India's cabinet has approved <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/dena-bank-vijaya-bank-bank-of-baroda-merger-will-help-improve-quality-of-corporate-governance-for-banks-report-166370">the merger of state-run Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank with Bank of Baroda</a>, the government said on Wednesday, in a step aimed at cleaning up the country's banking system.

India had announced the merger plan last year amid growing concerns over rising bad loans in the banking sector. Banking sector reforms are a major plank of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government's plans to revive lending which has slowed as banks struggle with bad debt.

The merged bank will become India's second largest public sector bank and will "help create a strong globally competitive bank", the government said in a statement.

The merger will come into force on April 1, the government said.

India had announced the merger plan last year amid growing concerns over rising bad loans in the banking sector.

India's cabinet has approved the merger of state-run Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank with Bank of Baroda, the government said on Wednesday, in a step aimed at cleaning up the country's banking system. India had announced the merger plan last year amid growing concerns over rising bad loans in the banking sector. Banking sector reforms are a major plank of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government's plans to revive lending which has slowed as banks struggle with bad debt. The merged bank will become India's second largest public sector bank and will "help create a strong globally competitive bank", the government said in a statement. The merger will come into force on April 1, the government said.

Cabinet approves merger of state-run Vijaya bank, Dena bank and Bank of Baroda

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to take requisite steps to increase the number of the Council Ministers in the state.

Baghel, who took over Chhattisgarh Chief Minister on December 17, has requested the Prime Minister to make amendments in the Article 164 (1A) of the Constitution keeping in view the geographical area of Chhattisgarh and the number of Council of Ministers in the state for the rapid development of the region.&nbsp;

Article 164 (1A) provides for limiting the number of ministers in the state cabinets.

He requested Prime Minister to increase the per cent of Council Ministers by five per cent from the present 15 per cent. The total number of ministers including the Chief Minister has to be within 15 per cent of the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly of the state.

"According to this provision (Article 164 (1A)), the number of ministers in Chhattisgarh cannot be more than 13. The area of Chhattisgarh state is more than 1.35 lakh square kilometres and it is 4.4 per cent of the total land area of the country. Simultaneously, the area of Chhattisgarh is more than Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar and West Bengal. In Chhattisgarh, the Scheduled Tribes population is 32 per cent, Scheduled Castes 12 per cent and the Other Backward Classes population is around 45 per cent. Keeping in view the geographical area in the new state, it is necessary to increase the number of members of the Council of Ministers for smooth governance," the Chief Minister stated in his letter.

This development has come to light just days after the Baghel Cabinet was expanded with the induction of nine ministers.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to take requisite steps to increase the number of the Council Ministers in the state.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to take requisite steps to increase the number of the Council Ministers in the state. Baghel, who took over Chhattisgarh Chief Minister on December 17, has requested the Prime Minister to make amendments in the Article 164 (1A) of the Constitution keeping in view the geographical area of Chhattisgarh and the number of Council of Ministers in the state for the rapid development of the region. Article 164 (1A) provides for limiting the number of ministers in the state cabinets. He requested Prime Minister to increase the per cent of Council Ministers by five per cent from the present 15 per cent. The total number of ministers including the Chief Minister has to be within 15 per cent of the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly of the state. "According to this provision (Article 164 (1A)), the number of ministers in Chhattisgarh cannot be more than 13. The area of Chhattisgarh state is more than 1.35 lakh square kilometres and it is 4.4 per cent of the total land area of the country. Simultaneously, the area of Chhattisgarh is more than Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar and West Bengal. In Chhattisgarh, the Scheduled Tribes population is 32 per cent, Scheduled Castes 12 per cent and the Other Backward Classes population is around 45 per cent. Keeping in view the geographical area in the new state, it is necessary to increase the number of members of the Council of Ministers for smooth governance," the Chief Minister stated in his letter. This development has come to light just days after the Baghel Cabinet was expanded with the induction of nine ministers.

Chhattisgarh CM urges PM Modi to expand number of ministers in state cabinet

More than 60 people were injured and 13 others arrested as Catalan pro-independence supporters <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/catalonia-crisis-protesters-disrupt-transport-in-spain-6584">clashed with baton-wielding police</a> on Friday in protests against a Spanish government cabinet meeting in Barcelona, branded a provocation by separatists.

The weekly cabinet meeting usually takes place in Madrid but Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist government decided to hold it in the Catalan capital as part of efforts to reduce tensions.

The timing of the cabinet meeting — a year to the day after Madrid held snap elections in Catalonia after blocking the region's bid for independence —offended some Catalans. Far from reducing tensions, it appeared to have the opposite effect, with some 40,000 people marching peacefully along the Paseo de Gracia main road, but with a firm message; "Let's topple the regime".

"This is a provocation. They have come here to provoke us," said one demonstrator, textile worker Carles Serra, 45.

Away from the peaceful march, protesters threw metal barriers and stones at officers and tried to breach a police barrier a few hundred metres (yards) from where the meeting was taking place.

A total of 62 people were injured, including 35 police officers while 13 people were arrested, regional authorities said.

'Ungovernable'&nbsp;

Sanchez and the head of Catalonia's separatist government, Quim Torra, have expressed a commitment to an "effective dialogue" to try to resolve the dispute over the wealthy region's status within Spain.

At the cabinet meeting itself, the government approved a 22-per cent increase in the minimum wage, a pay hike for public workers and announced investments in infrastructure projects in Catalonia.

"We came here to show (our) affection, (our) attachment to Catalonia," government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa said afterwards.

"We are working for the wellbeing of all our fellow citizens."

Spain's wealthiest region, Catalonia is home to some 7.5 million people and has its own language.

A radical separatist group, the Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), blocked a dozen main roads from around dawn on Friday, regional transport authorities said.

"We will be ungovernable on December 21," the group repeatedly tweeted.

The Spanish government sent police reinforcements to Barcelona and Catalan leaders repeated their call for protests to be peaceful.

Divergent positions&nbsp;

Catalonia declared independence in October 2017 after pushing ahead with a banned independence referendum, but Spanish authorities stifled the attempt.

Several Catalan independence leaders were detained on charges of rebellion or misuse of public funds, and prosecutors are seeking jail terms of up to 25 years.

Sanchez took office as prime minister eight months later after winning a surprise vote of no-confidence against the previous conservative government with the support of Catalan separatist parties.

He initially adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Catalonia than his conservative predecessor, but efforts to ease tensions with the region have hit a wall.

Sanchez and Torra were photographed holding talks in Barcelona on Thursday night, drawing fire from both the conservative right and radical separatists.

The leader of the conservative opposition Popular Party in parliament, Dolors Montserrat, branded the meeting "shameful" and "a betrayal of Spain".

"Dialogue seems like a step backwards to me," said separatist demonstrator Mariona Godia, 35. "That just looks like a photo aimed at calming people down."

While Sanchez has proposed giving Catalonia more powers, Torra wants a legally binding referendum on independence.

More than 60 people were injured and 13 others arrested as Catalan pro-independence supporters clashed with baton-wielding police on Friday in protests against a Spanish government cabinet meeting in Barcelona, branded a provocation by separatists.

More than 60 people were injured and 13 others arrested as Catalan pro-independence supporters clashed with baton-wielding police on Friday in protests against a Spanish government cabinet meeting in Barcelona, branded a provocation by separatists. The weekly cabinet meeting usually takes place in Madrid but Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist government decided to hold it in the Catalan capital as part of efforts to reduce tensions. The timing of the cabinet meeting — a year to the day after Madrid held snap elections in Catalonia after blocking the region's bid for independence —offended some Catalans. Far from reducing tensions, it appeared to have the opposite effect, with some 40,000 people marching peacefully along the Paseo de Gracia main road, but with a firm message; "Let's topple the regime". "This is a provocation. They have come here to provoke us," said one demonstrator, textile worker Carles Serra, 45. Away from the peaceful march, protesters threw metal barriers and stones at officers and tried to breach a police barrier a few hundred metres (yards) from where the meeting was taking place. A total of 62 people were injured, including 35 police officers while 13 people were arrested, regional authorities said. 'Ungovernable' Sanchez and the head of Catalonia's separatist government, Quim Torra, have expressed a commitment to an "effective dialogue" to try to resolve the dispute over the wealthy region's status within Spain. At the cabinet meeting itself, the government approved a 22-per cent increase in the minimum wage, a pay hike for public workers and announced investments in infrastructure projects in Catalonia. "We came here to show (our) affection, (our) attachment to Catalonia," government spokeswoman Isabel Celaa said afterwards. "We are working for the wellbeing of all our fellow citizens." Spain's wealthiest region, Catalonia is home to some 7.5 million people and has its own language. A radical separatist group, the Committees for the Defence of the Republic (CDR), blocked a dozen main roads from around dawn on Friday, regional transport authorities said. "We will be ungovernable on December 21," the group repeatedly tweeted. The Spanish government sent police reinforcements to Barcelona and Catalan leaders repeated their call for protests to be peaceful. Divergent positions Catalonia declared independence in October 2017 after pushing ahead with a banned independence referendum, but Spanish authorities stifled the attempt. Several Catalan independence leaders were detained on charges of rebellion or misuse of public funds, and prosecutors are seeking jail terms of up to 25 years. Sanchez took office as prime minister eight months later after winning a surprise vote of no-confidence against the previous conservative government with the support of Catalan separatist parties. He initially adopted a more conciliatory tone towards Catalonia than his conservative predecessor, but efforts to ease tensions with the region have hit a wall. Sanchez and Torra were photographed holding talks in Barcelona on Thursday night, drawing fire from both the conservative right and radical separatists. The leader of the conservative opposition Popular Party in parliament, Dolors Montserrat, branded the meeting "shameful" and "a betrayal of Spain". "Dialogue seems like a step backwards to me," said separatist demonstrator Mariona Godia, 35. "That just looks like a photo aimed at calming people down." While Sanchez has proposed giving Catalonia more powers, Torra wants a legally binding referendum on independence.

60 injured, 13 arrested in protest against Spain cabinet meeting in Catalonia

The Cabinet on Monday approved amending the existing laws to provide legal backing for seeding of biometric ID Aadhaar with mobile numbers and bank accounts as an optional KYC <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aadhaar-verdict-unique-identification-number-not-mandatory-mobile-connections-bank">after the Supreme Court barred the mandatory use of the 12-digit unique identifier by private firms</a>, sources said.

The Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved amendments to the Telegraph Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after the Supreme Court in September imposed restrictions on the use of Aadhaar by private companies.

"Private entities using Aadhaar as a KYC document will have to ensure safety and privacy of the Aadhaar data," a source said.&nbsp;

Sources said the two Acts will be amended to provide for voluntary sharing of the 12-digit identification number for obtaining new mobile phone connections and for the opening of bank accounts.

The changes in the relevant sections of the Telegraph Act and PMLA will be effected through the original Aadhaar Act.&nbsp;

A bill in this regard could be moved in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament and would clarify that the changes in the two Acts are being made through the principal Aadhaar law.&nbsp;

Under the amendments, an Aadhaar holder can opt for offline verification through QR code and will not require to share actual Aadhaar number.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Supreme Court had struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act that made seeding of the biometric ID with SIMs and bank accounts mandatory, saying it had no legal backing.

To overcome this lacuna, the Telegraph Act is being amended to provide legal backing for the issuance of mobile SIMs through Aadhaar.

Similarly, the amendment to the PMLA will give individuals option to link their bank accounts to Aadhaar in the KYC option.

Under the amendments, the government has proposed an imprisonment of up to 10 years for attempting to hack Aadhaar data. Currently, the punishment for this offence is 3 years.&nbsp;

Sources further said a child who has been enrolled for Aadhaar through his/her parents will have an option to opt out of Aadhaar data base after attaining age of 18 years.

Also, action will be taken against accountable individuals in case they deny any service for want of Aadhaar, as per the proposed amendments.

The apex court in a landmark judgment had held constitutional validity of Aadhaar for the distribution of state-sponsored welfare subsidies but ruled that it cannot be made mandatory for opening bank accounts or providing mobile-phone connections. The ruling followed petitions by activists and lawyers citing privacy concerns.

Conceptualised under the previous UPA regime in 2009, under the extraordinary Aadhaar programme provides for giving every resident a biometric ID by assigning a unique 12-digit identification number after collecting their biometric data and photographs. It was envisioned as a cost-saving tool that could improve the delivery of services and subsidies to poor by eliminating bogus beneficiaries and checking diversions.&nbsp;

The Cabinet on Monday approved amending the existing laws to provide legal backing for seeding of biometric ID Aadhaar with mobile numbers and bank accounts as an optional KYC after the Supreme Court barred the mandatory use of the 12-digit unique identifier by private firms, sources said.

