General Affairs
Pampore attack: 1 terrorist killed, gunbattle enters third day
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At least one terrorist was killed during gunbattle with security forces at the multi-storey building of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) at Pampore near Srinagar on Tuesday night.
Security forces pounded the government building near Srinagar-Jammu National Highway at regular intervals with mortars and blasted IEDs with the aim of flushing out the militants or cornering them to one side of the building, officials said. However, the ultras did not fire in retaliation, they said.
GUNBATTLE STILL ON
There seems to be no early end to the operation which started on Monday morning as the encounter is still underway and heavy exchange of fire is reported. The operation has been now going on for 48 hours.
Most part of the concrete building has been reduced to a skeleton as many of its walls have been blown up.
Elite Para commandos of the army have also been called in to neutralise the militants but the security personnel are not rushing in to the building to avoid casualties, the officials said.
The area around the EDI premises has been cordoned off to prevent the militants from escaping, the official said.
2-3 MILITANTS ENTERED EDI BUILDING
Two to three militants stormed into the EDI complex in the wee hours on Monday and took positions inside one of the buildings.
The ultras could have entered the complex from the riverside after travelling by boat but that can only be ascertained once the operation is over, the officials said.
After getting inside the complex, the militants set on fire few mattresses inside a hostel room to attract the attention of the police and other security forces, which arrived within minutes of the smoke emanating from the building.
ONE SOLDIER INJURED
In the initial exchange of firing, one army soldier was injured, the officials said.
The security forces on Monday used mortar shells, Light Machine Guns and other small arms to flush out the militants.
Militants had targeted the EDI building in February this year as well.
Five security force personnel including two young army officers and a civilian employee of the Institute and three militants were killed in that operation which lasted 48 hours.
At least one terrorist was killed during gunbattle with security forces at the multi-storey building of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) at Pampore near Srinagar on Tuesday night.
Security forces pounded the government building near Srinagar-Jammu National Highway at regular intervals with mortars and blasted IEDs with the aim of flushing out the militants or cornering them to one side of the building, officials said. However, the ultras did not fire in retaliation, they said.
GUNBATTLE STILL ON
There seems to be no early end to the operation which started on Monday morning as the encounter is still underway and heavy exchange of fire is reported. The operation has been now going on for 48 hours.
Most part of the concrete building has been reduced to a skeleton as many of its walls have been blown up.
Elite Para commandos of the army have also been called in to neutralise the militants but the security personnel are not rushing in to the building to avoid casualties, the officials said.
The area around the EDI premises has been cordoned off to prevent the militants from escaping, the official said.
2-3 MILITANTS ENTERED EDI BUILDING
Two to three militants stormed into the EDI complex in the wee hours on Monday and took positions inside one of the buildings.
The ultras could have entered the complex from the riverside after travelling by boat but that can only be ascertained once the operation is over, the officials said.
After getting inside the complex, the militants set on fire few mattresses inside a hostel room to attract the attention of the police and other security forces, which arrived within minutes of the smoke emanating from the building.
ONE SOLDIER INJURED
In the initial exchange of firing, one army soldier was injured, the officials said.
The security forces on Monday used mortar shells, Light Machine Guns and other small arms to flush out the militants.
Militants had targeted the EDI building in February this year as well.
Five security force personnel including two young army officers and a civilian employee of the Institute and three militants were killed in that operation which lasted 48 hours.
Lucknow: At Ramleela function, PM Modi says terror must be defeated just like Ram defeated Ravana
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Describing India as land of 'buddh' (knowledge) and not yudh (war), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday drew a parallel between Ram's victory over Ravana with the modern-day fight against terrorism. He said, "We are at a point now where those who support terror or allow it cannot go unpunished."
DEFEATING TERROR
The PM attended historic Ramleela function at Aishbagh Maidan in Lucknow in a first public address after surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and sent a message about India's determination to fight terrorism. Starting and ending his speech with "Jai Sri Ram", a slogan that had become symbol of BJP's resurgence, Modi said Ram left behind legacy of humanity and sacrifice and Jatayu, the eagle that tried to stop Sita's kidnapping, was first to fight against terrorism.
He asked people to remain vigilant against terrorism just like Jatayu. The Prime Minister said India will not spare who shelter terrorist in a remark seen against Pakistan which exports terrorism. "We see visuals of what terrorism is doing to Syria. It brings tears to one's eyes. It gives us the conviction that there is no guarantee for the safety of humanity without defeating terrorism," he said.
DEFEATING SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION
Apart from talking about terrorism, the Prime Minister also focused on equality of women as October 11 is also the International Day of the Girl Child. "We should collectively work towards an India where there is no discrimination based on gender and where girls get all the opportunities to shine," he said. The Prime Minister's symbolism of Ram and the anti-terror operations in pollbound Uttar Pradesh was meant to deliver a strong political message. "We burn effigy of Ravan every year but what lesson do we take? We should have only one resolve - to finish our social evils and strengthen our will to end all evils," he said, adding that the Ravan within us must be destroyed.
