Indian shares edged higher on Monday, driven mostly by a surge in banking stocks after the top court last week provided relief to lenders in a case related to a steel company and on hopes of more support from the government towards ailing sectors.

The Supreme Court on Friday cleared the path for steelmaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/supreme-court-clears-path-for-arcelormittal-to-acquire-essar-steel-262263">ArcelorMittal SA to take over</a> bankrupt Essar Steel, and the judgment comes as a big reprieve for banks which are struggling with bad loans worth $140 billion.

"The Essar Steel verdict is very positive for the banking sector. Also, the banking sector results have been marginally better than expected," said Vinod Nair, head of research at Geojit Financial Services.

The government is coming up with positive measures to help the economy and ailing sectors like telecom, boosting investor confidence, he added.

The finance minister said on Friday the government was discussing the issue around telecom companies, but no final call had been taken yet.

This comes after India's two top mobile carriers warned last week that their ability to operate and make profits would depend on relief from the government.

The NSE Nifty 50 index was up 0.1 per cent&nbsp;at 11,903 as of 0410 GMT, while the S&amp;P BSE&nbsp;Sensex&nbsp;was 0.3 per cent&nbsp;higher at 40,495.

The Nifty public sector bank index was the top gainer, rising 1.4 per cent. State Bank of India led the rally with a rise of 1.8 per cent.

Indian shares edged higher on Monday, driven mostly by a surge in banking stocks after the top court last week provided relief to lenders in a case related to a steel company and on hopes of more support from the government towards ailing sectors.

Indian shares edged higher on Monday, driven mostly by a surge in banking stocks after the top court last week provided relief to lenders in a case related to a steel company and on hopes of more support from the government towards ailing sectors. The Supreme Court on Friday cleared the path for steelmaker ArcelorMittal SA to take over bankrupt Essar Steel, and the judgment comes as a big reprieve for banks which are struggling with bad loans worth $140 billion. "The Essar Steel verdict is very positive for the banking sector. Also, the banking sector results have been marginally better than expected," said Vinod Nair, head of research at Geojit Financial Services. The government is coming up with positive measures to help the economy and ailing sectors like telecom, boosting investor confidence, he added. The finance minister said on Friday the government was discussing the issue around telecom companies, but no final call had been taken yet. This comes after India's two top mobile carriers warned last week that their ability to operate and make profits would depend on relief from the government. The NSE Nifty 50 index was up 0.1 per cent at 11,903 as of 0410 GMT, while the S&P BSE Sensex was 0.3 per cent higher at 40,495. The Nifty public sector bank index was the top gainer, rising 1.4 per cent. State Bank of India led the rally with a rise of 1.8 per cent.

Nifty, Sensex tick up; Public sector banks lead gains

The number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../wion-edit-will-artificial-intelligence-lead-to-job- losses-260746">Indian students</a> studying in the United States increased by nearly three per cent in 2018-19 over the last year to 202,014, as per the 2019 Open Doors Report released on Monday.

This marks the sixth consecutive year that the total number of Indians pursuing their higher education in the US has grown, the US embassy in New Delhi said in a release.

The report, which provides an annual statistical survey on international students in the US, shows that Indians make up over 18 percent of all international students in the US, and provides the second-highest number of graduate students and third-highest undergraduate students.

Speaking on the occasion of the release of the report at the United States India Educational Foundation (USIEF), the US Embassy's Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs, Charisse Phillips, said, "Student exchanges between our two countries (India and the US) help strengthen the foundation upon which our strategic partnership is built. Indian students are looking for a great education and the United States offers the best return on this investment."

In 2018-19, US colleges and universities hosted more than one million international students for the fourth consecutive year, while the total number of international students expanded for the thirteenth consecutive year.

The top places of origin for international students studying in the US were China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil and Mexico, while the top host states were California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.

The number of Indian students studying in the United States increased by nearly three per cent in 2018-19 over the last year to 202,014, as per the 2019 Open Doors Report released on Monday.

The number of Indian students studying in the United States increased by nearly three per cent in 2018-19 over the last year to 202,014, as per the 2019 Open Doors Report released on Monday. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the total number of Indians pursuing their higher education in the US has grown, the US embassy in New Delhi said in a release. The report, which provides an annual statistical survey on international students in the US, shows that Indians make up over 18 percent of all international students in the US, and provides the second-highest number of graduate students and third-highest undergraduate students. Speaking on the occasion of the release of the report at the United States India Educational Foundation (USIEF), the US Embassy's Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs, Charisse Phillips, said, "Student exchanges between our two countries (India and the US) help strengthen the foundation upon which our strategic partnership is built. Indian students are looking for a great education and the United States offers the best return on this investment." In 2018-19, US colleges and universities hosted more than one million international students for the fourth consecutive year, while the total number of international students expanded for the thirteenth consecutive year. The top places of origin for international students studying in the US were China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil and Mexico, while the top host states were California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.

Indians studying in US increase by 3 per cent in 2018-19: Report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he looks forward to a productive winter session of Parliament.

In a post on social media, the PM, who took part in an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the winter session of Parliament beginning on Monday, said, "Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development-oriented issues would be discussed."

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Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. 
 
We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development oriented issues would be discussed. <a href="https://t.co/EsNze39bSA">pic.twitter.com/EsNze39bSA</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1195732108112732160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Apart from Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and his junior Arjun Ram Meghwal, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK's TR Baalu, BSP's Danish Ali, LJP's Chirag Paswan and AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi were among the leaders present at the all-party meeting, called by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that issues raised by political parties during the all-party meeting will be discussed in Parliament`s Winter Session which will start Monday.

"All political parties have given the assurance that they will try to run the House in a good way with the cooperation of everyone," he said.

With the government set to table several important Bills including Citizenship Amendment Bill, the winter session is expected to be stormy.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he looks forward to a productive winter session of Parliament. In a post on social media, the PM, who took part in an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the winter session of Parliament beginning on Monday, said, "Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he looks forward to a productive winter session of Parliament. In a post on social media, the PM, who took part in an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of the winter session of Parliament beginning on Monday, said, "Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development-oriented issues would be discussed." Had a wonderful interaction with leaders and MPs across party lines this evening. We look forward to a productive Parliament session, where people-centric and development oriented issues would be discussed. pic.twitter.com/EsNze39bSA — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 16, 2019 × Apart from Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and his junior Arjun Ram Meghwal, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, DMK's TR Baalu, BSP's Danish Ali, LJP's Chirag Paswan and AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi were among the leaders present at the all-party meeting, called by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that issues raised by political parties during the all-party meeting will be discussed in Parliament`s Winter Session which will start Monday. "All political parties have given the assurance that they will try to run the House in a good way with the cooperation of everyone," he said. With the government set to table several important Bills including Citizenship Amendment Bill, the winter session is expected to be stormy. (With inputs from agencies)

Look forward to a productive Parliament session: PM Narendra Modi

India hit out at Pakistan`s ''juvenile propaganda'' over the Supreme Court`s historic verdict on Ayodhya land dispute and Kashmir's transformation into union territories, saying the 'fabricated lies is interference in India's internal affairs'.&nbsp;

Ananya Agarwal, who was leading the Indian delegation did not mince her words when India exercised its right to reply.

"Mr President, we take this chair to refute Pakistan`s juvenile propaganda to malign India through fabricated lies, full of deceit and deception. We condemn the unwarranted comments made by Pakistan on the judgment made by the Supreme Court of India. The judgment is about the rule of law, equal respect for all faiths, concepts that are alien to Pakistan and its ethos," she said while addressing the 40th UNESCO General Conference - General Policy Debate in Paris.

"So, while Pakistan's lack of comprehension is not surprising their pathological compulsion to comment on our internal affairs with the obvious interest of spreading hatred is condemnable. Pakistan's intervention is interference in India`s internal affairs. It is unacceptable and rejected," she added.&nbsp;

Speaking at the world body the Indian diplomat said that the cash-strapped nation itself is "DNA of terrorism".

For most nations, global bodies like the UNESCO are platforms to raise important issues and foster cooperation but Pakistan is not like most nations, she added.

The remarks came after Pakistan`s Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood commented on the Indian Supreme Court`s decision on Ayodhya, which he said was not in line with UNESCO's values of religious freedom.

India hit out at Pakistan`s ''juvenile propaganda'' over the Supreme Court`s historic verdict on Ayodhya land dispute and Kashmir's transformation into union territories, saying the 'fabricated lies is interference in India's internal affairs'.

India hit out at Pakistan`s ''juvenile propaganda'' over the Supreme Court`s historic verdict on Ayodhya land dispute and Kashmir's transformation into union territories, saying the 'fabricated lies is interference in India's internal affairs'. Ananya Agarwal, who was leading the Indian delegation did not mince her words when India exercised its right to reply. "Mr President, we take this chair to refute Pakistan`s juvenile propaganda to malign India through fabricated lies, full of deceit and deception. We condemn the unwarranted comments made by Pakistan on the judgment made by the Supreme Court of India. The judgment is about the rule of law, equal respect for all faiths, concepts that are alien to Pakistan and its ethos," she said while addressing the 40th UNESCO General Conference - General Policy Debate in Paris. "So, while Pakistan's lack of comprehension is not surprising their pathological compulsion to comment on our internal affairs with the obvious interest of spreading hatred is condemnable. Pakistan's intervention is interference in India`s internal affairs. It is unacceptable and rejected," she added. Speaking at the world body the Indian diplomat said that the cash-strapped nation itself is "DNA of terrorism". For most nations, global bodies like the UNESCO are platforms to raise important issues and foster cooperation but Pakistan is not like most nations, she added. The remarks came after Pakistan`s Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood commented on the Indian Supreme Court`s decision on Ayodhya, which he said was not in line with UNESCO's values of religious freedom.

Pakistan has 'DNA of terrorism': India responds to Pakistan's propaganda on Jammu and Kashmir at UNESCO

India played out a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../first-time-in-nearly-40-years-women-in-iran- attend-football-match-255102"> FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers</a> at the Central Republican Stadium here on Thursday.

Afghanistan opened the scoring at the stroke of half-time through Zelfagar Nazary, but super-sub Seiminlen Doungel headed in his first goal for India to equalise in the 93rd minute as the spoils were shared.

With this result, India now have three points from four matches in Group E -- this being their third draw in a row.

In their previous encounter at home to Bangladesh, it was Adil Khan who scored the equaliser in front of a packed house in Kolkata to earn the Blue Tigers a point. 
This time, Doungel scored in added time of the second half. Following Brandon's corner, Doungel leapt higher than all and headed it home much to the relief of the Indian fans and bench.

The first half saw the Blue Tigers start well with Pritam Kotal creating a couple of crossing opportunities from the right flank which was cleared by the Afghan defence.

The best chance for India came in the 27th minute, thanks to some excellent pressing. Sahal Abdul Samad and Ashique Kuruniyan teamed up to force an error at the edge of the Afghanistan penalty area, with the latter's shot just going off target.

Seven minutes later, Ashique looked to create another opportunity as he looked dangerous down the left flank. He went past two defenders to enter the penalty area but was denied at the last moment by a third, who cleared the ball away.

Afghanistan came up with a shot on target from distance in the 39th minute through Faysal Shayesteh, which was turned around the post by a diving Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

It looked as if both teams would enter the dressing room with the goalless scoreline but Afghanistan broke the deadlock through Zelfagar Nazary. Full-back David Najem crossed the ball from the right flank and it was converted by Zelfagar.

India created the last chance before the breakthrough Brandon Fernandes, who came up with a rasping drive from long range which went just wide of the goal.

Farukh Choudhary was introduced by Igor Stimac at the start of the second half, in place of Mandar Rao Dessai, and fashioned a shooting opportunity five minutes after the changeover. Cutting in from the left he fired in a shot from the top of the 18-yard box which was wide of the mark.

Ashique took the role of left-back and was a threat with his crosses, producing a fine cross in the 58th minute that just evaded an onrushing Sunil Chhetri. Pritam crossed it in from the right subsequently, which was met by Sunil this time, whose header was off target but saved by a diving Ovays Azizi in the Afghan goal.

The woodwork prevented Afghanistan from extending the lead six minutes after the hour mark. Substitute Noraollah Amiri came up with a powerful shot from 25 yards out that hit the crossbar and went out of play.

