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Wed, 25 October 2017
Hafiz Saeed's name not on list handed over by the US: Pak
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22:51 Hafiz Saeed's name not on list handed over by the US: Pak
Mumbai attack mastermind and banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed's name was not on a list of 75 terrorists the United States had handed over to Pakistan, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said today.
Saeed, who carries a $10 million bounty on his head for his role in terror activities, has been under house arrest in Pakistan since January this year.
Foreign Minister Asif told senators during a session of the parliament's upper house that the US has handed over a list of 75 terrorists to Pakistan.
"The Haqqani network is on the top of the list but none of the militants are Pakistanis," Asif was quoted as saying by the Express News.
Saeed, a Pakistani citizen, headed the JuD which was listed as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in 2014.
The JuD is the front for the banned Lashkar-e-Tayiba terror outfit which is responsible for numerous terror attacks in India, including the Mumbai terror strike of 2008.
The Afghan-based Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan, including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people.
The US, Asif said, had made a habit of handing over lists of wanted people to Pakistan, which traded them for favours -- a matter that needed to be debated.
He said the US had been told that Pakistan no longer had influence over the Afghan Taliban as it did in the past.
"Neither are we supporting them (Afghan Taliban), nor do they need our help," Asif told the senators during a session of the parliament's upper house.
"Somebody else is sponsoring them now," he added, without elaborating on it.
Asif asserted that many of the key Taliban names were now shadow governors in Afghanistan or no longer alive. -- PTI
Saeed, who carries a $10 million bounty on his head for his role in terror activities, has been under house arrest in Pakistan since January this year.
Foreign Minister Asif told senators during a session of the parliament's upper house that the US has handed over a list of 75 terrorists to Pakistan.
"The Haqqani network is on the top of the list but none of the militants are Pakistanis," Asif was quoted as saying by the Express News.
Saeed, a Pakistani citizen, headed the JuD which was listed as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in 2014.
The JuD is the front for the banned Lashkar-e-Tayiba terror outfit which is responsible for numerous terror attacks in India, including the Mumbai terror strike of 2008.
The Afghan-based Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan, including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people.
The US, Asif said, had made a habit of handing over lists of wanted people to Pakistan, which traded them for favours -- a matter that needed to be debated.
He said the US had been told that Pakistan no longer had influence over the Afghan Taliban as it did in the past.
"Neither are we supporting them (Afghan Taliban), nor do they need our help," Asif told the senators during a session of the parliament's upper house.
"Somebody else is sponsoring them now," he added, without elaborating on it.
Asif asserted that many of the key Taliban names were now shadow governors in Afghanistan or no longer alive. -- PTI
21:41 Court orders probe into bribery allegations by Hardik aide against BJP
A court in Gandhinagar today ordered inquiry into a complaint by Narendra Patel, member of the Hardik Patel-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, that Bharatiya Janata Party leaders offered him a bribe to join the party.
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate R Trivedi ordered 'court inquiry' after hearing the PAAS leader's lawyer, and asked him to submit evidence on November 3.
Last week, Narendra Patel claimed that the ruling party offered him Rs 1 crore to switch loyalties.
He then filed a private complaint in the court seeking probe against five BJP leaders. The BJP leaders tried to 'purchase him like a slave' by giving him Rs 10 lakh and promising more money, he claimed.
The complaint names state BJP president Jitu Vaghani, state BJP youth wing president Rutvij Patel, party spokesperson Bharat Pandya as well as former PAAS leaders Varun Patel and Mahesh Patel who have joined the ruling party.
He has sought probe under Indian Penal Code Sections 171 (H) (illegal payment in connection with an election), 171 (C) (undue influence at election), 370 (buying or disposing of any person as a slave), 384 (extortion), 417 (cheating), 506 (2) (criminal intimidation) and 120 (B) (criminal conspiracy).
The BJP leaders also wanted him to approach other PAAS members and buy them off as they were speaking against the party, Narendra Patel claimed in the complaint.
Narendra Patel joined the BJP on Sunday. Few hours later he held a press conference and alleged that he had been offered Rs 1 crore for joining the party, and showed Rs 10 lakh in cash which he said he had received.
He joined the BJP only to expose it, he said. In his plea, he said he was approaching the court with a private complaint as he didn't trust police. -- PTI
Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate R Trivedi ordered 'court inquiry' after hearing the PAAS leader's lawyer, and asked him to submit evidence on November 3.
Last week, Narendra Patel claimed that the ruling party offered him Rs 1 crore to switch loyalties.
He then filed a private complaint in the court seeking probe against five BJP leaders. The BJP leaders tried to 'purchase him like a slave' by giving him Rs 10 lakh and promising more money, he claimed.
The complaint names state BJP president Jitu Vaghani, state BJP youth wing president Rutvij Patel, party spokesperson Bharat Pandya as well as former PAAS leaders Varun Patel and Mahesh Patel who have joined the ruling party.
He has sought probe under Indian Penal Code Sections 171 (H) (illegal payment in connection with an election), 171 (C) (undue influence at election), 370 (buying or disposing of any person as a slave), 384 (extortion), 417 (cheating), 506 (2) (criminal intimidation) and 120 (B) (criminal conspiracy).
The BJP leaders also wanted him to approach other PAAS members and buy them off as they were speaking against the party, Narendra Patel claimed in the complaint.
Narendra Patel joined the BJP on Sunday. Few hours later he held a press conference and alleged that he had been offered Rs 1 crore for joining the party, and showed Rs 10 lakh in cash which he said he had received.
He joined the BJP only to expose it, he said. In his plea, he said he was approaching the court with a private complaint as he didn't trust police. -- PTI
21:01 'IS terrorists' planning attack during polls arrested from Gujarat
Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad has arrested two suspected Islamic State terrorists from Surat who were planning to execute a terror plot in Ahmedabad during Gujarat elections.
More details awaited.
Meanwhile in Kannur, three men with suspected IS links were arrested today, police said.
The trio, who had left the state years ago, were suspected to have visited Syria and reportedly received training from the terror outfit, they said.
"Three persons, Mithilaj, Abdul Razzak and Rashid, in the age group of 25 and 30, were arrested around 3 pm for their links with the IS," Deputy Superintendent of Police,Kannur, Sadanandan said.
