The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a project of, by, and for Pakistan's elites which completely lacks local ownership, says a researcher based in Brussels.

"Local communities got completely sidelined by the national decision-makers", said Dr Siegfried O. Wolf, Director of Research at South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF). There is widespread condemnation by the locals in Pakistan and Gilgit Baltistan of the multibillion-dollar development project.

"As such it does not come as a surprise, that the locals have to share most of the social, economic as well as environmental costs but at the same time get deprived of their fair share of the expected/envisaged revenues," Wolf said.

"Since the decisions regarding projects are exclusively done by the central government in coordination with China's leadership, the CPEC projects do not address local demands and needs," he added.

CPEC is a dream project Chinese President Xi Jinping as it will provide China easy access to the EU market.

"China spends tremendous efforts and money in public diplomacy to influence the opinions in media, academia, business circles and among political decision-makers in BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) as well as in non-BRI countries.&nbsp;However, one can also state that there is an increasing number of critical voices and reports on the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-attaches-great-importance-to-projects-taken-under-cpec-imran-khan-229067"> </a>CPEC and other BRI projects<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-attaches-great-importance-to-projects-taken-under-cpec-imran-khan-229067">, </a>indicating that these Chinese influence measures are only partly successful and losing their efficiency," Wolf further said.

In Pakistan, the locals are unhappy as it has not only displaced thousands of them but has also exploited their land and resources.

"The CPEC will lead to tremendous economic distortions in Pakistan, disadvantaging domestic entrepreneurs vis-a-vis Chinese companies and Pakistani military businesses. Large segments of local communities will suffer from negative impacts on their traditional livelihoods due to increasing environmental problems and displacements," he added.

"We will most likely witness a deterioration of the security situation due to an increase in growing militant resistance against the CPEC, as well as anti-Chinese activities conducted by domestic and international Jihadi groups in order to harm Beijing's interests and assets abroad," the researcher also said.&nbsp;

"The subsequent growing militarisation of areas dedicated to CPEC projects will lead to an increase of human rights violations and further truncation of political rights, freedom of the press and free expression of opinion. In consequence, the CPEC is turning into another threat for democracy in Pakistan," Wolf warned.&nbsp;

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a project of, by, and for Pakistan's elites which completely lacks local ownership, says a researcher based in Brussels.

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a project of, by, and for Pakistan's elites which completely lacks local ownership, says a researcher based in Brussels. "Local communities got completely sidelined by the national decision-makers", said Dr Siegfried O. Wolf, Director of Research at South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF). There is widespread condemnation by the locals in Pakistan and Gilgit Baltistan of the multibillion-dollar development project. "As such it does not come as a surprise, that the locals have to share most of the social, economic as well as environmental costs but at the same time get deprived of their fair share of the expected/envisaged revenues," Wolf said. "Since the decisions regarding projects are exclusively done by the central government in coordination with China's leadership, the CPEC projects do not address local demands and needs," he added. CPEC is a dream project Chinese President Xi Jinping as it will provide China easy access to the EU market. "China spends tremendous efforts and money in public diplomacy to influence the opinions in media, academia, business circles and among political decision-makers in BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) as well as in non-BRI countries. However, one can also state that there is an increasing number of critical voices and reports on the CPEC and other BRI projects, indicating that these Chinese influence measures are only partly successful and losing their efficiency," Wolf further said. In Pakistan, the locals are unhappy as it has not only displaced thousands of them but has also exploited their land and resources. "The CPEC will lead to tremendous economic distortions in Pakistan, disadvantaging domestic entrepreneurs vis-a-vis Chinese companies and Pakistani military businesses. Large segments of local communities will suffer from negative impacts on their traditional livelihoods due to increasing environmental problems and displacements," he added. "We will most likely witness a deterioration of the security situation due to an increase in growing militant resistance against the CPEC, as well as anti-Chinese activities conducted by domestic and international Jihadi groups in order to harm Beijing's interests and assets abroad," the researcher also said. "The subsequent growing militarisation of areas dedicated to CPEC projects will lead to an increase of human rights violations and further truncation of political rights, freedom of the press and free expression of opinion. In consequence, the CPEC is turning into another threat for democracy in Pakistan," Wolf warned.

