106778718208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Vijay Mallya extradition case: London's Westminster Magistrates' Court to pronounce the verdict on 10th December <a href="https://t.co/rHfTuYp9BK">pic.twitter.com/rHfTuYp9BK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039881829426384896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The final verdict on the case is expected on December 10.

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The lawyer cited an email from IDBI officials and said that the government's accusation that Mallya hid losses was baseless.

In a court hearing in the Westminister Magistrate Court, the UK today, the lawyer of the defunct Kingfisher airline's boss Vijay Mallya claimed that the government's accusation that Mallya hid losses was "baseless". Citing email from IDBI officials, the lawyer said that the IDBI bank officials were well aware of the losses at Kingfisher. The lawyer further said, "There is no evidence that Mallya or Kingfisher applied for bank loans with bad intent....CBI's Rakesh Asthana threatened banks with 'consequences' if they did not file cases against Mallya". The prosecution lawyer told the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, 'What Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher internally knew was totally different from what it was telling the banks. Kingfisher Airlines misrepresented facts about performance when applying for loans'. Responding to a question on whether he had the means to pay back his debts, Mallya's lawyer said, "Obviously, that is why a settlement offer has been made. The hearing is on 18th September". He also said, "I met the finance minister to settle matters before I left. The banks had filed objections to my settlement letters". Obviously, that is why a settlement offer has been made. The hearing is on 18th September: Vijay Mallya, outside Westminster Magistrates Court in London, when asked if he has convinced the Court the he has the means to pay what he said he will. pic.twitter.com/zoIgV6zIIV — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2018 × The London court which will review the video of the Mumbai jail cell today. A 'step-by-step video' of Barrack 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail was sent by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to UK officials. Barrack 12 is the cell where former liquor baron Vijay Mallya may be kept if he is extradited to India. The video was sent after UK's Westminster Magistrate's Court's demand following Mallya's complaint about the "inhabitable conditions" in Indian jails. The six to eight-minute-long video showed the jail to have a personal toilet, library, washing area and a TV set along with a courtyard. The UK court asked the Indian government for a video of the prison cell for "the avoidance of doubt" over the availability of natural light in the cell where the businessman was expected to be detained pre-trial, during trial and in the event he was convicted by the Indian courts. Vijay Mallya's defense lawyers had challenged the extradition on grounds that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India and that the conditions in Indian jails were not habitable. IDBI bank officials were well aware of losses at Kingfisher. E-mail from IDBI officials show that govt accusation that Vijay Mallya hid losses, is baseless: Lawyer of Vijay Mallya tells Westminster Magistrates Court in London (file pic - Vijay Mallya) pic.twitter.com/obMn2mTqbb — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2018 × There is no evidence that Mallya or Kingfisher applied for bank loans with bad intent: Lawyer of Vijay Mallya tells Westminster Magistrates' Court in London (File pic: Vijay Mallya) pic.twitter.com/o85n4SWXYp — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2018 × Vijay Mallya extradition case: London's Westminster Magistrates' Court to pronounce the verdict on 10th December pic.twitter.com/rHfTuYp9BK — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2018 × The final verdict on the case is expected on December 10.

IDBI bank officials were aware of Kingfisher's losses: Vijay Mallya's lawyer in UK court

The Supreme Court Wednesday asked 25 states and union territories and the high courts to place before it "full and complete updated information" about the status of cases pending against MPs and MLAs.

The apex court also asked these states, union territories (UTs) and registrars general of all high courts to place before it the "precise number" of cases which are currently pending and are required to be transferred to the special courts, set up to deal exclusively with cases involving MPs and MLAs.

A bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Navin Sinha noted that 12 special courts have already been set up in 11 states and said the information should be placed before it by October 10, the next date of hearing.

The bench noted in its order that 25 states and UTs, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Punjab and Chandigarh, have not furnished any information in pursuance to the orders passed by the court on November 1 last year and August 21 this year.

"We direct the chief secretaries of the above mentioned (25) states and union territories as well as the registrars general of the High Courts in each of the states and union territories to lay before us full and complete updated information as required in terms of our order dated November 1, 2017 and August 21, 2018," the bench said.

"We specifically direct the two authorities, namely the chief secretaries of the states and the registrars general of the High Courts, to lay before us the precise number of cases which are presently pending and required to be transferred to the special courts whether the 12 special courts set up are functional and whether in view of the volume of cases that would be required to be transferred to the special courts, there is the necessity of setting up of additional courts," it said.

The bench also made it clear that on receipt of this information, the top court would, if needed, monitor compliance of its orders by clubbing a number of states together for being separately taken up on each date of hearing.

Senior lawyer Sajan Poovayya, appearing for petitioner and advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, referred to the affidavit filed by the Department of Justice and said 12 special courts have been set up in 11 states but there was no material to show how many cases have been transferred to these courts.&nbsp

He said that as per the government's affidavit, one special court has been set up in Andhra Pradesh and 25 cases were transferred to the court, but it has not been said whether there were only 25 cases involving MPs and MLAs in the entire state.

As per the government's affidavit, the total number of cases transferred, disposed of and pending in these special courts are 1233, 136 and 1,097 respectively.

Poovayya said the apex court had noted in its November 1 last year's order that there were 1,581 cases involving MPs and MLAs, as declared at the time of filing of the nomination papers for the 2014 elections, but this year, the number of cases against them might have increased.

The apex court in its November last year's order had also sought details as to whether any further criminal cases have been lodged against any present or former MPs and MLAs between 2014 and 2017, along with their details.

The Department of Justice, in their latest affidavit, has said that one special court each has been set up in states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telengana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal whereas two such courts have been set up in National Capital Territory of Delhi.&nbsp

The affidavit has further said that information from the remaining states and high courts has not yet been received.

Out of the 12 special courts, six have been set up at the sessions court level, five at the magistrate level, while the class of the court in Tamil Nadu has not been indicated, it said.

It said that states where the criminal cases against MPs and MLAs were less than 65, regular courts would try these matters on a fast-track mode.&nbsp

With regard to the setting up of courts in addition to the 12 notified, the department has said the high courts of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Patna, Calcutta and Kerala have negated any such requirement, while the Bombay High Court has expressed the requirement for additional courts without specifying any particular number.

On August 21, the apex court had sought details about the special courts, including the number of cases pending before each of these courts, along with a break-up of magisterial and sessions triable cases.

The top court's order was passed on a petition filed by Upadhyay seeking to declare the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, which bar convicted politician from contesting elections for six years after serving jail term, as ultra vires of the Constitution.&nbsp

The apex court also asked these states, union territories (UTs) and registrars general of all high courts to place before it the 'precise number' of cases which are currently pending and are required to be transferred to the special courts, set up to deal exclusively with cases involving MPs and MLAs.

