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Highlights From WION Smart City Summit, 2019. #WION #Gravitas #SmartCitiesWithWION #SmartCities

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A level-three fire broke out at a factory in Mumbai's Ghatkopar on Friday, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

As many as 15 fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the fire.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Level three fire broke at the factory in Ghatkopar, Mumbai; 15 fire tenders at the spot. <a href="https://t.co/5xzJmiDGEo">https://t.co/5xzJmiDGEo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1210547582948106246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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No casualties or loss of property have been reported yet; more details are awaited while the cause fire is being ascertained.&nbsp;

Earlier this month as many as 43 people died and over 60 people got injured after a massive fire broke out in the factory at Delhi's Anaj Mandi.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

A level-three fire broke out at a factory in Mumbai's Ghatkopar on Friday, news agency ANI reported. As many as 15 fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the fire.

A level-three fire broke out at a factory in Mumbai's Ghatkopar on Friday, news agency ANI reported. As many as 15 fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the fire. #UPDATE: Level three fire broke at the factory in Ghatkopar, Mumbai; 15 fire tenders at the spot. https://t.co/5xzJmiDGEo — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2019 × No casualties or loss of property have been reported yet; more details are awaited while the cause fire is being ascertained. Earlier this month as many as 43 people died and over 60 people got injured after a massive fire broke out in the factory at Delhi's Anaj Mandi. (With inputs from ANI)

Mumbai: Level-three fire breaks out at factory in Ghatkopar, 15 fire tenders on spot  

Indian armed forces not only ensure the protection of human rights of our own people but also of adversaries and deal with the prisoners of war as per the Geneva Conventions, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday.

He was addressing the interns and senior officers of the National Human Rights Commission on 'Preserving Human Rights in Times of War and Prisoners of War'.

He said the country's armed forces were disciplined and have the utmost respect for human rights laws.

According to a NHRC release, Army Chief said that the driving ethos of the Indian armed forces is "Insaniyat"( Humanity) and "Sharafat"( Decency) and they are extremely secular.

The Army Chief said there was a challenge of changing warfare tactics with the advent of technology.

He said that unlike the attack by any armed force, the terror attacks remain unaccountable in international law.

"Hence, the counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations have to be dealt in a manner of winning the hearts of the people by identifying and alienating the insurgents among them without collateral damage, which becomes very challenging and difficult", he said.

The Army chief said that Army Headquarters had created a human rights cell in 1993, which now is being upgraded to the level of a Directorate to be headed by an Additional Director General.

This will also have police personnel to address the complaints of human rights violations against the armed forces and facilitate related inquiries, he said.

General Rawat said that a new initiative has been taken in October this year by recruiting women jawans in Military Police Force.

He said that the Army takes along with it several police personnel in search operations, but keeping in view the concerns of women during such operations, the army has now decided to deploy the lady jawans of its Military Police force also.

He said that keeping in view provisions of human rights law and the importance of the protection of human rights, a court of inquiry is being held after every anti-insurgency operation and all records are maintained related to such operations.

Referring to the Armed Force Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Army Chief said that the Act gives almost the same powers to the Army, which are also exercised by police and CRPF in connection with search and inquiry operations.

However, he said that over the years the army itself has diluted its application in its own way under the ten commandments issued by the Chief of Army Staff, which are to be strictly adhered by every soldier, and particularly those deployed for operations in anti-insurgency areas.

The Supreme Court guidelines on this are also being strictly followed by soldiers, who are given special training before their deployment in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, he said.

Earlier, NHRC Member Justice P.C. Pant gave an insight into various laws protecting human rights.&nbsp;

Indian armed forces not only ensure the protection of human rights of our own people but also of adversaries and deal with the prisoners of war as per the Geneva Conventions, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday.

Indian armed forces not only ensure the protection of human rights of our own people but also of adversaries and deal with the prisoners of war as per the Geneva Conventions, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Friday. He was addressing the interns and senior officers of the National Human Rights Commission on 'Preserving Human Rights in Times of War and Prisoners of War'. He said the country's armed forces were disciplined and have the utmost respect for human rights laws. According to a NHRC release, Army Chief said that the driving ethos of the Indian armed forces is "Insaniyat"( Humanity) and "Sharafat"( Decency) and they are extremely secular. The Army Chief said there was a challenge of changing warfare tactics with the advent of technology. He said that unlike the attack by any armed force, the terror attacks remain unaccountable in international law. "Hence, the counter-terrorism and anti-insurgency operations have to be dealt in a manner of winning the hearts of the people by identifying and alienating the insurgents among them without collateral damage, which becomes very challenging and difficult", he said. The Army chief said that Army Headquarters had created a human rights cell in 1993, which now is being upgraded to the level of a Directorate to be headed by an Additional Director General. This will also have police personnel to address the complaints of human rights violations against the armed forces and facilitate related inquiries, he said. General Rawat said that a new initiative has been taken in October this year by recruiting women jawans in Military Police Force. He said that the Army takes along with it several police personnel in search operations, but keeping in view the concerns of women during such operations, the army has now decided to deploy the lady jawans of its Military Police force also. He said that keeping in view provisions of human rights law and the importance of the protection of human rights, a court of inquiry is being held after every anti-insurgency operation and all records are maintained related to such operations. Referring to the Armed Force Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Army Chief said that the Act gives almost the same powers to the Army, which are also exercised by police and CRPF in connection with search and inquiry operations. However, he said that over the years the army itself has diluted its application in its own way under the ten commandments issued by the Chief of Army Staff, which are to be strictly adhered by every soldier, and particularly those deployed for operations in anti-insurgency areas. The Supreme Court guidelines on this are also being strictly followed by soldiers, who are given special training before their deployment in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, he said. Earlier, NHRC Member Justice P.C. Pant gave an insight into various laws protecting human rights.

