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Four members of a family were killed and a minor girl critically injured when their car collided head-on with a truck in Dausa district of Rajasthan on Sunday.

The incident occurred under Mahuwa Police Station area when the victims were on their way to Jaipur from Mahuwa town.

The speeding car first jumped the road divider and collided with the truck coming from the opposite direction, police said.

The deceased were identified as Bhagwan Sahay, 56, his wife Chandrakala, 50, their son Deepak, 35, his 10-year old son Lakshya, the police said, adding, that Deepak's 4-year old daughter Deepa sustained critical injuries and was admitted to a hospital in Jaipur.

The incident occurred under Mahuwa Police Station area when the victims were on their way to Jaipur from Mahuwa town.

Four members of a family were killed and a minor girl critically injured when their car collided head-on with a truck in Dausa district of Rajasthan on Sunday. The incident occurred under Mahuwa Police Station area when the victims were on their way to Jaipur from Mahuwa town. The speeding car first jumped the road divider and collided with the truck coming from the opposite direction, police said. The deceased were identified as Bhagwan Sahay, 56, his wife Chandrakala, 50, their son Deepak, 35, his 10-year old son Lakshya, the police said, adding, that Deepak's 4-year old daughter Deepa sustained critical injuries and was admitted to a hospital in Jaipur.

4 of family killed after car, truck collide on Rajasthan highway

Alleging that New Delhi has made "many mistakes" on Kashmir, National Conference (NC) president and MP Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said steps should be taken to win the hearts of the people.

He said it hurts people of the state whenever issues like "revocation" of Article 35-A are raised.

"It is not that Delhi has not made any mistakes. It has made many mistakes. What is the need to revoke (Article) 35-A? Why?&nbspPeople are hurt because of such things. If you want to connect hearts, then you have to do things which can win the hearts of the people. You cannot win without that," Mr Abdullah said Srinagar.

The former Union minister was speaking at a function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC).

Mr Abdullah, without naming anyone, said there were certain powers who do not want peace in the valley as their "livelihood flourishes on violence".

"One day, a decision (on Kashmir) will be taken, but we should also try to stand on our own feet (till then). It is not easy, some people will not let it happen. Those powers who live on our blood, will not want to have peace here. They want to keep peace very far from us," he said.

The NC president said the upcoming local bodies and panchayat polls were for the betterment of the people of the state.

"The government has announced panchayat and town area committee elections. This is not a decision for India or Pakistan. This is a decision for making your own life better - whether you want to make your village better, address peoples' problems or not.

"Many outfits will try to not have these elections because their livelihood comes from our miseries. You see, hotels and houseboats are empty. Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg are crying and traders are crying. There is nothing. For how long we will have to suffer," he said.

The Member of Parliament from Srinagar appealed to the people to join hands and take the state out of morass.

"If you do not want that (to make future better) and want to go towards destruction, then there is no one to stop you. But, if you want to make the future of your children and compete with the those from India, then bring them to the level where they can compete.

"They cannot do it if our schools remain closed. If you really want to change the future of this state, then first try to make the future of your children better," he said.

Mr Abdullah hoped that a day will come when peace will return to the valley.

"I am sure that a day will come when we will live in peace and also with the country which is called Pakistan as we have a deep relation with them, all of our water goes towards them.

"A day will come when the relations between India and Pakistan will become stronger and we will come out of this misery. But for that, you will have to be prepared. You have to prepare for the municipal and panchayat polls. Elect good people and not those who will take your money and fill their pockets," he said.

When asked whether it was the right time for the polls keeping in view the prevailing situation in the valley, the NC president said, "I don't know if it is a right time or not, but the dates have been announced".

Elections to municipal bodies in the state will be conducted in four phases between October 1 and October 5, while elections to panchayats in eight phases between November 8 and December 4.

He said it hurts people of the state whenever issues like 'revocation' of Article 35-A are raised.

Alleging that New Delhi has made "many mistakes" on Kashmir, National Conference (NC) president and MP Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said steps should be taken to win the hearts of the people. He said it hurts people of the state whenever issues like "revocation" of Article 35-A are raised. "It is not that Delhi has not made any mistakes. It has made many mistakes. What is the need to revoke (Article) 35-A? Why?&nbspPeople are hurt because of such things. If you want to connect hearts, then you have to do things which can win the hearts of the people. You cannot win without that," Mr Abdullah said Srinagar. The former Union minister was speaking at a function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC). Mr Abdullah, without naming anyone, said there were certain powers who do not want peace in the valley as their "livelihood flourishes on violence". "One day, a decision (on Kashmir) will be taken, but we should also try to stand on our own feet (till then). It is not easy, some people will not let it happen. Those powers who live on our blood, will not want to have peace here. They want to keep peace very far from us," he said. The NC president said the upcoming local bodies and panchayat polls were for the betterment of the people of the state. "The government has announced panchayat and town area committee elections. This is not a decision for India or Pakistan. This is a decision for making your own life better - whether you want to make your village better, address peoples' problems or not. "Many outfits will try to not have these elections because their livelihood comes from our miseries. You see, hotels and houseboats are empty. Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg are crying and traders are crying. There is nothing. For how long we will have to suffer," he said. The Member of Parliament from Srinagar appealed to the people to join hands and take the state out of morass. "If you do not want that (to make future better) and want to go towards destruction, then there is no one to stop you. But, if you want to make the future of your children and compete with the those from India, then bring them to the level where they can compete. "They cannot do it if our schools remain closed. If you really want to change the future of this state, then first try to make the future of your children better," he said. Mr Abdullah hoped that a day will come when peace will return to the valley. "I am sure that a day will come when we will live in peace and also with the country which is called Pakistan as we have a deep relation with them, all of our water goes towards them. "A day will come when the relations between India and Pakistan will become stronger and we will come out of this misery. But for that, you will have to be prepared. You have to prepare for the municipal and panchayat polls. Elect good people and not those who will take your money and fill their pockets," he said. When asked whether it was the right time for the polls keeping in view the prevailing situation in the valley, the NC president said, "I don't know if it is a right time or not, but the dates have been announced". Elections to municipal bodies in the state will be conducted in four phases between October 1 and October 5, while elections to panchayats in eight phases between November 8 and December 4.

Win hearts of people first: Farooq Abdullah on handling Article 35A

Kerala has been on a spree of troubles, the flood-battered state is now battling leptospirosis, a water-borne disease, which has claimed over two dozen lives across the state.&nbsp

Due to rat fever, as many as 28 people reported having died. The latest death was reported at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital where a woman died on Sunday morning due to the disease that transmits from animals to humans.&nbsp

Leptospirosis, popularly known as rat fever is a communicable disease which is caused by direct contact with body fluids (usually urine) of an infected animal, usually rats.

At least 40 people were reported to have diagnosed with rat fever in Kerala till Sunday. Kozhikode reported 28 such cases and the rest were from Alappuzha, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta.&nbsp

The Health Department of Kerala has taken up the issue and released advisory notices to relief workers and the victims to get medical care and preventive medication as soon as possible.&nbsp

The state health directorate has also issued an alert in five districts - Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur, Malappuram and Ernakulam.&nbsp

Commenting on the health crises in state Health Minister K K Shailaja has assured that there is no need to panic as remedial measures have been in implementation.

“Every hospital is stocked with all the required medicines and advised people in the flood-hit areas to take precautions and a course of doxycycline," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to Kerala health officials, around two million people in the state would have come in contact with the flood waters and hence preventive care should be taken by all.

Kerala has been on a spree of troubles, the flood-battered state is now battling leptospirosis, a water-borne disease, which has claimed over two dozen lives across the state. Due to rat fever, as many as 28 people reported having died. The latest death was reported at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital where a woman died on Sunday morning due to the disease that transmits from animals to humans. Leptospirosis, popularly known as rat fever is a communicable disease which is caused by direct contact with body fluids (usually urine) of an infected animal, usually rats. At least 40 people were reported to have diagnosed with rat fever in Kerala till Sunday. Kozhikode reported 28 such cases and the rest were from Alappuzha, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta. The Health Department of Kerala has taken up the issue and released advisory notices to relief workers and the victims to get medical care and preventive medication as soon as possible. The state health directorate has also issued an alert in five districts - Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur, Malappuram and Ernakulam. Commenting on the health crises in state Health Minister K K Shailaja has assured that there is no need to panic as remedial measures have been in implementation. “Every hospital is stocked with all the required medicines and advised people in the flood-hit areas to take precautions and a course of doxycycline," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Rat fever grips flood-hit Kerala: Leptospirosis claims 28 lives, alert sounded

An RTI applicant has been asked to pay the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for getting information from the Madhya Pradesh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board here under the transparency law.

Exercising his right to know, anti-corruption activist Ajay Dubey had sought details of expenditure on the renovation of office of Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), Madhya Pradesh, from the board.

To his surprise, the board asked him to pay Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and the States Goods and Services Tax (SGST) at the rate of nine per cent each, according to the official documents.

Dubey paid Rs 43 - Rs 36 as photocopy charges for 18 pages (at the rate of Rs two per page), Rs 3.5 as CGST and Rs 3.5 as SGST, the documents show.&nbsp;

"It is unfair and illegal for a public authority to charge CGST and SGST for the supply of information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. I will appeal against this before the appropriate authority," he told PTI.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley-led GST Council had in January this year recommended: "To exempt supply of services by way of providing information under RTI Act, 2005 from GST".

While hearing a case, transparency watchdog Central Information Commission (CIC) had in February said public authority cannot quote a price for the information, treating it as goods or service of sellable nature.

"Besides, giving information is not even service, being transparent is the inherent duty of public authority and Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) can only collect the cost of copying charges so that the government exchequer is not affected.

Therefore, the demand of GST charges made by the CPIO is illegal and unreasonable," the order by Central Information Commissioner M Sridhar Acharyulu said.&nbsp;

Exercising his right to know, anti-corruption activist Ajay Dubey had sought details of expenditure on renovation of office of Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), Madhya Pradesh, from the board.

