Iran 'a year or more' from nuke capability: Obama

Iran 'a year or more' from nuke capability: Obama
WASHINGTON: President Barack Obamadisclosed that US intelligence agencies believeIran continues to be a year or more away from building a nuclear weapon, an assessment that is at odds with Israel, which contends Tehran is on a faster course toward a bomb. 

Obama, in an interview with The Associated Press, expressed optimism about the blossoming diplomacy between his administration and Iran's new president, but said the US would not accept a "bad deal" on the Islamic republic's nuclear programme. 

The president spoke to the AP on Friday. 

Obama has launched a diplomatic outreach to Iran, aimed at resolving the dispute over Tehran's nuclear program. Last week, he spoke by phone with President Hassan Rouhani, marking the first direct exchange between US and Iranian leaders in more than 30 years. 

"Rouhani has staked his position on the idea that he can improve relations with the rest of the world," Obama said. "And so far he's been saying a lot of the right things. And the question now is, can he follow through?" 

But Obama said Rouhani is not Iran's only "decision-maker. He's not even the ultimate decision-maker," a reference to the control wielded by Iran's supreme leader, Ayotollah Ali Khamenei. 

Nitish hikes compensation for Bihar riot victims, BJP and RJD question timing of announcement

Muzaffarnagar riots have not left neighbouring Bihar untouched, another communally sensitive state. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is not only contemplating scuttling Narendra Modi 'Hunkaar' rally but also decided to take a slew of measures to give a boost to his secular image. On Wednesday, the state government announced to hike the compensation for victims killed in communal violence from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.5 lakh. The government also announced to constitute an anti-riot force in the state.

Denying any connection between the recent announcement and Muzaffarnagar riots in Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Ajay Alok, general secretary of JD(U) said that Bihar government had sent these proposals to the Centre five years ago but the recommendations were sanctioned only a few days back so the state government announced them now.

"There is no link between these announcements and Muzaffarnagar riots. We had sent these proposals to the Union government five years ago," said Dr. Ajay Alok.

However, terming the recent announcement as Nitish Kumar's move to target Muslim voters in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BJP and RJD questioned the timing of the announcements.

"This is all election stunt of Nitish Kumar's government. Why did not Nitish increase compensation package for the riot victim's earlier? Why he is trying to be secular now," said Giriraj Singh, leader BJP.

RJD leader Ram Kripal Yadav said, "Nitish wants to show himself as secular leader. We want to ask Nitish Kumar as to why anti-riots force was not set up for last 8 years? Why the compensation amount was not increased in last 8 years? All this is political stunt of Nitish before elections. Minorities will not fall into Nitish's trap this time."

On Wednesday, the Union Home Ministry came out with figures pertaining to communal riots in various states. Bihar has witnessed 40 communal disturbances and 25 incidents of tension-like situation in 2013. Nine deaths were recorded in riots, of whom five were Hindus and four were Muslims.

WFI double standard: Wrestling body shares dais with Greco-Roman hero Sandeep Yadav; refuses to welcome him

SUMAN RAY   |   HEADLINES TODAY  |   NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 | UPDATED 13:55 IST

This bizarre and perhaps atrocious comment comes from the Wrestling Federation of India who shirked its responsibility to receive and welcome Sandeep Yadav, who returned home from Budapest on Tuesday after enacting history by becoming the first Indian to win a world championship medal in Greco Roman category.

"I had no information as to when he was coming back and even if I knew I couldn't have made it as I was travelling. This is a non-issue for us. WFI provide sportsperson facilities and training. We are not concerned about receiving or welcoming them. Why do they need to be received in any case?" said WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in an exclusive interview to Headlines Today.

The WFI took pride, shared the dais and limelight of the media and took the opportunity to announce cash prize for the trio: Amit Kumar, Bajrang Poonia and Sandeep Yadav yet the federation felt that they had no responsibility to receive the Greco Roman hero, who returned to see no one turning up at the IGI airport.

A serious disagreement came from WFI president G S Mandher who admitted that this has been a lapse. "Yes, I admit that we should have been there. We are really sorry for that."

Sandeep had told Headlines Today on Tuesday that he felt bad in seeing no one turning up as he had expected that he would be given a similar rousing welcome accorded to Amit Kumar and Bajrang Poonia last week.

