The Army foiled two infiltration bids by militants in over the past 18 hours along the Line of Control in Gulmarg and Nowgam sectors in the Kashmir Valley.
"Two infiltration attempts by terrorists were foiled in the last 18 hours in Gulmarg and Nowgam sectors in the Kashmir Valley," an army official said.
The alert troops pushed back the intruders after heavy exchange of fire, he said.
FM says Opp running away from debate, hits back at Manmohan
New Delhi, Nov 24, 2016 (PTI)
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today accused the Opposition of inventing reasons to run away from a debate on demonetisation and took a swipe at former PM Manmohan Singh's over his criticism, saying it is no surprise that he is unhappy as "maximum blackmoney was generated" under his rule.
Rejecting Singh's contention that GDP growth will plunge by 2 per cent, he said demonetisation will have positive impact on the economy over medium to long term as the money from shadow economy will find its way into the mainstream.
"Those who did not consider the generation of so much black money and scams during their regime as blunder are now finding the crusade against black money as blunder," Jaitley said.
His response came after Singh castigated the government and the Prime Minister over demonetisation during Rajya Sabha debate, saying its implementation was a "monumental management failure" and a case of "organised loot and legalised plunder."
As the Rajya Sabha was repeatedly adjourned with Opposition insisting that the Prime Minister be present during the entire debate, Jaitley lashed out at the opposition saying it was not keen on debate but on disruption.
"The government position is very clear from the day one that we are ready for the debate.... The Opposition was finding excuses to avoid discussion but today morning they were taken by surprise when we announced that the Prime Minister will participate in the debate.
"Now they are inventing and manufacturing reasons to escape the debate," Jaitley told reporters here.
Lashing out at the previous UPA government, Jaitley alleged that "the maximum black money was generated during the 2004-14 as well as the period was engulfed in various scams like 2G and coal scam".
"We are not surprise that they did not like the anti-black money measures the government has taken...Those who did not consider the generation of so much black money and scams during their regime as blunder are now finding the crusade against black money as blunder," he said.
Stressing that demonetisation decision will have a "positive" impact on the economy, Jaitley said, "This (the move) will have positive impact as far as the medium and long terms are concerned. Lot of shadow money will become part of banking system (due to demonetisation)."
The Minister said the measure will increase lending capacity of banks which could extend the money to farmers, social sector and also industry.
Seeking to bring out contrast between the UPA and the current NDA regimes, the Minister said the previous government had "policy paralysis" and thus, could not take "tough decision" unlike the Modi dispensation.
On an allegation that the some BJP leaders were aware of the move, while Jaitley was not kept in the loop, the Finance Minister said, "This decision was kept a secret. The people who needed to know, knew (about it)... the allegation is already contradictory that the information was known to some BJP members as though I was not a BJP member."
Jaitley also rejected the accusation that RBI governor Urjit Patel did not address the media after the announcement of the scheme, saying the "office people are supposed to perform" and not come out in front of the camera.
Underlining that the demonetisation decision is in the interest of the country, he said the government has taken the "right steps" and is implementing it in the "right manner" and will defend it.
He also rejected the JPC demand by some of the Opposition parties, saying there should be some "evidence" or "blame" for initiating such investigation.
Sensible, pragmatic conversation needed b/w India, China: FS
New Delhi, Nov 24, 2016 (PTI)
With China not budging from its position on India's NSG bid, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar has called for a "sensible and pragmatic" conversation between the two sides on how "not accommodating" each other's aspiration was detrimental to the overall relationship.
The Foreign Secretary also observed India should use its soft power and do more in improving its image in China as people there do not have a very fair idea about the country.
The Foreign Secretary's comments featured in a report of the Standing Committee on External Affairs on India's soft power which was tabled in Lok Sabha yesterday.
"I do not think we should be in denial of what is the problem that we are having with China right now.
"So, at this time what is required with China is a sensible pragmatic conversation about how not accommodating each other's aspirations is not beneficial to the relationship. We need to have the conversation and we will have that conversation," Jaishankar has been quoted as saying in the report.
He was replying to a question on whether soft power can be employed in India's dealings with China.
Referring to the NSG issue, he said soft power has a value but asserted it cannot be substitute for some serious hard power arguments.
"..we cannot find a fix for a terrorism problem or a PoK problem or a NSG problem in soft power engagement per se."
At the same time, the Foreign Secretary said, "I do believe, particularly in China, we need to do more to improve our image there. I did two postings there back to back. I think an average American has an image of India which is much superior to what an average Chinese has of India.
