<p>The government and the Reserve Bank of India seem to be veering around to an agreeable solution with respect to relaxation of the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework and the easing of lending norms for the MSME sector ahead of the RBI board meeting on November 19, sources said.</p>

<p>If not in this board meeting, sources said, the issue of relaxation of PCA framework which the finance ministry has been pitching for would be reached in the next few weeks.</p>

<p>As a result of the relaxation, some banks may come out of the PCA framework by the end of the current fiscal.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513">RBI Governor Urjit Patel may consider resigning after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513">rift</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513"> with government</a></p>

<p>Of the 21 state-owned banks, 11 are under the PCA framework. These are Allahabad Bank, United Bank of India, Corporation Bank, IDBI Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Dena Bank and Bank of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>The PCA framework kicks in when banks breach any of the three key regulatory trigger points namely capital to risk weighted assets ratio, Net non-performing assets (NPA) and return on assets (RoA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The RBI is also likely to agree to easing of lending norms for the MSME sector including strict rating criteria to improve credit flow to this sector, sources said.</p>

<p>Besides, the central bank is expected to consider special dispensation for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) which have been facing liquidity issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government feels that the MSME sector which employs about 12 crore people plays a critical role in the economy, and the sector hit by demonetisation and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) needs support.</p>

<p>However, the central bank has been averse to government demand for special dispensations for MSME and NBFC sectors as it consider them vulnerable.</p>

<p>Last week, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said there is a need to minimise NPAs in order to maintain the strength of the banking system and enable it to help the economy grow.</p>

<p>It is only a strong banking system that will be able to improve credit in those sectors which really need credit, the Finance Minister had said, adding, "The MSME sector needs credit, several other players in the market need credit. NBFCs today need credit because a large part of lending is done by them."&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are reports of growing tensions between the RBI and the government, with the Finance Ministry initiating discussion under the never-used-before Section 7 of the RBI Act which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI Governor.</p>

<p>RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya had in a speech last month talked about the independence of the central bank, arguing that any compromise could be "potentially catastrophic" for the economy.&nbsp;</p>


The government and the Reserve Bank of India seem to be veering around to an agreeable solution with respect to relaxation of the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework and the easing of lending norms for the MSME sector ahead of the RBI board meeting on November 19, sources said.

The government and the Reserve Bank of India seem to be veering around to an agreeable solution with respect to relaxation of the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework and the easing of lending norms for the MSME sector ahead of the RBI board meeting on November 19, sources said. If not in this board meeting, sources said, the issue of relaxation of PCA framework which the finance ministry has been pitching for would be reached in the next few weeks. As a result of the relaxation, some banks may come out of the PCA framework by the end of the current fiscal. Also read: RBI Governor Urjit Patel may consider resigning after rift with government Of the 21 state-owned banks, 11 are under the PCA framework. These are Allahabad Bank, United Bank of India, Corporation Bank, IDBI Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Dena Bank and Bank of Maharashtra. The PCA framework kicks in when banks breach any of the three key regulatory trigger points namely capital to risk weighted assets ratio, Net non-performing assets (NPA) and return on assets (RoA). The RBI is also likely to agree to easing of lending norms for the MSME sector including strict rating criteria to improve credit flow to this sector, sources said. Besides, the central bank is expected to consider special dispensation for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) which have been facing liquidity issues. The government feels that the MSME sector which employs about 12 crore people plays a critical role in the economy, and the sector hit by demonetisation and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) needs support. However, the central bank has been averse to government demand for special dispensations for MSME and NBFC sectors as it consider them vulnerable. Last week, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said there is a need to minimise NPAs in order to maintain the strength of the banking system and enable it to help the economy grow. It is only a strong banking system that will be able to improve credit in those sectors which really need credit, the Finance Minister had said, adding, "The MSME sector needs credit, several other players in the market need credit. NBFCs today need credit because a large part of lending is done by them." There are reports of growing tensions between the RBI and the government, with the Finance Ministry initiating discussion under the never-used-before Section 7 of the RBI Act which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI Governor. RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya had in a speech last month talked about the independence of the central bank, arguing that any compromise could be "potentially catastrophic" for the economy.

RBI, govt trying to reach common ground on key issues: Sources

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pnb-nirav-modi-scam-nirav-modi-flees-to-uk-claiming-political-asylum-says-report-143547">PNB-Nirav Modi fraud: Diamond czar flees to </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pnb-nirav-modi-scam-nirav-modi-flees-to-uk-claiming-political-asylum-says-report-143547">UK</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pnb-nirav-modi-scam-nirav-modi-flees-to-uk-claiming-political-asylum-says-report-143547">, claims political asylum, says </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pnb-nirav-modi-scam-nirav-modi-flees-to-uk-claiming-political-asylum-says-report-143547">report</a></p>

<p>Police filed charges against more than 25 people in May including Modi, Choksi, former PNB chief Usha Ananthasubramanian.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/currency-with-public-reaches-record-high-of-rs-185-lakh-crore-rbi-data-143561">Currency with public reaches </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/currency-with-public-reaches-record-high-of-rs-185-lakh-crore-rbi-data-143561">record</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/currency-with-public-reaches-record-high-of-rs-185-lakh-crore-rbi-data-143561"> high of Rs 18.5 lakh crore: RBI data</a></p>

<p>The total currency put in circulation by the RBI has also doubled, reaching ti Rs 19.3 lakh crore from Rs 8.9 lakh crore after demonetisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/thousands-protest-lynching-of-two-college-students-in-assam-143554">Thousands protest lynching of two college students in Assam</a></p>

<p>The protestors, demanding speedy justice against lynching of two youths in Assam's Karbi Anglong district on Friday night, were subjected to lathicharge by the police.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/photos/best-moments-from-french-open-2018-143551">In pictures: Best moments from French Open 2018</a></p>

<p>From Serena Williams' come back to Novak Djokovic's shocking ouster, here are some magic moments from the French Open 2018</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/indian-movies-are-all-about-hips-and-boobs-priyanka-chopra--143570">Indian movies are all about 'hips and boobs:' Priyanka Chopra</a></p>

<p>It was brought to notice that in an old video back from the 2016 Emmy Awards, Priyanka was asked by a red carpet reporter to show some Indian dance moves to which the actress said that the Indian movies are all about 'hips and boobs'</p>