Rahul Gandhi has not asked the PM to resign, says Mani Shankar Aiyar

RISHIKA BARUAH   |   HEADLINES TODAY  |   NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 | UPDATED 17:36 IST

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Saturday defended party vice-president Rahul Gandhi opposing an ordinance passed by the Cabinet to protect convicted lawmakers.

"Rahul Gandhi has neither asked the prime minister to resign nor sought the government to fall," Aiyar said.

"He has only made a statement that was necessary. It is (the Congress) a democratic party, not a dynastic one, so we can say what we want."

Rahul Gandhi had dropped a bombshell on the government on Friday after he intervened into a press conference being addressed by party leader Ajay Maken on the ordinance and said "my opinion on the ordinance is that it's a complete nonsense... it should be torn up and thrown out."

Aiyar said Rahul's father Rajiv Gandhi as prime minister in 1985 had recommended that any MP on first conviction be removed from Parliament. "However, our recommendation was not taken."

Aiyar said he was "delighted" that Rahul had taken a stand in principle like his father's attempt to do the same at the Congress centenary in Mumbai in 1985.

"Ultimately the party struck back and he (Rajiv Gandhi) couldn't achieve much. I hope Rahul is not met with the same fate," he said.

He said Rahul Gandhi's "vision is not quite the same as what prevails right now".

"Don't make it a general divide. All those gunning for the PM are saying this. It is hypocritical especially of TV anchors. TV wrecks reasoned debate," he said.

He said Rahul Gandhi's statement had nothing to do with any urban voter backlash, "because as Mahatma Gandhi said, only the dumb millions come out to vote".

NSEL investors to meet Narendra Modi Today

VIRENDRASINGH GHUNAWAT  MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 | UPDATED 00:30 IST

That's what called giving a political colour to a scam. The NSEL Investor Forum (NIF) has finally decided to meet the number one foe of UPA Government and Congress Party on Tuesday at 3.30 pm.

Large number of aggrieved investors are meeting Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP's PM candidate - Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar at 3.30 pm - to discuss NSEL scam and their grievances.

Since last one and half month, 17,000 investors from across the country (that includes senior citizens and HNIs as well) were hoping that finance ministry and UPA government would take some strong action against NSEL officials / defaulters and would give a commitment that investors would not loose a single money in Rs.5,500 crore NSEL payout scam.

But that did not happen. Surprisingly, Economic Affairs Secretary - Arvind Mayaram and Finance Minister P Chidambaram made such hard hitting statements  - which did not go down well by investors. For them, it was liking rubbing salt on their injuries.

It started with Arvind Mayaram, when a clutch of investors met him. He had said, "You are HNIs and are well informed... why did you trade on NSEL?"

Soon after, Arvind Mayaram submitted its report (earlier given by two working groups) before the finance ministry, second jolt came from none other than the Finance Minister. P Chidambaram had said, " I think there is much more to the way NSEL started business than meets the eye. People seem to have given money to NSEL promoters with open eyes that it is not a regulated entity that is violating conditions from day one. Yet they were giving money to NSEL. Many of them made money in initial stages and some of them lost money now."

These statements looked like passing a buck. Knowing very well that it was the Ministry of Consumer Affairs' (under Sharad Pawar) exemption notification in 2007 that kept NSEL outside regulatory jurisdiction.

As a result, NSEL became a trading platform for borrowing and lending finance. In the phase of recession, NSEL had floated an attractive scheme that guaranteed returns of 14-16 percent to investors - without taking any regulatory permission. Leading commodity brokers played major role in attracting these investors from across the country and from all walks of life. Later on, it turned into a scam.

Now, these investors believe that meeting Narendra Modi might ensure their money coming back to them.

When this correspondent asked official spokesperson of NIF - what is the need to meet Modi - nobody responded. But one investor said, "It is good that they are meeting Modi, no doubt it would help, everything need not be explained but simply understood."

Well - there is no guarantee that these investors would get their money back after meeting Modi, but yes, Modi will definitely get some more friends and voters.

Now, NSEL investors come under Mumbai IT department scanner, letters sent

VIRENDRASINGH GHUNAWAT   |   HEADLINES TODAY  |   MUMBAI, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 | UPDATED 00:51 IST

The investigation wing of Mumbai income tax department is not leaving any stone unturned in NSEL scam.

