Top developments: Swiss couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri; 5 held

Sushma Swaraj sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government on the assault

One of the two Swiss tourists attacked and badly injured near Agra five days ago was discharged from Delhi’s Apollo Hospital on Thursday even as five people, including three minors, were taken into custody for the crime. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who visited Agra, promised better security for tourists.

Sushma seeks report

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said while Marie Droz had been discharged from the hospital, her male friend Quentin Jeremy Clerc’s condition was improving. The Swiss embassy in New Delhi confirmed the October 22 attack and said it was providing them consular services.

The ugly attack took place when the young couple was walking alongside a train track in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Clerc was left with a fractured skull and several bruises.

Senior Superintendent of Police Agra, Amit Pathak, said late on Thursday evening that five persons, including three minors, have been taken into custody for the crime.

Also Read : Today's Paper

Sushma Swaraj sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government on the assault. Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons expressed deep concern.

“You would kindly appreciate that such incidents negatively impact our image and are detrimental to our efforts in promoting India as a tourism destination,” Alphons told the Chief Minister in a letter.

He said a “fast and speedy response in identifying and ensuring speedy action including conviction of the guilty would be reassuring” and would send a “good message of our efforts to prevent recurrence of such incidents”. Read Full Story >>>

Abdul Karim Telgi dead: The fake stamp paper scam you should know about

Abdul Karim Telgi dies: The stamp paper scam that shook the nation

Abdul Karim Telgi, the kingpin of the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam that shook the country over a decade ago, died of multi-organ failure at a state-run hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday. He was battling for life for about a week.

The stamp paper scam
Acquiring a stamp paper licence in 1994, Telgi opened an office at Mint Road in Mumbai. He was said to have befriended several officials in the revenue ministry, stamp office and Nashik Security Press where stamp papers were printed. (Today's Paper)

Telgi was also accused of having used his political clout to get the machinery at the Nashik press declared as 'junk' only to buy it and setting it up at his office in Mumbai.

Official insight
The security and intelligence agencies had then put the size of the scam at a mind-boggling Rs 20,000 crore. However, some other estimates ranged from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 30,000 crore.
The scam had affected the financial and other markets.

Humble beginnings
Hailing from Khanapur in Belagavi district in Karnataka, Telgi received his education in the local Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, an English-medium school, following which he had obtained a B.Com degree from a college in Belagavi. He was the son of a Railway employee and started off as a vegetable and fruit vendor in trains.

Later, he moved to Saudi Arabia. When he returned after seven years, he got into the counterfeit business.

Telgi passes away
Telgi, 56, was on life support system after being admitted to Victoria Hospital for meningitis, doctors said. He is survived by wife, daughter and son-in-law. | Readmore

Yogi lands in Agra; launches cleanliness drive at Western Gate of Taj Mahal

Adityanath is the first BJP CM of UP to visit the monument of love

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Agra on Thursday against the backdrop of various controversial statements made by some BJP leaders and ministers against the 17th century monument.

Over 14,000 policemen have been deployed across the city for the security of Adityanath, who arrived here early this morning.

Adityanath is the first BJP CM of UP to visit the monument of love.

The chief minister, who landed in the citys Kheria Airport, went to Nangla Paima village and visited the rubber check dam. He also visited Kachhpura village.

A senior police officer told PTI that more than 14,000 policemen have been deployed across the city for the security of the CM.

The monument is open for tourists and the entry will be allowed as per the routine process. The security has been stepped up, he said.

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 the Taj Mahal to the Agra Fort. | Readmore

Loan waiver: 100 farmers linked to single Aadhaar number in Maharashtra

Loan waiver confusion: 100 farmers linked to single Aadhaar number

The Maharashtra government’s attempt of online registration for loan waiver implementation has sent the authorities into a tizzy as names of over 100 farmers have been found linked to a single Aadhaar number.

The state government had earlier stressed on online registration by farmers with their Aadhaar, which is a unique identification.

The government has said that the Aadhaar-based linking will avoid any duplication as well as fake accounts getting the benefit of the loan waiver.(Today's Paper)

A senior official from the Maharashtra cooperation department showed a list of potential beneficiaries of farmers having a common Aadhaar number, which has become a cause of concern for the government.

“We always thought that the Aadhaar number will be our key to check fake beneficiaries. Now, we don’t know how to address this challenge with so many farmers showing the same Aadhaar number. If we have to carry out a manual check, which will take weeks. The farming community is already agitated over the delay in implementation of the scheme,” the official said….Read more

Tips to crack Haryana govt job exams- know Ramdev, teej other cults

Lakhs of students prepare for various entrance exams every year to bag the much coveted government or banking sector jobs

Preparing for a government exams in Haryana? Here's a tip - buck up your knowledge on cult-like figures and the job is youOver the last two years, some of the questions that candidates have been asked to answer in Haryana are related to Baba Ramdev and other such cult-like figures.

Here are such questions:
Where is the dera of Kali Kamali Baba located in Haryana? Who is the guru of Baba Ramdev? On which part of the body is the ornament ‘Chalkada’ worn?
Millions prepare for various entrance exams every year to bag the much-coveted government or banking sector jobs. (Today's Paper)

Why ask such questions?
Candidates and social activists are now questioning “the logic behind such questions” for recruitment to the posts of police constable, clerk, food sub-inspector, patwari (revenue official), statistical assistant and even pump operators.
Young job aspirants are often baffled as they do not find answers to these questions in any book and have to seek help from their relatives and grandparents. Appearing for these exams becomes a nightmare for many.

BJP backs such questions
Raman Malik, spokesperson for BJP in Haryana said, "the questions are related to the social fabric of the state that should be known by the aspirants."
"Job seekers must be sensitive and aware of diversity in society. If those who know about the social fabric are selected, they will be able to serve people in a better way, he added".