"They have been arrested based on an evidence obtained after examining their phone calls. Further interrogation is going on," he said.
The three hail from Chakkarakkal and Valappattinam in the district and had returned from Turkey recently, the police said. -- PTI
IMAGE: One of the two terrorists arrested from Gujarat. Photograph: ANI
More details awaited.
Meanwhile in Kannur, three men with suspected IS links were arrested today, police said.
The trio, who had left the state years ago, were suspected to have visited Syria and reportedly received training from the terror outfit, they said.
"Three persons, Mithilaj, Abdul Razzak and Rashid, in the age group of 25 and 30, were arrested around 3 pm for their links with the IS," Deputy Superintendent of Police,Kannur, Sadanandan said.
"They have been arrested based on an evidence obtained after examining their phone calls. Further interrogation is going on," he said.
The three hail from Chakkarakkal and Valappattinam in the district and had returned from Turkey recently, the police said. -- PTI
IMAGE: One of the two terrorists arrested from Gujarat. Photograph: ANI
20:13 Adityanath to visit Taj Mahal tomorrow
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit Taj Mahal tomorrow against the backdrop of various controversial statements made by some Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and ministers regarding the status of the 17th century monument in India's culture.
Adityanath will be the first BJP CM of UP to visit the monument of love.
According to his programme, Adityanath will stay for half an hour at the graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal and visit the Shah Jahan park nearby.
The chief minister will inspect various places along the way, inside and outside the monument. He will also lay foundation for the development of a tourist pathway from Taj Mahal to Agra Fort.
He will also run a mega cleanliness campaign along with 500 BJP activisits and social workers around the west gate of Taj Mahal.
The chief minister has already declared that the state government will spend Rs 370 crore on development plans aimed at promoting tourism in the city of Taj.
Along with the visit to Taj Mahal, Adityanath will inaugurate various development projects in Agra, an official spokesman said here today.
"During his tour of Agra.., the chief minister will be visiting all the places inside Taj Mahal," principal secretary, tourism, Awanish Awasthi said.
His decision to visit Taj Mahal was announced after a series of controversies erupted, beginning with a UP tourism department booklet not mentioning the monument in its list of development projects in the state.
Subsequently, BJP MLA Sangeet Som called Taj Mahal a 'blot on Indian history' and BJP MP Vinay Katiyar said it was originally a Shiva temple.
However, addressing a rally in Gorakhpur recently, Adityanath called Taj Mahal the 'pride of India' and referred to it as a 'world class monument'.
This was a significant departure from his remarks at a rally in Bihar last year, when he had said that the Taj does not represent Indian culture and that visiting foreign dignitaries should be presented with the Gita rather than replicas of Taj Mahal. -- PTI
Adityanath will be the first BJP CM of UP to visit the monument of love.
According to his programme, Adityanath will stay for half an hour at the graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal and visit the Shah Jahan park nearby.
The chief minister will inspect various places along the way, inside and outside the monument. He will also lay foundation for the development of a tourist pathway from Taj Mahal to Agra Fort.
He will also run a mega cleanliness campaign along with 500 BJP activisits and social workers around the west gate of Taj Mahal.
The chief minister has already declared that the state government will spend Rs 370 crore on development plans aimed at promoting tourism in the city of Taj.
Along with the visit to Taj Mahal, Adityanath will inaugurate various development projects in Agra, an official spokesman said here today.
"During his tour of Agra.., the chief minister will be visiting all the places inside Taj Mahal," principal secretary, tourism, Awanish Awasthi said.
His decision to visit Taj Mahal was announced after a series of controversies erupted, beginning with a UP tourism department booklet not mentioning the monument in its list of development projects in the state.
Subsequently, BJP MLA Sangeet Som called Taj Mahal a 'blot on Indian history' and BJP MP Vinay Katiyar said it was originally a Shiva temple.
However, addressing a rally in Gorakhpur recently, Adityanath called Taj Mahal the 'pride of India' and referred to it as a 'world class monument'.
This was a significant departure from his remarks at a rally in Bihar last year, when he had said that the Taj does not represent Indian culture and that visiting foreign dignitaries should be presented with the Gita rather than replicas of Taj Mahal. -- PTI
19:46 Gujarat polls:Vaghela's front to contest on another party's symbol
Congress' former leader Shankersinh Vaghela said today his new political front will contest all the 182 seats of Gujarat Assembly on the election symbol of a Rajasthan-based party.
The polling for the two-phase elections will take place on December 9 and 14, and votes will be counted on December18.
According to Vaghela, a former chief minister of Gujarat,the 'All India Hindustan Congress' party, registered in Jaipura year back and allotted the symbol of 'a farmer driving a tractor', has agreed to give the symbol to his front, 'Jan Vikalp'.
"Though we sought a symbol from the EC to contest this election, it is now too late. Thus, we have entered into an agreement with 'All India Hindustan Congress Party', which has agreed to give its symbol to us. Our candidates will fight polls on that symbol," Vaghela told reporters in Ahmedabad today.
Vaghela, an influential Kshatriya leader, had quit the Congress after the Rajya Sabha polls in August and joined 'Jan Vikalp', an organisation floated by his supporters.
According to Hindustan Congress' national general secretary Anil Kumar Sharma, the party has agreed to give its symbol to Vaghela and be a part of the Jan Vikalp front.
"The party was formed one year back in Jaipur and this is the first election for us. We have agreed to give our symbol to Vaghela's front for the Gujarat election. We here by declare unconditional support of our party to Vaghela," Sharma told reporters at the joint press conference
Vaghela said if his front comes to power, it would take care of the poor.
He also promised to bring a bill in the assembly seeking to give 25 per cent additional quota for non-reserved classes in Gujarat.
"I believe that non-reserved classes should get 25 per cent reservation. It is a misconception that the state cannot go beyond 49.5 per cent quota. We will bring a legislation to give 25 per cent additional quota if voted to power," he said. -- PTI
The polling for the two-phase elections will take place on December 9 and 14, and votes will be counted on December18.
