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US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has sought waivers from sanctions on some countries making a transition from their military dependence on Russia, asserting that it will allow them to build closer security ties with America and strengthen US' allies in key regions.

Mr Mattis' statement did not mention India, but for all practical purposes he has been seeking waivers for India from the punitive Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions ACT or CAATSA, under which sanctions kick off on countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia.

Though the act targets Russia, it is having its unintended consequences on India, which is planning to buy five S-400 Triumf air defence systems for around USD 4.5 billion from Russia which US officials say could be considered as a significant military purchase.

Mr Mattis, who recently wrote a letter on the matter to the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Senator John McCain, demanded that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo be empowered with the authority of issuing waivers to certain countries when it comes to the US sanctions on Russia under CAATSA.

"Russia should suffer consequences for its aggressive, destabilising behaviour and its illegal occupation of Ukraine. However, as we impose necessary and well-deserved costs for their malign behaviour, providing the Secretary of State with a CAATSA waiver authority is imperative," Mr Mattis said.

"Doing so allows nations to build a closer security relationship with the US as they continue to transition from reliance on Russian military equipment," the Defense Secretary said in a statement on Friday.

"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 a once in a generation opportunity to more closely align nations with the US vision for global security and stability," Mr Mattis said.

Last week, several US lawmakers had said that they were working to get CAATSA waivers for India.

"One of the biggest proponents of the importance of this relationship is Secretary Mattis... This (waiver) is important for our country. This is important for India. This is important for the strategic relationships," Senator Dan Sullivan said during the annual leadership conference of US India Strategic and Partnership Forum.

"I'm hopeful that we're gonna get there on something that will advance our country's interests and advance India's interest and build that trust," Mr Sullivan said as he called for concrete actions in Indo-US defence relationship.

Responding to a similar question at a separate panel, Senator Mark Warner, who is a strong proponent of the CAATSA, said the lawmakers were looking into it and did not want India to suffer its unintended consequences.

"There are some with the view that the bill does allow flexibility. House version gives a little more on the waiver side. We are trying to investigate on the Senate side, how we can allow this military partnership to grow but not undermine the principles around CAATSA," Mr Warner said.

"It would be easier, I say to my Indian colleagues and friends if this was simply parts of old aircraft that had been purchased 20 years before rather than a USD 4 billion-plus air defence system. I do understand as well this was negotiated long before," he said, adding that this long relationship cannot be broken overnight.

Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna said India was not the target of the federal law and should not become collateral damage of it.

The administration has to find a way in which they can find a waiver for the partner on this particular thorny issue, he said.

"We are hopeful that given the broad understanding on this issue on the Hill as well as the administration's enthusiasm behind it," he added.

Mukesh Aghi, the president of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF), said there was a very positive momentum.

"The momentum that I am seeing is positive. The attitude and intentions (of the Trump Administration) are positive. So hopefully, we will have a positive solution (on the CAATSA and Iranian oil sanctions before the next 2+2 India-US Dialogue)," he told PTI last week.

Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna said India was not the target of the federal law and should not become collateral damage of it.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has sought waivers from sanctions on some countries making a transition from their military dependence on Russia, asserting that it will allow them to build closer security ties with America and strengthen US' allies in key regions. Mr Mattis' statement did not mention India, but for all practical purposes he has been seeking waivers for India from the punitive Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions ACT or CAATSA, under which sanctions kick off on countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia. Though the act targets Russia, it is having its unintended consequences on India, which is planning to buy five S-400 Triumf air defence systems for around USD 4.5 billion from Russia which US officials say could be considered as a significant military purchase. Mr Mattis, who recently wrote a letter on the matter to the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Senator John McCain, demanded that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo be empowered with the authority of issuing waivers to certain countries when it comes to the US sanctions on Russia under CAATSA. "Russia should suffer consequences for its aggressive, destabilising behaviour and its illegal occupation of Ukraine. However, as we impose necessary and well-deserved costs for their malign behaviour, providing the Secretary of State with a CAATSA waiver authority is imperative," Mr Mattis said. "Doing so allows nations to build a closer security relationship with the US as they continue to transition from reliance on Russian military equipment," the Defense Secretary said in a statement on Friday. "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 a once in a generation opportunity to more closely align nations with the US vision for global security and stability," Mr Mattis said. Last week, several US lawmakers had said that they were working to get CAATSA waivers for India. "One of the biggest proponents of the importance of this relationship is Secretary Mattis... This (waiver) is important for our country. This is important for India. This is important for the strategic relationships," Senator Dan Sullivan said during the annual leadership conference of US India Strategic and Partnership Forum. "I'm hopeful that we're gonna get there on something that will advance our country's interests and advance India's interest and build that trust," Mr Sullivan said as he called for concrete actions in Indo-US defence relationship. Responding to a similar question at a separate panel, Senator Mark Warner, who is a strong proponent of the CAATSA, said the lawmakers were looking into it and did not want India to suffer its unintended consequences. "There are some with the view that the bill does allow flexibility. House version gives a little more on the waiver side. We are trying to investigate on the Senate side, how we can allow this military partnership to grow but not undermine the principles around CAATSA," Mr Warner said. "It would be easier, I say to my Indian colleagues and friends if this was simply parts of old aircraft that had been purchased 20 years before rather than a USD 4 billion-plus air defence system. I do understand as well this was negotiated long before," he said, adding that this long relationship cannot be broken overnight. Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna said India was not the target of the federal law and should not become collateral damage of it. The administration has to find a way in which they can find a waiver for the partner on this particular thorny issue, he said. "We are hopeful that given the broad understanding on this issue on the Hill as well as the administration's enthusiasm behind it," he added. Mukesh Aghi, the president of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF), said there was a very positive momentum. "The momentum that I am seeing is positive. The attitude and intentions (of the Trump Administration) are positive. So hopefully, we will have a positive solution (on the CAATSA and Iranian oil sanctions before the next 2+2 India-US Dialogue)," he told PTI last week.

US seeks waiver on nations buying arms from Russia, India not mentioned

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday said sanitary napkin has been exempted from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), reported news agency ANI.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing 28th GST Council meeting in the capital, Sisodia who also handles the Finance portfolio, said many items under the 28 per cent slab have been brought down.

"I think the 28 per cent tax slab should be done away with.&nbsp;The issue is being unnecessarily dragged," the minister was quoted as saying.

In terms of tax returns, Sisodia said quarterly returns for traders having turnover up to Rs 5 crore has been approved by the GST Council.

However, no decision has been taken yet on sugar cess, he added.

The plea to exempt sanitary napkin from GST has been going on for a long time.

In January this year, a group of students from Gwalior had launched a campaign by writing messages on sanitary napkins to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to exempt the taxes levied on the product and make it free of cost.

The plea to exempt sanitary napkin from GST has been going on for a long time.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday said sanitary napkin has been exempted from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), reported news agency ANI. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ongoing 28th GST Council meeting in the capital, Sisodia who also handles the Finance portfolio, said many items under the 28 per cent slab have been brought down. "I think the 28 per cent tax slab should be done away with. The issue is being unnecessarily dragged," the minister was quoted as saying. In terms of tax returns, Sisodia said quarterly returns for traders having turnover up to Rs 5 crore has been approved by the GST Council. However, no decision has been taken yet on sugar cess, he added. The plea to exempt sanitary napkin from GST has been going on for a long time. In January this year, a group of students from Gwalior had launched a campaign by writing messages on sanitary napkins to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to exempt the taxes levied on the product and make it free of cost.

Sanitary napkins to be exempted from GST

A day after creating a splash in the Lok Sabha by hugging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today said that only way to build a nation was by harnessing love and compassion of people.

Gandhi's unexpected gesture, which quickly became a favoured video clip for television channels, came during a debate on no-confidence motion moved by the TDP against the Modi government.

He said yesterday's debate in Parliament on the no-confidence motion was about the prime minister using "hate, fear and anger" in the hearts of some people to build his narrative, and the Congress countering that through love and compassion.&nbsp;

"The point of yesterday's debate in Parliament. PM uses Hate, Fear and Anger in the hearts of some of our people to build his narrative. We are going to prove that Love and Compassion in the hearts of all Indians, is the only way to build a nation (sic)," he said on Twitter.

After a no-holds-barred and scathing criticism of Modi on several issues including Rafale jet deal on Friday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi walked across the green-carpeted well of Lok Sabha to Modi and hugged him, a gesture which took the Treasury Bench members by surprise.

Gandhi gave a 45-minute fiery speech during the no-confidence motion debate in the Lok Sabha yesterday, accusing the prime minister of unleashing "jumla strike" on people in the form of demonetisation, joblessness, Rafale deal, poor state of economy, mob violence, lynching, and incidents of alleged atrocities on Dalits and women.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/no-confidence-motion-pm-modi-takes-a-dig-at-rahul-gandhis-wink-153371">Prime Minister</a>&nbsp;did not step back from unleashing his anger on Gandhi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"What is the hurry to come to power," the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-highlights-the-achievements-in-agricultural-sector-153368">Prime Minister</a>&nbsp;asked. "In the morning, the voting was not over, the debate was also not over. One member comes running to me saying- Utho Utho Utho..What is his hurry to come to power? Let me tell this member it is the people who elected us. That is how we have come here."&nbsp;

Speaking in the Lower House of the Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "I was surprised at Rahul Gandhi's excitement to come and hug me. What is the hurry? You should trust the people in a democracy. Some people are in a rush to get to the treasury benches."&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

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Gandhi's unexpected gesture, which quickly became a favoured video clip for television channels, came during a debate on no-confidence motion moved by the TDP against the Modi government.