"Therefore, clearly there is work to be done , there is soft power deficiency there which needs to be remedied."
Comparing India's soft power with that of China, the Foreign Secretary said India's pluralism, which does not have sharp edges, and the very lack of assertiveness make people comfortable and less threatened.
"A part of it was also because a democratic country with a culture of tolerance, culture of acceptance seems to be intellectually less domineering than China," he said.
The committee, headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, said Indian diaspora is critical in promoting India's soft power besides Bollywood and Indian popular culture.
The Ministry told the panel that democratic and secular values, peaceful coexistence, friendly relations with neighbours and the strengthening of regional cooperation have been the tenets of Indian culture, political values and foreign policy.
In its comments, the committee felt government has been able to leverage India's soft power only in a fragmented way without the backing of a cohesive policy or commensurate financial resources. It recommended formulating a comprehensive and well structured policy delineating India's soft power resources.
The panel said a study can be done to establish the linkages between India's soft power and tangible outcomes in the field of diplomacy.
"The committee also recommends that India being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, we should propagate his values and philosophy through embassies in all parts of the world in a sustainable manner in the long run. In a world divided by strife and conflict, the path of non-violence and peace lit by Mahatma Gandhi decades ago could awaken nations around the globe to Indian's message once again.
"In addition, Gandhian values of environmental consciousness, 'small is beautiful' and moral living have once again become relevant to global public discourse. There could be no better time to revive interest in the Father of the Nation," it said.
Complimenting the role of Indian Council of Cultural Relations, the Parliamentary panel said budgetary constraints faced by it has a crippling effect on desired outcome. It said financial crunch is the sole reason responsible for decline in the number of activities by the ICCR.
Take Manmohan Singh's words seriously: Sena chief tells Govt
Mumbai, Nov 24, 2016(PTI)
After taking repeated digs at the Centre over demonetisation, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray today dubbed the move as "extortion of common man" and asked the BJP to take former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's words on the issue seriously as it came from a "renowned economist".
"I will not hesitate in taking a critical stand on the process in which demonetisation was implemented," Thackeray told reporters here.
"The way in which a referendum was sought in Britain before its withdrawal from the European Union, a survey is being done here. But seeing people's response, their (UK) Prime Minister chose to step down. Will something similar happen here?" he said.
Thackeray was apparently referring to the Prime Minister seeking people's feedback over demonetisation on the Narendra Modi App, where a number of questions have been posed with regard to scrapping of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.
He said there was no point in Modi becoming emotional at a time when people have tears in their eyes.
"One person cannot take a decision for 125 crore people. Before taking the decision to demonetise the currency, people should have been taken into confidence," he said.
"Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is a renowned economist. Thus, his words and opinions should be taken seriously. The way in which money is being collected, seems that money is being extorted from common man. You have brought tears in the eyes of people who made you come to power with a lot of aspirations," Thackeray said.
Coming down heavily on the government over the issue, Singh castigated the government and the Prime Minister over demonetisation during Rajya Sabha debate today, saying its implementation was a "monumental management failure" and a case of "organised loot and legalised plunder".
Referring to the Reserve Bank's decision not to allow district central co-operative (DCC) banks to exchange the old currency, the Sena chief asked if liquor baron Vijay Mallya had taken loans from these banks.
"Did Vijay Mallya take loans from any of the DCC banks? Banks from which he did take loans, how have they been allowed to exchange the old currency?" he questioned.
He said that the government should extend the dates up to December 31, until which defunct Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes are accepted at petrol pumps and hospitals.
Fallen wild elephant dies at construction site
Ghoramari (Assam), Nov 24, 2016, PTI
The female wild elephantthat had fallen into a pit along with her own calf and anotherbaby in a construction site in Assam's Sonitpur district, died today, forest officials said.
The female elephant died 19 hours after falling into thepit at the site of Patanjali Mega Herbal and Food Park at Ghoramari, leaving the animal immobilised there.
Assam Forest Minister Promila Rani Brahma visited the sitein the morning after the death of the elephant.
Brahma instructed Patanjali to leave 80 acres of land from the construction site so that wild elephants could move through that passage.
She also ordered the Forest Department to file an FIR against the contractor of the Park site for not taking measures like boundary walls to prevent wild elephants from falling into construction pits.
Stating the forest department does not have sufficient staff to regularly monitor one particular area, she said that it was impossible for one forest guard to protect wild elephants at the site 24 hours as there are many trenches in the construction site.
