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Isolated places over East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-ndrf-teams-rescue-4000-from-flooded-areas-in-patna-death-toll-reaches-29-252878">heavy rainfall</a> on Tuesday according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 
 
The weather forecast agency further predicted that a few areas over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Nagaland are also likely to witness heavy downpour throughout the day.

Watch: Floods in India: Parts of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh face deluge

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/floods-in-india-parts-of-bihar-and-eastern-uttar-pradesh-face-deluge-252731/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-reaches-122-in-northern-india-due-to-heavy-rains-252853">Heavy to very heavy rainfall</a> is very likely at isolated places over Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Gujarat Region, Madhya Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. 
 
Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely to occur over Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal. 
 
Squally weather is likely to prevail over Lakshadweep and Maldive-Comorin area. The weather department has also advised fishermen not to venture into these areas.

Isolated places over East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Tuesday according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Isolated places over East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Tuesday according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather forecast agency further predicted that a few areas over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Nagaland are also likely to witness heavy downpour throughout the day. Watch: Floods in India: Parts of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh face deluge "Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely at isolated places over Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Gujarat Region, Madhya Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely to occur over Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal. Squally weather is likely to prevail over Lakshadweep and Maldive-Comorin area. The weather department has also advised fishermen not to venture into these areas.

Indian Meteorological Department predicts heavy rainfall over East Rajasthan, West Madhya Pradesh

By Sidhant Sibal and Anshu Dubey

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington.&nbsp;

This is the fourth meet between Jaishankar and Pompeo in last four months. They two leaders first met in Delhi during Pompeo's India visit, the second meeting was held during ASEAN FMs meet in Bangkok. The third meet was held last week at the first-ever Quad Foreign ministers meet in New York and now in Washington.

After the meet, EAM Jaishanker said, "It was a very comfortable meeting, this is not the first time I am meeting him. A big part of it was spent on various bilateral issues and we did stocktaking post PM's meeting US President Donald Trump, both of us felt that trade issue has progressed for the larger relationship that was important. We see some early results"

He further added, "We obviously discussed our immediate region and what was happening in region East of India as well as South-East Asia. Some discussion on the Gulf. "

Jaishankar is in Washington after his New York visit during which he met more than 40 of his counterparts.

The meet also comes two days after PM Modi concluded his week-long high profile US visit. The visit, many see, helped bring US and India closers.

Both US President Donald Trump and PM Modi endorsed each other during the Indian diaspora event in Houston--Howdy Modi that saw the participation of 50,000 people, mostly Indian-Americans.

Using Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again", PM said, Trump has achieved much for the United States. Further endorsing him he said "abki baar baar Trump Sakar".

Trump meanwhile, called PM Modi as "One of Americas most devoted and most loyal friends" who is "doing a truly exceptional job for India and all of the Indian people".

Both sides are working on a trade agreement with trade minister Piyush Goyal meeting his counterpart United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer last week in New York.

President Donald Trump and PM Modi have met four times in last four months--on the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, G7 summit in France, the Houston diaspora event and bilateral meet on the sidelines of United Nation General Assembly.&nbsp;

Both sides are working on US President Donald Trump's first India visit later this year. Talks are already underway for the visit and US President Donald Trump also hinted at it when he spoke at diaspora event last week in Texas.

"Thousands in Mumbai will watch the first-ever NBA game in India..am I invited Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful I may come", Trump said.

By Sidhant Sibal and Anshu Dubey India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington. This is the fourth meet between Jaishankar and Pompeo in last four months.

By Sidhant Sibal and Anshu Dubey India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington. This is the fourth meet between Jaishankar and Pompeo in last four months. They two leaders first met in Delhi during Pompeo's India visit, the second meeting was held during ASEAN FMs meet in Bangkok. The third meet was held last week at the first-ever Quad Foreign ministers meet in New York and now in Washington. After the meet, EAM Jaishanker said, "It was a very comfortable meeting, this is not the first time I am meeting him. A big part of it was spent on various bilateral issues and we did stocktaking post PM's meeting US President Donald Trump, both of us felt that trade issue has progressed for the larger relationship that was important. We see some early results" He further added, "We obviously discussed our immediate region and what was happening in region East of India as well as South-East Asia. Some discussion on the Gulf. " Jaishankar is in Washington after his New York visit during which he met more than 40 of his counterparts. The meet also comes two days after PM Modi concluded his week-long high profile US visit. The visit, many see, helped bring US and India closers. Both US President Donald Trump and PM Modi endorsed each other during the Indian diaspora event in Houston--Howdy Modi that saw the participation of 50,000 people, mostly Indian-Americans. Using Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again", PM said, Trump has achieved much for the United States. Further endorsing him he said "abki baar baar Trump Sakar". Trump meanwhile, called PM Modi as "One of Americas most devoted and most loyal friends" who is "doing a truly exceptional job for India and all of the Indian people". Both sides are working on a trade agreement with trade minister Piyush Goyal meeting his counterpart United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer last week in New York. President Donald Trump and PM Modi have met four times in last four months--on the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, G7 summit in France, the Houston diaspora event and bilateral meet on the sidelines of United Nation General Assembly. Both sides are working on US President Donald Trump's first India visit later this year. Talks are already underway for the visit and US President Donald Trump also hinted at it when he spoke at diaspora event last week in Texas. "Thousands in Mumbai will watch the first-ever NBA game in India..am I invited Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful I may come", Trump said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets Pompeo in Washington

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu is scheduled to visit Comoros, Sierra Leone and Lesotho from October 10 to 16. The visit is expected to&nbsp;increase the India's&nbsp;outreach with Africa.

While Comoros is an island nation in the Indian ocean, Sierra Leone is in south-west Africa and Lesotho is in Southern Africa.

Since 2015, there have been 29 outgoing visits by the troika of President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President and Prime Minister Modi to Africa. Also, New Delhi has hosted over 35 leaders from Africa. Every single African country has been visited at least by an Indian minister in the past four years.

Comoros is a member of Indian-Ocean Rim Association and the visit is part of New Delhi's growing engagement with countries of that Indian ocean region. President of Comoros Azali Assoumani visited India in March 2018 to participate in the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance.

India will be opening its mission in Sierra Leone in 2019-20 as part of opening 18 missions in Africa. India was among the first countries to contribute troops to the UN Mission in Sierra Leone. The then-president of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma visited India in October 2015 to take part in the third India Africa Forum Summit.

His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho along with his family visited India on a private visit from December 27, 2017‐January 2, 2018. In 2017, 500 metric tonnes of rice were formally donated by India to Lesotho as a gesture of goodwill to mitigate the devastating effect of food shortages caused by famine.

After South Asia, Africa has been the largest recipient of Indian overseas assistance.181 lines of credit have been extended to 41 countries for a total amount of over 11 billion dollars.&nbsp;

India has undertaken power projects and dams in Sudan and Rwanda, water treatment in Tanzania, sugar factories in Ethiopia and IT Parks in Mozambique and Swaziland. New Delhi has set up seven Vocational Training Centres and six Information Technology Centers in Africa.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu is scheduled to visit Comoros, Sierra Leone and Lesotho from October 10 to 16. The visit is expected to increase the India's outreach with Africa.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu is scheduled to visit Comoros, Sierra Leone and Lesotho from October 10 to 16. The visit is expected to increase the India's outreach with Africa. While Comoros is an island nation in the Indian ocean, Sierra Leone is in south-west Africa and Lesotho is in Southern Africa. Since 2015, there have been 29 outgoing visits by the troika of President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President and Prime Minister Modi to Africa. Also, New Delhi has hosted over 35 leaders from Africa. Every single African country has been visited at least by an Indian minister in the past four years. Comoros is a member of Indian-Ocean Rim Association and the visit is part of New Delhi's growing engagement with countries of that Indian ocean region. President of Comoros Azali Assoumani visited India in March 2018 to participate in the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance. India will be opening its mission in Sierra Leone in 2019-20 as part of opening 18 missions in Africa. India was among the first countries to contribute troops to the UN Mission in Sierra Leone. The then-president of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma visited India in October 2015 to take part in the third India Africa Forum Summit. His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho along with his family visited India on a private visit from December 27, 2017‐January 2, 2018. In 2017, 500 metric tonnes of rice were formally donated by India to Lesotho as a gesture of goodwill to mitigate the devastating effect of food shortages caused by famine. After South Asia, Africa has been the largest recipient of Indian overseas assistance.181 lines of credit have been extended to 41 countries for a total amount of over 11 billion dollars. India has undertaken power projects and dams in Sudan and Rwanda, water treatment in Tanzania, sugar factories in Ethiopia and IT Parks in Mozambique and Swaziland. New Delhi has set up seven Vocational Training Centres and six Information Technology Centers in Africa.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to visit Comoros, Sierra Leone and Lesotho

Pakistan on Wednesday morning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-along-loc-in-shahpur-kerni-sectors-in-poonch-district-250938">violated ceasefire</a> along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Shahpur and Kirni sector in Pooch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian Army is retaliating befittingly to the unprovoked ceasefire violation.

Firing and shelling from across the border started at around 7:45 am IST today, with the Pakistani troops resorting to the firing of small arms and shelling with mortars.

Further details are awaited.

Pakistan on Wednesday morning violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Shahpur and Kirni sector in Pooch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army is retaliating befittingly to the unprovoked ceasefire violation.

Pakistan on Wednesday morning violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Shahpur and Kirni sector in Pooch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army is retaliating befittingly to the unprovoked ceasefire violation. Firing and shelling from across the border started at around 7:45 am IST today, with the Pakistani troops resorting to the firing of small arms and shelling with mortars. Further details are awaited.