The Cabinet on Monday approved amending the existing laws to provide legal backing for seeding of biometric ID Aadhaar with mobile numbers and bank accounts as an optional KYC after the Supreme Court barred the mandatory use of the 12-digit unique identifier by private firms, sources said. The Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved amendments to the Telegraph Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after the Supreme Court in September imposed restrictions on the use of Aadhaar by private companies. "Private entities using Aadhaar as a KYC document will have to ensure safety and privacy of the Aadhaar data," a source said. Sources said the two Acts will be amended to provide for voluntary sharing of the 12-digit identification number for obtaining new mobile phone connections and for the opening of bank accounts. The changes in the relevant sections of the Telegraph Act and PMLA will be effected through the original Aadhaar Act. A bill in this regard could be moved in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament and would clarify that the changes in the two Acts are being made through the principal Aadhaar law. Under the amendments, an Aadhaar holder can opt for offline verification through QR code and will not require to share actual Aadhaar number. The Supreme Court had struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act that made seeding of the biometric ID with SIMs and bank accounts mandatory, saying it had no legal backing. To overcome this lacuna, the Telegraph Act is being amended to provide legal backing for the issuance of mobile SIMs through Aadhaar. Similarly, the amendment to the PMLA will give individuals option to link their bank accounts to Aadhaar in the KYC option. Under the amendments, the government has proposed an imprisonment of up to 10 years for attempting to hack Aadhaar data. Currently, the punishment for this offence is 3 years. Sources further said a child who has been enrolled for Aadhaar through his/her parents will have an option to opt out of Aadhaar data base after attaining age of 18 years. Also, action will be taken against accountable individuals in case they deny any service for want of Aadhaar, as per the proposed amendments. The apex court in a landmark judgment had held constitutional validity of Aadhaar for the distribution of state-sponsored welfare subsidies but ruled that it cannot be made mandatory for opening bank accounts or providing mobile-phone connections. The ruling followed petitions by activists and lawyers citing privacy concerns. Conceptualised under the previous UPA regime in 2009, under the extraordinary Aadhaar programme provides for giving every resident a biometric ID by assigning a unique 12-digit identification number after collecting their biometric data and photographs. It was envisioned as a cost-saving tool that could improve the delivery of services and subsidies to poor by eliminating bogus beneficiaries and checking diversions.

Aadhaar not compulsory with bank accounts, mobiles: Cabinet approves amendments

The Cabinet Thursday approved a proposal to manage Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and three other airports under public-private partnership (PPP).

The three other aerodromes are those at Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru.

The operation, management and development of all these aerodromes, owned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), would be done under PPP, an official tweet said.

This would be done through Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC).

"The Cabinet has given in-principle approval for operation, management and development of Jaipur, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Mangaluru airports on PPP (Public-private partnership) model," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told media.&nbsp;

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The Cabinet has given in-principle approval for operation, management and development of Jaipur, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Mangaluru airports on PPP (Public private partnership) model: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad <a href="https://t.co/cXjE05qX1x">pic.twitter.com/cXjE05qX1x</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1060545152656248832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Any issue that is beyond the scope of PPPAC would be dealt with by an empowered group of secretaries, the tweet said.

The group would be headed by NITI Aayog CEO. Secretaries of Civil Aviation Ministry, Department of Economic Affairs and Department of Expenditure would be part of the group.

The Cabinet Thursday approved a proposal to manage Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and three other airports under public-private partnership (PPP). The three other aerodromes are those at Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru.

The Cabinet Thursday approved a proposal to manage Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and three other airports under public-private partnership (PPP). The three other aerodromes are those at Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru. The operation, management and development of all these aerodromes, owned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), would be done under PPP, an official tweet said. This would be done through Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC). "The Cabinet has given in-principle approval for operation, management and development of Jaipur, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Mangaluru airports on PPP (Public-private partnership) model," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told media. The Cabinet has given in-principle approval for operation, management and development of Jaipur, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Mangaluru airports on PPP (Public private partnership) model: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/cXjE05qX1x — ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2018 × Any issue that is beyond the scope of PPPAC would be dealt with by an empowered group of secretaries, the tweet said. The group would be headed by NITI Aayog CEO. Secretaries of Civil Aviation Ministry, Department of Economic Affairs and Department of Expenditure would be part of the group.

Cabinet approves proposal to manage 6 AAI airports under public private partnership

Newly-appointed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa`s cabinet was on Monday sworn in amid increasing pressure on President Maithripala Sirisena to convene an early session of the Parliament.

The Finance Ministry has remained with Rajapaksa with Sarath Amunguma being appointed as the new foreign minister of the island nation.

Additionally, a number of ministers who supported Sirisena during the previous cabinet have retained their portfolios.

Meanwhile, claiming his majority support in the Parliament, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe demanded the convening of the Parliament at the earliest, calling upon his supporters to gather in Colombo tomorrow to protest his ousting.

126 lawmakers out of the total 225-member Parliament have signed a petition, urging the speaker to call an emergency session of the Parliament. &nbsp;The speaker issued a warning, stating that the country`s political turmoil could turn violent if an early parliamentary session is not convened.

Police arrested Member of Parliament Arjuna Ranatunga in connection with the shooting incident in Colombo which claimed the life of one person, injuring two others. The former Cricket World Cup winning captain was later granted bail.

Political turmoil erupted in&nbsp;Sri Lanka&nbsp;after Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on Friday night and replaced him with his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa following the collapse of the governing coalition between&nbsp;Sri Lanka&nbsp;Freedom Party (SLFP) and United National Party (UNP).

Newly-appointed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa`s cabinet was on Monday sworn in amid increasing pressure on President Maithripala Sirisena to convene an early session of the Parliament.

Newly-appointed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa`s cabinet was on Monday sworn in amid increasing pressure on President Maithripala Sirisena to convene an early session of the Parliament. The Finance Ministry has remained with Rajapaksa with Sarath Amunguma being appointed as the new foreign minister of the island nation. Additionally, a number of ministers who supported Sirisena during the previous cabinet have retained their portfolios. Meanwhile, claiming his majority support in the Parliament, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe demanded the convening of the Parliament at the earliest, calling upon his supporters to gather in Colombo tomorrow to protest his ousting. 126 lawmakers out of the total 225-member Parliament have signed a petition, urging the speaker to call an emergency session of the Parliament. The speaker issued a warning, stating that the country`s political turmoil could turn violent if an early parliamentary session is not convened. Police arrested Member of Parliament Arjuna Ranatunga in connection with the shooting incident in Colombo which claimed the life of one person, injuring two others. The former Cricket World Cup winning captain was later granted bail. Political turmoil erupted in Sri Lanka after Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe on Friday night and replaced him with his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa following the collapse of the governing coalition between Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and United National Party (UNP).

Newly appointed Sri Lankan cabinet sworn in

President Emmanuel Macron gathered his new government for its first post-reshuffle meeting on Wednesday and struck a contrite tone, looking to reboot his presidency after months of criticism and slumping polls.

"People expect us to show steadfastness and coherence," he told the 35-member cabinet, a day after shaking up the administration and appointing close ally Christophe Castaner as interior minister, responsible for police and internal security.

"For me, the object of this government is simple: to build a power for the 21st century. Every day we need to explain the reforms being made, respond to concerns, but know that any single response doesn't hold unless we have a stronger nation."

In a pre-recorded, televised address to the nation on Tuesday night, hours after carrying out the long-awaited reshuffle, Macron acknowledged making mistakes in his first 17 months in office, including off-the-cuff remarks that have led people to accuse him of arrogance and self-importance.

"My determination and my plain-speaking may have upset or shocked some of you, and I hear the criticism," he said, adding that he understood citizens were eager to see results from his reform agenda.

"I know there is impatience, I share it," the 40-year-old former investment banker said. "Gradually, I'm sure, your daily life will get better because the government is on the right track and, above all, getting to the root of the problems."

Macron enjoyed a bullish first few months in office, with business and consumer confidence improving and unemployment falling, but his fortunes have turned in recent months.

GDP growth forecasts for this year have been scaled back from 2.0 per cent to 1.7 per cent, the fall in unemployment has stalled and there is general consternation around Macron's reform agenda.

But it is more the style of his presidency that has rankled. His remarks berating striking workers for "kicking up a bloody mess" or dismissing critics of his labour reforms as "slackers" have turned off many voters.

A scandal involving an Elysee Palace bodyguard caught on camera beating up May Day protesters further tarnished his reputation.

Polls once showed more than 60 percent approval for Macron's leadership, but now hover around 30 percent.

Even former members of his inner circle are critical. When former interior minister Gerard Collomb quit this month, he spoke of a lack of humility in Macron's team and the risk of hubris - excessive pride that leads to a downfall.

The next presidential election is not due until 2022, and the political opposition is largely in disarray. But Macron's reform programme is so ambitious that he must stick to a tight schedule to carry it out.

Already there have been delays - planned changes to the number of parliamentarians and the introduction of some proportional representation have been postponed. But Macron was clear on Wednesday that plans to overhaul the pensions and unemployment benefits systems would not be knocked off course.

"We have a nation to transform," he told the ministers. "The workload before us is immense ... the goal remains the same."

President Emmanuel Macron gathered his new government for its first post-reshuffle meeting on Wednesday and struck a contrite tone, looking to reboot his presidency after months of criticism and slumping polls.

President Emmanuel Macron gathered his new government for its first post-reshuffle meeting on Wednesday and struck a contrite tone, looking to reboot his presidency after months of criticism and slumping polls. "People expect us to show steadfastness and coherence," he told the 35-member cabinet, a day after shaking up the administration and appointing close ally Christophe Castaner as interior minister, responsible for police and internal security. "For me, the object of this government is simple: to build a power for the 21st century. Every day we need to explain the reforms being made, respond to concerns, but know that any single response doesn't hold unless we have a stronger nation." In a pre-recorded, televised address to the nation on Tuesday night, hours after carrying out the long-awaited reshuffle, Macron acknowledged making mistakes in his first 17 months in office, including off-the-cuff remarks that have led people to accuse him of arrogance and self-importance. "My determination and my plain-speaking may have upset or shocked some of you, and I hear the criticism," he said, adding that he understood citizens were eager to see results from his reform agenda. "I know there is impatience, I share it," the 40-year-old former investment banker said. "Gradually, I'm sure, your daily life will get better because the government is on the right track and, above all, getting to the root of the problems." Macron enjoyed a bullish first few months in office, with business and consumer confidence improving and unemployment falling, but his fortunes have turned in recent months. GDP growth forecasts for this year have been scaled back from 2.0 per cent to 1.7 per cent, the fall in unemployment has stalled and there is general consternation around Macron's reform agenda. But it is more the style of his presidency that has rankled. His remarks berating striking workers for "kicking up a bloody mess" or dismissing critics of his labour reforms as "slackers" have turned off many voters. A scandal involving an Elysee Palace bodyguard caught on camera beating up May Day protesters further tarnished his reputation. Polls once showed more than 60 percent approval for Macron's leadership, but now hover around 30 percent. Even former members of his inner circle are critical. When former interior minister Gerard Collomb quit this month, he spoke of a lack of humility in Macron's team and the risk of hubris - excessive pride that leads to a downfall. The next presidential election is not due until 2022, and the political opposition is largely in disarray. But Macron's reform programme is so ambitious that he must stick to a tight schedule to carry it out. Already there have been delays - planned changes to the number of parliamentarians and the introduction of some proportional representation have been postponed. But Macron was clear on Wednesday that plans to overhaul the pensions and unemployment benefits systems would not be knocked off course. "We have a nation to transform," he told the ministers. "The workload before us is immense ... the goal remains the same."

Fighting slump, Macron seeks presidency reboot with cabinet 2.0

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, senior Cabinet minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said, "The renaming of Allahabad as Prayagraj before Kumbh Mela came for approval in the meeting and I am happy to say Allahabad will now be known as Prayagraj." "Rig Veda, Mahabharat and Ramayana also mention Prayagraj (for Allahabad)," he noted.

"The people of entire Allahabad, the sages and seers wanted that Allahabad should be known as Prayagraj.Two days back, when the chief minister had chaired a meeting pertaining to Kumbh there, he had himself mooted that Allahabad should be called Prayagraj. All the sages and seers had given their unanimous approval for the same," he added.

On a trip to Allahabad on Saturday last, the chief minister had said there was a proposal to rename the city ahead of the 2019 Kumbh Mela.

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet Tuesday approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Briefing reporters after the meeting, senior Cabinet minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said, "The renaming of Allahabad as Prayagraj before Kumbh Mela came for approval in the meeting and I am happy to say Allahabad will now be known as Prayagraj." "Rig Veda, Mahabharat and Ramayana also mention Prayagraj (for Allahabad)," he noted. "The people of entire Allahabad, the sages and seers wanted that Allahabad should be known as Prayagraj.Two days back, when the chief minister had chaired a meeting pertaining to Kumbh there, he had himself mooted that Allahabad should be called Prayagraj. All the sages and seers had given their unanimous approval for the same," he added. On a trip to Allahabad on Saturday last, the chief minister had said there was a proposal to rename the city ahead of the 2019 Kumbh Mela.

Allahabad is now Prayagraj: Yogi cabinet clears proposal to rename city

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved agreements between India and Uzbekistan for cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, pharmaceuticals and trade.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was approved for cooperation in the sphere of law and justice between the two countries.

The MoU takes care of concerns and requirements in the field of exchange of experience by legal professionals, government functionaries and their training and effective legal aid mechanism for resolution.

The agreement is expected to facilitate greater cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in providing legal services in both countries in the field of exchange of experience through information sharing visits, and training between both countries on enhancing legal capacities of government functionaries.

