Kashmiri girl Zaira Wasim of 'Dangal' fame caught up in controversy

Srinagar/Jammu, Jan 16 (PTI) Zaira Wasim, the Kashmiri teen who shot to fame for her stellar role in Aamir Khan's blockbuster "Dangal", was today unwittingly caught up in controversy over her meeting with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in the backdrop of the unrest in the Valley.

16-year-old Zaira first posted an apology for "offending" and "unintentionally hurting" people after her meeting with Mehbooba kicked up a row and trolled online but later deleted the post. She then posted again, this time asking everyone not to blow the issue out of proportion but deleted this post too.

Zaira, who played the younger version of wrestler Geeta Phogat in "Dangal", took to Facebook and tendered an apology apparently over her meeting with the chief minister on Saturday that drew sharp reactions from the youth in the Valley because of the situation there during the last few months.

She also played down her performance in "Dangal", saying she was "not proud of" what she is doing.

"This is an open confession/apology. I know that many people have been offended and displeased by my recent actions or by the people I have recently met," the actress wrote on her Facebook page.

Zaira said she wanted to apologise to "all those people who I have unintentionally hurt and I want them to know that I understand their sentiments behind it especially considering that what had happened over the past six months" apparently referring to the unrest in the Valley which left 86 people dead and thousands injured.

"But I hope people can also understand there are certain circumstances that emerge which one cannot control and I hope people still remember that I'm a just a 16 year old girl and I hope you treat me accordingly. I'm sorry for what I did but it was not a deliberate decision and I really hope people can forgive me," she said.

Zaira also played down her projection as a role model for the youth of Kashmir, saying she does not want anyone to follow in her footsteps.

"There are few more things which are very important and I want to clear them as well. The first and foremost thing is that I am being projected as a role model for Kashmiri Youth.

I want to make it very clear that I do not want anyone to follow in my footsteps or even consider me as a role model.

Zaira later removed her first post and came up with a new one, where she claimed that she has "not been forced into anything by anyone". She, however, deleted that too after sometime.

"Regarding my lst post, I have no idea why this has become such a big issues. I just wanted to make sure that I did not hurt anyone's feelings and all of a sudden it has been turned into national news. Again and again I am telling people that I have not been forced into anything by anyone," she had said in the second post.

Former chief minister Omar Abdullah said Zaira should not be forced to apologise.

"A 16 year old shouldn't be forced to apologise & that too allegedly for meeting @MehboobaMufti. What are we coming to!!!!!," he tweeted.

"I've a problem with @MehboobaMufti trying to usurp other peoples success to cover up her own failures but why punish/troll people she meets?," he added.

The Zaira issue also figured in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly when a BJP member claimed that the actress had received death threats.

"I have come to know from reliable people that the young girl of our state Zahira Wasim who played a beautiful role in Dangal movie and had recently met the state chief minister has received death threats" Ravinder Raina told the house while raising a "point of information" when the House was discussing the budget,

Winding up the discussion on motion of thanks on governor's address to Joint houses of Legislature, Mehbooba also referred to Zaira's "excellent role" in "Dangal", and said, "our children are showing excellence in the fields of sports and others but unfortunately they don't get the due opportunity and appreciation".

EC allots 'Bicycle' symbol to Akhilesh group, says it is SP

Lucknow, Jan 16 (PTI) Dealing a severe blow to Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Election Commission today gave the symbol 'Bicycle' to the faction headed by Akhilesh Yadav, recognising it as the Samajwadi Party that came as a major boost to the Chief Minister ahead of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

A mere look at the figures of supporting MLAs, MLCs and MPs, National Executive members and National Convention delegates "will evidently demonstrate that Shri Akhilesh Yadav enjoys overwhelming majority support, both among the organisational and legislative wing of the party", the EC said in its order that was reserved on Friday.

The verdict by the three-member Election Commission headed by Nasim Zaidi came on the eve of the filing of nominations when parties will have to give the requisite forms authorising use of symbol to contest the elections.