On the other side, it was a matter of inches yet again -- on two occasions -- as Sunil came close to scoring. He got his head to a cross from Pritam in the 67th minute but it was clawed away for a corner by Ovays again.

From the resulting set-piece, Brandon fired in a curling delivery that found Sunil, whose header from close range went just over the bar.

Gurpreet was called into action in the 77th minute and did well to palm the ball away from a long-range strike, with Seiminlen Doungel coming on for Pritam as the away side pressed for the leveller.

With two minutes to go, Brandon came up with a shot from 25 yards, which deflected off the defender and was saved by the Afghan custodian.

India played out a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers at the Central Republican Stadium here on Thursday. Afghanistan opened the scoring at the stroke of half-time through Zelfagar Nazary, but super-sub Seiminlen Doungel headed in his first goal for India to equalise in the 93rd minute as the spoils were shared.

India played out a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers at the Central Republican Stadium here on Thursday. Afghanistan opened the scoring at the stroke of half-time through Zelfagar Nazary, but super-sub Seiminlen Doungel headed in his first goal for India to equalise in the 93rd minute as the spoils were shared. With this result, India now have three points from four matches in Group E -- this being their third draw in a row. In their previous encounter at home to Bangladesh, it was Adil Khan who scored the equaliser in front of a packed house in Kolkata to earn the Blue Tigers a point. This time, Doungel scored in added time of the second half. Following Brandon's corner, Doungel leapt higher than all and headed it home much to the relief of the Indian fans and bench. The first half saw the Blue Tigers start well with Pritam Kotal creating a couple of crossing opportunities from the right flank which was cleared by the Afghan defence. The best chance for India came in the 27th minute, thanks to some excellent pressing. Sahal Abdul Samad and Ashique Kuruniyan teamed up to force an error at the edge of the Afghanistan penalty area, with the latter's shot just going off target. Seven minutes later, Ashique looked to create another opportunity as he looked dangerous down the left flank. He went past two defenders to enter the penalty area but was denied at the last moment by a third, who cleared the ball away. Afghanistan came up with a shot on target from distance in the 39th minute through Faysal Shayesteh, which was turned around the post by a diving Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. It looked as if both teams would enter the dressing room with the goalless scoreline but Afghanistan broke the deadlock through Zelfagar Nazary. Full-back David Najem crossed the ball from the right flank and it was converted by Zelfagar. India created the last chance before the breakthrough Brandon Fernandes, who came up with a rasping drive from long range which went just wide of the goal. Farukh Choudhary was introduced by Igor Stimac at the start of the second half, in place of Mandar Rao Dessai, and fashioned a shooting opportunity five minutes after the changeover. Cutting in from the left he fired in a shot from the top of the 18-yard box which was wide of the mark. Ashique took the role of left-back and was a threat with his crosses, producing a fine cross in the 58th minute that just evaded an onrushing Sunil Chhetri. Pritam crossed it in from the right subsequently, which was met by Sunil this time, whose header was off target but saved by a diving Ovays Azizi in the Afghan goal. The woodwork prevented Afghanistan from extending the lead six minutes after the hour mark. Substitute Noraollah Amiri came up with a powerful shot from 25 yards out that hit the crossbar and went out of play. On the other side, it was a matter of inches yet again -- on two occasions -- as Sunil came close to scoring. He got his head to a cross from Pritam in the 67th minute but it was clawed away for a corner by Ovays again. From the resulting set-piece, Brandon fired in a curling delivery that found Sunil, whose header from close range went just over the bar. Gurpreet was called into action in the 77th minute and did well to palm the ball away from a long-range strike, with Seiminlen Doungel coming on for Pritam as the away side pressed for the leveller. With two minutes to go, Brandon came up with a shot from 25 yards, which deflected off the defender and was saved by the Afghan custodian.

India manage to pull off a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan after a last minute header in FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier

Leaders of the BRICS group of emerging economies on Wednesday criticised what they view as politically motivated protectionism at a time of a global slowdown and said their countries are doing their best to counter the trend.

At their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brics-summit-2019-pm-modi-meets-russian-president-putin-261934">annual summit</a>, the leaders of China, Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa called for greater inter-BRICS trade and investment and urged the group's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-nations-to-study-adding-countries-to-development-bank-261746">New Development Bank</a> to pump more funding into infrastructure and sustainable growth.

"Protectionist and bullying counter-currents bring shocks to international trade, adding to downward pressure on the world economy," Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country is locked in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-china-trade-deal-close-but-dashes-hopes-for-signing-details-261767">trade war with the United States</a>, told the summit in Brazil.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said global growth rates have been declining without interruption since the beginning of 2018 and will reach the lowest point in 10 years, citing International Monetary Fund forecasts.

"The BRICS countries are making considerable contributions to support growth," Putin said.

"The global economy has been influenced by the wide usage of unfair competition in trade, unilateral sanctions, including those that are politically motivated, and protectionism is flourishing," Putin said.

India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-narendra-modi-arrives-in-brazil-for-brics-summit-261796">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> said his country aims to be a $5 trillion economy by 2024, up from 2.6 trillion in 2018. He said that BRICS targets for investment and trade must be more ambitious and welcomed suggestions to further reduce trade costs.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said Brazil is recovering international confidence but needs more economic reforms to create a more attractive business atmosphere for investors.

A meeting between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-announce-billion-dollar-investment-in-brazilian-port-of-sao-luis-sources-261959">Bolsonaro and Xi</a> earlier in the day showcased how far relations have come since last year. Bolsonaro repeatedly bashed China in the lead up to last October's elections in Brazil, creating concerns that he could disrupt BRICS, one of the world's biggest trading partnerships.

China's growing presence had made it a target for Bolsonaro's nationalist rhetoric, including a repeated complaint: "The Chinese are not buying in Brazil. They are buying Brazil."

Since he took office, diplomats and business leaders in both countries have persuaded Bolsonaro to tone down his anti-China rhetoric.

"We want to more than expand, we want to diversify our trade relationship," Bolsonaro said at the event with Xi.

While diplomatic ceremonies highlighted common ground, not far across town a dispute over the Venezuelan embassy dredged up differences on one of Latin America's most pressing issues.

China and Russia back Venezuela's leftist President Nicolas Maduro, but Bolsonaro sees opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's legitimate leader.

Supporters of Maduro and Guaido came to blows on Wednesday after representatives for Guaido entered the embassy in Brasilia in what Venezuela's foreign minister called a forceful invasion. The Brazilian government persuaded them to leave after 11 hours.

Leaders of the BRICS group of emerging economies on Wednesday criticised what they view as politically motivated protectionism at a time of a global slowdown and said their countries are doing their best to counter the trend.

Leaders of the BRICS group of emerging economies on Wednesday criticised what they view as politically motivated protectionism at a time of a global slowdown and said their countries are doing their best to counter the trend. At their annual summit, the leaders of China, Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa called for greater inter-BRICS trade and investment and urged the group's New Development Bank to pump more funding into infrastructure and sustainable growth. "Protectionist and bullying counter-currents bring shocks to international trade, adding to downward pressure on the world economy," Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country is locked in a trade war with the United States, told the summit in Brazil. Russian President Vladimir Putin said global growth rates have been declining without interruption since the beginning of 2018 and will reach the lowest point in 10 years, citing International Monetary Fund forecasts. "The BRICS countries are making considerable contributions to support growth," Putin said. "The global economy has been influenced by the wide usage of unfair competition in trade, unilateral sanctions, including those that are politically motivated, and protectionism is flourishing," Putin said. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his country aims to be a $5 trillion economy by 2024, up from 2.6 trillion in 2018. He said that BRICS targets for investment and trade must be more ambitious and welcomed suggestions to further reduce trade costs. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said Brazil is recovering international confidence but needs more economic reforms to create a more attractive business atmosphere for investors. A meeting between Bolsonaro and Xi earlier in the day showcased how far relations have come since last year. Bolsonaro repeatedly bashed China in the lead up to last October's elections in Brazil, creating concerns that he could disrupt BRICS, one of the world's biggest trading partnerships. China's growing presence had made it a target for Bolsonaro's nationalist rhetoric, including a repeated complaint: "The Chinese are not buying in Brazil. They are buying Brazil." Since he took office, diplomats and business leaders in both countries have persuaded Bolsonaro to tone down his anti-China rhetoric. "We want to more than expand, we want to diversify our trade relationship," Bolsonaro said at the event with Xi. While diplomatic ceremonies highlighted common ground, not far across town a dispute over the Venezuelan embassy dredged up differences on one of Latin America's most pressing issues. China and Russia back Venezuela's leftist President Nicolas Maduro, but Bolsonaro sees opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's legitimate leader. Supporters of Maduro and Guaido came to blows on Wednesday after representatives for Guaido entered the embassy in Brasilia in what Venezuela's foreign minister called a forceful invasion. The Brazilian government persuaded them to leave after 11 hours.

BRICS leaders rail against 'bullying' protectionism

Leaders of the BRICS group of leading emerging economy nations meeting this week will discuss opening their development bank to other countries to increase its capital to fund infrastructure and other projects, diplomats and the bank's head said.

The New Development Bank (NDB) launched in 2014 by China, India, Russia, Brazil and South Africa has a subscribed capital of $50 billion, of which $10 billion is paid capital.

Diplomats for Brazil and one other BRICS nation said expansion of the bank is on the agenda at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-to-visit-brazil-for-brics-summit-261491">annual summit</a> November&nbsp;13-14.

NDB President K.V. Kamath said the bank's membership is open to all members of the United Nations and its mandate is to mobilize funds for sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries.

"The membership will be expanded gradually," he told Reuters in an interview by email but declined to name any countries.

Kamath rebuffed criticism that the bank has taken a long time to deliver loans to help boost economies amid slowing global growth.

"The NDB has gone a long way in four years, something that took some of our peer institutions decades to achieve," he said referring to other multilateral lending institutions.

As of Monday, the bank's total project approvals stood at $12.5 billion for 45 projects. In 2019 alone it approved 14 loans worth $4.4 billion, he said.

By the end of 2019, the bank projects total approvals to reach $14 billion to $15 billion, almost double the portfolio of the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Among recent loans, the bank last month approved $500 million for Brazil's national Climate Fund project, known as Fundo Clima in Portuguese, which is aimed at helping the country meet its Nationally Determined Contribution, a target reducing carbon emissions under the Paris climate accord.

Leaders of the BRICS group of leading emerging economy nations meeting this week will discuss opening their development bank to other countries to increase its capital to fund infrastructure and other projects, diplomats and the bank's head said.

Leaders of the BRICS group of leading emerging economy nations meeting this week will discuss opening their development bank to other countries to increase its capital to fund infrastructure and other projects, diplomats and the bank's head said. The New Development Bank (NDB) launched in 2014 by China, India, Russia, Brazil and South Africa has a subscribed capital of $50 billion, of which $10 billion is paid capital. Diplomats for Brazil and one other BRICS nation said expansion of the bank is on the agenda at the annual summit November 13-14. NDB President K.V. Kamath said the bank's membership is open to all members of the United Nations and its mandate is to mobilize funds for sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries. "The membership will be expanded gradually," he told Reuters in an interview by email but declined to name any countries. Kamath rebuffed criticism that the bank has taken a long time to deliver loans to help boost economies amid slowing global growth. "The NDB has gone a long way in four years, something that took some of our peer institutions decades to achieve," he said referring to other multilateral lending institutions. As of Monday, the bank's total project approvals stood at $12.5 billion for 45 projects. In 2019 alone it approved 14 loans worth $4.4 billion, he said. By the end of 2019, the bank projects total approvals to reach $14 billion to $15 billion, almost double the portfolio of the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Among recent loans, the bank last month approved $500 million for Brazil's national Climate Fund project, known as Fundo Clima in Portuguese, which is aimed at helping the country meet its Nationally Determined Contribution, a target reducing carbon emissions under the Paris climate accord.

BRICS nations to study adding more countries to development bank

Pakistan Army has said that they are considering legal options to review and reconsider <a href="wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-set-to-amend-army-act-for-kulbhushan-jadhav-to-appeal-261785">Kulbhushan Jadhav's case</a>. In a tweet, Pak army spokesperson Major General Asif Gafoor said, "Various legal options for review and reconsideration of the case are being considered. Final status shall be shared in due course of time."