Another MoU was approved by the Cabinet for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism, which is expected to be signed during the Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev`s visit to India on October 1.

The signing of the MoU in the field of tourism will help the two countries in creating an institutional mechanism for enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector.

It will also help in increasing foreign tourist arrivals from Uzbekistan to the country.

This, in turn, will result in economic development and employment generation.

The agreement shall create favourable conditions for long-term tourism cooperation for the mutual benefits of all stakeholders within the broader framework and areas of cooperation.

In addition, the MoU shall explore to incorporate the best practices to implement the measures that will realise the objectives set out in it.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a MoU between the two countries for the establishment of an Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceutical Zone in the Andijan Region of Uzbekistan, which will also be signed during Mirziyoyev`s visit to India.

The MoU will create an enabling framework of cooperation for setting up an Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceuticals Zone in Andijan region of Uzbekistan.

It will also facilitate Indian pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to invest and establish production facilities in the Uzbek-Indian Free Pharma Zone of Andijan for the manufacture of pharmaceutical products.

The Cabinet also approved the signing of a MoU between India and Uzbekistan for increased cooperation in the areas of trade, industry and research and development of pharmaceutical products.

In view of the importance of the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in both countries and importance of mutual cooperation in trade, production, research and development in the pharmaceutical sector, both the governments have been trying to establish a formal mechanism of bilateral cooperation.

The MoU will explore the possibilities of production of medicines, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in different therapeutic segments in both countries.

It will facilitate the exchange of information on trade and registration procedures, legal and regulatory requirements for export and import of pharmaceuticals products, including APIs.

Another MoU was approved for mutual cooperation in combating illicit trafficking in narcotics, drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, and is expected to help in mutual cooperation in the regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and in combating drug trafficking.

It is an effective framework to deal with all issues requiring mutual assistance and cooperation in the areas identified.

The Cabinet also approved the signing of an agreement between India and Uzbekistan on cooperation in health and medical science.

It covers the following areas of cooperation - expanding opportunities for the development of business cooperation in the field of medical equipment, including equipment for teaching and research laboratories of institutions of medical education, and pharmaceutical products, strengthening of primary health care and setting up of healthcare facilities, medical and health research development, as well as exchange of experience in these areas, among others.

A working group will be set up to further elaborate the details of cooperation and to oversee the implementation of the agreement.

In the field of agriculture and allied sectors, a MoU was approved for cooperation in the exchange of information regarding laws, standards and product samples of mutual interest, establishment of joint agriculture clusters in Uzbekistan, exchange of experience in the field of crop production and their diversification, exchange of experience in the field of seed production based on modern technology, and application of technology for enhanced water use efficiency in agriculture and allied sectors, including irrigation, conduct of joint scientific research on genetics, breeding, biotechnology, plant protection and soil productivity conservation, among others.

The agreement provides for the constitution of a joint working group comprising representatives from both countries, the task of which would be to prepare plans of cooperation, provide solutions to the problems arising during the implementation of the agreement and to monitor the implementation of tasks determined by the parties.

The meetings of the working group shall take place at least every two years, alternately in India and in Uzbekistan.

The agreement shall enter into force on the date of its signing and shall remain in force for a period of five years, is automatically extended for a subsequent period of five years.

The agreement shall be terminated after six months from the date of receipt of notification of either party of its intention to terminate.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved agreements between India and Uzbekistan for cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, pharmaceuticals and trade.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved agreements between India and Uzbekistan for cooperation in various sectors, including tourism, pharmaceuticals and trade. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was approved for cooperation in the sphere of law and justice between the two countries. The MoU takes care of concerns and requirements in the field of exchange of experience by legal professionals, government functionaries and their training and effective legal aid mechanism for resolution. The agreement is expected to facilitate greater cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in providing legal services in both countries in the field of exchange of experience through information sharing visits, and training between both countries on enhancing legal capacities of government functionaries. Another MoU was approved by the Cabinet for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism, which is expected to be signed during the Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev`s visit to India on October 1. The signing of the MoU in the field of tourism will help the two countries in creating an institutional mechanism for enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector. It will also help in increasing foreign tourist arrivals from Uzbekistan to the country. This, in turn, will result in economic development and employment generation. The agreement shall create favourable conditions for long-term tourism cooperation for the mutual benefits of all stakeholders within the broader framework and areas of cooperation. In addition, the MoU shall explore to incorporate the best practices to implement the measures that will realise the objectives set out in it. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a MoU between the two countries for the establishment of an Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceutical Zone in the Andijan Region of Uzbekistan, which will also be signed during Mirziyoyev`s visit to India. The MoU will create an enabling framework of cooperation for setting up an Uzbek-Indian Free Pharmaceuticals Zone in Andijan region of Uzbekistan. It will also facilitate Indian pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to invest and establish production facilities in the Uzbek-Indian Free Pharma Zone of Andijan for the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. The Cabinet also approved the signing of a MoU between India and Uzbekistan for increased cooperation in the areas of trade, industry and research and development of pharmaceutical products. In view of the importance of the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in both countries and importance of mutual cooperation in trade, production, research and development in the pharmaceutical sector, both the governments have been trying to establish a formal mechanism of bilateral cooperation. The MoU will explore the possibilities of production of medicines, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in different therapeutic segments in both countries. It will facilitate the exchange of information on trade and registration procedures, legal and regulatory requirements for export and import of pharmaceuticals products, including APIs. Another MoU was approved for mutual cooperation in combating illicit trafficking in narcotics, drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors, and is expected to help in mutual cooperation in the regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and in combating drug trafficking. It is an effective framework to deal with all issues requiring mutual assistance and cooperation in the areas identified. The Cabinet also approved the signing of an agreement between India and Uzbekistan on cooperation in health and medical science. It covers the following areas of cooperation - expanding opportunities for the development of business cooperation in the field of medical equipment, including equipment for teaching and research laboratories of institutions of medical education, and pharmaceutical products, strengthening of primary health care and setting up of healthcare facilities, medical and health research development, as well as exchange of experience in these areas, among others. A working group will be set up to further elaborate the details of cooperation and to oversee the implementation of the agreement. In the field of agriculture and allied sectors, a MoU was approved for cooperation in the exchange of information regarding laws, standards and product samples of mutual interest, establishment of joint agriculture clusters in Uzbekistan, exchange of experience in the field of crop production and their diversification, exchange of experience in the field of seed production based on modern technology, and application of technology for enhanced water use efficiency in agriculture and allied sectors, including irrigation, conduct of joint scientific research on genetics, breeding, biotechnology, plant protection and soil productivity conservation, among others. The agreement provides for the constitution of a joint working group comprising representatives from both countries, the task of which would be to prepare plans of cooperation, provide solutions to the problems arising during the implementation of the agreement and to monitor the implementation of tasks determined by the parties. The meetings of the working group shall take place at least every two years, alternately in India and in Uzbekistan. The agreement shall enter into force on the date of its signing and shall remain in force for a period of five years, is automatically extended for a subsequent period of five years. The agreement shall be terminated after six months from the date of receipt of notification of either party of its intention to terminate.

Cabinet approves India-Uzbekistan MoUs in tourism, trade

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-to-challenge-the-appointment-of-kg-bopaiah-as-pro-tem-speaker-in-the-sc-137972">Karnataka crisis: Congress to challenge KG Bopaiah's appointment as pro-tem Speaker in Supreme Court</a>

Congress to challenge the appointment of KG Bopaiah as pro-tem Speaker in the Supreme Court on Friday. According to television reports, Congress is moving Supreme Court to challenge the Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to appoint KG Bopiah as pro-tem speaker ahead of the floor test on Saturday 4 pm.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-to-jk-pakistan-summons-indian-high-commissioner-over-unprovoked-ceasefire-violations-along-loc-137934">Pakistan summons Indian High Commissioner over 'unprovoked ceasefire violations' along LoC</a>

As PM Modi prepares to visit J&K on Saturday, Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner over "unprovoked ceasefire violations" allegedly carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control(LoC).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-allows-karti-chidambaram-to-travel-abroad-137929">Supreme Court allows Karti Chidambaram to travel abroad</a>

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, to travel to offshore locations in United Kingdom, Germany and Spain with certain conditions, including that he would not open or close a bank account abroad.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-offering-200-billion-package-to-slash-us-trade-gap-137953">China denies offering $200 billion </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-offering-200-billion-package-to-slash-us-trade-gap-137953">package</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-offering-200-billion-package-to-slash-us-trade-gap-137953"> to slash US trade gap</a>

China denied on Friday that it had offered a package to slash the US trade deficit by up to $200 billion, hours after it dropped an anti-dumping probe into US sorghum imports in a conciliatory gesture as top negotiators meet in Washington.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congo-faces-very-high-risk-from-ebola-outbreak-who--137926">Congo faces 'very high' risk from Ebola outbreak: WHO</a>

Democratic Republic of Congo faces a "very high" public health risk from Ebola because the disease has been confirmed in a patient in a big city, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, raising its assessment from "high" previously.

&nbsp

Karnataka crisis: Congress to challenge KG Bopaiah's appointment as pro-tem Speaker in Supreme Court Congress to challenge the appointment of KG Bopaiah as pro-tem Speaker in the Supreme Court on Friday. According to television reports, Congress is moving Supreme Court to challenge the Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to appoint KG Bopiah as pro-tem speaker ahead of the floor test on Saturday 4 pm. Pakistan summons Indian High Commissioner over 'unprovoked ceasefire violations' along LoC As PM Modi prepares to visit J&K on Saturday, Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner over "unprovoked ceasefire violations" allegedly carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control(LoC). Supreme Court allows Karti Chidambaram to travel abroad The Supreme Court on Friday allowed Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, to travel to offshore locations in United Kingdom, Germany and Spain with certain conditions, including that he would not open or close a bank account abroad. China denies offering $200 billion package to slash US trade gap China denied on Friday that it had offered a package to slash the US trade deficit by up to $200 billion, hours after it dropped an anti-dumping probe into US sorghum imports in a conciliatory gesture as top negotiators meet in Washington. Congo faces 'very high' risk from Ebola outbreak: WHO Democratic Republic of Congo faces a "very high" public health risk from Ebola because the disease has been confirmed in a patient in a big city, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, raising its assessment from "high" previously.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Friday unveiled who will be in his new cabinet.

The following is a list of the ministers in the new Russian new government

Prime minister

Dmitry Medvedev - 52. Was reappointed to the position he has held since 2012. Served as Russian president from 2008 to 2012.

Deputy Prime ministers

Konstantin Chuyuchenko - 52, Government Chief of Staff and Deputy Prime Minister. Was Kremlin aide from 2008.

Anton Siluanov - 55, First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Held the finance minister position since the end of 2011.

Dmitry Kobak - 59, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for energy and industry sectors. Has been a deputy prime minister from 2008.

Vitaly Mutko - 59, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for construction and regional development. From 2012 to 2016 was Sports Minister than was appointment to Deputy Prime Minister position later.

Yuri Borisov - 61, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for defence industry complex. Was Deputy Defence Minister since 2012.

Maxim Akimov - 48, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for transport and communications. Was First Deputy Government Chief of Staff in previous government.

Alexei Gordeyev - 63, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for agro-industrial complex. He was Agriculture Minister from 1999 to 2009. After this was governor of Voronezh Region and Putin's Envoy in the Central Russian region.

Tatiana Golikova - 52, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for welfare. Was the head of Russia's Audit Chamber since 2013, also a former Minister of Health and Social Development.

Olga Golodets - 56, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for culture and sport. Was Deputy Prime Minister in the previous government since 2012.

Oleg Trutnev - 62, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Russian Far East development. Was Deputy Prime Minister since 2013.

Ministers

Finance Minister - Anton Siluanov

Energy Minister - Alexander Novak, 46. Held this position since 2012.

Foreign Minister - Sergei Lavrov, 68. Held this position from 2004.

Defence Minister - Sergei Shoigu, 62. Held this position since 2012.

Economy Minister - Maxim Oreshkin, 35. Held this position since 2016.

Industry and Trade Minister - Denis Manturov, 49. Held this position since 2012.

Agriculture Minister - Dmitry Patrushev, 40 years. Held the position of Chairman of the board of directors of Russian Agricultural Bank.

Sport Minister - Pavel Kolobkov, 48. Held this position from 2016.

Minister of Internal Affairs - Vladimir Kolokoltsev, 57. Held this position from 2012.

Emergencies Minister - Yevgeny Zinichev, 51. Held the position of Deputy Director of Federal Security Service.

Transport Minister - Yevgeny Ditrikh, 45. Held the position of Deputy Transport Minister since 2015.

Education Minister - Olga Vasilieva, 58. Held this position from 2016.

Science and Higher Education Minister - Mikhail Kotukov, 41. Held the position of the head of Federal Agency for Scientific Organizations.

Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology - Dmitry Kobylkin, 46. Held the position of governor of Yamalo-Nenets district since 2010.

Minister of Health - Veronika Skvortsova, 57. Held this position from 2016.

Minister of Labour and Social Development - Maxim Topilin, 51. Held this position since 2012.

Justice Minister - Alexander Konovalov, 49. Held this position from 2008.