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, Indian Army retaliating

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/removal-of-article-370-step-towards-permanent-peace-in-jammu-and-kashmir-says-amit-shah-252796">Union Home Minister Amit Shah</a> said on Tuesday that the BJP-led Central government will not allow any "infiltrator" to stay in the county while refugees belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian religions will be given citizenship.

Addressing a public awakening programme in Kolkata&nbsp;on the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government will bring the Citizenship Amendment Bill before implementing the NRC.

He accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of spreading misinformation about the NRC that Hindu refugees will have to leave West Bengal.

The minister said that he had come to the state to assure the residents that refugees belonging to Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Parsi, and Christian religions will be not be asked to leave the country.

He said the refugees belonging to these religious groups had come to India due to hardships they faced and most of them are from the Hindu community.

"Do not mock them or their pain will destroy you," he said.

Shah said the "Citizenship Amendment Bill will be brought before the implementation of NRC."

The Bill seeks to make migrants, who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, eligible for citizenship.

Shah, who is also the BJP chief, accused the Trinamool Congress of not allowing the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

He said Banerjee herself spoke against illegal migrants when she was in opposition but had changed her stance after they became her vote bank.

"We will not allow any refugee to go and we will not allow any infiltrator to stay," he said.

Shah urged the BJP workers to go to every house in Bengal and expose the Trinamool's campaign. "Political interest should not be above national interest and the interest of the state," he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that the BJP-led Central government will not allow any "infiltrator" to stay in the county while refugees belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian religions will be given citizenship.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that the BJP-led Central government will not allow any "infiltrator" to stay in the county while refugees belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian religions will be given citizenship. Addressing a public awakening programme in Kolkata on the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government will bring the Citizenship Amendment Bill before implementing the NRC. He accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of spreading misinformation about the NRC that Hindu refugees will have to leave West Bengal. The minister said that he had come to the state to assure the residents that refugees belonging to Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Parsi, and Christian religions will be not be asked to leave the country. He said the refugees belonging to these religious groups had come to India due to hardships they faced and most of them are from the Hindu community. "Do not mock them or their pain will destroy you," he said. Shah said the "Citizenship Amendment Bill will be brought before the implementation of NRC." The Bill seeks to make migrants, who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, eligible for citizenship. Shah, who is also the BJP chief, accused the Trinamool Congress of not allowing the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha. He said Banerjee herself spoke against illegal migrants when she was in opposition but had changed her stance after they became her vote bank. "We will not allow any refugee to go and we will not allow any infiltrator to stay," he said. Shah urged the BJP workers to go to every house in Bengal and expose the Trinamool's campaign. "Political interest should not be above national interest and the interest of the state," he said.

Citizenship Amendment Bill will be brought before implementation of NRC in West Bengal, says Amit Shah

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Monday addressed a seminar here on the abrogation of Article 370, which he said was "temporary and transitional" since the beginning. 
 
Parliament had in August revoked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/removal-of-article-370-step-towards-permanent-peace-in-jammu-and-kashmir-says-amit-shah-252796">Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir</a> and also passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act 2019, reorganising the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir with Assembly and Ladakh without it. 
 
"First Sheikh Abdullah, then Farooq Abdullah and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, later Omar Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad used to say that Jammu and Kashmir has special status. They confused the word. It's not a special status. Right from the beginning, Article 370 was temporary and transitional," Nadda said. 
 
Nadda stated that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-misread-indias-action-to-nullify-article-370-jaishankar-251943">Article 370 was revoked</a> due to the will power of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective strategy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Monday addressed a seminar here on the abrogation of Article 370, which he said was "temporary and transitional" since the beginning.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working president JP Nadda on Monday addressed a seminar here on the abrogation of Article 370, which he said was "temporary and transitional" since the beginning. Parliament had in August revoked Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and also passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act 2019, reorganising the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir with Assembly and Ladakh without it. "First Sheikh Abdullah, then Farooq Abdullah and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, later Omar Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad used to say that Jammu and Kashmir has special status. They confused the word. It's not a special status. Right from the beginning, Article 370 was temporary and transitional," Nadda said. Nadda stated that Article 370 was revoked due to the will power of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the effective strategy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Article 370 was temporary from the beginning, says BJP working president JP Nadda

Former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was granted anticipatory bail by Calcutta High Court on Tuesday in connection with the Saradha Chit Fund Scam.

The division bench of the Calcutta High Court comprising justices Sahidullah Munshi and Subhasis Dasgupta observed that custodial interrogation for Kumar was not required. The court’s order mentioned that Kumar will have to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 for the anticipatory bail petition.

This apart, the court informed Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) – which is investigating the multi-crore rupee Saradha Chit Fund Scam must give a 48-hour prior notice to Kumar to appear before them.

Kumar, who is presently holding the post of ADG CID, West Bengal had been summoned several times since the last few weeks. However, Kumar skipped those summons citing that he had been on a leave due to the ill-health of his wife.

Meanwhile, sources in the investigating agency – CBI suggest that they are likely to move Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta High Court’s order providing relief to Rajeev Kumar.

The Calcutta High Court on September 13, vacated the previous court order on protection from arrest or custodial interrogation by CBI, allowing the investigating agency to take Kumar in custody and interrogate him, also allowing them to arrest him.

Rajeev Kumar was part of a Special Investigation Team set up by the state government to investigate the scam before the Supreme Court handed over the case to the CBI in 2014, along with other chit fund cases.

The Saradha Chit Fund Scam is a multi crore-rupee scam, agencies say it would be around 2,000 crores but both investigating agencies - ED and CBI are yet to conclude the exact amount of the chit fund scam. The scam duped lakhs of people in the state promising higher rates of returns on their investments.

Former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was granted anticipatory bail by Calcutta High Court on Tuesday in connection with the Saradha Chit Fund Scam. The division bench of the Calcutta High Court comprising justices Sahidullah Munshi and Subhasis Dasgupta observed that custodial interrogation for Kumar was not required.

Former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was granted anticipatory bail by Calcutta High Court on Tuesday in connection with the Saradha Chit Fund Scam. The division bench of the Calcutta High Court comprising justices Sahidullah Munshi and Subhasis Dasgupta observed that custodial interrogation for Kumar was not required. The court’s order mentioned that Kumar will have to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 for the anticipatory bail petition. This apart, the court informed Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) – which is investigating the multi-crore rupee Saradha Chit Fund Scam must give a 48-hour prior notice to Kumar to appear before them. Kumar, who is presently holding the post of ADG CID, West Bengal had been summoned several times since the last few weeks. However, Kumar skipped those summons citing that he had been on a leave due to the ill-health of his wife. Meanwhile, sources in the investigating agency – CBI suggest that they are likely to move Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta High Court’s order providing relief to Rajeev Kumar. The Calcutta High Court on September 13, vacated the previous court order on protection from arrest or custodial interrogation by CBI, allowing the investigating agency to take Kumar in custody and interrogate him, also allowing them to arrest him. Rajeev Kumar was part of a Special Investigation Team set up by the state government to investigate the scam before the Supreme Court handed over the case to the CBI in 2014, along with other chit fund cases. The Saradha Chit Fund Scam is a multi crore-rupee scam, agencies say it would be around 2,000 crores but both investigating agencies - ED and CBI are yet to conclude the exact amount of the chit fund scam. The scam duped lakhs of people in the state promising higher rates of returns on their investments.

Former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar granted anticipatory bail by Calcutta High Court

Tamil Nadu's opposition leader, DMK president MK Stalin has suggested in a statement that Tamil be made India’s official language, this comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Tamil as the oldest language, while speaking at the IIT Madras Convocation, on Monday.&nbsp;

While the statement welcomed the Prime Minister’s gesture of having glorified the Tamil language at the United Nations, it also accused the BJP-led Central government of imposing Sanskrit (liturgical language) and Hindi on the Tamil people, despite the wide-ranging evidence of the ancient nature of the Tamil language.

The statement read, ''As all central government schemes are coined in Hindi or Sanskrit. Even when the schemes are publicised in Tamil, the pronunciation of the words are in Hindi or Sanskrit. Naming the schemes in Hindi or Sanskrit makes it difficult for Tamils and other language speakers to understand the schemes and their purpose.''&nbsp;

''DMK has been emphasising that all 22 languages in the 8th schedule of the Constitution be made official languages. In the first step to that initiative, the oldest language Tamil should be made the official language of India and Tamil should also be made the official language of the Madras High Court. PM Modi’s Government is certainly duty-bound to recognise Tamil, which is spoken by over 8 crore people globally, as an official language. It is to be brought to the notice of our prime minister that Tamil is one among the official languages of various other countries, whereas it is not an official language in its home country India,'' it added.&nbsp;

Referring to the PM's comments of Tamil cuisine and hospitality, the statement said, Tamils are not only known for our hospitality, but also for our loyalty. If the Prime Minister can sincerely try to grant official language status for Tamil and enact the necessary legal provisions for the same, it would be appreciated forever by the Tamil people. Granting the Official Language Status for Tamil language would also be in line with the vision of former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers Annadurai and Karunanidhi.

The statement by the Dravidian party also needs to be seen in the light of Home Minister Amit Shah’s call for Hindi as a common link language to unite the country. The Home Minister’s comments had drawn flak from regional leaders of non-Hindi speaking states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The DMK too had announced a state-wide anti-Hindi agitation, which was later cancelled after MK Stalin met Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who is said to have assured the DMK leader that the Centre would not impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu's opposition leader, DMK president MK Stalin has suggested in a statement that Tamil be made India’s official language, this comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Tamil as the oldest language, while speaking at the IIT Madras Convocation, on Monday.