The Supreme Court Wednesday asked 25 states and union territories and the high courts to place before it "full and complete updated information" about the status of cases pending against MPs and MLAs. The apex court also asked these states, union territories (UTs) and registrars general of all high courts to place before it the "precise number" of cases which are currently pending and are required to be transferred to the special courts, set up to deal exclusively with cases involving MPs and MLAs. A bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Navin Sinha noted that 12 special courts have already been set up in 11 states and said the information should be placed before it by October 10, the next date of hearing. The bench noted in its order that 25 states and UTs, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Punjab and Chandigarh, have not furnished any information in pursuance to the orders passed by the court on November 1 last year and August 21 this year. "We direct the chief secretaries of the above mentioned (25) states and union territories as well as the registrars general of the High Courts in each of the states and union territories to lay before us full and complete updated information as required in terms of our order dated November 1, 2017 and August 21, 2018," the bench said. "We specifically direct the two authorities, namely the chief secretaries of the states and the registrars general of the High Courts, to lay before us the precise number of cases which are presently pending and required to be transferred to the special courts whether the 12 special courts set up are functional and whether in view of the volume of cases that would be required to be transferred to the special courts, there is the necessity of setting up of additional courts," it said. The bench also made it clear that on receipt of this information, the top court would, if needed, monitor compliance of its orders by clubbing a number of states together for being separately taken up on each date of hearing. Senior lawyer Sajan Poovayya, appearing for petitioner and advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, referred to the affidavit filed by the Department of Justice and said 12 special courts have been set up in 11 states but there was no material to show how many cases have been transferred to these courts. He said that as per the government's affidavit, one special court has been set up in Andhra Pradesh and 25 cases were transferred to the court, but it has not been said whether there were only 25 cases involving MPs and MLAs in the entire state. As per the government's affidavit, the total number of cases transferred, disposed of and pending in these special courts are 1233, 136 and 1,097 respectively. Poovayya said the apex court had noted in its November 1 last year's order that there were 1,581 cases involving MPs and MLAs, as declared at the time of filing of the nomination papers for the 2014 elections, but this year, the number of cases against them might have increased. The apex court in its November last year's order had also sought details as to whether any further criminal cases have been lodged against any present or former MPs and MLAs between 2014 and 2017, along with their details. The Department of Justice, in their latest affidavit, has said that one special court each has been set up in states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telengana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal whereas two such courts have been set up in National Capital Territory of Delhi. The affidavit has further said that information from the remaining states and high courts has not yet been received. Out of the 12 special courts, six have been set up at the sessions court level, five at the magistrate level, while the class of the court in Tamil Nadu has not been indicated, it said. It said that states where the criminal cases against MPs and MLAs were less than 65, regular courts would try these matters on a fast-track mode. With regard to the setting up of courts in addition to the 12 notified, the department has said the high courts of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Patna, Calcutta and Kerala have negated any such requirement, while the Bombay High Court has expressed the requirement for additional courts without specifying any particular number. On August 21, the apex court had sought details about the special courts, including the number of cases pending before each of these courts, along with a break-up of magisterial and sessions triable cases. The top court's order was passed on a petition filed by Upadhyay seeking to declare the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, which bar convicted politician from contesting elections for six years after serving jail term, as ultra vires of the Constitution.

Supreme Court seeks full information from states, HCs on status of cases pending against politicians

Responding to Vijay Mallya's&nbsp;claim&nbsp;stating that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-met-the-finance-minister-before-i-left-repeated-my-offer-to-settle-with-banks-vijay-mallya-165295">he had met the finance minister before leaving India</a>, Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said in a statement that he&nbsp;had never given any&nbsp;"appointment"&nbsp;to him since 2014.

Citing Mallya's claims as "factually false", Jaitley said that&nbsp;since Mallya was a Member of Rajya Sabha, he misused that privilege on one occasion and tried making a settlement with him outside the House.

He, however, declined his offer saying that Mallya must make offers to the bank, Jaitley added.

The finance minister further added that besides this "one engagement"&nbsp;he never gave any appointment to Mallya to&nbsp;meet him.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/idbi-bank-officials-were-well-aware-of-kingfishers-losses-vijay-mallyas-lawyer-in-uk-court-165265">Also Read:&nbsp;IDBI bank officials were aware of Kingfisher's losses: Vijay Mallya's lawyer in UK court</a>

In a post on Twitter, the finance minister wrote, "My attention has been drawn to a statement made to the media by Vijay Mallaya on having met me with an offer of settlement...

The statement is factually false in as much as it does not reflect truth. Since 2014, I have never given him any appointment to meet me and the question of his having met me does not arise. However, since he was a Member of Rajya Sabha and he occasionally attended the House, he misused that privilege on one occasion while I was walking out of the House to go to my room. He paced up to catch up with me and while walking uttered a sentence that ”I am making an offer of settlement”. Having been fully briefed about his earlier “bluff offers”, without allowing him to proceed with the conversation, I curtly told him “there was no point talking to me and he must make offers to his bankers.”

I did not even receive the papers that he was holding in his hand. Besides this one sentence exchange where he misused his privilege as a Rajya Sabha Member, in order to further his commercial interest as a bank debtor, there is no question of my having ever given him an appointment to meet me."

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The statement of Vijay Mallaya that he met me & offered settlement is factually false in as much as it does not reflect truth. Since 2014, I have never given him any appointment to meet me and the question of his having met me does not arise.
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1039870324618219520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Since he was a Member of Rajya Sabha and he occasionally attended the House, he misused that privilege on one occasion, having been fully briefed about his earlier “bluff offers”, I curtly told him “there was no point talking to me and he must make offers to his bankers.”
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1039870454884909057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I did not even receive the papers that he was holding in his hand. Besides this one sentence exchange where he misused his privilege as a RS Member to further his commercial interest as a bank debtor, there is no question of my having ever given him an appointment to meet me.
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1039870569200668672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ex-liquor baron Vijay Mallya had said that he had "met the finance minister" before leaving for the UK and had repeated his offer to settle with Indian banks.

Speaking to reporters outside London's Westminster Magistrates' Court, Mallya said: "I met the finance minister before I left, repeated my offer to settle with the banks".

The Westminster Magistrate's Court which is hearing the final set of arguments in Vijay Mallya's extradition case had asked the Indian government to submit videos of the barack in Arthur Road Jail where it intends to imprison the former liquor baron. The video was submitted by the Indian prosecutor lawyer on behalf of the CBI today.

