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The Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with the <a href="http://wionews.com/videos/karti-chidambaram-granted-bail-in-inx-media-case-9607">anticipatory bail granted to Karti </a>Chidambaram in the INX Media case.

Karti was granted bail in the INX Media case on March 23 by the Delhi High Court.

The Delhi high court while granting the bail told him not to travel abroad.&nbsp;

The court had also asked him to furnish Rs 10 lakh as a bail bond.

Karti has been charged for alleged financial irregularities related to INX Media.

The bench said it is not interfering with the bail granted to Karti but was leaving the question of law open -- on whether he can approach the high court when his application for bail was already pending before the trial court.

On June 25, the CBI moved the apex court challenging the high court order granting bail to Karti.

The probe agency claimed in its appeal that it was "impermissible in law" for the high court to entertain Karti's bail plea when an application seeking a similar relief was pending before the trial court.

On March 23, a single judge bench of the high court granted bail to Karti, who was arrested on February 28 by the CBI, saying the relief should not be refused unless the crime was of the "highest magnitude" entailing "severe punishment".

Karti was arrested from Chennai in connection with an FIR lodged on May 15 last year, which had alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media for receiving funds of about Rs 305 crore from overseas in 2007 when his father P Chidambaram was Union finance minister.

Both Chidambaram and Karti have denied all allegations made by CBI, as well as the Enforcement Directorate.

The CBI initially alleged that Karti received Rs 10 lakh as bribe for facilitating the FIPB clearance to INX Media. It later revised the figure to USD 1 million. 
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INX Media case: Supreme Court refuses to interfere with the anticipatory bail granted to Karti Chidambaram by the Delhi High Court (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/964MyLRTR9">pic.twitter.com/964MyLRTR9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1025268245601779712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from PTI)

Karti was granted bail in the INX Media case on March 23 by the Delhi High Court

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with the anticipatory bail granted to Karti Chidambaram in the INX Media case. Karti was granted bail in the INX Media case on March 23 by the Delhi High Court. The Delhi high court while granting the bail told him not to travel abroad. The court had also asked him to furnish Rs 10 lakh as a bail bond. Karti has been charged for alleged financial irregularities related to INX Media. The bench said it is not interfering with the bail granted to Karti but was leaving the question of law open -- on whether he can approach the high court when his application for bail was already pending before the trial court. On June 25, the CBI moved the apex court challenging the high court order granting bail to Karti. The probe agency claimed in its appeal that it was "impermissible in law" for the high court to entertain Karti's bail plea when an application seeking a similar relief was pending before the trial court. On March 23, a single judge bench of the high court granted bail to Karti, who was arrested on February 28 by the CBI, saying the relief should not be refused unless the crime was of the "highest magnitude" entailing "severe punishment". Karti was arrested from Chennai in connection with an FIR lodged on May 15 last year, which had alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media for receiving funds of about Rs 305 crore from overseas in 2007 when his father P Chidambaram was Union finance minister. Both Chidambaram and Karti have denied all allegations made by CBI, as well as the Enforcement Directorate. The CBI initially alleged that Karti received Rs 10 lakh as bribe for facilitating the FIPB clearance to INX Media. It later revised the figure to USD 1 million. INX Media case: Supreme Court refuses to interfere with the anticipatory bail granted to Karti Chidambaram by the Delhi High Court (file pic) pic.twitter.com/964MyLRTR9 — ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2018 × (With inputs from PTI)

Supreme Court refuses to interfere with Delhi High Court order granting bail to Karti Chidambaram

The government of India has sent the<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-extradition-uk-court-asks-indian-government-to-submit-videos-of-arthur-road-jail-by-september-12-156067"> request for the extradition</a> of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi to the UK authorities

Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the Indian government has approached the UK authorities for the extradition of Nirav Modi.

He said that the request was sent to the High Commission of India in London.

The Enforcement Directorate has been probing two cases of money laundering against Nirav Modi and Choksi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI.&nbsp;

In these cases, the ED had on May 24 and May 26 filed prosecution complaints or charge-sheets against Choksi and Nirav Modi.&nbsp;

The court has taken cognisance of the charge-sheets and issued a non-bailable warrant against both of them.&nbsp;

On the request of the ED and the CBI, the Interpol had earlier issued RCN against Nirav Modi.

The Antiguan authorities confirmed the presence of Mehul Choksi in Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, is in Antigua and Berbuda.

On July 11, the ED asked a special court in Mumbai to declare both diamond merchants -- Choksi and Nirav Modi -- as `fugitives` under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance 2018 because they had fled India a month before they were named in the fraud case on January 31

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MoS MEA V K Singh informed Rajya Sabha yesterday that request for extradition had been sent to High Commission of India in London. The request has been sent by a special diplomatic bag for onward transmission to UK authorities. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NiravModi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NiravModi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1025234516686688257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the Indian government has approached the UK authorities for the extradition of Nirav Modi

The government of India has sent the request for the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi to the UK authorities Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the Indian government has approached the UK authorities for the extradition of Nirav Modi. He said that the request was sent to the High Commission of India in London. The Enforcement Directorate has been probing two cases of money laundering against Nirav Modi and Choksi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI. In these cases, the ED had on May 24 and May 26 filed prosecution complaints or charge-sheets against Choksi and Nirav Modi. The court has taken cognisance of the charge-sheets and issued a non-bailable warrant against both of them. On the request of the ED and the CBI, the Interpol had earlier issued RCN against Nirav Modi. The Antiguan authorities confirmed the presence of Mehul Choksi in Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, is in Antigua and Berbuda. On July 11, the ED asked a special court in Mumbai to declare both diamond merchants -- Choksi and Nirav Modi -- as `fugitives` under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance 2018 because they had fled India a month before they were named in the fraud case on January 31 MoS MEA V K Singh informed Rajya Sabha yesterday that request for extradition had been sent to High Commission of India in London. The request has been sent by a special diplomatic bag for onward transmission to UK authorities. #NiravModi — ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2018 ×

Request for extradition of Nirav Modi sent to UK government: MEA VK Singh

Ex-Kingfisher boss <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-tells-authorities-he-is-willing-to-return-face-the-law-govt-sources-154248">Vijay Mallya's new address may be barrack</a> No. 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-vijay-mallya-shrugs-off-threat-of-british-asset-seizures-149990">Also Read: Vijay Mallya shrugs off </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-vijay-mallya-shrugs-off-threat-of-british-asset-seizures-149990">threat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-vijay-mallya-shrugs-off-threat-of-british-asset-seizures-149990"> of British asset seizures</a>

Sources said the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has sought permission from the government to film barrack no 12 at Arthur jail.

CBI's move comes after the agency had shown photographs of the jail to the magistrate in London, however, Mallya's lawyer had expressed objections asserting that it wasn't a&nbsp;true representation.

The judge then asked the CBI to video record the barrack and produce it in court to ally apprehensions of human rights violations raised by Mallya's lawyers.

The UK court has been hearing money laundering case against Mallya, a charge he vehemently denies. The former liquor baron had said he was ready to settle "all dues" but hadn't filed a clemency plea.

If the verdict goes in favour of the Indian authorities, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya’s extradition order. However, both parties will get the chance to appeal in higher courts in the&nbsp;UK against the Westminster court’s verdict.

The case will come up for hearing again on September 12th.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bKH03ZKkMbE" width="560"></iframe>

Sources said the CBI has sought permission from the government to film barrack no 12 at Arthur jail.

Ex-Kingfisher boss Vijay Mallya's new address may be barrack No. 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai. Also Read: Vijay Mallya shrugs off threat of British asset seizures Sources said the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has sought permission from the government to film barrack no 12 at Arthur jail. CBI's move comes after the agency had shown photographs of the jail to the magistrate in London, however, Mallya's lawyer had expressed objections asserting that it wasn't a true representation. The judge then asked the CBI to video record the barrack and produce it in court to ally apprehensions of human rights violations raised by Mallya's lawyers. The UK court has been hearing money laundering case against Mallya, a charge he vehemently denies. The former liquor baron had said he was ready to settle "all dues" but hadn't filed a clemency plea. If the verdict goes in favour of the Indian authorities, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya’s extradition order. However, both parties will get the chance to appeal in higher courts in the UK against the Westminster court’s verdict. The case will come up for hearing again on September 12th.

Mallya's new address may be barrack no 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai

A huge political row has erupted in India over NRC that has been released by the government which does not include names of 40 lakh people.

WION Dispatch: 40 million people not in NRC list

A film production company moved the Madras High Court today to stall the release of Kamal Haasan-starrer "Vishwaroopam 2", which is scheduled to hit the screens on August 10.

Pyramid Saimira Productions International moved a civil suit against Haasan for recovery of Rs 5.44 crore paid to his production house, Rajkamal Films International, for producing a film titled "Marmayogi" in Tamil and Hindi.

According to the petitioner, they had signed a memorandum of understanding with Rajkamal Films on April 2, 2008 for the production of "Marmayogi" at an estimated budget of Rs 100 crore.

Subsequently, an amount of Rs 10.90 crore was paid to Rajkamal Films in two instalments towards the remuneration of Haasan for acting, directing and writing the story, screenplay and dialogue of the film.

It was acknowledged by the actor through confirmation letters dated September 25, 2008, the petitioner stated.

The petitioner alleged that Haasan never showed interest to commence the production of the film even after receiving the payment and instead, tried to release another film, "Unnaipol Oruvan", by diverting the money paid to him for "Marmayogi".

However, it was stalled by the petitioner by filing a recovery suit.

The court had subsequently allowed the film to be released after obtaining a bank guarantee from the actor and the suit was in the trial stage, the petitioner submitted.