VIJAYA DASHMI
The Vijaya Dashami celebrations at the historic venue were attended by all the bigwigs of the BJP including Union home minister Rajnath Singh. Modi performed 'aarti' of the characters playing Lord Ram and Sita and was later felicitated by the city mayor Dinesh Sharma, the convener of the 70-year-old Ramlila. The PM said that it was his good fortune to attend the event at the land that has given Ram and Krishna. Home minister Singh said that Lucknow was "karmabhoomi" of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The PM spoke about 20 minutes and most of his speech was on terrorism but he resorted to only veiled attacks against Pakistan. "Terrorism is against humanity. The entire world is being destroyed… if you think that we are insulated against terrorism, then we are wrong. It is a virus affecting our societies. All forces across the world have to talk in one voice and end it," he said. This is the first time when a Prime Minister has attended Dussehra outside Delhi. Prime Minister Modi chose to travel to Lucknow and his visit got linked to the Assembly elections due in the state early next year. It was expected that the PM will give a strong message against terrorism.
Describing India as land of 'buddh' (knowledge) and not yudh (war), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday drew a parallel between Ram's victory over Ravana with the modern-day fight against terrorism. He said, "We are at a point now where those who support terror or allow it cannot go unpunished."
DEFEATING TERROR
DEFEATING TERROR
The PM attended historic Ramleela function at Aishbagh Maidan in Lucknow in a first public address after surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and sent a message about India's determination to fight terrorism. Starting and ending his speech with "Jai Sri Ram", a slogan that had become symbol of BJP's resurgence, Modi said Ram left behind legacy of humanity and sacrifice and Jatayu, the eagle that tried to stop Sita's kidnapping, was first to fight against terrorism.
He asked people to remain vigilant against terrorism just like Jatayu. The Prime Minister said India will not spare who shelter terrorist in a remark seen against Pakistan which exports terrorism. "We see visuals of what terrorism is doing to Syria. It brings tears to one's eyes. It gives us the conviction that there is no guarantee for the safety of humanity without defeating terrorism," he said.
DEFEATING SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION
Apart from talking about terrorism, the Prime Minister also focused on equality of women as October 11 is also the International Day of the Girl Child. "We should collectively work towards an India where there is no discrimination based on gender and where girls get all the opportunities to shine," he said. The Prime Minister's symbolism of Ram and the anti-terror operations in pollbound Uttar Pradesh was meant to deliver a strong political message. "We burn effigy of Ravan every year but what lesson do we take? We should have only one resolve - to finish our social evils and strengthen our will to end all evils," he said, adding that the Ravan within us must be destroyed.
DEFEATING SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION
Apart from talking about terrorism, the Prime Minister also focused on equality of women as October 11 is also the International Day of the Girl Child. "We should collectively work towards an India where there is no discrimination based on gender and where girls get all the opportunities to shine," he said. The Prime Minister's symbolism of Ram and the anti-terror operations in pollbound Uttar Pradesh was meant to deliver a strong political message. "We burn effigy of Ravan every year but what lesson do we take? We should have only one resolve - to finish our social evils and strengthen our will to end all evils," he said, adding that the Ravan within us must be destroyed.
VIJAYA DASHMI
The Vijaya Dashami celebrations at the historic venue were attended by all the bigwigs of the BJP including Union home minister Rajnath Singh. Modi performed 'aarti' of the characters playing Lord Ram and Sita and was later felicitated by the city mayor Dinesh Sharma, the convener of the 70-year-old Ramlila. The PM said that it was his good fortune to attend the event at the land that has given Ram and Krishna. Home minister Singh said that Lucknow was "karmabhoomi" of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The PM spoke about 20 minutes and most of his speech was on terrorism but he resorted to only veiled attacks against Pakistan. "Terrorism is against humanity. The entire world is being destroyed… if you think that we are insulated against terrorism, then we are wrong. It is a virus affecting our societies. All forces across the world have to talk in one voice and end it," he said. This is the first time when a Prime Minister has attended Dussehra outside Delhi. Prime Minister Modi chose to travel to Lucknow and his visit got linked to the Assembly elections due in the state early next year. It was expected that the PM will give a strong message against terrorism.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat calls for distinction between 'good' gau rakshaks and those breaking the law
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RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, clad in the new uniform of khaki trousers in Nagpur on the organisation's 91st founding day, addressed swayamsevaks in what was a confirmation of the Sangh's faith and trust in the leadership of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi, but disagreed with him on the role of cow protectors in the society.
DISAGREEMENT OVER GAU RAKSHAKS
Bhagwat denounced social discrimination, but made a bold statement of support to cow protectors or 'gaurakshaks' despite PM Modi earlier denouncing most of them as trouble makers. The RSS as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have come under fire over the free run given to cow vigilantes. While Bhagwat mentioned the flogging of Dalits by cow vigilantes in Una in Gujarat and called it "shameful", the Sangh patriarch did not go to the length of echoing the PM Modi.
"Countless good people are working for cow protection. The Jain society is totally devoted to it. These good people are working within the ambit of law and Constitution. The administration should see to it that those creating trouble should not be compared with cow protectors. There should be a distinction between the two," he said.
Defending cow protection, he cited the Directive Principles of the India Constitution that spoke in its favour and that many states had laws for cow protection.
INDIA MOVING AHEAD
On the occasion, Bhagwat also pledged that RSS will work to root ouT discrimination in society and cited a survey done in the parts of Madhya Pradesh to say that 30-40 per cent people suffer from discrimination in getting water or entry to temple. He also patted Modi for having ensured that "India is moving forward for the last two years and people have confidence that it will do well". He cautioned the opposition and critics too. "The country is seen to be moving ahead on the path of development with policies which have dispelled the despair that existed earlier," he said.
