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Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that he would boycott not only Panchayat elections but also Lok Sabha and Assembly elections if the Centre doesn't clear its stand on Article 35A and Article 370, reported news agency ANI.

Speaking at an event in Srinagar, Abdullah also attacked the media for targeting cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu for attending the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan new Prime Minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;

''The manner in which media targeted Sidhu shows there are elements which don't want India-Pakistan relations to improve,'' he was quoted as saying.

There's vested interest, both in India and Pakistan, which don't want peace in both countries. But for people of J&K, India-Pakistan friendship is essential, former CM said.&nbsp;

Stating that India- Pakistan friendship should be encouraged, he said If we're friends with our neighbour, both of us will prosper.&nbsp;

''I hope PM thinks about it and works for it,'' Abdullah added.

No Muslim has ever told a Hindu or Christian to change the way they practice religion, but when they tell us not to offer Namaz in a particular way or stop Azaan, they want to change Gandhi's India. If they want to save the nation, they need respect all religions equally, he said.

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We will not only boycott Panchayat elections but also Lok Sabha & Assembly elections if the Centre doesn't clear its stand on Article 35A and Article 370: Farooq Abdullah speaking at an event in Srinagar <a href="https://t.co/PowoLkHuQK">pic.twitter.com/PowoLkHuQK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1038327416513544193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Stating that India- Pakistan friendship should be encouraged, he said If we're friends with our neighbour, both of us will prosper.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that he would boycott not only Panchayat elections but also Lok Sabha and Assembly elections if the Centre doesn't clear its stand on Article 35A and Article 370, reported news agency ANI. Speaking at an event in Srinagar, Abdullah also attacked the media for targeting cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu for attending the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan new Prime Minister Imran Khan. ''The manner in which media targeted Sidhu shows there are elements which don't want India-Pakistan relations to improve,'' he was quoted as saying. There's vested interest, both in India and Pakistan, which don't want peace in both countries. But for people of J&K, India-Pakistan friendship is essential, former CM said. Stating that India- Pakistan friendship should be encouraged, he said If we're friends with our neighbour, both of us will prosper. ''I hope PM thinks about it and works for it,'' Abdullah added. No Muslim has ever told a Hindu or Christian to change the way they practice religion, but when they tell us not to offer Namaz in a particular way or stop Azaan, they want to change Gandhi's India. If they want to save the nation, they need respect all religions equally, he said. We will not only boycott Panchayat elections but also Lok Sabha & Assembly elections if the Centre doesn't clear its stand on Article 35A and Article 370: Farooq Abdullah speaking at an event in Srinagar pic.twitter.com/PowoLkHuQK — ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2018 ×

Farooq Abdullah threatens to boycott Lok Sabha polls over Article 35A

Two suspected drugs peddlers were arrested here with heroin worth Rs 5 crore, police said Friday.

The accused - Teeka Ram (33) and Rajpal (47) - used to procure the contraband from Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district and supply it to their clients in Delhi and the national capital region, they said.

Acting on a tip-off, a trap was laid on September 4 at Machhi Market in Delhi's Kishan Garh area between 10.00 pm to 11.30 pm, where Ram had come on a scooter with his relative Rajpal to supply a huge consignment of the heroin, Additional Commissioner of Police (crime) Ajit Kumar Singhla said.

Subsequently, the accused were arrested from the spot. During search, 500 gram of fine quality heroin was recovered from their possession, the senior officer said.

During interrogation, it was learnt Rajpal was addicted to drugs following which his wife left him. He used to procure drugs from a woman residing in Mehrauli area. The alleged woman was arrested twice earlier for allegedly supplying drugs, the officer added.

Accused Ram was also arrested earlier in connection with the case, the police said.

A case has been registered and further investigation is underway, they said.

Meanwhile, The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized gold and cash worth over Rs 14 crore from a bullion merchant in the Karol Bagh area here Friday and arrested him, officials said.

The accused - Teeka Ram (33) and Rajpal (47) - used to procure the contraband from Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district and supply it to their clients in Delhi and the national capital region, they said.

Two suspected drugs peddlers were arrested here with heroin worth Rs 5 crore, police said Friday. The accused - Teeka Ram (33) and Rajpal (47) - used to procure the contraband from Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district and supply it to their clients in Delhi and the national capital region, they said. Acting on a tip-off, a trap was laid on September 4 at Machhi Market in Delhi's Kishan Garh area between 10.00 pm to 11.30 pm, where Ram had come on a scooter with his relative Rajpal to supply a huge consignment of the heroin, Additional Commissioner of Police (crime) Ajit Kumar Singhla said. Subsequently, the accused were arrested from the spot. During search, 500 gram of fine quality heroin was recovered from their possession, the senior officer said. During interrogation, it was learnt Rajpal was addicted to drugs following which his wife left him. He used to procure drugs from a woman residing in Mehrauli area. The alleged woman was arrested twice earlier for allegedly supplying drugs, the officer added. Accused Ram was also arrested earlier in connection with the case, the police said. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway, they said. Meanwhile, The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized gold and cash worth over Rs 14 crore from a bullion merchant in the Karol Bagh area here Friday and arrested him, officials said.

Two suspected drug traffickers arrested with heroin worth Rs 5 crore in Delhi

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized gold and cash worth over Rs 14 crore from a bullion merchant in the Karol Bagh area here Friday and arrested him, officials said.