"On inquires, we are given to understand that Kamal Haasan is heavily indebted to various creditors, having borrowed huge amounts from various persons to meet the production expenses of his forthcoming film, 'Vishwaroopam II'.

"Since he is not able to repay any of the creditors, he is planning to release the film through Aascar Films so as to defeat, delay and defraud his creditors, including ourselves," the petitioner said.

As an interim relief, the petitioner wanted the court to pass an injunction, restraining Haasan from releasing the film, pending disposal of the suit.

The suit is likely to be taken up for hearing tomorrow.&nbsp;

Pyramid Saimira Productions International moved a civil suit against Haasan for recovery of Rs 5.44 crore paid to his production house, Rajkamal Films International, for producing a film titled "Marmayogi" in Tamil and Hindi.

A film production company moved the Madras High Court today to stall the release of Kamal Haasan-starrer "Vishwaroopam 2", which is scheduled to hit the screens on August 10. Pyramid Saimira Productions International moved a civil suit against Haasan for recovery of Rs 5.44 crore paid to his production house, Rajkamal Films International, for producing a film titled "Marmayogi" in Tamil and Hindi. According to the petitioner, they had signed a memorandum of understanding with Rajkamal Films on April 2, 2008 for the production of "Marmayogi" at an estimated budget of Rs 100 crore. Subsequently, an amount of Rs 10.90 crore was paid to Rajkamal Films in two instalments towards the remuneration of Haasan for acting, directing and writing the story, screenplay and dialogue of the film. It was acknowledged by the actor through confirmation letters dated September 25, 2008, the petitioner stated. The petitioner alleged that Haasan never showed interest to commence the production of the film even after receiving the payment and instead, tried to release another film, "Unnaipol Oruvan", by diverting the money paid to him for "Marmayogi". However, it was stalled by the petitioner by filing a recovery suit. The court had subsequently allowed the film to be released after obtaining a bank guarantee from the actor and the suit was in the trial stage, the petitioner submitted. "On inquires, we are given to understand that Kamal Haasan is heavily indebted to various creditors, having borrowed huge amounts from various persons to meet the production expenses of his forthcoming film, 'Vishwaroopam II'. "Since he is not able to repay any of the creditors, he is planning to release the film through Aascar Films so as to defeat, delay and defraud his creditors, including ourselves," the petitioner said. As an interim relief, the petitioner wanted the court to pass an injunction, restraining Haasan from releasing the film, pending disposal of the suit. The suit is likely to be taken up for hearing tomorrow.

Film company moves high court against release of Haasan-starrer 'Vishwaroopam 2'

West Bengal is the biggest defaulter in NRC verification.Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is furious that names of nearly 40 lakh residents of Assam are missing from the National Register of Citizens (NRC). But her administration may be responsible for over a lakh of them not being in the list in the first place.

WION Gravitas: Assam citizenship row: Blame red tapism

Fugitive Indian diamond trader Mehul Choksi, wanted by Indian authorities in Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, is in Antigua and Berbuda,&nbsp PTI reported quoting CBI sources.

"The Antiguan authorities confirmed his presence in Antigua," a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) source said on Thursday.&nbsp

He said the Aauthoritiesthroties` reply came after CBI wrote to them seeking details of Choksi`s whereabouts in the fraud case.&nbsp

On July 24, it was revealed that Choksi had moved to Antigua from the US several weeks ago using an Antiguan passport. The revelation came from Antiguan authorities in response to a CBI diffusion notice (a request to Interpol for the arrest of a specific person) circulated to foreign countries through Interpol.&nbsp

The red corner notice (RCN) request from the CBI to the Interpol against Choksi is still pending.

On July 11, the ED asked a special court in Mumbai to declare both diamond merchants -- Choksi and Nirav Modi -- as `fugitives` under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance 2018 because they had fled India a month before they were named in the fraud case on January 31.

The ED has been probing two cases of money laundering against Choksi, Nirav Modi and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI.&nbsp

In these cases, the ED had on May 24 and May 26 filed prosecution complaints or charge-sheets against Choksi and Nirav Modi.&nbsp

The court has taken cognisance of the charge-sheets and issued non-bailable warrant against both of them.&nbsp

On the request of the ED and the CBI, the Interpol had earlier issued RCN against Nirav Modi.

"The Antiguan authorities confirmed his presence in Antigua," a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) source said.

Fugitive Indian diamond trader Mehul Choksi, wanted by Indian authorities in Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, is in Antigua and Berbuda, PTI reported quoting CBI sources. "The Antiguan authorities confirmed his presence in Antigua," a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) source said on Thursday. He said the Aauthoritiesthroties` reply came after CBI wrote to them seeking details of Choksi`s whereabouts in the fraud case. On July 24, it was revealed that Choksi had moved to Antigua from the US several weeks ago using an Antiguan passport. The revelation came from Antiguan authorities in response to a CBI diffusion notice (a request to Interpol for the arrest of a specific person) circulated to foreign countries through Interpol. The red corner notice (RCN) request from the CBI to the Interpol against Choksi is still pending. On July 11, the ED asked a special court in Mumbai to declare both diamond merchants -- Choksi and Nirav Modi -- as `fugitives` under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance 2018 because they had fled India a month before they were named in the fraud case on January 31. The ED has been probing two cases of money laundering against Choksi, Nirav Modi and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI. In these cases, the ED had on May 24 and May 26 filed prosecution complaints or charge-sheets against Choksi and Nirav Modi. The court has taken cognisance of the charge-sheets and issued non-bailable warrant against both of them. On the request of the ED and the CBI, the Interpol had earlier issued RCN against Nirav Modi.

Mehul Choksi is in Antigua: CBI sources

Taking a dig at the Opposition, film actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal tweeted on Wednesday that the Opposition parties were running short of "40 lakh votes"&nbsp;in the initial election trend of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

His tweet said, "Opposition lagging behind 40 lakh votes in the first trend of the 2019&nbsp;polls"

The Assam government published the final draft of the&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/will-still-be-treated-as-an-indian-citizen-if-name-does-not-appear-in-nrc-assam-chief-minister-155588">National Register of Citizens</a>&nbsp;(NRC ) on Monday which did not include the names of over 40 lakh residents.

Out of the 3.29 applicants, only 2.89 were given the citizenship of the country.

Following the release of the final draft, the Opposition has been targetting the Centre saying that it was trying to eliminate a certain section of the society.

West Bengal <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/there-will-be-civil-war-bloodbath-because-of-assams-nrc-mamata-banerjee-156044">Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee </a>had alleged earlier that the NRC exercise in Assam was done with a "political motive" to divide people and warned that it would lead to a "bloodbath"&nbsp;and a "civil war"&nbsp;in the country.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/nrc-final-draft-government-did-a-tardy-job-says-rahul-gandhi--155850">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> dubbed the NRC report as "tardy".

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2019 का पहला रुझान आ गया है 
 
'विपक्ष ''40 लाख '' वोटों से पीछे चल रहा है' 
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— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirPareshRawal/status/1024693220591132672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The "40 lakh votes" in Rawal's tweet referred to the alleged Bangladeshi illegal immigrants whose name was not included in the final draft of the National Register of Citizens

Taking a dig at the Opposition, film actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal tweeted on Wednesday that the Opposition parties were running short of "40 lakh votes" in the initial election trend of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. His tweet said, "Opposition lagging behind 40 lakh votes in the first trend of the 2019 polls" The Assam government published the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC ) on Monday which did not include the names of over 40 lakh residents. Out of the 3.29 applicants, only 2.89 were given the citizenship of the country. Following the release of the final draft, the Opposition has been targetting the Centre saying that it was trying to eliminate a certain section of the society. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had alleged earlier that the NRC exercise in Assam was done with a "political motive" to divide people and warned that it would lead to a "bloodbath" and a "civil war" in the country. Congress president Rahul Gandhi dubbed the NRC report as "tardy". 2019 का पहला रुझान आ गया है 'विपक्ष ''40 लाख '' वोटों से पीछे चल रहा है' ? — Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) August 1, 2018 ×

Opposition lags behind '40 lakh votes' in initial 2019 election trend, tweets Paresh Rawal

An Oxford University expert who appeared before the US Senate Intelligence Committee told the panel that Russia is now attempting to meddle in the democratic processes of countries like India and Brazil.

The warning came from Philip N Howard, a Professor of Internet Studies at the Oxford Internet Institute and Balliol College at the University of Oxford. While addressing the US lawmakers, Howard said the upcoming elections in India and Brazil are under the radar of Russia.&nbsp;

“The United States actually has the most professionalised media in the world. It’s learned certainly to evaluate their sources and no longer report tweets as is given,” Howard said.

“I would say that the greater concern would be amongst the media institutions in our democratic allies. I believe that the Russians have moved from targeting us, in particular, to Brazil and India other enormous democracies that will be running elections in the next few years,” Howard said.

“While we still see significant Russian activity, those countries have the media institutions that need learn, need to develop,” Howard said.&nbsp;

There were no follow up questions from lawmakers on these countries.

The powerful Senate committee held the hearing on the foreign influence on social media platforms with the focus on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections.&nbsp;

In a January 2017 assessment, top US intelligence agencies concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election.

During the hearing, the Senate Intelligence Committee’s Vice Chairman Senator Mark Warner alleged that Russia’s active measures have revealed a dark underbelly of the social media ecosystem.&nbsp;

“These same tools that spread misinformation can negatively affect other aspects of our lives,” Warner said.&nbsp;

Warner, who is also co-chair of the Senate India Caucus said that the United States government is not well-positioned to detect, track or counter these types of influence operations on social media.

(With inputs from PTI)

In a January 2017 assessment, top US intelligence agencies concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election.

