Several key decisions were taken by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) at the party's general council meeting held here on Sunday, among which was the reiteration of its demand to reserve 90 per cent vacancies in Central government jobs in the state for Tamils.

Party president MK Stalin chaired the general council meeting held at YMCA Ground in Royapettah, in which a total number of 21 resolutions were passed.

"These resolutions show the party's stand and direction to the cadre. Whatever we were demanding, we have brought in as resolution," DMK leader TKS Elangovan told ANI.

The party also condemned the ruling-AIADMK for being involved in corruption and not delivering on their promises like monorail project, the abolishment of NEET exams, fight against GST and the new education policy.

The DMK passed resolutions to demand a permanent solution for water scarcity in the state, conducting local body elections immediately, finishing river linking projects.

It also condemned the arrest of politicians in Jammu and Kashmir. DMK also criticised the AIADMK for extending support to the BJP-led Central government on "Anti-Tamil" projects.

The party, in the meeting, also resolved to demand the release of the seven convicts lodged in prison for over 25 years in connection with the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Several key decisions were taken by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) at the party's general council meeting held here on Sunday, among which was the reiteration of its demand to reserve 90 per cent vacancies in Central government jobs in the state for Tamils.

Several key decisions were taken by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) at the party's general council meeting held here on Sunday, among which was the reiteration of its demand to reserve 90 per cent vacancies in Central government jobs in the state for Tamils. Party president MK Stalin chaired the general council meeting held at YMCA Ground in Royapettah, in which a total number of 21 resolutions were passed. "These resolutions show the party's stand and direction to the cadre. Whatever we were demanding, we have brought in as resolution," DMK leader TKS Elangovan told ANI. The party also condemned the ruling-AIADMK for being involved in corruption and not delivering on their promises like monorail project, the abolishment of NEET exams, fight against GST and the new education policy. The DMK passed resolutions to demand a permanent solution for water scarcity in the state, conducting local body elections immediately, finishing river linking projects. It also condemned the arrest of politicians in Jammu and Kashmir. DMK also criticised the AIADMK for extending support to the BJP-led Central government on "Anti-Tamil" projects. The party, in the meeting, also resolved to demand the release of the seven convicts lodged in prison for over 25 years in connection with the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

DMK reiterates demand for 90% reservation for Tamils in Central government jobs in state

The government has formed a panel of bureaucrats to suggest ways to alleviate financial pressures on the telecoms sector, a ministry source said on Tuesday, days after a court order that will push mobile carriers to pay overdue government levies and interest.

Mobile operators in India have been demanding support for a sector squeezed by a price war since late 2016 and by the high cost of using airwaves, culminating last week in that Supreme Court decision upholding a demand by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for the nearly $13 billion it said was overdue.

A panel comprising senior civil servants will consider the industry's demands, such as the postponement of airwaves auction payments due for the 2020/21 and 2021/22, the source said.

The panel will also look at reducing airwave usage charges and the contribution levels for the government fund set up to ensure that telecoms services reach rural India in a non-discriminatory way, the source added.

Profits of Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel have been hit and some rivals have gone out of business since Reliance Industries' Jio Infocomm unleashed a fierce price war when it entered India's crowded telecoms market in 2016 with free calling and cut-price data.

Vodafone Idea previously said it would ask the federal government for relief on payments of at least $4 billion after the Supreme Court decision. Analysts had said the charges could force the company out of business.

Rival Bharti Airtel said it had approached the DoT to "seek clarity" on the amount it had to pay, adding that it has sought the government's support to deal with the "adverse outcome" of the court ruling.

It also postponed the release of quarterly earnings, which had been scheduled for Tuesday, to November&nbsp;14.

Shares in Vodafone Idea closed 8.3 per cent down while Bharti lost 3.5 per cent in a broader Mumbai market &lt;.NSEI&gt; that finished with a 1.4 per cent gain.

The government has formed a panel of bureaucrats to suggest ways to alleviate financial pressures on the telecoms sector, a ministry source said on Tuesday, days after a court order that will push mobile carriers to pay overdue government levies and interest.

The government has formed a panel of bureaucrats to suggest ways to alleviate financial pressures on the telecoms sector, a ministry source said on Tuesday, days after a court order that will push mobile carriers to pay overdue government levies and interest. Mobile operators in India have been demanding support for a sector squeezed by a price war since late 2016 and by the high cost of using airwaves, culminating last week in that Supreme Court decision upholding a demand by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for the nearly $13 billion it said was overdue. A panel comprising senior civil servants will consider the industry's demands, such as the postponement of airwaves auction payments due for the 2020/21 and 2021/22, the source said. The panel will also look at reducing airwave usage charges and the contribution levels for the government fund set up to ensure that telecoms services reach rural India in a non-discriminatory way, the source added. Profits of Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel have been hit and some rivals have gone out of business since Reliance Industries' Jio Infocomm unleashed a fierce price war when it entered India's crowded telecoms market in 2016 with free calling and cut-price data. Vodafone Idea previously said it would ask the federal government for relief on payments of at least $4 billion after the Supreme Court decision. Analysts had said the charges could force the company out of business. Rival Bharti Airtel said it had approached the DoT to "seek clarity" on the amount it had to pay, adding that it has sought the government's support to deal with the "adverse outcome" of the court ruling. It also postponed the release of quarterly earnings, which had been scheduled for Tuesday, to November 14. Shares in Vodafone Idea closed 8.3 per cent down while Bharti lost 3.5 per cent in a broader Mumbai market <.NSEI> that finished with a 1.4 per cent gain.

Government forms panel to address telecoms woes: Report

The Central government on Wednesday notified that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal has upheld that there is "sufficient credible material and grounds" to declare Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF-Y), a faction headed by Yasin Malik, as an "unlawful association".

The incumbent government had in March earlier this year declared the faction as an unlawful association, following which a tribunal, headed by Justice Chander Shekhar was constituted to adjudicate the same.

The tribunal, in its order on September 20, held that the activities of the faction are "disruptive in character, which threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India".

"The Central government had sufficient credible material and grounds for taking action for declaring 'JKLF-Y' as an 'unlawful association'. It is held that there is 'sufficient cause' to confirm the notification of the act declaring 'JKLF-Y' to be an 'unlawful association'," Justice Chander Shekhar stated in the order.

The order stated that the faction has been acting "in collusion with other similar groups to disrupt peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.

To substantiate its contention before the tribunal, the Central government had submitted a list of 98 FIR filed against the faction.

"A careful perusal of the FIRs brought on record makes it apparent that the association has been actively indulging in and supporting anti-national activities," Justice Shekhar stated.

The tribunal observed that there is sufficient noticeable credible material including the FIRs coupled with corroborative intelligence inputs which justified the action taken by the government.

"Even in cases where FIRs are lodged for slogan shouting, the contents of the slogan are a direct affront to the sovereignty of the state and are undoubtedly anti-national, such protests can certainly not be a part of any democratic process," the order stated.

It asserted that there is a significant difference in protesting on an issue and protesting for "territorial sovereignty".

&nbsp;"There are statements attributed to Yasin Malik which are separatists in character and support extremism and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Such statements have the potential of instigating sentiments which ultimately become prejudicial to the territorial integrity and security of the country," it said.

The tribunal also rebutted the contentions put forth by the faction that the exercise of banning it is "vindictive in character or unconstitutional".

The Central government on Wednesday notified that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal has upheld that there is "sufficient credible material and grounds" to declare Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF-Y), a faction headed by Yasin Malik, as an "unlawful association".

The Central government on Wednesday notified that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal has upheld that there is "sufficient credible material and grounds" to declare Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF-Y), a faction headed by Yasin Malik, as an "unlawful association". The incumbent government had in March earlier this year declared the faction as an unlawful association, following which a tribunal, headed by Justice Chander Shekhar was constituted to adjudicate the same. The tribunal, in its order on September 20, held that the activities of the faction are "disruptive in character, which threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India". "The Central government had sufficient credible material and grounds for taking action for declaring 'JKLF-Y' as an 'unlawful association'. It is held that there is 'sufficient cause' to confirm the notification of the act declaring 'JKLF-Y' to be an 'unlawful association'," Justice Chander Shekhar stated in the order. The order stated that the faction has been acting "in collusion with other similar groups to disrupt peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. To substantiate its contention before the tribunal, the Central government had submitted a list of 98 FIR filed against the faction. "A careful perusal of the FIRs brought on record makes it apparent that the association has been actively indulging in and supporting anti-national activities," Justice Shekhar stated. The tribunal observed that there is sufficient noticeable credible material including the FIRs coupled with corroborative intelligence inputs which justified the action taken by the government. "Even in cases where FIRs are lodged for slogan shouting, the contents of the slogan are a direct affront to the sovereignty of the state and are undoubtedly anti-national, such protests can certainly not be a part of any democratic process," the order stated. It asserted that there is a significant difference in protesting on an issue and protesting for "territorial sovereignty". "There are statements attributed to Yasin Malik which are separatists in character and support extremism and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Such statements have the potential of instigating sentiments which ultimately become prejudicial to the territorial integrity and security of the country," it said. The tribunal also rebutted the contentions put forth by the faction that the exercise of banning it is "vindictive in character or unconstitutional".

Credible material, grounds to declare Yasin Malik's JKLF-Y unlawful association: Government

In a major boost to the primary and preventive healthcare sector, the Central government has built at least 20,942 Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) across the nation in the past one year.

These Health and Wellness Centres are a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship health insurance scheme -- Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

It is based on the twin objective of providing primary healthcare to the people that include preventive healthcare and health promotion at the community level with a continuum of care approach for all.

"The target is to transform 1,50,000 Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres (PHC) into AB-HWCs by December 2022. As on date, 12th September 2019, 20,942 AB-HWCs have been made operational across the country. The progress is good so far," said a senior official at the Union Health Ministry.

The AB-HWCs provides treatment for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including universal screening and management of 30 plus population for common NCDs, palliative and rehabilitative care, Oral, Eye and ENT care, mental health and first-level care for emergencies and trauma.

It also offers health promotion and wellness activities like Yoga apart from services already being provided for Maternal and Child Health including immunization, and communicable diseases.

As per the data, Maharashtra has 2854 HWCs which is highest among all the States, Andhra Pradesh with 2177, Uttar Pradesh has 2125 operational HWCs, Tamil Nadu has 1798, Gujarat has got 1613 while Telangana has 1183 and Odisha has 1004 functioning HWCs till date, added the official.

The Sub-centre level AB-HWCs are to have Community Health Officers. "All the AB-HWCs have essential drugs and diagnostics free of cost. It also has robust IT systems to improve health care service delivery," he said.

It is important to note that last year in April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the first health and wellness centre (HWC) in Chhattisgarh.

In a major boost to the primary and preventive healthcare sector, the Central government has built at least 20,942 Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) across the nation in the past one year.

In a major boost to the primary and preventive healthcare sector, the Central government has built at least 20,942 Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) across the nation in the past one year. These Health and Wellness Centres are a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship health insurance scheme -- Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). It is based on the twin objective of providing primary healthcare to the people that include preventive healthcare and health promotion at the community level with a continuum of care approach for all. "The target is to transform 1,50,000 Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres (PHC) into AB-HWCs by December 2022. As on date, 12th September 2019, 20,942 AB-HWCs have been made operational across the country. The progress is good so far," said a senior official at the Union Health Ministry. The AB-HWCs provides treatment for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including universal screening and management of 30 plus population for common NCDs, palliative and rehabilitative care, Oral, Eye and ENT care, mental health and first-level care for emergencies and trauma. It also offers health promotion and wellness activities like Yoga apart from services already being provided for Maternal and Child Health including immunization, and communicable diseases. As per the data, Maharashtra has 2854 HWCs which is highest among all the States, Andhra Pradesh with 2177, Uttar Pradesh has 2125 operational HWCs, Tamil Nadu has 1798, Gujarat has got 1613 while Telangana has 1183 and Odisha has 1004 functioning HWCs till date, added the official. The Sub-centre level AB-HWCs are to have Community Health Officers. "All the AB-HWCs have essential drugs and diagnostics free of cost. It also has robust IT systems to improve health care service delivery," he said. It is important to note that last year in April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the first health and wellness centre (HWC) in Chhattisgarh.