There hasn't been any reaction from India on the development but it could be considered as a positive development in the case given that Pakistan still has to fully implement the International Court of Justice's order.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, New Delhi got a major diplomatic victory at the International Court of Justice with the world court calling Pakistan to "provide Indian consular officers access to him in accordance with Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on consular relations."

On September 2, India got first consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav in three years with Indian Deputy High commissioner (DHC) Gaurav Ahluwalia in Islamabad meeting him for two hours. The Indian diplomat found Jadhav under "extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims", according to a release issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Pakistan Army spokesperson called reports of amending Pak Army Act, to give Kulbhushan the right to appeal in a civilian court, as incorrect. Earlier in the day, Pak government sources hinted at the amendment of the act under which no appeals can be made under civilian court.&nbsp;

Pakistan Army has said that they are considering legal options to review and reconsider Kulbhushan Jadhav's case. In a tweet, Pak army spokesperson Major General Asif Gafoor said, "Various legal options for review and reconsideration of the case are being considered.

Pakistan Army has said that they are considering legal options to review and reconsider Kulbhushan Jadhav's case. In a tweet, Pak army spokesperson Major General Asif Gafoor said, "Various legal options for review and reconsideration of the case are being considered. Final status shall be shared in due course of time." There hasn't been any reaction from India on the development but it could be considered as a positive development in the case given that Pakistan still has to fully implement the International Court of Justice's order. Earlier this year, New Delhi got a major diplomatic victory at the International Court of Justice with the world court calling Pakistan to "provide Indian consular officers access to him in accordance with Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on consular relations." On September 2, India got first consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav in three years with Indian Deputy High commissioner (DHC) Gaurav Ahluwalia in Islamabad meeting him for two hours. The Indian diplomat found Jadhav under "extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims", according to a release issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs. Pakistan Army spokesperson called reports of amending Pak Army Act, to give Kulbhushan the right to appeal in a civilian court, as incorrect. Earlier in the day, Pak government sources hinted at the amendment of the act under which no appeals can be made under civilian court.

Legal options for review of Kulbhushan case under consideration: Pakistan Army

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah wished the nation on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

"This is a day to rededicate ourselves to fulfilling Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji`s dream of a just, inclusive and harmonious society," Modi&nbsp;tweeted.

The Prime Minister also tweeted a video showcasing his visit to the Kartarpur Corridor along with a part of his speech from the inauguration of the Corridor, on November 9, where he had called on everyone to take inspirations from life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev.

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Today, on the very special occasion of the 550th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, my greetings to everyone. This is a day to rededicate ourselves to fulfilling Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s dream of a just, inclusive and harmonious society. <a href="https://t.co/8LLUU0a3Jg">pic.twitter.com/8LLUU0a3Jg</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1194086013351735303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught us the importance of living with true values and also gave an economic system based on honesty and self-confidence," he outlined.

Similarly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his "hearty greetings to the entire countrymen" on the occasion as well.&nbsp;

"The first Guru of the Sikh Panth, the venerable Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a unique symbol of India's rich saint tradition...The teaching of Guru Nanak Dev always inspires us to remove discrimination from the human race," he tweeted.&nbsp;

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मोदी सरकार गुरु नानक देव जी के विचारों व शिक्षाओं के प्रति समर्पित है, सबका साथ-सबका विकास का हमारा मूलमंत्र इसी का परिचायक है। 
 
गुरु नानक देव जी के 550वें प्रकाश पर्व पर मोदी जी द्वारा देशवासियों को समर्पित ऐतिहासिक ‘करतारपुर कॉरिडोर’ गुरुनानक देव जी को सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि है।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1194083871987511297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Shah also stated that the Kartarpur Corridor "dedicated by Modi Ji" on the 550th anniversary is a "true tribute to Guru Nanak Devi Ji."

On November 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kartarpur-corridor-562-pilgrims-use-corridor-on-day-1-261108">inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor</a> at Gurdaspur and Kartarpur respectively, facilitating the visa-free travel of Indian pilgrims to Kartarpur Sahib, which is the last resting place of Guru Nanak Dev. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah wished the nation on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. "This is a day to rededicate ourselves to fulfilling Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji`s dream of a just, inclusive and harmonious society," Modi tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah wished the nation on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. "This is a day to rededicate ourselves to fulfilling Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji`s dream of a just, inclusive and harmonious society," Modi tweeted. The Prime Minister also tweeted a video showcasing his visit to the Kartarpur Corridor along with a part of his speech from the inauguration of the Corridor, on November 9, where he had called on everyone to take inspirations from life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev. Today, on the very special occasion of the 550th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, my greetings to everyone. This is a day to rededicate ourselves to fulfilling Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s dream of a just, inclusive and harmonious society. pic.twitter.com/8LLUU0a3Jg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2019 × "Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught us the importance of living with true values and also gave an economic system based on honesty and self-confidence," he outlined. Similarly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his "hearty greetings to the entire countrymen" on the occasion as well. "The first Guru of the Sikh Panth, the venerable Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a unique symbol of India's rich saint tradition...The teaching of Guru Nanak Dev always inspires us to remove discrimination from the human race," he tweeted. मोदी सरकार गुरु नानक देव जी के विचारों व शिक्षाओं के प्रति समर्पित है, सबका साथ-सबका विकास का हमारा मूलमंत्र इसी का परिचायक है। गुरु नानक देव जी के 550वें प्रकाश पर्व पर मोदी जी द्वारा देशवासियों को समर्पित ऐतिहासिक ‘करतारपुर कॉरिडोर’ गुरुनानक देव जी को सच्ची श्रद्धांजलि है। — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 12, 2019 × Shah also stated that the Kartarpur Corridor "dedicated by Modi Ji" on the 550th anniversary is a "true tribute to Guru Nanak Devi Ji." On November 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor at Gurdaspur and Kartarpur respectively, facilitating the visa-free travel of Indian pilgrims to Kartarpur Sahib, which is the last resting place of Guru Nanak Dev.

PM Modi, Amit Shah wish nation on Guru Nanak Dev's 550th birth anniversary

Union minister Prakash Javadekar was given the additional charge of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises on Tuesday, just hours after Shiv Sena MP <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-resigning-from-my-ministerial-post-shiv-senas-arvind-sawant-quits-modi-cabinet-261251">Arvind Sawant stepped down</a> from the post citing moral grounds.

President Ram Nath Kovind in the earlier accepted Sawant`s resignation and allocated the ministry to Javadekar who is already heading two other ministries,&nbsp;Information and Broadcasting, and Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The Shiv Sena MP on Monday resigned from the Union cabinet after his party <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-government-formation-meeting-underway-between-uddhav-thackeray-sharad-pawar-261406">walked away from NDA</a> over the power-sharing agreement in Maharashtra.

"I took oath on May 30 as Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. BJP went back from their pre-election promises. During Lok Sabha elections, it was discussed that there would be equal sharing of power including the chief ministerial post. BJP is denying this now," he had told reporters in the national capital.

"It would not have been morally right for me to continue in the Centre as a new government is about to form in Maharashtra. So I have submitted my resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he had added.

BJP has cleared that it would not be forming government in Maharashtra owing to its relations with its ally Shiv Sena that turned bitter after Assembly polls.

Shiv Sena has asked for the Chief Ministerial post, a demand which was turned down by BJP which is the single largest party in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Union minister Prakash Javadekar was given the additional charge of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises on Tuesday, just hours after Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant stepped down from the post citing moral grounds.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar was given the additional charge of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises on Tuesday, just hours after Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant stepped down from the post citing moral grounds. President Ram Nath Kovind in the earlier accepted Sawant`s resignation and allocated the ministry to Javadekar who is already heading two other ministries, Information and Broadcasting, and Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Shiv Sena MP on Monday resigned from the Union cabinet after his party walked away from NDA over the power-sharing agreement in Maharashtra. "I took oath on May 30 as Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. BJP went back from their pre-election promises. During Lok Sabha elections, it was discussed that there would be equal sharing of power including the chief ministerial post. BJP is denying this now," he had told reporters in the national capital. "It would not have been morally right for me to continue in the Centre as a new government is about to form in Maharashtra. So I have submitted my resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he had added. BJP has cleared that it would not be forming government in Maharashtra owing to its relations with its ally Shiv Sena that turned bitter after Assembly polls. Shiv Sena has asked for the Chief Ministerial post, a demand which was turned down by BJP which is the single largest party in Maharashtra.

Prakash Javadekar gets charge of heavy industries as Arvind Sawant quits

Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly polls, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), on Tuesday announced that it will be contesting the upcoming elections on its own.

The newly-appointed president of the party, Chirag Paswan took to twitter to announce the decision and said that Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) will contest elections alone on 50 seats while outlining that the party`s first list of candidates will be out by today evening.

"The last decision to contest elections in Jharkhand was to be taken by the state unit. The Lok Janshakti Party Jharkhand state unit has decided that the party will contest 50 seats alone. The first list of party candidates will be announced by this evening," he said on Twitter.

Not only LJP, but even Hindustani Awam Morcha led by former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi will also go solo in the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

The 81-member Jharkhand assembly will go to polls in five phases between November 30 and December 20 and the votes will be counted on December 23.

Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly polls, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), on Tuesday announced that it will be contesting the upcoming elections on its own. The newly-appointed president of the party, Chirag Paswan took to twitter to announce the decision and said that Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) will contest elections alone on 50 seats while outlining that the party`s first list of candidates will be out by today evening.

Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly polls, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), on Tuesday announced that it will be contesting the upcoming elections on its own. The newly-appointed president of the party, Chirag Paswan took to twitter to announce the decision and said that Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) will contest elections alone on 50 seats while outlining that the party`s first list of candidates will be out by today evening. "The last decision to contest elections in Jharkhand was to be taken by the state unit. The Lok Janshakti Party Jharkhand state unit has decided that the party will contest 50 seats alone. The first list of party candidates will be announced by this evening," he said on Twitter. Not only LJP, but even Hindustani Awam Morcha led by former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi will also go solo in the upcoming assembly elections in the state. The 81-member Jharkhand assembly will go to polls in five phases between November 30 and December 20 and the votes will be counted on December 23.

Jharkhand assembly polls: LJP announces to contest on 50 seats

At least 13 people were killed in Bangladesh and India after cyclone Bulbul lashed coastal areas this weekend, though prompt evacuations saved many lives and the worst was over, officials said on Sunday.

At least 13 people were killed in Bangladesh and India after cyclone Bulbul lashed coastal areas this weekend, though prompt evacuations saved many lives and the worst was over, officials said on Sunday. Five of the six victims in Bangladesh were killed by falling trees, including a 52-year old woman who had spent the night in a shelter. She returned home on Sunday and was killed when a tree crashed onto her house. Another victim, a 60-year old fisherman, had refused to evacuate. Some 30 people were injured and around 6,000 homes were partially or fully damaged, Bangladeshi authorities said. Two fishing boats have not yet returned and relatives have been unable to contact the roughly 36 men on board, added Anwar Uddin, a local public representative in the southern Bhola district. No major damage was immediately reported in camps in southeast Bangladesh where hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighbouring Myanmar are living. In India`s state of West Bengal, seven people were killed, Javed Khan, the state`s minister for disaster management told reporters on Sunday evening. India`s meteorological department said the cyclone was expected to weaken but warned fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 12 hours. Some 2 million people from all of Bangladesh`s 13 coastal districts huddled in about 5,558 shelters on Saturday night. Outside, wind speeds rose to between 100 and 120 km per hour (62-75 mph), and some low-lying coastal areas were flooded. Jetties collapse Two jetties constructed on the Hatania Doania river collapsed on Sunday after Cyclone Bulbul hit Namkhana area in South 24 Parganas. "Two jetties at the Hatania Doania river got damaged after Cyclone Bulbul hit Namkhana area in South 24 Parganas," a district official said. Jetties are built so that a channel to the river and ocean stays open for navigation purposes as well as to prevent streams from meandering naturally. At least seven persons have died and 4.65 lakh people have been affected due to Cyclone Bulbul in the state, West Bengal`s Department of Disaster Management and Civil Defence said. Also, extensive damage to Sunderbans forests has been reported and a detailed assessment is being done, the department had said. The severe cyclonic storm Bulbul had wreaked havoc in West Bengal`s South 24 Parganas region on Sunday. Due to the speedy winds, several trees were uprooted and roads were blocked forcing the administration to carry out road clearance work. The deep depression weakened into a depression over southeast Bangladesh and adjoining south Tripura at 05:30 am on Monday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). It will weaken into a low during the next six hours, IMD stated in its latest update over cyclone `Bulbul`.The deep depression over coastal Bangladesh and neighbourhood lay centred at 5:30 pm on Sunday about 170 km east-northeast of Sunderban National Park. Electricity and piped water supply services in Odisha, which were affected by severe cyclone Bulbul, are expected to be completely restored in several districts of Odisha by November 12, Office of the Special Relief Commissioner said on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

13 dead, fishermen missing after cyclone Bulbul lashes Bangladesh, India

The death toll from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/13-dead-fishermen-missing-after-cyclone-bulbul-lashes-bangladesh-and-india-261260">a cyclone that barrelled into the coasts of Bangladesh and India</a> has risen to 24, authorities said Monday, as the two nations assess the scale of devastation wreaked by the powerful storm.

