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Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao has announced that the state government would examine the issue of including 30 nomadic communities among the backward classes (BC).

Rao has entrusted the responsibility of studying the issue to MP K. Keshava Rao and the Chief Secretary to the Government.

The Chief Minister released a Telugu Book titled "BC Castes and Nomads" authored by BC commission member Juluru Gowri Shankar at Pragathi Bhavan yesterday.

He said that after the survey, the BC commission would interact with the Chief Secretary to take a final decision.

The nomads likely to be included in the BCs list include, Sarollu, Aravakomati, Tholubommalatavaru, Kulla Kadagi, Bail Kammara, Aheer, Govili, Bagothula, Boppala, Ganjikutivaru, Sri Kshatriya Ramajogi, Enooti, Gurrapu Vaaru, Addapur Vaaru, Kadari Thidarollu, Saragaani, Od, Maasaiahlu or patam varu, Saadana soorulu, Rumja, Panasa, Pekkara, Pandavula varu, Gouda Jetti, Aadi Kodukulu, Thera Cheerala, Kaaki Padagala, Manda Hechchula, Paapala, Sannayollu/Bathina are to be include in the list of Backward classes.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Rao instructed the officers of irrigation department that they should take care of every drop of water without any waste and should be diverted towards the tanks in the state.

The Chief Minister said, "All through the year, 365 days every tank in the state should blossom with water. The chain of tanks that have come into existence since days of kakatiyas should be converted as live sources of water and make complete use of the irrigated source in Telangana."

Rao suggested that an appropriate strategy has to be evolved to fill the chain of tanks through the waters flowing from the canals of major and medium irrigation projects, rain water and the regenerated water. He further instructed that linking the canals to the tanks Mandal wise irrigation maps are to be designed.

The Chief Minister also held a review meeting on linkage of chain of tanks with major and medium irrigation project canals water.

The Chief Minister said that an appropriate strategy to fill up the chain of tanks totally in the coming two months and also construction of required canals to fill the tanks should be completed in a year's time.

He also assured that the funds required for this will be released immediately.&nbsp

Chief Minister Rao instructed the officers of irrigation department that they should take care of every drop of water.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao has announced that the state government would examine the issue of including 30 nomadic communities among the backward classes (BC). Rao has entrusted the responsibility of studying the issue to MP K. Keshava Rao and the Chief Secretary to the Government. The Chief Minister released a Telugu Book titled "BC Castes and Nomads" authored by BC commission member Juluru Gowri Shankar at Pragathi Bhavan yesterday. He said that after the survey, the BC commission would interact with the Chief Secretary to take a final decision. The nomads likely to be included in the BCs list include, Sarollu, Aravakomati, Tholubommalatavaru, Kulla Kadagi, Bail Kammara, Aheer, Govili, Bagothula, Boppala, Ganjikutivaru, Sri Kshatriya Ramajogi, Enooti, Gurrapu Vaaru, Addapur Vaaru, Kadari Thidarollu, Saragaani, Od, Maasaiahlu or patam varu, Saadana soorulu, Rumja, Panasa, Pekkara, Pandavula varu, Gouda Jetti, Aadi Kodukulu, Thera Cheerala, Kaaki Padagala, Manda Hechchula, Paapala, Sannayollu/Bathina are to be include in the list of Backward classes. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Rao instructed the officers of irrigation department that they should take care of every drop of water without any waste and should be diverted towards the tanks in the state. The Chief Minister said, "All through the year, 365 days every tank in the state should blossom with water. The chain of tanks that have come into existence since days of kakatiyas should be converted as live sources of water and make complete use of the irrigated source in Telangana." Rao suggested that an appropriate strategy has to be evolved to fill the chain of tanks through the waters flowing from the canals of major and medium irrigation projects, rain water and the regenerated water. He further instructed that linking the canals to the tanks Mandal wise irrigation maps are to be designed. The Chief Minister also held a review meeting on linkage of chain of tanks with major and medium irrigation project canals water. The Chief Minister said that an appropriate strategy to fill up the chain of tanks totally in the coming two months and also construction of required canals to fill the tanks should be completed in a year's time. He also assured that the funds required for this will be released immediately.

Telangana government to examine inclusion of nomads in backward classes list

The green-shoots of demand growth seen in some rural pockets is driven by farm loan waivers and not likely due to real increases in rural incomes and wages, indicative that the economy is still some time away from a full-blown rural revival, says a report.

Noting that rural demand has been on the rise in recent months, the report says the upward trend is visible from the sale of big-ticket items like tractors and the latest corporate earnings of consumer goods companies.

According to recent Nielsen data, rural growth outpaced urban demand, rising by 13.5 per cent in the March quarter.

Many large states have announced farm loan waivers last year, as farmer suicides became a big political tool. Last week, Karnataka became the latest state to join UP, MP, Maharashtra and Punjab among others to write off farm loans.

“But the extent of this pick-up depends on a number of factors. Firstly, a good monsoon alone will not do the trick. Adequate procurement and the effectiveness of MSPs to act as a floor for crop prices will be crucial,” a report by HDFC Bank said.

Though there are clear signs that rural demand is recovering from setbacks due to the 2016 note-ban and GST disruptions, “we have our reservations over the extent of this increase as this could be due to the loan waivers,” says the report penned by the banks chief economist Abheek Barua.

“The recent jump in items such as tractor sales could have at least been driven by the farm loan waivers. A similar phenomenon was witnessed in 2009 when the then government had waived farm loans and tractor sales grew by 30 per cent. So, it is uncertain whether the recent increase is a one-time spike or a reflection of genuine improvement in the rural income situation,” he explained.

Secondly, the higher numbers come from weak a base. “The increase in rural demand is coming over two years of weak growth as demonetisation took a hit on consumption. Therefore, this could be a bounce back from the 2016 lows and not necessarily translate into the required higher momentum in rural demand,” argues Barua.

Thirdly, despite the fall in agriculture output in FY18, rural demand might have risen on the back of affluent farmers spending and the rise in items such as tractor sales could partly capture this.

As per the price-income survey, 34 per cent of rural consumption comes from only the top 5 per cent (according to income) of the rural population while 33 per cent come from the bottom 50 per cent. Therefore, strong demand from the more affluent rural population could have outweighed the decline in demand from majority.

Noting that the rural wages have been on a steady decline, which is the most important leg of the rural demand growth, the report says nominal rural wage growth has been moderating since the middle of 2017. Wage growth declined to 3 per cent in February 2018 from over 7 per cent in April 2017.

Also, real wage growth has seen a secular decline over the last year and has now turned negative. For a strong and sustainable rise in rural consumption, an increase in rural wage growth is essential.

Usually, rural wage growth is linked with the performance of the monsoons and agriculture growth. However, the non-farm sector of the rural economy bears an equal if not higher influence over overall rural wage pressures.

Non-farm activities like construction, manufacturing and services account for over 60 per cent of the value added in rural output. The break-up of rural wage growth into agri and non-agri shows that while farm wages saw a sharper decline, the fall is not restricted to the farm sector as both agri and non-agri wages declined with the former wages more than the latter.

Agriculture wage growth declined from close to 9 per cent in April 2017 to 2.3 per cent in February 2018 while nonagricultural wage growth moderated from 5 to 3.7 per cent during the same period.

Construction wage growth rose for during 2016 and 2017 driving up agriculture and overall rural wage growth during this period. However, in recent months, construction wage growth has declined sharply from over 6 per cent in April 2017 to 3.2 per cent in February 2018) and is likely to have pulled down agriculture and overall rural wage growth.

On the impact of the MSP hikes, the report says that mere announcement will not increase the income of farmers but adequate procurement holds the key. Similarly, a good monsoon does not necessarily imply a rise in rural incomes.

It can be noted that ahead of the elections, the Centre recently announced massive hikes in minimum support price across a slew of farm produces. This is the steepest such increase by the Modi government and analysts have warned that this would push up retail inflation by at least 70-80 basis points.

The green-shoots of demand growth seen in some rural pockets is driven by farm loan waivers and not likely due to real increases in rural incomes and wages, indicative that the economy is still some time away from a full-blown rural revival, says a report.

The green-shoots of demand growth seen in some rural pockets is driven by farm loan waivers and not likely due to real increases in rural incomes and wages, indicative that the economy is still some time away from a full-blown rural revival, says a report. Noting that rural demand has been on the rise in recent months, the report says the upward trend is visible from the sale of big-ticket items like tractors and the latest corporate earnings of consumer goods companies. According to recent Nielsen data, rural growth outpaced urban demand, rising by 13.5 per cent in the March quarter. Many large states have announced farm loan waivers last year, as farmer suicides became a big political tool. Last week, Karnataka became the latest state to join UP, MP, Maharashtra and Punjab among others to write off farm loans. “But the extent of this pick-up depends on a number of factors. Firstly, a good monsoon alone will not do the trick. Adequate procurement and the effectiveness of MSPs to act as a floor for crop prices will be crucial,” a report by HDFC Bank said. Though there are clear signs that rural demand is recovering from setbacks due to the 2016 note-ban and GST disruptions, “we have our reservations over the extent of this increase as this could be due to the loan waivers,” says the report penned by the banks chief economist Abheek Barua. “The recent jump in items such as tractor sales could have at least been driven by the farm loan waivers. A similar phenomenon was witnessed in 2009 when the then government had waived farm loans and tractor sales grew by 30 per cent. So, it is uncertain whether the recent increase is a one-time spike or a reflection of genuine improvement in the rural income situation,” he explained. Secondly, the higher numbers come from weak a base. “The increase in rural demand is coming over two years of weak growth as demonetisation took a hit on consumption. Therefore, this could be a bounce back from the 2016 lows and not necessarily translate into the required higher momentum in rural demand,” argues Barua. Thirdly, despite the fall in agriculture output in FY18, rural demand might have risen on the back of affluent farmers spending and the rise in items such as tractor sales could partly capture this. As per the price-income survey, 34 per cent of rural consumption comes from only the top 5 per cent (according to income) of the rural population while 33 per cent come from the bottom 50 per cent. Therefore, strong demand from the more affluent rural population could have outweighed the decline in demand from majority. Noting that the rural wages have been on a steady decline, which is the most important leg of the rural demand growth, the report says nominal rural wage growth has been moderating since the middle of 2017. Wage growth declined to 3 per cent in February 2018 from over 7 per cent in April 2017. Also, real wage growth has seen a secular decline over the last year and has now turned negative. For a strong and sustainable rise in rural consumption, an increase in rural wage growth is essential. Usually, rural wage growth is linked with the performance of the monsoons and agriculture growth. However, the non-farm sector of the rural economy bears an equal if not higher influence over overall rural wage pressures. Non-farm activities like construction, manufacturing and services account for over 60 per cent of the value added in rural output. The break-up of rural wage growth into agri and non-agri shows that while farm wages saw a sharper decline, the fall is not restricted to the farm sector as both agri and non-agri wages declined with the former wages more than the latter. Agriculture wage growth declined from close to 9 per cent in April 2017 to 2.3 per cent in February 2018 while nonagricultural wage growth moderated from 5 to 3.7 per cent during the same period. Construction wage growth rose for during 2016 and 2017 driving up agriculture and overall rural wage growth during this period. However, in recent months, construction wage growth has declined sharply from over 6 per cent in April 2017 to 3.2 per cent in February 2018) and is likely to have pulled down agriculture and overall rural wage growth. On the impact of the MSP hikes, the report says that mere announcement will not increase the income of farmers but adequate procurement holds the key. Similarly, a good monsoon does not necessarily imply a rise in rural incomes. It can be noted that ahead of the elections, the Centre recently announced massive hikes in minimum support price across a slew of farm produces. This is the steepest such increase by the Modi government and analysts have warned that this would push up retail inflation by at least 70-80 basis points.

