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Taking a jibe at the BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar'&nbsp;campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said India wants an honest Prime Minister and not a <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/biggest-casualty-of-dynastic-politics-are-institutions-pm-modi-204458">'Chowkidar'</a>.

"Under your (Prime Minister's) nose terror attacks took place in Pathankot, Uri and, Pulwama. What kind of a 'Chowkidar'&nbsp;are you? India wants an honest Prime Minister, not a 'Chowkidar'," Owaisi said while addressing a rally in Hyderabad&nbsp;on Wednesday.

The AIMIM chief also asked why the Prime Minister was "afraid" of Swami Aseemanand.

"If you are really a 'Chowkidar', then announce tomorrow itself that you will appeal against the decision taken by the court to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-four-accused-in-samjhauta-blast-case-acquitted-204558">acquit Aseemanand in Samjhauta blast case</a>. Why are you so afraid of Aseemanand? Aseemanand, at one point of time, was associated with RSS," he said.

Owaisi's comments came hours after a special NIA court on Wednesday acquitted Swami Aseemanand and three others in the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast case.

Continuing his tirade against the Prime Minister, Owaisi said the latter "deeply follows" the ideology of RSS, an organisation which, he claimed, wants to "weaken the composite culture of India."

"When Narendra Modi gave his first speech in Parliament after becoming the Prime Minister, I understood that this person (Modi) has spent 25-30 years of his life with RSS and deeply follows its ideology. If you will read textbooks of RSS then you will understand that these people are against the composite culture of the country and India's secularism," Owaisi said.

"In his speech, Prime Minister Modi said we have come to power after 1200 years of struggle. There was one Congress MP sitting next to me at that time. He asked me what the Prime Minister was referring to. I told him (Congress MP) that he was talking about the times when the Delhi Sultanate was ruled by Muslim leaders," he added.

Owaisi also asserted that the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat is one that "shatters RSS` dream of ending India`s secularism.

"The Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat is a fearless voice and fearless identity against Hindutva. This seat shatters RSS` dream of ending India`s secularism. They (RSS) want to weaken the composite culture of India," he added.

Telangana will go to polls on April 11, while counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at the BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said India wants an honest Prime Minister and not a 'Chowkidar'.

Taking a jibe at the BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said India wants an honest Prime Minister and not a 'Chowkidar'. "Under your (Prime Minister's) nose terror attacks took place in Pathankot, Uri and, Pulwama. What kind of a 'Chowkidar' are you? India wants an honest Prime Minister, not a 'Chowkidar'," Owaisi said while addressing a rally in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The AIMIM chief also asked why the Prime Minister was "afraid" of Swami Aseemanand. "If you are really a 'Chowkidar', then announce tomorrow itself that you will appeal against the decision taken by the court to acquit Aseemanand in Samjhauta blast case. Why are you so afraid of Aseemanand? Aseemanand, at one point of time, was associated with RSS," he said. Owaisi's comments came hours after a special NIA court on Wednesday acquitted Swami Aseemanand and three others in the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast case. Continuing his tirade against the Prime Minister, Owaisi said the latter "deeply follows" the ideology of RSS, an organisation which, he claimed, wants to "weaken the composite culture of India." "When Narendra Modi gave his first speech in Parliament after becoming the Prime Minister, I understood that this person (Modi) has spent 25-30 years of his life with RSS and deeply follows its ideology. If you will read textbooks of RSS then you will understand that these people are against the composite culture of the country and India's secularism," Owaisi said. "In his speech, Prime Minister Modi said we have come to power after 1200 years of struggle. There was one Congress MP sitting next to me at that time. He asked me what the Prime Minister was referring to. I told him (Congress MP) that he was talking about the times when the Delhi Sultanate was ruled by Muslim leaders," he added. Owaisi also asserted that the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat is one that "shatters RSS` dream of ending India`s secularism. "The Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat is a fearless voice and fearless identity against Hindutva. This seat shatters RSS` dream of ending India`s secularism. They (RSS) want to weaken the composite culture of India," he added. Telangana will go to polls on April 11, while counting of votes will take place on May 23.

India wants an honest prime minister, not a 'chowkidar': Owaisi

Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses, and 2213 sign language interpreters have been arranged in Karnataka for voters belonging to the persons with disabilities (PwD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"Till February 28, we mapped 4,03,907 persons with disabilities (in the state) and are arranging whatever they require for assistance. We have arranged 35,739 wheelchairs, over 52,000 magnifying glasses, over 2213 sign language interpreters and over 31000 assistants," the state`s Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjiv Kumar, told ANI on Wednesday.

Besides this, Kumar said there will be a special queue for PwD voters.

"Sturdy ramps are being arranged in all 58,180 booths (in the state) and we are ensuring that they are all on ground floors. There will be a special queue for persons with disabilities and assistance of all kind will be provided," he added.

Karnataka will vote to elect its members of Parliament during the second and third phases of polling on April 18 and April 23, respectively.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses, and 2213 sign language interpreters have been arranged in Karnataka for voters belonging to the persons with disabilities (PwD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses, and 2213 sign language interpreters have been arranged in Karnataka for voters belonging to the persons with disabilities (PwD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "Till February 28, we mapped 4,03,907 persons with disabilities (in the state) and are arranging whatever they require for assistance. We have arranged 35,739 wheelchairs, over 52,000 magnifying glasses, over 2213 sign language interpreters and over 31000 assistants," the state`s Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjiv Kumar, told ANI on Wednesday. Besides this, Kumar said there will be a special queue for PwD voters. "Sturdy ramps are being arranged in all 58,180 booths (in the state) and we are ensuring that they are all on ground floors. There will be a special queue for persons with disabilities and assistance of all kind will be provided," he added. Karnataka will vote to elect its members of Parliament during the second and third phases of polling on April 18 and April 23, respectively. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Over 35,000 wheelchairs, 52,000 magnifying glasses arranged for specially-abled voters

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, wanted in India on fraud and money laundering charges amounting to USD 2 billion, spent Holi behind bars in one of England's most overcrowded jails on Thursday, a day after a UK judge rejected his bail application.

The 48-year-old was arrested by Scotland Yard on Tuesday and presented before District Judge Marie Mallon at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The judge remanded him in custody till March 29 after which he was transferred to Her Majesty's Prison (HMP) Wandsworth in south-west London.

While he would hope to be held in a separate cell, the overcrowding pressures of the jail may mean him sharing a prison cell with any of its around 1,430 male prisoners.

Modi, one of India's richest men accustomed to the high-life and celebrity circles around the world, will be faced with some harsh conditions at the prison amid some dubious inmates.

During the most recent inspection carried out in February-March 2018, the Victorian-era jail was found by UK Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke to be "one of the most overcrowded in England and Wales" and filled with many men with drug or mental health problems, receiving poor training and education.

"Despite six self-inflicted deaths since the last inspection, it was concerning to find that not all staff were carrying anti-ligature knives, that no staff would enter a cell alone even if a prisoner's life was in danger and that the response to cell call bells was totally inadequate," he noted.

Prison cells designed for one prisoner are often occupied by two, with poorly-screened lavatories and inmates being allowed far too little time out of their cells, his inspection had concluded.

The living conditions will certainly be in stark contrast to the luxury apartment at Centre Point in the West End of London where Modi has been living over the past year, as it was confirmed during court proceedings on Wednesday.

"He has done everything he possibly can to be visible, to demonstrate his keenness to fully cooperate [with UK authorities], George Hepburne Scott, Modi's Barrister, told the court in support of his bail application.

Among the details that emerged during the hearing, it was claimed that Modi was in the UK "lawfully", having acquired a National Insurance No. offered only to legal residents to be able to live and work in the UK.&nbsp;

He had reportedly also been paying his Council Tax, which is a local tax paid by a UK resident to the local authority and also serves as an identity document for address proof. Based on this, he also received an offer from the UK electoral register to register to vote and had submitted one of three passports to the UK's Driving and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to apply for a driver's licence.

However, Modi's defence team's efforts to establish his credibility as a lawful UK resident who had no intention of jumping bail and fleeing were strongly objected to by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities.

The judge, in the end, ruled in favour of the Indian authorities, concluding that the wanted diamantaire had "substantial grounds" to fail to surrender, and remanded him in custody until his next hearing, scheduled for March 29.

The court was told that Modi is wanted by the Indian authorities for his role as a partner in a number of entities, namely Diamonds R Us, Stellar Diamonds and Solar Exports, involved in the laundering of money and the fraudulent issuing of Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) to Punjab National Bank (PNB).&nbsp;

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, wanted in India on fraud and money laundering charges amounting to USD 2 billion, spent Holi behind bars in one of England's most overcrowded jails on Thursday, a day after a UK judge rejected his bail application.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, wanted in India on fraud and money laundering charges amounting to USD 2 billion, spent Holi behind bars in one of England's most overcrowded jails on Thursday, a day after a UK judge rejected his bail application. The 48-year-old was arrested by Scotland Yard on Tuesday and presented before District Judge Marie Mallon at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Wednesday. The judge remanded him in custody till March 29 after which he was transferred to Her Majesty's Prison (HMP) Wandsworth in south-west London. While he would hope to be held in a separate cell, the overcrowding pressures of the jail may mean him sharing a prison cell with any of its around 1,430 male prisoners. Modi, one of India's richest men accustomed to the high-life and celebrity circles around the world, will be faced with some harsh conditions at the prison amid some dubious inmates. During the most recent inspection carried out in February-March 2018, the Victorian-era jail was found by UK Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke to be "one of the most overcrowded in England and Wales" and filled with many men with drug or mental health problems, receiving poor training and education. "Despite six self-inflicted deaths since the last inspection, it was concerning to find that not all staff were carrying anti-ligature knives, that no staff would enter a cell alone even if a prisoner's life was in danger and that the response to cell call bells was totally inadequate," he noted. Prison cells designed for one prisoner are often occupied by two, with poorly-screened lavatories and inmates being allowed far too little time out of their cells, his inspection had concluded. The living conditions will certainly be in stark contrast to the luxury apartment at Centre Point in the West End of London where Modi has been living over the past year, as it was confirmed during court proceedings on Wednesday. "He has done everything he possibly can to be visible, to demonstrate his keenness to fully cooperate [with UK authorities], George Hepburne Scott, Modi's Barrister, told the court in support of his bail application. Among the details that emerged during the hearing, it was claimed that Modi was in the UK "lawfully", having acquired a National Insurance No. offered only to legal residents to be able to live and work in the UK. He had reportedly also been paying his Council Tax, which is a local tax paid by a UK resident to the local authority and also serves as an identity document for address proof. Based on this, he also received an offer from the UK electoral register to register to vote and had submitted one of three passports to the UK's Driving and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to apply for a driver's licence. However, Modi's defence team's efforts to establish his credibility as a lawful UK resident who had no intention of jumping bail and fleeing were strongly objected to by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities. The judge, in the end, ruled in favour of the Indian authorities, concluding that the wanted diamantaire had "substantial grounds" to fail to surrender, and remanded him in custody until his next hearing, scheduled for March 29. The court was told that Modi is wanted by the Indian authorities for his role as a partner in a number of entities, namely Diamonds R Us, Stellar Diamonds and Solar Exports, involved in the laundering of money and the fraudulent issuing of Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) to Punjab National Bank (PNB).

