Budget 2018: Tech giants face digital services tax

Chancellor Philip Hammond plans to tax the sales that digital giants generate in the UK.

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Dad creates VR world to help daughter

Craig Chaytor's 360° videos were inspired by his daughter's learning difficulties.

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Pakistan court clears condemned Christian

Asia Bibi's blasphemy conviction polarised Pakistan and the Supreme Court has already sparked protests.

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Yemen conflict: Mattis and Pompeo urge swift ceasefire

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urge all sides to hold talks soon.

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India unveils the world's tallest statue

The 600ft tall statue, which cost $430m, has been billed as a major tourist attraction.

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Brazil: Bolsonaro plans threaten Amazon, say experts

Brazil's far-right president-elect will merge the ministries of agriculture and the environment.

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Japan bullet train stops 'scary' safety drills

Workers at the Japanese company would crouch in trenches beside railway tracks as trains sped by.

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Pittsburgh shooting: Trump visits synagogue amid protests

Hundreds of demonstrators in Pittsburgh accuse the US president of fomenting intolerance and hate.

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Vatican embassy: Human remains found at Rome property

The human remains could help solve the disappearance of a teenage girl in 1983, Italian media report.

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Gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger killed in prison

Bulger was severely beaten by one or more inmates shortly after arriving at the prison, sources say.

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Denmark accuses Iran of activist murder plot

Tehran denies its intelligence agencies planned to kill an Arab separatist leader on Danish soil.

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Father of 'Jihadi Jack' asks Canada to help bring son home

John Letts is urging Canada to bring home his son and other Canadians detained in Kurdish-held Syria.

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Petra Laszlo: Hungarian camerawoman who kicked migrants is acquitted

Hungary's top court clears Petra Laszlo, filmed tripping migrants fleeing border police in 2015.

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Tunis attack: Suicide bomber was jobless graduate

Mouna Guebla, 30, was an unemployed English graduate from the eastern region of Mahdia.

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Pittsburgh shooting: Trump visits amid protests

The US president and first lady visit the synagogue where 11 people were shot dead at the weekend.

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What do American voters care about?

In just under a week the US goes to the polls to elect a new Congress. So what are the main issues?

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Viola Davis explains why there's a long way to go to eliminate racism

Oscar winner Viola Davis reveals how she has stayed grounded in Hollywood and why there still aren't enough black actors on screen.

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Harry greets NZ audience in six Pacific languages

He was attending an event with Auckland's local Pasifika community, hosted by New Zealand's prime minister.

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Senegalese artist Omar Victor Diop: Why I'm trying to correct history

Omar Victor Diop's portraits aim to paint important but overlooked Africans back into history.

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Global hunger for soybeans 'destroying Brazil's Cerrado savanna'

Brazil's highly biodiverse Cerrado is being destroyed for soybean production, conservationists say.

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US mail bombs: Who is George Soros?

The billionaire financier and philanthropist was targeted in a US mail-bombing campaign.

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Tokyo ticket seller's foreigner fear costs garden thousands

The man gave away tickets to foreigners after developing a fear of asking them for money.

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Pharrell orders Donald Trump to stop playing his music

"No permission was granted" to play the song at a rally held hours after a mass shooting, his lawyer says.

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Stray cats housed in washing machines in Portuguese town

A vet in Portugal is using washing machines to house stray cats in her home town.

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Is the Amazon facing new dangers?

Are fears among environmentalists about the election of Brazil's new president justified?

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Canada's last witch trials: Women accused of fake witchcraft

A law against pretending to be a witch is set to be repealed, but not before two women are charged.

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Letter from Africa: Nigeria - a young country for old men

Why have Nigeria's main parties both chosen septuagenarian presidential candidates?

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Trump’s birthright plan: The legality, politics and history

The president wants to end the right of people born in the US to be citizens but does he have the power?

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Dutch language besieged by English

So extensive is the spread of English, a group of lecturers warns of a looming "linguicide".

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SC to Centre: File affidavit saying price of Rafale deal can't be shared

The SC first asked the Centre to give pricing and strategic details of the Rafale fighter aircraft in a sealed cover in 10 days but the attorney general K K Venugopal said that most details about Rafale jets, including its pricing, come under the Official Secrets Act so the Centre was directed to file an affidavit within 10 days to say that the price of Rafale jet is exclusive between India and France.

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PM Modi inaugurates Statue of Unity to nation

Prime Minister Modi today inaugurated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue in Gujarat, the 'Statue of Unity'. This is the tallest statue in the world. Stay with us for live updates

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RBI governor Urjit Patel may resign, say reports

There has been an irreversible breakdown between the RBI Governor Urjit Patel and the government, the report further stated, adding that all options were on the table.

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TOI exclusive: PM Modi's tribute to Sardar Patel

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#MeToo: Indian cricket in danger, warns Ganguly

According to Sourav Ganguly, president, Cricket Association of Bengal, in his letter to BCCI said that “Indian cricket is in danger”. He expressed his displeasure on how the CoA is handling the #MeToo allegation, at the manner in which Ravi Shastri was appointed coach, cricketing rules being changed in the middle of a season and no clarity on who headed the BCCI.

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List of CNG cars sold in India

For long, Compressed Natural Gas of CNG-powered cars have been off the radar for private car buyers. But with petrol prices rising the way they are and vehicle running costs putting a strain on household budgets, CNG is once again coming to the fore as a viable option for buyers. Sure, CNG-dispensing infrastructure is not as widespread as that for petrol and diesel, and you do have to live with the compromise of lesser power but there’s no denying how much cheaper CNG is to petrol and diesel. Here’s a list of the CNG-equipped cars currently on sale in India.

All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, Delhi

1. Tata Nano EMax XM CNG – Rs 2.96 lakh

The Nano eMax is the most affordable car in India with a factory-fit CNG kit. The little Tata comes with a 12-litre CNG tank. Factor in a claimed efficiency of 36km per kg of CNG and the Nano promises a CNG-only range of upwards of 400km. Do note, the Nano eMax is only available at select dealers with stock.    

2. Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 LXI CNG – Rs 3.73 lakh

The Alto 800 is the smallest offering in Maruti’s lineup. It’s powered by a 796cc, 3 cylinder petrol engine which puts out 40hp of power and 60Nm of torque when run on CNG and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The Alto 800 has a claimed fuel economy of 33.44km/kg.  

3. Maruti Suzuki Eeco STD 5 Seater CNG – Rs 4.04 lakh

The Maruti Suzuki Eeco comes mated to a 1.2-litre engine that delivers 73hp when run on petrol and a lower 64hp on CNG. The Eeco delivers 21.8 km/kg in its CNG guise. While there are few comfort features to speak of, the Eeco does make for a people carrier that can also double as a load lugger.

4. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 LXI (O) CNG – Rs 4.16 lakh

The Alto K10 is powered by Maruti’s 1.0-litre K-series engine and comes with the option of a factory-fitted CNG kit with i-GPI technology on the LXI (O) variant. In CNG guise, the K10’s engine makes 58hp and 78Nm and delivers a claimed 32.36km/kg fuel efficiency.   

5. Maruti Suzuki WagonR LXI CNG – Rs 4.69 lakh

The WagonR is powered by the 1.0-litre K-series petrol engine that does the duty in the Alto K10 and puts out the same figures of 58hp and 78Nm when fueled by CNG. The LXI variant of the hatchback comes with an option of a factory-fitted CNG kit. As is the case with all Maruti CNG cars, the WagonR comes with i-GPI technology which helps in delivering a claimed fuel economy of 26.6km/kg.  

6. Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXI CNG – Rs 5.16 lakh

Maruti’s Celerio Green comes equipped with a CNG kit with the ‘Intelligent-Gas Port Injection’ technology from factory. The Celerio Green comes with the same 1.0-litre K-series powerplant as the petrol but churns out 58hp and 78Nm, approximately 10 hp and 12Nm less than the petrol-powered version. Maruti claims the Celerio Green will do 31.76km/ kg.

7. Santro Magna CNG – Rs 5.23 lakh

The much anticipated new Santro is available with the option of a factory-fitted CNG kit. The 1.1-litre petrol motor produces 59hp and 84Nm when run on CNG. The Hyundai is available in two mid-spec variants with the higher Sportz trim getting segment first features like a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and rear AC vents.

8. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI CNG – Rs 8.27 lakh

Available in the mid-spec VXI trim, the Ertiga CNG has a claimed mileage of 22.80km/kg. Its 1.4-litre engine churns out 80hp of power and 112Nm of torque when fueled by CNG. The current Ertiga is in the process of being phased out by Maruti as the launch of the updated version of the MPV is set for November 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hyundai Grand i10 CNG

The Grand i10 can be had with a factory-fitted CNG kit for Rs 68,000 over the base ex-showroom price of the Asta trim level. The addition of the kit now keeps the warranty of the car intact unlike earlier models. It draws power from a detuned version of the 1.2-litre Kappa 2 petrol engine seen on the standard car.

