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Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Ram Madhav said on Wednesday that the party would fight alone in the Mizoram assembly election, but might forge an alliance with like-minded parties.

Addressing a press conference here, Madhav, who is in charge of the Northeast, said the BJP would field candidates in all the 40 assembly seats if possible.

On the Opposition calling Mizo National Front (MNF) "proxy" of the BJP, the general secretary termed it "ridiculous". The party would contest against the MNF and the National People's Party in the polls, though they are constituents of North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

NEDA is a political coalition formed in 2016 by the BJP, along with regional political parties of the northeast like Naga People's Front, Sikkim Democratic Front, People's Party of Arunachal, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front.

He asserted that the BJP "respected" the food habits, distinct cultural and customs of the Mizos and their religion.

Madhav accused the ruling Congress, headed by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla -- in power for 10 years -- of being corrupt and inefficient.

The Thanhawla regime did not create any basic infrastructure development during the last decade, though the Centre initiated several developmental projects and funding the projects, the BJP leader said.

If voted to power, the BJP would construct a four-lane highway across the state, linking both Myanmar and Bangladesh, Madhav said. The proposed highway would ensure access to the international market and open the east-west corridor for trade.

He added that engineering colleges would be established at Lunglei and Champhai districts if the saffron party wins.

Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Ram Madhav said on Wednesday that the party would fight alone in the Mizoram assembly election, but might forge an alliance with like-minded parties.

Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Ram Madhav said on Wednesday that the party would fight alone in the Mizoram assembly election, but might forge an alliance with like-minded parties. Addressing a press conference here, Madhav, who is in charge of the Northeast, said the BJP would field candidates in all the 40 assembly seats if possible. On the Opposition calling Mizo National Front (MNF) "proxy" of the BJP, the general secretary termed it "ridiculous". The party would contest against the MNF and the National People's Party in the polls, though they are constituents of North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). NEDA is a political coalition formed in 2016 by the BJP, along with regional political parties of the northeast like Naga People's Front, Sikkim Democratic Front, People's Party of Arunachal, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front. He asserted that the BJP "respected" the food habits, distinct cultural and customs of the Mizos and their religion. Madhav accused the ruling Congress, headed by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla -- in power for 10 years -- of being corrupt and inefficient. The Thanhawla regime did not create any basic infrastructure development during the last decade, though the Centre initiated several developmental projects and funding the projects, the BJP leader said. If voted to power, the BJP would construct a four-lane highway across the state, linking both Myanmar and Bangladesh, Madhav said. The proposed highway would ensure access to the international market and open the east-west corridor for trade. He added that engineering colleges would be established at Lunglei and Champhai districts if the saffron party wins.

BJP to go alone in Mizoram poll: General Secretary 

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday announced that the BSP will contest assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on its own sans any alliance, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

At a press briefing in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati accused the BJP and the Congress of conspiring against her party and trying to finish it.&nbsp;

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Congress, like the BJP, is conspiring to finish off our (BSP) party: BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI <a href="https://t.co/gCPoSSaaG1">pic.twitter.com/gCPoSSaaG1</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1047439440665358336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Congress is getting arrogant and are under the misconception that they can defeat the BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes and corruption... They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves," she noted.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Delhi: BSP Chief Mayawati's reaction when asked if there is any possibility of a BSP-Congress alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha &amp; assembly elections. <a href="https://t.co/jAztvwiV7r">pic.twitter.com/jAztvwiV7r</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1047442598363848704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this."

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They (Congress) are getting arrogant &amp; are under misconception that they can defeat BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes&amp;corruption...They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves: BSP chief Mayawati to ANI <a href="https://t.co/sjdOMaKN4c">pic.twitter.com/sjdOMaKN4c</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1047438202007633920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added.&nbsp;

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I feel that Sonia Gandhi &amp; Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest. However some Congress leaders are sabotaging this : BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI <a href="https://t.co/KNZyCgD0rX">pic.twitter.com/KNZyCgD0rX</a>
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Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are slated to go assembly polls later this year.&nbsp;

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday announced that the BSP will contest assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on its own sans any alliance, news agency ANI reported.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Wednesday announced that the BSP will contest assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan on its own sans any alliance, news agency ANI reported. At a press briefing in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati accused the BJP and the Congress of conspiring against her party and trying to finish it. Congress, like the BJP, is conspiring to finish off our (BSP) party: BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI pic.twitter.com/gCPoSSaaG1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × "Congress is getting arrogant and are under the misconception that they can defeat the BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes and corruption... They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves," she noted. #WATCH Delhi: BSP Chief Mayawati's reaction when asked if there is any possibility of a BSP-Congress alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha & assembly elections. pic.twitter.com/jAztvwiV7r — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × She also added that she feels that "Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest, however, some Congress leaders are sabotaging this." They (Congress) are getting arrogant & are under misconception that they can defeat BJP on their own but the ground reality is that people haven't forgiven Congress party for their mistakes&corruption...They don't seem to be ready to rectify themselves: BSP chief Mayawati to ANI pic.twitter.com/sjdOMaKN4c — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × "Digvijaya Singh, who is also a BJP agent, is giving statements that Mayawati ji has a lot of pressure from Centre so she doesn’t want this alliance. This is baseless," the BSP chief added. I feel that Sonia Gandhi & Rahul Gandhi's intentions for Congress-BSP alliance are honest. However some Congress leaders are sabotaging this : BSP Chief Mayawati to ANI pic.twitter.com/KNZyCgD0rX — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 3, 2018 × Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are slated to go assembly polls later this year.

Watch: Mayawati says BSP will fight assembly elections alone in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

World`s tallest building Burj Khalifa in Dubai was lit up with the picture and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his birth anniversary on October 2.

In a statement, India`s Ambassador to UAE Navdeep Suri said, "I am delighted that we are celebrating one of the tallest personalities the world has seen by screening his image on the iconic building. I am sure that the events that we will organize over the next few months will not only remind all of us about the enduring message of Mahatma Gandhi but also motivate no to put some of his lessons into practice."

He took to Twitter to write, "Such a joy to see the Burj Khalifa lit up with Gandhiji - visuals, text and music in perfect harmony. A big thanks to our friends at Emaar and the great team at @cgidubai for making it happen."The event was organised by the Indian Embassy, Abu Dhabi and Indian Consulate, Dubai along with Emaar Properties.

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Such a joy to see the Burj Khalifa lit up with Gandhiji - visuals, text and music in perfect harmony. A big thanks to our friends at Emaar and the great team at <a href="https://twitter.com/cgidubai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cgidubai</a> for making it happen. <a href="https://t.co/CWTp06YpOC">pic.twitter.com/CWTp06YpOC</a>
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The Consulate General of India, Dubai also welcomed the admirers of Gandhiji to witness the special LED screening which pays homage to this "apostle of truth, peace, and non-violence" in the world.

Dubbing the event as a "gesture of manifestation of the strong friendly ties between India and UAE", Consul General Vipul appreciated the support of the Emaar and the leadership of UAE for organising the special LED display on Burj Khalifa."Gandhiji`s lofty ideals on world`s tallest building Burj Khalifa on his birth anniversary. Thank you UAE," tweeted the Consulate General of India, Dubai.

A projection show was also held in Indonesia which reflected the ideals that Mahatma Gandhi believed, practiced, lived and also sacrificed his life for.

The Embassy of India in association with Taman Wisaca Candi (TWC) and Regional Government of the Special Province Yogyakarta paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi with an LCD projection at the Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta on October 2.

On the sidelines of the first India Indonesia Interfaith Dialogue, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar will deliver a keynote address on Mahatma Gandhi at Yogyakarta at Universitas Gadjah Mada at Faculty of Cultural Sciences on October 3.&nbsp;

World`s tallest building Burj Khalifa in Dubai was lit up with the picture and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his birth anniversary on October 2.

World`s tallest building Burj Khalifa in Dubai was lit up with the picture and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his birth anniversary on October 2. In a statement, India`s Ambassador to UAE Navdeep Suri said, "I am delighted that we are celebrating one of the tallest personalities the world has seen by screening his image on the iconic building. I am sure that the events that we will organize over the next few months will not only remind all of us about the enduring message of Mahatma Gandhi but also motivate no to put some of his lessons into practice." He took to Twitter to write, "Such a joy to see the Burj Khalifa lit up with Gandhiji - visuals, text and music in perfect harmony. A big thanks to our friends at Emaar and the great team at @cgidubai for making it happen."The event was organised by the Indian Embassy, Abu Dhabi and Indian Consulate, Dubai along with Emaar Properties. Such a joy to see the Burj Khalifa lit up with Gandhiji - visuals, text and music in perfect harmony. A big thanks to our friends at Emaar and the great team at @cgidubai for making it happen. pic.twitter.com/CWTp06YpOC — IndAmbUAE (@navdeepsuri) October 2, 2018 × The Consulate General of India, Dubai also welcomed the admirers of Gandhiji to witness the special LED screening which pays homage to this "apostle of truth, peace, and non-violence" in the world. Dubbing the event as a "gesture of manifestation of the strong friendly ties between India and UAE", Consul General Vipul appreciated the support of the Emaar and the leadership of UAE for organising the special LED display on Burj Khalifa."Gandhiji`s lofty ideals on world`s tallest building Burj Khalifa on his birth anniversary. Thank you UAE," tweeted the Consulate General of India, Dubai. A projection show was also held in Indonesia which reflected the ideals that Mahatma Gandhi believed, practiced, lived and also sacrificed his life for. The Embassy of India in association with Taman Wisaca Candi (TWC) and Regional Government of the Special Province Yogyakarta paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi with an LCD projection at the Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta on October 2. On the sidelines of the first India Indonesia Interfaith Dialogue, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar will deliver a keynote address on Mahatma Gandhi at Yogyakarta at Universitas Gadjah Mada at Faculty of Cultural Sciences on October 3.