CPEC project for Pakistan's elites, lack local leadership: Researcher

Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 was passed in the Upper House of Parliament of Monday evening with a total of 125 votes in favour while 61 members voted against it.&nbsp;

The government on Monday announced the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-now-a-union-territory-ladakh-to-be-administered-from-delhi-as-ut-240769">bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir</a>&nbsp;and revoked Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir.

While Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a legislature, Ladakh has been converted into a separate Union Territory sans legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by Delhi.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday addressed Rajya Sabha and said that scrapping Article 370 is essential to end terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

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The Jammu &amp; Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 passed by Rajya Sabha <a href="https://t.co/jixNAn3x0y">pic.twitter.com/jixNAn3x0y</a>
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"I am convinced this move will result in the end of violence in Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said.&nbsp;

The Home Minister further added that the reason for corruption, poverty, underdevelopment and lack of investments in Jammu and Kashmir was Article 370.&nbsp;

"Tourism could not take place in Jammu and Kashmir because of Article 370," he noted.&nbsp;

"Scrapping Article 370 is also essential to end terrorism," he stated.

Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 was passed in the Upper House of Parliament of Monday evening with a total of 125 votes in favour while 61 members voted against it.

Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 was passed in the Upper House of Parliament of Monday evening with a total of 125 votes in favour while 61 members voted against it. The government on Monday announced the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and revoked Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. While Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a legislature, Ladakh has been converted into a separate Union Territory sans legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday addressed Rajya Sabha and said that scrapping Article 370 is essential to end terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 passed by Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/jixNAn3x0y — ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2019 × "I am convinced this move will result in the end of violence in Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said. The Home Minister further added that the reason for corruption, poverty, underdevelopment and lack of investments in Jammu and Kashmir was Article 370. "Tourism could not take place in Jammu and Kashmir because of Article 370," he noted. "Scrapping Article 370 is also essential to end terrorism," he stated.

Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill passed in Rajya Sabha with 125 members in favour

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday addressed&nbsp;Rajya Sabha and replied to the debate in the Upper House on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/true-development-and-integration-of-jammu-and-kashmir-will-happen-now-nirmala-sitharaman-240845">revocation of Article 370</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-article-35a-heres-all-you-need-to-know-240752">Article 35A</a>&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir.

Shah opened his address by stating that he has brought a "historic proposal"&nbsp;to the table.

Calling Jammu and Kashmir the "crown jewel of India", Shah said that all efforts must be made to attain normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"I am convinced this move will result in the end of violence in Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said.&nbsp;

The Home Minister further added that the reason for corruption, poverty, underdevelopment and lack of investments in Jammu and Kashmir was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-from-jammu-and-kashmir-all-you-need-to-know-240772">Article 370</a>.&nbsp;

"I want to tell the people of J&amp;K what damage 370 &amp; 35A did to the state. It's because of these sections that democracy was never fully implemented, corruption increased in the state, that no development could take place," Shah stated.&nbsp;

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"The entire country is on the path of development, it is heartwrenching to see the state of villages in Jammu and Kashmir," Shah noted exuding confidence that scrapping Article 370 will better the situations in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"Tourism could not take place in Jammu and Kashmir because of Article 370," he noted.&nbsp;

"Scrapping Article 370 is also essential to end terrorism," he stated.

"We must all rise from vote bank politics and work for the development of Jammu and Kashmir, we must work as a unified House," Shah wrapping up his address in the Upper House in the presence of&nbsp;&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also resounded similar sentiments on Monday.

Lauding centre's decision of scrapping Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir she said that the move will facilitate the development of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"No investment is happening in Jammu and Kashmir," Sitharaman said, adding that "with this move, the true development and integration of Jammu and Kashmir will happen".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The finance minister said that the entire nation had been waiting for this for the last 70 years.&nbsp;

"Even our manifesto mentioned the need to abrogate Article 370, so it is not something we brought out suddenly like a rabbit from a magic hat," she said.&nbsp;

The government on Monday announced the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-now-a-union-territory-ladakh-to-be-administered-from-delhi-as-ut-240769">bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir</a>. While Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a legislature, Ladakh has been converted into a separate Union Territory sans legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by Delhi.

