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Six people died in rain-related incidents in the state Saturday, taking the toll since September 1 to 79, while one person was rescued by Indian Air Force personnel, officials said.

UP Relief Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said there were two deaths each in Allahabad and Fatehpur, and one each in Firozabad and Etawah on Saturday.

He said, "The DM of Lalitpur confirmed that one person has been rescued today by Air Force personnel in Kadesarakala village of Talbehat Tehsil. He was marooned on an island of Betwa river after water was released from the Matatilla dam."

On Friday, two persons had died in the state -- one in Sultanpur and other in Mirzapur.

Thursday witnessed the loss of one life each in Mirzapur, Lucknow, Ghazipur and Kannauj due to rain-related incidents.

As many as 18 had died across the state on Wednesday. Of this, four deaths each were reported from Unnao and Faizabad, while two deaths each were reported from Gonda and Rampur. One death each was reported from Auraiyya, Hardoi, Meerut, Etah, Ghazipur and Kaushambi.

Nine deaths were reported on September 4. Of this, two were in Faizabad and one each in Etah, Auraiyya, Sultanpur, Jaunpur, Hathras, Rae Bareli and Ghaziabad.

Similarly, on September 3, 14 lives were lost in the state. This includes three each in Gonda and Kushinagar, two each in Mirzapur and Bijnor. One death each was reported in Bahraich, Sitapur, Meerut and Unnao.

On September 2, as many as 10 people died in rain-related incidents in the state. Four deaths were reported from Jhansi, two from Etawah and one each in Firozabad, Rae Bareli, Auraiyya and Shamli.

September 1 witnessed 16 deaths across the state with Shahjahanpur accounting for six deaths followed by Sitapur, where three people lost their lives. Two deaths each were reported from Amethi and Auraiyya, while one each was reported in Lakhimpur Khiri, Rae Bareli and Unnao. 
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Six people died in rain-related incidents in the state Saturday, taking the toll since September 1 to 79, while one person was rescued by Indian Air Force personnel, officials said.

Six people died in rain-related incidents in the state Saturday, taking the toll since September 1 to 79, while one person was rescued by Indian Air Force personnel, officials said. UP Relief Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said there were two deaths each in Allahabad and Fatehpur, and one each in Firozabad and Etawah on Saturday. He said, "The DM of Lalitpur confirmed that one person has been rescued today by Air Force personnel in Kadesarakala village of Talbehat Tehsil. He was marooned on an island of Betwa river after water was released from the Matatilla dam." On Friday, two persons had died in the state -- one in Sultanpur and other in Mirzapur. Thursday witnessed the loss of one life each in Mirzapur, Lucknow, Ghazipur and Kannauj due to rain-related incidents. As many as 18 had died across the state on Wednesday. Of this, four deaths each were reported from Unnao and Faizabad, while two deaths each were reported from Gonda and Rampur. One death each was reported from Auraiyya, Hardoi, Meerut, Etah, Ghazipur and Kaushambi. Nine deaths were reported on September 4. Of this, two were in Faizabad and one each in Etah, Auraiyya, Sultanpur, Jaunpur, Hathras, Rae Bareli and Ghaziabad. Similarly, on September 3, 14 lives were lost in the state. This includes three each in Gonda and Kushinagar, two each in Mirzapur and Bijnor. One death each was reported in Bahraich, Sitapur, Meerut and Unnao. On September 2, as many as 10 people died in rain-related incidents in the state. Four deaths were reported from Jhansi, two from Etawah and one each in Firozabad, Rae Bareli, Auraiyya and Shamli. September 1 witnessed 16 deaths across the state with Shahjahanpur accounting for six deaths followed by Sitapur, where three people lost their lives. Two deaths each were reported from Amethi and Auraiyya, while one each was reported in Lakhimpur Khiri, Rae Bareli and Unnao.

Toll in rain-related incidents rises to 79 in Uttar Pradesh

Kerala, which was ravaged by floods in August, is ready to welcome tourists from October, a senior official from the southern state said Saturday.

The Kerala Disaster Management Control Room Tuesday had stated that, since May 29, a total of 491 people had died there due to the rains, the maximum number of deaths occurring after August 8.

"Kerala tourism is quickly bouncing back from the flood-related damage which has not affected most of the tourist spots, hotels and resorts in the state," P Bala Kiran, director, Kerala's Department of Tourism, told reporters.

Addressing a press conference here on the sidelines of the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF), Bala Kiran said priority was being accorded to the restoration of road links in the state.

He also said that that the arrival of tourists had started picking up from August 29.

"Airports, road and rail networks are operational. The fourth airport at Kannur in north Kerala will be opened soon," he said, adding that the state's Malabar region would get a fillip due to Kannur airport.

Munnar, Thekkady and Wayanad, which were affected due to rains and landslides, are now open for tourists and public as was Eravikulam National Park, he said.

Kerala Travel Mart 2018, being held as scheduled from September 27-30, and the 4th edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), the biggest contemporary art event in Asia, will be held from December 12, 2018 to March 19, 2019, he said.

The Kerala Disaster Management Control Room Tuesday had stated that, since May 29, a total of 491 people had died there due to the rains, the maximum number of deaths occurring after August 8.

Kerala, which was ravaged by floods in August, is ready to welcome tourists from October, a senior official from the southern state said Saturday. The Kerala Disaster Management Control Room Tuesday had stated that, since May 29, a total of 491 people had died there due to the rains, the maximum number of deaths occurring after August 8. "Kerala tourism is quickly bouncing back from the flood-related damage which has not affected most of the tourist spots, hotels and resorts in the state," P Bala Kiran, director, Kerala's Department of Tourism, told reporters. Addressing a press conference here on the sidelines of the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF), Bala Kiran said priority was being accorded to the restoration of road links in the state. He also said that that the arrival of tourists had started picking up from August 29. "Airports, road and rail networks are operational. The fourth airport at Kannur in north Kerala will be opened soon," he said, adding that the state's Malabar region would get a fillip due to Kannur airport. Munnar, Thekkady and Wayanad, which were affected due to rains and landslides, are now open for tourists and public as was Eravikulam National Park, he said. Kerala Travel Mart 2018, being held as scheduled from September 27-30, and the 4th edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), the biggest contemporary art event in Asia, will be held from December 12, 2018 to March 19, 2019, he said.

Post floods, Kerala set to welcome tourists from October: Official

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to embark on a two-day visit to Russia in order to hold discussions on a range of issues of bilateral cooperation, news agency ANI reported quoting MEA.

She will co-chair the 23rd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Technical & Economic Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) with Yuri Borisov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

IRIGC-TEC is a standing body which annually meets and reviews ongoing activities of bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, science and technology, culture and other issues of mutual interest, it said.

She would also take stock of bilateral cooperation in various fields and will provide policy recommendations and directions in the relevant fields, the MEA said.

She will also discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to India later this year. Putin would be coming to India to attend the India-Russia Annual Summit later this year, the MEA said. The last meeting of the commission was held in New Delhi in December 2017.&nbsp

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EAM Sushma Swaraj will visit Moscow on September 13-14 to participate in the 23rd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Technical& Economic Cooperation ( IRIGC- TEC) which will be co-chaired by her& Yuri Borisov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/mugD4lUpBk">pic.twitter.com/mugD4lUpBk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1038462258425151489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sushma Swaraj, Russia, bilateral cooperation, MEA

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to embark on a two-day visit to Russia in order to hold discussions on a range of issues of bilateral cooperation, news agency ANI reported quoting MEA. She will co-chair the 23rd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Technical & Economic Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) with Yuri Borisov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. IRIGC-TEC is a standing body which annually meets and reviews ongoing activities of bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, science and technology, culture and other issues of mutual interest, it said. She would also take stock of bilateral cooperation in various fields and will provide policy recommendations and directions in the relevant fields, the MEA said. She will also discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to India later this year. Putin would be coming to India to attend the India-Russia Annual Summit later this year, the MEA said. The last meeting of the commission was held in New Delhi in December 2017. EAM Sushma Swaraj will visit Moscow on September 13-14 to participate in the 23rd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Technical& Economic Cooperation ( IRIGC- TEC) which will be co-chaired by her& Yuri Borisov, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/mugD4lUpBk — ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2018 ×

Sushma Swaraj to embark on two-day visit to Russia on Thursday: MEA

Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav was arrested in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu when he was on his way to express solidarity with farmers protesting against the proposed Salem-Chennai Expressway project, police said.

''Finally, I have been arrested. My crime: wanting to meet farmers in their home. Where is rule of law?'' he tweeted.

Earlier Yadav said he was detained at Chengam in this district, they said without elaborating.

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"I have given in writing that we will meet farmers' only inside their home which does not violate any law and is my legal constitutional right to do so. The Police still wants to arrest me. In this country it is not the Police Raj but Rule of Law."<a href="https://twitter.com/_YogendraYadav?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_YogendraYadav</a> <a href="https://t.co/H9DlNXeH7R">pic.twitter.com/H9DlNXeH7R</a>
— Swaraj India (@_SwarajIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/_SwarajIndia/status/1038407636981608449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Swaraj Abhiyan leader tweeted that he was "manhandled" and pushed into a police van.

"We came on the invitation of Movement Against 8Lane Way. We were prevented from going to meet farmers, phones snatched, manhandled and pushed into police van. Firsthand experience of police state in TN," he said.

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Finally, I have been arrested. 
My crime: wanting to meet farmers in their home. 
Where is rule of law?
— Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) <a href="https://twitter.com/_YogendraYadav/status/1038404892560261120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Yadav said he had come here for conducting a fact-finding about acquisition when he was stopped from proceeding.

The Rs 10,000 crore eight-lane expressway connecting Salem and Chennai is being opposed by a section of farmers and landowners who do not want to part with their land.