Hyundai Xcent CNG

Along with the Hyundai Grand i10, Hyundai also offers the Xcent compact sedan with a CNG option. As with the Grand i10, the Xcent CNG too costs an additional Rs 68,000 over the ex-showroom price. The car uses the same detuned 1.2-litre Kappa 2 petrol motor as its hatchback sibling.

Maruti Eeco Green CNG

Another Maruti on the list, the Eeco CNG, badged the Eco Green is available with an option of five or seven seats and is priced at Rs 3.83 lakh and Rs 4.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively. The Eeco is the only people mover on the list that comes with a factory-fitted CNG kit.

Tata Nano CNG

The Nano CNG is based on the older generation Nano and is powered by the same 624cc engine paired to a four-speed gearbox. Priced at Rs 2.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it is the most affordable CNG car in the market.

Honda Amaze CNG

Honda offers the Amaze with a factory-fitted CNG kit on the 1.2 S MT Plus variant. The kit and its installation will cost an extra Rs 54,315 over the ex-showroom price of the variant which is priced at Rs 6.07 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), meaning that final ex-showroom price for the model is Rs 6.61 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The above list includes only those models that are offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit. However, it must be noted that many dealers also offer the CNG option as an add-on on models not listed above.
 

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Hero Xtreme 200R vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V comparison

A 160cc motorcycle against a 200cc motorcycle! What kind of an irrational comparison is this? I am guessing that’s your first reaction to this article. On face value and on paper, this comparison looks inappropriate – our initial plan was to compare the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V against the Hero Xtreme 200R. However, two significant numbers – pricing and power output – swung this comparison in a different direction. And over the course of this test, many other aspects emerged that reaffirmed our decision to pit these two bikes against each other, but more on that later.

Let’s get to the bikes for now. Both these motorcycles echo their brands sentiments and DNA. The Apache is sporty and is the most powerful bike in its segment, one which benefits from the brand’s learnings from years of racing. On the other end of this comparison, the Xtreme 200R takes a more conservative approach in terms of design, features and performance. So how do these two very different, yet similarly priced motorcycles stack up against each other? Let’s find out.

Looks that matter
Park both the motorcycles next to one another and difference in the styling approach is clearly visible. The TVS is sleeker and chiselled, in comparison, the Xtreme 200R is more muscular and conventional. While the RTR 160 4V carries forward most of its styling elements from the more premium RTR 200, in a completely opposite approach, the Xtreme 200R adopts cues from the smaller and cheaper Xtreme Sports. Despite the similarities to its 150cc sibling, the Xtreme 200R does manage to generate interest on the street, with many onlookers giving the bold graphics a thumbs up. What we didn’t like in terms of aesthetics are the rather long exhaust muffler and the poorly finished chrome brake pedal that look very commuterish. The handlebar-mounted choke also looks like an afterthought. Both the bikes feature LED DRLs and tail-lights, but the main headlamps are halogen powered. Overall, in terms of styling, it’s the Apache that's more attractive and in sync with the demands of a younger audience. The Xtreme 200R is likely to appeal to a more mature audience.

The Xtreme 200R features a semi-digital console with a large analogue tachometer taking centre stage, and the digital display features a speedometer, trip meter, odometer, service due indicator, fuel gauge and clock. However, the tell-tale lights are difficult to view under direct light and could have been brighter. The TVS offering employs an all-digital instrument console and gets more comprehensive details such as a lap timer, top speed recorder and a 0-60kph timer in addition to the standard speedometer, tachometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge and clock. Our test bike being the carburettor variant misses out on the gear position indicator as seen on the fuel injected variant. It also gets a side stand indicator, which is a useful addition.

Talking about switchgear, it’s the Apache that impresses with better quality and feel. The choke knob on the Xtreme 200R looks like an afterthought and the two bolts next to it look crude. Also, wires are better hidden on the TVS offering and I prefer the conventional positioning of the pass-light switch on the RTR 160, instead of the cumbersome thumb- operated unit on the Xtreme. Overall quality also looks better on the Apache with tighter panel gaps; it looks and feels better put together in comparison. The Xtreme 200R is the one of the few bikes in this segment to feature a metal fuel tank, something that will appeal to buyers upgrading from commuter bikes and also useful for mounting magnetic tank bags. The tank shrouds are in plastic, and the red shade on the tank and shrouds on our test bike didn’t exactly match, and the panel gaps were slightly uneven, something that one doesn’t expect from Hero.

City slick
Both the motorcycles have been designed for making urban commutes a bit more entertaining and take a different approach for their powerplants. The Xtreme 200R is more basic with air-cooling and a two-valve head, while the Apache gets the benefit of four valves and oil-cooling. Talking about numbers, the Hero’s larger 199.6cc engine produces 18.4hp and 17.1Nm of torque, while the Apache’s motor churns out 16.5hp (carburettor variant) and 14.8Nm. Interestingly, peak power and torque are delivered at the exact same revs at 8,000rpm and 6,500rpm, respectively.

On the move, the Xtreme 200R feels slightly peppier at lower revs and on city roads and this is down to its better bottom end as well as the rather short gearing Hero has chosen to run. It also has better throttle response. In terms of flat-out acceleration, there was hardly anything separating the two machines as the Xtreme 200R managed a 0-60kph time of 4.62sec, while the Apache managed the same in 4.66sec. And speaking of 0-100kph sprint, the Hero recorded a timing of 14.34sec, while the TVS was close on its heels at 14.50sec.

However, the TVS motor feels noticeably more refined, especially closer to its redline. The Xtreme gets quite vibey above 7,000rpm and it’s not as relaxed as the TVS at higher speeds. 100kph on the Xtreme is just under 8,000rpm, which is only about 1,000rpm away from the redline. Factor in the short gearing, and the TVS will undoubtedly hit a higher top speed – it crests 120kph without too much effort, while the Hero struggles to cross 115kph.

Heat management on both the engines is good and we didn’t face any issues while riding the duo in bumper-to-bumper Mumbai traffic. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed unit on the duo and it’s the Hero’s unit we prefer thanks to its slick and crisp shifts. It isn’t that the Apache’s gearbox is bad; it's just that it feels soft and you’re unsure whether the gear is engaged or not – it almost always is and false shifts are not an issue.

Agility is one of the most important factors while riding in city for filtering through traffic. Both the motorcycles are quite flickable and a joy to ride on congested roads. The Xtreme 200R is heavier by 3kg at 148kg, however, the shorter wheelbase of 1,388mm helps it counter the weight disadvantage. Also, the Apache RTR 160 4V has a considerably wider turning radius while taking U-turns and this makes the Hero feel nimbler on its feet. Surprisingly, the footpegs on the Xtreme 200R aren’t spring-loaded, which means every time you pull the side-stand back, the pegs have to be repositioned and this gets irritating while crawling in traffic.

Given the traffic sense (or the lack of it), panic braking scenarios while commuting is sadly a norm. With respect to braking, the Xtreme 200R came to a standstill from 60kph in 17.88m, while the Apache took 19.45m. This difference is not surprising, because in terms of feel, bite and progression, the Hero’s front brake fared much better than the Apache’s spongy unit which we wish was sharper. The TVS runs rubber brake hoses, while the Xtreme gets a steel- braided hose for the front brake. More importantly, though, the Xtreme 200R gets a single-channel ABS as standard, something that TVS doesn’t even offer as an option. Both the motorcycles employ a telescopic fork and a monoshock unit to handle suspension duties. Ride quality on the duo is impressive, with the RTR 160 feeling slightly better at riding over bumps and potholes at city speeds. The Xtreme is firmer at low speeds, but it does a better job of bump absorption as the speeds go up.

Stretching its legs
After the city run, we rode both the motorcycles on the highway. In terms of riding position, the Xtreme 200R is more upright and comfy, while the Apache is slightly canted and sportier. The high-set footpegs can make tall riders feel slightly cramped on the RTR 160 4V. However, the single seat on the Xtreme 200R is surprisingly hard, and after riding the bike for a fair bit, my derrière started protesting. Initially, I thought this was owing to my rather generous kerb weight, but even Rishaad, who’s much lighter than me also, felt the same. Since the bike hasn’t been positioned as an outright hardcore performance motorcycle, a better padded and comfortable saddle should have been provided.

Once on the ghats, it was time to test the handling dynamics of the duo. The RTR 160 4V is a sweet-handling bike and among the best in its segment, however, it was the Xtreme 200R that impressed us more. Hero engineers have got the chassis setup spot on and the bike flows through corners smoothly. The Xtreme offers great confidence which is nice after the Apache’s eager, almost over eager responses. Of course, the Apache is a sharp and happy handler too, but it does have the tendency to get slightly unsettled over mid-corner bumps. The Hero also offers a wider front tyre and a radial tyre at the back (both by MRF), which gives it the edge in the grip department over the TVS Remoras on the RTR.