Farm loan waivers, not real income growth, driving rural revival: Report

Taking serious note of the police’s failure to trace a minor girl who went missing from Thane district last year, the Bombay High Court said it was high time that the police machinery changed its mindset.&nbsp

In an order passed earlier on July 10, a bench of Justices S C Dharamadhikari and Bharati Dangre said the police authorities must stop assuming that every missing person’s case, involving a minor girl, was about her having eloped with a lover, as depicted in films. “We are most unhappy with the state of affairs and the prevailing mindset of the police… Let not the investigating teams and officials placed at the highest level treat every case as one where the girl child runs away with the boy she loves, particularly as depicted in cinema or a film on the screen,” the bench said.

Let the authorities not forget that these are real-life events and there are persons who are suffering on account of the loss of their children and also, where the children who have gone missing might be suffering too, it said. “…it is high time that a change is brought about in their mindsets,” the court said. The observations were made while the bench was hearing a writ petition filed earlier this year by the girl’s father, seeking that the police be directed to expedite its search for his daughter.

In compliance with the court’s previous directions, Additional Public Prosecutor J P Yagnik submitted a report in the court expressing helplessness on part of the police in tracing the girl. He submitted that as per the probe conducted so far, the minor girl had left the home of her own accord after being “enticed” by a senior boy from her school. The two of them had escaped to Tamil Nadu, and they kept changing their locations, Yagnik told the high court.

He also told the court that the police had recorded the statement of the boy’s parents and they were not under any suspicion. At this, the court asked the police how could they say with such certainty that the boy’s parents, his relatives, or friends were not involved? “Can school children stay on their own in an unknown place for so long? How are they changing locations, shifting hotels, who is giving them the money? Why don’t you go back to question the family and relatives? How can you (police) be sure that they haven’t been lying?” the bench asked.

It was such a mindset of the police and other probe agencies that was frustrating the purpose of laws such as the Juvenile Justice Act, and the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act, the court observed. “This is a case of the alleged minor being abducted/removed from the lawful custody from her parents. There could be a deeper intention and we have often found that such vulnerable children land up in either prostitution racket, or are forced to take up some other work at a young age,” the bench said.

The parents of such girls are left virtually with no support from any quarters, much less the police machinery, it said. The court has now granted an additional two weeks to the police to submit a fresh status report, and said it hoped that “some positive changes will emerge in the mindset of the officials”.&nbsp

In an order passed earlier on July 10, a bench of Justices S C Dharamadhikari and Bharati Dangre said the police authorities must stop assuming that every missing person’s case, involving a minor girl, was about her having eloped with a lover, as depicted in films

Taking serious note of the police’s failure to trace a minor girl who went missing from Thane district last year, the Bombay High Court said it was high time that the police machinery changed its mindset. In an order passed earlier on July 10, a bench of Justices S C Dharamadhikari and Bharati Dangre said the police authorities must stop assuming that every missing person’s case, involving a minor girl, was about her having eloped with a lover, as depicted in films. “We are most unhappy with the state of affairs and the prevailing mindset of the police… Let not the investigating teams and officials placed at the highest level treat every case as one where the girl child runs away with the boy she loves, particularly as depicted in cinema or a film on the screen,” the bench said. Let the authorities not forget that these are real-life events and there are persons who are suffering on account of the loss of their children and also, where the children who have gone missing might be suffering too, it said. “…it is high time that a change is brought about in their mindsets,” the court said. The observations were made while the bench was hearing a writ petition filed earlier this year by the girl’s father, seeking that the police be directed to expedite its search for his daughter. In compliance with the court’s previous directions, Additional Public Prosecutor J P Yagnik submitted a report in the court expressing helplessness on part of the police in tracing the girl. He submitted that as per the probe conducted so far, the minor girl had left the home of her own accord after being “enticed” by a senior boy from her school. The two of them had escaped to Tamil Nadu, and they kept changing their locations, Yagnik told the high court. He also told the court that the police had recorded the statement of the boy’s parents and they were not under any suspicion. At this, the court asked the police how could they say with such certainty that the boy’s parents, his relatives, or friends were not involved? “Can school children stay on their own in an unknown place for so long? How are they changing locations, shifting hotels, who is giving them the money? Why don’t you go back to question the family and relatives? How can you (police) be sure that they haven’t been lying?” the bench asked. It was such a mindset of the police and other probe agencies that was frustrating the purpose of laws such as the Juvenile Justice Act, and the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act, the court observed. “This is a case of the alleged minor being abducted/removed from the lawful custody from her parents. There could be a deeper intention and we have often found that such vulnerable children land up in either prostitution racket, or are forced to take up some other work at a young age,” the bench said. The parents of such girls are left virtually with no support from any quarters, much less the police machinery, it said. The court has now granted an additional two weeks to the police to submit a fresh status report, and said it hoped that “some positive changes will emerge in the mindset of the officials”.

Stop looking for ‘love angle’ in every missing girl case, Bombay high court to cops

After contesting the last two Lok Sabha elections from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, Congress leader and former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin is keen to fight the 2019 polls from his home state Telangana's Secunderabad constituency.

Azhar, who won the Lok Sabha election from Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) in 2009 but lost in 2014 from Tonk-Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan), said the final decision from where he would contest would be taken by the Congress high command, but he has conveyed his desire to fight from Secunderabad to the party.

In an interview to PTI, Azhar said he contested from Moradabad and then moved to Tonk as he was "not the sort of person who likes to play safe".

Azhar said he is keen to contest from Secunderabad as a lot of people have told him that he should fight from his own state this time.

"I have visited so many places and villages in the constituency and spoken with farmers and other people, they all welcomed me to contest from there," he said.

"I have conveyed my feelings (to the party and the leaders in-charge of the state). At the end of the day, the party is the supreme power. I am not the captain (here), if I were the captain, I would have chosen the constituency right away," the 55-year-old cricketer-turned-politician said.

On his chances of winning from Secunderabad, Azhar said he does not think of winning and losing as he was motivated by the opinion of the people.

"I want to work for the people there (Secunderabad). I have worked very hard in the constituency, but I don't believe in publicity," said Azhar, who hails from Hyderabad, whose twin city is Secunderabad.

"What I gathered from my party is that, they are also keen that I go there (Secunderabad)," he said.

The Congress' Telangana unit last year had urged Azhar to contest either the state assembly polls or the Lok Sabha elections in 2019, from the state.

Asked if contesting from Tonk in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls was a mistake, he answered in the negative.

Azhar said that what happened with Moradabad was that in the assembly elections in 2012, there was an issue with ticket distribution and a lot of workers went away to different parties, so that was the reason for not contesting from there.

He said he gave a good fight from the Rajasthan seat and so it was not a mistake.

"You can't play safe all the time. I am not the sort of person who likes to play safe," he said.

Asked what made him choose Congress when he took the plunge into politics, Azhar said, "I wanted to join the Congress as it is a secular party. Also, I had great respect for Mr Rajiv Gandhi."

Azhar said the farmers' problems and difficulties caused by GST and demonetisation were the most important issues that needed to be addressed and claimed that there was resentment against the central government in rural areas over these issues.

Bandaru Dattatreya of the BJP is the sitting MP from Secunderabad.&nbsp

Azhar, who won the Lok Sabha election from Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) in 2009 but lost in 2014 from Tonk-Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan), said the final decision from where he would contest would be taken by the Congress high command

After contesting the last two Lok Sabha elections from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, Congress leader and former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin is keen to fight the 2019 polls from his home state Telangana's Secunderabad constituency. Azhar, who won the Lok Sabha election from Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) in 2009 but lost in 2014 from Tonk-Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan), said the final decision from where he would contest would be taken by the Congress high command, but he has conveyed his desire to fight from Secunderabad to the party. In an interview to PTI, Azhar said he contested from Moradabad and then moved to Tonk as he was "not the sort of person who likes to play safe". Azhar said he is keen to contest from Secunderabad as a lot of people have told him that he should fight from his own state this time. "I have visited so many places and villages in the constituency and spoken with farmers and other people, they all welcomed me to contest from there," he said. "I have conveyed my feelings (to the party and the leaders in-charge of the state). At the end of the day, the party is the supreme power. I am not the captain (here), if I were the captain, I would have chosen the constituency right away," the 55-year-old cricketer-turned-politician said. On his chances of winning from Secunderabad, Azhar said he does not think of winning and losing as he was motivated by the opinion of the people. "I want to work for the people there (Secunderabad). I have worked very hard in the constituency, but I don't believe in publicity," said Azhar, who hails from Hyderabad, whose twin city is Secunderabad. "What I gathered from my party is that, they are also keen that I go there (Secunderabad)," he said. The Congress' Telangana unit last year had urged Azhar to contest either the state assembly polls or the Lok Sabha elections in 2019, from the state. Asked if contesting from Tonk in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls was a mistake, he answered in the negative. Azhar said that what happened with Moradabad was that in the assembly elections in 2012, there was an issue with ticket distribution and a lot of workers went away to different parties, so that was the reason for not contesting from there. He said he gave a good fight from the Rajasthan seat and so it was not a mistake. "You can't play safe all the time. I am not the sort of person who likes to play safe," he said. Asked what made him choose Congress when he took the plunge into politics, Azhar said, "I wanted to join the Congress as it is a secular party. Also, I had great respect for Mr Rajiv Gandhi." Azhar said the farmers' problems and difficulties caused by GST and demonetisation were the most important issues that needed to be addressed and claimed that there was resentment against the central government in rural areas over these issues. Bandaru Dattatreya of the BJP is the sitting MP from Secunderabad.