An RTI applicant has been asked to pay the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for getting information from the Madhya Pradesh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board here under the transparency law. Exercising his right to know, anti-corruption activist Ajay Dubey had sought details of expenditure on the renovation of office of Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), Madhya Pradesh, from the board. To his surprise, the board asked him to pay Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and the States Goods and Services Tax (SGST) at the rate of nine per cent each, according to the official documents. Dubey paid Rs 43 - Rs 36 as photocopy charges for 18 pages (at the rate of Rs two per page), Rs 3.5 as CGST and Rs 3.5 as SGST, the documents show. "It is unfair and illegal for a public authority to charge CGST and SGST for the supply of information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. I will appeal against this before the appropriate authority," he told PTI. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley-led GST Council had in January this year recommended: "To exempt supply of services by way of providing information under RTI Act, 2005 from GST". While hearing a case, transparency watchdog Central Information Commission (CIC) had in February said public authority cannot quote a price for the information, treating it as goods or service of sellable nature. "Besides, giving information is not even service, being transparent is the inherent duty of public authority and Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) can only collect the cost of copying charges so that the government exchequer is not affected. Therefore, the demand of GST charges made by the CPIO is illegal and unreasonable," the order by Central Information Commissioner M Sridhar Acharyulu said.

RTI applicant in Madhya Pradesh asked to pay GST for information

The Congress has asked the Narendra Modi government why it inked a deal with France's Dassault Aviation to buy just 36 aircraft when 126 fighter jets were required.

The party's national spokesperson, Priyanka Chautrvedi, asked if there's any urgency, why the government did not ask the French company to supply all the aircraft in one go.

"The first lot of the aircraft will be supplied in 2019 and the rest in 2022. If there is any urgency, the whole lot should have been supplied by 2019," she said here Saturday.

Chaturvedi asked why the government is "afraid of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal, if it's fair".

"A total of 126 aircraft were required, but the NDA government signed a pact for only 36 aircraft. This is strange," she said.

She alleged that the government "sacrificed the country's interests to favour a millionaire friend".

"How the cost per plane soared from Rs 526 crore to Rs 1,670 crore? The prime minister should explain why the government ignored a public sector undertaking with a 70-year-long clean record and gave the contract to a 12-day-old company which lacks experience," she said.

The Congress leader said though the deal could not materialise during the UPA government's tenure, but it ensured transparency in all matters related to it.

Union minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said the fully weaponised fighter jets which his government is buying are 20 per cent cheaper than the ones offered under the previous UPA regime.

In 2015, then defence minister Manohar Parrikar had said that the government had decided to buy only 36 Rafale fighter jets scrapping the earlier plan to acquire 126 of the French aircraft on grounds of huge cost.&nbsp;

Chaturvedi asked why the government is "afraid of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal, if it's fair"

The Congress has asked the Narendra Modi government why it inked a deal with France's Dassault Aviation to buy just 36 aircraft when 126 fighter jets were required. The party's national spokesperson, Priyanka Chautrvedi, asked if there's any urgency, why the government did not ask the French company to supply all the aircraft in one go. "The first lot of the aircraft will be supplied in 2019 and the rest in 2022. If there is any urgency, the whole lot should have been supplied by 2019," she said here Saturday. Chaturvedi asked why the government is "afraid of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the deal, if it's fair". "A total of 126 aircraft were required, but the NDA government signed a pact for only 36 aircraft. This is strange," she said. She alleged that the government "sacrificed the country's interests to favour a millionaire friend". "How the cost per plane soared from Rs 526 crore to Rs 1,670 crore? The prime minister should explain why the government ignored a public sector undertaking with a 70-year-long clean record and gave the contract to a 12-day-old company which lacks experience," she said. The Congress leader said though the deal could not materialise during the UPA government's tenure, but it ensured transparency in all matters related to it. Union minister Arun Jaitley had earlier said the fully weaponised fighter jets which his government is buying are 20 per cent cheaper than the ones offered under the previous UPA regime. In 2015, then defence minister Manohar Parrikar had said that the government had decided to buy only 36 Rafale fighter jets scrapping the earlier plan to acquire 126 of the French aircraft on grounds of huge cost.

Why buying only 36 Rafale jets when 126 required, asks Congress

A designated PMLA authority has held that 41 properties worth about Rs 1,210 crore, attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the name of absconding diamond jeweller Mehul Choksi and his associated firms, are money laundering assets and ordered that their attachment should continue.

The central probe agency had provisionally attached 15 flats and 17 office premises in Mumbai, a mall in Kolkata, a four-acre farmhouse in Alibaug and 231 acres of land at locations like Nashik, Nagpur, Panvel in Maharashtra and Villupuram in Tamil Nadu in February this year under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the about USD 2 billion alleged fraud at a Mumbai-based branch of the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

"Considering the material in the original complaint (by the ED).. I find that immovable properties provisionally attached are all involved in money laundering.

"I, therefore, hereby confirm the attachment of properties...And order that the said attachment shall continue during investigation for a period not exceeding ninety days or the pendency of proceedings relating to any offence under the PMLA before a court and become final after an order of confiscation is passed by the special court," a recent order issued by Member (Law) of the Adjudicating Authority of the PMLA, Tushar V Shah, said in a recent order.

The Authority is a quasi-judicial body that adjudicates over PMLA attachment of assets made by the ED.

Official sources said the ED will now move to seize these properties and put up its possession signages at these locations.

The central-probe agency had issued a provisional order for attachment of these assets as part of its criminal probe against Choksi, his company Gitanjali Gems Limited and associated firms and their associates, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The attached assets included a 170-acre park in Hyderabad's Ranga Reddy district valued at over Rs 500 crore.

Four flats in Borivali (east) area of the Maharashtra capital and nine others in Khemu Towers in Santacruz (east) have also been attached as part of the action.

"The total value of the 41 seized assets controlled by Choksi is estimated&nbsp;to be over Rs 1,210 crore," the ED had said.

Choksi and designer diamond jewellery businessman Nirav Modi and others are being investigated by the ED and other probe agencies after the bank fraud came to light early this year, following a complaint by the PNB that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of Rs 12,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank

The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case. Both Choksi and Modi left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.&nbsp;

They had denied any wrongdoing.

Choksi is at present based in the Caribbean nation of Antigua and India has sought his extradition from that country.

The ED, a central probe agency under the union finance ministry, is investigating if the allegedly defrauded bank funds were laundered and proceeds of crime were subsequently used by the accused to create illegal assets and black money.&nbsp;

Official sources said the ED will now move to seize these properties and put up its possession signages at these locations.

A designated PMLA authority has held that 41 properties worth about Rs 1,210 crore, attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the name of absconding diamond jeweller Mehul Choksi and his associated firms, are money laundering assets and ordered that their attachment should continue. The central probe agency had provisionally attached 15 flats and 17 office premises in Mumbai, a mall in Kolkata, a four-acre farmhouse in Alibaug and 231 acres of land at locations like Nashik, Nagpur, Panvel in Maharashtra and Villupuram in Tamil Nadu in February this year under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the about USD 2 billion alleged fraud at a Mumbai-based branch of the Punjab National Bank (PNB). "Considering the material in the original complaint (by the ED).. I find that immovable properties provisionally attached are all involved in money laundering. "I, therefore, hereby confirm the attachment of properties...And order that the said attachment shall continue during investigation for a period not exceeding ninety days or the pendency of proceedings relating to any offence under the PMLA before a court and become final after an order of confiscation is passed by the special court," a recent order issued by Member (Law) of the Adjudicating Authority of the PMLA, Tushar V Shah, said in a recent order. The Authority is a quasi-judicial body that adjudicates over PMLA attachment of assets made by the ED. Official sources said the ED will now move to seize these properties and put up its possession signages at these locations. The central-probe agency had issued a provisional order for attachment of these assets as part of its criminal probe against Choksi, his company Gitanjali Gems Limited and associated firms and their associates, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The attached assets included a 170-acre park in Hyderabad's Ranga Reddy district valued at over Rs 500 crore. Four flats in Borivali (east) area of the Maharashtra capital and nine others in Khemu Towers in Santacruz (east) have also been attached as part of the action. "The total value of the 41 seized assets controlled by Choksi is estimated to be over Rs 1,210 crore," the ED had said. Choksi and designer diamond jewellery businessman Nirav Modi and others are being investigated by the ED and other probe agencies after the bank fraud came to light early this year, following a complaint by the PNB that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of Rs 12,000 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case. Both Choksi and Modi left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them. They had denied any wrongdoing. Choksi is at present based in the Caribbean nation of Antigua and India has sought his extradition from that country. The ED, a central probe agency under the union finance ministry, is investigating if the allegedly defrauded bank funds were laundered and proceeds of crime were subsequently used by the accused to create illegal assets and black money.

Mehul Choksi's properties are money laundering assets: PMLA Authority

Sixteen people have died in Uttar Pradesh in the last 24 hours following following heavy rains and lightning, ANI reported Sunday.&nbsp;

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16 people dead in Uttar Pradesh in the last 24 hours following heavy rain and lightning.
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1036153435354218497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Delhi too was hit by rainfall over the weekend, with a number of areas reporting waterlogging.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> of water-logging from Delhi's South Avenue following heavy rains. <a href="https://t.co/yCGgyiPFQH">pic.twitter.com/yCGgyiPFQH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1036118880932904960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The toll this year in Uttar Pradesh has been unusually high. The recent deaths will have taken the toll to close to 200 since July 1.&nbsp;

The Met Department recently said this has been India's rainiest August in 5 years.&nbsp;

Met Department data recently also showed that while the monsoon extends from June 1 to September 30, most cities in the country get as much as 95% of their rainfall in only a few days.&nbsp;

The toll this year in Uttar Pradesh has been unusually high. The recent deaths will have taken the toll to close to 200 since July 1.

Sixteen people have died in Uttar Pradesh in the last 24 hours following following heavy rains and lightning, ANI reported Sunday. 16 people dead in Uttar Pradesh in the last 24 hours following heavy rain and lightning. — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 2, 2018 × Delhi too was hit by rainfall over the weekend, with a number of areas reporting waterlogging. #Visuals of water-logging from Delhi's South Avenue following heavy rains. pic.twitter.com/yCGgyiPFQH — ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2018 × The toll this year in Uttar Pradesh has been unusually high. The recent deaths will have taken the toll to close to 200 since July 1. The Met Department recently said this has been India's rainiest August in 5 years. Met Department data recently also showed that while the monsoon extends from June 1 to September 30, most cities in the country get as much as 95% of their rainfall in only a few days.