Matter of efficiency
Both these motorcycles promise to offer a dose of performance, while being generous on your wallet. In our city fuel efficiency test, the Apache RTR 160 4V emerged victorious as expected, as it returned 44.9kpl, and the Xtreme 200R delivered 39.8kpl. On the highway, the efficiency numbers saw a noticeable jump with the Apache managing to clock 53.7kpl and the Hero delivered a respectable 50.3kpl. With a tank capacity of 12 litres and 12.5 litres, respectively, the Apache will have a real-world range of close to 570km, while the Hero will be heavier on your pocket with a range of around 530km.

The mandate
The Xtreme 200R offers a great value proposition as at Rs 89,900 (all prices mentioned are ex-showroom, Delhi), it’s significantly cheaper than other 200cc motorcycles on sale in our market. The fact that it gets ABS as standard with the above pricing makes the deal even sweeter. It’s a good bike overall and feels like a sporty commuter. And it will appeal to a more mature crowd who have been Hero loyalists and are looking for an upgrade, without breaking the bank. While it might not look sporty, the Xtreme 200R is great fun around corners and will make commuting a more delightful affair.

However, it just can’t match the sportiness and the overall appeal of the Apache RTR 160 4V, which is our pick in this comparison. As our tests showcased, despite the displacement disadvantage, the TVS offering is about as quick as the Hero bike. It looks better, feels more premium, is more fuel efficient and more comfortable as well. Yes, the lack of ABS is disappointing, but with the ABS norms coming into effect in the next few months, this aspect will get covered soon. Currently, the Apache RTR 160 4V retails for Rs 85,810 (rear disc brake variant), but, with the addition of ABS, it might match or exceed the Xtreme 200R’s pricing. However, the additional premium is worth the extra safety and despite the inevitable increase in price, we’d still recommend the TVS – if you can wait.

Specifications
	Hero Xtreme 200R	TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
Engine	199.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled	159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled
Power	18.4hp at 8000rpm	16.5hp at 8000rpm
Torque	17.1Nm at 6500rpm	14.8Nm at 65000rpm
Gearbox	5-speed	5-speed
Valves per cylinder	2	4
0-60kph	4.62 sec	4.66 sec
0-100kph	14.43 sec	14.50 sec
50-80kph in 4th gear	5.75 sec	6.30 sec
Wheelbase	1338mm	1357mm
Seat height	795mm	800mm
Ground clearance	165mm	180mm
Kerb weight	148kg	145kg
Fuel tank capacity	12.5 litres	12 litres
Tyres(f/r)	100/80-17 / 130/70-17	90/90-17 / 130/70-17
Brakes(f/r)	276mm / 220mm	270mm / 200mm
Fuel efficiency - City	39.8kpl	44.9kpl
Fuel efficiency - Highway	50.3kpl	53.7kpl

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India-bound ASEAN-spec Toyota Camry unveiled

The eighth generation of the ASEAN-spec Toyota Camry has been unveiled in Thailand. The new Camry is slated to come to India sometime in 2019 and is speculated to receive similar styling and equipment levels. Toyota had unveiled the eight-gen Camry earlier but only in the North American market where the car gets a slightly different styling.

It will have two engine options on offer – a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder producing 167hp and 199Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, and a 2.5-litre petrol with 209hp and 250Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed torque converter gearbox. Finally, the top-end model receives a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder hybrid engine that produces 211hp and 202Nm of torque, mated to a CVT gearbox. The batteries in the hybrid variants are placed under the rear passenger seats to maintain a low centre of gravity and not encroach on the boot space.

The new Camry is based on the TNGA platform and sees an increase in size as the wheelbase is 50mm longer (now standing at 2,825mm); this means the rear legroom should also see an increase. The Thailand-spec car also receives a host of new features such as lane departure warning, pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beam, and front and rear LED lights. On the safety front, all variants get traction control, ABS, EBD, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, hill start control, and seven airbags as standard.

On the inside, the new Camry gets eight-way adjustable power front seat, leather upholstery, wireless charging, keyless entry and start, 4.2-inch MID in the instrument cluster, as standard across the range. Higher models get lumbar adjustment and ventilated seats in the front, head-up-display (HUD), rear reclining seats, nine airbags, on board hotspot (Wi-Fi) and triple-zone climate control. 

When the new Toyota Camry launches in India it will be competing with the likes of the Honda Accord and the Skoda Superb.

 

 

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Would love to do a new-gen Sierra: Pratap Bose, Head of Design, Tata

There’s no other way to put it – today, the SUV is the talk of the automotive town. The world is shifting from every other body style to SUVs, and it’s the same in India. However, two decades ago, there weren’t many SUVs around, and it was then that Tata Motors came up with the Sierra – a three-door SUV that debuted a new body style altogether. It was based on the Telcoline’s pick-up chassis, had massive wraparound windows (which didn’t open) for the rear passengers, was powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine and could even be had with four-wheel drive. While it wasn’t exactly a sales success, most have fond memories of the Sierra, and it’s one product Tata’s design head would love to revive.

In an exclusive chat with Autocar India, Pratap Bose, Head of Design at Tata Motors, said: “A lot of people want to see the Sierra back. I don't know if that would work or not, in some form, but I think a new Sierra would be a very cool car to do, actually.”

And the Sierra is not the only iconic Tata Bose would like to redo for the present day. He also mentioned the idea of working on a new-generation Sumo – a people-carrier that was a fairly common sight on Indian roads in the 1990s and early 2000s – is a thrilling one.

“I would also love to do a modern-day Sumo, a future Sumo. A very honest product, we don't have anything else like it in our portfolio.”

That said, Bose notes that the use case for all kinds of vehicles has changed dramatically over the last two decades and that reviving any of these cars would require investigating if such a product is even feasible in the present day.

“20-30 years back, where that use case was, it may not be there anymore. The Sumo did a stunning job back in its time. It was a real people-mover. Today, I don't think it would fit into that same environment. Society, expectations, everything has changed. So in spirit yes, a new Sumo would have to be a people-mover, but one would have to express it in a very different way,” says Bose.

Having been in his current role since 2011, Bose grew up seeing how Tata Motors went from being a maker of commercial vehicles to passenger vehicles, and mentions how he witnessed the evolution of design for the carmaker with every new model it rolled out – right from the Tatamobile 206 pick-up to the Estate – and picks his favourites.

“If you see the transition from trucks to cars, for me the Tatamobile was incredible. Then there was the Estate – and I loved that car. The Sierra had a huge impact on me, and then there was the Indica, which was outstanding. We also had some concept cars much before my time – the Aria Roadster, and there was a mini-van called Indiva. The Safari was a great-looking car, a definitive SUV much ahead of its time.”

With an eye on the future, Tata is currently gearing up to unleash its new-age products – the Harrier and the 45X – but we can’t help but wonder if somewhere there remains a desire to revive the Sierra nameplate. The original was a novel offering for its time, and it would be a bold move to dabble with a three-door SUV in today’s value-conscious market.

Think Tata should revive the Sierra? What form should it return in? Let us know in the comments.

Catch our full interview with Pratap Bose in our November 2018 issue.

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2019 Kawasaki KX250, KX450 and KLX450R launched in India

Soon after Suzuki launched its range of dirt bikes in India, Kawasaki announced the launch of 2019 editions of its motocross and enduro machines. The 2019 Kawasaki Kawasaki KX250 has been priced at Rs 7.43 lakh, while the KX450 and the KLX450R will retail for Rs 7.79 lakh and Rs 8.49 lakh, respectively (all prices are ex-showroom).

The KX450 gets a new motor and is claimed to be the most powerful offering in its segment. Other additions on the new powerplant include a finger-follower valve actuation (VVA), electric starter and a hydraulic clutch. All the above updates have been introduced on a Kawasaki motocross bike for the first time. Kawasaki engineers also have introduced a lighter aluminium perimeter frame with increased rigidity. Weight-savings in the frame is crucial as the addition of electric-start and the return to a coil-spring fork brought with them some extra weight. Braking hardware has also been updated with a new front brake master cylinder.

Speaking on the launch, Yutaka Yamashita, Managing Director of India Kawasaki Motors, said, “Our motocross models have been performing well in various national and global competitions. Motocross enthusiastic now will have more exciting experience with KX450 and KX250, and as far as Enduro enthusiastic are concerned, the KLX450R is a complete package with power performance, electric start and performance components.”

The Kawasaki KLX450R, on the other hand, gets an LED tail-light and digital instrument console. It is heavier than its motocross sibling at 126kg, but features better wheel travel – 305mm at the front and 315mm at the rear. It also gets the new 449cc, single-cylinder motor as seen on the KX450, which will be in a different state of tune. Kawasaki, however, hasn’t shared any power figures for either motorcycle.

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Private vehicles could go off Delhi roads to counter pollution

Private vehicles could soon be off New Delhi roads for some time to counter the worsening air quality levels.  The National Capital Region has been enveloped with toxic smog for a few days, as has become the norm in the run up to the winters.