Burj Khalifa lit up with Bapu's image on Gandhi Jayanti

India and Russia will hold a joint military exercise from November 18 to 28 in Uttar Pradesh, Russian authorities said Wednesday, ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi.

The exercise -- Indra-2018 -- will see the participation of about 250 servicemen of motorised infantry units of Russia's Eastern Military District (EMD), according to a statement by the EMD.

President Putin will be on a two-day visit to India beginning October 4 to hold the annual India-Russia summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a focus on further boosting bilateral ties, especially defence cooperation.

"The final conference on preparations for the joint Russian-Indian exercise, Indra-2018, has taken place in India," the statement said.

"The sides agreed that the exercise will be held at a training ground near the town of Babina in the state of Uttar Pradesh of the Republic of India, from November 18 to November 28, 2018," it said.

"The Russian side plans to send about 250 servicemen of motorised infantry units of the Eastern Military District, deployed in the Primorye Region (in the Far East)," the statement added. 
&nbsp;

India and Russia will hold a joint military exercise from November 18 to 28 in Uttar Pradesh, Russian authorities said Wednesday, ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi.

India and Russia will hold a joint military exercise from November 18 to 28 in Uttar Pradesh, Russian authorities said Wednesday, ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. The exercise -- Indra-2018 -- will see the participation of about 250 servicemen of motorised infantry units of Russia's Eastern Military District (EMD), according to a statement by the EMD. President Putin will be on a two-day visit to India beginning October 4 to hold the annual India-Russia summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a focus on further boosting bilateral ties, especially defence cooperation. "The final conference on preparations for the joint Russian-Indian exercise, Indra-2018, has taken place in India," the statement said. "The sides agreed that the exercise will be held at a training ground near the town of Babina in the state of Uttar Pradesh of the Republic of India, from November 18 to November 28, 2018," it said. "The Russian side plans to send about 250 servicemen of motorised infantry units of the Eastern Military District, deployed in the Primorye Region (in the Far East)," the statement added.

Russia, India joint military drill to be held in Uttar Pradesh

The Central government on Wednesday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh and its eight police station areas bordering Assam by another six months, news agency ANI reported.

In April, the Ministry of Home Affairs had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-ministry-removes-afspa-completely-from-meghalaya-eight-police-stations-in-arunachal-pradesh-132287">removed the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Meghalaya</a>, cutting the number of police stations in Arunachal Pradesh to eight from sixteen. Besides this, Meghalaya's 20km border belt with Assam was also reduced to 10km.

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Centre extends the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh and its eight police station areas bordering Assam by another six months
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047418428506693632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Nearly 40 per cent of Meghalaya was reported to be under AFSPA until September last year.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated a 37 per cent decline in the number of insurgency incidents in the Northeast region last year.

A 30 per cent decrease in security forces casualties and 23 per cent reduction in civilian deaths was registered since 2017.

The Central government on Wednesday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh and its eight police station areas bordering Assam by another six months, news agency ANI reported.

The Central government on Wednesday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh and its eight police station areas bordering Assam by another six months, news agency ANI reported. In April, the Ministry of Home Affairs had removed the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Meghalaya, cutting the number of police stations in Arunachal Pradesh to eight from sixteen. Besides this, Meghalaya's 20km border belt with Assam was also reduced to 10km. Centre extends the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh and its eight police station areas bordering Assam by another six months — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × Nearly 40 per cent of Meghalaya was reported to be under AFSPA until September last year. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated a 37 per cent decline in the number of insurgency incidents in the Northeast region last year. A 30 per cent decrease in security forces casualties and 23 per cent reduction in civilian deaths was registered since 2017.

Centre extends AFSPA in 3 districts of Arunachal Pradesh, 8 police station areas by 6 months

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the UN's Champions of the Earth Award by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres here on Wednesday.

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were jointly awarded the UN's highest environmental honour for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of cooperation on environmental action.

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Climate and calamity are directly related to culture; if climate is not the focus of culture, calamity cannot be prevented. When I say ‘Sabka Saath,’ I also include nature in it: PM Modi at Champions of the Earth event in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/hcM6Yy9eJE">pic.twitter.com/hcM6Yy9eJE</a>
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Addressing an event in Rajkot on Sunday, Modi had said cleanliness was an important aspect of Mahatma Gandhi's life and the father of the nation was the most deserving candidate for the UN green award.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the UN's Champions of the Earth Award by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres here on Wednesday. PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were jointly awarded the UN's highest environmental honour for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of cooperation on environmental action.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the UN's Champions of the Earth Award by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres here on Wednesday. PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were jointly awarded the UN's highest environmental honour for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of cooperation on environmental action. Climate and calamity are directly related to culture; if climate is not the focus of culture, calamity cannot be prevented. When I say ‘Sabka Saath,’ I also include nature in it: PM Modi at Champions of the Earth event in Delhi pic.twitter.com/hcM6Yy9eJE — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × It is an honour for Indians. Indians are committed to save the environment: PM Narendra Modi on receiving the 'UNEP Champions of the Earth' award pic.twitter.com/hVnlowRyDZ — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × Addressing an event in Rajkot on Sunday, Modi had said cleanliness was an important aspect of Mahatma Gandhi's life and the father of the nation was the most deserving candidate for the UN green award.

UN Secretary General presents PM Narendra Modi with Champions of Earth award

Justice Ranjan Gogoi was on Wednesday sworn in as the 46th Chief Justice of India.&nbsp;

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Gogoi's oath of office was administered by President Ram Nath Kovind. The swearing-in ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Darbar Hall, was brief.

Gogoi is the first person from India's Northeast to assume the country's highest judicial office. He is thought of as a "tough" judge.&nbsp;

Gogoi had made headlines earlier this year when he, along with three of the Supreme Court's seniormost judges, had held an unprecedented press conference. The four judges had at the time hinted to the media that they were unhappy with the way things were being run at the Supreme Court, and that they worried that "democracy was in danger".&nbsp;

The judges had hinted that they were not happy with the way cases were being assigned in the country's highest court. The assigning of cases in the Supreme Court is the Chief Justice's purview.&nbsp;

Gogoi had said last week that tackling pending cases would be a priority during his 13-month-long tenure as CJI.

While Gogoi is yet to reveal his "plan"&nbsp;to tackle pending cases, there are 3.18 crore of them at the moment, he has had resounding success in bridging the gap between the government and public in terms of the distribution of welfare schemes.

As Executive Chairman of National Legal Service Authority (NALSA), Justice Gogoi spearheaded the program to hold legal service camps across the country wherein government departments set up stalls to highlight various welfare schemes and also made them available for the masses.&nbsp;

A recent report released by NALSA said that around 43 lakh people have benefited from the camp.

Justice Gogoi has also been heading a bench in the apex court that is monitoring the preparation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in his home state Assam. The bench has been supervising the process of updating the NRC, prepared to identify residents of the state and weed out illegal migrants.

As CJI, Justice Gogoi will also be heading the bench of the top court that, for the first time in its history, will face a camera inside courtroom for live-streaming of the proceedings.

The pilot project aimed at bringing "transparency and accountability" to the judicial process will initially live-stream only cases of national and constitutional importance.

Gogoi has also been overseeing the case relating to setting up of special courts across the country to exclusively hear and decide on criminal cases against sitting Members of Parliament and State Assemblies.

Gogoi will have a tenure of a little over 13 months and will retire on November 17, 2019.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Justice Ranjan Gogoi was on Wednesday sworn in as the 46th Chief Justice of India. × Gogoi's oath of office was administered by President Ram Nath Kovind. The swearing-in ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Darbar Hall, was brief.

Justice Ranjan Gogoi was on Wednesday sworn in as the 46th Chief Justice of India. × Gogoi's oath of office was administered by President Ram Nath Kovind. The swearing-in ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Darbar Hall, was brief. Gogoi is the first person from India's Northeast to assume the country's highest judicial office. He is thought of as a "tough" judge. Gogoi had made headlines earlier this year when he, along with three of the Supreme Court's seniormost judges, had held an unprecedented press conference. The four judges had at the time hinted to the media that they were unhappy with the way things were being run at the Supreme Court, and that they worried that "democracy was in danger". The judges had hinted that they were not happy with the way cases were being assigned in the country's highest court. The assigning of cases in the Supreme Court is the Chief Justice's purview. Gogoi had said last week that tackling pending cases would be a priority during his 13-month-long tenure as CJI. While Gogoi is yet to reveal his "plan" to tackle pending cases, there are 3.18 crore of them at the moment, he has had resounding success in bridging the gap between the government and public in terms of the distribution of welfare schemes. As Executive Chairman of National Legal Service Authority (NALSA), Justice Gogoi spearheaded the program to hold legal service camps across the country wherein government departments set up stalls to highlight various welfare schemes and also made them available for the masses. A recent report released by NALSA said that around 43 lakh people have benefited from the camp. Justice Gogoi has also been heading a bench in the apex court that is monitoring the preparation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in his home state Assam. The bench has been supervising the process of updating the NRC, prepared to identify residents of the state and weed out illegal migrants. As CJI, Justice Gogoi will also be heading the bench of the top court that, for the first time in its history, will face a camera inside courtroom for live-streaming of the proceedings. The pilot project aimed at bringing "transparency and accountability" to the judicial process will initially live-stream only cases of national and constitutional importance. Gogoi has also been overseeing the case relating to setting up of special courts across the country to exclusively hear and decide on criminal cases against sitting Members of Parliament and State Assemblies. Gogoi will have a tenure of a little over 13 months and will retire on November 17, 2019. (With inputs from ANI)