Uttar Pradesh: 16 dead from rains, toll since July 1 close to 200

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu said Sunday that agriculture needs to be paid attention to.&nbsp;

"There is need for sustained support to agriculture," he said.&nbsp;

"Finance Minister is here... He may not like what I'm saying as he has to take care of everybody, but there has to be bias towards agriculture in coming days otherwise people are leaving agriculture as it's not remunerative," he added.&nbsp;

Naidu was speaking at the launch of his book Moving On, Moving Forward: A Year in Office. The book is about Naidu's year in office as vice president and chairman of the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

The book launch was attended by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/calling-for-discipline-these-days-is-branded-autocratic-pm-modi-163036">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> and former PM Manmohan Singh.&nbsp;

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Atal Ji wanted to give Venkaiah Naidu Ji a ministry. Venkaiah Ji said, 'I want to be the minister for rural development'. He is a farmer at heart. He is dedicated towards the welfare of farmers and agriculture: PM Narendra Modi at VP Venkaiah Naidu's book launch <a href="https://t.co/4BrsNkSYqs">pic.twitter.com/4BrsNkSYqs</a>
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He brings to office of VP,political&administrative experience&that is amply reflected in his 1 year in office. But best is yet to come. As a poet has said, "Sitaron ke aage jahan aur bhi hain, abhi ishq ke imtehaan aur bhi hain": Dr. Manmohan Singh at Venkaiah Naidu's book launch <a href="https://t.co/KhXU82WIsX">pic.twitter.com/KhXU82WIsX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1036137372654727170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Naidu also expressed displeasure with the the way Parliament "is not functioning".&nbsp;

"I'm little unhappy that Parliament is not functioning as it should," he said.&nbsp;

"On all other counts, things are moving, World Bank, ADB, World Economic Forum, whatever ratings they are giving is heartening. All Indians should be proud of whatever is happening on (the) economic front," he added.&nbsp;

Naidu, speaking at the launch of his book on a year in office, said attention needed to be paid to agriculture.

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu said Sunday that agriculture needs to be paid attention to. "There is need for sustained support to agriculture," he said. "Finance Minister is here... He may not like what I'm saying as he has to take care of everybody, but there has to be bias towards agriculture in coming days otherwise people are leaving agriculture as it's not remunerative," he added. Naidu was speaking at the launch of his book Moving On, Moving Forward: A Year in Office. The book is about Naidu's year in office as vice president and chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The book launch was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former PM Manmohan Singh. Atal Ji wanted to give Venkaiah Naidu Ji a ministry. Venkaiah Ji said, 'I want to be the minister for rural development'. He is a farmer at heart. He is dedicated towards the welfare of farmers and agriculture: PM Narendra Modi at VP Venkaiah Naidu's book launch pic.twitter.com/4BrsNkSYqs — ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2018 × He brings to office of VP,political&administrative experience&that is amply reflected in his 1 year in office. But best is yet to come. As a poet has said, "Sitaron ke aage jahan aur bhi hain, abhi ishq ke imtehaan aur bhi hain": Dr. Manmohan Singh at Venkaiah Naidu's book launch pic.twitter.com/KhXU82WIsX — ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2018 × Naidu also expressed displeasure with the the way Parliament "is not functioning". "I'm little unhappy that Parliament is not functioning as it should," he said. "On all other counts, things are moving, World Bank, ADB, World Economic Forum, whatever ratings they are giving is heartening. All Indians should be proud of whatever is happening on (the) economic front," he added.

'Finance Minister may not like what I am saying... ' says Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu 

The Supreme Court has slammed the Income Tax department for making "misleading statement" about the&nbsp;pendency of an appeal while making it clear that the apex court is not a "picnic place" and cannot be treated like this.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur slapped a cost of Rs 10 lakh on the department and said it was "shocked" that the Centre, through the Commissioner of Income Tax, has taken the matter "so casually".

The bench, also comprising Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta, also noted in its order that the plea was filed by the IT department after a delay of 596 days and "inadequate and unconvincing explanation" was given for the delay.

"Please do not do this. The Supreme Court is not a picnic place. Is this the way you treat the Supreme Court of India?" the bench told the counsel appearing for the department.

"You cannot treat the Supreme Court like this," the bench said.

The top court observed that in the petition filed by the Commissioner of Income Tax, Ghaziabad, the department has said that a similar matter filed in 2012 was pending in the court.

It, however, noted that the matter referred to as pending by the department was decided by the apex court way back in September 2012.

"In other words, the petitioners have given a totally misleading statement before this court. We are shocked that the Union of India through the Commissioner of Income Tax has taken the matter so casually," the bench said in its order while dismissing the petition.

"As we have noted, there is an inadequate explanation of delay of 596 days in filing the petition and a misleading statement about pendency of a similar civil appeal," it said.

It said that the cost of Rs 10 lakh be deposited with the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee within four weeks and the amount is utilised for juvenile justice issues.&nbsp;

The department had moved the apex court challenging the August 29, 2016 judgement of the Allahabad High Court which had dismissed their appeal against an Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) order.

The plea before the high court pertained to different assessment years concerning the Hapur Pilkhuwa Development Authority (HPDA), a body constituted under the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973.

The HPDA had applied for the grant of registration under the relevant provision of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which deals with the procedure for registration.

The Commissioner of Income Tax, Ghaziabad, had rejected the application in June 2006 observing that HPDA was not an institution working for charitable purposes.

The HPDA had thereafter approached the ITAT which allowed its appeal against the order of Commissioner of Income Tax and said that it was entitled for registration.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur slapped a cost of Rs 10 lakh on the department and said it was "shocked" that the Centre, through the Commissioner of Income Tax, has taken the matter "so casually".

The Supreme Court has slammed the Income Tax department for making "misleading statement" about the pendency of an appeal while making it clear that the apex court is not a "picnic place" and cannot be treated like this. A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur slapped a cost of Rs 10 lakh on the department and said it was "shocked" that the Centre, through the Commissioner of Income Tax, has taken the matter "so casually". The bench, also comprising Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta, also noted in its order that the plea was filed by the IT department after a delay of 596 days and "inadequate and unconvincing explanation" was given for the delay. "Please do not do this. The Supreme Court is not a picnic place. Is this the way you treat the Supreme Court of India?" the bench told the counsel appearing for the department. "You cannot treat the Supreme Court like this," the bench said. The top court observed that in the petition filed by the Commissioner of Income Tax, Ghaziabad, the department has said that a similar matter filed in 2012 was pending in the court. It, however, noted that the matter referred to as pending by the department was decided by the apex court way back in September 2012. "In other words, the petitioners have given a totally misleading statement before this court. We are shocked that the Union of India through the Commissioner of Income Tax has taken the matter so casually," the bench said in its order while dismissing the petition. "As we have noted, there is an inadequate explanation of delay of 596 days in filing the petition and a misleading statement about pendency of a similar civil appeal," it said. It said that the cost of Rs 10 lakh be deposited with the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee within four weeks and the amount is utilised for juvenile justice issues. The department had moved the apex court challenging the August 29, 2016 judgement of the Allahabad High Court which had dismissed their appeal against an Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) order. The plea before the high court pertained to different assessment years concerning the Hapur Pilkhuwa Development Authority (HPDA), a body constituted under the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973. The HPDA had applied for the grant of registration under the relevant provision of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which deals with the procedure for registration. The Commissioner of Income Tax, Ghaziabad, had rejected the application in June 2006 observing that HPDA was not an institution working for charitable purposes. The HPDA had thereafter approached the ITAT which allowed its appeal against the order of Commissioner of Income Tax and said that it was entitled for registration.

SC comes down hard on IT dept, says apex court is not a 'picnic place'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday calling for discipline these days is branded "autocratic", as he praised Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu for being a "disciplinarian".

After launching a book on experiences of Naidu during his first year as vice president of India and chairman of Rajya Sabha, Modi said he always provides visionary leadership whenever he gets a responsibility.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dissent-is-allowed-not-destabilising-india-rajnath-singh-162998">Dissent is allowed, not destabilising India, says Rajnath Singh</a>

"Venkaiah ji is a disciplinarian, but our country's situation is such that it has become easy to call discipline undemocratic. If some one calls for discipline, he is branded autocratic...The whole dictionary is opened. But the discipline Venkaiah ji calls for he himself follows it," he said.

The prime minister said whichever duty Naidu had, he performed it with utmost diligence and adapted into that role with ease.

"He has been in public life for 50 years. Ten years in student politics and 40 years in state as well as national politics," he said.

The 245-page book titled "Moving on, Moving forward: A Year in Office" brings out Naidu's "mission of engagement" on four key issues with various stakeholders across the country and its alignment with the mission of a new India in the making.

Naidu says in the book his mission of exploring and shaping public discourse over four key issues took him on extensive travels across the country since he was sworn in as vice president on August 11 last year.&nbsp;

Modi said former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee wanted to give Naidu a ministry in his government, but he said he wanted to be the minister of rural development.

"Venkaiah ji is a farmer at heart. He is passionate about the welfare of farmers and agriculture.

"The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana came into being due to the efforts of Naidu Ji. In a time when political discourse was centred around train stoppages only, he ensured that leaders began to think more about roads and other forms of connectivity," Modi also said.&nbsp;

At the book launch event, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, former prime ministers Manmohan Singh, HD Deve Gowda, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and senior Congress leader Anand Sharma were present on the dais.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at the launch of a book by Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu. The book, Moving On, Moving Forward, is about Naidu's year in office as Vice President.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday calling for discipline these days is branded "autocratic", as he praised Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu for being a "disciplinarian". After launching a book on experiences of Naidu during his first year as vice president of India and chairman of Rajya Sabha, Modi said he always provides visionary leadership whenever he gets a responsibility. Also read: Dissent is allowed, not destabilising India, says Rajnath Singh "Venkaiah ji is a disciplinarian, but our country's situation is such that it has become easy to call discipline undemocratic. If some one calls for discipline, he is branded autocratic...The whole dictionary is opened. But the discipline Venkaiah ji calls for he himself follows it," he said. The prime minister said whichever duty Naidu had, he performed it with utmost diligence and adapted into that role with ease. "He has been in public life for 50 years. Ten years in student politics and 40 years in state as well as national politics," he said. The 245-page book titled "Moving on, Moving forward: A Year in Office" brings out Naidu's "mission of engagement" on four key issues with various stakeholders across the country and its alignment with the mission of a new India in the making. Naidu says in the book his mission of exploring and shaping public discourse over four key issues took him on extensive travels across the country since he was sworn in as vice president on August 11 last year. Modi said former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee wanted to give Naidu a ministry in his government, but he said he wanted to be the minister of rural development. "Venkaiah ji is a farmer at heart. He is passionate about the welfare of farmers and agriculture. "The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana came into being due to the efforts of Naidu Ji. In a time when political discourse was centred around train stoppages only, he ensured that leaders began to think more about roads and other forms of connectivity," Modi also said. At the book launch event, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, former prime ministers Manmohan Singh, HD Deve Gowda, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and senior Congress leader Anand Sharma were present on the dais.