In order to curb the issue, Bhure Lal, Chairman of the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) has stated “Let us hope the air pollution situation in Delhi doesn’t deteriorate but if it turns out to be an emergency, we will have to stop the use of private transport,”  EPCA is a pollution governing body appointed by the Supreme Court of India.  It has already proposed halting usage of diesel generators, burning of garbage and a few other measures to be taken into effect from November 1 to November 10 this year when pollution levels are expected to rise.

Air quality index hit 469 in some parts of Delhi on Tuesday, up from 299.4 a week ago, according to Central pollution control board. A major source of pollution in this area is crop stubble burning along with vehicular exhaust. This is likely to worsen around November 7, thanks to celebratory fireworks during Diwali.

Source

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Fuel prices across India on decline for 12 days

The fuel prices across the country were facing a continuous increase over the last few months – up until two weeks ago, when the price started going down after the Central and State Governments began their efforts to reduce fuel prices. Prices have been on the decline for the past twelve days straight. The cost of petrol in Mumbai is down to Rs 85.24 from Rs 86.81 per litre last week – a Rs 1.57 drop. Diesel is also on the decline, its cost having gone from Rs 78.46 to Rs 77.40 per litre – a Rs 1.06 reduction. In Delhi the petrol rates have finally dropped below Rs 80 mark and are currently at Rs 79.75 per litre, with diesel rates are at Rs 73.85 per litre.

This decline has provided much relief from the previously soaring fuel costs, when petrol had peaked at over Rs 90 per litre while diesel was just under Rs 80 per litre. The reduction has occurred on October 5, 2018 as a result of the Central Government's decision to reduce Excise duty on fuel by Rs 1.50 per litre and ordering oil PSUs to provide an additional subsidy of Rs 1.0, leading to a total reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre. Many State Governments also reduced VAT on fuel to further reduce prices. The international crude oil prices have also reduced over the last two weeks, albeit only marginally. Combined, all these factors have kept fuel costs in India on a steady decline for the last two weeks.

Also see:

Fuel Prices Finally on the decline

Petrol prices cut by Rs 5 in Maharashtra

Petrol prices touch Rs 90 in 11 Maharashtra cities

 

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Tata Harrier exteriors officially revealed

We’ve seen the Tata Harrier SUV in concept form. We’ve seen spy pictures of the SUV being tested from across India. And we’ve even seen it in official illustrations. But what you see here are the very first images of the production version of the Tata Harrier. The SUV will go on sale in January 2019.

As promised by Tata’s designers, the Harrier stays true to the look of the H5X concept from Auto Expo 2018 that previewed the model. Sure, certain styling elements have been toned down but the final form is rather attractive. The slit-like headlights (possibly LED units) and the layout of the grille is far removed from anything we’ve seen from Tata Motors as yet. The Harrier is the first model to be designed to Tata’s new Impact Design 2.0 philosophy and one of the highlights is the prominent, three-dimensional ‘humanity line’ (Tata speak for the styling element that underlines the grille and headlights). The ‘tri-arrow’ pattern that is an integral element of the styling package is also seen on the light and fog lamp enclosures lower down on the front bumper. Chunky cladding and a scuff plate are other elements at the front.

There’s a lot of cladding at the base of the doors as well, while the exaggerated wheel arches – again an element of Impact Design 2.0 – give the Harrier visual mass. What also adds some glamour to the sides is the rising glasshouse that’s pinched at the D-pillars. Tata hasn’t revealed wheel and tyre sizes, but spy pics suggest 17-inchers will be the norm.

There’s a sleek flow to the tail-lights that are linked by a blackened element. A spoiler atop the windscreen, and the neatly executed cladding and brushed silver elements on the bumper complete the look. In pictures at least, the Harrier sure delivers.

Tata Motors has not released photos of the final model’s cabin as yet but Tata Motors has stated in the past that Impact Design 2.0 cars will boast clutter-free and practical interiors that will be high on quality. The Harrier will be a five-seater, though a seven-seat derivative (that will get its own name) is also in the works.

As is widely known by now, the Harrier will go on sale with a 2.0-litre diesel engine (christened Kryotec by Tata Motors), and will be available with the option of 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.

Bookings for the Harrier are already open, and the official launch will take place by mid-January 2019, with Tata Motors set to start deliveries later that month. And as revealed by a leaked Tata Motors internal communication note, the Harrier’s on-road price is likely to range between Rs 16-21 lakh.  

The Harrier has been making waves ever since the H5X concept came out. If the buzz is anything to go by, Tata has a winner on its hands.  

What do you think of the Tata Harrier’s look? Let us know in the comments section below.

Tata Harrier image gallery

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PhotoGallery: 2018 Tata Harrier image gallery

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First Tata Harrier rolls off the production line

So this is it. Tata Motors has put out footage of the very first Harrier rolling out of its plant in Pune, revealing the eagerly awaited SUV in full for the first time.

The new video, which shows the Harrier’s face and rear profile, also mentions how the assembly line for it was set up at the carmaker’s Pune plant in just six months.

As the launch of the Tata Harrier nears, we got our hands on some juicy details about this new SUV a few days ago. A dealer communication document reveals that on-road prices for the Harrier will be in the range of Rs 16-21 lakh. At this time, Tata Motors has also officially begun accepting bookings for the Harrier. The booking amount is set at Rs 30,000, and prospective buyers can even book the SUV online. Market launch and the price announcement for the Harrier are likely to take place in early January, with deliveries expected to commence in the second half of the same month.

Tata Motors has been dropping several teasers in the build-up to the launch and has said the SUV has been tested for 2.2 million kilometres on the toughest of terrains, and its engine has been christened ‘Kryotec’. Tata says the name is inspired by the cryogenic rocket engine, known for its power and reliability. There’s no official word on exact engine displacement or power and torque figures, but, as is widely known, the engine is derived from Fiat’s four-cylinder Multijet II diesel unit that powers the Jeep Compass and is expected to make around 140hp in the Harrier.

Tata Motors also previously confirmed the Harrier will come with multiple drive modes that will work in conjunction with the terrain response modes of the ESP.  A seven-seat variant will follow, powered by a more potent 170hp version of the same motor. For the Harrier, there will be two gearbox options – a 6-speed manual and a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed automatic.

The Harrier will get premium interiors and features like push-button start, steering-mounted controls, and a large (possibly 7.0-inch) touchscreen infotainment system.

The Tata Harrier will take on a range of SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV500, Renault Captur, and the upcoming Nissan Kicks.

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मिथुन राशि वाले जल्दबाजी में न लें कोई फैसला, हो सकता है नुकसान

जानें, कैसा बीतेगा आपका आज का दिन

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राशिफल: जानें कैसा गुजरेगा आपका बुधवार का दिन, किन बातों का रखना होगा ध्यान

जानें, कैसा बीतेगा आपका आज का दिन

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Pakistan's Supreme Court Aquits Asia Bibi of Blastphemy

The Pakistan Supreme Court acquitted Asia Bibi of blastphemy Wednesday, ordering her release before a packed courtroom.

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'Anti-Semitism Is Like a Contagious Disease': Could America Become Too Dangerous for Jews?

America was once considered a safe haven for refugees fleeing from anti-Semitism around the globe, especially in Europe. That may be changing.

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प्रधानमंत्री के केदारनाथ दौरे को लेकर भाजपा-कांग्रेस में बयानबाजी शुरू

पीएम नरेन्द्र मोदी के केदारनाथ दौरे से ठीक पहले राज्य की सत्ताधारी पार्टी बीजेपी और मुख्य विपक्षी पार्टी कांग्रेस में बाबा के धाम को लेकर बयानबाजी तेज हो गई है.

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VIDEO: चुनावी रणनीति बनाने के बजाय भड़ास निकालते रहे समाजवादी पार्टी नेता

निकाय चुनाव में परचम लहराने का दम भर रही समाजवादी पार्टी के मुख्यालय में मंगलवार को जमकर हंगामा हुआ. मौक़ा तो था पार्टी के मेयर उम्मीदवार के साथ चुनावी रणनीति तैयार करने का लेकिन यहां पार्टी नेता यहां शिकायतें करते ही नज़र आया. पार्टी के देहरादून ज़िलाध्यक्ष गुल्फ़ाम अली ने कहा कि उम्मीदवार उतारने से पहले पार्टी ने न तो उनकी राय ली और न ही जानकारी दी. हालांकि अब अपनी भड़ास निकालने के बाद उन्होंने सभी घोषित प्रत्याशियों का समर्थन करने का ऐलान कर दिया. एक वक्त समाजवादी पार्टी की पहचान रहे पार्टी के पूर्व राष्ट्रीय महासचिव विनोद बड़थ्वाल की पत्नी आभा बड़थ्वाल लंबे समय बाद पार्टी के किसी कार्यक्रम में शामिल हुईं. उन्होंने कहा कि पार्टी ऑफ़िस का माहौल ही ऐसा नहीं है कि यहां आया जा सके.