Indian government establishes over 20,000 Health and Wellness Centres across nation

With Modi 2.0 government completing 100 days at the Centre, 17 Union Ministers will reach out to the people and make them aware of the historic decisions made in the short period.

On September 9 and 10 the cabinet ministers will hold press conferences in various parts of the country including Jammu, Shimla, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ranchi, among others.

While Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari will address the press in Mumbai, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani will hold a press conference in Kolkata on Monday.

The other 15 Union Ministers who will reach out to the masses include Nirmala Sitaraman (Chennai), Ramvilas Paswan (Patna), Ravi Shankar Prasad (Ahmedabad), Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Chandigarh), Thawarchand Gehlot (Raipur), Arjun Munda (Ranchi), Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (Allahabad), Pralhad Joshi (Goa), Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Jaipur), Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank'&nbsp;(Dehradun), Jitendra Singh (Jammu), Raj Kumar Singh (Hyderabad), Mansukh L. Mandaviya (Bhubaneswar), Anurag Thakur (Shimla) and Narendra Singh Tomar (Gwalior).

The leaders will carry the message of the government on matters ranging from strong nationalistic and security-related decisions like defanging of Article 370 and acquisition of the United States made Apache helicopters to people-centric decisions like pension for farmers and shopkeepers.

There would be special emphasis on spreading awareness on the triple talaq law which aims to abolish the social evil prevalent in the society.

The party would also highlight the passing of the tough UAPA anti-terror law.

The fact that Parliament enacted several laws and worked overtime during the recently concluded monsoon session would also be highlighted.

Other issues that are likely to be highlighted include the launch of Mission Fit India, the establishment of Jal Shakti Ministry and the National Medical Commission, and merger of banks.

In July, BJP working president JP Nadda had presented 50 days report card of Modi's government 2.0 and listed a number of decisions it took to improve ease of living of the citizens.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government returned to power with a massive mandate on May 23 in the general elections. It's cabinet was sworn-in on May 30.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With Modi 2.0 government completing 100 days at the Centre, 17 Union Ministers will reach out to the people and make them aware of the historic decisions made in the short period.

With Modi 2.0 government completing 100 days at the Centre, 17 Union Ministers will reach out to the people and make them aware of the historic decisions made in the short period. On September 9 and 10 the cabinet ministers will hold press conferences in various parts of the country including Jammu, Shimla, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ranchi, among others. While Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari will address the press in Mumbai, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani will hold a press conference in Kolkata on Monday. The other 15 Union Ministers who will reach out to the masses include Nirmala Sitaraman (Chennai), Ramvilas Paswan (Patna), Ravi Shankar Prasad (Ahmedabad), Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Chandigarh), Thawarchand Gehlot (Raipur), Arjun Munda (Ranchi), Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (Allahabad), Pralhad Joshi (Goa), Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Jaipur), Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' (Dehradun), Jitendra Singh (Jammu), Raj Kumar Singh (Hyderabad), Mansukh L. Mandaviya (Bhubaneswar), Anurag Thakur (Shimla) and Narendra Singh Tomar (Gwalior). The leaders will carry the message of the government on matters ranging from strong nationalistic and security-related decisions like defanging of Article 370 and acquisition of the United States made Apache helicopters to people-centric decisions like pension for farmers and shopkeepers. There would be special emphasis on spreading awareness on the triple talaq law which aims to abolish the social evil prevalent in the society. The party would also highlight the passing of the tough UAPA anti-terror law. The fact that Parliament enacted several laws and worked overtime during the recently concluded monsoon session would also be highlighted. Other issues that are likely to be highlighted include the launch of Mission Fit India, the establishment of Jal Shakti Ministry and the National Medical Commission, and merger of banks. In July, BJP working president JP Nadda had presented 50 days report card of Modi's government 2.0 and listed a number of decisions it took to improve ease of living of the citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government returned to power with a massive mandate on May 23 in the general elections. It's cabinet was sworn-in on May 30.

PM Modi's ministers to present 100-day report card

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government, and proactive citizenry.

Speaking at an event organised by a Kerala based media organisation today via video conferencing, Prime Minister Modi said, "The core of new India's spirit is individual aspirations, collective endeavours and a spirit of ownership for national progress. New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government and proactive citizenry. New India is the era of responsible people and responsive government."

Speaking about how India is changing, the Prime Minister said that for many years a culture was perpetrated in which aspiration had become a bad word, doors were open depending upon your contacts, success depended on whether or not you belonged to an old boys club.

Big cities, institutions, and big families were all that mattered. The economic culture of licence raj and permit raj had struck at the heart of individual ambition. But today things are changing for the better.

"We see the spirit of new India in the vibrant startup ecosystem. Thousands of talented youngsters are creating a fantastic platform showcasing a spirit of enterprise. We also see this spirt in the sports field. India is now excelling in arenas where we were hardly present earlier," Modi said.

"Be it startup or sports, who is powering this vibrancy? It is courageous youngsters from small towns and villages, most people not even had heard of. They did not have big bank balances but they have, in plenty, dedication and aspiration. They are converting that aspiration into excellence and making India proud. This for me is the new India spirit," he said.

PM Modi further said that "competence" is going to be the only norm now and not "surnames".

"This is an India where the surnames of the youth do not matter. What matters is their ability to make their own name. This is an India where corruption is never an option, whoever the person is. Only competence is the norm."

Speaking about the massive changes India has been witnessing, Modi said, "Now, it is common to see people using Wi-Fi facilities in railway stations. Who would have ever thought this would be a reality. The system is the same, the people are the same yet, massive changes have taken place on the ground."

Elaborating on changing India, Prime Minister Modi said, "How the spirit has changed in India can be summed up using just two words. Five years ago, people would ask -will we? Will we ever be free from dirt? Will we ever remove policy paralysis? Will we ever eliminate corruption?"

"Today people say - we will! We will be a Swachh Bharat. We will be a nation free from corruption. We will make good governance a mass movement. The word `will`, which earlier denoted a pessimistic question now reflects the optimistic spirit of a youthful nation," he added.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government, and proactive citizenry. Speaking at an event organised by a Kerala based media organisation today via video conferencing, Prime Minister Modi said, "The core of new India's spirit is individual aspirations, collective endeavours and a spirit of ownership for national progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government, and proactive citizenry. Speaking at an event organised by a Kerala based media organisation today via video conferencing, Prime Minister Modi said, "The core of new India's spirit is individual aspirations, collective endeavours and a spirit of ownership for national progress. New India is about participative democracy, a citizen-centric government and proactive citizenry. New India is the era of responsible people and responsive government." Speaking about how India is changing, the Prime Minister said that for many years a culture was perpetrated in which aspiration had become a bad word, doors were open depending upon your contacts, success depended on whether or not you belonged to an old boys club. Big cities, institutions, and big families were all that mattered. The economic culture of licence raj and permit raj had struck at the heart of individual ambition. But today things are changing for the better. "We see the spirit of new India in the vibrant startup ecosystem. Thousands of talented youngsters are creating a fantastic platform showcasing a spirit of enterprise. We also see this spirt in the sports field. India is now excelling in arenas where we were hardly present earlier," Modi said. "Be it startup or sports, who is powering this vibrancy? It is courageous youngsters from small towns and villages, most people not even had heard of. They did not have big bank balances but they have, in plenty, dedication and aspiration. They are converting that aspiration into excellence and making India proud. This for me is the new India spirit," he said. PM Modi further said that "competence" is going to be the only norm now and not "surnames". "This is an India where the surnames of the youth do not matter. What matters is their ability to make their own name. This is an India where corruption is never an option, whoever the person is. Only competence is the norm." Speaking about the massive changes India has been witnessing, Modi said, "Now, it is common to see people using Wi-Fi facilities in railway stations. Who would have ever thought this would be a reality. The system is the same, the people are the same yet, massive changes have taken place on the ground." Elaborating on changing India, Prime Minister Modi said, "How the spirit has changed in India can be summed up using just two words. Five years ago, people would ask -will we? Will we ever be free from dirt? Will we ever remove policy paralysis? Will we ever eliminate corruption?" "Today people say - we will! We will be a Swachh Bharat. We will be a nation free from corruption. We will make good governance a mass movement. The word `will`, which earlier denoted a pessimistic question now reflects the optimistic spirit of a youthful nation," he added.

New India is about participative democracy, citizen centric government: PM Modi

A petition was moved in the Delhi High Court on Monday seeking directions to the Central government and Law Commission of India to constitute a judicial commission or a high-level expert committee to draft a Uniform Civil Code.

The petition, filed by lawyer Abhinav Beri, submitted that the gender justice and equality, and dignity of women guaranteed under various Articles of the Constitution cannot be secured without the implementation of the Article 44.&nbsp;

"The purpose of Article 44 is to introduce a Uniform Civil Code, which is essential to promote fraternity unity and national integration," the petition submitted.

It asserted that the executive branch did not take serious steps to implement the Uniform Civil Code.

The court tagged this petition with a similar petition, which had sought framing of a Uniform Civil Code to promote fraternity, unity and national integration.

The petition, filed by BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay, is listed for hearing tomorrow.&nbsp;

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had on Friday moved an application in the high court seeking to be impleaded as a party in a petition moved by the BJP leader.&nbsp;

It submitted that the petition is not maintainable under the law and sought its dismissal.

A petition was moved in the Delhi High Court on Monday seeking directions to the Central government and Law Commission of India to constitute a judicial commission or a high-level expert committee to draft a Uniform Civil Code.

A petition was moved in the Delhi High Court on Monday seeking directions to the Central government and Law Commission of India to constitute a judicial commission or a high-level expert committee to draft a Uniform Civil Code. The petition, filed by lawyer Abhinav Beri, submitted that the gender justice and equality, and dignity of women guaranteed under various Articles of the Constitution cannot be secured without the implementation of the Article 44. "The purpose of Article 44 is to introduce a Uniform Civil Code, which is essential to promote fraternity unity and national integration," the petition submitted. It asserted that the executive branch did not take serious steps to implement the Uniform Civil Code. The court tagged this petition with a similar petition, which had sought framing of a Uniform Civil Code to promote fraternity, unity and national integration. The petition, filed by BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay, is listed for hearing tomorrow. All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had on Friday moved an application in the high court seeking to be impleaded as a party in a petition moved by the BJP leader. It submitted that the petition is not maintainable under the law and sought its dismissal.

Petition moved in Delhi High Court seeking to draft Uniform Civil Code

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-talks-with-pakistan-only-on-pok-rajnath-singh-243890">Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Tuesday said that in order to modernize the Indian Air Force there is a need to develop indigenous technology in the defence sector and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers.

While speaking at the seminar on 'Modernization and Indigenization Plans of Indian Air Force' in New Delhi, the Union Minister said, "There is a sizeable dependency on foreign equipment manufacturers for their subsystems and components. The need of the hour, therefore, is to progressively reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers and develop comprehensive capabilities ourselves."

He also stated that the defence firms of the country have a huge opportunity in contributing to the domestic market in addition to the exports. Singh also voiced Centre's desire to encourage private industry investment in the defence sector.

"For the participation of Indian companies in the defence sector, a slew of measures have been put in place for the investment by private players. Up to 49 per cent of investment is allowed through automatic route and 100 per cent via government route on case to case basis."