Tamil Nadu's opposition leader, DMK president MK Stalin has suggested in a statement that Tamil be made India’s official language, this comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Tamil as the oldest language, while speaking at the IIT Madras Convocation, on Monday. While the statement welcomed the Prime Minister’s gesture of having glorified the Tamil language at the United Nations, it also accused the BJP-led Central government of imposing Sanskrit (liturgical language) and Hindi on the Tamil people, despite the wide-ranging evidence of the ancient nature of the Tamil language. The statement read, ''As all central government schemes are coined in Hindi or Sanskrit. Even when the schemes are publicised in Tamil, the pronunciation of the words are in Hindi or Sanskrit. Naming the schemes in Hindi or Sanskrit makes it difficult for Tamils and other language speakers to understand the schemes and their purpose.'' ''DMK has been emphasising that all 22 languages in the 8th schedule of the Constitution be made official languages. In the first step to that initiative, the oldest language Tamil should be made the official language of India and Tamil should also be made the official language of the Madras High Court. PM Modi’s Government is certainly duty-bound to recognise Tamil, which is spoken by over 8 crore people globally, as an official language. It is to be brought to the notice of our prime minister that Tamil is one among the official languages of various other countries, whereas it is not an official language in its home country India,'' it added. Referring to the PM's comments of Tamil cuisine and hospitality, the statement said, Tamils are not only known for our hospitality, but also for our loyalty. If the Prime Minister can sincerely try to grant official language status for Tamil and enact the necessary legal provisions for the same, it would be appreciated forever by the Tamil people. Granting the Official Language Status for Tamil language would also be in line with the vision of former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers Annadurai and Karunanidhi. The statement by the Dravidian party also needs to be seen in the light of Home Minister Amit Shah’s call for Hindi as a common link language to unite the country. The Home Minister’s comments had drawn flak from regional leaders of non-Hindi speaking states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The DMK too had announced a state-wide anti-Hindi agitation, which was later cancelled after MK Stalin met Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who is said to have assured the DMK leader that the Centre would not impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu.

DMK president MK Stalin seeks Official Language Status for Tamil

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-to-give-india-edge-over-china-pakistan-iaf-chief-bhadauria-252849">Indian Air Force</a> On Monday organised an air show and display of their fighter aircraft and helicopters at Sulur Air Force Station, near Coimbatore. 
&nbsp; 
Different fighter jets and aircrafts displayed at the air show included Tejas, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft, helicopters among others. 
 
The air show and display were held in the run-up to the 87th Air Force Day celebrations which will be organised on October 8. 
 
The show was attended by schoolchildren and teachers who were briefed about the utility and the applications of the various air crafts and weapons which were on display. 
 
"The main focus is to prove our aerial strength and motivate the youngsters to join the Indian Air Force," officials of the IAF said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-ready-to-face-any-challenges-from-pakistan-air-chief-marshal-rks-bhadauria-252816">The Indian Air Force</a> was established on October 8, 1932, in undivided India which was under colonial rule. 
 
It was given the prefix "Royal" by King George VI for its contribution during the Second World War. 
 
The prefix was later dropped in 1950 when India became a republic.

The Indian Air Force On Monday organised an air show and display of their fighter aircraft and helicopters at Sulur Air Force Station, near Coimbatore. Different fighter jets and aircrafts displayed at the air show included Tejas, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft, helicopters among others.

The Indian Air Force On Monday organised an air show and display of their fighter aircraft and helicopters at Sulur Air Force Station, near Coimbatore. Different fighter jets and aircrafts displayed at the air show included Tejas, Antonov An-32 transport aircraft, helicopters among others. The air show and display were held in the run-up to the 87th Air Force Day celebrations which will be organised on October 8. The show was attended by schoolchildren and teachers who were briefed about the utility and the applications of the various air crafts and weapons which were on display. "The main focus is to prove our aerial strength and motivate the youngsters to join the Indian Air Force," officials of the IAF said. The Indian Air Force was established on October 8, 1932, in undivided India which was under colonial rule. It was given the prefix "Royal" by King George VI for its contribution during the Second World War. The prefix was later dropped in 1950 when India became a republic.

Indian Air Force organises air show ahead of Air Force Day in Coimbatore

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
This was the fourth meeting between Jaishankar and Pompeo in the last four months. They first met during Pompeo's Delhi visit, followed by a dialogue during Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' meeting in Bangkok, then again last week at the first-ever Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New York and now in Washington. 
&nbsp; 
The Indo-Pacific region, counter-terrorism, trade, and Afghanistan remained the key issues during the meeting. 
&nbsp; 
Jaishankar is in Washington after his New York visit during which he met more than 40 of his counterparts.

EAM in a tweet said that he had a "good conversation" with US Secretary of State on how to "further progress of our bilateral relations.&nbsp;"

He tweeted,"&nbsp;discussed important regional and global issues. Welcomed the continuing development of a key partnership."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A good conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> focusing on the further progress of our bilateral relations. Also discussed important regional and global issues. Welcomed the continuing development of a key partnership. <a href="https://t.co/cckktoXt1X">pic.twitter.com/cckktoXt1X</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1178855680167399424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The meet also comes two days after PM Modi concluded his week-long high profile US visit. The visit, many believe, helped bring US and India closer. 
&nbsp; 
Both US President Donald Trump and PM Modi endorsed each other during the Indian diaspora event ''Howdy Modi" in Houston that saw the participation of 50,000 people, mostly Indian Americans. 
&nbsp; 
Using Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again", PM said, Trump has achieved a lot for the United States and endorsed him by saying "abki baar Trump sarkar". 
&nbsp; 
Trump meanwhile, called PM Modi "one of Americas most devoted and most loyal friends" who is "doing a truly exceptional job for India and all of the Indian people". 
 
Both sides are working on a trade agreement. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal met Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer last week in New York. 
&nbsp; 
President Donald Trump and PM Modi have met four&nbsp;times in the last four&nbsp;months - On the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, sidelines of the G7 summit in France, the Houston diaspora event &amp; the bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Both sides are working on US President Donald trump's first India visit later this year. Talks are already underway for the visit and US President Donald Trump also hinted at it when he spoke at the diaspora event last week in Texas. 
&nbsp; 
"Thousands in Mumbai will watch the first-ever NBA game in India... am I invited, Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful I may come", Trump said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday. This was the fourth meeting between Jaishankar and Pompeo in the last four months.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday. This was the fourth meeting between Jaishankar and Pompeo in the last four months. They first met during Pompeo's Delhi visit, followed by a dialogue during Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' meeting in Bangkok, then again last week at the first-ever Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New York and now in Washington. The Indo-Pacific region, counter-terrorism, trade, and Afghanistan remained the key issues during the meeting. Jaishankar is in Washington after his New York visit during which he met more than 40 of his counterparts. EAM in a tweet said that he had a "good conversation" with US Secretary of State on how to "further progress of our bilateral relations. " He tweeted," discussed important regional and global issues. Welcomed the continuing development of a key partnership." A good conversation with @SecPompeo focusing on the further progress of our bilateral relations. Also discussed important regional and global issues. Welcomed the continuing development of a key partnership. pic.twitter.com/cckktoXt1X — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 1, 2019 × The meet also comes two days after PM Modi concluded his week-long high profile US visit. The visit, many believe, helped bring US and India closer. Both US President Donald Trump and PM Modi endorsed each other during the Indian diaspora event ''Howdy Modi" in Houston that saw the participation of 50,000 people, mostly Indian Americans. Using Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again", PM said, Trump has achieved a lot for the United States and endorsed him by saying "abki baar Trump sarkar". Trump meanwhile, called PM Modi "one of Americas most devoted and most loyal friends" who is "doing a truly exceptional job for India and all of the Indian people". Both sides are working on a trade agreement. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal met Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer last week in New York. President Donald Trump and PM Modi have met four times in the last four months - On the sidelines of G20 summit in Osaka, sidelines of the G7 summit in France, the Houston diaspora event & the bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Both sides are working on US President Donald trump's first India visit later this year. Talks are already underway for the visit and US President Donald Trump also hinted at it when he spoke at the diaspora event last week in Texas. "Thousands in Mumbai will watch the first-ever NBA game in India... am I invited, Mr Prime Minister? I may come, be careful I may come", Trump said.

Jaishankar-Pompeo discuss trade at their fourth meeting in four months

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday appreciated the way India effectively unveiled its vision for lasting peace and development for humanity at the United Nations General Secretary (UNGA) and hit out at Pakistan for its mindset of 'violence, terrorism and warmongering for short-sighted vested interests'.

Addressing a gathering after presenting the 20th Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence: 2019 to Plant Scientist Dr Manju Sharma, Naidu&nbsp;said that the recent session of UNGA presented a clear choice between peaceful coexistence and pursuit of conflicts bordering on perversion.

"Humanity had to choose the model of statesmanship showcased by India to march on the path of peaceful development, rather than the brinkmanship-model that has no concern for the larger good of humanity," the vice president&nbsp;said in an apparent attack on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on his speech at UNGA.

Complimenting <a href="wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-is-the-biggest-global-challenge-for-humanitys-sake-lets-unite-against-terrorism-says-pm-narendra-modi-at-unga-252493">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> for taking a firm and dignified stand against Pakistan's "highly condemnable acts", Naidu said that PM Modi championed the cause of peace and prosperity for the larger good.

"It brought out in focus two diametrically opposite visions, statesmanship soaring high in the statement of PM Modi and its opposite of brinkmanship stooping too low," the Vice President said.

Asserting that terrorism was the enemy of mankind and that those who aid and abet terror and violence must be isolated, he said that India continued to firmly adhere to its values of peace, in spite of grave provocation from the neighbour who unabashedly aids and abets terrorism.

Pointing out that India, since time immemorial has always embraced the values of peace, tolerance, brotherhood and harmony, the Vice President said that India has handled the recent escalation of tensions with remarkable restraint, grace, and poise.

Paying his tributes to Lal Bahadur Shashtri, Naidu said that tall leaders like him firmly believed that peace was the first step to prosperity.