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छोटी और बड़ी दिवाली को दियों की रोशनी से जगमगाएगा केदारनाथ धाम

रुद्रप्रयाग के डीएम मंगेश घिल्डियाल को छोटी दिवाली के दिन 6 नवम्बर को केदारनाथ में तीन हज़ार से ज्यादा दिये जलाने की ज़िम्मेदारी दी गई है. बड़ी दिवाली को भी केदारनाथ में दिये जलाकर रोशनी की जाएगी.

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VIDEO: CISF में जल्द हो सकती है पहाड़ी महिलाओं की भर्ती, प्रस्ताव विचाराधीन

एक लाख 55 हज़ार कर्मचारी और अधिकारियों वाला केन्द्रीय औद्योगिक सुरक्षा बल जल्द ही नई भर्तियों के साथ एक लाख 80 हज़ार कर्मचारियों का आंकड़ा छू लेगा. सीआईएसएफ के महानिदेशक राजेश रंजन ने श्रीनगर, गढ़वाल में यह बताया. राजेश रंजन सीआईएसएफ के स्वर्ण जयंती हिमालय अभियान के तहत आयोजित कार्यक्रम में शामिल होने पहुंचे थे. इस दौरान उन्होंने बताया कि सीआईएसएफ़ में उत्तराखंड की महिलाओं का प्रतिनिधित्व कम है. यहां की महिलाओं की फ़िटनेस की तारीफ़ करते हुए डीजी सीआईएसएफ़ ने बताया कि पर्वतीय क्षेत्रों से भी महिलाओं को सीआईएसएफ़ में शामिल करने का प्रस्ताव गृह मंत्रालय में विचाराधीन है. गृह मंत्रालय की अनुमति के बाद इस दिशा में कदम उठाया जाएगा. इस कार्यक्रम में सीआईएसएफ की महिला कमांडो फोर्स ने महिला सुरक्षा को लेकर मार्शल आर्ट का भी प्रदर्शन किया.

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बीजेपी की जीत के लिए संघ परिवार भी सक्रिय, मुस्लिम मतदाताओं पर ख़ास नज़र

तीन तलाक, हलाला पर उठाए गए सरकार के कदमों के बाद बीजेपी को उम्मीद है कि मुस्लिम महिलाएं पार्टी के लिए वोट करेंगी.

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VIDEO: खर्चेंगे 20, गिने जाएंगे 50... निर्वाचन आयोग की रेट लिस्ट से प्रत्याशी परेशान

प्रदेश में इस बार हो रहे निकाय चुनाव में प्रत्याशियों के लिए चुनाव खर्च की सीमा तो बढ़ा दी गई है लेकिन निर्वाचन आयोग ने विभिन्न वस्तुओं की जो दरें जारी की हैं उससे प्रत्याशी परेशान हैं. दरअसल आयोग ने विभिन्न सामान की जो रेट लिस्ट जारी की है वह बाज़ार भाव से अधिक है. इसका मतलब यह हुआ कि अगर प्रत्याशी वास्तव में कम पैसा खर्च करेगा तो भी उसका चुनाव खर्च बढ़ा हुआ दिखेगा. इससे चुनाव लड़ रहे प्रत्याशी परेशान हैं लेकिन चुनाव अधिकारियों को इस बारे में कोई जानकारी ही नहीं है. देहरादून के चुनाव अधिकारी अरविंद पांडे कहते हैं कि अभी तक उन्हें किसी ने कोई शिकायत नहीं की है और ऐसा हुआ तो राज्य निर्वाचन आयोग से इस बारे में बात की जाएगी. देखिए इस गफ़लत पर विस्तार से ख़बर वीडियो में.

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मिठाई दुकानदारों को सही सामान बेचने के लिए खाद्य विभाग ने दिए निर्देश

रामनगर में खाद्य विभाग द्वारा मुख्य रूप से शहर की सभी छोटी-बड़ी मिठाई और मावे की दुकानों पर छापामार कार्रवाई की गई है.

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मंत्री, पूर्व मंत्री, विधायक, सांसद सब लड़ेंगे बीजेपी-कांग्रेस के लिए निकाय की जंग

कॉंग्रेस के पूर्व विधायक गणेश गोदियाल दावा करते हैं कि कॉंग्रेस के स्टार प्रचारक भाजपा पर भारी साबित होंगे.

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VIDEO: देहरादून नोटिफ़ाइड एरिया में ट्रकों से वसूली के लिए बने बायलॉज़ निरस्त

नैनीताल हाईकोर्ट ने जिला पंचायत देहरादून की ओर से नोटिफाइड एरिया में ट्रकों से वसूली करने से संबंधित बायलॉज को असंवैधानिक करार देते हुए निरस्त कर दिया है. जिला पंचायत देहरादून ने बाइलॉज़ बनाकर सेलाकुई समेत नोटिफ़ाइड एरिया में ट्रकों से वसूली करना शुरू कर दिया था. पछवादून ट्रक ओनर्स वेलफेयर एशोसिएशन के पूर्व सचिव गुलफाम अली ने याचिका दायर कर जिला पंचायत के बाइलॉज बनाने को चुनौती दी थी. याचिकाकर्ता के अधिवक्ता ने कोर्ट को बताया कि एक्ट की धारा 239 (2) के अनुसार जिला पंचायत ग्रामीण क्षेत्र में ही टैक्स वसूली के लिए बाइलॉज़ बना सकती है. नोटिफाइड एरिया में वसूली जिला पंचायत के क्षेत्राधिकार से बाहर है, लिहाज़ा जिला पंचायत के इन बाइलॉज को निरस्त किया जाए. न्यायाधीश न्यायमूर्ति आलोक सिंह की एकलपीठ ने मामले को सुनने के बाद जिला पंचायत के बाइलॉज निरस्त कर दिए.

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लोहाघाटः अपने कार्यकर्ता को टिकट ही नहीं दिया कांग्रेस ने, अब निर्दलीय का समर्थन

भाजपा विधायक पूरन फर्त्याल कहते हैं कि लोहाघाट चार बार कॉंग्रेस के विधायक रहे हैं लेकिन आज कॉंग्रेस की इतनी दुर्गति हो गई है कि उसे दावेदार तक नहीं मिल रहे हैं.

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VIDEO: देश में गाय पर सियासत, लेकिन उत्तराखंड में लावारिस घूम रहे गोवंश

उत्तराखंड में गाय को भले ही आज राष्ट्र माता घोषित करने के लिए कई संगठन आंदोलन के जरिए मांग कर रहे हो, लेकिन धर्म की नगरी मानी जाने वाली तीर्थनगरी ऋषिकेश में सैकड़ों की तादात में लावारिस गाय और गोवंश कूड़ा और हानिकारक प्लास्टिक खाकर अपना जीवन जी रहे हैं. ऋषिकेश में इन गायों और गोवंश के संरक्षण के लिए किसी भी धार्मिक संगठन ने ऐसी गौशाला नहीं बनाई और ना ही प्रशासन ने कांजी हाउस बनवाया. ऐसे में शहर में लावारिस घूम रही गायों की संख्या लगातार बढ़ रही है, जिससे जहां हमेशा दुर्घटना का अंदेशा बना रहता है. वहीं ये लावारिस गोवंश कई लोगों पर हमला कर घायल भी कर देते हैं.

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VIDEO: CCTV में कैद हो गया गुलदार का हमला, रोज़ आता है शिकार को खाने

अल्मोड़ा के पर्वतीय क्षेत्रों में गुलदारों का पशुओं और इंसान पर हमला करना आए दिन की बात हो गई है. वन विभाग गुलदार के शिकार ​के लिए आज भी कई प्रकार के पुराने और पारपरिक उपायों पर आश्रित रहता है. लेकिन कोसी क्षेत्र में एक युवक ने तकनीक का इस्तेमाल कर गुलदार की गुस्ताखी को रंगे हाथ पकड़ लिया. गुलदार के आने की आशंका के चलते मटेला गांव निवासी गोपाल सिंह बिष्ट ने अपने घर के बाहर सीसीटीवी कैमरा लगा दिया. इसमें शुक्रवार रात को बैल पर गुलदार का हमला कैद हो गया. यही नहीं गुलदार लगातार हर रात अपने शिकार को खाने के लिए आ भी रहा है. लेकिन गुलदार के आने का सबूत मिलने के बावजूद वन विभाग उसे पकड़ने के लिए कोई कदम उठाने को तैयार नहीं है और गांव में दहशत का माहौल है.

