Russia's Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin on Tuesday died all of a sudden while working in his office, a day before he would have turned 65.

The Russian Permanent Mission in a statement that Churkin was in his office fulfilling his duties when the tragedy occurred in the afternoon of February 20.

"For the Mission s staff and for all who had a chance to work under the able leadership of this outstanding, energetic and respectable diplomat, it was a terrible shock. It is impossible to realise that Ambassador is no longer with us. We mourn together with his family and his beloved ones," the statement said.

Churkin would have turned 65 on Tuesday.

The Russian mission said Churkin dedicated most of his life to diplomatic service standing for his country's interests more than 40 years in total, of which 20 years he worked as Ambassador to Belgium, Canada. He had been the Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN since 2006.

UN General Assembly President Peter Thomson said in a statement he was "greatly saddened" at the news of the passing of "dear friend" Churkin.

"The Russian Federation and the United Nations have lost a true son and a great international intellect," he said.

The District Magistrate of Jalpaiguri, Rachna Bhagat has issued a show cause notice to the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO)of Jalpaiguri, Sasmita Ghosh, in view of the alleged child trafficking case here.

The show cause notice was issued on Monday late night, Bhagat said.

"A total number of 17 children went missing and it is really hard to believe that the district child protection officer was completely unaware about it," the DM said.

When asked, Ghosh said "I have not received any such letter from the district magistrate. In case I get such a notice I will give them a proper reply." 

The CID sleuths on February 18 and on February 19 arrested Chandana Chakraborty, the chairperson and Sonali Mondal, chief adoption officer of an NGO.

The two were accused of selling 17 children, in the age group of 1-14 years, to a racket at high prices in the past few months while flaunting the facade of helping needy couples to adopt babies.

They were produced in a district court and remanded to 13 days CID custody.

Earlier the CID had cracked a child trafficking racket by conducting raids in North 24 Parganas, Kolkata and some other parts of the state in November last year.

Singer-actress Selena Gomez is reportedly fed up of being defined by her boyfriends.

The Hands To Myself hitmaker, who is currently dating Can't Feel My Face singer The Weeknd, is doing all she can to separate herself from her boyfriend, reported TMZ.

The brunette beauty made a point of not attending the Grammy Awards with her boyfriend as she wants people to focus on her as an artist rather than have people worry about who she's dating.

And Gomez is also said to be pleading for her ex Justin Bieber – who she dated on and off for a number of years – to move on and stop criticising The Weeknd, according to sources.

Meanwhile, the 24-year-old singer's relationship with The Weeknd – real name Abel Tesfaye – is going from strength to strength after she recently spent a whopping USD 30,000 on a birthday party for her boyfriend.

From veterans like Rekha and Gulzar to young talents like Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma, Bollywood celebrities voted on Tuesday in the civic polls here in the hope that Mumbai will get improved infrastructure and waste management.

The celebrities were enthusiastic about voting. B-Town stars proudly flaunted their inked fingers on social media platforms and urged others to vote too.

Director Zoya Akhtar told the media: "As a Mumbaikar, I expect to live in a clean city. People should stop cutting trees and throwing garbage into the sea. I want to tell all our fellow citizens that though we are leading a busy life, take out some time and vote."

Writer Gulzar, in his typical kurta-pyjama look, also voted.

He said: "What I have noticed is that so many youngsters are here to vote. I am very happy that our future generation is concerned and taking charge of our city. There are many key issues that need to be taken care of. But I think after this poll, they will be unlocked."

Shraddha Kapoor, Subhash Ghai, John Abraham, Paresh Rawal, Varun Dhawan, Kailash Kher, Shruti Seth, Kiran Rao voted too. 

"Started my morning by casting my vote. Voting is our duty towards our country and its progress. Please go out and vote. Vote Kar Maharashtra," tweeted Anushka.

Shraddha wrote: "Done voting. Please exercise your right and go vote."

Filmmakers like Anubhav Sinha and Goldie Behl had trouble voting.

"Voted in 2014. Name not on the list this year. Can't Vote," Sinha tweeted.

Behl said: "Trying to vote for an hour and it's a bloody mess. BMC elections, pathetic job. Finally left without voting. Disgrace."

Some celebrities aren't in the city due to prior engagements. 

While Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi are shooting in Jodhpur for Baadshaho, Akshay Kumar is in Noida to promote Naam Shabana. Actress Kangana Ranaut is in Delhi to promote her Rangoon.

Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi are in Bengaluru. And Anupam Kher is in Cape Town for the shoot of a TV show.

Actor Arjun Kapoor is in London and Priyanka Chopra is in the US.

