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<p>Amid rising criticism over steep hike in fuel prices, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram today claimed it was possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre in petrol prices but the government will not do so.</p>

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<p>In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said the bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol and this money rightfully belongs to the average consumer. "Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts an additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol.</p>

<p>"It is possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre, but the government will not. They will cheat the people by cutting price by Rs 1 or 2 per litre of petrol," he said on Twitter.</p>

<p>More than a week after state-owned oil firms ended a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus on revising fuel prices, petrol and diesel rates have touched record highs.</p>

<p>Petrol costs Rs 76.87 per litre in Delhi and diesel costs Rs 68.08 a litre. In the last nine days, petrol price has risen by Rs 2.24 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.15.</p>

<p>Rates vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT.</p>

<p>The prices in Delhi are the cheapest among all metros and most state capitals.</p>

<p>The central government levies Rs 19.48 a litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel.</p>

<p>State sales tax or VAT varies from state to state.</p>

<p>Unlike excise duty, VAT is ad valorem and results in higher revenues for the state when rates move up.</p>

<p>In Delhi, VAT on petrol was Rs 15.84 a litre and Rs 9.68 on diesel in April.</p>

<p>Now, it is Rs 16.34 on petrol and Rs 10.02 a litre on diesel.</p>

<p>Every rupee cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel will result in a revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">कच्चे तेल की कीमतों में गिरावट से केंद्र सरकार को पेट्रोल पर 15 रु/लीटर की बचत होती है| इसके अलावा केंद्र सरकार पेट्रोल पर 10 रु/लीटर का अतिरिक्त कर लगाती है।</p>
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/999178344792051712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol. This money rightfully belongs to the average consumer.</p>
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/999113389388464133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol.</p>
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/999113260703145984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre.</p>

<p>Subsequent to that excise duty reduction, the Centre had asked states to also lower VAT. Just four of them -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh -- reduced rates while others including BJP-ruled ones ignored the call.</p>

<p>In all, duty on petrol rate was hiked by Rs 11.77 per litre and that on diesel by 13.47 a litre in those 15 months that helped governments excise mop up more than double to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.&nbsp;</p>


'It is possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre, but the government will not. They will cheat the people by cutting price by Rs 1 or 2 per litre of petrol,' the former finance minister said on Twitter. Every rupee cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel will result in a revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore

Amid rising criticism over steep hike in fuel prices, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram today claimed it was possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre in petrol prices but the government will not do so. × In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said the bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol and this money rightfully belongs to the average consumer. "Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts an additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol. "It is possible to cut up to Rs 25 per litre, but the government will not. They will cheat the people by cutting price by Rs 1 or 2 per litre of petrol," he said on Twitter. More than a week after state-owned oil firms ended a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus on revising fuel prices, petrol and diesel rates have touched record highs. Petrol costs Rs 76.87 per litre in Delhi and diesel costs Rs 68.08 a litre. In the last nine days, petrol price has risen by Rs 2.24 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.15. Rates vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT. The prices in Delhi are the cheapest among all metros and most state capitals. The central government levies Rs 19.48 a litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs 15.33 per litre on diesel. State sales tax or VAT varies from state to state. Unlike excise duty, VAT is ad valorem and results in higher revenues for the state when rates move up. In Delhi, VAT on petrol was Rs 15.84 a litre and Rs 9.68 on diesel in April. Now, it is Rs 16.34 on petrol and Rs 10.02 a litre on diesel. Every rupee cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel will result in a revenue loss of Rs 13,000 crore. कच्चे तेल की कीमतों में गिरावट से केंद्र सरकार को पेट्रोल पर 15 रु/लीटर की बचत होती है| इसके अलावा केंद्र सरकार पेट्रोल पर 10 रु/लीटर का अतिरिक्त कर लगाती है। — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 23, 2018 × Bonanza to central government is Rs 25 on every litre of petrol. This money rightfully belongs to the average consumer. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 23, 2018 × Central government saves Rs 15 on every litre of petrol due to fall in crude oil prices. Central government puts additional tax of Rs 10 on every litre of petrol. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 23, 2018 × The government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre. Subsequent to that excise duty reduction, the Centre had asked states to also lower VAT. Just four of them -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh -- reduced rates while others including BJP-ruled ones ignored the call. In all, duty on petrol rate was hiked by Rs 11.77 per litre and that on diesel by 13.47 a litre in those 15 months that helped governments excise mop up more than double to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.

Government can reduce petrol price by Rs 25 but won't do it: Chidambaram

<p>Taapsee Pannu has already established herself in Bollywood post the success of 'Pink'. The actress, whose film 'Judwaa 2' was a smash hit last year, has not one but 5 releases lined up in 2018!&nbsp;</p>

<p>The year 2018 is going to be extremely busy for the actress&nbsp;with back to back shoots for a variety of projects which are going to release in the upcoming months.</p>

<p>According to sources close to the actress, she has 4 films that are releasing this year and while she shoots for 3 films.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She will first be seen in 'Soorma', the Sandeep Singh biopic with Diljit Dosanjh which will be releasing on 13th July followed up with the release of Anubhav Sinha's 'Mulk' on 27th July. Soon after, she will be seen in Anurag Kashyap's romantic drama 'Manmarziyaan' which will be releasing in September.</p>

<p>Not only this, she also has a Telugu film titled 'Neevevaroo' which will be releasing in the second half of the year.</p>

<p>Taapsee will be reuniting with Amitabh Bachchan after working in the movie 'Pink', in Sujoy Ghosh's next film.</p>

<p>She will also be shooting for an unannounced Bilingual film which will be in Tamil/ Telugu and will be shooting with Kriti Sanon for Phantom's next later this year.</p>

<p>With 7 projects all up her sleeve, Taapsee Pannu is definitely one of the busiest actresses of 2018!</p>


With 7 projects all up her sleeve, Taapsee Pannu is definitely one of the top and busiest actresses of 2018

Taapsee Pannu has already established herself in Bollywood post the success of 'Pink'. The actress, whose film 'Judwaa 2' was a smash hit last year, has not one but 5 releases lined up in 2018! The year 2018 is going to be extremely busy for the actress with back to back shoots for a variety of projects which are going to release in the upcoming months. According to sources close to the actress, she has 4 films that are releasing this year and while she shoots for 3 films. She will first be seen in 'Soorma', the Sandeep Singh biopic with Diljit Dosanjh which will be releasing on 13th July followed up with the release of Anubhav Sinha's 'Mulk' on 27th July. Soon after, she will be seen in Anurag Kashyap's romantic drama 'Manmarziyaan' which will be releasing in September. Not only this, she also has a Telugu film titled 'Neevevaroo' which will be releasing in the second half of the year. Taapsee will be reuniting with Amitabh Bachchan after working in the movie 'Pink', in Sujoy Ghosh's next film. She will also be shooting for an unannounced Bilingual film which will be in Tamil/ Telugu and will be shooting with Kriti Sanon for Phantom's next later this year. With 7 projects all up her sleeve, Taapsee Pannu is definitely one of the busiest actresses of 2018!

Is Taapsee Pannu the busiest actress of 2018?

<p>The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday filed its first charge sheet in the PNB Scam worth over $2 billion.</p>

<p>The 12,000-page complaint filed by the ED is issued against diamantaire Nirav Modi and his associates at a special court in Mumbai.</p>

<p>The charge sheet has been filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prosecution complaint (charge sheet)&nbsp;includes the details of the attachments made by&nbsp;Nirav Modi and his associates.</p>

<p>Two other charge sheets were filed by the CBI in the matter earlier&nbsp;this month.</p>

<p>The Enforcement Directorate had recently summoned Nirav Modi's family for questioning in the PNB scam after his repeated failures in appearing before the court despite several summonses.&nbsp;</p>


The prosecution complaint (charge sheet) filed against Nirav Modi and his associates includes the details of the attachments made by the agency against them

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday filed its first charge sheet in the PNB Scam worth over $2 billion. The 12,000-page complaint filed by the ED is issued against diamantaire Nirav Modi and his associates at a special court in Mumbai. The charge sheet has been filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The prosecution complaint (charge sheet) includes the details of the attachments made by Nirav Modi and his associates. Two other charge sheets were filed by the CBI in the matter earlier this month. The Enforcement Directorate had recently summoned Nirav Modi's family for questioning in the PNB scam after his repeated failures in appearing before the court despite several summonses.

