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Opposition Congress on Wednesday today demanded that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar should hand over the charge to someone as the state's administration is in the&nbsp;doldrums.

Parrikar (62), who was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for a review health check-up on August 23, is supposed to fly to the United States for medical treatment tonight.

"The state is in a self-imposed emergency situation with no one to man the affairs of the state. High time the charge of CM is handed over to someone or let this alliance quit the government as they have failed to run the government for last six months," Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar said.

The chief minister's office should disclose the facts about Parrikar's health and should put out a detailed "health bulletin", he demanded.

With uncertainty about Parrikar's health and his absence from the state, there has been "complete constitutional failure as well as administration failure" in the state, Chodankar claimed.

Many portfolios are still not filled, and as Parrikar is unwell since February and has remained out of Goa frequently (for treatment), he should hand over the charge to some other minister, the Congress leader demanded.

The BJP is not willing to hand over the charge to somebody else due to "dearth of people with leadership quality" and the fear that there would be a rebellion in the party, he claimed.

Majority of portfolios are handled by the chief minister, he pointed out.&nbsp;

Parrikar (62), who was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for a review health check-up on August 23, is supposed to fly to the United States for medical treatment tonight.

Opposition Congress on Wednesday today demanded that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar should hand over the charge to someone as the state's administration is in the doldrums. Parrikar (62), who was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for a review health check-up on August 23, is supposed to fly to the United States for medical treatment tonight. "The state is in a self-imposed emergency situation with no one to man the affairs of the state. High time the charge of CM is handed over to someone or let this alliance quit the government as they have failed to run the government for last six months," Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar said. The chief minister's office should disclose the facts about Parrikar's health and should put out a detailed "health bulletin", he demanded. With uncertainty about Parrikar's health and his absence from the state, there has been "complete constitutional failure as well as administration failure" in the state, Chodankar claimed. Many portfolios are still not filled, and as Parrikar is unwell since February and has remained out of Goa frequently (for treatment), he should hand over the charge to some other minister, the Congress leader demanded. The BJP is not willing to hand over the charge to somebody else due to "dearth of people with leadership quality" and the fear that there would be a rebellion in the party, he claimed. Majority of portfolios are handled by the chief minister, he pointed out.

Parrikar should hand over charge to somebody: Goa Congress

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-says-it-is-helping-afghanistan-with-defence-counterterrorism-162531">China says it is helping Afghanistan with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-says-it-is-helping-afghanistan-with-defence-counterterrorism-162531">defence</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-says-it-is-helping-afghanistan-with-defence-counterterrorism-162531">, counterterrorism</a>

China's defence ministry said on Thursday that it was supporting Afghanistan's defence and counterterrorism efforts, a day after Beijing denied a plan to build a base in Afghanistan and to send Chinese forces to the war-torn country.

<a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aim-of-demonetisation-clear-it-was-to-help-pm-modis-friends-rahul-gandhi-162561">Aim</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aim-of-demonetisation-clear-it-was-to-help-pm-modis-friends-rahul-gandhi-162561"> of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aim-of-demonetisation-clear-it-was-to-help-pm-modis-friends-rahul-gandhi-162561">demonetisation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aim-of-demonetisation-clear-it-was-to-help-pm-modis-friends-rahul-gandhi-162561"> clear. It was to help PM Modi's friends: Rahul Gandhi</a>

Congress president Rahul Gandhi took yet another swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-jinson-johnson-wins-gold-in-1500m-race-162563">Asian Games: Jinson Johnson wins gold in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-jinson-johnson-wins-gold-in-1500m-race-162563">1500m</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-jinson-johnson-wins-gold-in-1500m-race-162563"> race</a>

India's Jinson Johnson on Thursday clinched gold in 1500m race event at the ongoing Asian Games. He finished the race with a timing of 3:44:72.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-national-knowledge-network-to-be-extended-to-saarc-countries-pm-narendra-modi-162541">India committed to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-national-knowledge-network-to-be-extended-to-saarc-countries-pm-narendra-modi-162541">expand</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-national-knowledge-network-to-be-extended-to-saarc-countries-pm-narendra-modi-162541"> its National Knowledge Network: PM Modi at BIMSTEC</a>

The Indian government is in the process of extending it’s National Knowledge Network to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in order to enhance cooperation in the field of education, PM Narendra Modi said at BIMSTEC summit in Kathmandu on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/law-commission-endorses-proposal-for-simultaneous-lok-sabha-assembly-polls-in-draft-report-to-government-162560">Law Commission endorses simultaneous polls in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/law-commission-endorses-proposal-for-simultaneous-lok-sabha-assembly-polls-in-draft-report-to-government-162560">draft</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/law-commission-endorses-proposal-for-simultaneous-lok-sabha-assembly-polls-in-draft-report-to-government-162560"> report to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/law-commission-endorses-proposal-for-simultaneous-lok-sabha-assembly-polls-in-draft-report-to-government-162560">government</a>

Holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies is a solution to prevent the country from being in constant election mode, the Law Commission said today in its draft report and recommended changes in the Constitution and the electoral law to hold the mammoth exercise.

China says it is helping Afghanistan with defence, counterterrorism China's defence ministry said on Thursday that it was supporting Afghanistan's defence and counterterrorism efforts, a day after Beijing denied a plan to build a base in Afghanistan and to send Chinese forces to the war-torn country. Aim of demonetisation clear. It was to help PM Modi's friends: Rahul Gandhi Congress president Rahul Gandhi took yet another swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Asian Games: Jinson Johnson wins gold in 1500m race India's Jinson Johnson on Thursday clinched gold in 1500m race event at the ongoing Asian Games. He finished the race with a timing of 3:44:72. India committed to expand its National Knowledge Network: PM Modi at BIMSTEC The Indian government is in the process of extending it’s National Knowledge Network to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in order to enhance cooperation in the field of education, PM Narendra Modi said at BIMSTEC summit in Kathmandu on Thursday. Law Commission endorses simultaneous polls in draft report to government Holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies is a solution to prevent the country from being in constant election mode, the Law Commission said today in its draft report and recommended changes in the Constitution and the electoral law to hold the mammoth exercise.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The United States cannot guarantee that it will provide India a waiver from sanctions if it purchases major weapon and defence systems from Russia, a top Pentagon official said, ahead of a high-level dialogue between Washington and New Delhi.

Randall Schriver, the Pentagon's assistant secretary of defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs has said that the waiver is "misleading"&nbsp;and added that Washington would have "significant concerns"&nbsp;if India purchased new platforms from Russia.&nbsp;

The US has vehemently raised concerns over India's planned purchase of the S-400 Triumf missile system — reportedly pegged at a whopping $10 billion — from Russia.

The S-400 Triumf missile system, which can engage targets independently as well as after receiving data from others radars, is the fourth generation of long-range Russian Surface-to-Air-Missiles (SAMs). The highly mobile, ground-based S-400 Triumf can detect, track and shoot down multiple targets including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, aircraft, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It can target ballistic missiles in their terminal (descent or reentry) phase. The entire system consists of a multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, command and control centre.

Under current US rules against Russia, third countries could face sanctions if they transact with Russian defence or intelligence sectors.

But after lobbying from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Congress granted the US president and the secretary of state the option of granting waivers, such as when an ally nation transitions from legacy Russian gear to Western arms.

"We would still have very significant concerns if India pursued major new platforms and systems (from Russia). I can't sit here and tell you that they would be exempt, that we would use that waiver."&nbsp;

Schriver's comment comes just days ahead of the crucial 2+2 dialogue between India and the US in New Delhi on September 6.

It may be noted that US Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be meeting Indian counterparts Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi in the first dialogue that has once been postponed by the US for 'unavoidable reasons'.

(With inputs from AFP)

The US has vehemently raised concerns over India's planned purchase of the S-400 Triumf missile system — reportedly pegged at a whopping $10 billion — from Russia.

The United States cannot guarantee that it will provide India a waiver from sanctions if it purchases major weapon and defence systems from Russia, a top Pentagon official said, ahead of a high-level dialogue between Washington and New Delhi. Randall Schriver, the Pentagon's assistant secretary of defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs has said that the waiver is "misleading" and added that Washington would have "significant concerns" if India purchased new platforms from Russia. The US has vehemently raised concerns over India's planned purchase of the S-400 Triumf missile system — reportedly pegged at a whopping $10 billion — from Russia. The S-400 Triumf missile system, which can engage targets independently as well as after receiving data from others radars, is the fourth generation of long-range Russian Surface-to-Air-Missiles (SAMs). The highly mobile, ground-based S-400 Triumf can detect, track and shoot down multiple targets including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, aircraft, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It can target ballistic missiles in their terminal (descent or reentry) phase. The entire system consists of a multifunction radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, command and control centre. Under current US rules against Russia, third countries could face sanctions if they transact with Russian defence or intelligence sectors. But after lobbying from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Congress granted the US president and the secretary of state the option of granting waivers, such as when an ally nation transitions from legacy Russian gear to Western arms. "We would still have very significant concerns if India pursued major new platforms and systems (from Russia). I can't sit here and tell you that they would be exempt, that we would use that waiver." Schriver's comment comes just days ahead of the crucial 2+2 dialogue between India and the US in New Delhi on September 6. It may be noted that US Defense Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be meeting Indian counterparts Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi in the first dialogue that has once been postponed by the US for 'unavoidable reasons'. (With inputs from AFP)

US can't guarantee India sanctions waiver if it buys from Russia: Pentagon official

The Indian government is in the process of extending it’s National Knowledge Network to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in order to enhance cooperation in the field of education, PM Narendra Modi said at BIMSTEC summit in Kathmandu on Thursday.

"India is already committed to enhancing its National Knowledge Network in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal in the field of digital connectivity,” PM Narendra Modi said.