After questioning 24 borrowers (defaulters), surveying top brokering firms and conducting searches on Anand Rathi Commodities at 20 locations, now it's the investors' turn who have to face uncomfortable questions of income tax officials.

Mumbai IT department has sent letters to large number of investors based in Mumbai and across the country - seeking their investment details. Headlines Today/Aajtak has the copy of that IT summon in hand.

In this letter - the annexure for summons u/s 131 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 has sought - information and documents, such as:

• Name, address, contact numbers and PAN of all directors/partners (in case of companies/firms)

• Name and address of the brokers through whom investor have traded/invested in NSEL

• Copy of account of the broker(s) and/or NSEL in investor books for the FY 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 (to date)

• Contract-wise details of profit/losses or income from investment in respect of contracts for each of the years referred.

• Copy of income tax return, final accounts with schedules of last three years.

• Copy of agreement entered with NSEL /any broker (s) or any other person regarding investment /trade in NSEL

• Details of brokerage/commission and mode of payment

• Details of bank statement through which mode of payments have been made /received for investor's trade/investment in NSEL

When contacted, Director General of Income Tax (investigation), Swatantra Kumar confirmed the issuance of summons to NSEL investors, saying, "Yes, we have sent letters to NSEL investors to examine their sources of investments and whether they have paid their interest on income /profit."

The department suspects that a part of money collected from investors was diverted to other activities by some of the brokers. A senior official confirms, "In our preliminary investigation, we have found that few brokers have funded money like an investor."

After two days, IT department has concluded its search operation on Anand Rathi Commodities.

Supreme Court to determine Srinivasan's future tomorrow; BCCI top brass in wait-and-watch mode

SUMAN RAY   |   HEADLINES TODAY  |   NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 | UPDATED 14:43 IST

BCCI top brass is keenly waiting for Friday's Supreme Court decision - a verdict or an observation in favour or against - may well decide whether N Srinivasan will be able to seek a re-election or not.

Even a simple Supreme Court observation going against Srinivasan will invite BCCI members to suddenly take a different position and AGM might be postponed or put in abeyance.

Sources close to acting president Jagmohan Dalmiya have confirmed that top BCCI officials still believe that all now depend on Supreme Court's decision.

Dalmiya who had a major role to play in adjourning or rather cancelling BCCI's working committee meeting held in Delhi on Aug 2 on technical ground, is keeping his cards close to his chest.

These are broad possibilities and Dalmiya will play a key role in all possibilities:

1) If Supreme Court gives a verdict against Srinivasan: Dalmiya may take up the issue and  postpone/ adjourn/cancel the AGM on technical grounds or on the basis of Supreme Court's observation.

2) If Supreme Court gives a verdict in Srinivasan's favour: Dalmiya will fully extend his support to the South Zone & Srinivasan will get re-elected as all six units are with him.

3) If Supreme Court reserves its decision: This will act in Srinivasan's favour as he has won a case against Lalit Modi has successfully chaired the disciplinary committee meeting which banned him for "life".

Dalmiya has been working out a secret compromise understanding with Srinivasan on the one hand (in case he wins the case or decision is reserved in Supreme Court) and on the other hand nourishing the ambition to continue as acting president for some more time (if Srinivasan loses the case).

On Aug 2, rival factions and unrecognised associations provided Dalmiya with the ammunition (the word "emergent" was missing and the meeting was called on a 4 days' notice) to get the meeting cancelled and extend his period as interim or acting president.

Now, sensing that he will not be able to garner full support in his favour to continue indefinitely as deadline for election is approaching and with his rival faction's Shashank Manohar outside chances to contest for the post of president with Sharad Pawar's support, Dalmiya has changed his position since then.

Shashank Manohar would have contested if he was sure for a win... but at the moment, the equation is heavily in favour of Srinivasan after Modi's expulsion if everything goes in favour of Srini in Supreme Court.

Dalmiya faction said he would be happy to get something in return. IPL chairmanship was one option, but Dalmiya's deteriorating health has come on its way.

Dalmiya may well bargain for a honorary post in BCCI as reward for extending support to N Srinivasan.