DMK leader M K Stalin condemned the "arbitrary detention. "The DMK strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of @_SwarajIndia chief @_YogendraYadav who supported farmers affected by #ChennaiSalemExpressway project," he tweeted.

The "intolerant" AIADMK government will pay the price for denying people the democratic right to dissent and protest, Stalin added.

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Here is my response to the police order restraining me from meeting farmers. 
As a law abiding citizen, it's my duty to defy this illegal order. <a href="https://t.co/8FVejcXJO2">pic.twitter.com/8FVejcXJO2</a>
— Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) <a href="https://twitter.com/_YogendraYadav/status/1038394799546454016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile. Makkal Neethi Maiam founder- president Kamal Haasan condemned the detention of Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav.

He said 'brother' Yadav, "a politician from a different state" had come to learn about the opinion of the farmers of our state".

"This act is to be criticised and condemned, as it prevents opinions from being shared and is an act of dictatorship," Haasan said in a statement here.

People should have the freedom to express their views without fear, the actor-turned-politician added.

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தமிழக விவசாயிகளிடம் கருத்துக்கேட்கச் சென்ற நண்பர் திரு <a href="https://twitter.com/_YogendraYadav?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_YogendraYadav</a> கைது செய்யப்பட்டது விமர்சனத்துக்குரியது, கடும் கண்டனத்துக்குரியது. <a href="https://t.co/JmwJz7HIQo">pic.twitter.com/JmwJz7HIQo</a>
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/1038416158007877633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

''Finally, I have been arrested. My crime: wanting to meet farmers in their home. Where is rule of law?'' he tweeted.

Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav was arrested in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu when he was on his way to express solidarity with farmers protesting against the proposed Salem-Chennai Expressway project, police said. ''Finally, I have been arrested. My crime: wanting to meet farmers in their home. Where is rule of law?'' he tweeted. Earlier Yadav said he was detained at Chengam in this district, they said without elaborating. "I have given in writing that we will meet farmers' only inside their home which does not violate any law and is my legal constitutional right to do so. The Police still wants to arrest me. In this country it is not the Police Raj but Rule of Law."@_YogendraYadav pic.twitter.com/H9DlNXeH7R — Swaraj India (@_SwarajIndia) September 8, 2018 × The Swaraj Abhiyan leader tweeted that he was "manhandled" and pushed into a police van. "We came on the invitation of Movement Against 8Lane Way. We were prevented from going to meet farmers, phones snatched, manhandled and pushed into police van. Firsthand experience of police state in TN," he said. Finally, I have been arrested. My crime: wanting to meet farmers in their home. Where is rule of law? — Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) September 8, 2018 × Yadav said he had come here for conducting a fact-finding about acquisition when he was stopped from proceeding. The Rs 10,000 crore eight-lane expressway connecting Salem and Chennai is being opposed by a section of farmers and landowners who do not want to part with their land. DMK leader M K Stalin condemned the "arbitrary detention. "The DMK strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of @_SwarajIndia chief @_YogendraYadav who supported farmers affected by #ChennaiSalemExpressway project," he tweeted. The "intolerant" AIADMK government will pay the price for denying people the democratic right to dissent and protest, Stalin added. Here is my response to the police order restraining me from meeting farmers. As a law abiding citizen, it's my duty to defy this illegal order. pic.twitter.com/8FVejcXJO2 — Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) September 8, 2018 × Meanwhile. Makkal Neethi Maiam founder- president Kamal Haasan condemned the detention of Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav. He said 'brother' Yadav, "a politician from a different state" had come to learn about the opinion of the farmers of our state". "This act is to be criticised and condemned, as it prevents opinions from being shared and is an act of dictatorship," Haasan said in a statement here. People should have the freedom to express their views without fear, the actor-turned-politician added. தமிழக விவசாயிகளிடம் கருத்துக்கேட்கச் சென்ற நண்பர் திரு @_YogendraYadav கைது செய்யப்பட்டது விமர்சனத்துக்குரியது, கடும் கண்டனத்துக்குரியது. pic.twitter.com/JmwJz7HIQo — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) September 8, 2018 ×

Yogendra Yadav arrested en route to a meeting with farmers in Tamil Nadu

The National Investigation Agency Friday filed a charge sheet in the special NIA court in Mumbai against five Bangladeshi nationals who were arrested from Pune for "aiding and harbouring" members of a terrorist organisation.

The five people -- Mohammed Habibur Rahman Habib, Ripen Hossain, Hannan Anwar Khan, Mohd Hassanali Mohd Amirali and Azarali Subhanalla Islam -- had helped members of the Bangladesh-based Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a front organisation of al-Qaeda.

The charge sheet was filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Foreigners Act, 1946.

The Pune Police had arrested the five Bangladeshi nationals from the city in March. The probe into the case was later transferred to the NIA.

The NIA probe revealed that they were staying in India without valid documents and were working at various construction sites in Pune.

They had fraudulently obtained PAN, Aadhaar, voter IDs and ration cards in "fictitious names by providing fake/forged documents", the NIA said in a statement.

"The five used Aadhaar and PAN for procuring Indian SIM cards for opening bank accounts and for seeking employment in India," it said.

The investigation also revealed that in 2017, they had provided shelter and money to one Tushar Bishwas, a member of the ABT, against whom a charge sheet had been filed earlier under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The charge sheet was filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Foreigners Act, 1946.

The National Investigation Agency Friday filed a charge sheet in the special NIA court in Mumbai against five Bangladeshi nationals who were arrested from Pune for "aiding and harbouring" members of a terrorist organisation. The five people -- Mohammed Habibur Rahman Habib, Ripen Hossain, Hannan Anwar Khan, Mohd Hassanali Mohd Amirali and Azarali Subhanalla Islam -- had helped members of the Bangladesh-based Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a front organisation of al-Qaeda. The charge sheet was filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Foreigners Act, 1946. The Pune Police had arrested the five Bangladeshi nationals from the city in March. The probe into the case was later transferred to the NIA. The NIA probe revealed that they were staying in India without valid documents and were working at various construction sites in Pune. They had fraudulently obtained PAN, Aadhaar, voter IDs and ration cards in "fictitious names by providing fake/forged documents", the NIA said in a statement. "The five used Aadhaar and PAN for procuring Indian SIM cards for opening bank accounts and for seeking employment in India," it said. The investigation also revealed that in 2017, they had provided shelter and money to one Tushar Bishwas, a member of the ABT, against whom a charge sheet had been filed earlier under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Pune: NIA charges five Bangladeshis with aiding terrorists

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday hit out at RSS and said they (RSS) have their weird ideas to demean people by calling others dogs and assuming themselves as the tiger.

''This has been the language of RSS from last 90 years and I am not surprised. People of India will reject such crass and crude language,'' Owaisi said.

Questioning RSS, he&nbsp;asked "So who are dogs and the lion? Indian Constitution defines everyone as humans and does not treat them as dogs or lion. The problem with RSS is that they don't believe in Indian constitution."&nbsp;

Owaisi's statement is in response to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's comments asking the Hindu community to unite in order to end their centuries of sufferings.

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So who are dogs and the lion? Indian Constitution defines everyone as humans & doesn't treat them as dogs or lion. The problem with RSS is that they don't believe in Indian constitution: A Owaisi on RSS Chief's statement, "if a lion is alone, wild dogs can invade & destroy it" <a href="https://t.co/XLipWRiO0e">pic.twitter.com/XLipWRiO0e</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1038442482005168128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Speaking at the second WHC on Friday, Bhagwat had said that Hindus had no aspiration of dominance and the community would prosper only when it works as a society.

"If a lion is alone, wild dogs can invade and destroy the lion. We must not forget that," the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)chief said.

"We want to make the world better. We have no aspiration of dominance. Our influence is not a result of conquest or colonisation," he added.

The WHC marks the commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's historic speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893 in Chicago.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mohan Bhagwat had asked that the Hindus to unite saying that 'a lion never walks in a group but even that lion or a Royal Bengal tiger who is the king of the jungle ...if he is alone, wild dogs can invade and distroy him'

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday hit out at RSS and said they (RSS) have their weird ideas to demean people by calling others dogs and assuming themselves as the tiger. ''This has been the language of RSS from last 90 years and I am not surprised. People of India will reject such crass and crude language,'' Owaisi said. Questioning RSS, he asked "So who are dogs and the lion? Indian Constitution defines everyone as humans and does not treat them as dogs or lion. The problem with RSS is that they don't believe in Indian constitution." Owaisi's statement is in response to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's comments asking the Hindu community to unite in order to end their centuries of sufferings. So who are dogs and the lion? Indian Constitution defines everyone as humans & doesn't treat them as dogs or lion. The problem with RSS is that they don't believe in Indian constitution: A Owaisi on RSS Chief's statement, "if a lion is alone, wild dogs can invade & destroy it" pic.twitter.com/XLipWRiO0e — ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2018 × Speaking at the second WHC on Friday, Bhagwat had said that Hindus had no aspiration of dominance and the community would prosper only when it works as a society. "If a lion is alone, wild dogs can invade and destroy the lion. We must not forget that," the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)chief said. "We want to make the world better. We have no aspiration of dominance. Our influence is not a result of conquest or colonisation," he added. The WHC marks the commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's historic speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893 in Chicago. (With inputs from agencies)

RSS doesn't believe in Indian constitution: Asaduddin Owaisi

Nalini Sriharan, a life convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has forwarded a petition to the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary urging the government to consider her plea for early release.

The plea comes two days after the Supreme Court asked the Tamil Nadu Governor to consider the mercy petition of A G Perarivalan, another convict in the 1991 case.

A life convict at the Special Prison for Women here, Nalini in her petition recalled that she had made a representation on February 22, 2014 to the government seeking her release under Article 161 of the Constitution.