Citing Mallya's claims as "factually false", Jaitley said that since Mallya was a Member of Rajya Sabha, he misused that privilege on one occasion and tried making a settlement with him outside the House

Responding to Vijay Mallya's claim stating that he had met the finance minister before leaving India, Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said in a statement that he had never given any "appointment" to him since 2014. Citing Mallya's claims as "factually false", Jaitley said that since Mallya was a Member of Rajya Sabha, he misused that privilege on one occasion and tried making a settlement with him outside the House. He, however, declined his offer saying that Mallya must make offers to the bank, Jaitley added. The finance minister further added that besides this "one engagement" he never gave any appointment to Mallya to meet him. Also Read: IDBI bank officials were aware of Kingfisher's losses: Vijay Mallya's lawyer in UK court In a post on Twitter, the finance minister wrote, "My attention has been drawn to a statement made to the media by Vijay Mallaya on having met me with an offer of settlement... The statement is factually false in as much as it does not reflect truth. Since 2014, I have never given him any appointment to meet me and the question of his having met me does not arise. However, since he was a Member of Rajya Sabha and he occasionally attended the House, he misused that privilege on one occasion while I was walking out of the House to go to my room. He paced up to catch up with me and while walking uttered a sentence that ”I am making an offer of settlement”. Having been fully briefed about his earlier “bluff offers”, without allowing him to proceed with the conversation, I curtly told him “there was no point talking to me and he must make offers to his bankers.” I did not even receive the papers that he was holding in his hand. Besides this one sentence exchange where he misused his privilege as a Rajya Sabha Member, in order to further his commercial interest as a bank debtor, there is no question of my having ever given him an appointment to meet me." The statement of Vijay Mallaya that he met me & offered settlement is factually false in as much as it does not reflect truth. Since 2014, I have never given him any appointment to meet me and the question of his having met me does not arise. — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) September 12, 2018 × Since he was a Member of Rajya Sabha and he occasionally attended the House, he misused that privilege on one occasion, having been fully briefed about his earlier “bluff offers”, I curtly told him “there was no point talking to me and he must make offers to his bankers.” — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) September 12, 2018 × I did not even receive the papers that he was holding in his hand. Besides this one sentence exchange where he misused his privilege as a RS Member to further his commercial interest as a bank debtor, there is no question of my having ever given him an appointment to meet me. — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) September 12, 2018 × Ex-liquor baron Vijay Mallya had said that he had "met the finance minister" before leaving for the UK and had repeated his offer to settle with Indian banks. Speaking to reporters outside London's Westminster Magistrates' Court, Mallya said: "I met the finance minister before I left, repeated my offer to settle with the banks". The Westminster Magistrate's Court which is hearing the final set of arguments in Vijay Mallya's extradition case had asked the Indian government to submit videos of the barack in Arthur Road Jail where it intends to imprison the former liquor baron. The video was submitted by the Indian prosecutor lawyer on behalf of the CBI today.

Statement made is 'factually false': Arun Jaitley on Mallya's claim on meeting him

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-met-the-finance-minister-before-i-left-repeated-my-offer-to-settle-with-banks-vijay-mallya-165295">I met the finance minister before I left, repeated my offer to settle with banks: Vijay Mallya</a>

Ex-liquor baron &nbspVijay Mallya said he had "met the finance minister" before leaving for the UK and had repeated his offer to settle with Indian banks. Speaking to reporters outside London's Westminster Magistrates' Court, Mallya said: "I met the finance minister before I left, repeated my offer to settle with the banks."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-proposes-russia-japan-agree-historic-peace-deal-165251">Let's change our approach, conclude peace deal: Putin to Japan PM Abe </a>

President Vladimir Putin suggested Wednesday Russia and Japan sign a peace deal "without any preconditions" by the end of the year, a historic proposal to try to solve a territorial dispute after decades of deadlock.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/resolutely-oppose-us-using-xinjiang-related-issues-to-interfere-in-our-internal-affairs-china-165257">Resolutely oppose </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/resolutely-oppose-us-using-xinjiang-related-issues-to-interfere-in-our-internal-affairs-china-165257">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/resolutely-oppose-us-using-xinjiang-related-issues-to-interfere-in-our-internal-affairs-china-165257"> using Xinjiang-related issues to interfere in our internal affairs: China</a>

After China declared that the US should&nbspabandon its&nbsp"prejudice" over Xinjiang, President Xi's government said it "resolutely opposes the United States using Xinjiang-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mattis-says-afghan-forces-increasing-vetting-to-avoid-insider-attacks-165281">Mattis says Afghan forces increasing vetting to avoid insider attacks</a>

US&nbspDefense Secretary Jim Mattis, who recently visited Kabul, said on Tuesday that the Afghan government was increasing the vetting and training of local forces in order to minimise so-called insider attacks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-welcomes-closure-of-palestinian-mission-in-washington-165269">Israel's Netanyahu welcomes closure of Palestinian mission in Washington</a>

Israel welcomed on Wednesday the Trump administration's move to close the Palestine Liberation Organization's office in Washington out of concern about Palestinian attempts to prompt an ICC investigation of Israel.

&nbsp

&nbsp

I met the finance minister before I left, repeated my offer to settle with banks: Vijay Mallya Ex-liquor baron &nbspVijay Mallya said he had "met the finance minister" before leaving for the UK and had repeated his offer to settle with Indian banks. Speaking to reporters outside London's Westminster Magistrates' Court, Mallya said: "I met the finance minister before I left, repeated my offer to settle with the banks." Let's change our approach, conclude peace deal: Putin to Japan PM Abe President Vladimir Putin suggested Wednesday Russia and Japan sign a peace deal "without any preconditions" by the end of the year, a historic proposal to try to solve a territorial dispute after decades of deadlock. Resolutely oppose US using Xinjiang-related issues to interfere in our internal affairs: China After China declared that the US should&nbspabandon its "prejudice" over Xinjiang, President Xi's government said it "resolutely opposes the United States using Xinjiang-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs." Mattis says Afghan forces increasing vetting to avoid insider attacks US&nbspDefense Secretary Jim Mattis, who recently visited Kabul, said on Tuesday that the Afghan government was increasing the vetting and training of local forces in order to minimise so-called insider attacks. Israel's Netanyahu welcomes closure of Palestinian mission in Washington Israel welcomed on Wednesday the Trump administration's move to close the Palestine Liberation Organization's office in Washington out of concern about Palestinian attempts to prompt an ICC investigation of Israel.

With Johnson and Johnson embroiled in a controversy over its alleged 'faulty' hip implants, medical experts have asked the government to establish a 'national joint replacement registry' to regulate medical implants and drugs for patients' safety.

An expert panel, constituted earlier by the Union Health Ministry to probe complaints of "faulty" ASR hip implant devices, in its report has said the pharma giant "suppressed" facts on the harm of surgeries which were conducted on patients in India using "faulty" hip replacement systems.

"It is strange that although about 4,700 patients received the 'faulty hip implants' in India, over 3,600 of them are untraceable. The J & J Company has said that only the hospitals would have this data. However, it is not difficult to identify these patients from the hospital data, where these joints were supplied," said a statement quoting Dr Raju Vaishya, senior joint replacement surgeon, Apollo Hospital, Indraprastha, and president of Indian Cartilage Society (ICS).

He said incidentally there is no government body like a national joint replacement registry in our country, though the formation of such a body was suggested years ago.

"The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) did not take any timely action on this matter, despite knowing the problems related to these implants since at least 2010. It is, therefore, a gross regulatory failure, on the part of our government regulatory authorities," Dr Vaishya said.