After Modi, Mamata Banerjee to lay siege in Delhi with one crore supporters

MANOGYA LOIWAL  KOLKATA, SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 | UPDATED 21:42 IST

Mamata Banerjee is following the policy of Ekala Cholo Re... and she may continue doing so till the Lok Sabha polls.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her extended party meeting hit several birds with one stone and ensured that all political parties got the message loud and clear. She roared and once again challenged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of laying siege in Delhi with one crore people from Bengal, the date of which will be announced soon. Addressing a gathering of twenty thousand party leaders of all tiers from across the country she blew the trumpet for the Lok Sabha Polls.

She walked the tight rope maintaining equidistance from all the leading political parties and announcing her victory even before the contest began... and this time she took on the Prime Minister for failed promises too.

Mamata said, "What ever all the parties say they can do nothing in Bengal... even if the CPI (M) does mew-mew, Congress does chew chew and if BJP does Ghew ghew... none will get any space in bengal…thirty five years have been enough... I will soon go to delhi for demonstration... we will do it democratically and if required we will take one crore boys and girls from Bengal to delhi and demand for our rights."

This time she took on the Prime Minister for failed promises too and the bankrupty in the state...

"The prime minister had said that when the new government comes in power we will restructure the system of paying

Either you stop taking money from our treasury. It is political vendetta of the central government. People will not forgive you. They never give us any funds. Don't scare us, we will not spare you. It is last appeal to the central government. If you don't stop deducting money and taking away from our earnings but if they make me unhappy then I will not leave you. I am not a CM then, I am a commoner and will sit on protest in delhi..."
The only response on expected lines was on suspended MP Kunal Ghosh for his anti party comments made in public forum.

Kunal was suspended from party on Saturday for making various comments in media glare against the party along with other leaders on the stage. The others had apologized in writing but Kunal seemed to continue with his media briefings.

"We are a disciplined party, we are dedicated and devoted... if there is 0.1 per cent deviation in it in a particular political party then we should let it go... just leave it and ignore it. Then we will together again prove that we are a party of words" she hinted without naming the party MP.

Mamata has won the panchayat polls and civic polls in past few months and the party is confident of continuing with the sweep in days to come... but this time the approach was not limited to Bengal but beyond it too.

EOW registers criminal cases against Jignesh Shah and team

VIRENDRASINGH GHUNAWAT/ MUNISH PANDEY  MUMBAI, OCTOBER 1, 2013 | UPDATED 00:27 IST

Till yesterday, he was the most sought after mind in the commodity exchanges  - known for his smart move. He is connected to 80 board members in 10 different organisations across 11 different industries. He is affiliated with various international companies and commodity exchanges.

If Businessweek magazine is to be quoted, than till March 31, 2013 - his total annual compensation wasRs.18,02,82,491 (Rs.18 crore) that includes salary, stock options and others.

Jignesh Shah (46) - is the chairman and managing director of Financial Technologies India Ltd (FTIL), Group Chief Executive Officer of Multi Commodity Exchange Stock Exchange (MCX-SX) - world's 8th largest commodity future exchange and promoter of National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL).

Now lets come to a hard reality. On September 30, 2013 - In Rs.5,500 crore NSEL payout scam, the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of Mumbai police registers its first information report (FIR) against Jignesh Shah and his team - which includes Josephy Massey, other promoters, directors and defaulting brokers on charges of cheating, forgery and breach of trust among others.

Jignesh Shah and his team (that includes promoters, directors n defaulters) were booked under IPC sections 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent), 465 (forgery), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will, etc.), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document or electronic record), 474 (having possession of document described in section 467, knowing it to be forged and intending to use it as genuine), 120(B)(criminal conspiracy) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

Soon after registering a FIR, Mumbai police planned a massive search operation across the country.

Till now, it is the biggest raid conducted and coordinated by Mumbai police in 16 states and 184 locations on one single day. As many as 63 police squads, comprising of 121 officers and 241 policemen have promptly fanned out across 16 states to conduct searches at 184 locations that includes, offices, residences and warehouses of the accused.

The states where raids are being carried out include Mahrashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.

The NSEL, promoted by Jignesh Shah-led Financial Technologies, has been facing problems in settlingRs.5,600 crore dues of 148 members/brokers, representing 13,000 investor-clients, after it suspended trade on July 31 on the government's direction.