From veterans like Rekha and Gulzar to young talents like Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma, Bollywood celebrities voted on Tuesday in the civic polls here in the hope that Mumbai will get improved infrastructure and waste management.

The celebrities were enthusiastic about voting. B-Town stars proudly flaunted their inked fingers on social media platforms and urged others to vote too.

Director Zoya Akhtar told the media: "As a Mumbaikar, I expect to live in a clean city. People should stop cutting trees and throwing garbage into the sea. I want to tell all our fellow citizens that though we are leading a busy life, take out some time and vote."

Writer Gulzar, in his typical kurta-pyjama look, also voted.

He said: "What I have noticed is that so many youngsters are here to vote. I am very happy that our future generation is concerned and taking charge of our city. There are many key issues that need to be taken care of. But I think after this poll, they will be unlocked."

Shraddha Kapoor, Subhash Ghai, John Abraham, Paresh Rawal, Varun Dhawan, Kailash Kher, Shruti Seth, Kiran Rao voted too. 

"Started my morning by casting my vote. Voting is our duty towards our country and its progress. Please go out and vote. Vote Kar Maharashtra," tweeted Anushka.

Shraddha wrote: "Done voting. Please exercise your right and go vote."

Filmmakers like Anubhav Sinha and Goldie Behl had trouble voting.

"Voted in 2014. Name not on the list this year. Can't Vote," Sinha tweeted.

Behl said: "Trying to vote for an hour and it's a bloody mess. BMC elections, pathetic job. Finally left without voting. Disgrace."

Some celebrities aren't in the city due to prior engagements. 

While Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi are shooting in Jodhpur for Baadshaho, Akshay Kumar is in Noida to promote Naam Shabana. Actress Kangana Ranaut is in Delhi to promote her Rangoon.

Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi are in Bengaluru. And Anupam Kher is in Cape Town for the shoot of a TV show.

Actor Arjun Kapoor is in London and Priyanka Chopra is in the US.

The United Kingdom on Tuesday clarified that there is no cap on visa for Indian students which means they are free to access world-class education in UK’s best universities.

“The UK had announced 600 scholarships for Indian students aspiring to study in the UK,” British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said while addressing the India launch of the report–UN Secretary General's High Level Panel on Women's Economic Empowerment.

Asquith said that the UK has no cap on visas for students from India or anywhere else. All are treated same. Whoever comes will join almost half a million international students who come in the UK to access word-class education in the world-class universities.

India has consistently asked the UK to relax student visa rules for better mobility of students.

UK's visa policy requires students to return home after their courses end. This has caused a fall in number of Indian students enrolling in British universities by 50 per cent. As per estimates, the number of study-visas issued to Indian nationals has fallen drastically.

Asquith also said that the UK is participating in several initiatives of the Indian government to promote skilling.

“The UK is already investing and supporting about 75 start-up businesses and they also provided access to financial services to women in India,” Asquith added.

British companies, on an average, are spending seven per cent of their revenues on training and skilling employees in India and are also creating more opportunities for women.

The United Kingdom on Tuesday clarified that there is no cap on visa for Indian students which means they are free to access world-class education in UK’s best universities.

“The UK had announced 600 scholarships for Indian students aspiring to study in the UK,” British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said while addressing the India launch of the report–UN Secretary General's High Level Panel on Women's Economic Empowerment.

Asquith said that the UK has no cap on visas for students from India or anywhere else. All are treated same. Whoever comes will join almost half a million international students who come in the UK to access word-class education in the world-class universities.

India has consistently asked the UK to relax student visa rules for better mobility of students.

UK's visa policy requires students to return home after their courses end. This has caused a fall in number of Indian students enrolling in British universities by 50 per cent. As per estimates, the number of study-visas issued to Indian nationals has fallen drastically.

Asquith also said that the UK is participating in several initiatives of the Indian government to promote skilling.

“The UK is already investing and supporting about 75 start-up businesses and they also provided access to financial services to women in India,” Asquith added.

British companies, on an average, are spending seven per cent of their revenues on training and skilling employees in India and are also creating more opportunities for women.

Despite mixed Asian and European equity markets, domestic bourses extended gains for fourth-straight session and closed Thursday’s trading session on a higher note. The Sensex at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) ended 100 points higher at 28,762, and the Nifty at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) closed 29 points up at 8,908.

In the broader markets, BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices jumped around 0.5 per cent each.

Among the BSE sectoral indices, Consumer Durables index jumped the most, up 2.4 per cent, while Telecom index became the top loser, down 2.4 per cent.