The National Knowledge Network (NKN) is a state-of-the-art multi-gigabit pan-India network for providing a unified high-speed network backbone for all knowledge related institutions in the country.

“All of us have faced problems like drug trafficking and transnational issues relating to terrorism. On topics related to narcotics, we are ready to organize a conference in BIMSTEC framework,” PM said at the summit.

"Our country, belonging to the Himalayas and the Gulf of Bengal, frequently faces natural disasters like flood, cyclone and earthquake. In this context, our cooperation and coordination with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts with each other are necessary," PM Modi said during his address.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister was accorded the guard of honour at Kathmandu after his arrival after that PM Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina met Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

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PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> arrives at the 4th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BIMSTECSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BIMSTECSummit</a> . PM to address the inaugural session of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BIMSTECSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BIMSTECSummit</a> in a short while from now. 
Watch Live ➡️<a href="https://t.co/Jby6oqSD4k">https://t.co/Jby6oqSD4k</a> <a href="https://t.co/pp39RZJ5qJ">pic.twitter.com/pp39RZJ5qJ</a>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1035122996208328704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi said on Wednesday that his participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Kathmandu signals India’s highest priority to its neighbourhood and a strong commitment to continue deepening ties with the “extended neighbourhood” in South-East Asia.

In a statement before leaving for Nepal for the two-day summit, Modi said he will interact with the leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand on the margins of the summit whose theme is ‘Towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal region’

“I also look forward to meeting Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli and reviewing the progress we have made in our bilateral ties since my last visit to Nepal in May 2018,” he said.

The BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. The grouping accounts for 22 % of the global population.

The National Knowledge Network (NKN) is a state-of-the-art multi-gigabit pan-India network for providing a unified high-speed network backbone for all knowledge related institutions in the country.

The Indian government is in the process of extending it’s National Knowledge Network to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in order to enhance cooperation in the field of education, PM Narendra Modi said at BIMSTEC summit in Kathmandu on Thursday. "India is already committed to enhancing its National Knowledge Network in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal in the field of digital connectivity,” PM Narendra Modi said. The National Knowledge Network (NKN) is a state-of-the-art multi-gigabit pan-India network for providing a unified high-speed network backbone for all knowledge related institutions in the country. “All of us have faced problems like drug trafficking and transnational issues relating to terrorism. On topics related to narcotics, we are ready to organize a conference in BIMSTEC framework,” PM said at the summit. "Our country, belonging to the Himalayas and the Gulf of Bengal, frequently faces natural disasters like flood, cyclone and earthquake. In this context, our cooperation and coordination with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts with each other are necessary," PM Modi said during his address. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister was accorded the guard of honour at Kathmandu after his arrival after that PM Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina met Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari. PM @narendramodi arrives at the 4th #BIMSTECSummit . PM to address the inaugural session of the #BIMSTECSummit in a short while from now. Watch Live ➡️https://t.co/Jby6oqSD4k pic.twitter.com/pp39RZJ5qJ — PIB India (@PIB_India) August 30, 2018 × Modi said on Wednesday that his participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Kathmandu signals India’s highest priority to its neighbourhood and a strong commitment to continue deepening ties with the “extended neighbourhood” in South-East Asia. In a statement before leaving for Nepal for the two-day summit, Modi said he will interact with the leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand on the margins of the summit whose theme is ‘Towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal region’ “I also look forward to meeting Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli and reviewing the progress we have made in our bilateral ties since my last visit to Nepal in May 2018,” he said. The BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. The grouping accounts for 22 % of the global population.

India committed to expand its National Knowledge Network: PM Modi at BIMSTEC

Holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies is a solution to prevent the country from being in constant election mode, the Law Commission said today in its draft report and recommended changes in the Constitution and the electoral law to hold the mammoth exercise.

The 'draft' report submitted to the Law Ministry recommended holding of simultaneous elections to House of the People (Lok Sabha) and the State Legislative Assemblies (except the State of Jammu and Kashmir).

"Such an exercise will, it said, save public money, help reduce the burden on administrative setup and security forces and ensure better implementation of government policies. It said if simultaneous polls are held, the administrative machinery of the country will be continuously engaged in developmental activities, 'rather than in electioneering'.

It, however, cautioned that "holding simultaneous elections is not possible within the existing framework of the Constitution".

The Law Commission recommended changes in the Constitution and the electoral law to hold the mammoth exercise.

Holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies is a solution to prevent the country from being in constant election mode, the Law Commission said today in its draft report and recommended changes in the Constitution and the electoral law to hold the mammoth exercise. The 'draft' report submitted to the Law Ministry recommended holding of simultaneous elections to House of the People (Lok Sabha) and the State Legislative Assemblies (except the State of Jammu and Kashmir). "Such an exercise will, it said, save public money, help reduce the burden on administrative setup and security forces and ensure better implementation of government policies. It said if simultaneous polls are held, the administrative machinery of the country will be continuously engaged in developmental activities, 'rather than in electioneering'. It, however, cautioned that "holding simultaneous elections is not possible within the existing framework of the Constitution".

Law Commission endorses simultaneous polls in draft report to government

"Less than 6 hrs left for your deadline on the #Rafale JPC to run out," Rahul Gandhi tweeted to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday.&nbsp;

"Young India is waiting. I hope you're busy convincing Modi Ji and Anil Ambani Ji about why they should listen to you & approve this!" the Congress president added.&nbsp;

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Dear Mr Jaitley, 
 
Less than 6 hrs left for your deadline on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> JPC to run out. 
 
Young India is waiting. I hope you're busy convincing Modi Ji and Anil Ambani Ji about why they should listen to you & approve this! <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArunJaitley</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1035055021245845505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The not-so-gentle "reminder" was to a suggestion that Rahul himself had made to Jaitley yesterday.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nations-iq-is-higher-than-yours-amit-shah-hits-back-at-rahul-gandhi-162415">Nation's IQ is higher than yours, Amit Shah tells Rahul Gandhi</a>

"Mr Jaitley, thanks for bringing the nation’s attention back to the GREAT #RAFALE ROBBERY! How about a Joint Parliamentary Committee to sort it out?" Rahul had tweeted Wednesday. "Problem is, your Supreme Leader is protecting his friend, so this may be inconvenient. Do check & revert in 24 hrs. We’re waiting!"

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Mr Jaitley, thanks for bringing the nation’s attention back to the GREAT <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAFALE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RAFALE</a> ROBBERY! How about a Joint Parliamentary Committee to sort it out? Problem is, your Supreme Leader is protecting his friend, so this may be inconvenient. Do check & revert in 24 hrs. We’re waiting!
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1034775066423255040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Congress accuses the NDA government of paying more for the Rafale jets it is buying from France's Dassault than the deal originally brokered by the UPA. The Congress is therefore implying kickbacks.&nbsp;

Jaitley however said yesterday that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nda-got-rafale-jets-20-cheaper-than-upa-arun-jaitley-162287?Src=tw">NDA is getting the Rafale jets 20% cheaper</a> than the UPA was.&nbsp;

The reference to the "friend" was to Anil Ambani, whose Reliance Defence Ltd is the Indian partner in the deal. The earlier Indian partner had been the public-sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) but it was suddenly replaced by Reliance Defence, which has no prior experience in the aerospace industry.&nbsp;

Reliance Defence was reportedly incorporated only a few days before it was handed the deal.&nbsp;

'Young India is waiting. I hope you're busy convincing Modi Ji and Anil Ambani Ji about why they should listen to you & approve this!' the Congress President tweeted.

"Less than 6 hrs left for your deadline on the #Rafale JPC to run out," Rahul Gandhi tweeted to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday. "Young India is waiting. I hope you're busy convincing Modi Ji and Anil Ambani Ji about why they should listen to you & approve this!" the Congress president added. Dear Mr Jaitley, Less than 6 hrs left for your deadline on the #Rafale JPC to run out. Young India is waiting. I hope you're busy convincing Modi Ji and Anil Ambani Ji about why they should listen to you & approve this! @ArunJaitley — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 30, 2018 × The not-so-gentle "reminder" was to a suggestion that Rahul himself had made to Jaitley yesterday. Also read: Nation's IQ is higher than yours, Amit Shah tells Rahul Gandhi "Mr Jaitley, thanks for bringing the nation’s attention back to the GREAT #RAFALE ROBBERY! How about a Joint Parliamentary Committee to sort it out?" Rahul had tweeted Wednesday. "Problem is, your Supreme Leader is protecting his friend, so this may be inconvenient. Do check & revert in 24 hrs. We’re waiting!" Mr Jaitley, thanks for bringing the nation’s attention back to the GREAT #RAFALE ROBBERY! How about a Joint Parliamentary Committee to sort it out? Problem is, your Supreme Leader is protecting his friend, so this may be inconvenient. Do check & revert in 24 hrs. We’re waiting! — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 29, 2018 × The Congress accuses the NDA government of paying more for the Rafale jets it is buying from France's Dassault than the deal originally brokered by the UPA. The Congress is therefore implying kickbacks. Jaitley however said yesterday that the NDA is getting the Rafale jets 20% cheaper than the UPA was. The reference to the "friend" was to Anil Ambani, whose Reliance Defence Ltd is the Indian partner in the deal. The earlier Indian partner had been the public-sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) but it was suddenly replaced by Reliance Defence, which has no prior experience in the aerospace industry. Reliance Defence was reportedly incorporated only a few days before it was handed the deal.

'Less than 6 hours left... ,' Rahul Gandhi tells Arun Jaitley

A man was lynched near UP's Bareilly Wednesday night after he was suspected of stealing a buffalo.&nbsp

News reports Thursday said Shahrukh, 20, was beaten to death in Bholapur Hadoliya village.&nbsp

The reports added that Shahrukh was working as a tailor in Dubai and was home on vacation.&nbsp

PTI quoted Superintendent of Police (City) Abhinandan Singh as saying four people had been arrested.

