'Baseless and misconceived': India issues statement after Elon Musk's 'oligarchs' claim over Starlink delay

‘You earned that love’: Messi’s wife shares heartfelt message as football icon bids farewell to international stage

‘Team first and team ahead’: India coach Gambhir pens heartfelt wish for chief selector Ajit Agarkar

BJP chief Nitin Nabin calls Rahul Gandhi ‘anarchist’, says Oppn ‘spreading poison’ in society

Trump's naked 23-karat gold statue unveiled near European Parliament

Nana Patekar: Remembering a legend of the Indian cinema

Thai Actors Fourth Nattawat, Gemini Norawit face racism accusations from Indian fans over viral Bollywood act

Captain Smit Machchhar on feet again, walks 10 steps as recovery continues after Flydubai flight attack

Ronaldo sends 'a hug' after Messi says he misses 'wearing the blue and white'

Trump distances himself from senior political advisers over work for pro-Russian government

A Love Other Than Yours: The temptation to cheat and what pushes people over the edge

Narendra Modi Stadium bomb threat declared hoax; India & Australia U19 squads safe

US midterms 2026: Why the Latino vote could shape control of Congress

BTS agency HYBE announces first-ever Weverse Con Festival in India

US Midterms 2026: Barack Obama hits campaign trail to boost Democratic candidates

Shia LaBeouf and Mia Goth head for divorce after nearly 10 years

Nicolas Maduro, wife likely to face new charges over alleged torture of US citizens: Report

Texas man executed by lethal injection; first US execution since botched Christa Pike execution

Christa Pike wakes after failed execution, asks 'Where am I and who are you?'

Christa Pike 'angry' and 'confused' after failed execution; judge orders to preserve evidence

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hails Modi’s 25-year leadership milestone, calls for deeper Nigeria-India strategic ties

US midterms 2026: 10 leaders and candidates to watch in the battle for Congress

Nana Patekar's #MeToo controversy: From Tanushree Dutta’s allegations to court ruling

Atlantic hurricane Isaias could make landfall as a strong Category 2 storm, tornado warnings issued

Veteran actor Nana Patekar dies at 75 after suffering cardiac arrest

Musk alleges ‘oligarchs’ blocking Starlink in India, here is what we know so far

Lightning strikes IndiGo Patna-Lucknow flight at 17,000 feet, damages nose; all 110 safe

Mall of America attack: FBI arrests man over alleged ISIS-inspired mass shooting plot with AK-47 and 200 rounds

France holds talks with Taliban government amid diplomatic outreach 

IndiGo flight struck by lightning at 17,000 feet, nose of Patna-Lucknow flight damaged

US readying to strike Iran? Report suggests Trump preparing to put on show of strength ahead of US midterms

World’s top vehicle producers: Top 10 countries making the most cars. Check where India stands

Trump to honour Elon Musk, Sergey Brin and Jensen Huang with top science honour at White House. Check the full list here

'We don't think so': Trump says Russian plague lab worker's death not linked to bio-weapon

Sri Lankan Tamil worker gets death sentence in Saudi Arabia over blasphemy, calls for pardon intensify

France protests: How a Gen Z school movement turned into a political war | The Verdict

“Isn’t everything we learn in life, a life skill?,” questioned my best friend as I explained to him my Fellowship project. I didn’t have an answer. My project as part of the AIF Clinton Fellowship was to be able to streamline, compile and re-organise a Life Skills Curriculum for the "Balsena program" at my host organisation Shaishav, a child rights organisation. Over the course of the fellowship, I’ve reflected on the question “What are life skills?” through much thought, research, and deliberation and developed my own understanding of the same.

Life Skills may be viewed as a range of psycho-social and cognitive abilities that equip children to make informed decisions and choices, manage their emotional well-being and communicate effectively.These can be interpreted in many ways. It can consist of teaching children a functional hard skill such as riding the cycle or changing the light bulb or it can mean a vocational skill that teaches the children how to gain skills required to excel at a particular job. Life skills education represents a shift in educational focus from information to methodologies. Children are empowered with skills rather than knowledge, that can help them to function and make sound personal choices in areas of education, health, careers, and social interaction.

Life skills, as part of Shaishav’s "Balsena Program", aims to develop the internal capacities and behaviours of the children to make them responsible, socially aware and active citizens of the society. By inculcating values such as equality, friendship, religious tolerance amongst others through the engagement of children in activities, the children are encouraged to actively make decisions about matters in their own lives and surroundings. Ultimately, these communities of children, who are the future of India, shall learn to be change-makers in their communities and therefore, the country. Thus, it’s the “children leading change” at Shaishav.

The necessity for the revitalisation of the content was urgent. The needs of the children have changed in the slums of Kumbharwada, and Shaishav was trying to deal with that. With everyone having or wanting 4G enabled phones, there was an urgent requirement to develop new content that was engaging, fun and contextually relevant. It needed to get the children out of their homes in the evening, away from the pull of television sets and mobile phones. So what did the children really want?

Three big events and a lot of planning helped bring in clarity and work in that direction. With patience and an uncanny ability to handle my anxiety, incessant questioning and huge doses of skepticism, my colleagues pushed me to try my hand at designing the activities, training the trainers, facilitation and conducting reflective feedback sessions. As a team, we brainstormed, piloted and assessed what activities and games worked and didn’t work with the children.

Slowly but surely, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, it all started to come together. I learned to take failure in my stride, forge through uncertainty and learned how to test and tweak the activities.

Working on this project taught me the importance of contextualisation of content to the demographic. All the activities found from the various resources must be customised and contextualised for the participants at all times. That is the true indicator of its efficacy and relevance. Change is a slow process but it begins now, in the everydayness of our thought process.

Life skills thus are the means to approach life through our thinking. This is what I’d tell my friend in response to his question.

(*A <a href="https://aif.org/the-year-that-was-learning-about-life-skills/">previous version</a> of this article was originally published on August 2nd, 2018, by the American India Foundation)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Life Skills may be viewed as a range of psycho-social and cognitive abilities that equip children to make informed decisions and choices, manage their emotional well-being and communicate effectively.These can be interpreted in many ways.

“Isn’t everything we learn in life, a life skill?,” questioned my best friend as I explained to him my Fellowship project. I didn’t have an answer. My project as part of the AIF Clinton Fellowship was to be able to streamline, compile and re-organise a Life Skills Curriculum for the "Balsena program" at my host organisation Shaishav, a child rights organisation. Over the course of the fellowship, I’ve reflected on the question “What are life skills?” through much thought, research, and deliberation and developed my own understanding of the same. Life Skills may be viewed as a range of psycho-social and cognitive abilities that equip children to make informed decisions and choices, manage their emotional well-being and communicate effectively.These can be interpreted in many ways. It can consist of teaching children a functional hard skill such as riding the cycle or changing the light bulb or it can mean a vocational skill that teaches the children how to gain skills required to excel at a particular job. Life skills education represents a shift in educational focus from information to methodologies. Children are empowered with skills rather than knowledge, that can help them to function and make sound personal choices in areas of education, health, careers, and social interaction. Life skills, as part of Shaishav’s "Balsena Program", aims to develop the internal capacities and behaviours of the children to make them responsible, socially aware and active citizens of the society. By inculcating values such as equality, friendship, religious tolerance amongst others through the engagement of children in activities, the children are encouraged to actively make decisions about matters in their own lives and surroundings. Ultimately, these communities of children, who are the future of India, shall learn to be change-makers in their communities and therefore, the country. Thus, it’s the “children leading change” at Shaishav. The necessity for the revitalisation of the content was urgent. The needs of the children have changed in the slums of Kumbharwada, and Shaishav was trying to deal with that. With everyone having or wanting 4G enabled phones, there was an urgent requirement to develop new content that was engaging, fun and contextually relevant. It needed to get the children out of their homes in the evening, away from the pull of television sets and mobile phones. So what did the children really want? Three big events and a lot of planning helped bring in clarity and work in that direction. With patience and an uncanny ability to handle my anxiety, incessant questioning and huge doses of skepticism, my colleagues pushed me to try my hand at designing the activities, training the trainers, facilitation and conducting reflective feedback sessions. As a team, we brainstormed, piloted and assessed what activities and games worked and didn’t work with the children. Slowly but surely, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, it all started to come together. I learned to take failure in my stride, forge through uncertainty and learned how to test and tweak the activities. Working on this project taught me the importance of contextualisation of content to the demographic. All the activities found from the various resources must be customised and contextualised for the participants at all times. That is the true indicator of its efficacy and relevance. Change is a slow process but it begins now, in the everydayness of our thought process. Life skills thus are the means to approach life through our thinking. This is what I’d tell my friend in response to his question. (*A previous version of this article was originally published on August 2nd, 2018, by the American India Foundation) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: Life skills equip children to manage their emotional well-being

The Pakistan federal government has cancelled former Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and his wife's diplomatic passports.

Currently in London, the couple will be unable to travel back to Pakistan to abide by the Supreme Court of Pakistan's deadline for him to make an appearance before it and for that matter before any other court, reported Geo TV.

After Dar became the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate of Pakistan in 2012, the two surrendered the blue passports and were issued diplomatic passports.

The two continued to hold the same passports when he resigned in June 2013 as Opposition Leader and took oath as Finance Minister.

Ishaq Dar was supposed to surrender the diplomatic passports within 30 days of ceasing office as the Federal Finance Minister and that his passport was cancelled over non-compliance, according to the Foreign Office.

Dar, however, did not surrender the passports as he left for London for his medical treatment but requested for the issuance of blue passports, which has not been entertained yet.

The Ministry has cancelled the passport for the former minister without issuing new passport making him `stateless`.&nbsp

Currently in London, the couple will be unable to travel back to Pakistan to abide by the Supreme Court of Pakistan's deadline for him to make an appearance before it and for that matter before any other court

The Pakistan federal government has cancelled former Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and his wife's diplomatic passports. Currently in London, the couple will be unable to travel back to Pakistan to abide by the Supreme Court of Pakistan's deadline for him to make an appearance before it and for that matter before any other court, reported Geo TV. After Dar became the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate of Pakistan in 2012, the two surrendered the blue passports and were issued diplomatic passports. The two continued to hold the same passports when he resigned in June 2013 as Opposition Leader and took oath as Finance Minister. Ishaq Dar was supposed to surrender the diplomatic passports within 30 days of ceasing office as the Federal Finance Minister and that his passport was cancelled over non-compliance, according to the Foreign Office. Dar, however, did not surrender the passports as he left for London for his medical treatment but requested for the issuance of blue passports, which has not been entertained yet. The Ministry has cancelled the passport for the former minister without issuing new passport making him `stateless`.

Pakistan government cancels passport of former finance minister

The Bombay High Court Monday upheld the discharge granted by a trial court to ex-Gujarat ATS chief D G Vanzara and four others, all of them police officers from Gujarat and Rajasthan, in the case of the encounter of suspected gangster Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife and aide.

The court held that the applications challenging their discharge were devoid of merit.

Justice A M Badar also granted discharge to Gujarat police officer Vipul Aggarwal, a co-accused in the case related to the 2005-06 encounter of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and their aide Tulsiram Prajapati.

Aggarwal's discharge plea was earlier rejected by the trial court and he had approached the High Court&nbspseeking discharge on grounds of parity with Vanzara.

Justice Badar had conducted detailed daily hearings for about two weeks in July on the five revision pleas challenging the discharge of these officers, and the plea filed by Aggarwal.

In granting relief to former IPS officers Vanzara, Rajkumar Pandian and N K Aminof the Gujarat police, and Dinesh M N and Dalpat Singh Rathod of the Rajasthan Police, Justice Badar held that the applications challenging their discharge were devoid of merit.

Sohrabuddin Shaikh's brother Rubabuddin had challenged the discharge granted in the case by the trial court to Dinesh, Pandian and Vanzara.

The remaining two revision pleas were filed by the CBI, challenging the discharge granted to Amin and Rathod.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had booked these officials, along with 33 other people, as accused in the "fake" encounters of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, Kausar Bi (in November 2005) and Prajapati (December 2006).

Between August 2016 and September 2017, a special court in Mumbai, where the case was shifted from Gujarat following a Supreme Court order, discharged 15 of these 38 accused.

Those discharged included 14 police officials and BJP president Amit Shah.&nbsp

The Bombay High Court Monday upheld the discharge granted by a trial court to ex-Gujarat ATS chief D G Vanzara and four others, all of them police officers from Gujarat and Rajasthan, in the case of the encounter of suspected gangster Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife and aide.