A total of 35 kg of gold worth over Rs 11 crore has been seized from a commercial property owned by the trader, they said.

The gold is suspected to have been smuggled into the country, they added.

DRI officials have also seized Rs 3.25 crore cash, they said.

"Over Rs 14 crore worth of gold and cash has been seized, and the gold trader has been arrested," a senior DRI official said.

Meanwhile, two suspected drugs peddlers were arrested in Delhi with heroin worth Rs 5 crore, police said on Friday.

The accused - Teeka Ram (33) and Rajpal (47) - used to procure the contraband from Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district and supply it to their clients in Delhi and the national capital region, they said.

A total of 35 kg of gold worth over Rs 11 crore has been seized from a commercial property owned by the trader, they said.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized gold and cash worth over Rs 14 crore from a bullion merchant in the Karol Bagh area here Friday and arrested him, officials said. A total of 35 kg of gold worth over Rs 11 crore has been seized from a commercial property owned by the trader, they said. The gold is suspected to have been smuggled into the country, they added. DRI officials have also seized Rs 3.25 crore cash, they said. "Over Rs 14 crore worth of gold and cash has been seized, and the gold trader has been arrested," a senior DRI official said. Meanwhile, two suspected drugs peddlers were arrested in Delhi with heroin worth Rs 5 crore, police said on Friday. The accused - Teeka Ram (33) and Rajpal (47) - used to procure the contraband from Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district and supply it to their clients in Delhi and the national capital region, they said.

DRI seizes gold, cash worth over Rs 14 crore from Delhi trader

The Bharatiya Janata Party's&nbsp;national&nbsp;executive meeting began in New Delhi on Saturday evening.

The meeting being attended by&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, Senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, among others is expected to articulate the party's response to the opposition's combined attack on the government over the rise in oil prices.

The meet&nbsp;is also expected&nbsp;to&nbsp;formulate its strategy for the state assembly polls and the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The executive meeting is currently underway at the Ambedkar International Centre which works to promote the works and ideas of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar.

The two-day meeting will be attended by&nbsp;key BJP leaders from all states and Union territories besides the party's national leadership.&nbsp;

The meet comes against the backdrop of signs of unrest among upper castes, a core support base of the saffron party, over its push for pro-Dalit laws to woo the backward community.

The ruling party is likely to highlight the central government's steps for "social justice" and "economic successes" besides its schemes aimed at empowering the poor. 
&nbsp;

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Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, Senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley light lamps before Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Deendayal Upadhyay ahead of BJP National Executive meeting at Ambedkar International Centre. <a href="https://t.co/aoTJ5VDex4">pic.twitter.com/aoTJ5VDex4</a>
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Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, Senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at BJP National Executive meeting at Ambedkar International Centre <a href="https://t.co/7x4zAW9fyZ">pic.twitter.com/7x4zAW9fyZ</a>
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(With inputs from agencies)

The meeting is scheduled in the Ambedkar International Centre which works to promote the works and ideas of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's national executive meeting began in New Delhi on Saturday evening. The meeting being attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, Senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, among others is expected to articulate the party's response to the opposition's combined attack on the government over the rise in oil prices. The meet is also expected to formulate its strategy for the state assembly polls and the Lok Sabha elections. The executive meeting is currently underway at the Ambedkar International Centre which works to promote the works and ideas of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar. The two-day meeting will be attended by key BJP leaders from all states and Union territories besides the party's national leadership. The meet comes against the backdrop of signs of unrest among upper castes, a core support base of the saffron party, over its push for pro-Dalit laws to woo the backward community. The ruling party is likely to highlight the central government's steps for "social justice" and "economic successes" besides its schemes aimed at empowering the poor. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, Senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley light lamps before Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Deendayal Upadhyay ahead of BJP National Executive meeting at Ambedkar International Centre. pic.twitter.com/aoTJ5VDex4 — ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2018 × Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, Senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at BJP National Executive meeting at Ambedkar International Centre pic.twitter.com/7x4zAW9fyZ — ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2018 × (With inputs from agencies)

BJP's national executive meeting gets underway in New Delhi

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/farooq-abdullah-threatens-to-boycott-lok-sabha-assembly-polls-over-article-35a--164437">Farooq Abdullah threatens to boycott Lok Sabha, Assembly polls over Article 35A</a>

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that he would boycott not only Panchayat elections but also Lok Sabha and Assembly elections if the Centre doesn't clear its stand on Article 35A and Article 370, reported news agency ANI.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-police-detains-yogendra-yadav-prevents-him-from-meeting-farmers-164441">Yogendra Yadav detained in Tamil Nadu, prevented from meeting farmers </a>

Swaraj India president and psephologist Yogendra Yadav&nbspwas detained by Tamil Nadu police on Saturday in Tiruvannamalai district. Yadav was detained when he was on his way to meet farmers protesting against a proposed Rs. 10,000 crore eight-lane Salem-Chennai expressway.

&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/bjp-extends-amit-shahs-tenure-until-the-2019-ls-polls-internal-election-deferred--164452">BJP extends Amit Shah's tenure until 2019 LS polls, internal election deferred</a>

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday decided to postpone its organisational elections to pave the way for Amit Shah to continue as President until the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, according to reports.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/five-killed-in-nepal-chopper-crash-164446">Five killed in Nepal chopper crash</a>

A helicopter crashed into a hillside in central Nepal on Saturday, killing five on board, including a Japanese tourist, officials said.&nbspOne woman survived the crash with injuries but another passenger is still missing.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-sends-iran-messages-every-day-to-begin-negotiations-iran-president-164428">US</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-sends-iran-messages-every-day-to-begin-negotiations-iran-president-164428"> sends Iran messages 'every day' to begin negotiations: Iran president</a>

The United States constantly sends messages to Iran to begin negotiations, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday in a speech broadcast on state television.