The EC had reserved the order on January 13 after hearing both the sides for over five hours.

The order set off jubilation in the Chief Minister's camp with hordes of supporters marching to his residence and breaking into celebrations, bursting fire crackers and dancing to the beat of drums.

Welcoming the decision, SP General Secretary Ram Gopal Yadav, Akhilesh's uncle and the main strategist of his group, expressed the hope that a grand secular alliance will be formed to fight the elections, an apparent reference to a tie-up with Congress and some other outfits.

"As a logical consequence of the above finding and applying the test of majority approved by the Supreme Court in the case of Sadiq Ali and consistently applied by the Commission thereafter in all cases of disputes in recognised political parties arising before it from time to time for determination in terms of para 15 of the Symbols Order, the Commission hereby answers the issue number 2 by holding that the group led by Shri Akhilesh Yadav is the Samajwadi Party and is entitled to use its name and its reserved symbol 'Bicycle' for the purposes of Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment Order, 1968)," the EC said in its 46-page order.

The Commission noted that Akhilesh's faction had filed the affidavits of 205 of the 228 MLAs, 56 out of 68 MLCs, 15 out of 24 MPs, 28 out of 46 National Executive members and 4400 out of 5731 National Convention delegates which accounted for total delegates of 4716 out of 5731.

The order said Mulayam Singh's side did not file any affidavit of MPs or MLAs or any delegates claiming allegiance to it with the SP supremo maintaining that there was no split in the party needing determination of a dispute.

France wants JeM chief to be declared as intl terrorist by UN

New Delhi, Jan 15 (PTI) Days after China blocked India's proposal in the UN, the world body's key member France has pitched for designating Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, saying there are "very strong arguments in favour" of such a move.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, who was on a four-day India visit, also sent out a veiled message to China without naming it, saying "the international community's determination to combat terrorism must be the same everywhere, regardless of the threat." 

Pointing out that Azhar's outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad "is already included in the (Sanctions) Committee's list of terrorist organisations", he told PTI in an interview, "therefore, there are very strong arguments in favour of listing its chief, as India has requested".

That's why, he said, France not only supported but also co-sponsored the Indian request at the UNSC.

India had submitted in February last year a proposal to the 15-member 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council to list Azhar as an international terrorist for masterminding the attack on Pathankot Air base.

Since then, China had twice imposed "technical hold" on the Indian proposal and finally on December 30 last, it blocked it, becoming the only country to do so.

"We regret that, despite our joint efforts and wide support from the Committee, unanimity could not be reached," said Ayrault, whose country is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

He said France will now discuss with India what should be done. "India knows it can count on our support," he added.

Azhar, a resident of Bahawalpur in Pakistan, was one of the three terrorists freed by India in exchange of 166 hostages of Indian Airlines plane IC-814 which was hijacked to Kandahar in December 1999.

Azhar, at that time, belonged to Harkat-ul Mujahideen, and soon after his release, he floated the new outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pakistan which carried out several attacks in India, including on Parliament on December 13, 2001 and Pathankot Air base. .

Sidhu joins Congress after meeting Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi, Jan 15 (PTI) Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu today joined Congress ahead of assembly poll in Punjab after meeting party Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur had joined Congress in November last year leading to speculation that he may follow suit.

"Indian National Congress (INC) welcomes S Navjot Singh Sidhu into Congress family and we thank Congress Vice President for his visionary approach in bringing together like-minded people on common platform under the Congress umbrella," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said in a statement.

"Known for straight taking, ideological commitment to the cause of nationalism as also wit and humour, we are certain that Congress party will be immensely strengthened in Punjab and elsewhere with the entry of Sidhu," said the statement posted on the party twitter handle.

Navjot Kaur along with Pargat Singh, a former Akali Dal legislator who had joined hands with Sidhu to form the outfit Awaaz-E Punjab, had joined Congress after the Sidhus left the BJP.