"Also, a number of policies have been introduced for the development of defence infrastructure and promote indigenous development. In pursuit of Make In India, M&amp;M is the most preferred category for procurement and it is expected to promote indigenously designed products to bring significant development in defence, research and development," he added.

"We have just approved the proposal for providing test facilities of government entities to the private defence sector. A formal order on the same will soon be issued. This has removed various bottlenecks which used to come in way of using test facilities by private entities," Singh further stated.

The Union Defence Minister also urged the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to establish manufacturing facilities for their products in India and invest in the country through Foreign Direct Investment, joint ventures or via defence offset route.

He also informed the gathering that the Central Government has revised defence product list for the purpose of issuing industrial licenses under the Industries Development and Regulation Act, 1951.

"Testing equipment, production of equipment have been removed from the list. This has certainly reduced the entry barriers for the industry, especially the small and medium segment. The initial validity of the industrial license has also been increased from 3&nbsp;years to 15 years with a provision to the further extend it by 3 years on case to case basis," he added.

Singh also mentioned about Balakot airstrike and stated, "Indian Air Force is a technologically advanced and extremely potent force, the recent offensive strike against terrorist outfits in our neighbourhood speaks volumes about the reach and lethality of the formidable arm of the Indian Armed Forces."

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that in order to modernize the Indian Air Force there is a need to develop indigenous technology in the defence sector and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that in order to modernize the Indian Air Force there is a need to develop indigenous technology in the defence sector and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers. While speaking at the seminar on 'Modernization and Indigenization Plans of Indian Air Force' in New Delhi, the Union Minister said, "There is a sizeable dependency on foreign equipment manufacturers for their subsystems and components. The need of the hour, therefore, is to progressively reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers and develop comprehensive capabilities ourselves." He also stated that the defence firms of the country have a huge opportunity in contributing to the domestic market in addition to the exports. Singh also voiced Centre's desire to encourage private industry investment in the defence sector. "For the participation of Indian companies in the defence sector, a slew of measures have been put in place for the investment by private players. Up to 49 per cent of investment is allowed through automatic route and 100 per cent via government route on case to case basis." "Also, a number of policies have been introduced for the development of defence infrastructure and promote indigenous development. In pursuit of Make In India, M&M is the most preferred category for procurement and it is expected to promote indigenously designed products to bring significant development in defence, research and development," he added. "We have just approved the proposal for providing test facilities of government entities to the private defence sector. A formal order on the same will soon be issued. This has removed various bottlenecks which used to come in way of using test facilities by private entities," Singh further stated. The Union Defence Minister also urged the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to establish manufacturing facilities for their products in India and invest in the country through Foreign Direct Investment, joint ventures or via defence offset route. He also informed the gathering that the Central Government has revised defence product list for the purpose of issuing industrial licenses under the Industries Development and Regulation Act, 1951. "Testing equipment, production of equipment have been removed from the list. This has certainly reduced the entry barriers for the industry, especially the small and medium segment. The initial validity of the industrial license has also been increased from 3 years to 15 years with a provision to the further extend it by 3 years on case to case basis," he added. Singh also mentioned about Balakot airstrike and stated, "Indian Air Force is a technologically advanced and extremely potent force, the recent offensive strike against terrorist outfits in our neighbourhood speaks volumes about the reach and lethality of the formidable arm of the Indian Armed Forces."

Reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on modernising Indian Air Force

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday claimed that the economic condition of the people belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories is continuously deteriorating due to India's sluggish economy.

To resolve the existing issue, she urged the Centre and the state governments to provide employment to these sections by filling the vacant quota seats allocated in government-run institutions.

Taking to Twitter, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "In our country, the economic condition of SCs, STs, OBCs and upper caste poor is continuously deteriorating due to the economic slowdown. I urge the Central government as well as the state governments to pay special attention to these neglected sections of the society and provide them with all the benefits by introducing new schemes in order to eradicate poverty."

"In addition, I also want Centre and the state government to fill up the vacant quota seats of the government-run institutions by giving these people employment. The administration must carry out special campaigns for the same. These moves will improve their economic conditions slightly. These kinds of steps are also important in the interest of the country," she said in another tweet.

On Saturday also, the BSP Supremo expressed concern over the prevailing economic condition of the country and stated that an "economic recession" is looming over the country.

"In the midst of serious issues like widespread unemployment, poverty, price rise, illiteracy, health, tensions/violence, the threat of an economic recession is looming over the country," she said on micro-blogging site yesterday.

"The trader community is dejected and worried. After job cuts, they are forced to commit suicide. The Centre must take this seriously," she said in another tweet yesterday.&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday claimed that the economic condition of the people belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories is continuously deteriorating due to India's sluggish economy.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday claimed that the economic condition of the people belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories is continuously deteriorating due to India's sluggish economy. To resolve the existing issue, she urged the Centre and the state governments to provide employment to these sections by filling the vacant quota seats allocated in government-run institutions. Taking to Twitter, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "In our country, the economic condition of SCs, STs, OBCs and upper caste poor is continuously deteriorating due to the economic slowdown. I urge the Central government as well as the state governments to pay special attention to these neglected sections of the society and provide them with all the benefits by introducing new schemes in order to eradicate poverty." "In addition, I also want Centre and the state government to fill up the vacant quota seats of the government-run institutions by giving these people employment. The administration must carry out special campaigns for the same. These moves will improve their economic conditions slightly. These kinds of steps are also important in the interest of the country," she said in another tweet. On Saturday also, the BSP Supremo expressed concern over the prevailing economic condition of the country and stated that an "economic recession" is looming over the country. "In the midst of serious issues like widespread unemployment, poverty, price rise, illiteracy, health, tensions/violence, the threat of an economic recession is looming over the country," she said on micro-blogging site yesterday. "The trader community is dejected and worried. After job cuts, they are forced to commit suicide. The Centre must take this seriously," she said in another tweet yesterday.

Conditions of SCs, STs deteriorating due to economic slowdown: Mayawati

The government has asked the defence forces to submit their views on the creation of the new post of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-speech-pm-modi-announces-chief-of-defence-staff-post-243107">Chief of Defence Staff</a> (CDS) for the three defence forces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the creation of the new post in his Independence Day address.

A high-level committee has been formed by the government for streamlining the structure of the new post to be created with defence ministry bureaucrats and tri-services officers.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat is the front-runner to become India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as he will be the seniormost officer in the armed forces after October 1 when the IAF Chief retires.

"The three services have been asked to give their views on the issue of Chief of Defence Staff and they are expected to give their replies by next couple of weeks," government sources said.

The entire work on the creation of the new office of Chief of Defence Staff who would be the seniormost defence forces officer of five-star-rank has been driven by the National Security Council in consultation and coordination with the Defence Ministry bureaucracy.

The move will pave the way for an integrated military, with the CDS being the prime minister's point person on national defence issues.

"Our forces are India's pride. To further sharpen coordination between the forces, I want to announce a major decision. India will have a Chief of Defence Staff. This is going to make the forces even more effective," Modi said in his Independence Day speech on Thursday.

The government has already taken steps like the creation of tri-services agencies such as the Special Operations Division, Cyber and Space agencies for strengthening and working for the CDS.

The government has asked the defence forces to submit their views on the creation of the new post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for the three defence forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the creation of the new post in his Independence Day address.

The government has asked the defence forces to submit their views on the creation of the new post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for the three defence forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the creation of the new post in his Independence Day address. A high-level committee has been formed by the government for streamlining the structure of the new post to be created with defence ministry bureaucrats and tri-services officers. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat is the front-runner to become India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as he will be the seniormost officer in the armed forces after October 1 when the IAF Chief retires. "The three services have been asked to give their views on the issue of Chief of Defence Staff and they are expected to give their replies by next couple of weeks," government sources said. The entire work on the creation of the new office of Chief of Defence Staff who would be the seniormost defence forces officer of five-star-rank has been driven by the National Security Council in consultation and coordination with the Defence Ministry bureaucracy. The move will pave the way for an integrated military, with the CDS being the prime minister's point person on national defence issues. "Our forces are India's pride. To further sharpen coordination between the forces, I want to announce a major decision. India will have a Chief of Defence Staff. This is going to make the forces even more effective," Modi said in his Independence Day speech on Thursday. The government has already taken steps like the creation of tri-services agencies such as the Special Operations Division, Cyber and Space agencies for strengthening and working for the CDS.

Government seeks defence forces' views on Chief of Defence Staff post

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonai-gandhi-to-be-congress-interim-president-242079">chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee</a> and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017.&nbsp;

She had taken over the leadership in challenging circumstances in 1998 and now as interim chief, she faces a perhaps even tougher task with Congress having lost two successive Lok Sabha elections is facing resignations of party leaders across states as well as battling some apparent ideological confusion.&nbsp;

Sonia Gandhi, 72, was the chief when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nitish-kumar-caught-between-a-strong-modi-and-weak-lalu-226726">Congress received its worst drubbing in a Lok Sabha election</a> and won 44 seats. The party won 52 seats in the 2019 elections when Rahul Gandhi was the party chief.

Rahul Gandhi was also a key face of the party in the 2014 elections.&nbsp;

In the past five years, BJP has considerably expanded its base and won states it had never won in the past and emerged as the principal pole of national politics replacing the Congress.

Apart from the long term challenges in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the party has gone weak, the immediate task before Sonia Gandhi will be to put up strong challenges in election-bound states of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana.&nbsp;

The Central government has taken a momentous decision to repeal Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories and Sonia Gandhi will have to guide the party through the change and decide its political strategy.

Some party leaders have already differed with the party's official view on the issue.&nbsp;

The Centre is also keen on early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Sonia Gandhi is into her fifth term as Lok Sabha MP. She will be interim chief pending the election of a regular President by the AICC.

She commands respect, trust, and loyalty of party leaders workers across the generational divide and that is expected to help in taking any tough decisions.

Sonia Gandhi was a reluctant entrant into politics and became party chief in 1998 a year after she became a primary member of the party and continued in the post till 2017.

She resigned apparently over health concerns as also to herald a generational change in the party. She made mistakes at the beginning of her political innings but learned from them quickly.&nbsp;

She improved her grasp over Hindi, the language of politics in vast parts of the country and delivered hard-hitting speeches that made her opponents sit up and take notice.

The issue of her foreign origins was raised by Sharad Pawar, Tariq Anwar and PA Sangma which led to their expulsion and she kept the party united.

While Anwar is now back in Congress, Pawar is an ally of Congress. Her even-handed approach endeared her to party leaders and workers.

Gandhi stitched coalitions ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and ousted the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government which was confident of its victory.

The Congress-led UPA of which she is the chairperson won another term in office in 2009. She did not accept the post of prime minister in 2004 and worked for a rights-based agenda in UPA governments. Sonia Gandhi married Rajiv Gandhi, son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1968.

Born on December 9, 1946, in a village Lusiana in Italy, she attended a foreign language school.

She spent most of her married life largely as a private citizen looking after her family. When Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1984, she accompanied him on some of his tours. She also looked after his parliamentary constituency.&nbsp;

After Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination in 1991, there were demands for her to assume political roles. She resigned from Lok Sabha seat in 2006 as also the chairperson of the National Advisory Committee after a controversy over the office of profit issue and was re-elected.

Her interests include reading, Indian art, handloom and handicrafts, and classical music.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017.