According to Vaghela, a former chief minister of Gujarat,the 'All India Hindustan Congress' party, registered in Jaipura year back and allotted the symbol of 'a farmer driving a tractor', has agreed to give the symbol to his front, 'Jan Vikalp'.
"Though we sought a symbol from the EC to contest this election, it is now too late. Thus, we have entered into an agreement with 'All India Hindustan Congress Party', which has agreed to give its symbol to us. Our candidates will fight polls on that symbol," Vaghela told reporters in Ahmedabad today.
Vaghela, an influential Kshatriya leader, had quit the Congress after the Rajya Sabha polls in August and joined 'Jan Vikalp', an organisation floated by his supporters.
According to Hindustan Congress' national general secretary Anil Kumar Sharma, the party has agreed to give its symbol to Vaghela and be a part of the Jan Vikalp front.
"The party was formed one year back in Jaipur and this is the first election for us. We have agreed to give our symbol to Vaghela's front for the Gujarat election. We here by declare unconditional support of our party to Vaghela," Sharma told reporters at the joint press conference
Vaghela said if his front comes to power, it would take care of the poor.
He also promised to bring a bill in the assembly seeking to give 25 per cent additional quota for non-reserved classes in Gujarat.
"I believe that non-reserved classes should get 25 per cent reservation. It is a misconception that the state cannot go beyond 49.5 per cent quota. We will bring a legislation to give 25 per cent additional quota if voted to power," he said. -- PTI
19:24 Sherin's Indian-American foster dad faces life term: police
Police in Texas has not ruled out the possibility of more arrests in the mysterious death of a three-year-old Indian girl even as her foster father is facing a charge that carries the possibility of a life sentence.
Wesley Mathews, 37, was re-arrested after the Indian- American changed his story about his adoptive daughter Sherin Mathew's mysterious disappearance over two weeks ago from their home, police in Richardson city in suburban Dallas said.
Mathews had previously claimed that Sherin went missing after he sent her outside their home at around 3 am on October 7 as punishment for not drinking her milk.
Richardson police spokesman Sergeant Kevin Perlich said yesterday that the probe is continuing, despite the revised statement by Wesley.
Wesley has been charged with injury to a child, a felony punishable with a maximum 99 years in prison, Richardson police said. He was being held on $1 million bond.
'Criminal charges are determined based on what information and evidence is available at the time. Mr Mathews' statements today to Richardson detectives currently support the offense of Injury to a Child,' the Richardson Police Department said said in a Facebook post.
'This charge carries the possibility of a life sentence in prison. Keep in mind, this is an active investigation, and there is the possibility of additional arrests or modified charges as more evidence becomes available,' the police said.
Wesley, who works in an IT company, admitted to police that he disposed of the child's body after she choked on her milk, according to a probable cause affidavit released by police.
The father was previously arrested and charged with felony endangerment to a child and was placed on electronic ankle monitoring.
He surrendered his passport as a condition of making bond on October 9. He was later released.
Police confirmed yesterday that the body of a child found on Sunday in a culvert beneath a road was that of Sherin Mathews.
The cause of death was still pending, the Richardson Police Department said on its Facebook page, citing the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office.
Wesley's wife Sini Mathews, who is a registered nurse, was reportedly sleeping in her room when the incident occurred.
Perlich had earlier said police believe Sini was unaware of her husband's alleged punishment of the girl and that she was sleeping at the time.
She cooperated with police to identify Sherin's body by providing the dental records of the child, he said. -- PTI
Photograph: Kind courtesy @RichardsonTX_PD/Twitter
Wesley Mathews, 37, was re-arrested after the Indian- American changed his story about his adoptive daughter Sherin Mathew's mysterious disappearance over two weeks ago from their home, police in Richardson city in suburban Dallas said.
Mathews had previously claimed that Sherin went missing after he sent her outside their home at around 3 am on October 7 as punishment for not drinking her milk.
Richardson police spokesman Sergeant Kevin Perlich said yesterday that the probe is continuing, despite the revised statement by Wesley.
Wesley has been charged with injury to a child, a felony punishable with a maximum 99 years in prison, Richardson police said. He was being held on $1 million bond.
'Criminal charges are determined based on what information and evidence is available at the time. Mr Mathews' statements today to Richardson detectives currently support the offense of Injury to a Child,' the Richardson Police Department said said in a Facebook post.
'This charge carries the possibility of a life sentence in prison. Keep in mind, this is an active investigation, and there is the possibility of additional arrests or modified charges as more evidence becomes available,' the police said.
Wesley, who works in an IT company, admitted to police that he disposed of the child's body after she choked on her milk, according to a probable cause affidavit released by police.
The father was previously arrested and charged with felony endangerment to a child and was placed on electronic ankle monitoring.
He surrendered his passport as a condition of making bond on October 9. He was later released.
Police confirmed yesterday that the body of a child found on Sunday in a culvert beneath a road was that of Sherin Mathews.
The cause of death was still pending, the Richardson Police Department said on its Facebook page, citing the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office.
Wesley's wife Sini Mathews, who is a registered nurse, was reportedly sleeping in her room when the incident occurred.
Perlich had earlier said police believe Sini was unaware of her husband's alleged punishment of the girl and that she was sleeping at the time.
She cooperated with police to identify Sherin's body by providing the dental records of the child, he said. -- PTI
Photograph: Kind courtesy @RichardsonTX_PD/Twitter
18:19 Arrest warrant against Hardik Patel in 2015 vandalism case
A court in Visnagar, Mehsana today issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against quota agitation spearhead Hardik Patel after he failed to appear before it for the second consecutive time in a case of vandalising the office of a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA during the quota stir in 2015.
The warrant was issued against Hardik Patel, convener of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, and six others including Sardar Parel Group convener Lalji Patel by Visnagar sessions court judge V P Agarwal.
Hardik Patel and others are accused of ransacking the office of Visnagar MLA Rishikesh Patel during the protest rally of Patidar community in July 2015.
Hardik Patel and others had in the past secured bail in the case.
The quota leader, through his lawyer Rajendra Patel, today moved an application seeking exemption from personal appearance citing his busy schedule.
However, the court rejected his plea. While the PAAS convener failed to appear before the court for second time, including today, Lalji Patel and others remained absent for the first time.