PNB Scam: ED files first chargesheet against Nirav Modi, associates

<p>According to the Indo-Pak Conflict Monitor, which tracks ceasefire violations on both sides of the border, India has already reported — till February 2018 — 633 ceasefire violations this year.&nbsp</p>

<p>Pakistan on the other hand has reported — till March 22, 2018 — 690 ceasefire violations.&nbsp</p>

<p>To put that in perspective, in 2017, India reported 771 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, the International Border, and the Actual Ground Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp</p>

<p>And only 228 in 2016.&nbsp</p>

<p>But that of course was the year of the "surgical strikes", when Indian soldiers crossed the border and hit what the army referred to as a "terror launchpad".&nbsp</p>

<p>Ever since then, there has been a massive surge in ceasefire violations along the border.&nbsp</p>

<p>The ceasefire between India and Pakistan was signed in 2003. The nitty gritty of the agreement was worked out by the DGMOs (Director General of Military Operations) of the two armies.&nbsp</p>

<p>Some of the reasons stated for the accord at the time sound rather prosaic now — it would for example allow the two armies to move stores. (There was of course also the fact that it would allow them to evacuate their wounded.)&nbsp</p>

<p>But the accord itself was pretty significant considering the two countries had come close to war in 2001 after the terror attack on the Indian Parliament, which the country alleged was launched from Pakistan.&nbsp</p>

<p>The ceasefire held for 10 years.&nbsp</p>

<p>Then in January 2013 India alleged that a Pakistani Border Action Team crossed over, ambushed an Indian Army patrol, and killed two soldiers.&nbsp</p>

<p>One of the two soldiers was beheaded.&nbsp</p>

<p>Pakistan denied the claim but the allegation caused massive outrage in India.&nbsp</p>

<p>Salman Khurshid, the then minister for External Affairs, vowed a “proportionate” response.&nbsp</p>

<p>The never-ending cycle of tit-for-tat that ensued has never stopped.&nbsp</p>

<p>And by now of course, with a ceasefire violation reported virtually every day along the border, it is fair to say that the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan exists only on paper. For all practical purposes, the agreement is as good as dead.&nbsp</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp</p>


2018 is already well on its to witnessing the highest number of ceasefire violations along the India-Pakistan border. The agreement, signed in 2003, exists only on paper

According to the Indo-Pak Conflict Monitor, which tracks ceasefire violations on both sides of the border, India has already reported — till February 2018 — 633 ceasefire violations this year. Pakistan on the other hand has reported — till March 22, 2018 — 690 ceasefire violations. To put that in perspective, in 2017, India reported 771 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, the International Border, and the Actual Ground Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir. And only 228 in 2016. But that of course was the year of the "surgical strikes", when Indian soldiers crossed the border and hit what the army referred to as a "terror launchpad". Ever since then, there has been a massive surge in ceasefire violations along the border. The ceasefire between India and Pakistan was signed in 2003. The nitty gritty of the agreement was worked out by the DGMOs (Director General of Military Operations) of the two armies. Some of the reasons stated for the accord at the time sound rather prosaic now — it would for example allow the two armies to move stores. (There was of course also the fact that it would allow them to evacuate their wounded.) But the accord itself was pretty significant considering the two countries had come close to war in 2001 after the terror attack on the Indian Parliament, which the country alleged was launched from Pakistan. The ceasefire held for 10 years. Then in January 2013 India alleged that a Pakistani Border Action Team crossed over, ambushed an Indian Army patrol, and killed two soldiers. One of the two soldiers was beheaded. Pakistan denied the claim but the allegation caused massive outrage in India. Salman Khurshid, the then minister for External Affairs, vowed a “proportionate” response. The never-ending cycle of tit-for-tat that ensued has never stopped. And by now of course, with a ceasefire violation reported virtually every day along the border, it is fair to say that the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan exists only on paper. For all practical purposes, the agreement is as good as dead.

Analysis: Ceasefire Agreement between India and Pakistan is as good as dead

<p>The latest to join the bandwagon of celebs to take up the fitness challenge tossed up by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is none other than Amitabh Bachchan.</p>

<p>The `Shahensha` of Bollywood posted his acceptance message on his Twitter handle.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">T 2816 - - <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ra_THORe</a> we accept the challenge of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> .. main mantra : BE CONTINUOUSLY MOBILE .. get up for every errand yourself, gym each day, push away that excess morsel of temptation, drive or cycle yourself, see the Sun more often !? <a href="https://t.co/4SQ2jRiSuy">pic.twitter.com/4SQ2jRiSuy</a></p>
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan/status/999536148077625344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">24 May 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Senior Bachchan, as he is lovingly called by his fans, wrote, "@Ra_THORe we accept the challenge of #HumFitTohIndiaFit #FitnessChallenge .. main mantra : BE CONTINUOUSLY MOBILE .. get up for every errand yourself, gym each day, push away that excess morsel of temptation, drive or cycle yourself, see the Sun more often !"</p>

<p>.The message was obviously followed by an unseen picture of the man himself.</p>

<p>The challenge `HumFitTohIndiaFit` has been making rounds on social media since Tuesday when Rathore posted a video message on his Twitter, urging the citizens of India to adopt a healthy lifestyle.</p>

<p>Along with his tweet, Rathore also posted a video of himself wherein he could be seen speaking about the significance of fitness as stressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi before he went down to do ten push-ups.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> ???<br />
<br />
Post pictures and videos of how you keep yourself fit and send a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> to your friends on social media. Here's my video ?and I challenge <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iHrithik</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSaina</a> to join in? <a href="https://t.co/pYhRY1lNEm">pic.twitter.com/pYhRY1lNEm</a></p>
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe/status/998800601243881472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">22 May 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>While inviting Indians to post pictures and videos of their fitness attempts, Rathore also appealed to Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli, ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal and Bollywood Hrithik Roshan to join in the effort and be aspiring role models for others.</p>

<p>Following which, Kohli, PM Modi, Hrithik, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal have already taken up the challenge and posted messages and videos supporting the cause.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This initiative makes me so proud ! Bravo <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ra_THORe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> this is how I commute to my office everyday. sitting static in a car is such a waste. Walk, cycle, jog, feel the earth, feel India ?? get FIT! <a href="https://t.co/twoI1vna9c">pic.twitter.com/twoI1vna9c</a></p>
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik/status/998959071020617734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">22 May 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have accepted the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> by <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ra_THORe</a> sir. Now I would like to challenge my wife <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnushkaSharma</a> , our PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji and <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> Bhai for the same. ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ComeOutAndPlay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ComeOutAndPlay</a> <a href="https://t.co/e9BAToE6bg">pic.twitter.com/e9BAToE6bg</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/999297347032055808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">23 May 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> video soon. <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> <a href="https://t.co/qdc1JabCYb">https://t.co/qdc1JabCYb</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/999483037669879808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">24 May 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli, PM Modi, Hrithik Roshan, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal have already taken up the challenge and posted messages and videos supporting the cause.

The latest to join the bandwagon of celebs to take up the fitness challenge tossed up by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is none other than Amitabh Bachchan. The `Shahensha` of Bollywood posted his acceptance message on his Twitter handle. T 2816 - - @Ra_THORe we accept the challenge of #HumFitTohIndiaFit #FitnessChallenge .. main mantra : BE CONTINUOUSLY MOBILE .. get up for every errand yourself, gym each day, push away that excess morsel of temptation, drive or cycle yourself, see the Sun more often !? pic.twitter.com/4SQ2jRiSuy — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) 24 May 2018 × Senior Bachchan, as he is lovingly called by his fans, wrote, "@Ra_THORe we accept the challenge of #HumFitTohIndiaFit #FitnessChallenge .. main mantra : BE CONTINUOUSLY MOBILE .. get up for every errand yourself, gym each day, push away that excess morsel of temptation, drive or cycle yourself, see the Sun more often !" .The message was obviously followed by an unseen picture of the man himself. The challenge `HumFitTohIndiaFit` has been making rounds on social media since Tuesday when Rathore posted a video message on his Twitter, urging the citizens of India to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Along with his tweet, Rathore also posted a video of himself wherein he could be seen speaking about the significance of fitness as stressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi before he went down to do ten push-ups. #HumFitTohIndiaFit ??? Post pictures and videos of how you keep yourself fit and send a #FitnessChallenge to your friends on social media. Here's my video ?and I challenge @iHrithik, @imVkohli & @NSaina to join in? pic.twitter.com/pYhRY1lNEm — Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) 22 May 2018 × While inviting Indians to post pictures and videos of their fitness attempts, Rathore also appealed to Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli, ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal and Bollywood Hrithik Roshan to join in the effort and be aspiring role models for others. Following which, Kohli, PM Modi, Hrithik, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal have already taken up the challenge and posted messages and videos supporting the cause. This initiative makes me so proud ! Bravo @Ra_THORe #HumFitTohIndiaFit #FitnessChallenge this is how I commute to my office everyday. sitting static in a car is such a waste. Walk, cycle, jog, feel the earth, feel India ?? get FIT! pic.twitter.com/twoI1vna9c — Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) 22 May 2018 × I have accepted the #FitnessChallenge by @ra_THORe sir. Now I would like to challenge my wife @AnushkaSharma , our PM @narendramodi ji and @msdhoni Bhai for the same. ? #HumFitTohIndiaFit #ComeOutAndPlay pic.twitter.com/e9BAToE6bg — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) 23 May 2018 × Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit https://t.co/qdc1JabCYb — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 24 May 2018 ×

Amitabh Bachchan joins #HumFitTohIndiaFit challenge

<p>When Hrithik Roshan took to Mumbai streets to show how he keeps himself fit, little did he know that his video would draw such flak from Twitteratis.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The actor was challenged by Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rajyavardhan Rathore a few days back. Rathore has started a fitness challenge on Twitter asking everyone to share pictures and videos of how they keep themselves fit. He challenged Virat Kohli, Hrithik Roshan and Saina Nehwal to take up the challenge.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> ???<br />
<br />
Post pictures and videos of how you keep yourself fit and send a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> to your friends on social media. Here's my video ?and I challenge <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iHrithik</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSaina</a> to join in? <a href="https://t.co/pYhRY1lNEm">pic.twitter.com/pYhRY1lNEm</a></p>
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe/status/998800601243881472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Roshan took to Twitter to show how he keeps himself fit by posting a video of him cycling down to work. The only problem with the video was that Roshan was seen recording a selfie video while cycling down Mumbai's streets.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This initiative makes me so proud ! Bravo <a href="https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ra_THORe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HumFitTohIndiaFit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HumFitTohIndiaFit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessChallenge</a> this is how I commute to my office everyday. sitting static in a car is such a waste. Walk, cycle, jog, feel the earth, feel India ?? get FIT! <a href="https://t.co/twoI1vna9c">pic.twitter.com/twoI1vna9c</a></p>
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik/status/998959071020617734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Twitter soon called out the actor for violating traffic rules and even tweeted to Mumbai Police.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
People on Twitter stated that Hrithik was making a video while cycling and wasn’t wearing a helmet.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A Twitter user @DuttRisky tweeted, “This is called violation of traffic rules. @MumbaiPolice what you are going to do now? @iHrithik you should have done it in open ground rather than on busy road.”&nbsp;Mumbai Police responded to the user, saying, “Please share the location details for us to inform the concerned traffic division.”<br />
The actor is yet to respond to the tweets.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is called violation of traffic rules. <a href="https://twitter.com/MumbaiPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MumbaiPolice</a> what you are going to do now?<a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iHrithik</a> you should have done it in open ground rather than on busy road.</p>
— DuttRisky (@duttrisky) <a href="https://twitter.com/duttrisky/status/999134101184495616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Please share the location details for us to inform the concerned traffic division.</p>
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/MumbaiPolice/status/999136748922863617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Please wear a helmet while biking too and do not use mobile phone while cycling on busy streets of mumbai....</p>
— Pooja Gianchandani (@theskillspundit) <a href="https://twitter.com/theskillspundit/status/999313082169155584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">irresponsible example to be shooting video while cycling, so many selfie deaths are a case in point <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iHrithik</a></p>
— priyanka jain (@priyankajain1) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankajain1/status/999315856013365249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Tiger Shroff, PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Deepika Padukone have all posted videos taking up the fitness challenge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli nominated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/challenge-accepted-says-pm-modi-accepting-virat-kohlis-fitness-dare-139302">PM Modi who has accepted the challenge </a>and tweeted, " Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit"</p>


The actor took to Mumbai streets to show how he keeps himself fit.

