At least 22 persons were killed in airstrikes in an area controlled by the Islamic State terrorist group in the Syrian province of Deir al-Zor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Wednesday.

They were killed on Tuesday in the bombings in Al Hajna area, Efe news reported.

According to the observatory, the number of casualties could go up as some others were critically injured in the strikes.

Almost all of Deir al-Zor, which borders Iraq, is controlled by the jihadists except parts of its capital and the military airport.

Presently, airstrikes against IS positions in Syria are being carried out by the Syrian army, its ally Russia, Turkish planes and the international coalition led by the US.

At least 22 persons were killed in airstrikes in an area controlled by the Islamic State terrorist group in the Syrian province of Deir al-Zor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Wednesday.

They were killed on Tuesday in the bombings in Al Hajna area, Efe news reported.

According to the observatory, the number of casualties could go up as some others were critically injured in the strikes.

Almost all of Deir al-Zor, which borders Iraq, is controlled by the jihadists except parts of its capital and the military airport.

Presently, airstrikes against IS positions in Syria are being carried out by the Syrian army, its ally Russia, Turkish planes and the international coalition led by the US.

A draft proposal for accepting new members into the Nuclear Suppliers Group paves the way for India's entry but leaves Pakistan out, says a US-based arms control organisation.

The Arms Control Association (ACA), Washington, also warns that relaxing membership rules will undermine non-proliferation.

Last week, the US media reported that Rafael Mariano Grossi, a former chairman of the NSG, had prepared a two-page document, explaining how a non-NPT state, like India and Pakistan, could join the group. Grossi was acting on behalf of the current chairman, Song Young-wan of South Korea, and his document enjoys a semi-official status, Dawn reported.

To prevent India from blocking Pakistan from joining the NPT, Grossi's draft note proposes that "one non-NPT member state should reach an understanding not to block consensus on membership for another non-NPT member state".

But ACA's Executive Director Daryl Kimball warns that "Pakistan still has grounds to object to the formula outlined by Grossi". 

He explains that the document will require Pakistan to meet the same criteria for membership as India "but, to engage in civil nuclear trade with NSG states, it would have to win a separate NSG exemption from the full-scope safeguards requirement".

India is seeking membership of the NSG on the strength of the fact that it is already doing business with NSG members.

The 48-nation NSG is a nuclear technology control organisation formed in 1975 in response to India's first nuclear weapons test, which used plutonium produced with nuclear technology from Canada and the US. The NSG seeks to prevent similar future misuses.

Current NSG membership rules require a state to sign the nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) before joining this exclusive club. India remains one of only three countries, with Israel and Pakistan, never to have signed the NPT.

Earlier this year, India formally applied for membership and was followed by Pakistan. The US, and a host of other powerful western nations, back India's application, but China and half a dozen other nations are blocking India's membership, which requires a consensus of all members.

India hoped to join the group during NSG's last plenary session, held in Seoul in June this year, but the meeting ended without taking any decision on New Delhi's application.

A draft proposal for accepting new members into the Nuclear Suppliers Group paves the way for India's entry but leaves Pakistan out, says a US-based arms control organisation.

The Arms Control Association (ACA), Washington, also warns that relaxing membership rules will undermine non-proliferation.

Last week, the US media reported that Rafael Mariano Grossi, a former chairman of the NSG, had prepared a two-page document, explaining how a non-NPT state, like India and Pakistan, could join the group. Grossi was acting on behalf of the current chairman, Song Young-wan of South Korea, and his document enjoys a semi-official status, Dawn reported.

To prevent India from blocking Pakistan from joining the NPT, Grossi's draft note proposes that "one non-NPT member state should reach an understanding not to block consensus on membership for another non-NPT member state".

But ACA's Executive Director Daryl Kimball warns that "Pakistan still has grounds to object to the formula outlined by Grossi". 

He explains that the document will require Pakistan to meet the same criteria for membership as India "but, to engage in civil nuclear trade with NSG states, it would have to win a separate NSG exemption from the full-scope safeguards requirement".

India is seeking membership of the NSG on the strength of the fact that it is already doing business with NSG members.