Calling for discipline these days is branded 'autocratic': PM Modi

Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his &nbsp"phone-a-loan"&nbspremarks on loans given during the UPA rule, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram Sunday asked the NDA government to reveal the number of loans given by it which turned into non-performing assets (NPA).

In a series of tweets, the senior Congress leader also questioned why the present dispensation did not recall those loans, given by the previous government, which turned bad.

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Let's assume that PM is right when he says that loans given under UPA have turned bad. How many of those loans were renewed or rolled over (that is 'evergreened') under NDA?
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1036100964824936453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"How many loans and how much that were given after May 2014 have become non-performing assets?" he asked.

Chidambaram said this question was asked in Parliament but there was no answer so far.

The Modi government had assumed office&nbspin May 2014.

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How many loans and how much that were given after May 2014 have become non-performing assets?
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Speaking at a function to launch the payments bank of the postal department, Modi blamed a "phone-a-loan" scam of the previous Congress-led UPA government for the bad loans in the banking sector and said every penny given out by "namdars" (dynasts) will be recovered.&nbsp

Modi said a majority of bank funds during the previous regime were reserved only for rich who were close to a particular family.

Chidambaram said even if it was assumed that the Prime Minister was right when he said that loans given under the UPA have turned bad, how many of those loans were renewed or rolled over (that is 'evergreened') under the present NDA government?

"Why were those loans not recalled? Why were those loans evergreened?" he asked.&nbsp

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This question was asked in Parliament but there is no answer so far.
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&nbsp

In a series of tweets, the senior Congress leader also questioned why the present dispensation did not recall those loans, given by the previous government, which turned bad.

Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "phone-a-loan"&nbspremarks on loans given during the UPA rule, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram Sunday asked the NDA government to reveal the number of loans given by it which turned into non-performing assets (NPA). In a series of tweets, the senior Congress leader also questioned why the present dispensation did not recall those loans, given by the previous government, which turned bad. Let's assume that PM is right when he says that loans given under UPA have turned bad. How many of those loans were renewed or rolled over (that is 'evergreened') under NDA? — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 2, 2018 × "How many loans and how much that were given after May 2014 have become non-performing assets?" he asked. Chidambaram said this question was asked in Parliament but there was no answer so far. The Modi government had assumed office&nbspin May 2014. How many loans and how much that were given after May 2014 have become non-performing assets? — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 2, 2018 × Speaking at a function to launch the payments bank of the postal department, Modi blamed a "phone-a-loan" scam of the previous Congress-led UPA government for the bad loans in the banking sector and said every penny given out by "namdars" (dynasts) will be recovered. Modi said a majority of bank funds during the previous regime were reserved only for rich who were close to a particular family. Chidambaram said even if it was assumed that the Prime Minister was right when he said that loans given under the UPA have turned bad, how many of those loans were renewed or rolled over (that is 'evergreened') under the present NDA government? "Why were those loans not recalled? Why were those loans evergreened?" he asked. This question was asked in Parliament but there is no answer so far. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 2, 2018 ×

After Modi's 'phone-a-loan' jibe, P Chidambaram asks 'what after 2014'

Antigua and Barbuda's Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin has said that he is planning to discuss the possible extradition of fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) accused Mehul Choksi with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Anthony Armstrong.

"We expect the DPP back shortly, if not by tomorrow, then certainly by Monday and as soon as he returns I intend to meet with him so we can [discuss] this extradition matter," Benjamin was quoted by OBSERVER media on Thursday, citing Antigua Observer.

As per a press release by the Prime Minister's Office of Antigua and Barbuda, Indian High Commissioner in Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, who is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, had visited St. John's for the third time in recent weeks to meet with officials to discuss Choksi's extradition.

The high-ranking diplomat met with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and handed another extradition application with modified charges to the country's prime minister. He was assured that the matter would be taken up and the documents would be given to the DPP, who is currently abroad.

Browne reiterated his government's full cooperation with the Indian authorities on the matter but added that a certain procedure was to be followed.

Earlier this week, the Antigua and Barbuda government reiterated that it would fully cooperate regarding Choksi's arrest, but stated that it would not succumb to pressure from the Indian government in the matter.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), through the Ministry of External Affairs, had written a letter to Antigua, asking them to arrest the fugitive diamantaire.

The multi-crore scam was detected by the PNB officials earlier this year, after Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi had allegedly cheated the bank to the tune of two billion dollars, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

India has been trying hard to bring back Choksi from Antigua and Barbuda under the provision of a law of the island nation, which provides for extradition of a fugitive to a designated Commonwealth country.&nbsp;

As per a press release by the Prime Minister's Office of Antigua and Barbuda, Indian High Commissioner in Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, who is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, had visited St. John's for the third time in recent weeks to meet with officials to discuss Choksi's extradition.

Antigua and Barbuda's Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin has said that he is planning to discuss the possible extradition of fugitive diamantaire and Punjab National Bank (PNB) accused Mehul Choksi with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Anthony Armstrong. "We expect the DPP back shortly, if not by tomorrow, then certainly by Monday and as soon as he returns I intend to meet with him so we can [discuss] this extradition matter," Benjamin was quoted by OBSERVER media on Thursday, citing Antigua Observer. As per a press release by the Prime Minister's Office of Antigua and Barbuda, Indian High Commissioner in Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, who is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, had visited St. John's for the third time in recent weeks to meet with officials to discuss Choksi's extradition. The high-ranking diplomat met with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and handed another extradition application with modified charges to the country's prime minister. He was assured that the matter would be taken up and the documents would be given to the DPP, who is currently abroad. Browne reiterated his government's full cooperation with the Indian authorities on the matter but added that a certain procedure was to be followed. Earlier this week, the Antigua and Barbuda government reiterated that it would fully cooperate regarding Choksi's arrest, but stated that it would not succumb to pressure from the Indian government in the matter. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), through the Ministry of External Affairs, had written a letter to Antigua, asking them to arrest the fugitive diamantaire. The multi-crore scam was detected by the PNB officials earlier this year, after Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi had allegedly cheated the bank to the tune of two billion dollars, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank. India has been trying hard to bring back Choksi from Antigua and Barbuda under the provision of a law of the island nation, which provides for extradition of a fugitive to a designated Commonwealth country.

Antigua attorney general to discuss Choksi's extradition with officials

An intoxicated man allegedly urinated on the seat of a woman passenger onboard an Air India international flight, prompting the Civil Aviation Ministry to seek a report from the national carrier.&nbsp

The incident took place on August 30 when Air India flight AI 102 was on its way to New Delhi from New York.

Indrani Ghosh, daughter of the woman passenger, tweeted about the incident on Friday evening.

"@Suresh Prabhu, @Sushma Swaraj @Air India. 30th Aug AI102 JFK to Delhi, seat36D. My mother travelling alone had to face extreme shock and trauma when a drunk passenger post dinner service fumbled across to her seat, removed his pants and urinated on her seat! Please look into urgently,? she said on Twitter.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/sureshpprabhu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sureshpprabhu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> 30thAug AI102 JFK to Delhi, seat36D. My mother traveling alone had to face extreme shock and trauma when a drunk passenger post dinner service fumbled across to her seat removed his pants and urinated on her seat! Please lookinto urgently
— Indrani Ghosh (@indranidreams) <a href="https://twitter.com/indranidreams/status/1035554412318674945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Accusing Air India of only changing her mother's seat after the incident, she said in response to a tweet from activist Kavita Krishnan, "My mother while waiting in her wheelchair at Delhi airport (for her connecting flight), saw him (the accused passenger) walk away."

Following the incident, junior aviation minister Jayant Sinha directed Air India to follow up the matter immediately and report back to the ministry and aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

"@airindiain please follow up immediately and report back to MoCA/DGCA. Very unfortunate that your mother had to go through this harrowing experience," Sinha said in his tweet.&nbsp 
&nbsp

The incident took place on August 30 when Air India flight AI 102 was on its way to New Delhi from New York.

An intoxicated man allegedly urinated on the seat of a woman passenger onboard an Air India international flight, prompting the Civil Aviation Ministry to seek a report from the national carrier. The incident took place on August 30 when Air India flight AI 102 was on its way to New Delhi from New York. Indrani Ghosh, daughter of the woman passenger, tweeted about the incident on Friday evening. "@Suresh Prabhu, @Sushma Swaraj @Air India. 30th Aug AI102 JFK to Delhi, seat36D. My mother travelling alone had to face extreme shock and trauma when a drunk passenger post dinner service fumbled across to her seat, removed his pants and urinated on her seat! Please look into urgently,? she said on Twitter. @sureshpprabhu @SushmaSwaraj @airindiain 30thAug AI102 JFK to Delhi, seat36D. My mother traveling alone had to face extreme shock and trauma when a drunk passenger post dinner service fumbled across to her seat removed his pants and urinated on her seat! Please lookinto urgently — Indrani Ghosh (@indranidreams) August 31, 2018 × Accusing Air India of only changing her mother's seat after the incident, she said in response to a tweet from activist Kavita Krishnan, "My mother while waiting in her wheelchair at Delhi airport (for her connecting flight), saw him (the accused passenger) walk away." Following the incident, junior aviation minister Jayant Sinha directed Air India to follow up the matter immediately and report back to the ministry and aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). "@airindiain please follow up immediately and report back to MoCA/DGCA. Very unfortunate that your mother had to go through this harrowing experience," Sinha said in his tweet.

Drunk man urinates on woman passenger's seat in AI international flight

A&nbsp;bus carrying 30 passengers got stuck in waterlogged Ring road area of Delhi after heavy rains lashed parts of the national capital on Saturday morning.