SURGICAL STRIKES
The RSS supremo lauded the army for carrying out surgical strikes, saying it had enhanced India's prestige in the world. Castigating Pakistan for prompting subversive activities from the across the border, he said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir was of concern, but supported India's claim to PoK. "The commitment of our leaders that the whole of the state, including PoK, belongs to India is good. What is needed is that this strength of statement is reflected in action as well, he said. Under our government, the army has recently given a befitting reply.
The army's and India's prestige in the world have gone up. The trouble-makers have been given this message that there is a limit to patience." Bhagwat also batted for the grant of state citizenship rights to Hindu refugees in Jammu and Kashmir and the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. "During the partition and subsequently many Hindu refugees were displaced from PoK and arrived there. Sheikh Abdullah assured them that they will be given their rights. Their third generation is living there. They don't have state citizenship rights. They don't have ration cards and jobs. How long will they wait?" asked Bhagwa.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, clad in the new uniform of khaki trousers in Nagpur on the organisation's 91st founding day, addressed swayamsevaks in what was a confirmation of the Sangh's faith and trust in the leadership of Prime MinisterNarendra Modi, but disagreed with him on the role of cow protectors in the society.
DISAGREEMENT OVER GAU RAKSHAKS
Bhagwat denounced social discrimination, but made a bold statement of support to cow protectors or 'gaurakshaks' despite PM Modi earlier denouncing most of them as trouble makers. The RSS as well as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have come under fire over the free run given to cow vigilantes. While Bhagwat mentioned the flogging of Dalits by cow vigilantes in Una in Gujarat and called it "shameful", the Sangh patriarch did not go to the length of echoing the PM Modi.
"Countless good people are working for cow protection. The Jain society is totally devoted to it. These good people are working within the ambit of law and Constitution. The administration should see to it that those creating trouble should not be compared with cow protectors. There should be a distinction between the two," he said.
Defending cow protection, he cited the Directive Principles of the India Constitution that spoke in its favour and that many states had laws for cow protection.
INDIA MOVING AHEAD
On the occasion, Bhagwat also pledged that RSS will work to root ouT discrimination in society and cited a survey done in the parts of Madhya Pradesh to say that 30-40 per cent people suffer from discrimination in getting water or entry to temple. He also patted Modi for having ensured that "India is moving forward for the last two years and people have confidence that it will do well". He cautioned the opposition and critics too. "The country is seen to be moving ahead on the path of development with policies which have dispelled the despair that existed earlier," he said.
SURGICAL STRIKES
The RSS supremo lauded the army for carrying out surgical strikes, saying it had enhanced India's prestige in the world. Castigating Pakistan for prompting subversive activities from the across the border, he said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir was of concern, but supported India's claim to PoK. "The commitment of our leaders that the whole of the state, including PoK, belongs to India is good. What is needed is that this strength of statement is reflected in action as well, he said. Under our government, the army has recently given a befitting reply.
The army's and India's prestige in the world have gone up. The trouble-makers have been given this message that there is a limit to patience." Bhagwat also batted for the grant of state citizenship rights to Hindu refugees in Jammu and Kashmir and the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. "During the partition and subsequently many Hindu refugees were displaced from PoK and arrived there. Sheikh Abdullah assured them that they will be given their rights. Their third generation is living there. They don't have state citizenship rights. They don't have ration cards and jobs. How long will they wait?" asked Bhagwa.
Baloch activist Naela Qadri Baloch in Delhi to form government-in-exile
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Baloch writer Naela Qadri Baloch, a long-time campaigner for Balochistan's independence from Pakistan, arrived here today with a view to set up a Baloch government-in-exile.
Baloch, who waited for almost three months to get an Indian visa, came to Delhi from Kabul where she lives. "I am very happy to be here. I look forward to my stay in Delhi for a week and then travel to other cities," Baloch told IANS. "I have multiple engagements in Delhi. I am looking forward to meet a number of political leaders here to garner support to form a Baloch government-in-exile," she added.
IN DELHI TO GARNER SUPPORT
She was received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by her son Mazdak Dilshad Baloch, who reached New Delhi in August, and several other Baloch activists. Mazdak Baloch told IANS, "My mother will take part in several seminars and programmes on the Baloch movement. She will meet people in the government to seek support for our campaign."
Several Baloch leaders from Pakistan and from other countries have begun visiting New Delhi since Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address of August 15, highlighted the Baloch issue.
Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province in terms of area, has witnessed a long-running insurgency for which Islamabad blames New Delhi.
Baloch writer Naela Qadri Baloch, a long-time campaigner for Balochistan's independence from Pakistan, arrived here today with a view to set up a Baloch government-in-exile.
Baloch, who waited for almost three months to get an Indian visa, came to Delhi from Kabul where she lives. "I am very happy to be here. I look forward to my stay in Delhi for a week and then travel to other cities," Baloch told IANS. "I have multiple engagements in Delhi. I am looking forward to meet a number of political leaders here to garner support to form a Baloch government-in-exile," she added.
IN DELHI TO GARNER SUPPORT
She was received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by her son Mazdak Dilshad Baloch, who reached New Delhi in August, and several other Baloch activists. Mazdak Baloch told IANS, "My mother will take part in several seminars and programmes on the Baloch movement. She will meet people in the government to seek support for our campaign."
