Timeline Refresh
The foreign currency was seized during Income Tax Department raids at his residence in Srinagar's Hyderpora area in 2002.
The central probe agency issued the notice, under various sections of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, to the87-year-old separatist leader based in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.
Geelani heads the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference.
Taking cognisance of the Income Tax report, the ED had issued summons to Geelani to appear before it in Srinagar in March this year.
"His counsel submitted a written reply and denied the recovery of foreign currency from his residence and seizure.
"Following further summons, his chartered accountant submitted the appeal documents confirming the recovery and seizure of foreign currency. However, he failed to furnish legitimate source for its acquisition and possession thus making himself liable for action under FEMA," an ED statement said.
Under the FEMA, foreign exchange dealings are regulated in India and the acquisition and possession of foreign exchange by resident Indians are required to be conducted in accordance with the general or special permission.
"Geelani did not have any such permission or bona fide explanation for acquisition and possession of the foreign currency.
"Therefore, he has been asked to show cause to the adjudicating officer under FEMA within 30 days as to why the recovered currency should not be confiscated and penalty imposed on him," the agency said. -- PTI
A case has been registered on the basis of a video footage of the lynching, police said.
The incident took place just a couple of days after a mob attacked and injured a man in Giridih district on suspicion that he had slaughtered a cow.
SP Kishore Kaushal told a press conference that around 30 people surrounded the van bearing a West Bengal number plate in the Bazaar Tand area of Ramgarh police station.
They dragged out the driver of the vehicle, Mohammed Allimuddin, a resident of neighbouring Hazaribagh district, and thrashed him, injuring him seriously.
The police on getting information rushed to the spot and took Allimuddin to a hospital where he was declared 'brought dead' by doctors, a police officer said.
The mob also set the vehicle on fire, he said.
According to Kaushal, the case was registered on the basis of the video footage and asserted the guilty would be arrested soon.
Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner Rajeswari B, who was also present in the press conference, said additional forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order. -- PTI
People willing to share any information on the whereabouts of Najeeb can contact the CBI investigators on011-24368641, 24368638, 24368634 and 9650394796, the agency sources said.
The CBI, which is probing the mysterious disappearance of Najeeb, had recently visited the Mahi-Mandvi hostel in JNU from where he had gone missing.
Nejeeb's mother Fatima Nafees recently met CBI officers investigating the case and gave them details of the events before her son disappeared from his hostel.
She had told officials that Najeeb had returned to the university on October 13, 2016 after a holiday.
On the intervening night of October 15-16, Najeeb called her up to tell her that 'something was wrong'.
His roommate later told her that he had been injured in a fight, she had said.
Following the conversation, Fatima said she took a bus from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh to reach Delhi.
After reaching Anand Vihar, she spoke to him over the phone and asked him to meet her at a hotel where she was staying.
But, she said, in her complaint, that there was no trace of Najeeb and then she reached his room (no. 106) in Mahi-Mandvi Hostel.
With the Delhi Police failing to find her son, Fatima approached the Delhi High Court demanding a CBI probe.
On May 16, a bench of Justices G S Sistani and Rekha Palli handed over the investigation to the CBI with the direction that it has to be monitored by an officer not less than the rank of DIG.
The matter has been posted for hearing on July 17. -- PTI
Netanyahu's India visit will follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day tour of the Jewish state from July 4.
Modi's visit will be the first by an Indian premier to Israel.
"We are hoping that we will see the Israeli prime minister in India by end of the year," Amar Sinha, secretary (economic affairs), said.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and President Ezer Weizman visited India in 2003 and 1997 respectively.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin had also paid a visit to India in November last year. -- PTI
'I hope every political party will reconsider and revisit its decision' on not participating in the launch event to be organised in the Central Hall of Parliament, he said.
The government, he said, remains committed to the goods and services tax as any other reform.
"It is single most important taxation reform in 70 years."
All decision on GST, including rules and tax rates, were taken in consultation with states and political parties must display broad shoulder and own up their responsibility, he said.
The Congress today decided to keep away from the special midnight June 30 meeting convened by the government on GST implementation. -- PTI
'I hope every political party will reconsider and revisit its decision' on not participating in the launch event to be organised in the Central Hall of Parliament, he said.