A day after creating a splash in the Lok Sabha by hugging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today said that only way to build a nation was by harnessing love and compassion of people. Gandhi's unexpected gesture, which quickly became a favoured video clip for television channels, came during a debate on no-confidence motion moved by the TDP against the Modi government. He said yesterday's debate in Parliament on the no-confidence motion was about the prime minister using "hate, fear and anger" in the hearts of some people to build his narrative, and the Congress countering that through love and compassion. "The point of yesterday's debate in Parliament. PM uses Hate, Fear and Anger in the hearts of some of our people to build his narrative. We are going to prove that Love and Compassion in the hearts of all Indians, is the only way to build a nation (sic)," he said on Twitter. After a no-holds-barred and scathing criticism of Modi on several issues including Rafale jet deal on Friday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi walked across the green-carpeted well of Lok Sabha to Modi and hugged him, a gesture which took the Treasury Bench members by surprise. Gandhi gave a 45-minute fiery speech during the no-confidence motion debate in the Lok Sabha yesterday, accusing the prime minister of unleashing "jumla strike" on people in the form of demonetisation, joblessness, Rafale deal, poor state of economy, mob violence, lynching, and incidents of alleged atrocities on Dalits and women. The Prime Minister did not step back from unleashing his anger on Gandhi. "What is the hurry to come to power," the Prime Minister asked. "In the morning, the voting was not over, the debate was also not over. One member comes running to me saying- Utho Utho Utho..What is his hurry to come to power? Let me tell this member it is the people who elected us. That is how we have come here." Speaking in the Lower House of the Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "I was surprised at Rahul Gandhi's excitement to come and hug me. What is the hurry? You should trust the people in a democracy. Some people are in a rush to get to the treasury benches." ×

Watch: After hugging PM, Rahul says only love and compassion can build a nation

DMK today expressed 'shock' over Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi's conditional assent to the union territory's Appropriation Bill, saying such acts destroyed the sanctity of the assembly.

In a statement here, DMK working president M K Stalin also demanded that the union territory be given separate statehood to ensure implementation of welfare schemes and avoid confusions arising out of power tussles between the union territory and the Centre.

Bedi yesterday approved the Appropriation Bill that would allow the government to withdraw funds for its expenditure,but but with a rider that the three BJP leaders nominated to the House be allowed to function as MLAs.

Last week, the assembly was adjourned sine-die without passing the bill for want of approval and Chief Minister V Nayaranasamy had accused Bedi of deliberately withholding her nod for the financial legislation.

"The LG's move has shocked me and such act destroys the sanctity of the assembly," Stalin said.

Accusing Bedi and the Central government of 'sitting' on the budget for their own benefits, he said such an attitude 'disrespected' principles of democracy.

"To protect welfare schemes from confusions arising out of power tussles, Puducherry should be given statehood," Stalin, whose party is an ally of Congress, said.

The ruling Congress in the union territory has been making the statehood demand with Chief Minister Narayanasamy citing 'delay' in getting approvals from Bedi for the government's welfare schemes to push for the status.

Amid the protracted stand-off with the Chief Minister, Bedi approved the passage of Appropriation Bill last night.

In a communication to the assembly, Bedi asked the House to pass the bill only after ensuring compliance of the Supreme Court order allowing the three nominated MLAs to attend the proceedings.

The Union Home Ministry had appointed the three functionaries of the BJP as nominated MLAs in June last year.

However, Assembly Speaker V Vaithilingam had refused to recognise their appointment on the ground that they were not nominated by competent authority.

The three were, however, inducted as nominated MLAs by Bedi at Raj Nivas on July 4 last year.

Subsequently, their appointment was challenged in the Madras High Court which upheld it.

This has been challenged in the Supreme Court, which in its recent order directed that they be allowed to attend the assembly session.

Bedi yesterday approved the Appropriation Bill that would allow the government to withdraw funds for its expenditure, but with a rider that the three BJP leaders nominated to the House be allowed to function as MLAs.

DMK today expressed 'shock' over Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi's conditional assent to the union territory's Appropriation Bill, saying such acts destroyed the sanctity of the assembly. In a statement here, DMK working president M K Stalin also demanded that the union territory be given separate statehood to ensure implementation of welfare schemes and avoid confusions arising out of power tussles between the union territory and the Centre. Bedi yesterday approved the Appropriation Bill that would allow the government to withdraw funds for its expenditure,but but with a rider that the three BJP leaders nominated to the House be allowed to function as MLAs. Last week, the assembly was adjourned sine-die without passing the bill for want of approval and Chief Minister V Nayaranasamy had accused Bedi of deliberately withholding her nod for the financial legislation. "The LG's move has shocked me and such act destroys the sanctity of the assembly," Stalin said. Accusing Bedi and the Central government of 'sitting' on the budget for their own benefits, he said such an attitude 'disrespected' principles of democracy. "To protect welfare schemes from confusions arising out of power tussles, Puducherry should be given statehood," Stalin, whose party is an ally of Congress, said. The ruling Congress in the union territory has been making the statehood demand with Chief Minister Narayanasamy citing 'delay' in getting approvals from Bedi for the government's welfare schemes to push for the status. Amid the protracted stand-off with the Chief Minister, Bedi approved the passage of Appropriation Bill last night. In a communication to the assembly, Bedi asked the House to pass the bill only after ensuring compliance of the Supreme Court order allowing the three nominated MLAs to attend the proceedings. The Union Home Ministry had appointed the three functionaries of the BJP as nominated MLAs in June last year. However, Assembly Speaker V Vaithilingam had refused to recognise their appointment on the ground that they were not nominated by competent authority. The three were, however, inducted as nominated MLAs by Bedi at Raj Nivas on July 4 last year. Subsequently, their appointment was challenged in the Madras High Court which upheld it. This has been challenged in the Supreme Court, which in its recent order directed that they be allowed to attend the assembly session.

DMK expresses 'shock' over LG Bedi's direction to assembly

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday fixed July 23&nbsp;for hearing the final arguments in the matter of disqualification of 20 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs in the Office-of-Profit case.

The hearing will begin at 3 pm on Monday.&nbsp;

20 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs on Sunday moved Delhi High Court challenging Election Commission of India’s (ECI) order in Office-of-Profit case.

On July 17, the poll body had dismissed their application for the cross-examination of the petitioner, who sought their disqualification, to prove that they were not holding any office-of-profit.

In its 70-page order, the poll panel said, "There is no occasion and need for the cross-examination of the petitioner as he is not a witness in the present proceedings and the respondents have failed to make out a case for calling any witness as pleaded in their applications. Therefore, this Commission dismisses the applications under consideration."&nbsp;

The Commission has further stated that the factual matrix which the poll body and High Court has taken cognisance of is drawn on the basis of information which it recieved from the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNTCD).

The Delhi AAP lawmakers had moved the plea on May 16 for cross-examination of petitioner Prashant Patel, and officials of the assembly and city government to prove that they were not holding any office-of-profit by being appointed as parliamentary secretaries.

Earlier in January this year, the EC had recommended the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs – Alka Lamba, Adarsh Shastri, Sanjeev Jha, Rajesh Gupta, Kailash Gahlot, Vijendra Garg, Praveen Kumar, Sharad Kumar, Madan Lal, Shiv Charan Goyal, Sarita Singh, Naresh Yadav, Rajesh Rishi, Anil Kumar, Som Dutt, Avtar Singh, Sukhvir Singh Dala, Manoj Kumar, Nitin Tyagi and Jarnail Singh. 
&nbsp;

On July 17, the poll body had dismissed their application for the cross-examination of the petitioner, who sought their disqualification, to prove that they were not holding any office-of-profit.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday fixed July 23 for hearing the final arguments in the matter of disqualification of 20 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs in the Office-of-Profit case. The hearing will begin at 3 pm on Monday. 20 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs on Sunday moved Delhi High Court challenging Election Commission of India’s (ECI) order in Office-of-Profit case. On July 17, the poll body had dismissed their application for the cross-examination of the petitioner, who sought their disqualification, to prove that they were not holding any office-of-profit. In its 70-page order, the poll panel said, "There is no occasion and need for the cross-examination of the petitioner as he is not a witness in the present proceedings and the respondents have failed to make out a case for calling any witness as pleaded in their applications. Therefore, this Commission dismisses the applications under consideration." The Commission has further stated that the factual matrix which the poll body and High Court has taken cognisance of is drawn on the basis of information which it recieved from the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNTCD). The Delhi AAP lawmakers had moved the plea on May 16 for cross-examination of petitioner Prashant Patel, and officials of the assembly and city government to prove that they were not holding any office-of-profit by being appointed as parliamentary secretaries. Earlier in January this year, the EC had recommended the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs – Alka Lamba, Adarsh Shastri, Sanjeev Jha, Rajesh Gupta, Kailash Gahlot, Vijendra Garg, Praveen Kumar, Sharad Kumar, Madan Lal, Shiv Charan Goyal, Sarita Singh, Naresh Yadav, Rajesh Rishi, Anil Kumar, Som Dutt, Avtar Singh, Sukhvir Singh Dala, Manoj Kumar, Nitin Tyagi and Jarnail Singh.

Office-of-Profit case: EC to begin final hearing against 20 AAP MLAs tomorrow

Television actor Sidharth Shukla, who starred in Balika Vadhu, has reportedly been arrested on Saturday for being involved in a car crash in Mumbai's Oshiwara area near Andheri west.

The incident happened around 6 pm. The actor was reportedly driving his BMW X5 car and lost control, ramming into three cars on the road and then hitting a divider.

Siddharth was booked by the cops and then taken to a hospital in Goregaon, Mumbai for medical examination. Three more persons have been reported injured in the car accident.

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Major accident at Shreeji restaurant junction Oshiwara Andheri west. Kindly avoid link road from adarsh Nagar junction. <a href="https://t.co/mgKyAroubL">pic.twitter.com/mgKyAroubL</a>
— ANDHERI LOKHANDWALA OSHIWARA CITIZEN'S ASSOCIATION (@Lokhandwala_Bom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lokhandwala_Bom/status/1020656465667870720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Siddharth Shukla became a household name soon after Balika Vadhu. The TV show gave&nbsp;him immense popularity. Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Savdhan India are a couple of TV shows that he appeared in. Siddharth also tried his luck in Bollywood with Shashank Khaitan's Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania.&nbsp;

The film starring Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt in key roles was a box office hit. Siddharth did make an impressive debut there but wasn't really seen in any of the Bollywood movies after that.

Sidharth Shukla's car reportedly lost control and hit more than three cars, before hitting the divider. As per eyewitnesses, Sidharth was driving the BMW X5 and he looked quite shaken post the accident.