Article 161 deals with the judicial powers of the governor of a state.

Her plea for release was in accordance with the state government's 1994 Scheme of Premature Release of Life Convicts, she said.

In her petition, which she forwarded through the Superintendent of Prisons here Friday and made available to the media, she said following her 2014 petition, she moved the High Court in 2015 seeking a direction to the government to consider her plea for release.

In its order dated July 20, 2016, the Madras High Court had said the authorities were at liberty to consider her representation in accordance with law subject to the outcome of another writ petition in the Supreme Court.

The High Court's judgment has been confirmed by a division bench in its order of April 27, 2018, she said.

Days ago, "the Supreme Court had disposed," of a related pending petition too, she said.

In view of the ruling of the Madras High Court and the apex court disposing of a related plea, Nalini said "my representation dated February 22, 2014 seeking my release under Article 161 of the Constitution in accordance with the said scheme...May be considered and I may be released from prison at an early date."

She said she was "fully eligible" to be released under the scheme.

The supreme court has disposed of a petition by the Centre regarding a proposal for the release of the convicts, filed by the Tamil Nadu government.

The Centre had on August 10 told the apex court that it does not concur with the Tamil Nadu government's proposal to release the seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, saying remission of their sentence will set a "dangerous precedent" and have "international ramifications."

On January 23, the apex court had asked the Centre to take a decision within three months on a 2016 letter of the Tamil Nadu government written on March 2, 2016, seeking its concurrence on releasing the seven convicts.

Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on the night of May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu by a woman suicide bomber, identified as Dhanu, at an election rally. Fourteen others, including Dhanu herself, were also killed.

The plea comes two days after the Supreme Court asked the Tamil Nadu Governor to consider the mercy petition of A G Perarivalan, another convict in the 1991 case.

Nalini Sriharan, a life convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has forwarded a petition to the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary urging the government to consider her plea for early release. The plea comes two days after the Supreme Court asked the Tamil Nadu Governor to consider the mercy petition of A G Perarivalan, another convict in the 1991 case. A life convict at the Special Prison for Women here, Nalini in her petition recalled that she had made a representation on February 22, 2014 to the government seeking her release under Article 161 of the Constitution. Article 161 deals with the judicial powers of the governor of a state. Her plea for release was in accordance with the state government's 1994 Scheme of Premature Release of Life Convicts, she said. In her petition, which she forwarded through the Superintendent of Prisons here Friday and made available to the media, she said following her 2014 petition, she moved the High Court in 2015 seeking a direction to the government to consider her plea for release. In its order dated July 20, 2016, the Madras High Court had said the authorities were at liberty to consider her representation in accordance with law subject to the outcome of another writ petition in the Supreme Court. The High Court's judgment has been confirmed by a division bench in its order of April 27, 2018, she said. Days ago, "the Supreme Court had disposed," of a related pending petition too, she said. In view of the ruling of the Madras High Court and the apex court disposing of a related plea, Nalini said "my representation dated February 22, 2014 seeking my release under Article 161 of the Constitution in accordance with the said scheme...May be considered and I may be released from prison at an early date." She said she was "fully eligible" to be released under the scheme. The supreme court has disposed of a petition by the Centre regarding a proposal for the release of the convicts, filed by the Tamil Nadu government. The Centre had on August 10 told the apex court that it does not concur with the Tamil Nadu government's proposal to release the seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, saying remission of their sentence will set a "dangerous precedent" and have "international ramifications." On January 23, the apex court had asked the Centre to take a decision within three months on a 2016 letter of the Tamil Nadu government written on March 2, 2016, seeking its concurrence on releasing the seven convicts. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on the night of May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu by a woman suicide bomber, identified as Dhanu, at an election rally. Fourteen others, including Dhanu herself, were also killed.

Rajiv assassination case convict Nalini seeks early release

A Supreme Court judge expressed disappointment over the government's decision to leave it to the court's wisdom to take a call on sensitive issues such as the recent challenge to Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalised homosexuality between consenting adults, saying that politicians handing such power to the judges are happening on everyday basis.

Justice D Y Chandrachud, who was a member of the five-judge constitution bench which ruled that gay sex among consenting adults was no more a criminal offence, said on Saturday that in Section 377 the judgment really represented in that sense the battle between laws of a colonial origin and laws which must truly represent constitutional values.&nbsp;

The judge also said that this concern about the need to harmonise pre-Independence or colonial laws with the ethos of constitutional jurisprudence was reflected in the judgment.

"Why do politicians sometimes hand over power to judges and we see that happening in the Supreme Court everyday. We saw that in 377 where the government told us that we are leaving this to the wisdom of the court and this 'wisdom of the court' was too enticing a principle for me not to respond so I responded in my judgment the other day," said Justice Chandrachud.

"It is well for a judge to remind himself or herself of the fact that flattery is often the graveyard of the gullible," he quoted from his judgment.

Justice Chandrachud was speaking on the topic, "Rule of Law in Constitutional Democracy", at the 19th Annual Bodh Raj Sawhny Memorial Oration 2018, organised by National Law University, Delhi.

He said that out of the many layers of the judgment, the most significant part was where "we try and give individual dignity, the autonomy, the choice and liberty of an individual, some substantive content".&nbsp;

"And therefore you find that in some parts of the judgment, there are reference to the fact that says 'I am as I am and let me be as I am'. There are other judgments which do not regard this right 'to be that I am' as something that is immutable," he said.&nbsp;

He also said that all our identities are shaped by our constant interaction with each other, with the society and one's self.&nbsp;

"...Is gender in that sense an identity which is not shaped by our social milieu," he said.

Noting that Section 377 rested on deep-rooted gender stereotypes, he said that "what 377 did essentially was to say that this is how a man should be and this is how a woman should be. And, this not what a man is and this is not what a woman is."&nbsp;

"LGBT individuals, as well as those who do not conform to societal expectations of sexual behaviour, defy gender stereotypes," he quoted from his judgment.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

He further said that the issue is how do you deal with sexual orientation with expression of sex in Article 15 of the Constitution.

Section 377, imposing deep prejudices in terms of gender stereotypes, was found to be offensive to Article 15, he said.

"Article 15 also uses the word 'only'. It says that no citizen shall be discriminated only on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth. If you follow a very formalistic 'Rule of Law' approach the word 'only' means the moment you discriminate against an individual on the ground of sex and something else, that discrimination is valid," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

He added that there is a need for emphasising an equal society.

"Rule of Law, if it has to flourish in a constitutional democracy, has to be amidst the diversity of culture, in a plural society," he said.&nbsp;

Justice D Y Chandrachud, who was a member of the five-judge constitution bench which ruled that gay sex among consenting adults was no more a criminal offence, said on Saturday that in Section 377 the judgment really represented in that sense the battle between laws of a colonial origin and laws which must truly represent constitutional values.

A Supreme Court judge expressed disappointment over the government's decision to leave it to the court's wisdom to take a call on sensitive issues such as the recent challenge to Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalised homosexuality between consenting adults, saying that politicians handing such power to the judges are happening on everyday basis. Justice D Y Chandrachud, who was a member of the five-judge constitution bench which ruled that gay sex among consenting adults was no more a criminal offence, said on Saturday that in Section 377 the judgment really represented in that sense the battle between laws of a colonial origin and laws which must truly represent constitutional values. The judge also said that this concern about the need to harmonise pre-Independence or colonial laws with the ethos of constitutional jurisprudence was reflected in the judgment. "Why do politicians sometimes hand over power to judges and we see that happening in the Supreme Court everyday. We saw that in 377 where the government told us that we are leaving this to the wisdom of the court and this 'wisdom of the court' was too enticing a principle for me not to respond so I responded in my judgment the other day," said Justice Chandrachud. "It is well for a judge to remind himself or herself of the fact that flattery is often the graveyard of the gullible," he quoted from his judgment. Justice Chandrachud was speaking on the topic, "Rule of Law in Constitutional Democracy", at the 19th Annual Bodh Raj Sawhny Memorial Oration 2018, organised by National Law University, Delhi. He said that out of the many layers of the judgment, the most significant part was where "we try and give individual dignity, the autonomy, the choice and liberty of an individual, some substantive content". "And therefore you find that in some parts of the judgment, there are reference to the fact that says 'I am as I am and let me be as I am'. There are other judgments which do not regard this right 'to be that I am' as something that is immutable," he said. He also said that all our identities are shaped by our constant interaction with each other, with the society and one's self. "...Is gender in that sense an identity which is not shaped by our social milieu," he said. Noting that Section 377 rested on deep-rooted gender stereotypes, he said that "what 377 did essentially was to say that this is how a man should be and this is how a woman should be. And, this not what a man is and this is not what a woman is." "LGBT individuals, as well as those who do not conform to societal expectations of sexual behaviour, defy gender stereotypes," he quoted from his judgment. He further said that the issue is how do you deal with sexual orientation with expression of sex in Article 15 of the Constitution. Section 377, imposing deep prejudices in terms of gender stereotypes, was found to be offensive to Article 15, he said. "Article 15 also uses the word 'only'. It says that no citizen shall be discriminated only on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, place of birth. If you follow a very formalistic 'Rule of Law' approach the word 'only' means the moment you discriminate against an individual on the ground of sex and something else, that discrimination is valid," he said. He added that there is a need for emphasising an equal society. "Rule of Law, if it has to flourish in a constitutional democracy, has to be amidst the diversity of culture, in a plural society," he said.

SC raps Centre for leaving it to wisdom of court to decide on Section 377

Ahead of the assembly polls in the state, the Madhya Pradesh&nbsp;Congress Committee (MPCC) on Saturday withdrew its letter from ticket aspirants&nbsp;which had mentioned that the <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/madhya-pradesh-elections-congress-to-issue-tickets-to-candidates-with-strong-social-media-presence-163276">tickets would be given to candidates with strong social media presence</a>.

