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Andhra Pradesh DGP Gautam Damodar Sawang welcomed the new `AP Disha Act` passed by the state assembly on Friday.

Calling it as a historic move in the direction of the safety of women and children, the DGP said that this act will ensure speedy trial and stringent punishment.

The DGP said, "the act will come into force soon, once the parts that are related to the central government are given nod."

The state government is going to set up special courts for these cases which will be highly helpful in the speedy trial of the cases, he said.

Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Friday passed two Disha Bills which enable the death penalty for rape besides taking stringent action for crimes on women by setting up special courts to deal with such offences.

The AP Disha Bill prescribes life imprisonment for other sexual offences against children and includes Section 354 F and 354 G in IPC.

In cases of harassment of women through social or digital media, the Bill states two years imprisonment for the first conviction and four years for second and subsequent convictions.

For this a new Section 354 E will be added in IPC, 1860, a press note said.

To ensure a speedy trial, the state will set up exclusive special courts in all the 13 districts to deal with cases of offences against women and children including rape, acid attacks, stalking, voyeurism, social media harassment of women, sexual harassment and all cases under POCSO Act.

The state will also employ special Public Prosecutors and Special Police force dedicated to such crimes only.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh DGP Gautam Damodar Sawang welcomed the new `AP Disha Act` passed by the state assembly on Friday. Calling it as a historic move in the direction of the safety of women and children, the DGP said that this act will ensure speedy trial and stringent punishment.

Andhra Pradesh DGP Gautam Damodar Sawang welcomed the new `AP Disha Act` passed by the state assembly on Friday. Calling it as a historic move in the direction of the safety of women and children, the DGP said that this act will ensure speedy trial and stringent punishment. The DGP said, "the act will come into force soon, once the parts that are related to the central government are given nod." The state government is going to set up special courts for these cases which will be highly helpful in the speedy trial of the cases, he said. Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Friday passed two Disha Bills which enable the death penalty for rape besides taking stringent action for crimes on women by setting up special courts to deal with such offences. The AP Disha Bill prescribes life imprisonment for other sexual offences against children and includes Section 354 F and 354 G in IPC. In cases of harassment of women through social or digital media, the Bill states two years imprisonment for the first conviction and four years for second and subsequent convictions. For this a new Section 354 E will be added in IPC, 1860, a press note said. To ensure a speedy trial, the state will set up exclusive special courts in all the 13 districts to deal with cases of offences against women and children including rape, acid attacks, stalking, voyeurism, social media harassment of women, sexual harassment and all cases under POCSO Act. The state will also employ special Public Prosecutors and Special Police force dedicated to such crimes only.

Andhra Pradesh DGP welcomes new AP Disha Act passed by State Assembly

Maldives Parliament Speaker and former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-china-fta-is-dead-speaker-of-maldivian-parliament-mohamed-nasheed-tells-wion-268187">Mohamed Nasheed </a>said on Saturday that the governments of India and Maldives are "on the same page" and the future of their ties is "bright".&nbsp;

The speaker is on a five-day visit to India on the joint invitation of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha (Lower House) Speaker Om Birla.&nbsp;

"India has been next to us since time immemorial. We read the same book. We eat the same food. We watch the same films we do the same things. We are the same people," Nasheed said.&nbsp;

The former president further said that he would consider the relations between both the countries "bad" only when Maldivians stop "watching Bollywood movies and eating gulab jamuns".&nbsp;

"But that`s not happening any time soon," Nasheed said.&nbsp;

Nasheed is leading the parliamentary delegation from the Maldives who is on a visit to India.&nbsp;

The Maldivian speaker&nbsp;also criticised China for lending a hefty amount of funds to the Maldives at "inflated prices" in the last 6-7 years, adding that the debt created by it is unequal and the country can't pay the debt.&nbsp;

"When you are unable to pay debt, they ask for equity and with equity we very often relinquish land and sovereignty. It's a serious case. There is a pattern for this. We're worried and want Chinese authorities to address the issue appropriately, the speaker added.&nbsp;

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Speaker of Maldives parliament Mohamed Nasheed: When you are unable to pay debt,they ask for equity&amp;with equity we very often relinquish land&amp;sovereignty. It's a serious case.There is a pattern for this.We're worried&amp;want Chinese authorities to address issue appropriately.(2/2) <a href="https://t.co/H3LnbNVM2y">https://t.co/H3LnbNVM2y</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205669276419362816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, the speaker met <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-mohamed-nasheed-calls-on-pm-modi-reaffirms-unwavering-support-to-india-first-policy-268178">PM Narendra Modi </a>and thanked him for his continued support for stronger India-Maldives ties since the formation of the new government in the Maldives.

PM Modi welcomed the Maldivian speaker and said that the "engagement between the two parliaments is a key component of the vibrant India-Maldives relationship". PM Modi added that this visit will help consolidate bridges of friendship between the two nations.&nbsp;

Nasheed also reaffirmed his "unwavering support" to the Maldives "India First" policy.&nbsp;

(with ANI inputs) 
&nbsp;

Maldives Parliament Speaker and former president Mohamed Nasheed said on Saturday that the governments of India and Maldives are "on the same page" and the future of their ties is "bright".

Maldives Parliament Speaker and former president Mohamed Nasheed said on Saturday that the governments of India and Maldives are "on the same page" and the future of their ties is "bright". The speaker is on a five-day visit to India on the joint invitation of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha (Lower House) Speaker Om Birla. "India has been next to us since time immemorial. We read the same book. We eat the same food. We watch the same films we do the same things. We are the same people," Nasheed said. The former president further said that he would consider the relations between both the countries "bad" only when Maldivians stop "watching Bollywood movies and eating gulab jamuns". "But that`s not happening any time soon," Nasheed said. Nasheed is leading the parliamentary delegation from the Maldives who is on a visit to India. The Maldivian speaker also criticised China for lending a hefty amount of funds to the Maldives at "inflated prices" in the last 6-7 years, adding that the debt created by it is unequal and the country can't pay the debt. "When you are unable to pay debt, they ask for equity and with equity we very often relinquish land and sovereignty. It's a serious case. There is a pattern for this. We're worried and want Chinese authorities to address the issue appropriately, the speaker added. Speaker of Maldives parliament Mohamed Nasheed: When you are unable to pay debt,they ask for equity&with equity we very often relinquish land&sovereignty. It's a serious case.There is a pattern for this.We're worried&want Chinese authorities to address issue appropriately.(2/2) https://t.co/H3LnbNVM2y — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2019 × On Friday, the speaker met PM Narendra Modi and thanked him for his continued support for stronger India-Maldives ties since the formation of the new government in the Maldives. PM Modi welcomed the Maldivian speaker and said that the "engagement between the two parliaments is a key component of the vibrant India-Maldives relationship". PM Modi added that this visit will help consolidate bridges of friendship between the two nations. Nasheed also reaffirmed his "unwavering support" to the Maldives "India First" policy. (with ANI inputs)

India, Maldives on same page; future of ties 'bright': Former President Mohamed Nasheed

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, trains services in Kolkata have severely been affected.

People of Kolkata staged a protest on railway tracks against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The train services on New Farakka - Azimganj and Rampurhat - Gumani sections have been cancelled.

The trains cancelled for December 14 include 15721 UP Digha - New Jalpaiguri Paharia Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express and 13146 DN Radhikapur - Kolkata express.13141 UP Sealdah - New Alipurduar Teesta Torsa Express, 13465 UP/13466 DN Howrah - Malda - Howrah Intercity Express, 13145 UP Kolkata - Radhikapur Express have been cancelled for December 15. Train no. 13033 UP Howrah - Katihar Express, 12517 UP Kolkata - Guwahati Garib Rath Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express for December 15 have also been cancelled.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, trains services in Kolkata have severely been affected. People of Kolkata staged a protest on railway tracks against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, trains services in Kolkata have severely been affected. People of Kolkata staged a protest on railway tracks against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The train services on New Farakka - Azimganj and Rampurhat - Gumani sections have been cancelled. The trains cancelled for December 14 include 15721 UP Digha - New Jalpaiguri Paharia Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express and 13146 DN Radhikapur - Kolkata express.13141 UP Sealdah - New Alipurduar Teesta Torsa Express, 13465 UP/13466 DN Howrah - Malda - Howrah Intercity Express, 13145 UP Kolkata - Radhikapur Express have been cancelled for December 15. Train no. 13033 UP Howrah - Katihar Express, 12517 UP Kolkata - Guwahati Garib Rath Express, 13142 DN New Alipurduar - Sealdah Teesta Torsa Express for December 15 have also been cancelled. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12.