The statement quoted Vaishya saying he had voiced and highlighted the issue of 'faulty hip implants' in 2012 through a letter published in The Journal of Arthroplasty. The letter was said to have been written in response to a research paper published by a team of orthopaedic surgeons of AIIMS -- Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty in Inflammatory Arthritis: A 3 to 5 Year Follow-up Study.

Dr Atul Srivastava, secretary, Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA), also agreed to the idea of setting up of such a national body, which may be called national joint replacement registry or national healthcare data storage and management committee so that the use of faulty implants or medical devices can be stopped.

The expert panel of the Health Ministry had also suggested that the firm pay compensation of around Rs 20 lakh to the affected patients.

Some of the patients who had suffered due to faulty implants had questioned the panel's recommendation of the paltry amount, saying it was like "rubbing salt on their wounds."

Dr Rahul Gupta, additional director, brain and spine surgery, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre in New Delhi, said more catastrophic failures of medical implants and devices are "almost guaranteed" to happen because there have been no significant reforms on the way these equipment are regulated in India.

Dr R N Kalra, medical director of Kalra Hospital and SRCNC, New Delhi said, "There are established systems in place in most developed countries where the doctors and patients can register their opinion and complain regarding adverse effect of any implant or drug.

"Hence, the government authority can immediately know, if there is any flaw in them but in India, there is no such apparent system," the statement quoting Kalra read.

A meeting between senior officials of the Union Health Ministry and executives of Johnson and Johnson is likely to take place this week to discuss the modalities of paying compensation to affected patients in India.

&nbsp

With Johnson and Johnson embroiled in a controversy over its alleged 'faulty' hip implants, medical experts have asked the government to establish a 'national joint replacement registry' to regulate medical implants and drugs for patients' safety.

With Johnson and Johnson embroiled in a controversy over its alleged 'faulty' hip implants, medical experts have asked the government to establish a 'national joint replacement registry' to regulate medical implants and drugs for patients' safety. An expert panel, constituted earlier by the Union Health Ministry to probe complaints of "faulty" ASR hip implant devices, in its report has said the pharma giant "suppressed" facts on the harm of surgeries which were conducted on patients in India using "faulty" hip replacement systems. "It is strange that although about 4,700 patients received the 'faulty hip implants' in India, over 3,600 of them are untraceable. The J & J Company has said that only the hospitals would have this data. However, it is not difficult to identify these patients from the hospital data, where these joints were supplied," said a statement quoting Dr Raju Vaishya, senior joint replacement surgeon, Apollo Hospital, Indraprastha, and president of Indian Cartilage Society (ICS). He said incidentally there is no government body like a national joint replacement registry in our country, though the formation of such a body was suggested years ago. "The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) did not take any timely action on this matter, despite knowing the problems related to these implants since at least 2010. It is, therefore, a gross regulatory failure, on the part of our government regulatory authorities," Dr Vaishya said. The statement quoted Vaishya saying he had voiced and highlighted the issue of 'faulty hip implants' in 2012 through a letter published in The Journal of Arthroplasty. The letter was said to have been written in response to a research paper published by a team of orthopaedic surgeons of AIIMS -- Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty in Inflammatory Arthritis: A 3 to 5 Year Follow-up Study. Dr Atul Srivastava, secretary, Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA), also agreed to the idea of setting up of such a national body, which may be called national joint replacement registry or national healthcare data storage and management committee so that the use of faulty implants or medical devices can be stopped. The expert panel of the Health Ministry had also suggested that the firm pay compensation of around Rs 20 lakh to the affected patients. Some of the patients who had suffered due to faulty implants had questioned the panel's recommendation of the paltry amount, saying it was like "rubbing salt on their wounds." Dr Rahul Gupta, additional director, brain and spine surgery, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre in New Delhi, said more catastrophic failures of medical implants and devices are "almost guaranteed" to happen because there have been no significant reforms on the way these equipment are regulated in India. Dr R N Kalra, medical director of Kalra Hospital and SRCNC, New Delhi said, "There are established systems in place in most developed countries where the doctors and patients can register their opinion and complain regarding adverse effect of any implant or drug. "Hence, the government authority can immediately know, if there is any flaw in them but in India, there is no such apparent system," the statement quoting Kalra read. A meeting between senior officials of the Union Health Ministry and executives of Johnson and Johnson is likely to take place this week to discuss the modalities of paying compensation to affected patients in India.

Medical experts seek formation of a national joint replacement registry

Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on Wednesday condemned the recent suicide bomb attack in Nangarhar that killed 68 people and said militancy can delay but not stop the war-torn country from turning into a prosperous nation.

Militancy can delay us but cannot stop us, says Afghanistan's Abdullah in Mumbai

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved the proposal for electrification of balance unelectrified broad gauge of the Indian Railways comprising of 108 sections covering 13,675 route kilometres (16,540 track kilometres) at a cost of Rs.12,134.50 crore.

This electrification is likely to be completed by 2021-22.

The proposed electrification, which is mainly for missing links and last-mile connectivity, will increase the operational efficiency, enhance the line capacity and improve the average speed of trains.

The approved electrification will also reduce the use of imported fossil fuels, and thereby improve energy security to the nation.

After the planned electrification, there would be a reduction in the consumption of high-speed diesel oil by about 2.83 billion litres per annum and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

This will also reduce the environmental impact of Railways.

Currently, around two-thirds of freight and more than half of passenger traffic in Indian Railways moves on electric traction.

However, electric traction accounts for just 37 per cent of the total energy expenses of Indian Railways.

Due to this advantage, post electrification, the Indian Railways is likely to save Rs 13,510 crore per annum in fuel bill and the same will improve its finances.

The approved electrification will also generate direct employment of about 20.4 crore man-days during the period of construction.

The proposed electrification, which is mainly for missing links and last-mile connectivity, will increase the operational efficiency, enhance the line capacity and improve the average speed of trains.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved the proposal for electrification of balance unelectrified broad gauge of the Indian Railways comprising of 108 sections covering 13,675 route kilometres (16,540 track kilometres) at a cost of Rs.12,134.50 crore. This electrification is likely to be completed by 2021-22. The proposed electrification, which is mainly for missing links and last-mile connectivity, will increase the operational efficiency, enhance the line capacity and improve the average speed of trains. The approved electrification will also reduce the use of imported fossil fuels, and thereby improve energy security to the nation. After the planned electrification, there would be a reduction in the consumption of high-speed diesel oil by about 2.83 billion litres per annum and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This will also reduce the environmental impact of Railways. Currently, around two-thirds of freight and more than half of passenger traffic in Indian Railways moves on electric traction. However, electric traction accounts for just 37 per cent of the total energy expenses of Indian Railways. Due to this advantage, post electrification, the Indian Railways is likely to save Rs 13,510 crore per annum in fuel bill and the same will improve its finances. The approved electrification will also generate direct employment of about 20.4 crore man-days during the period of construction.