PNB-Nirav Modi fraud: Diamond czar flees to UK, claims political asylum, says report Police filed charges against more than 25 people in May including Modi, Choksi, former PNB chief Usha Ananthasubramanian. Currency with public reaches record high of Rs 18.5 lakh crore: RBI data The total currency put in circulation by the RBI has also doubled, reaching ti Rs 19.3 lakh crore from Rs 8.9 lakh crore after demonetisation. Thousands protest lynching of two college students in Assam The protestors, demanding speedy justice against lynching of two youths in Assam's Karbi Anglong district on Friday night, were subjected to lathicharge by the police. In pictures: Best moments from French Open 2018 From Serena Williams' come back to Novak Djokovic's shocking ouster, here are some magic moments from the French Open 2018 Indian movies are all about 'hips and boobs:' Priyanka Chopra It was brought to notice that in an old video back from the 2016 Emmy Awards, Priyanka was asked by a red carpet reporter to show some Indian dance moves to which the actress said that the Indian movies are all about 'hips and boobs'

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>The Government of India is looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from the private sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Candidates are expected to be graduates, over 40 years of age, and with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the aforementioned fields.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 10 applicants who get the jobs will be given three-year contracts, which can be extended up to 5 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They will be paid Rs 1.44 lakh to Rs 2.18 lakh a month, over and above which they will be given government housing&nbsp;and, if required, a vehicle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last date to apply to the posts is July 30.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is currently a shortage of Joint Secretary-level officers at the Centre and a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) had last year recommended the lateral entry of professionals to make up the shortfall.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's an endeavour to get the best from whichever source available. It's motivated with focus on allowing every Indian citizen a fair chance to ensure their growth depending on their potential: MoS PMO Jitendra Singh on GoI notification for lateral entry of 10 positions as Jt Secy <a href="https://t.co/5nuFa9egAj">pic.twitter.com/5nuFa9egAj</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005742003022323712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 10 Joint Secretaries will be hired in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce

The Government of India is looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from the private sector. "Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said. Candidates are expected to be graduates, over 40 years of age, and with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the aforementioned fields. The 10 applicants who get the jobs will be given three-year contracts, which can be extended up to 5 years. They will be paid Rs 1.44 lakh to Rs 2.18 lakh a month, over and above which they will be given government housing and, if required, a vehicle. The last date to apply to the posts is July 30. There is currently a shortage of Joint Secretary-level officers at the Centre and a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) had last year recommended the lateral entry of professionals to make up the shortfall. It's an endeavour to get the best from whichever source available. It's motivated with focus on allowing every Indian citizen a fair chance to ensure their growth depending on their potential: MoS PMO Jitendra Singh on GoI notification for lateral entry of 10 positions as Jt Secy pic.twitter.com/5nuFa9egAj — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 ×

Government of India looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from private sector

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468">Government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468"> of India looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468">private</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-looking-for-10-joint-secretaries-from-private-sector-143468"> sector</a></p>

<p>"Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-arrives-in-singapore-ahead-of-unprecedented-us-north-korea-summit-143496">Trump arrives in Singapore for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-arrives-in-singapore-ahead-of-unprecedented-us-north-korea-summit-143496">summit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-arrives-in-singapore-ahead-of-unprecedented-us-north-korea-summit-143496"> with North Korea's Kim Jong-Un</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump arrived in Singapore on Sunday ahead of a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the future of Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">Shouldn't make </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">mountain</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463"> out of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">molehill</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-shouldnt-make-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-tejashwi-yadav-on-his-brothers-allegations--143463">: Tejashwi Yadav on brother's allegation he is being sidelined</a></p>

<p>A day after Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party, Leader of Opposition and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday downplayed the controversy and said that his brother spoke about how to unify and strengthen ''our party ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election)''.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/-india-refuses-to-endorse-chinese-president-xi-jinpings-obor-at-qingdao-declaration--143467">SCO Summit: India only member country to not endorse China's OBOR project</a></p>

<p>India on Sunday declined to endorse Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pet One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project as part of a joint declaration at the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao, the only member in the eight-nation bloc to do so, according to reports.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-ban-bangladesh-beat-india-to-lift-their-maiden-womens-asia-cup-trophy-143459">Bangladesh beat India to lift maiden Women's Asia Cup trophy</a></p>

<p>Bangladesh outplayed India and defeated the women's in blue in the finals of Women's Asia Cup T20 to clinch the trophy on Sunday at the Kinrara Academy Oval.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Government of India looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from private sector "Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said. Trump arrives in Singapore for summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-Un US President Donald Trump arrived in Singapore on Sunday ahead of a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the future of Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal. Shouldn't make mountain out of molehill: Tejashwi Yadav on brother's allegation he is being sidelined A day after Tej Pratap accused his younger brother of trying to sideline him in the party, Leader of Opposition and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday downplayed the controversy and said that his brother spoke about how to unify and strengthen ''our party ahead of 2019 (general election) & 2020 (Bihar assembly election)''. SCO Summit: India only member country to not endorse China's OBOR project India on Sunday declined to endorse Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pet One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project as part of a joint declaration at the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Qingdao, the only member in the eight-nation bloc to do so, according to reports. Bangladesh beat India to lift maiden Women's Asia Cup trophy Bangladesh outplayed India and defeated the women's in blue in the finals of Women's Asia Cup T20 to clinch the trophy on Sunday at the Kinrara Academy Oval.

<p>The Petrol and Diesel prices are soaring and they are almost at the all-time highest level. Being the most essential commodity, Petroleum has been the favourite domain for the politicians for the slugfest.</p>

<p>With rising price, opposition parties got a much-awaited issue to put Government of India on backfoot. Rahul Gandhi is throwing a challenge to Modi for reducing prices. On the same time BJP's media cell is active too and these days social media is full of stuff proclaiming that how prices of petroleum products surged during UPA regime (2004-2014) and how Modi has been able to rein them in.</p>

<p>But if you go in a bit deep in the realities of this sector, you will find that all these claims and blames are simply bereft of any logic and they are rather hilarious. Indian Oil & Gas sector is in a state currently that any government can do little to tame price in the shorter run.</p>

<p>With rapid economic growth, India has become an energy guzzler over the past 10-15 years and currently, it is the third largest consumer of energy after USA and China. India consumes around 200 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) of petroleum crude oil per year and around 80 per cent of this is being imported on the international price.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer’s commissions, MRP is fixed</h5>
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<p>The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer's commissions, MRP is fixed. Therefore MRP of Petrol and Diesel are linked with international prices of crude oil.</p>

<p>Since we (GOI) can't control the crude price and bound to pay it, the ways to tame MRP is either by reducing taxes or by forcing Oil PSUs to sell products with under-recoveries (basically selling with a loss). Both of these ways would be like feeding gulab jamun to a patient with diabetes. Mean, these measures will give short-term pleasure but they will inflict serious long-term complications.</p>