The Bombay High Court Monday upheld the discharge granted by a trial court to ex-Gujarat ATS chief D G Vanzara and four others, all of them police officers from Gujarat and Rajasthan, in the case of the encounter of suspected gangster Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife and aide. The court held that the applications challenging their discharge were devoid of merit. Justice A M Badar also granted discharge to Gujarat police officer Vipul Aggarwal, a co-accused in the case related to the 2005-06 encounter of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and their aide Tulsiram Prajapati. Aggarwal's discharge plea was earlier rejected by the trial court and he had approached the High Court&nbspseeking discharge on grounds of parity with Vanzara. Justice Badar had conducted detailed daily hearings for about two weeks in July on the five revision pleas challenging the discharge of these officers, and the plea filed by Aggarwal. In granting relief to former IPS officers Vanzara, Rajkumar Pandian and N K Aminof the Gujarat police, and Dinesh M N and Dalpat Singh Rathod of the Rajasthan Police, Justice Badar held that the applications challenging their discharge were devoid of merit. Sohrabuddin Shaikh's brother Rubabuddin had challenged the discharge granted in the case by the trial court to Dinesh, Pandian and Vanzara. The remaining two revision pleas were filed by the CBI, challenging the discharge granted to Amin and Rathod. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had booked these officials, along with 33 other people, as accused in the "fake" encounters of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, Kausar Bi (in November 2005) and Prajapati (December 2006). Between August 2016 and September 2017, a special court in Mumbai, where the case was shifted from Gujarat following a Supreme Court order, discharged 15 of these 38 accused. Those discharged included 14 police officials and BJP president Amit Shah.

Sohrabuddin case: High Court upholds discharge of ex-Gujarat ATS chief Vanzara, 4 others

The BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad asked Monday who is to be held responsible for the violence that broke out during the Bharat Bandh protest.&nbsp

"Everyone has a right to protest but what is happening today? Petrol pumps and buses being set ablaze, putting to risk lives. Who is responsible?" asked Prasad. &nbsp

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Everyone has a right to protest but what is happening today? Petrol pumps and buses being set ablaze, putting to risk lives. A child died after an ambulance was stuck in the protests in Bihar's Jehanabad. Who is responsible?: Ravi Shankar Prasad,Union Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBandh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatBandh</a> <a href="https://t.co/UfvTn2P84U">pic.twitter.com/UfvTn2P84U</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039049874086473728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The nationwide strike was called by the Congress over the recent rise in fuel prices, with the party saying some 20 parties were supporting the bandh.&nbsp

wionews.com reported earlier on Monday <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-bharat-bandh-called-across-country-fuel-prices-continue-to-rise-164741">that violence had broken</a> out during the bandh.&nbsp

Reports said Jan Adhikar Party workers had vandalised cars in Patna, Bihar that protesters in Gujarat's Bharuch had burnt tyres and stopped buses and that Congress workers had vandalised a petrol pump in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp

Ravi Shankar Prasad also alluded to reports of a child dying in an ambulance after the vehicle got stuck in a protest in Bihar's Jehanabad but the reports were refuted by the SDO of Jehanabad.&nbsp

"Bharat will not be bandh, it will keep moving and progressing," the BJP's Mukhtar &nbspAbbas Naqvi said Monday.&nbsp

"No one is paying heed to this call by Congress. Their 'mahagatbandhan' balloon will also burst soon," he added.&nbsp

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
'Bharat' will not be 'bandh', it will keep moving and progressing. No one is paying heed to this call by Congress, their 'Mahagatbandhan' balloon will also burst soon: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi,Union Minister <a href="https://t.co/tKwQpemUuN">pic.twitter.com/tKwQpemUuN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039035335911649281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Uttar Pradesh Chief MInister Yogi Adityanath meanwhile blamed the bandh on a "frustrated opposition".&nbsp

"Frustrated opposition doesn't have any strategy and leadership,what else can be expected from them? I hope God gives them sense so they can differentiate between positive and negative, otherwise in future they will even lose their position as opposition," he said.&nbsp

'Everyone has a right to protest but what is happening today? Petrol pumps and buses being set ablaze, putting to risk lives. Who is responsible?' asked Prasad.

The BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad asked Monday who is to be held responsible for the violence that broke out during the Bharat Bandh protest. "Everyone has a right to protest but what is happening today? Petrol pumps and buses being set ablaze, putting to risk lives. Who is responsible?" asked Prasad. Everyone has a right to protest but what is happening today? Petrol pumps and buses being set ablaze, putting to risk lives. A child died after an ambulance was stuck in the protests in Bihar's Jehanabad. Who is responsible?: Ravi Shankar Prasad,Union Minister #BharatBandh pic.twitter.com/UfvTn2P84U — ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2018 × The nationwide strike was called by the Congress over the recent rise in fuel prices, with the party saying some 20 parties were supporting the bandh. wionews.com reported earlier on Monday that violence had broken out during the bandh. Reports said Jan Adhikar Party workers had vandalised cars in Patna, Bihar that protesters in Gujarat's Bharuch had burnt tyres and stopped buses and that Congress workers had vandalised a petrol pump in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Ravi Shankar Prasad also alluded to reports of a child dying in an ambulance after the vehicle got stuck in a protest in Bihar's Jehanabad but the reports were refuted by the SDO of Jehanabad. "Bharat will not be bandh, it will keep moving and progressing," the BJP's Mukhtar &nbspAbbas Naqvi said Monday. "No one is paying heed to this call by Congress. Their 'mahagatbandhan' balloon will also burst soon," he added. 'Bharat' will not be 'bandh', it will keep moving and progressing. No one is paying heed to this call by Congress, their 'Mahagatbandhan' balloon will also burst soon: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi,Union Minister pic.twitter.com/tKwQpemUuN — ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2018 × Uttar Pradesh Chief MInister Yogi Adityanath meanwhile blamed the bandh on a "frustrated opposition". "Frustrated opposition doesn't have any strategy and leadership,what else can be expected from them? I hope God gives them sense so they can differentiate between positive and negative, otherwise in future they will even lose their position as opposition," he said.

Bharat Bandh: Who will be held responsible for the violence? asks BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad

The Mehbooba Mufti-led People's Democratic Party on Monday said it will not contest the upcoming municipal and panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir and asked the government to review its decision to hold elections amid an atmosphere of insecurity.

"There was a sense of insecurity among the people of the state with the "sword of Article 35A dangling on our heads". She said the party had unanimously decided to stay away from the electoral exercise," said Mehbooba.

The Supreme Court is hearing a bunch of petitions challenging the validity of Article 35A and has deferred the hearing till January.

Barring the BJP, all mainstream parties, including National Conference, PDP, Congress, the separatists, traders, lawyers, and civil society groups favour continuation of Article 35A and have warned against any tinkering with the law.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Situation linking panchayat polls to 35A case in Supreme Court has created apprehensions in minds of people. Party therefore urges the Govt to review its decision to hold polls at this juncture: Mehbooba Mufti,PDP Chief <a href="https://t.co/tPsPLnMvQO">pic.twitter.com/tPsPLnMvQO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1039064147240120320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Article 35A, which gives special rights to people in the state and bars outsiders from owning immovable property, has been challenged in the Supreme Court.

The apex court had on August 31 deferred the hearing on a bunch of petitions challenging Article 35A of the Constitution, as the Centre urged the court to take up the matter after panchayat elections in the state.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court is hearing a bunch of petitions challenging the validity of Article 35A and has deferred the hearing till January.

The Mehbooba Mufti-led People's Democratic Party on Monday said it will not contest the upcoming municipal and panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir and asked the government to review its decision to hold elections amid an atmosphere of insecurity. "There was a sense of insecurity among the people of the state with the "sword of Article 35A dangling on our heads". She said the party had unanimously decided to stay away from the electoral exercise," said Mehbooba. The Supreme Court is hearing a bunch of petitions challenging the validity of Article 35A and has deferred the hearing till January. Barring the BJP, all mainstream parties, including National Conference, PDP, Congress, the separatists, traders, lawyers, and civil society groups favour continuation of Article 35A and have warned against any tinkering with the law. Situation linking panchayat polls to 35A case in Supreme Court has created apprehensions in minds of people. Party therefore urges the Govt to review its decision to hold polls at this juncture: Mehbooba Mufti,PDP Chief pic.twitter.com/tPsPLnMvQO — ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2018 × Article 35A, which gives special rights to people in the state and bars outsiders from owning immovable property, has been challenged in the Supreme Court. The apex court had on August 31 deferred the hearing on a bunch of petitions challenging Article 35A of the Constitution, as the Centre urged the court to take up the matter after panchayat elections in the state.

J&K: PDP follows National Conference, boycotts panchayat polls over Article 35A

Interpol has issued a red corner notice (RCN) against Purvi Modi, a Belgian national and absconding billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi's sister, in connection with the alleged USD 2 billion PNB money laundering case, officials said on Monday.

The notice, which acts as an international arrest warrant, states that Purvi Deepak Modi, 44, is wanted on charges of "money laundering".

The RCN against her was requested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), officials said. The ED wants her to join investigations to take its investigation in the case forward, they added. It named her in its first charge sheet in the case in March and charged her with laundering the alleged proceeds of crime generated by defrauding the Brady House branch of the Punjab National Bank in Mumbai.

According to the Interpol notice, Purvi speaks English, Gujarati and Hindi and is a Belgian national. Once an RCN is issued against a fugitive, Interpol asks its 192 member countries to arrest or detain the person is spotted in their countries after which extradition or deportation proceedings can begin.

A similar Interpol notice was recently issued against Mihir R Bhansali, a top executive of Nirav Modi's US business concern, on charges of money laundering. A similar notice was issued against Nirav Modi sometime back as part of a joint probe by the ED and the CBI in the case.

The case pertains to cheating the state-run Punjab National Bank through the fraudulent issuance of Letters of Undertaking and Foreign Letters of Credit worth over USD 2 billion (about Rs 13,000 crore) by Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, both absconding since the first week of January.

The notice, which acts as an international arrest warrant, states that Purvi Deepak Modi, 44, is wanted on charges of 'money laundering'.

Interpol has issued a red corner notice (RCN) against Purvi Modi, a Belgian national and absconding billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi's sister, in connection with the alleged USD 2 billion PNB money laundering case, officials said on Monday. The notice, which acts as an international arrest warrant, states that Purvi Deepak Modi, 44, is wanted on charges of "money laundering". The RCN against her was requested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), officials said. The ED wants her to join investigations to take its investigation in the case forward, they added. It named her in its first charge sheet in the case in March and charged her with laundering the alleged proceeds of crime generated by defrauding the Brady House branch of the Punjab National Bank in Mumbai. According to the Interpol notice, Purvi speaks English, Gujarati and Hindi and is a Belgian national. Once an RCN is issued against a fugitive, Interpol asks its 192 member countries to arrest or detain the person is spotted in their countries after which extradition or deportation proceedings can begin. A similar Interpol notice was recently issued against Mihir R Bhansali, a top executive of Nirav Modi's US business concern, on charges of money laundering. A similar notice was issued against Nirav Modi sometime back as part of a joint probe by the ED and the CBI in the case. The case pertains to cheating the state-run Punjab National Bank through the fraudulent issuance of Letters of Undertaking and Foreign Letters of Credit worth over USD 2 billion (about Rs 13,000 crore) by Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, both absconding since the first week of January.

