Petrol, Diesel Prices Hiked Further. Check Out Today's Fuel Rates

Petrol and diesel prices are raised on a daily basis according to global crude oil 

prices and the movement of the rupee against the US dollar.

Petrol and diesel rates were further hiked across the four metro cities on Sunday. This means that fuel prices hit further record highs on Sunday. A litre of petrol now costs Rs. 80.50 in New Delhi, Rs. 83.39 in Kolkata, Rs. 87.89 in Mumbai, and Rs. 83.66 in Chennai, according to IOC's website. A litre of diesel costs Rs. 72.61 in New Delhi - the highest ever. In Kolkata, diesel is priced at Rs. 75.46/ litre, in Mumbai Rs. 77.09/ litre, and Rs. 76.75/ litre in Chennai. Petrol and diesel prices are raised on a daily basis according to global crude oil prices and the movement of the rupee against the US dollar.

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"The fuel price hike mainly is due to the depreciation of rupee against the dollar. Petrol and diesel should come under the purview GST and I accept that people are facing problems. Once petrol and diesel are brought are GST, everyone will be benefited," said Union petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday, according to a report by ANI. Petrol and diesel prices do not come under the purview of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

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The Centre currently levies a total of Rs. 19.48 per litre of excise duty on petrol and Rs. 15.33 per litre on diesel. On top of this, states levy Value Added Tax (VAT) - the lowest being in Andaman and Nicobar Islands where a 6 per cent sales tax is charged on both the fuels.

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Mumbai has the highest VAT of 39.12 per cent on petrol, while Telangana levies the highest VAT of 26 per cent on diesel. Delhi charges a VAT of 27 per cent on petrol and 17.24 per cent on diesel.

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"Arrogant" PM Modi Doesn't Lead, He Dictates: Congress's Counter-Attack

During the BJP's National Executive meeting, party president Amit Shah attacked

 Mr Singh saying "Manmohan Singh follows his party, while PM Modi leads".

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Taking strong objection to BJPs criticism of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Congress on Saturday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him arrogant and one who had no respect for democracy.

During the BJP's National Executive meeting, party president Amit Shah attacked Mr Singh saying "Manmohan Singh follows his party, while PM Modi leads".

Congress leader Anand Sharma said Manmohan Singh was far better prime minister than PM Modi is.

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"We take strong objection to the kind of language that has been used by BJP against Singh," Mr Sharma said.

"He (Singh) was far better prime minister than Modi. The difference is that Manmohan Singh had humility, decency and grace, he upheld the dignity of his office. It is the reverse in case of Modi.

"He is arrogant and doesn't behave as a prime minister who respects parliamentary democracy. He is not leading, he is dictating. He doesn't have the capacity to listen or even respond to bona fide questions," said Mr Sharma.

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"The Modi government has been a failure on all fronts. Today what is happening the country is matter of shame, things like mob-lynchings, rapes, an environment of fear and violence.

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"All these should have been reflected in the national executive. The responsibility is theirs about the non- performance and bad performance of the government. They cannot escape the responsibility by just criticising the Congress," said Mr Sharma.

"BJP More Corrupt Than Congress" Says Arvind Kejriwal On Rafale Scam

Almost five years ago people had ousted the Congress from power because

 of its indulgence in corruption with a hope that the BJP government would usher in 

change,Mr Kejriwal said, adding both the parties are corrupt.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday attacked the Centre over the "Rafale scam" as former Union minister Yashwant Sinha and disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha joined him in slamming the Narendra Modi government.

The AAP national convener said the BJP was more corrupt than the Congress.

Almost five years ago people had ousted the Congress from power because of its indulgence in corruption with a hope that the BJP government would usher in change, Mr Kejriwal said, adding both the parties are "ghotaale baaz (corrupt)".

He also mentioned several alleged scams.

"They have turned out to be more corrupt than them. If they did 2G, the other has done Sahara-Birla diary scam, if they did the Commonwealth scam, the other has done the Lalit Modi scam. If they did Bofors scam, the other has matched them with this Rafale scam," he said.Mr Kejriwal was sharing the dais with Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha at an event after the culmination of AAP MP Sanjay Singh's padytara from Saharanpur.