Police said Shahrukh and three others had gone out Wednesday night when a group of locals caught hold of them, suspecting that they had stolen a buffalo.

Police said Shahrukh was thrashed by the group, while the three people with him managed to escape.

Police added that Shahrukh was admitted to hospital in critical lcondition, and died later from his injuries.&nbsp

Singh said the cause of death, according to the post-mortem examination, was severe beating.

Singh added that both sides, Sharukh's brother and the people alleging the theft of the buffalo, had filed FIRs.&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)

Shahrukh, 20, was beaten to death in Bholapur Hadoliya village near Bareilly. Police said both sides, Shahrukh's brother and the people alleging the theft of the buffalo, had filed FIRs.

A man was lynched near UP's Bareilly Wednesday night after he was suspected of stealing a buffalo. News reports Thursday said Shahrukh, 20, was beaten to death in Bholapur Hadoliya village. The reports added that Shahrukh was working as a tailor in Dubai and was home on vacation. PTI quoted Superintendent of Police (City) Abhinandan Singh as saying four people had been arrested. Police said Shahrukh and three others had gone out Wednesday night when a group of locals caught hold of them, suspecting that they had stolen a buffalo. Police said Shahrukh was thrashed by the group, while the three people with him managed to escape. Police added that Shahrukh was admitted to hospital in critical lcondition, and died later from his injuries. Singh said the cause of death, according to the post-mortem examination, was severe beating. Singh added that both sides, Sharukh's brother and the people alleging the theft of the buffalo, had filed FIRs. (With inputs from PTI)

UP: Man lynched after he is suspected of stealing buffalo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attended the inaugural session of 4th BIMSTEC Summit.&nbsp;

Earlier, PM Modi arrived in Nepal's capital Kathmandu on Thursday for the BIMSTEC summit amid high-security cover.

The Indian prime minister was accorded the guard of honour at Kathmandu after his arrival after that PM Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina met Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

Modi said on Wednesday that his participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Kathmandu signals India’s highest priority to its neighbourhood and a strong commitment to continue deepening ties with the “extended neighbourhood” in South-East Asia.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the inaugural session of the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nepal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nepal</a> <a href="https://t.co/f6kI0M1ICT">pic.twitter.com/f6kI0M1ICT</a>
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In a statement before leaving for Nepal for the two-day summit, Modi said he will interact with the leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand on the margins of the summit whose theme is ‘Towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal region’

“I also look forward to meeting Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli and reviewing the progress we have made in our bilateral ties since my last visit to Nepal in May 2018,” he said.

The BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. The grouping accounts for 22 % of the global population.

BIMSTEC, which had officially come into being in 2004 with the inclusion of Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan strives to boost technological and economic cooperation among countries along the Bay of Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attended the inaugural session of 4th BIMSTEC Summit. Earlier, PM Modi arrived in Nepal's capital Kathmandu on Thursday for the BIMSTEC summit amid high-security cover. The Indian prime minister was accorded the guard of honour at Kathmandu after his arrival after that PM Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina met Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari. Modi said on Wednesday that his participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Kathmandu signals India’s highest priority to its neighbourhood and a strong commitment to continue deepening ties with the “extended neighbourhood” in South-East Asia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the inaugural session of the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu. #Nepal pic.twitter.com/f6kI0M1ICT — ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2018 × In a statement before leaving for Nepal for the two-day summit, Modi said he will interact with the leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand on the margins of the summit whose theme is ‘Towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal region’ “I also look forward to meeting Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli and reviewing the progress we have made in our bilateral ties since my last visit to Nepal in May 2018,” he said. The BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. The grouping accounts for 22 % of the global population.

PM Narendra Modi attends inaugural session of 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu

Sending out a signal that he was prepared to bury the hatchet, MK Alagiri today said he was ready to accept the leadership of his younger brother and DMK chief M K Stalin if he was readmitted into the party fold.&nbsp;

The estranged elder brother of Stalin said neither he nor his son Durai Dayanidhi yearned for any position in the party.

"When we desire to be inducted into the party, we must then accept the (Stalin's) leadership, isn't it," Alagiri told reporters when asked if he was ready to accept the leadership of his younger brother if he was readmitted into the party.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alagiri-claims-dmk-will-face-threat-after-september-5-rally-161536">Alagiri says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alagiri-claims-dmk-will-face-threat-after-september-5-rally-161536">party</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alagiri-claims-dmk-will-face-threat-after-september-5-rally-161536"> will face 'threat' after September 5 rally</a>

The former Union Minister said he was ready to work alongside the top party leadership, apparently referring to Stalin, and added that he and his supporters have been reiterating it.

"We are ready to join the party and work together, they are not taking us back," he said.

Under such circumstances, he said the next course of action — if he and his supporters are not admitted — would be decided after the rally to be held next month.

A decision on the future course of action would be decided after consultations with leaders, he said.

When pointed out that the DMK general council had elevated Stalin unanimously, he shot back: "Is the general council alone the party? ...Do 1,500 members of the council alone represent the DMK?.. The cadres are on my side, after next month's rally more will come to my side."

Stalin was on August 28 elevated as the DMK President, being elected unopposed to the top post.

At the party's General Council meeting held in Chennai, DMK General Secretary K Anbazhagan said Stalin was elected unopposed, as he was the sole candidate who had filed nomination for the party chief's post on August 26.

The elder son of late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, also said he did not know what was preventing his return to the party.

"Truth will always get support," he said and reiterated that the true loyalists of Karunanidhi were on his side.

On the proposed rally on September 5 in Chennai to Karunanidhi's mausoleum, he said there will not be less than "one lakh" participants.

Alagiri had days ago announced that he would lead a rally to the mausoleum of Karunanidhi here, touted as a show of strength by his supporters.

Alagiri has been in political hibernation since his expulsion from the party in 2014 by Karunanidhi.

The former union minister was sacked at the height of his fight with Stalin over establishing supremacy in the party.&nbsp;

'We are ready to join the party and work together, they are not taking us back,' Alagiri said.

Sending out a signal that he was prepared to bury the hatchet, MK Alagiri today said he was ready to accept the leadership of his younger brother and DMK chief M K Stalin if he was readmitted into the party fold. The estranged elder brother of Stalin said neither he nor his son Durai Dayanidhi yearned for any position in the party. "When we desire to be inducted into the party, we must then accept the (Stalin's) leadership, isn't it," Alagiri told reporters when asked if he was ready to accept the leadership of his younger brother if he was readmitted into the party. Also read: Alagiri says party will face 'threat' after September 5 rally The former Union Minister said he was ready to work alongside the top party leadership, apparently referring to Stalin, and added that he and his supporters have been reiterating it. "We are ready to join the party and work together, they are not taking us back," he said. Under such circumstances, he said the next course of action — if he and his supporters are not admitted — would be decided after the rally to be held next month. A decision on the future course of action would be decided after consultations with leaders, he said. When pointed out that the DMK general council had elevated Stalin unanimously, he shot back: "Is the general council alone the party? ...Do 1,500 members of the council alone represent the DMK?.. The cadres are on my side, after next month's rally more will come to my side." Stalin was on August 28 elevated as the DMK President, being elected unopposed to the top post. At the party's General Council meeting held in Chennai, DMK General Secretary K Anbazhagan said Stalin was elected unopposed, as he was the sole candidate who had filed nomination for the party chief's post on August 26. The elder son of late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, also said he did not know what was preventing his return to the party. "Truth will always get support," he said and reiterated that the true loyalists of Karunanidhi were on his side. On the proposed rally on September 5 in Chennai to Karunanidhi's mausoleum, he said there will not be less than "one lakh" participants. Alagiri had days ago announced that he would lead a rally to the mausoleum of Karunanidhi here, touted as a show of strength by his supporters. Alagiri has been in political hibernation since his expulsion from the party in 2014 by Karunanidhi. The former union minister was sacked at the height of his fight with Stalin over establishing supremacy in the party.

After revolt, Alagiri says ready to accept younger brother Stalin as DMK leader

Young India is waiting for a decision on a joint parliamentary committee on the Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi told Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today, a day after he gave him 24 hours to “check and revert” on the issue.&nbsp

As Indian Youth Congress workers gathered outside the AICC office in preparation for a protest march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence on the issue, Gandhi took to Twitter to address the finance minister.&nbsp

“Dear Mr Jaitley, Less than 6 hrs left for your deadline on the #Rafale JPC to run out. Young India is waiting. I hope you’re busy convincing Modi Ji and Anil Ambani Ji about why they should listen to you & approve this!” he said.

The Congress, which has launched a frontal attack on the government over the Rafale issue, is undertaking a pan India campaign to “apprise people” on the deal.&nbsp

Party leaders are fanning out across the country, holding press conferences which will be followed by plans for district and state level agitations on the issue. In Delhi, the Congress is holding protests outside its headquarters and will march towards the PM’s house with top party leaders expected to participate in the agitation.

“Mr Jaitley, thanks for bringing the nation’s attention back to the ‘GREAT RAFALE ROBBERY’. How about a Joint Parliamentary Committee to sort it out? Problem is, your ‘Supreme Leader’ is protecting ‘his friend’, so this may be inconvenient. Do check and revert in 24 hours. We’re waiting,” Gandhi said on Twitter yesterday after Jaitley spoke on the deal.

Young India is waiting for a decision on a joint parliamentary committee on the Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi told Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today.