Azhar keen to contest 2019 polls from Secunderabad in Telangana

India and the US are likely to hold their first tri-services military drill later this year and talks to finalise the modalities of the exercise are on, a senior Defence Ministry official has said.

The three wings of the armed forces of India and the US hold separate military exercises, but this will be the first time that the two countries will have a joint drill of their Army, Air Force and the Navy.&nbsp;

The topic is likely to come up for discussion in September during the 2 plus 2 Dialogue involving External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on one side and US Secretary of State

Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis on the other.

Sitharaman and Mattis, during his visit to India last year, had deliberated on exploring additional specialised military drills between the two countries.

This will be second such international military drill involving all the three services.&nbsp;

Last year, an Indian contingent comprising 350 personnel from Army, 80 from Air Force, two IL 76 aircraft and one Frigate and Corvette each from the Navy participated in a bilateral exercise, 'Indra 2017', with the Russian forces in Eastern Military District of Russia.

The armies of India and the US also participated in Exercise Yudh Abhyas - 2017 at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, while the navies of India and the US had last month participated in Malabar 2018, a trilateral exercise involving Japan.&nbsp;

India and the US hold separate military exercises, but this will be the first time that the two countries will have a joint drill of their Army, Air Force and the Navy.

India and the US are likely to hold their first tri-services military drill later this year and talks to finalise the modalities of the exercise are on, a senior Defence Ministry official has said. The three wings of the armed forces of India and the US hold separate military exercises, but this will be the first time that the two countries will have a joint drill of their Army, Air Force and the Navy. The topic is likely to come up for discussion in September during the 2 plus 2 Dialogue involving External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on one side and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis on the other. Sitharaman and Mattis, during his visit to India last year, had deliberated on exploring additional specialised military drills between the two countries. This will be second such international military drill involving all the three services. Last year, an Indian contingent comprising 350 personnel from Army, 80 from Air Force, two IL 76 aircraft and one Frigate and Corvette each from the Navy participated in a bilateral exercise, 'Indra 2017', with the Russian forces in Eastern Military District of Russia. The armies of India and the US also participated in Exercise Yudh Abhyas - 2017 at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, while the navies of India and the US had last month participated in Malabar 2018, a trilateral exercise involving Japan.

India, US likely to hold first tri-services military drill later this year: Official

Days after Amartya Sen lamented that India has taken a quantum jump backwards since 2014, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar today said the Nobel laureate should spend some time in the country to see the structural reforms undertaken by the Modi government.

"I wish Professor Amartya Sen would spend some time within India and actually look at conditions on the ground. And at least review all work that has been done in the last four years by the Modi government before making such statements," Kumar told us in an interview.

He was responding to a query regarding Sen's recent remarks about the present government.

"I actually would like to challenge him to show me another period of four years where so much work has been done for the making India cleaner, inclusive and more caring economy," Kumar said.

According to him, structural reforms that have been taken are ensuring that benefits of growth reach to the last person.

"If these things are not clear to him, then, I think he should spend some time here," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the Chairman of Niti Aayog. Modi-led NDA government came to power in May 2014.

On July 7, speaking at the launch of 'Bharat Aur Uske Virodhabhas' -- the Hindi edition of his book 'An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions' -- Sen had said that due to moving back the country is now the second worst in the region.

"Things have gone pretty badly wrong... It has taken a quantum jump in the wrong direction since 2014. We are getting backwards in the fastest-growing economy.

"Now, India is the second worst. Pakistan has managed to shield us from being the worst," Sen had said.&nbsp;

Professor Amartya Sen would spend some time within India and actually look at conditions on the ground said, Rajiv Kumar.

Days after Amartya Sen lamented that India has taken a quantum jump backwards since 2014, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar today said the Nobel laureate should spend some time in the country to see the structural reforms undertaken by the Modi government. "I wish Professor Amartya Sen would spend some time within India and actually look at conditions on the ground. And at least review all work that has been done in the last four years by the Modi government before making such statements," Kumar told us in an interview. He was responding to a query regarding Sen's recent remarks about the present government. "I actually would like to challenge him to show me another period of four years where so much work has been done for the making India cleaner, inclusive and more caring economy," Kumar said. According to him, structural reforms that have been taken are ensuring that benefits of growth reach to the last person. "If these things are not clear to him, then, I think he should spend some time here," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the Chairman of Niti Aayog. Modi-led NDA government came to power in May 2014. On July 7, speaking at the launch of 'Bharat Aur Uske Virodhabhas' -- the Hindi edition of his book 'An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions' -- Sen had said that due to moving back the country is now the second worst in the region. "Things have gone pretty badly wrong... It has taken a quantum jump in the wrong direction since 2014. We are getting backwards in the fastest-growing economy. "Now, India is the second worst. Pakistan has managed to shield us from being the worst," Sen had said.

Wish Amartya Sen spends some time in India to see structural reforms: Niti Aayog Vice Chairman

Karnataka's Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday expressed his distress of being the head of a coalition government in the state. He described his plight similar to swallowing poison.&nbsp;

During a felicitation event in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy refused to accept bouquets and garlands stating that he is not at all happy on being the head of a coalition government. Kumaraswamy further stated his government is not the ultimate and absolute choice of the people of Karnataka.&nbsp;

"You are standing with bouquets to wish me as one of your brothers became the Chief Minister and you all are happy, but I'm not. I know the pain of coalition government. I became Vishkanth and swallowed pain of this government," he stated.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy breaks down at an event in Bengaluru; says 'You are standing with bouquets to wish me, as one of your brother became CM & you all are happy, but I'm not. I know the pain of coalition govt. I became Vishkanth&swallowed pain of this govt' (14.07) <a href="https://t.co/cQ8f90KkFT">pic.twitter.com/cQ8f90KkFT</a>
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The chief minister stated how difficult it gets for him to convince various officials to get projects through. Tinged with distress, Kumaraswamy got teary-eyed while speaking.&nbsp;

He also stated that the urge to become the chief minister was only to work for the people of Karnataka and to ''realise unfinished agenda of my&nbsp;father HD Deve Gowda''.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy refused to accept bouquets and garlands stating that he is not at all happy on being the head of a coalition a government.

Karnataka's Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday expressed his distress of being the head of a coalition government in the state. He described his plight similar to swallowing poison. During a felicitation event in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy refused to accept bouquets and garlands stating that he is not at all happy on being the head of a coalition government. Kumaraswamy further stated his government is not the ultimate and absolute choice of the people of Karnataka. "You are standing with bouquets to wish me as one of your brothers became the Chief Minister and you all are happy, but I'm not. I know the pain of coalition government. I became Vishkanth and swallowed pain of this government," he stated. #WATCH: Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy breaks down at an event in Bengaluru; says 'You are standing with bouquets to wish me, as one of your brother became CM & you all are happy, but I'm not. I know the pain of coalition govt. I became Vishkanth&swallowed pain of this govt' (14.07) pic.twitter.com/cQ8f90KkFT — ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2018 × The chief minister stated how difficult it gets for him to convince various officials to get projects through. Tinged with distress, Kumaraswamy got teary-eyed while speaking. He also stated that the urge to become the chief minister was only to work for the people of Karnataka and to ''realise unfinished agenda of my father HD Deve Gowda''.

Heading coalition govt is like swallowing poison: Teary-eyed Kumaraswamy

The government think tank Niti Aayog is working on a proposal to replace LPG subsidy with cooking subsidy in order to extend the benefits to people using piped natural gas and biofuels for cooking purposes, a top official said today.

Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said subsidy should be applicable for all fuels that are used for cooking.

At present, the government extends the subsidy to users of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

"Niti Aayog is working on a proposal to replace LPG subsidy with cooking subsidy. LPG is a specific product, a subsidy should be for a larger set of all products/ fuels which are used for cooking.

"(For) all fuels which are used for cooking, the subsidy should be applicable. Because if there are some cities where PNG (Piped Natural Gas) is used, then it is only logical that the subsidy is extended to them also," Kumar told us in an interview.

Kumar's comments also come against the backdrop of apprehensions in certain quarters that subsidy only for LPG users is inhibiting the adoption of clean and cheap fuels such as biofuels in rural areas and PNG in urban areas.

The changes pertaining to cooking subsidy are likely to be incorporated in the draft National Energy Policy 2030. The draft was made public last year.

After inter-ministerial consultations, the policy would be taken up by the Cabinet.

All LPG consumers have to buy fuel at market price. However, the government subsidises 12 cylinders of 14.2 kilograms each per household in a year by directly transferring the subsidy amount to the users' bank accounts.

Replying to queries about rising trade tensions, Kumar said the whole economy has got used to open economy framework and that the trade war, which was started by the US, would add to the turbulence.

"We are watching the situation very carefully but to say that we are worried at this time, I think will not be correct.

"We are not worried simply because there is enough space for our exports to be increased. Because trade war is not directed against India not so far," Kumar said.

However, the Niti Aayog Vice Chairman that if the trade war between the US and China leads to greater turbulence, then India should be prepared for that.

There is the looming threat of intensified trade war with the US imposing tariffs on products from various countries, including China, Russia and India. Some of the nations have responded back by slapping tariffs on American products.

Noting that India's macro conditions are very good very strong, Kumar said, "I think, despite some sluggishness in private investments, we will surely grow at 7-7.5 per cent this fiscal year".

He said oil prices have risen but now are stable and are not rising anymore. "... When you look at six months future, prices have slightly declined, not rising that's a big comfort," he added.