The government, he said, remains committed to the goods and services tax as any other reform.
"It is single most important taxation reform in 70 years."
All decision on GST, including rules and tax rates, were taken in consultation with states and political parties must display broad shoulder and own up their responsibility, he said.
The Congress today decided to keep away from the special midnight June 30 meeting convened by the government on GST implementation. -- PTI
The Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad said this is the second time Narendra Modi has spoken on the issue but it did not have any effect at all on Gaurakshaks (cow vigilantes), nor did it bring down the incidents of killing or lynching.
"So, this is merely lip service and there is many a slip between the cup and the lip ... the majority of incidents have taken place in BJP-ruled states. How is it that the BJP-ruled states are not able to stop it?" he asked.
Owaisi said such incidents would continue because the BJP and Sangh-affiliated organisations have put a lower premium on human life as compared to that of an animal.
"This will continue to happen because there is a lesser premium on human life, especially if the human being is a Muslim or a Dalit," he alleged.
Rawat had said that India is prepared for security threats posed by China, Pakistan as well as by internal threats. Responding to Rawat's remarks, the People's Liberation Army spokesman Col Wu Qian said: "Such rhetoric is extremely irresponsible".
"We hope that the particular person in the Indian Army could learn from historical lessons and stop such clamouring for war," he told the media. "Indian Army is fully ready for a two and a half front war," Rawat had said recently.
The man, identified as Vivek Kademani from Bengaluru, was booked based on a complaint by three persons -- Arif, Ansar and Ahmed, who were the Swami's fans and members of Pejawar blood donation team, police sources said.
Kademani had on his Facebook post supported the rightwing fringe outfit Sri Rama Sene leader Pramod Muthalik and expressed his opposition to the holding of an Iftar get-together and Namaz at Sri Krishna mutt last week. He also used objectionable remarks against the Pejawar Swamiji in the post.
The octogenarian Swamiji had drawn the ire of Muthalik who has announced statewide protests against the seer by his outfit on July 2.
The senior pontiff of the Pejawar mutt had however defended holding the feast during Ramzan, saying that allowing Muslims to offer prayers in the temple complex, had in no way brought any insult to Hindu religion.
Bhushan Kotwal (47), a resident of Punjab, died on the spot after he was hit in the head by the rock rolling down the mountain at Brarimarg, a police official said.
He said Kotwal's body was taken to Baltal base hospital for legal formalities.
Yesterday, an Assistant Sub Inspector of ITBP, Sanjun Singh, died of cardiac arrest between Brarimarg and the holy cave. The annual yatra began today and will conclude on August 7, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
The 44-year-old former media executive, booked for rioting in the women's prison along with other inmates, was yesterday given permission by a special CBI court to lodge her complaint with the city police after undergoing a medical examination in a hospital in Mumbai.
Following the court's direction, Indrani went to the Nagpada police station at around 12.30 am and submitted a written application, a senior police officer said.
In her complaint, she also alleged that she was hurt when the prison officials cane-charged the inmates after they gathered to vent their anger at the death of a fellow-inmate, the officer said.
Indrani was among nearly 200 inmates of the Byculla Jail booked by Nagpada police for rioting and other offences after they staged a protest over the death of a convict, Manju Govind Shette (45).
Shette died at the government-run JJ Hospital on June 23 after allegedly being beaten up by a woman official of the jail. The next day, enraged women inmates rose in protest, some of them went up to the prison's roof, while others made a bonfire of newspapers and documents inside the premises to express their anger, a police official said.
In her plea to the court, Indrani had alleged that she was beaten up and threatened of sexual assault by the jail officials for joining a protest in the prison.
She was produced in the court yesterday after she moved an application. Considering her plea, special CBI judge J C Jagdale said Indrani be first taken for a medical examination and later to the Nagpada police station in the city to file her complaint. Indrani had told the court that she was threatened and assaulted after she said that she would give a statement (in connection with the case) to a magistrate under section 164 CrPC, which unlike a police statement is admissible in court.
Indrani said she had witnessed the prisoner being allegedly assaulted and when enquired about Manju's health she was told that she was fine but later learnt that she passed away. She said that after a case was registered in connection with Manju's death, she came forward as as a witness and told the jail officials about that.