Young India is waiting for a decision on a joint parliamentary committee on the Rafale deal, Congress president Rahul Gandhi told Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today, a day after he gave him 24 hours to “check and revert” on the issue. As Indian Youth Congress workers gathered outside the AICC office in preparation for a protest march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence on the issue, Gandhi took to Twitter to address the finance minister. “Dear Mr Jaitley, Less than 6 hrs left for your deadline on the #Rafale JPC to run out. Young India is waiting. I hope you’re busy convincing Modi Ji and Anil Ambani Ji about why they should listen to you & approve this!” he said. The Congress, which has launched a frontal attack on the government over the Rafale issue, is undertaking a pan India campaign to “apprise people” on the deal. Party leaders are fanning out across the country, holding press conferences which will be followed by plans for district and state level agitations on the issue. In Delhi, the Congress is holding protests outside its headquarters and will march towards the PM’s house with top party leaders expected to participate in the agitation. “Mr Jaitley, thanks for bringing the nation’s attention back to the ‘GREAT RAFALE ROBBERY’. How about a Joint Parliamentary Committee to sort it out? Problem is, your ‘Supreme Leader’ is protecting ‘his friend’, so this may be inconvenient. Do check and revert in 24 hours. We’re waiting,” Gandhi said on Twitter yesterday after Jaitley spoke on the deal.

Rafale Deal: Joint Parliamentary Committee deadline running out, Rahul Gandhi tells Arun Jaitley

RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Thursday surrendered before special CBI court in Ranchi, Jharkhand upon on expiry of provisional bail.

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Lalu before his arrest said that he had faith in CBI court's decision.

RJD chief who reached Ranchi from Patna was directed by the Jharkhand high court to surrender before the CBI court by August 30 after rejecting his plea to extend bail on August 24.&nbsp;

After being sent to jail in December 2017 following conviction, the RJD chief has spent a considerable amount of time at the RIMS Hospital in Ranchi and AIIMS in New Delhi for treatment of different ailments. He was also treated in a Mumbai hospital for three weeks and discharged on August 25.&nbsp;

Lalu Prasad granted six weeks provisional bail on medical grounds on may 11 by &nbsp;Jharkhand High Court. Lalu has been convicted in three fodder scam cases by a special CBI court in Ranchi.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Prabhat Kumar, Yadav's Lawyer said that the doctors at the Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai will do a checkup on Lalu Prasad Yadav and then inform Court about his condition.&nbsp;

RJD chief who reached Ranchi from Patna was directed by the Jharkhand high court to surrender before the CBI court by August 30 after rejecting his plea to extend his bail on August 24.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Thursday surrendered before special CBI court in Ranchi, Jharkhand upon on expiry of provisional bail. × Lalu before his arrest said that he had faith in CBI court's decision. RJD chief who reached Ranchi from Patna was directed by the Jharkhand high court to surrender before the CBI court by August 30 after rejecting his plea to extend bail on August 24. After being sent to jail in December 2017 following conviction, the RJD chief has spent a considerable amount of time at the RIMS Hospital in Ranchi and AIIMS in New Delhi for treatment of different ailments. He was also treated in a Mumbai hospital for three weeks and discharged on August 25. Lalu Prasad granted six weeks provisional bail on medical grounds on may 11 by Jharkhand High Court. Lalu has been convicted in three fodder scam cases by a special CBI court in Ranchi. Meanwhile, Prabhat Kumar, Yadav's Lawyer said that the doctors at the Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai will do a checkup on Lalu Prasad Yadav and then inform Court about his condition.

Fodder scam case: RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav surrenders before special CBI court

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday met Congress President Rahul Gandhi here and urged him to take early decision on cabinet expansion of the coalition government.

The chief minister also said that the JD(S)-Congress coalition government is secure under the leadership of senior Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah.

In a brief meeting with the Gandhi at his residence, Kumaraswamy also apprised him about the 100-day performance of the coalition government.

"In the meeting, I have requested Congress President to take early decision on expansion of the cabinet and appointment of corporation Boards chairman," Kumaraswamy told reporters after the meeting.

At present, the cabinet comprises 16 Congress and 10 JD(S) members, including chief minister and deputy chief minister, and as per rule four more can be added, one from JD(S) and three from Congress.

Kumaraswamy's discussions with Gandhi also comes on the eve of the JD(S)-Congress Coordination Committee meeting scheduled tomorrow to iron out differences in the alliance that has arisen after Siddaramaiah's remarks about becoming the state chief minister.

Asked about the remarks, he said: "He (Siddaramaiah) is a leader. If he expresses desire to become CM, what's wrong in that."

"The coalition government is secure under the leadership of Siddarmaiah. Siddaramaiah is necessary for the coalition government to run safety," Kumaraswamy said.

Already, Siddarmaiah has given clarification that he would become the chief minister if people desire in the next election, the CM said.

"Despande (senior Congress leader) too may have desire to become chief minister. There is no need to interpret and understand it in a different way," he added.

R V Despande is a Revenue Minister in the coalition government in Karnataka.

Asserting that the coalition government was successful in completing 100 days in the state, the chief minister said: "People in the state have various expectations. My first goal is to fulfill their expectations in the coming days."

The 100 days of honeymoon period is over and the government will start implementing the blueprint in the coming days, he added.

The chief minister further said that the government was successful in taking officers into confidence. They have to work considering the wavelength of the coalition government, he added.

Already, the government has announced farm loan waiver and given certain directions to officials to implement the budget proposals, he stressed.

Kumaraswamy is also scheduled to meet the President? Ramnath Kovind and Home Minister Rajnath Singh to submit proposal seeking relief to flood hit Kodagu in the state.

"In the meeting, I have requested Congress President to take early decision on expansion of the cabinet and appointment of corporation Boards chairman," Kumaraswamy told reporters after the meeting.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday met Congress President Rahul Gandhi here and urged him to take early decision on cabinet expansion of the coalition government. The chief minister also said that the JD(S)-Congress coalition government is secure under the leadership of senior Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah. In a brief meeting with the Gandhi at his residence, Kumaraswamy also apprised him about the 100-day performance of the coalition government. "In the meeting, I have requested Congress President to take early decision on expansion of the cabinet and appointment of corporation Boards chairman," Kumaraswamy told reporters after the meeting. At present, the cabinet comprises 16 Congress and 10 JD(S) members, including chief minister and deputy chief minister, and as per rule four more can be added, one from JD(S) and three from Congress. Kumaraswamy's discussions with Gandhi also comes on the eve of the JD(S)-Congress Coordination Committee meeting scheduled tomorrow to iron out differences in the alliance that has arisen after Siddaramaiah's remarks about becoming the state chief minister. Asked about the remarks, he said: "He (Siddaramaiah) is a leader. If he expresses desire to become CM, what's wrong in that." "The coalition government is secure under the leadership of Siddarmaiah. Siddaramaiah is necessary for the coalition government to run safety," Kumaraswamy said. Already, Siddarmaiah has given clarification that he would become the chief minister if people desire in the next election, the CM said. "Despande (senior Congress leader) too may have desire to become chief minister. There is no need to interpret and understand it in a different way," he added. R V Despande is a Revenue Minister in the coalition government in Karnataka. Asserting that the coalition government was successful in completing 100 days in the state, the chief minister said: "People in the state have various expectations. My first goal is to fulfill their expectations in the coming days." The 100 days of honeymoon period is over and the government will start implementing the blueprint in the coming days, he added. The chief minister further said that the government was successful in taking officers into confidence. They have to work considering the wavelength of the coalition government, he added. Already, the government has announced farm loan waiver and given certain directions to officials to implement the budget proposals, he stressed. Kumaraswamy is also scheduled to meet the President? Ramnath Kovind and Home Minister Rajnath Singh to submit proposal seeking relief to flood hit Kodagu in the state.

CM Kumaraswamy urges Rahul Gandhi to give nod for Karnataka cabinet expansion

It has been reported in many national media channels that there was lack of consensus on the Parliamentary Standing Committee's report on demonetisation. Indeed, I would have been agitated had there been consensus. Nevertheless, the findings proposed by the chairman, Veerappa Moily, relates concomitant effects of demonetisation on the economy, like a fall in GDP growth by 1 per cent, setting the economy back and job losses. I do not want to comment on these findings.&nbsp;

Replies in Parliament over the quantum of FICNs

I would like to reinforce what has been said already through replies of the Government of India to several questions tabled in Parliament. Firstly, let me illustrate with a question replied in Rajya Sabha on 7/3/2007. Let us first appreciate that finance is the life line of terrorism. The government had acknowledged that the FICN share of terror funding is about 10 per cent of the total of the terror funding. This was in 2007. Maybe, this share has grown over the years. Readers who desire to have the exact share of different components of terror funding (as of 2007) may refer to my book, 'Hindu Terror: Insider account of Ministry of Home Affairs'. 
&nbsp; 
Now, let me take you to the reply to another question in Lok Sabha. This had conveyed that an estimated Rs 15-20 crores per annum was the value of FICN being injected into the economy. This reply was based purely on figures of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)&nbsp;

NCRB data

May I convey to the readers that NCRB data is collated based the number of crimes reported. I want to make two clarifications here. It is well known that police cutting across states have a tendency of burking the registration of cases. It is only to mitigate this that the then Union Home Secretary had on 23/1/2008 written to all state Chief Secretaries and DGPs to kindly register these cases, so that a reliable assessment is available on the magnitude of the menace.

An interesting anecdote I recall here. My son was studying in Chennai at that time. He used to come for vacations twice a year. While going back, we gave him some currency for out-of-pocket expenses after withdrawing the same from an ATM of the Union Bank of India. That one of the Rs 1000 notes that we received from the ATM was fake was noticed by a shopkeeper when my son tried to pay him using the note. No police case was registered. What is more important is that this case would not be captured in NCRB data.

Other seizures of FICN not in reporting mechanism 
 
Similarly, there are several seizures by intelligence agencies, BSF and other border-guarding forces, and information used to come to us during those days. Also remember, the case of Ravi Dhiren Ghosh in Mumbai, in which the NIA got a conviction and the amount involved was big. Hence, the amount of purported faced value of trafficked FICN used to be much more than what was captured in the NCRB data.