Ranjan Gogoi sworn in as 46th Chief Justice of India

IAF Chief BS Dhanoa said Wednesday that the Rafale fighter jet, when it is inducted into the air force, will be a "game changer". And he added that HAL continues to stay in the deal.&nbsp;

Dhanoa was speaking at a press conference in Delhi.&nbsp;

"It's a very good aircraft. When it comes to the subcontinent, it will be a game changer. We have lots of advantages in the Rafale deal," ANI quoted Dhanoa as saying.&nbsp;

"It was decided to buy two squadrons through Government to Government, to meet up emergency requirements. HAL was involved in ToT (Transfer of Technology) and licensed production. There is no question of HAL being left out," Dhanoa said.&nbsp;

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It's a very good aircraft. When it comes to the subcontinent, it will be a game changer. We have lots of advantages in the Rafale Deal: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Rafale deal
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047383508912676864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It was decided to buy two squadrons through Government to Government, to meet up emergency requirements. HAL was involved in ToT (Transfer of Technology) and licensed production. There is no question of HAL being left out: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Rafale deal <a href="https://t.co/oQSYLPStGY">https://t.co/oQSYLPStGY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047381068238741504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The opposition Congress has said there is a scam in the new Rafale deal signed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then French Prime Minister Francois Hollande in 2015.&nbsp;

The original deal, brokered by the previous UPA government, had said France's Dassault Aviation would supply India with 126 Rafales.&nbsp;

The new government-to-government deal signed by Modi and Hollande said India would get only 36. The new deal also junked the transfer of technology clause in the deal, a major loss to India.&nbsp;

And finally of course, the India partner in the deal — Hindustan Aeronatics Ltd — was summarily dismissed in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Ltd.&nbsp;

Reliance Defence has no experience in the defence or aerospace industry, and Congress President Rahul Gandhi has relentlessly called Ambani's inclusion in the deal a case of crony capitalism.&nbsp;

He has also accused the NDA government of agreeing to pay three times as much for every Rafale fighter jet as the earlier UPA government had.&nbsp;

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We had reached an impasse. We had 3 options, first was either to wait for something to happen, withdraw RFP or do an emergency purchase. We did an emergency purchase. Both Rafale and S-400 deal is a booster deal for air force: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Rafale deal <a href="https://t.co/fuOHvwOwVk">pic.twitter.com/fuOHvwOwVk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047396162616152064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Number of depleting squadrons is a major concern: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa at a press briefing in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/u7fbmrTmDA">pic.twitter.com/u7fbmrTmDA</a>
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We're watching infrastructure developments (in China).They (China) have been saying that airports are coming up for regional connectivity. 
We've a plan to counter that. We're also developing infrastructure. 50 Chinese aircraft in Tibet is not a threat: Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa
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On Wednesday, Dhanoa said the Rafales would be delivered in 24 months, once the government had approved the deal.&nbsp;

IAF Chief BS Dhanoa said Wednesday that the Rafale fighter jet, when it is inducted into the air force, will be a "game changer". And he added that HAL continues to stay in the deal.

IAF Chief BS Dhanoa said Wednesday that the Rafale fighter jet, when it is inducted into the air force, will be a "game changer". And he added that HAL continues to stay in the deal. Dhanoa was speaking at a press conference in Delhi. "It's a very good aircraft. When it comes to the subcontinent, it will be a game changer. We have lots of advantages in the Rafale deal," ANI quoted Dhanoa as saying. "It was decided to buy two squadrons through Government to Government, to meet up emergency requirements. HAL was involved in ToT (Transfer of Technology) and licensed production. There is no question of HAL being left out," Dhanoa said. It's a very good aircraft. When it comes to the subcontinent, it will be a game changer. We have lots of advantages in the Rafale Deal: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Rafale deal — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × It was decided to buy two squadrons through Government to Government, to meet up emergency requirements. HAL was involved in ToT (Transfer of Technology) and licensed production. There is no question of HAL being left out: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Rafale deal https://t.co/oQSYLPStGY — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × The opposition Congress has said there is a scam in the new Rafale deal signed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then French Prime Minister Francois Hollande in 2015. The original deal, brokered by the previous UPA government, had said France's Dassault Aviation would supply India with 126 Rafales. The new government-to-government deal signed by Modi and Hollande said India would get only 36. The new deal also junked the transfer of technology clause in the deal, a major loss to India. And finally of course, the India partner in the deal — Hindustan Aeronatics Ltd — was summarily dismissed in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence Ltd. Reliance Defence has no experience in the defence or aerospace industry, and Congress President Rahul Gandhi has relentlessly called Ambani's inclusion in the deal a case of crony capitalism. He has also accused the NDA government of agreeing to pay three times as much for every Rafale fighter jet as the earlier UPA government had. We had reached an impasse. We had 3 options, first was either to wait for something to happen, withdraw RFP or do an emergency purchase. We did an emergency purchase. Both Rafale and S-400 deal is a booster deal for air force: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Rafale deal pic.twitter.com/fuOHvwOwVk — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × Number of depleting squadrons is a major concern: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa at a press briefing in Delhi pic.twitter.com/u7fbmrTmDA — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × We're watching infrastructure developments (in China).They (China) have been saying that airports are coming up for regional connectivity. We've a plan to counter that. We're also developing infrastructure. 50 Chinese aircraft in Tibet is not a threat: Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × On Wednesday, Dhanoa said the Rafales would be delivered in 24 months, once the government had approved the deal.

Rafale a gamechanger, HAL still in deal: IAF Chief Dhanoa

Police use water cannon, tear gas as farmers' protests intensify near Delhi border

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi tweeted, "From today, we are entering Pujya Bapu's 150 the anniversary year. It is a great opportunity for all of us to fulfil his dreams."

He will also attend the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. MGISC has been a 4-day international conference that has brought together Sanitation Ministers and other leaders in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) from around the world.

As the nation is celebrating the 150th anniversary of iconic freedom fighter of the country a number of events have been lined up to mark the day.

The National Gandhi Museum at Rajghat launched a series of programmes, including "recreated heartbeats" of the father of the nation, kickstarting the year-long celebrations to mark his 150th birth anniversary.

The "recreated heartbeats" has been formed by digitalising the electrocardiography (ECG) details of Mahatma Gandhi and it can be heard through a headphone, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Balram Jakhar, said.

Three monuments -- Gol Gumbad, Bijri Khan and Paik tombs -- &nbsp;in the national capital will also be illuminated with colours of the national flag to mark the anniversary for seven days starting from today.

A nationwide campaign call, 'CHANGE150' by LetterFarms, a non-profit organisation has also been launched which is aimed to mobilize over a million change ideas from youngsters around India inspired by Bapu's change mantra.

The NGO is inviting the youth of India to handwrite one change that they passionately wish to see in the world on a postcard, over the next 12 months. Those ideas will then be presented to the decision makers of the country including President and Prime Minister, governors and state chief ministers.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi tweeted, "From today, we are entering Pujya Bapu's 150 the anniversary year.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi tweeted, "From today, we are entering Pujya Bapu's 150 the anniversary year. It is a great opportunity for all of us to fulfil his dreams." He will also attend the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. MGISC has been a 4-day international conference that has brought together Sanitation Ministers and other leaders in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) from around the world. As the nation is celebrating the 150th anniversary of iconic freedom fighter of the country a number of events have been lined up to mark the day. The National Gandhi Museum at Rajghat launched a series of programmes, including "recreated heartbeats" of the father of the nation, kickstarting the year-long celebrations to mark his 150th birth anniversary. The "recreated heartbeats" has been formed by digitalising the electrocardiography (ECG) details of Mahatma Gandhi and it can be heard through a headphone, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Balram Jakhar, said. Three monuments -- Gol Gumbad, Bijri Khan and Paik tombs -- in the national capital will also be illuminated with colours of the national flag to mark the anniversary for seven days starting from today. A nationwide campaign call, 'CHANGE150' by LetterFarms, a non-profit organisation has also been launched which is aimed to mobilize over a million change ideas from youngsters around India inspired by Bapu's change mantra. The NGO is inviting the youth of India to handwrite one change that they passionately wish to see in the world on a postcard, over the next 12 months. Those ideas will then be presented to the decision makers of the country including President and Prime Minister, governors and state chief ministers.

Tributes pour in from far and wide on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birthday

Half a dozen influential US lawmakers, including four Indian Americans, have moved a resolution in the US House of Representatives to posthumously award the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal to Mahatma Gandhi in recognition of his promotion of peace and non-violence.

Introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney from New York on September 23, the resolution (H R 6916) is co-sponsored by four Indian American lawmakers in the House – Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal.

Tulsi Gabbard, who is the current co-chair of the House Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans is also one the co-sponsors of the resolution, which has been sent to the Committee on Financial Services and Committee on House Administration for necessary action.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honour given by the US Congress and very few foreigners have been recipients of this award. Prominent among those include Mother Teresa (1997), Nelson Mandela (1998), Pope John Paul II (2000), the Dalai Lama (2006), Aung San Suu Kyi (2008), Muhammad Yunus (2010) and Shimon Peres (2014).

The announcement in this regard was made by Maloney during the popular India Day Parade in New York in August.

“Mahatma Gandhi’s historic Satyagraha movement of non-violent resistance inspired a nation and the world. His example energises us to devote ourselves to the service of others,” she said.

“His legacy inspired civil rights movements around the globe, from Martin Luther King’s movement for racial equality to Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid. As a public servant, I am inspired everyday by his courage and example. Let us all follow Gandhi’s directive to ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’,” Maloney said.