The minister said that the Forest Department have decidedto arrange a wild life medical team for this area.
The incident occurred yesterday morning when the calf ranout of the herd towards the construction site followed by hismother and another calf.
While one calf was able to come out of the pit, the otherwas rescued by people of the locality.
Uday Goswami, coordinator of Patanjali Mega Herbal and Food Park said, "It is a very unfortunate incident. From today we have arranged a generator-cum-inverter system electric boundary until we provide a permanent solar powered system to be completed very soon."
Of the 450 bigha land, Goswami said 200 bighas were leftfor the wild elephants to take rest as they have been taking shelter in that particular area, Goswami said.
Meanwhile, Congress spokesman Apurba Bhattacharya claimedhat the park area is an elephant corridor and a place thatthey use for giving birth to their calves.
In view of this, the previous Congress government in the state had kept the government land from being given to any one, he said.
He also demanded an enquiry as to how the land was provided to Patanjali.
The foundation stone of the Food Park was laid on November 6 by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in the presence of Patanjali founder Baba Ramdev.
Govt extends toll exemption on NHs till Dec 2 mid-night
New Delhi, Nov 24, 2016 (PTI)
To ensure smooth traffic flow and mitigate currency hardships, the government has further extended the date for toll exemption on National Highways till mid-night of December 2.
The government also said the scrapped Rs 500 notes will be accepted at toll plazas on National Highways from December 2 mid-night to December 15.
"For smooth traffic movement across all National Highways, toll collection has now been suspended till mid-night of December 2," a road ministry official said.
Sufficient swipe machines will be installed at toll plazas with help from SBI and other banks in order to make help commuters make payments and facilitate easy flow of traffic, the official said.
The government had earlier announced its decision to keep the toll collection in abeyance till November 11 mid-night, which was later extended to November 14, then November 18 and later to November 24.
The decision has been taken to ensure smooth traffic flow across all National Highways and provide relief to the cash-starved people lining up outside banks and ATMs after Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were demonetised.
Instructions have been issued to all concessionaires, including BOT (build-operate-transfer), OMT (operate-maintain-transfer) operators and other fee collection agencies, about the extension of the toll suspension date.
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to tackle corruption and black money, the government had on November 9 said no toll fee would be collected on National Highways till November 11 mid-night.
The government's earlier decision to accept the withdrawn notes at the toll plazas led to chaos in the absence of adequate change, causing massive traffic snarls.
Demonetisation is 'organised loot, legalised plunder': Manmohan
New Delhi, Nov 24, 2016, PTI:
After five days of confrontation, Rajya Sabha today saw resumption of debate on demonetisation briefly during which former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the opposition attack, saying the step was a "monumental management failure" which would lead to dip in GDP growth by at least 2 per cent.
Singh termed demonetisation as "a case of organised loot and legalised plunder".
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the House, the opposition and the ruling side came to an agreement to do away with the Question Hour and resume the debate, which had been left incomplete on November 16.
Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the Prime Minister will also participate in the debate.
The opposition had been demanding presence of the Prime Minister for resumption of the debate for the last five days. Modi attended the House during Question Hour as Thursday is the day of questions listed against the PM's name.
Debate was resumed during the Question Hour, from 12 pm to 1 pm, after which the House went into lunch break. When it met again at 2 pm, the Prime Minister was not there, prompting the opposition parties to demand his presence again as they wanted him to listen to all the speakers.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said the discussion should be carried forward as the Leader of the House has said that Prime Minister will come.
Opposition members then trooped into the Well of the House shouting slogans like "bring back black money, stop making false promises".
Jaitley said his "apprehensions" that the opposition did not want the debate had come true as they were looking for "excuses" to run away from the discussion.
As pandemonium prevailed, the House was adjourned till 3 PM and then for the day as the same situation existed.
Earlier speaking during the debate, Singh said, "These measures convinced me that the way the scheme has been implemented, it's a monumental management failure."
The noted economist said the decision will result in decline of GDP by 2 per cent, which was an "under-estimate and not an over-estimate".
He said he agreed with the objectives of the scheme to demonetise currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 as spelt out by the Prime Minister but he wished to highlight the problems that the common people and poor have been subjected to by the move.
"It is not my intention to pick holes what this side or other side does. But I sincerely hope that the PM even in this late hour will help find us practical and pragmatic ways to provide relief to the suffering of the people of this country," the former Prime Minister said.