On Monday, the Sensex had closed 193 points up at 28,662 and the Nifty had closed 58 points higher at 8,879.

Top gainers in the Sensex-30 pack: Axis Bank (up 5.2 per cent), Asian Paints (up 1.3 per cent), Reliance Industries (up 1.2 per cent), Adani Ports (up 1.1 per cent) and ICICI Bank (up 1.1 per cent).

Top losers in the Sensex-30 pack: Bharti Airtel (down 4 per cent), TCS (down 1.7 per cent), ITC (down 0.9 per cent), Sun Pharma (down 0.8 per cent), and Maruti Suzuki (down 0.5 per cent).

Despite mixed Asian and European equity markets, domestic bourses extended gains for fourth-straight session and closed Thursday’s trading session on a higher note. The Sensex at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) ended 100 points higher at 28,762, and the Nifty at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) closed 29 points up at 8,908.

In the broader markets, BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices jumped around 0.5 per cent each.

Among the BSE sectoral indices, Consumer Durables index jumped the most, up 2.4 per cent, while Telecom index became the top loser, down 2.4 per cent.

On Monday, the Sensex had closed 193 points up at 28,662 and the Nifty had closed 58 points higher at 8,879.

Top gainers in the Sensex-30 pack: Axis Bank (up 5.2 per cent), Asian Paints (up 1.3 per cent), Reliance Industries (up 1.2 per cent), Adani Ports (up 1.1 per cent) and ICICI Bank (up 1.1 per cent).

Top losers in the Sensex-30 pack: Bharti Airtel (down 4 per cent), TCS (down 1.7 per cent), ITC (down 0.9 per cent), Sun Pharma (down 0.8 per cent), and Maruti Suzuki (down 0.5 per cent).

Olympian Diwakar Prasad and former national champion Madan Lal on Tuesday became the latest to join the professional bandwagon in boxing, signing up with the promoters who are managing the likes of Vijender Singh and Akhil Kumar.

The 32-year-old Diwakar, whose amateur career was hampered by illnesses at crucial junctures, turned pro along with Madan and 11 others boxers.

"Five years ago, professional boxing did not have the kind of presence that it has now in India. So I am finally getting a chance to experience what it would be like," said the 32-year-old, who has the experience of competing in the International Boxing Association's semi-professional World Series of Boxing.

Of the 13, who signed up, most of the boxers are already competing in the professional circuit, the most notable being Neeraj Goyat — the reigning WBC Asia Pacific welterweight champion.

"It is a great step for my professional career. I am doing pro boxing for the last six years and I thought joining hands with IOS would give a fillip to my career," said Neeraj, who had been boxing under the Professional Boxing Organisation of India (PBOI) banner till now.

Neeraj has fought 12 bouts in the circuit, winning eight.

Amandeep Singh, another PBOI boxer, also signed up with IOS after the two bodies decided to join hands.

The 13 who joined in on Tuesday, also include Pawan Mann, an unbeaten MMA fighter. He has fought five professional fights in the Super Fight League under the Welterweight category and the Lightweight category and has been named the Champion in both the categories.

"I used to be an amateur boxer before turning to MMA. I quit amateur boxing because of politics which affects selection. Now, professional boxing is giving me another chance to go back to my first love which is boxing," he said.

Olympian Diwakar Prasad and former national champion Madan Lal on Tuesday became the latest to join the professional bandwagon in boxing, signing up with the promoters who are managing the likes of Vijender Singh and Akhil Kumar.

The 32-year-old Diwakar, whose amateur career was hampered by illnesses at crucial junctures, turned pro along with Madan and 11 others boxers.

"Five years ago, professional boxing did not have the kind of presence that it has now in India. So I am finally getting a chance to experience what it would be like," said the 32-year-old, who has the experience of competing in the International Boxing Association's semi-professional World Series of Boxing.

Of the 13, who signed up, most of the boxers are already competing in the professional circuit, the most notable being Neeraj Goyat — the reigning WBC Asia Pacific welterweight champion.

"It is a great step for my professional career. I am doing pro boxing for the last six years and I thought joining hands with IOS would give a fillip to my career," said Neeraj, who had been boxing under the Professional Boxing Organisation of India (PBOI) banner till now.

Neeraj has fought 12 bouts in the circuit, winning eight.

Amandeep Singh, another PBOI boxer, also signed up with IOS after the two bodies decided to join hands.

The 13 who joined in on Tuesday, also include Pawan Mann, an unbeaten MMA fighter. He has fought five professional fights in the Super Fight League under the Welterweight category and the Lightweight category and has been named the Champion in both the categories.