Sonia Gandhi, who has been the longest-serving Congress president, was chosen as interim chief of the party on Saturday by Congress Working Committee and has taken over leadership of the party from her son Rahul Gandhi who had succeeded her in 2017. She had taken over the leadership in challenging circumstances in 1998 and now as interim chief, she faces a perhaps even tougher task with Congress having lost two successive Lok Sabha elections is facing resignations of party leaders across states as well as battling some apparent ideological confusion. Sonia Gandhi, 72, was the chief when the Congress received its worst drubbing in a Lok Sabha election and won 44 seats. The party won 52 seats in the 2019 elections when Rahul Gandhi was the party chief. Rahul Gandhi was also a key face of the party in the 2014 elections. In the past five years, BJP has considerably expanded its base and won states it had never won in the past and emerged as the principal pole of national politics replacing the Congress. Apart from the long term challenges in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the party has gone weak, the immediate task before Sonia Gandhi will be to put up strong challenges in election-bound states of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana. The Central government has taken a momentous decision to repeal Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories and Sonia Gandhi will have to guide the party through the change and decide its political strategy. Some party leaders have already differed with the party's official view on the issue. The Centre is also keen on early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Sonia Gandhi is into her fifth term as Lok Sabha MP. She will be interim chief pending the election of a regular President by the AICC. She commands respect, trust, and loyalty of party leaders workers across the generational divide and that is expected to help in taking any tough decisions. Sonia Gandhi was a reluctant entrant into politics and became party chief in 1998 a year after she became a primary member of the party and continued in the post till 2017. She resigned apparently over health concerns as also to herald a generational change in the party. She made mistakes at the beginning of her political innings but learned from them quickly. She improved her grasp over Hindi, the language of politics in vast parts of the country and delivered hard-hitting speeches that made her opponents sit up and take notice. The issue of her foreign origins was raised by Sharad Pawar, Tariq Anwar and PA Sangma which led to their expulsion and she kept the party united. While Anwar is now back in Congress, Pawar is an ally of Congress. Her even-handed approach endeared her to party leaders and workers. Gandhi stitched coalitions ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and ousted the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government which was confident of its victory. The Congress-led UPA of which she is the chairperson won another term in office in 2009. She did not accept the post of prime minister in 2004 and worked for a rights-based agenda in UPA governments. Sonia Gandhi married Rajiv Gandhi, son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1968. Born on December 9, 1946, in a village Lusiana in Italy, she attended a foreign language school. She spent most of her married life largely as a private citizen looking after her family. When Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1984, she accompanied him on some of his tours. She also looked after his parliamentary constituency. After Rajiv Gandhi`s assassination in 1991, there were demands for her to assume political roles. She resigned from Lok Sabha seat in 2006 as also the chairperson of the National Advisory Committee after a controversy over the office of profit issue and was re-elected. Her interests include reading, Indian art, handloom and handicrafts, and classical music.

Sonia Gandhi takes over as interim chief in challenging times for Congress

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Bill that proposes to set up an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal to resolve water disputes in a time-bound manner.

The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 seeks to streamline the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes and make the present institutional architecture robust.

Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said there have been instances of cases pending before tribunals for 15-20 years.

He said the single tribunal can have different benches and the decision on a dispute will be made in two years.

The bill provides for dissolution of existing tribunals and the water disputes pending adjudication before such existing tribunals will be transferred to the new tribunal.&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Bill that proposes to set up an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal to resolve water disputes in a time-bound manner.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Bill that proposes to set up an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal to resolve water disputes in a time-bound manner. The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 seeks to streamline the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes and make the present institutional architecture robust. Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said there have been instances of cases pending before tribunals for 15-20 years. He said the single tribunal can have different benches and the decision on a dispute will be made in two years. The bill provides for dissolution of existing tribunals and the water disputes pending adjudication before such existing tribunals will be transferred to the new tribunal.

Cabinet approves bill to set up a single water disputes tribunal

The Modi government has given "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-compulsorily-retires-15-corrupt-customs-officers-228278">compulsory retirement</a>" to as many as 312 government officers on account of lack of integrity and&nbsp;ineffectiveness.

More than 36,000 Group A government officials and over 82,000 Group B officers were reviewed between July 2014 and May 2019.&nbsp;

After the review, as many as 125 Group A officers and around 187 Group B officials were compulsorily retired by the government on account of "lack of integrity, ineffectiveness" and in public interest.

"As per the applicable disciplinary rule, the government has the right to proceed against corrupt officials on the basis of available evidence. The government has an absolute right to retire government officials prematurely on ground of lack of integrity and ineffectiveness in public interest as per provisions of Fundamental Rules (FR) 56 (j) (i), rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) pension rules 1972 and rule 16 (3) &nbsp;(amended) of All India Services. These rules lay down the policy of periodic review and premature retirement of government services," read the written reply to Lok Sabha by Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and MoS, Prime Minister's Office. &nbsp;

Last month the government compulsorily retired 15 senior Customs officials in its ongoing drive against corruption. The move came over a week after 12 senior income tax officers were dismissed from service on charges of corruption.

Among those suspended were an ADG-rank officer against whom there are two CBI cases and faces charges of bribery.

It also included Commissioners and Additional Commissioners, some of whom have already been suspended. Most of these case are of amassing of disproportionate assets.

The Modi government has given "compulsory retirement" to as many as 312 government officers on account of lack of integrity and ineffectiveness. More than 36,000 Group A government officials and over 82,000 Group B officers were reviewed between July 2014 and May 2019.

The Modi government has given "compulsory retirement" to as many as 312 government officers on account of lack of integrity and ineffectiveness. More than 36,000 Group A government officials and over 82,000 Group B officers were reviewed between July 2014 and May 2019. After the review, as many as 125 Group A officers and around 187 Group B officials were compulsorily retired by the government on account of "lack of integrity, ineffectiveness" and in public interest. "As per the applicable disciplinary rule, the government has the right to proceed against corrupt officials on the basis of available evidence. The government has an absolute right to retire government officials prematurely on ground of lack of integrity and ineffectiveness in public interest as per provisions of Fundamental Rules (FR) 56 (j) (i), rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) pension rules 1972 and rule 16 (3) (amended) of All India Services. These rules lay down the policy of periodic review and premature retirement of government services," read the written reply to Lok Sabha by Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and MoS, Prime Minister's Office. Last month the government compulsorily retired 15 senior Customs officials in its ongoing drive against corruption. The move came over a week after 12 senior income tax officers were dismissed from service on charges of corruption. Among those suspended were an ADG-rank officer against whom there are two CBI cases and faces charges of bribery. It also included Commissioners and Additional Commissioners, some of whom have already been suspended. Most of these case are of amassing of disproportionate assets.

Government puts 312 officials on 'compulsory retirement' over ineffectiveness, lack of integrity

The Centre has rolled out a number of schemes for middle-class homebuyers that are expected to entail net gains worth Rs 7 lakh, in a big boost towards the goal of 'Housing for All'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-nirmala-sitharaman-to-launch-study-in-india-initiative-to-encourage-foreign-students-233240">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</a>, while presenting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-finance-minister-sitharaman-proposes-opening-up-insurance-aviation-sectors-to-boost-growth-233235">Union Budget 2019-20 in Parliament </a>on Friday, proposed additional deduction of Rs 1.5 lakh for interest paid on loans borrowed up to March 31, 2020.

This move, Sitharaman said, will translate into a benefit of Rs 7 lakh for middle-class homebuyers over their loan period of 15 years.

Those purchasing homes valued up to Rs 45 lakh under the affordable housing scheme, Sitharaman said, can avail enhanced interest deduction up to Rs 3.5 lakh.

"For realisation of the goal of 'Housing for All' and affordable housing, a tax holiday has already been provided on the profits earned by developers of affordable housing. Also, interest paid on housing loans is allowed as a deduction to the extent of Rs. 2 lakh in respect of self-occupied property," she added.

Talking about rental tenancy laws, Sitharaman said the Centre would take substantial steps to promote rental housing for which government would make amendments in the existing rental laws.

"Current rental laws are archaic as they do not address lessor-lessee relationships fairly," she said, adding that the new tenancy rules would be shared with the states.

The Centre has rolled out a number of schemes for middle-class homebuyers that are expected to entail net gains worth Rs 7 lakh, in a big boost towards the goal of 'Housing for All'.

The Centre has rolled out a number of schemes for middle-class homebuyers that are expected to entail net gains worth Rs 7 lakh, in a big boost towards the goal of 'Housing for All'. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2019-20 in Parliament on Friday, proposed additional deduction of Rs 1.5 lakh for interest paid on loans borrowed up to March 31, 2020. This move, Sitharaman said, will translate into a benefit of Rs 7 lakh for middle-class homebuyers over their loan period of 15 years. Those purchasing homes valued up to Rs 45 lakh under the affordable housing scheme, Sitharaman said, can avail enhanced interest deduction up to Rs 3.5 lakh. "For realisation of the goal of 'Housing for All' and affordable housing, a tax holiday has already been provided on the profits earned by developers of affordable housing. Also, interest paid on housing loans is allowed as a deduction to the extent of Rs. 2 lakh in respect of self-occupied property," she added. Talking about rental tenancy laws, Sitharaman said the Centre would take substantial steps to promote rental housing for which government would make amendments in the existing rental laws. "Current rental laws are archaic as they do not address lessor-lessee relationships fairly," she said, adding that the new tenancy rules would be shared with the states.

Centre announces benefits worth Rs 7 lakh for middle-class homebuyers

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur and senior officials of the ministry Saturday observed the symbolic 'Halwa' ceremony to mark the launch of formal printing of documents relating to the Union Budget 2019-20.

The NDA government would on July 5 unveil the full Budget for 2019-20. On February 1, the government had presented an Interim Budget to take Parliament nod for spending till the new government takes charge after the general elections.

Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg, Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey, DIPAM Secretary Atanu Chakraborty and Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar too attended the customary pre-Budget event.

"Halwa ceremony marking the commencement of Budget printing process for the General Budget 2019-20 was held in North Block here today afternoon in the august presence of the Union Minister of Finance &amp; Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman," a Finance Ministry statement said.

As part of the ritual, 'halwa' is prepared in a big 'kadhai' (large frying pot) and served to the entire staff in the ministry.

The significance of the event is that after the sweet dish is served, a large number of officials and support staff, who are directly associated with the Budget making and printing process, are required to stay in the ministry and remain cut off from their families till the presentation of the Budget in the Lok Sabha.

They are not even allowed to contact their near and dear ones through phone or any other form of communication, like e-mail.

Only very senior officials in the finance ministry are permitted to go home.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur and senior officials of the ministry Saturday observed the symbolic 'Halwa' ceremony to mark the launch of formal printing of documents relating to the Union Budget 2019-20.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur and senior officials of the ministry Saturday observed the symbolic 'Halwa' ceremony to mark the launch of formal printing of documents relating to the Union Budget 2019-20. The NDA government would on July 5 unveil the full Budget for 2019-20. On February 1, the government had presented an Interim Budget to take Parliament nod for spending till the new government takes charge after the general elections. Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg, Revenue Secretary Ajay Bhushan Pandey, DIPAM Secretary Atanu Chakraborty and Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar too attended the customary pre-Budget event. "Halwa ceremony marking the commencement of Budget printing process for the General Budget 2019-20 was held in North Block here today afternoon in the august presence of the Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman," a Finance Ministry statement said. As part of the ritual, 'halwa' is prepared in a big 'kadhai' (large frying pot) and served to the entire staff in the ministry. The significance of the event is that after the sweet dish is served, a large number of officials and support staff, who are directly associated with the Budget making and printing process, are required to stay in the ministry and remain cut off from their families till the presentation of the Budget in the Lok Sabha. They are not even allowed to contact their near and dear ones through phone or any other form of communication, like e-mail. Only very senior officials in the finance ministry are permitted to go home.

Printing of Budget 2019-20 documents begins with 'Halwa' ceremony

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government.