Singh said the common man and the poor have been in distress after the decision and hoped that the Prime Minister would find a "practical and pragmatic" decision to mitigate their sufferings.
He also disagreed with Modi's plea to wait for 50 days for the results of demonetisation to come about, saying no one knows about the final outcome of the decision.
"Well, 50 days is a short period but for those who are poor and deprived sections of the community even 50 days of torture can bring about disastrous effect," the former Prime Minister said, adding that's why about 60 to 65 people have lost their lives.
"What has been done can weaken and erode people's confidence in the currency system and in the banking system," he said, while observing that agriculture, unorganised sector and small industry have been hit hard.
Singh criticised the government for issuing instruction after instruction and modifying the rules every day on the conditions under which people can withdraw their own money.
"That reflects very poorly on the Prime Minister's Office, the Finance Minister's office and on the Reserve Bank of India," he said.
"I feel sorry that the Reserve Bank has been exposed to this kind of criticism which I think is fully justified," he said.
Referring to those saying that the move which was doing harm and creating distrust in the short run was good in the long run, Singh quoted renowned economist John Maynard Keyne to say that "in the long run, all of us are dead."
Asking Modi to spell out the names of countries where people have deposited their money in banks but are not allowed to withdraw it, he said, this alone is enough to condemn what has been done in the name of greater growth.
Participating in the debate, Naresh Agrawal (SP) said his party was against demonetisation and dubbed it as a "second emergency" that has brought about financial emergency in the country.
Such decisions have been taken "only by dictators" and not by elected governments anywhere in the world.
Agrawal said no one has the power to implement such a decision without the consent and approval of both Houses of Parliament, as the Parliamentarians are the true public representatives of people of the country.
He questioned as to how this decision was taken without any discussion in Parliament.
He said it is a very dangerous decision for the country and not in national interest.
The decision was taken only keeping in view the upcoming UP assembly polls, the Samajwadi Party leader said.
He also lamented that the decisions announced by the government have not been notified by the Reserve Bank of India which is yet to issue instructions to banks.
Welcoming Modi's presence in the House, the SP leader said it is good that government has shed its rigidity.
He said the Prime Minister was not aware of the ground realities where people were suffering largely on account of the scrapping of high value currency notes.
Agrawal recalled how even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who enforced Emergency in the country, was informed at the time that the move has gone well with the public who support it.
But what happened in elections later was seen by all, the SP leader said, adding the demonetisation step will bring the same fate to this government if elections are held now.
Taking a dig at the BJP over its promise of bringing back black money stashed abroad, he asked it to declare when it would do so.
Agrawal also asked the government to declare how much is the NPAs of banks in India in comparison to foreign banks.
Agarwal also took a dig at the Prime Minister for making an emotive speech in Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh that he may be killed for his bold decisions.
He said Modi was free to roam around in Uttar Pradesh, which is ruled by his party SP, without fear as law and order situation was good in the state. This evoked laughter, with the Prime Minister too having a hearty laugh.
Agrawal also claimed that the demonetisation move was announced by Modi without taking Jaitley into confidence.
He said if the Finance Minister had known about it, he would have informed Samajwadi Party leaders, evoking another round of laughter.
In a retort, Jaitley said the real problem has come to light now.
BSP chief Mayawati said the decision to scrap high value notes was taken "without adequate preparation" because of which 95 per cent people were facing problems.
Referring to the government's survey to gauge people's views on demonetisation in which 90 per cent out of initial responses had supported the decision, she said that in fact 90 per cent people were facing immense problems.
She dared the government to dissolve the Lok Sabha and go to elections and see the result right now.
TMC leader Derek O'Brien said the government was trying to build a narrative that anyone opposing demonetisation is supporting the corrupt.
He questioned the government as to why it is giving lectures on corruption and blackmoney.
He said his party was opposing because it thinks the people are suffering and economy will be killed.
The Trinamool leader asked the government why it was creating this impression that it is some messiah and all in the opposition are devils.
O'Brien said if the government wanted to hold an inquiry, it should do it. He said if the government wanted to send his party leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to jail, it should try it.
He also took a swipe at the survey on Namo App and asked who were the 92 per cent people who were making the government happy.
He suggested that old Rs 500 notes should be allowed to function parallely with the new notes for a longer time as well as printing of more smaller denomination notes.
Secrecy cannot be an excuse for putting people to pain, he said, adding that 4 out of 5 villages did not have banks.