“As India and the world commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we applaud and greatly appreciate the initiative of Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York for introducing legislation in the US Congress to honour the memory of the Mahatma, a person who inspired countless millions all over the world to take the path of truth, peace and non-violence,” said Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul General of India in New York.

Half a dozen influential US lawmakers, including four Indian Americans, have moved a resolution in the US House of Representatives to posthumously award the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal to Mahatma Gandhi in recognition of his promotion of peace and non-violence.

Half a dozen influential US lawmakers, including four Indian Americans, have moved a resolution in the US House of Representatives to posthumously award the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal to Mahatma Gandhi in recognition of his promotion of peace and non-violence. Introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney from New York on September 23, the resolution (H R 6916) is co-sponsored by four Indian American lawmakers in the House – Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal. Tulsi Gabbard, who is the current co-chair of the House Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans is also one the co-sponsors of the resolution, which has been sent to the Committee on Financial Services and Committee on House Administration for necessary action. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honour given by the US Congress and very few foreigners have been recipients of this award. Prominent among those include Mother Teresa (1997), Nelson Mandela (1998), Pope John Paul II (2000), the Dalai Lama (2006), Aung San Suu Kyi (2008), Muhammad Yunus (2010) and Shimon Peres (2014). The announcement in this regard was made by Maloney during the popular India Day Parade in New York in August. “Mahatma Gandhi’s historic Satyagraha movement of non-violent resistance inspired a nation and the world. His example energises us to devote ourselves to the service of others,” she said. “His legacy inspired civil rights movements around the globe, from Martin Luther King’s movement for racial equality to Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid. As a public servant, I am inspired everyday by his courage and example. Let us all follow Gandhi’s directive to ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’,” Maloney said. “As India and the world commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we applaud and greatly appreciate the initiative of Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York for introducing legislation in the US Congress to honour the memory of the Mahatma, a person who inspired countless millions all over the world to take the path of truth, peace and non-violence,” said Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul General of India in New York.

Lawmakers move to posthumously award US Congressional Gold Medal to Mahatma Gandhi

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday.

He visited Raj Ghat and laid a wreath to honour Gandhi.

The UN chief will also speak at a closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He will also participate in the International Solar Alliance Assembly and a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association energy ministers.

The UN Chief&nbsp;arrived in the country on Monday and formally inaugurated the UN House in the national capital.

On his visit, Guterres said that he was delighted to be back to Delhi and wished enormous success in the deepening of the cooperation between India and the United Nations.

During his three-day stay, he is expected to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism with PM Modi. He will also meet Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with other senior leaders of the country.

Guterres is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme 'Global challenges, global solutions'.

Guterres had visited the country, earlier in 2016, months before his election as the Secretary-General.

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday.

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday. He visited Raj Ghat and laid a wreath to honour Gandhi. The UN chief will also speak at a closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will also participate in the International Solar Alliance Assembly and a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association energy ministers. The UN Chief arrived in the country on Monday and formally inaugurated the UN House in the national capital. On his visit, Guterres said that he was delighted to be back to Delhi and wished enormous success in the deepening of the cooperation between India and the United Nations. During his three-day stay, he is expected to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism with PM Modi. He will also meet Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with other senior leaders of the country. Guterres is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme 'Global challenges, global solutions'. Guterres had visited the country, earlier in 2016, months before his election as the Secretary-General.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday reiterated that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's statement at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was a "campaign speech", adding that Swaraj was busy sloganeering for her party at the UN.

Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, "The Foreign Minister of India stands on UN General Assembly platform and delivers a speech that is not even aimed at the audience of international diplomats. She speaks in Hindi on a BJP campaigned theme to her voters back home rather than to an international audience. She mentioned Narendra Modi ten times and India only five times."

"She gives one BJP slogan one after the other or one scheme after the other about the Prime Minister's great vision for the nation as if she is seeking. There's nobody sitting in the UN General Assembly who is going to vote for her. These were all pitched at the audience back in India," he added.

The BJP, in retaliation to Tharoor's remark on Swaraj, had on Monday accused the former of singing in the same tune as Pakistan. The party also said that it is becoming increasingly clear that both Congress and Pakistan are "talking in the same tone."

In response to the BJP, Tharoor said "I find it quite amusing that the BJP would dare to criticise me for pointing out the obvious. I put it in very mild terms that I am disappointed that she used the UN General Assembly platform for a campaign speech to advance the interest of her party. What the foreign minister has done is truly disappointing for any patriotic Indian who wants to see the interest of the Indian nation projected abroad and not of one particular political party."

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday reiterated that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's statement at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was a "campaign speech", adding that Swaraj was busy sloganeering for her party at the UN.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday reiterated that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's statement at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was a "campaign speech", adding that Swaraj was busy sloganeering for her party at the UN. Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, "The Foreign Minister of India stands on UN General Assembly platform and delivers a speech that is not even aimed at the audience of international diplomats. She speaks in Hindi on a BJP campaigned theme to her voters back home rather than to an international audience. She mentioned Narendra Modi ten times and India only five times." "She gives one BJP slogan one after the other or one scheme after the other about the Prime Minister's great vision for the nation as if she is seeking. There's nobody sitting in the UN General Assembly who is going to vote for her. These were all pitched at the audience back in India," he added. The BJP, in retaliation to Tharoor's remark on Swaraj, had on Monday accused the former of singing in the same tune as Pakistan. The party also said that it is becoming increasingly clear that both Congress and Pakistan are "talking in the same tone." In response to the BJP, Tharoor said "I find it quite amusing that the BJP would dare to criticise me for pointing out the obvious. I put it in very mild terms that I am disappointed that she used the UN General Assembly platform for a campaign speech to advance the interest of her party. What the foreign minister has done is truly disappointing for any patriotic Indian who wants to see the interest of the Indian nation projected abroad and not of one particular political party."

Swaraj's UNGA speech was a political campaign: Shashi Tharoor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his 114th birth anniversary today.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the symbol of gentle personality, skillful leadership and courage.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 149th birth anniversary. Paying homage to the Father of the Nation, he tweeted, "From today, we are entering Pujya Bapu's 150th anniversary year. It is a great opportunity for all of us to fulfill his dreams."

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LalBahadurShastri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LalBahadurShastri</a> at Vijayghat on his birth anniversary <a href="https://t.co/Fi6pCYI7YW">pic.twitter.com/Fi6pCYI7YW</a>
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The day also marks the launch of 150th-anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will attend the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. MGISC has been a 4-day international conference that has brought together Sanitation Ministers and other leaders in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) from around the world.

At this event, the Prime Minister will visit a mini Digital Exhibition. He will be accompanied by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres. From the dais, the dignitaries will launch commemorative postage stamps on Mahatma Gandhi, and a medley CD based on Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn - "Vaishnav Jan."

The Swachh Bharat Awards will also be distributed on this occasion.

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance at Vigyan Bhawan. The same event will also mark the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo). Guterres will also be present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his 114th birth anniversary today. In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the symbol of gentle personality, skillful leadership and courage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his 114th birth anniversary today. In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the symbol of gentle personality, skillful leadership and courage. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 149th birth anniversary. Paying homage to the Father of the Nation, he tweeted, "From today, we are entering Pujya Bapu's 150th anniversary year. It is a great opportunity for all of us to fulfill his dreams." Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to #LalBahadurShastri at Vijayghat on his birth anniversary pic.twitter.com/Fi6pCYI7YW — ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2018 × The day also marks the launch of 150th-anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi. Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will attend the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. MGISC has been a 4-day international conference that has brought together Sanitation Ministers and other leaders in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) from around the world. At this event, the Prime Minister will visit a mini Digital Exhibition. He will be accompanied by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres. From the dais, the dignitaries will launch commemorative postage stamps on Mahatma Gandhi, and a medley CD based on Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn - "Vaishnav Jan." The Swachh Bharat Awards will also be distributed on this occasion. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance at Vigyan Bhawan. The same event will also mark the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo). Guterres will also be present on the occasion.

PM Modi pays tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 114th birth anniversary

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Tuesday said that no illegal procurement of Voter-ID cards by Rohingya refugees will be allowed by the government.

Replying to a question on the alleged illegal procurement of various Indian identification cards such as Voter-ID and Aadhaar card, Rijiju said, "If anyone has procured Voter ID card illegally, action will be taken. It will be detected. The situation is not like before. Our government is strictly monitoring the situation. Action will be taken against any person who procures Voter ID or any other document by illegal means."

Responding to West Bengal Minister Purnendu Basu's claim of the Dum Dum Nagar Bazar blast being similar to the ones orchestrated by the RSS, Rijiju said, "They keep making statements like these. They speak so because of political reasons."

Rijiju also said that the activists who are under house arrest in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case need to be explained that sloganeering against the country while being a part of the same country is not right. "Having an anti-national ideology is not the right thing," he added.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Tuesday said that no illegal procurement of Voter-ID cards by Rohingya refugees will be allowed by the government.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Tuesday said that no illegal procurement of Voter-ID cards by Rohingya refugees will be allowed by the government. Replying to a question on the alleged illegal procurement of various Indian identification cards such as Voter-ID and Aadhaar card, Rijiju said, "If anyone has procured Voter ID card illegally, action will be taken. It will be detected. The situation is not like before. Our government is strictly monitoring the situation. Action will be taken against any person who procures Voter ID or any other document by illegal means." Responding to West Bengal Minister Purnendu Basu's claim of the Dum Dum Nagar Bazar blast being similar to the ones orchestrated by the RSS, Rijiju said, "They keep making statements like these. They speak so because of political reasons." Rijiju also said that the activists who are under house arrest in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case need to be explained that sloganeering against the country while being a part of the same country is not right. "Having an anti-national ideology is not the right thing," he added.