CCEA approves electrification of pending broad gauge routes of Railways

Kerala police has ordered Bishop Mullakal Franco to appear before it in connection with the alleged rape of a nun, inspector General of police Vijay Sakhare said.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-nun-rape-case-bishop-franco-mulakkal-committed-rape-repeatedly-claims-police-affidavit-165238">Also Read:&nbsp;Kerala nun who alleged rape by bishop writes to the Vatican</a>

The police has asked Bishop Franco to appear on September 19th.

The nun had&nbsp;petitioned the Vatican representative in India alleging that Bishop Franco had repeatedly raped her.

The nun alleged that the clergyman was using “political and money power” to bury the case, and sought his removal from the post.

The decision to summon the clergyman was taken after a meeting chaired by Sakhare, IG (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.

The nun had questioned why the church was "closing its eyes to the truth" when she mustered courage to make public her sufferings. She 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.&nbsp;

The nun had petitioned the Vatican representative in India alleging that Bishop Franco had repeatedly raped her.

Kerala police has ordered Bishop Mullakal Franco to appear before it in connection with the alleged rape of a nun, inspector General of police Vijay Sakhare said. Also Read: Kerala nun who alleged rape by bishop writes to the Vatican The police has asked Bishop Franco to appear on September 19th. The nun had petitioned the Vatican representative in India alleging that Bishop Franco had repeatedly raped her. The nun alleged that the clergyman was using “political and money power” to bury the case, and sought his removal from the post. The decision to summon the clergyman was taken after a meeting chaired by Sakhare, IG (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. The nun had questioned why the church was "closing its eyes to the truth" when she mustered courage to make public her sufferings. She 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.

Police summons Catholic church bishop Franco accused of raping nun in Kerala

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has said the widow of a deceased government servant is eligible for family pension even after remarriage.

Administrative member Praveen Mahajan ordered restoration of the family pension to Delhi resident Renu Gupta (47), wife of late Pawan Kumar Gupta, an employee of the Defence Ministry at the time of his death, saying Gupta had requested for transfer of the family pension in the name of her son after her re-marriage without understanding the consequences.

The CAT asked the Ministry of Defence to transfer the pension claim to her from her son's name within four months.

"Without understanding the consequences, she requested for transfer of the family pension in the name of her son after her marriage. However, the said family pension will become inadmissible after the son attains the age of 25 years," the tribunal said, adding that, "It has been held by the government that even in the case of remarriage of a widow, family pension can be given".

The bench rejected the contention of the ministry and said that she was "legally entitled for family pension under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972" and there seems to be "no legal bar in re-transferring the pension in her name".

The Defence Ministry had appointed Gupta as store keeper in 1998 on compassionate ground after the death of her husband the year before.

She was also granted family pension in accordance to Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 and other retiral benefits were offered.

Gupta remarried after, which at her own request, the family pension was sanctioned afresh to their son, Karan Gupta in 2002.

However, in 2013, she had sent multiple requests for restoration of her family pension, which was subsequently rejected every time and she was informed that she cannot be granted the pension since she had re-married.

During the course of the hearing, the counsel for the ministry, reiterated that Extra Ordinary Pension Rules are applicable only when death of the employee is attributable to government service, which was not the case here and her claim for it after 20 years of her husband's death had no merit.

The ministry claimed that she had already been granted family pension under CCS (Pension) Rules as per her entitlement.

"The same was however transferred in the name of her son, on her own request and she cannot be allowed to change her request, intermittently, as per her whims," the ministry had said.

However, Gupta's counsel contended that she was entitled to family pension as per an office memorandum of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions which had held that "the childless widow of a deceased Central Government employee who had expired before January 1, 2006, shall be eligible for family pension in the light of sixth CPC's recommendations irrespective of the fact that the remarriage of the widow had taken place prior to/on or after January 1, 2006".

Administrative member Praveen Mahajan ordered restoration of the family pension to Delhi resident Renu Gupta (47), wife of late Pawan Kumar Gupta, an employee of the Defence Ministry at the time of his death, saying Gupta had requested for transfer of the family pension in the name of her son after her re-marriage without understanding the consequences.

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has said the widow of a deceased government servant is eligible for family pension even after remarriage. Administrative member Praveen Mahajan ordered restoration of the family pension to Delhi resident Renu Gupta (47), wife of late Pawan Kumar Gupta, an employee of the Defence Ministry at the time of his death, saying Gupta had requested for transfer of the family pension in the name of her son after her re-marriage without understanding the consequences. The CAT asked the Ministry of Defence to transfer the pension claim to her from her son's name within four months. "Without understanding the consequences, she requested for transfer of the family pension in the name of her son after her marriage. However, the said family pension will become inadmissible after the son attains the age of 25 years," the tribunal said, adding that, "It has been held by the government that even in the case of remarriage of a widow, family pension can be given". The bench rejected the contention of the ministry and said that she was "legally entitled for family pension under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972" and there seems to be "no legal bar in re-transferring the pension in her name". The Defence Ministry had appointed Gupta as store keeper in 1998 on compassionate ground after the death of her husband the year before. She was also granted family pension in accordance to Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 and other retiral benefits were offered. Gupta remarried after, which at her own request, the family pension was sanctioned afresh to their son, Karan Gupta in 2002. However, in 2013, she had sent multiple requests for restoration of her family pension, which was subsequently rejected every time and she was informed that she cannot be granted the pension since she had re-married. During the course of the hearing, the counsel for the ministry, reiterated that Extra Ordinary Pension Rules are applicable only when death of the employee is attributable to government service, which was not the case here and her claim for it after 20 years of her husband's death had no merit. The ministry claimed that she had already been granted family pension under CCS (Pension) Rules as per her entitlement. "The same was however transferred in the name of her son, on her own request and she cannot be allowed to change her request, intermittently, as per her whims," the ministry had said. However, Gupta's counsel contended that she was entitled to family pension as per an office memorandum of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions which had held that "the childless widow of a deceased Central Government employee who had expired before January 1, 2006, shall be eligible for family pension in the light of sixth CPC's recommendations irrespective of the fact that the remarriage of the widow had taken place prior to/on or after January 1, 2006".

Widows are entitled to family pension even after remarriage: CAT

Quota spearhead Hardik Patel ended his indefinite fast Wednesday after 19 days, even as there were no talks between him and the Gujarat government over the leader's demands for reservation to Patidars and farm loan waiver.

Hardik broke the fast by having lemonade from the hands of Patidar community leaders Naresh Patel and C K Patel.

After ending his fast, the quota leader said, "The fight for quota for my community and farm loan waiver will continue".

Hardik had begun his indefinite hunger strike on August 25 at his residence near Ahmedabad, demanding reservation for Patidars under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and loan waiver for Gujarat farmers.

Later, a demand for release of his aide Alpesh Katheria, who was arrested on charges of sedition, was also added.

The 25-year-old quota agitation leader was admitted to a hospital after his health deteriorated last Friday - the 14th day of his fast.

After spending two days in hospital, he had returned to his house and continued the hunger strike.

While he had started taking liquids and was administered glucose at the hospital, the Patidar leader claimed he did not take any solid food during the fast.