Interpol issues red corner notice against Nirav Modi's sister

The Delhi government has launched its doorstep delivery&nbsp;of public services.&nbsp;The project aims to "home deliver"&nbsp;public services.&nbsp;

Forty of the services — including driving licences, caste, birth, and address certificates, water connections, and pensions — will be included in the project's first phase. &nbsp;

"The objective of Delhi Govt's political will is to ease the life of the common citizen," Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said. He added that the initiative was a first "across the globe" and that it "marks the beginning of a new era of pro-people governance".&nbsp;

He added that the number to call to avail of the service was 1076.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The objective of Delhi Govt's political will is to ease the life of the common citizen. CM <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> launched Doorstep Delivery of Govt Services today, which is the 1st of its kind initiative, across the globe! This marks a new era of Governance<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0_%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87_%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#केजरीवाल_सरकार_आपके_द्वार</a>
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/1039034128803524609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Launch of Doorstep Delivery Of Govt Services by CM <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a>, a first of its kind initiative in the world, marks the beginning of a new era of pro-people Governance. 1076 is the number to remember.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0_%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87_%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#केजरीवाल_सरकार_आपके_द्वार</a>
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) <a href="https://twitter.com/msisodia/status/1039034713950887936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Must watch & share...<a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a>'s address on the occasion of Launch of Doorstep Delivery of Public Services.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0_%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87_%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#केजरीवाल_सरकार_आपके_द्वार</a> 
 
Video Part-1: <a href="https://t.co/IRNhkXTQNt">pic.twitter.com/IRNhkXTQNt</a>
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1039037608981082112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We have to change the way we r being governed. The entire administration and governance needs complete overhaul. It needs to become citizen centric. <a href="https://t.co/8azOIHGY9n">https://t.co/8azOIHGY9n</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1039038713135853568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sisodia had announced the move in November. &nbsp;

The project however <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-plans-home-delivery-of-40-government-services-lg-says-no-27811?amp">had run into trouble</a> with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal who had said then that the Delhi government did not have the manpower to provide the service.&nbsp;

Baijal had said just the digitisation of the service was enough.&nbsp;

Sisodia however had said then that most of the services had already been digitised, and yet there were "long queues in offices... most people still have to run around government offices with docs (documents)".&nbsp;

Forty of the services — including driving licences, caste, birth, and address certificates, water connections, and pensions — will be included in the project's first phase. They will now be 'home delivered' to residents.

The Delhi government has launched its doorstep delivery of public services. The project aims to "home deliver" public services. Forty of the services — including driving licences, caste, birth, and address certificates, water connections, and pensions — will be included in the project's first phase. "The objective of Delhi Govt's political will is to ease the life of the common citizen," Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said. He added that the initiative was a first "across the globe" and that it "marks the beginning of a new era of pro-people governance". He added that the number to call to avail of the service was 1076. The objective of Delhi Govt's political will is to ease the life of the common citizen. CM @ArvindKejriwal launched Doorstep Delivery of Govt Services today, which is the 1st of its kind initiative, across the globe! This marks a new era of Governance#केजरीवाल_सरकार_आपके_द्वार — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) September 10, 2018 × Launch of Doorstep Delivery Of Govt Services by CM @ArvindKejriwal, a first of its kind initiative in the world, marks the beginning of a new era of pro-people Governance. 1076 is the number to remember.#केजरीवाल_सरकार_आपके_द्वार — Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) September 10, 2018 × Must watch & share...@ArvindKejriwal's address on the occasion of Launch of Doorstep Delivery of Public Services.#केजरीवाल_सरकार_आपके_द्वार Video Part-1: pic.twitter.com/IRNhkXTQNt — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) September 10, 2018 × We have to change the way we r being governed. The entire administration and governance needs complete overhaul. It needs to become citizen centric. https://t.co/8azOIHGY9n — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 10, 2018 × Sisodia had announced the move in November. The project however had run into trouble with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal who had said then that the Delhi government did not have the manpower to provide the service. Baijal had said just the digitisation of the service was enough. Sisodia however had said then that most of the services had already been digitised, and yet there were "long queues in offices... most people still have to run around government offices with docs (documents)".

Delhi govt begins to home deliver public services, says it's a first in the world

Congress leaders Sunday urged the people of Gujarat to make Monday's Bharat Bandh a success and accused the centre of revising excise duty on petrol and diesel twelve times leading to a sharp spike in their prices.

The BJP-led Union government pocketed Rs 11 lakh crore from the public by raising taxes on fuel and not including petrol and diesel under GST, Congress leaders Sushil Kumar Shinde, Rajiv Satav and Amit Chavda claimed in two separate press conferences in Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

Talking to reporters in Rajkot, former union minister Sushil Kumar Shinde slammed the NDA government over rising in fuel prices and blamed its "stubborn" stand for this.

"Fuel prices can be reduced if the government includes it under GST. The government has earned over Rs 11 lakh crore through taxation on fuel," Shinde said.

He said that twelve countries were importing petrol and diesel at cheaper rates from India, while people here were made to suffer due to constant price rise.

"The government has the power to reduce prices. It appears the government lacks coordination with oil companies which has resulted in the rise in prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas on a daily basis," Shinde claimed.

Calling people in the state to join in large numbers to support the shutdown, Congress' Gujarat in charge Rajiv Satav and state president Amit Chavda, in a joint press conference, said that despite a drop in international crude oil prices, the Narendra Modi government continued to impose excise duty leading to rising in their prices domestically.

"Since May 2014, excise duty on petrol has gone up by 211.7 per cent, on diesel by 443.06 per cent. Central excise duty was revised upwards 12 times," Satav said.

"Congress president Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly demanded that petrol and diesel be included in GST as this could reduce the price by Rs 10-15 per litre," he said.

Chavda asked party workers to ensure that the bandh remained peaceful while requesting all sections of society to support it.

He also urged small businessmen and shopkeepers to down shutters till 3 pm Monday to make the bandh a success.

Sushil Kumar Shinde slammed the NDA government over rise in fuel prices and blamed its 'stubborn' stand for this.

Congress leaders Sunday urged the people of Gujarat to make Monday's Bharat Bandh a success and accused the centre of revising excise duty on petrol and diesel twelve times leading to a sharp spike in their prices. The BJP-led Union government pocketed Rs 11 lakh crore from the public by raising taxes on fuel and not including petrol and diesel under GST, Congress leaders Sushil Kumar Shinde, Rajiv Satav and Amit Chavda claimed in two separate press conferences in Rajkot and Ahmedabad. Talking to reporters in Rajkot, former union minister Sushil Kumar Shinde slammed the NDA government over rising in fuel prices and blamed its "stubborn" stand for this. "Fuel prices can be reduced if the government includes it under GST. The government has earned over Rs 11 lakh crore through taxation on fuel," Shinde said. He said that twelve countries were importing petrol and diesel at cheaper rates from India, while people here were made to suffer due to constant price rise. "The government has the power to reduce prices. It appears the government lacks coordination with oil companies which has resulted in the rise in prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas on a daily basis," Shinde claimed. Calling people in the state to join in large numbers to support the shutdown, Congress' Gujarat in charge Rajiv Satav and state president Amit Chavda, in a joint press conference, said that despite a drop in international crude oil prices, the Narendra Modi government continued to impose excise duty leading to rising in their prices domestically. "Since May 2014, excise duty on petrol has gone up by 211.7 per cent, on diesel by 443.06 per cent. Central excise duty was revised upwards 12 times," Satav said. "Congress president Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly demanded that petrol and diesel be included in GST as this could reduce the price by Rs 10-15 per litre," he said. Chavda asked party workers to ensure that the bandh remained peaceful while requesting all sections of society to support it. He also urged small businessmen and shopkeepers to down shutters till 3 pm Monday to make the bandh a success.

Centre increased excise duty on petrol, diesel 12 times, says Congress

The Supreme Court on Monday sought a report from a sessions judge in a Lucknow court on how he intends to complete the trial in the Babri Masjid demolition case involving BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi and Uma Bharti within the April 2019 deadline.

A bench of Justices RF Nariman and Indu Malhotra also sought the Uttar Pradesh government's response on a plea of trial court judge SK Yadav, whose promotion was stayed by the Allahabad High Court on the ground that the apex court had directed him to complete the trial. The court asked for the report in a sealed cover.

On &nbspApril 19, 2017, the apex court had said BJP stalwarts Advani, Joshi and Uma Bharti would be prosecuted for serious offence of criminal conspiracy in the politically sensitive 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case and ordered a day-to-day trial to be concluded in two years, ie 19 April 2019.

The apex court dubbed the demolition of the medieval era monument a "crime" which shook the "secular fabric of the Constitution" and allowed CBI's plea on the restoration of the criminal conspiracy charge against the VVIP accused.

"There shall be no de novo (fresh) trial. There shall be no transfer of the Judge conducting the trial until the entire trial concludes. The case shall not be adjourned on any ground except when the sessions court finds it impossible to carry on the trial for that particular date," the apex court had said.

There were two sets of cases relating to the demolition of the disputed structure on December 6 1992. The first involved unnamed 'karsevaks', the trial of which is taking place in a Lucknow court, while the second set of cases relate to the leaders in a Rae Bareli court.

In April 2017, the court had set a deadline of two years for the case to be completed.

The Supreme Court on Monday sought a report from a sessions judge in a Lucknow court on how he intends to complete the trial in the Babri Masjid demolition case involving BJP veterans LK Advani, MM Joshi and Uma Bharti within the April 2019 deadline. A bench of Justices RF Nariman and Indu Malhotra also sought the Uttar Pradesh government's response on a plea of trial court judge SK Yadav, whose promotion was stayed by the Allahabad High Court on the ground that the apex court had directed him to complete the trial. The court asked for the report in a sealed cover. On &nbspApril 19, 2017, the apex court had said BJP stalwarts Advani, Joshi and Uma Bharti would be prosecuted for serious offence of criminal conspiracy in the politically sensitive 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case and ordered a day-to-day trial to be concluded in two years, ie 19 April 2019. The apex court dubbed the demolition of the medieval era monument a "crime" which shook the "secular fabric of the Constitution" and allowed CBI's plea on the restoration of the criminal conspiracy charge against the VVIP accused. "There shall be no de novo (fresh) trial. There shall be no transfer of the Judge conducting the trial until the entire trial concludes. The case shall not be adjourned on any ground except when the sessions court finds it impossible to carry on the trial for that particular date," the apex court had said. There were two sets of cases relating to the demolition of the disputed structure on December 6 1992. The first involved unnamed 'karsevaks', the trial of which is taking place in a Lucknow court, while the second set of cases relate to the leaders in a Rae Bareli court.

Babri Masjid demolition case: SC seeks progress report from trial court judge

The Enforcement Directorate moved Monday a Delhi court seeking to cancel the interim relief from arrest granted to former Union minister P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram in an Aircel-Maxis money laundering case.

Special CBI Judge O P Saini agreed to hear the plea at 2 pm Monday after the probe agency told the court that custodial interrogation of Karti Chidambaram was required in the matter.

Earlier, on August 7, the Delhi court had extended till October 8 the interim protection from arrest granted to senior Congress leader P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis cases filed by the CBI and the ED for the alleged offences of corruption and money laundering respectively.

P Chidambaram and his son were named in the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case on July 19.

The ED is also probing a separate money-laundering case in the Aircel-Maxis matter and a charge sheet was filed against Karti Chidambaram by the agency on July 13.

The CBI is probing how P Chidambaram, who was the finance minister in 2006, granted a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to a foreign firm when only the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) was empowered to do it.

The senior Congress leader's role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore.

Taking a cue from the CBI FIR, the ED is probing the money laundering in the matter.

P Chidambaram and Karti Chidambaram have been questioned by the ED on various occasions, even though the politician has not been arrayed as an accused.

Both Chidambaram and Karti Chidambaram have denied the allegations levelled against them by the CBI and the ED.

Special CBI Judge O P Saini agreed to hear the plea at 2 pm Monday after the probe agency told the court that custodial interrogation of Karti Chidambaram was required in the matter.

The Enforcement Directorate moved Monday a Delhi court seeking to cancel the interim relief from arrest granted to former Union minister P Chidambaram's son Karti Chidambaram in an Aircel-Maxis money laundering case. Special CBI Judge O P Saini agreed to hear the plea at 2 pm Monday after the probe agency told the court that custodial interrogation of Karti Chidambaram was required in the matter. Earlier, on August 7, the Delhi court had extended till October 8 the interim protection from arrest granted to senior Congress leader P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis cases filed by the CBI and the ED for the alleged offences of corruption and money laundering respectively. P Chidambaram and his son were named in the charge sheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case on July 19. The ED is also probing a separate money-laundering case in the Aircel-Maxis matter and a charge sheet was filed against Karti Chidambaram by the agency on July 13. The CBI is probing how P Chidambaram, who was the finance minister in 2006, granted a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to a foreign firm when only the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) was empowered to do it. The senior Congress leader's role has come under the scanner of investigating agencies in the Rs 3,500-crore Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case involving Rs 305 crore. Taking a cue from the CBI FIR, the ED is probing the money laundering in the matter. P Chidambaram and Karti Chidambaram have been questioned by the ED on various occasions, even though the politician has not been arrayed as an accused. Both Chidambaram and Karti Chidambaram have denied the allegations levelled against them by the CBI and the ED.