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VIDEO: नैनीताल में थर्ड ऑल इंडिया शतरंज प्रतियोगिता का आगाज

उत्तराखंड के नैनीताल जिले में तीसरी ऑल इंडिया शतरंज प्रतियोगिता शुरू हो गई है. 5 दिनों तक चलने वाली इस प्रतियोगिता में इस बार देश के साथ विदेशों के भी कुल 140 खिलाड़ी हिस्सा ले रहे हैं. रिंग हॉल में आयोजित इस 'सह और मात' के खेल में नेपाल और जर्मनी के सतरंज खिलाड़ी अपनी अंतरराष्ट्रीय रैंकिंग को बेहतर करने पहुंचे हैं. वहीं भारत के शतरंज खिलाड़ियों को अपने आप को रेटिंग में रखकर इसका प्रयास किया गया है. बीते सोमवार से शुरू हुइ इस प्रतियोगिता में आगामी 3 नवंबर तक प्रतिभाग कर रहे खिलाड़ी अपने खेल से एक-दूसरे को सह और मात देंगे. मामले की जानकारी शतरंज प्रतियोगिता के सचिव ईश्वर तिवारी ने दी है.

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VIDEO: निकाय चुनाव में BJP का प्रचार करेंगी फिल्म अभिनेत्री हिमानी शिवपुरी

उत्तराखंड में निकाय जैसे छोटे चुनावों को भी जीतना कितना जरूरी है ये बीजेपी की स्टार प्रचारकों की लिस्ट बता रही है. बीजेपी ने अपने स्टार प्रचारकों में फिल्म अभिनेत्री का नाम भी रखा है. निकाय चुनावों में बीजेपी और कांग्रेस ने अपने-अपने स्टार प्रचारकों की लिस्ट जारी की है. बीजेपी ने अपनी जारी सूची में पहले तो फिल्म अभिनेत्री का नाम नहीं लिखा था, लेकिन बाद में अपनी सूची को संशोधित कर फिल्म अभिनेत्री हिमानी शिवपुरी का नाम शामिल किया है. बीजेपी प्रदेश महामंत्री नरेश बंसल ने इस बता की जानकारी देते हुए कहा कि फिल्म अभिनेत्री हिमानी शिवपुरी ने पार्टी से सम्पर्क साधा और अनुरोध किया है कि वे निकाय में प्रचार करना चाहती हैं. वहीं कांग्रेस के पूर्व विधायक गणेश गोदियाल ने कहा कि बीजेपी निकाय जैसे छोटे चुनाव में भी फिल्मी स्टार को उतर रही है, इससे अंदाजा लगाया जा सकता है कि बीजेपी की जनता की हैसियत जनता के बीच क्या है.

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मिलावटखोरी रोकने के लिए बॉर्डर पर चेकिंग, दुकानों में छापे, 35 सैंपल रुद्रपुर लैब भेजे

इस दीपावली मिलावटखोरी ही नहीं घटतौली करने वालों पर भी कार्रवाई की जा रही है. विधिक माप विभाग अब तक देहरादून के दो बड़े प्रतिष्ठानों पर कार्रवाई भी कर चुका है.

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MJ Akbar appears before Delhi court

NEW DELHI: Ex-Union minister M J Akbar appears before Delhi court to record statement in his criminal defamation case against journalist Priya Ramani. (agencies)

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Peacekeeping operations should not be substitute for addressing root causes of conflict: India

UNITED NATIONS: UN peacekeeping operations serve primarily as a tool to support a viable political process and should not be used as a substitute for addressing the root causes of the conflict, India has said.
Speaking at a thematic debate on peacekeeping operations in the Special Political and Decolonization (Fourth) Committee of the General Assembly, First Secretary in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu said increasingly, the focus of peacekeeping is on a ‘robust’ approach and technological aspects.
It often appears to lose focus on the ultimate goal of seeking a political solution to the conflict, he said.
“We need to keep in mind the lessons that we have learnt over last half century of peacekeeping activities in order to face the challenges of 21st Century,” he said on Tuesday.
“Peacekeeping serves primarily as a tool to support a viable political process. The peacekeeping operations should not be used as a substitute for addressing the root causes of conflict,” Bayyapu said Tuesday.
India, one of the largest troop contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations, also reiterated the impact of caveats on performance.
“The insistence by some on caveats in deployment is unfair and places peacekeepers at different levels. Caveats, whether declared or undeclared, are against the basic principle of equality,” Bayyapu said.
He said that caveats also have a direct impact on the fulfilment of missions’ mandate as they limit the Force Commander’s ability to employ forces in an optimal manner.
“We need to do away with all caveats as it is not possible to fairly assess the performance of peacekeepers operating at different levels,” he said.
Stressing that incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse not only scar the victims but also impact the UN’s credibility, Bayyapu said India is a strong supporter of the UN’s zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and remains committed to contributing through all means possible for this cause.
India was the first contributor to the Secretary General’s Trust Fund set up in support of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a member of the UN Chief’s Circle of Leadership, endorsing the collective statement to reaffirm continued personal commitment on the issue.
Last week, India announced its contribution of USD 300,000 for the ‘Pipeline to Peacekeeping Command Programme’ with a specific focus on issues of conduct and discipline.
Bayyapu also emphasised the need to address the issue of how to materialize the pending pledges related to deployment of women peacekeepers made by the Member States.
“The Secretariat should take stock of all such pending pledges and explore ways to absorb them on priority basis. The women peacekeepers need to be incentivised to encourage their much greater participation,” he said.
There is also need to look at ways to address the availability of adequate resources to fulfil the prioritized mandate components, he said adding that it would be useful if the views of troop/police contributing countries on implementing the mandates are adequately reflected in relevant reports of the Secretary-General.
On the issue of improving safety and security of UN peacekeeping personnel, he said an analysis of the fatal casualties in the last four years indicate that at least a quarter of them were due to Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks.
“To begin with, we should have dedicated counter-IED resources for missions facing such threats. There should also be concerted efforts to upgrade the security infrastructure of camps,” he said.
Nations are in the midst of implementing various reform proposals at the UN, including on peace and security architecture of the Secretariat. India expects that the reforms, whose implementation would begin from next year, will cut bureaucratic delays and improve logistics for peacekeepers on the ground, he said. (AGENCIES)

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Employment Oct 31, 2018

Urgently
Required
Girls and Boys
one Female Receptionist
for
General Store Kachi Chowni
Contact :
9419169900, 9796626615

WORK FROM HOME
PART/FULL TIME
Require :- Housewife, Retire Person, Businessman, Employee and Student + 25
One call can change your life.
Contact us: 97968-25570

Mahavir Job Placement Trikuta Nagar near Sai Palace
Ph.No: 9086775415, 9797613159, 8716302120
1. Accountant
2. Salesman/ Marketing Executive
3. Driver/ Beauticians
4. Security Guards/ Security Supervisor
5. Receptionist /Computer Operator
6. Peon/ Helper/ Cook
7. IT Computer

Required
Required Female Science Teacher for 8th, 9th and
10th Classes.
Contact: 9419278460, 7889609481
H.No. 115/4 Marble Enclave
Ext. Trikuta Nagar, Jammu

Required
Accountant Required at Finance Company. Qualification 11th Salary, Starting Rs. 5000/- at Kachi Chawani.
Contact- 9622025111
Working Hours -10 AM to 5 PM

Drivers Required
For Tata Mobile – 2 Drivers
For Three Wheeler Auto – 2 Drivers
Contact: 9419108836, 9682107793

Urgently Required for Retail
Salesman: 12th/Graduate
Fresher/Exp. – 10 Vacancy,
Salary 8,500 to 12 Thousand
Receptionist: 12th/Graduate
Fresher/Exp, Salary 8,500 to 12 thousand
90860-85474, 90864-85474
hr7colours2011@gmail.com

Required Staff for Delivery Company
Full Timer/ Part Timer
Male Candidate Only
Job Location: Basant Nagar, Janipur, Jammu.
Attractive Salary+ESI+PF+Bonus
Two Wheeler Valid Driving License is mandatory.
Mob: 9891152930, 8968696492

Urgently Required
1. Diploma Holders Mechanical/For MNC Fresher/ Experienced.
2. B.Sc/ M.Sc – (Fresher/ Experienced).QC/QA.
3. Finance Manager (M) for Ltd Company, M.Com with excellent knowledge in P&L Accounts & Balance Sheet, Sal – 7 Lacs.
4. Graduate – B.A/ B.Com/ other streams, Sales/ Operation.
5. Maintenance Engg (B.E- Mechanical Engg) – Degree- with maintenance experience.
6. Store Officer – 4-6 yrs Exp, Sal- 3 lac.
SYNERGY CONSULTANTS
12 B/C, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu
M: 9419310971, M: 9006225361

Urgently Required
Job for Canada / Austrilla
10 year Multiple visa Sal – 2 lakh
Job for Malaysia work permit,
All payment after Visa job verification
Be a Franchise delivery boy
be a Franchise medicine shop etc.
Earn unlimited income at home.
Contact No.: 9086833178, 9086314876
Email id: god1technology@gmail.com

Staff Required
(1) Spoken Trainer, Consultancy, Receptionist, Counsellor
(2) Accountant, Cashier, Coordinator, Computer Operator
(3) Fast Food, Supervisor, Captain, Cook, Asst, Manager
(4) Driver, Security Guard, Showroom Boys, Office boys
(5) Teachers, School, Tutorial, Telle Caller, Salesman
(6) Delivery Boys, Part time, full time, H.R, Management
(7) Packing Boys, Helper, Store Keeper, Peon, Room Boys
( 8 Pass, 10 Pass & All Graduates Students apply)
Ph. 9086193986, 9070191100