"I used to be an amateur boxer before turning to MMA. I quit amateur boxing because of politics which affects selection. Now, professional boxing is giving me another chance to go back to my first love which is boxing," he said.

The Centre’s recent demonetisation move has hit the ‘potato’ growers hard in Punjab as they are not getting the right  prices for their potato seeds in states like West Bengal, Karnataka and Gujarat.

The situation has forced them to sell the potato seed packets for just Rs. 50 which normally cost around Rs.900 per packet. Following the demonetisation, while potato growers  are not in a situation to comply with the freight charges being levied by transporters, mid-level transporters from West Bengal, Karnataka and Gujarat are not ready to
come to Punjab to take potato seeds.

The demonetisation came into force when it was a peak moment for potato seed growers and their prices have crashed so much that even recovering costs is becoming a challenge.

Jagpreet Singh, manager of Potato Grower Association in Punjab said that the market has crashed to zero level due to demonetisation.

“November to December was the peak season for potato seed export. 40 lakh packets bearing 50 kg weight each were to be moved to West Bengal.

The transports were not ready to move due to which now we are forced to sell potato seeds to locals just for Rs.50 to Rs.100 per packet. Also, it is very difficult for us to keep storage of seeds for long as it is destroying now. Due to storage foul smell is coming.

We went to the authorities in December and they posed themselves helpless citing the imposition of assembly election code of conduct”, he said.

Similarly, Jagat Prakash Singh Gill, member of the Potato Grower Association in Punjab said that the freight subsidy up to nine  per cent is the highest in Punjab.

Punjab, known as the leading potato seed provider to country ‘alone’ exports over 1.25 Crore packets to the country including West Bengal’s 40 lakh such packets. Potato seed, growing in Doaba region of Punjab is considered to be the best fertile, virus free and fresh, is much suited for the soils in West Bengal, Gujrat and Karnataka.

The potato growers said that they were left with 30 lakh packets which were not exported.

The Centre’s recent demonetisation move has hit the ‘potato’ growers hard in Punjab as they are not getting the right  prices for their potato seeds in states like West Bengal, Karnataka and Gujarat.

The situation has forced them to sell the potato seed packets for just Rs. 50 which normally cost around Rs.900 per packet. Following the demonetisation, while potato growers  are not in a situation to comply with the freight charges being levied by transporters, mid-level transporters from West Bengal, Karnataka and Gujarat are not ready to
come to Punjab to take potato seeds.

The demonetisation came into force when it was a peak moment for potato seed growers and their prices have crashed so much that even recovering costs is becoming a challenge.

Jagpreet Singh, manager of Potato Grower Association in Punjab said that the market has crashed to zero level due to demonetisation.

“November to December was the peak season for potato seed export. 40 lakh packets bearing 50 kg weight each were to be moved to West Bengal.

The transports were not ready to move due to which now we are forced to sell potato seeds to locals just for Rs.50 to Rs.100 per packet. Also, it is very difficult for us to keep storage of seeds for long as it is destroying now. Due to storage foul smell is coming.

We went to the authorities in December and they posed themselves helpless citing the imposition of assembly election code of conduct”, he said.

Similarly, Jagat Prakash Singh Gill, member of the Potato Grower Association in Punjab said that the freight subsidy up to nine  per cent is the highest in Punjab.

Punjab, known as the leading potato seed provider to country ‘alone’ exports over 1.25 Crore packets to the country including West Bengal’s 40 lakh such packets. Potato seed, growing in Doaba region of Punjab is considered to be the best fertile, virus free and fresh, is much suited for the soils in West Bengal, Gujrat and Karnataka.

The potato growers said that they were left with 30 lakh packets which were not exported.

Dhobi, safai karamchari, mali and mochi at CRPF will soon get English titles, while cook will become chef and barber will be called hairstylist as part of a 'nomenclature facelift' suggested by the government.

Fitter will become automotive mechanic, mali will be gardener or horticulturist and safai karamchari – house keeper, while those working in kitchen including masalchi, kahar and water carrier will be known as assistant chefs.

Other proposed changes for titles of trademen at the paramilitary force include dhobi to laundryman, chowkidar to security assistant and mochi to shoe maker.

These changes were suggested to the Central Reserve Police Force by Union Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy under the skill development programme.

"Hoping to enhance the respect of the work force in CRPF the Minister wants to do away with tags such as chowkidar, mali, mochi, safai karamchari," a senior official told PTI.

"Though there is no substantive change in the rank and nature of job, yet their trade title is proposed to be changed. Further there is no financial implication in this case," the official said.

