Last month, government had decided to review the MFN status given to Pakistan at a meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But the meeting was postponed. The review decision was taken in the wake of the Uri attack. India also considered the option of dragging Pakistan to WTO over non-extension of the status. The neighbouring country has missed its own deadline of December 2012 for giving India this tag. As per the global trade norms, member countries of the WTO are required to give non-discriminatory market access as part of the MFN status to each other. Also Read: Do homework then demand special status for Andhra Pradesh: Nirmala Sitharaman

The bilateral trade between the countries stood at USD 2.61 billion in 2015-16. Talking about increasing imports from China, the minister said there is no instrument to completely stop imports from one country. It is impossible to completely ban imports from one country, she added. “But if one wants to restrict the imports because that country is giving more subsidy or on quality issue, then we have instruments like we can impose anti-dumping duties or safeguard measures,” she added. India has time and again raised the issue of widening trade deficit with China. In her meeting with Chinese Vice Minister for Finance and Commerce Wang Shouwen, Sitharaman has asked for providing greater market access for Indian products there. China has assured India that it will act on the concerns expressed by India. In 2015-16, India’s exports to China were USD 9 billion, while imports were USD 61.7 billion, leaving a huge trade deficit of USD 52.7 billion.

Nine Nobel prize winners –four in Physics, three in Chemistry and one each in Economics and Peace would also take part in the annual meet, he told PTI. Besides them, about 200 scientists from different nations and about 10,000 scientists and scholars from across the country would participate in the event and exchange their views on a range of scientific and technological issues, of both national and international importance, Rao said. Also Read: Army will not forgive if we sleep when we should be awake, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Several Union and state ministers, MPs and MLAs besides luminaries including Prof C N R Rao, R Chidambaram, K Kasturirangan, Prof Ashuthosh Sharma, Prof Ajay Sood, Vijay Raghavan, V K Saraswat and G Sateesh Reddy would attend the meet, the official added.

As per early reports, there were two terrorists who attacked the army camp. Senior army personnel, while interacting with Times Now reporter confirmed that two terrorists attacked the CRPF camp. Sources claim that there could be a third terrorist as well on the spot. The exact numbers have not been revealed. The terrorists struck at a time when the CRPF camp was caught off guard. The patrolling team was returning to the Zakura camp after day-long security arrangement. The terrorists might had fled away from the scene. More details are awaited.

Terror attack carried out at CRPF camp in Zakura, outskirts of Srinagar (J&K); further details awaited.

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 14, 2016

The Zakura camp stations CRPF patrolling team, along with SSB. The convoys were returning to the camps after day-long heavy security arrangement. However, prima facie it does not appear to be fidayeen attack. It could be a shoot and scoot operation carried out by the terrorists.

Special Operation Groups (SOG) of Jammu & Kashmir Police, along with CRPF troops have launched a search operation to nab the militants. The terror attack has been reported barely a couple of days after the Pampore encounter which lasted for 48 hours. A similar terror attack was reported nearly two weeks back in Baramulla, where 1 BSF jawan lost his life.

It will be injustice to the army if we sleep away when we have to be awake,” he said without elaborating. Addressing ex-servicemen and their families at the inauguration of ‘Shaurya Smarak’ (memorial to valour) here, he devoted his speech hailing the role of armed forces and their spirit of sacrifice in adverse situation. “Our army does not speak but displays its valour. When I would say this earlier, they (critics) would tear my hair out. They would say Modi is sleeping and doing nothing. Like our army which does not speak but displays its valour, our Defence Minister also does not speak…” he said with a pause as the audience broke into applause with some raising patriotic slogans. Also Read: Narendra Modi in Bhopal: Key takeaways from his speech to ex-servicemen

Modi said the ancestors in hundreds of years of India’s history never waged a war to capture a country. “But if it comes to fighting for values and ideals, India is never found wanting,” he said. Lauding the valour and humaneness of armed forces, he referred to their relief and rescue operations in Srinagar during the floods two years ago despite the violence they face from the stone-pelting mobs. “When massive floods hit Srinagar two years ago, the government found it difficult to deal with the situation and the country saw that our jawans were toiling to save people’s lives.