Citizenship Amendment Act: Protests in West Bengal, several trains cancelled

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prashad said Congress'&nbsp;'Bharat Bachao Rally'&nbsp;on Friday was an attempt to highlight Rahul Gandhi's leadership.

"That was not Bharat Bachao Rally but Rahul jamao rally. After continuous failure, Congress again tried to launch Rahul Gandhi," Prasad told reporters.

Earlier, Prasad's colleague Prakash Javadekar said that the rally was not organised to save the country, but was aimed at saving the Gandhi family.

Organised at Delhi's historic Ramlila Ground, Congress leaders launched a scathing attack on the government questioning it over the state of the economy, women safety and accused of attacking the values enshrined in the Constitution.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prashad said Congress' 'Bharat Bachao Rally' on Friday was an attempt to highlight Rahul Gandhi's leadership. "That was not Bharat Bachao Rally but Rahul jamao rally.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prashad said Congress' 'Bharat Bachao Rally' on Friday was an attempt to highlight Rahul Gandhi's leadership. "That was not Bharat Bachao Rally but Rahul jamao rally. After continuous failure, Congress again tried to launch Rahul Gandhi," Prasad told reporters. Earlier, Prasad's colleague Prakash Javadekar said that the rally was not organised to save the country, but was aimed at saving the Gandhi family. Organised at Delhi's historic Ramlila Ground, Congress leaders launched a scathing attack on the government questioning it over the state of the economy, women safety and accused of attacking the values enshrined in the Constitution.

Congress rally an attempt to highlight Rahul Gandhi's leadership: Ravi Shankar Prasad

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it.

Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it. Every Indian is obliged to believe in the law laid down by the Indian Parliament."

"This law is applicable all over the country. I can't say I will not go by it. No one else can say it. If anyone has taken oath under the Constitution, he can't say it will be challenged," he said.

"I appeal to everyone, please don't politicise the issue. It is an issue which means the rule of law. Society and democracy can survive and prosper only if we believe in the rule of law," the Governor said.

Speaking about the protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "The destruction of public property created by the toll of the people is most unfortunate. We as a country cannot afford on the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi to engage in violent activities."

"I appeal to everyone including the government to be proactive. If you find and identify miscreants, I am sure that should be done. Identification of miscreants is always a deterrent for such kind of activities," he said.

"West Bengal by its culture and people deserve to be peaceful. I have no hesitation in saying that the CAB is now an Act passed by the Indian parliament. It is under the Constitution, which is a tool for a powerful democracy," he said.

The Governor further said, "I with folded hands appeal to everyone that you have a way out under the Constitution if you think something has to be looked into. But being on road destroying trains, buses, railway station, and the police station is not the way out."

"I would expect everyone to contribute hugely for peace of the area. I appeal to the government, in particular, that it is time for you to proceed against miscreants and against those who are using social media for inflammatory messages," added Dhankar.

 
&nbsp;

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it. Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it.

West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said if the Parliament has passed a law, then every Indian is obliged to follow it. Speaking to media regarding Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "If the Parliament in its wisdom has given us a law, which is the rule of the land, everyone particularly those like me and others who hold Constitutional positions has to believe in it. Every Indian is obliged to believe in the law laid down by the Indian Parliament." "This law is applicable all over the country. I can't say I will not go by it. No one else can say it. If anyone has taken oath under the Constitution, he can't say it will be challenged," he said. "I appeal to everyone, please don't politicise the issue. It is an issue which means the rule of law. Society and democracy can survive and prosper only if we believe in the rule of law," the Governor said. Speaking about the protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dhankhar said, "The destruction of public property created by the toll of the people is most unfortunate. We as a country cannot afford on the 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi to engage in violent activities." "I appeal to everyone including the government to be proactive. If you find and identify miscreants, I am sure that should be done. Identification of miscreants is always a deterrent for such kind of activities," he said. "West Bengal by its culture and people deserve to be peaceful. I have no hesitation in saying that the CAB is now an Act passed by the Indian parliament. It is under the Constitution, which is a tool for a powerful democracy," he said. The Governor further said, "I with folded hands appeal to everyone that you have a way out under the Constitution if you think something has to be looked into. But being on road destroying trains, buses, railway station, and the police station is not the way out." "I would expect everyone to contribute hugely for peace of the area. I appeal to the government, in particular, that it is time for you to proceed against miscreants and against those who are using social media for inflammatory messages," added Dhankar.

Every Indian is obliged to abide by law: West Bengal Governor on Citizenship Amendment Act

Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta on Saturday said that the situation is coming to normalcy in the state and curfew in Guwahati has been relaxed today.

"The situation is much better now. In fact, it is coming to normalcy in all the districts. We had imposed curfew in Guwahati and Dibrugarh. It has been relaxed in Guwahati city today. In the last few days, we have arrested more than 100 people. We have released some persons who had just participated in the protest and not engaged in lawlessness," Mahanta told ANI.

"Some anti-social elements had infiltrated into the agitation and they had caused damage of property on a large scale. The government of India was very kind to dispatch 55 companies to Assam. Already, peace is coming back to the region. However, my warning is that there are bad elements who will try to disrupt the peace. I appeal to the people of Assam to follow the law and motivate their children to lead a life of peace," he added.

The curfew in Guwahati was relaxed from 9 AM to 4 PM by the administration today. Protests have broken out in Guwahati and other parts of Assam following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 in Parliament on Wednesday, and it becoming an Act thereupon after the Presidential assent.

As many as 26 Army columns were deployed in Assam to assist the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta on Saturday said that the situation is coming to normalcy in the state and curfew in Guwahati has been relaxed today. "The situation is much better now.

Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta on Saturday said that the situation is coming to normalcy in the state and curfew in Guwahati has been relaxed today. "The situation is much better now. In fact, it is coming to normalcy in all the districts. We had imposed curfew in Guwahati and Dibrugarh. It has been relaxed in Guwahati city today. In the last few days, we have arrested more than 100 people. We have released some persons who had just participated in the protest and not engaged in lawlessness," Mahanta told ANI. "Some anti-social elements had infiltrated into the agitation and they had caused damage of property on a large scale. The government of India was very kind to dispatch 55 companies to Assam. Already, peace is coming back to the region. However, my warning is that there are bad elements who will try to disrupt the peace. I appeal to the people of Assam to follow the law and motivate their children to lead a life of peace," he added. The curfew in Guwahati was relaxed from 9 AM to 4 PM by the administration today. Protests have broken out in Guwahati and other parts of Assam following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 in Parliament on Wednesday, and it becoming an Act thereupon after the Presidential assent. As many as 26 Army columns were deployed in Assam to assist the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Situation coming to normalcy in Assam: State DGP BJ Mahanta

The win lifts Veer Ahlawat to fourth from seventh position on the Tata Steel PGTI order of merit.

Veer Ahlawat wins Indian Oil Servo masters

The entry and the exit points at Jamia Millia Islamia and Janpath metro stations were closed on Saturday in Delhi.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a tweet said,&nbsp;"As advised by the Delhi Police, entry and exit at Jamia Millia Islamia station has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station."

"The entry and exit at Janpath has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station," the DMRC added in another tweet.

Meanwhile, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) on Saturday announced that it has postponed all examinations.