A senior official says, "Jignesh and others had hatched a conspiracy and cheated 13,000 investors to the tune of crores of rupees by using the NSEL platform."

The raiding teams have confiscated all hard disks, CDs, other electronic evidences, accounts' books among others, besides sealing the warehouses.

After collecting all the details / datas / evidences from these locations, thorough examination and investigation would be done. "And if required to arrest any particular any promoter, director or defaulter - that would also be done," a senior police officer said.

IGI Airport tense as IAF and Go Air plane narrowly avoid collision

PANKAJ UPADHYAY   |   HEADLINES TODAY  |   NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 2, 2013 | UPDATED 23:50 IST

There were some tense moments at the IGI Airport in New Delhi as a IAF plane crossed the runway to reach over to the technical area while a Go Air plane was about to take off for Mumbai from the same runway. DGCA has initiated an enquiry into the incident.

Sources maintain that around 14:37 Go Air flight 336 was given the go ahead by ATC to take off for Mumbai. The Airbus 320 is believed to be carrying more than 100 passengers. Just as it was on its way an IAF plane after having landed from Chandigarh crossed the runway 09 to reach unto the technical area. Sources say there were some anxious moments as the ATC quickly asked the pilot of Go Air to abort take off. Speaking to Headlines Today ATC official maintained that "There was a situation but we managed to control it somehow."

It is matter of investigation as to how and where did the miscommunication take place.

          - Was it that the ATC was not aware that the IAF plane would be crossing the runway?

          -  Was it that the IAF plane was allowed to cross but ATC forgot to alarm the Go Air pilot?

          - Was it that both were given permission at the same time?

          - Was it that the pilot of either of the plane did not hear the ATC call?

          - What was the speed of the aircraft when it was asked to abort take off.

It is critical to know what was the speed of the Go Air flight. Technically speaking if the plane is at V1 speed then there are chances of it aborting take off but at V2 speed aborting a take off is next to impossible and dangerous. DG Arun Mishra asserted, "From the safety point of view we will be looking into the matter to see what exactly had happened"

 No official could be reached from Go Air.

Hooda defends khap panchayats, says they do not order honour killings

Strongly defending Khap Panchayats (caste councils), Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said they don't order "honour killings" and most such cases involve relatives of boys or girls, whose relations are opposed by their families.

The chief minister emphasised on the need to change mindset of the people who commit such crimes.

"Those behind such killings are parents or close relatives of either the girl or boy. There is a need to change the mindset of the people. Khap Panchayats don't order such killings," Hooda said while addressing a press conference here.

"Anyone who takes law into hands will be dealt with as per law," he added.

Haryana, which has a skewed sex ratio, is infamous for such cases, and during the last one month several such incidents came to light. The recent one was from Rohtak where a college going couple were allegedly killed by girl's family members. Their families were opposed to the relation between them.

When asked that 'Khap Panchayats' in Haryana are playing a notorious role, and in some cases ordering the honour killings, Hooda said, "Khap Panchayats don't kill anyone".

"The incidents of honour killings don't take place just in Haryana, but elsewhere too," he said.

Asked if the issue was discussed in yesterday's cabinet meeting, Hooda said it was not part of the agenda.

"These (honour killings) are happening everywhere, for which I said that there is a need to change the mindset...law takes its own course. Anybody who takes law in his hands commits a sin, he will be punished," Hooda said.

When a reporter asked that if he was trying to justify such killings by saying they happen everywhere, Hooda replied, "No, don't misquote me, I said nobody is allowed to take law in his own hands, whoever does will be booked. I am saying that it is a sin...but it is committed either by parents of the girl or a boy, not by the Khap."

Asked about the opposition of Khaps to the same 'Gotra' marriages, Hooda said there are "some customs prevalent in the society".

"Tell me one thing, how many of you marry within the Gotra. I am asking do you marry within your Gotra," he asked.

"There are some customs prevalent here (in Haryana) that we don't marry within the same Gotra, at some places they do. If you go to south India, at some places, people marry one's niece. Can anyone of you do this here, it is not custom here, but it is in south India and Andhra," the chief minister said when asked about the stand of his party on the issue.