Television actor Sidharth Shukla, who starred in Balika Vadhu, has reportedly been arrested on Saturday for being involved in a car crash in Mumbai's Oshiwara area near Andheri west. The incident happened around 6 pm. The actor was reportedly driving his BMW X5 car and lost control, ramming into three cars on the road and then hitting a divider. Siddharth was booked by the cops and then taken to a hospital in Goregaon, Mumbai for medical examination. Three more persons have been reported injured in the car accident. Major accident at Shreeji restaurant junction Oshiwara Andheri west. Kindly avoid link road from adarsh Nagar junction. pic.twitter.com/mgKyAroubL — ANDHERI LOKHANDWALA OSHIWARA CITIZEN'S ASSOCIATION (@Lokhandwala_Bom) July 21, 2018 × Siddharth Shukla became a household name soon after Balika Vadhu. The TV show gave him immense popularity. Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Savdhan India are a couple of TV shows that he appeared in. Siddharth also tried his luck in Bollywood with Shashank Khaitan's Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. The film starring Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt in key roles was a box office hit. Siddharth did make an impressive debut there but wasn't really seen in any of the Bollywood movies after that.

Balika Vadhu actor Sidharth Shukla arrested for injuring 7 in car crash

The US said Saturday it is working with partner countries, including India, to help them identify and avoid engaging in potentially sanctionable activity under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The state department asserted that it is fully committed to implementing CAATSA under which sanctions kick in against countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia.

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-trying-to-force-russia-out-of-indian-arms-market-russian-ambassador--153501">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-trying-to-force-russia-out-of-indian-arms-market-russian-ambassador--153501"> trying to force Russia out of Indian arms market, says Russian Ambassador to India</a>

"We have discussed CAATSA with the government of India, and the United States is working with our partners including India to help them identify and avoid engaging in potentially sanctionable activity," a state department spokesperson told PTI.

The spokesperson was responding to a question on a statement by US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis a day earlier in which he had sought waiver from sanctions under CAATSA for countries that are making a transition from their military dependence on Russia.

Providing the secretary of state with a CAATSA waiver authority, Mattis said, doing so allows nations to build a closer security relationship with the US as they continue to transition from their reliance on Russian military equipment.

"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 a once in a generation opportunity to more closely align nations with the US vision for global security and stability," Mattis had said.

The state department tended to differ from the stand taken by the Pentagon on CAATSA.

"This administration is fully committed to implementing CAATSA, including Section 231, which provides for sanctions on any person determined to knowingly engage in a significant transaction with a person that is a part of, or operates for or on behalf of, the defense or intelligence sectors of the Government of the Russian Federation," the spokesperson told PTI.

"I am not going to speculate on future sanctions actions or go into details of the agenda for the 2+2 (dialogue) other than to say that we will discuss the full range of issues central to strategic, security, and defence cooperation," the official said when asked about possible sanctions being imposed on India under CAATSA.

Though the Act targets Russia, it is having its unintended consequences on India which is planning to buy five S-400 Triumf air defence systems for around USD 4.5 billion from Russia, that US officials say could be considered as a significant military purchase.&nbsp

The US state department said it is fully committed to implementing CAATSA under which sanctions kick in against countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia

The US said Saturday it is working with partner countries, including India, to help them identify and avoid engaging in potentially sanctionable activity under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The state department asserted that it is fully committed to implementing CAATSA under which sanctions kick in against countries that purchase significant military equipment from Russia. Also read: US trying to force Russia out of Indian arms market, says Russian Ambassador to India "We have discussed CAATSA with the government of India, and the United States is working with our partners including India to help them identify and avoid engaging in potentially sanctionable activity," a state department spokesperson told PTI. The spokesperson was responding to a question on a statement by US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis a day earlier in which he had sought waiver from sanctions under CAATSA for countries that are making a transition from their military dependence on Russia. Providing the secretary of state with a CAATSA waiver authority, Mattis said, doing so allows nations to build a closer security relationship with the US as they continue to transition from their reliance on Russian military equipment. "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 a once in a generation opportunity to more closely align nations with the US vision for global security and stability," Mattis had said. The state department tended to differ from the stand taken by the Pentagon on CAATSA. "This administration is fully committed to implementing CAATSA, including Section 231, which provides for sanctions on any person determined to knowingly engage in a significant transaction with a person that is a part of, or operates for or on behalf of, the defense or intelligence sectors of the Government of the Russian Federation," the spokesperson told PTI. "I am not going to speculate on future sanctions actions or go into details of the agenda for the 2+2 (dialogue) other than to say that we will discuss the full range of issues central to strategic, security, and defence cooperation," the official said when asked about possible sanctions being imposed on India under CAATSA. Though the Act targets Russia, it is having its unintended consequences on India which is planning to buy five S-400 Triumf air defence systems for around USD 4.5 billion from Russia, that US officials say could be considered as a significant military purchase.

US says working with India to help avoid sanctions

Slabs under Goods and Services Tax (GST) can be reduced to three from five at present for the convenience of consumers and businesses though it will take some time, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

Modi also heads high-level minister panel on GST.

In an interview, Modi said that there are five slabs in GST and "there is an intention to reduce it to three slabs but it will take some time" as it is related to states' revenue.

Reacting to questions raised by former finance minister P Chidambaram that why rates of 88 items were not reduced by GST council in 2017, Modi said: "This is not a decision where only BJP government is involved. The decision has been taken by GST Council in which congress led governments are also involved".

He said that after implementation of GST, initially it was to ensure that there should be no revenue loss and then rate on many items were gradually reduced with stabilisation of revenue.

Modi said that average revenue from GST is approximately Rs 95,000 crore and in such situation rates are being reduced, which is leading to reduction in price of many consumer items and benefitting the middle class.

Mounting attack on Chidambaram, the deputy CM said that states had lost confidence in the then Congress government policies, because of which GST could not be implemented during its tenure.

Modi was heading high-powered committee comprising finance ministers of different states considering roll-out of GST in 2012-13.

He alleged that following the GST rollout, centre sales tax (CST) was to be ended in phased manner over period of three years.

The UPA government had assured that loss of states due to GST will be compensated by the Centre, Modi said, adding that CST rates were reduced to 3 per cent from 4 per cent from April 1, 2007, and from 3 to 2 per cent in 2008 for which states were compensated in the beginning, but payment of 2011-12 compensation was not given.

The BJP leader said that states were not paid full compensation amount.

The deputy CM said after Narendra Modi government came in power in 2014, not only states were compensated for CST, there was constitutional provision made to compensate states for any type of revenue loss from GST for next 5 years and also to enhance it by 14 per cent every year.

Modi said that average revenue from GST is approximately Rs 95,000 crore and in such situation rates are being reduced, which is leading to reduction in price of many consumer items and benefitting the middle class

Slabs under Goods and Services Tax (GST) can be reduced to three from five at present for the convenience of consumers and businesses though it will take some time, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. Modi also heads high-level minister panel on GST. In an interview, Modi said that there are five slabs in GST and "there is an intention to reduce it to three slabs but it will take some time" as it is related to states' revenue. Reacting to questions raised by former finance minister P Chidambaram that why rates of 88 items were not reduced by GST council in 2017, Modi said: "This is not a decision where only BJP government is involved. The decision has been taken by GST Council in which congress led governments are also involved". He said that after implementation of GST, initially it was to ensure that there should be no revenue loss and then rate on many items were gradually reduced with stabilisation of revenue. Modi said that average revenue from GST is approximately Rs 95,000 crore and in such situation rates are being reduced, which is leading to reduction in price of many consumer items and benefitting the middle class. Mounting attack on Chidambaram, the deputy CM said that states had lost confidence in the then Congress government policies, because of which GST could not be implemented during its tenure. Modi was heading high-powered committee comprising finance ministers of different states considering roll-out of GST in 2012-13. He alleged that following the GST rollout, centre sales tax (CST) was to be ended in phased manner over period of three years. The UPA government had assured that loss of states due to GST will be compensated by the Centre, Modi said, adding that CST rates were reduced to 3 per cent from 4 per cent from April 1, 2007, and from 3 to 2 per cent in 2008 for which states were compensated in the beginning, but payment of 2011-12 compensation was not given. The BJP leader said that states were not paid full compensation amount. The deputy CM said after Narendra Modi government came in power in 2014, not only states were compensated for CST, there was constitutional provision made to compensate states for any type of revenue loss from GST for next 5 years and also to enhance it by 14 per cent every year.

GST slabs can be reduced to 3 in future: Sushil Kumar Modi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today alleged there was certainly a "scam" in the controversial Rafale jet deal with France and accused Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of doing a "flip-flop" on the secrecy clause.

Gandhi also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue, alleging he "squirms" when asked about the prices of the fighter aircraft.

"Our Defence Minister said she would, but now she won’t. She flip flops between “it’s-not-a-secret” & “it’s-a-BIG-secret”. The PM squirms when asked about the price of RAFALE and refuses to look me in the eye. Sure smells like a scam. <s>#</s>RAFALEscam," he tweeted.

Gandhi's fresh attack on the government over the deal comes two days after he told Parliament during the debate on no-confidence motion that French president had conveyed to him that there was no problem in sharing details relating to the Rafale, contrary to what the government has been saying.&nbsp;

"The Defence Minister has clearly spoken an untruth," he had said.&nbsp;

Referring to Prime Minister Modi, he had said, "I can see him smiling. There is a touch of nervousness. He is looking away, not looking into my eyes."

The truth is that Modi is not a "chowkidar" (guard) but a "bhagidaar" (collaborator) in the wrong-doings, the Congress chief had said.&nbsp;

"I personally met the French president and asked him if there is such a pact between the French and Indian governments. The French president told me that there is no such pact between the French and Indian governments," Gandhi had said.

"This is the truth, and he told me that I have no objection to it (details of Rafale deal) being made public, you can tell it to entire India."

Prime Minister Modi had called these charges as "distortion of truth".