Aircel-Maxis case: ED moves court to cancel interim relief from arrest granted to Karti Chidambaram

Tanveen Kaur Randhawa was in her laboratory at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru when the Supreme Court pronounced its judgement striking down article 377, the colonial-era law that banned consensual gay sex. “I was overwhelmed, emotional, jubilant. It was a mix of emotions,” Randhawa, an alumnus of IIT-Roorkee, said.

She was one of the petitioners who fought tooth and nail against the law in the apex court. “The decision will give the community visibility and confidence,” she told PTI over phone from Bengaluru. “For me,” she said, “The judgement is empowering. It would give us the courage to come out and acknowledge our sexuality.” However, the 25-year-old PhD student at the IISc-Bangalore acknowledged that achieving wider social acceptance to same-sex relations is still “a very big challenge”. “There is a need now to sensitise people, especially from rural parts of the country who still view homosexuality as a taboo and crime,” Randhawa said.

Another petitioner, Viral, an IT engineer from Ahmedabad, said the judgement was a “people’s verdict”. “What matters the most to me is the acceptance we got, the kind of response from the public we got. The judgement was welcomed and celebrated not only by celebrities or activists but also by the common man,” the 28-year-old alumnus from IIT Kharagpur said. “Hearing the judgement gave me goosebumps. For the first time, I felt I am a part of this society,” Viral said. Another petitioner, Debottam Saha, a student of IIT-Delhi, said he feels “my country has grown up”. “I am no longer ashamed of who I am. I am not a criminal anymore and that feeling is liberating,” the 28-year-old PhD student at IIT-Delhi said.

A group of 20 students and alumni of the Indian Institutes of Technology had filed a petition in the Supreme Court against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalised homosexuality. The petitioners are all members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, and represent Pravriti – an informal network of more than 350 LGBT alumni, students and faculty from across India’s 12 IITs. The Supreme Court, in its landmark judgement, on Thursday unanimously struck down part of the section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which criminalised gay sex, saying that it violated the constitutional right to equality and dignity. Section 377 declared “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” punishable by imprisonment for life.

The judgement was widely welcomed by most sections of the society especially the youth who called it a victory of love. Romel Baral, an alumnus of IIT Guwahati working as a senior analyst at Goldman Sachs, said the next step is acceptance. “We have been granted a fundamental right that we deserved,” the 25-year-old petitioner said. For Balachandran Ramaiah, another petitioner who is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, there are two-three issues that still remain unaddressed.

The social attitude and mindset still need to change considerably so that the LGBT community could come out of the closet. There is also a need to deal with a stereotypical opinion about the community, the 55-year-old investment banker said. “We would want a long-term serious commitment between same-sex couples legalised, like in European countries,” he said. “But for same-sex marriages, we fear there would be very fierce opposition by the fringe groups. “Whenever we tested the waters, we found the opposition very strong.”

The judgement was widely welcomed by most sections of the society especially the youth who called it a victory of love.

Tanveen Kaur Randhawa was in her laboratory at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru when the Supreme Court pronounced its judgement striking down article 377, the colonial-era law that banned consensual gay sex. “I was overwhelmed, emotional, jubilant. It was a mix of emotions,” Randhawa, an alumnus of IIT-Roorkee, said. She was one of the petitioners who fought tooth and nail against the law in the apex court. “The decision will give the community visibility and confidence,” she told PTI over phone from Bengaluru. “For me,” she said, “The judgement is empowering. It would give us the courage to come out and acknowledge our sexuality.” However, the 25-year-old PhD student at the IISc-Bangalore acknowledged that achieving wider social acceptance to same-sex relations is still “a very big challenge”. “There is a need now to sensitise people, especially from rural parts of the country who still view homosexuality as a taboo and crime,” Randhawa said. Another petitioner, Viral, an IT engineer from Ahmedabad, said the judgement was a “people’s verdict”. “What matters the most to me is the acceptance we got, the kind of response from the public we got. The judgement was welcomed and celebrated not only by celebrities or activists but also by the common man,” the 28-year-old alumnus from IIT Kharagpur said. “Hearing the judgement gave me goosebumps. For the first time, I felt I am a part of this society,” Viral said. Another petitioner, Debottam Saha, a student of IIT-Delhi, said he feels “my country has grown up”. “I am no longer ashamed of who I am. I am not a criminal anymore and that feeling is liberating,” the 28-year-old PhD student at IIT-Delhi said. A group of 20 students and alumni of the Indian Institutes of Technology had filed a petition in the Supreme Court against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalised homosexuality. The petitioners are all members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, and represent Pravriti – an informal network of more than 350 LGBT alumni, students and faculty from across India’s 12 IITs. The Supreme Court, in its landmark judgement, on Thursday unanimously struck down part of the section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which criminalised gay sex, saying that it violated the constitutional right to equality and dignity. Section 377 declared “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” punishable by imprisonment for life. The judgement was widely welcomed by most sections of the society especially the youth who called it a victory of love. Romel Baral, an alumnus of IIT Guwahati working as a senior analyst at Goldman Sachs, said the next step is acceptance. “We have been granted a fundamental right that we deserved,” the 25-year-old petitioner said. For Balachandran Ramaiah, another petitioner who is an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, there are two-three issues that still remain unaddressed. The social attitude and mindset still need to change considerably so that the LGBT community could come out of the closet. There is also a need to deal with a stereotypical opinion about the community, the 55-year-old investment banker said. “We would want a long-term serious commitment between same-sex couples legalised, like in European countries,” he said. “But for same-sex marriages, we fear there would be very fierce opposition by the fringe groups. “Whenever we tested the waters, we found the opposition very strong.”

‘People’s verdict’ on homosexuality moved us: IITians who fought tooth & nail against section 377

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has urged former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yashwant Sinha to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2019.&nbsp

However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener did not name the party or the constituency from which the former finance minister should contest the polls.

After asking people whether Yashwant Sinha should contest in elections or not, the Delhi Chief Minister said, “Recently you (Yashwant Sinha) announced that you won’t contest elections, but if good people like you won’t do it then who would? Sir, it’s the public demand that Yashwant Sinha should contest elections.” The Chief Minister was addressing a ‘Jan Adhikar’ rally, organised to mark the end of a ‘padayatra’ under the leadership of AAP leader and Uttar Pradesh in-charge Sanjay Singh. The 10-day padayatra by Singh was started from Saharanpur to raise issues of farmers and governance.

Recalling measures taken by his party in education and healthcare sectors, and regulation of power tariffs, Kejriwal asked, “If we can transform the government schools in Delhi, create hundreds of mohalla clinics and provide power at the lowest tariff in the country, why can’t Modi Ji do it across the country?” Taking a jibe at the country’s top leadership, Sinha, who was also present at the event along with Kejriwal, said “Nowadays those participating in debates on TV channels are considering themselves as leaders.Some think the citizens of this country are fools and the media is under their control. But the people will no longer accept this. They will punish those guilty in the upcoming elections.”&nbsp

Meanwhile, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha, who was also present at the event, heaped praises on the Delhi Chief Minister for the Mohalla Clinics system.

BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha, who was also present at the event, heaped praises on the Delhi Chief Minister for the Mohalla Clinics system.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has urged former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yashwant Sinha to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2019. However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener did not name the party or the constituency from which the former finance minister should contest the polls. After asking people whether Yashwant Sinha should contest in elections or not, the Delhi Chief Minister said, “Recently you (Yashwant Sinha) announced that you won’t contest elections, but if good people like you won’t do it then who would? Sir, it’s the public demand that Yashwant Sinha should contest elections.” The Chief Minister was addressing a ‘Jan Adhikar’ rally, organised to mark the end of a ‘padayatra’ under the leadership of AAP leader and Uttar Pradesh in-charge Sanjay Singh. The 10-day padayatra by Singh was started from Saharanpur to raise issues of farmers and governance. Recalling measures taken by his party in education and healthcare sectors, and regulation of power tariffs, Kejriwal asked, “If we can transform the government schools in Delhi, create hundreds of mohalla clinics and provide power at the lowest tariff in the country, why can’t Modi Ji do it across the country?” Taking a jibe at the country’s top leadership, Sinha, who was also present at the event along with Kejriwal, said “Nowadays those participating in debates on TV channels are considering themselves as leaders.Some think the citizens of this country are fools and the media is under their control. But the people will no longer accept this. They will punish those guilty in the upcoming elections.” Meanwhile, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha, who was also present at the event, heaped praises on the Delhi Chief Minister for the Mohalla Clinics system.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal urges Yashwant Sinha to contest Lok Sabha elections

The investment limit for EB-5 investor visa programme, which provides Green Cards to foreigners investing at least USD 500,000 in the US, is not expected to increase at least till December this year, according to US Congressman Aaron Schock.

The employment-based fifth preference category (EB-5) visa is meant for high net-worth individuals (HNIs) to earn the Green Card which offers permanent residency in the US for themselves and their immediate family through a one-time minimum investment of USD 500,000 into a new business that creates 10 or more jobs for the Americans.

"We don't see an investment hike when the EB-5 programme gets an extension in September. That (investment limit) is expected to change only when the new session is in place," Schock, a Republican and the Chief Sponsor of the EB-5 Reauthorisation Bill 2012 told PTI.

According to estimates, the EB-5 market has been growing at 30-40 per cent every year from India and is expected to see a significant increase in the next 3-4 months as there is the anticipation of a sharp rise in investment limit.

Schock said the programme has been for around 30 years but one thing that has remained constant and that is the price. For the UK it is as high as USD 2 million, Canada (USD 1 million) and Australia (USD 4 million).

"So the price is going to go up. we can't tell you the day for certain but it's going to happen," he said and added that the price is expected to go up between USD 1 million and 1.3 million for investors".

EB-5 investor visa programme allocates up to 10,000 visas annually to foreign nationals, with a per country cap of seven per cent. India is the third highest filer of EB-5 visa application after China and Vietnam.

"If you look at EB-5 applicants we are growing by roughly 30-35 per cent year on year, despite low awareness. But as awareness accelerates the rate of growth will potentially accelerate in the next few years," Vikram Kumar, scion of Chicago-based AVG Group of Companies said.

Kumar further noted that a very large part of the Indian wealth creation happened in the last five years. From 50,000 millionaires in 2012, it has grown to 330,000 in 2018 and the number is expected to be much larger as there is a shadow economy.

"Given these circumstances, the next few years are expected to be very good for the EB5 programme," he noted.

Chicago-based AVG Group of Companies was founded by India-born Shalabh Kumar in 1975, which has since turned into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate.

AVG America Investments LLC (AAI) is a subsidiary of the Group and a global leader in the EB5 with over 1,800 investors, 1,407 I-526 (conditional PR) approvals, and 351 I-829 (permanent PR) approvals.

The Group has achieved over 5,000 conditional Green Cards for its patrons till now. In 1990, when the US Congress created category 5, the goal was to stimulate the economy through job creation and capital investment.

Two years later, with unemployment climbing, the Congress created the Regional Centre Programme and set aside EB-5 visas for those who invest in commercial enterprises associated with regional centres.

The investment limit for EB-5 investor visa programme, which provides Green Cards to foreigners investing at least USD 500,000 in the US, is not expected to increase at least till December this year, according to US Congressman Aaron Schock.