The same court had earlier rejected Hardik Patel's plea seeking entry into Mehsana district, the epicentre of the quota stir.
The young leader had requested the court to allow him to enter the district by relaxing the bail conditions prescribed by the Gujarat High Court.
The Patidar community under Hardik Patel has been agitating for reservation in government jobs and education. The quota spearhead has been criticising the ruling BJP for not accepting the demands of the community.
Of late, he has intensified his attack against the BJP as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi in run-up to the Gujarat polls, scheduled to be held in two phases in December. -- PTI
The warrant was issued against Hardik Patel, convener of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, and six others including Sardar Parel Group convener Lalji Patel by Visnagar sessions court judge V P Agarwal.
Hardik Patel and others are accused of ransacking the office of Visnagar MLA Rishikesh Patel during the protest rally of Patidar community in July 2015.
Hardik Patel and others had in the past secured bail in the case.
The quota leader, through his lawyer Rajendra Patel, today moved an application seeking exemption from personal appearance citing his busy schedule.
However, the court rejected his plea. While the PAAS convener failed to appear before the court for second time, including today, Lalji Patel and others remained absent for the first time.
The same court had earlier rejected Hardik Patel's plea seeking entry into Mehsana district, the epicentre of the quota stir.
The young leader had requested the court to allow him to enter the district by relaxing the bail conditions prescribed by the Gujarat High Court.
The Patidar community under Hardik Patel has been agitating for reservation in government jobs and education. The quota spearhead has been criticising the ruling BJP for not accepting the demands of the community.
Of late, he has intensified his attack against the BJP as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi in run-up to the Gujarat polls, scheduled to be held in two phases in December. -- PTI
18:07 Will join hands with Congress for Gujarat polls: Sharad Yadav
The breakaway faction of the Janata Dal-United will contest the Gujarat assembly polls in alliance with the Congress, its leader Sharad Yadav said today as he pitched for a 'minimum division' among opposition parties as they take on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party there.
Yadav said he has spoken to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on the tie-up and suggested to him the alliances should be built in such a manner that 'division' among opposition parties is 'minimised as much as possible'.
To underline how a united opposition could take on the ruling party effectively, Yadav said the BJP could secure 'only 31 per cent' votes as against 69 per cent bagged by opposition in the 2014 general elections.
The Election Commission earlier today announced the schedule for assembly polls in Gujarat, which has seen over two decades of BJP-rule.
"We have already said it...we have already talked about alliance with the Congress. All efforts are being made to ensure that people remain united," Yadav told reporters at his residence New Delhi.
Asked whether the parties would take Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party along as they take on the BJP, Yadav said it is the Congress which is in the 'driving seat' in Gujarat and it has to decide who should be its alliance partners there.
"What we have discussed with Rahulji is that division is minimised as much as possible," he added.
To a question whether the JD -U group led by him and the Congress have discussed seat-sharing for the polls, Yadav said there has been no deliberation on the issue till now.
"That will be discussed by our unit there and the Congress," he added. -- PTI
Yadav said he has spoken to Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on the tie-up and suggested to him the alliances should be built in such a manner that 'division' among opposition parties is 'minimised as much as possible'.
To underline how a united opposition could take on the ruling party effectively, Yadav said the BJP could secure 'only 31 per cent' votes as against 69 per cent bagged by opposition in the 2014 general elections.
The Election Commission earlier today announced the schedule for assembly polls in Gujarat, which has seen over two decades of BJP-rule.
"We have already said it...we have already talked about alliance with the Congress. All efforts are being made to ensure that people remain united," Yadav told reporters at his residence New Delhi.
Asked whether the parties would take Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party along as they take on the BJP, Yadav said it is the Congress which is in the 'driving seat' in Gujarat and it has to decide who should be its alliance partners there.
"What we have discussed with Rahulji is that division is minimised as much as possible," he added.
To a question whether the JD -U group led by him and the Congress have discussed seat-sharing for the polls, Yadav said there has been no deliberation on the issue till now.
"That will be discussed by our unit there and the Congress," he added. -- PTI
17:15 BJP to observe 'anti-black money day' on Nov 8 to counter Opposition
The Bharatiya Janata Party will observe 'anti-black money day' on November 8 to counter Oppostion's 'black day'.
"November 8 will complete one year of demonetisation. The party has decided to celebrate the day as anti-black money day," Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, while addressing the media on Wednesday.
Jaitley further said that people, who deposited money disproportionate to their income 'are now being forced to pay taxes'.
"Not the confiscation of money, but squeezing the quantum of cash was the objective of demonetisation," he added.
The finance minister also said that post the implementation of goods and services tax in the nation, a new transition phase had heralded in the country, which would make cash generation difficult.
He added that the Congress had adequate opportunity while being in power, but he "can't recollect a single step that they took against black money.
"The Opposition parties had earlier decided to observe November 8 -- the first anniversary of demonetisation -- as 'black day'.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told the media here, "Possibly, this is the first time that a decision announced by the Prime Minister had to be changed 135 times. It just shows how ill-conceived it was."
Azad was speaking in the presence of Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien, besides others.
He claimed that 18 parties would be protesting in their own respective ways in all states.
O'Brien described demonetisation as a 'big scam' and added that TMC leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the first leader to point this out.
On Monday, the opposition formed a coordination committee and met for the first time in parliament.The meeting was attended by Azad, O'Brien, Yadav, Communist Party of India MP D Raja, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi and Bahujan Samaj Party MP Satish Mishra. -- ANI
"November 8 will complete one year of demonetisation. The party has decided to celebrate the day as anti-black money day," Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, while addressing the media on Wednesday.
Jaitley further said that people, who deposited money disproportionate to their income 'are now being forced to pay taxes'.
"Not the confiscation of money, but squeezing the quantum of cash was the objective of demonetisation," he added.
The finance minister also said that post the implementation of goods and services tax in the nation, a new transition phase had heralded in the country, which would make cash generation difficult.
He added that the Congress had adequate opportunity while being in power, but he "can't recollect a single step that they took against black money.
"The Opposition parties had earlier decided to observe November 8 -- the first anniversary of demonetisation -- as 'black day'.