Farooq Abdullah threatens to boycott Lok Sabha, Assembly polls over Article 35A Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that he would boycott not only Panchayat elections but also Lok Sabha and Assembly elections if the Centre doesn't clear its stand on Article 35A and Article 370, reported news agency ANI. Yogendra Yadav detained in Tamil Nadu, prevented from meeting farmers Swaraj India president and psephologist Yogendra Yadav&nbspwas detained by Tamil Nadu police on Saturday in Tiruvannamalai district. Yadav was detained when he was on his way to meet farmers protesting against a proposed Rs. 10,000 crore eight-lane Salem-Chennai expressway. BJP extends Amit Shah's tenure until 2019 LS polls, internal election deferred Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday decided to postpone its organisational elections to pave the way for Amit Shah to continue as President until the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, according to reports. Five killed in Nepal chopper crash A helicopter crashed into a hillside in central Nepal on Saturday, killing five on board, including a Japanese tourist, officials said.&nbspOne woman survived the crash with injuries but another passenger is still missing. US sends Iran messages 'every day' to begin negotiations: Iran president The United States constantly sends messages to Iran to begin negotiations, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday in a speech broadcast on state television.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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.

Wedged between China and India, Nepal depends heavily on India for the supply of essential goods including fuel and the use of its ports for trade with other countries.

But Kathmandu has sought access to Chinese ports to reduce dependence on India since a prolonged blockade of its border crossings with India in 2015 and 2016 left the country short of fuel and medicine for several months.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-help-nepal-build-rail-link-to-kathmandu-162857">Also read:&nbsp;India to help Nepal build </a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-help-nepal-build-rail-link-to-kathmandu-162857">rail</a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-help-nepal-build-rail-link-to-kathmandu-162857"> link to Kathmandu</a>

Officials from Nepal and China finalised a protocol during a meeting in Kathmandu on Friday giving Nepal access to the Chinese ports at Tianjin, Shenzhen, Lianyungang and Zhanjiang, a statement from Nepal’s Commerce Ministry said.

It said China had also agreed to allow Nepal use its dry (land) ports at Lanzhou, Lhasa and Xigatse as well as roads to these facilities. The arrangements will come into effect when the protocol is signed, an official said without giving a date.

“This is one of the milestones because we are getting access to four Chinese ports in addition to two ports in India,” Rabi Shankar Sainju, a commerce ministry official, told Reuters.

He said Nepali cargo from Japan, South Korea and other north Asian countries could be routed through China which would cut shipping time and costs.

Overland trade is now routed mainly through the east Indian port of Kolkata which takes up to three months, officials said. New Delhi has also opened the southern port at Vishakhapatnam for Nepali trade.

Traders say the plan to connect the country with China could face issues due to a lack of proper roads and customs infrastructure on the Nepalese side of the border. The nearest Chinese port is also located more than 2,600 km (1,625 miles) from its border.

“Nepal must develop proper infrastructure for smooth access to Chinese ports. Without this simply opening of ports will not be useful,” said Anup Malla, an exporter of woollen carpets.

China is making fast inroads into Nepal with aid and investment, challenging India’s long-held position as the dominant outside power.

Beijing and Kathmandu are also in talks for building a railway link into Nepal, constructing an electric transmission line and are conducting a feasibility study for a free trade agreement.

China has failed to win India's support for its ambitious Belt and Road infrastructure project, President Xi Jinping's landmark scheme to connect China to the rest of Asia and beyond, a giant reworking of its old Silk Road.

India has not signed up to the initiative as parts of one key project, the $57 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, runs through Pakistan-administered Kashmir that India considers its own territory.

Wedged between China and India, Nepal depends heavily on India for the supply of essential goods including fuel and the use of its ports for trade with other countries.

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. Wedged between China and India, Nepal depends heavily on India for the supply of essential goods including fuel and the use of its ports for trade with other countries. But Kathmandu has sought access to Chinese ports to reduce dependence on India since a prolonged blockade of its border crossings with India in 2015 and 2016 left the country short of fuel and medicine for several months. Also read: India to help Nepal build rail link to Kathmandu Officials from Nepal and China finalised a protocol during a meeting in Kathmandu on Friday giving Nepal access to the Chinese ports at Tianjin, Shenzhen, Lianyungang and Zhanjiang, a statement from Nepal’s Commerce Ministry said. It said China had also agreed to allow Nepal use its dry (land) ports at Lanzhou, Lhasa and Xigatse as well as roads to these facilities. The arrangements will come into effect when the protocol is signed, an official said without giving a date. “This is one of the milestones because we are getting access to four Chinese ports in addition to two ports in India,” Rabi Shankar Sainju, a commerce ministry official, told Reuters. He said Nepali cargo from Japan, South Korea and other north Asian countries could be routed through China which would cut shipping time and costs. Overland trade is now routed mainly through the east Indian port of Kolkata which takes up to three months, officials said. New Delhi has also opened the southern port at Vishakhapatnam for Nepali trade. Traders say the plan to connect the country with China could face issues due to a lack of proper roads and customs infrastructure on the Nepalese side of the border. The nearest Chinese port is also located more than 2,600 km (1,625 miles) from its border. “Nepal must develop proper infrastructure for smooth access to Chinese ports. Without this simply opening of ports will not be useful,” said Anup Malla, an exporter of woollen carpets. China is making fast inroads into Nepal with aid and investment, challenging India’s long-held position as the dominant outside power. Beijing and Kathmandu are also in talks for building a railway link into Nepal, constructing an electric transmission line and are conducting a feasibility study for a free trade agreement. China has failed to win India's support for its ambitious Belt and Road infrastructure project, President Xi Jinping's landmark scheme to connect China to the rest of Asia and beyond, a giant reworking of its old Silk Road. India has not signed up to the initiative as parts of one key project, the $57 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, runs through Pakistan-administered Kashmir that India considers its own territory.

