Deadlines To Link Aadhaar With PAN, Mobile Number, Bank Account

Deadlines To Link Aadhaar With PAN, Mobile Number, Bank Account: Details Here

Many telecom companies have asked their customers to finish the process of linking Aadhaar card with mobile number citing government directive.

Business | NDTV Profit Team | Updated: September 30, 2017 13:04 IST

Quoting of Aadhaar number - the 12-digit number given on the Aadhaar card - has been made mandatory for many essentials. These range from filing of income tax returns (ITR) to applying for a PAN or permanent account number to using a mobile phone connection. The government is moving ahead with linking Aadhaar with mobile SIM cards, according to a report by news agency Indo-Asian News Service (IANS). All mobile phone numbers or SIMs not linked with Aadhaar will be deactivated after February 2018, the agency said citing informed sources. Many telecom companies have asked their customers to finish the process of linking their Aadhaar card with the mobile number citing a government directive.

Aadhaar is based on biometrics-based data. Aadhaar number is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Aadhaar card number or Unique Identity Number (UID) is also to be shared with financial institutions and has to be submitted to avail the various social security schemes. 

Be it linking of Aadhaar with PAN, mobile SIM cards or bank accounts, there are different deadlines specified in each case. Here are four important deadlines to remember for you to link your Aadhaar card with various documents or products:

Four important Deadlines For Linking Of Aadhaar Card

1. Deadline for linking Aadhaar with PAN: December 31,

2017

In August, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extended the last date for linking of Aadhaar with PAN "to facilitate ease of compliance by the taxpayers". The new deadline is December 31, 2017. Earlier, this deadline was August 31, 2017. Linking Aadhaar-PAN is mandatory for processing of income tax returns (ITRs) for assessment year 2017-18, the income tax department has said.

"If this linking (PAN-Aadhaar) is skipped, the return could be considered invalid and the person may have to file it again which shall be considered belated and may attract penalty, interest and other consequences like disallowances for losses," says Sandeep Sehgal, director of tax and regulatory at Ashok Maheshwary & Associates LLP.

(Also read: How to link PAN card with Aadhaar card)

2. Deadline for linking Aadhaar with mobile number (SIM): February 2018

Mobile phone service users will have to link their Aadhaar numbers with SIM cards. Many telecom companies have now started sending alerts to customers about completing the Aadhaar-Mobile number linking process. They had earlier instructed their customers to start the process of linking their Aadhaar card numbers with phone numbers.

"As per the government directive, linking Aadhaar to your mobile number is mandatory for all existing customers," Bharti Airtel, the country's largest telecom operator, said on its website. (Read: Telecom operators share guidelines on Aadhaar linking)

3. Deadline for submitting Aadhaar details to banks/financial institutions - December 31, 2017

The government has made it mandatory for all banks and financial institutions to mention the Aadhaar details of clients in the KYC (Know your Customer) document. A KYC document basically provides all the details that authenticate the identity of a user. People who have taken loans are also required to file their Aadhaar details. If you fail to link it with your bank account by December 31 this year, it may even become inoperable.
 

4. Last date to give Aadhaar details to avail social security schemes - December 31, 2017

Aadhaar number has to be provided for all social security schemes by December 31, 2017. However, in a big relief, the Centre on Wednesday extended the deadline for obtaining Aadhaar for availing government schemes and subsidies by three months to December 31. This extension is, however, only for those who are yet to apply for Aadhaar, an order issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said.

In order to avail pension, LPG cylinders or government scholarships, one must provide his or her Aadhaar card details.

Meanwhile, the government also plans to make linking of Aadhaar mandatory for driving licence. "It (Aadhaar-Licence linking) would be done soon to check the menace of multiple licensing," Electronics and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said.

(With agency inputs)

https://www.ndtv.com/business/four-deadlines-to-link-aadhaar-with-pan-sim-mobile-number-banks-details-here-1754559

Future Reatil, Indiabulls, SpiceJet among 14 stocks that gave over 100% returns this year

 Diksha Ramesh   New Delhi     Last Updated: June 29, 2017  | 14:36 IST

After the Indian benchmark indices witnessed a massive bull run in the first six months of 2017, as many as 14 stocks in the BSE-500 list have soared to fetch over 100 per cent returns, turning multibaggers in just a short period of time.