Illegal ID procurement by Rohingyas won't be permitted: Kiren Rijiju

The act of Kasturba Gandhi of keeping Rs four with her 'unlawfully' had irked the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and prompted him to write an article about her lapse, records show.

At a time when the world is set to celebrate his 150th birth anniversary Tuesday, a 1929 article which appeared in 'Navajivan', a weekly newspaper published by Gandhi, reveals his uncompromising stand for truth and ethics.

In the article titled, "My Sorrow, My Shame", Gandhi had criticised the shortcomings of some of the inmates, including his wife Kasturba at his ashram in Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

He also gave an explanation at the outset on why he decided to write this article.

"Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that it would be a breach of duty if I did not," Gandhi pointed out.

The 'Father of the Nation" said he had not hesitated to count many of the merits of Kasturba in his autobiography, but "she has got weaknesses too which mar these virtues."

Although she had given away all the money considering it to be the duty of a wife, "an ununderstandable, worldly desire still persists" in her, the Mahatma noted.

"A year or two back, she (Kasturba) had kept with her one or two hundred rupees which were received as presents from various persons on various occasions," he wrote.

"The rule (at the ashram) is that she cannot keep anything like hers, even when it is given for her. So this keeping of money was unlawful," Gandhiji said.

With a tinge of sarcasm, he said his wife's "delinquency" was detected following the arrival of some thieves at the ashram.

"Fortunately for her and for the mandir (ashram), once thieves entered her room. They did not get anything, but her delinquency was detected owing to their coming," he wrote.

Though Kasturba repented sincerely, it was proved "short-lived", Mahatma said, adding that a real change of heart had not taken place and the "fascination for treasuring money" had not vanished.

"Some days back, some strangers presented four rupees. Instead of giving away the money to the office, according to the usual rule, she kept it with herself."

Referring to the act as "theft" in the article, Gandhi said one of the inmates had later pointed to her about the mistake, leaving her repentant. 
In all humility, she gave back the money and vowed that such a thing would not be repeated.

"I believe hers was a honest repentance. She has taken a vow that she would leave me and the mandir, if any other lapse committed in the past is detected, or if she is caught doing the same thing again in future.

The mandir has accepted her repentance," Gandhi added.

Freedom fighter and staunch Gandhian Ayyappan Pillai said to be 106 years old, said there is nothing to be amused if Kasturba's trivial lapse formed the subject of Mahatma's article.

"Gandhiji was a living legend and avatar of truthfulness. He was the personification of self-righteousness and wanted everyone around him to be morally correct and transparent," he said.

Gandhi, however, had also waxed eloquent about the virtues and good qualities of his wife in the same article.

"I consider her life to be pure. She has sacrificed a great deal thinking it to be her duty as a wife... She has not stood in the way of my renunciation," Gandhiji added.&nbsp;

The act of Kasturba Gandhi of keeping Rs four with her 'unlawfully' had irked the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and prompted him to write an article about her lapse, records show.

The act of Kasturba Gandhi of keeping Rs four with her 'unlawfully' had irked the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and prompted him to write an article about her lapse, records show. At a time when the world is set to celebrate his 150th birth anniversary Tuesday, a 1929 article which appeared in 'Navajivan', a weekly newspaper published by Gandhi, reveals his uncompromising stand for truth and ethics. In the article titled, "My Sorrow, My Shame", Gandhi had criticised the shortcomings of some of the inmates, including his wife Kasturba at his ashram in Ahmedabad in Gujarat. He also gave an explanation at the outset on why he decided to write this article. "Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that it would be a breach of duty if I did not," Gandhi pointed out. The 'Father of the Nation" said he had not hesitated to count many of the merits of Kasturba in his autobiography, but "she has got weaknesses too which mar these virtues." Although she had given away all the money considering it to be the duty of a wife, "an ununderstandable, worldly desire still persists" in her, the Mahatma noted. "A year or two back, she (Kasturba) had kept with her one or two hundred rupees which were received as presents from various persons on various occasions," he wrote. "The rule (at the ashram) is that she cannot keep anything like hers, even when it is given for her. So this keeping of money was unlawful," Gandhiji said. With a tinge of sarcasm, he said his wife's "delinquency" was detected following the arrival of some thieves at the ashram. "Fortunately for her and for the mandir (ashram), once thieves entered her room. They did not get anything, but her delinquency was detected owing to their coming," he wrote. Though Kasturba repented sincerely, it was proved "short-lived", Mahatma said, adding that a real change of heart had not taken place and the "fascination for treasuring money" had not vanished. "Some days back, some strangers presented four rupees. Instead of giving away the money to the office, according to the usual rule, she kept it with herself." Referring to the act as "theft" in the article, Gandhi said one of the inmates had later pointed to her about the mistake, leaving her repentant. In all humility, she gave back the money and vowed that such a thing would not be repeated. "I believe hers was a honest repentance. She has taken a vow that she would leave me and the mandir, if any other lapse committed in the past is detected, or if she is caught doing the same thing again in future. The mandir has accepted her repentance," Gandhi added. Freedom fighter and staunch Gandhian Ayyappan Pillai said to be 106 years old, said there is nothing to be amused if Kasturba's trivial lapse formed the subject of Mahatma's article. "Gandhiji was a living legend and avatar of truthfulness. He was the personification of self-righteousness and wanted everyone around him to be morally correct and transparent," he said. Gandhi, however, had also waxed eloquent about the virtues and good qualities of his wife in the same article. "I consider her life to be pure. She has sacrificed a great deal thinking it to be her duty as a wife... She has not stood in the way of my renunciation," Gandhiji added.

Gandhi Jayanti 2018: When Bapu was irked by his wife for unlawfully keeping Rs 4

Asserting that those involved in violence against the Rohingyas should be held accountable, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said India can help in the crisis by supporting Bangladesh in humanitarian assistance and using its influence with Myanmar to bring about reconciliation.

He also said that to keep a population in such a "discriminatory situation" is "an invitation for terrorist groups" to exploit the situation.

The top UN official said India "is an absolutely essential component" of a future multi-polar world and that the country can also play a role of an "honest broker" in some of the on-going conflicts in the world.&nbsp;

In response to a question on the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), proposed by India in 1996, he said the reason for the delay has been due to non-agreement on the definition of terrorism by countries.&nbsp;

After attacks by the Mynamarese security forces, Rohingyas, an ethnic minority in Myanmar that mostly resides in regions bordering Bangladesh, have fled the country.&nbsp;

According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over seven lakh people have fled Myanmar, and majority of them reside in Bangladesh. India has over 40,000 refugees scattered across the country.&nbsp;

"I have never seen a community so discriminated in the world as Rohingyas," Guterres, who arrived here on Monday on his maiden visit to India, said in response to a question on the issue. He was delivering a lecture on 'Global Challenges, Global Solutions' here.&nbsp;

He said the Rohingyas don't have access to health and education and there was deep rooted feeling of racism against them within the Myanmarese society.&nbsp;

Guterres recalled his visit to the country as the High Commissioner for Refugees, during which he said the president of Myanmar asked him to resettle Rohingyas in some other countries.&nbsp;

"To make them refugees is not my role. My role is to solve the problem of refugees. This shows how deeply rooted is the negative perception of the Rohingyas. This was intensified by some hate speech by some monks on social media. There are over one million people in Bangladesh. They were people burnt, raped.&nbsp;

"Even if there was a provocation, the reaction of the armed forces was brutal," he alleged.

Guterres stressed on political reconciliation so that the Rohingyas could go back to their country.&nbsp;

"What can India do? Support Bangladesh in helping these people because there is a huge humanitarian problem. Second, to pressure on Myanmar, the military in Myanmar for reconciliation and create conditions for these people to go back. These people will not go back in present circumstances," he said.

"There should be accountability to those crimes," he said on the treatment meted out to Rohingyas added "to keep a population in such a discriminatory situation is an invitation for terrorist groups" to exploit the situation.

In May, during the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Myanmar, India had offered to help in safe, speedy and sustainable return of Rohingyas. India has also been helping Bangladesh in providing humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas.&nbsp;

Responding to a question on why the CCIT could not be adopted, Guterres said there is no agreement on definition of terrorism and there were several complexities involved in it.

"The problem of definition of terrorism is (due to) several complexities. There are number of things which are complicated to have a common definition of terrorism. We have never managed to have it and we have never managed to have a true convention because of the definition," he said.

Guterres said India has been in the frontline of supporting CCIT and the UN fully supports India in this regard.&nbsp;

To a question on the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights report on alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir, which was rejected by India, he said the reports are not endorsed by the secretary general.&nbsp;

"I dont discuss reports about human rights commissioner. They have independence. The countries can agree or disagree with the reports. Their reports are not endorsed by the secretary general. The reports are done in a strictly independent way."

He said as a principle, he does not make any comment on reports of both the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and High Commissioner for Refuges.

Responding to another question on communalism and religious fundamentalism, he said he "does not think India is in the worst situation" at all.&nbsp;

"I have always seen India as a country with extreme diversity. Of course, there are forms of extremism as any other parts of the world. I dont think that is the major problem that you face," he said.

Guterres said poverty and inequality are two major problems faced by the Indian society.

India can also play a role of an "honest broker" in some of the on-going conflicts in the world, he said, adding,"We need people and countries that all sides can respect. India does not have any specific agenda in many of these areas."