Several Baloch leaders from Pakistan and from other countries have begun visiting New Delhi since Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address of August 15, highlighted the Baloch issue.
Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province in terms of area, has witnessed a long-running insurgency for which Islamabad blames New Delhi.
Afghanistan: Gunmen attack shrine in Kabul, 14 killed
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At least 14 people were killed on Tuesday when a gunman opened fire on worshippers gathered at a shrine in the Afghan capital Kabul for a Shi'ite holy day, officials said.
Thirteen civilians and one police officer died, with 36 people wounded, said Ministry of Interior spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi. Ministry of Public Health officials said at least 43 people had been injured in the incident and had been taken to hospitals in the city for treatment.
The attack began just before 8 pm (3:30 p.m. GMT), police said, with witnesses reporting an explosion followed by gunfire.
SHRINE EVACUATED
Initial reports put the number of attackers at three, but Sediqqi said police special forces who responded to the scene found and killed only one gunman. Security forces at the scene had evacuated the shrine as the attack unfolded, said Kabul police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi.
The attack occurred at one of Kabul's largest shrines as Shi'ite Muslims had gathered to observe the Ashura holy day, which commemorates the 7th Century death of a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad.
At least 14 people were killed on Tuesday when a gunman opened fire on worshippers gathered at a shrine in the Afghan capital Kabul for a Shi'ite holy day, officials said.
Thirteen civilians and one police officer died, with 36 people wounded, said Ministry of Interior spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi. Ministry of Public Health officials said at least 43 people had been injured in the incident and had been taken to hospitals in the city for treatment.
The attack began just before 8 pm (3:30 p.m. GMT), police said, with witnesses reporting an explosion followed by gunfire.
SHRINE EVACUATED
Initial reports put the number of attackers at three, but Sediqqi said police special forces who responded to the scene found and killed only one gunman. Security forces at the scene had evacuated the shrine as the attack unfolded, said Kabul police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi.
The attack occurred at one of Kabul's largest shrines as Shi'ite Muslims had gathered to observe the Ashura holy day, which commemorates the 7th Century death of a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad.
Business Affairs
WikiLeaks emails throw light on Modi's Silicon Valley visit
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The latest batch of emails released by WikiLeaks from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta gives an insight into the planning done by the Obama administration to ensure a successfull visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Silicon Valley in 2015.
More than a month and half before Modi was to visit Silicon Valley in the last week of September, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal wrote an email to John Podesta, who had by then joined the Clinton Campaign, seeking his advice and input on making the trip successful and also checking if the former US president Bill Clinton can co-host a clean energy event with the Modi at Stanford.
In an email to Podesta dated August 12, Biswal said there is a lot of interest in the Indian government to focus on two themes for the Silicon Valley visit.
First is the digital economy, she wrote and added that here the focus will be a visit to google and some announcements on Google's massive investments in India, she said.
"The other focus is on clean energy. Here the Indians want to visit Tesla and hopefully announce a Tesla partnership/venture with India focusing on their battery storage system for solar," Biswal said.
"The other major effort is around a clean energy roundtable with Stanford that Commerce had been working on. It now it seems (Commerce Secretary Penny) Pritzker cannot make it to California and the Indians are looking for some other USG (US government) principal to participate with industry, academia and government," she wrote.
"Before I engage the WH (State Department) and State or DoE (Department of Energy), I wanted to see if you had thoughts on how we should approach this. The Indians have said that it would need to be a Cabinet rank principal to convene this with the PM (Prime Minister)," Biswal said.
"We will of course see if Secretary (of State John) Kerry or Secretary (of Energy Earnest) Moniz can go to California that weekend but things are complicated by the (Chinese President) Xi (Jinping's) visit and the UNGA (UN General Assembly) schedule. Are there other options you would suggest we pursue?" she asked.
"Another option would be to see if (California) Governor (Jerry) Brown or perhaps President Clinton would be interested in co-hosting/convening. Also, would you want to participate in the roundtable? Let me know if you have thoughts on this or want to discuss," Biswal wrote as per the email released by WikiLeaks yesterday.
The latest batch of emails released by WikiLeaks from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta gives an insight into the planning done by the Obama administration to ensure a successfull visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Silicon Valley in 2015.
More than a month and half before Modi was to visit Silicon Valley in the last week of September, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal wrote an email to John Podesta, who had by then joined the Clinton Campaign, seeking his advice and input on making the trip successful and also checking if the former US president Bill Clinton can co-host a clean energy event with the Modi at Stanford.
In an email to Podesta dated August 12, Biswal said there is a lot of interest in the Indian government to focus on two themes for the Silicon Valley visit.
First is the digital economy, she wrote and added that here the focus will be a visit to google and some announcements on Google's massive investments in India, she said.
"The other focus is on clean energy. Here the Indians want to visit Tesla and hopefully announce a Tesla partnership/venture with India focusing on their battery storage system for solar," Biswal said.
"The other major effort is around a clean energy roundtable with Stanford that Commerce had been working on. It now it seems (Commerce Secretary Penny) Pritzker cannot make it to California and the Indians are looking for some other USG (US government) principal to participate with industry, academia and government," she wrote.
"Before I engage the WH (State Department) and State or DoE (Department of Energy), I wanted to see if you had thoughts on how we should approach this. The Indians have said that it would need to be a Cabinet rank principal to convene this with the PM (Prime Minister)," Biswal said.