Surat AAP spokesperson Yogesh Jadvani said, “We know that it is a tactic by BJP to defame Kejriwal and AAP ahead of the rally. BJP workers are given rewards for putting the most defamatory poster. But, we are not bothered by such negative politics.” He also expressed confidence that over one lakh people would attend the rally. However, BJP said “anti-Kejriwal” people were coming forward to vent their anger against AAP and its leaders. “Kejriwal is known for doing such drama. We are least bothered even if he visits Gujarat thrice in a year or in a week. These posters are a natural reaction of people against Kejriwal’s anti-national stand. Also Read: AAP rally in Gujarat: Posters starring Arvind Kejriwal alongside Osama Bin Laden, Hafiz Saeed and Burhan Wani found across Surat

He would receive such welcome at any place in India. However, he would get a red-carpet welcome in Pakistan,” Gujarat BJP convener Harshad Patel said. “I am sure that if something goes wrong in his rally, he will blame our leaders, saying that it was done at the behest of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. He must have kept his script ready if things do not go down as per their plans,” he said. Earlier, banners showing “dubious” track record of several ministers in the AAP-led Delhi government had surfaced in Surat. In some societies of Varachha area, dominated by Patels, banners warning Kejriwal from entering the premises were also put up a few days ago.

1625 species of fish, 3000 species of Mollusk, 450 species of coral, 220 species of birds and 30 species of whales and dolphins. The Great Barrier reef harbored ‘The Great Eight’ all this time, which comprises of Clownfish, Sharks,Manta Rays, Maori Wrasse, Potato Cods, Giant Clams, Turtles, and Whales. Unfortunately, the climate change has taken its toll on one of the largest wilderness on the face of this Earth. Designated as a ‘world heritage site’ by UNESCO in 1981 for its splendid marine area, died a slow death after a prolonged ‘illness’. The reef could have been rescued and preserved for the future generations to witness, but it is very evident that nothing remarkable was done to save it.

The demise of one of the greatest treasure of nature to mankind is sadly but truly comes as a result of mankind’s influence on climate change. Noting else, but human greed and it resulting into global warming is the reason, we won’t be able to cherish The Great Barrier Reef. As a result of global warming, the reef started to wither and die. With the onset of millennium, mass bleaching became a major threat. More the carbon dioxide observed by oceans, more acidic it turns into. As did Reef, it turned more acidic with time and with it started to dissolve. (ALSO READ: BRICS environment ministers to meet in Goa on September 16)

Environmental writer Rowan Jacobsen wrote in an obituary published in Outside, “The Great Barrier Reef of Australia passed away in 2016 after a long illness. It was 25 million years old.” Jacobse also quoted Charlie Veron, chief scientist for the Australian Institute of Marine Science, “The whole northern section is trashed. It looks like a war zone. It’s heartbreaking.”

“I used to have the best job in the world. Now it’s turned sour… I’m 71 years old now, and I think I may outlive the reef.”

image source: Queensland

Watch here, what mankind has lost!

source: Queensland, Australia 

Here are top 10 takeaways from the Prime Minister’s speech:

1. ‘Government decided to give skill development training to soldiers in last year of service so that they doesn’t have to struggle for jobs’

2. Previous governments had made empty promises on OROP but when we came to power we fulfilled our promise and implemented it.’

3. While rescuing Indians in Yemen, Indian army also rescued a few Pakistanis, this is the example of humanity of our Indian army

4. While extending help, my soldiers did not for once think that these are the same people who pelt stones at them.

5. During floods in Srinagar, army men extended their help for the rescue and relief operation in the area

6. In some countries whenever people see jawans at airports or railway stations, they stand up and applause, we should also adopt this

7. Like our army doesn’t say but displays its valour, similarly our Defence Minister also doesn’t speak

Complementing the army’s humanitarian activities across the globe, Modi aid, “Terrorism in west Asia has taken an ugly shape. Thousands of Indians were stranded in Yemen and their lives were hanging between life and death. Our armed forces brought out more than 5,000 Indians and many foreigners, including Pakistan’s citizens, safely out of Yemen.”  Talking about OROP which was implemented under his regime, Modi said that high morale is the biggest weapon of any army and in our country it comes from the backing of 125 crore Indians. He further added saying that our army does not display its talent but takes action when required. Modi said, “Our army doesn’t talk but displays valour. Our army is happiest when we sleep in peace. They have no complaint. But they will never forgive us if we sleep when we should be awake. Unfortunately, we have been found sleeping when we should have been awake.” (ALSO READ: Amid Kashmir unrest, Narendra Modi lauds Indian army for rescuing ‘stone-pelters’ at times of crisis)

Lauding the armed forces, Modi relief and rescue operations two years ago that the army conducted in Srinagar despite the violence they faced from the stone-pelting mobs. He said, ”When massive floods hit Srinagar two years ago, the government found it difficult to deal with the situation and the country saw that our jawans were toiling to save people’s lives.”