FICN, terror funding and terror attacks 
 
Also, before the 26/11 Mumbai attacks happened, fake currency notes had leaked in the State Bank of India branch at Domariyaganj in Uttar Pradesh, which was intended for funding terrorist attacks in India. Besides, repeatedly our agencies have seized FICNs from several places in Kashmir, Delhi, Gurgaon, etc, a prominent example being the notes seized from the ATMs of ICICI Bank. Hence, there is no denying the fact that FICNs had a direct link with terrorism funding.

Repeated intelligence inputs on FICN 
 
Interestingly, many sleeper cells of ISI planning terror attacks, moving funds for terror attacks including carrying huge face value amounts of FICN in their personal baggage were busted during the period 2006 onwards. These were mostly based on the intelligence inputs of IB and other agencies.&nbsp;

Veerappa Moily 
 
Veerappa Moily, readers may recall, was the chairman of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission set up when the UPA government was formed in 2004. Amongst the several reports of the Commission, the Eighth Report was on 'Combatting Terrorism'. As regards the recommendations and their efficacy, it is outside the purview of this blog. However, the one recommendation that was outstanding was that he wanted political oversight over our intelligence agencies. Till then, intelligence agencies were under the oversight of the National Intelligence Board, a highly professional body of security experts.

Political oversight of intelligence machinery 
 
This recommendation prima facie appeared mischievous to those in the security apparatus. Those days, the Ishrat Jehan and Sohrabuddin Sheikh cases were in the headlines. In both cases, pinpointed intelligence input was generated and shared with respective state governments. Further, the concerned state governments had taken action, and what happened in media later is for all to see.&nbsp;

Are politicians reliable to oversee intelligence agencies? 
 
Please recall, I have detailed in my book how one hawala dealer, who was also a Congressman and had been elected MLA of the Maharashtra Assembly, had moved funds for a terror attack. Hawala dealers also used their couriers for foot soldiering FICNs during those days.&nbsp;

Hence, it is a poser to the readers. Demonetisation might or might not have set the economy backward. But was the Congress and Veerappa Moily seeking to revive their agenda of discrediting the intelligence and security agencies, which might have generated the input leading to immediate demonetisation.&nbsp;

Incidentally, the connect between the suicide of Javed Khanani in Karachi and demonetisation does exist and is in the know of the security apparatus. Why is that certain vested interests are still discrediting the government and its agencies?

Also, please do not take the figures on drop in GDP growth on face value. What would have happened if the planned amount of FICN had been pumped into India between November 7-9, 2016. What impact would it have had on your GDP growth? God forbid, if the funds had been used for the intent for which its meant, successfully, what would have been the loss of national assets.&nbsp;

These are points to ponder.

(This article was first published on Zee News. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/demonetisation-was-a-war-on-terror-funding-thats-why-it-is-still-criticised-2137151.html">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;

Demonetisation was a security move more than an economic one.

It has been reported in many national media channels that there was lack of consensus on the Parliamentary Standing Committee's report on demonetisation. Indeed, I would have been agitated had there been consensus. Nevertheless, the findings proposed by the chairman, Veerappa Moily, relates concomitant effects of demonetisation on the economy, like a fall in GDP growth by 1 per cent, setting the economy back and job losses. I do not want to comment on these findings. Replies in Parliament over the quantum of FICNs I would like to reinforce what has been said already through replies of the Government of India to several questions tabled in Parliament. Firstly, let me illustrate with a question replied in Rajya Sabha on 7/3/2007. Let us first appreciate that finance is the life line of terrorism. The government had acknowledged that the FICN share of terror funding is about 10 per cent of the total of the terror funding. This was in 2007. Maybe, this share has grown over the years. Readers who desire to have the exact share of different components of terror funding (as of 2007) may refer to my book, 'Hindu Terror: Insider account of Ministry of Home Affairs'. Now, let me take you to the reply to another question in Lok Sabha. This had conveyed that an estimated Rs 15-20 crores per annum was the value of FICN being injected into the economy. This reply was based purely on figures of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) NCRB data May I convey to the readers that NCRB data is collated based the number of crimes reported. I want to make two clarifications here. It is well known that police cutting across states have a tendency of burking the registration of cases. It is only to mitigate this that the then Union Home Secretary had on 23/1/2008 written to all state Chief Secretaries and DGPs to kindly register these cases, so that a reliable assessment is available on the magnitude of the menace. An interesting anecdote I recall here. My son was studying in Chennai at that time. He used to come for vacations twice a year. While going back, we gave him some currency for out-of-pocket expenses after withdrawing the same from an ATM of the Union Bank of India. That one of the Rs 1000 notes that we received from the ATM was fake was noticed by a shopkeeper when my son tried to pay him using the note. No police case was registered. What is more important is that this case would not be captured in NCRB data. Other seizures of FICN not in reporting mechanism Similarly, there are several seizures by intelligence agencies, BSF and other border-guarding forces, and information used to come to us during those days. Also remember, the case of Ravi Dhiren Ghosh in Mumbai, in which the NIA got a conviction and the amount involved was big. Hence, the amount of purported faced value of trafficked FICN used to be much more than what was captured in the NCRB data. FICN, terror funding and terror attacks Also, before the 26/11 Mumbai attacks happened, fake currency notes had leaked in the State Bank of India branch at Domariyaganj in Uttar Pradesh, which was intended for funding terrorist attacks in India. Besides, repeatedly our agencies have seized FICNs from several places in Kashmir, Delhi, Gurgaon, etc, a prominent example being the notes seized from the ATMs of ICICI Bank. Hence, there is no denying the fact that FICNs had a direct link with terrorism funding. Repeated intelligence inputs on FICN Interestingly, many sleeper cells of ISI planning terror attacks, moving funds for terror attacks including carrying huge face value amounts of FICN in their personal baggage were busted during the period 2006 onwards. These were mostly based on the intelligence inputs of IB and other agencies. Veerappa Moily Veerappa Moily, readers may recall, was the chairman of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission set up when the UPA government was formed in 2004. Amongst the several reports of the Commission, the Eighth Report was on 'Combatting Terrorism'. As regards the recommendations and their efficacy, it is outside the purview of this blog. However, the one recommendation that was outstanding was that he wanted political oversight over our intelligence agencies. Till then, intelligence agencies were under the oversight of the National Intelligence Board, a highly professional body of security experts. Political oversight of intelligence machinery This recommendation prima facie appeared mischievous to those in the security apparatus. Those days, the Ishrat Jehan and Sohrabuddin Sheikh cases were in the headlines. In both cases, pinpointed intelligence input was generated and shared with respective state governments. Further, the concerned state governments had taken action, and what happened in media later is for all to see. Are politicians reliable to oversee intelligence agencies? Please recall, I have detailed in my book how one hawala dealer, who was also a Congressman and had been elected MLA of the Maharashtra Assembly, had moved funds for a terror attack. Hawala dealers also used their couriers for foot soldiering FICNs during those days. Hence, it is a poser to the readers. Demonetisation might or might not have set the economy backward. But was the Congress and Veerappa Moily seeking to revive their agenda of discrediting the intelligence and security agencies, which might have generated the input leading to immediate demonetisation. Incidentally, the connect between the suicide of Javed Khanani in Karachi and demonetisation does exist and is in the know of the security apparatus. Why is that certain vested interests are still discrediting the government and its agencies? Also, please do not take the figures on drop in GDP growth on face value. What would have happened if the planned amount of FICN had been pumped into India between November 7-9, 2016. What impact would it have had on your GDP growth? God forbid, if the funds had been used for the intent for which its meant, successfully, what would have been the loss of national assets. These are points to ponder. (This article was first published on Zee News. 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: Demonetisation was a war on terror funding, that's why it is still criticised

As many as 99.3 per cent of the old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, that were banned overnight in November 2016, have been returned, the Reserve Bank of India said in its annual report.

Of the Rs 15.41 lakh crore worth 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in circulation before November 8, 2016, notes worth Rs 15.31 lakh crore have been returned.

The "humungous task of processing and verification of specified bank notes (SBNs) was successfully achieved," it said.&nbsp

The SBNs received were verified, counted and processed in the sophisticated high speed currency verification and processing system (CVPS) for accuracy and genuineness and then shredded, it added.

SBNs refer to the demonetised old 500 and 1,000 rupee.

RBI said the processing of SBNs has since been completed. "The total SBNs returned from circulation is Rs 15,310.73 billion."&nbsp

Of the Rs 15.41 lakh crore worth 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in circulation before November 8, 2016, notes worth Rs 15.31 lakh crore have been returned

As many as 99.3 per cent of the old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, that were banned overnight in November 2016, have been returned, the Reserve Bank of India said in its annual report. Of the Rs 15.41 lakh crore worth 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in circulation before November 8, 2016, notes worth Rs 15.31 lakh crore have been returned. The "humungous task of processing and verification of specified bank notes (SBNs) was successfully achieved," it said. The SBNs received were verified, counted and processed in the sophisticated high speed currency verification and processing system (CVPS) for accuracy and genuineness and then shredded, it added. SBNs refer to the demonetised old 500 and 1,000 rupee. RBI said the processing of SBNs has since been completed. "The total SBNs returned from circulation is Rs 15,310.73 billion."

99.3% of demonetised currency returned to banks: RBI

The rupee on Wednesday collapsed to a lifetime low of 70.52 by plunging 42 paise against the dollar on strong month-end demand for the American currency amid foreign fund outflows.

Consistent dollar demand from banks and importers, mainly oil refiners, following higher crude oil prices, kept the rupee under pressure.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened lower at 70.32 a dollar against 70.10 previously and dropped further to a new low of 70.52 in late morning deals, down by 42 paise.