"I was hit on the hand and legs... I can barely walk," Indrani alleged and added that the superintendent told her 'tu witness banne ja rahi hai.... tereko bhi dekh lenge'. She said the superintendent threatened her, saying "We will do the same thing that we did to Manju".
Later, the Nagpada police booked nearly 200 inmates of the Byculla jail, including Indrani, for rioting, unlawful assembly, assault on a public servant and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
An official from the prison department had alleged that Indrani "instigated" the inmates by asking them to shun food and "use their children as shields" when prison staffers tried to stop them from agitating and gathering together.
While most passengers were happy to learn that a minister was shepherding them, some were not so pleased and wondered if the minister was attempting to revalidate his commercial pilot's licence.
Others wondered if the Director General of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security would permit this since he was not on the roster.
Rudy often gives lectures to commercial pilots and his observations are sharp and his instructions are taken seriously.
Rudy has often expressed a desire to pilot long-haul flights, especially abroad. For this he may have to undergo training, which has not been possible given his commitments.
During the 11th biennial edition of AERO INDIA 2017 at Yelahanka Air base in Bengaluru, Rudy had said he has flown a Sukhoi-30 (pictured).
Rudy has undergone training for a pilot for three years in a few aviation universities under skill development studies.
Communist Party of India General Secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy said the party, after discussions with its MPs, decided to skip the meeting convened by the government. The CPI currently has one member each in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Vishwas, a popular Hindi poet, who contested and lost the Lok Sabha polls against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2014, is in no mood to be feted by his party chief.
Kejriwal has made an effort to meet Kumar Vishwas at his residence to sort out differences, but the poet remains unmoved despite the Rajya Sabha seat offer next year. Kapil Mishra, an AAP dissident is often seen with Kumar Vishwas, which sources say, has upset Kejriwal and affecting his health.
Since AAP is now down and out, especially after the state polls in Goa and Punjab and the Delhi Muncipal Corporation defeat, Kejriwal is lying low.
At one point in time, AAP had decided to expel Kumar Vishwas for his alleged closeness to BJP leaders, but seniors prevailed on Kejriwal to go slow on such drastic decisions.
The party elders say Kumar Vishwas can split the AAP since he has the support of 5 to 8 MLAs.
Kejriwal is not bothered about the Election Commission disqualifying 21 MLAs on office of profit case because he is confident he will get 15-18 MLAs re-elected on AAP tickets.
But the BJP game plan is different.
BJP president Amit Shah and Delhi BJP leaders admit that in January 2018 when three Congress MPs Dr Karan Singh, Parvez Hashmi, Janardan Dwivedi retire from the Rajya Sabha, the AAP will fill up these vacancies.
Politically, the BJP feels three AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha will disrupt proceedings of the House, but Kumar Vishwas will be spoiler for the BJP.
In the event of 21 MLAs getting disqualified and Vishwas getting the support of 5 MLAs, AAP's plan of sending 3 MPs to the Rajya Sabha will miserably fail.
The Union Cabinet yesterday gave an in-principle approval for disinvestment of Air India.Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, while addressing a press conference, said that on the request of the Civil Aviation Ministry a group under his vigil will be constituted to decide on the modalities of the matter.
"There was a proposal of civil aviation ministry of disinvestment of Air India, this has been given theoretical approval or an in-principal approval," said Jaitley.
"In its proposal the civil aviation ministry had urged to constitute a group under the finance minister which can decide on the concerning modalities of the same, the cabinet has accepted that. How much of it will be disinvested? Or the issues related to its debts, hotels will be later on decided by the constituted group," he added.
This step comes in the view of Ministry of civil aviation plying ways to revive Air India, which is surviving on Rs 30,000 crore bailout package extended by the previous UPA regime.
The Congress Party on Thursday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government, by approving the Air India disinvestment, is trying to please the entrepreneurs. Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar said the government is doing so as the elections are near.
Party leaders were divided on the issue, as a group within feels that the GST was the party's brainchild which has been now taken over by the ruling BJP. So, they feel, the party should attend the special meeting convened in the central hall of Parliament to launch the GST.