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh Congress demanded Modi to speak “few words” on alleged multi-crore Vyapam scam, during his visit to inaugurate the ‘Shaurya Smarak’ in Bhopal.

#WATCH Crowd in Bhopal cheers as PM Modi says, “Army doesn’t speak, only displays its valour” pic.twitter.com/rAbUlV7rOn

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 14, 2016

Most Thais had known no other king. Bhumibol, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, had been on the throne for 70 years. His son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is to ascend the throne, followed the king’s body in a yellow Mercedes van. Accompanying Vajiralongkorn was his consort, Lt. Gen. Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhaya. Behind them were dozens of cars. The body will lie at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, inside the Grand Palace complex for an undisclosed duration. No date has been set for the cremation. “I wanted to send his majesty off for the last time. Also Read: Thailand declares Friday as mourning day for late king Bhumibol Adulyadej

When I got here the atmosphere was so sad, and everyone had the same emotions,” said Win Weeraprateep, 27, an office worker waiting along the convoy route for two hours. “When I heard the news (of the king’s death) I lost my breath. I couldn’t believe that it was real. I didn’t want to work, I didn’t want to have fun,” he said. “I just don’t want to do anything anymore.” Today marked the first day in 70 years that Thailand has been without a king as Vajiralongkorn asked for more time to mourn with the rest of the nation before ascending the throne. The constitution says that in the absence of a king, the head of the Privy Council will become the regent, but it is vague about the situation in which the heir apparent hasn’t taken over.

The government declared a public holiday and people across the shaken nation donned black, their eyes swollen and red with hours of weeping. Many were still sobbing, in building halls, elevators, shops, in spontaneous outbursts of emotion that reflected the deep love and respect Bhumibol commanded. The momentous news of his death, announced in a palace statement, had long been both anticipated and feared. But the nation remained stable and life continued largely as usual with most shops, banks and tourist sites open. A one-year mourning period for the government has been declared together with a 30-day moratorium on state and official events.

Pointing out that it would have an adverse and negative impact on the morale of the soldiers, Choudhary, also the education minister in Nitish Kumar government, urged the Centre to review it and the Defence Minister to clarify the position. Alleging that a sense of “insecurity has gripped Dalits and minorities ever since BJP came to power at the Centre”, the BPCC president made a fervent appeal to Dalits and muslims to come together “as both have quite common similarities vis-a-vis social indicators be it education, employment opportunities, insecurity”. Also Read: Congress already preparing for 2018 Rajasthan polls: Sachin Pilot

Stating that Dalits are facing several difficulties, Choudhary claimed that only 4.4 per cent and 2.4 per cent of the Dalit population are graduates and post-graduates respectively, 42.3 per cent of them are still below poverty line and majority of them are landless labourers. Choudhary said Congress would organise a ‘Mahasammelan’ for scheduled castes and minorities in the state capital on October 17 to discuss their demands and aspirations. The BPCC president said that the conference would be inaugurated by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad while Bihar in-charge and general secretary C P Joshi will be the chief guest. The conference would be attended by former Speaker Meira Kumar, Shakeel Ahmad, senior party leaders of the state and MLAs and MLCs, he said.

“Ceasefire violations on the Line of Control and interference in the internal affairs of neighbours are indicative of Indian nervousness,” Radio Pakistan quoted Zakaria as saying in his weekly briefing. He said Pakistan has very effectively taken up the situation in Kashmir at all levels. Pakistan will continue to highlight Indian “atrocities and human rights violations” in Kashmir at the world fora, Zakaria said. Also Read: 8 terrorists killed in Pakistan’s Punjab

The Foreign Office Spokesman regretted that India was “obstructing” the dispatch of “fact-finding mission” by UN Human Rights Council to Kashmir. He said India’s “claim” of surgical strikes is one of the many “lies” that New Delhi has been telling to the world community. Zakaria alleged that India’s objective was to “divert attention” of the world from “gross human rights violations” in Kashmir. He claimed that Indian media reported many things against facts and said credit goes to the Pakistani media for “exposing it”.