The investment limit for EB-5 investor visa programme, which provides Green Cards to foreigners investing at least USD 500,000 in the US, is not expected to increase at least till December this year, according to US Congressman Aaron Schock. The employment-based fifth preference category (EB-5) visa is meant for high net-worth individuals (HNIs) to earn the Green Card which offers permanent residency in the US for themselves and their immediate family through a one-time minimum investment of USD 500,000 into a new business that creates 10 or more jobs for the Americans. "We don't see an investment hike when the EB-5 programme gets an extension in September. That (investment limit) is expected to change only when the new session is in place," Schock, a Republican and the Chief Sponsor of the EB-5 Reauthorisation Bill 2012 told PTI. According to estimates, the EB-5 market has been growing at 30-40 per cent every year from India and is expected to see a significant increase in the next 3-4 months as there is the anticipation of a sharp rise in investment limit. Schock said the programme has been for around 30 years but one thing that has remained constant and that is the price. For the UK it is as high as USD 2 million, Canada (USD 1 million) and Australia (USD 4 million). "So the price is going to go up. we can't tell you the day for certain but it's going to happen," he said and added that the price is expected to go up between USD 1 million and 1.3 million for investors". EB-5 investor visa programme allocates up to 10,000 visas annually to foreign nationals, with a per country cap of seven per cent. India is the third highest filer of EB-5 visa application after China and Vietnam. "If you look at EB-5 applicants we are growing by roughly 30-35 per cent year on year, despite low awareness. But as awareness accelerates the rate of growth will potentially accelerate in the next few years," Vikram Kumar, scion of Chicago-based AVG Group of Companies said. Kumar further noted that a very large part of the Indian wealth creation happened in the last five years. From 50,000 millionaires in 2012, it has grown to 330,000 in 2018 and the number is expected to be much larger as there is a shadow economy. "Given these circumstances, the next few years are expected to be very good for the EB5 programme," he noted. Chicago-based AVG Group of Companies was founded by India-born Shalabh Kumar in 1975, which has since turned into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate. AVG America Investments LLC (AAI) is a subsidiary of the Group and a global leader in the EB5 with over 1,800 investors, 1,407 I-526 (conditional PR) approvals, and 351 I-829 (permanent PR) approvals. The Group has achieved over 5,000 conditional Green Cards for its patrons till now. In 1990, when the US Congress created category 5, the goal was to stimulate the economy through job creation and capital investment. Two years later, with unemployment climbing, the Congress created the Regional Centre Programme and set aside EB-5 visas for those who invest in commercial enterprises associated with regional centres.

Investment limit for EB-5 investors visa will remain $500,000 till December, hike deferred

PC George, an independent MLA from Kerala, has made controversial comments on the character of the nun who levelled rape allegations against Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar, Punjab.&nbsp;

The Kerala MLA called the rape victim a "prostitute"&nbsp;and made disparaging comments about her modesty, questioning the character of the nun.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference in Kottayam, Poonjar MLA PC George said, "No one has doubt that the nun is a prostitute. Twelve times she enjoyed it and the 13th time it is rape? Why didn't she complain the first time?"

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
No one has doubt that the nun is a prostitute. 12 times she enjoyed it and the 13th time it is rape? Why didn't she complain the first time?: PC George, Kerala MLA (Independent) on the nun who levelled rape allegations against Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulackal. <a href="https://t.co/Br2sxyhVgX">pic.twitter.com/Br2sxyhVgX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1038474706108735488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The nun had alleged in June that Mulakkal sexually abused her several times at a convent in Kuruvalangadu near Kottayam in Kerala between 2014 and 2016.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I am ashamed of such lawmakers who are giving these statements instead of helping women. NCW has already taken up the matter & we will write to DGP demanding strict action against him: NCW Chief Rekha Sharma on Kerala Independent MLA PC George calling victim nun a prostitute. <a href="https://t.co/1crW6IE7W4">pic.twitter.com/1crW6IE7W4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1038668120972349440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

An FIR was registered against the bishop and a 114-page statement of the nun and other inmates of the convent taken.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kerala: A 55-year-old nun found dead inside a well in Mount Tabor Dayara Convent in Kollam's Pathanapuram. More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/pS6O8vciiS">pic.twitter.com/pS6O8vciiS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1038669080281186304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Although Mulakkal has denied any wrongdoing, a team of Kerala Police officials last month visited the bishop's house at Jalandhar and questioned him, Father Antony and Jalandhar Diocese Chief Public Relations Officer Father Peter.

Coming in support of the nuns' cause, former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan in a statement on Saturday said that the nuns are forced to protest in the absence of any help from any the authorities concerned.

Meanwhile, all eyes are now on the controversial bishop to see whether Mulakkal travels to the Vatican early next month to take part in the bishops' conference.

The nun had alleged in June that Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar, Punjab sexually abused her several times at a convent in Kuruvalangadu near Kottayam in Kerala between 2014 and 2016.

PC George, an independent MLA from Kerala, has made controversial comments on the character of the nun who levelled rape allegations against Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar, Punjab. The Kerala MLA called the rape victim a "prostitute" and made disparaging comments about her modesty, questioning the character of the nun. Addressing a press conference in Kottayam, Poonjar MLA PC George said, "No one has doubt that the nun is a prostitute. Twelve times she enjoyed it and the 13th time it is rape? Why didn't she complain the first time?" No one has doubt that the nun is a prostitute. 12 times she enjoyed it and the 13th time it is rape? Why didn't she complain the first time?: PC George, Kerala MLA (Independent) on the nun who levelled rape allegations against Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulackal. pic.twitter.com/Br2sxyhVgX — ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2018 × The nun had alleged in June that Mulakkal sexually abused her several times at a convent in Kuruvalangadu near Kottayam in Kerala between 2014 and 2016. I am ashamed of such lawmakers who are giving these statements instead of helping women. NCW has already taken up the matter & we will write to DGP demanding strict action against him: NCW Chief Rekha Sharma on Kerala Independent MLA PC George calling victim nun a prostitute. pic.twitter.com/1crW6IE7W4 — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2018 × An FIR was registered against the bishop and a 114-page statement of the nun and other inmates of the convent taken. Kerala: A 55-year-old nun found dead inside a well in Mount Tabor Dayara Convent in Kollam's Pathanapuram. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/pS6O8vciiS — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2018 × Although Mulakkal has denied any wrongdoing, a team of Kerala Police officials last month visited the bishop's house at Jalandhar and questioned him, Father Antony and Jalandhar Diocese Chief Public Relations Officer Father Peter. Coming in support of the nuns' cause, former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan in a statement on Saturday said that the nuns are forced to protest in the absence of any help from any the authorities concerned. Meanwhile, all eyes are now on the controversial bishop to see whether Mulakkal travels to the Vatican early next month to take part in the bishops' conference.

'Prostitute, why didn't she complain first time?': Kerala MLA on nun who alleged rape by bishop

Most opposition parties on Sunday extended support to the Bharat Bandh called by the Congress and Left Front over skyrocketing fuel prices in a showdown with the Modi government that has evaded a direct explanation to the non-stop rise in fuel prices.

While parties like the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), Samajwadi Party (SP), DMK, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) backed the shutdown, the Left has also declared a nationwide hartal.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a non-NDA party, said although it was against the fuel price hike, it would not support the Bandh. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took a similar stand in Delhi.&nbsp;

The Odisha government has declared that schools will remain closed on Monday to ensure the safety of the students.

Congress leader Ajay Maken on Sunday said that close to "20 political parties" were taking part in the protest.&nbsp;

He said the Centre had earned Rs 11 lakh crore in the last four years through excise duty on fuel and this money was taken from the common man to fill the government`s coffers.

Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda will join other opposition leaders at a protest rally and meeting in New Delhi.

All schools and colleges to remain shut tomorrow in Bengaluru in view of a nationwide shutdown.

While parties like the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), Samajwadi Party (SP), DMK, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) backed the shutdown, the Left has also declared a nationwide hartal

Most opposition parties on Sunday extended support to the Bharat Bandh called by the Congress and Left Front over skyrocketing fuel prices in a showdown with the Modi government that has evaded a direct explanation to the non-stop rise in fuel prices. While parties like the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), Samajwadi Party (SP), DMK, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) backed the shutdown, the Left has also declared a nationwide hartal. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a non-NDA party, said although it was against the fuel price hike, it would not support the Bandh. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took a similar stand in Delhi. The Odisha government has declared that schools will remain closed on Monday to ensure the safety of the students. Congress leader Ajay Maken on Sunday said that close to "20 political parties" were taking part in the protest. He said the Centre had earned Rs 11 lakh crore in the last four years through excise duty on fuel and this money was taken from the common man to fill the government`s coffers. Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda will join other opposition leaders at a protest rally and meeting in New Delhi. All schools and colleges to remain shut tomorrow in Bengaluru in view of a nationwide shutdown.

Congress bolstered by opposition support ahead of Bharat Bandh over skyrocketing fuel prices

Only a third in India are regularly saving for their retirement while just 33 per cent of working-age respondents globally are putting anything aside for their later life, according to a report.

The lack of saving is likely linked to low knowledge of how much money is needed in retirement, as well as many prioritising their immediate financial situation over planning for their older years, according to HSBC’s the ‘Future of Retirement: Bridging the Gap’ report.

“For many, retirement is thankfully no longer a short period tacked on to the end of our life. It can be a long and very fulfilling part of a person’s life.

“But with that, our needs at 65 can be very different from our needs at 75 or 85, with very different financial implications,” HSBC India head of retail banking and wealth management Ramakrishnan S said.

The research for this report was carried out online by Ipsos on behalf of HSBC among 16,000 adults in 16 markets, including Australia, Argentina, Canada, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA.

It revealed that only 19 per cent of working age people is saving for future nursing or care home fees. This is despite half (51 per cent) respondents claiming to be concerned about affording residential care when in retirement, it added.

Meanwhile, the report found that over half of working-age people (56 per cent) are living on a day-to-day basis financially, while a further 53 per cent only save for short-term goals.

Almost half (45 per cent) also admit they prefer spending on enjoying today rather than saving for tomorrow, it added.

The lack of saving may also be linked to many people not considering their older years as ‘retirement’ at all, with over two-thirds of working-age people (69 per cent) expecting to continue working to some extent and more than half (54 per cent) hoping to start a business or new venture, it said.

When it comes to knowing the amount of money they will need in retirement, almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of working-age respondents said they were aware of the cost of typical residential home fees.

Also, the report revealed that this is leading a generally positive view of retirement across the globe.

Most working-age people are looking forward to greater freedom away from the nine-to-five (76 per cent), taking up new hobbies and interests (72 per cent) and getting fit (68 per cent), it added.

Only a third in India are regularly saving for their retirement while just 33 per cent of working-age respondents globally are putting anything aside for their later life, according to a report.

Only a third in India are regularly saving for their retirement while just 33 per cent of working-age respondents globally are putting anything aside for their later life, according to a report. The lack of saving is likely linked to low knowledge of how much money is needed in retirement, as well as many prioritising their immediate financial situation over planning for their older years, according to HSBC’s the ‘Future of Retirement: Bridging the Gap’ report. “For many, retirement is thankfully no longer a short period tacked on to the end of our life. It can be a long and very fulfilling part of a person’s life. “But with that, our needs at 65 can be very different from our needs at 75 or 85, with very different financial implications,” HSBC India head of retail banking and wealth management Ramakrishnan S said. The research for this report was carried out online by Ipsos on behalf of HSBC among 16,000 adults in 16 markets, including Australia, Argentina, Canada, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA. It revealed that only 19 per cent of working age people is saving for future nursing or care home fees. This is despite half (51 per cent) respondents claiming to be concerned about affording residential care when in retirement, it added. Meanwhile, the report found that over half of working-age people (56 per cent) are living on a day-to-day basis financially, while a further 53 per cent only save for short-term goals. Almost half (45 per cent) also admit they prefer spending on enjoying today rather than saving for tomorrow, it added. The lack of saving may also be linked to many people not considering their older years as ‘retirement’ at all, with over two-thirds of working-age people (69 per cent) expecting to continue working to some extent and more than half (54 per cent) hoping to start a business or new venture, it said. When it comes to knowing the amount of money they will need in retirement, almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of working-age respondents said they were aware of the cost of typical residential home fees. Also, the report revealed that this is leading a generally positive view of retirement across the globe. Most working-age people are looking forward to greater freedom away from the nine-to-five (76 per cent), taking up new hobbies and interests (72 per cent) and getting fit (68 per cent), it added.

Only 33% Indians save regularly for retirement: Report

The Tamil Nadu cabinet on Sunday recommended the release of seven convicts in former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination case.&nbsp;

The cabinet's recommendation will be sent to the TN governor immediately, said fisheries minister D Jayakumar after the cabinet meeting that lasted for two hours in Chennai.

''The governor is the executive authority of the state who will execute the government's recommendation, he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Tamil Nadu cabinet recommends release of 7 convicts of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. The recommendation will be sent to the TN governor immediately: D Jayakumar, Tamil Nadu minister after TN cabinet meeting in Chennai <a href="https://t.co/uxDhO2cUAQ">pic.twitter.com/uxDhO2cUAQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1038767865200082944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The cabinet decided to release the convicts V Sriharan alias Murugan, T Suthanthiraraja alias Santhan, A G Perarivalan alias Arivu, Jayakumar, Robert Payas and Nalini, under Article 161 of the Constitution, which relates to the power of the Governor to grant pardons and to suspend, remit and commute sentences in certain cases.