Not a very Happy Holi for Nirav Modi in UK jail

The death toll in the Dharwad building collapse rose to eleven on Thursday with four more bodies being found from the site, the district information officer said.

Indian Air Force on Wednesday airlifted two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Karnataka`s Hubli from Hindon in Uttar Pradesh to join the rescue and search operation after an under-construction building collapsed in Dharwad on Tuesday.

The operation is being conducted jointly by NDRF and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

The information officer said, "The number of people killed in the building collapse in Dharwad has gone up to eleven after four more bodies were found from the debris today."&nbsp;

More than 60 people have been rescued as the rescue operation continued for the third day.

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has said that the rescue efforts will be conducted on a war footing and urged locals not to panic.

(With inputs from ANI)

The death toll in the Dharwad building collapse rose to eleven on Thursday with four more bodies being found from the site, the district information officer said.

The death toll in the Dharwad building collapse rose to eleven on Thursday with four more bodies being found from the site, the district information officer said. Indian Air Force on Wednesday airlifted two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Karnataka`s Hubli from Hindon in Uttar Pradesh to join the rescue and search operation after an under-construction building collapsed in Dharwad on Tuesday. The operation is being conducted jointly by NDRF and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The information officer said, "The number of people killed in the building collapse in Dharwad has gone up to eleven after four more bodies were found from the debris today." More than 60 people have been rescued as the rescue operation continued for the third day. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has said that the rescue efforts will be conducted on a war footing and urged locals not to panic. (With inputs from ANI)

Dharwad building collapse: Death toll rises to 11, rescue operation continues

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday he will not plead for support with those Congress leaders who are against his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy's candidature as coalition candidate from Mandya in the Lok Sabha polls.

Taking a dig at those opposing Nikhil, the Chief Minister said "those who are originally from the Congress have already extended their support and JD(S) workers are efficient to ensure his victory.

He also said his father and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was yet to decide on contesting the Lok Sabha polls.

"Some leaders in Mandya have gone ahead from the backdoor. It is not necessary for me to talk to them now.

My workers are efficient, instead of trusting those backstabbing, trust those who work honestly. I'm not blaming everyone,"Kumaraswamy said in response to a question about him personally seeking support from Mandya Congress leaders.

"Among the original Congressmen, many of them are with us... But there are a few, I know...Situation will not come for me to go before them and plead, there is no need of it also," he said.

Kumaraswamy said even now he wanted to tell those leaders that there were no permanent enemies or friends in politics and the Congress had decided to give the seat to the JD(S) in the coalition set up.

"With their own adamant behaviour, if they still want to go away with an intention to take revenge, good, they can work anywhere they want," he added.

The Chief Minister's sharp reaction came a day after several Congress leaders in Mandya extended their support to independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh despite their party denying her a ticket.

The Congress and JD(S), who have been traditional rivals in Mandya, have decided to fight the election together in an alliance this time, and according to the coalition arrangement the seat had gone to the regional party as it had a sitting MP there.

The Congress' move to cede the seat to JD(S) is being vehemently opposed by leaders in Mandya, with a few even expressing openly their support to Sumalatha, widow of actor-politician Ambareesh.

Ambareesh had early won on Congress' ticket from the constituency.

It is a high stake battle for Kumaraswamy and JD(S) as Mandya had remained the party bastion for long. The party also won the entire eight assembly segments in the Vokkaliga stronghold during the May 2018 assembly polls.

For the coalition to emerge as a formidable opposition to the BJP and win more number of seats, it is crucial for theCongress to transfer its votes to JD(S), and vice versa, including Mandya.

According to sources, BJP is unlikely to field its candidate from Mandya and may extend support to Sumalatha.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday he will not plead for support with those Congress leaders who are against his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy's candidature as coalition candidate from Mandya in the Lok Sabha polls.

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday he will not plead for support with those Congress leaders who are against his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy's candidature as coalition candidate from Mandya in the Lok Sabha polls. Taking a dig at those opposing Nikhil, the Chief Minister said "those who are originally from the Congress have already extended their support and JD(S) workers are efficient to ensure his victory. He also said his father and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was yet to decide on contesting the Lok Sabha polls. "Some leaders in Mandya have gone ahead from the backdoor. It is not necessary for me to talk to them now. My workers are efficient, instead of trusting those backstabbing, trust those who work honestly. I'm not blaming everyone,"Kumaraswamy said in response to a question about him personally seeking support from Mandya Congress leaders. "Among the original Congressmen, many of them are with us... But there are a few, I know...Situation will not come for me to go before them and plead, there is no need of it also," he said. Kumaraswamy said even now he wanted to tell those leaders that there were no permanent enemies or friends in politics and the Congress had decided to give the seat to the JD(S) in the coalition set up. "With their own adamant behaviour, if they still want to go away with an intention to take revenge, good, they can work anywhere they want," he added. The Chief Minister's sharp reaction came a day after several Congress leaders in Mandya extended their support to independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh despite their party denying her a ticket. The Congress and JD(S), who have been traditional rivals in Mandya, have decided to fight the election together in an alliance this time, and according to the coalition arrangement the seat had gone to the regional party as it had a sitting MP there. The Congress' move to cede the seat to JD(S) is being vehemently opposed by leaders in Mandya, with a few even expressing openly their support to Sumalatha, widow of actor-politician Ambareesh. Ambareesh had early won on Congress' ticket from the constituency. It is a high stake battle for Kumaraswamy and JD(S) as Mandya had remained the party bastion for long. The party also won the entire eight assembly segments in the Vokkaliga stronghold during the May 2018 assembly polls. For the coalition to emerge as a formidable opposition to the BJP and win more number of seats, it is crucial for theCongress to transfer its votes to JD(S), and vice versa, including Mandya. According to sources, BJP is unlikely to field its candidate from Mandya and may extend support to Sumalatha.

Will not plead for support with Congress leaders opposed to son's candidature: Kumaraswamy 

Walls draped in lush vertical gardens and air filtered through purifiers insulate diners at a swanky New Delhi food court from the choking haze outside in one of the most polluted places on earth.

But these eco-eateries, offering cleaner air as well as modern menus to the well-heeled are beyond reach for the poor, who have little means of escaping the deadly smog which coats the city for much of the year.

Air pollution kills more than one million Indians every year, according to a study by Lancet Planetary Health, and Delhi is ranked one of the most toxic urban centres to live, regularly exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) limits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But for Ramavtar Singh there is no escape: like many of the city's poorest, he eats, sleeps, and works outside.

"I work for six to eight hours every day and my children eat and sleep outside most times of the year," the father of five tells AFP at a roadside food stall, gulping down a 50-cent dish of rice and lentils.

Singh earns a living by cycling passengers and cargo around Delhi on his rickshaw, a strenuous activity that means he's inhaling dangerous concentrations of tiny pollutants deep into his lungs.&nbsp;

At best, he can wrap a rag over his mouth on smoggy days, a low-cost approach taken by labourers and rickshaw drivers that does little to prevent the most dangerous particles entering the bloodstream.

Delhi's smog peaks from October to February, routinely exceeding WHO recommendations for PM2.5 -- tiny and harmful airborne particles -- and some days registers levels more than 20 times safe limits.

Experts warn the long term health consequences of living enveloped in pollution are disastrous, often causing chronic sickness and in some cases early death.&nbsp;

'A quick oxygen shot'

Across town, Abhimanyu Mawatwal is settling down for lunch at a food court in Worldmark Aerocity, a grand commercial centre boasting purified air.

A meal here could cost twice Singh's monthly salary, but it is a price Mawatwal is willing to pay because outside the smog is at hazardous levels.

"I love to come here for my meals. It is like getting a quick oxygen shot," the office worker says, surrounded by creeper vines and a faux stream as he breathed lungfuls of filtered air circulating through expensive filters.

"We need to bring greenery to concrete jungles and create places where everybody can come for a breath of fresh air," insists S. K. Sayal, CEO of Bharti Realty which owns Worldmark Aerocity.

Delhi's affluent, who are often better informed about the dangers of pollution, increasingly expect the same safety measures they have in place at home, to be available when they are out.&nbsp;

High-end eateries, bars and cinemas are tapping into that demand -- installing electronic air purifiers and creating dedicated areas of rich vegetation to help filter airborne toxins.

But for Singh, and the one in five Indians living on less than $2 a day, visiting such places is nothing more than a fantasy.

"What will I do if I spend all the money on one meal? How will I feed my family?" said the rickshaw cyclist, who earns about 1,200 rupees ($17) a month.

He cannot dream of buying the foreign-made air purifiers to protect his family at home -- machines favoured by Delhi's elite, expat communities and office workers -- that easily cost Singh's annual wage.&nbsp;

"The rich and the poor have to breathe the same poisonous air. But the poor are more exposed to pollution," explains Sunil Dahiya, a campaigner for Greenpeace India.&nbsp;

He adds: "Most of the time, they don't even know the effects the toxic air is having on their health. Poor communities are definitely at the losing end."

Walls draped in lush vertical gardens and air filtered through purifiers insulate diners at a swanky New Delhi food court from the choking haze outside in one of the most polluted places on earth.