Leading the pack is Future Retail Ltd that zoomed over 191 per cent till date. On June 29th, 2017 the scrip was trading 0.49 per cent higher at Rs 365.40 as on 1.20 pm (IST).

The company is the retail arm of Kishore Biyani-led Future Group that operates value and lifestyle retail stores. The company posted a 17.3 per cent rise in net profit at Rs 123.05 crore for March quarter with its total revenue from operations was climbing 25.3 per cent higher at Rs 4,483 crore.

In May, Future Retail announced that it plans to set up 4,000 'neighbourhood' stores in the next 3-5 years.

Following Future Retail is Indiabulls and Avanti Feeds that have given over 189 per cent and 183 per cent respectively.

Avanti Feeds, interestingly, started off as a small business based out of Vizag. It initially catered to a niche market but has now expanded to B2B and B2C. The company is now a market leader in manufacturer of prawn and fish feed and a shrimp processor and exporter. It is continually expanding in all value chains.

Moreover with a increase of health consciousness, Avanti Feeds has successfully ensconced in the pro-health market.

Indian low-cost carrier Spice Jet , too, has outperformed in the market. SpiceJet recently made headlines as it was ranked the best performing airline stock in the world by Bloomberg Intelligence Index, gaining more than 800 per cent, creating a $1.2 billion market value.

Spice Jet has placed an order of $22-billion for Boeing planes and received praise from US President Donald Trump over the deal.

Below is the list of all 14 stocks that soared over 100% this year:

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http://www.businesstoday.in/markets/stock-picks/bse-500-avanti-feeds-indiabulls-future-group-spicejet-14-stocks-that-soared-over-100-per-cent-in-2017/story/255390.html                                                                                       

India may become 3rd largest economy in 10 yrs...

Despite slowdown, India may become 3rd largest economy in 10 yrs: HSBC

Press Trust of India/New Delhi 29 Sep 17 | 12:15 PM

Reforms over the past year have created disruption in India's GDP numbers, but the medium-term potential looks bullish, and considering the growth trend, it could become the world's third-largest economy in the next decade, says an HSBC report.

According to the global financial services major, although reforms over the past year have caused disruptions that will likely mean lower growth rates in the near term, they should allow India to unleash more of its undoubted potential over the medium term.

"Although just 3 per cent of global GDP today, India's trend growth should see it overtake Japan and Germany to become the world's third-largest economy within the next decade," HSBC said in a research note.

India is caught between two worlds — one slowing and the other reviving — according to the report.

"The first India will be seen this year and the next (FY18 and FY19, year-end March). This India is experiencing weak growth across the main sectors," HSBC said.

It added that "the second India will appear on a three-year-plus horizon (FY20 and beyond) in our view. This India looks more attractive".

In line with this narrative, HSBC expects growth to slow from 7.1 per cent last year to 6.5 per cent over 2017-18 and 7 per cent in 2018-19, before moving higher to 7.6 per cent in 2019-20.

India's GDP growth slipped to a three-year low of 5.7 per cent in April-June as disruptions caused by demonetisation spilled over to the third straight quarter amid a slowdown in manufacturing activities.

By fiscal 2019-20 and beyond, HSBC said, the short-term disruptions of the current reforms would have settled.

"We have estimated that in the medium term, GST alone could add 40 bps to GDP growth emanating from its productivity and efficiency gains," HSBC stated, pointing to the resolution of "initial wrinkles" in other reforms such as the Bankruptcy Code and the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) by then.

The report further said higher growth on the back of the productivity gains resulting from structural reforms would be "longer lasting".

http://smartinvestor.business-standard.com/market/Marketnews-486676-Marketnewsdet-Despite_slowdown_India_may_become_3rd_largest_economy_in_10_yrs_HSBC.htm#.Wc8YQIyCy00

Case for RBI rate cut: All you need to know in a glance

The next meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled on October 3 and 4, 2017. The panel will have to look at ways to spur lending and consumption, and revive the economy.