All 30 passengers were rescued from the bus near Hanuman Mandir in Delhi's Yamuna Bazar area.

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Heavy rains coupled with strong winds lashed part of Delhi-NCR on Saturday morning.

The Delhi traffic police tweeted alerts about flooding on some roads in the city and asked people to avoid taking those routes.

A power supply was also interrupted in some areas because of the downpour.

Slow-moving traffic was reported from key roads in central Delhi. "Traffic movement is closed on Bhairon Road(both carriageways) due to waterlogging," Delhi Traffic Police tweeted.

News agency ANI reported traffic jam near ITO area in Delhi due to waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall.

The Palam observatory received 17.7 mm rainfall while the Safdarjung observatory recorded 1.4 mm rainfall on Wednesday. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rains in the coming days.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> of passengers being rescued from a bus that got stuck in waterlogged Ring road near Hanuman Mandir in Yamuna Bazar area, following heavy rainfall in parts of Delhi. All 30 passengers have been rescued safely. <a href="https://t.co/ZnLPXc0wp1">pic.twitter.com/ZnLPXc0wp1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1035753858306387968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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All 30 passengers were rescued safely from the bus stuck near Hanuman Mandir in Delhi's Yamuna Bazar area.

A bus carrying 30 passengers got stuck in waterlogged Ring road area of Delhi after heavy rains lashed parts of the national capital on Saturday morning. All 30 passengers were rescued from the bus near Hanuman Mandir in Delhi's Yamuna Bazar area. Heavy rains coupled with strong winds lashed part of Delhi-NCR on Saturday morning. The Delhi traffic police tweeted alerts about flooding on some roads in the city and asked people to avoid taking those routes. A power supply was also interrupted in some areas because of the downpour. Slow-moving traffic was reported from key roads in central Delhi. "Traffic movement is closed on Bhairon Road(both carriageways) due to waterlogging," Delhi Traffic Police tweeted. News agency ANI reported traffic jam near ITO area in Delhi due to waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall. The Palam observatory received 17.7 mm rainfall while the Safdarjung observatory recorded 1.4 mm rainfall on Wednesday. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rains in the coming days. #Visuals of passengers being rescued from a bus that got stuck in waterlogged Ring road near Hanuman Mandir in Yamuna Bazar area, following heavy rainfall in parts of Delhi. All 30 passengers have been rescued safely. pic.twitter.com/ZnLPXc0wp1 — ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2018 ×

Bus carrying 30 passengers stuck in Delhi after heavy rains

Activist Sudha Bharadwaj has outrightly rejected the claims made by the investigating agency and said a purported letter implicating her was "totally concocted" to criminalise her and human rights organisations, news agency PTI reported.

The police had Friday claimed that Bharadwaj had written to one "Com Prakash", the report added.&nbsp;

Reacting to this in a handwritten statement, Bharadwaj, who is under house arrest, said the purported letter shown by the Pune Police is a "mixture of innocuous".&nbsp;

She claimed a number of human rights lawyers, activists and organisations were deliberately named to cast a stigma over them, obstruct their work and incite hatred against them.

"It is a totally concocted letter fabricated to criminalise me and other human rights lawyers, activists and organisations," the letter said.

The activist-lawyer,&nbsp;one of the five activists arrested in multi-city raids by the Maharashtra Police,&nbsp;said the "fabricated letter" had not been brought before either before the Pune Court or the Faridabad Chief Judicial Magistrate while seeking to "whisk" her to Pune.&nbsp;

In a media briefing Friday, the police had released details of seized letters related to five activists arrested in June in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence that took place in January.

Early this week, the police raided the homes of activists and lawyers from five states---Varavara Roa in Hyderabad, Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira in Mumbai, Bharadwaj in Faridabad and Gautam Navalakha in Delhi.&nbsp;

The police had Friday claimed that Bharadwaj had written to one "Com Prakash".

Activist Sudha Bharadwaj has outrightly rejected the claims made by the investigating agency and said a purported letter implicating her was "totally concocted" to criminalise her and human rights organisations, news agency PTI reported. The police had Friday claimed that Bharadwaj had written to one "Com Prakash", the report added. Reacting to this in a handwritten statement, Bharadwaj, who is under house arrest, said the purported letter shown by the Pune Police is a "mixture of innocuous". She claimed a number of human rights lawyers, activists and organisations were deliberately named to cast a stigma over them, obstruct their work and incite hatred against them. "It is a totally concocted letter fabricated to criminalise me and other human rights lawyers, activists and organisations," the letter said. The activist-lawyer, one of the five activists arrested in multi-city raids by the Maharashtra Police, said the "fabricated letter" had not been brought before either before the Pune Court or the Faridabad Chief Judicial Magistrate while seeking to "whisk" her to Pune. In a media briefing Friday, the police had released details of seized letters related to five activists arrested in June in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence that took place in January. Early this week, the police raided the homes of activists and lawyers from five states---Varavara Roa in Hyderabad, Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira in Mumbai, Bharadwaj in Faridabad and Gautam Navalakha in Delhi.

Sudha Bhardwaj denies Maharashtra Police claims, says letter 'concocted'

The BJP slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday for leading a "disinformation campaign" on Rafale fighter jet deal.

BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh alleged that Gandhi was "confusing" the people of country "on this highly sensitive issue" of national security.

"Gandhi has been coming up with contradictory statements regarding the financial aspects of the deal, and had been quoting different prices, which the previous Congress government failed to materialize," he said here.

Ridiculing Gandhi, the BJP leader said the Congress chief had been indulging in "primary school level discussion on an issue that was much complicated for his level of understanding".

Chugh sought to know as to why the Congress-led UPA government kept the deal "pending for an indefinite period".

"In fact, the then Defence Minister AK Antony should come forward to tell why the UPA government sat on the files for as long as 10 years," he said.

Claiming that the deal was executed on better terms as compared to the 2007 proposal during the UPA regime, Chugh said Gandhi was "trying to compare apples with oranges".

He said the Congress president was "comparing the price of a chasis of an aircraft with a fully loaded plane" required for the aerial defence of the country.

"The (Narendra) Modi government gave go-ahead to the deal after meetings of Price Negotiation Committee and Contract Committee which continued for over a year," he said.

"The Congress has no issues as it stares towards an all-time low tally during the 2019 parliamentary elections and Gandhi, fearing the inevitable, is trying to unsuccessfully scuttle the deal which is paramount for the defence of the country," he said.

BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh alleged that Gandhi was "confusing" the people of country 'on this highly sensitive issue' of national security.

The BJP slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi Saturday for leading a "disinformation campaign" on Rafale fighter jet deal. BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh alleged that Gandhi was "confusing" the people of country "on this highly sensitive issue" of national security. "Gandhi has been coming up with contradictory statements regarding the financial aspects of the deal, and had been quoting different prices, which the previous Congress government failed to materialize," he said here. Ridiculing Gandhi, the BJP leader said the Congress chief had been indulging in "primary school level discussion on an issue that was much complicated for his level of understanding". Chugh sought to know as to why the Congress-led UPA government kept the deal "pending for an indefinite period". "In fact, the then Defence Minister AK Antony should come forward to tell why the UPA government sat on the files for as long as 10 years," he said. Claiming that the deal was executed on better terms as compared to the 2007 proposal during the UPA regime, Chugh said Gandhi was "trying to compare apples with oranges". He said the Congress president was "comparing the price of a chasis of an aircraft with a fully loaded plane" required for the aerial defence of the country. "The (Narendra) Modi government gave go-ahead to the deal after meetings of Price Negotiation Committee and Contract Committee which continued for over a year," he said. "The Congress has no issues as it stares towards an all-time low tally during the 2019 parliamentary elections and Gandhi, fearing the inevitable, is trying to unsuccessfully scuttle the deal which is paramount for the defence of the country," he said.

BJP slams Rahul Gandhi for 'disinformation campaign' on Rafale deal

India has submitted a second extradition request to Antigua and Barbuda government for the extradition of Indian fugitive Mehul Choksi, who has acquired the citizenship of the Caribbean country.

Indian High Commissioner in Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, visited&nbsp;St John's, capital of Antigua and Barbuda on August 30, for the third time in recent weeks to meet senior Government officials on the Choksi's extradition matter, Antigua media reported.

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne received Mahalingam and both held extensive discussions on the extradition of the fugitive Indian businessman.

Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, was accompanied by the senior officials of his country, including Attorney-General, Hon. Steadroy 'Cutie' Benjamin, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anthony Liverpool and Ambassador Colin Murdoch who is a senior advisor to Browne, reported the news portal, Antigua News Room.

The website claimed that High Commissioner Mahalingam submitted the second extradition request from the Indian authorities, with amended charges.&nbsp;

The Attorney-General assured Mahalingam that the documents would be put in the hands of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Mahalingam, who also had extensive discussions with the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was assured of the full support of the Antigua and Barbuda government by the Prime Minister.

The high profile meeting came after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), through the Ministry of External Affairs, wrote a letter to the authorities in Antigua, asking them to arrest the fugitive diamantaire.

The multi-crore rupees scam was detected by the Punjab National Bank officials earlier this year, after Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi, allegedly cheated the bank to the tune of two billion dollars.

India has been trying hard to bring back Choksi from Antigua and Barbuda under the provision of a law of the island nation, which provides for extradition of a fugitive to a designated Commonwealth country.

India has been trying hard to bring back Choksi from Antigua and Barbuda under the provision of a law of the island nation, which provides for extradition of a fugitive to a designated Commonwealth country.

India has submitted a second extradition request to Antigua and Barbuda government for the extradition of Indian fugitive Mehul Choksi, who has acquired the citizenship of the Caribbean country. Indian High Commissioner in Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, visited St John's, capital of Antigua and Barbuda on August 30, for the third time in recent weeks to meet senior Government officials on the Choksi's extradition matter, Antigua media reported. Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne received Mahalingam and both held extensive discussions on the extradition of the fugitive Indian businessman. Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, was accompanied by the senior officials of his country, including Attorney-General, Hon. Steadroy 'Cutie' Benjamin, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anthony Liverpool and Ambassador Colin Murdoch who is a senior advisor to Browne, reported the news portal, Antigua News Room. The website claimed that High Commissioner Mahalingam submitted the second extradition request from the Indian authorities, with amended charges. The Attorney-General assured Mahalingam that the documents would be put in the hands of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Mahalingam, who also had extensive discussions with the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was assured of the full support of the Antigua and Barbuda government by the Prime Minister. The high profile meeting came after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), through the Ministry of External Affairs, wrote a letter to the authorities in Antigua, asking them to arrest the fugitive diamantaire. The multi-crore rupees scam was detected by the Punjab National Bank officials earlier this year, after Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi, allegedly cheated the bank to the tune of two billion dollars. India has been trying hard to bring back Choksi from Antigua and Barbuda under the provision of a law of the island nation, which provides for extradition of a fugitive to a designated Commonwealth country.