After Gandhi's claims, the French government had issued a statement, saying a security agreement it concluded with India in 2008 legally binds the two countries to protect the classified information relating to operational capabilities of defence equipment.&nbsp;

However, it did not clarify whether the provisions of the pact restrict the Indian government to disclose price details of the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

Gandhi also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue, alleging he 'squirms' when asked about the prices of the fighter aircraft.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today alleged there was certainly a "scam" in the controversial Rafale jet deal with France and accused Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of doing a "flip-flop" on the secrecy clause. Gandhi also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue, alleging he "squirms" when asked about the prices of the fighter aircraft. "Our Defence Minister said she would, but now she won’t. She flip flops between “it’s-not-a-secret” & “it’s-a-BIG-secret”. The PM squirms when asked about the price of RAFALE and refuses to look me in the eye. Sure smells like a scam. #RAFALEscam," he tweeted. Gandhi's fresh attack on the government over the deal comes two days after he told Parliament during the debate on no-confidence motion that French president had conveyed to him that there was no problem in sharing details relating to the Rafale, contrary to what the government has been saying. "The Defence Minister has clearly spoken an untruth," he had said. Referring to Prime Minister Modi, he had said, "I can see him smiling. There is a touch of nervousness. He is looking away, not looking into my eyes." The truth is that Modi is not a "chowkidar" (guard) but a "bhagidaar" (collaborator) in the wrong-doings, the Congress chief had said. "I personally met the French president and asked him if there is such a pact between the French and Indian governments. The French president told me that there is no such pact between the French and Indian governments," Gandhi had said. "This is the truth, and he told me that I have no objection to it (details of Rafale deal) being made public, you can tell it to entire India." Prime Minister Modi had called these charges as "distortion of truth". After Gandhi's claims, the French government had issued a statement, saying a security agreement it concluded with India in 2008 legally binds the two countries to protect the classified information relating to operational capabilities of defence equipment. However, it did not clarify whether the provisions of the pact restrict the Indian government to disclose price details of the Rafale deal.

Defence minister doing flip-flop on secrecy clause; surely a scam in Rafale deal: Rahul

An encounter is underway between the security forces and terrorists in Wani Mohalla locality in Khudwani area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district.

Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Khudwani area after receiving specific intelligence input about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into a gun-battle as the militants fired upon the forces, prompting retaliation.

The gun-battle is going on, the official said, adding further details are awaited.&nbsp

This comes a day after an encounter broke out between the security forces and terrorists in Tanghdar sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Saturday.&nbsp

(With inputs from Agencies)

The gun-battle is going on, the official said, adding further details are awaited.

An encounter is underway between the security forces and terrorists in Wani Mohalla locality in Khudwani area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in Khudwani area after receiving specific intelligence input about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into a gun-battle as the militants fired upon the forces, prompting retaliation. The gun-battle is going on, the official said, adding further details are awaited. This comes a day after an encounter broke out between the security forces and terrorists in Tanghdar sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Saturday. (With inputs from Agencies)

Encounter breaks out between militants, security forces in J&K

Hours after a man was allegedly lynched on the suspicion of cow smuggling, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gyan Dev Ahuja claimed that police had thrashed the man to death, and not the mob.

"I had said that public should inform police and not resort to violence. They slapped the cow smuggler a bit and informed the police. Sources told me that police took the smuggler to custody and thrashed him to show people that they are taking strict action," he reportedly told news agency ANI.

However, the Ramgarh MLA demanded a<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/preview/article/153412"> judicial inquiry</a> to be conducted into the matter.

"The cow smuggler died on his way to the hospital. I demand a judicial inquiry to ascertain whether he was lynched by the mob or beaten to death by police," he said.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje assured strict action against perpetrators.

"We will be taking and we are taking strictest action against those who violate law and order," she said.

In the intervening night of Friday-Saturday, a man was allegedly beaten to death in by an agitated mob on the suspicion of cow smuggling in Alwar district.

28-year-old Akbar Khan was taking some cows to his village through a forest near Lalawandi area when the locals thrashed him brutally. 
Earlier in the day, two suspects were arrested in the case. 
The investigation is underway.

However, the Ramgarh MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja demanded a judicial inquiry to be conducted into the matter.

Hours after a man was allegedly lynched on the suspicion of cow smuggling, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gyan Dev Ahuja claimed that police had thrashed the man to death, and not the mob. "I had said that public should inform police and not resort to violence. They slapped the cow smuggler a bit and informed the police. Sources told me that police took the smuggler to custody and thrashed him to show people that they are taking strict action," he reportedly told news agency ANI. However, the Ramgarh MLA demanded a judicial inquiry to be conducted into the matter. "The cow smuggler died on his way to the hospital. I demand a judicial inquiry to ascertain whether he was lynched by the mob or beaten to death by police," he said. On the other hand, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje assured strict action against perpetrators. "We will be taking and we are taking strictest action against those who violate law and order," she said. In the intervening night of Friday-Saturday, a man was allegedly beaten to death in by an agitated mob on the suspicion of cow smuggling in Alwar district. 28-year-old Akbar Khan was taking some cows to his village through a forest near Lalawandi area when the locals thrashed him brutally. Earlier in the day, two suspects were arrested in the case. The investigation is underway.

Rajasthan: Lynched man beaten to death by police and not mob, claims MLA

Even as all eyes are set on how the NDA resolves the thorny seat-sharing issue, the rival Mahagatbandhan in Bihar is busy stitching a rainbow coalition to defeat the BJP-led combination in the 2019 general elections.

Efforts are on to cobble up unity and distribute 40 Lok Sabha seats among Mahagatbandhan rainbow coalition partners comprising the RJD, the Congress, the NCP, the HAM (Hindustani Awam Morcha), the Left and Sharad Yadav.

Senior leaders of the constituent parties have been meeting away from the media glare to discuss seat sharing among them based on "realistic" ground level strength of a party in a constituency, sources in the RJD, Congress and HAM of former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said.

HAM president had a fruitful meeting with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi early this week, its spokesman Danish Rizwan told PTI.

Congress general secretary in charge of organisation, Ashok Gehlot had met Lalu Prasad in Patna on July 12. His son Tejashwi Yadav has also met Rahul Gandhi several times.

Sources insisted that "in all likelihood" the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) of Union minister Upendra Kushwaha would be part of the Mahagatbandhan.

Kushwaha, Union Minister of state for HRD in the Narendra Modi cabinet, had not responded to an overture of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to join them. But, the sources insisted Kushwaha would ultimately move to their camp.

Sources said as per talks so far, out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, Lalu Prasad's RJD would have almost half of them.

The Congress would get 10, HAM and RLSP 4 each, NCP and Left would get one seat each. Veteran socialist leader Sharad Yadav may field his son on RJD symbol from Madhepura, they claimed.

The Congress is seeking more seats claiming that its support base has increased in the state after the 2015 Assembly election.

"The Congress wants to field its candidates on more than 12 seats it had fought in 2014 in alliance with RJD," its state chief spokesman H K Verma said, adding this was based on the fact that its support base had expanded now.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, during his meeting at BPCC headquarters in Patna on July 12, faced a demand by some leaders like Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Singh that the party should insist on a respectable seat-sharing formula and not remain content with whatever was left over by the RJD.

Following this Gehlot had said it was a "majboori" (compulsion) for the party to hold talks with parties like the RJD and earlier with the JD(U) for an alliance in Bihar and batted for strengthening the party so that it could win elections on its own.

The RJD had hit back, saying they were themselves worried about the "bad shape in which the Congress is".

Even HAM is eyeing for a fifth seat.

The sources said that former JNU President Kanhayia Kumar might be fielded as a Left party candidate from his native Begusarai constituency.

NCP general secretary Tariq Anwar might be repeated from his Katihar seat.

RJD spokesman Mritunjay Tiwari said that "there is no 'kitch-kitch'(rumbling) on seat-sharing which would be sorted out by senior leaders of the constituents."

As per the arrangements in the Mahagatbandhan in 2014, the RJD had contested 27 seats while Congress had put up nominees at 12 places and NCP I.

The RJD, which relies on "M-Y" (Muslim-Yadav) support base, had managed to win four seats then while the Congress bagged two and NCP's Tariq Anwar emerged victorious from Katihar.&nbsp

The NDA camp had maximum numbers with BJP winning 22, LJP 6 and RLSP 3. The JD(U) with two seats has joined them now.

But, out of the four seats won by the RJD, Madhepura MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav left it to float his own Jan Adhikar Party (JAP).&nbsp

The Araria seat orginally won by Mohammad Talimuddin is represented by his son Sarfaraz Alam now after his death. In addition, Lalu Prasad's party has its representatives from Bhagalpur and Banka seats.&nbsp

The Congress has its MP in Ranjeet Ranjan (wife of Pappu Yadav) from Supual and Mohammad Asararul Haque from Kisanganj.

The RJD ranked second on 20 seats in Bihar in the last Parliamentary poll, while the Congress had ended as runners up in 8 places. The HAM is a new entrant in the camp.

Its chief and former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi had walked out of the NDA on the eve of the Araria Lok Sabha bypoll early this year and joined hands with Lalu Prasad's party.

Both Manjhi and Kushwaha have felt marginalised after re-entry of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party JD(U) in the NDA camp following disintegration of the Grand Alliance ministry last year.

Former state Assembly speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary, who has left Nitish Kumar, is moving in the company of RJD and former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, who quit the BJP, is also with the Mahagatbandhan and could be fielded by the RJD.

After ice breaking breakfast and dinner meetings with BJP president Amit Shah in Patna on July 12 last, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had exuded confidence that the seat-sharing proposal would come from the BJP in four-five weeks.

&nbsp

Efforts are on to cobble up unity and distribute 40 Lok Sabha seats among Mahagatbandhan rainbow coalition partners comprising the RJD, the Congress, the NCP, the HAM (Hindustani Awam Morcha), the Left and Sharad Yadav.