On September 4, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Gujarat government had reacted to the agitation and claimed that Hardik's quota movement was a "politically-motivated" agitation with the backing of the Congress.

State Energy Minister Saurabh Patel had then said that the government's door were open for talks, but no negotiations were held.&nbsp

Hardik had begun his indefinite hunger strike on August 25 at his residence near Ahmedabad, demanding reservation for Patidars under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and loan waiver for Gujarat farmers.

Quota spearhead Hardik Patel ended his indefinite fast Wednesday after 19 days, even as there were no talks between him and the Gujarat government over the leader's demands for reservation to Patidars and farm loan waiver. Hardik broke the fast by having lemonade from the hands of Patidar community leaders Naresh Patel and C K Patel. After ending his fast, the quota leader said, "The fight for quota for my community and farm loan waiver will continue". Hardik had begun his indefinite hunger strike on August 25 at his residence near Ahmedabad, demanding reservation for Patidars under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and loan waiver for Gujarat farmers. Later, a demand for release of his aide Alpesh Katheria, who was arrested on charges of sedition, was also added. The 25-year-old quota agitation leader was admitted to a hospital after his health deteriorated last Friday - the 14th day of his fast. After spending two days in hospital, he had returned to his house and continued the hunger strike. While he had started taking liquids and was administered glucose at the hospital, the Patidar leader claimed he did not take any solid food during the fast. On September 4, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Gujarat government had reacted to the agitation and claimed that Hardik's quota movement was a "politically-motivated" agitation with the backing of the Congress. State Energy Minister Saurabh Patel had then said that the government's door were open for talks, but no negotiations were held.

Hardik Patel ends fast; no negotiation in sight

The operational detail was made public on Wednesday by former Nagrota (J&K) Corps Commander Lt General RR Nimbhorkar.

Leopard urine played vital part in Indian Army's surgical strikes

The 62-year-old former liquor baron arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court to hear closing submissions in the case.

Hearing in Vijay Mallya extradition

Calling himself a "soft target in a small country", fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi said that he was undergoing media trial in connection with the alleged $2 billion Punjab National Bank scam.

It is political prosecution, says Mehul Choksi on PNB scam

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has advised farmers to grow other crops rather than sugarcane as excessive production of sugar leads to more consumption, and consequently, to diabetes.

"You must start growing other crops besides sugarcane. Excess production of sugarcane leads to its more consumption, which, in turn, causes sugar (diabetes)," said CM Yogi Adityanath to Uttar Pradesh at a road inauguration programme in Baghpat.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: "You must start growing other crops besides sugarcane. Excess production of sugarcane leads to its more consumption, which, in turn causes sugar (diabetes)," says CM Yogi Adityanath at a road inauguration programme in Baghpat.(11.9.18) <a href="https://t.co/6dIVAiW9zj">pic.twitter.com/6dIVAiW9zj</a>
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Heaping praise on the government for clearing sugarcane dues to the tune of Rs 26,000 crore, Yogi Adityanath said: “We have paid Rs 26,000 crore to sugarcane farmers this year and the remaining Rs 10,000 crore will also be released soon by sugar mills. We have made adequate arrangements for the same.”

Reduce your growth of sugarcane, as it causes diabetes, Yogi Adityanath's advise to UP farmers.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has advised farmers to grow other crops rather than sugarcane as excessive production of sugar leads to more consumption, and consequently, to diabetes. "You must start growing other crops besides sugarcane. Excess production of sugarcane leads to its more consumption, which, in turn, causes sugar (diabetes)," said CM Yogi Adityanath to Uttar Pradesh at a road inauguration programme in Baghpat. #WATCH: "You must start growing other crops besides sugarcane. Excess production of sugarcane leads to its more consumption, which, in turn causes sugar (diabetes)," says CM Yogi Adityanath at a road inauguration programme in Baghpat.(11.9.18) pic.twitter.com/6dIVAiW9zj — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 12, 2018 × Heaping praise on the government for clearing sugarcane dues to the tune of Rs 26,000 crore, Yogi Adityanath said: “We have paid Rs 26,000 crore to sugarcane farmers this year and the remaining Rs 10,000 crore will also be released soon by sugar mills. We have made adequate arrangements for the same.”

Don't grow sugarcane, it causes diabetes: Yogi Adityanath to farmers

Nizam museum in Hyderabad is located inside a 100-year-old palace and showcases the gifts that were received by the last Nizam of Hyderabad state, Mir Osman Ali Khan.

Two held for stealing royal golden tiffin box worth millions in southern India

Indian Air Force chief BS Dhanoa said Wednesday that the "high-tech" Rafale will help India make up its shortfall in aircraft when compared to Pakistan and China.&nbsp;

Speaking in Delhi, Dhanoa said Pakistan currently has 20 fighter squadrons.&nbsp;

China, he added, has 1,700 fighter aircraft, of which 800 are fourth-generation.&nbsp;

India, on the other hand, he said does "not have the numbers".&nbsp;

"Against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, we are down to 31. Even when we do have 42 squadrons, we will be below the combined numbers of two of our regional adversaries," said Dhanoa.&nbsp;

A squadron typically consists of 12 to 24 aircraft.&nbsp;

"By providing the Rafale and S-400, the government is strengthening the Indian Air Force to counter the shortfall of our depleting numbers," Dhanoa added.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> What we do not have are the numbers, against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, we are down to 31. Even when we do have 42 squadrons, we will be below the combined numbers of two of our regional adversaries:Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/DKa6sQHDva">pic.twitter.com/DKa6sQHDva</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039738086874341377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Narendra Modi-led NDA government has brokered a government-to-government deal with France to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation. The opposition Congress — which had brokered the original deal to buy 126 Rafales from Dassault — however says the current government is paying three times what the UPA government&nbsp;was for a Rafale.&nbsp;

The Congress has also accused Modi of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-gave-rafale-contract-to-his-friend-rahul-gandhi-32416">crony capitalism</a>.&nbsp;

The allegations have brought the deal under fierce scrutiny.&nbsp;

SB Deo, the vice-chief of the air force, had recently said the same things as Dhanoa. Deo said that the people criticising the new deal do not understand the laid-down procurement procedures and norms.

Deo added that the Rafale is a capable aircraft which will will give the Indian Air Force an advantage over its adversaries.

'By providing the Rafale and S-400, the government is strengthening the Indian Air Force to counter the shortfall of our depleting numbers,' Dhanoa added.