 
&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday addressed Rajya Sabha and replied to the debate in the Upper House on the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday addressed Rajya Sabha and replied to the debate in the Upper House on the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah opened his address by stating that he has brought a "historic proposal" to the table. Calling Jammu and Kashmir the "crown jewel of India", Shah said that all efforts must be made to attain normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. "I am convinced this move will result in the end of violence in Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said. The Home Minister further added that the reason for corruption, poverty, underdevelopment and lack of investments in Jammu and Kashmir was Article 370. "I want to tell the people of J&K what damage 370 & 35A did to the state. It's because of these sections that democracy was never fully implemented, corruption increased in the state, that no development could take place," Shah stated. Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha: I want to tell the people of J&K what damage 370 & 35A did to the state. It's because of these sections that democracy was never fully implemented, corruption increased in the state, that no development could take place pic.twitter.com/EtvHHQ6jRO — ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2019 × "The entire country is on the path of development, it is heartwrenching to see the state of villages in Jammu and Kashmir," Shah noted exuding confidence that scrapping Article 370 will better the situations in Jammu and Kashmir. "Tourism could not take place in Jammu and Kashmir because of Article 370," he noted. "Scrapping Article 370 is also essential to end terrorism," he stated. "We must all rise from vote bank politics and work for the development of Jammu and Kashmir, we must work as a unified House," Shah wrapping up his address in the Upper House in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also resounded similar sentiments on Monday. Lauding centre's decision of scrapping Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir she said that the move will facilitate the development of Jammu and Kashmir. "No investment is happening in Jammu and Kashmir," Sitharaman said, adding that "with this move, the true development and integration of Jammu and Kashmir will happen". The finance minister said that the entire nation had been waiting for this for the last 70 years. "Even our manifesto mentioned the need to abrogate Article 370, so it is not something we brought out suddenly like a rabbit from a magic hat," she said. The government on Monday announced the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. While Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a legislature, Ladakh has been converted into a separate Union Territory sans legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by Delhi.

Scrapping Article 370 essential to achieve normalcy in country's 'crown jewel', Jammu and Kashmir: Amit Shah

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday lauded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-now-a-union-territory-ladakh-to-be-administered-from-delhi-as-ut-240769">centre's decision of scrapping Article 370 and 35A</a> in Jammu and Kashmir and said that the move will facilitate the development of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"No investment is happening in Jammu and Kashmir," Sitharaman said, adding that&nbsp;"with this move, the true development and integration of Jammu and Kashmir will happen".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The finance minister said that the entire nation had been waiting for this for the last 70 years.&nbsp;

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"Even our manifesto mentioned the need to abrogate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-from-jammu-and-kashmir-all-you-need-to-know-240772">Article 370</a>, so it is not something we brought out suddenly like a rabbit from a magic hat," she said.&nbsp;

The government on Monday announced the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. While Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a legislature, Ladakh has been converted into a separate Union Territory sans legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by Delhi.

Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) of Parliament where he announced the abrogation of Article 370 and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-article-35a-heres-all-you-need-to-know-240752">Article 35A</a> of the Constitution of India which gave special status to the state and its residents and tabled a resolution for the same.

A notification issued by the government, shortly after Shah's announcement, was signed by President Ram Nath Kovind and said that the state is being restructured.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday lauded centre's decision of scrapping Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir and said that the move will facilitate the development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday lauded centre's decision of scrapping Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir and said that the move will facilitate the development of Jammu and Kashmir. "No investment is happening in Jammu and Kashmir," Sitharaman said, adding that "with this move, the true development and integration of Jammu and Kashmir will happen". The finance minister said that the entire nation had been waiting for this for the last 70 years. FM Nirmala Sitharaman: It is something the country has been waiting for the last 70 years. Even our manifesto mentioned the need to abrogate #Article370, so it is not something we brought out suddenly like a rabbit from a magic hat. pic.twitter.com/bcZAE3JL89 — ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2019 × "Even our manifesto mentioned the need to abrogate Article 370, so it is not something we brought out suddenly like a rabbit from a magic hat," she said. The government on Monday announced the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. While Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a legislature, Ladakh has been converted into a separate Union Territory sans legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by Delhi. Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) of Parliament where he announced the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution of India which gave special status to the state and its residents and tabled a resolution for the same. A notification issued by the government, shortly after Shah's announcement, was signed by President Ram Nath Kovind and said that the state is being restructured.