Modi-government schemes fill Civil prelims exam
In June, the BJP-led government was criticised for questions asked in this year's civil services preliminary examination. The aspirants were asked questions related to Goods and Services Tax (GST), benami transactions and schemes run by the central government.
“What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing Goods and Services Tax?” reads a question. | Readmore

OnePlus 5T leaks hint 18:9 screen, fingerprint scanner on back: Know more

It is speculated that the smartphone would sport same specifications as that of OnePlus 5 except a potentially bigger battery

China-based smartphone maker OnePlusis reportedly working on the next iteration of its current year flagship. Dubbed as ‘OnePlus 5T’, the upcoming smartphone recently appeared in the tech forums.

Going by the purported report that confirms the existence of 5T model, it is believed that the device would sport a bigger screen in 18:9 aspect ratio format with FHD+ resolution. Also, OnePlus would shift the fingerprint sensor on the back side to accommodate a bigger screen on the front with small bezels. (Today's Paper)

An image shared by Android Authority, an online technology portal, gave a glimpse of the upcoming flagship model from OnePlus. In the picture, the phone is shown from an angle revealing the speaker at the bottom, same chassis as that of OnePlus 5 and a new wider format screen.

It is speculated that the smartphone would sport similar specifications as that of OnePlus 5 except for a potentially bigger battery…..READ MORE

Watch: Mirage 2000 fighter jets land on Lucknow-Agra Expressway

The exercise was conducted near Bangarmau in Unnao

Twenty aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF), including AN-32 transport, Mirage 2000 and Sukhoi 30 MKI, made a touchdown on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway on Tuesday.

Two AN-32 transport and fighter planes such as Mirage 2000, Jaguar, Sukhoi 30 MKI are taking part in the exercise.The AN-32 are meant for humanitarian assistance and relief operations during floods or any other natural calamity. (Today's Paper)

The exercise was conducted near Bangarmau in Unnao.

The IAF's touchdown exercise, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Government, is the first official IAF exercise on the expressway, which was inaugurated in November last year.

"It is for the first time any transport aircraft will land and then take off from the expressway. The AN-32 are meant for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during floods or any other natural calamity," PRO, Defence (Central Command), Gargi Malik Sinha told PTI.

On November 21, six Mirage and Sukhoi jets had presented airshow and conducted their maiden training on its 3.3 km long specially built runway in Unnao district near Kanpur. Then Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and then ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) president Mulayam Singh Yadav were present during the air show.

For October 24 exercise, a stretch of the 302-km long expressway would be closed for traffic during October 20-24. The training will help the IAF pilots to get acclimatise to the landing and takeoff exercise using public highways/expressway during emergency or war situations.

According to the UP Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), the incoming traffic for the closed stretch would be diverted to other highways. | Readmore

Taking on Jio: Now Vodafone to offer 4G smartphones for Rs 2,899

Vodafone has forged a partnership with Micromax, wherein customers can own a 4G smartphone for Rs 999

Today's Paper : As the incumbent operators look to take on Reliance Jio and retain their customer base for feature phones, they are forging partnerships with handset makers so as to make smartphones affordable and within reach of a large section of society.

After Airtel, which has tied up with Karbonn to come out with a smartphone for an effective price of Rs 1,399, Vodafone has also forged a partnership with Micromax, wherein customers can own a Vodafone 4G smartphone for Rs 999.

According to the Vodafone offer, existing and new Vodafone customers will have to buy the Micromax Bharat-2 Ultra smartphone by paying Rs 2,899 and if they recharge at least Rs 150 per month for 36 months, Rs 1,900 will be returned as cashback.

At the end of 18 months, users will receive a cashback of Rs 900 and after another 18 months, a cashback of Rs 1,000, in their Vodafone M-Pesa wallets. Vodafone has not provided a specific plan for the Micromax offer and people buying the device can recharge with existing offers of the company.

As the company is targeting feature phone users, who usually recharge with amounts starting at Rs 10, Vodafone has allowed the flexibility for users to choose recharges of any denomination but to avail the offer, a minimum of Rs 150 should be spent in a month, or Rs 2,700 in 18 months.

Avneesh Khosla, associate director — Consumer Business, Vodafone India, said, “Through our partnership with Micromax, we have democratised 4G smartphones at a price of under Rs 999. This will help fulfill the aspirations of several million phone users across the country who desire a smartphone but couldn’t afford one.”

Rani Mukherji's father passes away

Filmmaker Ram Mukerji, father of actor Rani Mukerji died today early morning. He was 84.

He was not keeping well for sometime, said a source close to the family. | Today's Paper

Ram, one of the founders of Filmalaya Studios here, had directed films like "Hum Hindustani" and "Leader".

 

He had also directed and produced Rani's debut film "Biyer Phool" in 1996.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mourned his death.

"Saddened at the passing of veteran filmmaker Ram Mukherjee. My condolences to his family," tweeted Banerjee. 

Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee tweeted: "Really sad to hear Ram Mukherjee passed away. I had an opportunity to work with him 'Rakta Nadir Dhara', 'Raktalekha', 'Biyer Phool'. RIP Ramda."

Rani, along with husband Aditya Chopra, were present at the last rites here at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle West.

Actors Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor and Ranveer Singh were among the others who came to pay their last respects.