Walls draped in lush vertical gardens and air filtered through purifiers insulate diners at a swanky New Delhi food court from the choking haze outside in one of the most polluted places on earth. But these eco-eateries, offering cleaner air as well as modern menus to the well-heeled are beyond reach for the poor, who have little means of escaping the deadly smog which coats the city for much of the year. Air pollution kills more than one million Indians every year, according to a study by Lancet Planetary Health, and Delhi is ranked one of the most toxic urban centres to live, regularly exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) limits. But for Ramavtar Singh there is no escape: like many of the city's poorest, he eats, sleeps, and works outside. "I work for six to eight hours every day and my children eat and sleep outside most times of the year," the father of five tells AFP at a roadside food stall, gulping down a 50-cent dish of rice and lentils. Singh earns a living by cycling passengers and cargo around Delhi on his rickshaw, a strenuous activity that means he's inhaling dangerous concentrations of tiny pollutants deep into his lungs. At best, he can wrap a rag over his mouth on smoggy days, a low-cost approach taken by labourers and rickshaw drivers that does little to prevent the most dangerous particles entering the bloodstream. Delhi's smog peaks from October to February, routinely exceeding WHO recommendations for PM2.5 -- tiny and harmful airborne particles -- and some days registers levels more than 20 times safe limits. Experts warn the long term health consequences of living enveloped in pollution are disastrous, often causing chronic sickness and in some cases early death. 'A quick oxygen shot' Across town, Abhimanyu Mawatwal is settling down for lunch at a food court in Worldmark Aerocity, a grand commercial centre boasting purified air. A meal here could cost twice Singh's monthly salary, but it is a price Mawatwal is willing to pay because outside the smog is at hazardous levels. "I love to come here for my meals. It is like getting a quick oxygen shot," the office worker says, surrounded by creeper vines and a faux stream as he breathed lungfuls of filtered air circulating through expensive filters. "We need to bring greenery to concrete jungles and create places where everybody can come for a breath of fresh air," insists S. K. Sayal, CEO of Bharti Realty which owns Worldmark Aerocity. Delhi's affluent, who are often better informed about the dangers of pollution, increasingly expect the same safety measures they have in place at home, to be available when they are out. High-end eateries, bars and cinemas are tapping into that demand -- installing electronic air purifiers and creating dedicated areas of rich vegetation to help filter airborne toxins. But for Singh, and the one in five Indians living on less than $2 a day, visiting such places is nothing more than a fantasy. "What will I do if I spend all the money on one meal? How will I feed my family?" said the rickshaw cyclist, who earns about 1,200 rupees ($17) a month. He cannot dream of buying the foreign-made air purifiers to protect his family at home -- machines favoured by Delhi's elite, expat communities and office workers -- that easily cost Singh's annual wage. "The rich and the poor have to breathe the same poisonous air. But the poor are more exposed to pollution," explains Sunil Dahiya, a campaigner for Greenpeace India. He adds: "Most of the time, they don't even know the effects the toxic air is having on their health. Poor communities are definitely at the losing end."

A tale of two Delhis: Deadly air exposes rich-poor divide

An Army soldier was killed when Pakistan violated the ceasefire by heavily shelling forward areas and posts along the Line of Control with mortar bombs in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district Thursday, officials said.

Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire in Keri belt of Sunderbani sector this morning, they said.

One soldier was killed in Pakistani firing, they added.&nbsp;

Pakistani troops have violated the ceasefire over 110 times along the LoC since January.

An Army soldier was killed when Pakistan violated the ceasefire by heavily shelling forward areas and posts along the Line of Control with mortar bombs in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district Thursday, officials said.

An Army soldier was killed when Pakistan violated the ceasefire by heavily shelling forward areas and posts along the Line of Control with mortar bombs in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district Thursday, officials said. Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire in Keri belt of Sunderbani sector this morning, they said. One soldier was killed in Pakistani firing, they added. Pakistani troops have violated the ceasefire over 110 times along the LoC since January.

J&K: Soldier killed as Pakistan Army violates ceasefire along LoC in Rajouri

Two policemen including a SHO were injured in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore on Thursday.

Following the attack, the security forces launched a search and cordon operation in the Baramulla district.

The police personnel were injured after the terrorists attacked the police cordon.

Militants lobbed a grenade at a security forces party at Main Chowk Sopore in the north Kashmir district, a police official said.

The injured have been hospitalised.

Earlier today, a soldier was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in J&amp;K's Rajouri district.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two policemen including a SHO were injured in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore on Thursday. Following the attack, the security forces launched a search and cordon operation in the Baramulla district.

Two policemen including a SHO were injured in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore on Thursday. Following the attack, the security forces launched a search and cordon operation in the Baramulla district. The police personnel were injured after the terrorists attacked the police cordon. Militants lobbed a grenade at a security forces party at Main Chowk Sopore in the north Kashmir district, a police official said. The injured have been hospitalised. Earlier today, a soldier was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in J&K's Rajouri district. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K: Terrorists attack police cordon in Sopore, 2 cops injured

Three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-with-them-always-crpf-official-says-to-kashmiris-197846">CRPF</a> personnel were killed Wednesday after a colleague allegedly shot them after an altercation at their camp in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.&nbsp;

The alleged fratricide took place at around 10 pm when constable Ajit Kumar shot three of his colleagues with his service rifle at the 187th battalion camp in the Battal Ballian area of Udhampur, they said.&nbsp;

The officials said Kumar shot himself after killing his colleagues. They added that Kumar was critical.

Kumar hails from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and was rushed to a military hospital nearby, they said.

The deceased have been identified as head constables Pokarmal R of Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, Yogendra Sharma of Delhi, and Umed Singh of Rewari in Haryana.

The shooting, the officials said, was triggered by an altercation.

Senior CRPF and police officials had rushed to the spot, they added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Three CRPF personnel were killed Wednesday after a colleague allegedly shot them after an altercation at their camp in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The alleged fratricide took place at around 10 pm when constable Ajit Kumar shot three of his colleagues with his service rifle at the 187th battalion camp in the Battal Ballian area of Udhampur, they said.

Three CRPF personnel were killed Wednesday after a colleague allegedly shot them after an altercation at their camp in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The alleged fratricide took place at around 10 pm when constable Ajit Kumar shot three of his colleagues with his service rifle at the 187th battalion camp in the Battal Ballian area of Udhampur, they said. The officials said Kumar shot himself after killing his colleagues. They added that Kumar was critical. Kumar hails from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh and was rushed to a military hospital nearby, they said. The deceased have been identified as head constables Pokarmal R of Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, Yogendra Sharma of Delhi, and Umed Singh of Rewari in Haryana. The shooting, the officials said, was triggered by an altercation. Senior CRPF and police officials had rushed to the spot, they added.

J&K: CRPF jawan kills 3 colleagues, shoots himself

BSP supremo <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-will-not-contest-mayawati-drops-out-of-2019-lok-sabha-polls-204488">Mayawati</a> said on Wednesday that she will not be contesting the Lok Sabha polls but later told her supporters not to be "disheartened".&nbsp;

For, she seemed to hint, she could still become prime minister.&nbsp;

"When I became UP CM first time in 1995 I was not member of either UP Assembly or Council. Similarly is provision at the Centre where a person have to be a LS/RS member within 6 months of holding office of minister/PM," Mayawati tweeted.&nbsp;

"Don't disheartened (sic) from my decision not to contest LS poll now," she added.&nbsp;

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is a good example of a prime minister who became a member of parliament after assuming the office of PM. Singh was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam.&nbsp;

Mayawati said Wednesday that she had resigned from the Rajya Sabha to devote herself to the party, and that she would like to do the same thing again.&nbsp;

WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma quoted party insiders as saying Mayawati was opting out of the elections because she did not want to be tied down to one constituency but would instead like to concentrate on campaigning for the party. She is expected to campaign outside of her bastion of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Sharma added that Mayawati also wanted to keep open the option of contesting the 2022 assembly elections.&nbsp;

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When I became UP CM first time in 1995 I was not member of either UP Assembly or Council. Similarly is provision at the Centre where a person have to be a LS/RS member within 6 months of holding office of minister/PM. Don't disheartened from my decision not to contest LS poll now
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mayawati/status/1108317295489748992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati: I will not contest the Lok Sabha elections. <a href="https://t.co/88oGmtd6Ww">pic.twitter.com/88oGmtd6Ww</a>
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Having said that, there is also the fact that Mayawati has ceded at least some space to new Dalit leaders like the Bhim Army's Chandrashekhar Azad and the Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mewani. And, said Sharma, should her victory margins now be less than impressive, that will further pull down her stature.&nbsp;

BSP supremo Mayawati said on Wednesday that she will not be contesting the Lok Sabha polls but later told her supporters not to be "disheartened". For, she seemed to hint, she could still become prime minister.

BSP supremo Mayawati said on Wednesday that she will not be contesting the Lok Sabha polls but later told her supporters not to be "disheartened". For, she seemed to hint, she could still become prime minister. "When I became UP CM first time in 1995 I was not member of either UP Assembly or Council. Similarly is provision at the Centre where a person have to be a LS/RS member within 6 months of holding office of minister/PM," Mayawati tweeted. "Don't disheartened (sic) from my decision not to contest LS poll now," she added. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is a good example of a prime minister who became a member of parliament after assuming the office of PM. Singh was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam. Mayawati said Wednesday that she had resigned from the Rajya Sabha to devote herself to the party, and that she would like to do the same thing again. WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma quoted party insiders as saying Mayawati was opting out of the elections because she did not want to be tied down to one constituency but would instead like to concentrate on campaigning for the party. She is expected to campaign outside of her bastion of Uttar Pradesh. Sharma added that Mayawati also wanted to keep open the option of contesting the 2022 assembly elections. When I became UP CM first time in 1995 I was not member of either UP Assembly or Council. Similarly is provision at the Centre where a person have to be a LS/RS member within 6 months of holding office of minister/PM. Don't disheartened from my decision not to contest LS poll now — Mayawati (@Mayawati) March 20, 2019 × Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati: I will not contest the Lok Sabha elections. pic.twitter.com/88oGmtd6Ww — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 20, 2019 × Having said that, there is also the fact that Mayawati has ceded at least some space to new Dalit leaders like the Bhim Army's Chandrashekhar Azad and the Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mewani. And, said Sharma, should her victory margins now be less than impressive, that will further pull down her stature.