He said that their belief, which has deep roots in Indian philosophy, helped them handle and defuse extraordinarily volatile situations with ease and poise.

Referring to Shastri's address to the nation during the Indo-Pak war in 1965, the Vice President said that he proposed peaceful coexistence to bring an end to conflicts.

Asserting that a subcontinent at peace would benefit all and that constant strife, hostility, conflict and terror drag us all down, Naidu said that Shastri Ji's words serve as a guiding light in our efforts to bring peace and prosperity to the sub-continent.

The Vice President asked the youngsters to learn about the exemplary life of Lal Bahadur Shastri and draw inspiration from it to serve the nation with zeal and passion.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday appreciated the way India effectively unveiled its vision for lasting peace and development for humanity at the United Nations General Secretary (UNGA) and hit out at Pakistan for its mindset of 'violence, terrorism and warmongering for short-sighted vested interests'.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday appreciated the way India effectively unveiled its vision for lasting peace and development for humanity at the United Nations General Secretary (UNGA) and hit out at Pakistan for its mindset of 'violence, terrorism and warmongering for short-sighted vested interests'. Addressing a gathering after presenting the 20th Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence: 2019 to Plant Scientist Dr Manju Sharma, Naidu said that the recent session of UNGA presented a clear choice between peaceful coexistence and pursuit of conflicts bordering on perversion. "Humanity had to choose the model of statesmanship showcased by India to march on the path of peaceful development, rather than the brinkmanship-model that has no concern for the larger good of humanity," the vice president said in an apparent attack on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on his speech at UNGA. Complimenting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a firm and dignified stand against Pakistan's "highly condemnable acts", Naidu said that PM Modi championed the cause of peace and prosperity for the larger good. "It brought out in focus two diametrically opposite visions, statesmanship soaring high in the statement of PM Modi and its opposite of brinkmanship stooping too low," the Vice President said. Asserting that terrorism was the enemy of mankind and that those who aid and abet terror and violence must be isolated, he said that India continued to firmly adhere to its values of peace, in spite of grave provocation from the neighbour who unabashedly aids and abets terrorism. Pointing out that India, since time immemorial has always embraced the values of peace, tolerance, brotherhood and harmony, the Vice President said that India has handled the recent escalation of tensions with remarkable restraint, grace, and poise. Paying his tributes to Lal Bahadur Shashtri, Naidu said that tall leaders like him firmly believed that peace was the first step to prosperity. He said that their belief, which has deep roots in Indian philosophy, helped them handle and defuse extraordinarily volatile situations with ease and poise. Referring to Shastri's address to the nation during the Indo-Pak war in 1965, the Vice President said that he proposed peaceful coexistence to bring an end to conflicts. Asserting that a subcontinent at peace would benefit all and that constant strife, hostility, conflict and terror drag us all down, Naidu said that Shastri Ji's words serve as a guiding light in our efforts to bring peace and prosperity to the sub-continent. The Vice President asked the youngsters to learn about the exemplary life of Lal Bahadur Shastri and draw inspiration from it to serve the nation with zeal and passion.

India at UNGA presented clear choice between peaceful coexistence and pursuit of conflicts: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu

India's Foreign Minister on Monday defended his country's right to buy a missile defence system from Russia despite the threat of sanctions from the United States.

On a visit to Washington, Foreign Minister S&nbsp;Jaishankar said India was discussing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-vows-to-retaliate-over-new-anti-russian-united-states-sanctions-252913">US concerns</a> but declined to forecast the ultimate decision on the fate of the S-400 purchase from Russia.

"We have always maintained that what we buy -- the sourcing of military equipment -- is very much a sovereign right," he told reporters ahead of a meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

"We would not like any state to tell us what to buy or not to buy from Russia any more than we would like any state to tell us to buy or not buy from America," he said.

"That freedom of choice is ours and we think it's in everybody's interest to recognize that," he said.

India, a Cold War ally of the Soviet Union, last year agreed to buy five S-400 systems for $5.2 billion, and Russia has said that delivery is on track.

Under a 2017 law, the U<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-russians-over-2018-elections-interference-252904">nited States imposes sanctions against countries over "major" arms purchases from Russia</a> due to Moscow's military involvement in Ukraine and Syria and alleged meddling in US elections.

Turkey, a NATO ally, in June angered the United States by also going ahead with an S-400 purchase.

President Donald Trump responded by ending Turkey's involvement in the F-35 fighter jet program but has yet to announce other sanctions.

Jaishankar hailed warm relations overall with the United States but underlined India's differences with Trump's hawkish stance on Iran.

The United States has threatened sanctions to force all countries to stop buying oil from Iran as it seeks to curb the clerical regime's influence in the Middle East.

In May, the Trump administration ended waivers for countries including India, formerly a leading customer for Iranian oil&nbsp;

"We view Iran from the east, and from east Iran has been a very stable, status quo power," Jaishankar said.

For India, "we've been repeatedly assured that the affordable and predictable access to energy will not change," he said, declining to comment further on discussions on Iran.

India has been teaming up to expand Iran's Chabahar port, a way to ensure a supply route to Afghanistan that bypasses Pakistan, New Delhi's rival and historical ally&nbsp;of the Taliban.

India's Foreign Minister on Monday defended his country's right to buy a missile defence system from Russia despite the threat of sanctions from the United States.

India's Foreign Minister on Monday defended his country's right to buy a missile defence system from Russia despite the threat of sanctions from the United States. On a visit to Washington, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said India was discussing the US concerns but declined to forecast the ultimate decision on the fate of the S-400 purchase from Russia. "We have always maintained that what we buy -- the sourcing of military equipment -- is very much a sovereign right," he told reporters ahead of a meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "We would not like any state to tell us what to buy or not to buy from Russia any more than we would like any state to tell us to buy or not buy from America," he said. "That freedom of choice is ours and we think it's in everybody's interest to recognize that," he said. India, a Cold War ally of the Soviet Union, last year agreed to buy five S-400 systems for $5.2 billion, and Russia has said that delivery is on track. Under a 2017 law, the United States imposes sanctions against countries over "major" arms purchases from Russia due to Moscow's military involvement in Ukraine and Syria and alleged meddling in US elections. Turkey, a NATO ally, in June angered the United States by also going ahead with an S-400 purchase. President Donald Trump responded by ending Turkey's involvement in the F-35 fighter jet program but has yet to announce other sanctions. Jaishankar hailed warm relations overall with the United States but underlined India's differences with Trump's hawkish stance on Iran. The United States has threatened sanctions to force all countries to stop buying oil from Iran as it seeks to curb the clerical regime's influence in the Middle East. In May, the Trump administration ended waivers for countries including India, formerly a leading customer for Iranian oil "We view Iran from the east, and from east Iran has been a very stable, status quo power," Jaishankar said. For India, "we've been repeatedly assured that the affordable and predictable access to energy will not change," he said, declining to comment further on discussions on Iran. India has been teaming up to expand Iran's Chabahar port, a way to ensure a supply route to Afghanistan that bypasses Pakistan, New Delhi's rival and historical ally of the Taliban.

India defends right to buy Russian arms on United States trip

India's minister of road transport and highways, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-encouraging-e-vehicles-by-reducing-gst-says-nitin-gadkari-at-wions-emobility-summit-253008">Nitin Gadkari, speaking at WION's</a> EMobility Summit said that the government is dedicated to developing an import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free and indigenous fuel option.

Here are the Excerpts from WION's EMobility Summit:

Nitin Gadkari: There should be coordination <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/looking-for-integrated-approach-to-solve-problems-says-nitin-gadkari-at-wions-emobility-summit-253033">between the manufacturer</a> and the charging station companies. New technology comes every day, and the updation continues. What we have is according to our standards and Niti Ayog worked on it. We have a testing centre in Pune and we follow the technologies which are most successful in the world. This technology is its&nbsp;infancy&nbsp;and through the transit period, we will get the solution of these problems.

Naveen Munjal, Managing Director at Hero Electric: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME2 Scheme) has become a complete disaster for Electric vehicle industry because the government&nbsp;has determined that you have to have certain range and speed of the vehicle in order to qualify for FAME2.&nbsp;&nbsp;Worldwide countries are trying to reduce the speed of vehicles and India is going another way around and for more range and speed we need more batteries and due to that promotion government gives you more subsidy if you use more batteries. We want this FAME2 to be changed.

The second thing&nbsp;is localisation, "Make in India"&nbsp;should be in phases. Due to the lack of battery manufacturing and other technology,&nbsp;it's tough to create volume.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/wion-emobility-summit-session-two-ceos-panel-the-road-ahead-for-e-mobility-in-india-253042/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Nitin Gadkari: This is a transit period when&nbsp;businesses face&nbsp;obstacles. Once the EVs&nbsp;are&nbsp;fully operational in India then the subsidiary infrastructure will develop itself.&nbsp;

First, make a product, then the volume will appear. Without production, even god can't assure volume.

Three departments deal with it, the subsidy department is with heavy industries, rules and regulation are with the transport department and Neeti Ayog is taking interest in it. The Niti Ayog should be consulted. Both our&nbsp;ministery and the Niti Ayog&nbsp;will help you and they will resolve your problems.

This is very clear that the country will develop an import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free and indigenous fuel option.

Pankaj Gupta, Managing Director of Polaris India Pvt Ltd: Sir, you said that we have a deficit of Rs 7 lakh crores because of fossil fuels. If we focus on electric, we know that China has established full control over lithium, so that is why China is taking full benefit of it. Happy to hear that we're opening a new research centre. In Vedic Shashtra, we hear of Viman Shastra, could we research on the fuel used by these aircraft?