"I have congratulated him and wished him luck for the next five years. I told him that it is important for Centre and state government to work together for the development of Delhi. I have assured him that Delhi government will work with them and hopes that we will get support from Centre too," Kejriwal said.

The Delhi chief minister briefly discussed Ayushman Bharat scheme with Modi. "Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme," he tweeted after the meeting.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme. <a href="https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6">https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1141961167700578304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Water harvesting-related issues were also discussed between the two. "Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support," Kejriwal said in another tweet. 
&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Met Sh <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji n congratulated him for LS victory 
 
1. Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support 
 
2. Invited PM to visit a Mohalla clinic n Del govt school
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1141958983286050816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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AAP chief also invited the Prime Minister to visit Mohalla clinic and a Delhi government school.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government.

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government. "I have congratulated him and wished him luck for the next five years. I told him that it is important for Centre and state government to work together for the development of Delhi. I have assured him that Delhi government will work with them and hopes that we will get support from Centre too," Kejriwal said. The Delhi chief minister briefly discussed Ayushman Bharat scheme with Modi. "Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme," he tweeted after the meeting. Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme. https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6 — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 21, 2019 × Water harvesting-related issues were also discussed between the two. "Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support," Kejriwal said in another tweet. Met Sh @narendramodi ji n congratulated him for LS victory 1. Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support 2. Invited PM to visit a Mohalla clinic n Del govt school — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 21, 2019 × AAP chief also invited the Prime Minister to visit Mohalla clinic and a Delhi government school. (With inputs from agencies)

Arvind Kejriwal meets PM Narendra Modi, says Delhi government and Centre must work together

As Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday and HD Deve Gowda lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, no former Prime Minister will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament.

Parliament's first Budget session after the constitution of the new government at Centre is scheduled to start on June 17.

Deve Gowda, who served as the 11th Prime Minister of India from June 1996 to April 1997, lost to BJP's GS Basavaraj from Tumkur Lok Sabha constituency by little over 13,000 votes.

Earlier, Deve Gowda used to regularly contest from Hassan parliamentary constituency. However, he had vacated his seat to field his grandson Prajwal Revanna from there.

Soon after the Lok Sabha results were announced on May 23, Revanna, who defeated BJP's A Manju from Hassan by a margin of 1.41 lakh votes, offered to resign from the seat to get his grandfather re-elected.

"To reinstate the confidence of JD(S) cadre, we have to fill the gap left by the defeat of HD Deve Gowda. Therefore, I have decided to tender my resignation. I want him to be victorious once again from Hassan," said Prajwal, who was the only JD(S) candidate to be able to win his seat in Karnataka.

After his loss, Deve Gowda said, "As a former Prime Minister, I have been defeated twice. This is not a big issue. My concern is how to save a regional party. I will see that JD(S) strengthens its base. I will take responsibility and proceed forward. I am not going to blame anybody for the loss. How it happened is not to be discussed in media."

BJP ruled out JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka by winning 25 out of 28 seats. The Congress and the JD(S) received one seat each, while one seat went to an independent candidate.

Similar to its performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party didn't perform well in 2019 general election too and only managed to win on 52 seats.

Due to Congress'&nbsp;poor performance, Manmohan Singh, who was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, will be missed in the upcoming Budget session of the Parliament as his nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday.

Singh would not be present in the Rajya Sabha for the first time since his first election from Assam in 1991 as he could not make up to the Parliament'&nbsp;upper House due to Congress'&nbsp;poor strength in the state Assembly.

The Congress party could not get him re-elected from Assam as it has only 25 MLAs as against 43 first-preference votes needed.

The party even cannot send Singh from other states where Rajya Sabha seats are vacant. With the election of BJP's Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and AGP's Birender Prasad Baishya's unopposed election from Assam, a total of nine seats are lying vacant in Odisha (4), Tamil Nadu (1), Bihar (2) and Gujarat (2).

Congress does not have required numbers to secure any Rajya Sabha berths in these states except Gujarat where it is eyeing to grab at least one seat.

Although Singh can be sent to the House from Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan or Punjab, there are no immediate vacancies in these states.

During his tenure as Rajya Sabha MP, Singh led the upper House for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 and acted as the Leader of the Opposition for six years. Singh was last elected to the House in 2013.

&nbsp;

As Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday and HD Deve Gowda lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, no former Prime Minister will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament.

As Manmohan Singh's nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday and HD Deve Gowda lost from Tumkur seat in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, no former Prime Minister will be present in the forthcoming Budget session of the Parliament. Parliament's first Budget session after the constitution of the new government at Centre is scheduled to start on June 17. Deve Gowda, who served as the 11th Prime Minister of India from June 1996 to April 1997, lost to BJP's GS Basavaraj from Tumkur Lok Sabha constituency by little over 13,000 votes. Earlier, Deve Gowda used to regularly contest from Hassan parliamentary constituency. However, he had vacated his seat to field his grandson Prajwal Revanna from there. Soon after the Lok Sabha results were announced on May 23, Revanna, who defeated BJP's A Manju from Hassan by a margin of 1.41 lakh votes, offered to resign from the seat to get his grandfather re-elected. "To reinstate the confidence of JD(S) cadre, we have to fill the gap left by the defeat of HD Deve Gowda. Therefore, I have decided to tender my resignation. I want him to be victorious once again from Hassan," said Prajwal, who was the only JD(S) candidate to be able to win his seat in Karnataka. After his loss, Deve Gowda said, "As a former Prime Minister, I have been defeated twice. This is not a big issue. My concern is how to save a regional party. I will see that JD(S) strengthens its base. I will take responsibility and proceed forward. I am not going to blame anybody for the loss. How it happened is not to be discussed in media." BJP ruled out JD(S)-Congress alliance in Karnataka by winning 25 out of 28 seats. The Congress and the JD(S) received one seat each, while one seat went to an independent candidate. Similar to its performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party didn't perform well in 2019 general election too and only managed to win on 52 seats. Due to Congress' poor performance, Manmohan Singh, who was the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, will be missed in the upcoming Budget session of the Parliament as his nearly 30-year-long tenure as a Rajya Sabha member ended on Friday. Singh would not be present in the Rajya Sabha for the first time since his first election from Assam in 1991 as he could not make up to the Parliament' upper House due to Congress' poor strength in the state Assembly. The Congress party could not get him re-elected from Assam as it has only 25 MLAs as against 43 first-preference votes needed. The party even cannot send Singh from other states where Rajya Sabha seats are vacant. With the election of BJP's Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and AGP's Birender Prasad Baishya's unopposed election from Assam, a total of nine seats are lying vacant in Odisha (4), Tamil Nadu (1), Bihar (2) and Gujarat (2). Congress does not have required numbers to secure any Rajya Sabha berths in these states except Gujarat where it is eyeing to grab at least one seat. Although Singh can be sent to the House from Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan or Punjab, there are no immediate vacancies in these states. During his tenure as Rajya Sabha MP, Singh led the upper House for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 and acted as the Leader of the Opposition for six years. Singh was last elected to the House in 2013.

No former PMs to be in Parliament this Budget session

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ready-for-floor-test-madhya-pradesh-chief-minister-kamal-nath-220240">Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath</a> Thursday called on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> and discussed issues pertaining to his state.

The meeting at the prime minister's residence lasted about half an hour during which Nath wished Modi for assuming office for the second term, a statement from the Madhya Pradesh government said.

Nath, a senior Congress leader, also discussed in detail about various issues pending with the central government for approval and release of funds to the state government, it said.&nbsp;

He urged Modi to intervene in the matter and get the pending issues cleared and fund released at the earliest, it said.&nbsp;

Modi assured Nath that he will instruct the ministries concerned to clear various pending issues and disburse the funds as early as possible. He further assured him of all possible help in future too, the statement added.

The Prime Minister's Office later posted a photograph of the two on its Twitter handle.

Nath was sworn in as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in December 2018.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed issues pertaining to his state. The meeting at the prime minister's residence lasted about half an hour during which Nath wished Modi for assuming office for the second term, a statement from the Madhya Pradesh government said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed issues pertaining to his state. The meeting at the prime minister's residence lasted about half an hour during which Nath wished Modi for assuming office for the second term, a statement from the Madhya Pradesh government said. Nath, a senior Congress leader, also discussed in detail about various issues pending with the central government for approval and release of funds to the state government, it said. He urged Modi to intervene in the matter and get the pending issues cleared and fund released at the earliest, it said. Modi assured Nath that he will instruct the ministries concerned to clear various pending issues and disburse the funds as early as possible. He further assured him of all possible help in future too, the statement added. The Prime Minister's Office later posted a photograph of the two on its Twitter handle. Nath was sworn in as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in December 2018.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath calls on PM Modi, discusses issues concerning his state

DMK leader MK Stalin on Wednesday demanded Tamil be made compulsory in all central government offices in Tamil Nadu.

"Now central government is trying to impose Hindi in the name of triple language system. Tamil should be a governing language. Tamil Language should be compulsory in central government offices," Stalin said.

The DMK leader said this at Quaid-e-Millath's 124th birth anniversary which was celebrated by various political party leaders in Chennai.

Quaid-e-Millath was former member of parliament and President of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).

Stalin said, "Millath used to say that Constitution should remain as it was formed."

A controversy had earlier broken out in Tamil Nadu on June 1 over the new Draft Education Policy of the government at the Centre that has recommended a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-uproar-over-hindi-imposition-centre-alters-draft-education-policy-223801">three-language formula</a> with political parties opposing "imposition" of Hindi in the state.

"The BJP government should not even think about the three-language policy in Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, having a two-language policy, is like honeycomb and BJP is trying to throw a stone at it by inflicting a three-language policy again. BJP should not even think about it in their dreams. Such greedy and wrong thing will cause them disaster," Stalin had earlier said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

DMK leader MK Stalin on Wednesday demanded Tamil be made compulsory in all central government offices in Tamil Nadu. "Now central government is trying to impose Hindi in the name of triple language system.

DMK leader MK Stalin on Wednesday demanded Tamil be made compulsory in all central government offices in Tamil Nadu. "Now central government is trying to impose Hindi in the name of triple language system. Tamil should be a governing language. Tamil Language should be compulsory in central government offices," Stalin said. The DMK leader said this at Quaid-e-Millath's 124th birth anniversary which was celebrated by various political party leaders in Chennai. Quaid-e-Millath was former member of parliament and President of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Stalin said, "Millath used to say that Constitution should remain as it was formed." A controversy had earlier broken out in Tamil Nadu on June 1 over the new Draft Education Policy of the government at the Centre that has recommended a three-language formula with political parties opposing "imposition" of Hindi in the state. "The BJP government should not even think about the three-language policy in Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, having a two-language policy, is like honeycomb and BJP is trying to throw a stone at it by inflicting a three-language policy again. BJP should not even think about it in their dreams. Such greedy and wrong thing will cause them disaster," Stalin had earlier said.

Tamil should be made compulsory in Central government offices: Stalin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet is set to undertake the exercise of conducting a massive Economic Survey which, for the first time, will include hawkers, vendors, peddlers and small stall holders. &nbsp;

According to reports, the survey will be conducted similar to the population survey and will aim to gauge the contemporary economic and unemployment situation in the country.&nbsp;

It is being reported that over 25 crore households and 7 crore establishments will fall into the purview of the survey.&nbsp;

The process related to the conduct of the survey is likely to begin by the end of this month and the reports are expected to be out in 6 months.

The Economic Survey helps the government analyse and review the developments in the economy as well as assess the performance of various programmes, schemes and policy initiatives. It is presented to both the houses of the Parliament during the Budget Session.

Meanwhile, PM Modi on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-new-cabinet-committees-formed-to-spur-growth-employment-224568">constituted two new Cabinet committees</a> under his chairmanship to spur economic growth, investment and employment.