Even as all eyes are set on how the NDA resolves the thorny seat-sharing issue, the rival Mahagatbandhan in Bihar is busy stitching a rainbow coalition to defeat the BJP-led combination in the 2019 general elections. Efforts are on to cobble up unity and distribute 40 Lok Sabha seats among Mahagatbandhan rainbow coalition partners comprising the RJD, the Congress, the NCP, the HAM (Hindustani Awam Morcha), the Left and Sharad Yadav. Senior leaders of the constituent parties have been meeting away from the media glare to discuss seat sharing among them based on "realistic" ground level strength of a party in a constituency, sources in the RJD, Congress and HAM of former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said. HAM president had a fruitful meeting with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Delhi early this week, its spokesman Danish Rizwan told PTI. Congress general secretary in charge of organisation, Ashok Gehlot had met Lalu Prasad in Patna on July 12. His son Tejashwi Yadav has also met Rahul Gandhi several times. Sources insisted that "in all likelihood" the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) of Union minister Upendra Kushwaha would be part of the Mahagatbandhan. Kushwaha, Union Minister of state for HRD in the Narendra Modi cabinet, had not responded to an overture of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to join them. But, the sources insisted Kushwaha would ultimately move to their camp. Sources said as per talks so far, out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, Lalu Prasad's RJD would have almost half of them. The Congress would get 10, HAM and RLSP 4 each, NCP and Left would get one seat each. Veteran socialist leader Sharad Yadav may field his son on RJD symbol from Madhepura, they claimed. The Congress is seeking more seats claiming that its support base has increased in the state after the 2015 Assembly election. "The Congress wants to field its candidates on more than 12 seats it had fought in 2014 in alliance with RJD," its state chief spokesman H K Verma said, adding this was based on the fact that its support base had expanded now. Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, during his meeting at BPCC headquarters in Patna on July 12, faced a demand by some leaders like Rajya Sabha MP Akhilesh Singh that the party should insist on a respectable seat-sharing formula and not remain content with whatever was left over by the RJD. Following this Gehlot had said it was a "majboori" (compulsion) for the party to hold talks with parties like the RJD and earlier with the JD(U) for an alliance in Bihar and batted for strengthening the party so that it could win elections on its own. The RJD had hit back, saying they were themselves worried about the "bad shape in which the Congress is". Even HAM is eyeing for a fifth seat. The sources said that former JNU President Kanhayia Kumar might be fielded as a Left party candidate from his native Begusarai constituency. NCP general secretary Tariq Anwar might be repeated from his Katihar seat. RJD spokesman Mritunjay Tiwari said that "there is no 'kitch-kitch'(rumbling) on seat-sharing which would be sorted out by senior leaders of the constituents." As per the arrangements in the Mahagatbandhan in 2014, the RJD had contested 27 seats while Congress had put up nominees at 12 places and NCP I. The RJD, which relies on "M-Y" (Muslim-Yadav) support base, had managed to win four seats then while the Congress bagged two and NCP's Tariq Anwar emerged victorious from Katihar. The NDA camp had maximum numbers with BJP winning 22, LJP 6 and RLSP 3. The JD(U) with two seats has joined them now. But, out of the four seats won by the RJD, Madhepura MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav left it to float his own Jan Adhikar Party (JAP). The Araria seat orginally won by Mohammad Talimuddin is represented by his son Sarfaraz Alam now after his death. In addition, Lalu Prasad's party has its representatives from Bhagalpur and Banka seats. The Congress has its MP in Ranjeet Ranjan (wife of Pappu Yadav) from Supual and Mohammad Asararul Haque from Kisanganj. The RJD ranked second on 20 seats in Bihar in the last Parliamentary poll, while the Congress had ended as runners up in 8 places. The HAM is a new entrant in the camp. Its chief and former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi had walked out of the NDA on the eve of the Araria Lok Sabha bypoll early this year and joined hands with Lalu Prasad's party. Both Manjhi and Kushwaha have felt marginalised after re-entry of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party JD(U) in the NDA camp following disintegration of the Grand Alliance ministry last year. Former state Assembly speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary, who has left Nitish Kumar, is moving in the company of RJD and former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, who quit the BJP, is also with the Mahagatbandhan and could be fielded by the RJD. After ice breaking breakfast and dinner meetings with BJP president Amit Shah in Patna on July 12 last, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had exuded confidence that the seat-sharing proposal would come from the BJP in four-five weeks.

Mahagatbandhan for rainbow coalition in Bihar for 2019 poll

&nbsp;A five-storey under-construction building collapsed here today, killing at least one person and injuring some others, officials said.

The building was located in Akash Nagar area of the Masuri police station limits.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were pressed into service soon after the incident and rescue and search operations were underway, police said.

"So far, we have pulled out one dead body and rescued one person trapped in the debris," a senior NDRF official told us.&nbsp;

The Ghaziabad police said in a tweet that some labourers were rescued and sent to a hospital for treatment.

There was no report as yet if there were more people trapped in the collapsed structure.

The incident comes within a week of a six-storey under-construction building collapsing on another five-storey building in Greater Noida.

The twin-building collapse in Shahberi village had claimed nine lives, including that of a toddler and two women.

The Ghaziabad police said in a tweet that some labourers were rescued and sent to a hospital for treatment.

A five-storey under-construction building collapsed here today, killing at least one person and injuring some others, officials said. The building was located in Akash Nagar area of the Masuri police station limits. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were pressed into service soon after the incident and rescue and search operations were underway, police said. "So far, we have pulled out one dead body and rescued one person trapped in the debris," a senior NDRF official told us. The Ghaziabad police said in a tweet that some labourers were rescued and sent to a hospital for treatment. There was no report as yet if there were more people trapped in the collapsed structure. The incident comes within a week of a six-storey under-construction building collapsing on another five-storey building in Greater Noida. The twin-building collapse in Shahberi village had claimed nine lives, including that of a toddler and two women.

Uttar Pradesh: 5-storey under-construction building collapses in Ghaziabad, 1 dead

The BJP today took a dig at Rahul Gandhi, saying the Congress president might forcibly hug Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but the people of the country would not embrace him in next year's Lok Sabha election.

Attacking the Gandhi scion over his speech at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting today, BJP's national media in-charge Anil Baluni said the people will reject him in the next general election.

In a series of tweets, he also claimed that the Congress had decided to contest only 150 seats in the Lok Sabha polls, while Gandhi was dreaming to become the prime minister.

"Heard that desperate and disappointed Congress at its meeting today has set a target of contesting 150 Lok Sabha seats, while its president Rahul Gandhi is dreaming to become prime minister," Baluni tweeted in Hindi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/posters-of-rahul-hugging-pm-surface-in-mumbai-153612">Posters of Rahul hugging Prime Minister Modi surface in Mumbai</a>

Referring to the Congress chief's hug to Modi during the debate on the no-confidence motion against the government in the Lok Sabha&nbsp;on Friday, the BJP leader said it was done forcibly.

"Rahulji, you forcibly hugged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament but people will not hug you in the 2019 general election. You should prepare yourself for bringing a no-confidence motion in 2024," he tweeted.

Reacting to former prime minister Manmohan Singh's attack on Modi at the CWC meet, Baluni said while the aim of the government led by the former was to increase corruption, the current NDA dispensation was aiming to double the farmers' income. 
&nbsp;

Baluni tweeted in Hindi 'Heard that desperate and disappointed Congress at its meeting today has set a target of contesting 150 Lok Sabha seats, while its president Rahul Gandhi is dreaming to become prime minister,'

The BJP today took a dig at Rahul Gandhi, saying the Congress president might forcibly hug Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but the people of the country would not embrace him in next year's Lok Sabha election. Attacking the Gandhi scion over his speech at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting today, BJP's national media in-charge Anil Baluni said the people will reject him in the next general election. In a series of tweets, he also claimed that the Congress had decided to contest only 150 seats in the Lok Sabha polls, while Gandhi was dreaming to become the prime minister. "Heard that desperate and disappointed Congress at its meeting today has set a target of contesting 150 Lok Sabha seats, while its president Rahul Gandhi is dreaming to become prime minister," Baluni tweeted in Hindi. Also read: Posters of Rahul hugging Prime Minister Modi surface in Mumbai Referring to the Congress chief's hug to Modi during the debate on the no-confidence motion against the government in the Lok Sabha on Friday, the BJP leader said it was done forcibly. "Rahulji, you forcibly hugged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament but people will not hug you in the 2019 general election. You should prepare yourself for bringing a no-confidence motion in 2024," he tweeted. Reacting to former prime minister Manmohan Singh's attack on Modi at the CWC meet, Baluni said while the aim of the government led by the former was to increase corruption, the current NDA dispensation was aiming to double the farmers' income.

Rahul can hug PM, people will not hug him in 2019: BJP

To curb incidents of lynching and violence due to the fake news on social media, the Uttar Pradesh police will set up 'Digital Armies' of prominent residents to keep a strict vigil on inflammatory posts and rumor-mongering.&nbsp;

As part of the initiative, all the 1,469 police stations in the state will have a WhatsApp group consisting of 250 members including ex-servicemen, teachers, doctors, advocates and journalists among others, UP Director General of Police O P Singh said.

These 'digital volunteers' will inform their local police station if they stumble upon fake news on the social media and at the same time, disseminate correct information among the locals to curb the spread of rumours, he added.

"A WhatsApp group will be formed at every police station level. The group will have 250 members, who will share with the police various information, rumours, photographs and videos of their respective area," Singh said.

"Each of the 1,469 police stations will be having the digital volunteers linked through WhatsApp. The group operating at the police station level will be linked to the district WhatsApp group, which would be linked to UP DGP," he added.

On one hand, social media has ushered in the communication revolution, while on the other, anti-social elements misuse it to spread rumours by spreading fake news, photographs and videos, Singh noted.

The move comes in the wake of the Central government directions to take effective steps to stop the spread of the rumours and fake news, Singh said.

According to the state police, the application forms to become a digital volunteer are available on their website&nbsp;uppolice.Gov.In.&nbsp;

A district-level committee under the superintendent of police will select the volunteers and at least two of them will be selected from each ward, locality and village.

UP Director General of Police O P Singh said as part of the initiative, all the 1,469 police stations in the state will have a WhatsApp group consisting of 250 members including ex-servicemen, teachers, doctors, advocates and journalists among others.

To curb incidents of lynching and violence due to the fake news on social media, the Uttar Pradesh police will set up 'Digital Armies' of prominent residents to keep a strict vigil on inflammatory posts and rumor-mongering. As part of the initiative, all the 1,469 police stations in the state will have a WhatsApp group consisting of 250 members including ex-servicemen, teachers, doctors, advocates and journalists among others, UP Director General of Police O P Singh said. These 'digital volunteers' will inform their local police station if they stumble upon fake news on the social media and at the same time, disseminate correct information among the locals to curb the spread of rumours, he added. "A WhatsApp group will be formed at every police station level. The group will have 250 members, who will share with the police various information, rumours, photographs and videos of their respective area," Singh said. "Each of the 1,469 police stations will be having the digital volunteers linked through WhatsApp. The group operating at the police station level will be linked to the district WhatsApp group, which would be linked to UP DGP," he added. On one hand, social media has ushered in the communication revolution, while on the other, anti-social elements misuse it to spread rumours by spreading fake news, photographs and videos, Singh noted. The move comes in the wake of the Central government directions to take effective steps to stop the spread of the rumours and fake news, Singh said. According to the state police, the application forms to become a digital volunteer are available on their website uppolice.Gov.In. A district-level committee under the superintendent of police will select the volunteers and at least two of them will be selected from each ward, locality and village.