"All examinations have been postponed. New dates to be announced in due course of time. Winter vacation declared from December 16, 2019, to January 5, 2020. University to open on 6th January 2020," a release from the university said.

Scores of students from the city's Jamia Millia Islamia staged a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) on Saturday.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.&nbsp;

The entry and the exit points at Jamia Millia Islamia and Janpath metro stations were closed on Saturday in Delhi. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a tweet said, "As advised by the Delhi Police, entry and exit at Jamia Millia Islamia station has been closed.

The entry and the exit points at Jamia Millia Islamia and Janpath metro stations were closed on Saturday in Delhi. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a tweet said, "As advised by the Delhi Police, entry and exit at Jamia Millia Islamia station has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station." "The entry and exit at Janpath has been closed. Trains will not be halting at this station," the DMRC added in another tweet. Meanwhile, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) on Saturday announced that it has postponed all examinations. "All examinations have been postponed. New dates to be announced in due course of time. Winter vacation declared from December 16, 2019, to January 5, 2020. University to open on 6th January 2020," a release from the university said. Scores of students from the city's Jamia Millia Islamia staged a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) on Saturday. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

CAA protest: Entry, exit at Jamia Millia Islamia, Janpath stations closed, says Delhi Metro

Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog on Saturday said that India has put out probably the best corporate tax regime in the world now which makes it an attractive destination for investments.

Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog on Saturday said that India has put out probably the best corporate tax regime in the world now which makes it an attractive destination for investments. At 15% with an effective rate of 17.1%, makes it the best country as far as corporate tax is concerned, he was quoted as saying. This Corporate Tax coupled with the size of the domestic market and the fact that India is pushing through a lot of digitisation and structural reforms India a very attractive destination for investment, Kant said. Kant also praised India's reforms in labour laws and said that India has coalesced 54 labour laws into just four laws. ''Another big thing that has happened in India is amalgamating 54 labour laws into just 4 laws and making major structural reforms there. This will be path-breaking which it will enable you to do large-scale manufacturing in India,'' he said. He also lauded India's new policy on intellectual property rights (IPR). India came out with a new policy on intellectual property rights (IPR) which has radically improved the IPR. It's probably one of the best IPR regimes, we have benchmarked it against USA and Japan now, he said.

Digitisation and structural reforms make India attractive destination for investment: NITI Aayog CEO

Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel on Friday took a metro to reach Raj Bhawan from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport metro station here.

Anandiben Patel was welcomed by Kumar Keshav, Managing Director, other Directors and senior officials of Uttar Pradesh Metro Corporation.

Kumar Keshav explained to her about the uniqueness and the features of the state-of-the-art infrastructure along with other amenities available for the differently-abled, women and senior citizens inside the Metro premises.

The managing director provided an overview to the governor of the unique design, technology and special features of the Lucknow Metro train which is a combination of old and modern elements depicting the culture-rich diversity and heritage of Lucknow.

The managing director also presented her a Coffee Table book highlighting the Lucknow Metro's journey since its inception at the Sachivalaya Metro Station.

The governor lauded and appreciated the stupendous efforts of the Lucknow Metro team for their sheer dedication, perseverance and commitment in bringing a sea-change in the Mass Rapid Transit System of the city.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel on Friday took a metro to reach Raj Bhawan from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport metro station here. Anandiben Patel was welcomed by Kumar Keshav, Managing Director, other Directors and senior officials of Uttar Pradesh Metro Corporation.

Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel on Friday took a metro to reach Raj Bhawan from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport metro station here. Anandiben Patel was welcomed by Kumar Keshav, Managing Director, other Directors and senior officials of Uttar Pradesh Metro Corporation. Kumar Keshav explained to her about the uniqueness and the features of the state-of-the-art infrastructure along with other amenities available for the differently-abled, women and senior citizens inside the Metro premises. The managing director provided an overview to the governor of the unique design, technology and special features of the Lucknow Metro train which is a combination of old and modern elements depicting the culture-rich diversity and heritage of Lucknow. The managing director also presented her a Coffee Table book highlighting the Lucknow Metro's journey since its inception at the Sachivalaya Metro Station. The governor lauded and appreciated the stupendous efforts of the Lucknow Metro team for their sheer dedication, perseverance and commitment in bringing a sea-change in the Mass Rapid Transit System of the city.

UP Governor takes ride in Lucknow Metro

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said he was "grateful" to the Centre for peripheral expressways that helped in bringing down pollution levels in Delhi.

Speaking at an event here, the chief minister said over 40 thousand trucks, a contributor to the pollution, did not enter the national capital as they took the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.

"We are grateful to the Central government for the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressway. This measure has stopped 30 to 40 thousand trucks from entering Delhi," he said while discussing ideas on curbing pollution levels in Delhi.

The chief minister also said that saplings plantation and industries'&nbsp;move to use non-polluting PNG fuel have contributed to reducing pollutions levels in the national capital.

"However, it needs to reduce more," he said. Kejriwal stressed on the need to check on local sources of pollution. "Delhi has local sources of pollution. We are worried about people's health. Stubble burning mostly starts from October 15 and we have no control over it," he said.

He said that state and Central governments&nbsp;are yet to fully know about the sources of pollution. "Nobody knows what (source) the problem is-- neither the state nor the Centre," he added.

The Delhi government has recently launched a project called Real-time source apportionment jointly with the Department of Energy, Environment and Chemical Engineering, University of Washington to study the sources of pollution in Delhi.

A laboratory will set for this purpose which would give real-time data every four hours throughout the day from April 1, 2020.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said he was "grateful" to the Centre for peripheral expressways that helped in bringing down pollution levels in Delhi. Speaking at an event here, the chief minister said over 40 thousand trucks, a contributor to the pollution, did not enter the national capital as they took the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said he was "grateful" to the Centre for peripheral expressways that helped in bringing down pollution levels in Delhi. Speaking at an event here, the chief minister said over 40 thousand trucks, a contributor to the pollution, did not enter the national capital as they took the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways. "We are grateful to the Central government for the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressway. This measure has stopped 30 to 40 thousand trucks from entering Delhi," he said while discussing ideas on curbing pollution levels in Delhi. The chief minister also said that saplings plantation and industries' move to use non-polluting PNG fuel have contributed to reducing pollutions levels in the national capital. "However, it needs to reduce more," he said. Kejriwal stressed on the need to check on local sources of pollution. "Delhi has local sources of pollution. We are worried about people's health. Stubble burning mostly starts from October 15 and we have no control over it," he said. He said that state and Central governments are yet to fully know about the sources of pollution. "Nobody knows what (source) the problem is-- neither the state nor the Centre," he added. The Delhi government has recently launched a project called Real-time source apportionment jointly with the Department of Energy, Environment and Chemical Engineering, University of Washington to study the sources of pollution in Delhi. A laboratory will set for this purpose which would give real-time data every four hours throughout the day from April 1, 2020.

Arvind Kejriwal praises Centre for developing peripheral expressways to curb pollution

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed on Saturday that he would not apologise for his remarks on rape, adding that he will not seek foregiveness for stating "truth".

"BJP yesterday told me 'Rahul you gave a speech, apologise for that'. I was asked to apologise for speaking something correct. I am not Rahul Savarkar. I am Rahul Gandhi. I will never apologise for truth," Rahul said while addressing Congress's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-slams-bjp-government-on-economy-citizenship-bill-268260">Bharat Bachao </a>rally at the iconic Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Rahul Gandhi,at 'Bharat Bachao' rally: I was told in Parliament by BJP y'day 'Rahul ji, you gave a speech. Apologise for that.' I was told to apologise for speaking something correct. My name is not Rahul Savarkar. My name is Rahul Gandhi. I will never apologise for truth <a href="https://t.co/DhgFyZNX1a">pic.twitter.com/DhgFyZNX1a</a>
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Rahul also said that no Congress member will apologise for the comments.&nbsp;

On Friday, a ruckus erupted in the Parliament for Rahul's remarks where he said that the country is witnessing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-adjourned-after-uproar-over-rahul-gandhis-remark-268035">"Rape in India" </a>rather than PM Narendra Modi's ambitious programme "Make in India", referring to rising number of rape incidents in the recent days. &nbsp;

Rahul later clarified on Friday that he meant whenever one reads a newspaper, there is a report of rape in different parts of India instead of a story on 'Make in India'. He had also said that BJP sought his apology as it wanted to deflect attention from protests in the northeast.&nbsp;

At the Bharat Bachao rally, the senior Congress leader also pulled up BJP government for creating religious divisions, mentioning the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast India.&nbsp;

"They (BJP) work to create divisions, between religions. in Jammu and Kashmir, in northeast. Go to Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh. Go and witness what Narendra Modi did there, he has set those regions on fire."