Culture Minister - Vladimir Medinskiy, 48. Held this position from 2012.

Minister of Construction - Vladimir Yakushev, 49. Held the position of governor of the Tyumen Region since 2005.

Minister of Communications - Konstantin Noskov, 39. Held the position of head of Government Analytical Centre since 2012.

Minister for development of the Far East - Alexander Kozlov, 36. Held the position of governor of Amur Region since 2015.

Minister for development of the North Caucasus - Sergey Chebotarev. According to publicly-available information, he held the position of Deputy Head of Presidential administration's department of trans-regional and cultural ties with foreign countries.

Dmitry Medvedev was reappointed to the position he has held since 2012

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Friday unveiled who will be in his new cabinet. The following is a list of the ministers in the new Russian new government Prime minister Dmitry Medvedev - 52. Was reappointed to the position he has held since 2012. Served as Russian president from 2008 to 2012. Deputy Prime ministers Konstantin Chuyuchenko - 52, Government Chief of Staff and Deputy Prime Minister. Was Kremlin aide from 2008. Anton Siluanov - 55, First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Held the finance minister position since the end of 2011. Dmitry Kobak - 59, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for energy and industry sectors. Has been a deputy prime minister from 2008. Vitaly Mutko - 59, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for construction and regional development. From 2012 to 2016 was Sports Minister than was appointment to Deputy Prime Minister position later. Yuri Borisov - 61, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for defence industry complex. Was Deputy Defence Minister since 2012. Maxim Akimov - 48, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for transport and communications. Was First Deputy Government Chief of Staff in previous government. Alexei Gordeyev - 63, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for agro-industrial complex. He was Agriculture Minister from 1999 to 2009. After this was governor of Voronezh Region and Putin's Envoy in the Central Russian region. Tatiana Golikova - 52, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for welfare. Was the head of Russia's Audit Chamber since 2013, also a former Minister of Health and Social Development. Olga Golodets - 56, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for culture and sport. Was Deputy Prime Minister in the previous government since 2012. Oleg Trutnev - 62, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Russian Far East development. Was Deputy Prime Minister since 2013. Ministers Finance Minister - Anton Siluanov Energy Minister - Alexander Novak, 46. Held this position since 2012. Foreign Minister - Sergei Lavrov, 68. Held this position from 2004. Defence Minister - Sergei Shoigu, 62. Held this position since 2012. Economy Minister - Maxim Oreshkin, 35. Held this position since 2016. Industry and Trade Minister - Denis Manturov, 49. Held this position since 2012. Agriculture Minister - Dmitry Patrushev, 40 years. Held the position of Chairman of the board of directors of Russian Agricultural Bank. Sport Minister - Pavel Kolobkov, 48. Held this position from 2016. Minister of Internal Affairs - Vladimir Kolokoltsev, 57. Held this position from 2012. Emergencies Minister - Yevgeny Zinichev, 51. Held the position of Deputy Director of Federal Security Service. Transport Minister - Yevgeny Ditrikh, 45. Held the position of Deputy Transport Minister since 2015. Education Minister - Olga Vasilieva, 58. Held this position from 2016. Science and Higher Education Minister - Mikhail Kotukov, 41. Held the position of the head of Federal Agency for Scientific Organizations. Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology - Dmitry Kobylkin, 46. Held the position of governor of Yamalo-Nenets district since 2010. Minister of Health - Veronika Skvortsova, 57. Held this position from 2016. Minister of Labour and Social Development - Maxim Topilin, 51. Held this position since 2012. Justice Minister - Alexander Konovalov, 49. Held this position from 2008. Culture Minister - Vladimir Medinskiy, 48. Held this position from 2012. Minister of Construction - Vladimir Yakushev, 49. Held the position of governor of the Tyumen Region since 2005. Minister of Communications - Konstantin Noskov, 39. Held the position of head of Government Analytical Centre since 2012. Minister for development of the Far East - Alexander Kozlov, 36. Held the position of governor of Amur Region since 2015. Minister for development of the North Caucasus - Sergey Chebotarev. According to publicly-available information, he held the position of Deputy Head of Presidential administration's department of trans-regional and cultural ties with foreign countries.

Lavrov and Shoigu retain ministerial positions in Russia's new cabinet

A minister in the Uttar Pradesh government has triggered a controversy after he reportedly brought with him his own food and water at a dinner hosted at a Dalit household here.

Suresh Rana, the minister in the Yogi Adityanath cabinet, however, rejected the allegation today, saying, "The food was prepared in the village, by the villagers themselves.

" The BJP leader's clarification came against the backdrop of reports that he and his aides had gone to the house of the Dalit family to dine with them on Monday night but ordered food, mineral water and cutlery from outside as the family was not aware of the minister's visit.

Pictures of the well laid out dining table with an assortment of dishes and cutlery went viral on the social media.

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Lohagadh(Aligarh): Rajnish Kumar, Dalit man at whose house UP Minister Suresh Rana had dinner yesterday says, 'I didn't even know they are coming for dinner,they came suddenly.All food.water and cutlery they had arranged from outside' <a href="https://t.co/TIXMVtV825">pic.twitter.com/TIXMVtV825</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/991553082961035265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Asked to comment on the house owner's claim that he was unaware of the dinner he was supposed to host and that he was woken up from his sleep at around 11 PM to entertain the guests, Rana said, "This is a piece of information you are giving me. The entire family was sitting with me during the dinner.I saw a news clip that claimed that food was brought from outside or some hotel. The food was prepared in that village itself by the villagers."

When reporters confronted him by claiming that the food was served by a caterer and it did not look like it was cooked at a poor Dalit house, the minister said, "I am reiterating that the food was prepared at the house of a Dalit.

The village head is a Dalit, the local MLA is a Dalit, the programme was organised by them and there was a community feast.

An issue is being made out of this as some people have problems with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

"Claiming that those who did politics from their "plush drawing rooms, five-star hotels and AC rooms" had problems with the BJP reaching the "gaaon, gareeb and Dalits (the villages, the poor and the Dalits)", Rana said, "I will invite them to spend a night in Lohagarh village and only then will they realise."

Last year, soon after the BJP took charge in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Adityanath's visit to a soldier's house had triggered a controversy after it was reported that an air-conditioner was installed and a carpet, a saffron sofa and saffron towels were sent to the house before his arrival.

Later, members of the Musahar community, who are among the poorest in the state, had alleged that they were given soaps and shampoo by the local administration, ahead of a visit by the chief minister.

Suresh Rana, the minister in the Yogi Adityanath cabinet, however, rejected the allegation today, saying, "The food was prepared in the village, by the villagers themselves.

A minister in the Uttar Pradesh government has triggered a controversy after he reportedly brought with him his own food and water at a dinner hosted at a Dalit household here. Suresh Rana, the minister in the Yogi Adityanath cabinet, however, rejected the allegation today, saying, "The food was prepared in the village, by the villagers themselves. " The BJP leader's clarification came against the backdrop of reports that he and his aides had gone to the house of the Dalit family to dine with them on Monday night but ordered food, mineral water and cutlery from outside as the family was not aware of the minister's visit. Pictures of the well laid out dining table with an assortment of dishes and cutlery went viral on the social media. Lohagadh(Aligarh): Rajnish Kumar, Dalit man at whose house UP Minister Suresh Rana had dinner yesterday says, 'I didn't even know they are coming for dinner,they came suddenly.All food.water and cutlery they had arranged from outside' pic.twitter.com/TIXMVtV825 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 2, 2018 × Asked to comment on the house owner's claim that he was unaware of the dinner he was supposed to host and that he was woken up from his sleep at around 11 PM to entertain the guests, Rana said, "This is a piece of information you are giving me. The entire family was sitting with me during the dinner.I saw a news clip that claimed that food was brought from outside or some hotel. The food was prepared in that village itself by the villagers." When reporters confronted him by claiming that the food was served by a caterer and it did not look like it was cooked at a poor Dalit house, the minister said, "I am reiterating that the food was prepared at the house of a Dalit. The village head is a Dalit, the local MLA is a Dalit, the programme was organised by them and there was a community feast. An issue is being made out of this as some people have problems with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "Claiming that those who did politics from their "plush drawing rooms, five-star hotels and AC rooms" had problems with the BJP reaching the "gaaon, gareeb and Dalits (the villages, the poor and the Dalits)", Rana said, "I will invite them to spend a night in Lohagarh village and only then will they realise." Last year, soon after the BJP took charge in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Adityanath's visit to a soldier's house had triggered a controversy after it was reported that an air-conditioner was installed and a carpet, a saffron sofa and saffron towels were sent to the house before his arrival. Later, members of the Musahar community, who are among the poorest in the state, had alleged that they were given soaps and shampoo by the local administration, ahead of a visit by the chief minister.

UP minister's dinner at Dalit's home triggers controversy after he reportedly brings own food

Sri Lankan government rejigged its cabinet earlier today at the Presidential Secretariat. This is the second cabinet reshuffle in a year by the Maithripala Sirisena-led government and the fourth ever since the government was formed in the year 2015.&nbsp;

The last cabinet turnaround took place on February 5 this year.&nbsp;

According to reports, as many as 18 changes have been made in the cabinet. New faces and portfolios have been introduced. Former minister of Justice Wijedasa Rajapakse has been named the Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs.

The reshuffle was necessitated after Prime Minister Wickremesinghe won 'no confidence' motion in Parliament last month.

Parliament will recommence its session from May 8.

All in all, 18 ministers were sworn in today, no further changes in the cabinet were made.

Here is the complete list of new cabinet ministers.

Lakshman Kiriella – Minister of Public Enterprise and Kandy Development

Sarath Amunugama – Minister of Science, Technology and Research, Skills Development and Vocational Training, and Hill Country Heritage

SB Navinna – Minister of Internal Affairs and Wayamba Development

Mahinda Amaraweera – Minister of Agriculture

Duminda Dissanayake – Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management and Disaster Management

P&nbsp;Harrison – Minister of Social Empowerment

Kabir Hashim – Minister of Highways and Road Development

Ranjith Maddumabandara – Minister of Public Administration and Management, Minister of Law and Order

Thalatha Athukorala – Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms

Faiszer Musthapha – Minister of Sports, Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government

Vijith Vijayamuni Zoysa – Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and Rural Economy

DM&nbsp;Swaminathan – Minister of Rehabilitation, Resettlement, Northern Development and Hindu Religious Affairs

Sagala Ratnayake – Minister of Project Management, Youth Affairs and Southern Development

Mano Ganesan – Minister of National Co-existence, Reconciliation and Official Languages

Daya Gamage – Minister of Social Welfare and Primary Industries

Sarath Fonseka – Minister of Sustainable Development, Wildlife and Regional Development

Ravindra Samaraweera – Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations

Wijedasa Rajapakshe – Minister of Higher Education and Cultural Affairs

 
&nbsp;

The reshuffle was necessitated after Prime Minister Wickremesinghe won 'no confidence' motion in Parliament last month

Sri Lankan government rejigged its cabinet earlier today at the Presidential Secretariat. This is the second cabinet reshuffle in a year by the Maithripala Sirisena-led government and the fourth ever since the government was formed in the year 2015. The last cabinet turnaround took place on February 5 this year. According to reports, as many as 18 changes have been made in the cabinet. New faces and portfolios have been introduced. Former minister of Justice Wijedasa Rajapakse has been named the Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs. The reshuffle was necessitated after Prime Minister Wickremesinghe won 'no confidence' motion in Parliament last month. Parliament will recommence its session from May 8. All in all, 18 ministers were sworn in today, no further changes in the cabinet were made. Here is the complete list of new cabinet ministers. Lakshman Kiriella – Minister of Public Enterprise and Kandy Development Sarath Amunugama – Minister of Science, Technology and Research, Skills Development and Vocational Training, and Hill Country Heritage SB Navinna – Minister of Internal Affairs and Wayamba Development Mahinda Amaraweera – Minister of Agriculture Duminda Dissanayake – Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management and Disaster Management P Harrison – Minister of Social Empowerment Kabir Hashim – Minister of Highways and Road Development Ranjith Maddumabandara – Minister of Public Administration and Management, Minister of Law and Order Thalatha Athukorala – Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms Faiszer Musthapha – Minister of Sports, Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Vijith Vijayamuni Zoysa – Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and Rural Economy DM Swaminathan – Minister of Rehabilitation, Resettlement, Northern Development and Hindu Religious Affairs Sagala Ratnayake – Minister of Project Management, Youth Affairs and Southern Development Mano Ganesan – Minister of National Co-existence, Reconciliation and Official Languages Daya Gamage – Minister of Social Welfare and Primary Industries Sarath Fonseka – Minister of Sustainable Development, Wildlife and Regional Development Ravindra Samaraweera – Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations Wijedasa Rajapakshe – Minister of Higher Education and Cultural Affairs

Sri Lanka: Government reshuffles cabinet second time in year

The Union Cabinet has approved the promulgation of Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance which would have measures to attach and confiscate proceeds of crime associated with economic offenders like Nirav Modi and deter them from evading the process of Indian law by fleeing the country.&nbsp;

The Ordinance is expected to re-establish the rule of law which would force such offenders to return to India to face trial. This would also help the banks and other financial institutions to achieve higher recovery from financial defaults.&nbsp;

It is expected that a special forum to be created for the expeditious confiscation of the proceeds of crime, in India or abroad, would coerce the fugitive to return to India to submit to the jurisdiction of Courts in India to face the law in respect of scheduled offences.