China to allow Nepal use of ports, ending India's monopoly over trading routes

The Alwar police on Friday charged three men linked to the murder of Rakbar Khan, who was brutally beaten by a mob on suspicion of cow smuggling that eventually led to his death.

A 25-page charge sheet along with supporting documents have been submitted before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court, Ramgarh in which three have been charged with murder. ''The probe is on, under our supervision at the ACJM court," Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ashok Chauhan told ANI.

The role of the police in the entire incident was also under the scanner after they reportedly made a delay of three hours in taking the 28-year-old victim to the hospital.

Rakbar Khan, a resident of Haryana and his friend Aslam, were transporting two cows to Kolgaon through a forest area when the mob had attacked them thinking they were taking the animals for slaughter.&nbsp

While his friend Aslam managed to survive as he hid in the fields, Rakbar Khan died.

The role of the police in the entire incident was also under the scanner after they reportedly made a delay of three hours in taking the 28-year-old victim to the hospital.

The Alwar police on Friday charged three men linked to the murder of Rakbar Khan, who was brutally beaten by a mob on suspicion of cow smuggling that eventually led to his death. A 25-page charge sheet along with supporting documents have been submitted before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court, Ramgarh in which three have been charged with murder. ''The probe is on, under our supervision at the ACJM court," Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ashok Chauhan told ANI. The role of the police in the entire incident was also under the scanner after they reportedly made a delay of three hours in taking the 28-year-old victim to the hospital. Rakbar Khan, a resident of Haryana and his friend Aslam, were transporting two cows to Kolgaon through a forest area when the mob had attacked them thinking they were taking the animals for slaughter. While his friend Aslam managed to survive as he hid in the fields, Rakbar Khan died.

Alwar lynching case: 3 charged with murder

Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted Saturday the contribution of former Nepal premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' in strengthening the relations between the two countries.

Prachanda, also the co-chairman of the Nepal Communist Party, called on Modi in Delhi.

"The two leaders discussed the progress in India-Nepal relations, as well as other issues of mutual interest," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

It said the prime minister fondly recalled their previous interactions and thanked Prachanda for his valuable contributions in strengthening India-Nepal relations.

Recalling his two visits to Nepal this year, the prime minister said that India-Nepal relations have received a boost in momentum with frequent high-level interactions.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted Saturday the contribution of former Nepal premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' in strengthening the relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted Saturday the contribution of former Nepal premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' in strengthening the relations between the two countries. Prachanda, also the co-chairman of the Nepal Communist Party, called on Modi in Delhi. "The two leaders discussed the progress in India-Nepal relations, as well as other issues of mutual interest," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. It said the prime minister fondly recalled their previous interactions and thanked Prachanda for his valuable contributions in strengthening India-Nepal relations. Recalling his two visits to Nepal this year, the prime minister said that India-Nepal relations have received a boost in momentum with frequent high-level interactions.

PM Modi, Prachanda discuss progress in India-Nepal relations

Swaraj India president and psephologist Yogendra Yadav&nbsp;was detained by Tamil Nadu police on Saturday in Tiruvannamalai district.

Yadav was detained when he was on his way to meet farmers protesting against a proposed Rs. 10,000 crore eight-lane Salem-Chennai expressway.

Yadav alleged he was prevented from going to meet farmers and was manhandled and pushed into police van.

In a series of post on Twitter Yadav wrote, "TN police has detained me and team in Chengam PS, Thiru Annamalai district. 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.&nbsp;First hand experience of police state in TN!"

Yadav claimed he and his team are locked in a marriage hall.&nbsp;

The police, on the other hand, claimed that Yadav had not sought permission for the meeting.&nbsp;

The police further said that Yadav and his team requires police protection.

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It's 4 hours now, we are still locked inside this marriage hall. No formal order 
Not even oral information about whether we are under detention or arrest 
9 Farmers who met me this morning detained 
Another 40 farmers waiting to meet me also detained. 
 
Rule of law? Or police Raj?
— Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) <a href="https://twitter.com/_YogendraYadav/status/1038347195169161216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is why I am detained. 
Farmers protesting against land acquisition for chennai- Selam highway (there already are 3 roads connecting these two). 
Came here to do fact finding about acquisition & allegations of reign of terror by TN police. 
Now I don't need to do fact finding! <a href="https://t.co/gTl1RqhFlz">pic.twitter.com/gTl1RqhFlz</a>
— Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) <a href="https://twitter.com/_YogendraYadav/status/1038327281159004160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Rs 10,000 crore eight lane Salem-Chennai expressway has been facing opposition from a section of locals, including farmers over fears of losing their land, besides environmentalists who are opposed to the felling of trees for the project.