"I think the worst is over. Also inflation, we have seen that core inflation is higher than headline inflation. Fuel and food are not contributing to inflation, so this will also tend to weaken as supplies improve," he said.

Kumar, who himself is a noted economist, admitted that a little cause of worry was that out merchandise trade exports were not rising and that invisible trade exports have not performed well.

"So, I think it is an external account that we need to do much better and there we will have a focused approach," he said.&nbsp;

The changes pertaining to cooking subsidy are likely to be incorporated in the draft National Energy Policy 2030.

The government think tank Niti Aayog is working on a proposal to replace LPG subsidy with cooking subsidy in order to extend the benefits to people using piped natural gas and biofuels for cooking purposes, a top official said today. Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said subsidy should be applicable for all fuels that are used for cooking. At present, the government extends the subsidy to users of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). "Niti Aayog is working on a proposal to replace LPG subsidy with cooking subsidy. LPG is a specific product, a subsidy should be for a larger set of all products/ fuels which are used for cooking. "(For) all fuels which are used for cooking, the subsidy should be applicable. Because if there are some cities where PNG (Piped Natural Gas) is used, then it is only logical that the subsidy is extended to them also," Kumar told us in an interview. Kumar's comments also come against the backdrop of apprehensions in certain quarters that subsidy only for LPG users is inhibiting the adoption of clean and cheap fuels such as biofuels in rural areas and PNG in urban areas. The changes pertaining to cooking subsidy are likely to be incorporated in the draft National Energy Policy 2030. The draft was made public last year. After inter-ministerial consultations, the policy would be taken up by the Cabinet. All LPG consumers have to buy fuel at market price. However, the government subsidises 12 cylinders of 14.2 kilograms each per household in a year by directly transferring the subsidy amount to the users' bank accounts. Replying to queries about rising trade tensions, Kumar said the whole economy has got used to open economy framework and that the trade war, which was started by the US, would add to the turbulence. "We are watching the situation very carefully but to say that we are worried at this time, I think will not be correct. "We are not worried simply because there is enough space for our exports to be increased. Because trade war is not directed against India not so far," Kumar said. However, the Niti Aayog Vice Chairman that if the trade war between the US and China leads to greater turbulence, then India should be prepared for that. There is the looming threat of intensified trade war with the US imposing tariffs on products from various countries, including China, Russia and India. Some of the nations have responded back by slapping tariffs on American products. Noting that India's macro conditions are very good very strong, Kumar said, "I think, despite some sluggishness in private investments, we will surely grow at 7-7.5 per cent this fiscal year". He said oil prices have risen but now are stable and are not rising anymore. "... When you look at six months future, prices have slightly declined, not rising that's a big comfort," he added. "I think the worst is over. Also inflation, we have seen that core inflation is higher than headline inflation. Fuel and food are not contributing to inflation, so this will also tend to weaken as supplies improve," he said. Kumar, who himself is a noted economist, admitted that a little cause of worry was that out merchandise trade exports were not rising and that invisible trade exports have not performed well. "So, I think it is an external account that we need to do much better and there we will have a focused approach," he said.

Niti Aayog working on a proposal to replace LPG subsidy with cooking subsidy

A fresh batch of over 3,000 pilgrims left Jammu for the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas today.

The 60-day yatra commenced from the twin routes of Baltal in Ganderbal and Pahalgam in Anantnag districts on June 28 and till Friday, over 1.6 lakh pilgrims from across the country visited the cave shrine.

"The fresh batch of 3,048 pilgrims, including 623 women and 144 sadhus, left Jammu in 112 vehicles for the twin base camps in the Valley under tight security in the wee hours," a police official said.

He said while 1,973 pilgrims, including 310 women and 144 sadhus, were heading for the Nunwan base camp along the 36-km Pahalgam track, the remaining pilgrims had opted for the shortest 12km Baltal route. They would reach the base camp later in the day.

The 60-day yatra commenced from the twin routes of Baltal in Ganderbal and Pahalgam in Anantnag districts on June 28 and till Friday, over 1.6 lakh pilgrims from across the country visited the cave shrine.

A fresh batch of over 3,000 pilgrims left Jammu for the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas today. The 60-day yatra commenced from the twin routes of Baltal in Ganderbal and Pahalgam in Anantnag districts on June 28 and till Friday, over 1.6 lakh pilgrims from across the country visited the cave shrine. "The fresh batch of 3,048 pilgrims, including 623 women and 144 sadhus, left Jammu in 112 vehicles for the twin base camps in the Valley under tight security in the wee hours," a police official said. He said while 1,973 pilgrims, including 310 women and 144 sadhus, were heading for the Nunwan base camp along the 36-km Pahalgam track, the remaining pilgrims had opted for the shortest 12km Baltal route. They would reach the base camp later in the day.

Fresh batch of 3000 pilgrims leaves Jammu for Amarnath

Former finance minister and Congress leader&nbsp;P Chidambaram on Saturday hit out at Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and said ''she has all the time inquire into the religious affiliations of parties and persons!''

Taking on the defence minister with a rather sarcastic tweet which implicitly referred to BJP's much vaunted surgical strikes and often&nbsp;derided Rs 58,000 crore Rafale deal,&nbsp;Chidambaram said: "After taming Pakistan, eliminating terrorism, stopping infiltration and acquiring Rafale aircraft, the Defence Minister has all the time in the world to inquire into the religious affiliations of parties and persons!"

He further stated that Sitharaman "says there are 'plans to incite riots in the run-up to Lok Sabha election'. She should share her secret information with the Home Minister."

Sitharaman on Friday said that Congress wanted to fight the 2019 Lok Sabha election on religious lines and slammed the Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks to a group of Muslim intellectuals on Wednesday.

She alleged that people are trying to instigate communal riots in the country ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections. She also blamed the Congress party for trying to fan religious passions by playing communal card.&nbsp;

The Congress hit back at the BJP, saying Sitharaman’s remarks are aimed at creating tension in the society.

“Sitharaman is a responsible Defence Minister and her statement today is clearly in line with Prime Minister Modi’s agenda of polarising this country,” Congress spokesperson Sushmita Dev told reporters on Thursday.

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The Defence Minister says there are 'plans to incite riots in the run-up to Lok Sabha election'. She should share her secret (?) information with the Home Minister.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1017986548665466881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Chidambaram on Friday attacked the BJP government for the slip in industrial production growth and said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/retail-inflation-hits-5-month-high-p-chidambaram-attacks-centre-151522">retail inflation</a> had hit a five-month high.

The senior Congress leader's comments came in the wake of reports that industrial production growth slipped to a seven-month low of 3.2 per cent in May, mainly, due to sluggish performance of the manufacturing and the power sectors coupled with poor offtake of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG).

Earlier, Sitharaman on Friday said that Congress wanted to fight the 2019 Lok Sabha election on religious lines and attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks to a group of Muslim intellectuals on Wednesday.

Former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday hit out at Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and said ''she has all the time inquire into the religious affiliations of parties and persons!'' Taking on the defence minister with a rather sarcastic tweet which implicitly referred to BJP's much vaunted surgical strikes and often derided Rs 58,000 crore Rafale deal, Chidambaram said: "After taming Pakistan, eliminating terrorism, stopping infiltration and acquiring Rafale aircraft, the Defence Minister has all the time in the world to inquire into the religious affiliations of parties and persons!" He further stated that Sitharaman "says there are 'plans to incite riots in the run-up to Lok Sabha election'. She should share her secret information with the Home Minister." Sitharaman on Friday said that Congress wanted to fight the 2019 Lok Sabha election on religious lines and slammed the Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks to a group of Muslim intellectuals on Wednesday. She alleged that people are trying to instigate communal riots in the country ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections. She also blamed the Congress party for trying to fan religious passions by playing communal card. The Congress hit back at the BJP, saying Sitharaman’s remarks are aimed at creating tension in the society. “Sitharaman is a responsible Defence Minister and her statement today is clearly in line with Prime Minister Modi’s agenda of polarising this country,” Congress spokesperson Sushmita Dev told reporters on Thursday. The Defence Minister says there are 'plans to incite riots in the run-up to Lok Sabha election'. She should share her secret (?) information with the Home Minister. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) July 14, 2018 × Chidambaram on Friday attacked the BJP government for the slip in industrial production growth and said that retail inflation had hit a five-month high. The senior Congress leader's comments came in the wake of reports that industrial production growth slipped to a seven-month low of 3.2 per cent in May, mainly, due to sluggish performance of the manufacturing and the power sectors coupled with poor offtake of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG).

Sitharaman has all the time to inquire into religious affiliations of parties, persons: Chidambaram

The United States could be economically isolated for provoking trade frictions and jeopardizing fair trade principles worldwide, said an Indian expert on Friday.

Swaran Singh, a professor with the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the recent US&nbspactions of bullying its trade partners, including China and India, are not going to bring the country any good.

Instead, those actions will tighten the economic ties between the bullied countries, according to Singh.

"Indeed, I also want to underline that such a whimsical policy of President Trump is going to open several new opportunities for China and India. And very good examples are: China has imposed now 25 percent additional tariffs on soybean imports from the United States and just in the same time in July this year, now, last week, China has actually removed all tariffs on import of soybeans and oil kegs from five countries that are part of Asia Trade Agreement that China has, India is one of them. And we have seen cotton, soybean, sugar exports from India to China increasing," said Singh.

In addition to India, other major world economies also expressed strong discontent towards the US&nbsptariffs policy, said Singh, adding that the US&nbspactions of trade protectionism have already prompted the affected countries to stick together and enhance their multilateral trade ties, which could result in an economic isolation for the US&nbspin a long run.

"So in many ways, this kind of whimsical and unthoughtful policy of the United States is going to bring advantages to other countries, not just China and India, in fact, China's relations with many other countries could improve. Because countries like Canada, European Union [states], Mexico, Russia are all now targets of similar sanctions. And in that sense China, can take the lead in building close connection and consultations with all these countries who are friends, allies and adversaries of the United States, and the United States could end up being isolated in world affairs," said Singh.

Swaran Singh, a professor with the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the recent US actions of bullying its trade partners, including China and India, are not going to bring the country any good.