PM launches Gujarat's Ro-Ro ferry: Here's why it's revolutionary for India

By linking South Gujarat and Saurashtra and allowing vehicles with passengers aboard, the service will save travel time and fuel and clear congested roads

Today's Paper : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the first phase of the the Ghogha-Dahej Ro-Ro ferry service between Saurashtra and the South Gujarat region.
Here are the highlights of Ghogha-Dahej Ro-Ro ferry service:

1. Ghogha-Dahej Ro-Ro ferry service is a Rs-615 crore project, covering 31 km between Ghogha in Bhavnagar and Dahej in Bharuch district across the Gulf of Khambhat.
2. The idea of the ferry service was first conceived in early 1960s. The foundation stone for current works was laid by Modi in 2012 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
3. When operational, the service is expected to reduce the travel distance between Saurashtra, locate in the western region of the state and South Gujarat by 360 km, saving time and money for people frequently travelling between the two regions.
4. The facility will also reduce travel time by at least five hours.
5. Many working in the diamond cutting and polishing hub of Surat in South Gujarat belong to the Saurashtra region and the service is expected to come as a boon for them.
6. In the first phase, only passenger services would begin, while after the completion of the second phase, light vehicles can also be carried aboard the ferries.
   Official sources claim that the second phase will be commissioned by the end of January 2018.
7. In the final phase, the ferries would also have facility to carry trucks between the two regions.

Ghogha (Gujarat), Oct 22 (ANI): On his third visit in a month to Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched Gujarat's RO-RO ferry service . PM Modi described the RO-RO ferry service as his dream project, which will cut down the travel time between Ghogha in Bhavnagar district and Dahej in Bharuch to over five hours. He will be launching a slew of other development projects during the day.

Don't portray every inter-religious marriage as 'love jihad': Kerala HC

The HC bench upheld a marriage between a Hindu woman and a Muslim man

The Kerala High Court on Thursday held that all inter-religious weddings cannot be viewed as 'love jihad' as it upheld a marriage between a Hindu woman and a Muslim man.

A division bench comprising justices V Chitambaresh and Sathish Ninan made the observations in its judgement on a habeas corpus petition filed by the man. A habeas corpus plea is filed to ensure a person under arrest is brought before a court which will determine whether the detention is legal.

"We are appalled to notice the recent trend in this state to sensationalise every case of inter-religious marriage as either 'love jihad' or 'ghar wapsi' even if there was platonic love between the spouses before," the court said.

The bench also cited the Supreme Court order in the Lata Singh versus state of Uttar Pradesh case of 2004 to emphasise the need for encouraging inter-caste and inter-religious marriages. | Today's Paper

"We caution that every case of inter-religious marriage shall not be portrayed on a religious canvass and create fissures in the communal harmony otherwise existing in the God's Own Country - Kerala," the bench said and upheld the marriage.

It said the present case was projected by the parents of the woman as 'love jihad' whereas the man, who was in love with her and married her later, termed it as 'ghar wapsi' (a bid to coerce her to come back).

The woman from Kannur had left her home on May 16 along with the Muslim youth. On a complaint from her parents, police had traced and detained them in Sonepat in Haryana a month later. | Readmore...

Firecracker ban: Over 1,200 kgs of crackers seized, 29 arrested in Delhi

Special teams have been deployed in districts to monitor the situation

Today's Paper : Over 1,200 kg of firecrackers have been seized and 29 people arrested by police as part of a drive being carried out after the Supreme Court order temporarily banning the sale of firecrackers.

After the Supreme Court order, Delhi Police commissioner Amulya Patnaik had directed the deputy commissioners of police of the 13 police districts to ensure that crackers are not sold in the city.
Special teams have been deployed in districts to monitor the situation.

ALSO READ: Firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR: Why it is hard to thank Supreme Court

In the crackdown, following the Supreme Court order, the police have seized 1,241 kilogrammes of firecrackers and registered 29 FIRs and arrested 29 people, said Madhur Verma, PRO, Delhi Police.
According to the data, eight cases have been registered in the north district against the people found selling firecrackers, the maximum among all the districts.

Police have seized 368 kilogrammes of firecrackers from the southwest district, the maximum among all districts with Rohini a close second at 344.5 kg.

Two Delhi Police personnel posted at the Mangolpuri police station in the outer district were suspended for allegedly failing to curb the sale of firecrackers in their beat areas.
Read Full story 

Smokeless Diwali: Delhi, there is something foul in the air, don't make it worse

A ban is rarely a great solution, but we must recognize that no other agency is upholding our right to breath clean air.

Today's paper : Go outside and get some fresh air. Go for a walk, it will clear your mind.” Fresh air and a relaxing walk are simple pleasures unavailable to residents of Delhi/NCR. Walking, running or cycling here might cause more damage to your health than any good.

Why do you say this?
Because on an average day in Delhi/NCR PM2.5 pollution is between 150-400 micrograms per cubic metre. This means the ‘baseline’ or ‘everyday’ pollution in the NCR due to essential or routine economic activities, in and around Delhi, is 2 to 4 times above the danger mark. Transportation, factories, coal-fired power production, waste burning, unending construction work, slash and burn agriculture in neighbouring states, and local climate effects are the major reasons. This has been the case for the last 5-10 years. It is a problem because PM2.5 levels above 60-100 micrograms per cubic metre are considered unsafe by the WHO.

What does PM2.5 do?
Such poor air quality is a contributor to chronic year-long complaints of cough, sniffling, irritability in the eyes, headaches, fatigue, asthma, bronchitis, and skin allergies. Common ailments in Delhi/NCR. These high levels of PM2.5, over longer periods, increase the risk of serious breathing disorders, developmental disorders in children, cardiovascular issues, and neurological problems. Shocking, but not unexpected, is the fact that 40 percent of children in the NCR have critically low lung function. Almost every day in Delhi is an attack on our health that we regretfully ignore.

If there are so many factors, why are people focusing on air pollution due to Diwali firecrackers?
Last year air pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) levels in the NCR were 14-16 times above the safe limit on the day after Diwali. Such levels have never been recorded in an Indian city before. It was a public health emergency for Delhi/NCR. Testing for breathing disorders went up by 10-20 times. Schools were shut. The number of sick days increased dramatically. If regular days in Delhi are a dose of hazardous air, last November, the day after Diwali, was a quite simply poison.