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told the media here, "Possibly, this is the first time that a decision announced by the Prime Minister had to be changed 135 times. It just shows how ill-conceived it was."
Azad was speaking in the presence of Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien, besides others.
He claimed that 18 parties would be protesting in their own respective ways in all states.
O'Brien described demonetisation as a 'big scam' and added that TMC leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the first leader to point this out.
On Monday, the opposition formed a coordination committee and met for the first time in parliament.The meeting was attended by Azad, O'Brien, Yadav, Communist Party of India MP D Raja, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi and Bahujan Samaj Party MP Satish Mishra. -- ANI
16:26 Won't link phone to Aadhaar, let them disconnect: Mamata
Opposing linking of Aadhar with mobile phone number, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said she will not comply with it even if her phone connection is snapped.
The Trinamool Congress leader accused the Union government of "autocratic" rule and said her party will "have to play a role so that BJP is removed from power" at the centre.
"They (Centre) are interfering in the people's rights and privacy. Aadhar number should not be linked with one's mobile phone. I will not link my Aadhar number with my mobile even if my connection is snapped," she said at the extended core committee meeting of the TMC.
"They (Centre) have unleashed an autocratic rule in the country. No one can raise voice against them, else I-T, ED, CBI will be unleashed," Banerjee alleged.
She said the TMC will protest even if all its party leaders are sent to jail.
"We are not cowards," she said.
The department of telecom had through a March 23 notification called for linking of mobile numbers with Aadhaar.
Banerjee said that the TMC does not want to be in power in Delhi but "we have to play a role so that BJP is removed from power at the Centre".
The TMC chief, who had vociferously criticised demonetisation, alleged that "it is a big scam".
"There should be investigation. Manmohan Singh, Yashwant Sinha everybody is criticising demonetisation. Are all of them wrong?" she asked.
She said that November 8, the day on which demonetisation was announced last year, will be observed as black day by the TMC.
15:58 Sensex ends at all-time closing high of 33,042
Benchmark indices ended at record closing high today backed by banks and infrastructure stocks after recapitalisation and highway projects boost.
The 30-share BSE Sensex was up 435.16 points or 1.33 percent at 33,042.50 and the 50-share NSE Nifty rose 87.70 points or 0.86 percent to 10,295.40.
The government on Tuesday announced a Rs. 2.11 lakh crore recapitalisation plan for public sector banks over two years to boost their finances, private investment and help revive the economy. As part of this plan, the government will infuse Rs. 1.35 lakh crore through recapitalisation bonds and Rs. 76,000 crore through budgetary support and market-raising.
15:44 Congress has no idea of GST, says Jaitley
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said that the Congress, which has been attacking him over the alleged failure of the goods and services tax, has "no idea" of the taxation scheme.
In an interview with news agency, ANI, Jaitley also clarified that the GST Council, under him, was looking into rationalising the rates as and when a revenue-neutral situation arises.
"The national leaders of the Congress have no idea or understanding of the GST, while their state ministers understand the procedure to decide slabs. Ascertaining rates for various commodities and fixing tax rates takes time. It is not an overnight process, and this needs to be understood. Bringing everything under the 18 per cent GST slab is helping those who spend on luxury items. Does the Congress want to make BMWs and Mercedes cheaper?" he questioned.
Continuing his criticism of the Opposition and the measures taken during their governance in the last ten years, Jaitley claimed that the India was perceived as a country with 'policy paralysis' globally.
"We all know how the Congress' governance impacted the economy during their stint at the Centre. Excessive funding was given to the banks and other financial institutions, and improper restructuring resulted in further problems. India was considered to be undergoing a policy paralysis at the time," he said.
Drawing a parallel to the financial reforms introduced in the last three years, Jaitley re-iterated that India was on a trajectory of rapid economic expansion, attributable to the structural reforms that have been implemented.
"We have invested large amounts in capital expenditure on banks, with similar boosts given to infrastructure. We have also introduced stringent measures to keep a check on the NPAs. The Golden Quadrilateral, which was completed in 2012, sparked an economic activity in the country. And now, with the introduction of the Bharatmala project, we are looking at massively expanding roadways and connectivity," he said.
"Under the GST regime, a lot of relief has been given - from filing quarterly returns to 1 per cent tax for turnover under Rs. 1 crore," he added.
15:30 Singapore passport world's 'most powerful', India ranks 75
Singapore has the world's "most powerful" passport, according to a global ranking topped for the first time by an Asian country with India figuring at 75th position, three notches better than its previous ranking.
According to the 'Global Passport Power Rank 2017' by global financial advisory firm Arton Capital, Germany is ranked second, followed by Sweden and South Korea in third place.
Paraguay removed visa requirements for Singaporeans, propelling Singapore's passport to the top of Passport Index' most powerful ranking with a visa-free score of 159, the company statement said.
Historically, the top 10 most powerful passports in the world were mostly European, with Germany having the lead for the past two years. Since early 2017, the number one position was shared with Singapore, which was steadily going up, it said.
"For the first time ever an Asian country has the most powerful passport in the world. It is a testament of Singapore's inclusive diplomatic relations and effective foreign policy," said Philippe May, managing director of Arton
Capital's Singapore office.
India, which was listed 78th last year, has improved its ranking, figuring at 75th position with a visa-free score of 51.
Coming in at last place on the list is Afghanistan, ranked 94 with a score of 22, followed by Pakistan and Iraq at 93 with a score of 26, Syria at 92, having a score of 29 and Somalia at 91 with a score 34.
"Visa-free global mobility has become an important factor in today's world," said founder and president of Arton Capital Armand Arton at the recently held Global Citizen Forum in Montenegro.
"More and more people every year invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in a second passport to offer better opportunity and security for their families," Arton added.
While Singapore quietly climbed the ranks, the US passport has fallen down since President Donald Trump took office. Most recently Turkey and the Central African Republic revoked their visa-free status to US passport holders, the statement said.
Passport Index has become the most popular interactive online tool to display, sort and rank the world's passports.
The index ranks national passports by the cross-border access they bring, assigning a "visa-free score" according to the number of countries a passport holder can visit visa-free or with visa on arrival.