An Oxford University expert who appeared before the US Senate Intelligence Committee told the panel that Russia is now attempting to meddle in the democratic processes of countries like India and Brazil. The warning came from Philip N Howard, a Professor of Internet Studies at the Oxford Internet Institute and Balliol College at the University of Oxford. While addressing the US lawmakers, Howard said the upcoming elections in India and Brazil are under the radar of Russia. “The United States actually has the most professionalised media in the world. It’s learned certainly to evaluate their sources and no longer report tweets as is given,” Howard said. “I would say that the greater concern would be amongst the media institutions in our democratic allies. I believe that the Russians have moved from targeting us, in particular, to Brazil and India other enormous democracies that will be running elections in the next few years,” Howard said. “While we still see significant Russian activity, those countries have the media institutions that need learn, need to develop,” Howard said. There were no follow up questions from lawmakers on these countries. The powerful Senate committee held the hearing on the foreign influence on social media platforms with the focus on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections. In a January 2017 assessment, top US intelligence agencies concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election. During the hearing, the Senate Intelligence Committee’s Vice Chairman Senator Mark Warner alleged that Russia’s active measures have revealed a dark underbelly of the social media ecosystem. “These same tools that spread misinformation can negatively affect other aspects of our lives,” Warner said. Warner, who is also co-chair of the Senate India Caucus said that the United States government is not well-positioned to detect, track or counter these types of influence operations on social media. (With inputs from PTI)

Russia now targeting elections in India, Brazil: Oxford expert tells US Senate committee

The United States Congress has passed the US $ 716 billion defence spending bill which, among its many provisions, seeks to strengthen and enhance the country's defence partnership with India.

India was designated a major defence partner in 2016, towards the fag end of the Obama Administration's tenure.

While the succeeding Trump Administration is moving ahead with its plans to implement the unique designation for India, the US Congress through its John S McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2019 fiscal, passed by 87 to 10 votes , seeks to give it a legislative cover.

The House had passed the bill last week. It now heads to the White House for President Donald Trump to sign it into law.

In a joint conference report, which aligned the two different versions of the bill, the House and the Senate said the United States should strengthen and enhance its major defence partnership with India, and such a partnership should enable "strategic, operational and tactical coordination between our militaries, and be jointly developed between the countries".

It also said the United States should work toward mutual security objectives by expanding engagement in multilateral frameworks, including the Quadrilateral Dialogue between the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, to promote regional security and defend shared values and common interests in the rules-based order.

The bill asks the Trump Administration to explore additional steps to implement the "major defence partner" designation to better facilitate military interoperability, information sharing and appropriate technology transfers and pursue strategic initiatives to help develop India's defence capabilities, including maritime security capabilities.

As passed by the two chamber of the Congress, the NDAA-2019 asks the US Government to improve cooperation on and coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief responses conduct additional joint exercises with India in the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean region, and the Western Pacific and further cooperative efforts to promote security and stability.

According to the bill, the Congress believes that the United States in cooperation with Japan, India, Australia, and other allies and partners, should work to uphold the values of a free and open Indo-Pacific region and promote regional security and stability through appropriate cooperation regarding the rule of law, peaceful resolution of disputes, maritime security, nonproliferation, and counterterrorism.

Therefore, NDAA-2019 directs that, not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the plans to enhance security cooperation among the United States, Japan, Australia, India, and other countries, including through military activities and exercises, capacity building efforts among other countries in the Indo-Pacific region, and joint regional infrastructure initiatives, it stated.&nbsp

The United States Congress has passed the US $ 716 billion defence spending bill which, among its many provisions, seeks to strengthen and enhance the country's defence partnership with India

The United States Congress has passed the US $ 716 billion defence spending bill which, among its many provisions, seeks to strengthen and enhance the country's defence partnership with India. India was designated a major defence partner in 2016, towards the fag end of the Obama Administration's tenure. While the succeeding Trump Administration is moving ahead with its plans to implement the unique designation for India, the US Congress through its John S McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2019 fiscal, passed by 87 to 10 votes , seeks to give it a legislative cover. The House had passed the bill last week. It now heads to the White House for President Donald Trump to sign it into law. In a joint conference report, which aligned the two different versions of the bill, the House and the Senate said the United States should strengthen and enhance its major defence partnership with India, and such a partnership should enable "strategic, operational and tactical coordination between our militaries, and be jointly developed between the countries". It also said the United States should work toward mutual security objectives by expanding engagement in multilateral frameworks, including the Quadrilateral Dialogue between the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, to promote regional security and defend shared values and common interests in the rules-based order. The bill asks the Trump Administration to explore additional steps to implement the "major defence partner" designation to better facilitate military interoperability, information sharing and appropriate technology transfers and pursue strategic initiatives to help develop India's defence capabilities, including maritime security capabilities. As passed by the two chamber of the Congress, the NDAA-2019 asks the US Government to improve cooperation on and coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief responses conduct additional joint exercises with India in the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean region, and the Western Pacific and further cooperative efforts to promote security and stability. According to the bill, the Congress believes that the United States in cooperation with Japan, India, Australia, and other allies and partners, should work to uphold the values of a free and open Indo-Pacific region and promote regional security and stability through appropriate cooperation regarding the rule of law, peaceful resolution of disputes, maritime security, nonproliferation, and counterterrorism. Therefore, NDAA-2019 directs that, not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the plans to enhance security cooperation among the United States, Japan, Australia, India, and other countries, including through military activities and exercises, capacity building efforts among other countries in the Indo-Pacific region, and joint regional infrastructure initiatives, it stated.

US Congress seeks to strengthen defence partnership with India

Sonam Wangchuk a Ladakhi engineer, innovator and education reformist who recently received Magsaysay award speaks to WION. He was awarded for his contribution to education and Bollywood film "3 idiots" was made on his inspirational character.

Man who inspired "3 idiots character" awarded Magsaysay award

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/modi-government-invites-trump-to-attend-indias-republic-day-celebrations-next-year-156361">Modi government invites Trump to attend India's Republic Day celebrations next year</a>

India has officially extended President Trump an invitation to attend Republic Day celebrations next year. Former President Barack Obama had attended India's glittering Republic Day parade on 26th January 2015 during his three-day visit to the country amid much fanfare.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-designates-three-pakistanis-as-global-terrorists-156381">US</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-designates-three-pakistanis-as-global-terrorists-156381"> designates three LeT-linked Pakistanis as 'global terrorists'</a>

The US has designated three Pakistanis linked to the LeT, the outfit responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack, as global terrorists to shut down the militant group's financial network and curtail its ability to raise funds to carry out violent terrorist attacks.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/delhi-born-australian-mathematician-akshay-venkatesh-wins-fields-medal-among-three-others-156376">Delhi-born Australian mathematician Akshay Venkatesh wins Fields medal among three others</a>

Akshay Venkatesh, 36, an Indian origin mathematician in Australia has been conferred prestigious Fields medal which is popularly known as Nobel Prize for mathematics.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/us-congress-paves-way-for-waivers-from-caatsa-sanctions-for-india-156385">US Congress paves way for waivers from CAATSA sanctions for India</a>

The United States Congress has passed the conference report on National Defense Authorization Act-2019 (NDAA-19), which paves the way for waiver to India from punitive Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA, under which sanctions kick off on countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/three-killed-as-soldiers-dispersed-stone-throwing-opposition-supporters-156363">Three killed in Zimbabwe as soldiers disperse stone-throwing opposition supporters</a>

Zimbabwe police said three people were killed in Harare on Wednesday as soldiers dispersed stone-throwing opposition supporters who accused the ruling party of trying to rig Monday's presidential election.

Modi government invites Trump to attend India's Republic Day celebrations next year India has officially extended President Trump an invitation to attend Republic Day celebrations next year. Former President Barack Obama had attended India's glittering Republic Day parade on 26th January 2015 during his three-day visit to the country amid much fanfare. US designates three LeT-linked Pakistanis as 'global terrorists' The US has designated three Pakistanis linked to the LeT, the outfit responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack, as global terrorists to shut down the militant group's financial network and curtail its ability to raise funds to carry out violent terrorist attacks. Delhi-born Australian mathematician Akshay Venkatesh wins Fields medal among three others Akshay Venkatesh, 36, an Indian origin mathematician in Australia has been conferred prestigious Fields medal which is popularly known as Nobel Prize for mathematics. US Congress paves way for waivers from CAATSA sanctions for India The United States Congress has passed the conference report on National Defense Authorization Act-2019 (NDAA-19), which paves the way for waiver to India from punitive Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA, under which sanctions kick off on countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia. Three killed in Zimbabwe as soldiers disperse stone-throwing opposition supporters Zimbabwe police said three people were killed in Harare on Wednesday as soldiers dispersed stone-throwing opposition supporters who accused the ruling party of trying to rig Monday's presidential election.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday warned that action will be taken against Akhilesh Yadav as he had done “some damage” while vacating the bungalow allotted to him in Lucknow as chief minister.

Government spokesperson and senior Cabinet Minister Siddharth Nath Singh referred to the manner in which Yadav indulged in “todphod” (damage) before vacating the 4, Vikramaditya Marg bungalow in June in compliance with a Supreme Court order.

"One thing is clear, that he undertook some construction for which he did not take permission from the estate's department. A law is there for this (unauthorised construction) and the law will take its course,” Singh told reporters.

After Yadav had vacated the bungalow, video clips and photos had shown damage to a cycle track, on walls after air-conditioners seemed to have been removed and to the floor of what appeared to be a badminton court.

Yadav had then said it was an attempt by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party to defame him.

Singh’s remarks came against the backdrop of an investigation report submitted to the state estates officer about the damage to the bungalow.