We can handle 14-16 times pollution for one day of celebration, okay?
If you really believe that you are completely wrong. Such levels of pollution are ‘anti-human’. Doctors don’t know if our bodies can cope with such pollution. According to Dr Arvind Kumar, one of India’s lead chest surgeons, in his 25 year experience, only patients that were smokers had black deposits on their lungs. In recent years, Dr Kumar has seen PM2.5 deposits aggregating on the lungs of nonsmokers, children, and even people that are active/healthy. And there is no mechanism to clean your lungs - these deposits are permanent. They decrease your lung capacity and eventually impacts your cardiovascular and neurological function. | Readmore...

Panama Papers scribe killed in Malta car bomb

Caruana Galizia filed a police report 15 days ago to say that she had been receiving death threats

Today's paper : A journalist who led the Panama Papers probe into corruption in Malta was killed on Monday in a car bomb near her residence, the media reported.

Daphne Caruana Galizia died on Monday when her car, a Peugeot 108, was destroyed by a powerful explosive device, reports the Guardian.

A blogger whose posts often attracted more readers than the combined circulation of the country's newspapers, Caruana Galizia was recently described by the American news outlet Politico as a "one-woman WikiLeaks".

Her latest revelations accused Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and two of his closest aides, connecting offshore companies linked to the three men with the sale of Maltese passports and payments from the government of Azerbaijan.

No group or individual claimed responsibility for the attack, the Guardian reported.

Malta's President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, called for calm. "In these moments, when the country is shocked by such a vicious attack, I call on everyone to measure their words, to not pass judgement and to show solidarity."

In a statement, Muscat condemned the "barbaric attack".

"Everyone knows Caruana Galizia was a harsh critic of mine," said Muscat, adding "Both politically and personally, but nobody can justify this barbaric act in any way."

He announced in parliament later on Monday that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officers were on their way to Malta to assist with the investigation, following his request for help from the US government.  | Click here to know more about panama papers

Indian-origin teenager Akshay Ruparelia becomes UK's youngest millionaire

Ruparelia claims to have already sold 100 million pounds worth of properties since he set up his business

Today's Paper : An Indian-origin teenager has become one of Britain's youngest millionaires after his online estate agency business got valued at 12 million pounds in just over a year.

Akshay Ruparelia, at just 19 years of age, juggled his school work with negotiating property deals for his no-frills business that offers to sell properties for a fraction of the cost charged by established high street estate agents.

This week "doorsteps.co.uk" became the 18th biggest estate agency in the UK just 16 months after the website went live.

Ruparelia claims to have already sold 100 million pounds worth of properties since he set up his business.

"I got the website up and running and after a couple of weeks a man in Sussex asked me to sell his home and a separate chunk of land he owned beside it.

"I had to pay my sister's boyfriend 40 pounds to drive me to Sussex to take photographs of the house, as I hadn't passed my driving test and didn't have a car," he recalls.

The north London-based schoolboy was able to sell the property and land within three weeks, which set the ball rolling.

He started his company with 7,000 pounds, borrowed from relatives and now employs 12 people. | Click here to know more about Akshay Ruparelia

BookMyShow looks for Flipkart’s backing to combat Alibaba

A minority stake in BookMyShow to give Flipkart a play in the fast-growing online ticketing space and also an access to a high-spending loyal customer base

Today's Paper : Amid competition from deep-pocketed global players like Alibaba, India’s leading online ticketing platform BookMyShow is looking for a backing in its space from Flipkart, the country’s largest internet company.

While Flipkart BookMyShow Deal has been one of the few profitable internet companies in India, with a profit of Rs 3.1 crore on a revenue of Rs 248 crore in the year that ended March 2016, competition from rivals like Paytm has caused sales growth to slow.

To shield itself from cash-burning rivals, BookMyShow will sell a minority stake to Flipkart, a behemoth with a cash reserve of $4 billion. For the e-commerce major, a stake in BookMyShow will give it a play in the fast-growing online ticketing space and also an access to a high-spending loyal customer base.

According to Livemint, which reported the story first on Monday, Flipkart is interested in outright ownership of BookMyShow, but talks have largely steered towards purchase of a minority stake in the company. Both companies have a common investor in Accel Partners, one of the oldest and reputed early-stage VCs in the country.

Flipkart has been an active investor in other internet businesses and its acquisitions like Myntra, Jabong and PhonePe have borne fruit. Myntra says it will become profitable at an earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) level by March 2018, while PhonePe says it is the largest digital payments player on UPI.

While Flipkart is looking at categories like groceries to get customers to buy from it more often, the model will take time and significant investments over the next few years. On the other hand, online ticketing, already an established market in India, will give Flipkart the desired repeated purchases on its platform. Read More

Taj Mahal cannot be a part of our history: Sangeet Som

Som said the creator of Taj Mahal wanted to wipe out Hindus

Today's Paper : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) UP MLA Sangeet Som has an old relationship with controversies. On Monday, Som said the Taj Mahal should not be a part of our history as its creators were the ones who "wanted to wipe out Hindus". The MLA's comments come in the aftermath of the criticisms faced by Uttar Pradesh government for leaving out the 17th-century monument from the state’s official tourism booklet.

ALSO READ: Taj Mahal: A monument of gratitude

"Many people were pained when the Taj Mahal was removed from the state's tourism booklet. What history are we talking about? The history that the person who built the Taj Mahal (Shah Jahan) locked up his father," Som said at an event in Meerut.

Sangeet Som added: "Taj Mahal was built by rulers who wanted to wipe out Hindus from India and Uttar Pradesh. I guarantee you that the history will be changed now. Taj Mahal cannot be a part of our history."

Interestingly, the BJP leader incorrectly noted that the creator of Taj Mahal had imprisoned his father. Shah Jahan built the Unesco World Heritage site, who was imprisoned by his son Aurangazeb.

ALSO READ: When Taj Mahal 'vanished' from UP's tourism booklet and Yogi govt was ridiculed

Recently, the UP tourism department released a booklet detailing future plans, including a tour of famous monuments and locations central to Ramayana. The booklet had mentioned tourist destinations like the Gorakhpur temple, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is the chief priest, and excluded the Taj.