The 48-nation NSG is a nuclear technology control organisation formed in 1975 in response to India's first nuclear weapons test, which used plutonium produced with nuclear technology from Canada and the US. The NSG seeks to prevent similar future misuses.

Current NSG membership rules require a state to sign the nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) before joining this exclusive club. India remains one of only three countries, with Israel and Pakistan, never to have signed the NPT.

Earlier this year, India formally applied for membership and was followed by Pakistan. The US, and a host of other powerful western nations, back India's application, but China and half a dozen other nations are blocking India's membership, which requires a consensus of all members.

India hoped to join the group during NSG's last plenary session, held in Seoul in June this year, but the meeting ended without taking any decision on New Delhi's application.

A draft proposal for accepting new members into the Nuclear Suppliers Group paves the way for India's entry but leaves Pakistan out, says a US-based arms control organisation.

The Arms Control Association (ACA), Washington, also warns that relaxing membership rules will undermine non-proliferation.

Last week, the US media reported that Rafael Mariano Grossi, a former chairman of the NSG, had prepared a two-page document, explaining how a non-NPT state, like India and Pakistan, could join the group. Grossi was acting on behalf of the current chairman, Song Young-wan of South Korea, and his document enjoys a semi-official status, Dawn reported.

To prevent India from blocking Pakistan from joining the NPT, Grossi's draft note proposes that "one non-NPT member state should reach an understanding not to block consensus on membership for another non-NPT member state".

But ACA's Executive Director Daryl Kimball warns that "Pakistan still has grounds to object to the formula outlined by Grossi". 

He explains that the document will require Pakistan to meet the same criteria for membership as India "but, to engage in civil nuclear trade with NSG states, it would have to win a separate NSG exemption from the full-scope safeguards requirement".

India is seeking membership of the NSG on the strength of the fact that it is already doing business with NSG members.

The 48-nation NSG is a nuclear technology control organisation formed in 1975 in response to India's first nuclear weapons test, which used plutonium produced with nuclear technology from Canada and the US. The NSG seeks to prevent similar future misuses.

Current NSG membership rules require a state to sign the nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) before joining this exclusive club. India remains one of only three countries, with Israel and Pakistan, never to have signed the NPT.

Earlier this year, India formally applied for membership and was followed by Pakistan. The US, and a host of other powerful western nations, back India's application, but China and half a dozen other nations are blocking India's membership, which requires a consensus of all members.

India hoped to join the group during NSG's last plenary session, held in Seoul in June this year, but the meeting ended without taking any decision on New Delhi's application.

Exending losses against the American currency, the Indian Rupee dropped by another 18 pasie to close at 4-week low at 68.24 per Dollar on month-end Dollar demand from importers coupled with firm dollar in the overseas market.

Sustained foreign capital outflows also affected the market sentiment, a forex dealer said.

The Indian Rupee opened lower at 68.10 as against the last closing level of 68.06 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market and dropped further to 68.25 per Dollar before ending at 4-week low of 68.24 per Dollar, showing a loss of 18 paise or 0.26 per cent.

The Rupee had last ended at 68.34 per Dollar on December 1, 2016.

The Rupee has lost 50 paise or 0.74 per cent against the Dollar in two days.

The domestic unit hovered between 68.09 per Dollar and 68.25 per Dollar during the day.

"Rupee continued to trade negative with low volatility due to higher Dollar overseas amid sustained capital outflows," a forex trader said.

Meanwhile, the dollar index was trading higher by 0.32 per cent against a basket of six currencies in the late afternoon trade.

Overseas, the Dollar inched up against the Yen on Wednesady after upbeat US economic data reinforced expectations for economic growth under Donald Trump's Administration and more rate hikes by US Federal Reserve next year.

Exending losses against the American currency, the Indian Rupee dropped by another 18 pasie to close at 4-week low at 68.24 per Dollar on month-end Dollar demand from importers coupled with firm dollar in the overseas market.

Sustained foreign capital outflows also affected the market sentiment, a forex dealer said.