<p>Cutting taxes would disturb the fiscal discipline which Modi/GOI could bring to an extent over the past four years and would hamper GOI's huge infra push and other planned expenditure.</p>

<p>Forcing under-recoveries (which UPA-2 did for purely political reasons) to Oil companies would only make these companies sick for days to come, restrict the Capex infusion in this sector and of course it cannot last long.</p>

<p>All government can do (that too to silence opposition) in the short term is that it can give some relief by way of slashing tax but it can't make a huge impact on the selling price. Forcing under-recoveries would be the last thing, which Modi/GOI should and would exercise (in case of crude price further takes heavy jump).</p>

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<h5>The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run</h5>
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<p>The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run. After Modi came to power, GOI has made its oil exploration policy more transparent and business friendly but impact of this on ground would be visible only after many years and that too will not be decisive as the gap between demand and supply is huge and no way India is in the position to multiply its oil production even in the long run.&nbsp;</p>

<p>OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) is the international body, who plays the prominent role in fixing crude oil price and country like India are bound to pay it.</p>

<p>So the bottom line is that let the politician enjoy the blame and claim game, the onus to live with the problem and withstand with it lies with us, the citizens only. Don't expect a miracle from anybody to get the reprieve. We need to be a judicious energy consumer and take the high petroleum prices as a hard and unavoidable reality.</p>

<p>We can sum up like this. If you are getting petroleum product cheap (like in 2014-16), the government is an accidental hero or otherwise it is an unlucky victim of the situation.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer's commissions, MRP is fixed

The Petrol and Diesel prices are soaring and they are almost at the all-time highest level. Being the most essential commodity, Petroleum has been the favourite domain for the politicians for the slugfest. With rising price, opposition parties got a much-awaited issue to put Government of India on backfoot. Rahul Gandhi is throwing a challenge to Modi for reducing prices. On the same time BJP's media cell is active too and these days social media is full of stuff proclaiming that how prices of petroleum products surged during UPA regime (2004-2014) and how Modi has been able to rein them in. But if you go in a bit deep in the realities of this sector, you will find that all these claims and blames are simply bereft of any logic and they are rather hilarious. Indian Oil & Gas sector is in a state currently that any government can do little to tame price in the shorter run. With rapid economic growth, India has become an energy guzzler over the past 10-15 years and currently, it is the third largest consumer of energy after USA and China. India consumes around 200 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) of petroleum crude oil per year and around 80 per cent of this is being imported on the international price. The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer’s commissions, MRP is fixed × The prices of petroleum products are done on import parity and after adding due taxes and dealer's commissions, MRP is fixed. Therefore MRP of Petrol and Diesel are linked with international prices of crude oil. Since we (GOI) can't control the crude price and bound to pay it, the ways to tame MRP is either by reducing taxes or by forcing Oil PSUs to sell products with under-recoveries (basically selling with a loss). Both of these ways would be like feeding gulab jamun to a patient with diabetes. Mean, these measures will give short-term pleasure but they will inflict serious long-term complications. Cutting taxes would disturb the fiscal discipline which Modi/GOI could bring to an extent over the past four years and would hamper GOI's huge infra push and other planned expenditure. Forcing under-recoveries (which UPA-2 did for purely political reasons) to Oil companies would only make these companies sick for days to come, restrict the Capex infusion in this sector and of course it cannot last long. All government can do (that too to silence opposition) in the short term is that it can give some relief by way of slashing tax but it can't make a huge impact on the selling price. Forcing under-recoveries would be the last thing, which Modi/GOI should and would exercise (in case of crude price further takes heavy jump). The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run × The government should work to take measures to bring strength in this sector in long run. After Modi came to power, GOI has made its oil exploration policy more transparent and business friendly but impact of this on ground would be visible only after many years and that too will not be decisive as the gap between demand and supply is huge and no way India is in the position to multiply its oil production even in the long run. OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) is the international body, who plays the prominent role in fixing crude oil price and country like India are bound to pay it. So the bottom line is that let the politician enjoy the blame and claim game, the onus to live with the problem and withstand with it lies with us, the citizens only. Don't expect a miracle from anybody to get the reprieve. We need to be a judicious energy consumer and take the high petroleum prices as a hard and unavoidable reality. We can sum up like this. If you are getting petroleum product cheap (like in 2014-16), the government is an accidental hero or otherwise it is an unlucky victim of the situation. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Rising petrol prices - the onus is on the citizens

<p>I wonder that how human psyche and desires across different time zones resonant with each other. These days, whenever I look at the political slugfest in India, an anecdote from Mahabharata looms in my mind. Before the famous war at Kurukshetra, Vidur told Dhritarashtra, "Lord, your desperate attempt to put your son at throne will not only eradicate you and family but the worst thing is that nation and people are paying and will pay a hefty price for unjustified and directionless ambition of yours."</p>

<p>This so very well outlines the current days Congress party/Gandhi scion in particular, and also the other opposition parties as well.</p>

<p>Two pieces of news over the past week defines the very mood of politics in the nation and demonstrate the issue mentioned above. First, budget session of Parliament was washed out because of the sheer skirmish between ruling party and opposition parties. Second, when so-called Dalit activists hit the road after a Supreme Court verdict on SC/ST Act, every political party came to fore and tried to extract some political gain.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi in the process hit an unprecedented low. He, in a tweet eventually ended up applauding crowd involved in acts of vandalism on the streets and encouraging them. He lied through his teeth as he linked the whole issue with Modi government whereas it was a verdict passed by the apex court. Reinforcing such divides in the society for political mileage would be no less than ominous for the country.</p>

<p>In Congress, the desperation for coming back to power and to establish Rahul politically is so strong that righteousness and virtuousness have no space now. No matter how sinister the narrative is if it gives some political gain it is on. The nation would pay the price.</p>

<p>This is the nadir of parliamentary democracy these days. In a democracy, opposition parties play a big role in this system as they play (supposedly) part of a conscience-keeper and keep the government in check. But this rule has completely vanished over the past few years. Bid to scuttle whatever government does is the current era's conscience-keeping.</p>

<p>It is sad, extremely sad for one of the largest democracies in the world. Our politician of this generation needs to look back and learn some lesson from our own past, from our earlier parliamentarian.</p>

<p>During the time of Nehru, C Rajgopalachari (popularly known as Rajaji) became a very strong critic of Nehru and his policies during later years. But Rajgopalachari always maintained that there were differences in the ideology only and Nehru was still the best man for the job. When Nehru died (Nehru was 11 years younger to Rajgopalachari), Rajaji broke down. He said that he opposed Nehru for the various national issues but it was Nehru only who was capable to solve them.</p>