BJP's Sangeet Som says,'Many were sad when Taj Mahal was removed from historical places.What history? Its creator wanted to wipe out Hindus' pic.twitter.com/5OcpJwC4d7
— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2017

India appoints Gautam Bambawale as new ambassador to China

Bambawale appointment comes at a time when India and China are trying to put behind the Dokalam stand-off

Seasoned diplomat Gautam Bambawale, India’s high commissioner to Pakistan, was today appointed as the country’s next envoy to China.

This was announced tonight by the external affairs ministry.

A 1984 India Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Bambawale is expected to take up the assignment shortly, the ministry said. He will replace Vijay Gokhale.

A deft hand in Sino-India relations, Bambawale opted to learn Mandarin Chinese as his foreign language and served in Hong Kong and Beijing between 1985 and 1991.

He was first the desk officer for China in the Ministry of External Affairs and served as director in the Americas Division of the ministry, responsible for relations with the US and Canada (1993-94).

He has also functioned as the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian Embassy in Beijing.

His appointment comes at a time when India and China are trying to put behind the Dokalam standoff and work on a “forward-looking” approach in their ties.

Aarushi murder case: Dasna jail authorities yet to get HC order on Talwars

Jailers says the couple would walk free after they received the acquittal order of the Allahabad High Court

Today's Paper : Dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, acquitted in the murders of their daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj, would walk free from the Dasna jail near Delhi after the prison authorities receive the Allahabad High Court order, the jailer said on Friday.

The Talwars have been lodged in Dasna jail since November 2013 in connection with the twin murders.

"We have not received the court order as yet. We will release them once we get it," Dasna Jail Superintendent Dadhiram Maurya told reporters here. He said there were two methods to complete the process of releasing a prisoner from jail.

"Either the Allahabad High Court sends its order copy directly to jail authorities or it is sent through the CBI court concerned which awarded them life sentence," he said.

The Allahabad High Court had yesterday acquitted the Talwars in the case, saying neither the circumstances nor the evidence was enough to hold them guilty.

The verdict ends, at least for now, the nine-year ordeal of the Noida couple who were sentenced to life by a Ghaziabad CBI court on November 28, 2013 for the double murders that not only transfixed but also shook the nation with its element of filicide. | ReadFullStory

Salary hike for 758,000 teachers as govt extends 7th Pay Commission award

Govt has also announced two new skill schemes; wants to send 300,000 youth for training in Japan

Today's Paper : The central government cleared the pay commission recommendation for revision in salaries for teachers and academic staff.

There is some good news for as many as 758,000 teachers and other academic staff at 106 institutions under the Union government and 329 universities funded by various state governments. The central government has cleared the 7th Pay Commissionrecommendation to revise their salaries. The revised pay will be implemented with effect from January 1, 2016.

Teachers in 119 centrally funded institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will also benefit.

“The annual Central financial liability on account of this measure would be about Rs 9,800 crore. The implementation will enhance teachers’ pay in the range of Rs 10,400 and Rs. 49,800 as against the extant entry pay…(higher by) 22 per cent to 28 per cent,” said the ministry of human resource development…..(Read more)

Aarushi murder case: Allahabad High Court to decide Talwars’ fate today

The court will pronounce its verdict on Rajesh and Nupur Talwar’s plea challenging their conviction by a CBI court for the murder of their daughter and domestic help in 2008

Today's Paper : The Allahabad High Court will on Thursday deliver its verdict on an appeal filed by Rajesh and Nupur Talwar challenging a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court order convicting them for the murder of their daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj in 2008.

A special CBI court in Ghaziabad had convicted the couple in the case on November 26, 2013, and awarded them life sentence the next day.

While the high court is likely to decide the fate of the Talwars in this high-profile case today, we look at the timeline of events in the Aarushi Talwar double Aarushi Murder Case since 2008 leading up to now:

2008

May 16: Aarushi Talwar, 14, daughter of a dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur, is found dead with her throat slit in her bedroom at their Noida home. The family’s missing domestic help, Hemraj, becomes the prime suspect.

May 17: Hemraj is found dead on the terrace of the Talwars’ flat. The door of the terrace is found to be locked from inside.

May 18: Noida police’s preliminary investigation suggests the murders were conducted with surgical precision. An inside job is suspected.

May 23: Investigating agencies suspect a case of honour killing. Rajesh Talwar is arrested for the double murder.

May 31: The Noida Police hands over the case to CBI.

June 13: Rajesh Talwar’s compounder Krishna is arrested. The domestic help of Rajesh Talwar’s friend and his neighbours are called for questioning.

June 20: CBI conducts Lie detection test on Rajesh Talwar.

July 12: Ghaziabad court gives bail to Rajesh Talwar after CBI fails to provide evidence. CBI calls it a “blind case”.

2009

September: Forensic reports show most of the evidence taken from the crime scene were tampered with. Read Full Story >>>

Now, read while you bathe: Amazon launches water-proof Kindle at Rs 21,999

With 7-inch 300 ppi display, the device fits over 30 per cent more words per page and it has the fastest page turns of any Kindle

Today's Paper : Amazon on Thursday launched its most advanced e-book reader 'Kindle Oasis' that features company's highest-resolution 'Paperwhite Display' and is the first waterproof (IPX8) device.
The all-new Kindle Oasis is available for pre-order for Rs 21,999 for the 8GB model and Rs 28,999 for the 32GB model (WiFi + free 3G). The device will start shipping from November 13.

'Kindle Oasis' has a battery life measured in weeks and has fast-charging capability that allows it to go from zero to fully-charged in less than two hours.

"Ten years ago, we introduced our first Kindle with the mission of delivering any book every written in 60 seconds or less," said Dave Limp, Senior Vice President, Amazon Devices, in a statement.