Nitin Gadkari: This is my passion and I have been working on this for the past 12 years. I recycled the toilet water in my city seven&nbsp;years ago for Rs 180 crores. That was my brain project. The 650-ton sludge from that water, along with fish and organic waste from fruit and vegetable market.

From that we take out the methane, separate the CO2, and on that bio CNG, we are going to run 400 buses, 150 cars, and 100 trucks in Nagpur. I will inaugurate this project in a month or two.

We have already converted 80 buses. Then I will run tractors on it. Since I work on green power, I went to Mother Dairy and brought Napier grass for fodder.

One day I told my engineer that this Napier grass should be tested because there are two hundred tons of it on 1 acre. I asked him to take out its calorific value. When there was 60 per cent moisture, and if we dry it for one day, the moisture will reduce to 40 per cent. Now, I have decided to make six districts diesel-free.&nbsp;

I'm a man of my word. I bought cutting machines from 5-6 companies and making it compact is really hard, and four days later I supplied it for making green power.

There is 4000-ton coal with a calorific value of 3600, so if we get Napier grass for Rs 2500 a ton, and if we use that then farmers will get cheaper fuel. In a 2 acre field, a farmer will earn Rs 2 lakhs. I'm going to put 200 Napier grass into the biodigester.

Then the IIT people told me that 3 ton of Napier grass is giving 1 ton of bioenergy. One kilo bio CNG costs Rs 55, its calorific value is equal to one litre of diesel and it costs Rs 85.

Our Corporation's yearly loss adds up to Rs 6 crores and I have challenged that in one year we cannot incur losses. New innovations deserve to be shown. I had been talking about ethanol for 12 years and people used to laugh at me, but now everybody is talking about ethanol. But the costs will skyrocket from Rs 4500-5000 crores to 50000 crores. This established the ethanol industry, and now we have moved on to biodiesel.

I give the diesel to my farmers for Rs 5 cheaper per litre which can be used for energy towers attached to generators, then came bio CNG. I have built 150 biodigesters along the Ganga, and I gave them to petroleum companies for free, prepare bioenergy and run transportation with it. Why import when we can do it ourself, and the pollution level will also go down. Based on my experience I have decided to free six big districts of diesel in five years.

I called Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath&nbsp;to our agro-vision and we powered a tractor with bio CNG, we bought a cylinder which had a high import duty because of its weight, so too many problems with it. Nobody gives as many headaches as me to the Petrol ministry, I keep asking them, "why haven't you done this?"&nbsp;

I feel farmers will really benefit from it. If Rs 2 lakh crore goes into the economy, imagine the number of jobs that will sprout.

Poverty will also be alleviated.&nbsp;The MDs of Bajaj and TVS are very young. I told them that I will&nbsp;work with them on only one condition - that you will launch ethanol bikes and auto-rickshaws, and they both did it.

Sudarshan Venu of TVS did a really good job. I was the one who launched their bike. I believe that the word "impossible" itself says "it's&nbsp;possible".

I speak out of the box and that is why many don't believe me. Five years from now, all of you will also begin to believe me. It will take some time but we should pursue it.

<meta name="uuid" content="uuidMOqQHs67icqD" /><meta charset="utf-8" />

India's minister of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, speaking at WION's EMobility Summit said that the government is dedicated to developing an import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free and indigenous fuel option.

India's minister of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, speaking at WION's EMobility Summit said that the government is dedicated to developing an import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free and indigenous fuel option. Here are the Excerpts from WION's EMobility Summit: Nitin Gadkari: There should be coordination between the manufacturer and the charging station companies. New technology comes every day, and the updation continues. What we have is according to our standards and Niti Ayog worked on it. We have a testing centre in Pune and we follow the technologies which are most successful in the world. This technology is its infancy and through the transit period, we will get the solution of these problems. Naveen Munjal, Managing Director at Hero Electric: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME2 Scheme) has become a complete disaster for Electric vehicle industry because the government has determined that you have to have certain range and speed of the vehicle in order to qualify for FAME2. Worldwide countries are trying to reduce the speed of vehicles and India is going another way around and for more range and speed we need more batteries and due to that promotion government gives you more subsidy if you use more batteries. We want this FAME2 to be changed. The second thing is localisation, "Make in India" should be in phases. Due to the lack of battery manufacturing and other technology, it's tough to create volume. Watch Video: Nitin Gadkari: This is a transit period when businesses face obstacles. Once the EVs are fully operational in India then the subsidiary infrastructure will develop itself. First, make a product, then the volume will appear. Without production, even god can't assure volume. Three departments deal with it, the subsidy department is with heavy industries, rules and regulation are with the transport department and Neeti Ayog is taking interest in it. The Niti Ayog should be consulted. Both our ministery and the Niti Ayog will help you and they will resolve your problems. This is very clear that the country will develop an import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free and indigenous fuel option. Pankaj Gupta, Managing Director of Polaris India Pvt Ltd: Sir, you said that we have a deficit of Rs 7 lakh crores because of fossil fuels. If we focus on electric, we know that China has established full control over lithium, so that is why China is taking full benefit of it. Happy to hear that we're opening a new research centre. In Vedic Shashtra, we hear of Viman Shastra, could we research on the fuel used by these aircraft? Nitin Gadkari: This is my passion and I have been working on this for the past 12 years. I recycled the toilet water in my city seven years ago for Rs 180 crores. That was my brain project. The 650-ton sludge from that water, along with fish and organic waste from fruit and vegetable market. From that we take out the methane, separate the CO2, and on that bio CNG, we are going to run 400 buses, 150 cars, and 100 trucks in Nagpur. I will inaugurate this project in a month or two. We have already converted 80 buses. Then I will run tractors on it. Since I work on green power, I went to Mother Dairy and brought Napier grass for fodder. One day I told my engineer that this Napier grass should be tested because there are two hundred tons of it on 1 acre. I asked him to take out its calorific value. When there was 60 per cent moisture, and if we dry it for one day, the moisture will reduce to 40 per cent. Now, I have decided to make six districts diesel-free. I'm a man of my word. I bought cutting machines from 5-6 companies and making it compact is really hard, and four days later I supplied it for making green power. There is 4000-ton coal with a calorific value of 3600, so if we get Napier grass for Rs 2500 a ton, and if we use that then farmers will get cheaper fuel. In a 2 acre field, a farmer will earn Rs 2 lakhs. I'm going to put 200 Napier grass into the biodigester. Then the IIT people told me that 3 ton of Napier grass is giving 1 ton of bioenergy. One kilo bio CNG costs Rs 55, its calorific value is equal to one litre of diesel and it costs Rs 85. Our Corporation's yearly loss adds up to Rs 6 crores and I have challenged that in one year we cannot incur losses. New innovations deserve to be shown. I had been talking about ethanol for 12 years and people used to laugh at me, but now everybody is talking about ethanol. But the costs will skyrocket from Rs 4500-5000 crores to 50000 crores. This established the ethanol industry, and now we have moved on to biodiesel. I give the diesel to my farmers for Rs 5 cheaper per litre which can be used for energy towers attached to generators, then came bio CNG. I have built 150 biodigesters along the Ganga, and I gave them to petroleum companies for free, prepare bioenergy and run transportation with it. Why import when we can do it ourself, and the pollution level will also go down. Based on my experience I have decided to free six big districts of diesel in five years. I called Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to our agro-vision and we powered a tractor with bio CNG, we bought a cylinder which had a high import duty because of its weight, so too many problems with it. Nobody gives as many headaches as me to the Petrol ministry, I keep asking them, "why haven't you done this?" I feel farmers will really benefit from it. If Rs 2 lakh crore goes into the economy, imagine the number of jobs that will sprout. Poverty will also be alleviated. The MDs of Bajaj and TVS are very young. I told them that I will work with them on only one condition - that you will launch ethanol bikes and auto-rickshaws, and they both did it. Sudarshan Venu of TVS did a really good job. I was the one who launched their bike. I believe that the word "impossible" itself says "it's possible". I speak out of the box and that is why many don't believe me. Five years from now, all of you will also begin to believe me. It will take some time but we should pursue it.

Once EVs are fully operational in India, then subsidiary infrastructure will also develop: Nitin Gadkari at WION's EMobility Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday <a href="wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hails-ayushman-bharat-at-unga-says-arrangements-made-give-a-motivational-message-to-world-252489">hailed Ayushman Bharat scheme</a>, saying the healthcare scheme was giving the poor people a hope to lead a healthy life.

"Ek Tarah Se, PM-JAY Gareebon Ki Jai Ban Gayee Hai (In a way, PM-JAY has become victory to poor people)," said Prime Minister Modi while speaking at a valedictory function of 'Arogya Manthan' here.

'Arogya Manthan' is a two-day event organised by the National Health Authority (NHA) to mark the completion of one year of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayushman-bharat-significant-step-towards-universal-health-coverage-in-india-us-think-tank-217733">Ayushman Bharat scheme</a>.

"Poor people of the country..to bring 46 lakh families out of despair of disease and give them the hope of a healthy life is a big achievement," Modi added.

Highlighting the success of the healthcare scheme launched last year, the Prime Minister said even if one person did not have to sell his land, property or jewellery for medical treatment in the last one year, then that is a huge success of Ayushman Bharat.

Recalling that goddess Durga's Chandraghnata form is worshipped today, who is known for eradicating pains of people, the Prime Minister said: "What can be a better occasion to discuss the first year of Ayushman Bharat, which eradicated the pain of crores of Indians."

The Prime Minister attributed the success of the scheme to the dedication of the country.