After Mayawati says she will not contest Lok Sabha polls, she hints she could still become PM

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader and Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that, "free and fair elections may become a thing of the past if Modi&nbsp;gets re-elected in the country".

Also calling PM Modi as a "good actor", Gehlot&nbsp;said the prime minister would do a better job in Bollywood.&nbsp;

"If people re-elect Modi, there will be no certainty on whether elections will be held again in the country or not. Elections will be held in the country and yet not held like it happens in China and Russia, " Gehlot said in an interview to PTI.

"If Modiji was in Bollywood, he would probably have left a different mark in the country and abroad with his mastery in acting, oratory skills and antics,"&nbsp;he said.

Gehlot further attacked PM Modi saying&nbsp;that nobody (including Amit Shah) knows "what's on his mind".&nbsp;

"This man can do anything to win elections...People felt he could even go to war with Pakistan, which is not a good thing....The personality of Modi ji that has emerged before the country is that he can go to any extent before and after elections...To win elections," Gehlot said while attacking Modi and added that "none including Amit Shah knows what is in his mind".

"Modi ji has done very good marketing," he also said, alleging the prime minister is creating a misconception in the minds of people about the Congress.

(With inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader and Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that, "free and fair elections may become a thing of the past if Modi gets re-elected in the country".

Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader and Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that, "free and fair elections may become a thing of the past if Modi gets re-elected in the country". Also calling PM Modi as a "good actor", Gehlot said the prime minister would do a better job in Bollywood. "If people re-elect Modi, there will be no certainty on whether elections will be held again in the country or not. Elections will be held in the country and yet not held like it happens in China and Russia, " Gehlot said in an interview to PTI. "If Modiji was in Bollywood, he would probably have left a different mark in the country and abroad with his mastery in acting, oratory skills and antics," he said. Gehlot further attacked PM Modi saying that nobody (including Amit Shah) knows "what's on his mind". "This man can do anything to win elections...People felt he could even go to war with Pakistan, which is not a good thing....The personality of Modi ji that has emerged before the country is that he can go to any extent before and after elections...To win elections," Gehlot said while attacking Modi and added that "none including Amit Shah knows what is in his mind". "Modi ji has done very good marketing," he also said, alleging the prime minister is creating a misconception in the minds of people about the Congress. (With inputs from PTI)

Elections may become thing of past if Modi gets re-elected as prime minister: Ashok Gehlot

Learning a new skill or hobby is the top priority for 66 percent Indian professionals if they were to get a four-day work week, according to a recent survey.

With '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pursuit-of-happiness-can-make-you-unhappy-study-35640">more time</a>' wish lists, most Indian workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby followed by watching TV, movies or listening to music, according to a Kronos Incorporated survey in its 'Future of workplace' series.

"It's not surprising to see that the survey reflects an aspiring young India seeking more opportunities to acquire a new skill, unlearn or relearn if they find spare time or added time as a key get away. It's rather intriguing to see that they might put off a family vacation and instead put in those extra hours to acquire a new skill or a certification," Kronos Incorporated country manager, India, James Thomas said.

In their personal lives, the top five things people worldwide wish they could do more of are spend time with family (44 percent), travel (43 percent), exercise (33 percent), spend time with friends (30 percent) and pursue their hobbies (29 percent).

Employees in France, Germany, the US and the UK listed 'sleep more' as a top priority, while in the UK workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby.

While people in Mexico would spend more time watching TV, movies or listening to music and 'read more'.

Boomers in particular (51 percent) would like to travel more travel more, it added.

The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated global survey examining 3,000 employees across eight nations including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, the UK and the US.

Meanwhile, the survey further revealed that India led the way as the hardest-working country, with a whopping 69 percent of full-time employees saying they would still work five days a week even if they had the option to work fewer days for the same pay.

While Mexico was the second-highest at 43 percent of workers would work five day week on same pay followed by the US at 27 percent.

The UK (16 percent), France (17 percent) and Australia (19 percent) are the least content with the standard five-day work week, it added.&nbsp;

Learning a new skill or hobby is the top priority for 66 percent Indian professionals if they were to get a four-day work week, according to a recent survey. With 'more time' wish lists, most Indian workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby followed by watching TV, movies or listening to music, according to a Kronos Incorporated survey in its 'Future of workplace' series.

Learning a new skill or hobby is the top priority for 66 percent Indian professionals if they were to get a four-day work week, according to a recent survey. With 'more time' wish lists, most Indian workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby followed by watching TV, movies or listening to music, according to a Kronos Incorporated survey in its 'Future of workplace' series. "It's not surprising to see that the survey reflects an aspiring young India seeking more opportunities to acquire a new skill, unlearn or relearn if they find spare time or added time as a key get away. It's rather intriguing to see that they might put off a family vacation and instead put in those extra hours to acquire a new skill or a certification," Kronos Incorporated country manager, India, James Thomas said. In their personal lives, the top five things people worldwide wish they could do more of are spend time with family (44 percent), travel (43 percent), exercise (33 percent), spend time with friends (30 percent) and pursue their hobbies (29 percent). Employees in France, Germany, the US and the UK listed 'sleep more' as a top priority, while in the UK workers wished they had time to learn a new skill or hobby. While people in Mexico would spend more time watching TV, movies or listening to music and 'read more'. Boomers in particular (51 percent) would like to travel more travel more, it added. The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated global survey examining 3,000 employees across eight nations including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, the UK and the US. Meanwhile, the survey further revealed that India led the way as the hardest-working country, with a whopping 69 percent of full-time employees saying they would still work five days a week even if they had the option to work fewer days for the same pay. While Mexico was the second-highest at 43 percent of workers would work five day week on same pay followed by the US at 27 percent. The UK (16 percent), France (17 percent) and Australia (19 percent) are the least content with the standard five-day work week, it added.

If given a 4-day work week, Indians would learn a new skill: Survey

A day after Bhartiya Janata Party's Pramod Sawant took charge as the new chief minister of Goa following the demise of Manohar Parrikar, the new CM is all set to prove the majority of his government in the floor test scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

The test will be conducted at a special session called by Governor Mridula Sinha in&nbsp;the Assembly at 11:30 am

The BJP-led government in the coastal state claims support of 21 MLAs - 12 from the BJP, three each of allies Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and three Independents.

The strength of the 40-member House has been reduced to 36 due to the death of chief minister Manohar Parrikar, BJP MLA Francis D'Souza and resignations of two Congress MLAs Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte.

Congress is the single largest party in the state with 14 MLAs. There is also an NCP legislator in the House.

Sawant took oath as the new chief minister of the state in the wee hours of Tuesday, hours after the cremation of former chief minister Manohar Parrikar who died Sunday after a long battle with Cancer.

The new government was sworn in with the support of 20 MLAs, including 11 from the BJP and three each from GFP, MGP and Independents.

All the MLAs supporting the coalition were present at the swearing-in ceremony.

Before taking oath as chief minister, Sawant resigned from the Speaker's post.

(With inputs from PTI)

A day after Bhartiya Janata Party's Pramod Sawant took charge as the new chief minister of Goa following the demise of Manohar Parrikar, the new CM is all set to prove the majority of his government in the floor test scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

A day after Bhartiya Janata Party's Pramod Sawant took charge as the new chief minister of Goa following the demise of Manohar Parrikar, the new CM is all set to prove the majority of his government in the floor test scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. The test will be conducted at a special session called by Governor Mridula Sinha in the Assembly at 11:30 am The BJP-led government in the coastal state claims support of 21 MLAs - 12 from the BJP, three each of allies Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and three Independents. The strength of the 40-member House has been reduced to 36 due to the death of chief minister Manohar Parrikar, BJP MLA Francis D'Souza and resignations of two Congress MLAs Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte. Congress is the single largest party in the state with 14 MLAs. There is also an NCP legislator in the House. Sawant took oath as the new chief minister of the state in the wee hours of Tuesday, hours after the cremation of former chief minister Manohar Parrikar who died Sunday after a long battle with Cancer. The new government was sworn in with the support of 20 MLAs, including 11 from the BJP and three each from GFP, MGP and Independents. All the MLAs supporting the coalition were present at the swearing-in ceremony. Before taking oath as chief minister, Sawant resigned from the Speaker's post. (With inputs from PTI)

New Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to face floor test today

"The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-run-by-a-dynasty-cannot-serve-the-people-amit-shah-193708">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> tweeted Wednesday.&nbsp;

"From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the Constitution to the courts. Nothing is spared," he said.&nbsp;

In his tweet, Modi also attached a link — "Sharing some thoughts," he said — to a blog on his official page.&nbsp;

The blog was entitled "Institutional respect and Institutional contempt - two contrasting approaches".&nbsp;

Modi wrote on his blog that "In the summer of 2014, the people voted decisively for: Honesty over dynasty. Development over decay. Security over stagnation. Opportunities over obstacles. Vikas over vote-bank politics.

Indians were tired of our beloved nation being in the Fragile Five, where corruption, cronyism and nepotism made headlines instead of anything positive.

India voted to shed the baggage of the past in pursuit of a better future."&nbsp;

He added that the "The mandate of 2014 was epoch-making also because it was for the first time in the history of India that a non-dynastic party was blessed with a complete majority."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions. 
 
From the press to Parliament. 
 
From soldiers to free speech. 
 
From the Constitution to the courts. 
 
Nothing is spared. 
 
Sharing some thoughts. <a href="https://t.co/nnRCNcht8e">https://t.co/nnRCNcht8e</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1108211498701254661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He then went on to take a closer look at the various subheads — parliament, the army, the courts — he had mentioned in his tweet.&nbsp;

On Parliament he wrote:

The overall productivity of the 16th Lok Sabha was a phenomenal 85%, which is significantly higher than the productivity of the 15th Lok Sabha.

On the&nbsp;Press and Expression:

Dynastic parties have never been comfortable with a free and vibrant press. No wonder, the very first Constitutional Amendment brought in by the Congress government sought to curtail free speech. Speaking truth to power, which is the hallmark of a free press was seen as vulgar and indecent.

On the Constitution and Courts:&nbsp;

Congress’ contempt for the courts is anyway legendary. It was Mrs. Indira Gandhi who called for a “committed judiciary”, which seeks to make the courts more loyal to a family than to the Constitution.