"With a larger 7-inch, 300 ppi display, waterproof design, the all-new 'Kindle Oasis' is our most advanced Kindle ever. Its thin, light, and waterproof design allows readers to stay engaged in the author's world in even more ways and places than ever before," added Limp. | Readmore...

India to send 300,000 youth to Japan for on-job training

Japan will bear the financial cost of the skill training of Indian technical interns; about 50,000 of them may also get jobs in Japan

Today's Paper : India will send 300,000 youth to Japan for on-job training for 3-5 years as part of the government's skill development programme, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said here today.

Japan will bear the financial cost of the skill training of Indian technical interns.
The Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister said the Union Cabinet has approved signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan on the 'Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)'.

The MoC, he said, is expected to be signed during his three-day visit to Tokyo starting October 16.
"TITP is an ambitious program to send Three Lakh Indian technical interns to Japan for on the job training for a period of three to five yrs," Pradhan said in a tweet.

He said the youth will sent for training in the next three years with Japanese financial assistance.
About 50,000 of them may also get jobs in Japan, he added.| Readmore...

This is what makes Amitabh Bachchan the hot brand that he is, even at 75

Even as he turns 75 today, Amitabh Bachchan is one of the richest actors and one of the most in-demand endorsers in Bollywood

Today's Paper : Everyone is looking for the Don — the original one in Bollywood. And that is with good reason. In the fickle business of stardom, Amitabh Bachchan, who turns 75 today, has managed to remain relevant, anchoring Kaun Banega Crorepati, starring in films, and endorsing products.

Currently, he is one of the busiest actors in the country. After he is done shooting forKBC for Sony TV, he will be on the sets of 102 Not Out — a feature film in which he plays Rishi Kapoor’s father. It is expected to hit the screens next year. According to the latest Forbes’ list of richest actors in the country, he is ranked nine, with earnings of $9 million. This puts him ahead of Ranbir Kapoor (earning $8.5 million). He is the only one on the list above 60 years of age.

While his last film Sarkar 3 (2017) bombed, producers believe he can still hit the jackpot if the content of a film is good, such as Piku (2015) or Pink (2016). That’s the reason he still commands an attractive fee of Rs 7-10 crore per film, according to analysts.

Age is no impediment to his work as an endorser, either. Bachchan is the first choice for many corporate brands and also for governments looking to push social messages. Currently, he endorses 10 brands — ranging from inner wear (Lux Cozi), mobile phones (One Plus), jewellery (Kalyan Jewellers), air conditioners (LLoyd), to e-commerce sites (Just Dial), to name a few.

Bachchan is also the brand ambassador for the goods and services tax.

Companies are happy to fork out Rs 2 crore a day (most companies generally hire him for three to five days), because they know his magic will work. So what makes him tick at 75, when most stars are content with a Lifetime Achievement Award? (He has already got the coveted Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.)

Sam Balsara, chairman of Madison World, one of the leading advertising firms in the country, said, “He (Bachchan) brings two key elements to the brand: Statesmanship and maturity through his iconic status, which no other cricket or Bollywood celebrity can match. He brings credibility to the brand. Read More

GIC Re IPO opens today. Should you invest?

GIC Re is the largest reinsurance company in India in terms of gross premiums accepted in fiscal 2017

 

General Insurance Corporation of India Limited (GIC Re’s) initial public offer (IPO) opens today for subscription. The company aims to garner over Rs 11,000 crore. The price band has been fixed at Rs 855 – Rs 912 per share. The IPO would be India’s third biggest ever, after Coal India’s Rs 15,200 crore and Reliance Power’s Rs 11,700 crore issues.

The IPO consists of an offer for sale (OFS) of 10.75 crore shares (12.5% stake pre-issue) worth Rs 9,804 crore at the higher price band and a fresh issue of 1.72 crore shares worth Rs 1,569 crore. The amount raised from the fresh issue will be used for augmenting the capital base to support future business growth and to maintain current solvency levels.

ALSO READ:  MARKETS LIVE: Sensex up 100 pts, Nifty tests 10,050; Q2 earnings in focus
GIC Re is the largest reinsurance company in India in terms of gross premiums accepted in fiscal 2017. The company, according to CRISIL Research, accounted for nearly 60% of the premiums ceded by Indian insurers to reinsurers in FY17.
Should you subscribe to the IPO? This is what leading brokerages and research houses across the country suggest:

PRABHUDAS LILLADHER
GIC Re showed strong net premium growth at 73% YoY mainly led by four‐fold jump in crop insurance premium collections in FY17 due to the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) scheme whereas fire insurance continues to grow stable at ~23%. GIC Re does not look to increase third party motor business and health group business which has historically had high losses and has not been a profitable business line. At the upper band of Rs 912, the company trades at 27.4x Mar‐17 EPS which we believe is fairly priced, but given the liquidity in the markets and company’s performance in the recent past, we recommend to Subscribe for long term gains..Read More

Diwali bonanza: Petrol, diesel to cost less in Gujarat, Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government reduced petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2 and Rs 1 respectively

Today's Paper : A week after Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged the state governments to cut the value added tax or VAT on petrol and diesel, two BJP-ruled states Gujarat and Maharashtra have today slashed the VAT on fuel.

The Gujarat government on Tuesday announced a 4 per cent cut in VAT on petrol and diesel, effective from midnight, to bring down fuel prices in the state.
The Maharashtra government reduced petrol and diesel prices by Rs 2 and Rs 1 respectively.

Loss to Gujarat, Maharashtra

 

Slashing VAT would put a burden of Rs 2,316 crore a year on Gujarat's exchequer. Gujarat annually earns Rs 12,000 crore by way of VAT on petrol and diesel.

 

Maharashtra, on the other hand, will lose an annual revenue loss of Rs 2,000 crore to the state exchequer.