The seven are serving a life sentence for their role in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi by an LTTE suicide bomber on May 21, 1991 in nearby Sriperumpudur.

Opposition parties barring the Congress welcomed the move and urged the Governor to ensure the immediate release of the convicts, who have been in prison for over 25 years.

The government's move comes days after the Supreme Court asked the Governor to consider the mercy petition of Perarivalan seeking remission or pardon under Article 161 of the Constitution and disposed of the Centre's petition opposing the state's 2014 decision for the convicts' release.

Though the apex court had asked the Governor to consider the plea of Perarivalan, the government decided to recommend setting free all others also as they too had petitioned his (Governor's) office as well the government seeking premature release.

This is the second time the state cabinet has decided to set free all the seven convicts.Earlier, the then Jayalalithaa cabinet had in February, 2014 took the decision to release them, but it was stayed by the apex court on a petition by the Centre.

Originally, the trial court here had sentenced 26 accused to death in 1998 and a year later, the apex court had upheld the death sentence of four -- Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini, commuted the death sentence of three others to life and set free the others.

In April 2000, the then Tamil Nadu Governor had commuted the death sentence of Nalini on the basis of state government's recommendation and an appeal by then Congress President Sonia Gandhi, wife of Rajiv Gandhi.

The death sentence of remaining three convicts was commuted in February 2014 by the apex court on the ground of inordinate delay of 11 years in deciding their mercy pleas.

(With inputs from PTI)

The Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami recommended the release

The Tamil Nadu cabinet on Sunday recommended the release of seven convicts in former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination case. The cabinet's recommendation will be sent to the TN governor immediately, said fisheries minister D Jayakumar after the cabinet meeting that lasted for two hours in Chennai. ''The governor is the executive authority of the state who will execute the government's recommendation, he said. Tamil Nadu cabinet recommends release of 7 convicts of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. The recommendation will be sent to the TN governor immediately: D Jayakumar, Tamil Nadu minister after TN cabinet meeting in Chennai pic.twitter.com/uxDhO2cUAQ — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2018 × The cabinet decided to release the convicts V Sriharan alias Murugan, T Suthanthiraraja alias Santhan, A G Perarivalan alias Arivu, Jayakumar, Robert Payas and Nalini, under Article 161 of the Constitution, which relates to the power of the Governor to grant pardons and to suspend, remit and commute sentences in certain cases. The seven are serving a life sentence for their role in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi by an LTTE suicide bomber on May 21, 1991 in nearby Sriperumpudur. Opposition parties barring the Congress welcomed the move and urged the Governor to ensure the immediate release of the convicts, who have been in prison for over 25 years. The government's move comes days after the Supreme Court asked the Governor to consider the mercy petition of Perarivalan seeking remission or pardon under Article 161 of the Constitution and disposed of the Centre's petition opposing the state's 2014 decision for the convicts' release. Though the apex court had asked the Governor to consider the plea of Perarivalan, the government decided to recommend setting free all others also as they too had petitioned his (Governor's) office as well the government seeking premature release. This is the second time the state cabinet has decided to set free all the seven convicts.Earlier, the then Jayalalithaa cabinet had in February, 2014 took the decision to release them, but it was stayed by the apex court on a petition by the Centre. Originally, the trial court here had sentenced 26 accused to death in 1998 and a year later, the apex court had upheld the death sentence of four -- Murugan, Santhan, Perarivalan and Nalini, commuted the death sentence of three others to life and set free the others. In April 2000, the then Tamil Nadu Governor had commuted the death sentence of Nalini on the basis of state government's recommendation and an appeal by then Congress President Sonia Gandhi, wife of Rajiv Gandhi. The death sentence of remaining three convicts was commuted in February 2014 by the apex court on the ground of inordinate delay of 11 years in deciding their mercy pleas. (With inputs from PTI)

Tamil Nadu cabinet recommends release of 7 Rajiv Gandhi assassins

The Modi government will not allow India to be a "safe destination" for infiltrators, BJP president Amit Shah said Sunday, asserting that it has started efforts to identify the Rohingya people living illegally in the country and will make arrangements for their deportation.

The party's national executive passed Shah's statement, which speaks of illegal immigrants in Assam and other states, on the issue of the National Register of Citizens exercise in the northeastern state.

He said the NRC process in Assam is necessary for India's safety and for preserving the state's economic, cultural and political rights.

Lashing out at opposition parties for their criticism of the BJP on the issue, he said when in power they had accepted that crores of illegal immigrants have been living in Assam and other states and that they understand the seriousness of this problem.

No country in the world allows infiltrators to live on its land but opposition parties did not show courage to stand to protect the rights of the people of Assam and the country due to their "vote bank politics", he said.

"They are seen today to be standing with illegal infiltrators," he said.

Bharatiya Janata Party has made it clear that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not allow India to be a safe destination for illegal infiltrators, his statement said.

"Every infiltrator will be identified and they will be deported after being stripped of their citizenship. The government has started a process to identify Rohingyas in many cities of the country. Appropriate arrangements will be made for their deportation," Shah said.

He also reiterated his party's support to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, saying minorities such as Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Christians living in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan should be given shelter in India if they are persecuted.

Infiltration into Assam had begun before Independence and continued afterwards, the BJP chief said, adding that it continued because various governments did not have the will to tackle the challenge.

A historic agitation went on between 1979-85 against it and the BJP had supported their demands since its inception in 1980, he said.

The Modi government is committed to preserve the interests of the people of Assam and will ensure that no Indian citizen loses his or her citizenship.&nbsp

No country in the world allows infiltrators to live on its land but opposition parties did not show courage to stand to protect the rights of the people of Assam and the country due to their 'vote bank politics', he said.

The Modi government will not allow India to be a "safe destination" for infiltrators, BJP president Amit Shah said Sunday, asserting that it has started efforts to identify the Rohingya people living illegally in the country and will make arrangements for their deportation. The party's national executive passed Shah's statement, which speaks of illegal immigrants in Assam and other states, on the issue of the National Register of Citizens exercise in the northeastern state. He said the NRC process in Assam is necessary for India's safety and for preserving the state's economic, cultural and political rights. Lashing out at opposition parties for their criticism of the BJP on the issue, he said when in power they had accepted that crores of illegal immigrants have been living in Assam and other states and that they understand the seriousness of this problem. No country in the world allows infiltrators to live on its land but opposition parties did not show courage to stand to protect the rights of the people of Assam and the country due to their "vote bank politics", he said. "They are seen today to be standing with illegal infiltrators," he said. Bharatiya Janata Party has made it clear that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not allow India to be a safe destination for illegal infiltrators, his statement said. "Every infiltrator will be identified and they will be deported after being stripped of their citizenship. The government has started a process to identify Rohingyas in many cities of the country. Appropriate arrangements will be made for their deportation," Shah said. He also reiterated his party's support to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, saying minorities such as Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Christians living in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan should be given shelter in India if they are persecuted. Infiltration into Assam had begun before Independence and continued afterwards, the BJP chief said, adding that it continued because various governments did not have the will to tackle the challenge. A historic agitation went on between 1979-85 against it and the BJP had supported their demands since its inception in 1980, he said. The Modi government is committed to preserve the interests of the people of Assam and will ensure that no Indian citizen loses his or her citizenship.

Will not allow India to be safe destination for illegal infiltrators: Amit Shah

An earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale struck Delhi-NCR on Sunday at around 4:37 pm, reported news agency ANI.

The epicentre&nbsp;for the tremors was recorded at Haryana's Jhajjar, the report added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale, epicentered at Haryana's Jhajjar, occurred at 4:37 pm today. <a href="https://t.co/brvLbCmtJ7">https://t.co/brvLbCmtJ7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1038761489421795329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

No damage to property or&nbsp;injury reported following the mild quake.

The epicentre for the tremors was recorded at Haryana's Jhajjar.

An earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale struck Delhi-NCR on Sunday at around 4:37 pm, reported news agency ANI. The epicentre for the tremors was recorded at Haryana's Jhajjar, the report added. Earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale, epicentered at Haryana's Jhajjar, occurred at 4:37 pm today. https://t.co/brvLbCmtJ7 — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2018 × No damage to property or injury reported following the mild quake.

3.8 magnitude earthquake hits Delhi-NCR

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said his party will rule the country for the next 50 years.

He also expressed confidence that the party would come back to power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"Amit Shah said the party will win the 2019 elections because of its performance and then no one can dethrone the BJP for the next 50 years," senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters here quoting the party president at the national executive meet of the party.

Prasad said the projection is based on the work and achievement of the party-ruled government at the Centre and not arrogance, report said.

"The politics of the county is now progressing towards performance and hope," he said quoting Shah according to ANI.

Since Narendra Modi became the chief minister of Gujarat in 2001, the party has never lost an election and continues to remain in power in the state because of the BJP's performance, he said.&nbsp;

He also expressed confidence that the party would come back to power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said his party will rule the country for the next 50 years. He also expressed confidence that the party would come back to power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. "Amit Shah said the party will win the 2019 elections because of its performance and then no one can dethrone the BJP for the next 50 years," senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters here quoting the party president at the national executive meet of the party. Prasad said the projection is based on the work and achievement of the party-ruled government at the Centre and not arrogance, report said. "The politics of the county is now progressing towards performance and hope," he said quoting Shah according to ANI. Since Narendra Modi became the chief minister of Gujarat in 2001, the party has never lost an election and continues to remain in power in the state because of the BJP's performance, he said.

BJP will remain in power for next 50 years, says Amit Shah

Amid efforts to unite non-BJP forces in the run-up to the 2019 parliamentary election, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said Sunday that party president Rahul Gandhi would find "automatic" acceptance in the opposition ranks sooner than later.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, the Congress veteran said the people of India were looking up to Gandhi to dislodge the BJP and his acceptance among the opposition leaders would ultimately materialise, today or tomorrow.

To drive his point home, Kharge, a former union minister, asked which opposition leader, save Gandhi, had pan-India acceptance -- from Puducherry to Jammu and Kashmir?

"When Rahul Gandhi is working, everyone is praising his work. Acceptability is there. Because of this, there will be automatic acceptance (of Rahul Gandhi's leadership) today or tomorrow," Kharge said&nbsp;when asked if the Gandhi family scion will find acceptability among the larger opposition camp.

Asked who will lead the opposition in the 2019 parliamentary election, he said it would be decided after the election but the primary purpose now was to unite everyone to oust the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power.

Referring to Gandhi's assertion that the 2019 Lok Sabha election would be an ideological fight to dislodge the BJP first, Kharge said, "We want to take the lead in dislodging the BJP. Our leader Rahul Gandhi is naturally leading this fight. We want everyone's support in this. We want everyone's cooperation. Everyone is coming together. Everything will get sorted before the election."

The veteran Congressman also said people's support for Gandhi would translate into his larger political support among opposition ranks as well.

"In this fight we want to dislodge the BJP from power for which we are all uniting. The truth also is that the people of India are looking at Rahul Gandhi, so this (his acceptability) will ultimately materialise," Kharge said to another specific question on whether senior opposition leaders such as Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati and Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar will accept a relatively young Gandhi the way they accepted former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi, 48, took over the mantle of the Congress party from his mother Sonia Gandhi in December last year.

"Our leader has acceptability and wherever he goes today people assemble and listen to him. Which other leader has such acceptability from Puducherry to Jammu and Kashmir? You tell me. Which leader has such acceptability from West Bengal to Gujarat? Tell me one name," Kharge asked.

He said he did not want to "blame them (the opposition)".

"We don't want to blame them. We want to fight together first to dislodge the BJP from power as it is implementing wrong policies, destroying the Constitution, damaging institutions, autonomous institutions. We want to take the lead in dislodging the BJP. Our leader Rahul Gandhi is naturally leading this fight," he said.

He said Gandhi was seeking everyone's support for the task.

The Congress leader noted that all opposition parties were working together and are united in the fight against the BJP.

"They have all understood and have united. The Congress also has alliances in place with some parties such as RJD, NCP, Left parties, and more parties will come together once the election nears," he said.

He also said despite emerging as the single-largest party, the Congress gave away the post of chief minister in Karnataka in "national interest".

The comments come only two days after Trinamool Congress leader Chandan Mitra said the prime ministerial candidate after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will "surely be a regional leader because regional leaders are established in their domains" and that the "game has changed now".