Furthermore, dollar's strength against some currencies overseas also put pressure on the rupee, dealers said.

Overseas, the US dollar inched higher against basket of currencies in early Asian trade, after dipping to a four-week low overnight. Relief over the US-Mexico trade deal was dimmed by concerns that the China-US trade war will drag on for some time.

A sharp surge in trade deficit too impacted the rupee. Trade deficit soared to a near five-year high of USD 18 billion.

Yesterday, the local currency had bounced back in a tepid fashion from the record closing low, gaining 6 paise to end at 70.10 against the US currency.

Meanwhile, the 30-share BSE Sensex, after hitting an all-time record high of 38,989.65 in early trade, slipped into the negative zone by falling 53.84 points, or 0.12 per cent, to 38,842.79 at 1130 hours.

Consistent dollar demand from banks and importers, mainly oil refiners, following higher crude oil prices, kept the rupee under pressure.

The rupee on Wednesday collapsed to a lifetime low of 70.52 by plunging 42 paise against the dollar on strong month-end demand for the American currency amid foreign fund outflows. Consistent dollar demand from banks and importers, mainly oil refiners, following higher crude oil prices, kept the rupee under pressure. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened lower at 70.32 a dollar against 70.10 previously and dropped further to a new low of 70.52 in late morning deals, down by 42 paise. Furthermore, dollar's strength against some currencies overseas also put pressure on the rupee, dealers said. Overseas, the US dollar inched higher against basket of currencies in early Asian trade, after dipping to a four-week low overnight. Relief over the US-Mexico trade deal was dimmed by concerns that the China-US trade war will drag on for some time. A sharp surge in trade deficit too impacted the rupee. Trade deficit soared to a near five-year high of USD 18 billion. Yesterday, the local currency had bounced back in a tepid fashion from the record closing low, gaining 6 paise to end at 70.10 against the US currency. Meanwhile, the 30-share BSE Sensex, after hitting an all-time record high of 38,989.65 in early trade, slipped into the negative zone by falling 53.84 points, or 0.12 per cent, to 38,842.79 at 1130 hours.

Rupee sinks to new low of 70.52, slumps 42 paise against US dollar

The Gaganyaan mission to send humans to space will comprise three crew members and reach the lower orbit of the Earth in just 16 minutes after the launch and stay in the space for five to seven days, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Sivan said today.

In his Independence Day address this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the ambitious mission of sending an Indian astronaut to space by 2022.

India will be the fourth country after the USA, Russia and China to send humans to space.

After the take off of the mission, it will reach the orbit in 16 minutes. The crew module, while making a return to the Earth, will splash in the Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast. Alternate provisions have also been made for a landing in the Bay of Bengal or even on land, he added.

Once the crew module reaches 120 kms from earth's surface, it will land in just 36 minutes, he added.&nbsp

Also read: <a href="wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-india-ready-for-another-lunar-mission-162167">Chandrayaan-2 to be launched in January 2019: ISRO chief</a>

Addressing a press conference, Sivan said the mission may be executed six months before India completes its 75th Independence Day with the help of GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle.

The spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400 km and the total programme cost is expected to be less than Rs 10,000 crores, he said.

Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh said the mission is much cheaper in comparison to other man missions sent to space.

The crew will be selected by the Indian Air Force and ISRO jointly after which they will undergo training for two-three years.&nbsp

"They also have to conduct experiments," Sivan said noting that thrust of the experiments will be on micro gravity.

The ISRO will also take inputs from Rakesh Sharma, first Indian to travel to space. Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot who flew aboard Soyuz T-11, launched in April 1984.&nbsp

The mission, Sivan said, will comprise a crew module, service module and orbital module, weighing approximately seven tonnes, and will be carried by rocket and the crew module's size will be 3.7 metres x 7 metres.

While the ISRO has perfected the engineering aspects of the mission, Sivan said, bioscience is a new field for the ISRO and requires collaboration and support from other organisations.

"To accelerate the programme, ISRO may consider collaborations with space agencies from friendly countries with advanced space programmes," he added

India will be the fourth country after the USA, Russia and China to send humans to space.

The Gaganyaan mission to send humans to space will comprise three crew members and reach the lower orbit of the Earth in just 16 minutes after the launch and stay in the space for five to seven days, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Sivan said today. In his Independence Day address this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the ambitious mission of sending an Indian astronaut to space by 2022. India will be the fourth country after the USA, Russia and China to send humans to space. After the take off of the mission, it will reach the orbit in 16 minutes. The crew module, while making a return to the Earth, will splash in the Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast. Alternate provisions have also been made for a landing in the Bay of Bengal or even on land, he added. Once the crew module reaches 120 kms from earth's surface, it will land in just 36 minutes, he added. Also read: Chandrayaan-2 to be launched in January 2019: ISRO chief Addressing a press conference, Sivan said the mission may be executed six months before India completes its 75th Independence Day with the help of GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle. The spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400 km and the total programme cost is expected to be less than Rs 10,000 crores, he said. Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh said the mission is much cheaper in comparison to other man missions sent to space. The crew will be selected by the Indian Air Force and ISRO jointly after which they will undergo training for two-three years. "They also have to conduct experiments," Sivan said noting that thrust of the experiments will be on micro gravity. The ISRO will also take inputs from Rakesh Sharma, first Indian to travel to space. Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot who flew aboard Soyuz T-11, launched in April 1984. The mission, Sivan said, will comprise a crew module, service module and orbital module, weighing approximately seven tonnes, and will be carried by rocket and the crew module's size will be 3.7 metres x 7 metres. While the ISRO has perfected the engineering aspects of the mission, Sivan said, bioscience is a new field for the ISRO and requires collaboration and support from other organisations. "To accelerate the programme, ISRO may consider collaborations with space agencies from friendly countries with advanced space programmes," he added

Man mission to space to have 3 crew members; will be in space for 5-7 days: ISRO chief

Amid speculation about the advancement of the Assembly polls in Telangana, BJP's state unit president K Laxman on Tuesday said his party was ready to face polls whenever they are held, reported news agency PTI.

Assembly polls in Telangana are scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year.

"We are ever ready... We are ready to face elections whenever they are held," he was quoted as saying prior to a meeting of the party's core committee.

Laxman, however, said the ruling TRS needs to tell people why it wants to go for early polls if it is so, report added.

Recalling that TRS president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had supported the idea of simultaneous polls in the country, he said Rao needs to explain why he has suddenly changed his mind.

Laxman, however, said the ruling TRS needs to tell people why it wants to go for early polls if it is so.

Amid speculation about the advancement of the Assembly polls in Telangana, BJP's state unit president K Laxman on Tuesday said his party was ready to face polls whenever they are held, reported news agency PTI. Assembly polls in Telangana are scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year. "We are ever ready... We are ready to face elections whenever they are held," he was quoted as saying prior to a meeting of the party's core committee. Laxman, however, said the ruling TRS needs to tell people why it wants to go for early polls if it is so, report added. Recalling that TRS president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had supported the idea of simultaneous polls in the country, he said Rao needs to explain why he has suddenly changed his mind.

BJP ready to face polls in Telangana anytime: State unit president

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who visited the flood-hit areas in Kerala said that he had come to Kerala as a support and not to politicise the situation.&nbsp;

''I have come here as a support and not to politicise the situation. I will not comment on the nature of this crisis,'' Rahul Gandhi said on being asked if Kerela floods is a man-made crisis.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters in Kochin, Gandhi, who earlier described Central government's Rs 500 for relief and rehabilitation as inadequate, said&nbsp;that the extent of support that the central govt has given should be more. ''This is owed to the people of Kerala. It is their right. I am sad that central govt has not given as much aid as they should,'' he said.&nbsp;

''I have visited a large number of camps yesterday. People are worried. I spoke to Kerela CM too. It is important that the government gives a sense to the people that it is going to help rebuild the houses. Compensation promised should be delivered quickly,'' he said.&nbsp;

Continuing his attack on BJP/RSS, he said there are two different visions of India, one is a centralised vision and other is decentralised vision. One respects only one ideology, based out of Nagpur and other respects all different ideas, cultures, different people in this country. That fight is on, he said.&nbsp;

Gandhi compared RSS to radical Islamist outfit Muslim Brotherhood in his UK address, drawing a stinging condemnation from the BJP which accused him of acting as a "contract killer" of the idea called India and demanded an apology.

''Compensation promised should be delivered quickly,'' Rahul Gandhi said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who visited the flood-hit areas in Kerala said that he had come to Kerala as a support and not to politicise the situation. ''I have come here as a support and not to politicise the situation. I will not comment on the nature of this crisis,'' Rahul Gandhi said on being asked if Kerela floods is a man-made crisis. Speaking to reporters in Kochin, Gandhi, who earlier described Central government's Rs 500 for relief and rehabilitation as inadequate, said that the extent of support that the central govt has given should be more. ''This is owed to the people of Kerala. It is their right. I am sad that central govt has not given as much aid as they should,'' he said. ''I have visited a large number of camps yesterday. People are worried. I spoke to Kerela CM too. It is important that the government gives a sense to the people that it is going to help rebuild the houses. Compensation promised should be delivered quickly,'' he said. Continuing his attack on BJP/RSS, he said there are two different visions of India, one is a centralised vision and other is decentralised vision. One respects only one ideology, based out of Nagpur and other respects all different ideas, cultures, different people in this country. That fight is on, he said. Gandhi compared RSS to radical Islamist outfit Muslim Brotherhood in his UK address, drawing a stinging condemnation from the BJP which accused him of acting as a "contract killer" of the idea called India and demanded an apology.