True development and integration of Jammu and Kashmir will happen now: Nirmala Sitharaman

Indian shares plunged to fresh five-month lows, led by losses in metals and public sector bank stocks, in a global selloff due to the escalating Sino-US&nbsp;trade war.

The Chinese yuan broke below the psychological 7-per-dollar threshold after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump abruptly decided on Thursday to slap 10 per cent tariffs on the remaining $300 billion in Chinese imports.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 1.7 per cent.

The rupee hit its weakest level since mid-May at 70.49 rupees per dollar.

Domestic investor sentiment in equities, which seemed to be upbeat on Friday after reports said the government was looking into foreign portfolio investors'&nbsp;tax concerns, returned to being bearish due to the escalating trade war.

The broader NSE Nifty was down 1.11 per cent at 10,868.25 as of 0801 GMT, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was 1.11 per cent&nbsp;lower at 36,670.62.

"The economy is in doldrums and steps taken won't give a boost in the short-term. The global economy is also doing much better than the domestic economy," said Madhumita Ghosh, Associate Dean at Tasmac Global Solutions.

"We don't see any trigger for markets to go up in the short term." Most sectors were trading in the red.

The Nifty public sector bank index plummeted as much as 5.12 per cent, while the metals index sank as much as 3.9 per cent, their lowest in over three years. The Nifty autos index slithered down about 1.9 per cent.

Nifty IT was the only index trading higher, boosted by the weak rupee.

The India volatility index shot up as much as 16.16 per cent, its highest in over two months.

Yes Bank was the top loser among the Nifty stocks and fell about 6.7 per cent, while Tata Motors was down 4.7 per cent.

Among the few gainers were Tata Consultancy Services, up 1.4 per cent, and Infosys Ltd, which rose 0.5 per cent. 
&nbsp;

Indian shares plunged to fresh five-month lows, led by losses in metals and public sector bank stocks, in a global selloff due to the escalating Sino-US trade war.

Indian shares plunged to fresh five-month lows, led by losses in metals and public sector bank stocks, in a global selloff due to the escalating Sino-US trade war. The Chinese yuan broke below the psychological 7-per-dollar threshold after US President Donald Trump abruptly decided on Thursday to slap 10 per cent tariffs on the remaining $300 billion in Chinese imports. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 1.7 per cent. The rupee hit its weakest level since mid-May at 70.49 rupees per dollar. Domestic investor sentiment in equities, which seemed to be upbeat on Friday after reports said the government was looking into foreign portfolio investors' tax concerns, returned to being bearish due to the escalating trade war. The broader NSE Nifty was down 1.11 per cent at 10,868.25 as of 0801 GMT, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was 1.11 per cent lower at 36,670.62. "The economy is in doldrums and steps taken won't give a boost in the short-term. The global economy is also doing much better than the domestic economy," said Madhumita Ghosh, Associate Dean at Tasmac Global Solutions. "We don't see any trigger for markets to go up in the short term." Most sectors were trading in the red. The Nifty public sector bank index plummeted as much as 5.12 per cent, while the metals index sank as much as 3.9 per cent, their lowest in over three years. The Nifty autos index slithered down about 1.9 per cent. Nifty IT was the only index trading higher, boosted by the weak rupee. The India volatility index shot up as much as 16.16 per cent, its highest in over two months. Yes Bank was the top loser among the Nifty stocks and fell about 6.7 per cent, while Tata Motors was down 4.7 per cent. Among the few gainers were Tata Consultancy Services, up 1.4 per cent, and Infosys Ltd, which rose 0.5 per cent.

Nifty, Sensex plumb fresh five-month lows in global selloff

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-chief-minister-bs-yediyurappa-wins-trust-vote-in-assembly-239160">Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa</a> on Monday conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in north Karnataka to take stock of the situation.

Officials apprised Yediyurappa about the flood situation before he undertook the aerial survey.

There is a flood-like situation in northern parts of Karnataka due to Maharashtra releasing huge volumes of water from its reservoirs after receiving heavy rainfall in the state.

In view of the floods, Congress MLA HK Patil had written to the Chief Minister, asking him to cancel his Delhi trip scheduled for August 6, and visit flood-affected areas in the state instead.

Yediyurappa was sworn-in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka on July 26, following the collapse of the Congress-JD(S) government after it lost the trust vote in the Karnataka Assembly.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;the flood water levels in East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh are gradually receding, said State Disaster Management Authority on Monday.