14:52 Concerned over Pak terror groups extending capabilities: Tillerson
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday expressed concern over the stability and security of Pakistan government in case terror groups extend capabilities.
Tillerson, who met Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in the morning in New Delhi, was addressing the media.
Among other points he made during the media interaction were:
-US backs India's emergence as leading power and will continue to help Indian capabilities in providing security for the region.
-Looking forward to discussing deals for F16 and F18 fighter jets with India.
-India is crucial to US-Afghanistan strategy, we are looking at strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
-Ready to provide best technology for India's military modernisation.
-Terror havens will not be tolerated.
Swaraj said any country backing terrorism must be made responsible, as America's South Asia policy can succeed only when Pakistan acts on terror groups.
She also expressed concerned over attacks in Afghanistan, and said Pakistan must act against terror groups.
She said she raised the H1B visa issue and requested Secretary of State Tillerson not to take action that may adversely impact Indians.
Tillerson is slated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the afternoon.
13:55 Pak must act against terror groups: Sushma
Just In: Concerned over attacks in Afghanistan; Pakistan must act against terror groups: Sushma Swaraj after talks with US Secy of State Rex Tillerson.
13:50 Hizbul chief's son in NIA custody for 7 days
Syed Shahid Yousuf, son of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, who has been arrested in a terror-funding case, has been awarded 7 days custody with the National Investigation Agency.
13:48 Ranbir, Irrfan post video message to save Mumbai's lung
Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor and Irrfan Khan have issued a video voicing their support for preserving tree cover at the Aarey colony in Mumbai's northern suburbs.
The Maharashtra government has announced its plans to erect a metro shed at the colony, one of the city's last surviving green cover, by cutting down trees, which has environmentalists up in arms.
Ranbir and Irrfan's video has been posted on Instagram by actress Raveen Tandon, and you can see it here.
13:45 Tipu died fighting British, pioneered rockets in war: Kovind
Even as BJP leaders have been vocal in opposing the Karnataka government's celebration of Tipu Jayanti on November 10, with Union minister Anantkumar Hegde writing to the state government asking it not to include his name in the invitation list for his district as per protocol, President Ram Nath Kovind in his address to the state legislature on Wednesday said the 18th century ruler of Mysuru died a heroic death fighting the British.
Addressing members of the Karnataka legislature on the 60th anniversary of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru today, President Kovind described Tipu Sultan as a pioneer in the development and use of Mysore rockets in warfare, a technology which was later adopted by the Europeans.
13:38 Gujarat polls on December 9 and 14; results on 18th
Assembly elections in Gujarat will be held in 2-phases on December 9 and December 14.
The Election Commission said the counting of votes will take place on December 18, announced Chief Election Commissioner A K Joti.
The term of the 182-member Gujarat assembly gets over on January 23 next year.
The EC came under attack from opposition parties for not having announced the dates for Gujarat assembly elections along with Himachal Pradesh.
After the EC did not announce the election schedule for Gujarat, the Congress had alleged it was done to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to play a "false Santa Claus" and announce freebies for voters before the model code of conduct kicked in.
Joti had defended the decision of announcing Himachal Pradesh's poll schedule before that of Gujarat, saying that multiple factors including the weather, flood relief work and festivities were considered before taking a call on election dates.
13:30 Model code of conduct comes into force in Gujarat: CEC AK Joti
Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti will shortly announce the dates for the Gujarat assembly elections.
- The model code of conduct shall be in place immediately; elaborate arrangements made to enforce MCC guidelines
- The height voting compartment will be increased to maintain secrecy
- A total of 50,128 polling centers have been set up in the state
- The voters will be able to see whom they have voted via VVPAT machine
- CCTVs will be installed at critical polling booths and at border checkposts during the election
- Slips on VVPATS will also be counted on some polling booths as a pilot project
- Differently-abled voters will be given preference at polling stations
13:24 Gujarat assembly polls to be held in 2 phases: EC
The Election Commission announcing the dates for the Gujarat assembly.
The polls will be held in two phases in December, CEC AK Jyoti said.
The EC has faced criticism from opposition parties for not announcing the dates for Gujarat polls along with Himachal Pradesh.
12:57 Reliance Nippon Life IPO fully subscribed in 5 minutes!
The initial public offer of Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management got oversubscribed 2.45 times soon after opening of bids, making it the first ever IPO to get full subscription within five minutes.
The IPO to raise an estimated Rs 1,542.42 crore opened this morning and received bids for 10,48,57,278 shares against the total issue size of 4,28,40,000 shares (excluding anchor portion), as per data available with the NSE till 1130 hours.
The Anil Ambani-led Reliance group's asset management arm yesterday raised a little over Rs 462 crore from anchor investors.
The public issue will close on October 27. The company has fixed the price band at Rs 247-252 per equity share.
12:54 SC to hear Centre's plea on withdrawing forces from Darjeeling
The Supreme Court today agreed to hear the Centre's plea challenging the Calcutta high court order on withdrawal of security forces from Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal.
A bench of Justices J Chelameswar and S Abdul Nazeer said the matter will be listed on October 27.
Appearing for the Centre, advocate Wasim Qadri said the Calcutta high court had on October 17 stayed the withdrawal of security forces from the disturbed areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
He said the Centre needs to deploy forces in the poll-bound states of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. Some forces also need to be deployed along the borders of Jammu and Kashmir and in the north-eastern states, he added.
The Calcutta high court had stayed the withdrawal of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) from the Darjeeling hills, the scene of unrest over the statehood demand, till October 27 after the state government approached it against the Centre's decision.
12:35
United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meets External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi.
12:23 Interlocutor will not impact Army ops in J&K, says Gen Rawat
Army chief Bipin Rawat says the appointment of interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir will not impact Army operations in the state, reports PTI.
Rediff.com columnist and BharatShakti.in founder Nitin Gokhale had in fact said much the same thing yesterday, in his article analysing the appointment of Dineshwar Sharma as interlocutor to the troubled state.
'Officials in charge of J&K affairs at the Centre are clear that there would be no let-up in the pin-pointed, intelligence-based CI-CT operations against terrorists.