UP police's 'Digital Armies' to curb fake news on social media

The extended CWC on Sunday authorised Congress president Rahul Gandhi to forge an alliance with like-minded parties for the 2019 Lok Sabha election to take on the BJP.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the newly-constituted Congress Working Committee (CWC), Pradesh Congress Committee chiefs and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) members from various states.

The party also authorised Gandhi to constitute a committee to work out alliances with various national and regional parties to form a grand national alliance.

Thirty-five to 40 leaders spoke at today's meeting where they all stressed that the Congress should play a lead role in forging an anti-BJP front.

Some leaders said Gandhi being the leader of the principal opposition party should be the face of the national alliance.

Asked about party leaders wanting Gandhi to be the face of the alliance, senior Congress leader Ambika Soni said, "Naturally, he is the leader of the main national (opposition) party and we would want our leader to be the face of the opposition alliance."

Senior party leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram gave a detailed presentation on how the party could be strengthened with the help of allies in various states.

Sources said that Chidambaram highlighted that the Congress is strong in 12 states and with the help of its allies, it can forge a formidable front for the next general election.

Earlier addressing the CWC, Rahul said the expansion of the party vote base was one of the party's biggest tasks.&nbsp

''Expansion of our party vote base is one of our biggest tasks. In each constituency, we have to find people who have not voted for us and develop a strategy to reach out to them and win back their trust,'' Rahul Gandhi said during Congress Working Committee meeting.

Describing the revamped Congress Working Committee (CWC) as a bridge between the past, present and future, Gandhi&nbspasked party men to rise up and fight for India's oppressed.

''We have tried to strike to a balance between the youth and experience in the CWC. The central idea behind the formation of this CWC is to make it inclusive, diverse and dynamic and representative,'' he said.

&nbsp

Thirty-five to 40 leaders spoke at today's meeting where they all stressed that the Congress should play a lead role in forging an anti-BJP front

The extended CWC on Sunday authorised Congress president Rahul Gandhi to forge an alliance with like-minded parties for the 2019 Lok Sabha election to take on the BJP. The decision was taken at a meeting of the newly-constituted Congress Working Committee (CWC), Pradesh Congress Committee chiefs and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) members from various states. The party also authorised Gandhi to constitute a committee to work out alliances with various national and regional parties to form a grand national alliance. Thirty-five to 40 leaders spoke at today's meeting where they all stressed that the Congress should play a lead role in forging an anti-BJP front. Some leaders said Gandhi being the leader of the principal opposition party should be the face of the national alliance. Asked about party leaders wanting Gandhi to be the face of the alliance, senior Congress leader Ambika Soni said, "Naturally, he is the leader of the main national (opposition) party and we would want our leader to be the face of the opposition alliance." Senior party leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram gave a detailed presentation on how the party could be strengthened with the help of allies in various states. Sources said that Chidambaram highlighted that the Congress is strong in 12 states and with the help of its allies, it can forge a formidable front for the next general election. Earlier addressing the CWC, Rahul said the expansion of the party vote base was one of the party's biggest tasks. ''Expansion of our party vote base is one of our biggest tasks. In each constituency, we have to find people who have not voted for us and develop a strategy to reach out to them and win back their trust,'' Rahul Gandhi said during Congress Working Committee meeting. Describing the revamped Congress Working Committee (CWC) as a bridge between the past, present and future, Gandhi&nbspasked party men to rise up and fight for India's oppressed. ''We have tried to strike to a balance between the youth and experience in the CWC. The central idea behind the formation of this CWC is to make it inclusive, diverse and dynamic and representative,'' he said.

CWC authorises Rahul Gandhi to forge alliances with like-minded parties

At least four people were injured while several other are feared trapped after a five-storey under-construction building collapsed near&nbspMissal Gadi&nbspin&nbspGhaziabad&nbspon Sunday afternoon.

Teams of the&nbspNational Disaster Response Force&nbsp(NDRF), police and fire department have reached the spot and begun the rescue operations.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath directed DM and SSP of Ghaziabad to visit the site of building collapse in Ghaziabad&nbspand to take immediate action for rescue operations along with NDRF and lodge an FIR and take action against those guilty.

More details are awaited.

A few days back, at least nine people were killed after two under construction buildings, in&nbspGreater Noida's Shah Beri village collapsed.

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police and fire department have reached the spot and begun the rescue operations.

At least four people were injured while several other are feared trapped after a five-storey under-construction building collapsed near&nbspMissal Gadi&nbspin&nbspGhaziabad&nbspon Sunday afternoon. Teams of the&nbspNational Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police and fire department have reached the spot and begun the rescue operations. UP CM Yogi Adityanath directed DM and SSP of Ghaziabad to visit the site of building collapse in Ghaziabad&nbspand to take immediate action for rescue operations along with NDRF and lodge an FIR and take action against those guilty. More details are awaited. A few days back, at least nine people were killed after two under construction buildings, in&nbspGreater Noida's Shah Beri village collapsed.

Ghaziabad: 4 injured in building collapse, UP CM Yogi Adiyanath directs police to visit site

Several posters of Congress president Rahul Gandhi hugging Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha has been put up in Mumbai's Andheri.

The posters, which have been put by the Congress workers, also has a tagline that reads, "Nafrat se nahi, Pyar se jeetenge (we will win by love, not hatred)."

Rahul garnered huge attention during the discussion on no-confidence motion on July 20 after he walked up to the Prime Minister and hugged him after concluding his fiery speech.

Gandhi's unexpected gesture, which quickly became a favored video clip for television channels, came during a debate on no-confidence motion moved by the TDP against the Modi government.

He said in the debate in Parliament on the no-confidence motion was about the prime minister using "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/day-after-pm-hug-rahul-says-only-love-and-compassion-can-build-a-nation-153456">hate, fear and anger</a>" in the hearts of some people to build his narrative, and the Congress countering that through love and compassion.&nbsp;

"The point of yesterday's debate in Parliament. PM uses Hate, Fear and Anger in the hearts of some of our people to build his narrative. We are going to prove that Love and Compassion in the hearts of all Indians, is the only way to build a nation (sic)," he said on Twitter.

Though, Rahul's gesture was hailed by his party leaders as "Jaadu ki Jhappi (magical hug)", the BJP ridiculed him saying he has started "chipko movement" in the Lok Sabha.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should get himself medically tested after Congress President Rahul Gandhi embraced him during the No-Confidence Motion debate in the Lok Sabha.

Condemning Rahul's unexpected hug to the Prime Minister, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-should-get-medically-tested-after-rahuls-hug-swamy-153557">Swamy</a> said,"Rahul Gandhi should not have embraced the Prime Minister all of a sudden. What does it say about the protection of the Prime Minister inside the Parliament? This is absolutely unethical and such behaviour should be discouraged so that it does not happen in the future."

The posters, which have been put by the Congress workers, also has a tagline that reads, 'Nafrat se nahi, Pyar se jeetenge (we will win by love, not hatred).'

Several posters of Congress president Rahul Gandhi hugging Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha has been put up in Mumbai's Andheri. The posters, which have been put by the Congress workers, also has a tagline that reads, "Nafrat se nahi, Pyar se jeetenge (we will win by love, not hatred)." Rahul garnered huge attention during the discussion on no-confidence motion on July 20 after he walked up to the Prime Minister and hugged him after concluding his fiery speech. Gandhi's unexpected gesture, which quickly became a favored video clip for television channels, came during a debate on no-confidence motion moved by the TDP against the Modi government. He said in the debate in Parliament on the no-confidence motion was about the prime minister using "hate, fear and anger" in the hearts of some people to build his narrative, and the Congress countering that through love and compassion. "The point of yesterday's debate in Parliament. PM uses Hate, Fear and Anger in the hearts of some of our people to build his narrative. We are going to prove that Love and Compassion in the hearts of all Indians, is the only way to build a nation (sic)," he said on Twitter. Though, Rahul's gesture was hailed by his party leaders as "Jaadu ki Jhappi (magical hug)", the BJP ridiculed him saying he has started "chipko movement" in the Lok Sabha. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should get himself medically tested after Congress President Rahul Gandhi embraced him during the No-Confidence Motion debate in the Lok Sabha. Condemning Rahul's unexpected hug to the Prime Minister, Swamy said,"Rahul Gandhi should not have embraced the Prime Minister all of a sudden. What does it say about the protection of the Prime Minister inside the Parliament? This is absolutely unethical and such behaviour should be discouraged so that it does not happen in the future."

Posters of Rahul hugging Prime Minister Modi surface in Mumbai

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi today said he would ban liquor in the state but permit tribals to consume it as it was part of their culture, if his party forms government.

The former bureaucrat-turned-politician, who has always been considered a strong tribal leader, said he would contest all 90 Assembly seats in the state in the upcoming polls.

He said if his party comes to power in the state, they would impose a ban on booze in all areas of the state except those inhabited by tribals.

Jogi said in some of the families, it has been reported that men spend all their earnings in buying alcohol.

"So a booze ban is required. But alcohol will not be banned in tribal areas as they consider it as part of their culture," Jogi told PTI in an interview.

However, when asked about the two yardsticks on banning liquor, he said he would gradually impose the prohibition in tribal areas too.

Jogi said his party would make the poor condition of farmers and women, and unemployment in the state the main poll issues.

"There are 20 crore unemployed people in the country. The condition of women and farmers is not good in the country. We will work for their upliftment," Jogi said.

The former bureaucrat-turned-politician, who has always been considered a strong tribal leader, said he would contest all 90 Assembly seats in the state in the upcoming polls

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi today said he would ban liquor in the state but permit tribals to consume it as it was part of their culture, if his party forms government. The former bureaucrat-turned-politician, who has always been considered a strong tribal leader, said he would contest all 90 Assembly seats in the state in the upcoming polls. He said if his party comes to power in the state, they would impose a ban on booze in all areas of the state except those inhabited by tribals. Jogi said in some of the families, it has been reported that men spend all their earnings in buying alcohol. "So a booze ban is required. But alcohol will not be banned in tribal areas as they consider it as part of their culture," Jogi told PTI in an interview. However, when asked about the two yardsticks on banning liquor, he said he would gradually impose the prohibition in tribal areas too. Jogi said his party would make the poor condition of farmers and women, and unemployment in the state the main poll issues. "There are 20 crore unemployed people in the country. The condition of women and farmers is not good in the country. We will work for their upliftment," Jogi said.