Published: September 30, 2017 3:34 AM

Manufacturing was at a five-year low, mining collapsed and construction stagnated. (Image: Reuters)

The next meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled on October 3 and 4, 2017. The panel will have to look at ways to spur lending and consumption, and revive the economy. The gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the three months to June this year fell to 5.7%, the lowest since the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014. Manufacturing was at a five-year low, mining collapsed and construction stagnated. The slowdown corroborates the corporate results for the first quarter of this fiscal, which had shown net profits declining for many listed firms.

Agriculture growth in real terms, too, slowed to 2.3% from 5.2% in the fourth quarter. Services sector growth, however, anchored overall gross value added (GVA) growth, rising 8.7% from 7.2% in the fourth quarter driven by improvement in two sectors—trade, hotels, transport and financial services. The growth in GVA was 5.6% in Q1FY18, which was the same in Q4FY17, indicating that the waning demonetisation impact was offset by rising anxiety over the goods and services tax.

Investments have slowed down and several large industries are reporting low capacity utilisation. While Inflation consumer price index (CPI)-based inflation rose to a five-month high of 3.36% in August, it still remains within RBI’s target of 4% within a band of +/-2%. The government have held a series of meeting to devise ways to revive the economy, boost exports, spur investments, and create jobs.

Analysts say there is a compelling case for RBI to ease the policy rate to support growth. The central bank has cut rates only once this financial year in its bimonthly policy meeting in August. Also, the rate cut was the first in 10 months and brought rates to a near seven-year low. It has maintained a neutral outlook, citing uncertainties in inflation trajectory.

http://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/case-for-rbi-rate-cut-all-you-need-to-know-in-a-glance/876287/

Realty, Telecom, Power indices have fallen the most..!!!

BSE’s realty, telecom, power indices have fallen the most since August high

BSE Realty index, BSE Telecom index, BSE Power index have shed 7.61%, 6.09%, 5.84% since 2 August as high stock valuations deterred investors

Ami Shah

The BSE Realty Index, BSE Telecom Index and BSE Power Index have declined the most since 2 August. Graphic: Mint

Mumbai: The BSE’s benchmark 30-share Sensex has declined 3.7% from its peak on 2 August, as high stock valuations deterred investors. A look at sectoral indices shows that realty, telecom and power indices have shed the most since then.

Fourteen of 18 sectoral indices have lost value since the market peak, with the BSE Realty index, BSE Telecom index and BSE Power index shedding 7.61%, 6.09% and 5.84%, respectively. These sectors had posted strong gains since the start of the year to 2 August, and had logged gains of 72.70%, 28.01% and 16.95%, respectively.

A gush of liquidity, especially from mutual funds and retail investors, sent demand soaring for some stocks, and in turn these overshot their value. “Wherever people found suppressed valuations, people stocked up. Power sector also faced the same issue,” said Dhananjay Sinha, head of research, Emkay Global Financial Services Ltd.

“People were just looking for any positive announcement, and stocking up relevant stocks. However, with realities lagging behind stretched valuations considerably, these sectors and stocks have started correcting,” added Sinha.

The same was true for real estate stocks. Things had started looking up for realty companies after the government encouraged affordable housing with various incentives and gave it infrastructure status earlier this year.

However, the demand scenario was not very promising, and implementations of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) from 1 May, has led to near-term challenges.

“For real estate companies, demand is not picking up, and the RERA implementation has led to a temporary stalemate situation,’ said Deven Choksey, group MD at KR Choksey Investment Managers Pvt. Ltd.

The top loser in the real estate sector has been Housing Development & Infrastructure Ltd, which has eroded 35% of its value since 2 August. Unitech Ltd and DLF Ltd followed with declines of 19.59% and 16.11%, respectively

Concerns over tepid revenue growth and wafer-thin margins have plagued the telecom sector since the entry of Reliance Industries Ltd’s telecom venture Reliance Jio a year ago. Stable quarter-on-quarter revenue growth in the three months to June was encouraging after two quarters of sequential declines, but concerns still remain, HDFC Securities said in a 20 September note.