The authority in its report also added that the water level in various areas like Chintur, Kunavarm, Polavaram and Dowaleswaram are decreasing.

According to the report, the government has withdrawn the second level warning which was issued in Dowaleswaram. However, the warning may be reimposed in the evening if the water is being released from upper areas of the state.

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in north Karnataka to take stock of the situation. Officials apprised Yediyurappa about the flood situation before he undertook the aerial survey.

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in north Karnataka to take stock of the situation. Officials apprised Yediyurappa about the flood situation before he undertook the aerial survey. There is a flood-like situation in northern parts of Karnataka due to Maharashtra releasing huge volumes of water from its reservoirs after receiving heavy rainfall in the state. In view of the floods, Congress MLA HK Patil had written to the Chief Minister, asking him to cancel his Delhi trip scheduled for August 6, and visit flood-affected areas in the state instead. Yediyurappa was sworn-in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka on July 26, following the collapse of the Congress-JD(S) government after it lost the trust vote in the Karnataka Assembly. Meanwhile, the flood water levels in East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh are gradually receding, said State Disaster Management Authority on Monday. The authority in its report also added that the water level in various areas like Chintur, Kunavarm, Polavaram and Dowaleswaram are decreasing. According to the report, the government has withdrawn the second level warning which was issued in Dowaleswaram. However, the warning may be reimposed in the evening if the water is being released from upper areas of the state.

Karnataka: Chief Minister Yediyurappa conducts aerial survey of flood affected areas

Soon after the central <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-to-be-bifurcated-article-370-scrapped-more-troops-to-be-deployed-240795">government scrapped Article 370</a> of the Constitution, veteran BJP leader LK Advani said that it's a "bold step towards strengthening national integration."

"I am happy with the Government`s decision to revoke Article 370 and I believe that it is a bold step towards strengthening national integration," Advani said in a statement.

"The scrapping of Article 370 has been a part of BJP`s core ideology since the days of Jan Sangh. I congratulate the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Home Minister Amit Shah for this historic initiative and pray for peace, prosperity and progress in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh," he added.

The Centre on Monday scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Shortly after Home Minister Amit Shah tabled a resolution to this effect in Rajya Sabha, President Ram Nath Kovind came out with a notification - The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 that will come into force immediately.

The order will supersede the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954 as amended from time to time.

The notification also made clear that all the provisions of the Constitution as amended from time to time, shall apply in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the exceptions and modifications subject to which they shall so apply.

Shah also moved the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill in the Upper House, that converted the state into a Union Territory with the legislature, and hived off Ladakh region into another Union Territory without legislature.

The decisions mark a new milestone in the country`s politics with the BJP-led government breaking new grounds on issues that have been virtually untouched in last more than 70 years.&nbsp;

Soon after the central government scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution, veteran BJP leader LK Advani said that it's a "bold step towards strengthening national integration.

Soon after the central government scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution, veteran BJP leader LK Advani said that it's a "bold step towards strengthening national integration." "I am happy with the Government`s decision to revoke Article 370 and I believe that it is a bold step towards strengthening national integration," Advani said in a statement. "The scrapping of Article 370 has been a part of BJP`s core ideology since the days of Jan Sangh. I congratulate the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Home Minister Amit Shah for this historic initiative and pray for peace, prosperity and progress in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh," he added. The Centre on Monday scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Shortly after Home Minister Amit Shah tabled a resolution to this effect in Rajya Sabha, President Ram Nath Kovind came out with a notification - The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 that will come into force immediately. The order will supersede the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954 as amended from time to time. The notification also made clear that all the provisions of the Constitution as amended from time to time, shall apply in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the exceptions and modifications subject to which they shall so apply. Shah also moved the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill in the Upper House, that converted the state into a Union Territory with the legislature, and hived off Ladakh region into another Union Territory without legislature. The decisions mark a new milestone in the country`s politics with the BJP-led government breaking new grounds on issues that have been virtually untouched in last more than 70 years.

Bold step towards strengthening national integration: Advani on Article 370 scrapping

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who is undergoing life imprisonment in one of the cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

A division bench headed by Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde and also comprising Justice B R Gavai, passed the order, on a bail plea moved by the convict.