The letter had mentioned that 'candidates in upcoming polls must have 15,000 likes on their FB page, 5000 Twitter followers, and WhatsApp group of booth-level workers'.

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Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has withdrawn its letter to ticket aspirants, in which it was mentioned that 'candidates in upcoming polls must have 15,000 likes on their FB page, 5000 Twitter followers, & WhatsApp group of booth-level workers." <a href="https://t.co/bKfE4uCFbt">pic.twitter.com/bKfE4uCFbt</a>
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The Congress had earlier&nbsp;issued an order to its party members to maintain a strong hold over the social media in order to get the ticket for the election.

Congress had said that its party members should&nbsp;have at least 15,000 likes on Facebook, 5000 followers on Twitter and be part of several WhatsApp group to fulfil the criteria for getting the party ticket.

The party had also asked the leaders to retweet and like all posts of Madhya Pradesh Congress and to share the posts from the official page on their pages.

The party members were asked to submit the details of their social media handles to the party by September 15.

According to a media report, 4,000 Congress'&nbsp;"Rajiv ke Sipahi" were competing against 65,000 "cyber warriors" of the BJP in the cyberspace.

The letter had mentioned that 'candidates in upcoming polls must have 15,000 likes on their FB page, 5000 Twitter followers, and WhatsApp group of booth-level workers'.

Ahead of the assembly polls in the state, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Saturday withdrew its letter from ticket aspirants which had mentioned that the tickets would be given to candidates with strong social media presence. The letter had mentioned that 'candidates in upcoming polls must have 15,000 likes on their FB page, 5000 Twitter followers, and WhatsApp group of booth-level workers'. Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has withdrawn its letter to ticket aspirants, in which it was mentioned that 'candidates in upcoming polls must have 15,000 likes on their FB page, 5000 Twitter followers, & WhatsApp group of booth-level workers." pic.twitter.com/bKfE4uCFbt — ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2018 × The Congress had earlier issued an order to its party members to maintain a strong hold over the social media in order to get the ticket for the election. Congress had said that its party members should have at least 15,000 likes on Facebook, 5000 followers on Twitter and be part of several WhatsApp group to fulfil the criteria for getting the party ticket. The party had also asked the leaders to retweet and like all posts of Madhya Pradesh Congress and to share the posts from the official page on their pages. The party members were asked to submit the details of their social media handles to the party by September 15. According to a media report, 4,000 Congress' "Rajiv ke Sipahi" were competing against 65,000 "cyber warriors" of the BJP in the cyberspace.

MP: Cong withdraws order asking strong social media presence for aspirants

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday assured that no Indian national would be excluded from the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Addressing the Northeast Students' Festival in Delhi to welcome new students from the region to Delhi, Singh said the NRC was necessary to identify Indian citizens and weed out illegal immigrants.&nbsp

"I want to say that no genuine Indian will be excluded from the NRC," he said at the event organised by 'My Home India', an NGO founded by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sunil Deodhar.&nbsp

"It is absolutely necessary to know who are Indians and who are foreigners," said Singh as he asserted that the update of the NRC, a list of Assam's citizens, was carried out under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court.

Deodhar was the BJP in-charge in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi during 2014 Lok Sabha elections and a key architect of BJP's victory in last assembly elections in Tripura.

The update of NRC, the massive Supreme Court-monitored exercise to identify genuine Indian nationals living in Assam excluded over 40 lakh people from the draft list published on July 30, creating a huge political controversy.

The exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh was carried out in Assam following?a decision in 2005 after a series of meetings between the central and state governments and the influential All Assam?Students' Union (AASU).&nbsp

Assam, which faced the influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state having an NRC, first prepared in 1951.&nbsp

The current exercise started in 2005 under the then Congress regime got a major push only after the BJP came to power in the state with illegal immigration from Bangladesh as a poll plank.&nbsp

When the NRC was first prepared in Assam way back in 1951, the state had 80 lakh citizens then.&nbsp

As per 2011 census, Assam's total population is over 3.11 crore. The process of identification of illegal immigrants in Assam has been widely debated and become a contentious issue in the state's politics.&nbsp

A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the AASU in 1979.&nbsp

It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985, in the presence of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Addressing the Northeast Students' Festival in Delhi to welcome new students from the region to Delhi, Singh said the NRC was necessary to identify Indian citizens and weed out illegal immigrants.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday assured that no Indian national would be excluded from the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Addressing the Northeast Students' Festival in Delhi to welcome new students from the region to Delhi, Singh said the NRC was necessary to identify Indian citizens and weed out illegal immigrants. "I want to say that no genuine Indian will be excluded from the NRC," he said at the event organised by 'My Home India', an NGO founded by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sunil Deodhar. "It is absolutely necessary to know who are Indians and who are foreigners," said Singh as he asserted that the update of the NRC, a list of Assam's citizens, was carried out under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court. Deodhar was the BJP in-charge in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi during 2014 Lok Sabha elections and a key architect of BJP's victory in last assembly elections in Tripura. The update of NRC, the massive Supreme Court-monitored exercise to identify genuine Indian nationals living in Assam excluded over 40 lakh people from the draft list published on July 30, creating a huge political controversy. The exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh was carried out in Assam following?a decision in 2005 after a series of meetings between the central and state governments and the influential All Assam?Students' Union (AASU). Assam, which faced the influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state having an NRC, first prepared in 1951. The current exercise started in 2005 under the then Congress regime got a major push only after the BJP came to power in the state with illegal immigration from Bangladesh as a poll plank. When the NRC was first prepared in Assam way back in 1951, the state had 80 lakh citizens then. As per 2011 census, Assam's total population is over 3.11 crore. The process of identification of illegal immigrants in Assam has been widely debated and become a contentious issue in the state's politics. A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the AASU in 1979. It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985, in the presence of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

No Indians to be excluded from NRC: Rajnath Singh

Amnesty International India has said that the survivors of the 2013 communal violence in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli in Uttar Pradesh continue to wait for justice with "little hope" as the state government's attempt at rehabilitation and compensation has been "woefully inadequate".

On the fifth anniversary of the riots, the body said Saturday that riot survivors, who were displaced from their homes, still lived in squalor in resettlement colonies and the seven women survivors of gang-rape, who were brave enough to file their complaints, were yet to receive justice.

"The Uttar Pradesh state government has forgotten the riot survivors of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli. This apathy towards the survivors of one of the most deadly instances of communal violence in recent years is just not acceptable," said Asmita Basu, Programmes Director, Amnesty International India.

"The state has done very little to redress the injustice they have faced. The government's attempt at rehabilitation and compensation has been woefully inadequate," said Basu.

Basu said seven courageous women from Muzaffarnagar and Shamli filed cases of gang-rape in the face of intimidation and continuing threats.

"However, five years later, justice remains elusive. They have received little assistance from authorities to rebuild their lives and livelihoods," Basu said.

There has not been even one conviction in any of the seven cases so far. In 2016, one of the survivors died during childbirth, the body said.

The statement quoted one of the survivors who spoke to Amnesty International India in August 2018 as saying, "I have now lost all faith. It has been five years since I last filed my complaint."

"No one has come to help me or my family for so many years now. What I care for now is the safety of my husband and the survival of my family," she said.

The statement quoted Rehana Adeeb, an activist working in Muzaffarnagar, as saying, "Victims have faced social pressure as well as political pressure. Justice has not worked in the way it should have. Their rapists are out in the open for years now. Women are scared now to pursue their cases and they cannot be blamed for this."

"There are media reports of compromises being made and of money being offered and accepted by many of the seven families. We need to understand the realities in which these women have survived all these years. They are scared and have lost all faith in the system," the statement said.

The body said in all seven gang-rape cases, the police took months to file charges- between six and 14 months in most cases.

After that trials have proceeded extremely slowly and in three cases, survivors identified and named the men they said had raped them in their First Information Reports, but turned hostile in court.

At least 60 people were killed and over 50,000 displaced in the violence in 2013.

Hundreds of families displaced from their villages have been denied the Rs 5,00,000 promised by the Uttar Pradesh government to families from the "worst-affected" villages, for reasons ranging from clerical errors and corruption to inconsistent definitions of a 'family'.

An overwhelming majority of families in resettlement colonies lack access to basic services, the body said, adding about 82 per cent of colonies in Muzaffarnagar and 97 per cent of colonies in Shamli are estimated to not have safe and clean drinking water.

The body added 61 per cent of colonies in Muzaffarnagar and 70 per cent of colonies in Shamli do not have drainage facilities.

"The Uttar Pradesh government's callous treatment of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli riot survivors is a breach of its commitment to uphold basic constitutional values. The riot survivors have been forced to live in a vicious cycle of poverty and discrimination. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister must ensure that the voices of the survivors are heard immediately and justice is delayed no further," Basu said.&nbsp;

On the fifth anniversary of the riots, the body said Saturday that riot survivors, who were displaced from their homes, still lived in squalor in resettlement colonies and the seven women survivors of gang-rape, who were brave enough to file their complaints, were yet to receive justice.