Indian armed forces ensure protection of human rights of adversaries also: General Rawat

Mobile Internet services have been restored in Lucknow and Meerut on Friday.

"Last Friday violence erupted after Friday prayers. Keeping this in mind, all these precautions were taken," said Dinesh Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh.

SMS messages and mobile Internet services of all mobile service providers except BSNL remained suspended in Lucknow on December 27.

The announcement was made in a notification dated December 26 and undersigned by Additional Chief Secretary, Awanish Kumar Awasthi.

In Bulandshahar, the services will remain suspended till 6:00 am on December 28.

In Agra, Internet Services will remain suspended till 6:00 pm today while in Mathura, Sitapur, Muzaffarnagar, Firozabad and Sambhal, it will remain suspended till further orders.

The services will also remain suspended in Bijnor till the night of December 28.

The Information and Communication Department of Uttar Pradesh said that 498 people have been identified in connection with the damage caused to public property during recent protests in Lucknow, Meerut, Sambhal, Rampur, Muzaffarnagar, Ferozabad, Kanpur Nagar, Mau and Bulandshahar.&nbsp;

Mobile Internet services have been restored in Lucknow and Meerut on Friday. "Last Friday violence erupted after Friday prayers. Keeping this in mind, all these precautions were taken," said Dinesh Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh.

Mobile Internet services have been restored in Lucknow and Meerut on Friday. "Last Friday violence erupted after Friday prayers. Keeping this in mind, all these precautions were taken," said Dinesh Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh. SMS messages and mobile Internet services of all mobile service providers except BSNL remained suspended in Lucknow on December 27. The announcement was made in a notification dated December 26 and undersigned by Additional Chief Secretary, Awanish Kumar Awasthi. In Bulandshahar, the services will remain suspended till 6:00 am on December 28. In Agra, Internet Services will remain suspended till 6:00 pm today while in Mathura, Sitapur, Muzaffarnagar, Firozabad and Sambhal, it will remain suspended till further orders. The services will also remain suspended in Bijnor till the night of December 28. The Information and Communication Department of Uttar Pradesh said that 498 people have been identified in connection with the damage caused to public property during recent protests in Lucknow, Meerut, Sambhal, Rampur, Muzaffarnagar, Ferozabad, Kanpur Nagar, Mau and Bulandshahar.

Uttar Pradesh: Mobile internet services restored in Lucknow, Meerut

"Nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled," said Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri while answering WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma's query on Delhi's Central Vista redevelopment. &nbsp;

While speaking as the Chief Guest at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-mission-smart-cities-2020-making-india-smart-270593">WION Mission Smart Cities 2020</a> event, Puri touched upon the nuances of the redevelopment of Delhi's Central Vista and said that Delhi's timeless heritage will remain untouched in the process of giving it an overhaul.&nbsp;

The minister said that through the medium of WION's Mission <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-a-smart-city-and-what-does-it-mean-for-urban-india-270444">Smart Cities</a> 2020 event, he got an opportunity to tell the public "that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled".&nbsp;

Puri said that Delhi's iconic, heritage buildings and state structures now exist for over 70 years and it is incumbent for the government to "occasionally look beyond today and tomorrow and to plan for the next 100 years to come".

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<h5>'I want to use this public platform of WION, which is a respectable medium, to say that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled. There is a rumour that all these iconic buildings are going to come down, nothing will come down. The parliament will remain as it is but you will have something more,' Puri stated.&nbsp;</h5>
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"I'm glad you asked me this because this gives me an opportunity to talk about it. Many of these buildings are not earthquake-proof and some are guzzlers of electricity and energy," the Union Minister said, adding that redesigning Central Vista is only going to add more without harming its heritage.&nbsp;

"I want to use this public platform of WION, which is a respectable medium, to say that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled. There is a rumour that all these iconic buildings are going to come down, nothing will come down. The parliament will remain as it is but you will have something more," Puri stated.&nbsp;

The Central government has proposed to redevelop Delhi's Central Vista or Rajpath and have a common secretariat for all ministries that are currently spread across buildings in Delhi.

The proposal of revamping the seat of power in the national capital has been won by a Gujarat-based firm.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmartCitiesWithWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmartCitiesWithWION</a> | Unlocking the potential of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SmartCities?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SmartCities</a> 
 
Guest of Honour and MoS of <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHUA_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHUA_India</a>, Mr. <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HardeepSPuri</a> gives a quick summary of India's Smart City Mission's progress (<a href="https://twitter.com/SmartCities_HUA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SmartCities_HUA</a>) &amp; key projects via PPT<a href="https://twitter.com/PMAYUrban?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMAYUrban</a><a href="https://twitter.com/FinMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FinMinIndia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/NITIAayog?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NITIAayog</a> <a href="https://t.co/fSJpUX9ohM">pic.twitter.com/fSJpUX9ohM</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1210590845172240385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"People are trying to cast doubts and have been fed misinformation. I want to say that after the Central Vista construction is over, people will be moving to their new offices. Those who have seen the design are raving about it," Puri said.&nbsp;

Puri's remarks gave the concluding touch to WION's 'Mission Smart Cities 2020' event which witnessed eminent personalities converge their ideas on the making of India's 'smart cities'.&nbsp;

WION's Mission Smart Cities 2020 event focused on key topics. The 'Session 1' of the event focused on designing the future of India and unravelling the buzzword 'Smart Cities'.