The secretary general also noted that never in the recent times was multilateralism and rules based international order under so much of fire, citing the trade wars

He said it is necessary to create factors of equilibrium and no country was better than India because of its dimensions, its technological and innovation capacity and of its geo-strategic location . "India is an absolutely essential component of our future multi-polar world," he said.&nbsp;

Asserting that those involved in violence against the Rohingyas should be held accountable, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said India can help in the crisis by supporting Bangladesh in humanitarian assistance and using its influence with Myanmar to bring about reconciliation.

Asserting that those involved in violence against the Rohingyas should be held accountable, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said India can help in the crisis by supporting Bangladesh in humanitarian assistance and using its influence with Myanmar to bring about reconciliation. He also said that to keep a population in such a "discriminatory situation" is "an invitation for terrorist groups" to exploit the situation. The top UN official said India "is an absolutely essential component" of a future multi-polar world and that the country can also play a role of an "honest broker" in some of the on-going conflicts in the world. In response to a question on the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), proposed by India in 1996, he said the reason for the delay has been due to non-agreement on the definition of terrorism by countries. After attacks by the Mynamarese security forces, Rohingyas, an ethnic minority in Myanmar that mostly resides in regions bordering Bangladesh, have fled the country. According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over seven lakh people have fled Myanmar, and majority of them reside in Bangladesh. India has over 40,000 refugees scattered across the country. "I have never seen a community so discriminated in the world as Rohingyas," Guterres, who arrived here on Monday on his maiden visit to India, said in response to a question on the issue. He was delivering a lecture on 'Global Challenges, Global Solutions' here. He said the Rohingyas don't have access to health and education and there was deep rooted feeling of racism against them within the Myanmarese society. Guterres recalled his visit to the country as the High Commissioner for Refugees, during which he said the president of Myanmar asked him to resettle Rohingyas in some other countries. "To make them refugees is not my role. My role is to solve the problem of refugees. This shows how deeply rooted is the negative perception of the Rohingyas. This was intensified by some hate speech by some monks on social media. There are over one million people in Bangladesh. They were people burnt, raped. "Even if there was a provocation, the reaction of the armed forces was brutal," he alleged. Guterres stressed on political reconciliation so that the Rohingyas could go back to their country. "What can India do? Support Bangladesh in helping these people because there is a huge humanitarian problem. Second, to pressure on Myanmar, the military in Myanmar for reconciliation and create conditions for these people to go back. These people will not go back in present circumstances," he said. "There should be accountability to those crimes," he said on the treatment meted out to Rohingyas added "to keep a population in such a discriminatory situation is an invitation for terrorist groups" to exploit the situation. In May, during the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Myanmar, India had offered to help in safe, speedy and sustainable return of Rohingyas. India has also been helping Bangladesh in providing humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas. Responding to a question on why the CCIT could not be adopted, Guterres said there is no agreement on definition of terrorism and there were several complexities involved in it. "The problem of definition of terrorism is (due to) several complexities. There are number of things which are complicated to have a common definition of terrorism. We have never managed to have it and we have never managed to have a true convention because of the definition," he said. Guterres said India has been in the frontline of supporting CCIT and the UN fully supports India in this regard. To a question on the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights report on alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir, which was rejected by India, he said the reports are not endorsed by the secretary general. "I dont discuss reports about human rights commissioner. They have independence. The countries can agree or disagree with the reports. Their reports are not endorsed by the secretary general. The reports are done in a strictly independent way." He said as a principle, he does not make any comment on reports of both the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and High Commissioner for Refuges. Responding to another question on communalism and religious fundamentalism, he said he "does not think India is in the worst situation" at all. "I have always seen India as a country with extreme diversity. Of course, there are forms of extremism as any other parts of the world. I dont think that is the major problem that you face," he said. Guterres said poverty and inequality are two major problems faced by the Indian society. India can also play a role of an "honest broker" in some of the on-going conflicts in the world, he said, adding,"We need people and countries that all sides can respect. India does not have any specific agenda in many of these areas." The secretary general also noted that never in the recent times was multilateralism and rules based international order under so much of fire, citing the trade wars He said it is necessary to create factors of equilibrium and no country was better than India because of its dimensions, its technological and innovation capacity and of its geo-strategic location . "India is an absolutely essential component of our future multi-polar world," he said.

India should support Bangladesh, pressure Myanmar on Rohingya issue: UN Chief

Stressing that India would generate 40 per cent of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday called for connecting solar energy supply across borders giving the mantra of 'One World One Sun One Grid'.

"We have a dream One World, One Sun One Grid. We generate round the clock electricity from Sun as it sets in one part of the world but rises in another part. Sun never sets for entire earth," PM Modi said addressing inaugural function of 2nd Global RE-Invest meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association and the first assembly of International Solar Alliance here in the capital.

The same event also marked the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo). United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also present on the occasion.

PM Modi said he saw the 121-country International Solar Alliance as the future OPEC for meeting energy needs of the world.

Oil cartel OPEC led by Saudi Arabia currently meets close to half of the world's oil needs.

He said solar power will play the same role that oil wells have played over the past few decades in meeting global energy needs.

Humans have in the last 150-200 years relied on resources trapped below the earth's surface for meeting energy needs. But for a secure future, resources available above the ground like solar and wind energy need to be harnessed, he said.

Talking about India's plans for the renewable energy he said that India would add as much as 50 GW of non-hydro renewable energy to existing 72 GW and is successfully marching on the way to achieve the target of having 175 GW of clean energy by 2022.

The prime minister was of the view that this was the right time to invest in renewable energy because there is a possibility of USD 70-80 billion business in the next four years in India.

The Prime Minister said in the last four years USD 42 billion has been invested in clean energy in India.&nbsp;

He also said that India's solar energy increased by nine times in the last four years after his government took over in May 2014.

Elaborating about India's plans in renewables, he said that in the next four years as many as 28 lakh solar pumps would be installed which would help avoid 10 GW generation capacity.

He also told that under UJALA scheme, 31 crore LED bulbs were distributed which save 40000 Million Units per year and have saved Rs 16,000 crore besides reducing CO2 emissions.

He also informed that India has decided 40 per cent of electricity capacity would be non-fossil fuel based by 2030.

He said, "Today ISA has become big hope for people. In three years, it has become an inter-governmental organisation. 125 crore Indians feel pride that ISA is headquartered in India.

"I think whenever people would discuss a big organisation for human development then ISA would to on the top of the list. Whatever role OPEC is playing today to meet the energy requirement of the world, that would be played by ISA in coming days. Whatever role is played by oil wells today, would be played by sunlight."

He also said, "We need to expand the scope of ISA beyond 125 tropical countries which fall between tropic of cancer and Capricorn. India in the first assembly of ISA will propose to send all United National member nations the proposal to become a member of the body."

On this occasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "It is India where we are going to see global renewable energy revolution. Solar energy is at the centre of this revolution."

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a person who has single-handedly put India in the renewable map of the world. The ISA is an action-oriented organisation."

Stressing that India would generate 40 per cent of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday called for connecting solar energy supply across borders giving the mantra of 'One World One Sun One Grid'.

Stressing that India would generate 40 per cent of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday called for connecting solar energy supply across borders giving the mantra of 'One World One Sun One Grid'. "We have a dream One World, One Sun One Grid. We generate round the clock electricity from Sun as it sets in one part of the world but rises in another part. Sun never sets for entire earth," PM Modi said addressing inaugural function of 2nd Global RE-Invest meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association and the first assembly of International Solar Alliance here in the capital. The same event also marked the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo). United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also present on the occasion. PM Modi said he saw the 121-country International Solar Alliance as the future OPEC for meeting energy needs of the world. Oil cartel OPEC led by Saudi Arabia currently meets close to half of the world's oil needs. He said solar power will play the same role that oil wells have played over the past few decades in meeting global energy needs. Humans have in the last 150-200 years relied on resources trapped below the earth's surface for meeting energy needs. But for a secure future, resources available above the ground like solar and wind energy need to be harnessed, he said. Talking about India's plans for the renewable energy he said that India would add as much as 50 GW of non-hydro renewable energy to existing 72 GW and is successfully marching on the way to achieve the target of having 175 GW of clean energy by 2022. The prime minister was of the view that this was the right time to invest in renewable energy because there is a possibility of USD 70-80 billion business in the next four years in India. The Prime Minister said in the last four years USD 42 billion has been invested in clean energy in India. He also said that India's solar energy increased by nine times in the last four years after his government took over in May 2014. Elaborating about India's plans in renewables, he said that in the next four years as many as 28 lakh solar pumps would be installed which would help avoid 10 GW generation capacity. He also told that under UJALA scheme, 31 crore LED bulbs were distributed which save 40000 Million Units per year and have saved Rs 16,000 crore besides reducing CO2 emissions. He also informed that India has decided 40 per cent of electricity capacity would be non-fossil fuel based by 2030. He said, "Today ISA has become big hope for people. In three years, it has become an inter-governmental organisation. 125 crore Indians feel pride that ISA is headquartered in India. "I think whenever people would discuss a big organisation for human development then ISA would to on the top of the list. Whatever role OPEC is playing today to meet the energy requirement of the world, that would be played by ISA in coming days. Whatever role is played by oil wells today, would be played by sunlight." He also said, "We need to expand the scope of ISA beyond 125 tropical countries which fall between tropic of cancer and Capricorn. India in the first assembly of ISA will propose to send all United National member nations the proposal to become a member of the body." On this occasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "It is India where we are going to see global renewable energy revolution. Solar energy is at the centre of this revolution." External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a person who has single-handedly put India in the renewable map of the world. The ISA is an action-oriented organisation."

India targeting 40% of power generation from non-fossil fuel by 2030: PM Modi

Schoolchildren turn 'Mahatma Gandhi' to mark freedom fighter's birth anniversary

Continuing the celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, Missions abroad highlighted the relevance of Gandhi by projecting his message in the form of an LED video displayed on iconic buildings in several countries.