Amnesty International India has said that the survivors of the 2013 communal violence in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli in Uttar Pradesh continue to wait for justice with "little hope" as the state government's attempt at rehabilitation and compensation has been "woefully inadequate". On the fifth anniversary of the riots, the body said Saturday that riot survivors, who were displaced from their homes, still lived in squalor in resettlement colonies and the seven women survivors of gang-rape, who were brave enough to file their complaints, were yet to receive justice. "The Uttar Pradesh state government has forgotten the riot survivors of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli. This apathy towards the survivors of one of the most deadly instances of communal violence in recent years is just not acceptable," said Asmita Basu, Programmes Director, Amnesty International India. "The state has done very little to redress the injustice they have faced. The government's attempt at rehabilitation and compensation has been woefully inadequate," said Basu. Basu said seven courageous women from Muzaffarnagar and Shamli filed cases of gang-rape in the face of intimidation and continuing threats. "However, five years later, justice remains elusive. They have received little assistance from authorities to rebuild their lives and livelihoods," Basu said. There has not been even one conviction in any of the seven cases so far. In 2016, one of the survivors died during childbirth, the body said. The statement quoted one of the survivors who spoke to Amnesty International India in August 2018 as saying, "I have now lost all faith. It has been five years since I last filed my complaint." "No one has come to help me or my family for so many years now. What I care for now is the safety of my husband and the survival of my family," she said. The statement quoted Rehana Adeeb, an activist working in Muzaffarnagar, as saying, "Victims have faced social pressure as well as political pressure. Justice has not worked in the way it should have. Their rapists are out in the open for years now. Women are scared now to pursue their cases and they cannot be blamed for this." "There are media reports of compromises being made and of money being offered and accepted by many of the seven families. We need to understand the realities in which these women have survived all these years. They are scared and have lost all faith in the system," the statement said. The body said in all seven gang-rape cases, the police took months to file charges- between six and 14 months in most cases. After that trials have proceeded extremely slowly and in three cases, survivors identified and named the men they said had raped them in their First Information Reports, but turned hostile in court. At least 60 people were killed and over 50,000 displaced in the violence in 2013. Hundreds of families displaced from their villages have been denied the Rs 5,00,000 promised by the Uttar Pradesh government to families from the "worst-affected" villages, for reasons ranging from clerical errors and corruption to inconsistent definitions of a 'family'. An overwhelming majority of families in resettlement colonies lack access to basic services, the body said, adding about 82 per cent of colonies in Muzaffarnagar and 97 per cent of colonies in Shamli are estimated to not have safe and clean drinking water. The body added 61 per cent of colonies in Muzaffarnagar and 70 per cent of colonies in Shamli do not have drainage facilities. "The Uttar Pradesh government's callous treatment of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli riot survivors is a breach of its commitment to uphold basic constitutional values. The riot survivors have been forced to live in a vicious cycle of poverty and discrimination. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister must ensure that the voices of the survivors are heard immediately and justice is delayed no further," Basu said.

UP govt's rehabilitation effort of Muzaffarnagar riot victims 'woefully inadequate': Amnesty

At least 25 school students complained of nausea, stomach ache and fever after being administered measles vaccine Saturday in Assam's Hailakandi district, officials said.

The students of Sahabad ME Madrasa under Katlicherra revenue circle were administered measles-rubella (MR) just after the mid-day meal following which several of them complained of nausea, fever, stomach ache and vomiting, Hailakandi Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan said.

The students were taken to the nearby Katlicherra Block Public Health Centre for treatment.

However, their condition is stated to be stable and there was no reason to panic, officials said.

Joint Director, Health Services, Avijit Basu said that six students have been hospitalised while the rest have been kept under observation and would be discharged soon.

Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan has ordered a probe into the incident to be conducted by the joint director of health services and district immunisation officer.

Khan has asked the officials to submit a report to him immediately.

Basu said he had examined the vaccines administered to the 120 students of the school in the afternoon and found them to be in order.

District Immunisation Officer (DIO) K Thambalsena said that there are no serious cases and condition of the affected was stable.

She said the MR vaccine was approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is of high quality.

The DIO said there was no need to panic as common side effects such as fever, rashes, nausea and dizziness could occur in some cases following MR vaccination.

She said the vaccination will continue for the next couple of weeks till all the children in the age group of nine months and 15 years are vaccinated.

As many as 2.15 lakh children of 1,485 schools in the district will be covered under the MR vaccination drive.

 
&nbsp

District Immunisation Officer (DIO) K Thambalsena said the MR vaccine was approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is of high quality.

At least 25 school students complained of nausea, stomach ache and fever after being administered measles vaccine Saturday in Assam's Hailakandi district, officials said. The students of Sahabad ME Madrasa under Katlicherra revenue circle were administered measles-rubella (MR) just after the mid-day meal following which several of them complained of nausea, fever, stomach ache and vomiting, Hailakandi Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan said. The students were taken to the nearby Katlicherra Block Public Health Centre for treatment. However, their condition is stated to be stable and there was no reason to panic, officials said. Joint Director, Health Services, Avijit Basu said that six students have been hospitalised while the rest have been kept under observation and would be discharged soon. Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan has ordered a probe into the incident to be conducted by the joint director of health services and district immunisation officer. Khan has asked the officials to submit a report to him immediately. Basu said he had examined the vaccines administered to the 120 students of the school in the afternoon and found them to be in order. District Immunisation Officer (DIO) K Thambalsena said that there are no serious cases and condition of the affected was stable. She said the MR vaccine was approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is of high quality. The DIO said there was no need to panic as common side effects such as fever, rashes, nausea and dizziness could occur in some cases following MR vaccination. She said the vaccination will continue for the next couple of weeks till all the children in the age group of nine months and 15 years are vaccinated. As many as 2.15 lakh children of 1,485 schools in the district will be covered under the MR vaccination drive.

25 school children in Assam fall ill after measles vaccination: Officials

Launching a scathing attack on Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday invoked Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu's recent visit to Pakistan.

Speaking to the media, Irani said, "Congress chief's silence is understandable, as on one side there is Sidhu who goes and hugs Pakistan Army General, who is speaking against India and on the other hand, it is Mani Shankar Aiyar whose candidature cancellation during Gujarat polls was just an eyewash."

"Congress chief kept mum on Sidhu sahab's trip to Pakistan. Now, what will Congress chief say after Sidhu has returned from Pakistan and Pakistan is speaking against India Irani asked.

Last month, Sidhu visited Pakistan to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Irani's statement comes after Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa on Thursday asked his troops to "avenge the blood of its soldiers being shed on the border."

"Our troops have made great sacrifices to the nation. I laud the people of Kashmir who have stood firm in such testing times. Our nation will not forget our troops who laid down their lives for this nation. We will avenge the blood of our soldiers being shed on the border," General Bajwa said while addressing the Defence Day function in Pakistan.&nbsp

He added that Pakistan had learned a lot from the 1965 and 1971 wars and developed its defence system.

General Bajwa's latest statement is in contradiction with his own government's diplomatic position.&nbsp

Speaking at the same event, Imran Khan reiterated his goal of achieving peace and said that the country would not fight anyone else's war and his government's main aim is to work for the welfare of the people.

Last month, Sidhu visited Pakistan to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Launching a scathing attack on Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday invoked Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu's recent visit to Pakistan. Speaking to the media, Irani said, "Congress chief's silence is understandable, as on one side there is Sidhu who goes and hugs Pakistan Army General, who is speaking against India and on the other hand, it is Mani Shankar Aiyar whose candidature cancellation during Gujarat polls was just an eyewash." "Congress chief kept mum on Sidhu sahab's trip to Pakistan. Now, what will Congress chief say after Sidhu has returned from Pakistan and Pakistan is speaking against India Irani asked. Last month, Sidhu visited Pakistan to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Irani's statement comes after Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa on Thursday asked his troops to "avenge the blood of its soldiers being shed on the border." "Our troops have made great sacrifices to the nation. I laud the people of Kashmir who have stood firm in such testing times. Our nation will not forget our troops who laid down their lives for this nation. We will avenge the blood of our soldiers being shed on the border," General Bajwa said while addressing the Defence Day function in Pakistan. He added that Pakistan had learned a lot from the 1965 and 1971 wars and developed its defence system. General Bajwa's latest statement is in contradiction with his own government's diplomatic position. Speaking at the same event, Imran Khan reiterated his goal of achieving peace and said that the country would not fight anyone else's war and his government's main aim is to work for the welfare of the people.

Smriti Irani takes jibe at Rahul Gandhi on Sidhu's Pak visit

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday said&nbsp;Opposition's grand alliance (Mahagatbandhan)&nbsp;an eyewash and added all the parties which are in it have been defeated by BJP even after 2014.

Opposition's grand alliance&nbsp;is an eyewash, illusion and false. Parties which are in it have been defeated by BJP even after 2014. It will not make any difference,'' said Amit Shah reportedly said at the BJP national executive meeting.

Shah sought to build a narrative about his party around the theme of development, especially targeting the poor, and nationalism, while painting the Opposition as those sympathising with "urban Naxals" and working for "breaking India" in its frustration over electoral losses.

Briefing reporters on Shah's speech in the closed-door meeting, Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman said he termed the Opposition as "disruptionists" and that it no longer seems to be representing the voice of the people.

BJP will easily win in 19 states where the party is in power, he said and added anti-incumbency will help BJP in states like West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana where, he said, the party can make inroads.&nbsp;

On triple talaq, Shah lashed out the Congress ''hypocritical behaviour'' and said that they would pass the bill.&nbsp;

He also lauded the Maharashtra government and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for their effort in curbing urban Naxalites and accused the Congress of vote bank politics.

The BJP president also welcomed refugees from&nbsp;Afghanistan, Pakistan or Bangladesh, according to ANI.