When Hrithik Roshan took to Mumbai streets to show how he keeps himself fit, little did he know that his video would draw such flak from Twitteratis. The actor was challenged by Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rajyavardhan Rathore a few days back. Rathore has started a fitness challenge on Twitter asking everyone to share pictures and videos of how they keep themselves fit. He challenged Virat Kohli, Hrithik Roshan and Saina Nehwal to take up the challenge. #HumFitTohIndiaFit ??? Post pictures and videos of how you keep yourself fit and send a #FitnessChallenge to your friends on social media. Here's my video ?and I challenge @iHrithik, @imVkohli & @NSaina to join in? pic.twitter.com/pYhRY1lNEm — Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) May 22, 2018 × Roshan took to Twitter to show how he keeps himself fit by posting a video of him cycling down to work. The only problem with the video was that Roshan was seen recording a selfie video while cycling down Mumbai's streets. This initiative makes me so proud ! Bravo @Ra_THORe #HumFitTohIndiaFit #FitnessChallenge this is how I commute to my office everyday. sitting static in a car is such a waste. Walk, cycle, jog, feel the earth, feel India ?? get FIT! pic.twitter.com/twoI1vna9c — Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) May 22, 2018 × Twitter soon called out the actor for violating traffic rules and even tweeted to Mumbai Police. People on Twitter stated that Hrithik was making a video while cycling and wasn’t wearing a helmet. A Twitter user @DuttRisky tweeted, “This is called violation of traffic rules. @MumbaiPolice what you are going to do now? @iHrithik you should have done it in open ground rather than on busy road.” Mumbai Police responded to the user, saying, “Please share the location details for us to inform the concerned traffic division.” The actor is yet to respond to the tweets. This is called violation of traffic rules. @MumbaiPolice what you are going to do now?@iHrithik you should have done it in open ground rather than on busy road. — DuttRisky (@duttrisky) May 23, 2018 × Please share the location details for us to inform the concerned traffic division. — Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) May 23, 2018 × Please wear a helmet while biking too and do not use mobile phone while cycling on busy streets of mumbai.... — Pooja Gianchandani (@theskillspundit) May 23, 2018 × irresponsible example to be shooting video while cycling, so many selfie deaths are a case in point @iHrithik — priyanka jain (@priyankajain1) May 23, 2018 × Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Tiger Shroff, PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Deepika Padukone have all posted videos taking up the fitness challenge. Kohli nominated PM Modi who has accepted the challenge and tweeted, " Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit"

Hrithik Roshan accepts Rajyavardhan Rathore's fitness challenge; Twitter is not impressed

<p>The Vaishno Devi Yatra which was stopped due to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-massive-fire-in-trikuta-hills-vaishno-devi-yatra-suspended-139286">forest fire in Trikuta hills in Katra</a> has now resumed under caution.</p>

<p>The yatra was resumed after the CRPF showed a commendable role in dousing the fire.</p>

<p>The troops of 6 Bn CRPF deployed in the region, along with local police and shrine board staff, controlled and regularized the movement of passengers which otherwise could have created panic among them. &nbsp;</p>

<p>They also proactively involved themselves in dousing the fire with whatever resources were available with them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hills were engulfed in fire on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The fire affected scores of devotees and pilgrims who were stranded at Katra base camp.&nbsp;</p>


The troops of 6 Bn CRPF deployed in the region, along with local police and shrine board staff, controlled and regularized the movement of passengers which otherwise could have created panic among them

The Vaishno Devi Yatra which was stopped due to the forest fire in Trikuta hills in Katra has now resumed under caution. The yatra was resumed after the CRPF showed a commendable role in dousing the fire. The troops of 6 Bn CRPF deployed in the region, along with local police and shrine board staff, controlled and regularized the movement of passengers which otherwise could have created panic among them. They also proactively involved themselves in dousing the fire with whatever resources were available with them. The hills were engulfed in fire on Tuesday. The fire affected scores of devotees and pilgrims who were stranded at Katra base camp.

J&K: Vaishno Devi yatra resumes after CRPF douses forest fire

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned begging at public and religious places here and directed the police to arrest the offenders.</p>

<p>The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah yesterday, said Srinagar being the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir holds a great importance in the socio-economic landscape of the state and so it is contingent upon the administration to take all measures necessary to make the district more citizen-friendly and to prevent public nuisance at all costs.&nbsp</p>

<p>"Begging being an offence under the Act (Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Beggary Act I960), it is imperative that strict necessary action under law be initiated against the offenders," it stated.</p>

<p>The deputy commissioner said, "It has been observed that off late there is a proliferation of beggars on the streets of Srinagar which creates massive nuisance for the general public."</p>

<p>The order stated any person found soliciting alms in a public place, or in or about a mosque, temple or other place of public worship, whether or not under any pretence and entering on any private premises for the purpose of soliciting alms shall be immediately arrested under Section 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Beggary Act, 1960 read with Section 61 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Svt 1989.</p>

<p>Those exposing or exhibiting with the object of obtaining or extorting alms, any sore, wound, injury, deformity or disease whether of a human being or an animal shall also be arrested, it said.</p>

<p>"Also, any person found having no visible means of subsistence and wandering about or remaining in any public place or in a temple, mosque or other place of public worship in such condition or manner as makes it like that the person doing so exists by soliciting alms or allowing himself to be used as an exhibit for the purpose of soliciting alms, does not include soliciting money or fee or gift for a purpose authorized by law or authorized in the prescribed manner by the District Magistrate, shall also be arrested," it read.&nbsp</p>

<p>The deputy commissioner directed senior superintendents of police, Srinagar and Budgam, to implement the order in letter and spirit and report the number of such arrests on daily basis.&nbsp<br />
&nbsp</p>


The deputy commissioner directed senior superintendents of police, Srinagar and Budgam, to implement the order

The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned begging at public and religious places here and directed the police to arrest the offenders. The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah yesterday, said Srinagar being the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir holds a great importance in the socio-economic landscape of the state and so it is contingent upon the administration to take all measures necessary to make the district more citizen-friendly and to prevent public nuisance at all costs. "Begging being an offence under the Act (Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Beggary Act I960), it is imperative that strict necessary action under law be initiated against the offenders," it stated. The deputy commissioner said, "It has been observed that off late there is a proliferation of beggars on the streets of Srinagar which creates massive nuisance for the general public." The order stated any person found soliciting alms in a public place, or in or about a mosque, temple or other place of public worship, whether or not under any pretence and entering on any private premises for the purpose of soliciting alms shall be immediately arrested under Section 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Beggary Act, 1960 read with Section 61 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Svt 1989. Those exposing or exhibiting with the object of obtaining or extorting alms, any sore, wound, injury, deformity or disease whether of a human being or an animal shall also be arrested, it said. "Also, any person found having no visible means of subsistence and wandering about or remaining in any public place or in a temple, mosque or other place of public worship in such condition or manner as makes it like that the person doing so exists by soliciting alms or allowing himself to be used as an exhibit for the purpose of soliciting alms, does not include soliciting money or fee or gift for a purpose authorized by law or authorized in the prescribed manner by the District Magistrate, shall also be arrested," it read. The deputy commissioner directed senior superintendents of police, Srinagar and Budgam, to implement the order in letter and spirit and report the number of such arrests on daily basis.

J&K: Begging at public, religious places banned in Srinagar

<p>'Dangal'&nbsp;director Nitesh Tiwari is all set to helm his next venture, which will be released on August 30 next year.</p>

<p>The filmmaker took to Twitter to make the announcement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Looking forward to being a part of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SajidNadiadwala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SajidNadiadwala</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FoxStarStudios?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FoxStarStudios</a> family for my next, after Dangal. A story I am excited to tell. Releases on 30th August 2019. Cast to be announced soon, stay tuned! <a href="https://twitter.com/NGEMovies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NGEMovies</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/foxstarhindi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@foxstarhindi</a></p>
— Nitesh Tiwari (@niteshtiwari22) <a href="https://twitter.com/niteshtiwari22/status/999532166139797504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">24 May 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Looking forward to being a part of the #SajidNadiadwala and #FoxStarStudios family for my next, after Dangal. A story I am excited to tell. Releases on 30th August 2019. Cast to be announced soon, stay tuned! @NGEMovies @foxstarhindi," Tiwari tweeted.</p>

<p>Sajid Nadiadwala's Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment&nbsp;and Fox Star Studios are collaborating on the project after backing 'Dangal'.</p>

<p>The cast will be announced soon.</p>

<p>"#SajidNadiadwala & #FoxStarStudios collaborate once again and bring to you @niteshtiwari22's next, after Dangal. A riveting story on today's generation. Releasing on 30th August 2019. Cast to be announced soon! @NGEMovies @Foxstarhindi @wardanadiadwala," a post on Twitter page read.</p>


The filmmaker took to Twitter to make the announcement.