Session 2 dealt with India’s real estate outlook on growth, sustainability, and economy.

From climate neutral cities, technology and transport to government initiatives and co-working spaces, stakeholders and industry stalwarts discussed the many opportunities and various challenges posed in the face of achieving the vision of building and developing India's smart cities as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while launching the '100 Smart Cities Mission' in 2015.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION hosted the 'Mission Smart Cities 2020' event in Delhi on December 27, 2019.

"Nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled," said Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri while answering WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma's query on Delhi's Central Vista redevelopment.

"Nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled," said Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri while answering WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma's query on Delhi's Central Vista redevelopment. While speaking as the Chief Guest at WION Mission Smart Cities 2020 event, Puri touched upon the nuances of the redevelopment of Delhi's Central Vista and said that Delhi's timeless heritage will remain untouched in the process of giving it an overhaul. The minister said that through the medium of WION's Mission Smart Cities 2020 event, he got an opportunity to tell the public "that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled". Puri said that Delhi's iconic, heritage buildings and state structures now exist for over 70 years and it is incumbent for the government to "occasionally look beyond today and tomorrow and to plan for the next 100 years to come". 'I want to use this public platform of WION, which is a respectable medium, to say that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled. There is a rumour that all these iconic buildings are going to come down, nothing will come down. The parliament will remain as it is but you will have something more,' Puri stated. × "I'm glad you asked me this because this gives me an opportunity to talk about it. Many of these buildings are not earthquake-proof and some are guzzlers of electricity and energy," the Union Minister said, adding that redesigning Central Vista is only going to add more without harming its heritage. "I want to use this public platform of WION, which is a respectable medium, to say that nothing that is heritage is going to be dismantled. There is a rumour that all these iconic buildings are going to come down, nothing will come down. The parliament will remain as it is but you will have something more," Puri stated. The Central government has proposed to redevelop Delhi's Central Vista or Rajpath and have a common secretariat for all ministries that are currently spread across buildings in Delhi. The proposal of revamping the seat of power in the national capital has been won by a Gujarat-based firm. #SmartCitiesWithWION | Unlocking the potential of #SmartCities Guest of Honour and MoS of @MoHUA_India, Mr. @HardeepSPuri gives a quick summary of India's Smart City Mission's progress (@SmartCities_HUA) & key projects via PPT@PMAYUrban@FinMinIndia@NITIAayog pic.twitter.com/fSJpUX9ohM — WION (@WIONews) December 27, 2019 × "People are trying to cast doubts and have been fed misinformation. I want to say that after the Central Vista construction is over, people will be moving to their new offices. Those who have seen the design are raving about it," Puri said. Puri's remarks gave the concluding touch to WION's 'Mission Smart Cities 2020' event which witnessed eminent personalities converge their ideas on the making of India's 'smart cities'. WION's Mission Smart Cities 2020 event focused on key topics. The 'Session 1' of the event focused on designing the future of India and unravelling the buzzword 'Smart Cities'. Session 2 dealt with India’s real estate outlook on growth, sustainability, and economy. From climate neutral cities, technology and transport to government initiatives and co-working spaces, stakeholders and industry stalwarts discussed the many opportunities and various challenges posed in the face of achieving the vision of building and developing India's smart cities as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while launching the '100 Smart Cities Mission' in 2015. WION hosted the 'Mission Smart Cities 2020' event in Delhi on December 27, 2019.

WION Mission Smart Cities 2020: Hardeep Singh Puri talks on revamping Delhi Central Vista, says 'nothing heritage will be dismantled'

MISSION SMART CITIES 2020: MAKING INDIA SMART Guest of Honour Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs & Civil Aviation Minister of India talked about ambitious targets and presented the statistics on The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or Affordable Housing in Partnership. WION's latest initiative focuses on the future of smart cities in India and the current real estate outlook. The Smart City initiative was launched in 2015 in India, with the agenda to promote core infrastructure and sustainable life for citizens. #WION #SmartCitiesWithWION #SmartCities

Guest of Honour Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Presents Smart Cities Mission | Session 3

MISSION SMART CITIES 2020: MAKING INDIA SMART Guest of Honour Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs & Civil Aviation Minister of India outlined smart cities mission and revealed government's 3-level strategy. Watch this Q&A session. WION's latest initiative focuses on the future of smart cities in India and the current real estate outlook. The Smart City initiative was launched in 2015 in India, with the agenda to promote core infrastructure and sustainable life for citizens. #WION #SmartCitiesWithWION #SmartCities

Guest of Honour Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri | Q&A Session

Minister chooses WION event to outline India's Smart Cities Mission via PPT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a bunch of pictures from his to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse on Thursday. A member of the Indian National Congress party pointed out that the PM was wearing Maybach sunglasses worth $1,995 or more than Rs 1.6 lakh. #WION #PMModi #Congress #Maybach

Twitter trolls PM Modi for wearing sunglasses worth Rs 1.6 Lakh

In this session, Getambar Anand, ATS Infrastructures, CREDAI talks about interest rate reduction and how it can help not only home buyers but industries as well. WION's latest initiative focuses on the future of smart cities in India and the current real estate outlook. The Smart City initiative was launched in 2015 in India, with the agenda to promote core infrastructure and sustainable life for citizens. In session 2, we are joined by: 1. Manoj Gaur, Gaur Group, CREDAI 2. Prashant Solomon, Managing Director of Chintels India Pvt. Ltd 3. Getambar Anand, ATS Infrastructures, CREDAI #WION #SmartCitiesWithWION #SmartCities

India's Real Estate Outlook: Growth, Sustainability & Economy | Session 2 | Part 5