Mehta said “terrorism will be a major item in both Hungary and Algeria”. She said terrorism is not new for Algeria and it has fought a very difficult terror group in the recent past. “There will be meetings of minds to fight terrorism with all his interlocutors and counterparts in both the countries,” she said. During the visit, Mehta said, Ansari will have bilateral meetings with Presidents of Hungary and Algeria, Prime Minister of Hungary and Speakers of national assembly. Also Read: Large population has led to stress on water resources, says Hamid Ansari

She said the high-level visit to Hungary comes after more than two decades when the then President Shankar Dayal Sharma had visited the central European country in 1993. Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in 2001. While around 50 Indian companies are operating in Hungary and have made their base to expand their businesses in other European countries, bilateral trade between India and Algeria stood at 1.5 billion per annum, majority of which are related to importing oil and oil products to India.

He said that since triple talaq is not in practice in several Muslim countries and a number of Muslim women organisations have pressed for its abolition, the Constitution and the judiciary are the appropriate forums to settle the issue once and for all. The All India Muslim Personal Board (AIMPB) has vociferously opposed any move to abolish triple talaq, saying it will be an infringement on the personal law governing the minority community. On the strife in Jammu and Kashmir, Anwar blamed the ruling PDP-BJP coalition government for the “mess” in the border state and said that the people felt cheated in the manner the state government has handled the law and order situation there. Also Read: Jihad, terrorism are different things: Tariq Anwar

“A piquant situation prevails in Jammu and Kashmir as there is a coalition government comprising two parties (PDP and BJP) with neither having the mandate of the people to be in power,” the NCP leader said. On the surgical strikes by the Indian Army across LoC recently, he said the credit went entirely to the armed forces for destroying terror camps across the border. Anwar ridiculed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for taking credit for the surgical strikes.

Pointing at Prajapati, who was sitting near him, Yadav said “persons like Prajapati have become ministers. He is an undisputed leader and devoted for the party and work for it”. Announcing that SP will be organising a programme on the silver jubilee of the party on November 4 at Janeshwar Mishra Park in the state capital, he said Prajapati will be its coordinator. Also Read: Samajwadi Party’s Chief Ministerial candidate to be decided by party legislature, says Mulayam Singh Yadav

He directed all the party MP, MLAs, ministers and workers to participate in the programme. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had sacked Prajapati, who was the Mining minister, following charges of illegal mining against him. The Allahabad High Court had ordered a CBI probe into it. He was later reinstated, following intervention of SP chief, and given Transport ministry.

The king’s body is set to be moved from Siriraj Hospital to the Grand Palace on Friday, a complex of temples and pavilions in the heart of Bangkok.

Many people are expected to go to the hospital, the Grand Palace and other places to mourn the late king, who was the world’s longest-reigning monarch with 70 years of rule. On social media, many Thais changed the colour of their profiles to black and white as a sign of respect for their beloved king. Also Read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoles death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, calls him ‘one of tallest leaders’

The Chinese leader’s comments came as he along with Hasina witnessed the signing of 26 bilateral agreements and MoUs mainly on power, road and railway connectivity after bilateral talks, hours after Xi’s arrival here for a two-day visit. “The two leaders simultaneously opened six projects,” the spokesman said, without giving details of the projects. Earlier, Bangladesh rolled out the red carpet for Xi, the first Chinese head of state to visit the country in 30 years. Also Read: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina asks India, Pakistan to exercise restraint

A 21-gun salute marked Xi’s arrival as he stepped down from a special Air China flight and was received by Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid. Four Bangladeshi Air Force jets escorted the aircraft carrying the Chinese leader as it entered the country’s airspace while a contingent of army, navy and air force accorded him a guard of honour after he landed. “We are ready to work with the Bangladeshi side to further deepen our political mutual trust and elevate our relations and practical cooperation to a higher level,” Xi said in a statement to the Chinese media at the airport. Prime Minister Hasina had told Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency on the eve of Xi’s visit that the tour would usher in a new era of “intensive cooperation”.