In June, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik instructed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to order a probe against the Samajwadi Party chief for leaving the government property damaged.

When Yadav became UP chief minister in 2012, he was allotted the bungalow, which he retained after his party lost the assembly election last year.

The spokesperson said Yadav should respond to the matter as he had levelled allegations against the state government and had started “playing politics” on the issue.

He said rather than feeling sorry for doing something wrong, he was taking pride in it, and used another Hindi idiom “ek toh chori, upar se seena zori” to drive home his point.

Following the visuals of the damage inside the bungalow, a high-level inquiry was ordered. The Public Works Department chief engineer has submitted a 266-page inquiry report to the state estates officer.

The details of the report were not immediately available. The estates officer could not be contacted immediately for comments.

The report, according to sources, is said to have estimated the damage to the government bungalow running into lakhs of rupees.

Reacting to the development, SP leader and MLC Rajpal Kashyap said “The government has stooped to a new low. They are coming out with reports just to malign the image of the former CM. The BJP government is rattled by the coming SP-BSP and the loss in Lok Sabha bypolls. Hence, they are desperate to hamper Yadav’s image.”

A Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi had quashed the law, which entitled former chief ministers to retain government bungalows for a lifetime, ruling that granting further privilege violates Right to Equality under Article 14.

Government spokesperson and senior Cabinet Minister Siddharth Nath Singh referred to the manner in which Yadav indulged in “todphod” (damage) before vacating the 4, Vikramaditya Marg bungalow in June in compliance with a Supreme Court order.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday warned that action will be taken against Akhilesh Yadav as he had done “some damage” while vacating the bungalow allotted to him in Lucknow as chief minister. Government spokesperson and senior Cabinet Minister Siddharth Nath Singh referred to the manner in which Yadav indulged in “todphod” (damage) before vacating the 4, Vikramaditya Marg bungalow in June in compliance with a Supreme Court order. "One thing is clear, that he undertook some construction for which he did not take permission from the estate's department. A law is there for this (unauthorised construction) and the law will take its course,” Singh told reporters. After Yadav had vacated the bungalow, video clips and photos had shown damage to a cycle track, on walls after air-conditioners seemed to have been removed and to the floor of what appeared to be a badminton court. Yadav had then said it was an attempt by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party to defame him. Singh’s remarks came against the backdrop of an investigation report submitted to the state estates officer about the damage to the bungalow. In June, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik instructed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to order a probe against the Samajwadi Party chief for leaving the government property damaged. When Yadav became UP chief minister in 2012, he was allotted the bungalow, which he retained after his party lost the assembly election last year. The spokesperson said Yadav should respond to the matter as he had levelled allegations against the state government and had started “playing politics” on the issue. He said rather than feeling sorry for doing something wrong, he was taking pride in it, and used another Hindi idiom “ek toh chori, upar se seena zori” to drive home his point. Following the visuals of the damage inside the bungalow, a high-level inquiry was ordered. The Public Works Department chief engineer has submitted a 266-page inquiry report to the state estates officer. The details of the report were not immediately available. The estates officer could not be contacted immediately for comments. The report, according to sources, is said to have estimated the damage to the government bungalow running into lakhs of rupees. Reacting to the development, SP leader and MLC Rajpal Kashyap said “The government has stooped to a new low. They are coming out with reports just to malign the image of the former CM. The BJP government is rattled by the coming SP-BSP and the loss in Lok Sabha bypolls. Hence, they are desperate to hamper Yadav’s image.” A Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi had quashed the law, which entitled former chief ministers to retain government bungalows for a lifetime, ruling that granting further privilege violates Right to Equality under Article 14.

Action will be taken against Akhilesh Yadav over damage to official bungalow: UP govt

The Indian Coast Guard today rescued 343 personnel from a passenger ship that reported flooding on-board while it was docked off the Car Nicobar Islands, officials said. The Coast Guard has diverted a ship to the area and also pressed in a Dornier aircraft in the rescue mission, they said, adding all the crew members of the passenger's vessel, MV Swaraj Dweep, are safe.

“A Passenger Vessel 40 Nautical Miles off Car Nicobar (A&N group of Islands) carrying 343 personnel reports severe flooding on board & seeks immediate assistance. IndiaCoastGuard Ship at sea diverted for assistance in coordination with ICG Dornier Aircraft DefenceMinIndia,” the Indian Coast Guard said on Twitter today.

The damage control was done using heavy duty submersible pumps, the Coast Guard said.

“Update on SAR off Andaman & Nicobar Island. IndiaCoastGuard Ship arrived scene of incidence & boarded the Vessel ‘MV Swaraj Dweep’. De-flooding and Damage Control commenced using heavy-duty submersible pumps. All crew Safe DefenceMinIndia @shipmin_india,” it said.

The Indian Coast Guard said on Twitter today. 'A Passenger Vessel 40 Nautical Miles off Car Nicobar (A&N group of Islands) carrying 343 personnel reports severe flooding on board & seeks immediate assistance. IndiaCoastGuard Ship at sea diverted for assistance in coordination with ICG Dornier Aircraft DefenceMinIndia,'

The Indian Coast Guard today rescued 343 personnel from a passenger ship that reported flooding on-board while it was docked off the Car Nicobar Islands, officials said. The Coast Guard has diverted a ship to the area and also pressed in a Dornier aircraft in the rescue mission, they said, adding all the crew members of the passenger's vessel, MV Swaraj Dweep, are safe. “A Passenger Vessel 40 Nautical Miles off Car Nicobar (A&N group of Islands) carrying 343 personnel reports severe flooding on board & seeks immediate assistance. IndiaCoastGuard Ship at sea diverted for assistance in coordination with ICG Dornier Aircraft DefenceMinIndia,” the Indian Coast Guard said on Twitter today. The damage control was done using heavy duty submersible pumps, the Coast Guard said. “Update on SAR off Andaman & Nicobar Island. IndiaCoastGuard Ship arrived scene of incidence & boarded the Vessel ‘MV Swaraj Dweep’. De-flooding and Damage Control commenced using heavy-duty submersible pumps. All crew Safe DefenceMinIndia @shipmin_india,” it said.

As many as 343 personnel from flooded passenger ship rescued

BJP MP Kirti Azad on August 2 demanded a separate state of Mithilanchal to be carved out of Bihar, saying the region has become more backward over the years and granting it statehood would be a just decision.

Making the demand in the Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour, Azad, who has been suspended from the party on disciplinary grounds, spoke about the region’s glorious history and its current economic plight.

The Bihar government has done nothing for the region, he alleged.

NCP’s Supriya Sule spoke about the high rate of suicide among farmers in Maharashtra and that MSPs announced by the state government for different produces like rice, cotton and wheat were much higher than what the Centre has agreed to.

BJP’s Maheish Girri expressed concern over private hospitals carrying out caesarian operations on pregnant women and the high charges levied. He asked the government to step in.

Shiv Sena’s Ravindra Gaikwad said the demand of the Marathas for reservation should be accepted. Their protest was peaceful but now things are going out of control, he said.

He said that reservation benefits should be taken away from those families who have availed of it for several generations and the benefit given to the poor among other communities.

A BJP member asked the Centre to make hockey India’s national sport, saying if there could be a national bird and national animal then why not a national sport.

Making the demand in the Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour, Azad, who has been suspended from the party on disciplinary grounds, spoke about the region’s glorious history and its current economic plight.

BJP MP Kirti Azad on August 2 demanded a separate state of Mithilanchal to be carved out of Bihar, saying the region has become more backward over the years and granting it statehood would be a just decision. Making the demand in the Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour, Azad, who has been suspended from the party on disciplinary grounds, spoke about the region’s glorious history and its current economic plight. The Bihar government has done nothing for the region, he alleged. NCP’s Supriya Sule spoke about the high rate of suicide among farmers in Maharashtra and that MSPs announced by the state government for different produces like rice, cotton and wheat were much higher than what the Centre has agreed to. BJP’s Maheish Girri expressed concern over private hospitals carrying out caesarian operations on pregnant women and the high charges levied. He asked the government to step in. Shiv Sena’s Ravindra Gaikwad said the demand of the Marathas for reservation should be accepted. Their protest was peaceful but now things are going out of control, he said. He said that reservation benefits should be taken away from those families who have availed of it for several generations and the benefit given to the poor among other communities. A BJP member asked the Centre to make hockey India’s national sport, saying if there could be a national bird and national animal then why not a national sport.

Carve out Mithilanchal state from Bihar: Kirti Azad

India today successfully test fired an indigenously-developed supersonic interceptor missile from a test range off the Odisha coast to validate “some improved features”, defence sources said. The state-of-the-art missile was test fired from a canister at 11.24 am engaging a simulated target at low altitude, the sources said.

The interceptor, an advanced air defence missile which is yet to get a formal name, was positioned at launchpad-4 of the Integrated Test Range on Dr Abdul Kalam Island and roared on its trajectory to hit the target mid-air on the sea surface, the sources said. Developed as part of efforts to have a multi-layer ballistic missile defence system, it is capable of destroying incoming hostile ballistic missiles, they said.

“While the missile’s major health parameters, including its ‘kill’ effect, have already been validated in earlier tests, the current test was to validate some improved features incorporated in the system,” they said.

The interceptor is a 7.5-metre-long single-stage solid rocket propelled guided missile equipped with a navigation system, a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator. The interceptor missile had its own mobile launcher, a secure data link for interception, independent tracking and homing capabilities and sophisticated radars, the sources added.