<p>When India decimated Pakistan during 1971 war, the whole opposition was queued up behind Indira Gandhi and applauded her unequivocally.</p>

<p>I remember that during Indira's last stint as the Prime Minister in 1980-84, despite a very bitter past between them during 1975-80, the relationship between Indira and opposition leaders were reasonably amicable.</p>

<p>However, it was during the reign of PV Narasimha Rao, the bipartisan in Indian politics was at its zenith. In 1994, Narasimha Rao sent Salman Khurshid and opposition leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee to argue India's case at the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) in Geneva. Vajpayee's articulateness proved to be astonishingly effective and resulted in the withdrawal of the Pakistan-backed resolution against India. Narasimha Rao minced no words in praising Vajpayee’s efforts.</p>

<p>The deterioration started primarily in 1999 when Vajpayee assumed power. During the UPA's reign in 2004-2014, the situation was no better either but it has literally plummeted vertically ever since Modi has come to power in 2104.</p>

<p>In its bid to revive itself in Gujarat, Congress played an ominous Patel, Dalit, OBC card in Gujarat election. Society would pay a heavy price for such divides nurtured by Congress and other opposition parties for the years to come. Parliament is not being allowed to function session after session on frivolous reasons, on the issues which are state's matter most of the times. There is hardly any great parliamentarian or statesman among current day’s opposition parties, as we had in the past.</p>

<p>The nation is suffering because of political ambition of the politicians. As famously said that, at times good thing comes with few negative riders. So democracy is good but these are the perils associated with it.</p>

<p>The onus is on us the voters to understand this game and don't let politicians take us for a ride.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


In Congress, the desperation for coming back to power and to establish Rahul politically is so strong that righteousness and virtuousness have no space now.

I wonder that how human psyche and desires across different time zones resonant with each other. These days, whenever I look at the political slugfest in India, an anecdote from Mahabharata looms in my mind. Before the famous war at Kurukshetra, Vidur told Dhritarashtra, "Lord, your desperate attempt to put your son at throne will not only eradicate you and family but the worst thing is that nation and people are paying and will pay a hefty price for unjustified and directionless ambition of yours." This so very well outlines the current days Congress party/Gandhi scion in particular, and also the other opposition parties as well. Two pieces of news over the past week defines the very mood of politics in the nation and demonstrate the issue mentioned above. First, budget session of Parliament was washed out because of the sheer skirmish between ruling party and opposition parties. Second, when so-called Dalit activists hit the road after a Supreme Court verdict on SC/ST Act, every political party came to fore and tried to extract some political gain. Rahul Gandhi in the process hit an unprecedented low. He, in a tweet eventually ended up applauding crowd involved in acts of vandalism on the streets and encouraging them. He lied through his teeth as he linked the whole issue with Modi government whereas it was a verdict passed by the apex court. Reinforcing such divides in the society for political mileage would be no less than ominous for the country. In Congress, the desperation for coming back to power and to establish Rahul politically is so strong that righteousness and virtuousness have no space now. No matter how sinister the narrative is if it gives some political gain it is on. The nation would pay the price. This is the nadir of parliamentary democracy these days. In a democracy, opposition parties play a big role in this system as they play (supposedly) part of a conscience-keeper and keep the government in check. But this rule has completely vanished over the past few years. Bid to scuttle whatever government does is the current era's conscience-keeping. It is sad, extremely sad for one of the largest democracies in the world. Our politician of this generation needs to look back and learn some lesson from our own past, from our earlier parliamentarian. During the time of Nehru, C Rajgopalachari (popularly known as Rajaji) became a very strong critic of Nehru and his policies during later years. But Rajgopalachari always maintained that there were differences in the ideology only and Nehru was still the best man for the job. When Nehru died (Nehru was 11 years younger to Rajgopalachari), Rajaji broke down. He said that he opposed Nehru for the various national issues but it was Nehru only who was capable to solve them. When India decimated Pakistan during 1971 war, the whole opposition was queued up behind Indira Gandhi and applauded her unequivocally. I remember that during Indira's last stint as the Prime Minister in 1980-84, despite a very bitter past between them during 1975-80, the relationship between Indira and opposition leaders were reasonably amicable. However, it was during the reign of PV Narasimha Rao, the bipartisan in Indian politics was at its zenith. In 1994, Narasimha Rao sent Salman Khurshid and opposition leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee to argue India's case at the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) in Geneva. Vajpayee's articulateness proved to be astonishingly effective and resulted in the withdrawal of the Pakistan-backed resolution against India. Narasimha Rao minced no words in praising Vajpayee’s efforts. The deterioration started primarily in 1999 when Vajpayee assumed power. During the UPA's reign in 2004-2014, the situation was no better either but it has literally plummeted vertically ever since Modi has come to power in 2104. In its bid to revive itself in Gujarat, Congress played an ominous Patel, Dalit, OBC card in Gujarat election. Society would pay a heavy price for such divides nurtured by Congress and other opposition parties for the years to come. Parliament is not being allowed to function session after session on frivolous reasons, on the issues which are state's matter most of the times. There is hardly any great parliamentarian or statesman among current day’s opposition parties, as we had in the past. The nation is suffering because of political ambition of the politicians. As famously said that, at times good thing comes with few negative riders. So democracy is good but these are the perils associated with it. The onus is on us the voters to understand this game and don't let politicians take us for a ride. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Nation pays the price for diminishing conduct of opposition parties

<p>The Government of India (GoI) which made a commitment of $100 million in the grant for the reconstruction in earthquake-ravaged Nepal is set to build 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts of the country respectively.</p>

<p>&quot;The Government of India had committed post-earthquake reconstruction package of USD 100 million in the grant to support the reconstruction of 50,000 private houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts in Nepal,&quot; the advisory from the Reconstruction Wing, Embassy of India said in a statement.</p>

<p>The Indian government will sign a partnership agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on Thursday to expedite the reconstruction plan in Nepal.</p>

<p>&quot;The implementation modalities for the earthquake housing reconstruction project, signed in August 2017, stipulated the appointment of a consultant to provide socio-technical facilitation to the 50,000 GoI supported housing beneficiaries in Gorkha and Nuwakot to enable them to reconstruct their houses as per owner driven modality,&quot; the advisory added.</p>

<p>In accordance with the modality, the Indian government is appointing UNDP and UNOPS for the facilitation. The identified house owners in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts of Nepal will be benefitted from the project.</p>

<p>The earthquake of April 2015 created havoc in Nepal which took the lives of about 10,000 people and injured more than 20,000 others. Gorkha and the Nuwakot were the districts which had the highest death tolls and were enlisted as &quot;Crisis Hit&quot;.</p>

<p>Kathmandu itself has experienced two major quakes in the last century. The Himalayan belt has experienced many more, of which the Assam quake of 1950 was the worst.</p>

<p>Around 2.5 lakh buildings have been completely destroyed in Nepal due to the powerful temblor that flattened houses and uprooted electric poles and trees beside killing over 6,300 people.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


The Indian government will sign a partnership agreement with the UNDP and the United Nations Office for Project Services to expedite the reconstruction plan in Nepal.