“We are very happy and feel honoured that President Xi is coming to Bangladesh. I believe that President Xi’s visit will also be more important for South Asia,” she said. Hasina described China as Bangladesh’s “largest trading partner and said that her country considers China as a “trusted partner” in realising its dreams.

“China is the leading generator of many of our mega projects in terms of finance, capitalisation and technology,” she said. Analysts say Dhaka is seeking to develop economic ties with China while keeping its warm, strategic and political relations with India, as its traditional ally. Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali, told a media briefing yesterday, that Xi’s visit would have no negative impact on Bangladesh’s relations with other countries, particularly with India. “We don’t think so,” he said when asked if the visit could have any impact on Bangladesh’s very warm relations with New Delhi.

Jayarajan, considered number two in cabinet and close to Chief Minister Vijayan, had appointed his nephew P K Sudheer, son of P K Sremathi, party MP from Kannur and another Central Committee member and Deepthi Nishad, daughter-in law of his brother as Managing Director and General Manager respectively. His continuation as minister became untenable as a majority of state secretariat members voiced concern over the development as the issue could dent the image of the LDF government, which had come to power promising a transparent and corruption free governance. Announcing the Secretariat’s decision, Balakrishnan told reporters that Jayarajan had wanted to resign to?”uphold the party’s image and set an exemplary model in contrast to the previous Congress-led UDF government”. Also Read: Appointment row: Kerala Industry minister E P Jayarajan resigns

“CPI(M) is against any illegal appointments. However, the party does not think that being a relative of a leader is a disqualification to get a job in government service,” he said. Putting up a brave face, he also attacked Congress-led UDF and BJP government at the Centre, alleging that their ministers were involved in controversies, but none of them had resigned. Pointing out that despite being dogged by controversies, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundara Raje Scindia had not resigned, Balakrishan said the BJP had in fact ‘protected’ them. Attacking the UDF,?he said the Front had amended a law to appoint relatives of ministers.

The present decision of CPI(M) is to make clear that “our stand is different from that of UDF and BJP”. Asked if the controversy had dented the government’s image, he said: “Do you think the Pinarayi government’s image will be dented with an appointment controversy?” CPI(M) was of the opinion that alleged irregularities in appointments during the term of the previous UDF government should also be investigated, he said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he had received Jayarajan’s resignation letter.

“The result of the three-hour-long questioning by the ACB is: stop the swiftness with which the Delhi Government is working for the people, he posted on his Twitter handle. In the past one and a half years, the works that the Delhi Government carried out and the swiftness with which those works were carried out had not happened in the past 20 years,” he added.   Earlier, Soisodia said that some people were conspiring against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as they are extremely upset with the working of the Arvind Kejriwal-led government.    “We are working for the people of Delhi, but some people are not able to accept it. Also Read: DCW recruitment scam: Manish Sisodia to appear before ACB today

That is why they have left the ACB, the CBI everyone behind us. It is all right, we will answer them,” Sisodia told the media here prior to appearing before the ACB.  Sisodia had reportedly written a letter demanding an autonomous status for the women’s panel, but an issue cropped up since only the Chief Minister has the authority to write that letter to the Lieutenant Governor.  “Sisodia will also be grilled and we will ask him on whose authority did he send the letter,” ACB chief M.K. Meena had said.

 Stating it was found prima facie after an inquiry that there were confirmed irregularities in the appointments in DCW, Meena asserted that the panel does not have the authority to make such decisions, adding the AAP Government was not even implementing a transparent manner like advertising about the job vacancies.

 ”The complaint stated that these people have done the recruitment against the procedures and they do not have the authority to hire people in that manner. Besides that, they are giving out salaries on an arbitrary basis and on their own call. There are also some people, who got jobs because they were close to those within the panel,” he said.  Emphasizing that this was complete misuse of authority and funds, the ACB chief said that a case has been filed against DCW Chief Swati Maliwal under the Prevention of Corruption Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).  The DCW is under the ACB scanner for arbitrarily appointing 85 people in the last one year.