'While the missile’s major health parameters, including its ‘kill’ effect, have already been validated in earlier tests, the current test was to validate some improved features incorporated in the system,'

India today successfully test fired an indigenously-developed supersonic interceptor missile from a test range off the Odisha coast to validate “some improved features”, defence sources said. The state-of-the-art missile was test fired from a canister at 11.24 am engaging a simulated target at low altitude, the sources said. The interceptor, an advanced air defence missile which is yet to get a formal name, was positioned at launchpad-4 of the Integrated Test Range on Dr Abdul Kalam Island and roared on its trajectory to hit the target mid-air on the sea surface, the sources said. Developed as part of efforts to have a multi-layer ballistic missile defence system, it is capable of destroying incoming hostile ballistic missiles, they said. “While the missile’s major health parameters, including its ‘kill’ effect, have already been validated in earlier tests, the current test was to validate some improved features incorporated in the system,” they said. The interceptor is a 7.5-metre-long single-stage solid rocket propelled guided missile equipped with a navigation system, a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator. The interceptor missile had its own mobile launcher, a secure data link for interception, independent tracking and homing capabilities and sophisticated radars, the sources added.

Indian made supersonic interceptor missile successfully test fired in Balasore

A two-day Indo-US Military Cooperation Meeting began on Wednesday as a prelude to 2 plus 2 Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next month.

The meeting was co-chaired by Lt Gen Satish Dua, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) and Lt Gen Bryan Fenton, Deputy Commander, Indo-Pacific Command.

"The 2-day 17th Indo-US Military Cooperation Meeting co-chaired by Lt Gen Satish Dua, CISC & Lt Gen Bryan Fenton, Dy Cdr, Indo Pacific Comd has begun today as a prelude to #2+2 Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next month," @HQ_IDS_India, the official handle of the Integrated Defence Staff, tweeted.

External Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman would meet their US counterparts in 2 plus 2 meeting next month, a first such initiative between the two countries that will focus on strengthening defence and strategic ties.&nbsp;

India and the US were also working to have a joint drill of all the three armed forces of the two countries.

A two-day Indo-US Military Cooperation Meeting began on Wednesday as a prelude to 2 plus 2 Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next month

A two-day Indo-US Military Cooperation Meeting began on Wednesday as a prelude to 2 plus 2 Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next month. The meeting was co-chaired by Lt Gen Satish Dua, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) and Lt Gen Bryan Fenton, Deputy Commander, Indo-Pacific Command. "The 2-day 17th Indo-US Military Cooperation Meeting co-chaired by Lt Gen Satish Dua, CISC & Lt Gen Bryan Fenton, Dy Cdr, Indo Pacific Comd has begun today as a prelude to #2+2 Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next month," @HQ_IDS_India, the official handle of the Integrated Defence Staff, tweeted. External Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman would meet their US counterparts in 2 plus 2 meeting next month, a first such initiative between the two countries that will focus on strengthening defence and strategic ties. India and the US were also working to have a joint drill of all the three armed forces of the two countries.

Ahead of 2 plus 2 Dialogue, India-US hold joint military cooperation meet

The United States Congress has passed the conference report on National Defense Authorization Act-2019 (NDAA-19), which paves the way for waiver to India from punitive Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA, under which sanctions kick off on countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia.

The Senate passed the John McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (NDAA) by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 87 to 10.

Passed by the House last week, the bill, named after Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, would provide US $ 716 billion support in funding for national defense for fiscal year 2019.

The bill, which now moves to the White House for President Donald Trump to sign it into law, among other things, provides a modified waiver to section 231 of CAATSA.

Unlike the existing version of the act, the proposed modified waiver requires presidential certifications designed to protect US alliances, military operations and sensitive technology.

"The CAATSA waiver that the Congress has made available to India in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act should provide ample flexibility for New Delhi to proceed with the purchase of the Russian S-400 system," Joshua White, a former senior official of the National Security Council in the White House, told PTI.

"The legislative language is designed to look very tough, as though the Congress is tightening its secondary sanctions on countries that procure Russian equipment. In reality, the language contains multiple loopholes that benefit India," he said.

"The most significant (such) loophole allows the President to certify that a country is "cooperating with the United States Government on other matters that are critical to United States strategic national security interests". As certifications go, this one is relatively easy to justify in the case of India," White said.

At the same time, it is important to remember that even "easy" waivers can have unpredictable political effects, he cautioned, adding this legislation will require that the administration track and report the degree to which India "is taking or will take steps" to reduce its inventory of Russian equipment.

"This means that neither Washington nor New Delhi can simply point to a long term, historical decline in India's inventory of Russian equipment, but have to identify specific and forward-looking efforts to do so. These kind of reporting requirements can become political irritants and can be used by future legislators to exert leverage in unexpected ways," White said.

Anish Goel, a former senior administration official in Barack Obama's White House, and till recently a senior professional staff member in the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the Congress should be commended for providing the CAATSA waiver authority for strategic partners such as India.

"By doing so, the Congress has avoided putting serious strain on the bilateral relationship, put additional pressure on the Russian defense industry, and fulfilled the original objective of the CAATSA legislation. The waiver authority is a strong signal that the United States greatly values its partnership with India," Goel told PTI.

The John McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which authorises funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programmes of the Department of Energy, encourages US allies and partners to reduce inventory of Russian-produced major defence equipment and advanced conventional weapons.

At the same time, it excludes the possibility of waivers for Russian intelligence agencies and other entities engaged in cyber-attacks.

Last month, US Defense Secretary James Mattis, in a letter, asked the Congress to give the Secretary of State the waiver authority.&nbsp

Doing so allows nations to build a closer security relationship with the US as they continue to transition from reliance on Russian military equipment, he had said.

"The fundamental question we must ask ourselves is do we wish to strengthen our partners in key regions or leave them with no other option than to turn to Russia, thereby undermining an once in a generation opportunity to more closely align nations with the US vision for global security and stability," Mattis had said.&nbsp

The United States Congress has passed the conference report on National Defense Authorization Act-2019 (NDAA-19), which paves the way for waiver to India from punitive Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA, under which sanctions kick off on countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia.

The United States Congress has passed the conference report on National Defense Authorization Act-2019 (NDAA-19), which paves the way for waiver to India from punitive Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA, under which sanctions kick off on countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia. The Senate passed the John McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (NDAA) by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 87 to 10. Passed by the House last week, the bill, named after Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, would provide US $ 716 billion support in funding for national defense for fiscal year 2019. The bill, which now moves to the White House for President Donald Trump to sign it into law, among other things, provides a modified waiver to section 231 of CAATSA. Unlike the existing version of the act, the proposed modified waiver requires presidential certifications designed to protect US alliances, military operations and sensitive technology. "The CAATSA waiver that the Congress has made available to India in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act should provide ample flexibility for New Delhi to proceed with the purchase of the Russian S-400 system," Joshua White, a former senior official of the National Security Council in the White House, told PTI. "The legislative language is designed to look very tough, as though the Congress is tightening its secondary sanctions on countries that procure Russian equipment. In reality, the language contains multiple loopholes that benefit India," he said. "The most significant (such) loophole allows the President to certify that a country is "cooperating with the United States Government on other matters that are critical to United States strategic national security interests". As certifications go, this one is relatively easy to justify in the case of India," White said. At the same time, it is important to remember that even "easy" waivers can have unpredictable political effects, he cautioned, adding this legislation will require that the administration track and report the degree to which India "is taking or will take steps" to reduce its inventory of Russian equipment. "This means that neither Washington nor New Delhi can simply point to a long term, historical decline in India's inventory of Russian equipment, but have to identify specific and forward-looking efforts to do so. These kind of reporting requirements can become political irritants and can be used by future legislators to exert leverage in unexpected ways," White said. Anish Goel, a former senior administration official in Barack Obama's White House, and till recently a senior professional staff member in the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the Congress should be commended for providing the CAATSA waiver authority for strategic partners such as India. "By doing so, the Congress has avoided putting serious strain on the bilateral relationship, put additional pressure on the Russian defense industry, and fulfilled the original objective of the CAATSA legislation. The waiver authority is a strong signal that the United States greatly values its partnership with India," Goel told PTI. The John McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which authorises funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programmes of the Department of Energy, encourages US allies and partners to reduce inventory of Russian-produced major defence equipment and advanced conventional weapons. At the same time, it excludes the possibility of waivers for Russian intelligence agencies and other entities engaged in cyber-attacks. Last month, US Defense Secretary James Mattis, in a letter, asked the Congress to give the Secretary of State the waiver authority. Doing so allows nations to build a closer security relationship with the US as they continue to transition from reliance on Russian military equipment, he had said. "The fundamental question we must ask ourselves is do we wish to strengthen our partners in key regions or leave them with no other option than to turn to Russia, thereby undermining an once in a generation opportunity to more closely align nations with the US vision for global security and stability," Mattis had said.

US Congress paves way for waivers from CAATSA sanctions for India

The administration of Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district has asked people not to panic as the Yamuna river was flowing below the danger mark on Wednesday

District Magistrate Sarvagya Ram Mishra said there was nothing to panic as the rising water level of Yamuna, owing to the discharge of more than three lakh cusec of water from Hathnikund barrage last Saturday, was gradual. Mishra reviewed the arrangements in Mathura, Vrindavan and other low-lying areas, along with the senior superintendent of police (SSP).

Twenty-three flood-relief camps, 33 flood outposts and 148 boats have been requisitioned and kept on standby, Mishra said.

Public announcements have been made to the people living in the low-lying areas to go to a safer place. Police have been instructed to evacuate them to flood outposts or any alternate place if the situation turns worse, the DM said, adding that the people had been advised to contact the control room for any help.

Meanwhile, Additional District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar said the water released from the Hathni Kund barrage had virtually not affected the life of people so far, as the Yamuna was flowing 55 cm below the danger mark today.