Earlier, there was speculation that the couple may join Aam Aadmi Party but their talks with AAP leadership failed.

Punjab goes to polls on February 4.

Indo-US 'strategic convergence' at highest point: Obama admn

Washington, Jan 15 (PTI) The Obama Administration has asserted that the Indo-US "strategic convergence" is at its highest point, as it hoped that the incoming Trump government would continue to prioritise the bilateral partnership of "paramount importance" to address global challenges.

"I want to say, particularly (as) I sit in this position in the Department of State, the strategic convergence between the United States and India is at the highest point that it has ever been," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal told PTI in an interview.

"We see that by large we share a world view and we are now increasingly therefore talking to each other about challenges that we see as well as opportunities," she said.

As a political appointee, Biswal's term at the State Department ends on January 20 along with that of Barack Obama as US President when Donald Trump would succeed him as the 45th President of the US.

"The US-India relationship is built on a number of fundamentals that I think are consistent. We have a set of values, for democracy, for a pluralistic society, for a free society," Biswal said.

"We have a number of shared goals, objectives and inheritance to a rule-based international order, a desire to advance through peace and a focus on a shared prosperity," she said.

Biswal said she believes that these fundamentals would continue to define the Indo-US relationship.

"The next administration coming in, comes in with an understanding and appreciation for the important role that India has played and the increasingly consequential role that India will play on the global scene. And that a US India partnership therefore is of paramount importance to those countries in advancing those shared goals and interests," she asserted.

"We have certainly seen that in how President Obama has approached this relationship. It's a relationship that Barack Obama came in on day one focused on and in seeking out to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to be his first guest at the White House for a state visit, in calling Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi immediately after the election results were announced and issuing him immediately an invitation to the White House and a desire to partner," Biswal said.

This is because, for Obama, he has seen the important role that India has played and will play moving into the future, she noted.

"The world's oldest and largest democracies that have so much in common should make common cause in advancing both our own goals and for US and for India and for also how we work together to address global challenges," Biswal said.

"We saw that in Paris Agreement, the role that India played, we are seeing that increasingly in how India is becoming a net security provider, a provider of humanitarian relief, how India is becoming a moral, security and strategic economic force for not only India, not only South Asia, but really at a global level," Biswal said. .

Priyanka Chopra hospitalised after accident on 'Quantico' set

New York, Jan 14 (PTI) Indian actress Priyanka Chopra was involved in a minor accident on the set of her TV drama "Quantico" and taken to the hospital here.

The 34-year-old actress has since been released by the doctor, and is now "resting comfortably" at home, a representative from the production team of ABC confirmed to Entertainment Tonight.

According to TMZ, the actress slipped and fell on her head while performing a stunt during the filming of the show on Thursday. She suffered a concussion.

Priyanka was immediately rushed to hospital. The "Baywatch" actress was examined and treated at the emergency room before she got discharged a few hours later. She is now resting at home.

"I can confirm there was a minor incident last night on set. Priyanka was immediately taken to the hospital, examined by a doctor and released. (She) is resting comfortably at home on doctors orders, and will return to work after the weekend," a representative for the actress said.

Priyanka was noticeably absent during a press event for "Quantico" on Friday.

The actress is expected to return to work on the hit ABC show after the weekend, her representative told Us magazine.

Production on the show, which moved filming to New York for its second season, will not be shut down.

The accident came after the former Miss World attended the the 74th annual Golden Globe awards on Sunday.

PM greets the people, on the occasion of various festivals across India

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people, on occasion of various festivals across India.

"Today people across India are celebrating various festivals. My greetings to everyone celebrating these auspicious festivals!

Makar Sankranti greetings. May this day bring joy & prosperity in everyone's lives.