He said, "I got to know about Rafale scam. I hear they have bought some fighter planes at exorbitant prices."

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"Yashwant ji is saying that one aircraft, for our defence forces, was priced at Rs. 540 crore which was bought by them for Rs. 1,670 crore. Someone somewhere must have made some money. Or they have given it for free? But who made the money?," he asked.

Recounting his government's work in education sector, healthcare, regulating power tariffs among others, the chief minister said the AAP came to power in Delhi almost the same time the BJP formed government at the Centre, and asked people to compare the achievements of the two parties.

"If we can transform the government schools in Delhi, create hundreds of mohalla clinics and provide power at lowest tariff in the country, why can't Modi ji do it across the country?" he asked.

"The unprecedented work done by our government in Delhi is being talked about in the world. Tell me one good thing that the Modi government has done in the last four years," Mr Kejriwal said citing "problems" faced by people and traders due to demonetisation, GST and the rising fuel prices.

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Referring to AAP MP Sanjay Singh's 'padyatra' in Uttar Pradesh, he said the state has lagged in development because of its size.

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"Uttar Pradesh should be divided into Awadh, Bundelkhand, Purvanchal and Pashchim Uttar Pradesh -- four states. This is the people's demand. And not only do we support it, we will struggle with the people of the state for the fulfilment of this demand," Mr Kejriwal said.

Congratulating Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha for their efforts in raising with the  people issues of the Narendra Modi government, he said, "Recently he (Yashwant Sinha) announced that he won't contest elections any more. But if good people like him won't do it then who would?"

Asking the people should Yashwant Sinha contest in polls, he then told the veteran leader, "Sir, it's the public demand that Yashwant Sinha should contest elections."

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Yashwant Sinha praised Sanjay Singh for his 250-km walk in Uttar Pradesh and took a jibe at some politicians saying, "Nowadays those participating in debates on TV channels are considered leaders."

"Some think the citizens of this country are fools and the media is under their control. But the people will no longer accept this. They will punish those guilty in the next election," he said.

Shatrughan Sinha said he is often asked why he keeps criticising the BJP.

"I belong to the Bharatiya Janata Party, but I belong more to the 'Bharatiya janta' (Indian people). For me, the party is important but the country is more important," he said.

Sanjay Singh criticised the Uttar Pradesh government and chief minister Yogi Adityanath for the last year's incident at a Gorakhpur hospital in which several children had died.

Nepal Army To Skip BIMSTEC Military Exercise In India

The proposal for the joint military drill was first forwarded by the Indian Army in June,

 followed by an initial meeting of BIMSTEC senior army officials in New Delhi.

The Nepal Army will not participate in the first ever joint military exercise of BIMSTEC (The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) nations in India next week, an aide of Prime Minister KP Oli said on Saturday, amid reports that the political parties in the country have expressed concern over the drill.

The proposal for the joint military drill was first forwarded by the Indian Army in June, followed by an initial meeting of BIMSTEC senior army officials in New Delhi.

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Kundan Aryal, press advisor to Mr Oli, told PTI that Nepal will not to join the week-long joint military drill to be held in Pune from September 10.

"Nepal will not take part in the BIMSTEC joint military exercise. This is the official decision of the government," he said.

Mr Aryal, however, did not give any details but indicated that the concerned ministry may issue a formal statement soon.

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The government's decision came after strong criticism from different quarters, including influential leaders from the ruling Nepal Communist Party, The Kathmandu Post reported.

BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.

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The military drill was dragged into controversy as no diplomatic or political level agreement was made before deciding to take part in the exercise.

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Experts are also objecting to the drill saying there is no advantage to Nepal.

Opposition Tears Into Mohan Bhagwat's "Wild Dogs" Remark, BJP Defends Him

Speaking at the second World Hindu Congress in Chicago, US on Friday, Mohan 

Bhagwat had said that Hindus had no aspiration of dominance and the community

 would prosper only when it worked as a society.RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's 

strong pitch for the consolidation of Hindus invited criticism from opposition parties 

on Saturday, while BJP general secretary Ram Madhav defended the statement.