'Dangal' director Nitesh Tiwari is all set to helm his next venture, which will be released on August 30 next year. The filmmaker took to Twitter to make the announcement. Looking forward to being a part of the #SajidNadiadwala and #FoxStarStudios family for my next, after Dangal. A story I am excited to tell. Releases on 30th August 2019. Cast to be announced soon, stay tuned! @NGEMovies @foxstarhindi — Nitesh Tiwari (@niteshtiwari22) 24 May 2018 × "Looking forward to being a part of the #SajidNadiadwala and #FoxStarStudios family for my next, after Dangal. A story I am excited to tell. Releases on 30th August 2019. Cast to be announced soon, stay tuned! @NGEMovies @foxstarhindi," Tiwari tweeted. Sajid Nadiadwala's Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Fox Star Studios are collaborating on the project after backing 'Dangal'. The cast will be announced soon. "#SajidNadiadwala & #FoxStarStudios collaborate once again and bring to you @niteshtiwari22's next, after Dangal. A riveting story on today's generation. Releasing on 30th August 2019. Cast to be announced soon! @NGEMovies @Foxstarhindi @wardanadiadwala," a post on Twitter page read.

'Dangal' director Nitesh Tiwari's next set for August 30, 2019 release

T-series honcho Bhushan Kumar is now making a biopic on late label owner Gulshan Kumar

All you need to know about Gulshan Kumar's biopic titled 'Mogul'!

<p>After <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/challenge-accepted-says-pm-modi-accepting-virat-kohlis-fitness-dare-139302">Prime&nbsp;Minister Narendra Modi accepted Virat Kohli's fitness challenge</a> on Thursday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has also challenged the PM on Twitter.</p>

<p>Gandhi&nbsp;took to Twitter and asked PM Modi to reduce the fuel prices in the country. He also warned the Prime Minister saying&nbsp;his party would go on a nationwide protest if the prices are not brought down.</p>

<p>His tweet said, "Dear PM,&nbsp;<br />
Glad to see you accept the @imVkohli fitness challenge. Here’s one from me:<br />
Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so.&nbsp;<br />
I look forward to your response.<br />
#FuelChallenge</p>

<p>Earlier Cricketer Virat Kohli had given a fitness&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;to the prime minister on Twitter.</p>

<p>The PM replied to Kohli's challenge stating that "Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit,"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear PM,<br />
<br />
Glad to see you accept the <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> fitness challenge. Here’s one from me:<br />
<br />
Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so.<br />
<br />
I look forward to your response.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FuelChallenge?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FuelChallenge</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/999575452749574144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Gandhi took to Twitter and asked PM Modi to reduce the fuel prices in the country. He also warned the Prime Minister saying his party would go on a nationwide protest if the prices are not brought down

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Virat Kohli's fitness challenge on Thursday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has also challenged the PM on Twitter. Gandhi took to Twitter and asked PM Modi to reduce the fuel prices in the country. He also warned the Prime Minister saying his party would go on a nationwide protest if the prices are not brought down. His tweet said, "Dear PM, Glad to see you accept the @imVkohli fitness challenge. Here’s one from me: Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so. I look forward to your response. #FuelChallenge Earlier Cricketer Virat Kohli had given a fitness challenge to the prime minister on Twitter. The PM replied to Kohli's challenge stating that "Challenge accepted, Virat! I will be sharing my own #FitnessChallenge video soon. @imVkohli #HumFitTohIndiaFit," Dear PM, Glad to see you accept the @imVkohli fitness challenge. Here’s one from me: Reduce Fuel prices or the Congress will do a nationwide agitation and force you to do so. I look forward to your response.#FuelChallenge — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 24, 2018 ×

After Modi accepts 'fitness challenge', Rahul Gandhi dares PM to take 'fuel challenge'

<p>Nearly a week <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-announces-ceasefire-during-ramzan-in-jk-137400">after announcing </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-announces-ceasefire-during-ramzan-in-jk-137400">suspension</a> of operation by security forces&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), sources in the government say they may consider extending the suspension even after Ramzan.</p>

<p>On May 16, the Centre had asked security forces in J&K to suspend operation for a month due to the holy month of Ramzan after CM Mehbooba Mufti and other political parties pushed for a "suspended peace".</p>

<p>Home minister Rajnath Singh had later said the Centre is suspending operation and informed J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti who welcomed the move.</p>

<p>According to government sources, the implementation of suspension of operation is getting a "good response" from the people in the Valley.</p>

<p>“The government wants that during the ensuing month of Ramzan, no section of society and in particular, the Muslim community should face any difficulty," the government had said while declaring a "temporary ceasefire".</p>


According to government sources, the implementation of suspension of operation is getting a "good response"

Nearly a week after announcing suspension of operation by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), sources in the government say they may consider extending the suspension even after Ramzan. On May 16, the Centre had asked security forces in J&K to suspend operation for a month due to the holy month of Ramzan after CM Mehbooba Mufti and other political parties pushed for a "suspended peace". Home minister Rajnath Singh had later said the Centre is suspending operation and informed J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti who welcomed the move. According to government sources, the implementation of suspension of operation is getting a "good response" from the people in the Valley. “The government wants that during the ensuing month of Ramzan, no section of society and in particular, the Muslim community should face any difficulty," the government had said while declaring a "temporary ceasefire".

After 'good response', government may extend suspension of operation in J&K beyond Ramzan

<p>Indian shares ended higher on Thursday as IT stocks such as Infosys Ltd and Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) gained on the back of a weaker rupee.</p>

<p>The broader NSE Nifty closed 0.8 per cent higher at 10,513.85 while the benchmark BSE Sensex ended 0.93 per cent stronger at 34,663.11.</p>

<p>Nifty IT index ended 2.31 per cent higher with Infosys gaining 2.96 per cent and TCS firming up 3.31 per cent.</p>

<p>Financial stocks also advanced with HDFC Bank gaining 0.9 per cent and Housing Development Finance Corp Ltd ending 1.3 per cent higher.<br />
&nbsp</p>


Indian shares ended higher on Thursday as IT stocks such as Infosys Ltd and Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) gained on the back of a weaker rupee

Indian shares ended higher on Thursday as IT stocks such as Infosys Ltd and Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) gained on the back of a weaker rupee. The broader NSE Nifty closed 0.8 per cent higher at 10,513.85 while the benchmark BSE Sensex ended 0.93 per cent stronger at 34,663.11. Nifty IT index ended 2.31 per cent higher with Infosys gaining 2.96 per cent and TCS firming up 3.31 per cent. Financial stocks also advanced with HDFC Bank gaining 0.9 per cent and Housing Development Finance Corp Ltd ending 1.3 per cent higher.

Sensex ends higher; IT stocks lead

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tuticorin-anti-sterlite-protests-tamil-nadu-cm-palaniswami-defends-police-action-139388">Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami </a>has assured that his government was taking steps to shut down the Sterlite factory at Thoothukudi.</p>

<p>Speaking to the media the chief minister said that his government was taking the legal route to ensure the shut down of Sterlite Copper Smelter plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palaniswami had earlier defended the police action during Tuticorin anti-Sterlite protests.</p>

<p>He had said, "If someone is attacked, the natural course would be to defend and safeguard themselves. This is what has been done by the police in response".</p>

<p>At least 13 people have lost their lives in the firing by police during protests against the Sterlite factory on May 22 and 23. More than 70 people are undergoing treatment.</p>

<p>The foundation stone of Sterlite’s copper-smelting plant in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district was laid by the late former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalithaa, in the year 1994.</p>

<p>For over two decades, locals in the region have been fighting cases in various courts to protest its ongoing operations stating that the plant causes severe air and water pollution and contaminates the soil. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The state chief minister also said that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board had denied the permission to Sterlite factory to continue running the factory, however, the factory got the permission from the National Green Tribunal.</p>

<p>He also added that the state government had challenged the apex court against the NGT ruling.&nbsp;</p>


Speaking to the media the chief minister said that his government was taking the legal route to ensure the shut down of Sterlite Copper Smelter plant

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami has assured that his government was taking steps to shut down the Sterlite factory at Thoothukudi. Speaking to the media the chief minister said that his government was taking the legal route to ensure the shut down of Sterlite Copper Smelter plant. Palaniswami had earlier defended the police action during Tuticorin anti-Sterlite protests. He had said, "If someone is attacked, the natural course would be to defend and safeguard themselves. This is what has been done by the police in response". At least 13 people have lost their lives in the firing by police during protests against the Sterlite factory on May 22 and 23. More than 70 people are undergoing treatment. The foundation stone of Sterlite’s copper-smelting plant in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district was laid by the late former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalithaa, in the year 1994. For over two decades, locals in the region have been fighting cases in various courts to protest its ongoing operations stating that the plant causes severe air and water pollution and contaminates the soil. The state chief minister also said that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board had denied the permission to Sterlite factory to continue running the factory, however, the factory got the permission from the National Green Tribunal. He also added that the state government had challenged the apex court against the NGT ruling.

Anti-Sterlite protest: CM Palaniswamy ensures legal action for factory shut down

<p>PM Modi and Dutch PM Rutte held a joint press conference today and declared that India and Netherlands have several areas of mutual interest.</p>

<p>PM Modi said he held discussions with PM Rutte on a range of issues of mutual interest.</p>

<p>"Dutch companies have been investing in India for sometime now, I want to assure investors on trade,"&nbspPM Modi said, adding,"energy and technology are areas of mutual cooperation."</p>

<p>"India and Netherlands are working closely on urban planning," PM Modi added.</p>

<p>PM Rutte who is on a two-day visit to India said relations between the two countries has grown.</p>

<p>"Fighting climate change is a big challenge," Rutte said with PM Modi on his side.</p>

<p>PM Rutte's visit is aimed at boosting economic cooperation between the two countries. The Dutch prime minister will be visiting&nbspBengaluru after he leaves New Delhi.</p>


PM Rutte's visit is aimed at boosting economic cooperation between the two countries.