"We will of course see if Secretary (of State John) Kerry or Secretary (of Energy Earnest) Moniz can go to California that weekend but things are complicated by the (Chinese President) Xi (Jinping's) visit and the UNGA (UN General Assembly) schedule. Are there other options you would suggest we pursue?" she asked.
"Another option would be to see if (California) Governor (Jerry) Brown or perhaps President Clinton would be interested in co-hosting/convening. Also, would you want to participate in the roundtable? Let me know if you have thoughts on this or want to discuss," Biswal wrote as per the email released by WikiLeaks yesterday.
Your petrol, diesel bill may rise substantially ahead of Diwali
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Petrol and diesel prices are set to be raised this week as international oil prices have hit a one-year high.
The Indian basket of crude has breached the psychological mark of $50 a barrel for the first time since June.
Oil prices are hovering around $53.21 a barrel as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid al-Falih commented in Istanbul on OPEC's move to try to cement a cap on oil production.
In September, members of the The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) voted to cut production for the first time in eight years.
Oil prices have gained almost 15 per cent since OPEC made the statement.
Oil marketing companies decide the price of petrol and diesel on a fortnightly basis, primarily on the rupee-dollar exchange rate and international oil prices.
In 2014 diesel prices were deregulated, giving oil marketing companies control to hike or cut prices according to global price movement. In 2010, the government deregulated petrol prices and linked them to the international oil rates.
Petrol and diesel price in Delhi was last raised by 14 paise and 10 paise, respectively due to an increase in the dealers commission.
Petrol currently costs Rs. 64.72 a litre in Delhi and diesel Rs. 52.61 per litre.
Petrol and diesel prices are set to be raised this week as international oil prices have hit a one-year high.
The Indian basket of crude has breached the psychological mark of $50 a barrel for the first time since June.
Oil prices are hovering around $53.21 a barrel as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid al-Falih commented in Istanbul on OPEC's move to try to cement a cap on oil production.
In September, members of the The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) voted to cut production for the first time in eight years.
Oil prices have gained almost 15 per cent since OPEC made the statement.
Oil marketing companies decide the price of petrol and diesel on a fortnightly basis, primarily on the rupee-dollar exchange rate and international oil prices.
In 2014 diesel prices were deregulated, giving oil marketing companies control to hike or cut prices according to global price movement. In 2010, the government deregulated petrol prices and linked them to the international oil rates.
Petrol and diesel price in Delhi was last raised by 14 paise and 10 paise, respectively due to an increase in the dealers commission.
Petrol currently costs Rs. 64.72 a litre in Delhi and diesel Rs. 52.61 per litre.
GST lends more weight to India's 8% growth projection: S&P
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Calling GST as the most important structural reform till date by the Modi government, S&P Global Ratings today said the passage of the indirect tax law gives it additional conviction of India clocking 8 per cent growth in the next few years.
"India's GST passage gives us additional conviction around our 8%-ish GDP growth forecast over the next few years," it said in a report titled 'Asia-Pacific steadies while China goes silent'.
The rating agency had last month projected India to clock a "steroid-free" growth of 8 per cent in coming years.
"The GST passage is arguably the most important structural reform to date by the Modi government and will improve efficiency, cross-state trade and tax buoyancy," it said today.
It saw a reasonably firm pick-up in Asia-Pacific's macro momentum indicators, with pick-up in retail sales offering the clearest sign in most of the region's economies. This, it said, stems from rising income, which in turn is part of the region's evolving growth dynamics, with consumption playing a larger role.
S&P said China has been nudged up as it raised the GDP growth forecast by about a quarter percentage point in 2016 and 2017 to 6.6 per cent and 6.4 per cent, respectively, and has kept its 2018 forecast roughly unchanged at 6.1 per cent.
Japan's second-quarter outturn was weaker than expected, it said, adding that its 0.7 per cent GDP growth forecast for 2016 looked like "a mild stretch at this point".
In its 'APAC Economic Snapshots - September 2016' report, it had stated that India's structural reforms agenda had maintained strong momentum and, most recently with the GST passage, should propel growth higher.
"For India, we are still forecasting GDP growth at about 8 per cent over the next few years. Moreover, this is relatively high quality, steroid-free growth backed by a broadening consumption base," S&P had said.
"Inflation remains a risk, given the large weights on food, fuel, and other volatile items in the Reserve Bank of India's target basket," S&P had said.
The latest gross domestic production (GDP) figures showed that India's growth slowed to 7.1 per cent in the April-June quarter, from 7.9 per cent in January-March.
RBI has also said the near-term growth outlook for India seems brighter than last fiscal's and the economy is likely to expand at 7.6 per cent in 2016-17.
Calling GST as the most important structural reform till date by the Modi government, S&P Global Ratings today said the passage of the indirect tax law gives it additional conviction of India clocking 8 per cent growth in the next few years.
"India's GST passage gives us additional conviction around our 8%-ish GDP growth forecast over the next few years," it said in a report titled 'Asia-Pacific steadies while China goes silent'.
The rating agency had last month projected India to clock a "steroid-free" growth of 8 per cent in coming years.
"The GST passage is arguably the most important structural reform to date by the Modi government and will improve efficiency, cross-state trade and tax buoyancy," it said today.
It saw a reasonably firm pick-up in Asia-Pacific's macro momentum indicators, with pick-up in retail sales offering the clearest sign in most of the region's economies. This, it said, stems from rising income, which in turn is part of the region's evolving growth dynamics, with consumption playing a larger role.