“The potential tariff war led by the IUC (interconnect usage charges) cut, downward repricing owing to aggressive bundling and the impact of Jio feature phone on the segment remains unknown,” it said. “Further, an increase in capex/opex to ramp up LTE (long-term evolution) capacity could also keep margins under pressure.”

The telecom stocks that were hammered the most were Reliance Communications Ltd, Tata Teleservices Maharashtra Ltd and Idea Cellular Ltd, which shed 20.4%, 20% and 18.08%, respectively.

The power sector has struggled with its own set of challenges. In a report on 8 September, Fitch Ratings said tariffs are taking a hit mainly from the prevailing electricity demand-supply dynamics, lower coal costs and a decline in renewable tariffs.

Distribution utilities are shying away from signing new long-term power purchase agreements for both thermal and wind capacity while awaiting clarity on the auction route for wind power, supported by the availability of cheaper spot electricity, Fitch said.

The top losers in power sector index in the period were Suzlon Energy Ltd, Siemens Ltd and GMR Infrastructure Ltd, which have declined 16.53%, 13.26% and 13.01%, respectively.

“Power stocks are victims of policy paralysis, and there is a lot of ambiguity mainly related to tariffs which deters investors,” Choksey said.

First Published: Fri, Sep 29 2017. 02 43 AM IST3

http://www.livemint.com/Money/g1i3CORwHEblPdER9UnLRL/BSEs-realty-telecom-power-indices-have-fallen-the-most-si.html

India may become a $6 trn economy in next 10 years: Morgan Stanley

India's digitisation drive would provide a boost of 50-75 basis points to GDP growth in the coming decade: Morgan Stanley

Press Trust of India  |  Mumbai Last Updated at September 27, 2017 19:33 IST

India is expected to be a $6 trillion economy -- the third largest in the world -- in the next 10 years, majorly helped by digitisation, says a report.

According to global brokerage Morgan Stanley, India's digitisation drive would provide a boost of 50-75 basis points to GDP growth in the coming decade.

"We estimate that digitisation will provide a boost of 50-75 basis points to GDP growth and forecast that India will grow to USD 6 trillion economy and achieve upper-middle income status by by 2026-27," Morgan Stanley head India research and India equity strategist Ridham Desai told reporters here.

"We expect India's real and nominal GDP growth to compound annually by 7.1 per cent and 11.2 per cent respectively over the coming decade," he added.

Citing the report 'India's digital leap - The multi-trillion dollar opportunity' released today, Desai said apart from some short term teething problems including implementation of GST, there is scope for visible shifts in economic activity starting in 2018 which would eventually lead India to be the top five equity markets in the world with a market capitalisation of USD 6.1 trillion and the third-largest listed financial services sector around the globe with a market cap of USD 1.8 trillion by 2027.

India's consumer sectorsares also likely to add about $1.5 trillion over the next ten years.

"We project gross FDI inflows amounting to $120 billion by FY'27, almost double the current 12-month trailing run rate of $64 billion," Desai said.

Accordingly, Desai also noted that stock markets are likely to remain robust as a stronger economic growth should drive stronger corporate earnings growth.

Desai also said the country is also likely to witness strong domestic participation in equities.

"We project equity saving of USD 420 billion $525 billion over the next ten years, versus the respective $60 billion and $120 billion that households and foreign portfolios invested over the previous ten years," he said.

While the report exudes confidence that India's growth story is to continue, it also identified certain risks.

These are with respect to political stability, privacy debate over Aadhaar, and implementation of GST, among others.

The report said that while the Supreme Court has made privacy a fundamental right in a recent judgement, private parties will likely continue to question whether Aadhaar violates privacy rights.

"Any adverse judgement in the courts could derail one of the main anchors of our framework," it said.

Further, it noted that GST is expected to disrupt smaller businesses causing job losses and a general slowdown in economic growth, however, it is likely to lead to lower public debt to GDP subsequently.