Mehul Choksi's extradition: India submits second letter to Antigua

The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is set to hold a public meeting on Sunday amid speculations about the possibility of early polls to the Telangana Legislative Assembly.&nbsp;

There has been no official word on early polls and all eyes are on the meeting to see what TRS president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would say.

A meeting of the state cabinet has been convened on Sunday afternoon ahead of the public meeting, official sources said.

The 'Pragati Nivedana Sabha' (meeting to report progress) at Kongara Kalan on the outskirts of the city would see Rao speaking on the progress made in various sectors during the last four years, TRS sources said.

Arrangements are being made for the meeting with food and shelter also provided to those who reach the venue by Saturday night, they said. About 25 lakh people are expected to take part, they said.

State IT and Municipal Administration Minister KT Rama Rao said Friday that discussions had been held in the party on the advancement of the assembly polls, but no decision has been taken yet.

Legislative Assembly elections in Telangana are scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls next year.

However, it is being speculated that the TRS government may opt for early polls on the presumption that there is a positive mood among people on the government.

The speculation has also gained ground with transfers of officials, including IAS officers, during the last several days.

CM Rao, who addressed media persons more than a fortnight ago, did not give a direct reply on reports of early assembly election but said the Election Commission has the discretion to conduct it within six months of the original schedule.

He said various surveys conducted by the party indicated that TRS would win about 100 seats (out of 119) in the assembly polls.

It is being speculated that the TRS government may opt for early polls on the presumption that there is a positive mood among people on the government.

The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is set to hold a public meeting on Sunday amid speculations about the possibility of early polls to the Telangana Legislative Assembly. There has been no official word on early polls and all eyes are on the meeting to see what TRS president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would say. A meeting of the state cabinet has been convened on Sunday afternoon ahead of the public meeting, official sources said. The 'Pragati Nivedana Sabha' (meeting to report progress) at Kongara Kalan on the outskirts of the city would see Rao speaking on the progress made in various sectors during the last four years, TRS sources said. Arrangements are being made for the meeting with food and shelter also provided to those who reach the venue by Saturday night, they said. About 25 lakh people are expected to take part, they said. State IT and Municipal Administration Minister KT Rama Rao said Friday that discussions had been held in the party on the advancement of the assembly polls, but no decision has been taken yet. Legislative Assembly elections in Telangana are scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls next year. However, it is being speculated that the TRS government may opt for early polls on the presumption that there is a positive mood among people on the government. The speculation has also gained ground with transfers of officials, including IAS officers, during the last several days. CM Rao, who addressed media persons more than a fortnight ago, did not give a direct reply on reports of early assembly election but said the Election Commission has the discretion to conduct it within six months of the original schedule. He said various surveys conducted by the party indicated that TRS would win about 100 seats (out of 119) in the assembly polls.

As talks of early Telangana polls heat up, TRS to hold public meeting on Sunday 

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra were booked on Saturday by Haryana Police for alleged irregularities in land deals in Gurgaon.

An FIR against Hooda, Vadra, Director Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd and DLF, among others, has been registered at Kherki Daula police station in Gurgaon, Manesar Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Kumar told PTI.

"We received a complaint today from one Surinder Sharma, a resident of Nuh, in which he alleged irregularities in the land deals," he said.

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An FIR has been registered against Robert Vadra, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Hooda, DLF Company Gurugram & Onkareshwar Properties Gurugram in an alleged Gurugram land grab case. <a href="https://t.co/US6Q2U34qo">pic.twitter.com/US6Q2U34qo</a>
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The Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government had set up a commission in 2015 to probe into the licences given by the earlier Hooda-led Congress government for the development of housing colonies and commercial complexes in four Gurgaon villages.

The BJP had made the land deals during Congress regime a major poll issue in 2014, targeting Robert Vadra.&nbsp;

An FIR against Hooda, Vadra, Director Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd and DLF, among others, has been registered at Kherki Daula police station in Gurgaon, Manesar Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Kumar told PTI.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra were booked on Saturday by Haryana Police for alleged irregularities in land deals in Gurgaon. An FIR against Hooda, Vadra, Director Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd and DLF, among others, has been registered at Kherki Daula police station in Gurgaon, Manesar Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Kumar told PTI. "We received a complaint today from one Surinder Sharma, a resident of Nuh, in which he alleged irregularities in the land deals," he said. An FIR has been registered against Robert Vadra, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Hooda, DLF Company Gurugram & Onkareshwar Properties Gurugram in an alleged Gurugram land grab case. pic.twitter.com/US6Q2U34qo — ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2018 × The Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government had set up a commission in 2015 to probe into the licences given by the earlier Hooda-led Congress government for the development of housing colonies and commercial complexes in four Gurgaon villages. The BJP had made the land deals during Congress regime a major poll issue in 2014, targeting Robert Vadra.

2008 Gurgaon land deal: FIR against ex Haryana CM Hooda, Robert Vadra

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law and businessman Robert Vadra reacted to the&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/india-news/fir-against-robert-vadra-ex-haryana-cm-hooda-over-gurgaon-land-deal-162948">FIR lodged</a> against him on Saturday under the Gurgaon land deal case.&nbsp;

Vadra accused the government of raking the "decade-old issue", involving Vadra and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, instead of focusing on "real people's issue".

"Election season, increase in oil prices... so let’s divert real people’s issues with my decade-old issue. What’s new?" Vadra told reporters.&nbsp;

An FIR against Hooda, Vadra, Director Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd and DLF, among others, was registered on Saturday at Kherki Daula police station in Gurgaon, Manesar Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Kumar told PTI.

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Election season, increase in oil prices...so let’s divert real people’s issues with my decade old issue. What’s new?: Robert Vadra's statement on FIR against him (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/Ev8ybmNwKR">pic.twitter.com/Ev8ybmNwKR</a>
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"We received a complaint today from one Surinder Sharma, a resident of Nuh, in which he alleged irregularities in the land deals," he said.

The Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government had set up a commission in 2015 to probe into the licences given by the earlier Hooda-led Congress government for the development of housing colonies and commercial complexes in four Gurgaon villages.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Vadra accused the government of raking the "decade-old issue" instead of focusing on 'real people's issue'.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law and businessman Robert Vadra reacted to the FIR lodged against him on Saturday under the Gurgaon land deal case. Vadra accused the government of raking the "decade-old issue", involving Vadra and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, instead of focusing on "real people's issue". "Election season, increase in oil prices... so let’s divert real people’s issues with my decade-old issue. What’s new?" Vadra told reporters. An FIR against Hooda, Vadra, Director Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd and DLF, among others, was registered on Saturday at Kherki Daula police station in Gurgaon, Manesar Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Kumar told PTI. Election season, increase in oil prices...so let’s divert real people’s issues with my decade old issue. What’s new?: Robert Vadra's statement on FIR against him (file pic) pic.twitter.com/Ev8ybmNwKR — ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2018 × "We received a complaint today from one Surinder Sharma, a resident of Nuh, in which he alleged irregularities in the land deals," he said. The Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government had set up a commission in 2015 to probe into the licences given by the earlier Hooda-led Congress government for the development of housing colonies and commercial complexes in four Gurgaon villages. (With inputs from PTI)

Let's divert real people’s issues with my decade-old case: Robert Vadra reacts to FIR against him

Heavy rain coupled with strong winds lashed part of Delhi-NCR on Saturday morning bringing respite for the city residents from the scorching heat. &nbsp;Flooding on busy roads, however, remains a concern for motorists and pedestrians.

The Delhi traffic police tweeted alerts about flooding on some roads in the city, and asked people to avoid taking those routes. Power supply was also interrupted in some areas because of the downpour.

Slow-moving traffic was reported from key roads in central Delhi. "Traffic movement is closed on Bhairon Road(both carriageways) due to waterlogging," Delhi Traffic Police tweeted.

News agency ANI reported traffic jam near ITO area in Delhi due to waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall.

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The Palam observatory received 17.7 mm rainfall while the Safdarjung observatory recorded 1.4 mm rainfall on Wednesday. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rains in the coming days.&nbsp;

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Traffic Alert 
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&nbsp;

Traffic jam reported near ITO area in Delhi due to waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall

Heavy rain coupled with strong winds lashed part of Delhi-NCR on Saturday morning bringing respite for the city residents from the scorching heat. Flooding on busy roads, however, remains a concern for motorists and pedestrians. The Delhi traffic police tweeted alerts about flooding on some roads in the city, and asked people to avoid taking those routes. Power supply was also interrupted in some areas because of the downpour. Slow-moving traffic was reported from key roads in central Delhi. "Traffic movement is closed on Bhairon Road(both carriageways) due to waterlogging," Delhi Traffic Police tweeted. News agency ANI reported traffic jam near ITO area in Delhi due to waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall. Delhi: Traffic jam near ITO in Delhi due to waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall in parts of the city pic.twitter.com/GUwSc0XcIt — ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2018 × The Palam observatory received 17.7 mm rainfall while the Safdarjung observatory recorded 1.4 mm rainfall on Wednesday. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rains in the coming days. Traffic Alert Water logging under Modi Mill Flyover, RTR T-Point near Shani Mandir Airport Road, Barapullah Flyover towards Railway Line, Rajghat towards Shanti Van Ring Road, Janpath towards Moti Lal Nehru Marg, Bahadur Shah Jafar Marg, — Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) September 1, 2018 ×

Heavy rains lash Delhi-NCR, police tweet flood alert on some roads

India's aerospace giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday appointed R Madhavan as its Chairman and Managing Director for five years. The 56-year-old has replaced T Suvarna Raju.