PM Modi and Dutch PM Rutte held a joint press conference today and declared that India and Netherlands have several areas of mutual interest. PM Modi said he held discussions with PM Rutte on a range of issues of mutual interest. "Dutch companies have been investing in India for sometime now, I want to assure investors on trade,"&nbspPM Modi said, adding,"energy and technology are areas of mutual cooperation." "India and Netherlands are working closely on urban planning," PM Modi added. PM Rutte who is on a two-day visit to India said relations between the two countries has grown. "Fighting climate change is a big challenge," Rutte said with PM Modi on his side. PM Rutte's visit is aimed at boosting economic cooperation between the two countries. The Dutch prime minister will be visiting&nbspBengaluru after he leaves New Delhi.

'India, Netherlands working closely on urban planning,' says PM Modi in joint press conference with PM Rutte

<p>A Delhi court today transferred the Sunanda Pushkar death case, in which her husband and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has been chargesheeted for abetting her suicide, to a special court designated to try lawmakers.</p>

<p>Metropolitan Magistrate Dharmendra Singh transferred the case to Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal, who will take up the matter on May 28.</p>

<p>"Since he is a sitting Member of Parliament, matter is being sent to the special designated court for politicians, that is ACMM Samar Vishal. Matter be taken up on May 28," the court said.</p>

<p>The Delhi Police had on May 14 accused Tharoor, the Lok Sabha MP representing Thiruvananthapuram, of abetting Pushkar's suicide and told a city court that he should be summoned as an accused in the four-and-half year-old case, claiming there was sufficient evidence against him.</p>

<p>In a nearly 3,000-page charge sheet, the police named Tharoor as the only accused while also alleging that he had subjected his wife to cruelty.&nbsp</p>


A Delhi court today transferred the Sunanda Pushkar death case, in which her husband and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has been chargesheeted for abetting her suicide, to a special court designated to try lawmakers

A Delhi court today transferred the Sunanda Pushkar death case, in which her husband and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has been chargesheeted for abetting her suicide, to a special court designated to try lawmakers. Metropolitan Magistrate Dharmendra Singh transferred the case to Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Samar Vishal, who will take up the matter on May 28. "Since he is a sitting Member of Parliament, matter is being sent to the special designated court for politicians, that is ACMM Samar Vishal. Matter be taken up on May 28," the court said. The Delhi Police had on May 14 accused Tharoor, the Lok Sabha MP representing Thiruvananthapuram, of abetting Pushkar's suicide and told a city court that he should be summoned as an accused in the four-and-half year-old case, claiming there was sufficient evidence against him. In a nearly 3,000-page charge sheet, the police named Tharoor as the only accused while also alleging that he had subjected his wife to cruelty.

Sunanda Pushkar death case transferred to designated court

The fire broke out in the evening hours of Wednesday, following which the new battery car track for Vaishno Devi pilgrimage was suspended by the authorities.

Forest fire breaks on Vaishno Devi route

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday defended the police action during Tuticorin anti-Sterlite protests. 13 people lost their lives in the firing by police during protests on May 22 and 23. More than 70 people are undergoing treatment.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Palaniswami said If someone is attacked, the natural course would be to defend and safeguard themselves. This is what has been done by the police in response, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also blamed certain political parties for the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If someone is attacked, the natural course would be to defend & safeguard themselves. This is what has been done by the police in response: EK Palaniswami on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtests?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtests</a>. <a href="https://t.co/4dedWZUH89">pic.twitter.com/4dedWZUH89</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999556425591357441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The entire episode which happened was primarily because of certain political parties, NGOs & anti-social elements, who took protestors to a wrong path: EK Palaniswami on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtests?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtests</a> in which 13 people have died due to firing by police. <a href="https://t.co/Cb5hFoznVQ">pic.twitter.com/Cb5hFoznVQ</a></p>
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<p>"The entire episode which happened was primarily because of certain political parties, NGOs and anti-social elements, who took protestors to a wrong path,'' &nbsp;Palaniswami added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police fired at protesters on Tuesday when over a lakh them had gathered in massive protests demanding the closure of the unit. At least 13&nbsp;people including a minor girl were shot dead by the police, leading to massive public anger.</p>

<p>The foundation stone of Sterlite’s copper-smelting plant in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district was laid by the late former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalithaa, in the year 1994.</p>

<p>For over two decades, locals here have been fighting cases in various courts to protest its ongoing operations stating that the plant causes severe air and water pollution and contaminates the soil. &nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, there have only been temporary shutdowns and the plant has continued with its operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year, fresh protests started in February when the company commenced works on its second unit amid opposition from the local people.</p>

<p>Section 144 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code which lists out the procedure for administration of law in India), which prevents unlawful assembly of people in an area, has been imposed in and around the Sterlite unit.&nbsp;</p>


Palaniswami said If someone is attacked, the natural course would be to defend and safeguard themselves. This is what has been done by the police in response, he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Thursday defended the police action during Tuticorin anti-Sterlite protests. 13 people lost their lives in the firing by police during protests on May 22 and 23. More than 70 people are undergoing treatment. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Palaniswami said If someone is attacked, the natural course would be to defend and safeguard themselves. This is what has been done by the police in response, he said. He also blamed certain political parties for the incident. If someone is attacked, the natural course would be to defend & safeguard themselves. This is what has been done by the police in response: EK Palaniswami on #SterliteProtests. pic.twitter.com/4dedWZUH89 — ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2018 × The entire episode which happened was primarily because of certain political parties, NGOs & anti-social elements, who took protestors to a wrong path: EK Palaniswami on #SterliteProtests in which 13 people have died due to firing by police. pic.twitter.com/Cb5hFoznVQ — ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2018 × "The entire episode which happened was primarily because of certain political parties, NGOs and anti-social elements, who took protestors to a wrong path,'' Palaniswami added. The police fired at protesters on Tuesday when over a lakh them had gathered in massive protests demanding the closure of the unit. At least 13 people including a minor girl were shot dead by the police, leading to massive public anger. The foundation stone of Sterlite’s copper-smelting plant in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district was laid by the late former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalithaa, in the year 1994. For over two decades, locals here have been fighting cases in various courts to protest its ongoing operations stating that the plant causes severe air and water pollution and contaminates the soil. So far, there have only been temporary shutdowns and the plant has continued with its operations. This year, fresh protests started in February when the company commenced works on its second unit amid opposition from the local people. Section 144 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code which lists out the procedure for administration of law in India), which prevents unlawful assembly of people in an area, has been imposed in and around the Sterlite unit.

Anti-Sterlite protests: Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami defends police firing in which 13 died

<p>T-series honcho Bhushan Kumar is now moving ahead with his plans to make a biopic on late label owner Gulshan Kumar titled <em>Mogul</em> -- who was shot dead in August 1997 for allegedly refusing to pay protection money to Dawood Ibrahim’s gang.</p>

<p>In a major news development, Indian actor Aamir Khan has come on board as a co-producer of the film along with leading music label T-series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aamir Khan made the announcement to join the team at an event on May 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Akshay Kumar was roped in to play the music company magnate in <em>Mogul</em> but then he walked out owing to “creative differences” with the makers. As soon as Akshay walked out, T-series honcho Bhushan Kumar said that he would get a “bigger” actor than him. Khan, although will only be producing not acting in the film.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film will be helmed by Subhash Kapoor of <em>Jolly LLB</em> fame.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gulshan Kumar founded the T-Series music label and took it to great heights in the 1990s, banking on hit Hindi film soundtracks, devotional albums, and recreations of old Hindi film songs with new singers.</p>


Akshay Kumar was previously approached to play the lead role. He, however, walked out due to 'creative differences' with the makers.

T-series honcho Bhushan Kumar is now moving ahead with his plans to make a biopic on late label owner Gulshan Kumar titled Mogul -- who was shot dead in August 1997 for allegedly refusing to pay protection money to Dawood Ibrahim’s gang. In a major news development, Indian actor Aamir Khan has come on board as a co-producer of the film along with leading music label T-series. Aamir Khan made the announcement to join the team at an event on May 23. Earlier, Akshay Kumar was roped in to play the music company magnate in Mogul but then he walked out owing to “creative differences” with the makers. As soon as Akshay walked out, T-series honcho Bhushan Kumar said that he would get a “bigger” actor than him. Khan, although will only be producing not acting in the film. The film will be helmed by Subhash Kapoor of Jolly LLB fame. Gulshan Kumar founded the T-Series music label and took it to great heights in the 1990s, banking on hit Hindi film soundtracks, devotional albums, and recreations of old Hindi film songs with new singers.

Aamir Khan to co-produce biopic on Gulshan Kumar titled 'Mogul'

The censor board is yet to announce the certification that will be given to Veere Di Wedding

Will 'Veere Di Wedding' get censor board certificate on time?