S&P said China has been nudged up as it raised the GDP growth forecast by about a quarter percentage point in 2016 and 2017 to 6.6 per cent and 6.4 per cent, respectively, and has kept its 2018 forecast roughly unchanged at 6.1 per cent.
Japan's second-quarter outturn was weaker than expected, it said, adding that its 0.7 per cent GDP growth forecast for 2016 looked like "a mild stretch at this point".
In its 'APAC Economic Snapshots - September 2016' report, it had stated that India's structural reforms agenda had maintained strong momentum and, most recently with the GST passage, should propel growth higher.
"For India, we are still forecasting GDP growth at about 8 per cent over the next few years. Moreover, this is relatively high quality, steroid-free growth backed by a broadening consumption base," S&P had said.
"Inflation remains a risk, given the large weights on food, fuel, and other volatile items in the Reserve Bank of India's target basket," S&P had said.
The latest gross domestic production (GDP) figures showed that India's growth slowed to 7.1 per cent in the April-June quarter, from 7.9 per cent in January-March.
RBI has also said the near-term growth outlook for India seems brighter than last fiscal's and the economy is likely to expand at 7.6 per cent in 2016-17.
Travel time for 14 trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi reduced
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Upgrading of signalling system on congested routes has helped the railways reduce running time of 14 premier trains including Howrah and Patna Rajdhani Expresses and Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi.
A total of 350 Mails/Expresses and 74 Superfast trains, including Rajdhanis and Shatabdis, are now reaching destinations 5-25 minutes before time because of removal of bottlenecks and rationalisation of Timetable, said a senior Railway Ministry official.
Journey time of Rajdhani services for Bhubaneswar, Sealdah and Dibrugarh and Chennai-Coimbatore and Howrah-Puri Shatabdi trains has come down due to the improvement in the signalling system.
The official said the Route Relay Interlocking (RRI) system was installed on busy routes to ensure faster movement of trains and this has resulted in reduction in journey time of several trains.
Route Relay Interlocking system is used in large and busy stations that have to handle high volumes of train movements.
Under the system, an entire route through the station can be selected and all the associated points and signals along the route can be set at once by a switch for receiving, holding, blocking, or dispatching trains. Interlockings operate solely without a human operator.
"We have managed to save total 130 minutes in 12 Rajdhani trains and 60 minutes in six Shatandi trains due to various measures being undertaken in a gradual manner," he said, adding that "major changes were carried out at Allahabad junction, the most congested section, to speed up services."
Besides, construction of rail overbridges, underbridges and limited height subways at many level crossings on the busy routes resulted in doing away with halting time.
The reduction in journey time has been included in the new Timetable, effective from October 1.
Upgrading of signalling system on congested routes has helped the railways reduce running time of 14 premier trains including Howrah and Patna Rajdhani Expresses and Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi.
A total of 350 Mails/Expresses and 74 Superfast trains, including Rajdhanis and Shatabdis, are now reaching destinations 5-25 minutes before time because of removal of bottlenecks and rationalisation of Timetable, said a senior Railway Ministry official.
Journey time of Rajdhani services for Bhubaneswar, Sealdah and Dibrugarh and Chennai-Coimbatore and Howrah-Puri Shatabdi trains has come down due to the improvement in the signalling system.
The official said the Route Relay Interlocking (RRI) system was installed on busy routes to ensure faster movement of trains and this has resulted in reduction in journey time of several trains.
Route Relay Interlocking system is used in large and busy stations that have to handle high volumes of train movements.
Under the system, an entire route through the station can be selected and all the associated points and signals along the route can be set at once by a switch for receiving, holding, blocking, or dispatching trains. Interlockings operate solely without a human operator.
"We have managed to save total 130 minutes in 12 Rajdhani trains and 60 minutes in six Shatandi trains due to various measures being undertaken in a gradual manner," he said, adding that "major changes were carried out at Allahabad junction, the most congested section, to speed up services."
Besides, construction of rail overbridges, underbridges and limited height subways at many level crossings on the busy routes resulted in doing away with halting time.
The reduction in journey time has been included in the new Timetable, effective from October 1.
FM Arun Jaitley says govt keen Union Budget 2017-18 should not clash with polls
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Having decided to advance the budget presentation , the government is keen that it is not presented in the middle of Assembly elections in five states, said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley .
Assembly polls are due early next year in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur.
"In principle, we have decided that we would like to... advance the date (of budget presentation)," he said.
The Cabinet on September 21 had in-principle decided to end the colonial-era tradition of presenting the Union budget on last day of February and advance it by about a month to help complete the legislative approval for the annual spending plans and tax proposals before beginning of the new financial year on April 1.
"The reason we wanted to advance the date was that we want the entire budgetary exercise to be over and the Finance Bill to be passed and implemented from April 1 onwards rather than June because then the monsoons set in and, effectively, the expenditures start in October," he told CNBC TV18.
Stating that the government wants expenditure to start in April itself, he said there are five state Assembly elections lined up in 2017.
"So, we are just trying to co-ordinate that you do not have to announce the Budget bang in the middle of an election date. So, it should be reasonably before that or after that," he said.
The finance ministry had previously proposed that the Budget presentation be fixed for February 1and the entire exercise be completed by March 24.