The Government of India (GoI) which made a commitment of $100 million in the grant for the reconstruction in earthquake-ravaged Nepal is set to build 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts of the country respectively. "The Government of India had committed post-earthquake reconstruction package of USD 100 million in the grant to support the reconstruction of 50,000 private houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts in Nepal," the advisory from the Reconstruction Wing, Embassy of India said in a statement. The Indian government will sign a partnership agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on Thursday to expedite the reconstruction plan in Nepal. "The implementation modalities for the earthquake housing reconstruction project, signed in August 2017, stipulated the appointment of a consultant to provide socio-technical facilitation to the 50,000 GoI supported housing beneficiaries in Gorkha and Nuwakot to enable them to reconstruct their houses as per owner driven modality," the advisory added. In accordance with the modality, the Indian government is appointing UNDP and UNOPS for the facilitation. The identified house owners in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts of Nepal will be benefitted from the project. The earthquake of April 2015 created havoc in Nepal which took the lives of about 10,000 people and injured more than 20,000 others. Gorkha and the Nuwakot were the districts which had the highest death tolls and were enlisted as "Crisis Hit". Kathmandu itself has experienced two major quakes in the last century. The Himalayan belt has experienced many more, of which the Assam quake of 1950 was the worst. Around 2.5 lakh buildings have been completely destroyed in Nepal due to the powerful temblor that flattened houses and uprooted electric poles and trees beside killing over 6,300 people. (With inputs from ANI)

India to build 50,000 houses for earthquake victims in Nepal

<p>India&#39;s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for 2018-19 has been projected at 7 to 7.5 per cent as per the Economic Survey 2017-18.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/10-big-takeaways-from-economic-survey-31068" target="_blank">10 big takeaways from economic survey</a></strong></p>

<p>The document, which was tabled in Lok Sabha on Monday, noted that a series of major reforms undertaken over the past year will allow real GDP growth to reach 6.75 per cent this fiscal and will rise to 7.0 to 7.5 per cent in 2018-19.</p>

<p>&quot;A series of major reforms undertaken over the past year will allow real GDP growth to reach 6.75 per cent this fiscal and will rise to 7 to 7.5 per cent in 2018-19, thereby re-instating India as the world&#39;s fastest growing major economy,&quot; it said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Outlook<br />
2017-18: Real GDP growth of 6.75%, nominal growth of 10.5%<br />
2018-19: Real growth of 7%-7.5% <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/economicsurvey18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#economicsurvey18</a> <a href="https://t.co/VAfz77JvGp">https://t.co/VAfz77JvGp</a> <a href="https://t.co/wDBgVfFqds">pic.twitter.com/wDBgVfFqds</a></p>
&mdash; arvind subramanian (@arvindsubraman) <a href="https://twitter.com/arvindsubraman/status/957873340512837632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The reform measures undertaken in 2017-18 can be strengthened further in 2018-19, it said.</p>

<p>The survey points out that India can be rated as among the best performing economies in the world as the average growth during last three years is around four percentage points higher than global growth and nearly three percentage points higher than that of emerging market and developing economies.</p>

<p>It said that the GDP growth has averaged 7.3 per cent from 2014-15 to 2017-18, which is the highest among the major economies of the world.</p>

<p>&quot;That this growth has been achieved in a milieu of lower inflation, improved current account balance and notable reduction in the fiscal deficit to GDP ratio makes it all the more creditable,&quot; it said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Post-demonetization and GST increase in new tax filers (over and above natural increase) of about 1.8 million and some boost to individual income tax collections (Ch 1, Box 2) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/economicsurvey18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#economicsurvey18</a> <a href="https://t.co/VAfz77JvGp">https://t.co/VAfz77JvGp</a> <a href="https://t.co/kMCeRt886y">pic.twitter.com/kMCeRt886y</a></p>
&mdash; arvind subramanian (@arvindsubraman) <a href="https://twitter.com/arvindsubraman/status/957874070665572352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The survey also said that the real estate sector has begun to show signs of improvement with the total FDI of US $257 million in first half of 2017, which is more than double the total FDI in 2016 full year.</p>

<p>&quot;With the enactment of Real Estate (Regulation &amp; Development) Act, 2016, it is anticipated that accountability would lead to higher growth across the real estate value chain, while compulsory disclosures and registrations would ensure transparency,&quot; it said.</p>

<p>The economic survey is an annual document of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and reviews the developments in the Indian economy over the previous 12 months, summarises the performance on major development programs, and highlights the policy initiatives of the government and the prospects of the economy in the short to medium term.</p>

<p>This document is presented to both Houses of Parliament during the Budget Session.</p>

<p>The annual survey was released ahead of the government&#39;s annual budget statement, due to be presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday.</p>

<p>The survey warned that the coming year could be challenging, and cautioned that persistently high oil prices remain a key risk for a country that relies on imports for much of its fuel needs.</p>


This year's survey points out that India can be rated as among the best performing economies as the average growth during last three years is around 4 percentage points higher than global growth