On December 17 last year, the Delhi High Court had convicted Kumar by reversing a verdict given by a trial court on the murder of five members of a family in and torching of a gurdwara in Delhi's Raj Nagar area on November 1, 1984, following the assassination of Indira Gandhi.

Two weeks after Kumar was awarded life sentence in connection with the riots case, the Congress leader surrendered at the Karkardooma District Court. In January earlier this year, the three-time former lawmaker, moved the court challenging his conviction.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who is undergoing life imprisonment in one of the cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant bail to former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who is undergoing life imprisonment in one of the cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. A division bench headed by Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde and also comprising Justice B R Gavai, passed the order, on a bail plea moved by the convict. On December 17 last year, the Delhi High Court had convicted Kumar by reversing a verdict given by a trial court on the murder of five members of a family in and torching of a gurdwara in Delhi's Raj Nagar area on November 1, 1984, following the assassination of Indira Gandhi. Two weeks after Kumar was awarded life sentence in connection with the riots case, the Congress leader surrendered at the Karkardooma District Court. In January earlier this year, the three-time former lawmaker, moved the court challenging his conviction.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Supreme Court refuses to grant bail to Sajjan Kumar

Unequivocally ruling himself out, Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday recommended the name of Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia for the post of the party president.

Concurring with the proposal made by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for the appointment of a young leader to the top post, Deora told ANI that either of the two must be given the responsibility, which will also strengthen the government in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

On being asked if the party will accept a 'non-Gandhi'&nbsp;president, Deora said that he does not see any reason why the senior leaders would not accept Captain Amrinder Singh's proposal.

"Senior leaders must follow the view of Captain Amarinder Singh. I do not know why they are not following it. The party will have to depart from the conventional political route," he said.

Responding to a question on the possibility of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to be appointed as the party president, Deora said, "I will be happy if she leads the party, but when Gandhi family has clarified that the next president should not be from Gandhi family, so this possibility does not arise."

Last month, following the resignation put forth by Rahul Gandhi, Deora had stepped down from the post of Mumbai unit Congress president. His resignation was, however, rejected by the party.

"I felt Rahul was hurt that no one else had offered to resign. It is unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi had to resign. He did his best for the party," he added.

Expressing concern over the upcoming Assembly elections in the various states, the Congress leader said that a further delay in electing a president could impact the party's prospects adversely.

When asked about the leadership vacuum in Karnataka and Goa, Deora said, "A lot of unfortunate incidents have occurred in the last two months but we must get our act together immediately."

"If we had had strong and decisive leadership at the centre during the past few months, many of these events could have been avoided. I speak on behalf of all workers when I say that we should put our best foot forward. We do not have the luxury of time," he said.&nbsp;

Unequivocally ruling himself out, Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday recommended the name of Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia for the post of the party president.

Unequivocally ruling himself out, Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday recommended the name of Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia for the post of the party president. Concurring with the proposal made by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for the appointment of a young leader to the top post, Deora told ANI that either of the two must be given the responsibility, which will also strengthen the government in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. On being asked if the party will accept a 'non-Gandhi' president, Deora said that he does not see any reason why the senior leaders would not accept Captain Amrinder Singh's proposal. "Senior leaders must follow the view of Captain Amarinder Singh. I do not know why they are not following it. The party will have to depart from the conventional political route," he said. Responding to a question on the possibility of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to be appointed as the party president, Deora said, "I will be happy if she leads the party, but when Gandhi family has clarified that the next president should not be from Gandhi family, so this possibility does not arise." Last month, following the resignation put forth by Rahul Gandhi, Deora had stepped down from the post of Mumbai unit Congress president. His resignation was, however, rejected by the party. "I felt Rahul was hurt that no one else had offered to resign. It is unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi had to resign. He did his best for the party," he added. Expressing concern over the upcoming Assembly elections in the various states, the Congress leader said that a further delay in electing a president could impact the party's prospects adversely. When asked about the leadership vacuum in Karnataka and Goa, Deora said, "A lot of unfortunate incidents have occurred in the last two months but we must get our act together immediately." "If we had had strong and decisive leadership at the centre during the past few months, many of these events could have been avoided. I speak on behalf of all workers when I say that we should put our best foot forward. We do not have the luxury of time," he said.