The five-member Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth includes Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport and Highways and of MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Another 10-member Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development has been formed which includes Shah, Sitharaman, Goyal, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Narendra Singh Tomar, Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister Skill and Entrepreneurship Mahendra Nath Pandey and Ministers of State Santosh Kumar Gangwar (Labour) and Hardeep Singh Puri (Housing and Urban Affairs).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet is set to undertake the exercise of conducting a massive Economic Survey which, for the first time, will include hawkers, vendors, peddlers and small stall holders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet is set to undertake the exercise of conducting a massive Economic Survey which, for the first time, will include hawkers, vendors, peddlers and small stall holders. According to reports, the survey will be conducted similar to the population survey and will aim to gauge the contemporary economic and unemployment situation in the country. It is being reported that over 25 crore households and 7 crore establishments will fall into the purview of the survey. The process related to the conduct of the survey is likely to begin by the end of this month and the reports are expected to be out in 6 months. The Economic Survey helps the government analyse and review the developments in the economy as well as assess the performance of various programmes, schemes and policy initiatives. It is presented to both the houses of the Parliament during the Budget Session. Meanwhile, PM Modi on Wednesday constituted two new Cabinet committees under his chairmanship to spur economic growth, investment and employment. The five-member Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth includes Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport and Highways and of MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, news agency ANI reported. Another 10-member Cabinet Committee on Employment and Skill Development has been formed which includes Shah, Sitharaman, Goyal, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Narendra Singh Tomar, Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister Skill and Entrepreneurship Mahendra Nath Pandey and Ministers of State Santosh Kumar Gangwar (Labour) and Hardeep Singh Puri (Housing and Urban Affairs).

In a first, Centre's mega Economic Survey to cover street vendors, hawkers

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the Central government "respects all languages" and "no language will be imposed," while stating that all stakeholders - general public and state governments - would be consulted before taking a final call on the three-language norm.

"The National Education Policy as submitted to the Minister HRD is only a draft report. Feedback shall be obtained from the general public. State governments will be consulted. Only after this, the draft report will be finalised. GoI respects all languages. No language will be imposed," said Jaishankar in a tweet.

In another tweet in Tamil, Jaishankar said: "It is only after the recommendation of the people, the Union government will take forward the Education Draft policy. The government will promote all Indian languages. There is no intention of the government to impose any language in any part of the country."

Education Secretary R Subrahmanyam on Saturday had also clarified that no policy decision has been taken by the Central government yet and there would be no "imposition of any language in educational institutions."

"This is a draft policy submitted by the committee and is placed for the views of the general public. It is not the policy announced by the government. After getting feedback from the general public, and after consulting State governments, the National Educational Policy will be finalised by the government," Subrahmanyam had said in a tweet.

"The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed for equal development and promotion of all Indian languages. There will be no imposition of any language in educational institutions, nor discriminations against any language," he had added.

Even Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' had on Saturday said that no language would be imposed on any state.

"The committee had been formed for drafting the New Education Policy. That committee has given its report. The report of the committee is only received by the Ministry. That is not the policy. No language will be imposed on any state," HRD Minister Pokhriyal had told ANI.

"We have received the draft report to take suggestions from the people. Somewhere this misunderstanding has happened. People think that this has become policy," he had added.

"Secondly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our government have decided that we will respect all Indian languages with full power and develop them. There shouldn't be any controversy over this matter," he said.

Several political parties had warned the Centre of a language war over 'attempts' to impose Hindi. Leaders cutting across party lines in Tamil Nadu have said the state has a history on the language issue and would not tolerate any imposition.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the Central government "respects all languages" and "no language will be imposed," while stating that all stakeholders - general public and state governments - would be consulted before taking a final call on the three-language norm.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said the Central government "respects all languages" and "no language will be imposed," while stating that all stakeholders - general public and state governments - would be consulted before taking a final call on the three-language norm. "The National Education Policy as submitted to the Minister HRD is only a draft report. Feedback shall be obtained from the general public. State governments will be consulted. Only after this, the draft report will be finalised. GoI respects all languages. No language will be imposed," said Jaishankar in a tweet. In another tweet in Tamil, Jaishankar said: "It is only after the recommendation of the people, the Union government will take forward the Education Draft policy. The government will promote all Indian languages. There is no intention of the government to impose any language in any part of the country." Education Secretary R Subrahmanyam on Saturday had also clarified that no policy decision has been taken by the Central government yet and there would be no "imposition of any language in educational institutions." "This is a draft policy submitted by the committee and is placed for the views of the general public. It is not the policy announced by the government. After getting feedback from the general public, and after consulting State governments, the National Educational Policy will be finalised by the government," Subrahmanyam had said in a tweet. "The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed for equal development and promotion of all Indian languages. There will be no imposition of any language in educational institutions, nor discriminations against any language," he had added. Even Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' had on Saturday said that no language would be imposed on any state. "The committee had been formed for drafting the New Education Policy. That committee has given its report. The report of the committee is only received by the Ministry. That is not the policy. No language will be imposed on any state," HRD Minister Pokhriyal had told ANI. "We have received the draft report to take suggestions from the people. Somewhere this misunderstanding has happened. People think that this has become policy," he had added. "Secondly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our government have decided that we will respect all Indian languages with full power and develop them. There shouldn't be any controversy over this matter," he said. Several political parties had warned the Centre of a language war over 'attempts' to impose Hindi. Leaders cutting across party lines in Tamil Nadu have said the state has a history on the language issue and would not tolerate any imposition.

No language will be imposed, says Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

The Cabinet Thursday approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank account and procuring mobile phone connection.

The Ordinance was necessitated as a bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 4 but pending in the Rajya Sabha, would have lapsed with the dissolution of the current Lok Sabha. The Ordinance will now give the effect to the changes in the Aadhaar Act such as giving a child an option to exit from the biometric ID programme on attaining 18 years of age.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Cabinet has approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to give effect to the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill.

The amendment provides for stiff penalties for violation of norms set for the use of Aadhaar and violation of privacy. It bans storing of core biometric information as well as Aadhaar number by service providers in cases of individuals who have voluntarily offered the national ID as a means of authentication.

"Aadhaar can be used as KYC on a voluntary basis under the Telegraph Act and PMLA rules. Any entity using Aadhaar will have to adhere to privacy guidelines," Prasad said.

The amended law makes it clear that anyone not offering Aadhaar cannot be denied any service, be it opening of a bank account or obtaining a mobile phone SIM card.

The amendments will "provide for 12-digit Aadhaar number and its alternate numbers to be generated" in a manner so as to conceal the actual Aadhaar number.

The proposed changes also seeks to lay down the procedure for offline verification of an Aadhaar number holder and confer enhanced regulator-like power on the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to give directions as it may consider necessary to any entity in the Aadhaar ecosystem.

It proposes that every requesting entity to whom an authentication request is made will inform the Aadhaar number holder of alternate and viable means of identification and shall not deny any service to them for refusing to, or being unable to undergo authentication.

The changes that were proposed included a civil penalty of up to Rs 1 crore on entities that violate the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, with an additional fine of up to Rs 10 lakh per day in case of continuous non-compliance. Unauthorised use of identity information by a requesting entity or offline verification seeking entity would be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years with a fine that may extend to Rs 10,000 or in case of a company with a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

Punishment for unauthorised access to the Central Identities Data Repository as well as data tampering is proposed to be extended to 10 years each from the current three years. It also seeks to omit Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act relating to the use of Aadhaar by private entities.&nbsp;

The Cabinet Thursday approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank account and procuring mobile phone connection.

The Cabinet Thursday approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank account and procuring mobile phone connection. The Ordinance was necessitated as a bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 4 but pending in the Rajya Sabha, would have lapsed with the dissolution of the current Lok Sabha. The Ordinance will now give the effect to the changes in the Aadhaar Act such as giving a child an option to exit from the biometric ID programme on attaining 18 years of age. Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Cabinet has approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to give effect to the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill. The amendment provides for stiff penalties for violation of norms set for the use of Aadhaar and violation of privacy. It bans storing of core biometric information as well as Aadhaar number by service providers in cases of individuals who have voluntarily offered the national ID as a means of authentication. "Aadhaar can be used as KYC on a voluntary basis under the Telegraph Act and PMLA rules. Any entity using Aadhaar will have to adhere to privacy guidelines," Prasad said. The amended law makes it clear that anyone not offering Aadhaar cannot be denied any service, be it opening of a bank account or obtaining a mobile phone SIM card. The amendments will "provide for 12-digit Aadhaar number and its alternate numbers to be generated" in a manner so as to conceal the actual Aadhaar number. The proposed changes also seeks to lay down the procedure for offline verification of an Aadhaar number holder and confer enhanced regulator-like power on the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to give directions as it may consider necessary to any entity in the Aadhaar ecosystem. It proposes that every requesting entity to whom an authentication request is made will inform the Aadhaar number holder of alternate and viable means of identification and shall not deny any service to them for refusing to, or being unable to undergo authentication. The changes that were proposed included a civil penalty of up to Rs 1 crore on entities that violate the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, with an additional fine of up to Rs 10 lakh per day in case of continuous non-compliance. Unauthorised use of identity information by a requesting entity or offline verification seeking entity would be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years with a fine that may extend to Rs 10,000 or in case of a company with a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Punishment for unauthorised access to the Central Identities Data Repository as well as data tampering is proposed to be extended to 10 years each from the current three years. It also seeks to omit Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act relating to the use of Aadhaar by private entities.

Cabinet approves Aadhaar Ordinance to allow its use as ID proof for bank accounts, SIM connection

In the wake of the spread of fake news, the Centre has directed the messaging platform WhatsApp to come out with effective solutions that can bring in accountability and facilitate enforcement of law against dissemination of wrong information.

Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in Lok Sabha that the government has taken note of reports about the spread of fake news, misinformation or disinformation on Internet, particularly using WhatsApp platform.

"Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued notices to WhatsApp conveying that they need to come out with effective solutions that can bring in accountability and facilitate enforcement of the law in addition to labelling forwards and weeding out fake news," he said in written reply to a question.

Ahir said WhatsApp has conveyed that a number of steps have been taken by it to address the issue of fake news propagated using the platform.

"Meetings with law enforcement agencies and intermediaries are held on a regular basis to strengthen the coordination framework for better enforcement of the law," he said.&nbsp;

In the wake of the spread of fake news, the Centre has directed the messaging platform WhatsApp to come out with effective solutions that can bring in accountability and facilitate enforcement of law against dissemination of wrong information.

In the wake of the spread of fake news, the Centre has directed the messaging platform WhatsApp to come out with effective solutions that can bring in accountability and facilitate enforcement of law against dissemination of wrong information. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in Lok Sabha that the government has taken note of reports about the spread of fake news, misinformation or disinformation on Internet, particularly using WhatsApp platform. "Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued notices to WhatsApp conveying that they need to come out with effective solutions that can bring in accountability and facilitate enforcement of the law in addition to labelling forwards and weeding out fake news," he said in written reply to a question. Ahir said WhatsApp has conveyed that a number of steps have been taken by it to address the issue of fake news propagated using the platform. "Meetings with law enforcement agencies and intermediaries are held on a regular basis to strengthen the coordination framework for better enforcement of the law," he said.

Centre directs WhatsApp to come out with effective solutions against spread of fake news

The Central Government on Monday decided to allow women to work in underground coal mines and also do night shifts in an open cast or over ground mines, in a bid to bring about greater gender equality and generate more employment opportunities for women.

The government in a notification said it had decided to exempt the women employed in any mine above and mine below ground from the provisions of section 46 of the Mines Act, 1952, which restricts the women from working in mines.