Rahul Gandhi also slammed the Centre for the economic crisis in the country. "Today, GDP growth is at 4 per cent, that too even after they (BJP) changed the way to measure GDP. If GDP is measured according to the previous method, it will be just 2.5 per cent."

Earlier, senior Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and P Chidambaram also slammed BJP government in the rally.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed on Saturday that he would not apologise for his remarks on rape, adding that he will not seek foregiveness for stating "truth".

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed on Saturday that he would not apologise for his remarks on rape, adding that he will not seek foregiveness for stating "truth". "BJP yesterday told me 'Rahul you gave a speech, apologise for that'. I was asked to apologise for speaking something correct. I am not Rahul Savarkar. I am Rahul Gandhi. I will never apologise for truth," Rahul said while addressing Congress's Bharat Bachao rally at the iconic Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. #WATCH: Rahul Gandhi,at 'Bharat Bachao' rally: I was told in Parliament by BJP y'day 'Rahul ji, you gave a speech. Apologise for that.' I was told to apologise for speaking something correct. My name is not Rahul Savarkar. My name is Rahul Gandhi. I will never apologise for truth pic.twitter.com/DhgFyZNX1a — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2019 × Rahul also said that no Congress member will apologise for the comments. On Friday, a ruckus erupted in the Parliament for Rahul's remarks where he said that the country is witnessing "Rape in India" rather than PM Narendra Modi's ambitious programme "Make in India", referring to rising number of rape incidents in the recent days. Rahul later clarified on Friday that he meant whenever one reads a newspaper, there is a report of rape in different parts of India instead of a story on 'Make in India'. He had also said that BJP sought his apology as it wanted to deflect attention from protests in the northeast. At the Bharat Bachao rally, the senior Congress leader also pulled up BJP government for creating religious divisions, mentioning the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast India. "They (BJP) work to create divisions, between religions. in Jammu and Kashmir, in northeast. Go to Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh. Go and witness what Narendra Modi did there, he has set those regions on fire." Rahul Gandhi also slammed the Centre for the economic crisis in the country. "Today, GDP growth is at 4 per cent, that too even after they (BJP) changed the way to measure GDP. If GDP is measured according to the previous method, it will be just 2.5 per cent." Earlier, senior Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and P Chidambaram also slammed BJP government in the rally. (with inputs from agencies)

Won't apologise for 'Rape in India' remarks': Rahul Gandhi at Congress rally

Citizenship Amendment Bill, Now An Act, Has Triggered A Series Of Protests In The North-Eastern States.

Gravitas: Decoding the C.A.B apprehensions

Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-holds-meeting-with-up-congress-leaders-to-discuss-bharat-bachao-rally-preparations-266589">Priyanka Gandhi </a>slammed BJP on Saturday over inflation, Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 and jobs as the party organised 'Bharat Bachao' (Save India) rally in the national capital on Saturday. &nbsp;

Taking a dig at BJP's slogan of Modi hai to mumkin hai (everything is possible if Modi is there), Priyanka said the reality is "if BJP is there, onions at Rs 100 per kg, highest unemployment in 45 years, 4 crore job losses are possible".

The Congress general secretary also urged the people of this country to "raise" their voice otherwise "Constitution" will be destroyed.&nbsp;

"I would like to tell every citizen of this country, raise your voice. If you love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, remain in the darkness of fear and lies even under these circumstances, and stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

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PG Vadra, Congress: I'd like to tell every citizen of this country - raise your voice. You love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, stay back in the darkness of fear &amp; lies even in these circumstances, &amp; stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed. <a href="https://t.co/KHXyiYrRHA">pic.twitter.com/KHXyiYrRHA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205745009980362753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, former finance minister P Chidambaram, who recently got bail in the INX Media case, also slammed Centre for wrecking the economy in the last six months.&nbsp;

"Yesterday, finance minister said everything's alright, we are on top of the world. The only thing she didn't say was 'achhe din aane wale hain' (good days are about to come)," Chidambaram said taking a dig to BJP's 2014 election slogan. &nbsp;

Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi were other leaders who were present in this rally.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi slammed BJP on Saturday over inflation, Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 and jobs as the party organised 'Bharat Bachao' (Save India) rally in the national capital on Saturday.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi slammed BJP on Saturday over inflation, Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 and jobs as the party organised 'Bharat Bachao' (Save India) rally in the national capital on Saturday. Taking a dig at BJP's slogan of Modi hai to mumkin hai (everything is possible if Modi is there), Priyanka said the reality is "if BJP is there, onions at Rs 100 per kg, highest unemployment in 45 years, 4 crore job losses are possible". The Congress general secretary also urged the people of this country to "raise" their voice otherwise "Constitution" will be destroyed. "I would like to tell every citizen of this country, raise your voice. If you love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, remain in the darkness of fear and lies even under these circumstances, and stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed," Gandhi said. PG Vadra, Congress: I'd like to tell every citizen of this country - raise your voice. You love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, stay back in the darkness of fear & lies even in these circumstances, & stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed. pic.twitter.com/KHXyiYrRHA — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2019 × Earlier, former finance minister P Chidambaram, who recently got bail in the INX Media case, also slammed Centre for wrecking the economy in the last six months. "Yesterday, finance minister said everything's alright, we are on top of the world. The only thing she didn't say was 'achhe din aane wale hain' (good days are about to come)," Chidambaram said taking a dig to BJP's 2014 election slogan. Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi were other leaders who were present in this rally.

Priyanka Gandhi slams BJP government on economy, Citizenship Bill

The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) adjourned on Friday after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taking a dig at the rising incidents of rapes in India, Senior Congress leader Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talked about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'Rape in India' in a rally in Jharkhand.

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Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm after uproar over Rahul Gandhi's 'Rape in India' remark <a href="https://t.co/HFMX24N3eo">pic.twitter.com/HFMX24N3eo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205368066835509249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Union minister Smriti Irani slammed Gandhi for his remarks against the PM, adding that it is an insult to the nation and an invitation to the rapists. Irani also said that Gandhi should be punished for his remarks.&nbsp;

"This is first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?" Irani said.&nbsp;

A group of leaders in the Rajya Sabha sloganeered "Rahul Gandhi maafi maango (Rahul Gandhi apologise)".&nbsp;

Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu urged the members to maintain decorum and added that a member's name cannot be taken who is not a part of the house, referring to Gandhi. However, the House was later adjourned.&nbsp;

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Few MPs in Rajya Sabha raise slogans of 'Rahul Gandhi maafi maango' over Rahul Gandhi's 'rape in India' remark; Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu says, "you cannot take the name of a person who is not a member of this House. No body has the business to disturb the House". <a href="https://t.co/Ojp2BthDBO">pic.twitter.com/Ojp2BthDBO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205366675421315072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Gandhi had also said that the international community ridicules India and the country is known as the "rape capital" of the world.&nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) adjourned on Friday after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Taking a dig at the rising incidents of rapes in India, Senior Congress leader Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talked about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'Rape in India' in a rally in Jharkhand.