The Indian Rupee opened lower at 68.10 as against the last closing level of 68.06 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market and dropped further to 68.25 per Dollar before ending at 4-week low of 68.24 per Dollar, showing a loss of 18 paise or 0.26 per cent.

The Rupee had last ended at 68.34 per Dollar on December 1, 2016.

The Rupee has lost 50 paise or 0.74 per cent against the Dollar in two days.

The domestic unit hovered between 68.09 per Dollar and 68.25 per Dollar during the day.

"Rupee continued to trade negative with low volatility due to higher Dollar overseas amid sustained capital outflows," a forex trader said.

Meanwhile, the dollar index was trading higher by 0.32 per cent against a basket of six currencies in the late afternoon trade.

Overseas, the Dollar inched up against the Yen on Wednesady after upbeat US economic data reinforced expectations for economic growth under Donald Trump's Administration and more rate hikes by US Federal Reserve next year.

Exending losses against the American currency, the Indian Rupee dropped by another 18 pasie to close at 4-week low at 68.24 per Dollar on month-end Dollar demand from importers coupled with firm dollar in the overseas market.

Sustained foreign capital outflows also affected the market sentiment, a forex dealer said.

The Indian Rupee opened lower at 68.10 as against the last closing level of 68.06 at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market and dropped further to 68.25 per Dollar before ending at 4-week low of 68.24 per Dollar, showing a loss of 18 paise or 0.26 per cent.

The Rupee had last ended at 68.34 per Dollar on December 1, 2016.

The Rupee has lost 50 paise or 0.74 per cent against the Dollar in two days.

The domestic unit hovered between 68.09 per Dollar and 68.25 per Dollar during the day.

"Rupee continued to trade negative with low volatility due to higher Dollar overseas amid sustained capital outflows," a forex trader said.

Meanwhile, the dollar index was trading higher by 0.32 per cent against a basket of six currencies in the late afternoon trade.

Overseas, the Dollar inched up against the Yen on Wednesady after upbeat US economic data reinforced expectations for economic growth under Donald Trump's Administration and more rate hikes by US Federal Reserve next year.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday announced Delhi AAP legislator Jarnail Singh would contest against Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

Kejriwal, also the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, was addressing a public rally in Badal's constituency Lambi.

"We have to defeat the Badals. That's why I propose the name of our lion, Jarnail Singh, to fight against Prakash Singh Badal," Kejriwal said to loud applause by the public.

Jarnail Singh currently represents Delhi's Rajouri Garden constituency. 

Reacting to Jarnail's nomination, Punjab Congress Chief Captain Amrinder Singh said in a tweet that the move reeked of an "underhand deal" with AAP colluding with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to ensure Badal's victory.

Kejriwal responded by asking the Congress leader if he will fight against the Badals, Bikram Singh Majithia or from a "safe seat".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday announced Delhi AAP legislator Jarnail Singh would contest against Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

Kejriwal, also the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, was addressing a public rally in Badal's constituency Lambi.

"We have to defeat the Badals. That's why I propose the name of our lion, Jarnail Singh, to fight against Prakash Singh Badal," Kejriwal said to loud applause by the public.

Jarnail Singh currently represents Delhi's Rajouri Garden constituency. 

Reacting to Jarnail's nomination, Punjab Congress Chief Captain Amrinder Singh said in a tweet that the move reeked of an "underhand deal" with AAP colluding with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to ensure Badal's victory.

Kejriwal responded by asking the Congress leader if he will fight against the Badals, Bikram Singh Majithia or from a "safe seat".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday announced Delhi AAP legislator Jarnail Singh would contest against Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

Kejriwal, also the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, was addressing a public rally in Badal's constituency Lambi.

"We have to defeat the Badals. That's why I propose the name of our lion, Jarnail Singh, to fight against Prakash Singh Badal," Kejriwal said to loud applause by the public.

Jarnail Singh currently represents Delhi's Rajouri Garden constituency. 

Reacting to Jarnail's nomination, Punjab Congress Chief Captain Amrinder Singh said in a tweet that the move reeked of an "underhand deal" with AAP colluding with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to ensure Badal's victory.