Mitra was speaking at a panel discussion at the launch of a book by Congress leader Kapil Sibal.

Kharge also lashed out at the BJP and Prime Minister Modi, saying he is an "autocrat" and wants to bring in his own ideology and constitution, replacing the country's secular, democratic fabric.

He said Modi is "finishing democracy" in the country as he leaves no scope for consultation or consensus and does not listen to others' views, which Rahul Gandhi does and is thus emerging forward.

Kharge said under Modi rule, democracy and its values have no place and instead of uniting the society and the country, he is out to divide it on religious and class factors.

"We want all parties to join hands, people are also getting together and Rahul Gandhi is going to all states, as he speaks the truth, unlike Modiji, who gave false promises and never spoke the truth to people," he said.&nbsp;

To drive his point home, Kharge, a former union minister, asked which opposition leader, save Gandhi, had pan-India acceptance -- from Puducherry to Jammu and Kashmir?

Amid efforts to unite non-BJP forces in the run-up to the 2019 parliamentary election, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said Sunday that party president Rahul Gandhi would find "automatic" acceptance in the opposition ranks sooner than later. In an exclusive interview to PTI, the Congress veteran said the people of India were looking up to Gandhi to dislodge the BJP and his acceptance among the opposition leaders would ultimately materialise, today or tomorrow. To drive his point home, Kharge, a former union minister, asked which opposition leader, save Gandhi, had pan-India acceptance -- from Puducherry to Jammu and Kashmir? "When Rahul Gandhi is working, everyone is praising his work. Acceptability is there. Because of this, there will be automatic acceptance (of Rahul Gandhi's leadership) today or tomorrow," Kharge said when asked if the Gandhi family scion will find acceptability among the larger opposition camp. Asked who will lead the opposition in the 2019 parliamentary election, he said it would be decided after the election but the primary purpose now was to unite everyone to oust the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power. Referring to Gandhi's assertion that the 2019 Lok Sabha election would be an ideological fight to dislodge the BJP first, Kharge said, "We want to take the lead in dislodging the BJP. Our leader Rahul Gandhi is naturally leading this fight. We want everyone's support in this. We want everyone's cooperation. Everyone is coming together. Everything will get sorted before the election." The veteran Congressman also said people's support for Gandhi would translate into his larger political support among opposition ranks as well. "In this fight we want to dislodge the BJP from power for which we are all uniting. The truth also is that the people of India are looking at Rahul Gandhi, so this (his acceptability) will ultimately materialise," Kharge said to another specific question on whether senior opposition leaders such as Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati and Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar will accept a relatively young Gandhi the way they accepted former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi, 48, took over the mantle of the Congress party from his mother Sonia Gandhi in December last year. "Our leader has acceptability and wherever he goes today people assemble and listen to him. Which other leader has such acceptability from Puducherry to Jammu and Kashmir? You tell me. Which leader has such acceptability from West Bengal to Gujarat? Tell me one name," Kharge asked. He said he did not want to "blame them (the opposition)". "We don't want to blame them. We want to fight together first to dislodge the BJP from power as it is implementing wrong policies, destroying the Constitution, damaging institutions, autonomous institutions. We want to take the lead in dislodging the BJP. Our leader Rahul Gandhi is naturally leading this fight," he said. He said Gandhi was seeking everyone's support for the task. The Congress leader noted that all opposition parties were working together and are united in the fight against the BJP. "They have all understood and have united. The Congress also has alliances in place with some parties such as RJD, NCP, Left parties, and more parties will come together once the election nears," he said. He also said despite emerging as the single-largest party, the Congress gave away the post of chief minister in Karnataka in "national interest". The comments come only two days after Trinamool Congress leader Chandan Mitra said the prime ministerial candidate after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections will "surely be a regional leader because regional leaders are established in their domains" and that the "game has changed now". Mitra was speaking at a panel discussion at the launch of a book by Congress leader Kapil Sibal. Kharge also lashed out at the BJP and Prime Minister Modi, saying he is an "autocrat" and wants to bring in his own ideology and constitution, replacing the country's secular, democratic fabric. He said Modi is "finishing democracy" in the country as he leaves no scope for consultation or consensus and does not listen to others' views, which Rahul Gandhi does and is thus emerging forward. Kharge said under Modi rule, democracy and its values have no place and instead of uniting the society and the country, he is out to divide it on religious and class factors. "We want all parties to join hands, people are also getting together and Rahul Gandhi is going to all states, as he speaks the truth, unlike Modiji, who gave false promises and never spoke the truth to people," he said.

Rahul's acceptance in opposition ranks will come 'automatically': Kharge

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra on Sunday urged the people not to remain obsessed with litigations and make effort to see if they can be solved otherwise.

"You are welcome to litigate. But do not romance with litigation," Misra, who is due to retire next month, said.

He, however, added that courts welcome people to litigate if they have genuine grievances.

"I do not suggest for a moment that you should not fight for a cause. But when the cause is small and can be solved otherwise, then solve it. Because that also serves the purpose of access to justice," Misra said.

Misra was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the permanent building of Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA) and inaugurating the legal assistance establishment Nyaya Sanjog in all the 30 districts of the state.

Misra also inaugurated the computerisation of 150 School Legal Literacy Clubs spread across the state.

Pursuant to the guidelines received from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), the OSLSA is running legal literacy clubs in at least 746 high schools of the state.&nbsp;

Of them, five schools each from all 30 districts have now been equipped with one computer and internet facility and other necessary legal kits to spread legal literacy among the young minds.

Sometimes, school and college students can be extremely helpful in solving litigations, Misra said.

"We involve students to mediate, to talk to the litigants and even talk to the under-trial prisoners in getting benefits of Plea Bargaining as postulated in CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure)," Misra said, urging the students to become "legally literate".

Chief Justice of Orissa High Court Justice KS Jhaveri, Executive Chairman of OSLSA Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Sanju Panda, chairperson of High Court Legal Services Committee also spoke on the occasion, which was attended among others by several sitting and former judges of the High Court and the Member Secretary of the OSLSA.&nbsp;

"I do not suggest for a moment that you should not fight for a cause. But when the cause is small and can be solved otherwise, then solve it. Because that also serves the purpose of access to justice," Misra said.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra on Sunday urged the people not to remain obsessed with litigations and make effort to see if they can be solved otherwise. "You are welcome to litigate. But do not romance with litigation," Misra, who is due to retire next month, said. He, however, added that courts welcome people to litigate if they have genuine grievances. "I do not suggest for a moment that you should not fight for a cause. But when the cause is small and can be solved otherwise, then solve it. Because that also serves the purpose of access to justice," Misra said. Misra was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the permanent building of Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA) and inaugurating the legal assistance establishment Nyaya Sanjog in all the 30 districts of the state. Misra also inaugurated the computerisation of 150 School Legal Literacy Clubs spread across the state. Pursuant to the guidelines received from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), the OSLSA is running legal literacy clubs in at least 746 high schools of the state. Of them, five schools each from all 30 districts have now been equipped with one computer and internet facility and other necessary legal kits to spread legal literacy among the young minds. Sometimes, school and college students can be extremely helpful in solving litigations, Misra said. "We involve students to mediate, to talk to the litigants and even talk to the under-trial prisoners in getting benefits of Plea Bargaining as postulated in CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure)," Misra said, urging the students to become "legally literate". Chief Justice of Orissa High Court Justice KS Jhaveri, Executive Chairman of OSLSA Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Sanju Panda, chairperson of High Court Legal Services Committee also spoke on the occasion, which was attended among others by several sitting and former judges of the High Court and the Member Secretary of the OSLSA.

CJI Dipak Misra asks litigants not to 'romance' with litigations

A meeting between senior officials of the Union Health Ministry and executives of Johnson and Johnson, embroiled in a controversy over its "faulty" hip implants, to discuss the modalities of paying compensation to affected patients in India is likely to take place this week.

While sources in the Union Health Ministry said that the pharma giant has sought an appointment, the company when contacted indicated that it has "reached out to the ministry".

The move came after the company in a statement recently said it was seeking to work with the Indian government to develop an appropriate process for providing further support and compensation for patients in need.

An expert panel, constituted earlier by the ministry to probe complaints about "faulty" ASR hip implant devices, in its report, has said the pharma giant "suppressed" facts on the harm of surgeries which was conducted on patients in India using "faulty" hip replacement systems.

It 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 the wounds".

A source in the ministry told PTI, "They (firm) have sought an appointment with us. Although the date is not fixed, we will call a meeting this week. We will discuss the process of compensation. We will also hear suggestions given by them (firm)."

The ministry has already directed Johnson and Johnson to comply with all the recommendations of the expert panel while asserting that it is the responsibility of the firm to compensate all the patients.

In a recent order communicated to the pharma giant, the ministry has said the company be made "liable" to pay adequate compensation commensurate with severity of pain, the resultant disability sufferings (both mental and physical) and with the loss of wages of each of the patients who had received articular surface replacement (ASR).

The ministry has also asked Johnson and Johnson to trace the remaining patients who received ASR but have not registered with the helpline, while also directing it to extend the ASR reimbursement programme which was being run by the firm till 2025.

Meanwhile, the company maintained that a voluntary recall doesn't imply that the product is "faulty" nor does it imply that every patient who has received an ASR hip implant will necessarily have to undergo revision surgery.

"ASR continues to function well for many patients in India and around the world," it said in an e-mailed statement.

The company in a statement to PTI also said since the voluntary recall decision was made, DePuy (the subsidiary of the firm) has worked to provide patients and surgeons with the information and support they need, including an "unprecedented reimbursement programme" to address recall-related costs that was the first-of-its-kind worldwide.

"Our goal has always been to make sure as many ASR patients in India as possible were aware of the voluntary recall and understood the support available to them.

"DePuy does not, however, have access to data on patients who have received an ASR hip implant due to patient confidentiality regulations," it said in the statement.

It said DePuy has been "actively" requesting that surgeons and hospitals reach out to their ASR patients to ensure awareness.

"Efforts to support ASR patients and their surgeons have been a top priority for us, and we have sent several communications to surgeons who implanted ASR hips, informing them of the recall, available support, clinical and scientific support information and the reimbursement process," it said.

It said the efforts include an urgent filed safety notice dated August 24, 2010, was to surgeons informing them about the higher than expected revision rates involving ASR and directions to them to stop implanting the ASR devices and giving them full details about the reimbursement process and ASR Helpline.

Other efforts also include the establishment of an ASR Helpline, ASR website specific for India which provided detailed information regarding the recall for both patients and surgeons, newspapers advertisements among others.

The statement said as a result of the outreach efforts, to date the company has through surgeons, hospitals and independent service providers, demonstrated outreach to more than 2,300 patients who underwent ASR surgery in India.

"It is important to note that not all ASR patients will require revision surgery and a number of patients continue to do well with ASR implants. In India, 1,080 patients have registered with the ASR Helpline.

"We have reimbursed the cost of revision surgery and related medical costs pertaining to it to each of the 275 eligible patients who were known to us through the registry who underwent revision surgery. We also have reimbursed cost for testing and monitoring to all 1080 ASR patients registered on the helpline," it said in a statement.

The move came after the company in a statement recently said it was seeking to work with the Indian government to develop an appropriate process for providing further support and compensation for patients in need.