The water level recorded on Wednesday was as 165.45 metres, while the danger level in Mathura is 166 metres, he said, denouncing the claim of a national daily that the river had crossed the danger mark.

The teams of revenue, health and irrigation departments have been deployed at the flood outposts. Eatables and fodder arrangement for cattle has also been made, he added.&nbsp

The water level recorded on Wednesday was as 165.45 metres, while the danger level in Mathura is 166 metres, he said, denouncing the claim of a national daily that the river had crossed the danger mark

The administration of Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district has asked people not to panic as the Yamuna river was flowing below the danger mark on Wednesday District Magistrate Sarvagya Ram Mishra said there was nothing to panic as the rising water level of Yamuna, owing to the discharge of more than three lakh cusec of water from Hathnikund barrage last Saturday, was gradual. Mishra reviewed the arrangements in Mathura, Vrindavan and other low-lying areas, along with the senior superintendent of police (SSP). Twenty-three flood-relief camps, 33 flood outposts and 148 boats have been requisitioned and kept on standby, Mishra said. Public announcements have been made to the people living in the low-lying areas to go to a safer place. Police have been instructed to evacuate them to flood outposts or any alternate place if the situation turns worse, the DM said, adding that the people had been advised to contact the control room for any help. Meanwhile, Additional District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar said the water released from the Hathni Kund barrage had virtually not affected the life of people so far, as the Yamuna was flowing 55 cm below the danger mark today. The water level recorded on Wednesday was as 165.45 metres, while the danger level in Mathura is 166 metres, he said, denouncing the claim of a national daily that the river had crossed the danger mark. The teams of revenue, health and irrigation departments have been deployed at the flood outposts. Eatables and fodder arrangement for cattle has also been made, he added.

Yamuna flowing below danger mark in Mathura

Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee has urged Opposition leaders to send a joint delegation to the Election Commission over reports of electronic voting machines (EVM) being tampered with.

Mamata Banerjee urges use of ballot papers in upcoming polls

Engineer and innovator Sonam Wangchuk&nbsp;is&nbsp;one of the two Indians awarded this year's Ramon Magsaysay Award, regarded as the Asian version of the Nobel Prize.&nbsp;

Wangchuk, 51, was born in Uleytokpo, near Alchi of Leh district, Jammu&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kashmir in 1966.&nbsp;He is the founding director of the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) which was founded in 1988 by a group of students who were sucked into the&nbsp;traditional education system.

On being awarded the prize, Wangchuk told WION that it was the hard work put in by all the "students, teachers, leaders who have been a part of this journey" and would like to dedicate it to all of them.&nbsp;

Wangchuck said that "it is also a recognition to the people in the high mountains in the Himalayas like Ladakh who have have different challenges - not just ethnic and linguistic but environmental and technological," he said.&nbsp;

An innovator, he built the prototype of an ice stupa to meet the demand for water in Ladakh in 2013.&nbsp;

The reason behind the "push" towards innovation was "necessity" after he saw the distressed situation all around including schools and technology, which prompted him to find solutions head-on.&nbsp;

Although, Wangchuk says that any new idea comes with its share of challenges. "Whenever anything new is proposed, there is always disbelief and some lack of support in the early stages but then it is a good test of your mettel and very soon people start to understand, and if you don't then you were never meant to," he says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wangchuk, is being recognised for "his uniquely systematic, collaborative and community-driven reform of learning systems in remote northern India, thus improving the life opportunities of Ladakhi youth, and his constructive engagement of all sectors in local society to harness science and culture creatively for economic progress, thus setting an example for minority peoples in the world," the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation said in its citation for the winner.

Wangchuk had mentioned that he was hopeful that the prize “will provide&nbsp;youth&nbsp;a boost in finding indigenous solutions to the problems of mountain people.”&nbsp;

He plans to foster development&nbsp;and education in the region to make it more meaningful.

"Right now, we are working to make higher education&nbsp;meaningful&nbsp;to the mountains," Wangchuk said.

He hopes to get a much-needed kickstart in the right direction to the take the message to the world with the help of this award.&nbsp;"We are venturing to an alternate university which will engage young people in actually going out in the field, finding solutions - whether it is in tourism, education, sustainable architecture, ecology and so on," Wangchuk told WION.&nbsp;

"This university will have less of papers and lectures and more of hands-on engagement," he says.&nbsp;

Talking further about India's education system, Wangchuk posits that there are still many changes needed.&nbsp;His mission is to focus on local knowledge and doing away with what he calls 'alien knowledge.'&nbsp;

"We seem to address other people's problems and copy what is done by New York or London. Their problems are different, they have solved their basic problems of water, clothing, sanitation hundred's of years ago," Wangchuk added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"They are now into an institute of technology where they will be playing with drones, robots, and apps which we cannot afford to. Half the population in India does not even have anything to do with an app or a drone or a robot. They have more need of clean drinking water, water for their farm, health awareness, clean sanitation, toilets etc," he further said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wangchuk urges youngsters as well as technology&nbsp;and&nbsp;education institutes to focus more on these basic issues than imitate the West.&nbsp;

Finally, he advises the youth to be original and not live life for&nbsp;society or parents. He says: "If you do what you like, chances are that you will be the best in the world."&nbsp;

"Be original. Be yourself. Be your own hero," he urged.&nbsp;

Two Indians Sonam Wangchuk and Bharat&nbsp;Vatwani&nbsp;are among the winners of this year's Ramon Magsaysay Award. The two are among six individuals declared winners today.&nbsp;

The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual award established to perpetuate former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay's example of integrity in governance, courageous service to the people, and pragmatic idealism within a democratic society. 
&nbsp;

Engineer and innovator Sonam Wangchuk is one of the two Indian who has won the Ramon Magsaysay Award this year.

Engineer and innovator Sonam Wangchuk is one of the two Indians awarded this year's Ramon Magsaysay Award, regarded as the Asian version of the Nobel Prize. Wangchuk, 51, was born in Uleytokpo, near Alchi of Leh district, Jammu and Kashmir in 1966. He is the founding director of the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) which was founded in 1988 by a group of students who were sucked into the traditional education system. On being awarded the prize, Wangchuk told WION that it was the hard work put in by all the "students, teachers, leaders who have been a part of this journey" and would like to dedicate it to all of them. Wangchuck said that "it is also a recognition to the people in the high mountains in the Himalayas like Ladakh who have have different challenges - not just ethnic and linguistic but environmental and technological," he said. An innovator, he built the prototype of an ice stupa to meet the demand for water in Ladakh in 2013. The reason behind the "push" towards innovation was "necessity" after he saw the distressed situation all around including schools and technology, which prompted him to find solutions head-on. Although, Wangchuk says that any new idea comes with its share of challenges. "Whenever anything new is proposed, there is always disbelief and some lack of support in the early stages but then it is a good test of your mettel and very soon people start to understand, and if you don't then you were never meant to," he says. Wangchuk, is being recognised for "his uniquely systematic, collaborative and community-driven reform of learning systems in remote northern India, thus improving the life opportunities of Ladakhi youth, and his constructive engagement of all sectors in local society to harness science and culture creatively for economic progress, thus setting an example for minority peoples in the world," the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation said in its citation for the winner. Wangchuk had mentioned that he was hopeful that the prize “will provide youth a boost in finding indigenous solutions to the problems of mountain people.” He plans to foster development and education in the region to make it more meaningful. "Right now, we are working to make higher education meaningful to the mountains," Wangchuk said. He hopes to get a much-needed kickstart in the right direction to the take the message to the world with the help of this award. "We are venturing to an alternate university which will engage young people in actually going out in the field, finding solutions - whether it is in tourism, education, sustainable architecture, ecology and so on," Wangchuk told WION. "This university will have less of papers and lectures and more of hands-on engagement," he says. Talking further about India's education system, Wangchuk posits that there are still many changes needed. His mission is to focus on local knowledge and doing away with what he calls 'alien knowledge.' "We seem to address other people's problems and copy what is done by New York or London. Their problems are different, they have solved their basic problems of water, clothing, sanitation hundred's of years ago," Wangchuk added. "They are now into an institute of technology where they will be playing with drones, robots, and apps which we cannot afford to. Half the population in India does not even have anything to do with an app or a drone or a robot. They have more need of clean drinking water, water for their farm, health awareness, clean sanitation, toilets etc," he further said. Wangchuk urges youngsters as well as technology and education institutes to focus more on these basic issues than imitate the West. Finally, he advises the youth to be original and not live life for society or parents. He says: "If you do what you like, chances are that you will be the best in the world." "Be original. Be yourself. Be your own hero," he urged. Two Indians Sonam Wangchuk and Bharat Vatwani are among the winners of this year's Ramon Magsaysay Award. The two are among six individuals declared winners today. The Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual award established to perpetuate former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay's example of integrity in governance, courageous service to the people, and pragmatic idealism within a democratic society.

Focus more on local knowledge than imitating the West: Sonam Wangchuk

West Bengal was the biggest defaulter in the NRC verification process pertaining to people who belong to a different state but reside in Assam due to various reasons, Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India Sailesh said today.

Sailesh, who oversaw the entire exercise of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), also said that he had deputed his own staff to help the West Bengal government in collecting the documents sought by the NRC authorities but the efforts were not fruitful.

"The largest number of documents that we have not received among all states was from West Bengal. We had to struggle. We had to follow up. But we have not received a substantial number of documents from West Bengal. The response (of West Bengal) in terms of results was not satisfactory," he told PTI here.

The draft NRC, a list of Assam's citizens, was published on July 30 that excluded 40 lakh residents of Assam. Most of the names were excluded due to lack of proper documents proving Indian citizenship.