"It is India's determination that we are running the world's biggest healthcare scheme successfully. Behind this success, there is this feeling of dedication and this is that of States and UTs, of thousands of private and government hospitals, of every worker, medical practitioner...of everyone. It is because of this dedication that the country is saying it with pride and faith -- Saal Ek, Ayushman Anek," he said here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed Ayushman Bharat scheme, saying the healthcare scheme was giving the poor people a hope to lead a healthy life. "Ek Tarah Se, PM-JAY Gareebon Ki Jai Ban Gayee Hai (In a way, PM-JAY has become victory to poor people)," said Prime Minister Modi while speaking at a valedictory function of 'Arogya Manthan' here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed Ayushman Bharat scheme, saying the healthcare scheme was giving the poor people a hope to lead a healthy life. "Ek Tarah Se, PM-JAY Gareebon Ki Jai Ban Gayee Hai (In a way, PM-JAY has become victory to poor people)," said Prime Minister Modi while speaking at a valedictory function of 'Arogya Manthan' here. 'Arogya Manthan' is a two-day event organised by the National Health Authority (NHA) to mark the completion of one year of Ayushman Bharat scheme. "Poor people of the country..to bring 46 lakh families out of despair of disease and give them the hope of a healthy life is a big achievement," Modi added. Highlighting the success of the healthcare scheme launched last year, the Prime Minister said even if one person did not have to sell his land, property or jewellery for medical treatment in the last one year, then that is a huge success of Ayushman Bharat. Recalling that goddess Durga's Chandraghnata form is worshipped today, who is known for eradicating pains of people, the Prime Minister said: "What can be a better occasion to discuss the first year of Ayushman Bharat, which eradicated the pain of crores of Indians." The Prime Minister attributed the success of the scheme to the dedication of the country. "It is India's determination that we are running the world's biggest healthcare scheme successfully. Behind this success, there is this feeling of dedication and this is that of States and UTs, of thousands of private and government hospitals, of every worker, medical practitioner...of everyone. It is because of this dedication that the country is saying it with pride and faith -- Saal Ek, Ayushman Anek," he said here.

Ayushman Bharat scheme gives poor people hope to lead healthy life: PM Modi

Russia on Tuesday announced the opening of e-visa facility for St Petersburg and&nbsp;Leningrad to boost Indian tourists in the region. Till now e-visa&nbsp;for Indians was available for far eastern federal district and the enclave of Kaliningrad, sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania along the Baltic Coast.&nbsp;

India is one of the fifty countries and the only South Asian country to get the facility of Russian e-visa&nbsp;for St Petersburg.

Andrey V Fedorov, Senior counsellor, Russian embassy told WION, "This is not a secret that St Petersburg is the most attractive part of Russia. Also its a big business centre of Russia and cultural capital. We would like more and more people to come and have some ideas about our culture. Electronic visas will be introduced by 2021. There is Growth of Indian visiting Russia"

Around 45,000 Indians were given Russian visas between January to September 2019. Last year 35,000 Indians received visas. Rate of rejection for Russian visas for Indians stands at around 2 per cent, which is among the lowest.&nbsp;

Andrey V Fedorov explained to WION, the purpose of e-visa&nbsp;is to "make the life of people easier. They shouldn't spend time coming to the embassy, going to visa facilitation centre, face tough questions by the consular officer but they should make all procedures at home, in comfort. It was done for the promotion of tourism in Russia"

The e-visa&nbsp;will be granted for business, humanitarian and tourist purpose and will be a single entry.

E-visa is valid for 30 days from the day of issuance and maximum period of stay in Russia should not exceed eight days.&nbsp;

But e-visa&nbsp;will not allow anyone to go to other parts of Russia not covered by e-visa.

The development comes as Russia and India increase engagement to get more Indians in the far east region. PM Modi was in Vladivostok, the far eastern Russian city for Eastern Economic Forum last month.

Russia on Tuesday announced the opening of e-visa facility for St Petersburg and Leningrad to boost Indian tourists in the region. Till now e-visa for Indians was available for far eastern federal district and the enclave of Kaliningrad, sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania along the Baltic Coast.

Russia on Tuesday announced the opening of e-visa facility for St Petersburg and Leningrad to boost Indian tourists in the region. Till now e-visa for Indians was available for far eastern federal district and the enclave of Kaliningrad, sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania along the Baltic Coast. India is one of the fifty countries and the only South Asian country to get the facility of Russian e-visa for St Petersburg. Andrey V Fedorov, Senior counsellor, Russian embassy told WION, "This is not a secret that St Petersburg is the most attractive part of Russia. Also its a big business centre of Russia and cultural capital. We would like more and more people to come and have some ideas about our culture. Electronic visas will be introduced by 2021. There is Growth of Indian visiting Russia" Around 45,000 Indians were given Russian visas between January to September 2019. Last year 35,000 Indians received visas. Rate of rejection for Russian visas for Indians stands at around 2 per cent, which is among the lowest. Andrey V Fedorov explained to WION, the purpose of e-visa is to "make the life of people easier. They shouldn't spend time coming to the embassy, going to visa facilitation centre, face tough questions by the consular officer but they should make all procedures at home, in comfort. It was done for the promotion of tourism in Russia" The e-visa will be granted for business, humanitarian and tourist purpose and will be a single entry. E-visa is valid for 30 days from the day of issuance and maximum period of stay in Russia should not exceed eight days. But e-visa will not allow anyone to go to other parts of Russia not covered by e-visa. The development comes as Russia and India increase engagement to get more Indians in the far east region. PM Modi was in Vladivostok, the far eastern Russian city for Eastern Economic Forum last month.

Russia announces e-visa for Indians to visit St Petersburg, Leningrad to boost tourism

In an effort to give comfort to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-four-pumps-brought-to-remove-floodwaters-accelerate-relief-work-death-toll-reaches-40-253055">rain-hit Bihar</a>, Air India on Tuesday announced that it has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show, and cancellation and refund charges for travel to and from Patna, for both domestic as well as international flights.

The waive-off is for both domestic and international flights for up to October 3.

"#FlyAI: Due to inclement weather at Patna resulting in inconvenience to passengers #Airindia has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show, cancellation and refund charges for travel from/to Patna for both Dom &amp; Int flights for travel up to 3rd October,19," Air India announced in a tweet on Tuesday afternoon.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyAI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyAI</a>: Due to inclement weather at Patna resulting in inconvenience to passengers <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Airindia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Airindia</a> has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show,cancellation and refund charges for travel from/to Patna for both Dom &amp; Int flights for travel upto 3rdOct,19
— Air India (@airindiain) <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain/status/1178959609140137985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As many as 40 people have died and many are injured in the state due to incessant rain and floods in many parts of Bihar, officials said on Tuesday.

According to the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, 40 people are dead whereas nine are injured, due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the state.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had visited the severely flooded areas of the state capital and issued necessary instructions to the officials for resolving the issue.

As per the weather forecasting report by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-predicts-heavy-rainfall-over-bihar-sikkim-252670">India Meteorological Department</a>, Patna is likely to receive more rainfall for the next few days accompanied by thunderstorms.

In an effort to give comfort to rain-hit Bihar, Air India on Tuesday announced that it has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show, and cancellation and refund charges for travel to and from Patna, for both domestic as well as international flights.

In an effort to give comfort to rain-hit Bihar, Air India on Tuesday announced that it has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show, and cancellation and refund charges for travel to and from Patna, for both domestic as well as international flights. The waive-off is for both domestic and international flights for up to October 3. "#FlyAI: Due to inclement weather at Patna resulting in inconvenience to passengers #Airindia has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show, cancellation and refund charges for travel from/to Patna for both Dom & Int flights for travel up to 3rd October,19," Air India announced in a tweet on Tuesday afternoon. #FlyAI: Due to inclement weather at Patna resulting in inconvenience to passengers #Airindia has waived off all applicable penalties of re-issuance, date change, no-show,cancellation and refund charges for travel from/to Patna for both Dom & Int flights for travel upto 3rdOct,19 — Air India (@airindiain) October 1, 2019 × As many as 40 people have died and many are injured in the state due to incessant rain and floods in many parts of Bihar, officials said on Tuesday. According to the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, 40 people are dead whereas nine are injured, due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the state. On Sunday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had visited the severely flooded areas of the state capital and issued necessary instructions to the officials for resolving the issue. As per the weather forecasting report by India Meteorological Department, Patna is likely to receive more rainfall for the next few days accompanied by thunderstorms.

Bihar: Air India waives off penalties on cancellation, refund for flights to and from Patna till October 3

The Indian Army in a joint operation with Assam Police apprehended six terrorists from Kokrajhar district here on Monday.

The terrorists were nabbed while the security personnel were conducting operations against National Democratic Front of Bodoland [NDFB(S)] terrorists in Ripu Reserve Forest of Kokrajhar district yesterday.

On a reliable tip-off about the presence of NDFB(S) terrorists in the area, the security personnel carried out multiple attacks.

According to officials, in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, the ambush party noticed six individuals moving suspiciously in the area.

On being challenged, they attempted to escape.

However, the troops swiftly nabbed all six of them after a short pursuit.

Notably, one M16 Assault Rifle, six 7.65 mm pistols, 12 magazines, ammunition, medicines, rations, along with several other warlike and administrative stores have been seized by the security personnel from the incident site.

The six NDFB(S) terrorists have been identified as Bahaigya Basumatary, Rubiram Goyary, Ranjolal Wary, Julesh Musharay, Sailen Borgoyary and Rajesh Narzary.

The Indian Army in a joint operation with Assam Police apprehended six terrorists from Kokrajhar district here on Monday. The terrorists were nabbed while the security personnel were conducting operations against National Democratic Front of Bodoland [NDFB(S)] terrorists in Ripu Reserve Forest of Kokrajhar district yesterday.