Following the request from women employees and mining companies, the ministry has also decided to extend the timing of women workers in coal mines initially and it would be extended in other such mining sectors on the basis of the initiative. However, the deployment of women has been subjected to certain rules, which includes providing adequate facilities and safety to them.

The labour ministry has ordered that the deployment of women should be in a group of not less than three in a shift.

In addition, the deployment of women shall be subject to the framing and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures on the basis of the guidelines issued in this regard by the Chief Inspector of Mines from time to time.

Earlier, the Mines Act had restricted the employment of women in underground mines, and also in opencast or above ground workings of the mine during night hours between 7 pm and 6 am.

The Central Government on Monday decided to allow women to work in underground coal mines and also do night shifts in an open cast or over ground mines, in a bid to bring about greater gender equality and generate more employment opportunities for women.

The Central Government on Monday decided to allow women to work in underground coal mines and also do night shifts in an open cast or over ground mines, in a bid to bring about greater gender equality and generate more employment opportunities for women. The government in a notification said it had decided to exempt the women employed in any mine above and mine below ground from the provisions of section 46 of the Mines Act, 1952, which restricts the women from working in mines. Following the request from women employees and mining companies, the ministry has also decided to extend the timing of women workers in coal mines initially and it would be extended in other such mining sectors on the basis of the initiative. However, the deployment of women has been subjected to certain rules, which includes providing adequate facilities and safety to them. The labour ministry has ordered that the deployment of women should be in a group of not less than three in a shift. In addition, the deployment of women shall be subject to the framing and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures on the basis of the guidelines issued in this regard by the Chief Inspector of Mines from time to time. Earlier, the Mines Act had restricted the employment of women in underground mines, and also in opencast or above ground workings of the mine during night hours between 7 pm and 6 am.

Now, women allowed to work in underground mines

The Ministry of Human Resource Development Tuesday approved a proposal to extend the seventh pay commission recommendations to academic staff of government and aided technical institutions with granting of Rs 1,241 crore for the purpose.

"This will directly benefit a total of 29,264 teachers and other academic staff of state government funded institutes. Besides, about 3.5 lakh teachers and other academic staff of private colleges or institutions within the purview of All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) will also benefit from the approval," Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters.

"The central government will also reimburse 50 per cent of total additional expenditure to be incurred by these institutes for the payment of arrears on account of 7th Central Pay Commission implementation," he added.

The minister said that the move will help technical institutions on attracting and retaining faculty of high academic standards.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Human Resource Development Tuesday approved a proposal to extend the seventh pay commission recommendations to academic staff of government and aided technical institutions with granting of Rs 1,241 crore for the purpose.

The Ministry of Human Resource Development Tuesday approved a proposal to extend the seventh pay commission recommendations to academic staff of government and aided technical institutions with granting of Rs 1,241 crore for the purpose. "This will directly benefit a total of 29,264 teachers and other academic staff of state government funded institutes. Besides, about 3.5 lakh teachers and other academic staff of private colleges or institutions within the purview of All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) will also benefit from the approval," Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters. "The central government will also reimburse 50 per cent of total additional expenditure to be incurred by these institutes for the payment of arrears on account of 7th Central Pay Commission implementation," he added. The minister said that the move will help technical institutions on attracting and retaining faculty of high academic standards.

Government approves 7th pay commission recommendations for teachers of technical institutions

Excessive centralisation of power in the political decision making is one of India's main problems, former Reserve Bank of India governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-economic-growth-held-back-due-to-demonetisation-gst-raghuram-rajan-176545">Raghuram Rajan</a> has said, at a time when the country's central bank is locked in a tussle with the central government over its independence.

Speaking at the University of California in Berkley on Friday, Mr Rajan referred to the recently unveiled "Statue of Unity" as an example of a project that required the approval of the Prime Minister's Office, drawing laughter from the audience.

On the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the "Statue of Unity" in Gujarat's Narmada district on October 31. Billed as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lord-rams-statue-should-be-taller-than-statue-of-unity-azam-khan-175363">tallest statue in the world</a>, the 182-metre tall statue was built at a cost of Rs&nbsp;2,989 crore.

"India can't work from the centre. India works when you have many people taking up the burden. And today the central government is excessively centralised," he said.

Mr Rajan, returned to academia in 2016 after his three-year tenure as RBI governor, choosing to not seek a second term — a first in over two decades.

On Friday, he said an example of India's centralisation of political decision-making was the quantum of decisions that required the assent of the Prime Minister's Office.

Nobody wants to take a decision, unless it has approval up there, which means even if the Prime Minister works 18 hours a day, a very hard-working prime minister, there is only so much time he has, Mr Rajan said.

The kind of projects that get done depends on the prime minister, he said.

"For example, we build this massive statue, the Sardar Patel statue on time," Mr Rajan said amidst laughter and applause from the audience.

"That suggests that when there is a will, there is a way. Can we find that will for everything else?" he asked.

In addition to excessive centralisation, the unwillingness of the bureaucracy, including in the public sector, to take initiatives, is another major problem, he said.

Mr Rajan said ever since the corruption scandals hit India, the bureaucracy had stepped back.

Excessive centralisation of power in the political decision making is one of India's main problems, former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan has said, at a time when the country's central bank is locked in a tussle with the central government over its independence.

Excessive centralisation of power in the political decision making is one of India's main problems, former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan has said, at a time when the country's central bank is locked in a tussle with the central government over its independence. Speaking at the University of California in Berkley on Friday, Mr Rajan referred to the recently unveiled "Statue of Unity" as an example of a project that required the approval of the Prime Minister's Office, drawing laughter from the audience. On the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the "Statue of Unity" in Gujarat's Narmada district on October 31. Billed as the tallest statue in the world, the 182-metre tall statue was built at a cost of Rs 2,989 crore. "India can't work from the centre. India works when you have many people taking up the burden. And today the central government is excessively centralised," he said. Mr Rajan, returned to academia in 2016 after his three-year tenure as RBI governor, choosing to not seek a second term — a first in over two decades. On Friday, he said an example of India's centralisation of political decision-making was the quantum of decisions that required the assent of the Prime Minister's Office. Nobody wants to take a decision, unless it has approval up there, which means even if the Prime Minister works 18 hours a day, a very hard-working prime minister, there is only so much time he has, Mr Rajan said. The kind of projects that get done depends on the prime minister, he said. "For example, we build this massive statue, the Sardar Patel statue on time," Mr Rajan said amidst laughter and applause from the audience. "That suggests that when there is a will, there is a way. Can we find that will for everything else?" he asked. In addition to excessive centralisation, the unwillingness of the bureaucracy, including in the public sector, to take initiatives, is another major problem, he said. Mr Rajan said ever since the corruption scandals hit India, the bureaucracy had stepped back.

Today, the central government is excessively centralised: Raghuram Rajan

Fuel prices were further cutback by the Central Government on Friday with petrol and diesel now being sold at Rs 79.18 and Rs 73.64 per litre respectively in the national capital.

Compared to Thursday, petrol and diesel prices witnessed a decrease of 19 and 14 paise respectively in Delhi on Friday.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, petrol and diesel are retailed at Rs 84.68 (decrease by 18 paise) and Rs 77.18 (decrease by 14 paise), respectively.

Fuel prices had earlier witnessed a relentless hike in the country, burning a hole in the common commuter's pocket.

However, the Central Government earlier this month announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre.

However, earlier this month, the Central Government announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre, urging state governments to do the same on their end.&nbsp;

Fuel prices were further cutback by the Central Government on Friday with petrol and diesel now being sold at Rs 79.18 and Rs 73.64 per litre respectively in the national capital.

Fuel prices were further cutback by the Central Government on Friday with petrol and diesel now being sold at Rs 79.18 and Rs 73.64 per litre respectively in the national capital. Compared to Thursday, petrol and diesel prices witnessed a decrease of 19 and 14 paise respectively in Delhi on Friday. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, petrol and diesel are retailed at Rs 84.68 (decrease by 18 paise) and Rs 77.18 (decrease by 14 paise), respectively. Fuel prices had earlier witnessed a relentless hike in the country, burning a hole in the common commuter's pocket. However, the Central Government earlier this month announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre. However, earlier this month, the Central Government announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre, urging state governments to do the same on their end.

Fuel prices further cutback by Central Government 

The Centre Friday questioned the Supreme Court for its reported remark terming as "murderers" some Manipur Police personnel, chargesheeted in alleged fake encounter cases, saying it has "completely shaken" the morale of armed forces and securitymen operating in insurgency-hit areas.

The government told a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta that they supported the applications filed by some Manipur Police personnel seeking recusal of the bench from hearing the Manipur fake encounters cases in which the CBI's special investigation team (SIT) is carrying out a probe.

The petitioners, however, challenged the government's contention, saying this was an attempt to "overawe" the court, which should not recuse from hearing the matter. 
The court, which is hearing a PIL seeking a probe into as many as 1,528 cases of alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur, had on July 14 last year constituted an SIT of the CBI and ordered lodging of FIRs and investigating them.

Besides the policemen, over 300 army personnel have also approached the top court challenging registration of FIRs against them for operations in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is in force.&nbsp;

"I have instructions from the Union of India that we are supporting these petitions (seeking recusal of bench). So far as armed forces in Manipur are concerned, they are having difficult time fighting insurgency," Attorney General (AG) K K Venugopal told the bench.

The AG also questioned the prosecution of personnel from the armed forces and the police for conducting operations in the areas where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is in force, saying "they cannot understand why they are asked to face the prosecution".

He said the reported remarks by the bench that "murderers" were walking freely has "shaken" the morale of armed forces and police personnel as they were sacrificing their lives but facing the prospect of being awarded death penalty for the alleged offence of murder.

The bench, however, said the oral remarks by the bench during the hearing on July 30 was not "designed or directed" against any individual as it happened during the discussion in the court with the CBI Director.

Justice Lalit said that on July 30, they were asking the CBI Director, who was then present in the court, about the status of the case. The court was informed that till then, 14 persons were chargesheeted for the alleged offences of murder, criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence by the SIT.

"We will make it clear and we will pass an order today that whatever had happened was in the course of discussion (with the CBI Director). It was not intended against any individual," the bench said.

Senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for petitioners, told the court that persons who were chargesheeted had a "genuine apprehension" that they would not get a fair trial and impartial justice due to the remarks by the bench.

"This affects morale of Army and police personnel," he said, adding "this is our submission that this bench should not hear this case".

Rohatgi, while making it clear that nobody was saying that court was "biased", said these persons, having been chargesheeted for the offence of murder, were facing the charge of life or death.

The bench after hearing the submissions reserved its order on the application seeking its recusal from hearing the matter.

During the arguments, Venugopal said personnel from armed forces and police were "sacrificing their lives" in the insurgency hit areas and after the reported remarks by the bench, "they do not know what will happen to them".

He said after this remark by the highest court of the land, it would be very difficult for the trial judge to go against the observations of the apex court.

"Even if you clarify this, will they ever be able to get rid of this thought from their mind. They are not saying that this matter should not be heard. But some other bench should hear this," Venugopal said.

To this, the bench observed, "The CBI is investigating. No court is going to interfere with the investigation. We are just monitoring it. Is it your submission that some other bench should monitor the investigation?"&nbsp;

The bench also said it has not been stated that the CBI was not investigating these cases properly.

"Morale of entire armed forces in insurgency hit area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is shaken," the Attorney General said, adding that even before the trial in the alleged encounter cases have started, the police personnel were termed as "murderers".

"It is justified that you leave it to other bench to monitor this. Life of people is involved," he said.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is representing the petitioners in the main case related to alleged fake encounters in Manipur by Army, Assam Rifles and state police, said the bench should not recuse from hearing the matter as it had not said that these accused were murderers.