'A lot of hard work has gone into getting the security situation under control in the past year and there is no plan to ease the pressure, they contend,' Nitin Gokhale had written in his Rediff article, here.
12:16 UPDATE: Pune curator suspended, India vs NZ ODI won't be called off
The second cricket match between Indian and New Zealand in Pune will not be called off after pitch curator Pandurang Salgaoncar caught on camera giving information to reporters disguised as bookies.
However, the match referee will take a final call on the match, India Today reported quoting source.
Meanwhile, the curator of Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pandurang Salgaoncar, has been suspended by the BCCI after he made claims of tampering with the track in a sting operation ahead of the second ODI between India and New Zealand.
Hours before the match in Pune, a sting operation by India Today showed Salgaoncar speaking to an undercover reporter, posing as a bookie. The 68-year-old was seen agreeing to tampering with the pitch to suit the requirements put forth by the reporter.
"Pandurang Salgaoncar has been suspended from the Maharashtra Cricket Association's curator's post with immediate effect," BCCI acting Secretary Amitabh Chaudhary told PTI.
"The MCA has also suspended Salgaoncar from all other positions in the association. An inquiry Commission will also be constituted by MCA. At BCCI, we reiterate that we have zero tolerance towards any corrupt activity," he added.
The expose revealed a serious lapse in the functioning of the BCCI's anti-corruption mechanism but Chaudhary said today's match must go ahead.
"That is a decision that only the ICC match referee can take. You need evidence that the pitch has been doctored in order to call off a match. It's match referee's call. But in my opinion, match will go on," he asserted.
What has left senior BCCI officials baffled is the fact that Salgaoncar allowed the reporter to accompany him to the main match pitch.
"The BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) under Neeraj Kumar will have some answering to do. Here a random man comes, doesn't have an all-access area pass (only given to those who can enter any area) and is taken to the main pitch by the curator," a BCCI official said.
Asked if the ACU unit should be answerable as to how an outsider got access to the pitch, Chaudhary said, "...everyone associated with the ACU would be answerable. In any case a very select few have access to the centre of the pitch."
When contacted, BCCI acting President CK Khanna said he is writing a mail to Kumar so that his team gives an update on the incident.
"It's a pity that both former MCA President Ajay Shirke and current president Abhay Apte had helped Salgaoncar have a career after retirement. He gets Rs 65,000 salary per month from the MCA and also a BCCI pension. He is among BCCI's independent curators. We are feeling bad for both Abhay and Ajay. Salgaoncar let them down badly," Khanna said.
Salgaoncar, a former Maharashtra speedster, was considered a genuine India prospect in early and mid '70s.
He toured with the Indian team for an unofficial series against Sri Lanka back in 1974. Sunil Gavaskar's autobiography 'Sunny Days' has a mention of him being a genuine prospect, who was unlucky not to don national colours.
The former pacer took 214 wickets in 63 first-class games.
11:38 Was a coup neutralised in Bangladesh?
Has a potential army coup been nipped in the bud in Bangladesh?
It does seem so, going a report by Devadeep Purohit in The Telegraph, Kolkata.
'Some heads have rolled in the Bangladesh Army after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's office learnt that 20 retired and serving officers met at the home of a retired lieutenant general last week and discussed a sensitive matter, multiple sources in Dhaka and New Delhi have told The Telegraph,' reports Purohit.
Among those meeting were several serving officers -- who are in the process of being weeded out -- as well as a former army chief, the report says.
Quoting sources on both sides of the Indo-Bangladesh border, Purohit reports that the meeting took place at the home of a retired officer in Dhaka.
While no one was willing to disclose if the discussions centred around a change of government or forming an alternative political formation to the ruling Awami League, given that Bangladesh is no stranger to army rule, the possibility cannot be entirely ruled out either.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in office for two consecutive terms, is widely expected to advance the next elections, due otherwise in the end of 2018.
Incidentally, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, incidentally, was in Dhaka on Sunday to meet Hasina.
You can read Devadeep Purohit's report here.
11:28 India vs NZ 2nd ODI may be called off after TV sting
The second ODI between India and New Zealand may be cancelled after Pune pitch curator Pandurang Salgaoncar was caught on camera giving inside information to reporters disguised as bookies, in a sting operation done by news channel, India Today.
According to ANI, sources in the Board of Control for Cricket in India said that Salgaoncar will be suspended and referee will take call on calling off the match.
Earlier, Salgaonkar was seen in the sting revealing that the pitch will be made according to their (bookies) demands.
The BCCI and the International Cricket Council rules state that no one -- other than the officials -- can come inside the stadium or inspect the pitch for that matter. However, Salgaonkar even allowed them to look at the pitch ahead of the match.
When asked that couple of players wanted some bounce on the wicket, then Salgaonkar boasted 'it will be done'. He also mentioned the fact that the wicket will be a 350+ wicket and the team batting second can also chase down the target as it will be a batting paradise.
10:30 Jaitley boost powers Sensex to lifetime high in opening trade
The BSE Sensex today soared to a life-time high of 33,117.33 and the NSE Nifty scaled the historic 10,340.55 mark in opening trade as banking stocks rallied after the government announced a mega Rs 2.11 lakh crore recapitalisation plan for NPA-hit state-run lenders.
The 30-share Sensex soared 509.99 points, or 1.56 per cent, to quote at an all-time high of 33,117.33 points, breaching its previous record high (intra-day) of 32,699.86 hit on October 17.
The gauge had gained 224.41 points in the previous two straight sessions.
Banking behemoth SBI rallied 19.47 per cent while private peers ICICI Bank and Axis Bank soared by up to 8 per cent in early trade, sending the barometer indices to record high.
All the sectoral indices led by banks, PSUs, capital goods and infrastructure were trading in the positive zone with gains of up to 6.27 per cent.
The 50-share Nifty also hit a historic high of 10,340.55 by climbing 132.85 points, or 1.30 per cent. It also smashed previous record (intra-day) of 10,251.85 points reached on October 17.
Sentiment got a lift after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley yesterday announced a massive Rs 6.92 lakh crore infrastructure spending and another Rs 2.11 lakh crore for bank recapitalisation to revive investments as well as growth, brokers said.