The changes have also been shared with other Paramilitary Forces like CISF, ITBP, BSF, SSB and Assam Rifles.

Sharing his thoughts with CRPF jawans while distributing certificates of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) earlier, Rudy had noticed that the nomenclature associated with the skill sets and work force are archaic and needed a facelift, the official said.

The minister had expressed the need to recognise and prepare a new and more aspirational vocationally skilled work force with a view to ensuring their employability, and making them more respectable and indicative of the trade.

Dhobi, safai karamchari, mali and mochi at CRPF will soon get English titles, while cook will become chef and barber will be called hairstylist as part of a 'nomenclature facelift' suggested by the government.

Fitter will become automotive mechanic, mali will be gardener or horticulturist and safai karamchari – house keeper, while those working in kitchen including masalchi, kahar and water carrier will be known as assistant chefs.

Other proposed changes for titles of trademen at the paramilitary force include dhobi to laundryman, chowkidar to security assistant and mochi to shoe maker.

These changes were suggested to the Central Reserve Police Force by Union Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy under the skill development programme.

"Hoping to enhance the respect of the work force in CRPF the Minister wants to do away with tags such as chowkidar, mali, mochi, safai karamchari," a senior official told PTI.

"Though there is no substantive change in the rank and nature of job, yet their trade title is proposed to be changed. Further there is no financial implication in this case," the official said.

The changes have also been shared with other Paramilitary Forces like CISF, ITBP, BSF, SSB and Assam Rifles.

Sharing his thoughts with CRPF jawans while distributing certificates of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) earlier, Rudy had noticed that the nomenclature associated with the skill sets and work force are archaic and needed a facelift, the official said.

The minister had expressed the need to recognise and prepare a new and more aspirational vocationally skilled work force with a view to ensuring their employability, and making them more respectable and indicative of the trade.

China's Trade Minister on Tuesday said talks on the proposed Asia-Pacific free trade agreement are progressing well, after the US withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement last month.

Gao Hucheng said at a news conference in Beijing that talks for setting up the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership — that would include 16 countries from the Asia-Pacific region — are progressing smoothly, and expressed confidence that they will be concluded soon after certain challenges were addressed, Efe news reported.

"Globalisation is not the problem, the problem is how to distribute the benefits of globalisation," Gao said, adding that no country can afford a return to the pre-globalisation era.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products imported from China, and Gao said Beijing will carefully study such measures and adopt an appropriate stance when it happens.

"Cooperation benefits both, while confrontation can only hurt," he noted, while dismissing speculation that the two largest global economies were going to begin a trade war.

RCEP, a free trade initiative backed by China as an alternative to the TPP (which it was not part of), also comprises the ten member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations, besides Australia, South Korea, India, Japan and New Zealand.

Talks for the RCEP began in 2013, and are set to continue at a meeting in Kobe, Japan, said Gao.

The last round of talks was hosted by Indonesia in December 2016.

Gao stressed that China is looking to play a leading role in these meetings, where it will try to encourage all participants to resolve differences and reach an agreement.

He added that Beijing is also keen to promote its integration into the world economy through the New Silk Road, an initiative through which China is seeking to improve connectivity with the rest of Asia, besides Africa and Europe.

China's Trade Minister on Tuesday said talks on the proposed Asia-Pacific free trade agreement are progressing well, after the US withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement last month.

Gao Hucheng said at a news conference in Beijing that talks for setting up the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership — that would include 16 countries from the Asia-Pacific region — are progressing smoothly, and expressed confidence that they will be concluded soon after certain challenges were addressed, Efe news reported.

"Globalisation is not the problem, the problem is how to distribute the benefits of globalisation," Gao said, adding that no country can afford a return to the pre-globalisation era.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products imported from China, and Gao said Beijing will carefully study such measures and adopt an appropriate stance when it happens.

"Cooperation benefits both, while confrontation can only hurt," he noted, while dismissing speculation that the two largest global economies were going to begin a trade war.

RCEP, a free trade initiative backed by China as an alternative to the TPP (which it was not part of), also comprises the ten member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations, besides Australia, South Korea, India, Japan and New Zealand.

Talks for the RCEP began in 2013, and are set to continue at a meeting in Kobe, Japan, said Gao.

The last round of talks was hosted by Indonesia in December 2016.

Gao stressed that China is looking to play a leading role in these meetings, where it will try to encourage all participants to resolve differences and reach an agreement.

He added that Beijing is also keen to promote its integration into the world economy through the New Silk Road, an initiative through which China is seeking to improve connectivity with the rest of Asia, besides Africa and Europe.