In this session, we discuss about whether reality sector need a booster shot. WION's latest initiative focuses on the future of smart cities in India and the current real estate outlook. The Smart City initiative was launched in 2015 in India, with the agenda to promote core infrastructure and sustainable life for citizens. In session 2, we are joined by: 1. Manoj Gaur, Gaur Group, CREDAI 2. Prashant Solomon, Managing Director of Chintels India Pvt. Ltd 3. Getambar Anand, ATS Infrastructures, CREDAI #WION #SmartCitiesWithWION #SmartCities

India's Real Estate Outlook: Growth, Sustainability & Economy | Session 2 | Part 4

Geetambar Anand, ATS Infrastructures, CREDAI speaking on state of the real estate sector. WION's latest initiative focuses on the future of smart cities in India and the current real estate outlook. The Smart City initiative was launched in 2015 in India, with the agenda to promote core infrastructure and sustainable life for citizens. In session 2, we are joined by: 1. Manoj Gaur, Gaur Group, CREDAI 2. Prashant Solomon, Managing Director of Chintels India Pvt. Ltd 3. Getambar Anand, ATS Infrastructures, CREDAI #WION #SmartCitiesWithWION #SmartCities

India's Real Estate Outlook: Growth, Sustainability & Economy | Session 2 | Part 3

Prashant Solomon, Managing Director of Chintels India Pvt. Ltd said, 'We are prepared but there is a lot more which needs to be done in terms of getting every stakeholder involved '. WION's latest initiative focuses on the future of smart cities in India and the current real estate outlook. The Smart City initiative was launched in 2015 in India, with the agenda to promote core infrastructure and sustainable life for citizens. In session 2, we are joined by: 1. Manoj Gaur, Gaur Group, CREDAI 2. Prashant Solomon, Managing Director of Chintels India Pvt. Ltd 3. Getambar Anand, ATS Infrastructures, CREDAI #WION #SmartCitiesWithWION #SmartCities

India's Real Estate Outlook: Growth, Sustainability & Economy | Session 2 | Part 2

Manoj Gaur, Gaur Group, CREDAI said, 'Our municipalities bodies are not smart'. He also added, 'there are hardly any professional available in the municipal corporation'. WION's latest initiative focuses on the future of smart cities in India and the current real estate outlook. The Smart City initiative was launched in 2015 in India, with the agenda to promote core infrastructure and sustainable life for citizens. In session 2, we are joined by: 1. Manoj Gaur, Gaur Group, CREDAI 2. Prashant Solomon, Managing Director of Chintels India Pvt. Ltd 3. Getambar Anand, ATS Infrastructures, CREDAI #WION #SmartCitiesWithWION #SmartCities

India's Real Estate Outlook: Growth, Sustainability & Economy | Session 2 | Part 1

Rajive Kumar, Chairman, U.P. Real Estate Regulatory Authority said, 'The urbanisation story of our country is still to be written'. WION's latest initiative focuses on the future of smart cities in India and the current real estate outlook. The Smart City initiative was launched in 2015 in India, with the agenda to promote core infrastructure and sustainable life for citizens. In session 1, we are joined by: 1. Leenu Sahgal, Commissioner, Planning, Delhi Development Authority. 2. Lal Chhandama, Director(Smart Cities Mission), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India 3. Rajive Kumar, Chairman, U.P. Real Estate Regulatory Authority #WION #SmartCitiesWithWION #SmartCities

Designing the Future of India: Smart City The Buzzword | Session 1 | Part 3

Leenu Sahgal, Commissioner (Planning) said, 'Delhi needs to redevelop, needs to integrate heritage with technology'. WION's latest initiative focuses on the future of smart cities in India and the current real estate outlook. The Smart City initiative was launched in 2015 in India, with the agenda to promote core infrastructure and sustainable life for citizens. In session 1, we are joined by: 1. Leenu Sahgal, Commissioner, Planning, Delhi Development Authority. 2. Lal Chhandama, Director(Smart Cities Mission), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India 3. Rajive Kumar, Chairman, U.P. Real Estate Regulatory Authority #WION #SmartCitiesWithWION #SmartCities

Designing the Future of India: Smart City The Buzzword | Session 1 | Part 2

Lal Chhandama, Director(Smart Cities Mission) said, 'In the Indian context, smart cities mission is supposed to provide core infrastructure to give a decent quality of life to the citizens '. WION's latest initiative focuses on the future of smart cities in India and the current real estate outlook. The Smart City initiative was launched in 2015 in India, with the agenda to promote core infrastructure and sustainable life for citizens. In session 1, we are joined by: 1. Leenu Sahgal, Commissioner, Planning, Delhi Development Authority. 2. Lal Chhandama, Director(Smart Cities Mission), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India 3. Rajive Kumar, Chairman, U.P. Real Estate Regulatory Authority #WION #SmartCitiesWithWION #SmartCities

Designing the Future of India: Smart City The Buzzword | Session 1 | Part 1

PM Modi, right after assuming charge in his first term, launched the '100 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/designing-indias-future-wions-mission-smart-cities-2020-event-to-take-place-in-delhi-on-friday-270387">Smart Cities</a> Mission' in 2015. The Mission was launched with an aim to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life by enabling local development and harnessing technology.