"It (seeking recusal) is an attempt to overawe the court," he said, adding that these applications should be dismissed with cost.

An advocate, assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the main matter, also opposed the plea seeking recusal of the bench.

Rohatgi, however, said, "Anybody can make a mistake. The court can also make a mistake. In section 377 (apex court's verdict on gay sex) and adultery case, the mistakes made earlier by this court has been corrected by this court".&nbsp;

The Centre Friday questioned the Supreme Court for its reported remark terming as "murderers" some Manipur Police personnel, chargesheeted in alleged fake encounter cases, saying it has "completely shaken" the morale of armed forces and securitymen operating in insurgency-hit areas.

The Centre Friday questioned the Supreme Court for its reported remark terming as "murderers" some Manipur Police personnel, chargesheeted in alleged fake encounter cases, saying it has "completely shaken" the morale of armed forces and securitymen operating in insurgency-hit areas. The government told a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta that they supported the applications filed by some Manipur Police personnel seeking recusal of the bench from hearing the Manipur fake encounters cases in which the CBI's special investigation team (SIT) is carrying out a probe. The petitioners, however, challenged the government's contention, saying this was an attempt to "overawe" the court, which should not recuse from hearing the matter. The court, which is hearing a PIL seeking a probe into as many as 1,528 cases of alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur, had on July 14 last year constituted an SIT of the CBI and ordered lodging of FIRs and investigating them. Besides the policemen, over 300 army personnel have also approached the top court challenging registration of FIRs against them for operations in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is in force. "I have instructions from the Union of India that we are supporting these petitions (seeking recusal of bench). So far as armed forces in Manipur are concerned, they are having difficult time fighting insurgency," Attorney General (AG) K K Venugopal told the bench. The AG also questioned the prosecution of personnel from the armed forces and the police for conducting operations in the areas where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is in force, saying "they cannot understand why they are asked to face the prosecution". He said the reported remarks by the bench that "murderers" were walking freely has "shaken" the morale of armed forces and police personnel as they were sacrificing their lives but facing the prospect of being awarded death penalty for the alleged offence of murder. The bench, however, said the oral remarks by the bench during the hearing on July 30 was not "designed or directed" against any individual as it happened during the discussion in the court with the CBI Director. Justice Lalit said that on July 30, they were asking the CBI Director, who was then present in the court, about the status of the case. The court was informed that till then, 14 persons were chargesheeted for the alleged offences of murder, criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence by the SIT. "We will make it clear and we will pass an order today that whatever had happened was in the course of discussion (with the CBI Director). It was not intended against any individual," the bench said. Senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for petitioners, told the court that persons who were chargesheeted had a "genuine apprehension" that they would not get a fair trial and impartial justice due to the remarks by the bench. "This affects morale of Army and police personnel," he said, adding "this is our submission that this bench should not hear this case". Rohatgi, while making it clear that nobody was saying that court was "biased", said these persons, having been chargesheeted for the offence of murder, were facing the charge of life or death. The bench after hearing the submissions reserved its order on the application seeking its recusal from hearing the matter. During the arguments, Venugopal said personnel from armed forces and police were "sacrificing their lives" in the insurgency hit areas and after the reported remarks by the bench, "they do not know what will happen to them". He said after this remark by the highest court of the land, it would be very difficult for the trial judge to go against the observations of the apex court. "Even if you clarify this, will they ever be able to get rid of this thought from their mind. They are not saying that this matter should not be heard. But some other bench should hear this," Venugopal said. To this, the bench observed, "The CBI is investigating. No court is going to interfere with the investigation. We are just monitoring it. Is it your submission that some other bench should monitor the investigation?" The bench also said it has not been stated that the CBI was not investigating these cases properly. "Morale of entire armed forces in insurgency hit area under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is shaken," the Attorney General said, adding that even before the trial in the alleged encounter cases have started, the police personnel were termed as "murderers". "It is justified that you leave it to other bench to monitor this. Life of people is involved," he said. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is representing the petitioners in the main case related to alleged fake encounters in Manipur by Army, Assam Rifles and state police, said the bench should not recuse from hearing the matter as it had not said that these accused were murderers. "It (seeking recusal) is an attempt to overawe the court," he said, adding that these applications should be dismissed with cost. An advocate, assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the main matter, also opposed the plea seeking recusal of the bench. Rohatgi, however, said, "Anybody can make a mistake. The court can also make a mistake. In section 377 (apex court's verdict on gay sex) and adultery case, the mistakes made earlier by this court has been corrected by this court".

SC's remark has 'shaken' morale of armed forces, cops: Centre to Supreme Court

The over-a-century old Mughalsarai railway station has been renamed after RSS ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, with Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik giving his assent.

The central government had last year cleared UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's request to rename the station, despite protests raised in parliament by various parties.

A notification for this was issued by the state government yesterday, an official spokesman said today.

The state government had in June last year decided to rename Mughalsarai Junction in Chandauli district after Upadhyaya, who was found dead near the station in mysterious circumstances in 1968.

The Centre gave its in-principal approval for renaming the station, among the busiest in the country, last year. The move drew flak from opposition parties which accused the ruling party of attempting to tamper with history.

The Aam Aadmi Party was quick to criticise the move after the stations renaming was announced today.

Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, tweeted in Hindi, "If you vote BJP, then names of cities and stations will change. If you vote AAP, then the future of your children will change."

Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan also took a dig at Yogi Adityanath. "Who says that the Yogi government isn't working? Amidst all the heavy work done to provide oxygen to children at Gorakhpur Hospital, beating up people for Cows, & battering women thru Romeo squads, Yogi still got time to change the name of Mughalsarai Jn to Pandit Deendayal Jn!," Bhushan tweeted.

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भाजपा को वोट दोगे तो शहरों और स्टेशनो के नाम बदलेंगे। 
 
AAP को वोट दोगे तो आपके बच्चों का भविष्य बदलेंगे। <a href="https://t.co/giiQC3UZjx">https://t.co/giiQC3UZjx</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1003882389691494400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Who says that the Yogi government isn't working? Amidst all the heavy work done to provide oxygen to children at Gorakhpur Hospital, beating up people for Cows, & battering women thru Romeo squads, Yogi still got time to change the name of Mughalsarai Jn to Pandit Deendayal Jn! <a href="https://t.co/BMdcZaSo8I">https://t.co/BMdcZaSo8I</a>
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/pbhushan1/status/1003861405106241536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The station was built during colonial rule and was a major stop on the Delhi-Howrah route.&nbsp;

The central government had last year cleared UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's request to rename the station, despite protests raised in parliament by various parties

The over-a-century old Mughalsarai railway station has been renamed after RSS ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, with Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik giving his assent. The central government had last year cleared UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's request to rename the station, despite protests raised in parliament by various parties. A notification for this was issued by the state government yesterday, an official spokesman said today. The state government had in June last year decided to rename Mughalsarai Junction in Chandauli district after Upadhyaya, who was found dead near the station in mysterious circumstances in 1968. The Centre gave its in-principal approval for renaming the station, among the busiest in the country, last year. The move drew flak from opposition parties which accused the ruling party of attempting to tamper with history. The Aam Aadmi Party was quick to criticise the move after the stations renaming was announced today. Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, tweeted in Hindi, "If you vote BJP, then names of cities and stations will change. If you vote AAP, then the future of your children will change." Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan also took a dig at Yogi Adityanath. "Who says that the Yogi government isn't working? Amidst all the heavy work done to provide oxygen to children at Gorakhpur Hospital, beating up people for Cows, & battering women thru Romeo squads, Yogi still got time to change the name of Mughalsarai Jn to Pandit Deendayal Jn!," Bhushan tweeted. भाजपा को वोट दोगे तो शहरों और स्टेशनो के नाम बदलेंगे। AAP को वोट दोगे तो आपके बच्चों का भविष्य बदलेंगे। https://t.co/giiQC3UZjx — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 5, 2018 × Who says that the Yogi government isn't working? Amidst all the heavy work done to provide oxygen to children at Gorakhpur Hospital, beating up people for Cows, & battering women thru Romeo squads, Yogi still got time to change the name of Mughalsarai Jn to Pandit Deendayal Jn! https://t.co/BMdcZaSo8I — Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) June 5, 2018 × The station was built during colonial rule and was a major stop on the Delhi-Howrah route.

Mughalsarai renamed Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Kejriwal takes dig at BJP

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

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

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

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

Centre must explain its stand on consensual sexual relations between same-sex adults, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday, setting a July deadline for a response.

The court had heard petitions demanding the abolition of Section 377 – a colonial-era law that prohibits “carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal” – widely interpreted to refer to homosexual sex.

The court’s notice to the government “is a watershed in the whole fight against Section 377,” said petitioner Ashok Row Kavi, chairperson of Humsafar Trust, a charity that works with India’s LGBT community.

“The government will have to decide whether this colonial law should still stand relevant in a country that has its own constitution that protects fundamental rights of its citizens,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

The Supreme Court had in a surprise ruling in 2013 reinstated a ban on gay sex after a four-year period of decriminalisation, but it announced in January this year that it would reconsider the 2013 decision.

Those who submitted petitions to the court in the past couple months said they were living in constant fear of police due to their sexual orientations, and argued that the ban was unconstitutional.

Among the petitions, the judges considered on Tuesday was that of Arif Jafar, who was arrested under Section 377 in 2001 and was released after 49 days. His case is still pending.

Although the law banning homosexuality is rarely enforced in India, it is used to intimidate, harass, blackmail and extort money from gay people, activists say.

All forms of non-penile vaginal sex are also criminalised under Section 377. Gay sex is punishable by up to 10 years jail under the law.

There is no official data on the LGBT population in India, but the government estimates there are 2.5 million gay people, reflecting those who have declared their sexuality to the health ministry.

Campaigners say real numbers are far higher, as many conceal their identities fearing discrimination in a country where most marriages still take place within the boundaries of caste and religion.

The Supreme Court had in a surprise ruling in 2013 reinstated a ban on gay sex after a four-year period of decriminalisation, but it announced in January this year that it would reconsider the 2013 decision.

Centre must explain its stand on consensual sexual relations between same-sex adults, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday, setting a July deadline for a response. The court had heard petitions demanding the abolition of Section 377 – a colonial-era law that prohibits “carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal” – widely interpreted to refer to homosexual sex. The court’s notice to the government “is a watershed in the whole fight against Section 377,” said petitioner Ashok Row Kavi, chairperson of Humsafar Trust, a charity that works with India’s LGBT community. “The government will have to decide whether this colonial law should still stand relevant in a country that has its own constitution that protects fundamental rights of its citizens,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The Supreme Court had in a surprise ruling in 2013 reinstated a ban on gay sex after a four-year period of decriminalisation, but it announced in January this year that it would reconsider the 2013 decision. Those who submitted petitions to the court in the past couple months said they were living in constant fear of police due to their sexual orientations, and argued that the ban was unconstitutional. Among the petitions, the judges considered on Tuesday was that of Arif Jafar, who was arrested under Section 377 in 2001 and was released after 49 days. His case is still pending. Although the law banning homosexuality is rarely enforced in India, it is used to intimidate, harass, blackmail and extort money from gay people, activists say. All forms of non-penile vaginal sex are also criminalised under Section 377. Gay sex is punishable by up to 10 years jail under the law. There is no official data on the LGBT population in India, but the government estimates there are 2.5 million gay people, reflecting those who have declared their sexuality to the health ministry. Campaigners say real numbers are far higher, as many conceal their identities fearing discrimination in a country where most marriages still take place within the boundaries of caste and religion.

Explain stand on gay sex: Supreme Court issues notice to Central government

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