Sailesh also said that there was a meeting through a video conference between the officials of the West Bengal government and the NRC authorities during which a request was made to send the responses.

"West Bengal was the only state where we made an exception by debuting my own staff to assist the state government. But we have not received all required documents for the draft NRC," he said.

Asked about the number of documents that the West Bengal did not provide, Sailesh said it would be a "substantial number".

The comments bears significance as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues to attack the BJP and the central government over the draft NRC in Assam, accusing the party of playing vote-bank politics, while also warning that the issue will "destroy" India's relationship with Bangladesh.

She said only one per cent of the 40 lakh residents, whose names are missing from the draft NRC, could be infiltrators, but people are being "harassed" in the name of infiltrators.

Yesterday she had alleged that the NRC exercise in Assam was done with a "political motive" to divide people and warned that it would lead to bloodbath and a civil war in the country.

Official sources said that according to an estimate West Bengal returned only about 6 per cent of the 1.14 lakh documents that were sent to it by the NRC authorities.

Other big defaulters were Bihar, Chandigarh, Manipur and Meghalaya which returned just 2 to 7 per cent of the documents after verification.

The names of at least five lakh people could not be included in the final draft of the NRC because other states and central organisations failed to check and send back the results of the verification of citizenship claims made by these people, sources said.

Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India Sailesh said that he had deputed his own staff to help the West Bengal government in collecting the documents sought by the NRC authorities but the efforts were not fruitful

West Bengal was the biggest defaulter in the NRC verification process pertaining to people who belong to a different state but reside in Assam due to various reasons, Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India Sailesh said today. Sailesh, who oversaw the entire exercise of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), also said that he had deputed his own staff to help the West Bengal government in collecting the documents sought by the NRC authorities but the efforts were not fruitful. "The largest number of documents that we have not received among all states was from West Bengal. We had to struggle. We had to follow up. But we have not received a substantial number of documents from West Bengal. The response (of West Bengal) in terms of results was not satisfactory," he told PTI here. The draft NRC, a list of Assam's citizens, was published on July 30 that excluded 40 lakh residents of Assam. Most of the names were excluded due to lack of proper documents proving Indian citizenship. Sailesh also said that there was a meeting through a video conference between the officials of the West Bengal government and the NRC authorities during which a request was made to send the responses. "West Bengal was the only state where we made an exception by debuting my own staff to assist the state government. But we have not received all required documents for the draft NRC," he said. Asked about the number of documents that the West Bengal did not provide, Sailesh said it would be a "substantial number". The comments bears significance as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues to attack the BJP and the central government over the draft NRC in Assam, accusing the party of playing vote-bank politics, while also warning that the issue will "destroy" India's relationship with Bangladesh. She said only one per cent of the 40 lakh residents, whose names are missing from the draft NRC, could be infiltrators, but people are being "harassed" in the name of infiltrators. Yesterday she had alleged that the NRC exercise in Assam was done with a "political motive" to divide people and warned that it would lead to bloodbath and a civil war in the country. Official sources said that according to an estimate West Bengal returned only about 6 per cent of the 1.14 lakh documents that were sent to it by the NRC authorities. Other big defaulters were Bihar, Chandigarh, Manipur and Meghalaya which returned just 2 to 7 per cent of the documents after verification. The names of at least five lakh people could not be included in the final draft of the NRC because other states and central organisations failed to check and send back the results of the verification of citizenship claims made by these people, sources said.

West Bengal biggest defaulter in NRC verification process: Registrar General and Census Commissioner

Assam Trinamool Congress (TMC) president Dwipen Pathak and two other party leaders resigned on Thursday in protest against party supremo Mamata Banerjee's opposition to the final draft of the NRC, which has evoked a sharp reaction from different parties and organisations in the state, news agency PTI reported.

Pathak's resignation came within hours of a TMC delegation arriving at the Silchar airport in the Bengali-dominated Barak valley at Banerjee's instructions and being stopped from exiting it by the police.

The ruling BJP, as well as other parties in Assam, said the TMC had no existence in the Barak valley, the report added.

Pathak, a former MLA from Hajo, told reporters here that he had apprised the party leaders of the "ground realities" in Assam after the publication of the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and urged Banerjee not to send the delegation to the north-eastern state now.

"The party did not pay heed to my suggestion and refused to understand the ground situation here. In this backdrop, it is not possible for me to remain in a party that does not value the Assamese sentiment," Pathak, who was a TMC MLA from 2011 to 2016, said.

Two more TMC members -- Pradip Pachani of Sibsagar and Diganta Saikia of Golaghat -- too resigned, saying they could not remain members of a party that wanted to compromise the identity of the indigenous Assamese people.

Saikia also threatened to file a case against Banerjee for taking an anti-Assamese stand.

The TMC delegation that arrived at Silchar had to return from the Kumbhirgram airport as the district administration did not allow the party leaders to enter the town, where prohibitory orders under Section 144, CrPC are in force since last night.&nbsp

Pathak's resignation came within hours of a TMC delegation arriving at the Silchar airport in the Bengali-dominated Barak valley at Banerjee's instructions and being stopped from exiting it by the police

Assam Trinamool Congress (TMC) president Dwipen Pathak and two other party leaders resigned on Thursday in protest against party supremo Mamata Banerjee's opposition to the final draft of the NRC, which has evoked a sharp reaction from different parties and organisations in the state, news agency PTI reported. Pathak's resignation came within hours of a TMC delegation arriving at the Silchar airport in the Bengali-dominated Barak valley at Banerjee's instructions and being stopped from exiting it by the police. The ruling BJP, as well as other parties in Assam, said the TMC had no existence in the Barak valley, the report added. Pathak, a former MLA from Hajo, told reporters here that he had apprised the party leaders of the "ground realities" in Assam after the publication of the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and urged Banerjee not to send the delegation to the north-eastern state now. "The party did not pay heed to my suggestion and refused to understand the ground situation here. In this backdrop, it is not possible for me to remain in a party that does not value the Assamese sentiment," Pathak, who was a TMC MLA from 2011 to 2016, said. Two more TMC members -- Pradip Pachani of Sibsagar and Diganta Saikia of Golaghat -- too resigned, saying they could not remain members of a party that wanted to compromise the identity of the indigenous Assamese people. Saikia also threatened to file a case against Banerjee for taking an anti-Assamese stand. The TMC delegation that arrived at Silchar had to return from the Kumbhirgram airport as the district administration did not allow the party leaders to enter the town, where prohibitory orders under Section 144, CrPC are in force since last night.

Assam Trinamool Congress chief resigns over Mamata Banerjee's opposition to NRC

Amidst the vociferous criticism of BJP government's NRC exercise by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-planning-to-bring-privilege-motion-in-lok-sabha-after-its-mps-stopped-at-silchar-airport--156554">Trinamool Congress</a> chief Mamata Banerjee and other political parties, Congress has said it is not against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-governor-assures-names-of-all-indian-in-final-nrc-list-156530">National Register of Citizens</a> (NRC).

In a damage control mode, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told WION, "We are not against the NRC but it should be implemented as per the Assam Accord signed during former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's tenure." 
&nbsp 
Azad said that no Indian should be harassed in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tripura-cong-alleges-nrc-exclusions-conspiracy-of-centre-assam-govt-bjp-denies-the-charge-156475">process of identification</a> and people should be given adequate opportunity to prove that they are the citizens of India. He further said that the government should also provide legal assistance to people.

On being asked as to how Congress sees the issue, Azad said, "We see it as an humanitarian issue. BJP has communalised it but Congress will not politicise the issue of NRC. 
&nbsp 
On one hand Congress wants political parties to stay away from this issue, but on the other the party's working committee (CWC) which is meeting on Saturday will discuss the very issue of NRC. Congress has so far not been able to formalise its position on NRC many senior leaders have different views on the subject which in all probability will be ironed out during the meeting.

Azad also accused BJP for taking different positions on NRC. "On one hand Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that it is a court monitored task and government has nothing to do with it and on the other hand, BJP president Amit Shah is taking the credit for NRC in Rajya Sabha."

The Trinamool Congress has already taken a lead on this issue as it suits their politics in West Bengal and the North East. Congress will need to walk a fine line as a soft position may create an electoral backlash in rest of the country. BJP on the other hand has made it into an issue of national security and its senior faces are already talking about organising NRC in other states. Like triple talaq, NRC has the potential to consolidate Hindu vote as it can boil down to the political narrative appeasement politics.

On one hand Congress wants political parties to stay away from this issue, but on the other the party's working committee (CWC) which is meeting on Saturday will discuss the very issue of NRC.

Amidst the vociferous criticism of BJP government's NRC exercise by Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and other political parties, Congress has said it is not against the National Register of Citizens (NRC). In a damage control mode, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told WION, "We are not against the NRC but it should be implemented as per the Assam Accord signed during former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's tenure." Azad said that no Indian should be harassed in the process of identification and people should be given adequate opportunity to prove that they are the citizens of India. He further said that the government should also provide legal assistance to people. On being asked as to how Congress sees the issue, Azad said, "We see it as an humanitarian issue. BJP has communalised it but Congress will not politicise the issue of NRC. On one hand Congress wants political parties to stay away from this issue, but on the other the party's working committee (CWC) which is meeting on Saturday will discuss the very issue of NRC. Congress has so far not been able to formalise its position on NRC many senior leaders have different views on the subject which in all probability will be ironed out during the meeting. Azad also accused BJP for taking different positions on NRC. "On one hand Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that it is a court monitored task and government has nothing to do with it and on the other hand, BJP president Amit Shah is taking the credit for NRC in Rajya Sabha." The Trinamool Congress has already taken a lead on this issue as it suits their politics in West Bengal and the North East. Congress will need to walk a fine line as a soft position may create an electoral backlash in rest of the country. BJP on the other hand has made it into an issue of national security and its senior faces are already talking about organising NRC in other states. Like triple talaq, NRC has the potential to consolidate Hindu vote as it can boil down to the political narrative appeasement politics.