Speaking at the second World Hindu Congress in Chicago, US on Friday, Mr Bhagwat had said that Hindus had no aspiration of dominance and the community would prosper only when it worked as a society.

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"If a lion is alone, wild dogs can invade and destroy the lion. We must not forget that," the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief had said.

"We want to make the world better. We have no aspiration of dominance. Our influence is not a result of conquest or colonisation," he added.

Attacking Mr Bhagwat over his remarks, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi said the RSS was demeaning others.

"The RSS is trying to demean people by calling others dogs and assuming themselves as the tiger," Mr Owaisi said.

This has been the language of RSS and people will reject it, he added.

Meanwhile, Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar claimed that the "dog" reference was for the "opposition parties" in the country.

"I condemn this 'mansikta' (mentality) of Mohan Bhagwat that he has referred to Opposition parties in the country as dogs," Mr Ambedkar said.

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The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra too slammed the RSS and alleged that its ideology was "anti-Hindu".

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said, "The ideology of RSS and BJP is anti-Hindu and they only know how to do caste politics."

"The day they stop dividing Hindus on the basis of caste, every Hindu and people from other religions as well will be lions," Mr Malik added.

Congress leader Sachin Sawant said, "RSS ideology is anti-Hindu. It is known for hatred towards other castes and religions. It is shameful of the RSS chief to describe any religion in this way."

However, Mr Madhav defended Mr Bhagwat and said that the RSS chief has always spoken for the welfare of Hindu society and the country.

The World Hindu Congress marks the commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's historic speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893 in Chicago.

US Open 2018: Naomi Osaka Wins US Open After Serena Williams Meltdown

Osaka, 20, triumphed 6-2, 6-4 in the match marred by Williams' second set outburst.

Naomi Osaka became the first Japanese to win a Grand Slam singles title on Saturday as her idol Serena Williams angrily imploded, calling the chair umpire in the US Open final "a thief". Osaka, 20, triumphed 6-2, 6-4 in the match marred by Williams' second set outburst, the American enraged by umpire Carlos Ramos's warning for receiving coaching from her box. She tearfully accused him of being a "thief" and angrily demanded an apology from the official.

When a second code violation for racquet abuse was handed out to her - along with a point penalty - Williams exploded.

"You're attacking my character," she said. "You will never, ever be on another court of mine. You are the liar," she fumed and Ramos handed her a game penalty that put Osaka one game from victory at 5-3 in the second set.

Williams won the next game and continued her tearful remonstrations with a supervisor on the changeover but Osaka - who displayed not only a stellar game but remarkable poise throughout - held serve to seal a historic win for her country.

Williams, seeking a first Grand Slam title since the birth of her daughter Olympia on September 1 2017, was denied a 24th Grand Slam title that would have matched Margaret Court's all-time record.

As the pro-Williams crowd booed the announcers at the trophy presentation, Osaka was tearing up herself, but Williams urged the spectators to show the young champion respect.

"She played well," Williams said, pausing to compose herself. "This is her first Grand Slam. "I know you guys were here rooting, but let's make this the best moment we can. Let's give everyone the credit where credit is due. Let's not boo anymore. Congratulations Naomi."

When it was Osaka's turn she seemed at a loss.

"I know everyone was cheering for her and I'm sorry it had to end like this," she said.

"It was always my dream to play Serena in the US Open finals," she added, turning to Williams herself. "I'm really grateful I was able to play with you, thank you."

Williams' tantrum overshadowed an outstanding performance from Osaka, who made her second career title a Grand Slam after winning her first at Indian Wells in March.

A match with history at stake for both players got off to a tense start. 

Williams blinked first, double-faulting on break point to give Osaka a 2-1 lead.

After a confident hold punctuated by a 106 mph ace Osaka broke again to lead 4-1, silencing the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.