The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) adjourned on Friday after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Taking a dig at the rising incidents of rapes in India, Senior Congress leader Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talked about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'Rape in India' in a rally in Jharkhand. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm after uproar over Rahul Gandhi's 'Rape in India' remark pic.twitter.com/HFMX24N3eo — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × Union minister Smriti Irani slammed Gandhi for his remarks against the PM, adding that it is an insult to the nation and an invitation to the rapists. Irani also said that Gandhi should be punished for his remarks. "This is first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?" Irani said. A group of leaders in the Rajya Sabha sloganeered "Rahul Gandhi maafi maango (Rahul Gandhi apologise)". Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu urged the members to maintain decorum and added that a member's name cannot be taken who is not a part of the house, referring to Gandhi. However, the House was later adjourned. Few MPs in Rajya Sabha raise slogans of 'Rahul Gandhi maafi maango' over Rahul Gandhi's 'rape in India' remark; Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu says, "you cannot take the name of a person who is not a member of this House. No body has the business to disturb the House". pic.twitter.com/Ojp2BthDBO — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × Earlier, Gandhi had also said that the international community ridicules India and the country is known as the "rape capital" of the world.

Rajya Sabha adjourned after uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark

The United States on Friday issued a "travel alert" for its citizens travelling to the Northeast states of India.

The alert comes as the region faces <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-indian-citizenship-law-discriminatory-united-nations-268149">massive protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019</a>.&nbsp;

"US citizens in the northeastern states of India should exercise caution in light of media reports of protests and violence in response to the approval of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. Government curfews are in place in some areas. Internet and mobile communications may be disrupted," the official advisory issued by US Embassy and Consulates in India read.

"Protests have also been reported in other parts of the country. The US&nbsp;government has temporarily suspended official travel to Assam," the release further added.&nbsp;

Unrest has gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts.

On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night.&nbsp;

The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

The United States on Friday issued a "travel alert" for its citizens travelling to the Northeast states of India. The alert comes as the region faces massive protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019.

The United States on Friday issued a "travel alert" for its citizens travelling to the Northeast states of India. The alert comes as the region faces massive protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019. "US citizens in the northeastern states of India should exercise caution in light of media reports of protests and violence in response to the approval of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. Government curfews are in place in some areas. Internet and mobile communications may be disrupted," the official advisory issued by US Embassy and Consulates in India read. "Protests have also been reported in other parts of the country. The US government has temporarily suspended official travel to Assam," the release further added. Unrest has gripped India's northeast against the bill. Two people lost their lives in police firing as the mob continued to protest, opposing the Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On Friday, Congress party moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the Act violates Article 14 of the Constitution. Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported. Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts. On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night. The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

US issues travel alert for citizens amid protests over Citizenship Amendment Act

The city of Bengaluru produces over 5,000 tonnes of garbage every day. While the city administration has attempted to impose no-plastic and segregation-at-source rules strictly, there is no 100 per cent adherence from the citizens and workers. But a juice cafe owner in the city is now proving that it is possible to go the zero-waste route.&nbsp;

Raja, a radio jockey, emcee, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed waste engineer runs the city's first zero-waste juice bar. The outlet has been drawing quite a buzz as Raja serves his special drinks in organic cups that are nothing but fruit shells and peels. This zero-waste cafe has completely done away with plastic and paper usage to promote sustainability.&nbsp;

"This is a 100 per cent zero-waste cafe. We have nothing that we throw out. We don’t use paper, plastic, carry bag, cups or straws since 2018. There is no dry waste at all. The only waste being generated is the fruit waste of which we do factory level segregation. We segregate the fruit waste at source into citrus, non-citrus. The citrus fruits are used to make bio-enzyme and the rest of it either gets composted or is used as cow feed. The seeds are used to make art-work, jewellery and rangolis. The whole idea was to repurpose everything that is thrown as waste" Raja tells WION. &nbsp;

Raja was inspired to transform his cafe into a zero-waste eatery when he saw the South African city of Cape Town go dry in 2018. Some studies had also predicted that Bengaluru could be the next city to follow.&nbsp;

"I realised that at my juice centre, we were using nearly 250ml of water to wash each glass. If I was selling 100 glasses of juice a day, it meant that I was flushing out 25 litres of water down the drain. I realised it was a criminal waste of water, especially when the whole world is facing a crisis. So I got thinking if we can do something better. Since I am an engineer, I realised if I do not engineer the process of saving something then there is no point in studying the course. I looked at the fruits and I saw that the smaller watermelons, when halved, could be used to serve the juice that was made from its pulp," he says.&nbsp;

Using fruit shells as cups has not only helped save water but also reduced waste and minimised labour time for his staff. The used shells are then supplied to cattle owners as fodder. Today, Raja uses fruits like watermelons, musk melons, sun melons, oranges, guavas, bananas and several other fruits to serve the juices.&nbsp;

"Now I have 22 different varieties of fruits and vegetables that I serve my juices in. I am the owner of India’s first juice bar to serve juices only in fruit shells. We don’t use glasses at all," says Raja, exuding pride.&nbsp;

Raja does not see this model just as a service to the society but believes that waste is wealth which can be monetised. He is currently working to build a network of juice centres that can segregate the waste supply it to farms and cattle owners.&nbsp;

"I see myself as a waste engineer because there is a lot to be monetised from waste. I hold workshops where we say you can make cash out of trash. I am planning to ask cattle owners to give me milk in exchange for the fodder as I have stopped using milk packets because it generates plastic waste. There is economy in waste" Raja concludes.&nbsp;

The city of Bengaluru produces over 5,000 tonnes of garbage every day. While the city administration has attempted to impose no-plastic and segregation-at-source rules strictly, there is no 100 per cent adherence from the citizens and workers.

The city of Bengaluru produces over 5,000 tonnes of garbage every day. While the city administration has attempted to impose no-plastic and segregation-at-source rules strictly, there is no 100 per cent adherence from the citizens and workers. But a juice cafe owner in the city is now proving that it is possible to go the zero-waste route. Raja, a radio jockey, emcee, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed waste engineer runs the city's first zero-waste juice bar. The outlet has been drawing quite a buzz as Raja serves his special drinks in organic cups that are nothing but fruit shells and peels. This zero-waste cafe has completely done away with plastic and paper usage to promote sustainability. "This is a 100 per cent zero-waste cafe. We have nothing that we throw out. We don’t use paper, plastic, carry bag, cups or straws since 2018. There is no dry waste at all. The only waste being generated is the fruit waste of which we do factory level segregation. We segregate the fruit waste at source into citrus, non-citrus. The citrus fruits are used to make bio-enzyme and the rest of it either gets composted or is used as cow feed. The seeds are used to make art-work, jewellery and rangolis. The whole idea was to repurpose everything that is thrown as waste" Raja tells WION. Raja was inspired to transform his cafe into a zero-waste eatery when he saw the South African city of Cape Town go dry in 2018. Some studies had also predicted that Bengaluru could be the next city to follow. "I realised that at my juice centre, we were using nearly 250ml of water to wash each glass. If I was selling 100 glasses of juice a day, it meant that I was flushing out 25 litres of water down the drain. I realised it was a criminal waste of water, especially when the whole world is facing a crisis. So I got thinking if we can do something better. Since I am an engineer, I realised if I do not engineer the process of saving something then there is no point in studying the course. I looked at the fruits and I saw that the smaller watermelons, when halved, could be used to serve the juice that was made from its pulp," he says. Using fruit shells as cups has not only helped save water but also reduced waste and minimised labour time for his staff. The used shells are then supplied to cattle owners as fodder. Today, Raja uses fruits like watermelons, musk melons, sun melons, oranges, guavas, bananas and several other fruits to serve the juices. "Now I have 22 different varieties of fruits and vegetables that I serve my juices in. I am the owner of India’s first juice bar to serve juices only in fruit shells. We don’t use glasses at all," says Raja, exuding pride. Raja does not see this model just as a service to the society but believes that waste is wealth which can be monetised. He is currently working to build a network of juice centres that can segregate the waste supply it to farms and cattle owners. "I see myself as a waste engineer because there is a lot to be monetised from waste. I hold workshops where we say you can make cash out of trash. I am planning to ask cattle owners to give me milk in exchange for the fodder as I have stopped using milk packets because it generates plastic waste. There is economy in waste" Raja concludes.