But what would define a 'smart city'? And what does it mean for India? The concept of a 'smart city' would vary from country to country depending on the level of development achieved by a nation and what all it aspires its key cities to manifest. There exists no universal definition of a smart city.&nbsp;

"Even in India, there is no one way of defining a smart city," reads the official website of Smart City Mission.&nbsp;

However, if one loosely puts together the basic idea of a smart city in India, it would translate into a wishlist of a city dweller with respect to the level of infrastructure, services and other amenities "that describes his or her level of aspiration".&nbsp;

To develop any city into a 'smart' one would ideally involve the urban planners to develop and transform the entire urban ecosystem, to give it a comprehensive overhaul in terms of institutional, physical, social and economic infrastructure.&nbsp;

"This can be a long term goal and cities can work towards developing such comprehensive infrastructure incrementally, adding on layers of ‘smartness’," Smart City Mission explains on the website.&nbsp;

It is estimated that around 40 per cent of the Indian population will be housed in the country's urban areas which will account to over 70 per cent of GDP contribution by 2030. Therefore, improving the quality of life of people living in such areas and attracting more people and investment to bolster economic growth and development becomes imperative. The Smart City Mission was launched to meet this vision.&nbsp;

At the heart Mission is the idea to achieve some core infrastructure elements like adequate water and assured electricity supply; robust IT connectivity and digitalisation; efficient urban mobility and public transport; affordable housing; healthcare and educational services; optimum safety and security; sustainable environment, among others.&nbsp;

The Mission involves 100 Indian cities to be developed to an extent to exhibit the following features, says the official Mission website.&nbsp;

- Promoting mixed land use, making land use more efficient.&nbsp;

- Expanding housing opportunities for all

- Creating walkable localities – reducing&nbsp;congestion, air pollution and resource depletion

- Boosting the local economy, ensuring&nbsp;security.&nbsp;

- Preserving and developing open spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces

- Promoting a variety of transport options and boosting public transport

- Giving an identity to the city and boosting its local culture&nbsp;

- Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development to make them better.&nbsp;

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Four years ago, today we started important initiatives PM Awas Yojana (U), AMRUT, Smart Cities with the aim of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TransformingUrbanLandscape?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TransformingUrbanLandscape</a> in India. 
 
These initiatives have not only helped usher in a new paradigm of urban development but have also transformed crores of lives.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1143355329423523840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister has touted the Smart City Mission as one of his government's flagship programmes to transform the urban landscape of India.&nbsp;

"These initiatives have not only helped usher in a new paradigm of urban development but have also transformed crores of lives," PM Modi had tweeted out earlier this year.&nbsp;

PM Modi, right after assuming charge in his first term, launched the '100 Smart Cities Mission' in 2015. The Mission was launched with an aim to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life by enabling local development and harnessing technology.

PM Modi, right after assuming charge in his first term, launched the '100 Smart Cities Mission' in 2015. The Mission was launched with an aim to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life by enabling local development and harnessing technology. But what would define a 'smart city'? And what does it mean for India? The concept of a 'smart city' would vary from country to country depending on the level of development achieved by a nation and what all it aspires its key cities to manifest. There exists no universal definition of a smart city. "Even in India, there is no one way of defining a smart city," reads the official website of Smart City Mission. However, if one loosely puts together the basic idea of a smart city in India, it would translate into a wishlist of a city dweller with respect to the level of infrastructure, services and other amenities "that describes his or her level of aspiration". To develop any city into a 'smart' one would ideally involve the urban planners to develop and transform the entire urban ecosystem, to give it a comprehensive overhaul in terms of institutional, physical, social and economic infrastructure. "This can be a long term goal and cities can work towards developing such comprehensive infrastructure incrementally, adding on layers of ‘smartness’," Smart City Mission explains on the website. It is estimated that around 40 per cent of the Indian population will be housed in the country's urban areas which will account to over 70 per cent of GDP contribution by 2030. Therefore, improving the quality of life of people living in such areas and attracting more people and investment to bolster economic growth and development becomes imperative. The Smart City Mission was launched to meet this vision. At the heart Mission is the idea to achieve some core infrastructure elements like adequate water and assured electricity supply; robust IT connectivity and digitalisation; efficient urban mobility and public transport; affordable housing; healthcare and educational services; optimum safety and security; sustainable environment, among others. The Mission involves 100 Indian cities to be developed to an extent to exhibit the following features, says the official Mission website. - Promoting mixed land use, making land use more efficient. - Expanding housing opportunities for all - Creating walkable localities – reducing congestion, air pollution and resource depletion - Boosting the local economy, ensuring security. - Preserving and developing open spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces - Promoting a variety of transport options and boosting public transport - Giving an identity to the city and boosting its local culture - Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development to make them better. Four years ago, today we started important initiatives PM Awas Yojana (U), AMRUT, Smart Cities with the aim of #TransformingUrbanLandscape in India. These initiatives have not only helped usher in a new paradigm of urban development but have also transformed crores of lives. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2019 × The prime minister has touted the Smart City Mission as one of his government's flagship programmes to transform the urban landscape of India. "These initiatives have not only helped usher in a new paradigm of urban development but have also transformed crores of lives," PM Modi had tweeted out earlier this year.

What is a 'smart city' and what does it mean for urban India?

At least 18 houses have suffered damages after Pakistan army violated ceasefire in north Kashmir’s Tanghdar sector during the intervening night, officials said.

A police official told WION that Pakistan army used heavy weaponry and targeted Indian positions and villages resulting in damage to houses in Taad Teetwal village.&nbsp;

“Around 18 houses have suffered heavy to partial damage due to the shelling last night,” the officer said adding that there was no loss of life or injuries and the firing had stopped.&nbsp;

On December 25, one army officer and a girl were killed in Pakistan shelling in Baramulla’s Uri sector.&nbsp;

The Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan has been on the boil with a spike in the number of ceasefire violations ever since India abrogated J&amp;K special status and bifurcated the state into two union territories.