On Government bodies:

In a telling comment, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi called the Planning Commission led by Dr. Manmohan Singh, ‘A bunch of jokers.’

This comment gives you a glimpse of how Congress treats government institutions.

On the Armed Forces:

Congress has always seen the defence sector as a source of income which is why the armed forces never got the respect from the Congress that they deserved.&nbsp;

On the Congress’ own (lack of) internal democracy and sense of entitlement:

Political parties are vibrant bodies that manifest diverse public opinion. Sadly, Congress does not believe in internal democracy.

If a leader dares to dream to head that party, he or she is shunted out of the Congress.

Finally, Modi advised, Think wisely:

"From the press to parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the constitution to the courts. Institutional insult is the Congress way. Everyone is wrong, only the Congress is correct.

As you go to vote- remember the past and how one family's desire for power cost the nation so greatly.

If they could do it then, they can surely do it now."&nbsp;

The pushback was of course swift, with Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/priyanka-gandhi-vadras-ganga-yatra-and-triumph-of-soft-hindutva-204136">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> saying the "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this."

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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on PM Modi's tweet 'The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions': "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this." <a href="https://t.co/9X4JyFHnSI">pic.twitter.com/9X4JyFHnSI</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1108232122454691840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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What is also interesting to note is that it is usually the opposition accusing Modi of browbeating India's institutions. The prime minister, with his tweet, seems to be trying to turn the tables on his opponents.&nbsp;

That would be similar to what he has tried to do with his Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign.&nbsp;

Modi had called himself the country's chowkidar (watchman; "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga," he had said) in the run-up to the 2014 elections.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has&nbsp;recently tried to subvert that narrative by saying "Chowkidar hi chor hai"; the Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign was seen as pushback to that.&nbsp;

"The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Wednesday. "From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech.

"The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Wednesday. "From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the Constitution to the courts. Nothing is spared," he said. In his tweet, Modi also attached a link — "Sharing some thoughts," he said — to a blog on his official page. The blog was entitled "Institutional respect and Institutional contempt - two contrasting approaches". Modi wrote on his blog that "In the summer of 2014, the people voted decisively for: Honesty over dynasty. Development over decay. Security over stagnation. Opportunities over obstacles. Vikas over vote-bank politics. Indians were tired of our beloved nation being in the Fragile Five, where corruption, cronyism and nepotism made headlines instead of anything positive. India voted to shed the baggage of the past in pursuit of a better future." He added that the "The mandate of 2014 was epoch-making also because it was for the first time in the history of India that a non-dynastic party was blessed with a complete majority." The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions. From the press to Parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the Constitution to the courts. Nothing is spared. Sharing some thoughts. https://t.co/nnRCNcht8e — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2019 × He then went on to take a closer look at the various subheads — parliament, the army, the courts — he had mentioned in his tweet. On Parliament he wrote: The overall productivity of the 16th Lok Sabha was a phenomenal 85%, which is significantly higher than the productivity of the 15th Lok Sabha. On the Press and Expression: Dynastic parties have never been comfortable with a free and vibrant press. No wonder, the very first Constitutional Amendment brought in by the Congress government sought to curtail free speech. Speaking truth to power, which is the hallmark of a free press was seen as vulgar and indecent. On the Constitution and Courts: Congress’ contempt for the courts is anyway legendary. It was Mrs. Indira Gandhi who called for a “committed judiciary”, which seeks to make the courts more loyal to a family than to the Constitution. On Government bodies: In a telling comment, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi called the Planning Commission led by Dr. Manmohan Singh, ‘A bunch of jokers.’ This comment gives you a glimpse of how Congress treats government institutions. On the Armed Forces: Congress has always seen the defence sector as a source of income which is why the armed forces never got the respect from the Congress that they deserved. On the Congress’ own (lack of) internal democracy and sense of entitlement: Political parties are vibrant bodies that manifest diverse public opinion. Sadly, Congress does not believe in internal democracy. If a leader dares to dream to head that party, he or she is shunted out of the Congress. Finally, Modi advised, Think wisely: "From the press to parliament. From soldiers to free speech. From the constitution to the courts. Institutional insult is the Congress way. Everyone is wrong, only the Congress is correct. As you go to vote- remember the past and how one family's desire for power cost the nation so greatly. If they could do it then, they can surely do it now." The pushback was of course swift, with Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra saying the "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this." Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on PM Modi's tweet 'The biggest casualty of dynastic politics are institutions': "BJP has systematically attacked every institution in last 5 years including the media. PM should stop thinking people are fools and understand that they see through this." pic.twitter.com/9X4JyFHnSI — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 20, 2019 × What is also interesting to note is that it is usually the opposition accusing Modi of browbeating India's institutions. The prime minister, with his tweet, seems to be trying to turn the tables on his opponents. That would be similar to what he has tried to do with his Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign. Modi had called himself the country's chowkidar (watchman; "Na khaoonga, na khaane doonga," he had said) in the run-up to the 2014 elections. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has recently tried to subvert that narrative by saying "Chowkidar hi chor hai"; the Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign was seen as pushback to that.

Biggest casualty of dynasty is institutions: PM Modi

At least three&nbsp;people were killed and several injured after an under-construction building collapsed in Karnataka's Dharwad's.&nbsp;The collapse took place in Kumareshwar Nagar on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

The toll had earlier been reported at two,&nbsp;but authorities recovered a third body Wednesday morning.

News agency ANI said 37 people have been pulled out from the rubble. Other&nbsp;reports had earlier said 40 people had been feared trapped in the rubble.&nbsp;

Around 43 people have been admitted to the Civil hospital while 13 people have been referred to KIMS and SDM hospital, Giridhar Kuknoor, District Surgeon Dharwad said.

Rescue operations continue with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams on the spot.

Karnataka Revenue Minister RV Deshpande said an inquiry will be ordered to investigate&nbsp;the matter further assuring&nbsp;that the injured ones will be treated free of cost.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had earlier said rescue efforts would be conducted on a war footing and had urged locals not to panic.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least three people were killed and several injured after an under-construction building collapsed in Karnataka's Dharwad's. The collapse took place in Kumareshwar Nagar on Tuesday evening.

At least three people were killed and several injured after an under-construction building collapsed in Karnataka's Dharwad's. The collapse took place in Kumareshwar Nagar on Tuesday evening. The toll had earlier been reported at two, but authorities recovered a third body Wednesday morning. News agency ANI said 37 people have been pulled out from the rubble. Other reports had earlier said 40 people had been feared trapped in the rubble. Around 43 people have been admitted to the Civil hospital while 13 people have been referred to KIMS and SDM hospital, Giridhar Kuknoor, District Surgeon Dharwad said. Rescue operations continue with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams on the spot. Karnataka Revenue Minister RV Deshpande said an inquiry will be ordered to investigate the matter further assuring that the injured ones will be treated free of cost. Meanwhile, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had earlier said rescue efforts would be conducted on a war footing and had urged locals not to panic. (With inputs from agencies)

3 dead, many injured after under-construction building collapses in Karnataka's Dharwad

The festival of Holi is synonymous with colours. While the rituals may vary across the country, colours are one significant feature of this festival that remains unchanged almost everywhere. That is Holi as we popularly know it.

But here's another version of the festival. This lesser known version is celebrated at Mahashmashan cremation ground in Varanasi, where people play Holi with ashes of the dead.

Keeping the local tradition, believed to be 350-year-old, alive in the heart of Varanasi, local devotees on Monday gathered at Manikarnika Ghat and smeared each other with ash and dry colours (gulal) amid burning pyres.

The festival is celebrated a day after Rangbhari Ekadashi. The devotees start their day by offering their prayers at the temple of Mahashamashan Nath (the lord of cremation ground), dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sanyasis (ascetics) and common devotees come together and celebrate this festival, singing folk songs and chanting the name of Lord Shiva.

"Khele Masane mein Holi Digamber, khele masane mein Holi (Lord Shiva plays Holi at cremation place)," the devotees chant while colouring the sky gray with ash and blue, red and green with gulal.

It is believed that a dead human's soul finds salvation (moksha), when cremated at Manikarnika Ghat. On this day, the city celebrates death with the hope of attaining 'moksha' (salvation).

There are many other local versions of Holi that are far different from what most of the city folks are aware of.

For instance, in Uttar Pradesh's Barsane and Nandgaon, Holi is an elaborate festival that is goes on for days. However, it is celebrated in a different manner each day. It starts with laddu mar Holi, where people play Holi by throwing laddu (an Indian sweet) at each other, adding extra sweetness to the already colourful festival.

A few days later, local residents of both the towns celebrate Lath Maar Holi, a two-day festival where women playfully beat men, who try to put colour on them, with sticks. On the first day of the festival, the men from Nandgon visit Barsane and on the second day, men from Barsane visit Nandgaon to play Holi.

In Uttrakhand, the festival is called Baithaki Holi or Khadi Holi. The day is celebrated as a musical gathering where people don their traditional attire and go around the city in groups singing folk songs.

In a country as diverse as ours, where the spoken language changes after every few kilometres, just like the taste of the water, the festival of Holi might be celebrated in different versions, but the essence remains intact, lots of colours and happiness.

The festival of Holi is synonymous with colours. While the rituals may vary across the country, colours are one significant feature of this festival that remains unchanged almost everywhere.