It wanted the Budget Session of Parliament to begin before January 25 and go in for a three-week break between February 10 and 15 before reconvening between March 10 and 15 to complete the legislative exercise.
But with Assembly elections in five states likely to be held in phases, there is a probability that this budget schedule may clash with the campaigning and the polling.
While tenure of Punjab, Manipur and Goa Assemblies is due to end on March 18, 2017, that of Uttarakhand is till March 26, 2017. Uttar Pradesh Assembly tenure expires on May 27.
The Cabinet had last month also decided to scrap the 92-year old practice of having a separate railway budget and merge it with the general budget.
As things stand, the budget approval process happens in two parts spilling over the second or third week of May, hampering early implementation of schemes and spending programmes.
To facilitate early presentation of the budget, the finance ministry had proposed that the Budget Session be convened sometime before January 25, a month ahead of the current practice.
Consequently, preparation for the Budget would start this month and GDP estimates would be made available on January 7 instead of February 7.
Having decided to advance the budget presentation , the government is keen that it is not presented in the middle of Assembly elections in five states, said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley .
Assembly polls are due early next year in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur.
"In principle, we have decided that we would like to... advance the date (of budget presentation)," he said.
The Cabinet on September 21 had in-principle decided to end the colonial-era tradition of presenting the Union budget on last day of February and advance it by about a month to help complete the legislative approval for the annual spending plans and tax proposals before beginning of the new financial year on April 1.
"The reason we wanted to advance the date was that we want the entire budgetary exercise to be over and the Finance Bill to be passed and implemented from April 1 onwards rather than June because then the monsoons set in and, effectively, the expenditures start in October," he told CNBC TV18.
Stating that the government wants expenditure to start in April itself, he said there are five state Assembly elections lined up in 2017.
"So, we are just trying to co-ordinate that you do not have to announce the Budget bang in the middle of an election date. So, it should be reasonably before that or after that," he said.
The finance ministry had previously proposed that the Budget presentation be fixed for February 1and the entire exercise be completed by March 24.
It wanted the Budget Session of Parliament to begin before January 25 and go in for a three-week break between February 10 and 15 before reconvening between March 10 and 15 to complete the legislative exercise.
But with Assembly elections in five states likely to be held in phases, there is a probability that this budget schedule may clash with the campaigning and the polling.
While tenure of Punjab, Manipur and Goa Assemblies is due to end on March 18, 2017, that of Uttarakhand is till March 26, 2017. Uttar Pradesh Assembly tenure expires on May 27.
The Cabinet had last month also decided to scrap the 92-year old practice of having a separate railway budget and merge it with the general budget.
As things stand, the budget approval process happens in two parts spilling over the second or third week of May, hampering early implementation of schemes and spending programmes.
To facilitate early presentation of the budget, the finance ministry had proposed that the Budget Session be convened sometime before January 25, a month ahead of the current practice.
Consequently, preparation for the Budget would start this month and GDP estimates would be made available on January 7 instead of February 7.
General Awareness
Special soldier medals for ITBP canines, horses
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For the first time, four-legged ‘soldiers’ who accompany troops in combat zones for sanitisation exercises and logistical tasks will be decorated with special medals instituted exclusively for them on lines of those given to troops.
About ITBP :
ITBP(Indo Tibetan Border Police Force) was raised on 24 Oct,1962.Presently ITBP is deployed on border guarding duties from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh covering 3488 km of Indo-China Border and manning Border Outposts on altitudes ranging from 9000’ to 18700’ in the Western, Middle and Eastern Sector of the Indo-China Border.
- ITBPF is a specialized mountain Force and most of the officers & men are professionally trained mountaineers and skiers. Being the first responder for natural disaster in the Himalayas, ITBPF has been carrying out numerous rescue and relief operations.
- ITBP is a multi-dimensional force. Presently Battalions of ITBP deployed on Border Guarding Duties from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh covering 3488 KM of India China Border are manning Border Out Posts at an altitude ranging from 9000’ to 18500’ in the Western, Middle & Eastern Sector of India China Border. ITBP is basically a mountain trained Force and most of the officers & men are professionally trained Mountaineers and Skiers.
- They have scaled more than 140 Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest Four times ( Recent successful expedition in April-May, 2012), besides ITBP batallions are also deployed on CI OPS / IS / VIP security duties at Chamba – Doda border, in VA/Startegic locations and with VIPs in Delhi and VIPs in Srinagar J&K.
- The border posts manned by ITBP are exposed to high velocity storms, snow blizzards, avalanches, and landslides, besides the hazards of high altitude and extreme cold, where temperature dips up to minus 40 degree Celsius. ITBP conducts Long Range and Short Range patrols to keep an effective vigil on inaccessible and unmanned areas on the border.
- To maintain optimum operational efficiency of troops, periodical tactical exercises are conducted independently as well as jointly with Army.
- In border vigil task ITBP mans forward border posts at altitudes ranging from 9000′ to 18000′.Most of the forward posts remain cut off by the surface route during winter months.
- The border posts are exposed to the fury and violence of the nature like snow blizzards,avalanches,landslides, besides the hazards of high altitude and extreme cold where temperature normally remains below -40 degrees Celcius.
- The force ,besides guarding the border , is heavily engage in fighting terrorism in the State of J&K , where it has displayed exemplary nerve and gallantry.