मकर संक्रांति की शुभकामनाएं। इस पावन पर्व पर सभी के जीवन में खुशहाली और संपन्नता आए।

Wishing my Tamil friends a happy & blessed Pongal. என் தமிழ் நண்பர்கள் அனைவருக்கும் மகிழ்ச்சியான  மற்றும் ஆசி நிறைந்த பொங்கல் வாழ்த்துகள்

On the special occasion of Magh Bihu, my greetings to the people of Assam. মাঘ বিহুৰ এই পৱিত্ৰক্ষণত, অসমবাসীলৈ মোৰ আন্তৰিক শুভেচ্ছা জনাইছো৷

Uttarayan greetings to the people of Gujarat. આપ સૌને ઉતરાયણ પર્વ ની હાર્દિક શુભકામનાઓ!

These & many other festivals celebrated across India add great colour & happiness in our lives. This diversity is India's greatest strength.

May these festivals bring abundance of happiness and prosperity in the lives of our hardworking farmers", the Prime Minister said.

INDIA’S FOREIGN TRADE: December, 2016

I. MERCHANDISE TRADE

EXPORTS (including re-exports)

In consonance with the revival exhibited by exports in the last three months, during December,2016 exports continue to show a positive growth of 5.72 per cent in dollar terms (valued at US$ 23884.97 million) and 7.79 per cent in Rupee terms (valued at Rs. 162179.89 crore) as compared to US$ 22593.35 million (Rs. 150461.57 crore) during December,2015.

Cumulative value of exports for the period April-December 2016-17 was US$ 198807.75 million (Rs. 1333913.57 crore) as against US$ 197333.62 million (Rs. 1278004.37 crore) registering a positive growth of 0.75 per cent in Dollar terms and positive growth of 4.37 per cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year.

Non-petroleum exports in December 2016 were valued at US$ 21117.73 million against US$ 20036.19 million in December 2015, an increase of 5.4 %. Non-petroleum exports during April - December 2016-17 were valued at US$ 176831.24 million as compared to US$ 172960.12 million for the corresponding period in 2015, an increase of 2.2%.

The growth in exports is negative for USA (-1.21%),China(-7.45%) and EU(-6.27%) but exhibited positive growth in case of Japan(3.79%) for October 2016 over the corresponding period of previous year as per latest WTO statistics.

IMPORTS

Imports during December 2016 were valued at US$ 34254.32 million (Rs. 232588.18 crore) which was 0.46 per cent higher in Dollar terms and 2.43 per cent higher in Rupee terms over the level of imports valued at US$ 34096.49 million (Rs. 227067.28 crore) in December, 2015. Cumulative value of imports for the period April-December 2016-17 was US$ 275355.92 million (Rs. 1848099.10 crore) as against US$ 297410.85 million (Rs. 1926024.55 crore) registering a negative growth of 7.42 per cent in Dollar terms and 4.05 per cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year.

CRUDE OIL AND NON-OIL IMPORTS:

Oil imports during December, 2016 were valued at US$ 7645.42 million which was 14.61 percent higher than oil imports valued at US$ 6670.61 million in December 2015. Oil imports during April-December, 2016-17 were valued at US$ 60921.83 million which was 10.76 per cent lower than the oil imports of US$ 68267.37 million in the corresponding period last year.

Non-oil imports during December, 2016 were estimated at US$ 26608.90 million which was 2.98 per cent lower than non-oil imports of US$ 27425.88 million in December, 2015. Non-oil imports during April-December 2016-17 were valued at US$ 214434.09 million which was 6.42 per cent lower than the level of such imports valued at US$ 229143.48 million in April-December, 2015-16.

 II. TRADE IN SERVICES (for November, 2016, as per the RBI Press Release dated 13th January 2017)

EXPORTS (Receipts)

Exports during November 2016 were valued at US$ 13338 Million (Rs. 90199.16 Crore) registering a positive growth of 1.72 per cent in dollar terms as compared to negative growth of 4.79 per cent during October 2016 (as per RBI’s Press Release for the respective months).