Bangladesh carried out one of its biggest-ever evacuation drives, moving some 2.1 million people to cyclone shelters specially built to minimise casualties from such storms, which can claim thousands of victims.

Cyclone&nbsp;Bulbul, packing winds of up to 120 kilometres per hour&nbsp;when it hit late Saturday, killed 12 people in Bangladesh,&nbsp;11 from falling trees, and 12 in India's West Bengal and Odisha states.

Five others remain missing after a fishing trawler sank in squally weather near Bangladesh's southern island of Bhola, district administrator Masud Alam Siddiqui told AFP.

Watch: Cyclone lashes Bay of Bengal

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Bangladesh's junior minister for disaster management Enamur Rahman told AFP&nbsp;Bulbul&nbsp;left a trail of destruction, damaging some 10,000 mud, tin and bamboo homes and 200,000 hectares (494,000 acres) of crops.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-dozen-dead-fishermen-missing-after-cyclone-bulbul-lashes-bangladesh-and-india-261227">The cyclone weakened</a> as it tracked inland.

The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest which straddles the two nations and is home to several endangered species, shielded the coast from the storm's full impact, officials added.

In India, nearly 120,000 evacuated people were returning home as the cyclone weakened, authorities said. Coastal crops in Odisha were also extensively damaged, officials told the Press Trust of India.

Bangladesh's low-lying coast, home to 30 million people, and India's east are regularly battered by cyclones that have claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in recent decades.

While the storms' frequency and intensity have increased, partly due to climate change,&nbsp;the death tolls have come down because of faster evacuations and the building of thousands of coastal shelters.

The death toll from a cyclone that barrelled into the coasts of Bangladesh and India has risen to 24, authorities said Monday, as the two nations assess the scale of devastation wreaked by the powerful storm.

The death toll from a cyclone that barrelled into the coasts of Bangladesh and India has risen to 24, authorities said Monday, as the two nations assess the scale of devastation wreaked by the powerful storm. Bangladesh carried out one of its biggest-ever evacuation drives, moving some 2.1 million people to cyclone shelters specially built to minimise casualties from such storms, which can claim thousands of victims. Cyclone Bulbul, packing winds of up to 120 kilometres per hour when it hit late Saturday, killed 12 people in Bangladesh, 11 from falling trees, and 12 in India's West Bengal and Odisha states. Five others remain missing after a fishing trawler sank in squally weather near Bangladesh's southern island of Bhola, district administrator Masud Alam Siddiqui told AFP. Watch: Cyclone lashes Bay of Bengal Bangladesh's junior minister for disaster management Enamur Rahman told AFP Bulbul left a trail of destruction, damaging some 10,000 mud, tin and bamboo homes and 200,000 hectares (494,000 acres) of crops. The cyclone weakened as it tracked inland. The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest which straddles the two nations and is home to several endangered species, shielded the coast from the storm's full impact, officials added. In India, nearly 120,000 evacuated people were returning home as the cyclone weakened, authorities said. Coastal crops in Odisha were also extensively damaged, officials told the Press Trust of India. Bangladesh's low-lying coast, home to 30 million people, and India's east are regularly battered by cyclones that have claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in recent decades. While the storms' frequency and intensity have increased, partly due to climate change, the death tolls have come down because of faster evacuations and the building of thousands of coastal shelters.

Cyclone Bulbul kills 24 in Bay of Bengal

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the target of five trillion dollar economy by 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that with the talent India possesses, in 10-15 years we will become 10 trillion dollar economy.

"Prime Minister Modi has set 5 trillion dollar economy target by 2024 but I feel that with the talent we have, in 10-15 years we will make it a 10 trillion dollar economy," Singh said at the `Def-Connect` event here.

Last month, Singh had called for increased and active participation of the private sector in defence manufacturing to achieve the government`s target of making the Indian defence industry worth $26 billion by 2025.

"Defence sector will play a pivotal role in the government`s aim of inclusive growth and making India a $5 trillion economy. Our aim is to make a world-class domestic defence industry that is self-reliant and less dependent on imports," he said while addressing the captains of industry at the 22nd India International Security Expo, 2019 (Defence &amp; Homeland Security).

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the target of five trillion dollar economy by 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that with the talent India possesses, in 10-15 years we will become 10 trillion dollar economy.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the target of five trillion dollar economy by 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that with the talent India possesses, in 10-15 years we will become 10 trillion dollar economy. "Prime Minister Modi has set 5 trillion dollar economy target by 2024 but I feel that with the talent we have, in 10-15 years we will make it a 10 trillion dollar economy," Singh said at the `Def-Connect` event here. Last month, Singh had called for increased and active participation of the private sector in defence manufacturing to achieve the government`s target of making the Indian defence industry worth $26 billion by 2025. "Defence sector will play a pivotal role in the government`s aim of inclusive growth and making India a $5 trillion economy. Our aim is to make a world-class domestic defence industry that is self-reliant and less dependent on imports," he said while addressing the captains of industry at the 22nd India International Security Expo, 2019 (Defence & Homeland Security).

India will become USD 10 trillion economy in 10-15 years: Rajnath Singh

India's power demand fell 13.2 per cent&nbsp;in October from a year ago, posting its steepest monthly decline in over 12 years, government data showed, reflecting a deepening growth slowdown in Asia's third-largest economy.

The country needs electricity to fuel its expanding economy but a&nbsp;third decline in power consumption in as many months points to tapering industrial activity in the nation that aims to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024.

India's June quarter GDP grew at its weakest pace in six years as consumer demand and government spending slowed, and economists see the falling electricity demand as a reflection of a further slowdown.

"The slowdown seems to be deep-rooted, especially in the industrial sector. That would certainly increase the anxiety with regard to growth prospects in the current year," said N.R. Bhanumurthy, a professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy in New Delhi.

Consumption in heavily industrialized states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat led the decline. Last month, power demand in Maharashtra declined by 22.4 per cent&nbsp;and in Gujarat by 18.8 per cent, the data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) showed. Barring four small states in the country's north and the east, demand fell across regions, the data showed.

India's infrastructure output in September contracted 5.2 per cent, the worst in 14 years, adding to the worries of the government that has been unable to revive demand in the economy despite several steps in the last few months.

Its fuel demand growth - also seen by economists as an indicator of economic activity - is on track for the slowest pace in six years.

Economists said India's growth could fall as low as 5.8 per cent, dragged down by a slump in consumer demand and investment. India's central bank last month cut its growth forecast by 80 basis points for the year ending March 2020 to 6.1 per cent.

Slower economic activity has resulted in a fall in sales of everything from cars to cookies, with some large scale industries resorting to large job cuts.

India's automobile sector, for instance, has cut hundreds of thousands of jobs, citing an unprecedented decline in sales.

"Now we are talking about a sub 6 per cent&nbsp;growth for the current fiscal year," Bhanumurthy told Reuters.

The government, which has not revised its growth forecast of 7 per cent&nbsp;for the financial year, is expected to release data on economic growth by the end of this month. Information on electricity demand prior to January 2006 is not publicly available.

Populous states such as Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Madhya Pradesh (MP) saw demand fall - with MP's electricity requirement falling by over a fourth and UP seeing a decline of 8.3 per cent.

India's power demand fell 13.2 per cent in October from a year ago, posting its steepest monthly decline in over 12 years, government data showed, reflecting a deepening growth slowdown in Asia's third-largest economy.

India's power demand fell 13.2 per cent in October from a year ago, posting its steepest monthly decline in over 12 years, government data showed, reflecting a deepening growth slowdown in Asia's third-largest economy. The country needs electricity to fuel its expanding economy but a third decline in power consumption in as many months points to tapering industrial activity in the nation that aims to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024. India's June quarter GDP grew at its weakest pace in six years as consumer demand and government spending slowed, and economists see the falling electricity demand as a reflection of a further slowdown. "The slowdown seems to be deep-rooted, especially in the industrial sector. That would certainly increase the anxiety with regard to growth prospects in the current year," said N.R. Bhanumurthy, a professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy in New Delhi. Consumption in heavily industrialized states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat led the decline. Last month, power demand in Maharashtra declined by 22.4 per cent and in Gujarat by 18.8 per cent, the data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) showed. Barring four small states in the country's north and the east, demand fell across regions, the data showed. India's infrastructure output in September contracted 5.2 per cent, the worst in 14 years, adding to the worries of the government that has been unable to revive demand in the economy despite several steps in the last few months. Its fuel demand growth - also seen by economists as an indicator of economic activity - is on track for the slowest pace in six years. Economists said India's growth could fall as low as 5.8 per cent, dragged down by a slump in consumer demand and investment. India's central bank last month cut its growth forecast by 80 basis points for the year ending March 2020 to 6.1 per cent. Slower economic activity has resulted in a fall in sales of everything from cars to cookies, with some large scale industries resorting to large job cuts. India's automobile sector, for instance, has cut hundreds of thousands of jobs, citing an unprecedented decline in sales. "Now we are talking about a sub 6 per cent growth for the current fiscal year," Bhanumurthy told Reuters. The government, which has not revised its growth forecast of 7 per cent for the financial year, is expected to release data on economic growth by the end of this month. Information on electricity demand prior to January 2006 is not publicly available. Populous states such as Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Madhya Pradesh (MP) saw demand fall - with MP's electricity requirement falling by over a fourth and UP seeing a decline of 8.3 per cent.

India's electricity demand falls at fastest pace in at least 12 years

At least 13 people were killed in Bangladesh and India after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-bulbul-home-minister-assures-west-bengal-government-of-all-possible-help-261178">cyclone Bulbul lashed coastal areas</a> this weekend, though prompt evacuations saved many lives and the worst was over, officials said on Sunday.

Five of the six victims in Bangladesh were killed by falling trees, including a 52-year old woman who had spent the night in a shelter. She returned home on Sunday and was killed when a tree crashed onto her house.

Another victim, a 60-year old fisherman, had refused to evacuate.

Some 30 people were injured and around 6,000 homes were partially or fully damaged, Bangladeshi authorities said.

Two fishing boats have not yet returned and relatives have been unable to contact the roughly 36 men on board, added Anwar Uddin, a local public representative in the southern Bhola district.

No major damage was immediately reported in camps in southeast Bangladesh where hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighbouring Myanmar are living.

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In India's state of West Bengal, seven people were killed, Javed Khan, the state's minister for disaster management told reporters on Sunday evening.

India's meteorological department said the cyclone was expected to weaken but warned fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 12 hours.

Some 2 million people from all of Bangladesh's 13 coastal districts huddled in about 5,558 shelters on Saturday night. Outside, wind speeds rose to between 100 and 120 km per hour (62-75 mph), and some low-lying coastal areas were flooded.

Wind speeds have now come down to between 70 and 80 kph (43-50 mph), authorities said.

"It may take a couple of days to get a normal situation," Enamur Rahman, junior minister for disaster management and relief, told Reuters.

About 1,200 predominantly domestic tourists were stuck on St. Martin's Island, part of the Cox's Bazar district, Rahman said. "All of them will be rescued," he said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/six-dead-36-fishermen-missing-after-cyclone-bulbul-lashes-bangladesh-261166">cyclone</a> season in the Bay of Bengal can last from April to December. In 1999 a super-cyclone battered the coast of India's Odisha state for 30 hours, killing 10,000 people.