The “Himveers” , as the personnel are affectionately called , also provide security cover to installation and to VIPs in Delhi. Each year ITBP Personnels are deployed to UN Peace Keeping Missions in Kosovo, Angola & Western Sahara and Sierra Leone. Crest of the Force epitomizes the Force motto Shaurya Drindhdta Karamnishta has Ashoka and Chakra on Top with two rifles.It inspires men to put duty before self.
Medals for Canines and Horses :
This initiative has been taken by Sino-India border guarding force ITBP which has instituted an ‘Animal Transport’ and a ‘K9’ (canine) medal and has chosen its workhorse ‘Thubderbolt’ and female dog ‘Sophia’ for the maiden decoration to be awarded to them during its forthcoming 55th anniversary celebrations.
- While the Indo-Tibetan Border Police force has been credited for inducting the first Belgian Malinois dogs for anti-Naxal operations in the country and other tough assignments like infantry patrols few years back, the force traditionally has a strong animal transport unit comprising horses, mules and ponies to aid troops guarding the high-altitude posts along the 3,488 km long China border.
- The canines, horses and other animals are our silent arm which keeps working relentlessly and the institution of medals is a special way to convey that we are thankful to them for their loyal services.
- The special medals were recently approved by ITBP Director General Krishna Chaudhary who will himslef honour Sophia and Thunderbolt by putting the medals around their neck after a majestic parade to mark the force’s anniversary in Greater Noida.
- Sophia is at present deployed in the Naxal theatre in Chhattisgarh, while Thunderstorm is training at the ITBP centre in Bhanu near Chandigarh.
For the first time, four-legged ‘soldiers’ who accompany troops in combat zones for sanitisation exercises and logistical tasks will be decorated with special medals instituted exclusively for them on lines of those given to troops.
About ITBP :
ITBP(Indo Tibetan Border Police Force) was raised on 24 Oct,1962.Presently ITBP is deployed on border guarding duties from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh covering 3488 km of Indo-China Border and manning Border Outposts on altitudes ranging from 9000’ to 18700’ in the Western, Middle and Eastern Sector of the Indo-China Border.
- ITBPF is a specialized mountain Force and most of the officers & men are professionally trained mountaineers and skiers. Being the first responder for natural disaster in the Himalayas, ITBPF has been carrying out numerous rescue and relief operations.
- ITBP is a multi-dimensional force. Presently Battalions of ITBP deployed on Border Guarding Duties from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh covering 3488 KM of India China Border are manning Border Out Posts at an altitude ranging from 9000’ to 18500’ in the Western, Middle & Eastern Sector of India China Border. ITBP is basically a mountain trained Force and most of the officers & men are professionally trained Mountaineers and Skiers.
- They have scaled more than 140 Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest Four times ( Recent successful expedition in April-May, 2012), besides ITBP batallions are also deployed on CI OPS / IS / VIP security duties at Chamba – Doda border, in VA/Startegic locations and with VIPs in Delhi and VIPs in Srinagar J&K.
- The border posts manned by ITBP are exposed to high velocity storms, snow blizzards, avalanches, and landslides, besides the hazards of high altitude and extreme cold, where temperature dips up to minus 40 degree Celsius. ITBP conducts Long Range and Short Range patrols to keep an effective vigil on inaccessible and unmanned areas on the border.
- To maintain optimum operational efficiency of troops, periodical tactical exercises are conducted independently as well as jointly with Army.
- In border vigil task ITBP mans forward border posts at altitudes ranging from 9000′ to 18000′.Most of the forward posts remain cut off by the surface route during winter months.
- The border posts are exposed to the fury and violence of the nature like snow blizzards,avalanches,landslides, besides the hazards of high altitude and extreme cold where temperature normally remains below -40 degrees Celcius.
- The force ,besides guarding the border , is heavily engage in fighting terrorism in the State of J&K , where it has displayed exemplary nerve and gallantry.
The “Himveers” , as the personnel are affectionately called , also provide security cover to installation and to VIPs in Delhi. Each year ITBP Personnels are deployed to UN Peace Keeping Missions in Kosovo, Angola & Western Sahara and Sierra Leone. Crest of the Force epitomizes the Force motto Shaurya Drindhdta Karamnishta has Ashoka and Chakra on Top with two rifles.It inspires men to put duty before self.
Medals for Canines and Horses :
This initiative has been taken by Sino-India border guarding force ITBP which has instituted an ‘Animal Transport’ and a ‘K9’ (canine) medal and has chosen its workhorse ‘Thubderbolt’ and female dog ‘Sophia’ for the maiden decoration to be awarded to them during its forthcoming 55th anniversary celebrations.
- While the Indo-Tibetan Border Police force has been credited for inducting the first Belgian Malinois dogs for anti-Naxal operations in the country and other tough assignments like infantry patrols few years back, the force traditionally has a strong animal transport unit comprising horses, mules and ponies to aid troops guarding the high-altitude posts along the 3,488 km long China border.
- The canines, horses and other animals are our silent arm which keeps working relentlessly and the institution of medals is a special way to convey that we are thankful to them for their loyal services.
- The special medals were recently approved by ITBP Director General Krishna Chaudhary who will himslef honour Sophia and Thunderbolt by putting the medals around their neck after a majestic parade to mark the force’s anniversary in Greater Noida.
- Sophia is at present deployed in the Naxal theatre in Chhattisgarh, while Thunderstorm is training at the ITBP centre in Bhanu near Chandigarh.
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