The United States could be economically isolated for provoking trade frictions and jeopardizing fair trade principles worldwide, said an Indian expert on Friday. Swaran Singh, a professor with the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the recent US&nbspactions of bullying its trade partners, including China and India, are not going to bring the country any good. Instead, those actions will tighten the economic ties between the bullied countries, according to Singh. "Indeed, I also want to underline that such a whimsical policy of President Trump is going to open several new opportunities for China and India. And very good examples are: China has imposed now 25 percent additional tariffs on soybean imports from the United States and just in the same time in July this year, now, last week, China has actually removed all tariffs on import of soybeans and oil kegs from five countries that are part of Asia Trade Agreement that China has, India is one of them. And we have seen cotton, soybean, sugar exports from India to China increasing," said Singh. In addition to India, other major world economies also expressed strong discontent towards the US&nbsptariffs policy, said Singh, adding that the US&nbspactions of trade protectionism have already prompted the affected countries to stick together and enhance their multilateral trade ties, which could result in an economic isolation for the US&nbspin a long run. "So in many ways, this kind of whimsical and unthoughtful policy of the United States is going to bring advantages to other countries, not just China and India, in fact, China's relations with many other countries could improve. Because countries like Canada, European Union [states], Mexico, Russia are all now targets of similar sanctions. And in that sense China, can take the lead in building close connection and consultations with all these countries who are friends, allies and adversaries of the United States, and the United States could end up being isolated in world affairs," said Singh.

US could be isolated for provoking trade frictions: Indian expert

People going to the cinema to watch movies in Maharashtra will soon be able to carry their own food into the theatres after a man filed a petition in the Bombay High Court.&nbsp;

At present, people are not even allowed to carry water bottles to the theatres and have to buy water and food at exorbitant prices.&nbsp;

The government announcement came during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly after the Bombay High Court in June after a petition was filed by filmmaker Jainendra Baxi.

Baxi's lawyer Advocate Aditya Pratap told ANI: "We had filed the petition in Bombay HC. Daily people are humiliated in multiplexes when their bags are checked and food items are thrown out so that multiplexes can sell a Rs 5 popcorn for Rs 250 and make money. We welcome Maharashtra govt's stand on it."

The government will also hold meetings with multiplex owners and resolve the issue of higher pricing of eatables and beverages in multiplexes.

State Food Supplies Minister Ravindra Chavan while announcing the government's decision has said in the Maharashtra Assembly that the government will take action against theatre employees and owners who do not comply with the order, reports said.

Last month, the Bombay High Court had asked the Maharashtra government why it could not regulate the prices of food items being sold at exorbitant rates in multiplexes across the state.

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We had filed the petition in Bombay HC. Daily people are humiliated in multiplexes when their bags are checked & food items are thrown out so that multiplexes can sell a Rs.5 popcorn for Rs.250 and make money. We welcome Maharashtra govt's stand on it: Aditya Pratap, petitioner <a href="https://t.co/TcuidKwldC">pic.twitter.com/TcuidKwldC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1017996486301421568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

At present, people are not even allowed to carry water bottles to the theatres and have to resort to buying water and food at exuberant prices.

People going to the cinema to watch movies in Maharashtra will soon be able to carry their own food into the theatres after a man filed a petition in the Bombay High Court. At present, people are not even allowed to carry water bottles to the theatres and have to buy water and food at exorbitant prices. The government announcement came during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly after the Bombay High Court in June after a petition was filed by filmmaker Jainendra Baxi. Baxi's lawyer Advocate Aditya Pratap told ANI: "We had filed the petition in Bombay HC. Daily people are humiliated in multiplexes when their bags are checked and food items are thrown out so that multiplexes can sell a Rs 5 popcorn for Rs 250 and make money. We welcome Maharashtra govt's stand on it." The government will also hold meetings with multiplex owners and resolve the issue of higher pricing of eatables and beverages in multiplexes. State Food Supplies Minister Ravindra Chavan while announcing the government's decision has said in the Maharashtra Assembly that the government will take action against theatre employees and owners who do not comply with the order, reports said. Last month, the Bombay High Court had asked the Maharashtra government why it could not regulate the prices of food items being sold at exorbitant rates in multiplexes across the state. We had filed the petition in Bombay HC. Daily people are humiliated in multiplexes when their bags are checked & food items are thrown out so that multiplexes can sell a Rs.5 popcorn for Rs.250 and make money. We welcome Maharashtra govt's stand on it: Aditya Pratap, petitioner pic.twitter.com/TcuidKwldC — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2018 ×

Petitioner welcomes Maharashtra govt's stand on multiplexes banning outside food articles

&nbsp;Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani has surpassed Alibaba Group's Jack Ma to become Asia's richest person.

While Ambani was estimated to be worth $44.3 billion on Friday as RIL shares rose 1.6 per cent, Ma's wealth stood at $44 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

The petrochemical-to-telecom has added $4 billion this year to Reliance honcho's wealth.

The market valuation of Reliance Industries surged past Rs 7 lakh crore mark during Friday morning trade.

Earlier this month, Ambani announced the launch of fixed-line broadband services Jio gig fibre.

"We will extend fibre connectivity to homes, merchants, small and medium enterprises and large enterprises simultaneously across 1,100 cities to offer the most advanced fibre-based broadband connectivity solutions," said Mukesh Ambani while addressing the shareholders at the Reliance Industries' 41st Annual General Meeting.

Ambani also noted that Reliance is India's largest payer of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Excise and Customs Duty, and Income Tax in the private sector.

He also announced the launch of Jio Phone 2 which will hit the markets by August 16 this year and will be available at a price of Rs. 2999.

"We are now taking the JioPhone to the next level, with added capabilities and functionalities. Reliance is bringing WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube to the Jio Phone. We will now extend fibre connectivity to homes, merchants, small and medium enterprises and large enterprises simultaneously across 1,100 cities to offer the most advanced fibre-based broadband connectivity solutions," daughter of Mukesh, Isha Ambani said while addressing the shareholders at the Reliance Industries' 41st Annual General Meeting.

The business magnate was ranked by Forbes as 18th-wealthiest person in the world in January this year. He is the only Indian businessman, on Forbes' list of the world's most powerful people.

The tycoon, who owns the Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians, was named as one of the richest sports owners in the world in 2012 by Forbes.

Ambani resides at one of the world's most expensive private residences Antilia Building that value of which is close to $1 billion.

Ambani was estimated to be worth $44.3 billion on Friday as RIL shares rose 1.6 per cent, Ma's wealth stood at $44 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani has surpassed Alibaba Group's Jack Ma to become Asia's richest person. While Ambani was estimated to be worth $44.3 billion on Friday as RIL shares rose 1.6 per cent, Ma's wealth stood at $44 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The petrochemical-to-telecom has added $4 billion this year to Reliance honcho's wealth. The market valuation of Reliance Industries surged past Rs 7 lakh crore mark during Friday morning trade. Earlier this month, Ambani announced the launch of fixed-line broadband services Jio gig fibre. "We will extend fibre connectivity to homes, merchants, small and medium enterprises and large enterprises simultaneously across 1,100 cities to offer the most advanced fibre-based broadband connectivity solutions," said Mukesh Ambani while addressing the shareholders at the Reliance Industries' 41st Annual General Meeting. Ambani also noted that Reliance is India's largest payer of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Excise and Customs Duty, and Income Tax in the private sector. He also announced the launch of Jio Phone 2 which will hit the markets by August 16 this year and will be available at a price of Rs. 2999. "We are now taking the JioPhone to the next level, with added capabilities and functionalities. Reliance is bringing WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube to the Jio Phone. We will now extend fibre connectivity to homes, merchants, small and medium enterprises and large enterprises simultaneously across 1,100 cities to offer the most advanced fibre-based broadband connectivity solutions," daughter of Mukesh, Isha Ambani said while addressing the shareholders at the Reliance Industries' 41st Annual General Meeting. The business magnate was ranked by Forbes as 18th-wealthiest person in the world in January this year. He is the only Indian businessman, on Forbes' list of the world's most powerful people. The tycoon, who owns the Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians, was named as one of the richest sports owners in the world in 2012 by Forbes. Ambani resides at one of the world's most expensive private residences Antilia Building that value of which is close to $1 billion.

Mukesh Ambani dethrones Jack Ma, becomes Asia's richest person

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday asked why the BJP-led Central government does not take a quick decision to build the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, the way it did in the case of demonetisation.&nbsp

"They (BJP) talk about building a Ram Mandir, bringing Uniform Civil Code and repealing section 370 in Jammu and Kashmir before the election, but which election, 2019 or 2050, they do not specify," Thackeray told reporters after a meeting of party leaders.&nbsp

"The way you (the BJP government) took the decision of noteban instantly, you can take the decision to build the Ram Mandir instantly, because you have a majority," said Thackeray, whose party often spars with the BJP despite being an ally.

So far, development was the BJP's agenda but now it has been replaced by the Ram Mandir issue, he said further. The Shiv Sena chief further alleged that the benefits of the loan waiver announced by the Maharashtra government last year did not reach farmers. He also reiterated his opposition to the West Coast refinery at Nanar, saying the project will harm the ecology of Konkan region.

"Such a disastrous development cannot be afforded and that is why we are with the people of Nanar (in opposing it). One thing is clear, this project will never happen," he said. On allegations by opposition parties that the state government was distributing copies of the Bhagavad Gita in schools in Mumbai (which the government has denied), he said the BJP was resorting to such gimmicks to divert people's attention from the mismanagement of Mumbai University.&nbsp

Thackeray asserted that the way BJP took the decision of note ban instantly, they can take the decision to build the Ram Mandir instantly because they have a majority.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday asked why the BJP-led Central government does not take a quick decision to build the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, the way it did in the case of demonetisation. "They (BJP) talk about building a Ram Mandir, bringing Uniform Civil Code and repealing section 370 in Jammu and Kashmir before the election, but which election, 2019 or 2050, they do not specify," Thackeray told reporters after a meeting of party leaders. "The way you (the BJP government) took the decision of noteban instantly, you can take the decision to build the Ram Mandir instantly, because you have a majority," said Thackeray, whose party often spars with the BJP despite being an ally. So far, development was the BJP's agenda but now it has been replaced by the Ram Mandir issue, he said further. The Shiv Sena chief further alleged that the benefits of the loan waiver announced by the Maharashtra government last year did not reach farmers. He also reiterated his opposition to the West Coast refinery at Nanar, saying the project will harm the ecology of Konkan region. "Such a disastrous development cannot be afforded and that is why we are with the people of Nanar (in opposing it). One thing is clear, this project will never happen," he said. On allegations by opposition parties that the state government was distributing copies of the Bhagavad Gita in schools in Mumbai (which the government has denied), he said the BJP was resorting to such gimmicks to divert people's attention from the mismanagement of Mumbai University.