Yadav was detained when he was on his way to meet farmers protesting against a proposed Rs. 10,000 crore eight-lane Salem-Chennai expressway.

Swaraj India president and psephologist Yogendra Yadav was detained by Tamil Nadu police on Saturday in Tiruvannamalai district. Yadav was detained when he was on his way to meet farmers protesting against a proposed Rs. 10,000 crore eight-lane Salem-Chennai expressway. Yadav alleged he was prevented from going to meet farmers and was manhandled and pushed into police van. In a series of post on Twitter Yadav wrote, "TN police has detained me and team in Chengam PS, Thiru Annamalai district. 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. First hand experience of police state in TN!" Yadav claimed he and his team are locked in a marriage hall. The police, on the other hand, claimed that Yadav had not sought permission for the meeting. The police further said that Yadav and his team requires police protection. It's 4 hours now, we are still locked inside this marriage hall. No formal order Not even oral information about whether we are under detention or arrest 9 Farmers who met me this morning detained Another 40 farmers waiting to meet me also detained. Rule of law? Or police Raj? — Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) September 8, 2018 × This is why I am detained. Farmers protesting against land acquisition for chennai- Selam highway (there already are 3 roads connecting these two). Came here to do fact finding about acquisition & allegations of reign of terror by TN police. Now I don't need to do fact finding! pic.twitter.com/gTl1RqhFlz — Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) September 8, 2018 × The Rs 10,000 crore eight lane Salem-Chennai expressway has been facing opposition from a section of locals, including farmers over fears of losing their land, besides environmentalists who are opposed to the felling of trees for the project.

Yogendra Yadav detained in Tamil Nadu, prevented from meeting farmers

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday decided to postpone its organisational elections to pave the way for Amit Shah to continue as President until the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, according to reports.

"Organisational elections are a vast exercise and it takes time too. All the workers get involved in it. So, a discussion is going on to defer the organisational polls until the 2019 Lok Sabha polls are completed," West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh was quoted as saying to reporters at the sidelines of two-day National Executive meet.

Sources said that the issue was discussed at the office bearers, state BJP chiefs and General Secretary (Organisation) of the states meeting held under the chairmanship of Shah and a resolution, in this regard, will be passed by the National Executive.

The office bearers meeting took place ahead of the inauguration of BJP&nbsp;National Executive.&nbsp;

According to the party constitution, any eligible member can hold the post of President for two consecutive terms of three-year&nbsp;each.

Shah was elected unopposed as the party president on January 24, 2016, for a second term, this time for a full tenure of three years.&nbsp;

The office bearers meeting took place before the inauguration of the National Executive to set its agenda.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday decided to postpone its organisational elections to pave the way for Amit Shah to continue as President until the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, according to reports. "Organisational elections are a vast exercise and it takes time too. All the workers get involved in it. So, a discussion is going on to defer the organisational polls until the 2019 Lok Sabha polls are completed," West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh was quoted as saying to reporters at the sidelines of two-day National Executive meet. Sources said that the issue was discussed at the office bearers, state BJP chiefs and General Secretary (Organisation) of the states meeting held under the chairmanship of Shah and a resolution, in this regard, will be passed by the National Executive. The office bearers meeting took place ahead of the inauguration of BJP National Executive. According to the party constitution, any eligible member can hold the post of President for two consecutive terms of three-year each. Shah was elected unopposed as the party president on January 24, 2016, for a second term, this time for a full tenure of three years.

BJP extends Amit Shah's tenure until 2019 LS polls, internal election deferred

BJP president Amit Shah would kick off the party's campaign for assembly polls in Telangana with a public meeting at Mahabubnagar on September 15.

National leaders of the party and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states are also expected take part in the campaign, BJP MLC N Ramachander Rao told PTI Saturday.

They are expected to frequently visit Telangana till the elections are over, he said.

The BJP would be organising public meetings in each assembly segment and the party would have not only state manifesto but also "local manifestos," Rao added.

BJP's Telangana unit president K Laxman has already said the party would go it alone in the coming assembly polls.

Laxman had also said the issue of elections in Telangnana would be discussed in the party's National Executive meeting in Delhi being held on Saturday and Sunday.

Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to take place simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year.

However, the state assembly has been dissolved this week as per a recommendation by the TRS government which necessitated elections ahead of schedule.

National leaders of the party and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states are also expected take part in the campaign, BJP MLC N Ramachander Rao told PTI Saturday

BJP president Amit Shah would kick off the party's campaign for assembly polls in Telangana with a public meeting at Mahabubnagar on September 15. National leaders of the party and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states are also expected take part in the campaign, BJP MLC N Ramachander Rao told PTI Saturday. They are expected to frequently visit Telangana till the elections are over, he said. The BJP would be organising public meetings in each assembly segment and the party would have not only state manifesto but also "local manifestos," Rao added. BJP's Telangana unit president K Laxman has already said the party would go it alone in the coming assembly polls. Laxman had also said the issue of elections in Telangnana would be discussed in the party's National Executive meeting in Delhi being held on Saturday and Sunday. Legislative Assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to take place simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year. However, the state assembly has been dissolved this week as per a recommendation by the TRS government which necessitated elections ahead of schedule.