At least 18 houses have suffered damages after Pakistan army violated ceasefire in north Kashmir’s Tanghdar sector during the intervening night, officials said. A police official told WION that Pakistan army used heavy weaponry and targeted Indian positions and villages resulting in damage to houses in Taad Teetwal village.

At least 18 houses have suffered damages after Pakistan army violated ceasefire in north Kashmir’s Tanghdar sector during the intervening night, officials said. A police official told WION that Pakistan army used heavy weaponry and targeted Indian positions and villages resulting in damage to houses in Taad Teetwal village. “Around 18 houses have suffered heavy to partial damage due to the shelling last night,” the officer said adding that there was no loss of life or injuries and the firing had stopped. On December 25, one army officer and a girl were killed in Pakistan shelling in Baramulla’s Uri sector. The Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan has been on the boil with a spike in the number of ceasefire violations ever since India abrogated J&K special status and bifurcated the state into two union territories.

18 houses suffer damage as Pakistan violates ceasefire in Kashmir

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the country is witnessing the "temporary effects of a global slowdown" and that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy are working day and night to fight it.

Shah stated that he believed that India will be the first one to pull out of this global economic slowdown.&nbsp;

"I believe the Indian economy will be the first to be free from the slowdown in the world," Shah said at an event today.&nbsp;

Shah's comments came while he was addressing investors at the first groundbreaking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh Global Investors Meet-2019 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

Shah said the government was working to deal with the effect of the slowdown.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Home Minister Amit Shah in Shimla: You are seeing temporary effects of global slowdown. Under leadership of Modi ji, Nirmala Sitharaman ji and Anurag ji are working day&amp;night to fight it. I believe, Indian economy will be the first to be free from slowdown in the world. <a href="https://t.co/eNhv2picnU">pic.twitter.com/eNhv2picnU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1210515740987707392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"What we are witnessing is a temporary effect of a global slowdown. To fight it, the government is working on different types of plans," he said.

"I am confident that within some time we will be able to come out of it and we will emerge as the first nation in the world free from the global slowdown," he said.

The minister said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy Anurag Thakur were working on working are on various plans to fight with this global slowdown under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India on Friday released its '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-financial-system-stable-despite-weakening-domestic-growth-rbi-270631">Financial Stability Report</a>' and said that despite weakening domestic growth, India's financial system remains stable, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The RBI stated that the banking sector's resilience has improved, however, "risks from global/domestic economic uncertainties and geopolitical developments persist".&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the country is witnessing the "temporary effects of a global slowdown" and that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy are working day and night to fight it.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the country is witnessing the "temporary effects of a global slowdown" and that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy are working day and night to fight it. Shah stated that he believed that India will be the first one to pull out of this global economic slowdown. "I believe the Indian economy will be the first to be free from the slowdown in the world," Shah said at an event today. Shah's comments came while he was addressing investors at the first groundbreaking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh Global Investors Meet-2019 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Shah said the government was working to deal with the effect of the slowdown. #WATCH Home Minister Amit Shah in Shimla: You are seeing temporary effects of global slowdown. Under leadership of Modi ji, Nirmala Sitharaman ji and Anurag ji are working day&night to fight it. I believe, Indian economy will be the first to be free from slowdown in the world. pic.twitter.com/eNhv2picnU — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2019 × "What we are witnessing is a temporary effect of a global slowdown. To fight it, the government is working on different types of plans," he said. "I am confident that within some time we will be able to come out of it and we will emerge as the first nation in the world free from the global slowdown," he said. The minister said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her deputy Anurag Thakur were working on working are on various plans to fight with this global slowdown under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India on Friday released its 'Financial Stability Report' and said that despite weakening domestic growth, India's financial system remains stable, news agency ANI reported. The RBI stated that the banking sector's resilience has improved, however, "risks from global/domestic economic uncertainties and geopolitical developments persist". (With inputs from ANI)

India is witnessing temporary effects of global slowdown: Amit Shah 

Additional Director General (ADG) Prashant Kumar on Thursday said that 317 people have been arrested and 79 cases registered in connection with the violence during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protest-stone-pelters-from-kashmir-were-called-to-create-unrest-in-uttar-pradesh-says-mos-home-affairs-nityanand-rai-270411">anti-Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) protests in Meerut.

"79 cases have been registered and 317 were arrested. 108 police personnel are injured in which 10 sustained firearm injuries. Ten administration officials and 7 people including some journalists also sustained injuries. Five people lost their lives in the violence," Kumar told ANI.

"The administration is educating people on CAA and we are also monitoring social media."

Also Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect

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"Two men of Popular Front of India`s wing SDPI were arrested. One of them is the state chief of the organisation. We have found some objectionable literature from them,"&nbsp;Kumar said&nbsp;on the arrest of two people from Meerut Nauchangi area.&nbsp;

"In Shamli, some people from this organisation were arrested earlier. The police had also recovered such literature from their office in Meerut. We are investigating the organisation`s role," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-protests-internet-services-to-remain-suspended-in-ghaziabad-till-saturday-morning-269411">Protests have erupted</a> across the country against the Act which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Additional Director General (ADG) Prashant Kumar on Thursday said that 317 people have been arrested and 79 cases registered in connection with the violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in Meerut.