Rahul Gandhi says he is in Kerala as support, not to politicise the situation

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is currently admitted at a private hospital in Mumbai, would be flown to the US tonight for further medical treatment, news agency PTI reported on Wednesday quoting his office.&nbsp

Parrikar, 62, underwent treatment in the US for three months earlier this year for a pancreatic ailment and returned in June. He went there again for a follow-up earlier this month.

He was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for a review health checkup on August 23, a day after he returned from the US, and was scheduled to return to Goa today, report added.

However, a senior official in the Chief Minister's Office said Parrikar will leave for USA from Mumbai in a flight tonight.

The official refused to divulge any further details about the chief minister's health.

He said, "The official charge of the post of chief minister will remain with him (Parrikar). There is no need to hand over the charge to anyone." 
Parrikar had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on August 7 and sought his intervention to address the current crisis in the state's mining sector.&nbsp

Parrikar, 62, underwent treatment in the US for three months earlier this year for a pancreatic ailment and returned in June. He went there again for a follow-up earlier this month

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is currently admitted at a private hospital in Mumbai, would be flown to the US tonight for further medical treatment, news agency PTI reported on Wednesday quoting his office. Parrikar, 62, underwent treatment in the US for three months earlier this year for a pancreatic ailment and returned in June. He went there again for a follow-up earlier this month. He was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for a review health checkup on August 23, a day after he returned from the US, and was scheduled to return to Goa today, report added. However, a senior official in the Chief Minister's Office said Parrikar will leave for USA from Mumbai in a flight tonight. The official refused to divulge any further details about the chief minister's health. He said, "The official charge of the post of chief minister will remain with him (Parrikar). There is no need to hand over the charge to anyone." Parrikar had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on August 7 and sought his intervention to address the current crisis in the state's mining sector.

Goa Chief Minister Parrikar to fly to US again for medical treatment, says official

The US has extended the temporary suspension of premium processing for H1-B visas, popular among Indian IT professionals, as part of its efforts to clear the backlog.

Premium processing is a feature that shortens the usual processing time of H-1B visa petitions from an average of six months to 15 calendar days for a fee of $1,225 (Rs 86,181). It allowed some companies to jump the queue.

The suspension, announced yesterday by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), are expected to last until February 19 next year.

The USCIS said it is extending the temporary suspension of premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions and, beginning September 11, will be expanding this temporary suspension to include certain additional H-1B petitions.

Under the premium processing, the USCIS has to respond within 15 days to the H-1B visa petitions submitted to it.

The USCIS had announced in March that it will temporarily suspend premium processing for all fiscal year 2019 cap-subject petitions, including petitions seeking an exemption for individuals with a US master's degree or higher.

This suspension of premium processing for fiscal year 2019 cap-subject H-1B petitions was originally slated to last until September 10, 2018, but that suspension is being extended through an estimated date of February 19, 2019.

The USCIS said the temporary suspension will help it reduce overall H-1B processing times by allowing it to process long-pending petitions, which the agency said it has been unable to process due to the high volume of incoming petitions and premium processing requests over the past few months.

The temporary suspension will also allow the agency to be responsive to petitions with time-sensitive start dates and prioritise adjudication of H-1B extension of status cases that are nearing the 240-day mark.

As an H-1B non-immigrant, the applicant may be admitted for a period of up to three years. The time period may be extended, but generally cannot go beyond a total of six years.

The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 each fiscal year as mandated by the Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap.

Additionally, H1-B workers who are petitioned for or employed at an institution of higher education or its affiliated or related nonprofit entities or a nonprofit research organisation or a government research organisation are not subject to this numerical cap.

According to the USCIS, between 2007 and 2017, it received the maximum number of 2.2 million H-1B petitions from high-skilled Indians.

India was followed by China with 301,000 H-1B petitions during the same period. 
&nbsp

The USCIS said it is extending the temporary suspension of premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions

The US has extended the temporary suspension of premium processing for H1-B visas, popular among Indian IT professionals, as part of its efforts to clear the backlog. Premium processing is a feature that shortens the usual processing time of H-1B visa petitions from an average of six months to 15 calendar days for a fee of $1,225 (Rs 86,181). It allowed some companies to jump the queue. The suspension, announced yesterday by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), are expected to last until February 19 next year. The USCIS said it is extending the temporary suspension of premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions and, beginning September 11, will be expanding this temporary suspension to include certain additional H-1B petitions. Under the premium processing, the USCIS has to respond within 15 days to the H-1B visa petitions submitted to it. The USCIS had announced in March that it will temporarily suspend premium processing for all fiscal year 2019 cap-subject petitions, including petitions seeking an exemption for individuals with a US master's degree or higher. This suspension of premium processing for fiscal year 2019 cap-subject H-1B petitions was originally slated to last until September 10, 2018, but that suspension is being extended through an estimated date of February 19, 2019. The USCIS said the temporary suspension will help it reduce overall H-1B processing times by allowing it to process long-pending petitions, which the agency said it has been unable to process due to the high volume of incoming petitions and premium processing requests over the past few months. The temporary suspension will also allow the agency to be responsive to petitions with time-sensitive start dates and prioritise adjudication of H-1B extension of status cases that are nearing the 240-day mark. As an H-1B non-immigrant, the applicant may be admitted for a period of up to three years. The time period may be extended, but generally cannot go beyond a total of six years. The H1-B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 each fiscal year as mandated by the Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the cap. Additionally, H1-B workers who are petitioned for or employed at an institution of higher education or its affiliated or related nonprofit entities or a nonprofit research organisation or a government research organisation are not subject to this numerical cap. According to the USCIS, between 2007 and 2017, it received the maximum number of 2.2 million H-1B petitions from high-skilled Indians. India was followed by China with 301,000 H-1B petitions during the same period.

US extends temporary suspension for H1-B visas

Out of 10 activists who have been arrested by the Pune police in connection to the Bhima Koregaon violence case, 7 had reportedly featured in a list prepared by the UPA government in 2012, identifying organisations and individuals linked to the banned CPI (Maoist).&nbsp;

Ministry of Home Affairs had identified 128 organisations which were allegedly linked to the insurgent Maoists. Seven of those organisations were linked to activists Varavara Rao, Sudha Bhardwaj, Surendra Gadling, Rona Wilson, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves and Mahesh Raut.

All of them have been charged by the Pune Police under relevant IPC sections of criminal conspiracy and promoting enmity among castes and religious groups, along with the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The note prepared by the UPA government in 2012 reportedly instructed the state governments to take action against the 128 outfits who are acting as fronts of the Naxalites.

Notably, among the activists arrested by the Pune police, at least three have spent time behind the bars earlier as well.&nbsp;

Ferreira and Gonsalves, two of the five arrested yesterday, were held in 2007 too and they had spent several years in prison.&nbsp;

Similarly, Rao has been arrested several times by the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Police in the past.

Since 2001, altogether 6,956 civilians and 2,517 security personnel have been killed by the CPI (Maoist), according to a government figure.

Naxal violence has also caused massive damage to infrastructure and virtually stalled development activities in some parts of the country.

The Maharashtra Police has named the organisations to which the arrested people belong: Surendra Gadling (General Secretary, Indian Association of People's Lawyers), Rona Wilson (Public Relation Secretary, Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners), Sudhir Dhawale (Republican Panthers), Shoma Sen (Executive Member, Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights) and Mahesh Raut (State Convener, Maharashtra, Visthapan Virodhi Jan Vikas Andolan). All were arrested on June 6.

Those who were arrested yesterday are: Varavara Rao (President, Revolutionary Democratic Front), Sudha Bharadwaj (Vice-President, Indian Association of People's Lawyers), Gautam Navlakha (Leader, People's Union for Democratic Rights), Vernon Gonsalves (ex-Secretary, Maharashtra State Committee of CPI/Maoist) and Arun Ferreira (ex-Member, Maharashtra State Committee of CPI-Maoist).&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The note prepared by the UPA government in 2012 reportedly instructed the state governments to take action against the 128 outfits who are acting as fronts of the Naxalites.

Out of 10 activists who have been arrested by the Pune police in connection to the Bhima Koregaon violence case, 7 had reportedly featured in a list prepared by the UPA government in 2012, identifying organisations and individuals linked to the banned CPI (Maoist). Ministry of Home Affairs had identified 128 organisations which were allegedly linked to the insurgent Maoists. Seven of those organisations were linked to activists Varavara Rao, Sudha Bhardwaj, Surendra Gadling, Rona Wilson, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves and Mahesh Raut. All of them have been charged by the Pune Police under relevant IPC sections of criminal conspiracy and promoting enmity among castes and religious groups, along with the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The note prepared by the UPA government in 2012 reportedly instructed the state governments to take action against the 128 outfits who are acting as fronts of the Naxalites. Notably, among the activists arrested by the Pune police, at least three have spent time behind the bars earlier as well. Ferreira and Gonsalves, two of the five arrested yesterday, were held in 2007 too and they had spent several years in prison. Similarly, Rao has been arrested several times by the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Police in the past. Since 2001, altogether 6,956 civilians and 2,517 security personnel have been killed by the CPI (Maoist), according to a government figure. Naxal violence has also caused massive damage to infrastructure and virtually stalled development activities in some parts of the country. The Maharashtra Police has named the organisations to which the arrested people belong: Surendra Gadling (General Secretary, Indian Association of People's Lawyers), Rona Wilson (Public Relation Secretary, Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners), Sudhir Dhawale (Republican Panthers), Shoma Sen (Executive Member, Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights) and Mahesh Raut (State Convener, Maharashtra, Visthapan Virodhi Jan Vikas Andolan). All were arrested on June 6. Those who were arrested yesterday are: Varavara Rao (President, Revolutionary Democratic Front), Sudha Bharadwaj (Vice-President, Indian Association of People's Lawyers), Gautam Navlakha (Leader, People's Union for Democratic Rights), Vernon Gonsalves (ex-Secretary, Maharashtra State Committee of CPI/Maoist) and Arun Ferreira (ex-Member, Maharashtra State Committee of CPI-Maoist). (With inputs from PTI)

Bhima Koregaon raids: 7 activists arrested so far figured in pro-maoist list 'prepared by UPA in 2012'

A gunfight broke out in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir between militants and government forces on Wednesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: An encounter has started in Anantnag's Munward. 1-2 terrorists are believed to be trapped. Police, Army and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) are carrying out operations. Mobile internet services have been suspended in the district. More details awaited.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1034604849176801280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Media reports say, militants first opened fire on security personnel as they surrounded a house in an area where two top militants are believed to be hidden.