Bengaluru's first zero-waste cafe uses fruit shells as cups

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) recently submitted the Mumbai Clean Air Plan to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, the city-based environmental groups believe that it lacks coherent solutions that could alleviate environmental woes.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) recently submitted the Mumbai Clean Air Plan to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, the city-based environmental groups believe that it lacks coherent solutions that could alleviate environmental woes. While Delhi had been struggling last month to get air quality markers under control, the entire conundrum around the need for clean air grew louder. Mumbai which often breathes a sigh of relief in this regard considering proximity to the sea and adequate rainfall has not fared too well on the pollution measuring indicators recently. The air quality index in the island city has been hovering at 'poor' and 'very poor.' In January this year, the Ministry of Earth sciences launched the National Clean Air Programme, a strategy to tackle increasing air pollution in a time-bound manner. Under the same plan, Mumbai is among one of 122 cities identified by the CPCB to scale down air pollution by 20% to 30%. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board's (MPCB) plan for the city was submitted last month, with a slew of measures it believes will help Mumbai breathe clean air. Some of them are the introduction of a congestion tax on private vehicles, the introduction of a 'clean air fund,' converting city's BEST buses into AC buses, two and four wheelers to be charged more for fuel and parking to encourage public transport. Lowering of fuel charges for public transport to slash bus fares and subsequently recovering losses from car-users. Increasing road tax from existing 10% to 25%. In a day-long consultation seminar organised this week by Mumbai based environment protection organisations, in the presence of members of the civil society, activists and several like-minded individuals a detailed discussion on various aspects of pollution missing in MPCB's plan took place. A detailed copy of recommendations will soon be presented to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and pollution control body in the state. Conversation Action Trust and Waatavaran, two of the organising members gave an array of suggestions ranging from transport emissions, industrial emissions, emphasis on the protection of existing green zones, airshed based approach to manage air pollution. The recommendations of the public consultation were broadly divided into Transport, Data, Industry and Construction/demolition waste and biomass burning. Debi Goenka, founder and executive trustee- Conservation Action Trust said, "the plan that has been presented is not authentic in nature, there are quotations from unknown people. The plan of action is completely vague, no individual on whom responsibility can be fixed the entire document is not implementable. For example, a section in the plan talks about consequences of industrial pollution in case of a violation, the comment section says 'MPCB issues show-cause notices,' there is no strict action that follows up." Members at the congregation expressed displeasure that non of them had been asked for suggestions while the plan was being drafted, in fact their inputs on the same have not been included in the document. Further, a detailed suggestion on improvising existing public transport by opting for an integrated approach to address mobility by building walking and cycling infrastructure to restrain private transport growth. We live in the times of data analytics, however, the plan doesn't give clarity on the total number of monitoring stations and where they will be made. Need for data from the Continuous Emission Monitoring System to be made public for accountability of industry was also raised. Industry centric solutions upheld the need to make industries accountable for their carbon footprint, necessitating the state pollution control board to deal with violations with an iron hand. Over the years Mumbai city has seen large scale infrastructure projects cropping up in every corner, the state pollution control board needs to regulate the process of construction and demolition with builders and infra companies. Bulk emissions cause unprecedented toxic pollution which needs to be addressed. While the situation in Mumbai may not seem alarming at the moment, the clock is already ticking with regards to climate change and pollutions levels in the city. National Institute of Oceanography data reveals that the average rate at which sea level is rising has more than doubled in India from 1.27 mm/year to 3.22 mm/year in just over a decade. A worrying data because much of the infrastructure here is built on reclaimed land. In October this year, a British journal in its research report published potential dangers of climate change Mumbai is staring at, indicating that anthropogenic climatic alterations will deluge sizeable parts of the city by 2050. As per global environmental reports, Mumbai along with Guangzhou, Jakarta, Manila and Miami appears frequently on a list of cities endangered by climate change. A serious effort from the governing body is the most immediate need of the hour.

Maharashtra Pollution Control body's report lacks coherent solutions: Experts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-convicts-in-nirbhaya-case-to-be-hanged-at-earliest-delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-268087">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal</a> on Friday condemned the increasing incident of violence against women in India and called it a sign of "mental depravity".

"We have decided to introduce a campaign," Kejriwal said, adding that the structure of the campaign will be finalised in the coming days.&nbsp;

"In every school and college, boys will be given an oath to not misbehave with any woman. This will help boys understand their responsibilities," he said.

"We have decided to introduce a campaign to change the mindset of the people. The girls will be asked to talk to their brothers and ask them not to misbehave with any woman," the Delhi CM said.

"And if the brother did not listen and misbehave with any girl, then the sister should say that she has no relations left with him," the Chief Minister added.&nbsp;

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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: All girls will be asked to speak to their brothers, and tell them that they will not misbehave with any woman, and make their brothers take the oath. And if he does anything wrong, the girl should tell her brother that,'I am breaking all ties with you'. <a href="https://t.co/yV4rXW1kDo">https://t.co/yV4rXW1kDo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205446699012870144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kejriwal said the people who commit a crime against women should be boycotted not only by society but by their families&nbsp;as well and added that his government was concerned about the security of women.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal said&nbsp;that he wants convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case to be hanged at the earliest and that all the formalities that remain in the case should be completed immediately, news agency ANI reported.

"I want the convicts (in Nirbhaya case) to be hanged at the earliest, all formalities which are remaining should be completed immediately," Kejriwal said as reported by ANI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday condemned the increasing incident of violence against women in India and called it a sign of "mental depravity". "We have decided to introduce a campaign," Kejriwal said, adding that the structure of the campaign will be finalised in the coming days.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday condemned the increasing incident of violence against women in India and called it a sign of "mental depravity". "We have decided to introduce a campaign," Kejriwal said, adding that the structure of the campaign will be finalised in the coming days. "In every school and college, boys will be given an oath to not misbehave with any woman. This will help boys understand their responsibilities," he said. "We have decided to introduce a campaign to change the mindset of the people. The girls will be asked to talk to their brothers and ask them not to misbehave with any woman," the Delhi CM said. "And if the brother did not listen and misbehave with any girl, then the sister should say that she has no relations left with him," the Chief Minister added. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: All girls will be asked to speak to their brothers, and tell them that they will not misbehave with any woman, and make their brothers take the oath. And if he does anything wrong, the girl should tell her brother that,'I am breaking all ties with you'. https://t.co/yV4rXW1kDo — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × Kejriwal said the people who commit a crime against women should be boycotted not only by society but by their families as well and added that his government was concerned about the security of women. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal said that he wants convicts in the Nirbhaya rape case to be hanged at the earliest and that all the formalities that remain in the case should be completed immediately, news agency ANI reported. "I want the convicts (in Nirbhaya case) to be hanged at the earliest, all formalities which are remaining should be completed immediately," Kejriwal said as reported by ANI. (With inputs from ANI)

Boys in schools and colleges to be sensitised to respect women: Kejriwal

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry.

"Rumours are being spread," he told media today.

Gadkari said that the bill seeks to give place to people of "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Christian communities who don't find a place in any other country" and that they will be given citizenship.

"We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread," the minister stated.&nbsp;

"Should we spread a red carpet for the foreign nationals who are entering our country?" Gadkari quipped. &nbsp;

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: People of Hindu,Sikh, Buddhist,Jain&amp;Christian communities who don't find place in any other country will be given citizenship.We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread. <a href="https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ">https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205481923805507585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The welfare of the county and politics should be kept apart," he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts.