The Ordinance makes provisions for a Court ('Special Court' under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002) to declare a person as a Fugitive Economic Offender. A Fugitive Economic Offender is a person against whom an arrest warrant has been issued in respect of a scheduled offence and who has left India so as to avoid criminal prosecution, or being abroad, refuses to return to India to face criminal prosecution.&nbsp;

In order to ensure that Courts are not over-burdened with such cases, only those cases where the total value involved in such offences is 100 crore rupees or more, is within the purview of this Ordinance.

Since the approved law would utilise the existing infrastructure of the Special Courts constituted under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 and the threshold of scheduled offence is high at Rs. 100 crore or more, no additional expenditure is expected on the enactment of the Ordinance.

Background

There have been instances of economic offenders such as Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya fleeing the country to fend off criminal proceedings. The existing civil and criminal provisions in the&nbsp;law are not entirely adequate to deal with the severity of the problem.

The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 was introduced in Lok Sabha on the 12th March, 2018 and was listed for consideration and passing in Lok Sabha on many occasions after its introduction. The Lok Sabha has since been adjourned sine die and both the Houses of Parliament were prorogued on 6th April, 2018. 
&nbsp;

The Ordinance is expected to re-establish the rule of law with respect to the fugitive economic offenders as they would be forced to return to India to face trial for scheduled offences.

The Union Cabinet has approved the promulgation of Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance which would have measures to attach and confiscate proceeds of crime associated with economic offenders like Nirav Modi and deter them from evading the process of Indian law by fleeing the country. The Ordinance is expected to re-establish the rule of law which would force such offenders to return to India to face trial. This would also help the banks and other financial institutions to achieve higher recovery from financial defaults. It is expected that a special forum to be created for the expeditious confiscation of the proceeds of crime, in India or abroad, would coerce the fugitive to return to India to submit to the jurisdiction of Courts in India to face the law in respect of scheduled offences. The Ordinance makes provisions for a Court ('Special Court' under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002) to declare a person as a Fugitive Economic Offender. A Fugitive Economic Offender is a person against whom an arrest warrant has been issued in respect of a scheduled offence and who has left India so as to avoid criminal prosecution, or being abroad, refuses to return to India to face criminal prosecution. In order to ensure that Courts are not over-burdened with such cases, only those cases where the total value involved in such offences is 100 crore rupees or more, is within the purview of this Ordinance. Since the approved law would utilise the existing infrastructure of the Special Courts constituted under the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 and the threshold of scheduled offence is high at Rs. 100 crore or more, no additional expenditure is expected on the enactment of the Ordinance. Background There have been instances of economic offenders such as Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya fleeing the country to fend off criminal proceedings. The existing civil and criminal provisions in the law are not entirely adequate to deal with the severity of the problem. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 was introduced in Lok Sabha on the 12th March, 2018 and was listed for consideration and passing in Lok Sabha on many occasions after its introduction. The Lok Sabha has since been adjourned sine die and both the Houses of Parliament were prorogued on 6th April, 2018.

Cabinet approves ordinance to crack down on fugitive economic offenders like Nirav Modi

The Social Justice ministry has sent a Bill on transgender rights to the Cabinet after finalising nine amendments, including those in the definition of the term &#39;transgender&#39;, keeping with the recommendations of a parliamentary panel.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill that has undergone inter-ministerial consultation and was vetted by the law ministry has been sent to the Cabinet, a senior ministry official said.

The earlier definition of a transgender was &quot;neither wholly male nor female, a combination of female or male, or neither female nor male and whose sense of gender does not match with the gender assigned to that person at the time of birth&quot;, has been removed, as per the advice of the standing committee, he said.

The official said according to the new definition proposed in the Bill, &quot;a transgender means a person whose gender does not match with the gender assigned to that person at birth and includes trans-man or trans-women (whether or not such persons has undergone sex reassignment surgery or hormone therapy or laser therapy or such other therapy)&quot;.

It also includes person with intersex variations, gender-queer and person having such socio-cultural identities such as &#39;kinnar&#39;, &#39;hijra&#39;, &#39;aravani&#39; and &#39;jogta&#39;, he said.

The ministry has also done away with the provision of recommendation required from district screening committees for issuing certificate, if a transgender undergoes a surgery to change his or her gender.

A transgender, who has already been issued a certificate and undergoes a surgery to his or her gender, may now get a it from the medical superintendent or chief medical officer, authenticating the same to make an application to the district magistrate for a revised certificate.

&quot;The district magistrate on receipt of an application and after being satisfied will issue a certificate indicating change in gender in such form and manner and within such time, as may be prescribed,&quot; the official said.

The standing committee had called for removing some provisions after hearing the contentions of the stakeholders that transgenders were reluctant to undergo physical examination in front of the district screening committee for a certificate.

&quot;The standing committee wondered why will the same person would apply again for a certificate and undergo the same procedure which he went earlier,&quot; the official said.

Besides, now every establishment, irrespective of how many people are employed there, will have to designate a officer to deal with complaints, he said. Earlier, establishments of 100 or more people had to designate a complaint officer.

The standing committee had expressed dismay over the functions of the national council for redressal of grievances of transgenders not being precisely mentioned, the officials said.

It had recommended that the council be vested with more power and that its powers and functions be elaborated, he said.

Following this, the Centre has specified that the council will advise the central government on the formulation of policies, programmes, legislation and projects for transgenders, the official said.

The ministry did not make any changes on the recommendation that transgenders be exempted from Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which criminalises homosexuality and including them in the other backward classes category.

The council will also monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and programmes designed for achieving equality and full participation of transgenders, review and coordinate the activities of all departments and NGOs, redress grievances among others.&nbsp;

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill that has undergone inter-ministerial consultation

The Social Justice ministry has sent a Bill on transgender rights to the Cabinet after finalising nine amendments, including those in the definition of the term 'transgender', keeping with the recommendations of a parliamentary panel. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill that has undergone inter-ministerial consultation and was vetted by the law ministry has been sent to the Cabinet, a senior ministry official said. The earlier definition of a transgender was "neither wholly male nor female, a combination of female or male, or neither female nor male and whose sense of gender does not match with the gender assigned to that person at the time of birth", has been removed, as per the advice of the standing committee, he said. The official said according to the new definition proposed in the Bill, "a transgender means a person whose gender does not match with the gender assigned to that person at birth and includes trans-man or trans-women (whether or not such persons has undergone sex reassignment surgery or hormone therapy or laser therapy or such other therapy)". It also includes person with intersex variations, gender-queer and person having such socio-cultural identities such as 'kinnar', 'hijra', 'aravani' and 'jogta', he said. The ministry has also done away with the provision of recommendation required from district screening committees for issuing certificate, if a transgender undergoes a surgery to change his or her gender. A transgender, who has already been issued a certificate and undergoes a surgery to his or her gender, may now get a it from the medical superintendent or chief medical officer, authenticating the same to make an application to the district magistrate for a revised certificate. "The district magistrate on receipt of an application and after being satisfied will issue a certificate indicating change in gender in such form and manner and within such time, as may be prescribed," the official said. The standing committee had called for removing some provisions after hearing the contentions of the stakeholders that transgenders were reluctant to undergo physical examination in front of the district screening committee for a certificate. "The standing committee wondered why will the same person would apply again for a certificate and undergo the same procedure which he went earlier," the official said. Besides, now every establishment, irrespective of how many people are employed there, will have to designate a officer to deal with complaints, he said. Earlier, establishments of 100 or more people had to designate a complaint officer. The standing committee had expressed dismay over the functions of the national council for redressal of grievances of transgenders not being precisely mentioned, the officials said. It had recommended that the council be vested with more power and that its powers and functions be elaborated, he said. Following this, the Centre has specified that the council will advise the central government on the formulation of policies, programmes, legislation and projects for transgenders, the official said. The ministry did not make any changes on the recommendation that transgenders be exempted from Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which criminalises homosexuality and including them in the other backward classes category. The council will also monitor and evaluate the impact of policies and programmes designed for achieving equality and full participation of transgenders, review and coordinate the activities of all departments and NGOs, redress grievances among others.

Bill on transgender rights sent to Cabinet

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday night directed TDP ministers Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary to resign as Union Ministers over the Andhra Pradesh &quot;special status&quot; row.

&quot;This is the first step. We will go ahead with other actions later,&quot;&nbsp;Naidu said in Amravati. The alliance between the TDP and the BJP however still remains intact.&nbsp;

The TDP has been asking the Centre for special status. Earlier on Wednesday, Jaitley said the Centre was willing to give Andhra the monetary equivalent of special status but not the status itself since the category no longer exists. The TDP in turn believes the promises made to Andhra when the state of Telangana was carved out of it (in June 2014) have not been kept.&nbsp;

&quot;We have been raising the matter since the day of Budget. But they (central government) did not respond,&quot; said Naidu.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;We have shown patience for 4 years. I tried to convince the centre by all means,&quot; said Naidu. &quot;As a courtesy and being a responsible senior politician, I tried reaching out to Prime Minister to inform about our decision. He was unavailable.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;The centre is not in a mood to listen. I don&#39;t know what mistake I have done. Why are they speaking such things?&quot; said Naidu, adding that &quot;Arun Jaitley&#39;s statement was the last straw. They are apparently predetermined. They don&#39;t appear to help the state.&quot;&nbsp;

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Earlier on Wednesay, Jaitley had said:&nbsp;&quot;What is the implication of special status? The special status used to be originally granted to states in the Northeast because they have their own resources that were inadequate. One of the promises was that Andhra Pradesh should be given special status. Provision for revenue deficit in case of Andhra Pradesh as per Finance Commission already made. In most of the schemes of special status, 60% is funded by Centre and 40% by the state. Special category status means that you get a 90-10 advantage, not 60-40. There has to be to a basis to calculate financial deficit.&quot;

Jaitley was addressing the media.&nbsp;&quot;Andhra Pradesh was unwilling and Telangana wanted the division. Andhra was suffering in terms of resources. Therefore some help had to be given to AP. So one of the promises was AP should be given special category status. At that time, special category state concept did exist. But, according to 14th Finance Commission, there is no special category status now to be given,&quot; Jaitley had said.&nbsp;

&quot;I know Andhra has suffered because of bifurcation. Whatever is monetary equivalent of special status will be given to Andhra by the Centre. Whatever is mentioned in the act, the Centre is willing to fullfill. We are willing to satisfy every condition. The only variation is that after Finance Commission report instead of formally calling it a special category state, we are calling it a special package, which gives same monetary benefits that a special category state gives you. Sentiment does not decide the quantum of funds. Centre has repeatedly said that we are ready to give it,&quot; Jaitley added.&nbsp;

The TDP faces extreme pressure in the state ahead of assembly elections and the national election next year, with opposition parties accusing Naidu of failing Andhra Pradesh by not ensuring special status for it as a partner at the Centre.&nbsp;

The Congress&#39; Rahul Gandhi meanwhile has said the Congress would be willing to give the Andhra the special status it is asking for if it is elected to power in 2019.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

'This is the first step. We will go ahead with other actions later,' Naidu said

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday night directed TDP ministers Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary to resign as Union Ministers over the Andhra Pradesh "special status" row. "This is the first step. We will go ahead with other actions later," Naidu said in Amravati. The alliance between the TDP and the BJP however still remains intact. The TDP has been asking the Centre for special status. Earlier on Wednesday, Jaitley said the Centre was willing to give Andhra the monetary equivalent of special status but not the status itself since the category no longer exists. The TDP in turn believes the promises made to Andhra when the state of Telangana was carved out of it (in June 2014) have not been kept. "We have been raising the matter since the day of Budget. But they (central government) did not respond," said Naidu. "We have shown patience for 4 years. I tried to convince the centre by all means," said Naidu. "As a courtesy and being a responsible senior politician, I tried reaching out to Prime Minister to inform about our decision. He was unavailable." "The centre is not in a mood to listen. I don't know what mistake I have done. Why are they speaking such things?" said Naidu, adding that "Arun Jaitley's statement was the last straw. They are apparently predetermined. They don't appear to help the state." #WATCH Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu briefs the media in Amaravati https://t.co/0XlA0CPi4b — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2018 × Earlier on Wednesay, Jaitley had said: "What is the implication of special status? The special status used to be originally granted to states in the Northeast because they have their own resources that were inadequate. One of the promises was that Andhra Pradesh should be given special status. Provision for revenue deficit in case of Andhra Pradesh as per Finance Commission already made. In most of the schemes of special status, 60% is funded by Centre and 40% by the state. Special category status means that you get a 90-10 advantage, not 60-40. There has to be to a basis to calculate financial deficit." Jaitley was addressing the media. "Andhra Pradesh was unwilling and Telangana wanted the division. Andhra was suffering in terms of resources. Therefore some help had to be given to AP. So one of the promises was AP should be given special category status. At that time, special category state concept did exist. But, according to 14th Finance Commission, there is no special category status now to be given," Jaitley had said. "I know Andhra has suffered because of bifurcation. Whatever is monetary equivalent of special status will be given to Andhra by the Centre. Whatever is mentioned in the act, the Centre is willing to fullfill. We are willing to satisfy every condition. The only variation is that after Finance Commission report instead of formally calling it a special category state, we are calling it a special package, which gives same monetary benefits that a special category state gives you. Sentiment does not decide the quantum of funds. Centre has repeatedly said that we are ready to give it," Jaitley added. The TDP faces extreme pressure in the state ahead of assembly elections and the national election next year, with opposition parties accusing Naidu of failing Andhra Pradesh by not ensuring special status for it as a partner at the Centre. The Congress' Rahul Gandhi meanwhile has said the Congress would be willing to give the Andhra the special status it is asking for if it is elected to power in 2019.