India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for 2018-19 has been projected at 7 to 7.5 per cent as per the Economic Survey 2017-18. Also read: 10 big takeaways from economic survey The document, which was tabled in Lok Sabha on Monday, noted that a series of major reforms undertaken over the past year will allow real GDP growth to reach 6.75 per cent this fiscal and will rise to 7.0 to 7.5 per cent in 2018-19. "A series of major reforms undertaken over the past year will allow real GDP growth to reach 6.75 per cent this fiscal and will rise to 7 to 7.5 per cent in 2018-19, thereby re-instating India as the world's fastest growing major economy," it said. Outlook 2017-18: Real GDP growth of 6.75%, nominal growth of 10.5% 2018-19: Real growth of 7%-7.5% #economicsurvey18 https://t.co/VAfz77JvGp pic.twitter.com/wDBgVfFqds — arvind subramanian (@arvindsubraman) January 29, 2018 × The reform measures undertaken in 2017-18 can be strengthened further in 2018-19, it said. The survey points out that India can be rated as among the best performing economies in the world as the average growth during last three years is around four percentage points higher than global growth and nearly three percentage points higher than that of emerging market and developing economies. It said that the GDP growth has averaged 7.3 per cent from 2014-15 to 2017-18, which is the highest among the major economies of the world. "That this growth has been achieved in a milieu of lower inflation, improved current account balance and notable reduction in the fiscal deficit to GDP ratio makes it all the more creditable," it said. Post-demonetization and GST increase in new tax filers (over and above natural increase) of about 1.8 million and some boost to individual income tax collections (Ch 1, Box 2) #economicsurvey18 https://t.co/VAfz77JvGp pic.twitter.com/kMCeRt886y — arvind subramanian (@arvindsubraman) January 29, 2018 × The survey also said that the real estate sector has begun to show signs of improvement with the total FDI of US $257 million in first half of 2017, which is more than double the total FDI in 2016 full year. "With the enactment of Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016, it is anticipated that accountability would lead to higher growth across the real estate value chain, while compulsory disclosures and registrations would ensure transparency," it said. The economic survey is an annual document of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and reviews the developments in the Indian economy over the previous 12 months, summarises the performance on major development programs, and highlights the policy initiatives of the government and the prospects of the economy in the short to medium term. This document is presented to both Houses of Parliament during the Budget Session. The annual survey was released ahead of the government's annual budget statement, due to be presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday. The survey warned that the coming year could be challenging, and cautioned that persistently high oil prices remain a key risk for a country that relies on imports for much of its fuel needs.

Economic Survey sees accelerating GDP growth, upswing in real estate sector

<p>Palestine on Saturday decided to recall its Ambassador to Pakistan, Walid Abu Ali, for sharing the stage with Hafiz Saeed.</p>

<p>The news was confirmed by Palestinian Ambassador to India Adnan Abu Al Haija.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Palestine has decided to recall its Ambassador to Pakistan, Walid Abu Ali, for sharing stage with Hafiz Saeed, confirms Palestinian Ambassador to India Adnan Abu Al Haija</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947076006786904064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier Government of India had strongly conveyed to the Palestinian side that the Palestinian Ambassador in Pakistan&#39;s association with terrorist Hafiz Saeed.</p>

<p>&quot;Government of India has strongly conveyed to the Palestinian side that the Palestinian Ambassador in Pakistan&#39;s association with terrorist Hafiz Saeed, who is prescribed by the United Nations, at an event in Rawalpindi on December 29&nbsp;is unacceptable,&quot; the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;The concerns were conveyed both in New Delhi to the Palestinian Ambassador and in Ramallah to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, State of Palestine,&#39;&#39; the release added.</p>

<p>&quot;The Palestinian side has conveyed deep regrets over the incident and assured the Government of India that they are taking serious cognizance of their Ambassador`s presence at this event. They have said they will deal with this matter appropriately.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Press release on India&rsquo;s reaction over the Palestinian Ambassador in Pakistan&rsquo;s association with terrorist Hafiz Saeed. <a href="https://t.co/tkrMPmcpNm">https://t.co/tkrMPmcpNm</a></p>
&mdash; Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/947071588033355776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&#39;&#39;It was also conveyed that Palestine highly values its relationship with India and stands with us in the war against terrorism, and will not engage with those who commit acts of terror against India.&#39;&#39;</p>

<p>&quot;We take note of the assurances given by the Palestine side,&quot; the statement added.</p>

<p>Palestine Ambassador to Pakistan Waleed Abu Ali on Friday shared the stage with Jamaat-ud-Dawa terror outfit chief Saeed at a rally organised by Difa-e-Pakistan Council, an umbrella organisation of hardline right-wing groups.</p>

<p>This comes after India joined 127 other countries to vote in the United Nations General Assembly in favour of a resolution opposing the recent decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the External Affairs Ministry statement, Palestine has also conveyed that it &quot;highly values its relationship with India and stands with us in the war against terrorism, and will not engage with those who commit acts of terror against India&quot;.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


"The concerns were conveyed both in New Delhi to the Palestinian Ambassador and in Ramallah to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, State of Palestine," the statement added.

Palestine on Saturday decided to recall its Ambassador to Pakistan, Walid Abu Ali, for sharing the stage with Hafiz Saeed. The news was confirmed by Palestinian Ambassador to India Adnan Abu Al Haija. Palestine has decided to recall its Ambassador to Pakistan, Walid Abu Ali, for sharing stage with Hafiz Saeed, confirms Palestinian Ambassador to India Adnan Abu Al Haija — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × Earlier Government of India had strongly conveyed to the Palestinian side that the Palestinian Ambassador in Pakistan's association with terrorist Hafiz Saeed. "Government of India has strongly conveyed to the Palestinian side that the Palestinian Ambassador in Pakistan's association with terrorist Hafiz Saeed, who is prescribed by the United Nations, at an event in Rawalpindi on December 29 is unacceptable," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. ''The concerns were conveyed both in New Delhi to the Palestinian Ambassador and in Ramallah to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, State of Palestine,'' the release added. "The Palestinian side has conveyed deep regrets over the incident and assured the Government of India that they are taking serious cognizance of their Ambassador`s presence at this event. They have said they will deal with this matter appropriately." Press release on India’s reaction over the Palestinian Ambassador in Pakistan’s association with terrorist Hafiz Saeed. https://t.co/tkrMPmcpNm — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) December 30, 2017 × ''It was also conveyed that Palestine highly values its relationship with India and stands with us in the war against terrorism, and will not engage with those who commit acts of terror against India.'' "We take note of the assurances given by the Palestine side," the statement added. Palestine Ambassador to Pakistan Waleed Abu Ali on Friday shared the stage with Jamaat-ud-Dawa terror outfit chief Saeed at a rally organised by Difa-e-Pakistan Council, an umbrella organisation of hardline right-wing groups. This comes after India joined 127 other countries to vote in the United Nations General Assembly in favour of a resolution opposing the recent decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. According to the External Affairs Ministry statement, Palestine has also conveyed that it "highly values its relationship with India and stands with us in the war against terrorism, and will not engage with those who commit acts of terror against India".