'Would ban alcohol, but not for tribals': Ex-Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi

A migrant labourer was killed and 32 others were injured when an overloaded scaffolding of an under-construction building collapsed here, police said on Sunday.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami expressed grief on the death of the man and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased.

The incident took place around 7.15 pm yesterday. The deceased has been identified as Bablu. Twenty-seven people have been rescued and are undergoing treatment at various hospitals, while five were treated as out-patients, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan said.

He said the state government would bear the medical expenses of the 16 people undergoing treatment at Apollo hospitals here.

Chennai Police Commissioner A K Vishwanathan, who visited the spot, said strict action would be taken against those responsible for the incident.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the IPC, including those for causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others and causing death by negligence, he said.

No arrests or detention have been made yet in this connection, another police official told PTI, adding, "We are waiting for the debris to be cleared."

The Kanchipuram district officials, police, and fire services personnel are working round-the-clock.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel also joined the rescue operations late last night.&nbsp

Chief Minister K Palaniswami expressed grief on the death of the man and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased.

A migrant labourer was killed and 32 others were injured when an overloaded scaffolding of an under-construction building collapsed here, police said on Sunday. Chief Minister K Palaniswami expressed grief on the death of the man and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased. The incident took place around 7.15 pm yesterday. The deceased has been identified as Bablu. Twenty-seven people have been rescued and are undergoing treatment at various hospitals, while five were treated as out-patients, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan said. He said the state government would bear the medical expenses of the 16 people undergoing treatment at Apollo hospitals here. Chennai Police Commissioner A K Vishwanathan, who visited the spot, said strict action would be taken against those responsible for the incident. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the IPC, including those for causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others and causing death by negligence, he said. No arrests or detention have been made yet in this connection, another police official told PTI, adding, "We are waiting for the debris to be cleared." The Kanchipuram district officials, police, and fire services personnel are working round-the-clock. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel also joined the rescue operations late last night.

Scaffolding collapses at under-construction building in Chennai; 1 killed, 32 injured

In one of the biggest recruitment drives in central security forces, the government has decided to recruit over 54,000 jawans in armed police forces like the CRPF, BSF and ITBP among others this year.

Out of the total 54,953 vacancies advertised by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), the maximum are for the country's largest paramilitary force-- the CRPF at 21,566 posts.

A total of 47,307 vacancies are for men and 7,646 are for women in the constable (general duty) cadre in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles (posts to be called Rifleman), National Investigation Agency and the Secretariat Security Force.

"The central forces, called the central armed police forces (CAPFs) and central police organisations (CPOs), are set for further expansion by raising of new battalions and hence these new vacancies have been advertised by the government after sanction from the Union home ministry," a senior official said.

Applicants in the age group of 18-23 years and who have completed class 10 successfully, with a few exceptions and reservations, can apply for these posts.

The salary offered, as per the SSC advertisement, is in the matrix of&nbspRs.&nbsp21,700-69,100.

The candidates will undertake a computer-based exam, physical efficiency test, physical standard test and a final medical test before being inducted into these forces/organisations that are deployed as part of securing the internal security grid of the country under the command of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The last date to apply for these vacancies is August 20.

The CAPFs are deployed for guarding borders, undertaking anti-Naxal operations, assisting in law and order duties, protecting high-value infrastructure and assets apart from a variety of other security tasks across the country.

The NIA is the federal terror probe agency and the SSF provides security staff to central government establishments.

Out of the total 54,953 vacancies advertised, the maximum are for the country's largest paramilitary force-- the CRPF at 21,566 posts.

In one of the biggest recruitment drives in central security forces, the government has decided to recruit over 54,000 jawans in armed police forces like the CRPF, BSF and ITBP among others this year. Out of the total 54,953 vacancies advertised by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), the maximum are for the country's largest paramilitary force-- the CRPF at 21,566 posts. A total of 47,307 vacancies are for men and 7,646 are for women in the constable (general duty) cadre in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles (posts to be called Rifleman), National Investigation Agency and the Secretariat Security Force. "The central forces, called the central armed police forces (CAPFs) and central police organisations (CPOs), are set for further expansion by raising of new battalions and hence these new vacancies have been advertised by the government after sanction from the Union home ministry," a senior official said. Applicants in the age group of 18-23 years and who have completed class 10 successfully, with a few exceptions and reservations, can apply for these posts. The salary offered, as per the SSC advertisement, is in the matrix of&nbspRs.&nbsp21,700-69,100. The candidates will undertake a computer-based exam, physical efficiency test, physical standard test and a final medical test before being inducted into these forces/organisations that are deployed as part of securing the internal security grid of the country under the command of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The last date to apply for these vacancies is August 20. The CAPFs are deployed for guarding borders, undertaking anti-Naxal operations, assisting in law and order duties, protecting high-value infrastructure and assets apart from a variety of other security tasks across the country. The NIA is the federal terror probe agency and the SSF provides security staff to central government establishments.

Government to hire over 54,000 Jawans for central forces

The chief of the Congress women's wing has said the party would support the instant triple talaq bill if the Centre includes a provision of alimony.

All India Mahila Congress president Sushmita Dev alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party government was trying to strike a quid pro quo with the passing of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill and the women's reservation bill.

"We were never against the instant triple talaq bill. But the bill, in its present form, would be harmful to the interests of the Muslim women. It should have a provision of alimony for the victim," Dev told sources.

"I tabled an amendment in the Lok Sabha for the provision of alimony in the bill, but it did not get passed. If the amendment is accepted, then we would definitely support the bill," she said.

Dev said the aim of the bill was to ensure justice for the Muslim women and end the practice of instant triple talaq. "But what will happen to the livelihood of the women if their husbands go to jail?" she asked, adding that this aspect should be kept in mind.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, was passed in the Lok Sabha but is pending in the Rajya Sabha.

Last Monday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking him to ensure the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

A day later, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad responded to the letter with a "new deal" of equality and adequate representation by joining hands to pass the bills on women's reservation, instant triple talaq and nikah halala.

"The government is indulging in dealings. Did they say in their manifesto that they would pass both the bills together? We didn't have the majority. But they have a clear majority. If the Congress and BJP both support the women's reservation bill, then it can be passed," Dev added.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, was passed in the Lok Sabha but is pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The chief of the Congress women's wing has said the party would support the instant triple talaq bill if the Centre includes a provision of alimony. All India Mahila Congress president Sushmita Dev alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party government was trying to strike a quid pro quo with the passing of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill and the women's reservation bill. "We were never against the instant triple talaq bill. But the bill, in its present form, would be harmful to the interests of the Muslim women. It should have a provision of alimony for the victim," Dev told sources. "I tabled an amendment in the Lok Sabha for the provision of alimony in the bill, but it did not get passed. If the amendment is accepted, then we would definitely support the bill," she said. Dev said the aim of the bill was to ensure justice for the Muslim women and end the practice of instant triple talaq. "But what will happen to the livelihood of the women if their husbands go to jail?" she asked, adding that this aspect should be kept in mind. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, was passed in the Lok Sabha but is pending in the Rajya Sabha. Last Monday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking him to ensure the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Monsoon Session of Parliament. A day later, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad responded to the letter with a "new deal" of equality and adequate representation by joining hands to pass the bills on women's reservation, instant triple talaq and nikah halala. "The government is indulging in dealings. Did they say in their manifesto that they would pass both the bills together? We didn't have the majority. But they have a clear majority. If the Congress and BJP both support the women's reservation bill, then it can be passed," Dev added.

'Will support talaq bill if alimony provision added': Congress women's chief

A Pakistani intruder, believed to be a guide of terrorists, was shot dead by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, a spokesman of the border guarding force said.

The intruder was shot dead after the security forces saw him trying to enter the Indian territory, said Ram Awtar, Inspector General, BSF, Jammu frontier.

BSF troops, guarding the border in Hiranagar sector, observed a man entering into Indian territory around 0700 hours and challenged him, the spokesman said.

A police official said the man was around 24 years of age and some Pakistani currency was recovered from his possession.

"Instead of paying any heed to the warning, the individual tried to take cover in the nearby undulating ground. BSF sentry shot the individual foiling any chance of possible infiltration or escape of the individual back to Pakistani territory," the spokesman said.

He said, "It is assumed that the intruder was guide of the terrorists who were waiting for his clearance signal. Body of individual has been recovered and legal formalities are in hand."

The complete area has been cordoned off and the search operation is underway.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: A Pakistani intruder was gunned down by BSF at Bobiya in Hiranagar Sector of Kathua district earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/WMc9bVgZHk">pic.twitter.com/WMc9bVgZHk</a>
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&nbsp;

A police official said the man was around 24 years of age and some Pakistani currency was recovered from his possession.

A Pakistani intruder, believed to be a guide of terrorists, was shot dead by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, a spokesman of the border guarding force said. The intruder was shot dead after the security forces saw him trying to enter the Indian territory, said Ram Awtar, Inspector General, BSF, Jammu frontier. BSF troops, guarding the border in Hiranagar sector, observed a man entering into Indian territory around 0700 hours and challenged him, the spokesman said. A police official said the man was around 24 years of age and some Pakistani currency was recovered from his possession. "Instead of paying any heed to the warning, the individual tried to take cover in the nearby undulating ground. BSF sentry shot the individual foiling any chance of possible infiltration or escape of the individual back to Pakistani territory," the spokesman said. He said, "It is assumed that the intruder was guide of the terrorists who were waiting for his clearance signal. Body of individual has been recovered and legal formalities are in hand." The complete area has been cordoned off and the search operation is underway. #JammuAndKashmir: A Pakistani intruder was gunned down by BSF at Bobiya in Hiranagar Sector of Kathua district earlier today. pic.twitter.com/WMc9bVgZHk — ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2018 ×

J&K: Pakistan intruder gunned down by BSF in Kathua, currency recovered

The GST Council has pruned the 28 per cent slab by cutting tax rates on 191 goods over the last one year, leaving just 35 items, including ACs digital cameras, video recorders, dishwashing machine and automobiles, in the highest tax bracket.