First Published: Wed, September 27 2017. 19:33 IST

http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-may-become-a-6-trn-economy-in-next-10-years-morgan-stanley-117092701045_1.html

INDIAN STOCK MARKETS WEEKLY STUDY REPORT

INDIAN STOCK MARKETS 

SEP-17 SERIES WEEKLY STUDY REPORT

CLOSING TO CLOSING 16-23 (FRIDAY TO FRIDAY): 

USA- DOW: 22268- 22349 (+81) NASDAQ: 6449 to 6427 (-22)

EUROPE-DAX: 12519 to 12592 (+73), FTSE : 7215 to 7311 (+96)

JAPAN- NIKKEI: 19910 to 20296 (+386)

HONG KONG-HANGSENG: 27807 to 27881 (+74)

INDIAN MARKETS NEGATIVE MOVES DURING THE WEEK:

NIFTY: 10085-9964 (-121);  BSE-SENSEX=32273-31922 (-351)

BANK- NIFTY : 24844-24368 (-476)

PREVIOUS WEEK 9- 16 (FRIDAY TO FRIDAY): 

USA- DOW 21832 to 22262 (+430) NASDAQ: 6368 to 6449 (+81)

EUROPE-DAX:12304 to12519(+215), FTSE: 7377 to 7215 (-162)

JAPAN- NIKKEI: 19264 to 19910 (+636)

HONG KONG-HANGSENG: 27668 to 27807 (+139)

INDIAN MARKETS POSTIVE MOVES DURING THE WEEK:

NIFTY : 9935-10085 (+150)

BANK- NIFTY : 31687 – 32273 (+586)

POSSIBLE FUTURE ACTION:

INDIAN STOCK MARKETS GOT HAMMERED DUE TO N-KOREA ISSUE, HYDROGEN BOMB TEST AND LACK OF GROWTH IN INDIAN ECONOMY. THE INDIAN ECONOMY DEMANDING STIMULUS OF 50000 Cr AS PER Govt. PLAN AND ALSO LOOKING FOR RBI SUPPORT WITH FURTHER RATE CUTS. THE GLOBAL MARKETS ARE DOING WELL DESPITE THE N-KOREA THREATS, MAY HAVE THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

THE TWO WEEK OBSERVATION SHOWS THAT ALL THE GLOBAL INDICES ARE IN TANDEM.

ALMOST ALL THE NIFTY GAINS MADE DURING THE SERIES WIPED OUT IN TWO SESSIONS IS A CAUSE OF CONCERN AT THIS JUNCTURE AS BULL UNWINDING HAPPENING SERIOUSLY WITHOUT MUCH ROLLOVER IN SCRIPS. LOOKS LIKE THE RESULTS SEASON KICKED IN.

NIFTY REGISTERED NEW HIGHS @ 10179 ON 19-09-2017, SERIOUS SELL OFF CAME WITH 225 POINTS CUT TO REGISTER A LOW @ 9954 ON 22-09-2017.

NIFTY: RESISTANCES are @ 10062, 10128-32 and 10250

    SUPPORTS are @ 9982, and 9860-40 CRUCIAL SUPPORT

BANK-NIFTY: RESISTANCES are @ 24703-09; 25010-15,

    SUPPORTS are @ 24150 and 23822-32 Crucial Support 

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: 

STOCK TRADING LOOKS EASY AND REWARDING BUT ACTUALLY A HIGH-RISK VENTURE AND TRADERS ARE MOST TO LOSE, DEMANDS CALM MIND AND PSYCHOLOGICAL BALANCE. 

IT IS A CHALLENGING JOB DUE TO PRECISION IN TIMING AND LIMITED CAPITAL AVAILABLE WITH RETAIL TRADERS.

SO ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR EXPERT ADVISOR AND NEVER FORGET TO MAKE YOUR STUDY TO GET SUCCESS.

NOT TO DISCOURAGE ANY ANTHUSIAST BUT REQUEST TO DEDICATE REASONABLE TIME & ENERGY TO EMPOWER THOSE MOST REQUIRED QUALITIES TO BUILD WEALTH CREATION FROM MARKETS.

SEASONED PARTICIPATS RECOGNISE THE MOVE BUT FEAR OF FAILURE WITH HOLDS FROM TAKING POSITIONS. THE NOVICE JUMP TO GRAB THE FLUCTUATIONS AND GET TRAPPED AND PAY THE PRICE TO GAIN THAT EXPERIENCE.

