Netanyahu thanks PM for rescue of Israelis during Nepal quake

sraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for his “superb” cooperation and for saving lives of many Israeli tourists during the rescue operation in earthquake-hit Nepal earlier this year.

Meeting on the sidelines of the Paris Climate summit on Monday, Mr. Netanyahu said, “I have to also say that your cooperation in the disaster in Nepal was superb.”

Copters, fast-tracking Israeli relief

The Israeli Premier had also called Mr. Modi during the rescue operation to thank him for providing helicopters to assist with the rescue of Israelis (from Nepal) and permitting Israeli relief planes to land in India.

As many as 700 Israeli tourists were in Nepal when two major earthquakes hit the Himalayan nation in April and May this year, killing over 9,000 people and leaving behind a trail of devastation. India had fast-tracked customs clearance for Israeli relief supplies travelling to Nepal, besides allowing use of Indian airspace. India also provided helicopters to assist with the rescue of Israeli tourists.

Thanks PM for invite

Mr. Netanyahu also thanked the Indian leader for extending invitations to himself and the Israeli President and said that he was looking forward to it “as a historic visit.”

“We have the best of relations and that can be made even better,” the Israeli Prime Minister said.

The Indian Prime Minister expressed happiness at the ongoing interaction between the two of them.

“I am happy that often we can talk easily on telephone, we can discuss everything. It has very rarely happened. In your case it has happened,” Mr. Modi told Mr. Netanyahu. The Israeli Premier promptly responded saying, “in your case too.”

Chemistry draws attention

The chemistry between the two leaders has received a lot of publicity in the local media in the past.

Mr. Netanyahu often describes Mr. Modi as his friend and the media here has often credited this relationship for some of the “unprecedented” developments in the ties between the two nations.

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Who Wore What At The Filmfare Style And Glamour Awards

It was an evening to reward the most fashion forward celebrities in Bollywood, and it was obviously no surprise when the who’s who of the film industry showed up looking at the peak of their fashion game. Besties Sonam Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez made an appearance in some seriously head-turning, extravagant gowns. And for you ladies to feast on, there was even a host of dapper men with the likes of SRK, Imran Khan and Sooraj Pancholi looking suave as ever in their crisply ironed suits! Get scrolling to see who wore what at the Filmfare Style And Glamour Awards:

1. Jacqueline Fernandez In Shady Zeineldine

Jacqueline dazzled on the red carpet with a shimmery gown designed by Lebanese fashion designer Shady Zeineldine, who is infamous for designing Kendall Jenner’s Halloween outfit, by the way! With it’s see-through style and a fitted bodice, she paired up this beauty with a diamond earrings and Louboutin heels

2. Malaika Arora Khan In Insabel Sanchissl

We can trust only Malaika to pull off this high-on-drama (and ruffles!) look without looking too overdone. Paired by contrasting jewels by Farah Khan and a neat updo, she definitely slayed on the red carpet.

3. Sonam Kapoor In Micheal Inco

If anyone can do extravagant right, it’s got to be Sonam Kapoor. The style savvy diva makes another winning appearance thanks to her feminine poise and sister, Rhea Kapoor’s sartorial sense. We’re crushing over the bright colour and the bardot style of this beautiful gown!

4. Alia Bhatt In Georges Chakra

She won the award for the trendsetter of the year, and we know why! Her monochrome ensemble is simply so stylish and well-fitted on her, plus can you really take your eyes off those Coco Chanel- Karl Lagerfeld miss-match earrings? Because we know they’re next on our lust list. Alia finishes off the look with a pair of quirky Jimmy Choo heels

5. Sonakshi Sinha In Monisha Jaising

Sonakshi is giving us major Egyptian vibes in a red gown by Monisha Jaisingh. The deep neck and layered bell sleeves are simply to die for, and so is that pyramid-inspired Judith Leiber clutch. One of her most glamorous looks till date, don’t you think?

6. Aditi Rao Hydari In Sandeep Khosla

Aditi and her effortless style are never really separated from each other. She proved why she totally deserved that invite in a ruffled skirt by Sandeep Khosla and a basic white shirt from Zara. Classic wings and a ballerina bun were the perfect additions to seal the look.