Urgently Required
FEMALE HOME TUTORS
for Classes 1st to 10th
(All Subjects)
11th & 12th (All Streams)
in Bantalab, Roop Nagar, Rehari, Muthi and Gandhi Nagar
9149771761, 7006887034

Required
K. K Resorts Restaurant
Waiters – 4 Nos
Captain – 2 Nos
Supervisor – 2 Nos
Cont: 9419193093, 9419202696

JMC Group
Urgently Required Staff
1. Team Leader (M/F) 5 Nos. (PG Must)
2. Tele Caller (F) 5 Nos. (Grad. Must)
3. Marketing Executive (M/F) 10 Nos.
Few vacancies left only come and apply as soon as possible. Interested candidates can mail their resume to
jmcgroupjammu@gmail.com
or contact at 8493094333/9797323565.
Venue: F-8C, Ist Floor, Trikuta Shopping Complex, B.C. Road, Jammu
Timings: 11 am to 4:30 pm

Job Job Job
Vacancies for 35 boys & 25 girls, fresher as well as experienced in J&K State.
Qualification: 8th, 10th, 12th, Graduation & Above
Income During Training (5,000 to 12,000) P/M
Salary After Training (18,500 to 28,500) P/M (As per Co. Rule)
Free Training Free Hostel
Contact Immediately on below numbers
9906029039, 9796256081

Required
Certificate Holder
for
Professional Trainings
in
Computer Packages
Male-1 Female-1
SEEAS- VIKAS NAGAR
(O) 0191-2534777
(M) 9149821778

Urgently Required
Walk-in-lnterview at 17/7, Trikuta Nagar, Nr. RBI Quarters, Jammu
* Job Scope
1. Tele-Calling
2. Any other duties assigned.
*Job Requirement
1. 2 Female with good communication skills & experienced with MS Word & Excel required.
Contact : 9596752155
Interview Timings : 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Required
1. SALES BOY — 4 ( Four )
Timming. 9.30AM – 8.00 PM.
Salary. 6000/-.
2. SALES BOY — 6 ( SIX) (PART TIME)
TIMMING. 9.00AM – 3.00PM
3.00PM – 9.00PM
Salary. 3000/-
For
Garments Showroom
At
SHALAMAR ROAD JAMMU.
CONTACT. 7006681155, 0191-2578383

Vacancies
Established Financial Consulting Organisation is looking for Professional, Young Talent for Location Jammu & Udhampur
Sales Manager
Assistant Sales Manager
Sales Executive
Remuneration according to the Industry
Ph: 2470050, 9086911204
email: hr@jkinsurancemarketing.com

JOB’S OFFER FOR UNEMPLOYED
M/F of J&K 35 Vacancies
Income:- 6000 to 12000 (D.T.)
20,000 to 25000 (A.T)
Free Hostel + Bonus
Billawar, Bani, Basohli Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Katra, Udhampur, Akhnoor, R.S. Pura, Jammu
Contact 3 Days Only At
Impulse Group
63/A Last Morh Gandhi Nagar Near
Dr. S.K. Gupta Jammu 9906130466

(Nishita) Industrial Jobs
E-MAIL:(nishitasecurities@gmail.com)
1 QUALITY-OFFICER ( PHARMA EXP))salary (3 to 4 lakh)
2 BSC/MSC(CHEMISTERY/MICRO)
FRESH(10 to 15 thousand)
3 Accounts-manager(indl-exp)salary(5-lakh)
4 Accounts-officer
(GST exp) B.com/M.com(15,000)
5 Civil-engineer (bridges+billing exp)
6 MBA-fresher(female)mkt+hr department
CONTACT-94199-32026(2458792)
VENUE:31-A OPP CHURCH GANDHI NAGAR JAMMU

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SC asks Centre to file affidavit on Rafale deal

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to file an affidavit within 10 days to say that the pricing in the Rafale fighter jet deal between India and France is exclusive and cannot be shared with the court.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices U U Lalit and K M Joseph also asked the Centre to share information which can be brought in the public domain with the petitioners.
The top court, which has now fixed the matter for hearing on November 14, said documents considered strategic and confidential may not be shared. (AGENCIES)

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PM unveils 182-metre tall Statue of Unity in honour of Sardar Patel

KEVADIYA (Gujarat): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday dedicated to the nation the much-talked about Statue of Unity in honour of country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The 182-metre statue of Patel stands on Sadhu island on the Narmada and is said to be twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in the US.
Commencing his speech, Prime Minister Modi gave a slogan to the large gathering ‘Sardar Patel – Amar Rahe, Amar Rahe’.
“It is in fitness of things that Sardar Patel’s birthday today is being celebrated as Ekta Diwas in the country,” Mr Modi said.
The statue has been built at a cost of about Rs 2,400 crore. Approximately 70,000 tonnes of cement in addition to 18,500 tonnes of reinforcement steel and 6000 tonnes of structural steel have been used to build the statue – also billed as an architectural wonder.
As part of the effort to make the region around the statue a tourist spot, many projects like Valley of Flowers and Tent City have been developed.
The Prime Minister went around and saw the Valley of flowers on Wednesday morning. ”In vintage Sardar Patel style, he went about his work with precision, firmness and administrative efficiency,” the Prime Minister wrote in an article paying tributes to Sardar Patel.
(AGENCIES)

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Prez, VP, Rajnath pay tributes to Sardar Patel

NEW DELHI : Preseident Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and a host of dignitaries Wednesday offered floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birthday anniversary.
At a special function held at the capital’s Patel Chowk, the President and others paid floral tributes at the statue of India’s first Home Minister on his 143rd birthday anniversary, which is observed as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Divas’.
Those who were present on the occasion include Union urban development minister Hardeep Puri, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal besides others. (AGENCIES)

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Has become Pakistan’s habit to misuse any forum for narrow political gains: India

UNITED NATIONS : India has slammed Pakistan for raising the Kashmir issue at a UN General Assembly session, saying it has become Islamabad’s habit to misuse any forum for “narrow political gains” and asserting that the right to self-determination cannot be abused to undermine a nation’s territorial integrity.
First Secretary in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN Paulomi Tripathi was responding to Pakistani envoy Maleeha Lodhi’s remarks at the session that the struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination has been suppressed for decades.
Lodhi said that the Kashmir issue will remain on “the UN agenda until the Kashmiri people are allowed to exercise their will, according to the agreed method prescribed by the Security Council – a plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations.”
“We reject the unwarranted reference made by one delegation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir which is an integral part of India,” Tripathi said at a UNGA Third Committee session Tuesday on Elimination of racism, xenophobia and Right of people to self-determination.
She said that it has become Pakistan’s habit to misuse any forum for narrow political gains.
“In reality, it is the people of India as well as of our region and beyond, have to suffer most egregious violation of human rights inflicted by terrorism emanating from beyond our borders,” she said.
“The right to self-determination cannot be abused and misrepresented with the aim of undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a Member State,” Tripathi said.
She asserted that self-determination has long been recognised as the right of peoples of non-self-governing colonies and trust territories to independence and self-government. Pointing that there are still 17 non-self governing territories which are in various stages of decolonisation, Tripathi said the international community must step up efforts to reach the conclusion of this long-drawn process.
She described Palestine as the “unfinished task” in the realisation of the right of people to self-determination, saying India is committed to the cause of the people of Palestine and the country has substantially scaled up bilateral development partnerships and increased contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
On the issue of racism, Tripathi said despite efforts made in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, these pernicious ills continue to persist in different forms and manifestations.
“Rise of exclusionist ideologies inciting discrimination and violence threaten to subvert the globalised economic order and social cohesion,” she said stressing that there is need for comprehensive legal and administrative responses to counter emerging challenges.
She voiced India’s concern over the alarming rise in use of digital space for dissemination of racist and xenophobic material as well as for recruitment, networking and fundraising by groups espousing these ideologies.
“We must acknowledge that racial equality and freedom of expression need not be pursued in a zero-sum manner,” she said adding that private entities including conventional and social media and civil society need to develop and observe codes of conduct that embody commitment to racial equality and non-discrimination.
Immunities enjoyed by the social media platforms for contents by users, must be counterbalanced with responsible content moderation and norms for removing objectionable contents on voluntary basis, Tripathi said.
She further said that complementary domestic action and international cooperation is necessary to effectively implement the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action to realize inclusive growth envisaged in 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. (AGENCIES)

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Taking on languishing projects syndrome