On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night.&nbsp;

The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry. "Rumours are being spread," he told media today.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday reacted on the ongoing row on the Citizenship Amendment Act and said that there is nothing worry. "Rumours are being spread," he told media today. Gadkari said that the bill seeks to give place to people of "Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Christian communities who don't find a place in any other country" and that they will be given citizenship. "We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread," the minister stated. "Should we spread a red carpet for the foreign nationals who are entering our country?" Gadkari quipped. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari: People of Hindu,Sikh, Buddhist,Jain&Christian communities who don't find place in any other country will be given citizenship.We're neither against Muslims nor we're asking anyone to go to Pakistan. There's nothing to worry. Rumours are being spread. https://t.co/xPxu0VWrQQ — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × "The welfare of the county and politics should be kept apart," he said. Meanwhile, protests in the northeastern states of India continue against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. As many as 26 Army columns have been deployed in Assam to support the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to handle the situation there, news agency ANI reported. Mobile Internet services were suspended for another 48 hours in 10 districts of Assam on Friday after the administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours on Wednesday in 10 districts. On Thursday two people were killed in police firing in the northeast as the mob continued to protest the Act. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 turned into an Act after President Kovind gave his assent on late Thursday night. The Act seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants, fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Rumours are being spread, there's no need to worry: Gadkari on Citizenship Amendment Act 

Heavy rains and thunderstorms on Thursday in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-reels-under-bouts-of-air-pollution-as-aqi-crosses-350-mark-267343">national capital </a>made slight improvements in the pollution levels as the air quality was hovering at the 'poor' category on Friday.&nbsp;

The air quality index (AQI) recorded at 9:00 am in some of the areas in Delhi NCR stood at: 317, 301, 294, 352, 342 in Anand Vihar, ITO, RK Puram, Dwarka Sector 8 and Lodhi Road respectively as per the data shared by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).&nbsp;

An AQI of 0-50 is considered as 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Once the AQI crosses the 500-mark, it falls under 'very severe' or 'emergency' category.&nbsp;

As per the central government-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality may improve to ‘poor’ to ‘moderate’ on Saturday.

However, the improvement might not make a big impact as temperatures are expected to drop down on December 15-16, which can create dense fog and lead to a rise in pollution levels.&nbsp;

From the last few days, the situation of air quality worsened and was hovering between 'severe' and 'very poor' in the national capital region as temperatures started to decline.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Heavy rains and thunderstorms on Thursday in the national capital made slight improvements in the pollution levels as the air quality was hovering at the 'poor' category on Friday.

Heavy rains and thunderstorms on Thursday in the national capital made slight improvements in the pollution levels as the air quality was hovering at the 'poor' category on Friday. The air quality index (AQI) recorded at 9:00 am in some of the areas in Delhi NCR stood at: 317, 301, 294, 352, 342 in Anand Vihar, ITO, RK Puram, Dwarka Sector 8 and Lodhi Road respectively as per the data shared by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An AQI of 0-50 is considered as 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Once the AQI crosses the 500-mark, it falls under 'very severe' or 'emergency' category. As per the central government-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality may improve to ‘poor’ to ‘moderate’ on Saturday. However, the improvement might not make a big impact as temperatures are expected to drop down on December 15-16, which can create dense fog and lead to a rise in pollution levels. From the last few days, the situation of air quality worsened and was hovering between 'severe' and 'very poor' in the national capital region as temperatures started to decline.

Delhi air quality improves to 'poor' following rains and thunderstorms

According to The American Humane Association estimates, 1 in 3 dogs in the US get lost at some point in their lives with many of them never returning home.

A few young entrepreneurs in the India's IT capital, Bengaluru, who are also dog lovers, felt that the problem was far worse in India but there were no statistics to prove it. Nonetheless, Advaith Mohan, Ajith Kochery and Siddharth Darbha decided to do something about the problem and developed 'Wagr.'&nbsp;

The device as small as&nbsp;6cm x 4cm, Wagr can be attached to your dog's collar which will enable the pet owner&nbsp;to track its location and movements in real-time.

The device has an inbuilt GPS sensor and a SIM card that lets you define your pet's safe zone through an add on the mobile phone application.

"The device contains a GPS sensor as well as a pre-installed SIM card which allows you to essentially create safe zones on a companion app in areas where your dog is safe - like your house or office. The sensor and SIM card works in tandem to alert you if your dog ever exits the safe zone and allows you to track your dog real-time anywhere in the country. Wherever there is a cellular network in India, you will be able to track your dog. Even if you are outside the country, it allows you to track, " says Advaith Mohan, Co-founder of Wagr.

"It also has motion sensors which we have calibrated based on the breed of your dog that allows you to know how much exercise and rest your dog is getting every day,' Mohan added.

Currently close to 300 units of Wagr are being used by pet owners and the founders are working to improve the device and incorporate more features, making life slightly easier for pet parents.

They are now working on device's ability for advanced activity detection, that will help gauge the long-term and short-term health patterns of dogs.

Four key areas that will require detection is scratching, shivering, licking and eating, that can be indications of serious health conditions. More advanced activity detection can also lead to early diagnoses of diseases like hip dysplasia in dogs.&nbsp;

Jahnavi, a dog parent in the city of Bengaluru says that her anxiety about the well-being of her pet&nbsp;when she is not around, has certainly come down as she is now able to track her dog in real-time.

'The most important thing is when I am at work I generally tend to worry about how she is doing. I used to live alone, but then I moved to ensure I have flatmates so that someone can be around her all the time. But now I can see what she is doing. Though she is a house pet, she does tend to run outside when the door is open. If I am not around, it is hard to get her to come back. But now when she exits the safe zone I get a notification. So that is the biggest advantage that I have with it.' says Jahnavi.&nbsp;

"I am a dog parent and I have lost a dog before. The other co-founders are also dog lovers. Few years back we got to working on start-up ideas together and having lost a dog before the matter was close to our hearts, " Advaith said.

"When we got a new dog we realised that dog parents are facing more issues now. We also spoke to other dog lovers and realised that taking care of the safety and health of the dog is of utmost importance. To give you a statistic, in the US 1 in 3 dogs get lost and very few actually return home. On the health side, obesity is one of the leading health threats to dogs. Over 2-3 years of a dog's lifespan is reduced due to obesity. These were the primary problems we were attempting to tackle and Wagr was the obvious solution," Advaith added.&nbsp;

According to The American Humane Association estimates, 1 in 3 dogs in the US get lost at some point in their lives with many of them never returning home. A few young entrepreneurs in the India's IT capital, Bengaluru, who are also dog lovers, felt that the problem was far worse in India but there were no statistics to prove it.

According to The American Humane Association estimates, 1 in 3 dogs in the US get lost at some point in their lives with many of them never returning home. A few young entrepreneurs in the India's IT capital, Bengaluru, who are also dog lovers, felt that the problem was far worse in India but there were no statistics to prove it. Nonetheless, Advaith Mohan, Ajith Kochery and Siddharth Darbha decided to do something about the problem and developed 'Wagr.' The device as small as 6cm x 4cm, Wagr can be attached to your dog's collar which will enable the pet owner to track its location and movements in real-time. The device has an inbuilt GPS sensor and a SIM card that lets you define your pet's safe zone through an add on the mobile phone application. "The device contains a GPS sensor as well as a pre-installed SIM card which allows you to essentially create safe zones on a companion app in areas where your dog is safe - like your house or office. The sensor and SIM card works in tandem to alert you if your dog ever exits the safe zone and allows you to track your dog real-time anywhere in the country. Wherever there is a cellular network in India, you will be able to track your dog. Even if you are outside the country, it allows you to track, " says Advaith Mohan, Co-founder of Wagr. "It also has motion sensors which we have calibrated based on the breed of your dog that allows you to know how much exercise and rest your dog is getting every day,' Mohan added. Currently close to 300 units of Wagr are being used by pet owners and the founders are working to improve the device and incorporate more features, making life slightly easier for pet parents. They are now working on device's ability for advanced activity detection, that will help gauge the long-term and short-term health patterns of dogs. Four key areas that will require detection is scratching, shivering, licking and eating, that can be indications of serious health conditions. More advanced activity detection can also lead to early diagnoses of diseases like hip dysplasia in dogs. Jahnavi, a dog parent in the city of Bengaluru says that her anxiety about the well-being of her pet when she is not around, has certainly come down as she is now able to track her dog in real-time. 'The most important thing is when I am at work I generally tend to worry about how she is doing. I used to live alone, but then I moved to ensure I have flatmates so that someone can be around her all the time. But now I can see what she is doing. Though she is a house pet, she does tend to run outside when the door is open. If I am not around, it is hard to get her to come back. But now when she exits the safe zone I get a notification. So that is the biggest advantage that I have with it.' says Jahnavi. "I am a dog parent and I have lost a dog before. The other co-founders are also dog lovers. Few years back we got to working on start-up ideas together and having lost a dog before the matter was close to our hearts, " Advaith said. "When we got a new dog we realised that dog parents are facing more issues now. We also spoke to other dog lovers and realised that taking care of the safety and health of the dog is of utmost importance. To give you a statistic, in the US 1 in 3 dogs get lost and very few actually return home. On the health side, obesity is one of the leading health threats to dogs. Over 2-3 years of a dog's lifespan is reduced due to obesity. These were the primary problems we were attempting to tackle and Wagr was the obvious solution," Advaith added.