''If in Afghanistan, Pakistan or in Bangladesh, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christain or Jain refugees approach India seeking refuge, without hesitation, we should give them refuge,'' he said.&nbsp;

Shah said his party will easily win in 19 states where BJP is in power and added anti-incumbency will help BJP in states like West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana

BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday said Opposition's grand alliance (Mahagatbandhan) an eyewash and added all the parties which are in it have been defeated by BJP even after 2014. Opposition's grand alliance is an eyewash, illusion and false. Parties which are in it have been defeated by BJP even after 2014. It will not make any difference,'' said Amit Shah reportedly said at the BJP national executive meeting. Shah sought to build a narrative about his party around the theme of development, especially targeting the poor, and nationalism, while painting the Opposition as those sympathising with "urban Naxals" and working for "breaking India" in its frustration over electoral losses. Briefing reporters on Shah's speech in the closed-door meeting, Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman said he termed the Opposition as "disruptionists" and that it no longer seems to be representing the voice of the people. BJP will easily win in 19 states where the party is in power, he said and added anti-incumbency will help BJP in states like West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana where, he said, the party can make inroads. On triple talaq, Shah lashed out the Congress ''hypocritical behaviour'' and said that they would pass the bill. He also lauded the Maharashtra government and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for their effort in curbing urban Naxalites and accused the Congress of vote bank politics. The BJP president also welcomed refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan or Bangladesh, according to ANI. ''If in Afghanistan, Pakistan or in Bangladesh, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christain or Jain refugees approach India seeking refuge, without hesitation, we should give them refuge,'' he said.

Opposition's grand alliance is an eyewash, says Amit Shah at BJP national exective 

Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport, Varanasi signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for granting Rs 7.73 crore to Varanasi Municipal Corporation for solid waste management under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Airport Authority of India (AAI).

The MoA was signed in the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu, who applauded the initiative and expressed his desire to replicate such steps at other airports in near future.

The minister also conducted a brief inspection of the airport and appreciated cleanliness in and around airport premises. He was also apprised of steps taken by LBSI Airport, Varanasi to create awareness among local people through regular cleanliness drives to keep airport surroundings clean.

During the occasion, a cheque of Rs 3 crore was also presented to National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for plantation of the National Highway.

LBSI Varanasi Airport also provided financial support of Rs 5 crore to Municipal Corporation Varanasi for acquiring 31 TATA ACE hopper tipper suitable to move around city streets to collect garbage and its disposal.&nbsp

Prior to this, Rs 5 crore has already been sanctioned to NHAI for improving ambience and undertaking landscaping work on NH-56 Highway, adjacent to the Varanasi Airport.

LBSI Airport, Varanasi has also undertaken other CSR work to improve quality of life in the region.

The initiatives include construction of toilets for underprivileged children at Government schools, up gradation of four primary schools for basic amenities like classrooms, furniture, drinking water, smart class etc.&nbsp

The construction of community toilets in villages, shelter for poor people and solar lights in villages are also part of its CSR initiatives.

The MoA was signed in the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu, who applauded the initiative and expressed his desire to replicate such steps at other airports in near future.

Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport, Varanasi signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for granting Rs 7.73 crore to Varanasi Municipal Corporation for solid waste management under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Airport Authority of India (AAI). The MoA was signed in the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu, who applauded the initiative and expressed his desire to replicate such steps at other airports in near future. The minister also conducted a brief inspection of the airport and appreciated cleanliness in and around airport premises. He was also apprised of steps taken by LBSI Airport, Varanasi to create awareness among local people through regular cleanliness drives to keep airport surroundings clean. During the occasion, a cheque of Rs 3 crore was also presented to National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for plantation of the National Highway. LBSI Varanasi Airport also provided financial support of Rs 5 crore to Municipal Corporation Varanasi for acquiring 31 TATA ACE hopper tipper suitable to move around city streets to collect garbage and its disposal. Prior to this, Rs 5 crore has already been sanctioned to NHAI for improving ambience and undertaking landscaping work on NH-56 Highway, adjacent to the Varanasi Airport. LBSI Airport, Varanasi has also undertaken other CSR work to improve quality of life in the region. The initiatives include construction of toilets for underprivileged children at Government schools, up gradation of four primary schools for basic amenities like classrooms, furniture, drinking water, smart class etc. The construction of community toilets in villages, shelter for poor people and solar lights in villages are also part of its CSR initiatives.

Varanasi airport to provide fund for solid waste management

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/china-to-allow-nepal-use-of-ports-ending-indias-monopoly-over-trading-routes-164337">China to allow Nepal use of ports, ending India's monopoly over trading routes</a>

China will allow Nepal the use of four of its ports, the Nepalese government said on Friday, as the landlocked Himalayan nation seeks to end India’s monopoly over its trading routes by increasing connections with Beijing.

<a href="wionews.com/world/alibaba-co-founder-jack-ma-announces-retirement-164335">Jack Ma, China's richest man, announces retirement from Alibaba</a>

Alibaba co-founder and chief Jack Ma announced he will leave from the Chinese e-commerce giant Monday to devote his time to philanthropy focused on education.

<a href="wionews.com/world/ex-trump-campaign-aide-papadopoulos-sentenced-to-14-days-in-prison-164339">Ex-Trump campaign aide Papadopoulos sentenced to 14 days in prison</a>

George Papadopoulos, a former aide to then-Republican candidate Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, was sentenced on Friday to 14 days in prison after pleading guilty last year to lying to federal agents investigating whether campaign members coordinated with Russia before the election.

<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-election-lahore-hc-issues-notices-against-ptis-win-164355">Pakistan polls: Lahore high court issues notices against PTI's win</a>

As many as 69 members of Pakistan`s National Assembly (MNAs) were on Friday issued notices by the Lahore High Court in connection with a petition challenging Prime Minister Imran Khan's election win.

<a href="wionews.com/world/pakistan-chinese-foreign-minister-wang-yi-to-hold-delegation-with-shah-mehmood-qureshi-164366">Pakistan: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to hold delegation with Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a>

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on Friday arrived in Islamabad for a three-day visit to Pakistan.

&nbsp

China to allow Nepal use of ports, ending India's monopoly over trading routes China will allow Nepal the use of four of its ports, the Nepalese government said on Friday, as the landlocked Himalayan nation seeks to end India’s monopoly over its trading routes by increasing connections with Beijing. Jack Ma, China's richest man, announces retirement from Alibaba Alibaba co-founder and chief Jack Ma announced he will leave from the Chinese e-commerce giant Monday to devote his time to philanthropy focused on education. Ex-Trump campaign aide Papadopoulos sentenced to 14 days in prison George Papadopoulos, a former aide to then-Republican candidate Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, was sentenced on Friday to 14 days in prison after pleading guilty last year to lying to federal agents investigating whether campaign members coordinated with Russia before the election. Pakistan polls: Lahore high court issues notices against PTI's win As many as 69 members of Pakistan`s National Assembly (MNAs) were on Friday issued notices by the Lahore High Court in connection with a petition challenging Prime Minister Imran Khan's election win. Pakistan: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to hold delegation with Shah Mehmood Qureshi Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on Friday arrived in Islamabad for a three-day visit to Pakistan.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A terrorist was killed after Jammu and Kashmir Police foiled a weapon-snatching bid at a police picket in Achabal block of South Kashmir's Anantnag district.

A police personnel also got injured in the incident. He was later shifted to a hospital for medical treatment.

The injured policeman is stable now said the spokesman, adding that two cars seized by the police which were “apparently” used by the militants.&nbsp

"In the retaliatory action, one terrorist was killed. The weapon of the terrorist was also recovered from the site of the attack," said a police spokesperson.

"Two cars apparently used by the terrorists were seized by police. Police has registered a case in this regard and investigation in the instant matter is in progress," the spokesperson concluded.

The police are yet to ascertain the identity of the terrorist and have mounted a search operation in the area to nab the remaining terrorists who escaped during the shootout.

(With inputs from ANI)

The police are yet to ascertain the identity of the terrorist and have mounted a search operation in the area to nab the remaining terrorists who escaped during the shootout.

A terrorist was killed after Jammu and Kashmir Police foiled a weapon-snatching bid at a police picket in Achabal block of South Kashmir's Anantnag district. A police personnel also got injured in the incident. He was later shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. The injured policeman is stable now said the spokesman, adding that two cars seized by the police which were “apparently” used by the militants. "In the retaliatory action, one terrorist was killed. The weapon of the terrorist was also recovered from the site of the attack," said a police spokesperson. "Two cars apparently used by the terrorists were seized by police. Police has registered a case in this regard and investigation in the instant matter is in progress," the spokesperson concluded. The police are yet to ascertain the identity of the terrorist and have mounted a search operation in the area to nab the remaining terrorists who escaped during the shootout. (With inputs from ANI)

LeT terrorist killed, policeman injured in a shootout in J&K’s Anantnag

A scheduled visit by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to strife-torn Syria next week has been deferred due to escalating tension in the country.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said fresh dates for her visit will be decided in consultation with the Syrian government.

"The external affairs minister's visit to Syria has been deferred due to the prevailing situation in that country. Fresh dates will be decided in mutual consultation with the Syrian side," he said.

Swaraj was scheduled to visit Syria and Lebanon on a three-day visit from September 11.

It would have been the first visit by an Indian external affairs minister to Syria after the civil war-like situation broke out in that country.

According to reports, Russian fighter planes have mounted fresh strikes on the Syrian province of Idlib, amid a meeting in Tehran among leaders of Iran, Russia and Turkey to chalk out a common strategy to deal with the volatile situation in Southern Syria.

The Russian military has warned its US counterparts not to get involved in any military operation in southern Syria.&nbsp

India has been maintaining that all parties should exercise restraint and avoid any steps that may further escalate the situation in country.

Swaraj was scheduled to visit Syria and Lebanon on a three-day visit from September 11.