IMPORTS (Payments)

Imports during November 2016 were valued at US$ 8323 Million (Rs. 56284.87 Crore) registering a positive growth of 8.37 per cent in dollar terms as compared to negative growth of 7.51 per cent during October 2016 (as per RBI’s Press Release for the respective months).

III.TRADE BALANCE

MERCHANDISE: The trade deficit for April-December, 2016-17 was estimated at US$ 76548.17 million which was 23.51% lower than the deficit of US$ 100077.23 million during April-December, 2015-16.

SERVICES: As per RBI’s Press Release dated 13th January 2017, the trade balance in Services (i.e. net export of Services) for November, 2016 was estimated at US$ 5015 million. The net export of services for April- November, 2016-17 was estimated at US$ 42806 million which is lower than net export of services of US$ 46706 million during April- November, 2015-16. (The data for April-November 2015-16 and 2016-17 has been derived by adding April-November month wise QE data of RBI Press Release).

OVERALL TRADE BALANCE: Overall the trade balance has improved. Taking merchandise and services together, overall trade deficit for April- December 2016-17 is estimated at US$ 33742.17 million which is 36.78 percent lower in Dollar terms than the level of US$ 53371.23 million during April-December 2015-16. (Services data pertains to April-November 2016-17 as November 2016 is the latest data available as per RBI’s Press Release dated 13th January 2017)

President’s greetings on the eve of Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Pongal

New Delhi : The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has greeted his fellow countrymen on the eve of the festivals of Lohri (which falls on 13^th January, 2017) and Makar Sankranti & Pongal, (which fall on 14^th January, 2017).

In his message the President has said, "On the joyous occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Pongal, I convey warm greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens inIndia and abroad.

Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Pongal are expressions of joy and prosperity ushered in by a fresh harvest.  May the celebrations of these festivals bind all sections of our society together with the spirit of love, compassion and joy.

May these festivals which celebrate the hard work of our farmers and offer gratitude to mother nature bring happiness, peace and prosperity in every one’s life.”

Factory output grows 5.7 pc in Nov, shrugs off slowdown fears

New Delhi, Jan 12 (PTI) Belying expectations of a slowdown due to demonetisation, industrial production in November grew by 5.7 per cent compared to a contraction of 3.4 per cent in the same month a year ago.

Factory output measured in terms of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) got a push in November 2016 due to better performance of manufacturing, mining and electricity sectors coupled with larger offtake of capital goods, considered a barometer of investment.

Following demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes announced on November 8, 2016, it was feared that cash crunch will hit all sectors.

According to data released by the Central Statistics Office on Thursday, IIP for the month of October last year was revised slightly upwards to a contraction of 1.8 per cent from provisional estimates of (-) 1.9 per cent released last month.

As per the data, IIP growth during April-November period this fiscal remained almost flat at 0.4 per cent compared to 3.8 per cent a year ago.

Manufacturing sector, which constitutes over 75 per cent of the index, grew at 5.5 per cent in November compared to a decline in output by 4.6 per cent earlier.

However, during the April-November period the sector recorded a contraction of 0.3 per cent compared to a growth of 3.9 per cent.

Similarly, electricity generation grew at 8.9 per cent in November compared to a meagre 0.7 per cent a year ago. Mining output grew 3.9 per cent in November compared to 1.7 per cent same month a year ago.

Capital goods production increased by 15 per cent in November compared to a decline in production by 24.4 per cent earlier.

As per use-based classification, growth rates in November 2016 over November 2015 are 4.7 per cent in basic goods and 2.7 per cent in intermediate goods.

Consumer durables and consumer non-durables recorded growth of 9.8 per cent and 2.9 per cent respectively, with the overall growth in consumer goods being 5.6 per cent.

In terms of industries, 16 out of 22 industry groups in the manufacturing sector have shown growth during the month of November 2016 as compared to the corresponding month of the previous year.