The festival of Holi is synonymous with colours. While the rituals may vary across the country, colours are one significant feature of this festival that remains unchanged almost everywhere. That is Holi as we popularly know it. But here's another version of the festival. This lesser known version is celebrated at Mahashmashan cremation ground in Varanasi, where people play Holi with ashes of the dead. Keeping the local tradition, believed to be 350-year-old, alive in the heart of Varanasi, local devotees on Monday gathered at Manikarnika Ghat and smeared each other with ash and dry colours (gulal) amid burning pyres. The festival is celebrated a day after Rangbhari Ekadashi. The devotees start their day by offering their prayers at the temple of Mahashamashan Nath (the lord of cremation ground), dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sanyasis (ascetics) and common devotees come together and celebrate this festival, singing folk songs and chanting the name of Lord Shiva. "Khele Masane mein Holi Digamber, khele masane mein Holi (Lord Shiva plays Holi at cremation place)," the devotees chant while colouring the sky gray with ash and blue, red and green with gulal. It is believed that a dead human's soul finds salvation (moksha), when cremated at Manikarnika Ghat. On this day, the city celebrates death with the hope of attaining 'moksha' (salvation). There are many other local versions of Holi that are far different from what most of the city folks are aware of. For instance, in Uttar Pradesh's Barsane and Nandgaon, Holi is an elaborate festival that is goes on for days. However, it is celebrated in a different manner each day. It starts with laddu mar Holi, where people play Holi by throwing laddu (an Indian sweet) at each other, adding extra sweetness to the already colourful festival. A few days later, local residents of both the towns celebrate Lath Maar Holi, a two-day festival where women playfully beat men, who try to put colour on them, with sticks. On the first day of the festival, the men from Nandgon visit Barsane and on the second day, men from Barsane visit Nandgaon to play Holi. In Uttrakhand, the festival is called Baithaki Holi or Khadi Holi. The day is celebrated as a musical gathering where people don their traditional attire and go around the city in groups singing folk songs. In a country as diverse as ours, where the spoken language changes after every few kilometres, just like the taste of the water, the festival of Holi might be celebrated in different versions, but the essence remains intact, lots of colours and happiness.

Holi 2019: In Varanasi, people celebrate with pyre ashes

Asansol Mayor and TMC MLA Jitendra Tiwari courted controversy on Tuesday after he promised party councillors with contracts worth lakhs of rupees if they ensured victory of TMC Lok Sabha candidate Moon Moon Sen from their respective wards.

Tiwari, while conducting an election committee meeting in Asansol, West Bengal&nbsp;in presence of Sen, promised contracts worth Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh to the party councillors depending on the number of votes polled in favour of the TMC LS candidate.&nbsp;

"If you are able to get a lead of more than 5,000 votes in your ward, I promise you to give contracts worth Rs 1 crore, if you manage to get a lead of 3,000 votes, you will get contracts worth Rs 50 lakh. If you manage a lead of 2,000 and 1,000 votes, you will be given contracts worth Rs 25 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively," he said.

The Asansol mayor also said if any councillor failed to ensure a lead of votes, he or she should resign from the post.

"If I fail to give a lead from my ward, I will also resign," he said.

Commenting on the statement, Union minister and BJP candidate from the seat Babul Supriyo said the remarks reflect the TMC culture and how the party conducts elections in the state.

"It shows their culture. I would urge the Election Commission to take note of it and take steps accordingly. It shows how TMC is trying to use money power in the elections," he said.

Senior TMC leader and state Municipal Affairs Minister Firhad Hakim, however, came to Tiwari's defence and said he was encouraging councillors to work hard in the elections.&nbsp;

Asansol Mayor and TMC MLA Jitendra Tiwari courted controversy on Tuesday after he promised party councillors with contracts worth lakhs of rupees if they ensured victory of TMC Lok Sabha candidate Moon Moon Sen from their respective wards.

Asansol Mayor and TMC MLA Jitendra Tiwari courted controversy on Tuesday after he promised party councillors with contracts worth lakhs of rupees if they ensured victory of TMC Lok Sabha candidate Moon Moon Sen from their respective wards. Tiwari, while conducting an election committee meeting in Asansol, West Bengal in presence of Sen, promised contracts worth Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh to the party councillors depending on the number of votes polled in favour of the TMC LS candidate. "If you are able to get a lead of more than 5,000 votes in your ward, I promise you to give contracts worth Rs 1 crore, if you manage to get a lead of 3,000 votes, you will get contracts worth Rs 50 lakh. If you manage a lead of 2,000 and 1,000 votes, you will be given contracts worth Rs 25 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively," he said. The Asansol mayor also said if any councillor failed to ensure a lead of votes, he or she should resign from the post. "If I fail to give a lead from my ward, I will also resign," he said. Commenting on the statement, Union minister and BJP candidate from the seat Babul Supriyo said the remarks reflect the TMC culture and how the party conducts elections in the state. "It shows their culture. I would urge the Election Commission to take note of it and take steps accordingly. It shows how TMC is trying to use money power in the elections," he said. Senior TMC leader and state Municipal Affairs Minister Firhad Hakim, however, came to Tiwari's defence and said he was encouraging councillors to work hard in the elections.

Lok Sabha 2019: TMC MLA promises contracts if councillors ensure victory of party candidate

India Thursday welcomed the arrest of bank fraud accused Nirav Modi by British authorities in London, and said it was engaged with the UK for his extradition at the earliest.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said India continued to actively follow up with the UK the case of Modi's extradition to India.&nbsp;

"We welcome the fact that Nirav Modi has been arrested by the United Kingdom authorities pursuant to the arrest warrant issued by the Westminster Magistrate Court," Kumar said.&nbsp;

"Government of India continues to actively follow up this matter with the authorities concerned in the UK, with a view to have Nirav Modi extradited to India at the earliest," he said.

The arrest of Modi, the main accused in the USD 2 billion PNB scam case, came days after a London court issued an arrest warrant against him in response to a request by the Enforcement Directorate for his extradition in a money laundering case.

On Wednesday, a court in the UK, remanded him in custody till March 29. 
Modi and his uncle, Mehul Choksi, are the main accused in the PNB scam and they both left India before the details of the fraud came to light in January 2018.

Modi is one of India's richest men, worth an estimated USD 1.75 billion, according to Forbes. He launched his own eponymous brand in 2010 and he soon had stores across India, as well as in New York, London and Hong Kong.&nbsp;

India Thursday welcomed the arrest of bank fraud accused Nirav Modi by British authorities in London, and said it was engaged with the UK for his extradition at the earliest.

India Thursday welcomed the arrest of bank fraud accused Nirav Modi by British authorities in London, and said it was engaged with the UK for his extradition at the earliest. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said India continued to actively follow up with the UK the case of Modi's extradition to India. "We welcome the fact that Nirav Modi has been arrested by the United Kingdom authorities pursuant to the arrest warrant issued by the Westminster Magistrate Court," Kumar said. "Government of India continues to actively follow up this matter with the authorities concerned in the UK, with a view to have Nirav Modi extradited to India at the earliest," he said. The arrest of Modi, the main accused in the USD 2 billion PNB scam case, came days after a London court issued an arrest warrant against him in response to a request by the Enforcement Directorate for his extradition in a money laundering case. On Wednesday, a court in the UK, remanded him in custody till March 29. Modi and his uncle, Mehul Choksi, are the main accused in the PNB scam and they both left India before the details of the fraud came to light in January 2018. Modi is one of India's richest men, worth an estimated USD 1.75 billion, according to Forbes. He launched his own eponymous brand in 2010 and he soon had stores across India, as well as in New York, London and Hong Kong.

India engaged with UK for earliest extradition of Nirav Modi: MEA

Mumbai, a city known for its high-end fine dining restaurants and lifestyle extravaganza, is always open to out of box ideas, not shying away from experiments.&nbsp;

And the new Cardboard cafe is taking Mumbai's experimental side to another level, with its entire interior landscape, including furniture, light fixtures, cutlery holder made with cardboard.

Cardboard is India's first cafe outfitted with the material and is located in the city's bustling business district of Bandra Kurla Complex. &nbsp;

The overall space has been designed using parametric modelling, one of the striking features is the interior wall of surging circular panels, giving a seemingly wave-like effect.&nbsp;
<img alt="Cardboard cafe in Mumbai." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9c9300db-68a3-4066-96e5-17255a208f39" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cardboard%202.jpg" />
Mumbai based architect Nuru Karim who designed the cafe said, "Cardboard is a tremendous material, it comprises 50 per cent of air which makes it lightweight. It has flutings which makes it structurally strong. The furniture inside is wax laminated to repel any water seepage."

Conceived and designed to bring a contemporary appeal to the concept of environment-friendly and sustainable architecture, the cafe is driving home the message of climate change and global warming in a snazzy way.&nbsp;

While the cafe is high on eco-design, its also endeavouring to offer an offbeat culinary experience, plenty of vegan options and an array of organic coffees to choose from. &nbsp;
<img alt="Cardboard cafe" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a18ce12-26f7-4c4f-be93-c355133ed877" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cardboard%203.jpg" />
"When people enter the cafe, they realise it's not just packaging, the concept is around sustainability and we uphold the idea to create, consume and change. The food served is a fusion of Spanish, American and South Indian," said Yung Dhanani, founder of the Cardboard cafe.

Mumbai, a city known for its high-end fine dining restaurants and lifestyle extravaganza, is always open to out of box ideas, not shying away from experiments. And the new Cardboard cafe is taking Mumbai's experimental side to another level, with its entire interior landscape, including furniture, light fixtures, cutlery holder made with cardboard.

Mumbai, a city known for its high-end fine dining restaurants and lifestyle extravaganza, is always open to out of box ideas, not shying away from experiments. And the new Cardboard cafe is taking Mumbai's experimental side to another level, with its entire interior landscape, including furniture, light fixtures, cutlery holder made with cardboard. Cardboard is India's first cafe outfitted with the material and is located in the city's bustling business district of Bandra Kurla Complex. The overall space has been designed using parametric modelling, one of the striking features is the interior wall of surging circular panels, giving a seemingly wave-like effect. Mumbai based architect Nuru Karim who designed the cafe said, "Cardboard is a tremendous material, it comprises 50 per cent of air which makes it lightweight. It has flutings which makes it structurally strong. The furniture inside is wax laminated to repel any water seepage." Conceived and designed to bring a contemporary appeal to the concept of environment-friendly and sustainable architecture, the cafe is driving home the message of climate change and global warming in a snazzy way. While the cafe is high on eco-design, its also endeavouring to offer an offbeat culinary experience, plenty of vegan options and an array of organic coffees to choose from. "When people enter the cafe, they realise it's not just packaging, the concept is around sustainability and we uphold the idea to create, consume and change. The food served is a fusion of Spanish, American and South Indian," said Yung Dhanani, founder of the Cardboard cafe.

High on sustainability, Mumbai gets India's first Cardboard Cafe

A school in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai has introduced a virtual teacher to its students. The 'robo-teacher', as students fondly call it, teaches them mathematics, science and languages.