Amit Shah to kick off poll campaign in Telangana on September 15

The Supreme Court, which unanimously struck down part of the British-era law that criminalised gay sex, has traced the history of the 158-year-old provision in its judgment back to the reign of King Henry VIII in 1533.

A five-judge constitution bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud, and Indu Malhotra said that the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) violated the constitutional right to equality and dignity.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/freedom-of-expression-should-be-allowed-says-cji-as-supreme-court-decriminalises-homosexuality-163925">Also read: 'Freedom of expression should be allowed,' says CJI as Supreme Court decriminalises homosexuality</a>

Justices Nariman and Chandrachud, in their separate concurring judgments, dealt in detail about the evolution of the section as it exists in the present form.

Justice Nariman said section 377 was modelled on Britain’s Buggery Act of 1533 which was brought in by the then King Henry VIII which prohibited “the detestable and abominable offence” of buggery (anal intercourse) committed with mankind or beast.

The word “buggery” is derived from the old French word “bougre” and was taken to mean anal intercourse, Justice Chandrachud said in his judgment.

“The Buggery Act, 1533, which was enacted by Henry VIII, made the offence of buggery punishable by death and continued to exist for nearly 300 years before it was repealed and replaced by the Offences against the Person Act, 1828. Buggery, however, remained a capital offence in England until 1861, one year after the enactment of the IPC,” Justice Chandrachud said.

He said that Section 377 was allowed to operate in Independent India as under Article 372 (1) “all laws in force prior to the commencement of the Constitution shall continue to be in force until altered or repealed”.

Justice Nariman said 8,921 men were indicted between 1806 and 1900 for “sodomy, gross indecency or other unnatural misdemeanours” in England and Wales.

On an average, ninety men per year were indicted for homosexual offences during this period, he said.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/soon-there-will-be-gay-bars-hiv-will-spread-says-subramanian-swamy-on-section-377-verdict--164036">Also read: Soon there will be gay bars, HIV will spread, says Subramanian Swamy on Section 377 verdict</a>

“Most of the men convicted were imprisoned, but between 1806 and 1861, when the death penalty for sodomy was finally abolished, 404 men were sentenced to death. Fifty-six were executed, and the remainder were either imprisoned or transported to Australia for life,” he said.

Referring to the rule of East India Company in the country, Justice Nariman said the then Parliament had established the Indian Law Commission and in 1833, Thomas Babington Macaulay was appointed as its head.

Justice Nariman wrote that Lord Macaulay’s draft was substantially different from what was finally enacted as Section 377.

He wrote that even in the most “prudish of all periods of English history”, Lord Macaulay had recognised a lesser sentence for the crime of “unnatural lust” if performed with consent.

After several reviews of the draft, the Commission concluded that the Draft Penal Code was sufficiently complete, and, with slight modifications, fit to be acted upon, noted Justice Nariman in his 96-page judgment.

“The revised edition of the Penal Code was then forwarded to the Judges of the Supreme Court at Calcutta in 1851, and also to the Judges of the Sudder Court at Calcutta.

“A Council was formed with Bethune (the Legislative member of the Legislative Council of India), Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at Calcutta, Justice Buller, Justice Colvile, Sir Barnes Peacock as members to review the Penal Code,” Justice Nariman wrote.

He noted that it was the Committee of Peacock which finally sent the draft equivalent of Section 377 for enactment, said Justice Nariman.

After twenty-five years of revision, IPC entered into force on January 1, 1862. The IPC was the first codified criminal code in the British Empire.

Justice Nariman, who wrote a separate concurring verdict, referred to Irish poet Oscar Wilde and said his trial paved the way to consider the law and practice relating to homosexual offences in Victorian-era England.

Justice Nariman said section 377 was modelled on Britain's Buggery Act of 1533 which was brought in by the then king Henry VIII which prohibited "the detestable and abominable offence" of buggery (anal intercourse) committed with mankind or beast.