Kejriwal responded by asking the Congress leader if he will fight against the Badals, Bikram Singh Majithia or from a "safe seat".

Budget carrier SpiceJet on Wednesday dubbed as "completely false and incorrect" media reports that its aircraft had entered the wrong bay at the Indira Gandhi international airport here a day earlier.

On Tuesday morning, two aircraft of IndiGo and SpiceJet came face to face on the taxiway, which could have led to an accident.

"Sections of the media report that the SpiceJet flight SG 123 operating on the Delhi-Hyderabad route entered the wrong bay yesterday (Tuesday)… the flight concerned never at any point in time enter the wrong bay, but was following Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions at all times," a SpiceJet spokesperson said in a statement. 

"Such reports, citing unnamed ATC sources, are completely false and incorrect," he said.

The SpiceJet aircraft, in fact, did not enter any bay at all and was on the taxiway when the crew saw another aircraft approaching and alerted the ATC, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) – which provides communication, navigation and surveillance, and air traffic management services at the IGI airport- derostered a Surface Management Controller following the incident.

Budget carrier SpiceJet on Wednesday dubbed as "completely false and incorrect" media reports that its aircraft had entered the wrong bay at the Indira Gandhi international airport here a day earlier.

On Tuesday morning, two aircraft of IndiGo and SpiceJet came face to face on the taxiway, which could have led to an accident.

"Sections of the media report that the SpiceJet flight SG 123 operating on the Delhi-Hyderabad route entered the wrong bay yesterday (Tuesday)… the flight concerned never at any point in time enter the wrong bay, but was following Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions at all times," a SpiceJet spokesperson said in a statement. 

"Such reports, citing unnamed ATC sources, are completely false and incorrect," he said.

The SpiceJet aircraft, in fact, did not enter any bay at all and was on the taxiway when the crew saw another aircraft approaching and alerted the ATC, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) – which provides communication, navigation and surveillance, and air traffic management services at the IGI airport- derostered a Surface Management Controller following the incident.

Budget carrier SpiceJet on Wednesday dubbed as "completely false and incorrect" media reports that its aircraft had entered the wrong bay at the Indira Gandhi international airport here a day earlier.

On Tuesday morning, two aircraft of IndiGo and SpiceJet came face to face on the taxiway, which could have led to an accident.

"Sections of the media report that the SpiceJet flight SG 123 operating on the Delhi-Hyderabad route entered the wrong bay yesterday (Tuesday)… the flight concerned never at any point in time enter the wrong bay, but was following Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions at all times," a SpiceJet spokesperson said in a statement. 

"Such reports, citing unnamed ATC sources, are completely false and incorrect," he said.

The SpiceJet aircraft, in fact, did not enter any bay at all and was on the taxiway when the crew saw another aircraft approaching and alerted the ATC, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) – which provides communication, navigation and surveillance, and air traffic management services at the IGI airport- derostered a Surface Management Controller following the incident.

Posing as CBI officials, five unidentified persons looted 40 kg gold from a Muthoot Finance officer here on Wednesday, the city police said.

The con men escaped with gold ornaments valued at about Rs.10 crore after first gaining access through the CBI pretence and then threatening the staff with weapons at the Ramachandrapuram office of the company on the outskirts of the city.

Cyberabad Police Commissioner Sandeep Shandilya said they also looted Rs.1 lakh cash.

Initially police had stated that 46 kg gold was looted.

According to police, five persons came to Muthoot Finance branch in the morning and told the staff that they were Central Bureau of Investigation officials and wanted to check records and gold in the lockers as they were investigating a case of theft.

When the branch manager said he was not in a position to show the lockers without permission from top officials, the unidentified men threatened action against him for disobeying orders of CBI officials.

When the lockers were opened, the intruders started collecting the golden ornaments in their bags. As the employees raised objection, one of the men whipped out a gun, threatened the branch manager and other employees and locked them in a bathroom.

The robbers also took away the hard disk of CCTV cameras with them.

Police have launched a massive hunt for the robbers, who escaped in a black coloured Scorpio.