Indian Air Force chief BS Dhanoa said Wednesday that the "high-tech" Rafale will help India make up its shortfall in aircraft when compared to Pakistan and China. Speaking in Delhi, Dhanoa said Pakistan currently has 20 fighter squadrons. China, he added, has 1,700 fighter aircraft, of which 800 are fourth-generation. India, on the other hand, he said does "not have the numbers". "Against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, we are down to 31. Even when we do have 42 squadrons, we will be below the combined numbers of two of our regional adversaries," said Dhanoa. A squadron typically consists of 12 to 24 aircraft. "By providing the Rafale and S-400, the government is strengthening the Indian Air Force to counter the shortfall of our depleting numbers," Dhanoa added. #WATCH What we do not have are the numbers, against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, we are down to 31. Even when we do have 42 squadrons, we will be below the combined numbers of two of our regional adversaries:Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa in Delhi pic.twitter.com/DKa6sQHDva — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2018 × The Narendra Modi-led NDA government has brokered a government-to-government deal with France to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation. The opposition Congress — which had brokered the original deal to buy 126 Rafales from Dassault — however says the current government is paying three times what the UPA government was for a Rafale. The Congress has also accused Modi of crony capitalism. The allegations have brought the deal under fierce scrutiny. SB Deo, the vice-chief of the air force, had recently said the same things as Dhanoa. Deo said that the people criticising the new deal do not understand the laid-down procurement procedures and norms. Deo added that the Rafale is a capable aircraft which will will give the Indian Air Force an advantage over its adversaries.

IAF chief backs Rafale deal, says 'high-tech' jets will help

In the sexual abuse case of Kerala nun, the document, submitted on August 13, 2018, reveals that as per initial investigation, the nun was repeatedly raped by Bishop Franco Mullakal, reported ANI.

The affidavit submitted by the DySP K Subhash, who is probing the case, before the Kerala High Court&nbsp;states, "During the course of the investigation so far conducted and the available evidences collected so far, it is revealed that the accused Bishop Franco committed unnatural offence and committed rape repeatedly on different dates from 05/05/2014 to 23/09/2016 on the complainant against the will and consent of her abusing his dominance over her as Bishop of Jalandhar after confining her in the guest room number 20 of St Francis Bishop Home Kuruvilangadu."

The nun who has accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of the Jalandhar diocese of raping her has petitioned the Vatican representative in India, alleging that the clergyman was using “political and money power” to bury the case, and sought his removal from the post.

In a letter to Giambattista Diquattro, Vatican’s Apostolic Nuncio (a diplomatic mission), the nun said she had turned to the church authorities for justice.

She alleged that the bishop and his close associates “are using the wealth of the diocese to divert” the course of the police investigation.

Her missive comes amid protests by a group of nuns and others against the delay in taking action against the bishop, who has been accused of rape and unnatural sex with the complainant multiple times between 2014 and 2016.

“They are arranging people to attack us, and bishop Franco is using his political power and money to get higher authorities of the investigation and the government to bury legal proceedings that I have filed against him,” the nun charged.

A supporter of the bishop and Independent MLA PC George on Saturday made an outrageous statement that “when the nun lost her virginity, she ceased to be a nun and should have given up her religious habit... Why did she not complain and remained silent during 12 occasions of rape and came out with the complaint only after the 13th occasion?” he said at a press conference.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the letter, the nun alleges that Bishop Franco Mullakal and his close associates 'are using the wealth of the diocese to divert' the course of the police investigation.

In the sexual abuse case of Kerala nun, the document, submitted on August 13, 2018, reveals that as per initial investigation, the nun was repeatedly raped by Bishop Franco Mullakal, reported ANI. The affidavit submitted by the DySP K Subhash, who is probing the case, before the Kerala High Court states, "During the course of the investigation so far conducted and the available evidences collected so far, it is revealed that the accused Bishop Franco committed unnatural offence and committed rape repeatedly on different dates from 05/05/2014 to 23/09/2016 on the complainant against the will and consent of her abusing his dominance over her as Bishop of Jalandhar after confining her in the guest room number 20 of St Francis Bishop Home Kuruvilangadu." The nun who has accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of the Jalandhar diocese of raping her has petitioned the Vatican representative in India, alleging that the clergyman was using “political and money power” to bury the case, and sought his removal from the post. In a letter to Giambattista Diquattro, Vatican’s Apostolic Nuncio (a diplomatic mission), the nun said she had turned to the church authorities for justice. She alleged that the bishop and his close associates “are using the wealth of the diocese to divert” the course of the police investigation. Her missive comes amid protests by a group of nuns and others against the delay in taking action against the bishop, who has been accused of rape and unnatural sex with the complainant multiple times between 2014 and 2016. “They are arranging people to attack us, and bishop Franco is using his political power and money to get higher authorities of the investigation and the government to bury legal proceedings that I have filed against him,” the nun charged. A supporter of the bishop and Independent MLA PC George on Saturday made an outrageous statement that “when the nun lost her virginity, she ceased to be a nun and should have given up her religious habit... Why did she not complain and remained silent during 12 occasions of rape and came out with the complaint only after the 13th occasion?” he said at a press conference. (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala nun who alleged rape by bishop writes to the Vatican

The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended to September 17 the house arrest of the five rights activists arrested last month for their alleged connections to Maoists.&nbsp;

The five activists include the lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj, the journalist Gautam Navlakha, the poet Varavara Rao, the former professor Vernon Gonsalaves, and the lawyer and human rights activist&nbsp;Arun Ferreira.&nbsp;

The five of them were arrested on August 28 after the Maharashtra Police carried out raids in at least five states.&nbsp;

A day after their arrests however, the Supreme Court — acting on a petition filed by the historian Romila Thapar and others — ordered that the activists were to only be kept under house arrest.&nbsp;

"Dissent is the safety valve of democracy," the court said then. "If dissent is not allowed, then the pressure cooker may burst," the court added.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court later also took umbrage at the Maharashtra Police divulging details of the case to the press while the matter was subjudice. The police had held a press conference.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra took umbrage over the statements given by the Assistant Commissioner of Police of Pune on the matter, saying he was casting aspersions on the court.

The Bench, also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, told the Maharashtra government to make its police officials “more responsible” on matters pending before the court.

The central government has received&nbsp;tremendous amounts of flack over the arrests, with several commentators saying it is stepping down on any and all forms of protest.&nbsp;

The Maharashtra Police have said in court that the arrests were not made because the activists had dissented against the government or had differing opinions from the powers that be but because they were active members of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) but had wanted&nbsp;to "destabilise society".&nbsp;