However, other leaders feel that the GST is being implemented in a haste and all aspects have not been taken into consideration leading to harassment of small traders and businessmen and thus, the party should abstain.
Sushma Ramteke, who spent almost three years in Byculla jail as an undertrial on the charge of 'association with Maoist ideology', says she was beaten and humiliated by the jail staff.
Out on bail, she recounts her experience to Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com.
Do read
Excerpts from the speech.
-- Today I want to say a few words and express sadness on some of the things going on.
-- No one spoke about protecting cows more than Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave. Yes. It should be done
-- But you can't kill in the name of the cow. As a society, there is no place for violence.
-- We are a land of non violence. We can't kill in the name of the cow. We are the land of Mahatma Gandhi. Why do we forget that?
-- This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve of
-- Thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi have the power to mitigate the challenges the world is facing today:
-- Swachhata has to become a Swabhav. What can be a greater tribute to Mahatma Gandhi than this?
But this is not the first time the PM has come out against gau rakshaks. In his first public denouncement of cow vigilantes, in August 2016, the PM said he felt enraged at such anti-social elements who indulged in crimes by the night and masqueraded as cow protectors by the day.
Amid the continuing outrage over the brutal flogging of four Dalit men by cow brigade members in Gujarat, the prime minister said real cow protectors do not terrorise people and that some criminal elements has opened shops in the name of cow protection.
To prevent violence in the name of cow protection, he urged state governments to prepare dossiers on such so-called cow protectors and put them on a tight leash.
I feel infuriated at some people who have opened shops in the name of cow protection. I have seen that some people who commit anti-social activities through the night, don the mantle of cow protectors by the day."
Khan downplayed that his comments affected the Indian Army's morale and said, "My statement was misconstrued by media. How can army's morale fall because of me? I am nobody. Army's morale fell when Prime Minister Modi went to Pakistan."
Khan further said that he is Bharatiya Janata Party's "item girl" because the saffron party always has a habit of playing politics with his statements.
"I am BJP's item girl. They don't have anyone else to talk about. They even fought elections here focusing on me," Khan told ANI.
Yesterday, Khan waded into another controversy with statements that appeared to make allegations of rape against soldiers. The comments triggered an angry reaction from everybody.
Khan yesterday said, "Soldiers have been beaten by women in Kashmir, Jharkhand and Assam and their private parts were chopped off. The truth is that women are forced to act against Army rapists. It is a message that Hindustan should be ashamed of."
"The Joint Statement is singularly unhelpful in achieving the objective of strategic stability and durable peace in the South Asian region. By failing to address key sources of tension and instability in the region, the statement aggravates an already tense situation," Pakistan's Foreign Office said in response to the Indo-US joint statement that was issued on Tuesday after President Donald Trump's meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the White House.
"The meeting in Washington D.C. between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi was a missed opportunity to induce India to alter its policies inimical to peace in the region," the statement added.
"The leaders called on Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries," said the joint statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump.
The statement added that they further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot, and other cross-border terrorist attacks perpetrated by Pakistan-based groups".
"It is with great sadness that we announce that Michael Bond, CBE, the creator of one of Britain's best-loved children's characters, Paddington, died at home yesterday aged 91 following a short illness," HarperCollins said in a statement on Wednesday, according to Guardian online.
Michael's first book was published in 1959 and was titled "A Bear Called Paddington", about the marmalade-loving bear from Peru. He went on to release more than 200 other children's books, featuring a range of other characters from "Olga da Polga" and "A Mouse Called Thursday."
"It is with great sadness that we announce that Michael Bond, CBE, the creator of one of Britain's best-loved children's characters, Paddington, died at home yesterday aged 91 following a short illness," HarperCollins said in a statement on Wednesday, according to Guardian online.
Michael's first book was published in 1959 and was titled "A Bear Called Paddington", about the marmalade-loving bear from Peru. He went on to release more than 200 other children's books, featuring a range of other characters from "Olga da Polga" and "A Mouse Called Thursday."
Despite the government's push towards a cleaner India with its Swachh Bharat initiative and continued rhetoric over the number of states that claim to be open-defecation free, a minister in the Narendra Modi government was caught urinating in the open.
Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh was caught urinating in public, in a photo, which is being widely shared on social media.
The minister can be seen urinating against a wall near his car while his security detail stand guard.
The photo was taken during the minister's visit to Motihari in Bihar.
The Bihar government has set an ambitious deadline to make the state open defecation-free by 2019.
The security officials, especially the Central Reserve Police Force and the Sashastra Seema Bal, have mobilised the highest level of security measures, including tracking systems through satellites and drones.
State Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh flagged off the first batch of pilgrims 5 am yesterday.
The pilgrims left in as many as 72 vehicles.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, earlier on Tuesday, chaired a security review meeting in the wake of the Amarnath Yatra.
Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, Joint Secretary Kashmir and Ministry of Home Affairs officials were present in the meeting.
Providing security for this year's yatra has been a major concern for the Home Ministry as the pilgrimage is facing a terror threat, according to an intelligence warning.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have said that they have put all the necessary security arrangements in place so that the pilgrims have a hassle-free and safe journey.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir had earlier said the Amarnath Yatra is on the radar of Pakistan, but the Indian Government is prepared to tackle the issue.
"The Amarnath Yatra issue always rakes up at this time of the year, as it is always on the radar of Pakistan. The Yatra will be concluded nicely, we have made all the necessary security arrangements and are keeping a close watch on the same," Ahir said.
Tension in the Valley was initially expected as the yearly Hindu pilgrims visit to the holy site during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela, coincides with the first anniversary of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
Four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Karnataka, which account for around one-third of India's population -- have announced farm loan waivers and other state governments are likely to feel pressure to implement similar policies, particularly in states with upcoming elections, it said.
"The farm loan-waiver schemes being discussed and rolled out across an increasing number of Indian states could have a significant impact on state government finances, and might undermine efforts to bring down general government debt," Fitch said in a statement.
Larger state deficits would delay an expected gradual reduction in general government debt, which includes central and state government debt.
The Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in India, after the President.
The term of present incumbent Hamid Ansari, who has held the post for two consecutive terms, is coming to an end on 10 August.
The
electoral college which elects the vice president, who is also the ex
officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha, consists of elected and nominated
members of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. The total strength of the
two Houses is 790, but there are some vacancies.
Moshe was barely two when his parents Rivka and Gavriel Holtzberg were killed along with six others, by Pakistan-sponsored LeT terrorists in the Chabad House attack in Mumbai in 2008.
The Nariman House also known as the Chabad House was one of 5 locations that were targeted by the terrorists.
Moshe is 10 years old now. During the deadly 26/11 attacks he was saved by his Indian nanny, Sandra, who managed to escape the scene.
Both were brought to Israel later, to live with Moshe's maternal grandparents, Shimon and Yehudit Rosenberg.
"PM Modi is expected to meet Moshe who was just a baby at the time...now he is all grown up. I think it will be a very emotional meeting with a very strong message," said Israel's ambassador to India Daniel Carmon in an exclusive chat with ANI.
Counter terrorism will be one of the key focus areas of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel.
"Terrorism is a plague which many countries suffer. India and Israel are victims of terror, 3 years ago we have signed a landmark agreement on homeland security and counter terrorism and we are doing a lot in this field," added Carmon.
Nine years have passed since the 26/11 attacks, however, no arrests have been made. When asked if this issue will figure in talks with India the Israeli envoy added, "both our countries have to face terror threats, as long as these threats remain it will always be on the table."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel from July 4-6, at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
This will be the first ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Israel.
Also read: 'Yes, this is Moshe...I'm ok'
Image: A file picture of Moshe when he was two-years-old. The Chabad House massacre survivor is now 10
"In its reply, the CRIS informed that earnings through ticket cancellation has gone up to Rs 14.07 billion during fiscal 2016-17, from Rs 11.23 billion in 2015-16. The earnings under this head amount were Rs 9.08 billion in fiscal 2014-15 and Rs 9.38 billion in FY 9.38 billion. This information is provided under the Passenger Reservation System (PRS)," Gaud told PTI today.
The Railways is also earning revenue through the cancellation of unreserved tickets. As per the RTI reply, the Railways earned Rs 17.87 crore in FY 2016-17 through Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS). This amount was Rs 17.23 crore in FY 2015-16 and Rs 14.72 crore in FY 2014-15.