Note ban happened instantly, why not Ram Temple: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asks BJP

Amid a row over the alleged use of derogatory language in a web series while referring to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today said the BJP and the RSS believe that freedom of expression must be policed, while he regards it as a fundamental democratic right.

"My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that," Rahul Gandhi said on Twitter.

His remarks come days after a plea was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking removal of certain scenes from the Netflix series 'Sacred Games', claiming that some of its content was derogatory to Rajiv Gandhi.

The high court has said it will hear the plea filed by advocate Nikhil Bhalla on Monday.

Also, a police complaint has been filed by a Congress activist in Kolkata against the producers of the web series and actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui over the issue.

"BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed & controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

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BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed & controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right. 
 
My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SacredGames?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SacredGames</a>
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Siddiqui, online platform Netflix and "Sacred Games" producers are "jointly responsible" for abusing Rajiv Gandhi on the show, Congress activist Rajeev Sinha has alleged in his complaint, filed in the Girish Park Police Station in north Kolkata.

The first season of the show, comprising eight episodes, was released on July 6 and is available in 190 countries in four languages.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today said the BJP and the RSS believe that freedom of expression must be policed, while he regards it as a fundamental democratic right.

Amid a row over the alleged use of derogatory language in a web series while referring to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today said the BJP and the RSS believe that freedom of expression must be policed, while he regards it as a fundamental democratic right. "My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that," Rahul Gandhi said on Twitter. His remarks come days after a plea was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking removal of certain scenes from the Netflix series 'Sacred Games', claiming that some of its content was derogatory to Rajiv Gandhi. The high court has said it will hear the plea filed by advocate Nikhil Bhalla on Monday. Also, a police complaint has been filed by a Congress activist in Kolkata against the producers of the web series and actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui over the issue. "BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed & controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed & controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right. My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that.#SacredGames — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 14, 2018 × Siddiqui, online platform Netflix and "Sacred Games" producers are "jointly responsible" for abusing Rajiv Gandhi on the show, Congress activist Rajeev Sinha has alleged in his complaint, filed in the Girish Park Police Station in north Kolkata. The first season of the show, comprising eight episodes, was released on July 6 and is available in 190 countries in four languages.

My father lived and died in the service of India: Rahul Gandhi on 'Sacred Games' row

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat Saturday visited the Akhnoor sector and commended the field commanders for ably confronting the challenges posed by “inimical elements” and exhorted all ranks to continue working with dedication.

Accompanied by Northern Army commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the army chief visited the Akhnoor sector and was briefed by General Officer Commanding (GOC), White Knight Corps, Lt Gen Saranjeet Singh, GOC Crossed Swords Division Maj Gen M K Mago and other formation commanders, Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said in a statement.

He said the officers briefed the Chief of Army Staff on the operational preparedness, prevailing security situation and actions being undertaken to ensure a robust and effective counter infiltration grid.

General Rawat also reviewed the measures and standard operating procedures instituted and being followed by the units and formations, Lt Col Anand said.

Bipin Rawat also reviewed the measures and standard operating procedures instituted and being followed by the units and formations, Lt Col Anand said.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat Saturday visited the Akhnoor sector and commended the field commanders for ably confronting the challenges posed by “inimical elements” and exhorted all ranks to continue working with dedication. Accompanied by Northern Army commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the army chief visited the Akhnoor sector and was briefed by General Officer Commanding (GOC), White Knight Corps, Lt Gen Saranjeet Singh, GOC Crossed Swords Division Maj Gen M K Mago and other formation commanders, Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said in a statement. He said the officers briefed the Chief of Army Staff on the operational preparedness, prevailing security situation and actions being undertaken to ensure a robust and effective counter infiltration grid. General Rawat also reviewed the measures and standard operating procedures instituted and being followed by the units and formations, Lt Col Anand said.

Army chief Bipin Rawat visits Akhnoor sector in Jammu

A Kolkata court has issued a summon to two-time Lok Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor over his 'Hindu-Pakistan' comment, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The court summoned the Thiruvananthapuram MP after Advocate Sumeet Chowdhury filed the case alleging Tharoor's comments had <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/india-will-become-a-hindu-pakistan-if-bjp-comes-to-power-in-2019-shashi-tharoor-150941">hurt religious sentiments</a> and insulted the Constitution, the report said.&nbsp;

Tharoor has been asked to appear on August 14.&nbsp;

Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday sparked a row after he said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in 2019, it will compromise with the Indian Constitution and create a 'Hindu Pakistan'.

Addressing an event in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor stated that the BJP will write a new Constitution which will pave the way for a nation, much like Pakistan, where rights of minorities are not respected.

"If they (BJP) win a repeat in the Lok Sabha, our democratic constitution as we understand it, will not survive as they will have all the elements they need to tear apart the constitution of India and write a new one," he noted.

"That new one will be the one which will enshrine principles of Hindu Rashtra, that will remove equality for minorities, that'll create a Hindu Pakistan and that isn't what Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and great heroes of freedom struggle fought for," he said.

Tharoor's comments have triggered a controversy with the BJP demanding an apology from Congress President Rahul Gandhi over what Tharoor said.

The Congress leader also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is more interested in political campaigning than in running the country.

Tharoor has been asked to appear on August 14

A Kolkata court has issued a summon to two-time Lok Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor over his 'Hindu-Pakistan' comment, news agency ANI reported. The court summoned the Thiruvananthapuram MP after Advocate Sumeet Chowdhury filed the case alleging Tharoor's comments had hurt religious sentiments and insulted the Constitution, the report said. Tharoor has been asked to appear on August 14. Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday sparked a row after he said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in 2019, it will compromise with the Indian Constitution and create a 'Hindu Pakistan'. Addressing an event in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor stated that the BJP will write a new Constitution which will pave the way for a nation, much like Pakistan, where rights of minorities are not respected. "If they (BJP) win a repeat in the Lok Sabha, our democratic constitution as we understand it, will not survive as they will have all the elements they need to tear apart the constitution of India and write a new one," he noted. "That new one will be the one which will enshrine principles of Hindu Rashtra, that will remove equality for minorities, that'll create a Hindu Pakistan and that isn't what Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and great heroes of freedom struggle fought for," he said. Tharoor's comments have triggered a controversy with the BJP demanding an apology from Congress President Rahul Gandhi over what Tharoor said. The Congress leader also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is more interested in political campaigning than in running the country.

Shashi Tharoor summoned by Kolkata court over 'Hindu-Pakistan' comment

RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi has said that Hindus need to shun slave mentality and self-centeredness and work unitedly for the country, the religion and the society.

He also expressed dissatisfaction that the Hindu society was divided into different sects.

“Hindu philosophy is based on the principle that everyone has a right to live. It is the strength of the Hindu society,” Joshi said.

“But Hindu society is divided into different sects. We should strive to bring equality among all the Hindus in the country,” he said.

He was speaking at Samajik Sadbhav (communal harmony) meeting in Somnath town in Gir Somnath district on Friday.

“The present plight of the Hindu society is due to several evils like slave mentality, which needs to be removed. Hindus need to shun self-centredness and work for the country, the religion and the society,” Joshi said.

"But Hindu society is divided into different sects. We should strive to bring equality among all the Hindus in the country," Bhaiyyaji Joshi said.

RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi has said that Hindus need to shun slave mentality and self-centeredness and work unitedly for the country, the religion and the society. He also expressed dissatisfaction that the Hindu society was divided into different sects. “Hindu philosophy is based on the principle that everyone has a right to live. It is the strength of the Hindu society,” Joshi said. “But Hindu society is divided into different sects. We should strive to bring equality among all the Hindus in the country,” he said. He was speaking at Samajik Sadbhav (communal harmony) meeting in Somnath town in Gir Somnath district on Friday. “The present plight of the Hindu society is due to several evils like slave mentality, which needs to be removed. Hindus need to shun self-centredness and work for the country, the religion and the society,” Joshi said.

Hindus need to shun slave mentality: Bhaiyyaji Joshi

Seven persons are missing after a country boat carrying 30 people capsized in the Gautami river in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh today.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said 23 passengers have been rescued while search is on for the remaining.

Naidu said the boat was carrying 30 people, mostly students when it capsized after colliding with a pier of a bridge under construction. 
A search and rescue operation is on in the river Gautami, a tributary of the Godavari, officials said.

National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force from Rajamahendravaram and Visakhapatnam have been deployed for the rescue operation along with police and revenue personnel.

The boat was en route to Saladivari Palem from Pasuvullanka when the mishap occurred this evening.

As the river was in spate, the water was swirling, making the boat movement unstable, a senior official of the State Disaster Management Department here said.

It hit a pier of the bridge that is being constructed on the river and capsized, the official said.

Some students in the boat climbed the base of the pier and saved themselves.

Fishermen and local villagers besides bridge construction workers rescued about 20 people.

According to a release from the Chief Ministers Office, rescue operation is on under the supervision of East Godavari district Collector Kartikeya Misra and Superintendent of Police Vishal Gunni.

State Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa is monitoring the rescue operations.

In May 2017, 20 people died when a boat carrying 40 people capsized near Polavaram village.

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Andhra Pradesh: A boat with more than 40 people in it has capsized in East Godavari after ramming into a bridge's pillar, 10 people have been reported missing. Search operation is underway. <a href="https://t.co/gNMkzSR20Q">pic.twitter.com/gNMkzSR20Q</a>
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&nbsp;

More than 40 people, mostly students, were said to be travelling in the boat, state Disaster Management Department sources said.