The Indian Army in a joint operation with Assam Police apprehended six terrorists from Kokrajhar district here on Monday. The terrorists were nabbed while the security personnel were conducting operations against National Democratic Front of Bodoland [NDFB(S)] terrorists in Ripu Reserve Forest of Kokrajhar district yesterday. On a reliable tip-off about the presence of NDFB(S) terrorists in the area, the security personnel carried out multiple attacks. According to officials, in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, the ambush party noticed six individuals moving suspiciously in the area. On being challenged, they attempted to escape. However, the troops swiftly nabbed all six of them after a short pursuit. Notably, one M16 Assault Rifle, six 7.65 mm pistols, 12 magazines, ammunition, medicines, rations, along with several other warlike and administrative stores have been seized by the security personnel from the incident site. The six NDFB(S) terrorists have been identified as Bahaigya Basumatary, Rubiram Goyary, Ranjolal Wary, Julesh Musharay, Sailen Borgoyary and Rajesh Narzary.

Indian Army arrests six terrorists from Assam's Kokrajhar district

Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC)&nbsp;MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday.

He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah.

On Monday, Dutta had said that he will be joining the party in the presence of Amit Shah.

"I will be joining BJP tomorrow at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah," Dutta had said on Monday.

Last month, former Kolkata Mayor and TMC MLA Sovan Chatterjee joined the BJP.

In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the BJP made deep inroads in West Bengal, winning 18 out of 42 parliamentary constituencies while the TMC managed just 22, 12 less than it had won in the 2014 polls.

Since then, several TMC leaders including Biswajit Das Tusharkanti Bhattacharya, Monirul Islam and Sunil Singh have joined the BJP.

The Mamata Banerjee-led party has also lost control over five civic bodies of Bhatpara, Halisahar, Kanchrapara, Naihati and Garulia.

Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah.

Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah. On Monday, Dutta had said that he will be joining the party in the presence of Amit Shah. "I will be joining BJP tomorrow at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah," Dutta had said on Monday. Last month, former Kolkata Mayor and TMC MLA Sovan Chatterjee joined the BJP. In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the BJP made deep inroads in West Bengal, winning 18 out of 42 parliamentary constituencies while the TMC managed just 22, 12 less than it had won in the 2014 polls. Since then, several TMC leaders including Biswajit Das Tusharkanti Bhattacharya, Monirul Islam and Sunil Singh have joined the BJP. The Mamata Banerjee-led party has also lost control over five civic bodies of Bhatpara, Halisahar, Kanchrapara, Naihati and Garulia.

Trinamool Congress MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joins Bharatiya Janata Party

Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora took over as Vice-Chief of the Indian Air Force on Tuesday.

Arora succeeds Air Chief Marshal RKS <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-marshal-rks-bhadauria-takes-over-as-new-iaf-chief-from-bs-dhanoa-252775">Bhadauria who took over as the IAF Chief</a>, a day earlier on September 30.

Arora previously headed the Gandhinagar headquartered South Western Air Command of the Air Force.

He had assumed office on September 30 last year, after the retirement of Air Marshal Ravinder Kumar Dhir.

Arora was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in Dec 1981. He has rich and diverse experience of over 2600 hours accident-free operational flying which includes MiG 21, MiG 29 and other aircraft in IAF inventory, including helicopters.

He was deputed as Defence Attache at the Embassy of India, Bangkok, Thailand from 2006 to 2009.

He commanded 45 Squadron as a Wing Commander and later was Commander of an Air Defence Direction Centre in Western Sector. He is a meritorious graduate of Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College and is Master of Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies.

In recognition of his distinguished service, he was commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief in 1997 and was awarded Ati Vishist Seva Medal on 26 Jan 2011 by the President of India.

Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora took over as Vice-Chief of the Indian Air Force on Tuesday. Arora succeeds Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria who took over as the IAF Chief, a day earlier on September 30.

Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora took over as Vice-Chief of the Indian Air Force on Tuesday. Arora succeeds Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria who took over as the IAF Chief, a day earlier on September 30. Arora previously headed the Gandhinagar headquartered South Western Air Command of the Air Force. He had assumed office on September 30 last year, after the retirement of Air Marshal Ravinder Kumar Dhir. Arora was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in Dec 1981. He has rich and diverse experience of over 2600 hours accident-free operational flying which includes MiG 21, MiG 29 and other aircraft in IAF inventory, including helicopters. He was deputed as Defence Attache at the Embassy of India, Bangkok, Thailand from 2006 to 2009. He commanded 45 Squadron as a Wing Commander and later was Commander of an Air Defence Direction Centre in Western Sector. He is a meritorious graduate of Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College and is Master of Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies. In recognition of his distinguished service, he was commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief in 1997 and was awarded Ati Vishist Seva Medal on 26 Jan 2011 by the President of India.

Harjit Singh Arora takes over as Vice-chief of Indian Air Force

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-begins-preps-for-upcoming-assembly-polls-names-election-in-charges-for-delhi-haryana-jharkhand-maharashtra-241718">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP) on Tuesday announced the first list of 125 candidates for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-shiv-sena-to-fight-maharashtra-assembly-polls-in-135-seats-each-chandrakant-patil-223679">Assembly polls in Maharashtra election</a>, which are scheduled to be held on October 21.

Out of the 125 seats, 52 sitting MLAs have been given ticket again while 12 sitting MLAs were denied the ticket by the party.

Prominent among those who have been fielded again in the fray include Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who will contest from Nagpur South-West seat, state unit party chief Chandrakant Patil from Kothrud and Pankaja Munda from Parli.

Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who quit the Congress and joined the BJP recently, will be contesting from Shirdi whereas State Minister Girish Mahajan has been given the ticket from Jamner. Fadnavis' personal assistant (PA) Abhimanyu Pawar has also been fielded from Ausa.

In addition to these, the BJP also announced that Udayanraje Bhosale will be the party candidate for the Lok Sabha by-poll to be held in Satara constituency.

Bhosale had earlier met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and tendered his resignation as an NCP MP and later joined the BJP in the presence of top party leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, working president JP Nadda and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The party has also given tickets to new entrants like Vikhe Patil, who will contest from Shirdi. The new entrant from the Congress Harshwardhan Patil has been fielded from Indapur seat.

Sweta Mahale will contest from Chikhli constituency.

BJP's first list has 125 names while the remaining names will be announced in a day or two. Shiv Sena has also released a list of 124 seats. A few seats will go to other alliance partners.

In the 2014 Assembly elections, the BJP and the Shiv Sena had fought separately. The BJP had won 122 seats while the Shiv Sena won 63 seats. Later, the two parties allied to form the government in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday announced the first list of 125 candidates for the Assembly polls in Maharashtra election, which are scheduled to be held on October 21.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday announced the first list of 125 candidates for the Assembly polls in Maharashtra election, which are scheduled to be held on October 21. Out of the 125 seats, 52 sitting MLAs have been given ticket again while 12 sitting MLAs were denied the ticket by the party. Prominent among those who have been fielded again in the fray include Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who will contest from Nagpur South-West seat, state unit party chief Chandrakant Patil from Kothrud and Pankaja Munda from Parli. Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who quit the Congress and joined the BJP recently, will be contesting from Shirdi whereas State Minister Girish Mahajan has been given the ticket from Jamner. Fadnavis' personal assistant (PA) Abhimanyu Pawar has also been fielded from Ausa. In addition to these, the BJP also announced that Udayanraje Bhosale will be the party candidate for the Lok Sabha by-poll to be held in Satara constituency. Bhosale had earlier met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and tendered his resignation as an NCP MP and later joined the BJP in the presence of top party leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, working president JP Nadda and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The party has also given tickets to new entrants like Vikhe Patil, who will contest from Shirdi. The new entrant from the Congress Harshwardhan Patil has been fielded from Indapur seat. Sweta Mahale will contest from Chikhli constituency. BJP's first list has 125 names while the remaining names will be announced in a day or two. Shiv Sena has also released a list of 124 seats. A few seats will go to other alliance partners. In the 2014 Assembly elections, the BJP and the Shiv Sena had fought separately. The BJP had won 122 seats while the Shiv Sena won 63 seats. Later, the two parties allied to form the government in the state.

Maharashtra Assembly polls: BJP announces first list of 125 candidates

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday moved an application in a Delhi court seeking home-cooked food in Tihar jail.

At present, Chidamabaram is in judicial custody in Tihar Jail. The court will hear the plea on October 3.

Earlier, the Delhi court had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-delhi-court-dismisses-chidambarams-bail-plea-252831">rejected the regular bail petition</a> of Chidambaram in the INX media case.

In a reply filed on the Chidambaram' petition, the CBI said that granting bail in "such cases will set a wrong precedent" in the corruption cases.

Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI on August 21.&nbsp;

He is facing a probe by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged irregularities in granting the clearance to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007.

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday moved an application in a Delhi court seeking home-cooked food in Tihar jail. At present, Chidamabaram is in judicial custody in Tihar Jail.

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday moved an application in a Delhi court seeking home-cooked food in Tihar jail. At present, Chidamabaram is in judicial custody in Tihar Jail. The court will hear the plea on October 3. Earlier, the Delhi court had rejected the regular bail petition of Chidambaram in the INX media case. In a reply filed on the Chidambaram' petition, the CBI said that granting bail in "such cases will set a wrong precedent" in the corruption cases. Chidambaram was arrested by the CBI on August 21. He is facing a probe by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged irregularities in granting the clearance to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007.

INX media case: Chidambaram moves application seeking home-cooked food in Tihar jail

Amid the worsening conditions in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-ndrf-teams-rescue-4000-from-flooded-areas-in-patna-death-toll-reaches-29-252878">Bihar due to floods</a> triggered by rains in which the death toll has climbed to 40 so far, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said that four big pumps were being brought to Bihar to remove floodwater and accelerate relief work.

"I have cancelled my plans back at Delhi and will stay here for few more days. To speed up the relief work, I have asked for four big pumps that will reach here till afternoon. The pumps are of 2-3 tonnes and are very efficient," Prasad said while speaking to media here.