Palestine recalls its Ambassador to Pakistan for sharing stage with Hafiz Saeed

<p>The Centre has decided to bring in legislation during the winter session of Parliament to end the practice of triple talaq. Sources said that a ministerial committee has been constituted to frame a law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision comes in the wake of the judgement given by the Supreme Court of India in the matter of Shayara Bano vs Union of India and other connected matters. In a majority judgment, the court had set aside the practice of Talaq-e-biddat or triple talaq given by Muslim husbands.</p>

<p>The judgment upholds equal rights and the equal protection of every person enshrined under Article 14 of the Constitution, irrespective of majority or minority status. To give life to the order of the Supreme Court, the Centre has decided to take the matter forward and conferred within itself to either bring suitable legislation or amend existing provisions to make instantaneous triple talaq an offence.</p>

<p>Sources in the government say that the call for reforms in the personal law had arisen from the Muslim community itself. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had contended that on matters of religious practice, such as Talaq-e-biddat, it is for the legislature to make law. Sources say that the endeavour is to bring suitable legislation to end the practice.</p>

<p>Sources said the Centre has noticed that there have been reports of a&nbsp;number of divorces by way of Talaq-e-biddat happening even after the aforesaid judgement by the Supreme Court.</p>

<p>The Centre felt that this was because of two reasons.</p>

<p>Either the decision of the Supreme Court had not become common knowledge or the lack of deterrence was not changing the mindset on Talaq-e-biddat. In spite of advisories to members of the Muslim community against the practice, there seems to have been no decline in the practice of divorce by Talaq-e-biddat, the Centre noticed.</p>

<p>In a recent instance of Talaq-e-biddat, it was noticed that a person in a leading educational institution divorced his wife via WhatsApp and SMS. Subsequently, the wife approached the police.</p>

<p>The Centre says there may be many such unreported instances of triple talaq happening elsewhere in the country too.</p>

<p>The government feels that as the law stands today, the victims of Talaq-e-biddat&nbsp;have no option but to approach the police for the redressal of their grievances as the Muslim clergy would be of little assistance to them. Even police are helpless as no action can be taken against a husband giving triple talaq in the absence of punitive provisions in the law.</p>

<p>It is to this end that the government is enacting a legislation which will act as a deterrent to husbands divorcing their wives using triple talaq, and empowering Muslim women who find themselves helpless against the practice of &#39;Talaq-e-biddat&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).</em></p>


The government is enacting a legislation which will act as a deterrent to husbands divorcing their wives using triple talaq, and empowering Muslim women who find themselves helpless against the practice of 'Talaq-e-biddat'.

The Centre has decided to bring in legislation during the winter session of Parliament to end the practice of triple talaq. Sources said that a ministerial committee has been constituted to frame a law. The decision comes in the wake of the judgement given by the Supreme Court of India in the matter of Shayara Bano vs Union of India and other connected matters. In a majority judgment, the court had set aside the practice of Talaq-e-biddat or triple talaq given by Muslim husbands. The judgment upholds equal rights and the equal protection of every person enshrined under Article 14 of the Constitution, irrespective of majority or minority status. To give life to the order of the Supreme Court, the Centre has decided to take the matter forward and conferred within itself to either bring suitable legislation or amend existing provisions to make instantaneous triple talaq an offence. Sources in the government say that the call for reforms in the personal law had arisen from the Muslim community itself. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) had contended that on matters of religious practice, such as Talaq-e-biddat, it is for the legislature to make law. Sources say that the endeavour is to bring suitable legislation to end the practice. Sources said the Centre has noticed that there have been reports of a number of divorces by way of Talaq-e-biddat happening even after the aforesaid judgement by the Supreme Court. The Centre felt that this was because of two reasons. Either the decision of the Supreme Court had not become common knowledge or the lack of deterrence was not changing the mindset on Talaq-e-biddat. In spite of advisories to members of the Muslim community against the practice, there seems to have been no decline in the practice of divorce by Talaq-e-biddat, the Centre noticed. In a recent instance of Talaq-e-biddat, it was noticed that a person in a leading educational institution divorced his wife via WhatsApp and SMS. Subsequently, the wife approached the police. The Centre says there may be many such unreported instances of triple talaq happening elsewhere in the country too. The government feels that as the law stands today, the victims of Talaq-e-biddat have no option but to approach the police for the redressal of their grievances as the Muslim clergy would be of little assistance to them. Even police are helpless as no action can be taken against a husband giving triple talaq in the absence of punitive provisions in the law. It is to this end that the government is enacting a legislation which will act as a deterrent to husbands divorcing their wives using triple talaq, and empowering Muslim women who find themselves helpless against the practice of 'Talaq-e-biddat'. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why there is a need for Triple Talaq bill

<p>The Supreme Court told the Centre Thursday to ensure that the fast-track&nbsp;courts that will decide pending cases against MPs and MLAs start functioning from March 1, 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-set-special-courts-for-speedy-trial-of-mps-mlas-pending-cases-26535" target="_blank">Will set up 12 special courts to decide criminal cases pending against MPs, MLAs, Centre tells SC</a></p>

<p>The court directed the Centre to allocate Rs 7.8 crore proportionally to the states where the 12 special courts will be set up.</p>

<p>The court added that the courts will be set up by the state governments in consultation with high courts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court told the Centre it had two months&#39; time to collect and collate data of all cases pending against MPs and MLAs across the country.&nbsp;</p>


The court added that the courts will be set up by the state governments in consultation with high courts

The Supreme Court told the Centre Thursday to ensure that the fast-track courts that will decide pending cases against MPs and MLAs start functioning from March 1, 2018. Also read: Will set up 12 special courts to decide criminal cases pending against MPs, MLAs, Centre tells SC The court directed the Centre to allocate Rs 7.8 crore proportionally to the states where the 12 special courts will be set up. The court added that the courts will be set up by the state governments in consultation with high courts. The court told the Centre it had two months' time to collect and collate data of all cases pending against MPs and MLAs across the country.

SC to Centre: Ensure courts deciding cases against MPs, MLAs start functioning from March 1

<p>The government has withdrawn the December 31 deadline for mandatory quoting of national biometric identifier Aadhaar and PAN for certain financial transactions like opening of a bank account.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Has been decided by Government to notify 31st March, 2018 or 6 months from date of commencement of bank account based relationship by the client, whichever is later, as date of submission of Aadhaar number&amp; PAN or Form 60 by the clients to the reporting entity: Finance Ministry</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940910260532867072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The new rule notified in the Gazette modifies the Prevention of Money Laundering Act of 2002 to replace the requirement of submitting &quot;the Aadhaar number and Permanent Account Number by December 31, 2017&quot; with a provision saying &quot;submit the Aadhaar number, and Permanent Account Number or Form No. 60, by such date as may be notified by the Central Government&quot;.</p>

<p>While the 12-digit Aadhaar is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), PAN is allotted by the Income Tax Department. Form 60 is a declaration filed by an individual or a person (not being a company or firm) who does not have a PAN and who enters into any specified transaction.</p>

<p>Tuesday&#39;s notification by the Department of Revenue in the finance ministry effectively paves the way for extending the deadline for mandatory quoting of Aadhaar for activities like the opening of a bank account.</p>