There were around 226 goods in the 28 per cent category when Goods and Services Tax( GST) was implemented on July 1, 2017.

Over the last one year, the Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister and comprising state ministers, has slashed rates in 191 items.

The 35 goods, which will be left in highest slab once the new GST rates are implemented from July 27, also include cement, automobile parts, tyres, automobile equipment, motor vehicles. yachts, aircrafts, aerated drinks, betting and demerit items like tobacco, cigarette and pan masala.

Experts said going forward as the revenues stabilise, the Council may look at further rationalisation of the 28 per cent slab, to restrict the highest tax slab to super luxury and sin goods.

Following the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, Interim Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced reduced GST rates for a variety of commodities.

Addressing a presser, Goyal said, "After careful considerations and discussion with the state finance ministers, we (the GST Council) have decided to implement these changes for the welfare of the middle classes and small businesses and traders. Besides revenue collection, the GST council will now focus on job creation as well."

The decisions made on Saturday will be applicable from 27 July.

Apart from a 100 per cent waiver of GST on sanitary pads, the council has decided to nullify tax on raw materials such as stone, marble and wood, used by for making handicrafts like sculptures. Also, rakhis, sal leaves, the raw materials used to make regular brooms have also been fully exempted from being charged under GST.

The GST charged for commodities such as lithium-ion batteries, vacuum cleaners, food grinders, mixers, storage water heaters, head dryers, hand dryers, paint, varnishes, water cooler, milk cooler, ice cream coolers, perfumes, toilet sprays and other toiletries has been slashed from 28 per cent to 18 per cent.

The GST on handbags, jewellery box, wooden box for paintings, glass art ware, ornamental framed mirrors, handmade lamps, wax, natural gum, iron and brass products have been reduced from 18 per cent to 12 per cent.

There were around 226 goods in the 28 per cent category when Goods and Services Tax( GST) was implemented on July 1, 2017.

The GST Council has pruned the 28 per cent slab by cutting tax rates on 191 goods over the last one year, leaving just 35 items, including ACs digital cameras, video recorders, dishwashing machine and automobiles, in the highest tax bracket. There were around 226 goods in the 28 per cent category when Goods and Services Tax( GST) was implemented on July 1, 2017. Over the last one year, the Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister and comprising state ministers, has slashed rates in 191 items. The 35 goods, which will be left in highest slab once the new GST rates are implemented from July 27, also include cement, automobile parts, tyres, automobile equipment, motor vehicles. yachts, aircrafts, aerated drinks, betting and demerit items like tobacco, cigarette and pan masala. Experts said going forward as the revenues stabilise, the Council may look at further rationalisation of the 28 per cent slab, to restrict the highest tax slab to super luxury and sin goods. Following the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, Interim Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced reduced GST rates for a variety of commodities. Addressing a presser, Goyal said, "After careful considerations and discussion with the state finance ministers, we (the GST Council) have decided to implement these changes for the welfare of the middle classes and small businesses and traders. Besides revenue collection, the GST council will now focus on job creation as well." The decisions made on Saturday will be applicable from 27 July. Apart from a 100 per cent waiver of GST on sanitary pads, the council has decided to nullify tax on raw materials such as stone, marble and wood, used by for making handicrafts like sculptures. Also, rakhis, sal leaves, the raw materials used to make regular brooms have also been fully exempted from being charged under GST. The GST charged for commodities such as lithium-ion batteries, vacuum cleaners, food grinders, mixers, storage water heaters, head dryers, hand dryers, paint, varnishes, water cooler, milk cooler, ice cream coolers, perfumes, toilet sprays and other toiletries has been slashed from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. The GST on handbags, jewellery box, wooden box for paintings, glass art ware, ornamental framed mirrors, handmade lamps, wax, natural gum, iron and brass products have been reduced from 18 per cent to 12 per cent.

Only 35 goods, including air conditioners, remain in highest GST bracket

The Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry is set to move a proposal before the Cabinet this week for enhanced punishment in cases of sexual assault of male children, a senior official said.

The Law Ministry has cleared the proposal to amend the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, for enhancing punishment in cases of sexual assault against young boys, officials said.

The POCSO Act deals with sexual offences against those below 18 years of age.

"Amendments to the POCSO Act for enhanced punishment for sexual assaults of young boys have been approved by the Law Ministry. It will be sent to the Cabinet in two-three days," the WCD Ministry official said, without elaborating on the details of the proposal.

Sources said that the ministry was working on the proposal to amend the Act to make raping a child below 12, punishable with the death penalty.

The move is being seen to bring in a gender-neutral law while dealing with cases of sexual assaults.

Earlier, WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi supported a petition on Change.org by film-maker-activist Insia Dariwala, who said, "male child sexual abuse is an ignored reality in India".

Change.org stated that Gandhi, to whom the petition was addressed, had replied to the plea through "Decision Maker" response.

"Child sexual abuse is gender neutral. Boys who are sexually abused as children spend a lifetime of silence because of the stigma and shame attached to male survivors speaking out. It is a serious problem and needs to be addressed," she had said in April.

The Union Cabinet last week decided to introduce a bill that provides stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of raping girls below the age of 12 years.

In 2007, the ministry had sampled 12,447 children in families, schools, at work and living on the street. It had found that more than half had faced sexual abuse, and 53 percent of victims were boys.

For Delhi, the figure was 60 per cent.

The Law Ministry has cleared the proposal to amend the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, for enhancing punishment in cases of sexual assault against young boys, officials said.

The Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry is set to move a proposal before the Cabinet this week for enhanced punishment in cases of sexual assault of male children, a senior official said. The Law Ministry has cleared the proposal to amend the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, for enhancing punishment in cases of sexual assault against young boys, officials said. The POCSO Act deals with sexual offences against those below 18 years of age. "Amendments to the POCSO Act for enhanced punishment for sexual assaults of young boys have been approved by the Law Ministry. It will be sent to the Cabinet in two-three days," the WCD Ministry official said, without elaborating on the details of the proposal. Sources said that the ministry was working on the proposal to amend the Act to make raping a child below 12, punishable with the death penalty. The move is being seen to bring in a gender-neutral law while dealing with cases of sexual assaults. Earlier, WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi supported a petition on Change.org by film-maker-activist Insia Dariwala, who said, "male child sexual abuse is an ignored reality in India". Change.org stated that Gandhi, to whom the petition was addressed, had replied to the plea through "Decision Maker" response. "Child sexual abuse is gender neutral. Boys who are sexually abused as children spend a lifetime of silence because of the stigma and shame attached to male survivors speaking out. It is a serious problem and needs to be addressed," she had said in April. The Union Cabinet last week decided to introduce a bill that provides stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of raping girls below the age of 12 years. In 2007, the ministry had sampled 12,447 children in families, schools, at work and living on the street. It had found that more than half had faced sexual abuse, and 53 percent of victims were boys. For Delhi, the figure was 60 per cent.

Soon, proposal for enhanced punishment for sexual assault on boys

BJP MLA Phool Meena Singh, 59, from Udaipur, Rajasthan, has decided to go back to school after almost 40 years.&nbsp

Meena had dropped out of school following his father's death. He has four daughters, who encouraged him to study and enroll in school.&nbsp

"After death of my father, I had to drop school and take up farming to take care of my family," Meena told PTI.

The politician wanted to take up studies after he felt his talks at schools were sounding hollow due to his lack of knowledge. The MLA, had earlier studied till Class VII.&nbsp

He filled the examination form from an open board for class 10 in 2013, but could not take the test due to his busy schedule as an MLA. But he appeared for exams in 2016 and cleared it. Then in 2016-2017, he passed class 12.

Meena said he was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Beti Bachao Beti Padao campaign and encouraged ST and SC girls in his constituency to enrol themselves in schools. He announced free plane ride to Pink city Jaipur for girls scoring more than 80 per cent in secondary and higher secondary examinations.

He said, "Two students were provided free plane rides to Jaipur in 2016 and six in 2017. They were felicitated by the chief minister and her cabinet colleagues and also given a tour of the state Legislative Assembly."&nbsp

As Meena does not get free time to attend classes due to his busy work schedule, his teacher, Sanjay Lunawat, a principal from the government senior secondary school at Manvakheda near Udaipur, helps the MLA by providing him study material.&nbsp

"While encouraging others to study, I felt deep pain that I did not complete my education. My daughters sensed the pain and motivated me to go back to school," He said.

Meena, who recently appeared for BA first year exams, believes if the people's representatives are educated than only they can motivate others.

Meena had dropped out of school following his father's death. He has four daughters, who encouraged him to study and enroll in school.

BJP MLA Phool Meena Singh, 59, from Udaipur, Rajasthan, has decided to go back to school after almost 40 years. Meena had dropped out of school following his father's death. He has four daughters, who encouraged him to study and enroll in school. "After death of my father, I had to drop school and take up farming to take care of my family," Meena told PTI. The politician wanted to take up studies after he felt his talks at schools were sounding hollow due to his lack of knowledge. The MLA, had earlier studied till Class VII. He filled the examination form from an open board for class 10 in 2013, but could not take the test due to his busy schedule as an MLA. But he appeared for exams in 2016 and cleared it. Then in 2016-2017, he passed class 12. Meena said he was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Beti Bachao Beti Padao campaign and encouraged ST and SC girls in his constituency to enrol themselves in schools. He announced free plane ride to Pink city Jaipur for girls scoring more than 80 per cent in secondary and higher secondary examinations. He said, "Two students were provided free plane rides to Jaipur in 2016 and six in 2017. They were felicitated by the chief minister and her cabinet colleagues and also given a tour of the state Legislative Assembly." As Meena does not get free time to attend classes due to his busy work schedule, his teacher, Sanjay Lunawat, a principal from the government senior secondary school at Manvakheda near Udaipur, helps the MLA by providing him study material. "While encouraging others to study, I felt deep pain that I did not complete my education. My daughters sensed the pain and motivated me to go back to school," He said. Meena, who recently appeared for BA first year exams, believes if the people's representatives are educated than only they can motivate others.

Rajasthan: 59-yr-old BJP MLA Phool Singh Meena enrolls back to school

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