Milind Deora recommends Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia's name for Congress president's post

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moving-fast-elon-musks-spacex-eyes-florida-for-launch-site-for-mars-rocket-240489">Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk</a> on Sunday sparked a controversy after he likened Queen Elizabeth II to the characters from famous British kids television programme 'Teletubbies'.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Musk posted&nbsp;an image featuring the Teletubbies characters followed by another image wherein the Queen, clad in clothes similar to the colours of Teletubbies characters, was juxtaposed in the 'Teletubbyland'.&nbsp;

Teletubbies, a British pre-school children's television series, is still being watched in many countries across the world. The original series aired between the year 1997-2001 and was revived in the year 2015.&nbsp;

Musk's tweet was met with varying responses by the Twitterati. While some asked him if it was finally the time for him to stop posting such posts, others cracked-up on his sense of humour and urged him to keep entertaining.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Queen 🐝 <a href="https://t.co/InE4OIu9kL">pic.twitter.com/InE4OIu9kL</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1157972610761789441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The past week, Musk made headlines as SpaceX was reported to have been expanding its facilities in Florida to make room for the space company's forthcoming super heavy-lift launch vehicle dubbed Starship, news agency Reuters reported on Friday.

Starship, a 384-foot (117-meter) reusable two-stage rocket taller than the Statue of Liberty, is a central piece of Musk's interplanetary space travel ambitions as well as US space agency NASA's goal to send humans to the moon again by 2024.

The Starship rocket is expected to launch up to 24 times a year from SpaceX's current flagship launchpad 39A, the draft of the company's environmental assessment said. SpaceX did not specify in the report when it would reach that cadence, but Musk said in September 2018 he wanted to be conducting orbital flights with Starship in two to three years.

Last month, it was reported that Musk is aiming to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-unveils-chip-allowing-brain-computer-communication-237060">connect the human brain with a machine interface</a>. And through his start-up Neuralink, Musk aims to accomplish this "before the end of next year".

Speaking at a conference in San Francisco last month, Musk presented "version one" of his neuron-sized threads and microprocessor chips that he claims will help people with severe brain injuries and eventually grow to allow humans to&nbsp;connect with advancing artificial intelligence&nbsp;(AI) technology.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Sunday sparked a controversy after he likened Queen Elizabeth II to the characters from famous British kids television programme 'Teletubbies'.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Sunday sparked a controversy after he likened Queen Elizabeth II to the characters from famous British kids television programme 'Teletubbies'. In a tweet, Musk posted an image featuring the Teletubbies characters followed by another image wherein the Queen, clad in clothes similar to the colours of Teletubbies characters, was juxtaposed in the 'Teletubbyland'. Teletubbies, a British pre-school children's television series, is still being watched in many countries across the world. The original series aired between the year 1997-2001 and was revived in the year 2015. Musk's tweet was met with varying responses by the Twitterati. While some asked him if it was finally the time for him to stop posting such posts, others cracked-up on his sense of humour and urged him to keep entertaining. Queen 🐝 pic.twitter.com/InE4OIu9kL — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 4, 2019 × The past week, Musk made headlines as SpaceX was reported to have been expanding its facilities in Florida to make room for the space company's forthcoming super heavy-lift launch vehicle dubbed Starship, news agency Reuters reported on Friday. Starship, a 384-foot (117-meter) reusable two-stage rocket taller than the Statue of Liberty, is a central piece of Musk's interplanetary space travel ambitions as well as US space agency NASA's goal to send humans to the moon again by 2024. The Starship rocket is expected to launch up to 24 times a year from SpaceX's current flagship launchpad 39A, the draft of the company's environmental assessment said. SpaceX did not specify in the report when it would reach that cadence, but Musk said in September 2018 he wanted to be conducting orbital flights with Starship in two to three years. Last month, it was reported that Musk is aiming to connect the human brain with a machine interface. And through his start-up Neuralink, Musk aims to accomplish this "before the end of next year". Speaking at a conference in San Francisco last month, Musk presented "version one" of his neuron-sized threads and microprocessor chips that he claims will help people with severe brain injuries and eventually grow to allow humans to connect with advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Elon Musk tries off-hand humour again, compares Queen Elizabeth II to Teletubbies

On day two of 'Abhyas Varga', a training programme which is being organised by the BJP for all its parliamentarians, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-asks-party-mps-to-take-government-work-to-grassroots-240429">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> urged the lawmakers to focus on winning 2024 elections from now on.