More than 120 locations executed the LED projection, including iconic locations like Piccadilly Circus in London, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Welt Museum in Vienna, Buda Castle in Budapest, Palazzo Senatorio in Rome, Prambanan Temple in Indonesia, and Museo de Arte in Peru, among others, in the evening of October 2.

The projections showcased the relevance of Gandhi's life and philosophy in the present day and his ability to inspire the present generation

The film consisted of key moments taken from Gandhi's life- his quotes, everyday sayings, discourses and initiatives- presented in a visual narrative using line-art style of hand drawn illustrations layered with water colour and ink wash that symbolised and represented the simplicity that was Gandhi's life and his teachings.

The illustrations seamlessly transition in a thread-like fashion, shaping different scenes, gave a visual meaning to the lesson or initiative showcased in the narrative.

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To celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Missions abroad will continue to highlight his relevance through projecting his message in the form of an LED video on iconic buildings or on other prominent locations. It'll be organised in evening of 2 Oct. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GandhiJayanti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GandhiJayanti</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mb6dZRtyZV">pic.twitter.com/Mb6dZRtyZV</a>
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In Nepal, the celebrations were commemorated with an LED projection depicting life events of Gandhi at the front facade of Rashtriya Sabha Griha, Bhrikuti Mandap, where the Kathmandu Metropolitan City had hosted a Civic Reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to Nepal in May this year.

The LED projection here included slides of important life events of Gandhi, depicting the philosophy of non-violence and inclusive society.

The event was inaugurated by Acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Nepal, Ishwar Pokhrel, in the presence of India's Ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri, and other eminent individuals.

Continuing the celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, Missions abroad highlighted the relevance of Gandhi by projecting his message in the form of an LED video displayed on iconic buildings in several countries.

Continuing the celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, Missions abroad highlighted the relevance of Gandhi by projecting his message in the form of an LED video displayed on iconic buildings in several countries. More than 120 locations executed the LED projection, including iconic locations like Piccadilly Circus in London, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Welt Museum in Vienna, Buda Castle in Budapest, Palazzo Senatorio in Rome, Prambanan Temple in Indonesia, and Museo de Arte in Peru, among others, in the evening of October 2. The projections showcased the relevance of Gandhi's life and philosophy in the present day and his ability to inspire the present generation The film consisted of key moments taken from Gandhi's life- his quotes, everyday sayings, discourses and initiatives- presented in a visual narrative using line-art style of hand drawn illustrations layered with water colour and ink wash that symbolised and represented the simplicity that was Gandhi's life and his teachings. The illustrations seamlessly transition in a thread-like fashion, shaping different scenes, gave a visual meaning to the lesson or initiative showcased in the narrative. To celebrate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Missions abroad will continue to highlight his relevance through projecting his message in the form of an LED video on iconic buildings or on other prominent locations. It'll be organised in evening of 2 Oct. #GandhiJayanti pic.twitter.com/Mb6dZRtyZV — ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2018 × In Nepal, the celebrations were commemorated with an LED projection depicting life events of Gandhi at the front facade of Rashtriya Sabha Griha, Bhrikuti Mandap, where the Kathmandu Metropolitan City had hosted a Civic Reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to Nepal in May this year. The LED projection here included slides of important life events of Gandhi, depicting the philosophy of non-violence and inclusive society. The event was inaugurated by Acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Nepal, Ishwar Pokhrel, in the presence of India's Ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri, and other eminent individuals.

Mahatma Gandhi's teachings globalised through LED projections

Russian President Vladimir Putin will oversee the signing of a $5 billion deal this week to supply Delhi with S-400 air defence systems, a top Kremlin aide said on Tuesday ahead of Putin's trip to India.

"The president is leaving for India on October 4," Putin's top foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov told reporters.

"The key feature of this visit will be the signing of the agreement to deliver S-400 air defence systems," he said. "The value of the contract will be more than $5 billion."

Moscow has been negotiating to sell the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles to India for months.

The sale has irked India's defence partner Washington, which has wanted to wean India off Russian technology, and a senior Pentagon official said in August that sanctions against India would come under consideration if its purchase goes through.

India has signalled it will ask Washington for a special waiver from sanctions, though a US official last week said there is no guarantee it would do so.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will oversee the signing of a $5 billion deal this week to supply Delhi with S-400 air defence systems, a top Kremlin aide said on Tuesday ahead of Putin's trip to India.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will oversee the signing of a $5 billion deal this week to supply Delhi with S-400 air defence systems, a top Kremlin aide said on Tuesday ahead of Putin's trip to India. "The president is leaving for India on October 4," Putin's top foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov told reporters. "The key feature of this visit will be the signing of the agreement to deliver S-400 air defence systems," he said. "The value of the contract will be more than $5 billion." Moscow has been negotiating to sell the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles to India for months. The sale has irked India's defence partner Washington, which has wanted to wean India off Russian technology, and a senior Pentagon official said in August that sanctions against India would come under consideration if its purchase goes through. India has signalled it will ask Washington for a special waiver from sanctions, though a US official last week said there is no guarantee it would do so.

Russia, India to sign deal on S-400 air defence systems this week: Kremlin

Seven policemen, including an assistant commissioner of police, were injured as protesting farmers turned violent while trying to enter the city from Uttar Pradesh in defiance of prohibitory orders, Delhi Police claimed on Tuesday.

As it drew flak for what the opposition parties termed as "brutal" action against the protesters, the city police said it used only "minimum required force" to control the situation.

Police said a section of protesters, who were participating in the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) march, suddenly turned violent as the cops tried to persuade them not to break the barricades.

Police said they used 20 tear gas shells and water cannons to manage the crowd, adding it was "minimum required force". As many as 3,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure that the farmers were not able to enter Delhi.

Since morning, the farmers gathered at Ghazipur border between Delhi and Ghaziabad in several thousands.

Senior officers including Special Commissioners of Police (Law and&nbsp;Order), joint commissioners of ranges and district deputy commissioners of police were personally supervising the arrangements, and maintained constant liaison with their UP counterparts, the Delhi Police said.

Announcements were regularly made on public address system about promulgation of prohibitory orders and requests were specifically made not to attempt entry into Delhi forcibly on tractor-trolleys since there was no permission for the same, they said.

"The protesters were also assured through their leaders that their demands are being projected at appropriate levels, and their movement will be duly facilitated in an orderly fashion without tractor- trolleys," the police said, adding it had specially deployed buses for ferrying the farmers to the city.

Talks were also going on in this regard with the leaders of various factions of the protesters, they said.

Despite requests that the protesters wait for the outcome of the talks between their leaders and the government, a section of the crowd suddenly turned violent and tried to break the barricades with tractor-trolleys and were also carrying lathis, they added.

"Tractor-trolleys were used with violent force by this aggressive section to break down three layers of strong barricading.&nbsp;Some protestors also resorted to stone pelting and wielded lathis causing injuries to police personnel deployed on duty," the police alleged.

"Under these circumstances, only the minimum required force was used to contain these aggressive and violent protestors.

"However, after using water cannon and tear gas shells on a limited scale, the situation was brought under control, and thereafter use of any force was discontinued forthwith, resorting again to persuasive tactics," they added.

Seven police personnel, including an assistant commissioner of police, were injured during this process. The ACP suffered a shoulder dislocation after he was roughed up by some of the protesters, the police said.

No other serious injury was reported to Delhi Police, they said.

The situation was brought under control and was closely monitored thereafter so as to facilitate talks between leaders of the farmers union and the government.

The city police had on Monday imposed prohibitory orders in east and northeast Delhi, anticipating law and order problems as thousands of BKU headed for Delhi.

The main demands of the agitating farmers include implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission report, removing ban on the use of tractors which are more than 10 years old, clearing out pending payments of sugarcane purchase, increased price of sugar supplied and minimum support prices.&nbsp;

Seven policemen, including an assistant commissioner of police, were injured as protesting farmers turned violent while trying to enter the city from Uttar Pradesh in defiance of prohibitory orders, Delhi Police claimed on Tuesday.

Seven policemen, including an assistant commissioner of police, were injured as protesting farmers turned violent while trying to enter the city from Uttar Pradesh in defiance of prohibitory orders, Delhi Police claimed on Tuesday. As it drew flak for what the opposition parties termed as "brutal" action against the protesters, the city police said it used only "minimum required force" to control the situation. Police said a section of protesters, who were participating in the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) march, suddenly turned violent as the cops tried to persuade them not to break the barricades. Police said they used 20 tear gas shells and water cannons to manage the crowd, adding it was "minimum required force". As many as 3,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure that the farmers were not able to enter Delhi. Since morning, the farmers gathered at Ghazipur border between Delhi and Ghaziabad in several thousands. Senior officers including Special Commissioners of Police (Law and Order), joint commissioners of ranges and district deputy commissioners of police were personally supervising the arrangements, and maintained constant liaison with their UP counterparts, the Delhi Police said. Announcements were regularly made on public address system about promulgation of prohibitory orders and requests were specifically made not to attempt entry into Delhi forcibly on tractor-trolleys since there was no permission for the same, they said. "The protesters were also assured through their leaders that their demands are being projected at appropriate levels, and their movement will be duly facilitated in an orderly fashion without tractor- trolleys," the police said, adding it had specially deployed buses for ferrying the farmers to the city. Talks were also going on in this regard with the leaders of various factions of the protesters, they said. Despite requests that the protesters wait for the outcome of the talks between their leaders and the government, a section of the crowd suddenly turned violent and tried to break the barricades with tractor-trolleys and were also carrying lathis, they added. "Tractor-trolleys were used with violent force by this aggressive section to break down three layers of strong barricading. Some protestors also resorted to stone pelting and wielded lathis causing injuries to police personnel deployed on duty," the police alleged. "Under these circumstances, only the minimum required force was used to contain these aggressive and violent protestors. "However, after using water cannon and tear gas shells on a limited scale, the situation was brought under control, and thereafter use of any force was discontinued forthwith, resorting again to persuasive tactics," they added. Seven police personnel, including an assistant commissioner of police, were injured during this process. The ACP suffered a shoulder dislocation after he was roughed up by some of the protesters, the police said. No other serious injury was reported to Delhi Police, they said. The situation was brought under control and was closely monitored thereafter so as to facilitate talks between leaders of the farmers union and the government. The city police had on Monday imposed prohibitory orders in east and northeast Delhi, anticipating law and order problems as thousands of BKU headed for Delhi. The main demands of the agitating farmers include implementation of the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission report, removing ban on the use of tractors which are more than 10 years old, clearing out pending payments of sugarcane purchase, increased price of sugar supplied and minimum support prices.