The Supreme Court, which unanimously struck down part of the British-era law that criminalised gay sex, has traced the history of the 158-year-old provision in its judgment back to the reign of King Henry VIII in 1533. A five-judge constitution bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud, and Indu Malhotra said that the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) violated the constitutional right to equality and dignity. Also read: 'Freedom of expression should be allowed,' says CJI as Supreme Court decriminalises homosexuality Justices Nariman and Chandrachud, in their separate concurring judgments, dealt in detail about the evolution of the section as it exists in the present form. Justice Nariman said section 377 was modelled on Britain’s Buggery Act of 1533 which was brought in by the then King Henry VIII which prohibited “the detestable and abominable offence” of buggery (anal intercourse) committed with mankind or beast. The word “buggery” is derived from the old French word “bougre” and was taken to mean anal intercourse, Justice Chandrachud said in his judgment. “The Buggery Act, 1533, which was enacted by Henry VIII, made the offence of buggery punishable by death and continued to exist for nearly 300 years before it was repealed and replaced by the Offences against the Person Act, 1828. Buggery, however, remained a capital offence in England until 1861, one year after the enactment of the IPC,” Justice Chandrachud said. He said that Section 377 was allowed to operate in Independent India as under Article 372 (1) “all laws in force prior to the commencement of the Constitution shall continue to be in force until altered or repealed”. Justice Nariman said 8,921 men were indicted between 1806 and 1900 for “sodomy, gross indecency or other unnatural misdemeanours” in England and Wales. On an average, ninety men per year were indicted for homosexual offences during this period, he said. Also read: Soon there will be gay bars, HIV will spread, says Subramanian Swamy on Section 377 verdict “Most of the men convicted were imprisoned, but between 1806 and 1861, when the death penalty for sodomy was finally abolished, 404 men were sentenced to death. Fifty-six were executed, and the remainder were either imprisoned or transported to Australia for life,” he said. Referring to the rule of East India Company in the country, Justice Nariman said the then Parliament had established the Indian Law Commission and in 1833, Thomas Babington Macaulay was appointed as its head. Justice Nariman wrote that Lord Macaulay’s draft was substantially different from what was finally enacted as Section 377. He wrote that even in the most “prudish of all periods of English history”, Lord Macaulay had recognised a lesser sentence for the crime of “unnatural lust” if performed with consent. After several reviews of the draft, the Commission concluded that the Draft Penal Code was sufficiently complete, and, with slight modifications, fit to be acted upon, noted Justice Nariman in his 96-page judgment. “The revised edition of the Penal Code was then forwarded to the Judges of the Supreme Court at Calcutta in 1851, and also to the Judges of the Sudder Court at Calcutta. “A Council was formed with Bethune (the Legislative member of the Legislative Council of India), Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at Calcutta, Justice Buller, Justice Colvile, Sir Barnes Peacock as members to review the Penal Code,” Justice Nariman wrote. He noted that it was the Committee of Peacock which finally sent the draft equivalent of Section 377 for enactment, said Justice Nariman. After twenty-five years of revision, IPC entered into force on January 1, 1862. The IPC was the first codified criminal code in the British Empire. Justice Nariman, who wrote a separate concurring verdict, referred to Irish poet Oscar Wilde and said his trial paved the way to consider the law and practice relating to homosexual offences in Victorian-era England.

Law based on Section 377 passed by King Henry VIII in 1533: Supreme Court

Militants Saturday shot dead a civilian in Sopore township of Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Militants fired upon the civilian in Bomai area of Sopore this afternoon, a police official said.

He said the civilian - Hakim-ur-Rehman, a resident of Reshipora Bomai - received critical bullet injuries in the attack.

The injured was evacuated to the nearby hospital for medical attention where he succumbed to injuries, the official said.

Police have registered a case in this regard and investigation in the instant matter has been initiated, he said.&nbsp;

The civilian - Hakim-ur-Rehman, a resident of Reshipora Bomai - received critical bullet injuries in the attack.

Militants Saturday shot dead a civilian in Sopore township of Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Militants fired upon the civilian in Bomai area of Sopore this afternoon, a police official said. He said the civilian - Hakim-ur-Rehman, a resident of Reshipora Bomai - received critical bullet injuries in the attack. The injured was evacuated to the nearby hospital for medical attention where he succumbed to injuries, the official said. Police have registered a case in this regard and investigation in the instant matter has been initiated, he said.

J&K: Civilian shot dead by militants in Sopore

In the light of possible early polls in Telangana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have started drawing plans for election campaigns and rallies.

As the political atmosphere is heating up in the state, the BJP and Congress have made plans to hold several rallies, to be addressed by their senior leaders.

On September 6, Telangana Governor ESL Narasimhan dissolved the state assembly giving a nod for early assembly elections in the state, following a recommendation from K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR)-led cabinet. The Governor, however, asked Rao to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until the new government is formed.

Following this political turn of events, Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) announced to hold large public meetings in 100 Assembly constituencies over the next 50 days.

To counter TRS' rallies, the BJP has also planned to organize two large public meetings in the state. Sharing details of the election preparedness, senior BJP leader and MLC N Ramchander Raon told ANI, "We have decided to organize two large public meetings one in south Telangana and one in north Telangana.

On 15 of this month in south Telangana in Mehboobnagar town more than one lakh people will be attending rally along with public workers. BJP president Amit Shah will be addressing this rally. The second rally will be in Karimnagar, North Telangana at the end of this month."

Briefing about plans of national leaders coming up for the campaign in Telangana state, he further added, "We are also planning to hold rallies in each 119 assembly segments. In these rallies, national leaders of our party such as Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley will be addressing the public. We are also expecting Chief Ministers of BJP ruled states to hold public meetings in the state."

"Apart from this we are having few more rallies and we are expecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come and address the rallies during the time of elections. Party chief Amit Shah will be visiting Telangana number of times. We have started election campaign in Telangana through meeting and cycle rallies," he informed.

Besides BJP, the Congress party has also chalked out plans for election campaigns in the state. Sharing the Congress roadmap for election campaign in Telangana, the party leader, Ponnam Prabhakar told ANI,

"We are ready to face the elections. This election fight is between KCR family and Telangana people. This time we will form the government. All the national leaders will visit Telangana and address the people in coming days."

Congress leader also criticised KCR's TRS and said, "TRS party has claimed that they have done work which was not done in last 60 years, and now they are saying they will organize 100 meetings in 50 days. I want to ask them if they have really done so much hard work what's the need to come on the road and campaign heavily. By this, we can understand K Chandrashekhar Rao government has done nothing in his term. But they have taken two lakh crores of loans."

Assembly election in Telangana is scheduled for April or May 2019 in the normal course.&nbsp;

As the political atmosphere is heating up in the state, the BJP and Congress have made plans to hold several rallies, to be addressed by their senior leaders.