 

Petrol, diesel price cut

Last week the finance ministry decided to cut excise duty Rs 2 per litre on both branded and unbranded petrol and diesel.

Terming it a 'risk for the benefit of the people', Dharmendra Pradhan told state to take up the responsibility and cut VAT on petrol and diesel by at least 5 per cent.

 

States' VAT

States levy VAT in the range of 25-40 per cent on petrol and between 15-25 per cent on diesel. While Kerala had increased VAT on petrol to 34 per cent from 26 per cent, Mahrashtra had increased to 47 per cent from 27 per cent and Delhi to 27 per cent from 20 per cent with in a year. | Readmore...

Sitharaman's charm may break India-China ice after Doklam: Chinese media

The light-hearted exchange saw Sitharaman greeting Chinese soldiers 'Namastey', to which they responded with 'Ni Hao'

Today's Paper : The state-run Chinese media has hailed the recent friendly exchange between Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Chinese troops at the Sino-Indian border in Nathu-la on Saturday, terming it as the most 'warmhearted scene' ever since a truce was called on the Doklam stand-off.

The Global Times, in an editorial, titled 'Nirmala Sitharaman greeting sends warm signal', said that the Indian Defence Minister's traditional 'Namastey' greetings to the Chinese soldiers conveyed her hope for peace along the border and "unwillingness to see a new stand-off," adding that this was an attitude of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government at the Centre.

ALSO READ: Ready to maintain peace at frontiers: China on Sitharaman's visit

"Sitharaman's greeting to the Chinese soldiers conveys her hope for peace on the Sino-Indian border and unwillingness to see a new stand-off. This is commonly regarded as the attitude of the Narendra Modi government," it said.

"This is a realistic and responsible attitude for the country and its people. Both before and after the Doklam crisis, the Chinese government hopes for border peace with the broad support of the Chinese people. But Indian society's understanding of their country's border policy seems ambiguous and chaotic. Some Indians believe New Delhi will take tough measures to crush Beijing's will," it added.
ALSO READ: Sitharaman teaches 'namaste' to PLA soldiers

The light-hearted exchange saw Sitharaman greeting the Chinese soldiers 'Namastey', to which they responded with 'Ni Hao'. | Readmore...

Delhi Metro ride to pinch your pocket; fares rise by up to Rs 10 from today

Commuters will have to pay Rs 5-10 extra, no change in the fares of Airport Express Line

Today's Paper : The increased metro fares will be applicable from Tuesday as scheduled, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced on Monday.

The DMRC fare hike, which comes barely five months within the last one, will affect every commuter who travels beyond 5 km. The maximum fare, for journeys beyond 32 km, will now be Rs 60.

This is the second fare hike this year as proposed by the Fare Fixation Committee which was formed last year. The increased charges were to be applied in two phases - the first hike was already done in May this year.

The revised fare structure will be: up to 2 km — Rs 10, 2 to 5 km — Rs 20, 5 to 12 km — Rs 30, 12 to 21 km — Rs 40, 21 to 32 km — Rs 50 and for journeys beyond 32 km — Rs 60.

Barring the minimum fare of Rs 10 for the distance of 0-2 km that will remain the same, commuters will have to pay Rs 5-10 extra for distance travelled further as per kilometre scheme set by the transporter.

While commuters pay Rs 15 for the distance traveled between 2-5 km, now they will have to pay Rs 20. The maximum fare has been increased to Rs 60 as compared to current Rs 50.

Smart card users will continue to get 10 per cent discount, so would those who happen to use metro during non-peak hours - between the start of the metro service till 8 am, between 12 pm and 5 pm, and from 9 pm till the close of service. | Readmore...

SC firecracker ban: How it will impact Delhi air, shopkeepers this Diwali

While the decision might come as a relief for the residents of the region, shopkeepers and sellers are sure to feel the pinch

Today's Paper : Delhiites might get to enjoy a relatively cleaner Diwali this year as the Supreme Court on Monday ruled that there will be no sale of firecrackers in Delhi and the National Capital Region during Diwali, as it restored a November 2016 order banning the sale and stocking of firecrackers there.

Will Delhi's air get cleaner?

Diwali fireworks had lit up the skyline of Delhi on the night of October 30 last year, but darkness had descended the morning after as a dense blanket of smog turned the city into a chamber of noxious and cancer-causing pollutants.

With the Supreme Court banning the sale of firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR till November 1, can Delhiites breathe a sigh of relief?

(Read our full report oh how the SC order will affect Delhi's air quality)

Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan welcomed the apex court's order and urged people to abide by the SC guidelines and "give green Diwali and our environment a chance".
A dark Diwali for shopkeepers

While for some this Diwali will be free of noise and smoke, for others such as Harjeet Singh and more than 1,000 big and small business owners in the capital, this festive season will be quite dark.
As reported earlier, left dumbfounded by the Supreme Court’s sudden ban on the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, Singh and several firecracker sellers like him have lost all hope of recovering their money.

(Read our full report on how the SC order has hit cracker sellers hard)

In the heart of one of the largest wholesale markets in the country, New Delhi’s Sadar Bazaar, more than 1,000 people involved with the firecracker industry are looking at loss of seasonal business as well as revenue of more than Rs 700 crore. The firecrackers market in Delhi-NCR is Rs 2,000 crore. | Readmore...

No firecrackers in Delhi-NCR this Diwali as SC bans sale until Nov 1

The bench said they wanted to see the impact of a cracker-free festivity at least in one Diwali

Today's Paper : The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that there will be no sale of firecrackers during Diwali, as it restored a November 2016 order banning the sale of firecrackers and stocking of firecrackers in Delhi and National Capital Region.

A bench headed by Justice A K Sikri, while restoring the order, said: "We should see at least in one Diwali the impact of a cracker-free festivity."

However, the court said that the September 12, 2017 order lifting the ban on the sale and stocking of firecrackers in Delhi NCR will be back into effect from November 1.