A scheduled visit by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to strife-torn Syria next week has been deferred due to escalating tension in the country. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said fresh dates for her visit will be decided in consultation with the Syrian government. "The external affairs minister's visit to Syria has been deferred due to the prevailing situation in that country. Fresh dates will be decided in mutual consultation with the Syrian side," he said. Swaraj was scheduled to visit Syria and Lebanon on a three-day visit from September 11. It would have been the first visit by an Indian external affairs minister to Syria after the civil war-like situation broke out in that country. According to reports, Russian fighter planes have mounted fresh strikes on the Syrian province of Idlib, amid a meeting in Tehran among leaders of Iran, Russia and Turkey to chalk out a common strategy to deal with the volatile situation in Southern Syria. The Russian military has warned its US counterparts not to get involved in any military operation in southern Syria. India has been maintaining that all parties should exercise restraint and avoid any steps that may further escalate the situation in country.

Sushma Swaraj's visit to Syria deferred due to prevailing situation in the country

"It is for the judge to decide", said liquor baron Vijay Mallya to ANI on Friday after being asked about when he will be returning to India.

Former Kingfisher boss Vijay Mallya was spotted at The Oval cricket stadium&nbsp;in London's&nbsp;Kennington on Friday where the final Test&nbsp;between Indian and England is underway.

Later, while leaving the cricket ground, he had a brief interaction with ANI where he dodged the question of him going back to India.

On being asked about when will he return to India, Mallya said, "That's for the judge to decide. I am not giving any media interview at a cricket game."

Mallya has&nbsp;been fighting a case in the British court against his extradition to India for the past one year. India's Enforcement Directorate(ED) has sought an order to seize Mallya’s properties worth about Rs 12,500 crore.

On September 3, a Mumbai Special Court had granted three weeks time to liquor baron Vijay Mallya to file his reply on the Enforcement Directorate's application, which sought to declare him a fugitive economic offender.&nbsp;

Mallya was caught on camera while entering The Oval cricket ground on Friday in South London's Kennington on the first day of last Test match between India and England.

"It is for the judge to decide", said liquor baron Vijay Mallya to ANI on Friday after being asked about when he will be returning to India. Former Kingfisher boss Vijay Mallya was spotted at The Oval cricket stadium in London's Kennington on Friday where the final Test between Indian and England is underway. Later, while leaving the cricket ground, he had a brief interaction with ANI where he dodged the question of him going back to India. On being asked about when will he return to India, Mallya said, "That's for the judge to decide. I am not giving any media interview at a cricket game." Mallya has been fighting a case in the British court against his extradition to India for the past one year. India's Enforcement Directorate(ED) has sought an order to seize Mallya’s properties worth about Rs 12,500 crore. On September 3, a Mumbai Special Court had granted three weeks time to liquor baron Vijay Mallya to file his reply on the Enforcement Directorate's application, which sought to declare him a fugitive economic offender.

It is for judge to decide: Vijay Mallya on returning to India

Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Dinanath Bhaskar on Saturday said Dalits "do not have the courage" to misuse the SC/ST Act.

Bhaskar who represents Aurai assembly constituency in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly said the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was misused by those who were opposed to it.

"Dalits do not have the courage to misuse any law," Bhaskar who was one of the founding members of the Bahujan Samaj Party said.

"Not only SC/ST law, instances of misuse of anti-dowry laws has (also) been reported," he added.

Admitting that some in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were not happy with the amendments made to the Act after violent protests by Dalit groups, Bhaskar said the "anger" was temporary.&nbsp

"Some people in the party are also not in favour... Whenever the head of a family takes a decision, everybody is not happy. Someone gets angry. If there is any such anger in the BJP, it is only temporary manmutaav (estrangement)," he said.&nbsp

Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Dinanath Bhaskar who represents Aurai assembly constituency in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly said the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was misused by those who were opposed to it.

Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Dinanath Bhaskar on Saturday said Dalits "do not have the courage" to misuse the SC/ST Act. Bhaskar who represents Aurai assembly constituency in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly said the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was misused by those who were opposed to it. "Dalits do not have the courage to misuse any law," Bhaskar who was one of the founding members of the Bahujan Samaj Party said. "Not only SC/ST law, instances of misuse of anti-dowry laws has (also) been reported," he added. Admitting that some in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were not happy with the amendments made to the Act after violent protests by Dalit groups, Bhaskar said the "anger" was temporary. "Some people in the party are also not in favour... Whenever the head of a family takes a decision, everybody is not happy. Someone gets angry. If there is any such anger in the BJP, it is only temporary manmutaav (estrangement)," he said.

Dalits will never misuse SC/ST Act: BJP leader

The Maharashtra government has laid down fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 150 to curb the menace of open defecation, throwing garbage and spitting in public.

In an order issued Friday by the state Urban Development department, which is headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the government said that the offence of open defecation would invite a fine of Rs 500 while that for throwing garbage and spitting in public would be Rs 180 and Rs 150 respectively.

The fine amount has been levied as per categorisation of areas into classes A, B C and D, officials said.

"The government wants local bodies to achieve a target of 100 per cent segregation and disposal of solid waste. Local bodies have now been delegated powers to ensure individuals, societies and organisations cooperate in keeping the state clean," an official from the Urban Development department said.

The state government's orders come in the wake of a Supreme Court order on August 31 castigating some states and Union Territories, including Maharashtra, for not framing any policy under the 2016 Solid Waste Management Rule even after the passage of two years.

The state government's orders come in the wake of a Supreme Court order on August 31 castigating some states and Union Territories, including Maharashtra, for not framing any policy under the 2016 Solid Waste Management Rule even after the passage of two years

The Maharashtra government has laid down fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 150 to curb the menace of open defecation, throwing garbage and spitting in public. In an order issued Friday by the state Urban Development department, which is headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the government said that the offence of open defecation would invite a fine of Rs 500 while that for throwing garbage and spitting in public would be Rs 180 and Rs 150 respectively. The fine amount has been levied as per categorisation of areas into classes A, B C and D, officials said. "The government wants local bodies to achieve a target of 100 per cent segregation and disposal of solid waste. Local bodies have now been delegated powers to ensure individuals, societies and organisations cooperate in keeping the state clean," an official from the Urban Development department said. The state government's orders come in the wake of a Supreme Court order on August 31 castigating some states and Union Territories, including Maharashtra, for not framing any policy under the 2016 Solid Waste Management Rule even after the passage of two years.

Maharashtra to impose fines for open defecation, spitting, littering

Armies of India and the US will hold their annual combat exercise "Yudh Abhyas" at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand from September 16 to 29 with an aim to enhance inter-operability between the two forces, officials said.

They said the exercise will also focus on enhancing counter-terror cooperation.

The officials said the scope and intensity of this year's exercise will be much wider, in reflection of upswing in defence ties between the two countries.

Around 400 soldiers from each side are expected to participate in the exercise, the officials.

The defence and security cooperation between the US and India has witnessed a new momentum in the last couple of years.

Yesterday, the two countries signed a path-breaking agreement which will allow Indian defence forces to receive military-grade communications equipment from the US and ensure access to real-time encrypted information.

The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) will also help India to obtain critical defence technologies from the US.

In July, the US announced granting India the status of Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1) country, the only South Asian nation to be given the designation along with the US' NATO allies like South Korea, Australia and Japan.

The STA-1 status will help India get critical technology from the US in the defence and certain other key areas.

The move is expected to further facilitate India-US trade and technology collaboration in defence and high technology areas.

Currently there are 36 countries on the STA-1 list. Till recently India was designated as STA-2 countries, along with seven others.

In June 2016, the US had designated India as "Major Defence Partner" intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.

They said the exercise will also focus on enhancing counter-terror cooperation.

Armies of India and the US will hold their annual combat exercise "Yudh Abhyas" at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand from September 16 to 29 with an aim to enhance inter-operability between the two forces, officials said. They said the exercise will also focus on enhancing counter-terror cooperation. The officials said the scope and intensity of this year's exercise will be much wider, in reflection of upswing in defence ties between the two countries. Around 400 soldiers from each side are expected to participate in the exercise, the officials. The defence and security cooperation between the US and India has witnessed a new momentum in the last couple of years. Yesterday, the two countries signed a path-breaking agreement which will allow Indian defence forces to receive military-grade communications equipment from the US and ensure access to real-time encrypted information. The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) will also help India to obtain critical defence technologies from the US. In July, the US announced granting India the status of Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1) country, the only South Asian nation to be given the designation along with the US' NATO allies like South Korea, Australia and Japan. The STA-1 status will help India get critical technology from the US in the defence and certain other key areas. The move is expected to further facilitate India-US trade and technology collaboration in defence and high technology areas. Currently there are 36 countries on the STA-1 list. Till recently India was designated as STA-2 countries, along with seven others. In June 2016, the US had designated India as "Major Defence Partner" intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.

Indian, US armies to carry out two-week combat exercise in Uttarakhand

The current fuel prices have hit a record high in India with prices going above Rs 80 per litre on Saturday.

The prices of petrol have reached a&nbsp;high rate of Rs 80.38 per litre in New Delhi, and diesel at Rs 72.51 per litre.

On the other hand, the price of petrol rose to Rs 87.77 per litre in Mumbai, while diesel at 76.98 per litre.

While the government has maintained that depreciation of the Indian Rupee against the US dollar and a hike in global crude oil prices is causing a surge in domestic oil prices, citizens and the Opposition alike feel the Modi government is not doing enough to curb rising oil prices.&nbsp;

The fuel prices in India is increasing recklessly, however, there are places in the world where fuel prices have remained low.

In Venezuela, a litre of petrol costs less than a rupee.

The northeast African country of Sudan sells one litre of petrol at a little over 24 rupees.

The fuel prices in Iran costs close to Rs 21 per litre.

While in Kuwait and Algeria a litre of petrol costs approximately 25 rupees per litre.

Petrol price in India's neighbouring country Pakistan is Rs 55 per litre.

The fuel prices in many other countries are way above than the Indian prices. In the Caribbean islands in&nbsp;Barbados, petrol costs a whopping 140 rupees per litre.