Additional Director General (ADG) Prashant Kumar on Thursday said that 317 people have been arrested and 79 cases registered in connection with the violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in Meerut. "79 cases have been registered and 317 were arrested. 108 police personnel are injured in which 10 sustained firearm injuries. Ten administration officials and 7 people including some journalists also sustained injuries. Five people lost their lives in the violence," Kumar told ANI. "The administration is educating people on CAA and we are also monitoring social media." Also Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect × "Two men of Popular Front of India`s wing SDPI were arrested. One of them is the state chief of the organisation. We have found some objectionable literature from them," Kumar said on the arrest of two people from Meerut Nauchangi area. "In Shamli, some people from this organisation were arrested earlier. The police had also recovered such literature from their office in Meerut. We are investigating the organisation`s role," he said. Protests have erupted across the country against the Act which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Anti-CAA protests: 317 arrested, over 70 cases registered in UP for violence

BJP working president JP Nadda on Friday said that the Congress government had scrapped the special category status of Himachal Pradesh adding that the Modi-led government restored the same.

Special category is a classification given by the Central government in a bid to grant special assistance in the development of states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages.

"When the Congress party was in power in the Centre, Himachal Pradesh was removed from the list of special category states. However, when Modi Ji's government came to power in the year 2014, the government pro-actively restored it without any demands," Nadda said.

The BJP working president was addressing a public rally to commemorate the party's second year in power in the state, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur were also present.

"Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave a special economic package to Himachal, which led to a lot of development in the state. But when the Congress government came to power, they withdrew the package granted for a period of 10 years within seven years," Nadda said.

He also outlined BJP government's initiative of presenting report card of its development work to the public and said, "The BJP government started the practice to show a report card of the work to the people. Congress government did not have the culture of seeking votes on the basis of developmental work".

Nadda also said that everyone wanted the Citizenship Amendment Act but could not do so.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed the will to bring the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, and together with the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Bill was enacted," Nadda said.&nbsp;

BJP working president JP Nadda on Friday said that the Congress government had scrapped the special category status of Himachal Pradesh adding that the Modi-led government restored the same.

BJP working president JP Nadda on Friday said that the Congress government had scrapped the special category status of Himachal Pradesh adding that the Modi-led government restored the same. Special category is a classification given by the Central government in a bid to grant special assistance in the development of states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages. "When the Congress party was in power in the Centre, Himachal Pradesh was removed from the list of special category states. However, when Modi Ji's government came to power in the year 2014, the government pro-actively restored it without any demands," Nadda said. The BJP working president was addressing a public rally to commemorate the party's second year in power in the state, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur were also present. "Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave a special economic package to Himachal, which led to a lot of development in the state. But when the Congress government came to power, they withdrew the package granted for a period of 10 years within seven years," Nadda said. He also outlined BJP government's initiative of presenting report card of its development work to the public and said, "The BJP government started the practice to show a report card of the work to the people. Congress government did not have the culture of seeking votes on the basis of developmental work". Nadda also said that everyone wanted the Citizenship Amendment Act but could not do so. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed the will to bring the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, and together with the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Bill was enacted," Nadda said.

PM Modi led government restored special status of Himachal: JP Nadda

A large number of people have gathered outside Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi on Friday to protest against the newly-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

Protestors raised slogans against the Act and the central government. They can be seen carrying placards that read, "Save the Constitution", "Withdraw CAA", "We condemn Communal Law".

Congress leader Alka Lamba was also seen at the protest showing support to the demonstrators.

Earlier in the day, security was beefed up and patrolling was intensified across north-east Delhi to avoid any untoward incident ahead or after the Friday prayers.

The precautions were taken after a massive protest had broken out in Jama Masjid area in Delhi against the newly-enacted citizenship law last week following the Friday prayers.

Police personnel and paramilitary forces were deployed across north-east Delhi in view of the Friday prayers.

"The situation in Delhi is completely under control. We have deployed appropriate forces wherever required. Our senior officials are on the field and are carrying out patrolling. We are also monitoring social media. We would like to urge people to not believe any rumours and to maintain peace," MS Randhawa, PRO, Delhi Police told ANI.

Major protests have been held across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

A large number of people have gathered outside Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi on Friday to protest against the newly-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Protestors raised slogans against the Act and the central government.

A large number of people have gathered outside Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi on Friday to protest against the newly-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. Protestors raised slogans against the Act and the central government. They can be seen carrying placards that read, "Save the Constitution", "Withdraw CAA", "We condemn Communal Law". Congress leader Alka Lamba was also seen at the protest showing support to the demonstrators. Earlier in the day, security was beefed up and patrolling was intensified across north-east Delhi to avoid any untoward incident ahead or after the Friday prayers. The precautions were taken after a massive protest had broken out in Jama Masjid area in Delhi against the newly-enacted citizenship law last week following the Friday prayers. Police personnel and paramilitary forces were deployed across north-east Delhi in view of the Friday prayers. "The situation in Delhi is completely under control. We have deployed appropriate forces wherever required. Our senior officials are on the field and are carrying out patrolling. We are also monitoring social media. We would like to urge people to not believe any rumours and to maintain peace," MS Randhawa, PRO, Delhi Police told ANI. Major protests have been held across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Delhi: Massive protests against CAA outside Jama Masjid

Amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and concerns over National Register for Citizenships (NRC), some Muslims clerics, intellectuals and lawmakers will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah very soon.

Speaking to ANI, All Imam Organisation Chief Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi said, "A delegation of Muslims clerics, academicians, intellectuals, lawmakers and Madarsa proctors will meet Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon."Ilyasi said that the delegation will appraise the Prime Minister and Home Minister about their concerns over the CAA and NRC.

Political parties, different organisations and institutions have organised protests against the citizenship act and NRC across the country.

A major protest was also held in Jama Masjid area in Old Delhi following Friday prayers last week.

The Chief Imam also appealed the protestors to refrain from violence.