Andhra special status row: Naidu orders 2 TDP ministers to quit Union Cabinet

South Africa&#39;s new president Cyril Ramaphosa is under pressure to reshuffle his cabinet.

Opposition parties and civil society believe that changes in cabinet will signal Ramaphosa&#39;s seriousness about rooting out corruption and fighting state capture.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was elected the fifth democratic president of South Africa, just hours after the dramatic resignation of former president Jacob Zuma. Opposition parties and many from the governing African National Congress are expecting the new president to make sweeping changes to the cabinet.

Ramaphosa is under pressure to fire incompetent ministers and those implicated in wide corruption as soon as possible.

&quot;There&#39;s absolutely no doubt that there would be cosmetic changes in the cabinet. The main reason I think is to reinforce key messages that he&#39;s going to stick on, one is the anti-corruption and this has been the key focus, not just of the president but also of the party as well as the nation. There has been a damage to the image of the country in terms of corruption or perceived corruption under President Zuma,&quot; said Dr. David Monyae, a political analyst.

&quot;He&#39;s laying that basis to ride on the optimism he has generated and to demonstrate to South Africans that they can trust him and believe in him to take South Africa to a new level. So this whole renewal agenda must be demonstrated and exhibited at every level of government and the cabinet will be the most critical component of government to exhibit that President Cyril Ramaphosa is really determined to lead a new team and drive a new agenda,&quot; said Gideon Chitanga, another political analyst.

The names of ministers who are widely understood would be axed include Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, who replaced Pravin Gordhan in March last year.

There is speculation that Lindiwe Sisulu could become Ramaphosa&#39;s deputy. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is also among the names being circulated as possible deputy presidents, as Ramaphosa may want to bring Zuma loyalists into the fold for the sake of unity.

&quot;He might go for a female deputy president and there are quite a number of key female members of ANC (African National Council) that could occupy that position quite easily. You have Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. It would give key unity within the party itself. We have Lindiwe Sisulu, another highly respected and capable minister that could be elevated to deputy,&quot; said Monyae.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was elected the fifth democratic president of South Africa

South Africa's new president Cyril Ramaphosa is under pressure to reshuffle his cabinet. Opposition parties and civil society believe that changes in cabinet will signal Ramaphosa's seriousness about rooting out corruption and fighting state capture. President Cyril Ramaphosa was elected the fifth democratic president of South Africa, just hours after the dramatic resignation of former president Jacob Zuma. Opposition parties and many from the governing African National Congress are expecting the new president to make sweeping changes to the cabinet. Ramaphosa is under pressure to fire incompetent ministers and those implicated in wide corruption as soon as possible. "There's absolutely no doubt that there would be cosmetic changes in the cabinet. The main reason I think is to reinforce key messages that he's going to stick on, one is the anti-corruption and this has been the key focus, not just of the president but also of the party as well as the nation. There has been a damage to the image of the country in terms of corruption or perceived corruption under President Zuma," said Dr. David Monyae, a political analyst. "He's laying that basis to ride on the optimism he has generated and to demonstrate to South Africans that they can trust him and believe in him to take South Africa to a new level. So this whole renewal agenda must be demonstrated and exhibited at every level of government and the cabinet will be the most critical component of government to exhibit that President Cyril Ramaphosa is really determined to lead a new team and drive a new agenda," said Gideon Chitanga, another political analyst. The names of ministers who are widely understood would be axed include Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, who replaced Pravin Gordhan in March last year. There is speculation that Lindiwe Sisulu could become Ramaphosa's deputy. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is also among the names being circulated as possible deputy presidents, as Ramaphosa may want to bring Zuma loyalists into the fold for the sake of unity. "He might go for a female deputy president and there are quite a number of key female members of ANC (African National Council) that could occupy that position quite easily. You have Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. It would give key unity within the party itself. We have Lindiwe Sisulu, another highly respected and capable minister that could be elevated to deputy," said Monyae.

South African president under pressure to reshuffle cabinet

Yogi Adityanath government will hold a cabinet meeting today to discuss some major proposals.&nbsp;

According to reports, the meeting will take place at Lucknow&#39;s Lok Bhawan at 5 pm where leaders will discuss the UP Investors Summit 2018 and budget 2018.&nbsp;

The meeting will aim to overturn Samajwadi Party&#39;s move and grant rights to the gazetted authorities to appoint junior-level employees.

The meeting is likely to decide on setting up the first milk and pharma policy. The government has also decided to take measures to provide education and employment to martyrs&#39; children.&nbsp;

According to reports, the meeting will take place at Lucknow's Lok Bhawan at 5 pm

Yogi Adityanath government will hold a cabinet meeting today to discuss some major proposals. According to reports, the meeting will take place at Lucknow's Lok Bhawan at 5 pm where leaders will discuss the UP Investors Summit 2018 and budget 2018. The meeting will aim to overturn Samajwadi Party's move and grant rights to the gazetted authorities to appoint junior-level employees. The meeting is likely to decide on setting up the first milk and pharma policy. The government has also decided to take measures to provide education and employment to martyrs' children.

Yogi Adityanath government to hold a cabinet meeting today evening

Seventeen Maoist ministers in Nepal resigned on Friday, saying it was time for the government to clear the way for a new one, reports said.

All Maoist ministers - 17 (10 cabinet and seven ministers of state) - were divested of their portfolios; they could enjoy some perks but would no longer have control over ministries and so would not be able to use them during elections. Nepali Congress and its allies would be the ones retaining control.

Almost three months after Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba stripped Maoist Centre ministers of their responsibilities protesting the party&#39;s electoral alliance with the Communist Party of&nbsp;Nepal-Unified Marxist&nbsp;Leninist&nbsp;(CPN-UML), the third largest party has decided to quit the government.

The resignation also came following the election of some ministers to provincial assemblies which led the Maoist party to quit the government in order to make preparations for joining a provincial government, media reports said.

According to reports, after the decision announced on Thursday, the party notified PM Deuba about recalling of the ministers without a portfolio on Friday.

&quot;Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, Minister without Portfolio (the then Health Minister) submitted the resignation letter from the Maoist Center during the cabinet meeting on Friday,&quot; Press advisor of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Govinda Pariyar said.

Maoist leaders Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Janardan Sharma, Tek Bahadur Basnet, Girirajmani Pokhrel, Pradbhu Sah, Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, Shiva Kumar Mandal, Asha Khanal and Santa Kumar Tharu were amongst the 17 ministers.

All Maoist ministers were divested of their portfolios; they could enjoy some perks but would no longer have control over ministries and so would not be able to use them during elections

Seventeen Maoist ministers in Nepal resigned on Friday, saying it was time for the government to clear the way for a new one, reports said. All Maoist ministers - 17 (10 cabinet and seven ministers of state) - were divested of their portfolios; they could enjoy some perks but would no longer have control over ministries and so would not be able to use them during elections. Nepali Congress and its allies would be the ones retaining control. Almost three months after Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba stripped Maoist Centre ministers of their responsibilities protesting the party's electoral alliance with the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), the third largest party has decided to quit the government. The resignation also came following the election of some ministers to provincial assemblies which led the Maoist party to quit the government in order to make preparations for joining a provincial government, media reports said. According to reports, after the decision announced on Thursday, the party notified PM Deuba about recalling of the ministers without a portfolio on Friday. "Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, Minister without Portfolio (the then Health Minister) submitted the resignation letter from the Maoist Center during the cabinet meeting on Friday," Press advisor of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Govinda Pariyar said. Maoist leaders Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Janardan Sharma, Tek Bahadur Basnet, Girirajmani Pokhrel, Pradbhu Sah, Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, Shiva Kumar Mandal, Asha Khanal and Santa Kumar Tharu were amongst the 17 ministers.

Nepal: 17 Maoist ministers decide to quit government

The government on Wednesday allowed 100% FDI in single-brand retail, and allowed foreign airlines to invest up to 49% in Air India.&nbsp;

The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

The Cabinet allowed overseas investors to invest 100 per cent FDI (foreign direct investment) in single brand retail, trading and construction development, an official statement said.

&quot;Foreign airlines allowed to invest up to 49 per cent under approval route in Air India,&quot; the statement added.&nbsp;

The 100% FDI in single-brand retail has been allowed under the automatic route, which means government approval will not have to be sought.

The investment in Air India however will require government approval and the government has added further conditions for investment in the government carrier.&nbsp;

Foreign investment in Air India including that of foreign Airline (s) shall not exceed 49 per cent either directly or indirectly and &quot;substantial ownership and effective control of Air India shall continue to be vested in Indian National&quot;, the official statement said.&nbsp;

Foreign airlines had already been allowed to invest up to 49% in Indian airline companies, with the exception of Air India.&nbsp;

&quot;It has now been decided to do away with this restriction and allow foreign airlines to invest up to 49 per cent under approval route in Air India,&quot; the statement said.

The government said its decisions would help with ease of doing business, and lead to larger FDI inflows contributing to growth, income, and employment.&nbsp;

One of the harshest criticisms of the government by the opposition in recent times has been the lack of jobs.&nbsp;

Traders bodies however have already <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/traders-body-opposes-100-per-cent-fdi-in-single-brand-retail-via-automatic-route-29107" target="_blank">opposed the 100% FDI in retail</a> -- the earlier limit was 49%, with government approval being required for further investment -- saying it violates a BJP poll promise.&nbsp;

The government has also allowed 100% FDI in real-estate broking services, saying they do not amount to the&nbsp;real estate business.

The cabinet has also allowed FIIs/FPIs to invest in power exchanges through the&nbsp;primary market.

So far 49 per cent FDI was permitted under automatic route in power exchanges registered under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Power Market) Regulations, 2010. However, FII/FPI purchases were restricted to secondary market only.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

The government said its decisions -- cleared by the cabinet in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi -- would provide employment and income

The government on Wednesday allowed 100% FDI in single-brand retail, and allowed foreign airlines to invest up to 49% in Air India. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet allowed overseas investors to invest 100 per cent FDI (foreign direct investment) in single brand retail, trading and construction development, an official statement said. "Foreign airlines allowed to invest up to 49 per cent under approval route in Air India," the statement added. The 100% FDI in single-brand retail has been allowed under the automatic route, which means government approval will not have to be sought. The investment in Air India however will require government approval and the government has added further conditions for investment in the government carrier. Foreign investment in Air India including that of foreign Airline (s) shall not exceed 49 per cent either directly or indirectly and "substantial ownership and effective control of Air India shall continue to be vested in Indian National", the official statement said. Foreign airlines had already been allowed to invest up to 49% in Indian airline companies, with the exception of Air India. "It has now been decided to do away with this restriction and allow foreign airlines to invest up to 49 per cent under approval route in Air India," the statement said. The government said its decisions would help with ease of doing business, and lead to larger FDI inflows contributing to growth, income, and employment. One of the harshest criticisms of the government by the opposition in recent times has been the lack of jobs. Traders bodies however have already opposed the 100% FDI in retail -- the earlier limit was 49%, with government approval being required for further investment -- saying it violates a BJP poll promise. The government has also allowed 100% FDI in real-estate broking services, saying they do not amount to the real estate business. The cabinet has also allowed FIIs/FPIs to invest in power exchanges through the primary market. So far 49 per cent FDI was permitted under automatic route in power exchanges registered under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Power Market) Regulations, 2010. However, FII/FPI purchases were restricted to secondary market only. (With inputs from PTI)

Government allows 100% FDI in single-brand retail, 49% in Air India

The Union cabinet on Friday cleared the triple talaq bill.

Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Cabinet had approved a proposal to introduce the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, to make instant triple talaq void and illegal.

Under the proposed law, instant divorce will be a non-bailable offence with&nbsp;a punishment of three years jail for guilty husbands.

The draft was prepared by an inter-ministerial group headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The other members included External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and his junior in the ministry P P Chaudhary. 
 
The proposed law would only be applicable on instant triple talaq or &#39;talaq-e-biddat&#39; and it would give power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking &quot;subsistence allowance&quot; for herself and minor children. 
 
In August, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the practice of triple talaq (instant divorce) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-pronounce-verdict-on-triple-talaq-today-19286">was illegal</a>.&nbsp;

The top court had passed a six-month injunction against the practice, in which time it asked Parliament to legislate on it and bring in a law. &nbsp;

The practice of triple talaq allows Muslim men to divorce their wives instantly by saying &#39;talaq&#39; three consecutive times (either directly, via social media or even a text 
message).

