Author: Our Correspondent

Being an ace lawyer, former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley quickly had a hold over the goods and services tax (GST) laws, but it was his political acumen that helped resolves all the contentious issues related to the new indirect tax regime. Not surprisingly, as the chairman of the all-powerful GST Council he ensured that all decisions were taken through consensus taking the opposition parties on board. Using his excellent inter-personal skill, Jaitley drove the country’s biggest tax reform and led the team of officers to launch the GST within the stipulated time. Among the key lieutenants were Revenue Secretary Hasmukh…

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Former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Saturday after a prolonged illness, was not only one of the tallest BJP leaders but also the party trouble shooter who had unprecedented acceptability in the opposition ranks. Probably that explains the condolences that are pouring in after his demise from all possible quarters. Manipur Governor Najma Heptullah fondly remembered him not only as a former cabinet colleague but also as a legal luminary, “He could speak very well not only on the floor of the House but also inside the…

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his condolences over the demise of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, saying that he has lost a valued friend and that the BJP and Jaitley shared an unbreakable bond. Jaitley, 66, passed away after prolonged illness at the AIIMS on Saturday morning. Modi said in a series of tweets: “BJP and Arun Jaitley Ji had an unbreakable bond. As a fiery student leader, he was at forefront of protecting our democracy during the Emergency. He became a much liked face of our Party, who could articulate the Party programmes and ideology to a…

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Former Finance Minister and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitely passed away at AIIMS on Saturday after prolonged illness. Jaitley had undergone dialysis on Thursday. Also Read: Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s health continues to be critical “It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Member of Parliament (MP) at 12:07 p.m. on Saturday. Jaitley was admitted in AIIMS, New Delhi on Auguts 9 and was treated by a multi-disciplinary team of senior doctors,” said Aarti Vij, Chairperson, Media and Protocol, AIIMS.

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President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted the nation on the occasion of Janmashtami. In a tweet, Kovind said: “Greetings and good wishes to fellow citizens on Janmashtami. As we reflect upon the timeless teachings of Lord Krishna, may this be a joyous day full of festivities and celebrations for all of us.” Modi also took to Twitter and said: “Janmashtami greetings to everyone! May the blessings of Bhagwan Shri Krishna always bring happiness and good health in our lives. Jai Shri Krishna!” Also Read: Presidential Election 2017: Ram Nath Kovind elected 14th President of…

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The 2019 edition of the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive on Friday saw designers play with traditional weaves and fabrics in modern ways. The day started with designers Abhishek Sharma, Kshitij Jalori and Sunaina Khera showcasing their collections at the week-long event that completed 20 years. Sharma’s collection had a feel of traditional Mithila paintings and drew inspiration from the “union of male and female forms in ancient Indian philosophy”. The designer tried to draw a contrast between silhouettes, colours, textures and embroidery. Fabrics like chiffon, satin, organza and handloom silks were used to create crop tops, skirts, dresses, gowns and…

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Days after being chosen for the Arjuna Award, Ravindra Jadeja played a matured knock of 58 and then took a wicket as India reduced West Indies to 82/3 after posting 297 in the first innings, on Day 2 of the first Test here on Friday. West Indies trail India by 215 runs. All-rounder Jadeja, who was batting on 3 at close of play on the first day with Rishabh Pant (20), took 112 balls for his 58 which was studded with six fours and a six as he took the visitors to a competitive first innings score which looked distant…

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After creating history by becoming the first men’s singles player after Prakash Padukone in 1983 to win a World Championships medal, Sai Praneeth on Friday termed his straight games victory over world No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia as a “very big win”. Just a week after being chosen for the Arjuna Award, Praneeth breezed past Christie 24-22, 21-14 in 51 minutes to progress to the semifinals, thus assuring himself of a bronze medal. He will next take on defending champion and world No.1 Kento Momota of Japan on Saturday. Padukone had won the bronze at the Worlds 36 years…

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday night reached Abu Dhabi, on the second leg of his three-nation visit. “Looking forward to holding talks with His Highness Crown Prince@MohamedBinZayed Aand discussing the full range of friendship between India and UAE. Deepening economic relations will also be on the agenda during this visit,” the Prime Minister tweeted on arrival from France. Modi would meet the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to discuss bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest. On Saturday, he would have an Interaction with the NRI business community, which would be followed…

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The 31st edition of the prestigious World Design Assembly (WDA) will take place for the first time in India at Hyderabad on October 11-12. Along with this event the city will also host the inaugural edition of Hyderabad Design Week (HDW). This five day event from October 9 will be organized by the Government of Telangana, in partnership with India Design Forum (IDF). It is aimed at demonstrating the power of design to improve lives. Key events in the programme will include the Autodesk Design Night, WDA Education Forum, IDF Awards, networking dinners at the historic Taj Falaknuma Palace and…

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