At least 13 people were killed in Bangladesh and India after cyclone Bulbul lashed coastal areas this weekend, though prompt evacuations saved many lives and the worst was over, officials said on Sunday. Five of the six victims in Bangladesh were killed by falling trees, including a 52-year old woman who had spent the night in a shelter. She returned home on Sunday and was killed when a tree crashed onto her house. Another victim, a 60-year old fisherman, had refused to evacuate. Some 30 people were injured and around 6,000 homes were partially or fully damaged, Bangladeshi authorities said. Two fishing boats have not yet returned and relatives have been unable to contact the roughly 36 men on board, added Anwar Uddin, a local public representative in the southern Bhola district. No major damage was immediately reported in camps in southeast Bangladesh where hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighbouring Myanmar are living. × In India's state of West Bengal, seven people were killed, Javed Khan, the state's minister for disaster management told reporters on Sunday evening. India's meteorological department said the cyclone was expected to weaken but warned fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 12 hours. Some 2 million people from all of Bangladesh's 13 coastal districts huddled in about 5,558 shelters on Saturday night. Outside, wind speeds rose to between 100 and 120 km per hour (62-75 mph), and some low-lying coastal areas were flooded. Wind speeds have now come down to between 70 and 80 kph (43-50 mph), authorities said. "It may take a couple of days to get a normal situation," Enamur Rahman, junior minister for disaster management and relief, told Reuters. About 1,200 predominantly domestic tourists were stuck on St. Martin's Island, part of the Cox's Bazar district, Rahman said. "All of them will be rescued," he said. The cyclone season in the Bay of Bengal can last from April to December. In 1999 a super-cyclone battered the coast of India's Odisha state for 30 hours, killing 10,000 people.

Dozen dead, fishermen missing after cyclone Bulbul lashes Bangladesh and India

Ahead of the BRICS Summit in Brazil next week, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev spoke to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal.&nbsp;

Kudashev said that the grouping is a new model of international, political and economic contact. While confirming Modi-Putin meet next week on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Kudashev said that Russia supports India's idea of holding a global comprehensive convention against terrorism or CCIT that calls for a common definition of terror as well as PM Modi's idea to convene a global conference on counter-terror.&nbsp;

Here is the transcript of the interview.

WION: What will be the main focus of the BRICS Summit in Brazil?

Kudashev: The summit testifies that the BRICS remain very much relevant and remains capable of generating new ideas and the new vision for the future. For us, as a regional member to the BRICS, our highest priority will be the position of the group of 5 as a new model of international, political and economic contact. No less important will be the issue of strategic stability, multipolarity, peace and security. Economic dimensions of BRICS have greater and greater importance. In the offing are BRICS women business alliance, BRICS platform for energy research. Issue of new challenges and threats, counter-terrorism and information security will be in focus. Russia advocates a separate pact on information security which is of great importance for us. Multiple ideas are put forward by our BRICS partners, including India, for enhanced humanitarian connect.

WION: Will PM Modi meet Russian President Putin in Brazil?

Kudashev: Yes, it is in the offing. It will be premature for me to announce the specific date and time, but it will happen. Our relation with India is special and in the coming year, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of our strategic partnership, the 10th anniversary of our specially privilege strategic partnership, the 75th anniversary in the great patriotic war and 550th anniversary of the first contact between India and Russia.

WION: When will the training of Gaganyaan astronauts begin in Russia?&nbsp;

Kudashev: The legal environment is there and the sooner we start doing the business and start the training procedure, the better it is because time goes by very fast and the flight will come very soon.

WION: Indian defence minister was in Moscow. When can we see an inter-government agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support (ARLS) ?

Kudashev: I could say that we remain committed to this agreement, committed to doing it at the earliest, so I believe doing in the course of coming 2-3 months, it will be there.

WION: Terror remains a key global concern, including for India, how are both countries are increasing the counter-terror initiative?&nbsp;

Kudashev: We should help each other. We actively cooperate at the global level and at the regional level. We do exchange our experiences, information and certain material. Russia is supportive of India's idea of doing a global comprehensive convention against terrorism and remains supportive of PM Modi's idea to convene a global conference on counter-terror.&nbsp;

Ahead of the BRICS Summit in Brazil next week, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev spoke to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. Kudashev said that the grouping is a new model of international, political and economic contact.

Ahead of the BRICS Summit in Brazil next week, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev spoke to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. Kudashev said that the grouping is a new model of international, political and economic contact. While confirming Modi-Putin meet next week on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Kudashev said that Russia supports India's idea of holding a global comprehensive convention against terrorism or CCIT that calls for a common definition of terror as well as PM Modi's idea to convene a global conference on counter-terror. Here is the transcript of the interview. WION: What will be the main focus of the BRICS Summit in Brazil? Kudashev: The summit testifies that the BRICS remain very much relevant and remains capable of generating new ideas and the new vision for the future. For us, as a regional member to the BRICS, our highest priority will be the position of the group of 5 as a new model of international, political and economic contact. No less important will be the issue of strategic stability, multipolarity, peace and security. Economic dimensions of BRICS have greater and greater importance. In the offing are BRICS women business alliance, BRICS platform for energy research. Issue of new challenges and threats, counter-terrorism and information security will be in focus. Russia advocates a separate pact on information security which is of great importance for us. Multiple ideas are put forward by our BRICS partners, including India, for enhanced humanitarian connect. WION: Will PM Modi meet Russian President Putin in Brazil? Kudashev: Yes, it is in the offing. It will be premature for me to announce the specific date and time, but it will happen. Our relation with India is special and in the coming year, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of our strategic partnership, the 10th anniversary of our specially privilege strategic partnership, the 75th anniversary in the great patriotic war and 550th anniversary of the first contact between India and Russia. WION: When will the training of Gaganyaan astronauts begin in Russia? Kudashev: The legal environment is there and the sooner we start doing the business and start the training procedure, the better it is because time goes by very fast and the flight will come very soon. WION: Indian defence minister was in Moscow. When can we see an inter-government agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support (ARLS) ? Kudashev: I could say that we remain committed to this agreement, committed to doing it at the earliest, so I believe doing in the course of coming 2-3 months, it will be there. WION: Terror remains a key global concern, including for India, how are both countries are increasing the counter-terror initiative? Kudashev: We should help each other. We actively cooperate at the global level and at the regional level. We do exchange our experiences, information and certain material. Russia is supportive of India's idea of doing a global comprehensive convention against terrorism and remains supportive of PM Modi's idea to convene a global conference on counter-terror.

BRICS is new model of international contact: Russian envoy to India

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on returning from Pakistan after attending the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday hoped that this will eventually become a corridor of 'peace'&nbsp;between the two counties.

"It was a really good experience; I hope the corridor will eventually become a corridor of peace between the two countries. A lot of work has been done in double-quick time, massive efforts were put in," said Singh. "We have heard about Kartarpur Corridor so often; to be able to go and see it by yourself is a different feeling," he added.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of the corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and flagged off the first 'jatha'&nbsp;of devotees travelling to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan.

Former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu also visited Pakistan via the corridor earlier today. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on returning from Pakistan after attending the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday hoped that this will eventually become a corridor of 'peace' between the two counties.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on returning from Pakistan after attending the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday hoped that this will eventually become a corridor of 'peace' between the two counties. "It was a really good experience; I hope the corridor will eventually become a corridor of peace between the two countries. A lot of work has been done in double-quick time, massive efforts were put in," said Singh. "We have heard about Kartarpur Corridor so often; to be able to go and see it by yourself is a different feeling," he added. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of the corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and flagged off the first 'jatha' of devotees travelling to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan. Former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu also visited Pakistan via the corridor earlier today. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Hope Kartarpur Corridor eventually becomes corridor of peace between both countries: Punjab CM

Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday said although there are many "buts and ifs" in the relationship between India and Pakistan but Kartarpur corridor is a good beginning to normalise the relation.

Singh, who came back to India from Pakistan after attending the inauguration ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor told ANI, "It was a good beginning, India-Pakistan relations are subject to many buts and ifs, I hope this is a good beginning to normalise our relation."

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of the corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and flagged off the first 'jatha'&nbsp;of devotees travelling to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan.

India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday said although there are many "buts and ifs" in the relationship between India and Pakistan but Kartarpur corridor is a good beginning to normalise the relation.

Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday said although there are many "buts and ifs" in the relationship between India and Pakistan but Kartarpur corridor is a good beginning to normalise the relation. Singh, who came back to India from Pakistan after attending the inauguration ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor told ANI, "It was a good beginning, India-Pakistan relations are subject to many buts and ifs, I hope this is a good beginning to normalise our relation." Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of the corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and flagged off the first 'jatha' of devotees travelling to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Hope Kartarpur corridor is good beginning to normalise India-Pak relations: Manmohan Singh

The United States on Saturday welcomed the historic opening of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurates-integrated-check-post-of-kartarpur-corridor-261003">Kartarpur corridor</a> and described it as a step towards promoting greater religious freedom.

Taking to Twitter, US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said that Washington sees the opening of the corridor as a positive example of neighbours working together for their mutual benefit.

"The State Department welcomes the opening of a new border crossing between India and Pakistan, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-thanks-imran-khan-niazi-for-respecting-sentiments-of-india-260939">Kartarpur corridor</a>. We see this as a positive example of neighbours working together for mutual benefit. The newly opened corridor is a step towards promoting greater religious freedom," Ortagus said in a video posted on her Twitter handle.

"It allows Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, an important Sikh house of worship just inside the Pakistan border. This impressive project will transform a remote, three-acre site across a sensitive international boundary. Congratulations to India and Pakistan on this initiative," she added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> welcomes the opening of a new border crossing between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>, the Kartarpur corridor. This corridor is a step towards promoting greater <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/religiousfreedom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#religiousfreedom</a>. Best wishes to the pilgrims making the crossing for the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak’s birth. <a href="https://t.co/CpkKD6ztgB">pic.twitter.com/CpkKD6ztgB</a>
— Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) <a href="https://twitter.com/statedeptspox/status/1193151679337766916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The State Department extended its best wishes to the pilgrims visiting Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib for the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor at Gurdaspur and Kartarpur respectively today, facilitating the visa-free travel of Indian pilgrims to Kartarpur Sahib.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The United States on Saturday welcomed the historic opening of the Kartarpur corridor and described it as a step towards promoting greater religious freedom. Taking to Twitter, US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said that Washington sees the opening of the corridor as a positive example of neighbours working together for their mutual benefit.

The United States on Saturday welcomed the historic opening of the Kartarpur corridor and described it as a step towards promoting greater religious freedom. Taking to Twitter, US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said that Washington sees the opening of the corridor as a positive example of neighbours working together for their mutual benefit. "The State Department welcomes the opening of a new border crossing between India and Pakistan, the Kartarpur corridor. We see this as a positive example of neighbours working together for mutual benefit. The newly opened corridor is a step towards promoting greater religious freedom," Ortagus said in a video posted on her Twitter handle. "It allows Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, an important Sikh house of worship just inside the Pakistan border. This impressive project will transform a remote, three-acre site across a sensitive international boundary. Congratulations to India and Pakistan on this initiative," she added. .@StateDept welcomes the opening of a new border crossing between #India & #Pakistan, the Kartarpur corridor. This corridor is a step towards promoting greater #religiousfreedom. Best wishes to the pilgrims making the crossing for the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak’s birth. pic.twitter.com/CpkKD6ztgB — Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) November 9, 2019 × The State Department extended its best wishes to the pilgrims visiting Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib for the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor at Gurdaspur and Kartarpur respectively today, facilitating the visa-free travel of Indian pilgrims to Kartarpur Sahib.

A step towards promoting greater religious freedom: US welcomes Kartarpur corridor opening

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday came out with a statement condemning Pakistan's comments on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-message-that-goes-out-today-is-that-of-unity-togetherness-pm-modi-addresses-nation-on-landmark-ayodhya-verdict-261024">Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict</a>.

India called Pakistan's comment "unwarranted and gratuitous," adding that the matter is completely "internal to India".

"It pertains to rule of law and equal respect for all faiths, concepts that aren't part of their ethos. So, while Pakistan's lack of comprehension isn't surprising, their pathological compulsion to comment on our internal affairs with obvious intent of spreading hatred is condemnable," MEA noted as reported by news agency ANI.

