With the recent census figures recording the Muslim population count at over 17 crores, the three-day Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh executive beginning today (Friday) in Ranchi is expected to adopt a resolution calling for a check in the "imbalance" of population growth.Addressing the media on the eve of the meet, RSS spokesperson Manmohan Vaidya said the recent census which had just come showed an imbalance in the growth of population. "There would be extensive deliberations on the subject during the meeting and a resolution in this context may be taken up," he said. Vaidya also sought a countrywide debate over the Upamanyu Hazarika Commission's report that illegal migration from Bangladesh is threatening to reduce the indigenous population of Assam to a minority by the year 2047."Recently, the Hazarika Commission report has given a startling information about changing demographic situation in Assam and Bengal. If the trend continues then population of Indians would be reduced and foreigners would be increased," he said. Entire top brass of the RSS, including its chief Mohan Bhagwat, will attend the meet.

Civil aviation policy draft to be released today
Civil aviation policy draft of the NDA will be released this morning by minister of civil aviation P Ashok Gajapathi Raju. The focus of the policy is going to be on reducing the cost of operations for airlines and providing affordable regional connectivity across the country. It may also  touch upon issues like replacing the 5/20 norm with domestic flying credits formula requiring 300 points for flying international and a requirement to deploy at least five aircraft in the domestic sector. Another option is to reduce the requirement to 1/5 or one year of flying experience and a fleet of five aircraft.

Concept of quota an article of faith for us: RSS clarifies
With two days to go before the penultimate phase of polling for the Bihar polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) has clarified on its position on reservations.The RSS has said that they are not against reservations and that the concept of quota is an article of faith for it. It further claimed that the intention of the constitution makers was clear. The clarification comes after the RSS was left red-faced after its chief Mohan Bhagwat went on record earlier to say that reservation has for long been used as political tool. He suggested setting up of an apolitical committee to examine who needs the facility and for how long. "Interest groups are formed because we have certain aspirations in democracy. At the same time, we should remember that through interest groups we should not strive to address those aspirations at the cost of others," he said. "We should have integral approach of welfare for all. It is sensible to realise that my interest lies in larger national interest. Government also has to be sensitive to these issues that there should not be any agitations for them," Bhagwat told Sangh mouthpiece "Organiser" and "Panchjanya" in an interview.

Earthquake jolts northeast India and parts of Bangladesh
An earthquake of slight intensity jolted India's north-eastern states and parts of Bangladesh in the early hours of Friday. However, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property. The quake, which lasted for about 10 to 12 seconds, measured 4.9 on the Richter Scale and occurred at 3.45 a.m with its epicentre in Assam's Karimganj district. The earthquake was felt in some parts of Assam, Meghalaya, and adjoining areas of north-eastern region, besides parts of Bangladesh.

Chidambaram mocks Amit Shah on celebrations
Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday took a sly dig at BJP president Amit Shah's claims that firecrackers would be burst in celebration in Pakistan if the grand alliance - and not the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance - formed the next government in Bihar. "If BJP loses in Bihar, there will be celebrations and relief among many others - writers, scientists, historians and moderate citizens", he tweeted. The tweet comes in wake of writers, scientists, historians alike, who have been returning their awards to protest against "growing intolerance in the country". Earlier on Thursday, speaking at an election rally in Raxaul, Amit Shah said, "If the Bharatiya Janata Party is defeated in the Bihar Assembly polls and does not form a government, firecrackers will be burst in Pakistan."

Defence Ministry gives nod to proposals worth Rs 11,000 crore
The Defence Ministry on Thursday cleared proposals worth Rs 11,000 crore for the modernisation of the armed forces including procurement of four multi-purpose vessels for the Navy and upgradation of heavy lift aircraft IL 76 and IL 78.  The biggest deal is to upgrade the avoinic system in IL 76 and engine-refitting in IL-78 at a cost of around Rs 4,300 crore. the DAC also cleared Pinaka multi barrel rocket launcher project for its 3rd and 4th regiment, costing around Rs 3,300 crore. The DAC also cleared the purchase of training simulators and 149 armoured vehicle BMP2 both costing around Rs 1,000 crore.