Bengaluru: Startup launches 'Wagr', a wearable to track real-time location of pets

Post-monsoon showers and hailstorm combined with strong winds led to a sharp dip in the mercury scales on Friday (December 13) morning across northern India.

Showers, winds, hail leads to temperature dip in northern India

President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-bill-protests-continue-to-rage-in-assam-cm-appeals-for-peace-267894">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 </a>late on Thursday, letting it become an Act after the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) passed the Bill.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-citizenship-amendment-bill-2019-all-there-is-to-know-about-cab-267792">Bill </a>gives Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 to India due to religious persecution.&nbsp;

"Parliament received the assent of the President on December 12, 2019, and here by published for general information", according to the gazette of India.

The Act came to force after the official gazette published it on Thursday.

As per the citizenship bill, the migrants of these six communities will be given Indian citizenship after residing in the country for five years, changing from the earlier requirement of 11 years. The Bill also gives protection to these people from cases of illegal migrants filed against them.

It will not be applicable to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura and in the areas covered under the Inner Line Permit, notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

However, massive protests continue in the Northeast against the citizenship bill and two people were also killed on Thursday. Curfew has been imposed in several areas including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tezpur and Dhekiajuli.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and the Lok Sabha (Lower House) approved it after midnight on Monday.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 late on Thursday, letting it become an Act after the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) passed the Bill.

President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 late on Thursday, letting it become an Act after the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) passed the Bill. The Bill gives Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 to India due to religious persecution. "Parliament received the assent of the President on December 12, 2019, and here by published for general information", according to the gazette of India. The Act came to force after the official gazette published it on Thursday. As per the citizenship bill, the migrants of these six communities will be given Indian citizenship after residing in the country for five years, changing from the earlier requirement of 11 years. The Bill also gives protection to these people from cases of illegal migrants filed against them. It will not be applicable to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura and in the areas covered under the Inner Line Permit, notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. However, massive protests continue in the Northeast against the citizenship bill and two people were also killed on Thursday. Curfew has been imposed in several areas including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tezpur and Dhekiajuli. Earlier, the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and the Lok Sabha (Lower House) approved it after midnight on Monday. (with inputs from agencies)

President Ram Nath Kovind gives nod to Citizenship (Amendment) Bill

8-years-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam, known as India's Greta Thunberg, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at COP25 (2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on Thursday. Kangujam submitted a 4-page long memorandum on behalf of the children of the world.

Kangujam told Guterres that children must lead the decision-making process to unite world leaders. She also called for actions as per her memorandum.

"I was glad to meet 8-year-old @LicypriyaK at #COP25 today. Her presence reminds us of our obligations to future generations. Hers is the generation for which we have to take urgent #ClimateAction," the UN Secretary-General tweeted on Thursday.

Kangujam demanded to call a special session of the UN Security Council to fight the war against the climate crisis.

The young climate activist urged the UN chief to work with courage and strength against countries, including the United States, that are ignoring science and responsible for maximum carbon emissions. She also demanded the UN chief to give strong instructions to the UNESCO to include climate change as a compulsory subject in the school curriculum in all countries.

Kangujam also strongly urged to call a special UN Security Council meeting to curb climate crisis and bring peace on the planet for a safe and secure future for our future generations.

She briefed the UN chief about Delhi's air pollution and how it is posing a threat to children and infants. She urged Guterres to bring an urgent permanent solution to &nbsp;Delhi's health emergency by working with the government of India. The UN chief said he will definitely look into it.

The COP25 climate conference is being held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, from December 2-13.

8-years-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam, known as India's Greta Thunberg, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at COP25 (2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on Thursday.

8-years-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam, known as India's Greta Thunberg, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at COP25 (2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on Thursday. Kangujam submitted a 4-page long memorandum on behalf of the children of the world. Kangujam told Guterres that children must lead the decision-making process to unite world leaders. She also called for actions as per her memorandum. "I was glad to meet 8-year-old @LicypriyaK at #COP25 today. Her presence reminds us of our obligations to future generations. Hers is the generation for which we have to take urgent #ClimateAction," the UN Secretary-General tweeted on Thursday. Kangujam demanded to call a special session of the UN Security Council to fight the war against the climate crisis. The young climate activist urged the UN chief to work with courage and strength against countries, including the United States, that are ignoring science and responsible for maximum carbon emissions. She also demanded the UN chief to give strong instructions to the UNESCO to include climate change as a compulsory subject in the school curriculum in all countries. Kangujam also strongly urged to call a special UN Security Council meeting to curb climate crisis and bring peace on the planet for a safe and secure future for our future generations. She briefed the UN chief about Delhi's air pollution and how it is posing a threat to children and infants. She urged Guterres to bring an urgent permanent solution to Delhi's health emergency by working with the government of India. The UN chief said he will definitely look into it. The COP25 climate conference is being held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, from December 2-13.

She reminds of our obligations to future generations: UN chief on India's child climate activist Licypriya Kangujam

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik wanted to enter The Maldives but his request was turned down by the government of the island nation.

"Zakir Naik wanted to come to the Maldives, we did not allow him," Speaker of Maldivian Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed, told reporters here.

Naik, who has been living in Malaysia for the last three years, is facing charges of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India. He is also facing probe both in India and Bangladesh in connection with the terror attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka on July 2016.

In September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met his Malaysian counterpart, Mahathir Mohamad, on the sidelines of the 5th East Economic Forum in Russia.

Following their meeting, Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had said that the two leaders discussed the extradition of Naik.

"Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of Zakir Naik's extradition. Both the parties have decided that our officials will stay in contact regarding the matter and it is an important issue for us," Gokhale had said then.&nbsp;

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik wanted to enter The Maldives but his request was turned down by the government of the island nation. "Zakir Naik wanted to come to the Maldives, we did not allow him," Speaker of Maldivian Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed, told reporters here.

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik wanted to enter The Maldives but his request was turned down by the government of the island nation. "Zakir Naik wanted to come to the Maldives, we did not allow him," Speaker of Maldivian Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed, told reporters here. Naik, who has been living in Malaysia for the last three years, is facing charges of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India. He is also facing probe both in India and Bangladesh in connection with the terror attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka on July 2016. In September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met his Malaysian counterpart, Mahathir Mohamad, on the sidelines of the 5th East Economic Forum in Russia. Following their meeting, Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had said that the two leaders discussed the extradition of Naik. "Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of Zakir Naik's extradition. Both the parties have decided that our officials will stay in contact regarding the matter and it is an important issue for us," Gokhale had said then.

Contrary to his wish, Zakir Naik was not allowed to come to Maldives: Maldivian Parliament Speaker

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