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Govt wants more rate cuts to revive growth

Officials say lower interest rates needed to boost manufacturing

Arup Roychoudhury  |  New Delhi Last Updated at September 24, 2017 01:31 IST

The government has started advocating another rate cut from the Reserve Bank of India’s six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) — to spur lending and consumption, and revive the economy. 

“There is scope for monetary easing because of inflation projections. Inflation last month picked up but our analysis has taken that into consideration… We had based it on a mid-term inflation of 4 per cent,” said a senior official on Saturday when asked what the Centre thought of another rate cut. The next meeting of the MPC is on October 3-4.

The MPC has cut rates only once this financial year (2017-18, or FY18), in its bi-monthly policy meeting in August. But, it maintained a “neutral” outlook, citing uncertainties in inflation trajectory. The rate cut was the first in 10 months and brought rates to a near seven-year low. 

Consumer price index (CPI)-based inflation rose to a five-month high of 3.36 per cent in August, from 2.36 per cent in July, as food items, particularly vegetables, turned costly, after prices fell between April and June. 

Gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the April-June quarter fell to 5.7 per cent — from 7.9 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2016-17. This is the lowest since the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014 and India has now lagged China in growth for the second consecutive quarter. 

Experts have attributed the slowdown to the note ban in November last year and destocking by companies before the goods and services tax (GST) roll-out on July 1 this year. 

With the criticism of the slowdown gaining in volume, top policymakers in the government have held a number of meetings to brainstorm on ways to revive the economy, boost exports, spur investments, and create jobs for the millions entering the workforce every year. 

The officials have deliberated on ways to raise resources to finance higher capital spending beyond the budgeted Rs 3.10 lakh crore for 2017-18. This could be through higher borrowing or higher disinvestment receipts. Methods of non-fiscal stimulus have also been discussed; these include more infrastructure bonds issued by central agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India and recapitalising banks through either issuing bonds or paring the government’s stake in state-owned lenders further. Debates have also taken place on whether to spend within the budgeted means or to let the “red line” of the fiscal deficit target slip. This is a marked departure from the Centre’s previous stance; analysts and economists across the board have said the government should choose in favour of the former, as private sector investment still remains subdued. 

The official quoted above told Business Standard that some spending room was already provided for in the Budget. “We knew when we were making the Budget that we were perhaps cyclically weak. That is why a balance was stuck. Instead of dropping the fiscal deficit from 3.5 per cent of GDP to 3 per cent, we went for a target of 3.2 per cent. Any change in tack in the middle of the year could affect the decision-making credibility of the government.” The expert committee on fiscal responsibility and budget management had recommended a 3 per cent fiscal deficit target for the current financial year. 

At an interaction with media, officials said some measures to boost economic activity would be announced soon. Asked about the slowdown in manufacturing, the officials said a number of sectors within manufacturing should pick up once the effects of the demonetisation and the GST roll-out dissipated. “What has happened is that a number of sectors have been affected. Where that manifests itself is that in past two of three quarters, manufacturing imports have increased substantially. Once the effect of the demonetisation and the GST substantially reverses we should expect those sectors picking up. Also these sectors have been affected by the appreciation of currency,” the official said. “Any response has to be across the board to boost manufacturing in the economy, like in interest rate and lower exchange rate. One good news is that the world exports volume has increased significantly. So, hopefully, these one-off effects veering off manufacturing will pick up,” he said. Growth in manufacturing declined to 1.2 per cent in April-June, from 5.3 per cent in January-March. Mining and quarrying contracted 0.7 per cent during the quarter, after growing 6.4 per cent in the previous quarter.

First Published: Sun, September 24 2017. 00:11 IST

Can North Korea’s recent hydrogen bomb threat push US closer to actual war?

Would exploding a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific, as North Korea has threatened, push the current war of words between the US and North Korea closer to actual war?

By: Associated Press | Washington | Published: September 23, 2017 6:23 PM

North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. (Reuters)

Would exploding a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific, as North Korea has threatened, push the current war of words between the US and North Korea closer to actual war? As with much that has transpired lately in the US-North Korea nuclear crisis, no one can be sure where this would lead or whether the North will even carry out its threat. It does, however, raise many questions, including:

How would the North undertake such a nuclear test, what risks might it pose to Japan and how would the US respond?