The Maharashtra Police had arrested the five activists in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave — 'Elgaar Parishad' — held on December 31, 2017, that had later triggered violence at Maharashtra's Koregaon-Bhima village.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The arrested include the lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj, the journalist Gautam Navlakha, the poet Varavara Rao, the former professor Vernon Gonsalaves, and the lawyer and human rights activist Arun Ferreira.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended to September 17 the house arrest of the five rights activists arrested last month for their alleged connections to Maoists. The five activists include the lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj, the journalist Gautam Navlakha, the poet Varavara Rao, the former professor Vernon Gonsalaves, and the lawyer and human rights activist Arun Ferreira. The five of them were arrested on August 28 after the Maharashtra Police carried out raids in at least five states. A day after their arrests however, the Supreme Court — acting on a petition filed by the historian Romila Thapar and others — ordered that the activists were to only be kept under house arrest. "Dissent is the safety valve of democracy," the court said then. "If dissent is not allowed, then the pressure cooker may burst," the court added. The Supreme Court later also took umbrage at the Maharashtra Police divulging details of the case to the press while the matter was subjudice. The police had held a press conference. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra took umbrage over the statements given by the Assistant Commissioner of Police of Pune on the matter, saying he was casting aspersions on the court. The Bench, also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, told the Maharashtra government to make its police officials “more responsible” on matters pending before the court. The central government has received tremendous amounts of flack over the arrests, with several commentators saying it is stepping down on any and all forms of protest. The Maharashtra Police have said in court that the arrests were not made because the activists had dissented against the government or had differing opinions from the powers that be but because they were active members of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) but had wanted to "destabilise society". The Maharashtra Police had arrested the five activists in connection with an FIR lodged following a conclave — 'Elgaar Parishad' — held on December 31, 2017, that had later triggered violence at Maharashtra's Koregaon-Bhima village. (With inputs from agencies)

Bhima Koregaon case: Supreme Court extends house arrest of rights activists to September 17

Incarcerated RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav is suffering from depression, director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) R K Shrivastava said Monday.

Doctors attending the former Bihar CM at RIMS have mentioned this in their report, Shrivastava told PTI, adding that depression was also mentioned in the medical discharge slip from AIIMS.

Asked about reports that a psychiatrist may look into Prasad’s condition, Shrivastava said there is no update as of now.

Some media reports have attributed Lalu’s deteriorating health to corruption cases affecting his family and also reports of political one-upmanship between his two sons.

Prasad has already publicly shown his preference for younger son Tejashwi Yadav as his heir apparent. But elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, a senior minister in the previous grand alliance, has high public standing.

Tej Pratap’s padayatra (foot march) from Patna to Sitab Diara, the birthplace of socialist leader Jai Prakash Narayan, is seen as counter to Tejashwi’s July bicycle yatra from Bodh Gaya to Patna.

Last Wednesday, Prasad was shifted to the paying ward of the hospital after RIMS accepted his prayer that cited poor hygiene, mosquito menace and bark of dogs as perilous to his health.

Prasad, convicted in the fodder scam, was shifted to the 100-bed paying ward, Shrivastava had said. The RJD supremo will have to pay Rs 1,000 per day at the present ward. Shrivastava said the change was done after permission was obtained from the jail superintendent.

After spending a few months out of jail, the RJD supremo surrendered before a CBI court in Ranchi on August 30, upon the expiry of the provisional bail granted to him by the Jharkhand High Court for medical treatment.

The former Bihar chief minister had recently undergone a fistula operation at a Mumbai hospital. He is a heart patient with kidney ailments as well.

The former Bihar chief minister had recently undergone a fistula operation at a Mumbai hospital. He is a heart patient with kidney ailments as well.

Incarcerated RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav is suffering from depression, director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) R K Shrivastava said Monday. Doctors attending the former Bihar CM at RIMS have mentioned this in their report, Shrivastava told PTI, adding that depression was also mentioned in the medical discharge slip from AIIMS. Asked about reports that a psychiatrist may look into Prasad’s condition, Shrivastava said there is no update as of now. Some media reports have attributed Lalu’s deteriorating health to corruption cases affecting his family and also reports of political one-upmanship between his two sons. Prasad has already publicly shown his preference for younger son Tejashwi Yadav as his heir apparent. But elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, a senior minister in the previous grand alliance, has high public standing. Tej Pratap’s padayatra (foot march) from Patna to Sitab Diara, the birthplace of socialist leader Jai Prakash Narayan, is seen as counter to Tejashwi’s July bicycle yatra from Bodh Gaya to Patna. Last Wednesday, Prasad was shifted to the paying ward of the hospital after RIMS accepted his prayer that cited poor hygiene, mosquito menace and bark of dogs as perilous to his health. Prasad, convicted in the fodder scam, was shifted to the 100-bed paying ward, Shrivastava had said. The RJD supremo will have to pay Rs 1,000 per day at the present ward. Shrivastava said the change was done after permission was obtained from the jail superintendent. After spending a few months out of jail, the RJD supremo surrendered before a CBI court in Ranchi on August 30, upon the expiry of the provisional bail granted to him by the Jharkhand High Court for medical treatment. The former Bihar chief minister had recently undergone a fistula operation at a Mumbai hospital. He is a heart patient with kidney ailments as well.

Lalu Prasad Yadav suffering from depression, states medical report

An unnamed Indian billionaire's daughter has been dubbed the "poshest" student in the UK after it was claimed that her family is hiring 12 staff members to help her during her studies at a Scottish university.

The first-year student at the University of St Andrew on the east coast of Scotland will have a house manager, three housekeepers, a gardener, a lady's maid and a butler on hand to help her, along with three footmen, a private chef and chauffeur, 'The Sun' newspaper reported.

They will be employed at the family's new luxurious mansion, bought so that the daughter won't have to stay in general student accommodation during the four years she spends studying at the leading Scottish university.

An advert was placed a few months ago looking for "an outgoing, cheerful" maid with an energetic personality to work within the household.

According to the advert, the maid would be in charge of "waking principal up, liaising with other staff regarding routine and schedule (and) assisting with grooming."

The staff will also be responsible for wardrobe management and personal shopping, the job requirement posted by recruitment agency Silver Swan said.

The butler will be in charge of the student's staff, who will be expected to open doors for her whenever possible, and footmen will serve meals, lay the table and clean.

The ultra high net worth (UHNW) family are described as very formal who want experienced staff, the advert notes in reference to the various roles on offer, which are said to pay around 30,000 pounds a year.

According to the advert, the maid would be in charge of "waking principal up, liaising with other staff regarding routine and schedule (and) assisting with grooming."

An unnamed Indian billionaire's daughter has been dubbed the "poshest" student in the UK after it was claimed that her family is hiring 12 staff members to help her during her studies at a Scottish university. The first-year student at the University of St Andrew on the east coast of Scotland will have a house manager, three housekeepers, a gardener, a lady's maid and a butler on hand to help her, along with three footmen, a private chef and chauffeur, 'The Sun' newspaper reported. They will be employed at the family's new luxurious mansion, bought so that the daughter won't have to stay in general student accommodation during the four years she spends studying at the leading Scottish university. An advert was placed a few months ago looking for "an outgoing, cheerful" maid with an energetic personality to work within the household. According to the advert, the maid would be in charge of "waking principal up, liaising with other staff regarding routine and schedule (and) assisting with grooming." The staff will also be responsible for wardrobe management and personal shopping, the job requirement posted by recruitment agency Silver Swan said. The butler will be in charge of the student's staff, who will be expected to open doors for her whenever possible, and footmen will serve meals, lay the table and clean. The ultra high net worth (UHNW) family are described as very formal who want experienced staff, the advert notes in reference to the various roles on offer, which are said to pay around 30,000 pounds a year.

Indian billionaire hiring 12 staff to help daughter study at UK university

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