Congress goes into damage control mode, says it is not against NRC

Amid massive uproar by the Opposition on Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC) draft, State Governor Jagdish Mukhi on Thursday assured that anyone who is an Indian would surely find their names in the final list.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, Mukhi said, "Draft of NRC is a historical event for Assamese as it has been done as per wishes of the people of the state and Assam accord. Many people are worried over non-inclusion of their names in NRC. I assure them that anyone who is an Indian, their name will certainly be there in final NRC report".

The draft, which was released on July 30, left out nearly 40 lakh people in Assam, incorporating names of 2.89 crore people out of 3.29 crore applicants. Since then, the Opposition has been at loggerheads with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the issue.

Supporting NRC over the missing names, the State Governor asserted that Centre has the right to know about foreigners staying in the state.

"The government assures that each and every Indian shall be included in the final NRC report and guarantees security to every citizen in the state. Central Government has the right to know about the foreigners staying in the state or country. It will be better if every state has NRC prepared, they should not only prepare NRC rather they should update it with every census, this will ensure full proof security in the country," Mukhi.

The first draft was published on December 31, 2017, and names of 1.9 crores of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated.

The NRC draft features the names, addresses, and photographs of all Indian citizens, who have been residing in the northeastern state before March 25, 1971.

'Draft of NRC is a historical event for Assamese as it has been done as per wishes of the people of the state and Assam accord. Many people are worried over non-inclusion of their names in NRC. I assure them that anyone who is an Indian, their name will certainly be there in final NRC report', said Mukhi

Amid massive uproar by the Opposition on Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC) draft, State Governor Jagdish Mukhi on Thursday assured that anyone who is an Indian would surely find their names in the final list. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Mukhi said, "Draft of NRC is a historical event for Assamese as it has been done as per wishes of the people of the state and Assam accord. Many people are worried over non-inclusion of their names in NRC. I assure them that anyone who is an Indian, their name will certainly be there in final NRC report". The draft, which was released on July 30, left out nearly 40 lakh people in Assam, incorporating names of 2.89 crore people out of 3.29 crore applicants. Since then, the Opposition has been at loggerheads with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the issue. Supporting NRC over the missing names, the State Governor asserted that Centre has the right to know about foreigners staying in the state. "The government assures that each and every Indian shall be included in the final NRC report and guarantees security to every citizen in the state. Central Government has the right to know about the foreigners staying in the state or country. It will be better if every state has NRC prepared, they should not only prepare NRC rather they should update it with every census, this will ensure full proof security in the country," Mukhi. The first draft was published on December 31, 2017, and names of 1.9 crores of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated. The NRC draft features the names, addresses, and photographs of all Indian citizens, who have been residing in the northeastern state before March 25, 1971.

Assam Governor assures names of all Indians in final NRC list

The Assam government said on Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-assembly-passes-the-motion-against-nrc-final-draft-156199">Banerjee's opposition to the Supreme Court-monitored NRC</a> in the northeastern state amounted to "contempt of court" and <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/duty-of-chief-minister-to-maintain-law-and-order-mamatas-remark-on-nrc-condemnable-kiren-rijiju-156213">she is not above the apex court</a>.

Banerjee's allegations against the National Register of Citizens, whose final draft was published on July 30, are "baseless", Assam government spokesman Chandra Mohan Patowary, who is also the state's parliamentary affairs minister, told newsmen in Guwahati.

Asked if the Assam government will file a contempt of court case against Banerjee, Patowary said, "We will see at the appropriate time since she is speaking against the Supreme Court."

"She (Banerjee) does not have the right to remark as the NRC is a legal process," the minister told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting in Guwahati.

"As a chief minister Mamata Banerjee should have the basic knowledge that when she opposes a matter (NRC) monitored by the honourable Supreme Court it will amount to contempt of court. She is not above the Supreme Court," he added.

Banerjee has opposed the NRC in Assam, saying it will lead to "<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/there-will-be-civil-war-bloodbath-because-of-assams-nrc-mamata-banerjee-156044">civil war and bloodbath in the country</a>" as over 40 lakh applicants have been excluded in the final draft of the citizen's register.

"Everyone here condemns Mamata Banerjee's instigating speeches and rejects them... People of Assam have condemned and rejected her conspiracy to bring division in Assam.&nbsp

"It will never be allowed by the people here. They want an error-free NRC should be brought out and so peace continues to reign in the state," he added.

Banerjee, he asserted, has violated the direction of the Supreme Court to identify genuine Indian nationals living in Assam and as chief minister she should know that an order by it should not be dishonoured.

"Mamata Banerjee has made the statements keeping in view the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and with a political motive. People of Assam have rejected her attempts and she cannot bring division in Assamese society as all here are united that we should have an NRC in the state," Patowary said.

The government spokesman said that ensuring publication of the NRC is the duty of every Indian citizen. Every resident in Assam irrespective of religion, caste or language has peacefully cooperated for publication of the complete draft NRC and thanked all those involved in publishing it.

On the proposed visit of a team of the Banerjee's Trinamool Congress to Assam on Thursday, Patowary said as a political party it has the right to do so.&nbsp

"But if through their instigational speeches the team members try to disturb the peaceful situation in Assam and create division among the people, our government will not remain a mute spectator," he added.

The Assam government will be with the people as every citizen here wants the NRC. "So Mamata Banerjee's group of MPs or her other leaders visiting Assam will have no impact in the state and people here will remain alert", Patowary said.

Referring to her allegations, Assam Speaker Hiten Goswami said, "We want India to be for Indian nationals and not for foreigners... The 40 lakh people (excluded from the NRC) are not foreigners. Both Assam and Central governments are working as per the directions of the Supreme Court".

Earlier in the day, a police complaint was registered against Banerjee at Lakhimpur by a youth leader over her alleged provocative remarks on the NRC draft.

Sudipta Hazarika, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Parishad, filed the complaint at the North Lakhimpur Sadar police station.

"Going against the Supreme Court Mamata Banerjee is making all efforts to halt the NRC process by meeting the Union home minister. There is apprehension that an uncalled for the situation may be created anytime," Hazarika said in the complaint said.

The police are yet to file an FIR.&nbsp

Asked if the Assam government will file a contempt of court case against Banerjee, Assam government spokesman Chandra Mohan Patowary said, 'We will see at the appropriate time since she is speaking against the Supreme Court'

The Assam government said on Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's opposition to the Supreme Court-monitored NRC in the northeastern state amounted to "contempt of court" and she is not above the apex court. Banerjee's allegations against the National Register of Citizens, whose final draft was published on July 30, are "baseless", Assam government spokesman Chandra Mohan Patowary, who is also the state's parliamentary affairs minister, told newsmen in Guwahati. Asked if the Assam government will file a contempt of court case against Banerjee, Patowary said, "We will see at the appropriate time since she is speaking against the Supreme Court." "She (Banerjee) does not have the right to remark as the NRC is a legal process," the minister told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting in Guwahati. "As a chief minister Mamata Banerjee should have the basic knowledge that when she opposes a matter (NRC) monitored by the honourable Supreme Court it will amount to contempt of court. She is not above the Supreme Court," he added. Banerjee has opposed the NRC in Assam, saying it will lead to "civil war and bloodbath in the country" as over 40 lakh applicants have been excluded in the final draft of the citizen's register. "Everyone here condemns Mamata Banerjee's instigating speeches and rejects them... People of Assam have condemned and rejected her conspiracy to bring division in Assam. "It will never be allowed by the people here. They want an error-free NRC should be brought out and so peace continues to reign in the state," he added. Banerjee, he asserted, has violated the direction of the Supreme Court to identify genuine Indian nationals living in Assam and as chief minister she should know that an order by it should not be dishonoured. "Mamata Banerjee has made the statements keeping in view the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and with a political motive. People of Assam have rejected her attempts and she cannot bring division in Assamese society as all here are united that we should have an NRC in the state," Patowary said. The government spokesman said that ensuring publication of the NRC is the duty of every Indian citizen. Every resident in Assam irrespective of religion, caste or language has peacefully cooperated for publication of the complete draft NRC and thanked all those involved in publishing it. On the proposed visit of a team of the Banerjee's Trinamool Congress to Assam on Thursday, Patowary said as a political party it has the right to do so. "But if through their instigational speeches the team members try to disturb the peaceful situation in Assam and create division among the people, our government will not remain a mute spectator," he added. The Assam government will be with the people as every citizen here wants the NRC. "So Mamata Banerjee's group of MPs or her other leaders visiting Assam will have no impact in the state and people here will remain alert", Patowary said. Referring to her allegations, Assam Speaker Hiten Goswami said, "We want India to be for Indian nationals and not for foreigners... The 40 lakh people (excluded from the NRC) are not foreigners. Both Assam and Central governments are working as per the directions of the Supreme Court". Earlier in the day, a police complaint was registered against Banerjee at Lakhimpur by a youth leader over her alleged provocative remarks on the NRC draft. Sudipta Hazarika, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Parishad, filed the complaint at the North Lakhimpur Sadar police station. "Going against the Supreme Court Mamata Banerjee is making all efforts to halt the NRC process by meeting the Union home minister. There is apprehension that an uncalled for the situation may be created anytime," Hazarika said in the complaint said. The police are yet to file an FIR.

Mamata's opposition to NRC amounts to contempt of court: Assam government

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