Seven persons are missing after a country boat carrying 30 people capsized in the Gautami river in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh today. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said 23 passengers have been rescued while search is on for the remaining. Naidu said the boat was carrying 30 people, mostly students when it capsized after colliding with a pier of a bridge under construction. A search and rescue operation is on in the river Gautami, a tributary of the Godavari, officials said. National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force from Rajamahendravaram and Visakhapatnam have been deployed for the rescue operation along with police and revenue personnel. The boat was en route to Saladivari Palem from Pasuvullanka when the mishap occurred this evening. As the river was in spate, the water was swirling, making the boat movement unstable, a senior official of the State Disaster Management Department here said. It hit a pier of the bridge that is being constructed on the river and capsized, the official said. Some students in the boat climbed the base of the pier and saved themselves. Fishermen and local villagers besides bridge construction workers rescued about 20 people. According to a release from the Chief Ministers Office, rescue operation is on under the supervision of East Godavari district Collector Kartikeya Misra and Superintendent of Police Vishal Gunni. State Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa is monitoring the rescue operations. In May 2017, 20 people died when a boat carrying 40 people capsized near Polavaram village. Andhra Pradesh: A boat with more than 40 people in it has capsized in East Godavari after ramming into a bridge's pillar, 10 people have been reported missing. Search operation is underway. pic.twitter.com/gNMkzSR20Q — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2018 ×

Seven missing after boat capsizes in Andhra Pradesh's Gautami river

A BJP legislator's wife today publicly accused her husband of having an extra-marital affair with a college student and marrying her, in a fresh twist to a case that has seen the MLA appear before the disciplinary committee of the party.

Gagan Bhagat, BJP legislator from R S Pura constituency in Jammu district, has been accused by his wife Monika Sharma that he is living with the student after marrying her.

The student's father, an ex-servicemen, has also accused Gagan Bhagat of abducting his daughter from a college in Punjab.

The student and the legislator have denied the charges, calling them an attempt to defame him.

Today,&nbspSharma negated Gagan Bhagat's claim he was paying her&nbspRs.&nbsp1 lakh a month and said "not a single penny was given by him despite signing a maintenance form before a judge in April".

She made an appeal to the BJP central leadership and also Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying a "daughter of your own family is seeking justice, not only for myself and my children but also for that girl who had just turned 19".

Sharma said she and the BJP MLA are married for 13 years.

Her accusations come a day after Bhagat appeared before the disciplinary committee of the BJP in Jammu to clarify his position. Gagan Bhagat and Monika Sharma appeared before the committee separately amid protests led by the student's grandfather.

The legislator refuted the allegations and claimed he and his wife were in the process of getting divorced.

His wife, however, countered Gagan Bhagat's stand and told reporters that though they were living separately for nearly 10 months, no suit has been filed before any court for divorce.

She was accompanied by their 12-year-old son and four-year-old daughter.

Monika Sharma, also the state secretary of BJP's women wing, said she remained quiet for nearly one year in the interest of her family and keeping in mind the future of their children.

"I did not have evidence to prove it (then), but now I have the proof and I have presented it before the committee yesterday," she said.

"I have evidence they are married," Ms Sharma said, showing an incomplete marriage agreement reportedly signed by Gagan Bhagat and the student. She also showed a purported Aadhaar card of the student, which showed her as Gagan Bhagat's wife and her address on the document as Gandhi Nagar in Jammu.

She said she managed to get the marriage certificate before the notary signed it and has cross-checked the Aadhaar card for forgery.

"My mother-in-law visited the residence of the girl to inform her family about her affair with the MLA. On one occasion, she escaped on seeing me, leaving behind her phone. The selfies taken from the phone leave no doubt that they had an extra-marital affair and that they were married."

During a visit to Ludhiana in November, she said her son, who was accompanying his father, lived with the student who had joined them there.

"If they want to live together, let them admit it openly," she said. "My appeal to my party is that if a person holding such a position indulges in these things what will happen to the society."

She said Gagan Bhagat visited her a few days ago and asked her not to appear before the BJP disciplinary committee.

"Every time I have asked him to leave the girl he told me she might file a case against him if he dumps her," she said.

Asked whether she faces any threat, she said a "threat perception is there. My family is saying that they heard you will be killed, or meet an accident or roughed up."&nbsp

Gagan Bhagat, BJP legislator from R S Pura constituency in Jammu district, has been accused by his wife Monika Sharma that he is living with the student after marrying her.

A BJP legislator's wife today publicly accused her husband of having an extra-marital affair with a college student and marrying her, in a fresh twist to a case that has seen the MLA appear before the disciplinary committee of the party. Gagan Bhagat, BJP legislator from R S Pura constituency in Jammu district, has been accused by his wife Monika Sharma that he is living with the student after marrying her. The student's father, an ex-servicemen, has also accused Gagan Bhagat of abducting his daughter from a college in Punjab. The student and the legislator have denied the charges, calling them an attempt to defame him. Today,&nbspSharma negated Gagan Bhagat's claim he was paying her&nbspRs.&nbsp1 lakh a month and said "not a single penny was given by him despite signing a maintenance form before a judge in April". She made an appeal to the BJP central leadership and also Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying a "daughter of your own family is seeking justice, not only for myself and my children but also for that girl who had just turned 19". Sharma said she and the BJP MLA are married for 13 years. Her accusations come a day after Bhagat appeared before the disciplinary committee of the BJP in Jammu to clarify his position. Gagan Bhagat and Monika Sharma appeared before the committee separately amid protests led by the student's grandfather. The legislator refuted the allegations and claimed he and his wife were in the process of getting divorced. His wife, however, countered Gagan Bhagat's stand and told reporters that though they were living separately for nearly 10 months, no suit has been filed before any court for divorce. She was accompanied by their 12-year-old son and four-year-old daughter. Monika Sharma, also the state secretary of BJP's women wing, said she remained quiet for nearly one year in the interest of her family and keeping in mind the future of their children. "I did not have evidence to prove it (then), but now I have the proof and I have presented it before the committee yesterday," she said. "I have evidence they are married," Ms Sharma said, showing an incomplete marriage agreement reportedly signed by Gagan Bhagat and the student. She also showed a purported Aadhaar card of the student, which showed her as Gagan Bhagat's wife and her address on the document as Gandhi Nagar in Jammu. She said she managed to get the marriage certificate before the notary signed it and has cross-checked the Aadhaar card for forgery. "My mother-in-law visited the residence of the girl to inform her family about her affair with the MLA. On one occasion, she escaped on seeing me, leaving behind her phone. The selfies taken from the phone leave no doubt that they had an extra-marital affair and that they were married." During a visit to Ludhiana in November, she said her son, who was accompanying his father, lived with the student who had joined them there. "If they want to live together, let them admit it openly," she said. "My appeal to my party is that if a person holding such a position indulges in these things what will happen to the society." She said Gagan Bhagat visited her a few days ago and asked her not to appear before the BJP disciplinary committee. "Every time I have asked him to leave the girl he told me she might file a case against him if he dumps her," she said. Asked whether she faces any threat, she said a "threat perception is there. My family is saying that they heard you will be killed, or meet an accident or roughed up."

BJP MLA's wife accuses him of having affair with college student

BJP president Amit Shah arrived in Ahmedabad on Saturday to offer morning prayers at the Jagannath Temple, ahead of his 141st Rath Yatra, and also address a Youth Parliament&nbsp;at a private university in Gandhinagar.

Thousands of people assembled for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra from the Jagannath Temple.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to people on the occasion of Jagannath Rath Yatra on Saturday, July 14.&nbsp;

"With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, may our country scale new heights of growth. May every Indian be happy and prosperous," PM Modi said in his tweet.&nbsp;

The 141st Rath Yatra on commenced on Saturday, from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area amid tight security after four crude bombs, 12 pipe bombs and a bottle of kerosene were found by the police during a search on Friday. The police have detained two people in connection with the case.

Around 20,000 police personnel, home guard, State Reserve Police and para-military forces have been deployed for the yatra on the 18-km route which passes through some communally sensitive areas.

Shah will also address a youth parliament at Karnavati University which will also be attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and state BJP president Jitu Vaghani.

The youth parliament, titled "Forum for Democratic Dialogues" is a two-day event that will see students from educational institutions debate on social and political issues. &nbsp;

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Ahmedabad: Latest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visuals</a> of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra from Jagannath Temple. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/uExwriSlp8">pic.twitter.com/uExwriSlp8</a>
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&nbsp;

The 141st Rath Yatra on commenced on Saturday, from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area amid tight security after four crude bombs, 12 pipe bombs and a bottle of kerosene were found by the police during a search on Friday.

BJP president Amit Shah arrived in Ahmedabad on Saturday to offer morning prayers at the Jagannath Temple, ahead of his 141st Rath Yatra, and also address a Youth Parliament at a private university in Gandhinagar. Thousands of people assembled for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra from the Jagannath Temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to people on the occasion of Jagannath Rath Yatra on Saturday, July 14. "With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, may our country scale new heights of growth. May every Indian be happy and prosperous," PM Modi said in his tweet. The 141st Rath Yatra on commenced on Saturday, from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area amid tight security after four crude bombs, 12 pipe bombs and a bottle of kerosene were found by the police during a search on Friday. The police have detained two people in connection with the case. Around 20,000 police personnel, home guard, State Reserve Police and para-military forces have been deployed for the yatra on the 18-km route which passes through some communally sensitive areas. Shah will also address a youth parliament at Karnavati University which will also be attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and state BJP president Jitu Vaghani. The youth parliament, titled "Forum for Democratic Dialogues" is a two-day event that will see students from educational institutions debate on social and political issues. Ahmedabad: Latest #visuals of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra from Jagannath Temple. #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/uExwriSlp8 — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2018 ×

Amit Shah arrives in Ahmedabad for Jagannath Rath Yatra

Gold coins belonging to the 12th century have been found during earth-digging for a road construction in Chhattisgarh's Kondagaon district, officials today said.

A pot containing 57 gold coins, a silver coin and a gold earring was unearthed on July 10 during the construction of a road between Korkoti and Bedma villages, district collector Neelkanth Tekam said.

Korkoti Sarpanch Nehrulal Baghel today handed over the pot and its contents to him, he said.

The pot, buried few feet underground, was discovered by a woman labourer, following which other workers informed the villagers, Tekam told PTI.

As per the preliminary investigation, the coins date back to the 12th and 13th century.

The inscriptions on the coins are in a script which was prevalent during the time of Yadav dynasty which ruled over Vidarbha (presently in Maharashtra), he said.