7. Athiya Shetty In Amanda Wakeley

Styled by Ami Patel, Athiya went for a classic black dress with gold embellishments. Though the look was a bit simple considering she won Fashion Debut of the Year, we think she made it look better by pairing it with a bold lip and a dull, smokey eye.

8. Neha Dhupia In John Paulataker

Neha Dhupia is really making a statement with her style these days. Another addition to her look is this edgy, metallic gown by John Paulataker paired with a spiked Bottega Veneta clutch. Loving the bold eyes in this ensemble!

9. Sooraj Pancholi In Canali

10. Shah Rukh Khan

11. Aditya Roy Kapoor

12. Imran Khan In Tom Ford

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There’s Something Strongly Magical About Priyanka Chopra’s Saree

Global or desi, hot or cool — Priyanka Chopra can do it all, and with utmost ease and style. Truly, the ‘Desi Girl’ sent us into raptures with her latest fashion pick!
The leggy beauty always rocks with her spot on style statements, and trust us, there’s not even one single time that she’s gone in the wrong books of the fashion police!
Ms Chopra is sincerely a fashion icon, and her latest outing was simply the best of hers yet. For a promotional event for her upcoming film Bajirao Mastani in Mumbai, PeeCee turned up wearing an amazing ensemble. She picked a black floral embroidered saree from Rohit Bal’s 2015 bridal collection.
The highlight of the saree was her corset blouse with sheer high neck detailing. The diva rounded off her look with a top knot bun, and she totally rocked in it!
Hmmm, but still, the fashion police were little disappointed with her harsh lip colour and her bare arms, ahem, we felt a bit awkward. Alas!
What do you say?

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As Modi, Sharif meet, Delhi Police link spy ring to Pakistan High Commission

In a dramatic turn, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Minister Nawaz Sharif met and spoke on the sidelines of the UNFCCC main event in Paris on Monday, shaking hands and sharing a sofa set as they chatted easily for a few minutes in private. While neither side issued any statement on what prompted the meeting, it was not by chance. Sources confirmed to The Hindu that NSA Ajit Doval had met with Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit two weeks ago, to discuss the possibility of the Prime Ministers meeting in Paris. “If we really keep positive sentiments for one another, we must take practical steps towards their fulfillment,” Mr. Sharif was quoted by Pakistani media as saying on Monday after his meeting with Mr. Modi. “We want to make progress and improve both internal and external matters,” he said, adding that all states should adopt the path of dialogue for resolution of issues.

The meeting came on the same day Delhi police claimed a spy ring busted by them in Jammu had possible links to the Pakistan High Commission. Referring to the two men arrested including a BSF head constable and his alleged ISI recruiter, Joint Commissioner of Police Ravindra Yadav told the media that they had been " invited to Pakistan by their handler and told that their people at the Pakistan high commission will help him.” Mr. Yadav added that no investigation had been undertaken against the Pakistan High Commission as the men were “not aware of the contact of the concerned person at the high commission.” However, the government ally Shiv Sena demanded that the High Commission be shut down in view of the alleged spy racket. “The Pakistan High Commission in Delhi should be locked and the key should be thrown away. It should be closed," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told a news agency.The developments in Delhi didn’t seem to affect the bonhomie between the two prime ministers in Paris, however, who officials said exchanged pleasantries during the conversation. While officials wouldn’t confirm if any substantive issues were also discussed, it is possible they discussed India and Pakistan’s similar positions on the need for ‘climate justice’ during the COP21 event. Shortly before leaving for Paris, Mr. Modi had spoken on his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio address of his desire for a joint SAARC forum to fight climate change.

PM Modi’s meeting with Mr. Sharif marked the first between the two leaders since the summit in Ufa this July, which was followed by the cancellation of NSA talks they had agreed upon. In September, the two leaders had also shared a common stage at a UN peacekeeping conference, but had failed to meet, or to exchange more than a wave while in New York together. It remains to be seen whether the conversation between the two leaders could kickstart any further engagement between India and Pakistan that has been hanging fire for months. In particular, Pakistan has invited EAM Sushma Swaraj to attend the ‘Heart of Asia’ donor conference on Afghanistan to be held in Islamabad on December 7th, and that apart, the BCCI has submitted a proposal for permission for Team India to play a series of cricket matches with Pakistan in Sri Lanka later this month. Any forward movement on either proposal could mark a thaw in ties between the two countries.