"We reject the unwarranted and gratuitous comments made by Pakistan on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-to-be-built-on-disputed-land-separate-plot-of-land-for-mosque-260935">judgement of Supreme Court</a> on a civil matter that is completely internal to India," the statement added.&nbsp;

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MEA:It pertains to rule of law&amp;equal respect for all faiths,concepts that aren't part of their ethos. So,while Pakistan's lack of comprehension isn't surprising,their pathological compulsion to comment on our internal affairs with obvious intent of spreading hatred is condemnable <a href="https://t.co/o3OBDdx57R">https://t.co/o3OBDdx57R</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1193183759786373122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan foreign affairs minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told Dawn News if the verdict could not have waited a few days. "I am deeply saddened at the insensitivity shown at such a joyous occasion (Kartarpur Corridor opening)," Qureshi said.&nbsp;

He said that Pakistan would issue a response after going over the judgement in detail.

Pakistan's minister for science and technology, Fawad Hussain, tweeted out saying that the Ayodhya verdict marks a "sad day for India and a black day for Indian Judiciary".&nbsp;

Earlier in the day,&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the verdict and said that the "people of India have accepted the verdict with an open heart".

PM Modi said that the country is known for its ethos of "unity in diversity" and the acceptance of the verdict today illustrates the same ethos.&nbsp;

"Today, India has added a golden chapter in its history with the announcement of this historic judgement," the prime minister said adding that the verdict was a "unanimous decision".&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday came out with a statement condemning Pakistan's comments on Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict. India called Pakistan's comment "unwarranted and gratuitous," adding that the matter is completely "internal to India".

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday came out with a statement condemning Pakistan's comments on Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict. India called Pakistan's comment "unwarranted and gratuitous," adding that the matter is completely "internal to India". "It pertains to rule of law and equal respect for all faiths, concepts that aren't part of their ethos. So, while Pakistan's lack of comprehension isn't surprising, their pathological compulsion to comment on our internal affairs with obvious intent of spreading hatred is condemnable," MEA noted as reported by news agency ANI. "We reject the unwarranted and gratuitous comments made by Pakistan on judgement of Supreme Court on a civil matter that is completely internal to India," the statement added. MEA:It pertains to rule of law&equal respect for all faiths,concepts that aren't part of their ethos. So,while Pakistan's lack of comprehension isn't surprising,their pathological compulsion to comment on our internal affairs with obvious intent of spreading hatred is condemnable https://t.co/o3OBDdx57R — ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2019 × Pakistan foreign affairs minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told Dawn News if the verdict could not have waited a few days. "I am deeply saddened at the insensitivity shown at such a joyous occasion (Kartarpur Corridor opening)," Qureshi said. He said that Pakistan would issue a response after going over the judgement in detail. Pakistan's minister for science and technology, Fawad Hussain, tweeted out saying that the Ayodhya verdict marks a "sad day for India and a black day for Indian Judiciary". Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the verdict and said that the "people of India have accepted the verdict with an open heart". PM Modi said that the country is known for its ethos of "unity in diversity" and the acceptance of the verdict today illustrates the same ethos. "Today, India has added a golden chapter in its history with the announcement of this historic judgement," the prime minister said adding that the verdict was a "unanimous decision".

India slams Pakistan on 'unwarranted' and 'gratuitous' comments on Ayodhya verdict

Pakistan has invited spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which connects Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab.

"The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor and promotion of religious tourism also coincides with your objective of Violence-Free World," the invitation letter sent to Ravi Shankar read.

The Kartarpur Corridor is set to open on Saturday and both countries are set to hold ceremonies to mark the occasion.

The three-km corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539.

The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib.

The inauguration ceremony for the Corridor on the Indian side will also be held on Saturday.

The foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor was laid on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Two days later the foundation stone was laid on the Pakistani side. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan has invited spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which connects Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab.

Pakistan has invited spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which connects Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab. "The opening of the Kartarpur Corridor and promotion of religious tourism also coincides with your objective of Violence-Free World," the invitation letter sent to Ravi Shankar read. The Kartarpur Corridor is set to open on Saturday and both countries are set to hold ceremonies to mark the occasion. The three-km corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak Dev passed away in 1539. The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib. The inauguration ceremony for the Corridor on the Indian side will also be held on Saturday. The foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor was laid on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Two days later the foundation stone was laid on the Pakistani side.

Pakistan invites Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for Kartapur Corridor inauguration

Indian retail inflation probably exceeded the Reserve Bank of India's ( RBI) medium-term target of 4 per cent&nbsp;in October for the first time in 15 months, mainly because of rising vegetable prices, a Reuters poll of economists showed.

Prices of most vegetables climbed during the month as monsoon downpours delayed harvests and disrupted supplies. That was despite a government ban on onion exports, a key component in the Indian diet.

Overall food prices - the biggest chunk of the consumer price basket - also rose in October.

The November 4-7 Reuters poll of 39 economists forecast annual consumer price inflation rose to 4.25 per cent&nbsp;in October, its highest since June 2018 and above 3.99 per cent in September.

Nearly 85 per cent of respondents forecast retail inflation, due on November&nbsp;12, to breach the RBI's medium-term target.

"Vegetable prices, particularly that of onions and tomatoes, will contribute significantly to the rise in inflation," said Teresa John, an economist at Nirmal Bang, a retail brokerage.

"We expect the RBI to maintain its easing bias on the back of sluggish growth and weak core inflation pressures despite rising headline inflation led by food prices."

The RBI has cut its key interest rate by a cumulative 135 basis points this year to 5.15 per cent. The central bank is expected to cut the repo rate in December for the sixth meeting in a row, according to a separate Reuters poll. That view primarily stems from a slowing economy.

Despite easy monetary and fiscal policy, recent business surveys indicate the economy, which slowed to a six-year low of 5 per cent growth during the second quarter, is still struggling and is not expected to recover anytime soon.

If those forecasts are realised, it will be the first time since October 2016 the RBI has cut rates even though inflation is above the central bank's medium-term target.

"I think their (RBI) objective now and their policy equation is focused on reviving growth, and they have been very forthcoming in communicating that," said Sakshi Gupta, senior India economist at HDFC Bank.

"So, I think they still have space to cut rates further right now - given whatever the dynamics of inflation are."

The wholesale price index probably remained flat last month, the lowest in nearly three and a half years. The WPI was the preferred gauge for the RBI before the consumer price index was introduced on early 2012.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Indian retail inflation probably exceeded the Reserve Bank of India's ( RBI) medium-term target of 4 per cent in October for the first time in 15 months, mainly because of rising vegetable prices, a Reuters poll of economists showed.

Indian retail inflation probably exceeded the Reserve Bank of India's ( RBI) medium-term target of 4 per cent in October for the first time in 15 months, mainly because of rising vegetable prices, a Reuters poll of economists showed. Prices of most vegetables climbed during the month as monsoon downpours delayed harvests and disrupted supplies. That was despite a government ban on onion exports, a key component in the Indian diet. Overall food prices - the biggest chunk of the consumer price basket - also rose in October. The November 4-7 Reuters poll of 39 economists forecast annual consumer price inflation rose to 4.25 per cent in October, its highest since June 2018 and above 3.99 per cent in September. Nearly 85 per cent of respondents forecast retail inflation, due on November 12, to breach the RBI's medium-term target. "Vegetable prices, particularly that of onions and tomatoes, will contribute significantly to the rise in inflation," said Teresa John, an economist at Nirmal Bang, a retail brokerage. "We expect the RBI to maintain its easing bias on the back of sluggish growth and weak core inflation pressures despite rising headline inflation led by food prices." The RBI has cut its key interest rate by a cumulative 135 basis points this year to 5.15 per cent. The central bank is expected to cut the repo rate in December for the sixth meeting in a row, according to a separate Reuters poll. That view primarily stems from a slowing economy. Despite easy monetary and fiscal policy, recent business surveys indicate the economy, which slowed to a six-year low of 5 per cent growth during the second quarter, is still struggling and is not expected to recover anytime soon. If those forecasts are realised, it will be the first time since October 2016 the RBI has cut rates even though inflation is above the central bank's medium-term target. "I think their (RBI) objective now and their policy equation is focused on reviving growth, and they have been very forthcoming in communicating that," said Sakshi Gupta, senior India economist at HDFC Bank. "So, I think they still have space to cut rates further right now - given whatever the dynamics of inflation are." The wholesale price index probably remained flat last month, the lowest in nearly three and a half years. The WPI was the preferred gauge for the RBI before the consumer price index was introduced on early 2012.

India's inflation probably breached RBI target last month: Poll

Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap was knocked out of the Fuzhou China Open after facing a defeat against Denmark`s Viktor Axelsen 13-21, 19-21 in the second-round match here on Thursday.

In the 43-minute long encounter, Kashyap did not look promising as he lost the match in two straight games.

Axelsen outclassed Kashyap to proceed in the third round of the tournament.

Last month Kashyap faced defeat at the hands of Hong Kong`s NG Ka Long Angus 11-21, 9-21 in the first round match of the French Open.

Yesterday, shuttler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saina-nehwal-stunned-in-first-round-of-china-open-260271">Saina Nehwal </a>crashed out of the Fuzhou China Open after losing the first-round match at the hands of China`s Cai Yan Yan 21-9, 21-12 in the encounter that lasted for 24 minutes.Mixed doubles pair Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N. Sikki Reddy were knocked out from the tournament after losing to Taiwan`s Wang Chi-Lin and Cheng Chi Ya 21-14, 21-14.&nbsp;

Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap was knocked out of the Fuzhou China Open after facing a defeat against Denmark`s Viktor Axelsen 13-21, 19-21 in the second-round match here on Thursday.

Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap was knocked out of the Fuzhou China Open after facing a defeat against Denmark`s Viktor Axelsen 13-21, 19-21 in the second-round match here on Thursday. In the 43-minute long encounter, Kashyap did not look promising as he lost the match in two straight games. Axelsen outclassed Kashyap to proceed in the third round of the tournament. Last month Kashyap faced defeat at the hands of Hong Kong`s NG Ka Long Angus 11-21, 9-21 in the first round match of the French Open. Yesterday, shuttler Saina Nehwal crashed out of the Fuzhou China Open after losing the first-round match at the hands of China`s Cai Yan Yan 21-9, 21-12 in the encounter that lasted for 24 minutes.Mixed doubles pair Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N. Sikki Reddy were knocked out from the tournament after losing to Taiwan`s Wang Chi-Lin and Cheng Chi Ya 21-14, 21-14.

China Open: P Kashyap crashes out after losing to Viktor Axelsen

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday addressed the media two days ahead of the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor.

Kumar said that right before the inauguration, Pakistan is creating confusion. "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-chief-says-passport-must-for-indian-pilgrims-in-major-u-turn-on-kartarpur-corridor-260491">Conflicting reports</a> are coming in from Pakistan," he said.&nbsp;

"Some times they say passport is needed and other times that it isn't. We think there are differences between their foreign office and other agencies. We have an MoU, it hasn't been changed and as per it, a passport is needed," Kumar stated. &nbsp;

He added that the bilateral agreement that was signed between India and Pakistan needs to be followed. "The MoU needs to be followed and no changes can be implemented unilaterally," he said.&nbsp;

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA: We are aware that there is bilateral document which has been signed between India&amp;Pakistan which clearly specifies the document to be carried by the pilgrims. Any amendment to existing MoU cannot be done unilaterally, it requires consent of both the parties. <a href="https://t.co/5eosKIhwJu">https://t.co/5eosKIhwJu</a>
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"We are aware that there is a bilateral document which has been signed between India and Pakistan which specifies the document to be carried by the pilgrims. Any amendment to existing MoU cannot be done unilaterally, it requires the consent of both the parties," Kumar told media today.&nbsp;

Kumar said that passports will be required to visit the Corridor.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on November 1 announced that his government had waived off two requirements for Indian pilgrims visiting Kartarpur - they won't need a passport just a valid ID and no advance booking was required.

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA: We are aware that there is bilateral document which has been signed between India&amp;Pakistan which clearly specifies the document to be carried by the pilgrims. Any amendment to existing MoU cannot be done unilaterally, it requires consent of both the parties. <a href="https://t.co/5eosKIhwJu">https://t.co/5eosKIhwJu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1192386088196661248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"For Sikhs coming for a pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived 2 requirements: i) they won't need a passport - just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on the day of inauguration &amp; on Guruji's 550th birthday," Khan had said in a tweet.