<p>Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the JD(S) along with Congress had succeeded in tying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ashwamedha' horse (victory horse) in Karnataka, fulfilling his aim.</p>

<p>"I had said after the Uttar Pradesh election results came out that my aim is to tie the Ashwamwedha horse of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah (BJP President). Today both Congress and JD(S) together have tied their Ashwamedha horse in Karnataka," Kumaraswamy said.</p>

<p>Calling himself a "child of circumstances," Kumaraswamy said he decided to join hands with the Congress on the advice of several political leaders in the "national interest."</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters after being sworn-in as chief minister, he said "Probably, in the days to come, Amit Shah has to go to Narendra Modi with lifeless Ashwamedha horse, as we have tied their horse."</p>

<p>He said many people were having doubts about whether the coalition government would last and assured them that he would provide a stable government.</p>

<p>"There is doubt whether this government will last long. With my conduct and that of my government, I will ensure that this opinion will change.</p>

<p>I want to make it clear to the people of the state," he said.</p>

<p>Conceding that people had these doubts because the JDS broke away from the Congress in 2006 to form a government with BJP, Kumaraswamy said "...The nature of our (JDS, Congress) relationship thereafter has led to a doubt about our confidence in each other, and can we work together."</p>

<p>"I want to tell people of the state that this government will be a stable one. This coalition government will be more stable than one party government.</p>

<p>We will not give chance for any differences and we will work to solve the problems of the state," he added.</p>

<p>JD(S) that had fought bitterly against the Congress, especially in old Mysuru region, had to join hands to keep BJP out of power in Karnataka, where the May 12 assembly polls threw up a hung assembly.</p>

<p>Pointing out that he had said before the election that if no party gets the majority, he would sit in the opposition and would not reach understanding with any party, Kumaraswamy called himself a "child of circumstances."</p>

<p>"I'm a child of circumstances it was unavoidable for me to keep aside my personal wishes and decisions," he said.</p>

<p>The Chief Minister said, several national leaders after the assembly election results advised him to form the government withCongress, keeping the national interest in mind.</p>

<p>Citing the presence of several political leaders at the swearing-in ceremony, Kumaraswamy said "they all coming together makes me feel, it is a new development.</p>

<p>With their coming together for the ceremony, you may understand why I called myself a child of circumstances," he added.</p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi, his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, N Chandrababu Naidu, and Pinarayi Vijayan, her counterparts in Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala respectively, were present.</p>

<p>Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly, BSP chief Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, who has struck an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, and socialist leader Sharad Yadav were also in attendance.</p>

<p>The show of strength by a galaxy of national leaders and regional satraps is being seen as a strong signal to the BJP about the possibility of formation of a broad-based front to take on the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls next year.</p>

<p>Admitting that there were challenges ahead of him, Kumaraswamy said "it will not be easy for me to run this government easily. I will have to take every step with caution, that is the situation."</p>

<p>He said many leaders feel that under his leadership the new government would prove to be a "model government."</p>

<p>"I will try to keep up their trust and that of people in me and I will go ahead," Kumaraswamy said.</p>


Calling himself a 'child of circumstances,' Kumaraswamy said he decided to join hands with the Congress on the advice of several political leaders in the 'national interest'

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the JD(S) along with Congress had succeeded in tying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ashwamedha' horse (victory horse) in Karnataka, fulfilling his aim. "I had said after the Uttar Pradesh election results came out that my aim is to tie the Ashwamwedha horse of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah (BJP President). Today both Congress and JD(S) together have tied their Ashwamedha horse in Karnataka," Kumaraswamy said. Calling himself a "child of circumstances," Kumaraswamy said he decided to join hands with the Congress on the advice of several political leaders in the "national interest." Speaking to reporters after being sworn-in as chief minister, he said "Probably, in the days to come, Amit Shah has to go to Narendra Modi with lifeless Ashwamedha horse, as we have tied their horse." He said many people were having doubts about whether the coalition government would last and assured them that he would provide a stable government. "There is doubt whether this government will last long. With my conduct and that of my government, I will ensure that this opinion will change. I want to make it clear to the people of the state," he said. Conceding that people had these doubts because the JDS broke away from the Congress in 2006 to form a government with BJP, Kumaraswamy said "...The nature of our (JDS, Congress) relationship thereafter has led to a doubt about our confidence in each other, and can we work together." "I want to tell people of the state that this government will be a stable one. This coalition government will be more stable than one party government. We will not give chance for any differences and we will work to solve the problems of the state," he added. JD(S) that had fought bitterly against the Congress, especially in old Mysuru region, had to join hands to keep BJP out of power in Karnataka, where the May 12 assembly polls threw up a hung assembly. Pointing out that he had said before the election that if no party gets the majority, he would sit in the opposition and would not reach understanding with any party, Kumaraswamy called himself a "child of circumstances." "I'm a child of circumstances it was unavoidable for me to keep aside my personal wishes and decisions," he said. The Chief Minister said, several national leaders after the assembly election results advised him to form the government withCongress, keeping the national interest in mind. Citing the presence of several political leaders at the swearing-in ceremony, Kumaraswamy said "they all coming together makes me feel, it is a new development. With their coming together for the ceremony, you may understand why I called myself a child of circumstances," he added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, his mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, N Chandrababu Naidu, and Pinarayi Vijayan, her counterparts in Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala respectively, were present. Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly, BSP chief Mayawati and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, who has struck an alliance in Uttar Pradesh, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, and socialist leader Sharad Yadav were also in attendance. The show of strength by a galaxy of national leaders and regional satraps is being seen as a strong signal to the BJP about the possibility of formation of a broad-based front to take on the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha polls next year. Admitting that there were challenges ahead of him, Kumaraswamy said "it will not be easy for me to run this government easily. I will have to take every step with caution, that is the situation." He said many leaders feel that under his leadership the new government would prove to be a "model government." "I will try to keep up their trust and that of people in me and I will go ahead," Kumaraswamy said.

We have tied 'Ashwamedha' horse of Modi: Kumaraswamy

<p>Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal often talks about his dream to turn his London-listed company Vedanta Resources into a global resources giant. He has already bought stakes in big mining companies, such as Anglo American Plc and says he plans to spend at least $1 billion on investments in Africa.</p>

<p>But in his home country, where he rose from a scrap dealer to a metals magnate, court-imposed fines, costly plant and mine shutdowns, and public protests against his businesses for allegedly polluting the environment have held back his lofty ambitions and hurt the company's valuation, according to bankers and analysts.</p>

<p>The struggle with opponents took a particularly ugly turn&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;when police opened fire on protesters seeking to shut down Vedanta's copper smelter in the southern Indian port city of Thoothukudi, killing 10. Another person died&nbsp;on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Vedanta spokesman Arun Arora did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment.</p>

<p>"This can lead to investors becoming more conscious against investing in the company which can hurt long-term sustainability of some of the businesses," said Shriram Subramanian, managing director of proxy advisory firm InGovern, adding that the violence in southern India suggested they weren't listening to concerns about the environment and health issues.</p>

<p>Agarwal, who holds a 71.4 percent stake in Vedanta, told&nbsp;in an interview on Wednesday&nbsp;that he plans to step back from running the company.</p>

<p>Agarwal said on Twitter earlier this month that his company was the victim of a foreign conspiracy aimed at keeping India reliant on imports. He did not name any specific countries or companies.</p>

<p>"Certain vested interests will prefer India to remain import dependent and use our country as their market, making India spend hard-earned foreign exchange and lose millions of jobs," he said, in reference to a court-ordered stoppage of iron ore mining in Goa state, the campaign against the Thoothukudi copper plant and a shortage of bauxite for an aluminium smelter.</p>

<p>A court&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;put a temporary halt to Vedanta's much-delayed plan to nearly double capacity at the Thoothukudi plant, which would make it one of the biggest copper smelters in the world.</p>

<p>Residents and environmental activists say emissions from the plant, India's second-biggest, are polluting the air and water, affecting people's health.</p>

<p>Vedanta has denied the allegations and said it was working on restarting the plant as soon as possible. Analysts say copper contributes around 8 percent to the consolidated operating profit of the company.</p>

<p>Investors sent Vedanta's London-listed shares down 7 percent in afternoon trading&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;despite the company posting better-than-expected full-year results. Its Indian stock closed down more than 6 percent.</p>

<p>At about eight times, the company has the lowest price to earnings ratio among eight top London-listed resources companies including Anglo American, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Glencore, according to Thomson Reuters SmartEstimate.</p>

<p>Vedanta analysts are split on their recommendation on the stock: five rate it 'strong buy'&nbsp;or 'buy', while three have placed 'hold'&nbsp;on the stock and two have tagged it a 'sell'.<br />
<br />
Several investment bankers said that Vedanta's management did have a strong reputation for turning around businesses and keeping costs under control.</p>

<p>"Still, there is always an element of fear among the investors," said an international banker in reference to the various controversies it is entangled in. The banker, who has previously advised the company, declined to be named.</p>

<p>Vedanta, whose acquisitive journey started with Agarwal buying a copper company in 1979, now has businesses spread across the world, including India, Africa, Ireland and Australia. It was the first Indian company to list in London in 2003.</p>

<p>But that listing meant it became the target of a sustained campaign by a London-registered environmental group called Foil Vedanta, which holds demonstrations outside Vedanta's annual meetings in London.</p>

<p>The government-run Norwegian Pension Fund dropped Vedanta from its investment portfolio in 2007, partly because of environmental issues in India. In 2014, the fund dropped Vedanta's then unit, Sesa Sterlite.</p>

<p>Norway's Council on Ethics, which makes recommendations to the pension fund, said it did a "particularly thorough assessment" of Vedanta Resources in 2016 and found grounds to stay away from it. Edinburgh-based investment fund Martin Currie has also sold off its Vedanta shares on ethical grounds.</p>

<p>In Thootukudi, Vedanta's copper plant has been shut for more than 50 days and will remain closed until at least&nbsp;June 6&nbsp;because the local pollution regulator has said the facility is not complying with environmental rules.</p>

<p>Several cases have been filed against the plant since it started in 1996, and India's top court in 2013 fined it about $18 million for breaking environmental laws.</p>

<p>The next year, Vedanta lost a battle to mine bauxite in the lushly forested area, Niyamgiri hills in Odisha state, that the Dongria Kondh tribe there considers sacred.</p>

<p>The rejection forced the company to not only import expensive bauxite for an aluminium plant in the same state but to also delay its expansion.</p>


Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal bought stakes in big mining companies, such as Anglo American Plc and says he plans to spend at least $1 billion on investments in Africa

Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal often talks about his dream to turn his London-listed company Vedanta Resources into a global resources giant. He has already bought stakes in big mining companies, such as Anglo American Plc and says he plans to spend at least $1 billion on investments in Africa. But in his home country, where he rose from a scrap dealer to a metals magnate, court-imposed fines, costly plant and mine shutdowns, and public protests against his businesses for allegedly polluting the environment have held back his lofty ambitions and hurt the company's valuation, according to bankers and analysts. The struggle with opponents took a particularly ugly turn on Tuesday when police opened fire on protesters seeking to shut down Vedanta's copper smelter in the southern Indian port city of Thoothukudi, killing 10. Another person died on Wednesday. Vedanta spokesman Arun Arora did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment. "This can lead to investors becoming more conscious against investing in the company which can hurt long-term sustainability of some of the businesses," said Shriram Subramanian, managing director of proxy advisory firm InGovern, adding that the violence in southern India suggested they weren't listening to concerns about the environment and health issues. Agarwal, who holds a 71.4 percent stake in Vedanta, told in an interview on Wednesday that he plans to step back from running the company. Agarwal said on Twitter earlier this month that his company was the victim of a foreign conspiracy aimed at keeping India reliant on imports. He did not name any specific countries or companies. "Certain vested interests will prefer India to remain import dependent and use our country as their market, making India spend hard-earned foreign exchange and lose millions of jobs," he said, in reference to a court-ordered stoppage of iron ore mining in Goa state, the campaign against the Thoothukudi copper plant and a shortage of bauxite for an aluminium smelter. A court on Wednesday put a temporary halt to Vedanta's much-delayed plan to nearly double capacity at the Thoothukudi plant, which would make it one of the biggest copper smelters in the world. Residents and environmental activists say emissions from the plant, India's second-biggest, are polluting the air and water, affecting people's health. Vedanta has denied the allegations and said it was working on restarting the plant as soon as possible. Analysts say copper contributes around 8 percent to the consolidated operating profit of the company. Investors sent Vedanta's London-listed shares down 7 percent in afternoon trading on Wednesday despite the company posting better-than-expected full-year results. Its Indian stock closed down more than 6 percent. At about eight times, the company has the lowest price to earnings ratio among eight top London-listed resources companies including Anglo American, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Glencore, according to Thomson Reuters SmartEstimate. Vedanta analysts are split on their recommendation on the stock: five rate it 'strong buy' or 'buy', while three have placed 'hold' on the stock and two have tagged it a 'sell'. Several investment bankers said that Vedanta's management did have a strong reputation for turning around businesses and keeping costs under control. "Still, there is always an element of fear among the investors," said an international banker in reference to the various controversies it is entangled in. The banker, who has previously advised the company, declined to be named. Vedanta, whose acquisitive journey started with Agarwal buying a copper company in 1979, now has businesses spread across the world, including India, Africa, Ireland and Australia. It was the first Indian company to list in London in 2003. But that listing meant it became the target of a sustained campaign by a London-registered environmental group called Foil Vedanta, which holds demonstrations outside Vedanta's annual meetings in London. The government-run Norwegian Pension Fund dropped Vedanta from its investment portfolio in 2007, partly because of environmental issues in India. In 2014, the fund dropped Vedanta's then unit, Sesa Sterlite. Norway's Council on Ethics, which makes recommendations to the pension fund, said it did a "particularly thorough assessment" of Vedanta Resources in 2016 and found grounds to stay away from it. Edinburgh-based investment fund Martin Currie has also sold off its Vedanta shares on ethical grounds. In Thootukudi, Vedanta's copper plant has been shut for more than 50 days and will remain closed until at least June 6 because the local pollution regulator has said the facility is not complying with environmental rules. Several cases have been filed against the plant since it started in 1996, and India's top court in 2013 fined it about $18 million for breaking environmental laws. The next year, Vedanta lost a battle to mine bauxite in the lushly forested area, Niyamgiri hills in Odisha state, that the Dongria Kondh tribe there considers sacred. The rejection forced the company to not only import expensive bauxite for an aluminium plant in the same state but to also delay its expansion.

Tuticorin protests land a blow to Vedanta boss Anil Agarwal's ambitions

<p>There will now be a double dose of Hrithik Roshan’s <em>Krrish</em> if reports are to be believed as there are not one but two sequels planned for the film. While <em>Krrish 4</em> announcement was made by papa Rakesh Roshan on Hrithik’s birthday itself but now the filmmaker also plans to floor the sequel to the sequel next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a Mumbai-based daily, the filmmaker plans to start work on the fourth and fifth instalment of Krrish that will go on floors from 2019. It is also said that four to five writers have already started work on both the films at the same time. Meanwhile, talks are still on for the leading lady of the film.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A source quoted in a leading daily said, &nbsp;“Priyanka’s character is already there in the film. It has to be developed further. Alternatively, if there is another heroine, the script has to be modified. What will be interesting to see is if he manages to incorporate more than one girl giving equal space to both. Kangana Ranaut was the other girl in Krrish 3 and that made the film a two-heroine film even though Kangana had more of a negative role."</p>

<p>This is how Rakesh Roshan made <em>Krrish 4</em> announcement on Twitter: “Today is perhaps the best day to make the release day of <em>Krrish 4</em> official. Christmas 2020 it is. A gift for all of you on Hrithik's birthday. Happy birthday, @iHrithik.”</p>

<p>The post:&nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today is perhaps the best day to make the release day of Krrish 4 official. Christmas 2020 it is. A gift for all of you on Hrithiks birthday. Happy birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/iHrithik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iHrithik</a></p>
— Rakesh Roshan (@RakeshRoshan_N) <a href="https://twitter.com/RakeshRoshan_N/status/951039818628132864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It is said that four to five writers are working simultaneously on both the movies.

There will now be a double dose of Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish if reports are to be believed as there are not one but two sequels planned for the film. While Krrish 4 announcement was made by papa Rakesh Roshan on Hrithik’s birthday itself but now the filmmaker also plans to floor the sequel to the sequel next year. According to a Mumbai-based daily, the filmmaker plans to start work on the fourth and fifth instalment of Krrish that will go on floors from 2019. It is also said that four to five writers have already started work on both the films at the same time. Meanwhile, talks are still on for the leading lady of the film. A source quoted in a leading daily said, “Priyanka’s character is already there in the film. It has to be developed further. Alternatively, if there is another heroine, the script has to be modified. What will be interesting to see is if he manages to incorporate more than one girl giving equal space to both. Kangana Ranaut was the other girl in Krrish 3 and that made the film a two-heroine film even though Kangana had more of a negative role." This is how Rakesh Roshan made Krrish 4 announcement on Twitter: “Today is perhaps the best day to make the release day of Krrish 4 official. Christmas 2020 it is. A gift for all of you on Hrithik's birthday. Happy birthday, @iHrithik.” The post: Today is perhaps the best day to make the release day of Krrish 4 official. Christmas 2020 it is. A gift for all of you on Hrithiks birthday. Happy birthday @iHrithik — Rakesh Roshan (@RakeshRoshan_N) January 10, 2018 ×

Hrithik Roshan starrer 'Krrish' gets two sequels, both to kick off from 2019

<p>The Uttar Pradesh government may rename the city of Allahabad to Prayagraj. The final word on the same is likely to be communicated before next year's <em>Kumbh Mela </em>to be held in the holy city.</p>

<p>If the decision materialises, the city will be named after <em>Prayag</em> (what the city was originally known as before Mughal emperor Akbar founded <em>Ilahabas</em>, present-day Allahabad, around 1584).</p>

<p>The holy city assumes great significance for Hindus owing to the confluence of rivers -- Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarasvati. Further, the place is also known for hosting <em>Kumbh Mela </em>once in every 12 years.</p>

<p>"The place (Allahabad) has always been recognized by its place Prayag since ages", Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya told ANI.</p>

<p>According to reports, the banners for the upcoming Kumbh Mela mention the name of the city as 'Prayagraj'&nbsp;instead of Allahabad.</p>

<p>The city is the birthplace of the country's first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru among other eminent personalities like celebrated writer and poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from ANI</em>)&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The holy city assumes great significance for Hindus owing to the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati

The Uttar Pradesh government may rename the city of Allahabad to Prayagraj. The final word on the same is likely to be communicated before next year's Kumbh Mela to be held in the holy city. If the decision materialises, the city will be named after Prayag (what the city was originally known as before Mughal emperor Akbar founded Ilahabas, present-day Allahabad, around 1584). The holy city assumes great significance for Hindus owing to the confluence of rivers -- Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarasvati. Further, the place is also known for hosting Kumbh Mela once in every 12 years. "The place (Allahabad) has always been recognized by its place Prayag since ages", Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya told ANI. According to reports, the banners for the upcoming Kumbh Mela mention the name of the city as 'Prayagraj' instead of Allahabad. The city is the birthplace of the country's first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru among other eminent personalities like celebrated writer and poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan. (With inputs from ANI)

Uttar Pradesh government likely to change name of Allahabad to 'Prayagraj'

<p>The death toll due to Nipah rose to 11 in Kerala, with one more person succumbing to the deadly virus here this morning.</p>

<p>The deceased, V Moosa (61), had been battling for life since the past few days in a private hospital here and was on ventilator support, Kozhikode district medical officer, Dr Jayasree E, told reporters.</p>

<p>About 160 samples have been sent for testing at the virology institute and 13 cases have been found to be positive, she said.</p>

<p>Of the 13 confirmed cases, 11 people have died so far.</p>

<p>The official further said confirmation is awaited with regard to one more death in Kozhikode.</p>

<p>This is the fourth death in Moosa's family.Moosa's sons Mohammed Saliah (28), Mohammed Sadiq (26) and a relative Mariumma had died earlier.</p>