They came to life again as Williams gained her first break chance, which Osaka saved with a 117 mph service winner. Williams squandered one more chance before Osaka sealed the hold with another big serve, offering a Serena-style "C'mon!"

It was in the second game of the second set that Williams was warned for receiving coaching, a charge she vigorously denied.

"I don't cheat to win," she said. "I'd rather lose."

She was up 2-1 on the changeover when she spoke again with Ramos appearing to smooth things over, and she finally found a way to break Osaka for a 3-1 lead.

The tranquility didn't last long. When Osaka broke back with the aid of two double faults and a backhand into the net from Williams, the American smashed her racquet to the court. A second code violation came with a point penalty to start the next game that sent her into orbit.

"I didn't get coaching. I haven't cheated in my life. I stand for what's right," insisted Williams as they headed into the sixth game - in which Osaka held at love.

After Osaka broke for a 4-3 lead Williams continued her verbal assault on Ramos, who docked her a game for a third violation that put Osaka up 5-3.

It's not the first time emotional outbursts have cost Williams at the US Open. Her ugly rant at a line judge marred Kim Clijsters's semi-final win over her in 2009 and she infamously called chair umpire Eva Asderaki "unattractive inside" in a tantrum during her 2011 final loss to Samantha Stosur.

Williams said she didn't know if she would have managed to turn things around if the dispute with Ramos had not occurred.

"I feel like she was playing really well, but I feel like I really needed to do a lot to change in that match to try to come out front, to try to come out on top," she said.

"It's hard to say because I always fight till the end and I always try to come back, no matter what."

India vs England: Virat Kohli Aims To Win, Says "Numbers Are Inconsequential"

India have lost back-to-back Test series in South Africa and England.

Team India skipper Virat Kohli, who is the leading run-scorer in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, has said that numbers are inconsequential for him and what he brings onto the field is of utmost importance. "I didn't start playing to have numbers and they are inconsequential. People remember your attitude and what you brought onto the field," Kohli said during an interview with Michael Holding on Saturday. Having scored nearly 600 runs in four Tests, Kohli once again validated the fact that he is one of the finest batsmen in the world right now. When he was questioned on how he handles the on and off-field pressures, the 29-year-old said that he doesn't care about perceptions. 

"I am more focussed on having a very solid life, being happy with life and doing the right things on a daily basis and then everything else seems to be an enjoyable journey as a part of the larger process," he said.

"For me, the larger picture is always going to be life. If I am solid and doing the right things, then I am much more confident on the field. I don't play for perceptions, for people or for reputation, I only play to make the team win and that's why I started playing the sport."

India have lost back-to-back Test series in South Africa and England, when asked where exactly things went wrong for his team, Kohli pointed out two crucial phases - the second innings chase at the Edgbaston (1st Test) and the first innings at Southampton (fourth Test). 

"Sitting right now, two things - the second innings at Birmingham and first innings at Southampton. Sitting here, I am not thinking of anything else. The key was to make the team win and twice I could have contributed more. "I know Trent Bridge was great but I remember second innings at Birmingham and first innings at Southampton and I am thinking about that. I am thinking so that if I am in the same position once again, I won't let the team down," the Indian captain said.

He also said that as a leader, he is the first one to own up mistakes.    

"I am always focused on where my mistakes are and how I can improve upon them. I am willing to accept mistakes even in the best of times so that I can keep on improving. 

"It's important for the team that my mindset stays good so that I can lead from the front and if I am only thinking about my performances, then I am not doing justice to the responsibility that I am given."    

"It was a competitive series and we have already understood and admitted the things that we haven't done well. That's something we are keen to improve on as to get into competitive positions, you understand that you have the ability. But ability only takes you to a certain extent and then your mental toughness comes into play when you have to win Test series in difficult conditions and difficult countries, something that we aspire to do," he said. 

"When you don't do that being in winning positions, obviously hurts more than anything. Probably, that's frustrating, we have shown skill sets to get into winning positions and not capitalise on them. Try and get better as a team. Provided we are mentally tougher than the opposition in difficult situations."