"I would like to make an appeal to all the citizens of this country that peace must continue. Staging a protest is our democratic right. We must protest, but peacefully," Ilyasi said.

Violence had erupted during several protests against the citizenship act across the country.

The new citizenship law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and concerns over National Register for Citizenships (NRC), some Muslims clerics, intellectuals and lawmakers will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah very soon.

Amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and concerns over National Register for Citizenships (NRC), some Muslims clerics, intellectuals and lawmakers will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah very soon. Speaking to ANI, All Imam Organisation Chief Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi said, "A delegation of Muslims clerics, academicians, intellectuals, lawmakers and Madarsa proctors will meet Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon."Ilyasi said that the delegation will appraise the Prime Minister and Home Minister about their concerns over the CAA and NRC. Political parties, different organisations and institutions have organised protests against the citizenship act and NRC across the country. A major protest was also held in Jama Masjid area in Old Delhi following Friday prayers last week. The Chief Imam also appealed the protestors to refrain from violence. "I would like to make an appeal to all the citizens of this country that peace must continue. Staging a protest is our democratic right. We must protest, but peacefully," Ilyasi said. Violence had erupted during several protests against the citizenship act across the country. The new citizenship law grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists, and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

CAA Row: Muslim leaders, clerics to meet PM Modi, Amit Shah

The Narendra Modi government came to the defence of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday after he drew flak from several quarters over his remarks criticising those leading protests and guiding students to carry out arson and violence.

Speaking to ANI, Union Minister and former Army Chief Gen (Retd.) VK Singh defended the comments made by Bipin Rawat and asked the opposition not to politicise everything.

Singh also said that there was nothing political in asking students to maintain peace while protesting.

"In our great country, the opposition can turn anything into a controversy. Ideal would have been to see the statement into context in which Army Chief has said a particular thing. Ask him what he meant. I don't see any politics in it. If I tell students don't unnecessarily damage property, is it politics? Search your heart and ask this question. Cross-check with Army Chief and in what context he might have said it," he said.

"If I play football, the opposition will say it's politics. If you don't understand the context, go and check with him. If he had given advice to students to not indulge in arson, it's not a bad thing. Don't know what is so wrong in it?" Singh said.

Singh's defence of Gen Rawat came a day after the Army Chief's remarks while addressing an event in the national capital on Thursday.

The opposition alleged that the comments were political in nature and the Army Chief should desist from indulging in politics.

Singh also pointed out that while the BJP and its ministers were trying to remove misconceptions regarding the CAA and NRC, the opposition was still trying to create confusion regarding it.

"I will take you back to the land acquisition bill. All states were consulted, suitable amendment was passed and then myths started circulating and goalposts were changed. It is exactly the same thing that is happening today. We know who is doing it. People are churning lies and I am aghast. We reduced the time period from 11 years to five years (for granting citizenship to minorities from neighbouring countries) it becomes a Hindu -Muslim issue. The way things have been done and the internet is churning out stories, and none of the pseudo-intellectuals and politicians shouting at the pitch of their voice is bothered about the country. They are concerned over their image and awards," the former Army Chief said.

He further said that the country belongs to everyone born here even if their parents were foreigners.

"Where are the doubts? About papers and certificates required, this is a false narrative. I appeal to reasonable people, can't do this with unreasonable people. It pains me. Those who are born in India are Indians and no one can take away their citizenship" he said.

The Narendra Modi government came to the defence of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday after he drew flak from several quarters over his remarks criticising those leading protests and guiding students to carry out arson and violence.

The Narendra Modi government came to the defence of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday after he drew flak from several quarters over his remarks criticising those leading protests and guiding students to carry out arson and violence. Speaking to ANI, Union Minister and former Army Chief Gen (Retd.) VK Singh defended the comments made by Bipin Rawat and asked the opposition not to politicise everything. Singh also said that there was nothing political in asking students to maintain peace while protesting. "In our great country, the opposition can turn anything into a controversy. Ideal would have been to see the statement into context in which Army Chief has said a particular thing. Ask him what he meant. I don't see any politics in it. If I tell students don't unnecessarily damage property, is it politics? Search your heart and ask this question. Cross-check with Army Chief and in what context he might have said it," he said. "If I play football, the opposition will say it's politics. If you don't understand the context, go and check with him. If he had given advice to students to not indulge in arson, it's not a bad thing. Don't know what is so wrong in it?" Singh said. Singh's defence of Gen Rawat came a day after the Army Chief's remarks while addressing an event in the national capital on Thursday. The opposition alleged that the comments were political in nature and the Army Chief should desist from indulging in politics. Singh also pointed out that while the BJP and its ministers were trying to remove misconceptions regarding the CAA and NRC, the opposition was still trying to create confusion regarding it. "I will take you back to the land acquisition bill. All states were consulted, suitable amendment was passed and then myths started circulating and goalposts were changed. It is exactly the same thing that is happening today. We know who is doing it. People are churning lies and I am aghast. We reduced the time period from 11 years to five years (for granting citizenship to minorities from neighbouring countries) it becomes a Hindu -Muslim issue. The way things have been done and the internet is churning out stories, and none of the pseudo-intellectuals and politicians shouting at the pitch of their voice is bothered about the country. They are concerned over their image and awards," the former Army Chief said. He further said that the country belongs to everyone born here even if their parents were foreigners. "Where are the doubts? About papers and certificates required, this is a false narrative. I appeal to reasonable people, can't do this with unreasonable people. It pains me. Those who are born in India are Indians and no one can take away their citizenship" he said.

Check context with him, don't politicise it: VK Singh on Rawat's statement on anti-CAA protests

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