Today the union minister reiterated that the Centre will provide all support to the Bihar government to provide relief to people in Patna and other parts of the state, which has been battered by heavy rain and flooding.

On Monday, Prasad had said he had asked for additional pumps from Coal India to pump out water. "I was told to pump out water it is better that Coal India sends its big pumps. Regarding this, I spoke to Union Coal Minister Prahlad Joshi and a big pump is coming from coal fields in Chhattisgarh," he had said.

According to the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, until now, 40 people have died in the state due to floods.

The Indian Air Force helicopters are dropping relief material to the flood-affected areas of the state. Five teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Rajendra Nagar and Kankarbagh areas of Patna to assist people facing difficulties

"It has become easy as the rainfall has stopped. But we are focussing now on providing food as people are stuck inside their houses. We are sending boats for old and ill patients. We are sending boats filled with relief material especially clean drinking water," Vijay Sinha, NDRF commandant in Rajendra Nagar here told ANI.

Floods in India: Parts of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh face deluge

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About the total number of people rescued, Sinha said that around 7000 people were rescued till yesterday by the NDRF. "The data for today can be determined by the night," he said.

"We are facing a lot of difficulties to find clean drinking water. NDRF is helping but we want more help from the government side," a local told ANI.

Where many people are dependent on NDRF for flood relief material, people at the Sri Krishna Memorial Hall in Patna have gathered in special groups to collect and pack relief material for the flood-affected people.

"We are packing food material like chuda, milk, sattu for the people who are stuck inside their houses. Bihar is flooded and we have to help each other. Around 300 workers are here helping us to pack the food material," Shashi Sneh, a worker told ANI.

Dewatering machines have also been sought by state to provide relief in the flood-affected areas.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday afternoon visited the severely flooded areas of the state capital and issued necessary instructions to the officials for resolving the issue.

Amid the worsening conditions in Bihar due to floods triggered by rains in which the death toll has climbed to 40 so far, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said that four big pumps were being brought to Bihar to remove floodwater and accelerate relief work.

Amid the worsening conditions in Bihar due to floods triggered by rains in which the death toll has climbed to 40 so far, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said that four big pumps were being brought to Bihar to remove floodwater and accelerate relief work. "I have cancelled my plans back at Delhi and will stay here for few more days. To speed up the relief work, I have asked for four big pumps that will reach here till afternoon. The pumps are of 2-3 tonnes and are very efficient," Prasad said while speaking to media here. Today the union minister reiterated that the Centre will provide all support to the Bihar government to provide relief to people in Patna and other parts of the state, which has been battered by heavy rain and flooding. On Monday, Prasad had said he had asked for additional pumps from Coal India to pump out water. "I was told to pump out water it is better that Coal India sends its big pumps. Regarding this, I spoke to Union Coal Minister Prahlad Joshi and a big pump is coming from coal fields in Chhattisgarh," he had said. According to the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, until now, 40 people have died in the state due to floods. The Indian Air Force helicopters are dropping relief material to the flood-affected areas of the state. Five teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Rajendra Nagar and Kankarbagh areas of Patna to assist people facing difficulties "It has become easy as the rainfall has stopped. But we are focussing now on providing food as people are stuck inside their houses. We are sending boats for old and ill patients. We are sending boats filled with relief material especially clean drinking water," Vijay Sinha, NDRF commandant in Rajendra Nagar here told ANI. Floods in India: Parts of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh face deluge About the total number of people rescued, Sinha said that around 7000 people were rescued till yesterday by the NDRF. "The data for today can be determined by the night," he said. "We are facing a lot of difficulties to find clean drinking water. NDRF is helping but we want more help from the government side," a local told ANI. Where many people are dependent on NDRF for flood relief material, people at the Sri Krishna Memorial Hall in Patna have gathered in special groups to collect and pack relief material for the flood-affected people. "We are packing food material like chuda, milk, sattu for the people who are stuck inside their houses. Bihar is flooded and we have to help each other. Around 300 workers are here helping us to pack the food material," Shashi Sneh, a worker told ANI. Dewatering machines have also been sought by state to provide relief in the flood-affected areas. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday afternoon visited the severely flooded areas of the state capital and issued necessary instructions to the officials for resolving the issue.

Bihar: Four pumps brought to remove floodwaters, accelerate relief work; death toll reaches 40

BBMP Corporator M Goutham Kumar was elected as the Mayor of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Tuesday.

He will be serving as the 53rd Mayor of the city. Kumar, who enjoyed the support of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit, polled 129 votes as against 110 votes polled by Congress candidate Satyanarayana.

Kumar is 42 years old and has earlier held various posts under the BJP's city unit.

He was the secretary of BJP's Shantinagar unit for four years and has also served in the State Yuva Morcha for six years.

He has also served as the city secretary of BJP Bengaluru. In the year 2013-14, he also served as the BBMP accounts committee chairman.

BBMP Corporator M Goutham Kumar was elected as the Mayor of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Tuesday. He will be serving as the 53rd Mayor of the city.

BBMP Corporator M Goutham Kumar was elected as the Mayor of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Tuesday. He will be serving as the 53rd Mayor of the city. Kumar, who enjoyed the support of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit, polled 129 votes as against 110 votes polled by Congress candidate Satyanarayana. Kumar is 42 years old and has earlier held various posts under the BJP's city unit. He was the secretary of BJP's Shantinagar unit for four years and has also served in the State Yuva Morcha for six years. He has also served as the city secretary of BJP Bengaluru. In the year 2013-14, he also served as the BBMP accounts committee chairman.

Karnataka: BJP's Goutham Kumar elected as Bengaluru mayor

The Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/looking-for-integrated-approach-to-solve-problems-says-nitin-gadkari-at-wions-emobility-summit-253033">speaking at WION's EMobility Summit</a> said that his government is encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST&nbsp;as a means to further the cause of clean energy in India.

"We are not against any automobile industry. We are encouraging bio-fuel. Our import&nbsp;is Rs 7 lakh crore which is not good for the country," the minister said at WION's summit.

Watch: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari speaks during EMobility Summit

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"Our export is high regarding diesel and petrol vehicles," Gadkari said, adding, "my suggestion is innovation, new technology is very important for people".

"My suggestion is, now it is an open competition. The government has got nothing to do with that, we are encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST," he said.

"In rural areas, we don't have&nbsp;sufficient transport systems. In our economy, we need to create more jobs," he added.

The Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari, speaking at WION's EMobility Summit said that his government is encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST as a means to further the cause of clean energy in India.

The Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari, speaking at WION's EMobility Summit said that his government is encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST as a means to further the cause of clean energy in India. "We are not against any automobile industry. We are encouraging bio-fuel. Our import is Rs 7 lakh crore which is not good for the country," the minister said at WION's summit. Watch: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari speaks during EMobility Summit "Our export is high regarding diesel and petrol vehicles," Gadkari said, adding, "my suggestion is innovation, new technology is very important for people". "My suggestion is, now it is an open competition. The government has got nothing to do with that, we are encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST," he said. "In rural areas, we don't have sufficient transport systems. In our economy, we need to create more jobs," he added.

We are encouraging e-vehicles by reducing GST, says Nitin Gadkari at WION's EMobility Summit

As India switches to green commute to map a cleaner future, WION, the Global English News Channel of Zee Media Group, connects with key decision-makers to track tech-driven solutions for E-Mobility.

WION EMobility Summit Session Two: CEO's Panel - The road ahead for E-Mobility in India

The Supreme Court on Tuesday partially allowed the review petition filed by the Centre against a March 2018 judgment of diluting various stringent provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Setting aside a two-judge bench order, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said that the top court should not have ventured to frame guidelines as it comes within the domain of legislatures.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-abrogation-supreme-court-seeks-centres-reply-on-pleas-challenging-decision-253017">apex court</a> observed that people belonging to SC and ST communities are still being abused and discriminated and that the abuse of the SC/ST Act cannot be a ground to dilute its provisions.

"Classes of SC/ST are suffering economically and socially for centuries," the bench said.

The court reserved its order on the review petition on September 18.

A two-judge bench had earlier this month referred the review plea to a three-judge bench for hearing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-grant-any-extra-day-after-october-18-to-complete-arguments-sc-tells-parties-in-ayodhya-case-252178">case</a>.

The three-judge bench today had set aside its March 20, 2018, order by which it had directed that a public servant could be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act "only after prior approval by the competent authority" and that there will be no automatic arrest on a complaint filed under the SC/ST Act.

The Centre had filed the review petition asking it to rethink its verdict after a backlash from the SC/ST community against the decision, which resulted in widespread protests across the country.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday partially allowed the review petition filed by the Centre against a March 2018 judgment of diluting various stringent provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday partially allowed the review petition filed by the Centre against a March 2018 judgment of diluting various stringent provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Setting aside a two-judge bench order, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said that the top court should not have ventured to frame guidelines as it comes within the domain of legislatures. The apex court observed that people belonging to SC and ST communities are still being abused and discriminated and that the abuse of the SC/ST Act cannot be a ground to dilute its provisions. "Classes of SC/ST are suffering economically and socially for centuries," the bench said. The court reserved its order on the review petition on September 18. A two-judge bench had earlier this month referred the review plea to a three-judge bench for hearing the case. The three-judge bench today had set aside its March 20, 2018, order by which it had directed that a public servant could be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act "only after prior approval by the competent authority" and that there will be no automatic arrest on a complaint filed under the SC/ST Act. The Centre had filed the review petition asking it to rethink its verdict after a backlash from the SC/ST community against the decision, which resulted in widespread protests across the country.

Supreme Court partially sets aside its 2018 order, allows Centre's review petition against dilution of SC/ST Act

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