However, Hooda said that Khaps don't have any legal standing. "They don't have any legal status, they have a social status."

He also dismissed as baseless the charge that he was appeasing the Khaps for seeking votes and gaining political mileage.

"I don't do politics of Khap or caste, I seek votes based on Congress' policies, that's all, but at the same time I am part of a society...Maybe, after becoming journalist (referring to the journalist who asked the question) you consider yourself as being outside the society".

Hooda trashed media reports that he had written a letter to the President on the issue of Khaps, saying that it is just a case of media hype. "I have never written any such letter to the President, give me a copy."

Triple whammy for Congress: Gambits fail, Singh ain't king and Rahul ain't smart

The past week has not been a good one for the United Progressive Alliance in general and the Congress in particular. At least three of their electoral trump cards have been threatened, if not all of them nixed, by circumstances unforeseen by the party top bosses.

The fire which rages in Andhra Pradesh as this article is being written has already begun to singe the very hands that plotted a deft political masterstroke to gain more than a few parliamentary seats from the Telangana region. As the UPA government grapples with the aggressive whiplash over the Union Cabinet's Thursday decision, giving a go-ahead to the creation of a separate Telangana state, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to take a call on Saturday on the resignations of three Union Ministers who quit office following the decision. All three ministers, K Chiranjeevi, Pallam Raju and Kotla Surya Prakash Reddy are from the Seemandhra region of Andhra Pradesh which has witnessed massive protests in the past two days.

In the presence of thousands of his supporters, YSR Congress president Jaganmohan Reddy has begun an indefinite fast in Hyderabad. Asking the Centre to reverse its decision, Jagan said there was no precedent to initiate the process for the division of a state without moving a resolution in the concerned state assembly.

The other political master plan which included Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's cameo in a deus ex machine thwarting the ordinance aimed at protecting convicted MPs and MLAs met its nemesis when the main actor used language which was not part of the script. In a three-and-a-half-minute shoot-and-scoot session, the Congress scion referred to the ordinance as being "nonsense" which should be "torn and thrown away" , forcing the otherwise expressionless Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to wear an expression of utter misery. While Singh sort of lip-synched that he had learnt to take things in his stride, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister who suddenly saw his heart bleed for the PM lashed at the young leader for not having learnt to be more respectful. The saffron party patriarch, LK Advani, drove the last nail in the coffin of this Congress master plan by saying that President Pranab Mukherjee, and not Rahul, had nixed the ordinance.

Earlier, on September 23, the Supreme Court put the brakes on the Congress's flagship programme -- the direct benefits transfer scheme -- by restraining the government from making the Aadhaar card mandatory for existing social welfare benefit schemes. The order threatened the party's plans to use the direct transfer of benefits as a talking point in the upcoming General Elections. The party had even coined a slogan 'Apkaa paisa aapke haath' to sell the scheme. Launched on January 1, the direct benefits transfer programme has been expanded to 28 schemes in 121 districts. The Centre has now sought a modification of the apex court's order on Aadhaar.

With Modi mania on the rise and most of the Congress's plans failing, the party leaders have retreated into a shell - of course, discounting the occasional banter by general secretary Digvijaya Singh which is more of a force of habit than anything official.

US shutdown will not affect India's mission to Mars, asserts ISRO

ISRO today said the country's October 28 Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) was on schedule, dismissing suggestions that NASA may not be in a position to offer it deep space network support following government shutdown in the US.

"There is no delay. We are going ahead with our MOM as scheduled," Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) spokesperson Deviprasad Karnik told PTI here.

The Bangalore-headquartered space agency is drawing comfort from the fact that NASA has announced that it would go ahead with its own MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission, slated for launch as early as November 18.

This, in other words, means that NASA would have to keep its DSN, an international network of antennas that track interplanetary spacecraft missions, operational.

India plans to launch its MOM spacecraft on October 28, the first day of the launch window which remains open till November 19.

Once launched, MOM would go around the earth for 20-25 days before embarking on a nine month voyage to the red planet.

An ISRO official said: "We don't need NASA DSN support during initial days after the launch as small antennas can track but when it moves further and further away from earth, we need such a support".

There has been no communication from NASA to ISRO saying that it would not support the Indian mission, sources said.