The teacher interacts with students through a voice interface and answers their questions ranging from weather updates to general information.

The 'robo-teacher' is a hit with students; the attendance record has actually improved as students are excited to come back with questions.

The novel idea to introduce a voice interface enabled teacher is the brainchild of a teacher, Pooja Sankhe. She introduced the virtual assistant almost a year ago, at Ramakrishna Paramhans Marathi school run by BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

"I am always keen to incorporate new ways into my teaching, and the virtual teacher does exactly that. Students are learning questioning skills and researching to come up with new questions. This is also an attempt to improve their English language skills," she told WION.

Sankhe got the idea of creating this teacher after using Amazon's voice assistant Alexa. She merged the voice interface with a mannequin to give education a scientific touch.&nbsp;

She adds, "other government&nbsp;schools in the city have also got in touch with me to create their virtual teacher. Each virtual assistant comes at a cost of rupees ten thousand, which includes the Alexa device and externally sourced mannequin."

In 2018, Pooja Sankhe was honoured with the Best teacher award for her novel contribution to school education.

Civic schools in India offer subsidised education to all sections of society. They cater to a large number of students in modest set-ups. But one of the biggest problems they face is low attendance.

The "robo-teacher"&nbsp;aims to change that. Sankhe's idea has caught the attention of many government schools in Maharashtra; they are turning to virtual teaching to aid traditional curriculum. And excited students are eager to use this technology in their course of learning.

A school in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai has introduced a virtual teacher to its students. The 'robo-teacher', as students fondly call it, teaches them mathematics, science and languages.

A school in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai has introduced a virtual teacher to its students. The 'robo-teacher', as students fondly call it, teaches them mathematics, science and languages. The teacher interacts with students through a voice interface and answers their questions ranging from weather updates to general information. The 'robo-teacher' is a hit with students; the attendance record has actually improved as students are excited to come back with questions. The novel idea to introduce a voice interface enabled teacher is the brainchild of a teacher, Pooja Sankhe. She introduced the virtual assistant almost a year ago, at Ramakrishna Paramhans Marathi school run by BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). "I am always keen to incorporate new ways into my teaching, and the virtual teacher does exactly that. Students are learning questioning skills and researching to come up with new questions. This is also an attempt to improve their English language skills," she told WION. Sankhe got the idea of creating this teacher after using Amazon's voice assistant Alexa. She merged the voice interface with a mannequin to give education a scientific touch. She adds, "other government schools in the city have also got in touch with me to create their virtual teacher. Each virtual assistant comes at a cost of rupees ten thousand, which includes the Alexa device and externally sourced mannequin." In 2018, Pooja Sankhe was honoured with the Best teacher award for her novel contribution to school education. Civic schools in India offer subsidised education to all sections of society. They cater to a large number of students in modest set-ups. But one of the biggest problems they face is low attendance. The "robo-teacher" aims to change that. Sankhe's idea has caught the attention of many government schools in Maharashtra; they are turning to virtual teaching to aid traditional curriculum. And excited students are eager to use this technology in their course of learning.

Mumbai's Alexa-inspired 'robo-teacher' excites students, answers questions on weather to general information

While fashion has no bounds, a Mumbai-based optometrist is making contact lenses out of pure gold, silver and diamond. The never seen before trend comes at an exorbitant price but the glitterati of Mumbai are eager to sport dazzling gold eyes.

Dr Chandrashekhar Chawan has received a patent for the gold, silver, diamond lenses. And he has been selling these abroad as well.

He filed for the patent from India. So, he is the only one who introduced the lenses to India and overseas.&nbsp;

Customers have so far haven't complained of any discomfort as the gold does not touch the sensitive eye tissue.

Dr&nbsp;Chawan&nbsp;also makes designer lenses for Bollywood movies.

Mrunal Gaikwad, a model based out of Mumbai said, "I have been using the gold contact lenses for four years and I love how they look on me, without any safety issues."

India is the world's second-biggest consumer of gold. Be it for weddings or investment, the golden metal is an invaluable commodity for millions of people in Asia's third-largest economy.&nbsp;

While many have adapted gold in the form of jewellery, clothing to even tooth implants, fashionistas in Mumbai are taking it a notch higher.

The latest to pick trend are gold plated, diamond studded contact lenses.&nbsp;

Dr Chawan has invented these gold plated contact lenses that use a very minimum amount of gold nanoparticles of 24 carats in a specialised paste form and is surface coated on soft lenses with an extra layer of ''Tetrafilcon A'' to set it together.

Prices for these sparkling contact lenses go up to $11,000.&nbsp;

"Indians love gold tremendously and on every social occasion, they wear gold jewellery. I wanted to put the glitter of gold in the eyes of India and so invented, Golden View. I believe this is a great fashion statement," said Dr Chawan.&nbsp;

Customers can opt for gold, silver, diamond studs or even customize patterns to bring the desired sparkle to the eye.

For anybody who wears regular cosmetic contact lenses, these designer soft contacts can be the next big thing.&nbsp;

While fashion has no bounds, a Mumbai-based optometrist is making contact lenses out of pure gold, silver and diamond. The never seen before trend comes at an exorbitant price but the glitterati of Mumbai are eager to sport dazzling gold eyes.

While fashion has no bounds, a Mumbai-based optometrist is making contact lenses out of pure gold, silver and diamond. The never seen before trend comes at an exorbitant price but the glitterati of Mumbai are eager to sport dazzling gold eyes. Dr Chandrashekhar Chawan has received a patent for the gold, silver, diamond lenses. And he has been selling these abroad as well. He filed for the patent from India. So, he is the only one who introduced the lenses to India and overseas. Customers have so far haven't complained of any discomfort as the gold does not touch the sensitive eye tissue. Dr Chawan also makes designer lenses for Bollywood movies. Mrunal Gaikwad, a model based out of Mumbai said, "I have been using the gold contact lenses for four years and I love how they look on me, without any safety issues." India is the world's second-biggest consumer of gold. Be it for weddings or investment, the golden metal is an invaluable commodity for millions of people in Asia's third-largest economy. While many have adapted gold in the form of jewellery, clothing to even tooth implants, fashionistas in Mumbai are taking it a notch higher. The latest to pick trend are gold plated, diamond studded contact lenses. Dr Chawan has invented these gold plated contact lenses that use a very minimum amount of gold nanoparticles of 24 carats in a specialised paste form and is surface coated on soft lenses with an extra layer of ''Tetrafilcon A'' to set it together. Prices for these sparkling contact lenses go up to $11,000. "Indians love gold tremendously and on every social occasion, they wear gold jewellery. I wanted to put the glitter of gold in the eyes of India and so invented, Golden View. I believe this is a great fashion statement," said Dr Chawan. Customers can opt for gold, silver, diamond studs or even customize patterns to bring the desired sparkle to the eye. For anybody who wears regular cosmetic contact lenses, these designer soft contacts can be the next big thing.

For your eyes only - Patented gold, silver & diamond contact lenses

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a bid to amplify its poll campaign, is now looking at reaching out to the masses with the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjps-wrong-foot-on-social-media-ministers-prefix-chowkidar-to-twitter-handles-204159">Main Bhi Chowkidar</a>'&nbsp;caller tune ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

As part of the move, subscribers of various mobile networks will now be able to access and download the caller tune.

'Main Bhi Chowkidar'&nbsp;was launched on Saturday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A day after the launch of the campaign, the Prime Minister, as well as a number of BJP leaders across the country, added the prefix 'chowkidar'&nbsp;to their Twitter handles as a mark of support to the poll campaign.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Modi will address over 25 lakh 'chowkidars'&nbsp;(security guards) from across the country today via audio conference.

He is also slated to address security guards from 500 locations who are associated with the `Main Bhi Chowkidar` campaign, on March 31.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a bid to amplify its poll campaign, is now looking at reaching out to the masses with the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' caller tune ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a bid to amplify its poll campaign, is now looking at reaching out to the masses with the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' caller tune ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. As part of the move, subscribers of various mobile networks will now be able to access and download the caller tune. 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' was launched on Saturday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A day after the launch of the campaign, the Prime Minister, as well as a number of BJP leaders across the country, added the prefix 'chowkidar' to their Twitter handles as a mark of support to the poll campaign. In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Modi will address over 25 lakh 'chowkidars' (security guards) from across the country today via audio conference. He is also slated to address security guards from 500 locations who are associated with the `Main Bhi Chowkidar` campaign, on March 31.

Lok Sabha 2019: BJP amplifies poll campaign with 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' caller tunes

Just days before Holi, the festival of colours, the focus is back once again on organic colours. These colours are called organic because these are made by using organis waste like used flowers and leaves.

The organic colours are also preferred because of the spate of skin diseases during Holi and the days afterwards.

"In an approximately Rs 4,500-crore unorganised Holi colour market, the share of the organic variety is miniscule, but growing," said Madhumita Puri, Founder and Executive Director of Avacayam Naturals, a Delhi-based manufacturer of organic colours.

The adverse effects of synthetic colours was observed in a study titled 'The Holi Dermatoses', published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology.

In the study conducted on 42 people in Kolkata, 11 of them suffered due to activities related to preparation of colours and 12 reported aggravation of pre-existing dermatoses.

Nearly 60 per cent patients reported itching, while others reported to have suffered from a burning sensation, scaling, redness and watering of the eyes, as per the study.

How organic colours are made

"After the flowers are collected, the workers sort them in different baskets according to their colour. Then, the petals and seed pods are separated and cut. These are then spread out to dry in a well ventilated space for all the moisture to evaporate.

"After that, they are ground and processed - without adding any chemicals - to be made into colours for people to enjoy," said Puri, adding that the process of collection, drying, and grinding continues throughout the year but it is only before festivals that these are processed into the final product.

"In a year, we manufacture around 20 tonne of pure organic colour, some of which is sold to Walmart India. One kilo of colour is sold between Rs 600 and Rs 1,000."

When asked about the expiry date of these colours, Puri said: "The product is a dry one and completely natural. We have been testing them since five years now and have not found any deterioration in the quality, fungal infestations, or weevils. So there is no 'expiry date' to them."

Another such manufacturer is Jaipur-based Red Earth which makes colours "exclusively from edible materials and scent them with pure, traditional attars".