After the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, said President Donald Trump would ”pay dearly” for threatening to ”totally destroy” North Korea if the US were forced to defend itself or its allies against a North Korean attack, Kim’s foreign minister told reporters his country’s response to Trump ”could be the most powerful detonation of an H-bomb in the Pacific.”

All six of North Korea’s nuclear tests thus far, dating to 2006, have been conducted in underground tunnels.

Experts say the most likely way the North would conduct an atmospheric test over the Pacific is to launch a long-range missile – probably overflying Japan – and have its nuclear warhead detonate in the skies over a remote part of the Pacific.

”I strongly suspect they have the capability to do this,” said James Acton, a nuclear expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He said in a telephone interview that the North likely would do a couple of trial runs with unarmed missiles in coming months before performing the test with an actual H-bomb aboard.

Such a test with a live warhead would tell North Korea’s engineers whether their bomb design can survive the rigors of flight and re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, says Michael Elleman, a missile defense expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

North Korea has said it intends to build a missile capable of striking all parts of the United States with a nuclear bomb. Trump has said he won’t allow it, although the U.S. so far has not used military force to impede the North’s progress.

Susan Thornton, the acting secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific, said Friday a North Korean H-bomb test in the Pacific would be ”outrageous.” She said it would draw a ”concerted and determined international response” but declined to be specific.

North Korea says it needs nuclear weapons to deter a U.S. invasion, but Thornton contended that the North ultimately seeks to take over U.S.-allied South Korea.

She said Kim’s aim in developing nuclear weapons is ”to fulfill a long-term desire on the part of the North Korean regime to reunify the Korean Peninsula under the Kim family regime and proliferate these weapons and blackmail other countries. This is an intolerable prospect that no other country in the international community can abide.”

Elleman said the missile of choice in a North Korean atmospheric H-bomb test likely would be its longest-range ballistic missile, known as the Hwasong-14, which apparently has the capability of reaching the U.S. mainland, or the intermediate-range Hwasong-12. The Hwasong-14 was flight tested for the first time only two months ago.

”Kim Jong Un would have to accept considerable risk of failure – or worse, a missile carrying a nuclear warhead could crash into Japan – if he elects to use the Hwasong-12 or -14,” Elleman said. ”The Hwasong-12 has been flight tested just six times, three of which ended in failure.”

How might the U.S. respond, given its treaty commitment to defend Japan?

Acton argues for negotiating a deal that would preclude such an escalation. He suggests a deal in which the North would agree to halt missile flights over Japan or South Korea and the U.S. would agree to stop its strategic bomber training flights within a certain distance of the North Korean border.

Hans Kristensen, a nuclear expert at the Federation of American Scientists, says he thinks the North Korean threat is likely bluster, but if it happened ”there’s a real possibility” the U.S. would take military action in response, given the potential for an accidental detonation over a populated area and the potential threat to sea or air traffic.

”They have done crazy things and tend to carry through with what they have said,” Kristensen said in an email exchange. ”But a live nuclear weapons launch and detonation in the Pacific would be an extraordinarily irresponsible act.”

Trump on Friday renewed his rhetorical offensive against Kim.

”Kim Jong Un of North Korea, who is obviously a madman who doesn’t mind starving or killing his people, will be tested like never before!” the president tweeted.

Evans Revere, a former State Department official and expert on East Asia, said Friday he believes the North is intent on launching an intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM, like the Hwasong-14 on a combat trajectory to determine the survivability of a mock warhead.

”To go from that to an atmospheric test on a missile would be a dangerously provocative step,” Revere said. ”It would violate longstanding international norms and would be a major challenge to the U.S. and Japan, in the latter case because it would overfly Japan’s territory.

”It would also send a disturbing signal to the U.S. and the international community that North Korea had now `arrived’ as a full-fledged nuclear weapon state.”

http://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/can-north-koreas-recent-hydrogen-bomb-threat-push-us-closer-to-actual-war/867704/