Prior to this, Madhavan was heading the Accessories Division of HAL at Lucknow as an Executive Director.

Speaking about his future course of action, Madhavan said, "Maintaining the numero uno position of the HAL in aerospace industry while delivering world-class products and services through increased indigenisation would be my key focus areas."

Madhavan also added that he will now work towards uplifting the company in the aerospace industry. "Partnership, collaboration and support of all the stakeholders are the key for HAL's success in future," he added.

Madhav is a Mechanical Engineer and obtained his degree from the National Institute of Technology, Raipur. He also completed his M Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.

Prior to this, Madhavan was heading the Accessories Division of HAL at Lucknow as an Executive Director.

India's aerospace giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Saturday appointed R Madhavan as its Chairman and Managing Director for five years. The 56-year-old has replaced T Suvarna Raju. Prior to this, Madhavan was heading the Accessories Division of HAL at Lucknow as an Executive Director. Speaking about his future course of action, Madhavan said, "Maintaining the numero uno position of the HAL in aerospace industry while delivering world-class products and services through increased indigenisation would be my key focus areas." Madhavan also added that he will now work towards uplifting the company in the aerospace industry. "Partnership, collaboration and support of all the stakeholders are the key for HAL's success in future," he added. Madhav is a Mechanical Engineer and obtained his degree from the National Institute of Technology, Raipur. He also completed his M Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited appoints R Madhavan as new chairman

Asserting that no talks of seat-sharing for Lok Sabha polls have taken place in Bihar so far, Union minister of state for human resource development Upendra Kushwaha claimed on Saturday that some people in the NDA, who don't wish to see Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister, were circulating "misleading news".

"Everything (published regarding seat sharing) seems to be without any basis. One thing I can tell you with full responsibility that there are people in the NDA, who don't wish to see Narendra Modi as the prime minister. They are the ones circulating misleading news," news agency PTI reported him as saying.&nbsp;

He, however, refrained from taking names even as the media persons sought to know if some of these people who were "spreading canards" were from Bihar.

"This is an internal matter and I don't want to discuss it outside (alliance). I have said what I had to," he was quoted as saying

Asked if the grand alliance, comprising the RJD and the Congress, had offered five seats to the RLSP, Kushwaha said, "We are the ones who believe in making 'kheer' and not 'khayali pulao' (daydreams). I am the one who wants to see Narendra Modi as prime minister again."

A section of media had recently reported that an arrangement had been made between the BJP and its allies for the 2019 elections.

Quoting sources, the reports said the BJP will contest 20 of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, while its allies - the Janata Dal (United), the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RSLP) and a splinter group of the RSLP -- will contest on 12, five, two and one seats respectively.

Rubbishing the reports, the RLSP chief said, "No talks of seat sharing have taken place in Bihar. In the news reports that I have come across, senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi and Ram Vilas Paswan's party (LJP) have also made it clear that the talks are still pending."

A section of media had recently reported that an arrangement had been made between the BJP and its allies for the 2019 elections.

Asserting that no talks of seat-sharing for Lok Sabha polls have taken place in Bihar so far, Union minister of state for human resource development Upendra Kushwaha claimed on Saturday that some people in the NDA, who don't wish to see Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister, were circulating "misleading news". "Everything (published regarding seat sharing) seems to be without any basis. One thing I can tell you with full responsibility that there are people in the NDA, who don't wish to see Narendra Modi as the prime minister. They are the ones circulating misleading news," news agency PTI reported him as saying. He, however, refrained from taking names even as the media persons sought to know if some of these people who were "spreading canards" were from Bihar. "This is an internal matter and I don't want to discuss it outside (alliance). I have said what I had to," he was quoted as saying Asked if the grand alliance, comprising the RJD and the Congress, had offered five seats to the RLSP, Kushwaha said, "We are the ones who believe in making 'kheer' and not 'khayali pulao' (daydreams). I am the one who wants to see Narendra Modi as prime minister again." A section of media had recently reported that an arrangement had been made between the BJP and its allies for the 2019 elections. Quoting sources, the reports said the BJP will contest 20 of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, while its allies - the Janata Dal (United), the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RSLP) and a splinter group of the RSLP -- will contest on 12, five, two and one seats respectively. Rubbishing the reports, the RLSP chief said, "No talks of seat sharing have taken place in Bihar. In the news reports that I have come across, senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi and Ram Vilas Paswan's party (LJP) have also made it clear that the talks are still pending."

Some in NDA don't wish to see Modi as PM: Union minister Upendra Kushwaha

Just a little over a year ago the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China were in a serious face-off across the trijunction of the Indian, Chinese and Bhutan borders near Doka La at the Doklam Plateau which lies in Bhutan. The 72-day stand-off involved induction of additional PLA troops and the advancement of India’s Siliguri-based 33 Corps’ operational alert by about eight weeks. This alert involved a large scale mobilisation of troops to positions of operational deployment. The latter saw a clear indication on the part of India not to be coerced by a virulent propaganda blitz by China to psychologically force an Indian pull back from Doklam, where the illegal Chinese road construction activity had been stopped by the Indian Army.

From a military strategic angle there were two prime issues here. First, the road under construction at Doklam would have given the PLA access to the proximity of the Indian post of Doka La, enabling the PLA to build up strength and logistics to target that post right at the trijunction which too is disputed by China. Second, although the trijunction lies squeezed at the southern tip of the Chumbi Valley between Bhutan and the Indian territory of the state of Sikkim, it is only a crow flight distance of 40-50 km to the south, to the narrow Chicken’s Neck or Siliguri Corridor which connects West Bengal to the Northeast.

Developing military operations through the Chumbi Valley by the Chinese was operationally imprudent due to the squeeze effect from east and west and would have been unlikely. However, in military strategy, it is not necessarily the actual launch of operations but a demonstrated intent to do so which ties down troops, in this case Indian troops. The risk could not be taken. In my assessment, a year ago, I had highlighted that the Chinese had chosen to play a military psychological game with no terminal aim, at a point on the Sino-Indian border where their ability to be in control of the situation would always be suspect. Yet the psychological message would be strong.

For long, China had focused on intimidation in Ladakh and in Arunachal Pradesh. The India-Bhutan-China trijunction had its own connotations and the threat to the Siliguri Corridor would create some amount of panic in New Delhi. However, it’s a different issue that there was little panic. The Chinese intent was well read by India and appropriate measures were taken which led to the stand down. The Indian media adopted a mature approach in response to the Chinese media’s caustic efforts to force a premature Indian pull back.

A year ago I had also assessed that repeated Chinese intimidatory attempts were never aimed at physical occupation of disputed territory nor dispute resolution. Those were designed to force India to focus its threat perception on the northern Himalayan borders and continue to give priority to its land forces. This is an issue which needs to be understood in context the context is China’s strategic vulnerability which lies in the oceans. The reason for this is its trade and energy, both dependent on the long sea lines of communication (SLsOC) stretching through the Western Pacific and the entire stretch of the Indian Ocean. On these maritime highways has depended China’s phenomenal growth rate. 
 
The growth process has to continue albeit even at the current much lower rate because China’s realisation of its dream lies in extending the fruits of growth to its hinterland by continuing its low-cost manufacturing revolution. If India develops its navy to the required levels on the basis of correct security perceptions, China will have much to worry about. Although it is impeding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea (SCS) through construction of artificial islands and laying claim to exclusive economic zones on basis of new island territories, its strategic interest is enforced by coercing freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean.

The termination of the Doklam stand off has been classified as an act of maturity on the part of both India and China in keeping with their mutual interests. The turn of events since then have further reinforced the mutual perception that border tension would only have a retrograde effect on the larger intent of economic cooperation between the two highly populated nations which was the priority in their larger strategic interests too. The international strategic environment was also altering course and a reset in the world order was being sought without any clear direction, except that hardened groupings were being perceived as intimidatory. The Indian diplomatic establishment was quick to correctly realise this, thus setting forth a subsidiary reset in the region too. Prime Minister Modi’s foreign policy initiatives took him to three important destinations — Wuhan, Sochi and Qingdao — which were a reflection of promoting Indian strategic interests post Doklam.

Attending the Indian Ocean Conference 2018 at Hanoi, Vietnam, from where I am writing this analysis, it is amply clear that China continues to play to its Indian Ocean interests. There have been interventions by Chinese delegates in line with the age-old argument that the Indian Ocean is not owned by India, that it should be renamed and that India must not object to the presence of other states whose interests clearly lie within its waters and its ports and island territories. This is fully in line with the broad Chinese strategy which focuses on forcing India on the defensive with regard to its interests in the Indian Ocean region. Establishing naval facilities at the string of ports and harbours that it has acquired access to is its way of securing the SLsOC. With that endeavour, China will continue its strategy of psychological helming in of India along the Himalayan belt so that Indian security perceptions remain rooted there. However, Doklam clearly established that any overstepping through this strategy would be resisted by India.&nbsp;

With lessons learnt from Doklam, China will seize every opportunity to re-emphasise its 2003 strategy of Three Warfares — media, cyber and legal all of them contributing to the larger psychological game towards coercing the minds of the Indian leadership. Thus far, the leadership has done well to understand it. The Chinese strategy will be dynamic and calibrated to which Indian response will have to remain nimble, fleet footed and demonstrative of resolve. Calibrated intimidation is going to be order of the day despite the regional reset. 
&nbsp;

(This article was first published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-impact-a-year-on-post-doklam-2657584">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The termination of the Doklam stand off has been classified as an act of maturity on the part of both India and China in keeping with their mutual interests.