The Yadav state had also expanded into Dandakaranya which includes seven districts of the Bastar region in present-day Chhattisgarh.

The state archaeological department will examine the coins further, the collector said.

A pot containing 57 gold coins, a silver coin and a gold earring was unearthed on July 10 during the construction of a road between Korkoti and Bedma villages, district collector Neelkanth Tekam said.

Gold coins belonging to the 12th century have been found during earth-digging for a road construction in Chhattisgarh's Kondagaon district, officials today said. A pot containing 57 gold coins, a silver coin and a gold earring was unearthed on July 10 during the construction of a road between Korkoti and Bedma villages, district collector Neelkanth Tekam said. Korkoti Sarpanch Nehrulal Baghel today handed over the pot and its contents to him, he said. The pot, buried few feet underground, was discovered by a woman labourer, following which other workers informed the villagers, Tekam told PTI. As per the preliminary investigation, the coins date back to the 12th and 13th century. The inscriptions on the coins are in a script which was prevalent during the time of Yadav dynasty which ruled over Vidarbha (presently in Maharashtra), he said. The Yadav state had also expanded into Dandakaranya which includes seven districts of the Bastar region in present-day Chhattisgarh. The state archaeological department will examine the coins further, the collector said.

Gold coins of 12th century found during road construction in Chhattisgarh

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-pakistani-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-arrested-on-return-as-bomber-kills-128-151502">Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrested on </a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-pakistani-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-arrested-on-return-as-bomber-kills-128-151502">return</a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-pakistani-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-arrested-on-return-as-bomber-kills-128-151502"> as bomber kills 128</a>

Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam, both facing lengthy prison terms, were arrested minutes after landing in the country on Friday as they returned seeking to revitalise their flagging party ahead of a July 25 election.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/will-build-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-before-2019-elections-says-amit-shah-151510">Will build Ram Temple in Ayodhya before 2019 elections, says Amit Shah</a>

Bhartiya Janta Party President Amit Shah on Friday claimed that the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya will commence before the 2019 elections, reports said.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/team-trump-plays-nice-in-first-visit-to-mexico-president-elect-151515">Team Trump plays </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/team-trump-plays-nice-in-first-visit-to-mexico-president-elect-151515">nice</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/team-trump-plays-nice-in-first-visit-to-mexico-president-elect-151515"> in </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/team-trump-plays-nice-in-first-visit-to-mexico-president-elect-151515">first</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/team-trump-plays-nice-in-first-visit-to-mexico-president-elect-151515"> visit to Mexico president-elect</a>

Top officials from US President Donald Trump's administration met with Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, with both sides upbeat on the potential for a turning point in the countries' troubled relationship.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-says-britains-may-a-tremendous-help-in-pursuit-of-nuclear-free-north-korea-151520">Trump says Britain's May a 'tremendous help' in pursuit of nuclear-free North Korea</a>

US president Donald Trump on Friday said that Britain's Theresa May had been a "tremendous help" in the pursuit of a nuclear-free North Korea, news agency Reuters reported.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/babri-masjid-was-destroyed-by-hindu-taliban-case-litigant-tells-supreme-court--151518">Babri Masjid was destroyed by 'Hindu Taliban', case litigant tells Supreme Court</a>

A litigant in the Ayodhya temple-mosque land dispute case told the Supreme court on Friday that the Babri Masjid was destroyed by the "Hindu Taliban" just like the demolition of the Buddha statue by the Taliban at Bamiyan in Afghanistan.&nbsp

&nbsp

Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrested on return as bomber kills 128 Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam, both facing lengthy prison terms, were arrested minutes after landing in the country on Friday as they returned seeking to revitalise their flagging party ahead of a July 25 election. Will build Ram Temple in Ayodhya before 2019 elections, says Amit Shah Bhartiya Janta Party President Amit Shah on Friday claimed that the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya will commence before the 2019 elections, reports said. Team Trump plays nice in first visit to Mexico president-elect Top officials from US President Donald Trump's administration met with Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, with both sides upbeat on the potential for a turning point in the countries' troubled relationship. Trump says Britain's May a 'tremendous help' in pursuit of nuclear-free North Korea US president Donald Trump on Friday said that Britain's Theresa May had been a "tremendous help" in the pursuit of a nuclear-free North Korea, news agency Reuters reported. Babri Masjid was destroyed by 'Hindu Taliban', case litigant tells Supreme Court A litigant in the Ayodhya temple-mosque land dispute case told the Supreme court on Friday that the Babri Masjid was destroyed by the "Hindu Taliban" just like the demolition of the Buddha statue by the Taliban at Bamiyan in Afghanistan.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Dhaka for his three-day visit to Bangladesh to conduct talks over security, anti-terror cooperation of the Rohingya crisis.&nbsp;

Singh was received by his Bangladeshi counterpart Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal at the airport on Friday.

"HM Shri @rajnathsingh has reached Dhaka on a three-day tour to Bangladesh," the Home Affairs Ministry tweeted.

During the visit, Singh will meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and will hold a bilateral discussion on various issues like anti-terror cooperation, attempts by terror groups to radicalise youth and the constant inflow of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from across the border.

The Home Minister said India and Bangladesh have made notable progress in transforming land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquillity.

In his meeting with Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Singh will discuss ways to strengthen the anti-terror mechanism between the two countries and check radicalisation of youths by terrorist groups, a Home Ministry official said.

Before leaving for Dhaka, Rajnath took to social media and tweeted, "India and Bangladesh have made notable progress in transforming our land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquility. Looking forward to strengthen the bilateral relations between both the countries on the basis of friendship and trust."

"The relationship between India and Bangladesh is anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of democracy. India attaches great significance to ties with Bangladesh," he wrote in another tweet.

The Indian side is expected to take up the issue of the continuous inflow of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from across the border and the attacks on BSF personnel by criminals based in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh side is expected to raise the issue of their nationals being killed or injured in BSF firing along the border and the illegal transport of drugs into their territory from the Indian side.

India shares a 4,096-km-long border with Bangladesh.&nbsp;

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HM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> has reached Dhaka on a three day tour to Bangladesh. <a href="https://t.co/398Bmg9UzD">pic.twitter.com/398Bmg9UzD</a>
— HMO India (@HMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia/status/1017758778521862144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Home Minister said India and Bangladesh have made notable progress in transforming land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquillity.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Dhaka for his three-day visit to Bangladesh to conduct talks over security, anti-terror cooperation of the Rohingya crisis. Singh was received by his Bangladeshi counterpart Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal at the airport on Friday. "HM Shri @rajnathsingh has reached Dhaka on a three-day tour to Bangladesh," the Home Affairs Ministry tweeted. During the visit, Singh will meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and will hold a bilateral discussion on various issues like anti-terror cooperation, attempts by terror groups to radicalise youth and the constant inflow of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from across the border. The Home Minister said India and Bangladesh have made notable progress in transforming land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquillity. In his meeting with Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Singh will discuss ways to strengthen the anti-terror mechanism between the two countries and check radicalisation of youths by terrorist groups, a Home Ministry official said. Before leaving for Dhaka, Rajnath took to social media and tweeted, "India and Bangladesh have made notable progress in transforming our land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquility. Looking forward to strengthen the bilateral relations between both the countries on the basis of friendship and trust." "The relationship between India and Bangladesh is anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of democracy. India attaches great significance to ties with Bangladesh," he wrote in another tweet. The Indian side is expected to take up the issue of the continuous inflow of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from across the border and the attacks on BSF personnel by criminals based in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh side is expected to raise the issue of their nationals being killed or injured in BSF firing along the border and the illegal transport of drugs into their territory from the Indian side. India shares a 4,096-km-long border with Bangladesh. HM Shri @rajnathsingh has reached Dhaka on a three day tour to Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/398Bmg9UzD — HMO India (@HMOIndia) July 13, 2018 ×

Home Minister Rajnath Singh reaches Dhaka, hopes to strengthen bilateral relation

The 141st Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced this morning in Puri, Odisha and Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The Rath Yatra is taken out every year on Ashadhi Bij, the second day of Ashad month, as per the Hindu calendar.

Odisha: Devotees flock to be part of annual Jagannath Yatra

Former finance minister P Chidambaram on Friday attacked the government for the slip in industrial production growth and said that retail inflation had hit a five-month high.

The senior Congress leader's comments came in the wake of reports that industrial production growth slipped to a seven-month low of 3.2 per cent in May, mainly, due to sluggish performance of the manufacturing and the power sectors coupled with poor offtake of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG).

"Retail inflation hits 5-month high, industrial growth (IIP) slumps to 7-month low. 'Achhe Din' is around the corner. Outgoing CEA (chief economic advisor) says demonetisation certainly contributed to deceleration of the economy. As we had predicted, it cost 1.5% of GDP," he tweeted.

Factory output growth, measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), was revised down to 4.8 per cent in April from the previous estimate of 4.9 per cent, according to the data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Thursday.

The IIP had expanded by 2.9 per cent in May last year. The previous low of industrial production growth was 1.8 per cent in October 2017.

During April-May of this fiscal, the IIP recorded a growth of 4.4 per cent as compared to 3.1 per cent in same period year ago.

The IIP had expanded by 2.9 per cent in May last year. The previous low of industrial production growth was 1.8 per cent in October 2017.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram on Friday attacked the government for the slip in industrial production growth and said that retail inflation had hit a five-month high. The senior Congress leader's comments came in the wake of reports that industrial production growth slipped to a seven-month low of 3.2 per cent in May, mainly, due to sluggish performance of the manufacturing and the power sectors coupled with poor offtake of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG). "Retail inflation hits 5-month high, industrial growth (IIP) slumps to 7-month low. 'Achhe Din' is around the corner. Outgoing CEA (chief economic advisor) says demonetisation certainly contributed to deceleration of the economy. As we had predicted, it cost 1.5% of GDP," he tweeted. Factory output growth, measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), was revised down to 4.8 per cent in April from the previous estimate of 4.9 per cent, according to the data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Thursday. The IIP had expanded by 2.9 per cent in May last year. The previous low of industrial production growth was 1.8 per cent in October 2017. During April-May of this fiscal, the IIP recorded a growth of 4.4 per cent as compared to 3.1 per cent in same period year ago.

'Retail inflation hits 5-month high': P Chidambaram attacks Centre

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