Himanshu Verma, Director-Owner of Red Earth, said, "Every 2-3 years, we change our colour palette... this year we have four colours - Sunehra Dhamaal, Shvet Abeer, Neem Sanrachna, and Gulabi Nagariya - that are inspired by local materials."

"The colours are curated on the basis of availability of local materials. We use items like camphor, neem, mehendi, multani-mitti, geru powder, arrowroot, flour, and others," Verma said, adding that 50-60 per cent materials used are edible so that even if someone ingests them by mistake, they will not be as harmful.

(With inputs from IANS)

Just days before Holi, the festival of colours, the focus is back once again on organic colours. These colours are called organic because these are made by using organis waste like used flowers and leaves.

Just days before Holi, the festival of colours, the focus is back once again on organic colours. These colours are called organic because these are made by using organis waste like used flowers and leaves. The organic colours are also preferred because of the spate of skin diseases during Holi and the days afterwards. "In an approximately Rs 4,500-crore unorganised Holi colour market, the share of the organic variety is miniscule, but growing," said Madhumita Puri, Founder and Executive Director of Avacayam Naturals, a Delhi-based manufacturer of organic colours. The adverse effects of synthetic colours was observed in a study titled 'The Holi Dermatoses', published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology. In the study conducted on 42 people in Kolkata, 11 of them suffered due to activities related to preparation of colours and 12 reported aggravation of pre-existing dermatoses. Nearly 60 per cent patients reported itching, while others reported to have suffered from a burning sensation, scaling, redness and watering of the eyes, as per the study. How organic colours are made "After the flowers are collected, the workers sort them in different baskets according to their colour. Then, the petals and seed pods are separated and cut. These are then spread out to dry in a well ventilated space for all the moisture to evaporate. "After that, they are ground and processed - without adding any chemicals - to be made into colours for people to enjoy," said Puri, adding that the process of collection, drying, and grinding continues throughout the year but it is only before festivals that these are processed into the final product. "In a year, we manufacture around 20 tonne of pure organic colour, some of which is sold to Walmart India. One kilo of colour is sold between Rs 600 and Rs 1,000." When asked about the expiry date of these colours, Puri said: "The product is a dry one and completely natural. We have been testing them since five years now and have not found any deterioration in the quality, fungal infestations, or weevils. So there is no 'expiry date' to them." Another such manufacturer is Jaipur-based Red Earth which makes colours "exclusively from edible materials and scent them with pure, traditional attars". Himanshu Verma, Director-Owner of Red Earth, said, "Every 2-3 years, we change our colour palette... this year we have four colours - Sunehra Dhamaal, Shvet Abeer, Neem Sanrachna, and Gulabi Nagariya - that are inspired by local materials." "The colours are curated on the basis of availability of local materials. We use items like camphor, neem, mehendi, multani-mitti, geru powder, arrowroot, flour, and others," Verma said, adding that 50-60 per cent materials used are edible so that even if someone ingests them by mistake, they will not be as harmful. (With inputs from IANS)

Holi 2019: Organic colours and their growing usage

Nine people were injured, one of them critically, after naxals blew up a civilian vehicle using an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday, police said.

The incident took place around 7.45 pm near Peddakodepal village when the victims were heading towards neighbouring Dantewada district in an SUV to visit a fair, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Govardhan Ram Thakur told.

"All the nine occupants, including the driver, of the vehicle were injured in the blast," he said.

After being alerted, a police team rushed to the spot and admitted the injured people to a hospital, Thakur said, adding that the condition of one of them is reportedly serious.

Police suspect that the rebels might have planned to target the security forces, whose movement has been intensified in view of the Lok Sabha elections, but mistakenly attacked the civilian vehicle.&nbsp;

Nine people were injured, one of them critically, after naxals blew up a civilian vehicle using an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday, police said.

Nine people were injured, one of them critically, after naxals blew up a civilian vehicle using an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday, police said. The incident took place around 7.45 pm near Peddakodepal village when the victims were heading towards neighbouring Dantewada district in an SUV to visit a fair, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Govardhan Ram Thakur told. "All the nine occupants, including the driver, of the vehicle were injured in the blast," he said. After being alerted, a police team rushed to the spot and admitted the injured people to a hospital, Thakur said, adding that the condition of one of them is reportedly serious. Police suspect that the rebels might have planned to target the security forces, whose movement has been intensified in view of the Lok Sabha elections, but mistakenly attacked the civilian vehicle.

Nine injured as Naxals blow up SUV using IED in Chhattisgarh

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti opined that opening corridors like the Kartarpur Corridor would "promote friendship" between India and Pakistan.

"It's a very welcome step that the Kartarpur Corridor is being opened. I wish we could have more such corridors - Jammu-Sialkot, etc. These roots can allow people and goods to go across from these borders. It would promote friendship rather than animosity between the two sides," Mufti told ANI on Tuesday.

Following delegation-level talks on March 14, experts from India and Pakistan held a meeting at the Zero Point of the Kartarpur Corridor to discuss technical details, including Finished Road Level, High Flood level.

The next meeting on operationalisation of the corridor will be held at Wagah on April 2.

Meanwhile, Mufti, while taking a jibe at BJP`s 'Main Bhi Chowkidar'&nbsp;campaign, said, "This is for the first time in the history of our country, with our Prime Minister as the 'Chowkidar', you still have people like Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and Mehul Choksi, who are looting the country with thousands and thousands of crore rupees and they have left the country. So, I don't know what kind of a 'Chowkidar'&nbsp;you are talking about."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign on Saturday, a day after which he and a number of other BJP leaders added the prefix 'chowkidar'&nbsp;to their respective Twitter handles.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti opined that opening corridors like the Kartarpur Corridor would "promote friendship" between India and Pakistan.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti opined that opening corridors like the Kartarpur Corridor would "promote friendship" between India and Pakistan. "It's a very welcome step that the Kartarpur Corridor is being opened. I wish we could have more such corridors - Jammu-Sialkot, etc. These roots can allow people and goods to go across from these borders. It would promote friendship rather than animosity between the two sides," Mufti told ANI on Tuesday. Following delegation-level talks on March 14, experts from India and Pakistan held a meeting at the Zero Point of the Kartarpur Corridor to discuss technical details, including Finished Road Level, High Flood level. The next meeting on operationalisation of the corridor will be held at Wagah on April 2. Meanwhile, Mufti, while taking a jibe at BJP`s 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign, said, "This is for the first time in the history of our country, with our Prime Minister as the 'Chowkidar', you still have people like Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and Mehul Choksi, who are looting the country with thousands and thousands of crore rupees and they have left the country. So, I don't know what kind of a 'Chowkidar' you are talking about." Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign on Saturday, a day after which he and a number of other BJP leaders added the prefix 'chowkidar' to their respective Twitter handles.

Wish we could have more corridors like Kartarpur between India, Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Tuesday termed leaders of BJP as 'duplicate Hindus'&nbsp;while referring to himself as a 'real Hindu'.

"Political parties should not decide where should Janmabhoomi stay, the matter is in the court. Are we not Hindus? We are going to temples and performing puja. Are we going to temples only after BJP says? Hindu religion says everyone should be respected. You (BJP) are duplicate Hindus and we are real Hindus. You also belong to political Hindutva," KCR said while addressing a public meeting in Nizamabad.

He further said that he will announce the TRS candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election on March 21.

"The central governments since the last 73 years have always neglected farmers and labours. There is no water available, nothing has happened till now. Many Naxal movements have started. They have staged dramas, but not done any work. That is why I am saying federal front should come," the Telangana Chief Minister said.

"BJP has moulded 15 to 20 groups and the BJP leaders are abusing me in the groups. Today, the public is listening to the speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. They are screaming and I want to ask who they are screaming at. Congress ruled for 65 years and BJP ruled for 11 years. If Congress could have done correct work then the country would have developed a lot."

KCR further claimed that Telangana is the only state in the country which is giving 24 hours power supply to farmers.

"If Congress comes to power, one thing is certain - they will name all the Yojanas (schemes) after Jawahar Lal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi. The schemes will come up with these names. And if BJP comes to power, they will name Yojanas after Deendayal Upadhyaya, Shyam Prasad Mukherji. The names of the schemes will change but the fate of the public will not change in the country," he said.

"Today in the country more than three lakh megawatts current is available, but half of the country is under darkness. Congress and BJP are not competent enough to use the available current in the country," added KCR.

He later went on to compare India with countries like Singapore and China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Tuesday termed leaders of BJP as 'duplicate Hindus' while referring to himself as a 'real Hindu'. "Political parties should not decide where should Janmabhoomi stay, the matter is in the court.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Tuesday termed leaders of BJP as 'duplicate Hindus' while referring to himself as a 'real Hindu'. "Political parties should not decide where should Janmabhoomi stay, the matter is in the court. Are we not Hindus? We are going to temples and performing puja. Are we going to temples only after BJP says? Hindu religion says everyone should be respected. You (BJP) are duplicate Hindus and we are real Hindus. You also belong to political Hindutva," KCR said while addressing a public meeting in Nizamabad. He further said that he will announce the TRS candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election on March 21. "The central governments since the last 73 years have always neglected farmers and labours. There is no water available, nothing has happened till now. Many Naxal movements have started. They have staged dramas, but not done any work. That is why I am saying federal front should come," the Telangana Chief Minister said. "BJP has moulded 15 to 20 groups and the BJP leaders are abusing me in the groups. Today, the public is listening to the speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. They are screaming and I want to ask who they are screaming at. Congress ruled for 65 years and BJP ruled for 11 years. If Congress could have done correct work then the country would have developed a lot." KCR further claimed that Telangana is the only state in the country which is giving 24 hours power supply to farmers. "If Congress comes to power, one thing is certain - they will name all the Yojanas (schemes) after Jawahar Lal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi. The schemes will come up with these names. And if BJP comes to power, they will name Yojanas after Deendayal Upadhyaya, Shyam Prasad Mukherji. The names of the schemes will change but the fate of the public will not change in the country," he said. "Today in the country more than three lakh megawatts current is available, but half of the country is under darkness. Congress and BJP are not competent enough to use the available current in the country," added KCR. He later went on to compare India with countries like Singapore and China.

KCR calls BJP 'duplicate Hindus', says 'we are real Hindus'

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