The police commissioner said 16 teams have been formed to track down the culprits. Police were trying to identify the con men by analysing the footage from CCTV cameras around Muthoot Finance branch.

The policemen were searching vehicles along Hyderabad-Mumbai highway from Ramachandrapuram to Zaheerabad town in Sangareddy district.

Meanwhile, dozens of account holders who had kept their gold in Muthoot Finance branch gathered outside and wanted to know from the officials as to when will they get back their gold.

The officials told the people that their gold was completely insured. They said nobody should be worried as Muthoot Finance has 160 tonnes of gold at 4,500 branches spread across the country.

Posing as CBI officials, five unidentified persons looted 40 kg gold from a Muthoot Finance officer here on Wednesday, the city police said.

The con men escaped with gold ornaments valued at about Rs.10 crore after first gaining access through the CBI pretence and then threatening the staff with weapons at the Ramachandrapuram office of the company on the outskirts of the city.

Cyberabad Police Commissioner Sandeep Shandilya said they also looted Rs.1 lakh cash.

Initially police had stated that 46 kg gold was looted.

According to police, five persons came to Muthoot Finance branch in the morning and told the staff that they were Central Bureau of Investigation officials and wanted to check records and gold in the lockers as they were investigating a case of theft.

When the branch manager said he was not in a position to show the lockers without permission from top officials, the unidentified men threatened action against him for disobeying orders of CBI officials.

When the lockers were opened, the intruders started collecting the golden ornaments in their bags. As the employees raised objection, one of the men whipped out a gun, threatened the branch manager and other employees and locked them in a bathroom.

The robbers also took away the hard disk of CCTV cameras with them.

Police have launched a massive hunt for the robbers, who escaped in a black coloured Scorpio.

The police commissioner said 16 teams have been formed to track down the culprits. Police were trying to identify the con men by analysing the footage from CCTV cameras around Muthoot Finance branch.

The policemen were searching vehicles along Hyderabad-Mumbai highway from Ramachandrapuram to Zaheerabad town in Sangareddy district.

Meanwhile, dozens of account holders who had kept their gold in Muthoot Finance branch gathered outside and wanted to know from the officials as to when will they get back their gold.

The officials told the people that their gold was completely insured. They said nobody should be worried as Muthoot Finance has 160 tonnes of gold at 4,500 branches spread across the country.

Posing as CBI officials, five unidentified persons looted 40 kg gold from a Muthoot Finance officer here on Wednesday, the city police said.

The con men escaped with gold ornaments valued at about Rs.10 crore after first gaining access through the CBI pretence and then threatening the staff with weapons at the Ramachandrapuram office of the company on the outskirts of the city.

Cyberabad Police Commissioner Sandeep Shandilya said they also looted Rs.1 lakh cash.

Initially police had stated that 46 kg gold was looted.

According to police, five persons came to Muthoot Finance branch in the morning and told the staff that they were Central Bureau of Investigation officials and wanted to check records and gold in the lockers as they were investigating a case of theft.

When the branch manager said he was not in a position to show the lockers without permission from top officials, the unidentified men threatened action against him for disobeying orders of CBI officials.

When the lockers were opened, the intruders started collecting the golden ornaments in their bags. As the employees raised objection, one of the men whipped out a gun, threatened the branch manager and other employees and locked them in a bathroom.

The robbers also took away the hard disk of CCTV cameras with them.

Police have launched a massive hunt for the robbers, who escaped in a black coloured Scorpio.

The police commissioner said 16 teams have been formed to track down the culprits. Police were trying to identify the con men by analysing the footage from CCTV cameras around Muthoot Finance branch.

The policemen were searching vehicles along Hyderabad-Mumbai highway from Ramachandrapuram to Zaheerabad town in Sangareddy district.

Meanwhile, dozens of account holders who had kept their gold in Muthoot Finance branch gathered outside and wanted to know from the officials as to when will they get back their gold.

The officials told the people that their gold was completely insured. They said nobody should be worried as Muthoot Finance has 160 tonnes of gold at 4,500 branches spread across the country.