Borth terrorists have been killed during the exchange of fire.&nbsp;

A search operation is now being carried out by a joint team of army and CRPF personnel along with state police.

Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the house, ANI reported.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Anantnag?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Anantnag</a> encounter update: Two terrorists killed, arms and ammunition recovered; Search operation underway <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/ViFWejgCtv">pic.twitter.com/ViFWejgCtv</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1034650367491858432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the area has been cordoned off&nbsp;and mobile internet services are restricted in most parts of Anantnag and Kulgam district.

As the operation is underway, further details are awaited.

The operation is being carried out by a joint team of army and CRPF personnel along with state police.

A gunfight broke out in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir between militants and government forces on Wednesday. #JammuAndKashmir: An encounter has started in Anantnag's Munward. 1-2 terrorists are believed to be trapped. Police, Army and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) are carrying out operations. Mobile internet services have been suspended in the district. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2018 × Media reports say, militants first opened fire on security personnel as they surrounded a house in an area where two top militants are believed to be hidden. Borth terrorists have been killed during the exchange of fire. A search operation is now being carried out by a joint team of army and CRPF personnel along with state police. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the house, ANI reported. #Anantnag encounter update: Two terrorists killed, arms and ammunition recovered; Search operation underway #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/ViFWejgCtv — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2018 × Meanwhile, the area has been cordoned off and mobile internet services are restricted in most parts of Anantnag and Kulgam district. As the operation is underway, further details are awaited.

Jammu and Kashmir: Two militants killed in Anantnag encounter

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government is preparing a proposal to resolve the Kashmir issue, a senior Pakistani minister has said, describing the draft as a “model for conflict resolution.”&nbsp;

Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari made the revelation during a TV talk show, but she did not share the details of the proposal.&nbsp;

“We will prepare the proposal within a week and circulate it among all the stakeholders,” Mazari told the anchor of the Urdu language news channel 24NewsHD early this week. She said the proposal, which is a “model for conflict resolution”, would be presented before the Cabinet and also Prime Minister Khan.

“If the draft is approved, we will move forward on it,” said Mazari, who is considered as close to the powerful army. The army, which enjoys considerable influence over policy decisions in Pakistan, has ruled the country for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago. When asked about the status of the draft, the minister responded, “it’s almost ready.”

In his victory speech last month, Khan expressed his willingness to improve Pakistan’s ties with India and said that his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the “core issue” of Kashmir, through talks. He had said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region and suggested to increase trade ties between the two neighbours.

“I am a person who arguably knows the most people in India because of my days in cricket. We can resolve the poverty crisis in South East Asia. The biggest problem is Kashmir,” he had said, suggesting that the two sides should come to the table to resolve it. Pakistan’s former military ruler Parvez Musharraf claims he had proposed a ‘four-point formula’ on Kashmir to the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during the 2001 Agra Summit. The summit did not result in any significant development on the issue.

Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari made the revelation during a TV talk show, but she did not share the details of the proposal.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government is preparing a proposal to resolve the Kashmir issue, a senior Pakistani minister has said, describing the draft as a “model for conflict resolution.” Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari made the revelation during a TV talk show, but she did not share the details of the proposal. “We will prepare the proposal within a week and circulate it among all the stakeholders,” Mazari told the anchor of the Urdu language news channel 24NewsHD early this week. She said the proposal, which is a “model for conflict resolution”, would be presented before the Cabinet and also Prime Minister Khan. “If the draft is approved, we will move forward on it,” said Mazari, who is considered as close to the powerful army. The army, which enjoys considerable influence over policy decisions in Pakistan, has ruled the country for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago. When asked about the status of the draft, the minister responded, “it’s almost ready.” In his victory speech last month, Khan expressed his willingness to improve Pakistan’s ties with India and said that his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the “core issue” of Kashmir, through talks. He had said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region and suggested to increase trade ties between the two neighbours. “I am a person who arguably knows the most people in India because of my days in cricket. We can resolve the poverty crisis in South East Asia. The biggest problem is Kashmir,” he had said, suggesting that the two sides should come to the table to resolve it. Pakistan’s former military ruler Parvez Musharraf claims he had proposed a ‘four-point formula’ on Kashmir to the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during the 2001 Agra Summit. The summit did not result in any significant development on the issue.

Imran Khan government preparing proposal to resolve Kashmir issue: Pakistan minister

An Indian cargo ship loaded with vehicles destined for Yemen sank on Wednesday off the coast of Yemen but without loss of life, media reports said.

Rescuers saved all 9 crew members alive. All crew members had jumped off the ship to save lives.

The cargo ship was loaded in Dubai, but the ship sank in the Arabian Sea.

The ship was caught in a storm off the coast.

Rescuers saved all 9 crew members alive. All crew members had jumped off the ship to save lives.

An Indian cargo ship loaded with vehicles destined for Yemen sank on Wednesday off the coast of Yemen but without loss of life, media reports said. Rescuers saved all 9 crew members alive. All crew members had jumped off the ship to save lives. The cargo ship was loaded in Dubai, but the ship sank in the Arabian Sea. The ship was caught in a storm off the coast.

Indian cargo ship carrying cars capsizes off Yemen coast

India's soybean output is set to jump about 20 per cent to over 10 million tonnes in the 2018/19 crop year that starts in October, an industry official said on Wednesday.

Higher production in the world's top importer of edible oils could curb its appetite for cargoes from overseas, potentially dragging on international soybean prices.

"(We are) looking at higher acreage and satisfactory rain so far in major soybean growing areas (such as) Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra," said B.V. Mehta, executive director of the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA).

"The initial estimate (for 2018/19) is 10-plus million metric tonnes," he said on the sidelines of an industry event in Kuala Lumpur.

Mehta added that India would likely churn out 8.3 million tonnes of soybeans in the 2017/2018 crop year that ends on Sept. 30.

The amount of land in India planted with soybeans for the 2018/2019 crop year had risen to 11.1 million hectares as of Aug. 10, according to government data, up from 10.2 million hectares at the same time the previous year.

However, monsoon rains are likely to be below average in 2018, after some parts of the country experienced tepid rainfall during the first half of the season.

Higher production in the world's top importer of edible oils could curb its appetite for cargoes from overseas, potentially dragging on international soybean prices

India's soybean output is set to jump about 20 per cent to over 10 million tonnes in the 2018/19 crop year that starts in October, an industry official said on Wednesday. Higher production in the world's top importer of edible oils could curb its appetite for cargoes from overseas, potentially dragging on international soybean prices. "(We are) looking at higher acreage and satisfactory rain so far in major soybean growing areas (such as) Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra," said B.V. Mehta, executive director of the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA). "The initial estimate (for 2018/19) is 10-plus million metric tonnes," he said on the sidelines of an industry event in Kuala Lumpur. Mehta added that India would likely churn out 8.3 million tonnes of soybeans in the 2017/2018 crop year that ends on Sept. 30. The amount of land in India planted with soybeans for the 2018/2019 crop year had risen to 11.1 million hectares as of Aug. 10, according to government data, up from 10.2 million hectares at the same time the previous year. However, monsoon rains are likely to be below average in 2018, after some parts of the country experienced tepid rainfall during the first half of the season.

India's soybean output may rise 20 per cent in 2018/19: Industry official

Actor and TDP leader Nandamuri Harikrishna died in a road accident early today.&nbsp;

He met with an accident in Telangana's Narketpally-Addanki highway in Nalgonda, around 100 km from Hyderabad. He was shifted to a hospital where he succumbed to injuries.

Harikrishna is the son of former AP Chief Minister and TDP&nbsp;founder, NT Rama Rao.&nbsp;

A former parliamentarian, he was also the brother-in-law of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

His sons Jr NTR and Kalyan Ram are popular Telugu actors. Incidentally, in 2014, Harikrishna's other son Nandamuri Janakiram also died in a road accident.

He made his acting debut in 1964 as a child artist in Sri Krishnavataram and starred in 13 films.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a>: Actor and TDP leader Nandamuri Harikrishna dies in a car accident in Telangana's Nalgonda district. <a href="https://t.co/4EusxbqXmw">pic.twitter.com/4EusxbqXmw</a>
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Harikrishna was also the brother-in-law of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

Actor and TDP leader Nandamuri Harikrishna died in a road accident early today. He met with an accident in Telangana's Narketpally-Addanki highway in Nalgonda, around 100 km from Hyderabad. He was shifted to a hospital where he succumbed to injuries. Harikrishna is the son of former AP Chief Minister and TDP founder, NT Rama Rao. A former parliamentarian, he was also the brother-in-law of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. His sons Jr NTR and Kalyan Ram are popular Telugu actors. Incidentally, in 2014, Harikrishna's other son Nandamuri Janakiram also died in a road accident. He made his acting debut in 1964 as a child artist in Sri Krishnavataram and starred in 13 films. #SpotVisuals: Actor and TDP leader Nandamuri Harikrishna dies in a car accident in Telangana's Nalgonda district. pic.twitter.com/4EusxbqXmw — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2018 ×

Nandamuri Harikrishna, son of ex-Andhra CM NTR, dies in road mishap

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