ACP among 7 cops injured during farmers' protest, Police claim they used 'minimum force' 

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/magnitude-62-quake-hits-near-flores-indonesia-usgs-168856">Twin quakes hit off </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/magnitude-62-quake-hits-near-flores-indonesia-usgs-168856">Indonesian</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/magnitude-62-quake-hits-near-flores-indonesia-usgs-168856"> island of Sumba, just days after 840 died in Sulawesi</a>

Two quakes struck in quick succession off the southern coast of Indonesia's Sumba island on Tuesday morning, sending startled people into the streets for safety.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-will-stop-favouring-eu-workers-after-brexit-pm-theresa-may-168857">Britain will stop favouring EU workers after Brexit: PM Theresa May</a>

Britain will end preferential access for European Union workers after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday, saying she wanted to attract high-skilled immigrants wherever they were from.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-denies-fake-news-rape-claim-police-reopen-investigation-168859">Ronaldo denies 'fake news' rape claim as police reopen investigation</a>

Police said Monday they had reopened an investigation into a rape accusation made by a former model who says soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo attacked her in his Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite in 2009.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-kavanaugh-had-bit-difficulty-alcohol-168862">Trump says Kavanaugh had a 'bit of difficulty' with alcohol</a>

US President Donald Trump defended Monday his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, but said that the appeals court judge has had a "bit of difficulty" with alcohol.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/child-abuse-leaves-molecular-scars-victims-study-168858">Child abuse leaves 'molecular scars' on victims: Study</a>

Children subjected to abuse may carry the physical hallmark of that trauma in their cells, scientists said Tuesday, in research that could help criminal investigations probing historic mistreatment.

&nbsp;

Twin quakes hit off Indonesian island of Sumba, just days after 840 died in Sulawesi Two quakes struck in quick succession off the southern coast of Indonesia's Sumba island on Tuesday morning, sending startled people into the streets for safety.

Twin quakes hit off Indonesian island of Sumba, just days after 840 died in Sulawesi Two quakes struck in quick succession off the southern coast of Indonesia's Sumba island on Tuesday morning, sending startled people into the streets for safety. Britain will stop favouring EU workers after Brexit: PM Theresa May Britain will end preferential access for European Union workers after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday, saying she wanted to attract high-skilled immigrants wherever they were from. Ronaldo denies 'fake news' rape claim as police reopen investigation Police said Monday they had reopened an investigation into a rape accusation made by a former model who says soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo attacked her in his Las Vegas hotel penthouse suite in 2009. Trump says Kavanaugh had a 'bit of difficulty' with alcohol US President Donald Trump defended Monday his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, but said that the appeals court judge has had a "bit of difficulty" with alcohol. Child abuse leaves 'molecular scars' on victims: Study Children subjected to abuse may carry the physical hallmark of that trauma in their cells, scientists said Tuesday, in research that could help criminal investigations probing historic mistreatment.

News brief: Big stories of the day

As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance.

After meeting the protesting farmers at the Delhi-UP border, Union minister of state for agriculture Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said the government was assuring the farmers to take forward their cause.

"I assure you all this. We will move court over the NGT order (to ban tractor and vehicles which are more than 10 years old)," he said.

On another problem faced by the farmers about farm labour, the minister said the government would look at bringing in some changes to the minimum wage rules for rural areas to solve this problem.

"The government has formed a committee of six chief ministers to look into this issue of labour for farm. The committee is in talks to connect MNREGA with agriculture,"&nbsp;Shekhawat added.

"On behalf of (Union Home Minister) Rajnath Singh, I assure you that I will represent the farmers' interests in this committee and whatever changes would be required to link MNREGA with agriculture will be made," Shekhawat told the farmers.

The protesting farmers, however, decided to stay put at the Delhi border, where they have been stopped by the police from entering the national capital.

Naresh Tikait, the chief of Bharat Kisan Union (BKU), which has given the protest call, said the farmers are "not satisfied" with the government's assurance.

"We will discuss this and then decide on future course of action. I can't decide anything alone, our committee will take the decision," he added.

The farmers were marching towards Delhi over demands ranging from farm loan waiver to cut in fuel prices, but were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border with police using water cannons to disperse them.

The farmers, riding tractors and trolleys, broke barricades of the UP Police and then started proceeding towards the barricades put up by the Delhi Police, a senior police officer said.

As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance.

As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance. After meeting the protesting farmers at the Delhi-UP border, Union minister of state for agriculture Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said the government was assuring the farmers to take forward their cause. "I assure you all this. We will move court over the NGT order (to ban tractor and vehicles which are more than 10 years old)," he said. On another problem faced by the farmers about farm labour, the minister said the government would look at bringing in some changes to the minimum wage rules for rural areas to solve this problem. "The government has formed a committee of six chief ministers to look into this issue of labour for farm. The committee is in talks to connect MNREGA with agriculture," Shekhawat added. "On behalf of (Union Home Minister) Rajnath Singh, I assure you that I will represent the farmers' interests in this committee and whatever changes would be required to link MNREGA with agriculture will be made," Shekhawat told the farmers. The protesting farmers, however, decided to stay put at the Delhi border, where they have been stopped by the police from entering the national capital. Naresh Tikait, the chief of Bharat Kisan Union (BKU), which has given the protest call, said the farmers are "not satisfied" with the government's assurance. "We will discuss this and then decide on future course of action. I can't decide anything alone, our committee will take the decision," he added. The farmers were marching towards Delhi over demands ranging from farm loan waiver to cut in fuel prices, but were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border with police using water cannons to disperse them. The farmers, riding tractors and trolleys, broke barricades of the UP Police and then started proceeding towards the barricades put up by the Delhi Police, a senior police officer said.

Agriculture minister assures protesting farmers Centre's help

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala.

The 'Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad' (International Hindu organisation), an outfit launched by Praveen Togadia after being sidelined from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was among the outfits which launched the protests.

In the state capital, the activists squatted on the road at Killipalam from 11 AM to 12 AM, chanting Ayyappa mantras, but allowed ambulances and vehicles carrying patients to pass.

Ambili, a woman activist from Idukki, doused herself with petrol, but was immediately whisked away by police.

The activists held aloft placards, stating that the court was not bigger than Lord Ayyappa and demanded that the state and central government enact suitable legislation to maintain the age old ban.

On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Rahul Easwar, activist and President of Ayyappa Dharma Sena, took out a march from Hanuman Kovil to Palayam here.

In Pandalam in Pathnamthitta district, the Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana Samithi led a march under the leadership of the Pandalam Royal family and observed Tuesday as 'Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana' (Save Lord Ayyappa) day.

A march was taken out from the medical mission junction to the Pandalam Ayyappa temple, in which thousands of people, including women took part, chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam' and demanded a review of the Supreme Court verdict.

The Pandalam Palace Nirvahaka Sangam denied some social media reports that the Pandalam palace would not hand over the "thiruvabharanam" (sacred ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa) to temple authorities during the Makaravilakku festival, to protest against the court verdict.

Roads were blocked at Kollam, Alapuzha, Palakkad and Kochi.

The AHP said it would also begin taking signatures from believers visiting temples against the verdict.&nbsp;

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala. The 'Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad' (International Hindu organisation), an outfit launched by Praveen Togadia after being sidelined from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was among the outfits which launched the protests. In the state capital, the activists squatted on the road at Killipalam from 11 AM to 12 AM, chanting Ayyappa mantras, but allowed ambulances and vehicles carrying patients to pass. Ambili, a woman activist from Idukki, doused herself with petrol, but was immediately whisked away by police. The activists held aloft placards, stating that the court was not bigger than Lord Ayyappa and demanded that the state and central government enact suitable legislation to maintain the age old ban. On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Rahul Easwar, activist and President of Ayyappa Dharma Sena, took out a march from Hanuman Kovil to Palayam here. In Pandalam in Pathnamthitta district, the Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana Samithi led a march under the leadership of the Pandalam Royal family and observed Tuesday as 'Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana' (Save Lord Ayyappa) day. A march was taken out from the medical mission junction to the Pandalam Ayyappa temple, in which thousands of people, including women took part, chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam' and demanded a review of the Supreme Court verdict. The Pandalam Palace Nirvahaka Sangam denied some social media reports that the Pandalam palace would not hand over the "thiruvabharanam" (sacred ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa) to temple authorities during the Makaravilakku festival, to protest against the court verdict. Roads were blocked at Kollam, Alapuzha, Palakkad and Kochi. The AHP said it would also begin taking signatures from believers visiting temples against the verdict.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees block roads in Kerala protesting SC verdict

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