Pakistan then back-tracked from its promise when Pakistan Army spokesman Major Gen Asif Ghafoor in a major U-turn announced that Indian Sikh pilgrims would require a passport.

"As we have a security link, the entry would be a legal one under a permit on a passport-based identity. There will be no compromise on security or sovereignty," Gen Ghafoor said while talking on a private TV channel.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday addressed the media two days ahead of the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor. Kumar said that right before the inauguration, Pakistan is creating confusion.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday addressed the media two days ahead of the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor. Kumar said that right before the inauguration, Pakistan is creating confusion. "Conflicting reports are coming in from Pakistan," he said. "Some times they say passport is needed and other times that it isn't. We think there are differences between their foreign office and other agencies. We have an MoU, it hasn't been changed and as per it, a passport is needed," Kumar stated. He added that the bilateral agreement that was signed between India and Pakistan needs to be followed. "The MoU needs to be followed and no changes can be implemented unilaterally," he said. Raveesh Kumar, MEA: We are aware that there is bilateral document which has been signed between India&Pakistan which clearly specifies the document to be carried by the pilgrims. Any amendment to existing MoU cannot be done unilaterally, it requires consent of both the parties. https://t.co/5eosKIhwJu — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2019 × "We are aware that there is a bilateral document which has been signed between India and Pakistan which specifies the document to be carried by the pilgrims. Any amendment to existing MoU cannot be done unilaterally, it requires the consent of both the parties," Kumar told media today. Kumar said that passports will be required to visit the Corridor. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on November 1 announced that his government had waived off two requirements for Indian pilgrims visiting Kartarpur - they won't need a passport just a valid ID and no advance booking was required. Raveesh Kumar, MEA: We are aware that there is bilateral document which has been signed between India&Pakistan which clearly specifies the document to be carried by the pilgrims. Any amendment to existing MoU cannot be done unilaterally, it requires consent of both the parties. https://t.co/5eosKIhwJu — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2019 × "For Sikhs coming for a pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived 2 requirements: i) they won't need a passport - just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on the day of inauguration & on Guruji's 550th birthday," Khan had said in a tweet. Pakistan then back-tracked from its promise when Pakistan Army spokesman Major Gen Asif Ghafoor in a major U-turn announced that Indian Sikh pilgrims would require a passport. "As we have a security link, the entry would be a legal one under a permit on a passport-based identity. There will be no compromise on security or sovereignty," Gen Ghafoor said while talking on a private TV channel.

Conflicting reports coming from Pakistan: MEA ahead of Kartarpur Corridor opening 

The ground-breaking ceremony commencing the construction of Nepal-Bharat Maitri Polytechnic was performed at the Nepal city of Hetauda on Tuesday, the Indian embassy in Kathmandu said.

The Polytechnic is being built with an Indian government grant of Rs 38.53 crore under the India-Nepal development partnership.

The state-of-the-art infrastructure project is projected to be completed within two years, the embassy said in a statement.

The ground-breaking ceremony was performed by Chief Minister of Province no. 3 Dormani Paudel in the presence of Indian Charge d' Affaires Ajar Kumar. Yubraj Dulal, Minister for Social Development, Province-3; Kailash Dungel, Minister of Financial Affairs of Province-3, Pushpa Raman Wagle, Member-Secretary of Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) and over 600 residents and students from Hetauda also took part in the ceremony.

The polytechnic is being built over 32 acres land and will have a total built-up area of 19,200 square meters.

The facility will include an administrative block, academic block, auditorium, library, workshop, multipurpose hall, separate hostels for boys and girls, principal and staff residences and amenities for sports and communities.

The release stated that the ceremony for the construction of the project is yet another testimony of friendly relations between India and Nepal, and reflects New Delhi's commitment to work with Kathmandu to complement efforts of Government of Nepal in strengthening infrastructure in the vocational and skill development sector in the country.

The ground-breaking ceremony commencing the construction of Nepal-Bharat Maitri Polytechnic was performed at the Nepal city of Hetauda on Tuesday, the Indian embassy in Kathmandu said.

The ground-breaking ceremony commencing the construction of Nepal-Bharat Maitri Polytechnic was performed at the Nepal city of Hetauda on Tuesday, the Indian embassy in Kathmandu said. The Polytechnic is being built with an Indian government grant of Rs 38.53 crore under the India-Nepal development partnership. The state-of-the-art infrastructure project is projected to be completed within two years, the embassy said in a statement. The ground-breaking ceremony was performed by Chief Minister of Province no. 3 Dormani Paudel in the presence of Indian Charge d' Affaires Ajar Kumar. Yubraj Dulal, Minister for Social Development, Province-3; Kailash Dungel, Minister of Financial Affairs of Province-3, Pushpa Raman Wagle, Member-Secretary of Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) and over 600 residents and students from Hetauda also took part in the ceremony. The polytechnic is being built over 32 acres land and will have a total built-up area of 19,200 square meters. The facility will include an administrative block, academic block, auditorium, library, workshop, multipurpose hall, separate hostels for boys and girls, principal and staff residences and amenities for sports and communities. The release stated that the ceremony for the construction of the project is yet another testimony of friendly relations between India and Nepal, and reflects New Delhi's commitment to work with Kathmandu to complement efforts of Government of Nepal in strengthening infrastructure in the vocational and skill development sector in the country.

Commencement of construction of Nepal-Bharat Maitri Polytechnic

India and Bangladesh will jointly produce two separate films based on Bangladesh's Liberation War and on the country's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/javadekar-urges-kejriwal-to-find-solutions-to-mitigate-pollution-and-stop-blame-game-259508">Prakash Javadekar</a> said on Tuesday.

Speaking to media after meeting his Bangladeshi counterpart Hasan Mahmud in Dhaka, Javadekar said, "We are planning and progressed much to jointly produce two films, one on the story of the liberation of Bangladesh and (the other) on Bangabandhu."

The two leaders also discussed the impact of DD India, which is now telecast in Bangladesh, as well as Bangla TV, which now airs across India.

Javadekar said he has invited Mahmud to India to take the cooperation in this regard forward.

Javadekar is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh to attend the 15th meeting of the Governing Council of South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP).

India and Bangladesh will jointly produce two separate films based on Bangladesh's Liberation War and on the country's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday.

India and Bangladesh will jointly produce two separate films based on Bangladesh's Liberation War and on the country's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday. Speaking to media after meeting his Bangladeshi counterpart Hasan Mahmud in Dhaka, Javadekar said, "We are planning and progressed much to jointly produce two films, one on the story of the liberation of Bangladesh and (the other) on Bangabandhu." The two leaders also discussed the impact of DD India, which is now telecast in Bangladesh, as well as Bangla TV, which now airs across India. Javadekar said he has invited Mahmud to India to take the cooperation in this regard forward. Javadekar is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh to attend the 15th meeting of the Governing Council of South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP).

India, Bangladesh to jointly produce film on Bangabandhu: Prakash Javadekar

US Congressional report on Afghan Affairs has specifically mentioned that Pakistan has been playing 'an active but negative role' in Afghanistan while simultaneously, is fearful of strategic encirclement by India.

In its latest report on Afghanistan, the independent and bipartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) identified Pakistan as the most important neighbour of Afghanistan. Pakistan, it said, has played an active, and by many accounts, a negative role in Afghan affairs for decades.

"Pakistan's security services maintain ties to Afghan insurgent groups, most notably the Haqqani Network, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) that has become an official, the semi-autonomous component of the Taliban," CRS, which periodically prepares reports on issues of importance for Congressmen for them to make informed decisions, said.

Pakistan is concerned about the strategic encirclement by India as New Delhi is establishing strong relations with Central Asian countries.

"India's diplomatic and commercial presence in Afghanistan and US rhetorical support for it exacerbates Pakistani fears of encirclement. Indian interest in Afghanistan stems largely from India's broader regional rivalry with Pakistan, which impedes Indian efforts to establish stronger and more direct commercial and political relations with Central Asia," the CRS said in its latest report on Afghanistan released on November 1.

The US&nbsp;officials have long identified militant safe havens in Pakistan as a threat to security in Afghanistan, though some Pakistani officials dispute that charge and note the Taliban's increased territorial control within Afghanistan itself, the report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-chief-of-staff-summoned-to-testify-in-impeachment-probe-260220">President Donald Trump</a>, it added, has also accused Pakistan of "housing the very terrorists that we are fighting."

"Pakistan may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by an ethnic Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large and restive Pashtun minority)," the CRS said.

However, instability in Afghanistan could rebound to Pakistan's detriment; Pakistan has struggled with indigenous Islamist militants of its own, the report added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-set-to-attend-afghanistan-peace-talks-in-russia-257851">Afghanistan-Pakistan</a> relations are further complicated by the presence of over a million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, as well a long-running and ethnically tinged dispute over their shared 1,600-mile border.

In his August 2017 speech, the US President did encourage India to play a greater role in Afghan economic development.

The CRS said insurgent and terrorist groups have demonstrated considerable capabilities in 2019, throwing into sharp relief the daunting security challenges that the Afghan government and its US and international partners face.

At the same time, prospects for a negotiated settlement, driven by direct US-Taliban talks, are uncertain in light of the September 2019 cancellation of those negotiations and the Taliban's continued refusal to talk to the Afghan government, it said.

However, a potential collapse of the Afghan military and/or the government that commands it could have significant implications for the United States, particularly given the nature of negotiated security arrangements, the report warned.

Regardless of how likely the Taliban would be to gain full control over all or even most of the country, the breakdown of social order and the fracturing of the country into fiefdoms controlled by paramilitary commanders and their respective militias may be plausible, even probable, it added.

US Congressional report on Afghan Affairs has specifically mentioned that Pakistan has been playing 'an active but negative role' in Afghanistan while simultaneously, is fearful of strategic encirclement by India.

US Congressional report on Afghan Affairs has specifically mentioned that Pakistan has been playing 'an active but negative role' in Afghanistan while simultaneously, is fearful of strategic encirclement by India. In its latest report on Afghanistan, the independent and bipartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) identified Pakistan as the most important neighbour of Afghanistan. Pakistan, it said, has played an active, and by many accounts, a negative role in Afghan affairs for decades. "Pakistan's security services maintain ties to Afghan insurgent groups, most notably the Haqqani Network, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) that has become an official, the semi-autonomous component of the Taliban," CRS, which periodically prepares reports on issues of importance for Congressmen for them to make informed decisions, said. Pakistan is concerned about the strategic encirclement by India as New Delhi is establishing strong relations with Central Asian countries. "India's diplomatic and commercial presence in Afghanistan and US rhetorical support for it exacerbates Pakistani fears of encirclement. Indian interest in Afghanistan stems largely from India's broader regional rivalry with Pakistan, which impedes Indian efforts to establish stronger and more direct commercial and political relations with Central Asia," the CRS said in its latest report on Afghanistan released on November 1. The US officials have long identified militant safe havens in Pakistan as a threat to security in Afghanistan, though some Pakistani officials dispute that charge and note the Taliban's increased territorial control within Afghanistan itself, the report said. President Donald Trump, it added, has also accused Pakistan of "housing the very terrorists that we are fighting." "Pakistan may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by an ethnic Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large and restive Pashtun minority)," the CRS said. However, instability in Afghanistan could rebound to Pakistan's detriment; Pakistan has struggled with indigenous Islamist militants of its own, the report added. Afghanistan-Pakistan relations are further complicated by the presence of over a million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, as well a long-running and ethnically tinged dispute over their shared 1,600-mile border. In his August 2017 speech, the US President did encourage India to play a greater role in Afghan economic development. The CRS said insurgent and terrorist groups have demonstrated considerable capabilities in 2019, throwing into sharp relief the daunting security challenges that the Afghan government and its US and international partners face. At the same time, prospects for a negotiated settlement, driven by direct US-Taliban talks, are uncertain in light of the September 2019 cancellation of those negotiations and the Taliban's continued refusal to talk to the Afghan government, it said. However, a potential collapse of the Afghan military and/or the government that commands it could have significant implications for the United States, particularly given the nature of negotiated security arrangements, the report warned. Regardless of how likely the Taliban would be to gain full control over all or even most of the country, the breakdown of social order and the fracturing of the country into fiefdoms controlled by paramilitary commanders and their respective militias may be plausible, even probable, it added.