Among the PSU banks, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, Union Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, IOB, IDBI Bank, Andhra Bank, UCO Bank and Bank of Maharashtra were at the centrestage and recorded gains by up to 30 per cent.
Infrastructure segment stocks such as L&T, NHPC, HCC NCC were major gainers, helping the key indices to scale new highs.
-- PTI
10:14 Xi thanks foreign press for its 'coverage'
Even as foreign media was not allowed to cover Xi's new lineup, the President thanks the foreign press for its 'coverage'.
@robindbrant
The theorists will love this. Xi says 'we welcome objective reporting and constructive suggestions' #china
@WeiDuCNA
Xi Jinping now thanking foreign press for coverage, after not inviting major foreign media to his big unveil.
10:09
All analysts are focused on the fact that Xi Jinping appears to have broken convention by not nominating a successor. Here's a take from WSJ reporter Wenxin Fan.
@xinwenfan
By 2022, both Zhao Leji and Wang Yang will be under 67, the so-called cut-off age, but not young enough to serve two terms. Unprecedented.
10:00 Xi Jinping secures 2nd term, unveils new leadership team
Just In: Chinese President Xi Jinping today secured a second five-year term as the head of ruling Communist Party.
Jinping also unveiled a new leadership team who will help him rule for the next half decade.
In a nationally televised event, Xi introduced the new members of China's highest council of power, the Communist Party's Politburo Standing Committee, on the red carpet of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The list of the new leadership is Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zhen.
Here's the full line-up of the Communist Party of China's new politburo and its standing committee
09:57
Tom Phillips@tomphillipsin
Major news orgs incl @bbc @guardian @nytimes @ft & @TheEconomist all excluded from Xi Jinping speech. @fccchina says looks like "punishment"
09:34 Sensex crosses 33K mark for first time, Nifty hits all-time high
Just In: Sensex breaches 33,000-mark for the first time; Nifty hits all-time high of 10,340.55 in morning trade.
09:19 Security forces launch search operation in J&K's Shopian
A massive cordon and search operation was launched by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesday early morning.
At least 13 villages have been cordoned off.
A joint team of the Special Operation Group Shopian, 44, 62, and 1 Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army and 14th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force have cordoned off the villages which includes Sugan, Heff, Shirmaal, Nagbal, Barbugh, Chitragaam, Turkawangam, Maldeera, Kashew, Kadgam and Nullayposhwari.
Further details are awaited.
Images used for representational purposes only
08:46 Two Indian-American businessmen felicitated by Trump
United Stated President Donald Trump has honoured two Indian-American businessmen in recognition of their small but significant contribution to the US economy.
Trump felicitated Sharad Thakkar and Karan Arora along with seven other owners of minority businesses in the Oval Office of the White House yesterday.
Thakkar is president of Polymer Technologies, which is recipient of Minority Energy Firm of the Year.
Based out of Ohio, Polymer Technologies works with plastic industry individuals to transform their throwaway scrap plastic into valuable raw material.
PTS has a proven track record of providing long-term solutions in automotive, home care, and lawn care product lines.
Based out of Florida, Arora is director of family-owned Natural Vitamin Labs, which is recipient of Minority Export Firm of the Year award.
With 25 years of experience in supplying natural health products to industry partners worldwide, NVL operates from a 95,000-sq ft facility in Miami, Florida.
The facility is equipped with a manufacturing practices system and fully automated packaging machinery that allows precision and error minimization, resulting in high speed production.
A night earlier, Thakkar and Arora received their respective awards from the Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross at an event in Detroit. -- PTI
08:18 Gujarat poll dates likely to be announced today
Amid the row over the "delay" in declaring the Gujarat Assembly elections, the Election Commission is likely to announce the schedule for a two-phase poll in the state today.
The term of the 182-member Gujarat assembly gets over on January 23 next year.
The commission has been under attack from opposition parties for not having announced the dates for Gujarat assembly elections along with Himachal Pradesh.
The opposition has been alleging that by "delaying" the announcement of the Gujarat polls, the EC was giving time to the BJP government in the state and at the Centre to sidestep the provisions of the model code and offer sops to the electorate to swing votes in favour of the saffron party.
After the EC did not announce the election schedule for Gujarat, the Congress had alleged it was done to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to play a "false Santa Claus" and announce freebies for voters before the model code of conduct kicked in.
Chief Election Commissioner A K Joti had defended the decision of announcing Himachal Pradesh's poll schedule before that of Gujarat, saying that multiple factors including the weather, flood relief work and festivities were considered before taking a call on election dates.
The CEC had said while the Gujarat and Himachal polls were announced together in 2012, their schedules were different. He also said the two states had no similarities in geography or weather patterns. -- PTI
00:09 Netanyahu to visit India in January
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin today said he will visit India in January, six months after his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi visited the Jewish state.
Netanyahu would be only the second Israeli Prime Minister to visit India. His visit next year would be happening almost15 years after Ariel Sharon visited New Delhi in 2003.
"In the past year, I have visited all the continent besides Antarctica," Netanyahu said at the opening of the Knesset's (Israeli parliament) winter session yesterday.
"And in January, I will make a reciprocal visit to my dear good friend, Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, whose population is a significant part of humanity," he added.
Modi's standalone visit to Israel in July this year celebrated 25 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Indian Prime Minister skipped Palestine during his trip leading many analysts to say that New Delhi was changing its rules of engagement in the region.
Modi's visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, was termed by many as de-hyphenation of New Delhi's ties with the Palestinians. -- PTI
Netanyahu would be only the second Israeli Prime Minister to visit India. His visit next year would be happening almost15 years after Ariel Sharon visited New Delhi in 2003.
"In the past year, I have visited all the continent besides Antarctica," Netanyahu said at the opening of the Knesset's (Israeli parliament) winter session yesterday.
"And in January, I will make a reciprocal visit to my dear good friend, Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, whose population is a significant part of humanity," he added.
Modi's standalone visit to Israel in July this year celebrated 25 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Indian Prime Minister skipped Palestine during his trip leading many analysts to say that New Delhi was changing its rules of engagement in the region.
Modi's visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, was termed by many as de-hyphenation of New Delhi's ties with the Palestinians. -- PTI
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