Gaud said the rules related to the refund on cancelled tickets were changed in November 2015 under Railway Passengers (cancellation of tickets and refund of fare) Rules 2015, under which cancellation fee was increased up to two times.
The RTI activist claimed that although he had sought the files related to the amendments to rules, the transporter refused to provide this information terming it as part of the 'commercial confidence.' Gaud said the Railways should change the rules for the refund in the interest of passengers.
Sheena Bora murder case accused Indrani Mukerjea, recently booked for rioting in a womens prison along with other inmates, on Tuesday had moved court alleging that she was beaten up by jail officials when the prisoners protested the murder of a convict.
Her lawyer Gunjan Mangla filed an application in the court saying when she went to meet Indrani, the latter told her that she was beaten up by jail officials after the death of the woman prisoner.
She showed me her bruise marks and injuries which were very prominent on her hands, legs and head, the lawyer claimed in the application.
Gunjan said Indrani also said that she was verbally abused by jail officials and the superintendent.
Following this, Mukerjea was examined at the JJ Hospital yesterday.
The incident which happened on Sunday, involved an elderly woman from Meghalaya, Tailin Lyngdoh.
She was alleged asked to leave the Delhi Golf Club as she was wearing a traditional Khasi dress and resembled a maid.
Speaking to ANI, Lyngdoh said, "They told me to leave the dining hall as maids were not allowed. They were very rude. I felt ashamed and angry. I was wearing the traditional Khasi dress -- Jainsem, and they told me this dress was not allowed. They also told me that I look like a Nepali. I have been too many other countries, but this has never happened to me. Surprised to know that this has happened here in Delhi!."
Lyngdoh is a Governess to Health Advisor in Assam Government, Dr. Nivedita Barthakur who was also invited for lunch at the Delhi Golf Club by a member.
Speaking to ANI, Barthakur said, even after she explained to them that Lyngdoh is from Meghalaya and is wearing her traditional dress called -- Jainsem, they still objected to it.
"This incident happened on June 25 Sunday; nine members were invited
for lunch, including my governess by a long standing member of the Delhi
Golf Club. Lyngdoh was also invited in her own right. When we reached
there and sat at the table for about 10 to 15 minutes, this gentleman,
who is a manager I believe, and a lady walked over to Lyngdoh and told
her to leave the table.
When Lyngdoh objected and asked why, the manager
said because you look like a maid'. When we all interjected and asked
them the reason, they repeatedly said because she looks like one and her
attire too speaks of it. I explained to them that she is from Meghalaya
and is wearing her traditional attire called Jainsem, they still
objected. We all were shocked, sad and had to leave the place,"
Barthakur told ANI.
"Incident could have been handled in a better way by staff, the guests were not asked to leave," it added.
The response by the PMO invoking an exemption clause came on an application under the Right to Information Act seeking from it minutes of the meeting held on GST under the chairmanship of the prime minister on June 5.
The meeting was attended by secretaries of central government departments and other officers concerned.
"Since the request of the applicant is related to the economic interest of the State, the same is exempted from disclosure under Section 8 (1) (a) of the RTI Act," the PMO said in its reply to the RTI query filed by Ashwini Shrivastava.
The section bars 'information, disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the state, relation with foreign state or lead to incitement of an offence'.
A PMO statement issued after the meeting had quoted Modi as saying: 'The advent of the GST on July 1 marks a turning point in the country's history.'
He asked the secretaries to proactively prepare for this transformation to ensure a smooth transition, it had said.
'The prime minister said the world is looking at India differently today, and this is a unique opportunity which should not be missed. Let us build mechanisms to meet global expectations, he asked the secretaries,' the statement had said.
Another release issued by the PMO on June 5 had said the prime minister reviewed the status of the GST. -- PTI
Ballabgarh killing: Delhi government official, 3 others arrested
Why did PM not protest use of 'India-administered J&K' by US, asks Congress
China destroys Indian bunker in Sikkim, justifies road construction
Jharkhand: Mob beats up man on suspicion of cow slaughter
Trinamool, other opposition parties to boycott midnight GST meet
Read yesterday's commentary HERE