How to take on the peculiar syndrome of keeping projects languishing, half completed or even left midway due to some main reasons , firstly that of funds shortage and secondly, complete indifference and a sort of deficiency of interest in completing of such projects by the bureaucrats who initially indulge in over enthusiasm in sanctioning the projects after having a bird’s eye view of project reports and other paper work without minutely going deep into whether adequate arrangements were made for smooth flow of funds as and when needed to keep going, with full desired pace and tempo, the work on such projects to finally have them completed.
The reports of Planning, Development and Monitoring Department reveal that six main Departments of the State namely Public Works (R&B), Public Health Engineering, School Education, Higher Education, Youth Services and Sports, Health and Medical Education, Tourism and the like accounted for two third of the total unfunded burden and the projects in these 6 departments alone account for nearly Rs. 4000 crore. Whether all such projects figured in the priorities of the Government and if not, then who accorded approval to them must be found out.
We have already reported about the sanction of Rs.8000 crore as “one time exception” having been approved by the State Administrative Council for completing the incomplete projects but what is needed more is that a comprehensive policy with stringent measures be evolved to check , rather pre-empt languishing projects syndrome in future. This amount of Rs.8000 crore had to be arranged by means of raising a loan through a new company named as Jammu and Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation. We have, through these columns, been stressing upon the accountability aspect and once that is taken care of and very effectively, most of the administrative loopholes and weaknesses would be adequately addressed including the syndrome under reference combated. Accountability and responsibility in State Administration are apparently going to be at Nadir day by day though Governor Satya Pal Malik is all determined to bring about a paradigm shift to break the inertia.
It is noteworthy that the High Powered Committee comprising Administrative Secretaries of Finance, Planning, Public Works and Public Health Engineering Departments has cleared over 1000 projects of different sectors vis-a-vis funding through the said Corporation. That such a problem does not recur in future leading afterwards to pressing of panic buttons, there is absolutely no focus on evolving a comprehensive policy with stringent measures. The popular Government as and when formed, should be bound to see to it that projects were not treated as mere trifles and a means to gain short lived appeasement of people by legislators and politicians without any regard to where from the funds would come to make those projects see the light of the day.
Bureaucracies, unfortunately, very often succumbs to the whims and pressures of some law makers or want just to remain in their “good books” and hence knowingly plunge the State in such a fix where shortly after a small measure of work, the project is left out to its uncertain fate and such cumulative position presents a broader “languishing syndrome”. We know, completing of thousands of unfinished projects is not an ordinary assignment and that too, within a time frame fixed by the Governor. We, however, wish High Powered Committee injects high power of sense of responsibility in those whose duty is to put a halt to initiating projects sans properly sanctioned and earmarked funds and the existing pending ones to be completed as planned afresh.

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Alarming figures of the dreaded disease

Cancer, the word in itself, is causing scare though medical science has travelled very far and made advanced studies and research due to which this disease at initial stages is now manageable. Having said that, what is causing concern is that over the last two and a half decades,the incidences of cancer has more than doubled in India, breast cancer being the most common among the women in India, both in terms of incidence as well as mortality with proportional prevalence in younger age groups being higher than the global averages.
To be precise, in the year 2016, there were 14 lacs cancer patients and this number is going to increase once the latest figures were out. However, the Government has laid down four priority cancers, viz; breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer and lung cancer which together constitute 41 percent of cancer burden. The figures are about those who get registered in Government and other hospitals and not about those who are out of the registered groups hence the figures stated could be an underestimate. Referring to breast cancers, most of patients, say 60 percent are diagnosed in advanced stages. Interestingly, breast cancer burden is not limited only to disease burden and mortality but also leads to economic loss. India lost nearly half a percent of total GDP in terms of incidence and aftermaths of cancer.
Preventive measures are difficult to be precisely mentioned. However, challenges related to diagnosis and early treatment, standard screening guidelines for breast cancer, lack of trained health care workers, inadequate number of specialist medical personnel,lack of awareness, social stigma, misconception and late detection are needed to be addressed.

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After Insurance, Govt calls off Pakal Dul talks with AFCONS

Fresh tenders to be floated for works
Guv had raised red flag over Rs 100 cr deal

Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Oct 30: Just couple of days after scrapping Government Employees Group Medical Insurance Scheme with Anil Ambani’s Reliance General Insurance, the State administration has also called off its ongoing negotiations with M/s AFCONS JAL JV for allotment of work on two tunnels of 10 kilometers each at 1000 MW Pakal Dul hydro-electric power project over river Marusadar, a tributary of Chenab, in Kishtwar district following red flag raised by Governor Satya Pal Malik mentioning “fishy deal” to allot the contract by raising cost of the work by 35 per cent.
Authorities have decided to float fresh tenders for the tunneling work at the project.
Official sources confirmed to the Excelsior that negotiations with M/s AFCONS which was lowest bidder for the tunneling work have been called off. A decision to this effect was taken at the meeting of Board of Directors of Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP). The Corporation has decided to float fresh tenders for the work.
The Corporation had kept reserve price for the work at Rs 1900 crore while the lowest bidder, the AFCONS had asked for Rs 2800 crore for the works which included tunneling, boring and allies activities at two places of 10 kilometers each. The negotiations were on between AFCONS and the Corporation for past sometime.
However, the Governor recently raised concerns after getting reports about some “fishy deals” in the project. He had said that negotiations were being held to raise cost of the project by 35 per cent and Rs 100 crore deal has been unearthed in it.
“Recently I came across another deal in the construction of dam over a river. The deal had been finalized for Rs 100 crore. The officers had raised cost of the project by 35 per cent over the minimum estimates. I came across the deal and stopped it. The concerned officer was removed,” he had said. However, he didn’t name the dam or the officers involved in striking such a big deal.
But, according to sources, there were enough indications that project in question was 1000 MW Pakal Dul hydro-electric power project being constructed in Kishtwar and that a senior IAS officer had been replaced by another IAS officer.
Sources said the Board of Directors of CVPP met and decided to call off negotiations with M/s AFCONS, which was lowest bidder for the tunneling works at Rs 2800 crore as against minimum reserved price of Rs 1900 crore. Now, fresh tenders will be floated for the project.
They added that the decision was taken after the Government also called entire record and had a careful study of it.
Sources pointed out that the project had gained significance as its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu University on May 19 this year.
Besides tunneling and boring work of 10 kilometers at two places, the project have two other components including civil works and power generation, which have already been allotted to AFCONS and JP Associates respectively.
On February 21, 2018, the civil works package for construction of Power House of 1000 MW Pakal Dul hydro electric project was awarded to AFCONS JAL JV at the total cost of Rs 1051 crore by the CVPP. The work was scheduled to be completed in 58 months from the day of allotment. The project is part of Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) worth Rs 80,000 crore.
On July 8, 2018, Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) had announced that it has bagged Rs 2853 crore contract from CVPP to construct diversion tunnel and concrete face dam for Pakal Dul project.
The 1000 MW project located over Marusadar river, a tributary of Chenab in Kishtwar district, is proposed to be completed in 66 months and will provide 12 per cent free power to Jammu and Kashmir. It aims to generate 3330.18 million units of electricity annually.
The Rs 8112.12 crore project will not only be the largest hydro electric power project in the State but also the first storage unit.
The project is expected to generate employment for 3,000 persons during construction phase and to 500 persons during operation stage. The Government of J&K will be getting 12 per cent free power after 10 years of commissioning of the project and water usage charges as applicable.
Additional 1 per cent free power will go towards Local Area Development Fund (LADF). Also, the State will have first right to purchase balance power, sources said.
It may be mentioned here that Jammu and Kashmir Government has already extended various concessions to Pakal Dul project. The Union Government has also sanctioned Rs 2500 crore subordinate loan for the project besides equity contribution of Jammu Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) in the project. The NHPC Is extending technical support to the Company for tendering of the projects as well as for designing the project components, besides deputing experiences manpower required for construction of the projects.
Meanwhile, Legislative Assembly Speaker, Dr Nirmal Singh, who was Deputy Chief Minister Incharge Power Development Department in the previous PDP-BJP coalition Government, said that the Power Ministry had no role in allotment of the project works to any company.
“The project was being executed by CVPP and not by the Power Ministry,” he told the Excelsior when his comments were sought over cancellation of the work and concerns raised by the Governor.
Dr Nirmal Singh said the Government should hold high-level inquiry into the “fishy deals”, if any, to expose those involved in it. He maintained that the Power Ministry had nothing to do with allotment of the project.

The post After Insurance, Govt calls off Pakal Dul talks with AFCONS appeared first on Jammu Kashmir Latest News | Tourism | Breaking News J&K.

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इस राशि वालों पर रहेगा सबका ध्यान, विवाह की भी छिड़ सकती है बात

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SC orders seizure of 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in NCR

The Supreme Court on Monday ruled in favour of prohibiting 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol cars from plying in the NCR (National Capital Region). As per this ruling, any diesel vehicle older than 10 years or petrol vehicles older than 15 years can be impounded by the police.

According to the Supreme Court, the ruling came about due to the pollution levels in NCR being "Very Critical”. The overall air quality in the region was in the second-most alarming category. 

This isn’t the first ban that this category of vehicles has received.  Earlier this year, the National Green Tribunal had issued a similar ban on 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles.

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