(With inputs from PTI)

Instant divorce will be a non bailable offence in the proposed law

The Union cabinet on Friday cleared the triple talaq bill. Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Cabinet had approved a proposal to introduce the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, to make instant triple talaq void and illegal. Under the proposed law, instant divorce will be a non-bailable offence with a punishment of three years jail for guilty husbands. The draft was prepared by an inter-ministerial group headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The other members included External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and his junior in the ministry P P Chaudhary. The proposed law would only be applicable on instant triple talaq or 'talaq-e-biddat' and it would give power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking "subsistence allowance" for herself and minor children. In August, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the practice of triple talaq (instant divorce) was illegal. The top court had passed a six-month injunction against the practice, in which time it asked Parliament to legislate on it and bring in a law. The practice of triple talaq allows Muslim men to divorce their wives instantly by saying 'talaq' three consecutive times (either directly, via social media or even a text message). (With inputs from PTI)

Cabinet clears triple talaq bill, 3 years jail for guilty husbands in proposed law

The United States wants to know if the United Nations atomic watchdog plans to inspect&nbsp;Iranian military sites to verify Tehran&#39;s compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal, the US&nbsp;ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said on Tuesday.

Haley will meet with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials in Vienna on Wednesday for what she described as a fact-finding mission, which is part of President Donald Trump&#39;s review of the deal&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;made with world powers to curb its nuclear program in return for the lifting of most sanctions.

&quot;If you look ... at past&nbsp;Iranian behavior, what you&#39;ve seen is there have been covert actions at military sites, at universities, things like that,&quot; Haley, a member of Trump&#39;s cabinet, told Reuters in an interview.

&quot;There were already issues in those locations, so are they including that in what they look at to make sure that those issues no longer remain?&quot; she said. &quot;They have the authority to look at military sites now. They have the authority to look at any suspicious sites now, it&#39;s just are they doing it?&quot;

She said she was traveling to Vienna to ask questions, not to push the IAEA to do anything.

A spokesman for the IAEA said it had no immediate comment and that there were no public statements planned on the meeting.

Iran&#39;s top authorities have flatly rejected giving international inspectors access to their military sites, and&nbsp;Iranian officials have told Reuters that any such move would trigger harsh consequences.

&quot;Why would they say that if they had nothing to hide? Why wouldn&#39;t they let the IAEA go there?&quot; Haley said.

Iran&#39;s atomic chief was quoted by state media as saying on Tuesday that&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;could resume production of highly enriched uranium within five days if the nuclear deal was revoked.

In April, Trump ordered a review of whether a suspension of sanctions on&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;related to the nuclear deal - negotiated under President Barack Obama - was in the US&nbsp;national security interest. He has called it &quot;the worst deal ever negotiated.&quot;

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned last week that&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;could abandon the nuclear agreement &quot;within hours&quot; if the United States imposes any more new sanctions.

Most UN&nbsp;and Western sanctions were lifted 18 months ago under the nuclear deal.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is still subject to a UN&nbsp;arms embargo and other restrictions, which are not technically part of the deal.

The IAEA polices restrictions the deal placed on&nbsp;Iran&#39;s nuclear activities and reports quarterly.

Haley said some of the questions she had were: &quot;Are you looking at everything? Are you looking at those places where there has been covert activity in the past? Are you able to get access to these areas? Or are you being delayed? Are you being shut out from those things?&quot;

Under US&nbsp;law, the State Department must notify Congress every 90 days of&nbsp;Iran&#39;s compliance with the nuclear deal. The next deadline is October, and Trump has said he thinks by then the United States will declare&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to be non-compliant.

&quot;We don&#39;t know if he&#39;s going to certify or decertify the deal,&quot; said Haley, adding that she would report back to Trump and the national security team.

The US&nbsp;review of its policy toward&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is also looking at Tehran&#39;s behavior in the Middle East, which Washington has said undermines US&nbsp;interests in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon.

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believes the&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal is &quot;one of the most important diplomatic achievements in our search for, for peace and stability,&quot; UN&nbsp;spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday

&quot;Everyone involved needs to do its utmost to protect and support that agreement,&quot; Dujarric told reporters.

Iranian military sites to verify Tehran's compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said on Tuesday

The United States wants to know if the United Nations atomic watchdog plans to inspect Iranian military sites to verify Tehran's compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said on Tuesday. Haley will meet with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials in Vienna on Wednesday for what she described as a fact-finding mission, which is part of President Donald Trump's review of the deal Iran made with world powers to curb its nuclear program in return for the lifting of most sanctions. "If you look ... at past Iranian behavior, what you've seen is there have been covert actions at military sites, at universities, things like that," Haley, a member of Trump's cabinet, told Reuters in an interview. "There were already issues in those locations, so are they including that in what they look at to make sure that those issues no longer remain?" she said. "They have the authority to look at military sites now. They have the authority to look at any suspicious sites now, it's just are they doing it?" She said she was traveling to Vienna to ask questions, not to push the IAEA to do anything. A spokesman for the IAEA said it had no immediate comment and that there were no public statements planned on the meeting. Iran's top authorities have flatly rejected giving international inspectors access to their military sites, and Iranian officials have told Reuters that any such move would trigger harsh consequences. "Why would they say that if they had nothing to hide? Why wouldn't they let the IAEA go there?" Haley said. Iran's atomic chief was quoted by state media as saying on Tuesday that Iran could resume production of highly enriched uranium within five days if the nuclear deal was revoked. In April, Trump ordered a review of whether a suspension of sanctions on Iran related to the nuclear deal - negotiated under President Barack Obama - was in the US national security interest. He has called it "the worst deal ever negotiated." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned last week that Iran could abandon the nuclear agreement "within hours" if the United States imposes any more new sanctions. Most UN and Western sanctions were lifted 18 months ago under the nuclear deal. Iran is still subject to a UN arms embargo and other restrictions, which are not technically part of the deal. The IAEA polices restrictions the deal placed on Iran's nuclear activities and reports quarterly. Haley said some of the questions she had were: "Are you looking at everything? Are you looking at those places where there has been covert activity in the past? Are you able to get access to these areas? Or are you being delayed? Are you being shut out from those things?" Under US law, the State Department must notify Congress every 90 days of Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal. The next deadline is October, and Trump has said he thinks by then the United States will declare Iran to be non-compliant. "We don't know if he's going to certify or decertify the deal," said Haley, adding that she would report back to Trump and the national security team. The US review of its policy toward Iran is also looking at Tehran's behavior in the Middle East, which Washington has said undermines US interests in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believes the Iran nuclear deal is "one of the most important diplomatic achievements in our search for, for peace and stability," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday "Everyone involved needs to do its utmost to protect and support that agreement," Dujarric told reporters.

Iranian military sites asked, to be verified under nuclear deal, by US ambassador

The Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the hike in allowances for central government employees on the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission.

The House Rent Allowance (HRA) has been fixed at 24%, 16% and 8% of the basic salaries depending on the cities employees work in (X, Y and Z cities), as per the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission.

HRA is not to be less than Rs 5400 and Rs 3600 and Rs 1800 for X, Y and Z cities, calculated at 30, 20 and 10 per cent of minimum pay of Rs 18,000.

The revisions will benefit more than 34 lakh civilian employees and 14 lakh defence forces personnel, the government said.

The risk and hardship matrix has been evolved for allowances linked to risk and hardship.

The rates of the Siachen Allowance have been increased from Rs 14,000 per month to Rs 30,000 per month for soldiers, and from Rs 21,000 per month to Rs 42,500 per month for officers.

The suggestions of the pay commission in favour of government employees had been accepted and improved upon, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in a Cabinet briefing.

The&nbsp;Seventh Pay Commission had recommended revised rates commensurate with Dearness Allowance (DA).

The commission had recommended that HRA be revised when DA reached&nbsp;50 per cent and 100 per cent. The government has decided to revise rates when &nbsp;DA crosses 25 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. 
&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Central government employees had demanded that HRA be fixed at 30%, 24% and 16% of their basic salaries.

In June last year, Cabinet had hiked the basic pay of central government employees by 14.27 per cent based on the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission.

The pay commission also suggested that HRA rates for government employees be reduced by 2-6 per cent as per the cities they worked in. For metros, it had suggested revising HRA from 30 per cent to 24 per cent, leading to protests.

In July last year, the government formed a committee under Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa to review the pay commission recommendations on allowances.

The Lavasa panel recommended that HRA be fixed between 25% and 27%.

The Seventh Pay Commission had also recommended doing away with 53 of the 196 allowances for Central government employees and merging of another 36 allowances.

HRA is not to be less than Rs 5400 and Rs 3600 and Rs 1800 for X, Y and Z cities, calculated at 30, 20 and 10 per cent of minimum pay of Rs 18,000

The Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the hike in allowances for central government employees on the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission. The House Rent Allowance (HRA) has been fixed at 24%, 16% and 8% of the basic salaries depending on the cities employees work in (X, Y and Z cities), as per the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission. HRA is not to be less than Rs 5400 and Rs 3600 and Rs 1800 for X, Y and Z cities, calculated at 30, 20 and 10 per cent of minimum pay of Rs 18,000. The revisions will benefit more than 34 lakh civilian employees and 14 lakh defence forces personnel, the government said. The risk and hardship matrix has been evolved for allowances linked to risk and hardship. The rates of the Siachen Allowance have been increased from Rs 14,000 per month to Rs 30,000 per month for soldiers, and from Rs 21,000 per month to Rs 42,500 per month for officers. The suggestions of the pay commission in favour of government employees had been accepted and improved upon, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in a Cabinet briefing. The Seventh Pay Commission had recommended revised rates commensurate with Dearness Allowance (DA). The commission had recommended that HRA be revised when DA reached 50 per cent and 100 per cent. The government has decided to revise rates when DA crosses 25 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. 2/5 #Cabinet approves Recommendations of 7th CPC on #Allowances with 34 modifications; revised rates effective from 1 July 2017 pic.twitter.com/xUD6yGXr6d — Frank Noronha (@DG_PIB) June 28, 2017 × Union Cabinet approves Recommendations of 7th CPC on Allowances with 34 modifications; revised rates effective from 1 July 2017. — ANI (@ANI_news) June 28, 2017 × Central government employees had demanded that HRA be fixed at 30%, 24% and 16% of their basic salaries. In June last year, Cabinet had hiked the basic pay of central government employees by 14.27 per cent based on the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission. The pay commission also suggested that HRA rates for government employees be reduced by 2-6 per cent as per the cities they worked in. For metros, it had suggested revising HRA from 30 per cent to 24 per cent, leading to protests. In July last year, the government formed a committee under Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa to review the pay commission recommendations on allowances. The Lavasa panel recommended that HRA be fixed between 25% and 27%. The Seventh Pay Commission had also recommended doing away with 53 of the 196 allowances for Central government employees and merging of another 36 allowances.

HRA hiked for central government employees, double allowance for soldiers in Siachen

US President-elect Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he will put forward the name of professional wrestling magnate and former Senate candidate Linda McMahon as his choice to head the Small Business Administration.

Trump also said McMahon would be a crucial player in generation of stronger job growth and roll back federal regulations.

If confirmed by the Senate, McMahon would join Trump&rsquo;s economic team that includes Wall Street executives Steven Mnuchin at the Treasury Department and Wilbur Ross at Commerce.

68-year-old McMahon is a co-founder and former CEO of the professional wrestling franchise WWE.

&quot;Linda has a tremendous background and is widely recognised as one of the country&rsquo;s top female executives advising businesses around the globe,&quot; Trump said in the announcement, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

McMahon, an early supporter of Trump&rsquo;s presidential campaign, said her goal as the SBA chief would be to promote small businesses and help them grow and thrive.

&ldquo;Our small businesses are the largest source of job creation in our country,&rdquo; she said.

Trump, a WWE Hall of Fame member, &nbsp;said McMahon had helped the WWE grow from a 13-person operation to a publicly traded global enterprise with more than 800 employees worldwide.&nbsp;

Trump also picked a fossil fuel industry defender as his top environmental official, another retired general as homeland security chief and Iowa&rsquo;s governor as US ambassador to China in choices at odds with some of his recent pronouncements.

Trump, who is tapping members for his Cabinet as he prepares to take office&nbsp;on January 20, said Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, 48, would be nominated to head the Environmental Protection Agency.&nbsp;

Pruitt had sued the EPA in an attempt &nbsp;to undo a key regulation under outgoing President Barack Obama that would curtail greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from coal-fired power plants.

Pruitt&rsquo;s selection comes despite a softer stance Trump has had &nbsp;on environmental regulation since his election.

Trump has retreated from casting climate change as a hoax, signalled he might be willing to allow the United States to continue participating in the Paris climate change deal aimed at lowering world carbon emissions, and met with former Vice President Al Gore.

Pruitt&rsquo;s selection brought a quick rebuke from Democrats.

&quot;The head of the EPA cannot be a stenographer for the lobbyists of polluters and Big Oil,&quot; House of Representatives Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said of Pruitt.

Trump nominated retired Marine Corps General John Kelly for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which controls immigration.&nbsp;

66-year-old Kelly, the third retired general named by Trump to a senior administration post, last year told Congress that a lack of security on the US-Mexican border is a threat to the United States.