<p>While two of the deaths have been confirmed due to Nipah, the blood samples of one of his sons had not been tested for the virus, sources said.</p>

<p>Nurse Lini Puthussery, who had initially treated members of Moosa's family who had been affected at Perambra Taluk hospital in the district, also died after being infected by the virus.</p>

<p>The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travellers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur.</p>

<p>"Travelling to any part of Kerala is safe. However, if travellers wish to be extra cautious, they may avoid the four districts," Health Secretary Rajeev Sadanandan said.</p>

<p>The government has also called for an all-party meeting at Kozhikode on&nbsp;May 25&nbsp;to discuss the issue.</p>

<p>Most of the deaths reported are from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts from where 11 deaths have now been reported and 18 are undergoing treatment in various hospitals, including one in Wayanad.</p>

<p>Isolation wards have also been set up in Thalassery government hospital in Kannur, according to media reports.</p>

<p>In Kozhikode, from where seven deaths have been reported, District Collector U V Jose has ordered temporary stoppage of all training programmes and summer camps in affected areas such as Changaroth, Koorachund, Kottur, Cheruvannur, Chekyad, Chakkittapara and Olavanna.</p>

<p>The anganwadis in these regions too have been asked to close down to avoid spread of the virus among children.</p>

<p>However, no decision has been taken yet on reopening of schools after the summer vacation.</p>

<p>The administration is hoping that the situation will be under control by the time schools reopen after a week.</p>

<p>In neighbouring Malappuram, where three persons have died due to the virus, orders have been issued in four panchayats to stop Anganwadi classes for the time being.</p>

<p>A crisis management group has been constituted to coordinate the response of government agencies following the deaths in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts.</p>

<p>An expert team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), including its director, Dr Sujeet Kumar Singh and Head of Epidemiology, Dr S K Jain, and a high-level team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are camping in Kerala to take stock of the situation.</p>

<p>Surveillance has been increased in all districts.</p>

<p>The outbreak of the virus infection, which is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans, is suspected to be from an unused well which was infested with bats.</p>

<p>The natural host of the virus is believed to be fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus.&nbsp;</p>


The deceased, V Moosa, 61, had been battling for his life for the past few days and was on ventilator support, Kozhikode district medical officer, Dr Jayasree E, told reporters

The death toll due to Nipah rose to 11 in Kerala, with one more person succumbing to the deadly virus here this morning. The deceased, V Moosa (61), had been battling for life since the past few days in a private hospital here and was on ventilator support, Kozhikode district medical officer, Dr Jayasree E, told reporters. About 160 samples have been sent for testing at the virology institute and 13 cases have been found to be positive, she said. Of the 13 confirmed cases, 11 people have died so far. The official further said confirmation is awaited with regard to one more death in Kozhikode. This is the fourth death in Moosa's family.Moosa's sons Mohammed Saliah (28), Mohammed Sadiq (26) and a relative Mariumma had died earlier. While two of the deaths have been confirmed due to Nipah, the blood samples of one of his sons had not been tested for the virus, sources said. Nurse Lini Puthussery, who had initially treated members of Moosa's family who had been affected at Perambra Taluk hospital in the district, also died after being infected by the virus. The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travellers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur. "Travelling to any part of Kerala is safe. However, if travellers wish to be extra cautious, they may avoid the four districts," Health Secretary Rajeev Sadanandan said. The government has also called for an all-party meeting at Kozhikode on May 25 to discuss the issue. Most of the deaths reported are from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts from where 11 deaths have now been reported and 18 are undergoing treatment in various hospitals, including one in Wayanad. Isolation wards have also been set up in Thalassery government hospital in Kannur, according to media reports. In Kozhikode, from where seven deaths have been reported, District Collector U V Jose has ordered temporary stoppage of all training programmes and summer camps in affected areas such as Changaroth, Koorachund, Kottur, Cheruvannur, Chekyad, Chakkittapara and Olavanna. The anganwadis in these regions too have been asked to close down to avoid spread of the virus among children. However, no decision has been taken yet on reopening of schools after the summer vacation. The administration is hoping that the situation will be under control by the time schools reopen after a week. In neighbouring Malappuram, where three persons have died due to the virus, orders have been issued in four panchayats to stop Anganwadi classes for the time being. A crisis management group has been constituted to coordinate the response of government agencies following the deaths in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. An expert team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), including its director, Dr Sujeet Kumar Singh and Head of Epidemiology, Dr S K Jain, and a high-level team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are camping in Kerala to take stock of the situation. Surveillance has been increased in all districts. The outbreak of the virus infection, which is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans, is suspected to be from an unused well which was infested with bats. The natural host of the virus is believed to be fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus.

Nipah virus claims one more life in Kerala, death toll now at 11

<p>His box office credentials are unmatched today but Aamir Khan says despite facing initial scepticism of the industry people, he has always been someone who believed in experimenting with film roles.</p>

<p>The actor, who has completed 30 years in Bollywood, walked down the memory lane to reflect on the film choices that set him apart from the crowd and made him feel like a 'lone ranger'.</p>

<p>"When I came into the industry, I was a minority, I was a lone ranger, who was trying to do films that I believed in, but the market did not believe in it and a host of people also did not believe in it," Aamir said in a group interview.</p>

<p>With hits such as "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak", "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander", "Baazi", "Earth", "Sarfarosh", "Lagaan" and "Dangal", Aamir has come to be known as one of the most bankable stars in cinema today but the actor said it has not been an easy ride to stardom.</p>

<p>"I was constantly swimming against the tide to do the films I believed in. Now the tide has changed. So the films that I believed in then and no one else did, have actually become more mainstream today."</p>

<p>Aamir, 53, believes the audiences' sensibilities are changing and if "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander" would have released today, it had better chances at the ticket window.</p>

<p>Asked if he thinks the risk has paid off now, he said, "I don't know if I can say that, I was not doing it for a pay-off, I was just doing it. I was not concerned if it will pay-off or not, my focus was to do films that I believed in. When I do a film like 'Talaash', I know it is not going to be the biggest hit of the year but I want to do it."</p>

<p>The actor has bridged the gap between commercial and content-driven cinema but insisted he is not searching for social content in a film.</p>

<p>"I am not setting out for what the next social issue. I have had a mixed range of films like ''Delhi Belly'', ''Thugs of Hindostan'', ''Dangal'', etc, I am getting drawn to stories which I like."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actor said he reacts to a script like an audience member.</p>

<p>"It has to be something that excites me, engages me, sometimes it might have a message, sometimes it might not. I don't think whether it is commercial or not. I am not able to think like that. I feel my cinema should be good and I want it to be loved by as many people."</p>

<p>He became a star overnight with success of his debut film as the lead actor in "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" in 1988 and realised he had become famous when he could no longer use the public transport. In 1973, Aamir appeared as a child actor in his uncle Nasir Hussain's film "Yaadon Ki Baaraat".</p>

<p>"The first time I sensed I had become popular was after ''Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak''. It was quite mad. I did a successful film, but I didn't have the money to buy a car. I used to travel by autorickshaw, bus or a train but after a point, I couldn't," he said.</p>

<p>"I used to ask my uncle, 'Can I borrow your car? I have to go somewhere... There are just people everywhere I go'," he added.</p>

<p>Aamir said he earned Rs 11,000 for his debut.</p>


The actor, who has completed 30 years in Bollywood, walked down the memory lane

His box office credentials are unmatched today but Aamir Khan says despite facing initial scepticism of the industry people, he has always been someone who believed in experimenting with film roles. The actor, who has completed 30 years in Bollywood, walked down the memory lane to reflect on the film choices that set him apart from the crowd and made him feel like a 'lone ranger'. "When I came into the industry, I was a minority, I was a lone ranger, who was trying to do films that I believed in, but the market did not believe in it and a host of people also did not believe in it," Aamir said in a group interview. With hits such as "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak", "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander", "Baazi", "Earth", "Sarfarosh", "Lagaan" and "Dangal", Aamir has come to be known as one of the most bankable stars in cinema today but the actor said it has not been an easy ride to stardom. "I was constantly swimming against the tide to do the films I believed in. Now the tide has changed. So the films that I believed in then and no one else did, have actually become more mainstream today." Aamir, 53, believes the audiences' sensibilities are changing and if "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander" would have released today, it had better chances at the ticket window. Asked if he thinks the risk has paid off now, he said, "I don't know if I can say that, I was not doing it for a pay-off, I was just doing it. I was not concerned if it will pay-off or not, my focus was to do films that I believed in. When I do a film like 'Talaash', I know it is not going to be the biggest hit of the year but I want to do it." The actor has bridged the gap between commercial and content-driven cinema but insisted he is not searching for social content in a film. "I am not setting out for what the next social issue. I have had a mixed range of films like ''Delhi Belly'', ''Thugs of Hindostan'', ''Dangal'', etc, I am getting drawn to stories which I like." The actor said he reacts to a script like an audience member. "It has to be something that excites me, engages me, sometimes it might have a message, sometimes it might not. I don't think whether it is commercial or not. I am not able to think like that. I feel my cinema should be good and I want it to be loved by as many people." He became a star overnight with success of his debut film as the lead actor in "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" in 1988 and realised he had become famous when he could no longer use the public transport. In 1973, Aamir appeared as a child actor in his uncle Nasir Hussain's film "Yaadon Ki Baaraat". "The first time I sensed I had become popular was after ''Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak''. It was quite mad. I did a successful film, but I didn't have the money to buy a car. I used to travel by autorickshaw, bus or a train but after a point, I couldn't," he said. "I used to ask my uncle, 'Can I borrow your car? I have to go somewhere... There are just people everywhere I go'," he added. Aamir said he earned Rs 11,000 for his debut.

I was constantly swimming against the tide: Aamir Khan on early film choices

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