Pakistan fearful of strategic encirclement by India: US report on Afghan affairs

India's&nbsp;gold&nbsp;demand&nbsp;is expected to fall to its&nbsp;lowest level in&nbsp;three&nbsp;years in 2019, the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Gold&nbsp;Council&nbsp;(WGC) said on Tuesday, as domestic&nbsp;prices&nbsp;climb to a&nbsp;record&nbsp;against a backdrop of falling earnings in rural areas, a key source of custom for the precious metal.

Gold&nbsp;demand&nbsp;in 2019 could drop 8 per cent&nbsp;from a&nbsp;year&nbsp;ago to around 700 tonnes, the&nbsp;lowest since 2016, said Somasundaram PR, the managing director of WGC's&nbsp;Indian operations. In a report, the WGC said&nbsp;India's&nbsp;gold&nbsp;consumption in the quarter ended September slumped nearly a third from a&nbsp;year&nbsp;ago to 123.9 tonnes.

The fall in consumption in the&nbsp;world's second-biggest market of the metal could brake global&nbsp;prices, up 17 per cent&nbsp;so far in 2019, but a drop in imports could also help ease the country's trade deficit, supporting the rupee.

"Along with higher&nbsp;prices,&nbsp;gold&nbsp;demand&nbsp;is getting affected by weak rural sentiment," said WGC official Somasundaram. "Excess monsoon rains have damaged crops," the official noted.

Two-thirds of&nbsp;India's&nbsp;gold&nbsp;demand&nbsp;comes from rural areas, where jewellery is a traditional store of wealth.

India&nbsp;received its highest monsoon rainfall in 25&nbsp;years during the June-September season, with rains continuing even in October, damaging summer-sown crops such as cotton, soybeans and pulses ready for harvesting.

In September, local&nbsp;gold&nbsp;futures&nbsp;hit&nbsp;an all-time high of 39,885 rupees&nbsp;per 10 grams. They have risen about 22 per cent&nbsp;so far in 2019, tracking a rally in global&nbsp;prices&nbsp;as well as reflecting a depreciation in the rupee.

A spike in domestic&nbsp;gold&nbsp;prices&nbsp;and a hike in the import duty slashed&nbsp;demand&nbsp;during the July-September, the WGC said. In the first week of July,&nbsp;India&nbsp;raised the import duty on&nbsp;gold&nbsp;to 12.5 per cent&nbsp;from 10 per cent.

In the key quarter ending December&nbsp;31,&nbsp;demand&nbsp;is likely to be&nbsp;lower than last&nbsp;year's 236.5 tonnes, Somasundaram said, but the drop is unlikely to be as steep as in the July-September quarter.

Demand&nbsp;usually rises in the October-December quarter due to the wedding season and festivals such as Diwali, when buying bullion is considered auspicious.

Many&nbsp;Indians are using the rally in&nbsp;prices&nbsp;to liquidate their&nbsp;gold&nbsp;ornaments, the WGC official said, forecasting scrap&nbsp;gold&nbsp;supplies in&nbsp;India&nbsp;could jump 38 per cent&nbsp;in 2019 to around 120 tonnes.

India's gold demand is expected to fall to its lowest level in three years in 2019, the World Gold Council (WGC) said on Tuesday, as domestic prices climb to a record against a backdrop of falling earnings in rural areas, a key source of custom for the precious metal.

India's gold demand is expected to fall to its lowest level in three years in 2019, the World Gold Council (WGC) said on Tuesday, as domestic prices climb to a record against a backdrop of falling earnings in rural areas, a key source of custom for the precious metal. Gold demand in 2019 could drop 8 per cent from a year ago to around 700 tonnes, the lowest since 2016, said Somasundaram PR, the managing director of WGC's Indian operations. In a report, the WGC said India's gold consumption in the quarter ended September slumped nearly a third from a year ago to 123.9 tonnes. The fall in consumption in the world's second-biggest market of the metal could brake global prices, up 17 per cent so far in 2019, but a drop in imports could also help ease the country's trade deficit, supporting the rupee. "Along with higher prices, gold demand is getting affected by weak rural sentiment," said WGC official Somasundaram. "Excess monsoon rains have damaged crops," the official noted. Two-thirds of India's gold demand comes from rural areas, where jewellery is a traditional store of wealth. India received its highest monsoon rainfall in 25 years during the June-September season, with rains continuing even in October, damaging summer-sown crops such as cotton, soybeans and pulses ready for harvesting. In September, local gold futures hit an all-time high of 39,885 rupees per 10 grams. They have risen about 22 per cent so far in 2019, tracking a rally in global prices as well as reflecting a depreciation in the rupee. A spike in domestic gold prices and a hike in the import duty slashed demand during the July-September, the WGC said. In the first week of July, India raised the import duty on gold to 12.5 per cent from 10 per cent. In the key quarter ending December 31, demand is likely to be lower than last year's 236.5 tonnes, Somasundaram said, but the drop is unlikely to be as steep as in the July-September quarter. Demand usually rises in the October-December quarter due to the wedding season and festivals such as Diwali, when buying bullion is considered auspicious. Many Indians are using the rally in prices to liquidate their gold ornaments, the WGC official said, forecasting scrap gold supplies in India could jump 38 per cent in 2019 to around 120 tonnes.

India gold demand to hit three-year low as prices surge to record: World Gold Council

Following the latest advice given by the International Tennis Federation`s (ITF) independent security advisors, India`s Davis Cup tie in Pakistan has been shifted to a neutral venue.

"Following a review of the latest advice given by the ITF`s independent security advisors, the Davis Cup Committee has taken the decision that the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie between Pakistan and India on 29-30 November 2019, must be played at a neutral venue," the ITF said in a statement.

"The ITF and Davis Cup Committee`s first priority has always been the safety of athletes, officials and spectators and the decision was made on this basis," it added.

The Asia/Oceania Group I tie originally scheduled for September 14-15 in Islamabad was postponed by the ITF to November 29-30 following a security review.

Earlier, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) had written to the ITF to shift the venue of the tournament from Pakistan or postpone the tournament for some time.

The letter was written after India <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-abrogation-of-article-370-here-are-the-reactions-240942">abrogated Article 370</a>, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This led India to political tensions between India and Pakistan.

As per the Davis Cup Regulations, the Pakistan Tennis Federation now has the choice to nominate a neutral venue and has five working days to confirm their proposed venue.

The venue will be announced once the choice has been submitted and approved.

Following the latest advice given by the International Tennis Federation`s (ITF) independent security advisors, India`s Davis Cup tie in Pakistan has been shifted to a neutral venue.

Following the latest advice given by the International Tennis Federation`s (ITF) independent security advisors, India`s Davis Cup tie in Pakistan has been shifted to a neutral venue. "Following a review of the latest advice given by the ITF`s independent security advisors, the Davis Cup Committee has taken the decision that the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie between Pakistan and India on 29-30 November 2019, must be played at a neutral venue," the ITF said in a statement. "The ITF and Davis Cup Committee`s first priority has always been the safety of athletes, officials and spectators and the decision was made on this basis," it added. The Asia/Oceania Group I tie originally scheduled for September 14-15 in Islamabad was postponed by the ITF to November 29-30 following a security review. Earlier, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) had written to the ITF to shift the venue of the tournament from Pakistan or postpone the tournament for some time. The letter was written after India abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This led India to political tensions between India and Pakistan. As per the Davis Cup Regulations, the Pakistan Tennis Federation now has the choice to nominate a neutral venue and has five working days to confirm their proposed venue. The venue will be announced once the choice has been submitted and approved.

India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie shifted to neutral venue

By Mallika Singh

India on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asean-summit-india-decides-not-to-join-rcep-259919">pulled out of</a> the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.” 
&nbsp; 
Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand said that “neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP.” 
&nbsp; 
RCEP is a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was being negotiated between 16 countries - the 10 member states of ASEAN along with India, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. 
&nbsp; 
While the exact details of what the agreement entails are yet to be released, its aim, as established in 2012 in Cambodia, was to increase trade by decreasing tariffs and barriers between member states, boost exports, and create an alternative market for investment. 
&nbsp; 
India chose to withhold from joining the trade agreement due to “significant outstanding issues, which remain unresolved”.

"The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirit and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP,” Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-not-to-join-rcep-goes-against-countrys-core-interests-259904">Narendra Modi </a>said.

New Delhi’s stand on data localisation is one of the key issues at conflict as RCEP norms support the free flow of data which hampers India’s digital sovereignty. &nbsp;

According to NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of India, the country has a growing trade deficit with ASEAN member states and China. Participating in RCEP would have only widened these deficits. 
&nbsp; 
With the ongoing United States-China trade war, signing the trade agreement would have interfered with India's attempt to augment its ties with the United States.

China’s dumping policy also presented itself as a potential threat to India, where access to an open market might have lead China to dump its products in regional Indian markets. &nbsp;

India felt that there was “inadequate” protection provided to its domestic markets which would have had to suffer losses as cheaper products from China threatened to “flood” Indian markets.

The dairy industry was also expected to face the burden of the trade deal due to the introduction of competition from New Zealand and Australia.

India also failed to receive any assurance on its demand for greater market access and concerns over non-tariff barriers as China has in the past used these to curtail India’s exports to the country.

India expressed dismay at 2014 being set as the base year for tariff reductions instead of 2013. This would have gone against the country's interests as several import duties have gone up since 2014. 
&nbsp; 
RCEP is supposed to be one of the world’s largest trade pacts and the largest regional trading agreement yet. The member countries account for half of the world’s population and almost one-third of the Global Gross Domestic Product.

Becoming a member of the RCEP would have provided New Delhi with an alternative market, reducing its dependence on Western nation-states, an increase in export-oriented Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and a boost to its service sector.

Although India currently backed out of one of the biggest free trade deals in the world, the remaining 15 members agreed on the negotiated terms and will be signing it next year. 
&nbsp;

By Mallika Singh India on Monday pulled out of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.

By Mallika Singh India on Monday pulled out of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) stating that the agreement “does not satisfactorily address India's outstanding issues and concerns.” Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand said that “neither the Talisman of Gandhiji nor my own conscience permits me to join the RCEP.” RCEP is a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that was being negotiated between 16 countries - the 10 member states of ASEAN along with India, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. While the exact details of what the agreement entails are yet to be released, its aim, as established in 2012 in Cambodia, was to increase trade by decreasing tariffs and barriers between member states, boost exports, and create an alternative market for investment. India chose to withhold from joining the trade agreement due to “significant outstanding issues, which remain unresolved”. "The present form of the RCEP agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirit and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. New Delhi’s stand on data localisation is one of the key issues at conflict as RCEP norms support the free flow of data which hampers India’s digital sovereignty. According to NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of India, the country has a growing trade deficit with ASEAN member states and China. Participating in RCEP would have only widened these deficits. With the ongoing United States-China trade war, signing the trade agreement would have interfered with India's attempt to augment its ties with the United States. China’s dumping policy also presented itself as a potential threat to India, where access to an open market might have lead China to dump its products in regional Indian markets. India felt that there was “inadequate” protection provided to its domestic markets which would have had to suffer losses as cheaper products from China threatened to “flood” Indian markets. The dairy industry was also expected to face the burden of the trade deal due to the introduction of competition from New Zealand and Australia. India also failed to receive any assurance on its demand for greater market access and concerns over non-tariff barriers as China has in the past used these to curtail India’s exports to the country. India expressed dismay at 2014 being set as the base year for tariff reductions instead of 2013. This would have gone against the country's interests as several import duties have gone up since 2014. RCEP is supposed to be one of the world’s largest trade pacts and the largest regional trading agreement yet. The member countries account for half of the world’s population and almost one-third of the Global Gross Domestic Product. Becoming a member of the RCEP would have provided New Delhi with an alternative market, reducing its dependence on Western nation-states, an increase in export-oriented Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and a boost to its service sector. Although India currently backed out of one of the biggest free trade deals in the world, the remaining 15 members agreed on the negotiated terms and will be signing it next year.

RCEP pull-out: India stands by reduced trade deficits, data localisation, and enhancing domestic markets

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