Amit Shah's son to sue website for Rs 100 cr over report; Oppn wants probe

Jay Amit Shah to file criminal defamation case against website; BJP terms report malicious; Congress, Left cry foul

Today's Paper : The Centre and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday faced a political storm after a news website reported that a company run by party chief Amit Shah’s son, Jay Amit Shah, recorded 16,000 times increase in turnover in only a year after Narendra Modi became the prime minister and the senior Shah the party president.

The website, The Wire, said its findings were based on filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC). The report, The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah, was published on Sunday morning. The Congress and other political parties demanded an official probe into the issue.

In a statement that the BJP released in the evening, Jay said he would be filing civil and criminal defamation cases against the news website’s owners, editor and the author of the article in Ahmedabad, where he runs his business, and sue them for Rs 100 crore in damages.

Jay said the report makes “false, derogatory and defamatory imputation” against him by creating an impression that his “business owes his ‘success’ to (his) father Shri Amitbhai Shah’s position”.

Responding to the Opposition’s demands for a probe, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal told the media that the title of the report was “mischievous” to defame Amit Shah and the use of figure 16,000 an attempt to sensationalise the issue. “Jay Shah carries out a fully legitimate and lawful business on commercial lines which are reflected in income tax returns and transactions in banks,” Goyal said. | Readmore...

Doklam row: Ready for two-front war with China, Pak, says IAF chief Dhanoa

Chinese troops are currently present in the Chumbi Valley in the Doklam Plateau

 

Today's Paper :The Indian Air Force is capable of effectively countering any threat from China and Pakistan simultaneously in a two-front war, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said on Thursday and indicated existing tension between Chinese and Indian troops in Dokalam row.

Noting that the Chinese troops were currently present in the Chumbi Valley in the Doklam Plateau, the IAF chief said a peaceful resolution of the issue would be in the interest of both the countries.
“The two sides are not in a physical face-off as we speak. However, their forces in Chumbi Valley are still deployed and I expect them to withdraw as their exercise in the area gets over,” Dhanoa told reporters ahead of IAF Day, which is marked on October 8.

Indian and Chinese troops were locked in an over two-month-long standoff after India stopped the construction of a road by China in Doklam in the Sikkim sector on June 16.

Asked about concerns over Pakistan’s tactical nuclear weapons and whether the IAF would be able to disarm Islamabad of its nuclear arsenals if necessary, Dhanoa said his force had the capability of locating, fixing and striking across the border.

Asserting that the IAF was capable of a two-front war to counter China and Pakistan, he, however, said the possibility of such a scenario was “low”. At the same time he added that India’s response had to be based on the enemy’s capability as intentions could change overnight.

“We need a strength of 42 squadrons to carry out full spectrum operations in a two-front (war) scenario. It does not mean that we are not capable of fighting a two-front (war) as we speak. We have a plan B,” Dhanoa said….READ MORE

China deploys 1,000 troops near Sikkim; builds road at Doklam Plateau

Sources said China has been slowly increasing its troop level in the Doklam Plateau

Today's Paper : China has maintained a sizeable presence of its troops near the site of the Sikkim border standoff with India and even started building a road on the Doklam Plateau, just 10 km from the location of the last conflict. The Doklam Plateau is claimed by both Beijing and Bhutan as their territory. India backs Bhutan's claim.

Sources said China has been slowly increasing its troop level in the Doklam Plateau which could further escalate the current situation as India has reasons to be concerned over it.

Thwarted in its last attempt, China has now shifted its unused road construction material North and East of the face-off site. According to NDTV, the road construction workers brought into the area are accompanied by up to 500 soldiers. There is no indication that the soldiers will be permanently based in the area - the Chinese town of Yatung, said the report.

A The Indian Express report, however, said that 1,000 Chinese troops are still present on the plateau
An indication of tension between the two countries due to the presence of Chinese forces in the Chumbi Valley in the Doklam Plateau was also given by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Thursday.

"The two sides are not in a physical face-off as we speak. However, their forces in Chumbi Valley are still deployed and I expect them to withdraw as their exercise in the area gets over," Dhanoa told reporters. | Readmore...

Adityanath raises Hindutva pitch in Kerala, accuses Left of ‘jihadi’ terror

Mounting a blistering attack on the Left, the Uttar Pradesh CM said it was its nature to grab power at gunpoint

 

Today's Paper : The BJP on Wednesday fielded Yogi Adityanath as part of its campaign against the killing of saffron activists allegedly by the ruling CPI-M in Kerala, where the firebrand Hindutva leader accused the Left party of promoting “jihadi terrorism”

Mounting a blistering attack on the Left, he said it was its nature to “grab power at gunpoint”.
The saffron-robed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also raked up the contentious issue of ‘Love Jihad’, accusing the Kerala government of not taking steps to check the “dangerous trend”.

Leading the ‘Jan Raksha Yatra’, a day after BJP president Amit Shah launched the party’s 15-day campaign for “people’s protection”, Adityanath said Kerala occupied an important place in the Sanatan Hindu tradition, and wondered how the “foreign ideology” of Communism entered the state.

“The CPI(M) raises slogans about secularism but promotes jihadi terrorism. Kerala is a holy land where this is unacceptable. Here only the nationalist ideology should be promoted,” he told a public meeting, raising the Hindutva pitch while seeking to highlight the killing of BJP-RSS workers.
Adityanath claimed that the God’s own country, as Kerala is often called, has been witnessing political violence sponsored by the ruling party.

“It is in the nature of the Left party to grab power at gunpoint,” he told PTI.
“There is no scope for violence in democracy, but, unfortunately, Kerala has been witnessing politically- sponsored violence. With this ‘yatra’, we will make people aware of the CPI-M’s misrule,” he said.

He said if the CPI-M believes in democracy, it will have to answer questions about the political killings taking place in Kerala….READ MORE