“It is too early to say what will be the formal outcome of the meeting in Paris. But both the leaders should get sufficient space to decide the future course of action,” advised Jayant Prasad, Director General, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). However ,any plans for an India-Pakistan thaw could be dealt a blow with any possible further revelations from the ISI spy ring bust. Police wouldn’t comment on whether the spy chain busted in Jammu had any links to the other alleged ISI modules busted in Kolkata and other parts of the country, but wouldn’t rule it.

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More room for banks to pass on rate cuts: Raghuram Rajan

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan on Tuesday said that there is more room for rate cut by banks as the lenders on an average have only passed less than half of the 1.25 per cent reduction announced during 2015.

“I think if you look at 1-3 year deposits, banks have already cut significantly more than what has been transmitted through the base rate. In that sense, there is room building up for the banks to transmit more. I think it is a matter of time as these costs flow through,” Dr. Rajan said.

“Thus far, we have seen only half the interest rate cuts since January passed through. We are working with the banks...,” he said after unveiling fifth bi-monthly monetary policy statement, 2015-16 here.

Since the rate reduction cycle that commenced in January, less than half of the cumulative policy repo rate reduction of 125 basis points has been transmitted by banks, he said, adding, the median base lending rate has declined only by 60 basis points.

The RBI in four installments reduced interest rate by 1.25 per cent to 6.75 per cent. The first rate cut of 0.25 per cent was effected in January, followed by similar rate cut in March. The third rate cut of 0.25 per cent was done in June.

In the last policy review on September 29, the RBI had slashed interest rate by 0.5 per cent.

The benchmark repurchase (repo) rate has subsequently come down from 7.25 per cent to 6.75 per cent, the lowest in four-and-a-half years.

Banks have been saying the high small saving rates are hindering banks from reducing interest rates. If banks reduce rate unilaterally, they will become uncooperative.

The rate reduction on small savings like PPF and post office deposit is also going to bring down the cost of fund for banks.

“The government is considering small saving rates and tying them more to market interest rates. I think both these actions will help transmission,” he added.

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Athletes endorse 2016 Olympics canoe slalom venue

The Rio 2016 international canoe slalom course won widespread praise from athletes after the completion of the sport’s official Olympic test event.

“It’s already my favorite course. For me, it’s the best in the world,” Brazilian canoeist Ana Satila told Rio2016.com on Monday.

Satila, who finished sixth in the K1 women’s final, said the test event allowed her to envisage how the competition might pan out next year, reports Xinhua.

“We are now moving on to the World Cup, but with the advantage of having trained hard here, which will give us the experience we need to arrive well at the Games,” the 19-year-old said.

Italy’s Daniele Molmenti, the current K1 Olympic champion, praised the tricky nature of the course. “There was no room to breathe. It demanded a lot, both physically and mentally.”

Likewise, three-time C1 Olympic champion Tony Estanguet, who was at the Deodoro Park venue as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s athlete commission, gave his approval.

“Every five metres you have something different,” the Frenchman said. “The course is very demanding and it was a key step for the athletes to come to the test event. It has given them confidence.

“Everyone showed themselves to be serious and focused. I saw it in their eyes. I had a good feeling about the overall atmosphere,” Estanguet added.

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Royal Enfield sales jump 48% in November

Royal Enfield today reported 48 per cent jump in total motorcycles sales to 40,769 units in November as against 27,542 units sold in the same month last year.

Domestic sales of the Chennai-based two-wheeler maker stood at 40,312 units during the month as against 27,198 units in the same month of 2014, a jump of 48.21 per cent. Royal Enfield’s sales of motorcycle with engine capacity of up to 350cc rose 52 per cent to 37,455 units as compared to 24,610 units in November 2014. Sales of motorcycle with engine capacity exceeding 350cc stood at 3,314 units as against 2,932 units in same month a year ago, an increase of 13 per cent.

Exports of Royal Enfield were at 457 units during the month as against 344 units in November, last year.

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