Alleging that BJP and SP were taking care of each other’s interests, Siddiqui cited examples to prove that whenever SP was strong it was BJP which had gained strength whereas a strong BSP has harmed BJP in the state. Siddiqui said that Mulayam Singh Yadav’s “birth in politics was due to RSS and BJP” and accused the SP of having a secret understanding with the saffron party. Also Read: Still remember BSP’s proximity with BJP: Akhilesh Yadav

The BSP leader said that though his party formed government with BJP’s support three times, it never toed the ideology of RSS or BJP. “BSP supremo Mayawati sacrificed her government when she was being dictated terms,” he said. Taking SP to task for making promises to Muslims which cannot be fulfilled like reservation, Siddiqui said the community will not fall prey to their designs anymore.

“The Committee has created a dangerous climate of fear and uncertainty among the bureaucracy, thus threatening to derail the government functioning in its entirety, noted the Cabinet,” he said. “We have requested the L-G to dissolve the committee as the Lt Governor has no power. The jurisdiction of L-G is well defined under Article 239AA of Constitution of India, the GNCTD Act, 1991, and the rules framed under the Act,” he said. If the committee continues its “illegal” functioning, not only will it imperil public welfare, it has also the potential to create a serious constitutional crisis in the national capital, noted the Cabinet, according to the Deputy CM. Also Read: There is no Lieutenant General vs Chief Minister, Najeeb Jung in tussle with Delhiites: Arvind Kejriwal

Sisodia said the “impounding” of over 400 files by L-G is against the transaction of business rules and GNCTD Act. “Cabinet also brought to the notice of the L-G that the August 4 Delhi High Court judgment which is being invoked by him to take such actions, has not become final and is presently under challenge before the Supreme Court,” he said. Notices have already been issued by the apex court and the matter is to be finally heard on November 25, he said.

“It would have been prudent for the L-G to await the final decision of the apex court before taking such unilateral actions bypassing the elected government,” said Sisodia. He claimed that several officers have reported to their respective ministers that they were summoned by the committee informally and grilled for many hours for decisions taken by them in public interest over the last one-and-a-half years. “Such summoning of officers through oral instructions and then questioning them over the content of the files without duly recording and authenticating the officers’ version is against the well-established norms of transparency and propriety,” he added.

“7th Pay Commission decided to use 2.57 as the fitment factor. This multiplier was to be used on the existing amount of pension hiked as per 6th Pay Commission. We did not do it as the hike for ex-servicemen would have been low. We declined this suggestion and instead decided to use the pensions hiked through OROP as the base. Although it provided them a double hike, but we did not step back. The ex-servicemen of the nation should be happy,” Modi said, receving a huge applause from the crowd.

Modi conceded the fact that several anomalies has been raised regarding the 7th Pay Commission. “After the implementation of every Pay Commission, several anomalies are raised. Our government has constituted committees to look into the anomalies. Our Air Force Chief wrote to us regarding the same,” he added. (ALSO READ: Narendra Modi addresses ex-servicemen in Bhopal: ‘Indian army displays bravery beyond borders, had rescued Pakistanis’)

The armed forces had demanded the creation of Uniformed Pay Patrix, which would enable them to equal levels of pay hikes as their civilian counterparts. While government employees are provided 40 levels of pay hike, the armed forces are provided only 24. This not only leads to stagnation of salary hike, but also impacts the pensions which they draw after retirement. (ALSO READ: 7CPC -Betrayal of Defence personnel? Here is what the armed forces & ex-servicemen demanded)

Apart from the Uniform Pay Matrix, the ex-servicemen had demanded the AK-Mathur led 7th Pay Panel to create parity in allowances. To present their case before the Empowered Committee of Secretaries, the servicemen had cited the example of a CAPF DIG and a Brigadier posted in Leh. While both are living under same strenous conditions and exhibited to equal kind of hardships on duty, the former is provided Rs 57,000 as allowance, whereas the latter could draw only Rs 17,000 in form of allowances. Similarly, the armed forces had also demanded the equation of disability allowances with their civilian counterparts.

The above issues raised by the armed forces are currently being looked into by the High-level committee formed to look into various anomalies.

Narendra Modi, during his rally, also took the credit for implementing OROP. “Previous governments had made empty promises on OROP but when we came to power we fulfilled our promise and implemented it,” he said. Modi further added that the armed forces exhibited dignity in their protest by launching their agitation in their retirement age. “Unlike the Unions who stop their work, the armed forces have fulfilled their duty and then devoted time to launch an agitation for that, which is their right,” Modi said.