<p>This is in line with the Centre last week informing the Supreme Court that it is willing to extend till March 31 the deadline fixed for mandatory linking of Aadhaar to avail various services and welfare schemes.</p>

<p>On December 7, the deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar was extended by three months to March 31, 2018.</p>

<p>Under the PMLA, Aadhaar, PAN and other official documents are required to be obtained by banks and financial institutions from anyone opening a bank account as well as for any financial transaction of Rs 50,000 and above.</p>

<p>The notification issued on Tuesday stated that accounts where Aadhaar and PAN are not furnished by the date notified by the government will cease to be operational.</p>

<p>If the account holder &quot;fails to submit the Aadhaar number and PAN by such date as may be notified by the central government, the said account shall cease to be operational till the time the Aadhaar number and Permanent Account Number are submitted by the client&quot;, it said.</p>

<p>The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) forms the core of the legal framework put in place by India to combat money laundering and generation of black money.</p>

<p>The PMLA and its rules impose an obligation on reporting entities like banks, financial institutions and intermediaries to verify the identity of clients, maintain records and furnish information to the Financial Intelligence Unit of India (FIU-IND).</p>

<p>As per Rule 9, every reporting entity shall at the time of commencement of an account-based relationship identify its clients, verify their identity and obtain information on the purpose and intended nature of the business relationship.<br />
Intermediaries like stockbroker, chit fund company, cooperative bank, housing finance institution and non-banking finance companies are also classified as reporting entities.</p>

<p>The broad rule also applies to all cash dealing of more than Rs 10 lakh or its equivalent in foreign currency, cash transactions where forged or counterfeit currency notes have been used and all suspicious dealings.</p>

<p>All cross-border wire transfers of more than Rs 5 lakh in foreign currency and purchase and sale of immovable property valued at Rs 50 lakh or more also fall under this category, according to the reporting rules.</p>

<p>Tuesday&#39;s notification said amendments are being made in Rule 9 of the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005.</p>


The government has withdrawn the December 31 deadline for mandatory quoting of national biometric identifier Aadhaar and PAN for certain financial transactions like opening of a bank account. Has been decided by Government to notify 31st March, 2018 or 6 months from date of commencement of bank account based relationship by the client, whichever is later, as date of submission of Aadhaar number& PAN or Form 60 by the clients to the reporting entity: Finance Ministry — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2017 × The new rule notified in the Gazette modifies the Prevention of Money Laundering Act of 2002 to replace the requirement of submitting "the Aadhaar number and Permanent Account Number by December 31, 2017" with a provision saying "submit the Aadhaar number, and Permanent Account Number or Form No. 60, by such date as may be notified by the Central Government". While the 12-digit Aadhaar is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), PAN is allotted by the Income Tax Department. Form 60 is a declaration filed by an individual or a person (not being a company or firm) who does not have a PAN and who enters into any specified transaction. Tuesday's notification by the Department of Revenue in the finance ministry effectively paves the way for extending the deadline for mandatory quoting of Aadhaar for activities like the opening of a bank account. This is in line with the Centre last week informing the Supreme Court that it is willing to extend till March 31 the deadline fixed for mandatory linking of Aadhaar to avail various services and welfare schemes. On December 7, the deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar was extended by three months to March 31, 2018. Under the PMLA, Aadhaar, PAN and other official documents are required to be obtained by banks and financial institutions from anyone opening a bank account as well as for any financial transaction of Rs 50,000 and above. The notification issued on Tuesday stated that accounts where Aadhaar and PAN are not furnished by the date notified by the government will cease to be operational. If the account holder "fails to submit the Aadhaar number and PAN by such date as may be notified by the central government, the said account shall cease to be operational till the time the Aadhaar number and Permanent Account Number are submitted by the client", it said. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) forms the core of the legal framework put in place by India to combat money laundering and generation of black money. The PMLA and its rules impose an obligation on reporting entities like banks, financial institutions and intermediaries to verify the identity of clients, maintain records and furnish information to the Financial Intelligence Unit of India (FIU-IND). As per Rule 9, every reporting entity shall at the time of commencement of an account-based relationship identify its clients, verify their identity and obtain information on the purpose and intended nature of the business relationship. Intermediaries like stockbroker, chit fund company, cooperative bank, housing finance institution and non-banking finance companies are also classified as reporting entities. The broad rule also applies to all cash dealing of more than Rs 10 lakh or its equivalent in foreign currency, cash transactions where forged or counterfeit currency notes have been used and all suspicious dealings. All cross-border wire transfers of more than Rs 5 lakh in foreign currency and purchase and sale of immovable property valued at Rs 50 lakh or more also fall under this category, according to the reporting rules. Tuesday's notification said amendments are being made in Rule 9 of the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005.

Aadhaar-PAN linking: Government extends deadline to March 31

<p>Contradicting itself, the government has told the Supreme Court that the privacy of personal data is integral to the right to life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, additional solicitor general PS Narasimha told the court: &quot;Personal data is an extension of an individual&#39;s personality. Data of a personality is integral to right to life guaranteed under Article 21.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court was hearing a petition against WhatsApp sharing user data with its new parent company Facebook.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The stand though is contradictory to the one the government has taken in the Aadhar case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Arguing a petition against Aadhar, attorney general KK Venugopal had told the court -- while referring to two earlier judgements by it -- that privacy is a common law right and that the&nbsp;petitioners therefore cannot complain about breach of privacy because of the collection of biometric data. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Common law is the part of law&nbsp;derived from custom and judicial precedent rather than statutes.</p>

<p><br />
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Additional solicitor general PS Narasimha told the court: 'Personal data is an extension of an individual's personality. Data of a personality is integral to right to life guaranteed under Article 21'

Contradicting itself, the government has told the Supreme Court that the privacy of personal data is integral to the right to life. On Friday, additional solicitor general PS Narasimha told the court: "Personal data is an extension of an individual's personality. Data of a personality is integral to right to life guaranteed under Article 21." The court was hearing a petition against WhatsApp sharing user data with its new parent company Facebook. The stand though is contradictory to the one the government has taken in the Aadhar case. Arguing a petition against Aadhar, attorney general KK Venugopal had told the court -- while referring to two earlier judgements by it -- that privacy is a common law right and that the petitioners therefore cannot complain about breach of privacy because of the collection of biometric data. Common law is the part of law derived from custom and judicial precedent rather than statutes.

Contradicting itself, govt tells SC privacy of personal data integral to right to life

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Aadhaar-PAN linking: Government extends deadline to March 31

Contradicting itself, govt tells SC privacy of personal data integral to right to life