Spokespersons for Trump&rsquo;s transition team said Republican Iowa governor Terry Branstad, who is known for his close ties to Beijing&rsquo;s leaders, was picked as US ambassador to China.&nbsp;

Trump has more key appointments to make in coming days, including the&nbsp;secretary of state.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Republican Iowa governor Terry Branstad, who is known for his close ties to Beijing?s leaders, was picked as US ambassador to China

US President-elect Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he will put forward the name of professional wrestling magnate and former Senate candidate Linda McMahon as his choice to head the Small Business Administration. Trump also said McMahon would be a crucial player in generation of stronger job growth and roll back federal regulations. If confirmed by the Senate, McMahon would join Trump’s economic team that includes Wall Street executives Steven Mnuchin at the Treasury Department and Wilbur Ross at Commerce. 68-year-old McMahon is a co-founder and former CEO of the professional wrestling franchise WWE. "Linda has a tremendous background and is widely recognised as one of the country’s top female executives advising businesses around the globe," Trump said in the announcement, Reuters reported. McMahon, an early supporter of Trump’s presidential campaign, said her goal as the SBA chief would be to promote small businesses and help them grow and thrive. “Our small businesses are the largest source of job creation in our country,” she said. Trump, a WWE Hall of Fame member, said McMahon had helped the WWE grow from a 13-person operation to a publicly traded global enterprise with more than 800 employees worldwide. Trump also picked a fossil fuel industry defender as his top environmental official, another retired general as homeland security chief and Iowa’s governor as US ambassador to China in choices at odds with some of his recent pronouncements. Trump, who is tapping members for his Cabinet as he prepares to take office on January 20, said Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, 48, would be nominated to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Pruitt had sued the EPA in an attempt to undo a key regulation under outgoing President Barack Obama that would curtail greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from coal-fired power plants. Pruitt’s selection comes despite a softer stance Trump has had on environmental regulation since his election. Trump has retreated from casting climate change as a hoax, signalled he might be willing to allow the United States to continue participating in the Paris climate change deal aimed at lowering world carbon emissions, and met with former Vice President Al Gore. Pruitt’s selection brought a quick rebuke from Democrats. "The head of the EPA cannot be a stenographer for the lobbyists of polluters and Big Oil," House of Representatives Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said of Pruitt. Trump nominated retired Marine Corps General John Kelly for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which controls immigration. 66-year-old Kelly, the third retired general named by Trump to a senior administration post, last year told Congress that a lack of security on the US-Mexican border is a threat to the United States. Spokespersons for Trump’s transition team said Republican Iowa governor Terry Branstad, who is known for his close ties to Beijing’s leaders, was picked as US ambassador to China. Trump has more key appointments to make in coming days, including the secretary of state. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Trump nominates WWE co-founder, Obama foe and third retired general for his cabinet

As the United States transitions from President Barack Obama to President-elect Donald Trump, the latter responded to questions over his new team.

The process of selecting the new cabinet and other positions, Trump said, was &quot;very organised&quot;.

While reports in the US media said that two senior members of the team working on national security have been forced out, Trump said, &ldquo;I am the only who knows who the finalists are.&rdquo;

A BBC report stated that New Jersey governor Chris Christie has been replaced with vice-president-elect Mike Pence as head of the transition team.

Media reports also suggested that Trump&#39;s son-in-law and close advisor Jared Kushner was responsible for the change.

Former Congressman and house intelligence committee chairman Mike Rogers handling national security for the transition, announced on Tuesday that he was leaving, BBC reported.

The New York Times, however, reported that Rogers, along with another member of the national security team, Matthew Freedman, were sacked.

At the senior economic positions are campaign finance chair and Wall Street veteran Steve Mnuchin as treasury secretary, and long-time backer Wilbur Ross for commerce secretary, according to Trump ally Carl Icahn, stated a Reuters report.

&quot;Very organised process taking place as I decide on cabinet and many other positions,&quot; Trump tweeted.

Trump also denied that he had requested security clearances for his children

Trump has less than 70 days until his January 20 inauguration to settle on cabinet members and other senior appointees. He is required to fill around 4,000 open positions, Reuters reported.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

The process of selecting the new cabinet and other positions, Trump said, was "very organised"

As the United States transitions from President Barack Obama to President-elect Donald Trump, the latter responded to questions over his new team. The process of selecting the new cabinet and other positions, Trump said, was "very organised". While reports in the US media said that two senior members of the team working on national security have been forced out, Trump said, “I am the only who knows who the finalists are.” A BBC report stated that New Jersey governor Chris Christie has been replaced with vice-president-elect Mike Pence as head of the transition team. Media reports also suggested that Trump's son-in-law and close advisor Jared Kushner was responsible for the change. Former Congressman and house intelligence committee chairman Mike Rogers handling national security for the transition, announced on Tuesday that he was leaving, BBC reported. The New York Times, however, reported that Rogers, along with another member of the national security team, Matthew Freedman, were sacked. At the senior economic positions are campaign finance chair and Wall Street veteran Steve Mnuchin as treasury secretary, and long-time backer Wilbur Ross for commerce secretary, according to Trump ally Carl Icahn, stated a Reuters report. "Very organised process taking place as I decide on cabinet and many other positions," Trump tweeted. Trump also denied that he had requested security clearances for his children Trump has less than 70 days until his January 20 inauguration to settle on cabinet members and other senior appointees. He is required to fill around 4,000 open positions, Reuters reported. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Trump shuffles transition team, eyes loyalists for cabinet

The cabinet in Bhutan has undergone a reshuffle, Bhutan Broadcasting reports.&nbsp;In a major change,&nbsp;Dasho Karma Penjor has replaced veteran journalist Kinley Dorji as the secretary of information and communications ministry.&nbsp; 
 
Dorji, the former editor-in-chief of Kuensel, Bhutan&#39;s national newspaper,&nbsp;was known to be in favour of state-owned media houses.&nbsp;Talking to WION, Kinley Tshering, the president of Journalists Association of Bhutan (JAB), said that Dorji&#39;s stance against private media houses crippled Bhutan&#39;s media.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;All the private media houses in Bhutan are in a state of financial crisis. So it is difficult for them to stand up and talk against the government. It is a very small market for private media houses in Bhutan.&quot; Tshering said.&nbsp; 
 
Penjor was the former secretary of Dratshang Lhentshog,&nbsp;the commission for the monastic affairs, and according to Tshering is relatively unknown. 
 
&quot;We don&#39;t know anything about this new guy but all major media decisions usually come from the government.&quot; he said. &quot;It is very important that we have a strong and effective leadership this time for liberalising the media market in Bhutan.&quot; 
 
According to Bhutan Broadcasting, Sonam Wangchuk is the new secretary of labour and human resources ministry.&nbsp;The former director general of department of medical services, Dr Ugyen Dophu, is the new health secretary. 
 
Sonam Tobgay is the new secretary to home and cultural affairs. He was the former director general of department of law and order. 
 
Karma Yeshey is the new secretary of education ministry. He was the former director general of department of school education.&nbsp;Nim Dorji, the former director general of agriculture department, is the new finance secretary, and&nbsp;Chencho Tshering will be the national council secretary. 
 
(WION with inputs from Bhutan Broadcasting)

Information ministry secretary Kinley Dorji, known for being in favour of state-owned media houses, has been replaced by Dasho Penjor

The cabinet in Bhutan has undergone a reshuffle, Bhutan Broadcasting reports. In a major change, Dasho Karma Penjor has replaced veteran journalist Kinley Dorji as the secretary of information and communications ministry. Dorji, the former editor-in-chief of Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper, was known to be in favour of state-owned media houses. Talking to WION, Kinley Tshering, the president of Journalists Association of Bhutan (JAB), said that Dorji's stance against private media houses crippled Bhutan's media. "All the private media houses in Bhutan are in a state of financial crisis. So it is difficult for them to stand up and talk against the government. It is a very small market for private media houses in Bhutan." Tshering said. Penjor was the former secretary of Dratshang Lhentshog, the commission for the monastic affairs, and according to Tshering is relatively unknown. "We don't know anything about this new guy but all major media decisions usually come from the government." he said. "It is very important that we have a strong and effective leadership this time for liberalising the media market in Bhutan." According to Bhutan Broadcasting, Sonam Wangchuk is the new secretary of labour and human resources ministry. The former director general of department of medical services, Dr Ugyen Dophu, is the new health secretary. Sonam Tobgay is the new secretary to home and cultural affairs. He was the former director general of department of law and order. Karma Yeshey is the new secretary of education ministry. He was the former director general of department of school education. Nim Dorji, the former director general of agriculture department, is the new finance secretary, and Chencho Tshering will be the national council secretary. (WION with inputs from Bhutan Broadcasting)

Bhutan reshuffles cabinet

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has convened a special Cabinet meeting in Lahore on Friday to discuss the &quot;deteriorating situation&quot; in violence-hit Kashmir and chalk out a &quot;future course of action&quot; on the issue. 
&quot;The Cabinet will discuss the oppressive actions of Indian security forces against innocent civilians and the overall situation in Kashmir after the brutal assassination of Burhan Wani,&quot; the Prime Minister&#39;s Office said in a statement. 
The meeting at Governor House in Lahore will discuss the &quot;rapidly deteriorating situation&quot; in Kashmir and the Prime Minister will chalk out a &quot;future course of action&quot; on the issue, it said. 
The statement also noted that on the directions of the Prime Minister, the foreign office summoned the Indian high commissioner to the foreign office and conveyed the &quot;strong concerns of the Pakistani government and people on rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir and increasing oppression by Indian security forces.&quot; 
It said that a detailed briefing was also given to ambassadors of all permanent members of UN security council of UN &quot;regarding atrocities of the security forces.&quot; 
India had asked Pakistan to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs after Sharif issued a statement expressing &quot;shock&quot; at the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. 
Sharif today said the &quot;voice and struggle&quot; of the people of Kashmir cannot be suppressed through use of &quot;brutal force and human rights abuses&quot;. 
He said this during a meeting with PoK Parliament Special Committee Chairman and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Lahore. 
During the meeting, Rehman apprised the Prime Minister on his recent talks with separatist leaders over the &quot;human rights violations&quot; by Indian military and paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir. 
Rehman said the &quot;Kashmiri leadership looks towards Pakistan in difficult times&quot;, according to an official statement. 
Sharif said, &quot;The government and people of Pakistan respect the sentiments of their Kashmiri brethren and will continue to support the Kashmir cause at each and every forum internationally come what may.&quot; 
&quot;The resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible by the realisation of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the UNSC resolutions, through a fair and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices,&quot; Sharif said. 
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary also briefed the Islamabad-based Ambassadors of the member countries of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir (Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Niger) over the situation in the Valley. 
In the meeting, Pakistan called on the OIC member states to raise their voice against &quot;the blatant human rights violations&quot; of Kashmiri Muslims. 
The Foreign Secretary also briefed the Ambassadors of the European Union over the situation and emphasised the need for a fair and transparent inquiry against individuals responsible for these killings.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

It will discuss the 'oppressive actions of Indian security forces' and the overall situation after the 'brutal assassination of Burhan Wani'

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has convened a special Cabinet meeting in Lahore on Friday to discuss the "deteriorating situation" in violence-hit Kashmir and chalk out a "future course of action" on the issue. "The Cabinet will discuss the oppressive actions of Indian security forces against innocent civilians and the overall situation in Kashmir after the brutal assassination of Burhan Wani," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. The meeting at Governor House in Lahore will discuss the "rapidly deteriorating situation" in Kashmir and the Prime Minister will chalk out a "future course of action" on the issue, it said. The statement also noted that on the directions of the Prime Minister, the foreign office summoned the Indian high commissioner to the foreign office and conveyed the "strong concerns of the Pakistani government and people on rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir and increasing oppression by Indian security forces." It said that a detailed briefing was also given to ambassadors of all permanent members of UN security council of UN "regarding atrocities of the security forces." India had asked Pakistan to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs after Sharif issued a statement expressing "shock" at the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. Sharif today said the "voice and struggle" of the people of Kashmir cannot be suppressed through use of "brutal force and human rights abuses". He said this during a meeting with PoK Parliament Special Committee Chairman and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Lahore. During the meeting, Rehman apprised the Prime Minister on his recent talks with separatist leaders over the "human rights violations" by Indian military and paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Rehman said the "Kashmiri leadership looks towards Pakistan in difficult times", according to an official statement. Sharif said, "The government and people of Pakistan respect the sentiments of their Kashmiri brethren and will continue to support the Kashmir cause at each and every forum internationally come what may." "The resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible by the realisation of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the UNSC resolutions, through a fair and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices," Sharif said. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary also briefed the Islamabad-based Ambassadors of the member countries of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir (Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Niger) over the situation in the Valley. In the meeting, Pakistan called on the OIC member states to raise their voice against "the blatant human rights violations" of Kashmiri Muslims. The Foreign Secretary also briefed the Ambassadors of the European Union over the situation and emphasised the need for a fair and transparent inquiry against individuals responsible for these killings. (PTI)

Pakistan PM calls special Cabinet meeting on Friday to discuss Kashmir situation

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