"Be positive and don't let any negative thoughts hit you. Keep striving hard to win all that you've lost. Win over your opponents and focus on winning 2024 election from now on," Modi said.

Urging legislators to contribute towards nation-building, the Prime Minister said,&nbsp;"You should all work for nation-building. Along with focusing on your own health, you should also devote some time to take care of your family."

On day one of the exercise, the Prime Minister gave lessons to the newly-elected BJP MPs on how to become a successful public representative.

According to those who attended the training being held in the Parliament premises, Modi asked the MPs to remain connected with their well-wishers who had worked for their success in their respective constituencies.

The agenda of the two-day 'Abhyas Varga'&nbsp;training programme is a focused group discussion on 'Situation in West Bengal'&nbsp;and a session that imparts NaMo App training to parliamentarians among other things.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

On day two of 'Abhyas Varga', a training programme which is being organised by the BJP for all its parliamentarians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the lawmakers to focus on winning 2024 elections from now on.

On day two of 'Abhyas Varga', a training programme which is being organised by the BJP for all its parliamentarians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the lawmakers to focus on winning 2024 elections from now on. "Be positive and don't let any negative thoughts hit you. Keep striving hard to win all that you've lost. Win over your opponents and focus on winning 2024 election from now on," Modi said. Urging legislators to contribute towards nation-building, the Prime Minister said, "You should all work for nation-building. Along with focusing on your own health, you should also devote some time to take care of your family." On day one of the exercise, the Prime Minister gave lessons to the newly-elected BJP MPs on how to become a successful public representative. According to those who attended the training being held in the Parliament premises, Modi asked the MPs to remain connected with their well-wishers who had worked for their success in their respective constituencies. The agenda of the two-day 'Abhyas Varga' training programme is a focused group discussion on 'Situation in West Bengal' and a session that imparts NaMo App training to parliamentarians among other things.

'Focus on winning 2024 election now,' PM Modi tells MPs

Senior advocate HS Phoolka sent a letter to Punjab Speaker Rana KP Singh on Sunday urging him to accept his resignation as a member of the State Legislative Assembly so that by-election in Dakha constituency can be held along with Jalalabad and Phagwara constituencies.

"I request you to immediately accept my resignation so that by-elections of Dakha constituency could be held along with Phagwara and Jalalabad constituencies. The resignation of MLAs of Phagwara and Jalalabad have been accepted as they have been elected as Members of Parliament," he said in the letter.

He added, "But unfortunately, you have not accepted my resignation yet. Therefore, Please accept my resignation immediately so that by-elections could be held together," said Phoolka who had won from Dakha constituency defeating the Akali candidate Manpreer Singh Ayali in the 2017 elections.

Phoolka said that he will approach the Supreme Court if the Speaker doesn't take any decision on his resignation. He further alleged in the letter that he had submitted his resignation in October 2018 and no further action had been taken in this regard.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Senior advocate HS Phoolka sent a letter to Punjab Speaker Rana KP Singh on Sunday urging him to accept his resignation as a member of the State Legislative Assembly so that by-election in Dakha constituency can be held along with Jalalabad and Phagwara constituencies.

Senior advocate HS Phoolka sent a letter to Punjab Speaker Rana KP Singh on Sunday urging him to accept his resignation as a member of the State Legislative Assembly so that by-election in Dakha constituency can be held along with Jalalabad and Phagwara constituencies. "I request you to immediately accept my resignation so that by-elections of Dakha constituency could be held along with Phagwara and Jalalabad constituencies. The resignation of MLAs of Phagwara and Jalalabad have been accepted as they have been elected as Members of Parliament," he said in the letter. He added, "But unfortunately, you have not accepted my resignation yet. Therefore, Please accept my resignation immediately so that by-elections could be held together," said Phoolka who had won from Dakha constituency defeating the Akali candidate Manpreer Singh Ayali in the 2017 elections. Phoolka said that he will approach the Supreme Court if the Speaker doesn't take any decision on his resignation. He further alleged in the letter that he had submitted his resignation in October 2018 and no further action had been taken in this regard.

HS Phoolka writes to Punjab Speaker, urges to accept resignation

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