Just a little over a year ago the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China were in a serious face-off across the trijunction of the Indian, Chinese and Bhutan borders near Doka La at the Doklam Plateau which lies in Bhutan. The 72-day stand-off involved induction of additional PLA troops and the advancement of India’s Siliguri-based 33 Corps’ operational alert by about eight weeks. This alert involved a large scale mobilisation of troops to positions of operational deployment. The latter saw a clear indication on the part of India not to be coerced by a virulent propaganda blitz by China to psychologically force an Indian pull back from Doklam, where the illegal Chinese road construction activity had been stopped by the Indian Army. From a military strategic angle there were two prime issues here. First, the road under construction at Doklam would have given the PLA access to the proximity of the Indian post of Doka La, enabling the PLA to build up strength and logistics to target that post right at the trijunction which too is disputed by China. Second, although the trijunction lies squeezed at the southern tip of the Chumbi Valley between Bhutan and the Indian territory of the state of Sikkim, it is only a crow flight distance of 40-50 km to the south, to the narrow Chicken’s Neck or Siliguri Corridor which connects West Bengal to the Northeast. Developing military operations through the Chumbi Valley by the Chinese was operationally imprudent due to the squeeze effect from east and west and would have been unlikely. However, in military strategy, it is not necessarily the actual launch of operations but a demonstrated intent to do so which ties down troops, in this case Indian troops. The risk could not be taken. In my assessment, a year ago, I had highlighted that the Chinese had chosen to play a military psychological game with no terminal aim, at a point on the Sino-Indian border where their ability to be in control of the situation would always be suspect. Yet the psychological message would be strong. For long, China had focused on intimidation in Ladakh and in Arunachal Pradesh. The India-Bhutan-China trijunction had its own connotations and the threat to the Siliguri Corridor would create some amount of panic in New Delhi. However, it’s a different issue that there was little panic. The Chinese intent was well read by India and appropriate measures were taken which led to the stand down. The Indian media adopted a mature approach in response to the Chinese media’s caustic efforts to force a premature Indian pull back. A year ago I had also assessed that repeated Chinese intimidatory attempts were never aimed at physical occupation of disputed territory nor dispute resolution. Those were designed to force India to focus its threat perception on the northern Himalayan borders and continue to give priority to its land forces. This is an issue which needs to be understood in context the context is China’s strategic vulnerability which lies in the oceans. The reason for this is its trade and energy, both dependent on the long sea lines of communication (SLsOC) stretching through the Western Pacific and the entire stretch of the Indian Ocean. On these maritime highways has depended China’s phenomenal growth rate. The growth process has to continue albeit even at the current much lower rate because China’s realisation of its dream lies in extending the fruits of growth to its hinterland by continuing its low-cost manufacturing revolution. If India develops its navy to the required levels on the basis of correct security perceptions, China will have much to worry about. Although it is impeding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea (SCS) through construction of artificial islands and laying claim to exclusive economic zones on basis of new island territories, its strategic interest is enforced by coercing freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean. The termination of the Doklam stand off has been classified as an act of maturity on the part of both India and China in keeping with their mutual interests. The turn of events since then have further reinforced the mutual perception that border tension would only have a retrograde effect on the larger intent of economic cooperation between the two highly populated nations which was the priority in their larger strategic interests too. The international strategic environment was also altering course and a reset in the world order was being sought without any clear direction, except that hardened groupings were being perceived as intimidatory. The Indian diplomatic establishment was quick to correctly realise this, thus setting forth a subsidiary reset in the region too. Prime Minister Modi’s foreign policy initiatives took him to three important destinations — Wuhan, Sochi and Qingdao — which were a reflection of promoting Indian strategic interests post Doklam. Attending the Indian Ocean Conference 2018 at Hanoi, Vietnam, from where I am writing this analysis, it is amply clear that China continues to play to its Indian Ocean interests. There have been interventions by Chinese delegates in line with the age-old argument that the Indian Ocean is not owned by India, that it should be renamed and that India must not object to the presence of other states whose interests clearly lie within its waters and its ports and island territories. This is fully in line with the broad Chinese strategy which focuses on forcing India on the defensive with regard to its interests in the Indian Ocean region. Establishing naval facilities at the string of ports and harbours that it has acquired access to is its way of securing the SLsOC. With that endeavour, China will continue its strategy of psychological helming in of India along the Himalayan belt so that Indian security perceptions remain rooted there. However, Doklam clearly established that any overstepping through this strategy would be resisted by India. With lessons learnt from Doklam, China will seize every opportunity to re-emphasise its 2003 strategy of Three Warfares — media, cyber and legal all of them contributing to the larger psychological game towards coercing the minds of the Indian leadership. Thus far, the leadership has done well to understand it. The Chinese strategy will be dynamic and calibrated to which Indian response will have to remain nimble, fleet footed and demonstrative of resolve. Calibrated intimidation is going to be order of the day despite the regional reset. (This article was first published on The DNA. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: A year on, post-Doklam

The prices of petrol and diesel saw a further rise on&nbsp;Saturday morning with an increase by Rs 0.16 per litre on petrol and Rs 0.21 litre on diesel.

While the price of petrol rose to Rs 78.68 per litre in Delhi and Rs 86.09 per litre in Mumbai. Diesel scaled a new high and is available&nbsp;at Rs 70.42 per litre in Delhi and Rs 74.76 per litre in Mumbai.

The price of petrol had crossed the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/rupee-hits-a-new-record-low-of-7082-drops-23-paise-against-us-dollar-162427">Rs 78 per litre</a>&nbsp;mark in Delhi for the first time in more than two-and-half-months on Tuesday.

The fuel prices have been&nbsp;on a consistent rise for several days.

Fuel prices have witnessed a sharp hike since August 26.

The prices have climbed steadily since August 26.&nbsp;

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Price of petrol in Delhi at Rs 78.68/litre (increase by Rs 0.16/litre) and price of diesel at Rs 70.42/litre (increase by Rs 0.21/litre). Price of petrol in Mumbai at Rs 86.09/litre (increase by Rs 0.16/litre) and price of diesel at Rs 74.76/litre (increase by Rs 0.22/litre). <a href="https://t.co/hvwnsbzj7u">pic.twitter.com/hvwnsbzj7u</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1035699649577922560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The price of petrol rose to Rs 78.68 per litre in Delhi and Rs 86.09 per litre in Mumbai.

The prices of petrol and diesel saw a further rise on Saturday morning with an increase by Rs 0.16 per litre on petrol and Rs 0.21 litre on diesel. While the price of petrol rose to Rs 78.68 per litre in Delhi and Rs 86.09 per litre in Mumbai. Diesel scaled a new high and is available at Rs 70.42 per litre in Delhi and Rs 74.76 per litre in Mumbai. The price of petrol had crossed the Rs 78 per litre mark in Delhi for the first time in more than two-and-half-months on Tuesday. The fuel prices have been on a consistent rise for several days. Fuel prices have witnessed a sharp hike since August 26. The prices have climbed steadily since August 26. Price of petrol in Delhi at Rs 78.68/litre (increase by Rs 0.16/litre) and price of diesel at Rs 70.42/litre (increase by Rs 0.21/litre). Price of petrol in Mumbai at Rs 86.09/litre (increase by Rs 0.16/litre) and price of diesel at Rs 74.76/litre (increase by Rs 0.22/litre). pic.twitter.com/hvwnsbzj7u — ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2018 ×

No respite for consumers as fuel price rises for seventh consecutive day

The Gujarat Government has partnered with a top India-centric American advocacy group for the Vibrant Gujarat summit in January 2019, which is expected to be attended by some of the top American corporate leaders.

John Chambers, chairman of US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF), will lead a high-level CEO delegation to the summit next year, a media release said in Washington on Friday.&nbsp

Ahead of the summit, the USISPF will take out roadshows in the five cities of San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, New York and Washington DC, it said.

A senior-level delegation, led by Arvind Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, government of Gujarat, will visit the US in September to engage with a host of businesses, investors, start-ups and incubators, thought leaders and key members of the Indian diaspora, the release said.&nbsp

The USISPF will also host focused roundtables and investment roadshow programmes, among other events, the release said.

"Vibrant Gujarat 2019 is focused on 'Ideas for a New India' and my endeavour is to attract the best technologies and innovation, educational partnerships, and to gain an understanding of how Gujarat can also create a knowledge-based economy like that of the US," Agarwal said.&nbsp

To officially kick-off the engagements leading up to the US visit of the delegation, the USISPF has scheduled cross-sectoral discussions for the delegation with US-based companies in Delhi and Mumbai.

"In the spirit of competitive federalism, Gujarat has led the way through structural reform and forged partnerships with the industry to drive inclusive growth in the state," Mukesh Aghi, president of USISPF, said.&nbsp

Gujarat will host the ninth edition of the annual industry summit 'Vibrant Gujarat' from January 18 to 20, 2019, in Gandhinagar.&nbsp

The summit, conceptualised in 2003 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his time as chief minister of the state, focuses on establishing Gujarat as a preferred investment destination in India.&nbsp

Over the years, the summit has evolved into a platform for brainstorming on agendas of global socio-economic development, in addition to becoming a platform for forging strategic public-private partnerships.

The Gujarat Government has partnered with a top India-centric American advocacy group for the Vibrant Gujarat summit in January 2019, which is expected to be attended by some of the top American corporate leaders.

The Gujarat Government has partnered with a top India-centric American advocacy group for the Vibrant Gujarat summit in January 2019, which is expected to be attended by some of the top American corporate leaders. John Chambers, chairman of US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF), will lead a high-level CEO delegation to the summit next year, a media release said in Washington on Friday. Ahead of the summit, the USISPF will take out roadshows in the five cities of San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, New York and Washington DC, it said. A senior-level delegation, led by Arvind Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, government of Gujarat, will visit the US in September to engage with a host of businesses, investors, start-ups and incubators, thought leaders and key members of the Indian diaspora, the release said. The USISPF will also host focused roundtables and investment roadshow programmes, among other events, the release said. "Vibrant Gujarat 2019 is focused on 'Ideas for a New India' and my endeavour is to attract the best technologies and innovation, educational partnerships, and to gain an understanding of how Gujarat can also create a knowledge-based economy like that of the US," Agarwal said. To officially kick-off the engagements leading up to the US visit of the delegation, the USISPF has scheduled cross-sectoral discussions for the delegation with US-based companies in Delhi and Mumbai. "In the spirit of competitive federalism, Gujarat has led the way through structural reform and forged partnerships with the industry to drive inclusive growth in the state," Mukesh Aghi, president of USISPF, said. Gujarat will host the ninth edition of the annual industry summit 'Vibrant Gujarat' from January 18 to 20, 2019, in Gandhinagar. The summit, conceptualised in 2003 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his time as chief minister of the state, focuses on establishing Gujarat as a preferred investment destination in India. Over the years, the summit has evolved into a platform for brainstorming on agendas of global socio-economic development, in addition to becoming a platform for forging strategic public-private partnerships.

Gujarat government partners with US advocacy group for 'Vibrant Gujarat' summit

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