A meeting between senior officials of the Union Health Ministry and executives of Johnson and Johnson, embroiled in a controversy over its "faulty" hip implants, to discuss the modalities of paying compensation to affected patients in India is likely to take place this week. While sources in the Union Health Ministry said that the pharma giant has sought an appointment, the company when contacted indicated that it has "reached out to the ministry". The move came after the company in a statement recently said it was seeking to work with the Indian government to develop an appropriate process for providing further support and compensation for patients in need. An expert panel, constituted earlier by the ministry to probe complaints about "faulty" ASR hip implant devices, in its report, has said the pharma giant "suppressed" facts on the harm of surgeries which was conducted on patients in India using "faulty" hip replacement systems. It 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 the wounds". A source in the ministry told PTI, "They (firm) have sought an appointment with us. Although the date is not fixed, we will call a meeting this week. We will discuss the process of compensation. We will also hear suggestions given by them (firm)." The ministry has already directed Johnson and Johnson to comply with all the recommendations of the expert panel while asserting that it is the responsibility of the firm to compensate all the patients. In a recent order communicated to the pharma giant, the ministry has said the company be made "liable" to pay adequate compensation commensurate with severity of pain, the resultant disability sufferings (both mental and physical) and with the loss of wages of each of the patients who had received articular surface replacement (ASR). The ministry has also asked Johnson and Johnson to trace the remaining patients who received ASR but have not registered with the helpline, while also directing it to extend the ASR reimbursement programme which was being run by the firm till 2025. Meanwhile, the company maintained that a voluntary recall doesn't imply that the product is "faulty" nor does it imply that every patient who has received an ASR hip implant will necessarily have to undergo revision surgery. "ASR continues to function well for many patients in India and around the world," it said in an e-mailed statement. The company in a statement to PTI also said since the voluntary recall decision was made, DePuy (the subsidiary of the firm) has worked to provide patients and surgeons with the information and support they need, including an "unprecedented reimbursement programme" to address recall-related costs that was the first-of-its-kind worldwide. "Our goal has always been to make sure as many ASR patients in India as possible were aware of the voluntary recall and understood the support available to them. "DePuy does not, however, have access to data on patients who have received an ASR hip implant due to patient confidentiality regulations," it said in the statement. It said DePuy has been "actively" requesting that surgeons and hospitals reach out to their ASR patients to ensure awareness. "Efforts to support ASR patients and their surgeons have been a top priority for us, and we have sent several communications to surgeons who implanted ASR hips, informing them of the recall, available support, clinical and scientific support information and the reimbursement process," it said. It said the efforts include an urgent filed safety notice dated August 24, 2010, was to surgeons informing them about the higher than expected revision rates involving ASR and directions to them to stop implanting the ASR devices and giving them full details about the reimbursement process and ASR Helpline. Other efforts also include the establishment of an ASR Helpline, ASR website specific for India which provided detailed information regarding the recall for both patients and surgeons, newspapers advertisements among others. The statement said as a result of the outreach efforts, to date the company has through surgeons, hospitals and independent service providers, demonstrated outreach to more than 2,300 patients who underwent ASR surgery in India. "It is important to note that not all ASR patients will require revision surgery and a number of patients continue to do well with ASR implants. In India, 1,080 patients have registered with the ASR Helpline. "We have reimbursed the cost of revision surgery and related medical costs pertaining to it to each of the 275 eligible patients who were known to us through the registry who underwent revision surgery. We also have reimbursed cost for testing and monitoring to all 1080 ASR patients registered on the helpline," it said in a statement.

Health Ministry and J&J likely to meet this week to discuss modalities of compensation to patients

The Samajwadi Party will undertake a statewide demonstration on Monday to protest against the rising prices of petroleum products.

Senior SP leader Rajendra Chaudhary said on Sunday that on the directives of party president Akhilesh Yadav, party workers would be holding demonstrations at all the districts and tehsils in the state to highlight the plight of farmers, spiralling prices of petroleum products, inflation, poor law and order, rising corruption and atrocities on students and youngsters.

"BJP governments at the Centre and in the state have been unable to launch even a single public welfare-oriented scheme. Due to their decisions, troubles for the common man has increased.

"Demonetisation and GST have hit the economy. The prices of petrol, diesel and LPG is sky-rocketing. There is a sense of despair among the youngsters. Law and order has collapsed in the state, while incidents of rapes are on the rise in the state," Chaudhary said.

A pre-scheduled meeting of presidents and general secretaries of district units of the party has been cancelled owing to the protests, he added.&nbsp

The Congress and the Left parties have called for a countrywide shutdown on Monday to protest against the hike in fuel prices, rising prices of essential commodities, and the economic policies of the Modi government.

Senior SP leader Rajendra Chaudhary said on Sunday that on the directives of party president Akhilesh Yadav, party workers would be holding demonstrations at all the districts and tehsils in the state to highlight the plight of farmers, spiralling prices of petroleum products, inflation, poor law and order, rising corruption.

The Samajwadi Party will undertake a statewide demonstration on Monday to protest against the rising prices of petroleum products. Senior SP leader Rajendra Chaudhary said on Sunday that on the directives of party president Akhilesh Yadav, party workers would be holding demonstrations at all the districts and tehsils in the state to highlight the plight of farmers, spiralling prices of petroleum products, inflation, poor law and order, rising corruption and atrocities on students and youngsters. "BJP governments at the Centre and in the state have been unable to launch even a single public welfare-oriented scheme. Due to their decisions, troubles for the common man has increased. "Demonetisation and GST have hit the economy. The prices of petrol, diesel and LPG is sky-rocketing. There is a sense of despair among the youngsters. Law and order has collapsed in the state, while incidents of rapes are on the rise in the state," Chaudhary said. A pre-scheduled meeting of presidents and general secretaries of district units of the party has been cancelled owing to the protests, he added. The Congress and the Left parties have called for a countrywide shutdown on Monday to protest against the hike in fuel prices, rising prices of essential commodities, and the economic policies of the Modi government.

Samajwadi Party to protest across Uttar Pradesh on Monday over fuel prices

Ahead of the assembly polls in Rajasthan, state chief minister&nbsp;Vasundhara Raje on Sunday announced a four per cent reduction in value-added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel.

The reduction in VAT&nbsp;will reduce the fuel prices by Rs 2.5 per litre in the state.

VAT on petrol will be reduced from 30 to 26 per cent and on diesel from 22 to 18 per cent.

The reduction was announced at a public meeting organised in Rawatsar in Hanumangarh district as part of her 'Rajasthan Gaurav Yatra'.

The decision will cost the exchequer Rs 2,000 crore and will provide the people with a relief of Rs 2.5 per litre on petrol and diesel.

"We have decided to reduce VAT on diesel and petrol by 4 per cent, which will provide much-needed relief to the people of the state, be it farmers or women or others," Raje said.

Petrol and diesel prices set new records Sunday as they continued their upward march on fall in rupee and surge in global crude oil rates.

The price of petrol on Sunday rose to Rs 80.50 a litre in Delhi, while diesel at Rs 72.61&nbsp;a litre.

In Mumbai, a litre of petrol was selling at Rs.87.89 while diesel at Rs 77.09 a litre.

The opposition Congress has called for a nationwide shutdown on Monday over rising fuel prices and depreciation of the rupee.

Earlier in the day,&nbsp;the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Himachal Pradesh Rajni Patil said the chief ministers of Congress-ruled Punjab and Karnataka have already been directed to reduce value added tax (VAT) on petroleum products

Targeting the Congress, the Rajasthan chief minister said that the party had failed to play the role of an effective opposition and came out of its shell just before the election.

Assembly election in Rajasthan is scheduled for later this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

VAT on petrol will be reduced from 30 to 26 per cent and on diesel from 22 to 18 per cent, Raje announced at a public meeting organised in Rawatsar in Hanumangarh district as part of her 'Rajasthan Gaurav Yatra'

Ahead of the assembly polls in Rajasthan, state chief minister Vasundhara Raje on Sunday announced a four per cent reduction in value-added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel. The reduction in VAT will reduce the fuel prices by Rs 2.5 per litre in the state. VAT on petrol will be reduced from 30 to 26 per cent and on diesel from 22 to 18 per cent. The reduction was announced at a public meeting organised in Rawatsar in Hanumangarh district as part of her 'Rajasthan Gaurav Yatra'. The decision will cost the exchequer Rs 2,000 crore and will provide the people with a relief of Rs 2.5 per litre on petrol and diesel. "We have decided to reduce VAT on diesel and petrol by 4 per cent, which will provide much-needed relief to the people of the state, be it farmers or women or others," Raje said. Petrol and diesel prices set new records Sunday as they continued their upward march on fall in rupee and surge in global crude oil rates. The price of petrol on Sunday rose to Rs 80.50 a litre in Delhi, while diesel at Rs 72.61 a litre. In Mumbai, a litre of petrol was selling at Rs.87.89 while diesel at Rs 77.09 a litre. The opposition Congress has called for a nationwide shutdown on Monday over rising fuel prices and depreciation of the rupee. Earlier in the day, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Himachal Pradesh Rajni Patil said the chief ministers of Congress-ruled Punjab and Karnataka have already been directed to reduce value added tax (VAT) on petroleum products Targeting the Congress, the Rajasthan chief minister said that the party had failed to play the role of an effective opposition and came out of its shell just before the election. Assembly election in Rajasthan is scheduled for later this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajasthan chief minister announces a 4% reduction in VAT on petrol and diesel

<a href="wionews.com/business-&-economy/fuel-prices-reach-new-high-petrol-at-rs-8050-in-delhi-diesel-at-rs-7261-opposition-plans-protests-on-monday-164537">After breaching 80 </a><a href="wionews.com/business-&-economy/fuel-prices-reach-new-high-petrol-at-rs-8050-in-delhi-diesel-at-rs-7261-opposition-plans-protests-on-monday-164537">mark</a><a href="wionews.com/business-&-economy/fuel-prices-reach-new-high-petrol-at-rs-8050-in-delhi-diesel-at-rs-7261-opposition-plans-protests-on-monday-164537"> in Delhi, petrol prices rise again opposition calls for </a><a href="wionews.com/business-&-economy/fuel-prices-reach-new-high-petrol-at-rs-8050-in-delhi-diesel-at-rs-7261-opposition-plans-protests-on-monday-164537">nationwide</a><a href="wionews.com/business-&-economy/fuel-prices-reach-new-high-petrol-at-rs-8050-in-delhi-diesel-at-rs-7261-opposition-plans-protests-on-monday-164537"> strike</a>

Fuel prices continued to go up on Sunday. After crossing the Rs 80 mark in Delhi on Saturday, petrol prices went up 12 paise a litre on Sunday.

<a href="wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-wins-us-open-after-defeating-her-idol-serena-williams-164506">US Open: Japan's Naomi Osaka wins women's final after Serena calls umpire 'thief'</a>

Japan's Naomi Osaka has defeated Serena Williams 6-2, 6-4 in the final of US Open 2018 to win her maiden Grand Slam title.

<a href="wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-hold-military-parade-to-mark-70th-anniversary-164523">North Korea turns 70, will hold </a><a href="wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-hold-military-parade-to-mark-70th-anniversary-164523">huge</a><a href="wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-hold-military-parade-to-mark-70th-anniversary-164523"> military parade to celebrate</a>

Hundreds of trucks carrying thousands of troops lined a Pyongyang riverbank in the pale light of dawn early Sunday, as nuclear-armed North Korea prepared to celebrate its birthday with a huge show of military strength.

<a href="wionews.com/world/syrias-idlib-under-violent-air-strikes-after-tehran-failure-164521">Syria's last rebel bastion of Idlib hit by 'most violent' Russian air strikes</a>

Syria's last major rebel bastion Idlib was Saturday targeted by the "most violent" Russian air strikes in a month, a monitor said, after the failure of a three-way summit on the Syrian conflict.

<a href="wionews.com/world/iraq-pm-urged-to-quit-as-key-ally-deserts-him-over-unrest-164517">Iraq PM Haider al-Abadi urged to quit as key ally deserts him over unrest</a>

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi faced calls to resign Saturday as his alliance with a populist cleric who won May elections crumbled over deadly unrest shaking the country's oil-rich south.

&nbsp

After breaching 80 mark in Delhi, petrol prices rise again opposition calls for nationwide strike Fuel prices continued to go up on Sunday. After crossing the Rs 80 mark in Delhi on Saturday, petrol prices went up 12 paise a litre on Sunday. US Open: Japan's Naomi Osaka wins women's final after Serena calls umpire 'thief' Japan's Naomi Osaka has defeated Serena Williams 6-2, 6-4 in the final of US Open 2018 to win her maiden Grand Slam title. North Korea turns 70, will hold huge military parade to celebrate Hundreds of trucks carrying thousands of troops lined a Pyongyang riverbank in the pale light of dawn early Sunday, as nuclear-armed North Korea prepared to celebrate its birthday with a huge show of military strength. Syria's last rebel bastion of Idlib hit by 'most violent' Russian air strikes Syria's last major rebel bastion Idlib was Saturday targeted by the "most violent" Russian air strikes in a month, a monitor said, after the failure of a three-way summit on the Syrian conflict. Iraq PM Haider al-Abadi urged to quit as key ally deserts him over unrest Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi faced calls to resign Saturday as his alliance with a populist cleric who won May elections crumbled over deadly unrest shaking the country's oil-rich south.

News brief: Big stories of the day

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news