In the Netherlands also petrol prices are over 100 Rs.

While in other European countries like Norway and Iceland petrol prices are even higher touching the 150 rupees per litre mark.

Lowest prices in the world&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			&nbsp; &nbsp; Country
			</td>
			<td>Rupees/litre</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Venezuela</td>
			<td>0.71</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Iran</td>
			<td>201.73</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sudan</td>
			<td>24.28</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kuwait</td>
			<td>25</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Algeria</td>
			<td>25</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pakistan</td>
			<td>54.73</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Highest petrol prices in the world

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Country</td>
			<td>Rupees/litre</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Barbados</td>
			<td>140</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Netherlands</td>
			<td>140</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Norway</td>
			<td>150</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Iceland</td>
			<td>150</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

In Venezuela, a litre of petrol costs less than a rupee per litre.

The current fuel prices have hit a record high in India with prices going above Rs 80 per litre on Saturday. The prices of petrol have reached a high rate of Rs 80.38 per litre in New Delhi, and diesel at Rs 72.51 per litre. On the other hand, the price of petrol rose to Rs 87.77 per litre in Mumbai, while diesel at 76.98 per litre. While the government has maintained that depreciation of the Indian Rupee against the US dollar and a hike in global crude oil prices is causing a surge in domestic oil prices, citizens and the Opposition alike feel the Modi government is not doing enough to curb rising oil prices. The fuel prices in India is increasing recklessly, however, there are places in the world where fuel prices have remained low. In Venezuela, a litre of petrol costs less than a rupee. The northeast African country of Sudan sells one litre of petrol at a little over 24 rupees. The fuel prices in Iran costs close to Rs 21 per litre. While in Kuwait and Algeria a litre of petrol costs approximately 25 rupees per litre. Petrol price in India's neighbouring country Pakistan is Rs 55 per litre. The fuel prices in many other countries are way above than the Indian prices. In the Caribbean islands in Barbados, petrol costs a whopping 140 rupees per litre. In the Netherlands also petrol prices are over 100 Rs. While in other European countries like Norway and Iceland petrol prices are even higher touching the 150 rupees per litre mark. Lowest prices in the world Country Rupees/litre Venezuela 0.71 Iran 201.73 Sudan 24.28 Kuwait 25 Algeria 25 Pakistan 54.73 Highest petrol prices in the world Country Rupees/litre Barbados 140 Netherlands 140 Norway 150 Iceland 150

As fuel prices soar in India, a litre of petrol costs less than a rupee in Venezuela

Names of Bengal and Bihar residents in Assam was removed predominantly from state's National Register of Citizens (NRC) final draft, alleged Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday.

Addressing a gathering in Kolkata at Hindi Mahotsav and Samman Samaroh, she said, "I consider myself a human first and humanity is the most important thing for me. In Assam, names of people from Bihar and Bengal were removed. Names of Assam people were also removed from NRC but maximum removed names are of those who had come from outside. Let's see what happens in the final list. But I can proudly say that in Bengal this has never happened nor will ever be allowed to take place."

She also asked the residents from the northern part of India to consider Bengal as their home and said, "Never consider me as an outsider. Consider me as your own daughter and sister. If no one listens to you, come to me, I will hear everyone."

Banerjee has remained the fiercest critic of Assam NRC since the release of its first draft. While addressing Trinamool Chhatra Parishad(TMCP) foundation day in Kolkata on August, 28 she had said that the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) will be wiped in 2019 before imposing NRC in West Bengal.

The first draft of NRC for Assam was released on the intervening night of December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 containing the name of 1.9 crore Assamese. The second and final draft, which was released on July 30, included names of 2.89 crore people, out of 3.29 crore applicants in Assam, leaving out names of nearly 40 lakh people.

NRC is a register containing names of Indian citizens, which was prepared for the only time in 1951 and is being updated for only Assam to weed out illegal immigrants.

She also asked the residents from the northern part of India to consider Bengal as their home and said, 'Never consider me as an outsider. Consider me as your own daughter and sister. If no one listens to you, come to me, I will hear everyone.'

Names of Bengal and Bihar residents in Assam was removed predominantly from state's National Register of Citizens (NRC) final draft, alleged Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday. Addressing a gathering in Kolkata at Hindi Mahotsav and Samman Samaroh, she said, "I consider myself a human first and humanity is the most important thing for me. In Assam, names of people from Bihar and Bengal were removed. Names of Assam people were also removed from NRC but maximum removed names are of those who had come from outside. Let's see what happens in the final list. But I can proudly say that in Bengal this has never happened nor will ever be allowed to take place." She also asked the residents from the northern part of India to consider Bengal as their home and said, "Never consider me as an outsider. Consider me as your own daughter and sister. If no one listens to you, come to me, I will hear everyone." Banerjee has remained the fiercest critic of Assam NRC since the release of its first draft. While addressing Trinamool Chhatra Parishad(TMCP) foundation day in Kolkata on August, 28 she had said that the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) will be wiped in 2019 before imposing NRC in West Bengal. The first draft of NRC for Assam was released on the intervening night of December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 containing the name of 1.9 crore Assamese. The second and final draft, which was released on July 30, included names of 2.89 crore people, out of 3.29 crore applicants in Assam, leaving out names of nearly 40 lakh people. NRC is a register containing names of Indian citizens, which was prepared for the only time in 1951 and is being updated for only Assam to weed out illegal immigrants.

Bengal, Bihar people discriminated in Assam NRC: CM Mamata Banerjee

President Ram Nath Kovind has invited the Czech companies to take advantage of opening of defence manufacturing sector in India and set-up joint ventures to produce for the domestic market.

Addressing India Czech Republic Business Event during the second day of his visit in the central European country on Friday, the President said, "The companies should fulfil the growing requirements of the defence industry in the domestic and global markets with the help of a joint venture.

After holding a delegation-level meeting in Prague, President Kovind stressed that there is immense potential for India-Czech defence collaboration to meet the growing requirements of the Indian defence industry.

The President further stated that Czech automaker Skoda, and its parent company, Volkswagen, have announced to invest one billion US dollars in India under the 'Make in India' initiative.

India and the Czech Republic also signed five MoUs in the field of laser technology, exemptions from visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders and Work Plan for support of Indo-Czech projects in diverse areas of science and technology.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting between President Kovind and his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman, both the countries agreed to jointly cooperate in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The two sides expressed desire to further strengthen their strategic ties and urged all countries to deny safe haven to terrorists and disrupt terrorist infrastructure, financing and their cross-border movements.

This is the first visit of an Indian President to the Czech Republic in 22 years after former President Shankar Dayal Sharma had visited the European nation in 1996.

India and the Czech Republic today finalised 5 MoUs including in the fields of laser technology, exemptions from visa requirements for Diplomatic passport holders and Work Plan for support of Indo-Czech projects in diverse areas of science and technology.

The two countries also decided to initiate co-operation for peaceful use of nuclear energy.

After holding a delegation-level meeting in Prague, President Kovind stressed that there is immense potential for India-Czech defence collaboration to meet the growing requirements of the Indian defence industry.

President Ram Nath Kovind has invited the Czech companies to take advantage of opening of defence manufacturing sector in India and set-up joint ventures to produce for the domestic market. Addressing India Czech Republic Business Event during the second day of his visit in the central European country on Friday, the President said, "The companies should fulfil the growing requirements of the defence industry in the domestic and global markets with the help of a joint venture. After holding a delegation-level meeting in Prague, President Kovind stressed that there is immense potential for India-Czech defence collaboration to meet the growing requirements of the Indian defence industry. The President further stated that Czech automaker Skoda, and its parent company, Volkswagen, have announced to invest one billion US dollars in India under the 'Make in India' initiative. India and the Czech Republic also signed five MoUs in the field of laser technology, exemptions from visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders and Work Plan for support of Indo-Czech projects in diverse areas of science and technology. In a joint statement issued after the meeting between President Kovind and his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman, both the countries agreed to jointly cooperate in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The two sides expressed desire to further strengthen their strategic ties and urged all countries to deny safe haven to terrorists and disrupt terrorist infrastructure, financing and their cross-border movements. This is the first visit of an Indian President to the Czech Republic in 22 years after former President Shankar Dayal Sharma had visited the European nation in 1996. India and the Czech Republic today finalised 5 MoUs including in the fields of laser technology, exemptions from visa requirements for Diplomatic passport holders and Work Plan for support of Indo-Czech projects in diverse areas of science and technology. The two countries also decided to initiate co-operation for peaceful use of nuclear energy.

President Kovind asks Czech companies to open defence manufacturing sector in India

100 flights delayed and about 17 flights were diverted between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm after southern parts of Delhi was hit by strong thunderstorms on Friday.

“17 flights were diverted at the IGI airport between 3:20 to 4:30 pm due to heavy rain and poor weather conditions. Several flights were also delayed during the period,” media report quoted airport official as saying.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also issued warning about the possibility of strong winds with the speed of 25-35 kmph gusting to 45 kmph, hitting over interior Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand till Saturday.

'17 flights were diverted at the IGI airport between 3:20 to 4:30 pm due to heavy rain and poor weather conditions. Several flights were also delayed during the period,' media report quoted airport official as saying.

100 flights delayed and about 17 flights were diverted between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm after southern parts of Delhi was hit by strong thunderstorms on Friday. “17 flights were diverted at the IGI airport between 3:20 to 4:30 pm due to heavy rain and poor weather conditions. Several flights were also delayed during the period,” media report quoted airport official as saying. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also issued warning about the possibility of strong winds with the speed of 25-35 kmph gusting to 45 kmph, hitting over interior Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand till Saturday.

Strong thunderstorms hit Delhi, 100 flights delayed

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