In the light of possible early polls in Telangana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have started drawing plans for election campaigns and rallies. As the political atmosphere is heating up in the state, the BJP and Congress have made plans to hold several rallies, to be addressed by their senior leaders. On September 6, Telangana Governor ESL Narasimhan dissolved the state assembly giving a nod for early assembly elections in the state, following a recommendation from K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR)-led cabinet. The Governor, however, asked Rao to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until the new government is formed. Following this political turn of events, Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) announced to hold large public meetings in 100 Assembly constituencies over the next 50 days. To counter TRS' rallies, the BJP has also planned to organize two large public meetings in the state. Sharing details of the election preparedness, senior BJP leader and MLC N Ramchander Raon told ANI, "We have decided to organize two large public meetings one in south Telangana and one in north Telangana. On 15 of this month in south Telangana in Mehboobnagar town more than one lakh people will be attending rally along with public workers. BJP president Amit Shah will be addressing this rally. The second rally will be in Karimnagar, North Telangana at the end of this month." Briefing about plans of national leaders coming up for the campaign in Telangana state, he further added, "We are also planning to hold rallies in each 119 assembly segments. In these rallies, national leaders of our party such as Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley will be addressing the public. We are also expecting Chief Ministers of BJP ruled states to hold public meetings in the state." "Apart from this we are having few more rallies and we are expecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come and address the rallies during the time of elections. Party chief Amit Shah will be visiting Telangana number of times. We have started election campaign in Telangana through meeting and cycle rallies," he informed. Besides BJP, the Congress party has also chalked out plans for election campaigns in the state. Sharing the Congress roadmap for election campaign in Telangana, the party leader, Ponnam Prabhakar told ANI, "We are ready to face the elections. This election fight is between KCR family and Telangana people. This time we will form the government. All the national leaders will visit Telangana and address the people in coming days." Congress leader also criticised KCR's TRS and said, "TRS party has claimed that they have done work which was not done in last 60 years, and now they are saying they will organize 100 meetings in 50 days. I want to ask them if they have really done so much hard work what's the need to come on the road and campaign heavily. By this, we can understand K Chandrashekhar Rao government has done nothing in his term. But they have taken two lakh crores of loans." Assembly election in Telangana is scheduled for April or May 2019 in the normal course.

BJP, Congress draw out plans for possible early Telangana polls

The Vice-president of HDFC Bank Siddharth Sanghvi has been missing from his Kamala Mills office, Mumbai since 5th September.&nbsp;

His car was traced at Kopar Khairane area on 6th September.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a>: Vice-president of HDFC Bank Siddharth Sanghvi has been missing from his Kamala Mills office since 5th September. His car was traced at Kopar Khairane area on 6th September. Police has registered a missing person's complaint at NM Joshi Marg police station.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1038293120453095424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Some blood stains were also found near the rear seat of the car which has been sent for tests.

Police has registered a missing person's complaint at NM Joshi Marg police station.

According to reports, he did not return home after September 5. The police informed that Sanghvi's phone was off before he left Kamala Mill premises.

“We have checked his call data record and found his last location at Kamala Mill. As his wife could not reach him till 10 pm, she came to the police station and registered a missing complaint on Wednesday itself,” the officer said.

His car was traced at Kopar Khairane area on 6th September.

The Vice-president of HDFC Bank Siddharth Sanghvi has been missing from his Kamala Mills office, Mumbai since 5th September. His car was traced at Kopar Khairane area on 6th September. #Mumbai: Vice-president of HDFC Bank Siddharth Sanghvi has been missing from his Kamala Mills office since 5th September. His car was traced at Kopar Khairane area on 6th September. Police has registered a missing person's complaint at NM Joshi Marg police station. — ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2018 × Some blood stains were also found near the rear seat of the car which has been sent for tests. Police has registered a missing person's complaint at NM Joshi Marg police station. According to reports, he did not return home after September 5. The police informed that Sanghvi's phone was off before he left Kamala Mill premises. “We have checked his call data record and found his last location at Kamala Mill. As his wife could not reach him till 10 pm, she came to the police station and registered a missing complaint on Wednesday itself,” the officer said.

HDFC Bank vice-president goes missing from Mumbai office

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat gave a clarion call on Friday to the Hindu community to unite and work for the betterment of the mankind.

Addressing a gathering of some 2,500 delegates attending the second World Hindu Congress here, Bhagwat said the Hindu society has the largest number of meritorious persons.

“But they never come together. Coming together of Hindus in itself is a difficult thing,” Bhagwat said in his inaugural address to the conference inspired by the Hindu principle ‘Sumantrite Suvikrante’ or ‘Think Collectively, Achieve Valiantly’.

He noted that Hindus had been suffering for thousands of years because they forgot to practice its basic principles and spiritualism.

“We have to come together,” Bhagwat said, noting that all the people need not register under one umbrella. “We have to learn to work together separately,” he said.

The Hindu society will progress and prosper only when it will work as a society. Some organisations or parties working alone will not suffice, Bhagwat said, calling for bringing the spirit of teamwork towards the common goal of betterment of the mankind.

The second World Hindu Congress 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, said Abhaya Asthana, coordinator of the event.

“As a Hindu, it pains me deeply to see how half knowledge and ignorance are trying to destroy the oldest religion of the world,” said actor Anupam Kher.

Among those who addressed the gathering were Illinois Lt Gov Evelyn Sanguinetti, S P Kothari, chairperson, organizing a committee of the World Hindu Congress, Ashwin Adhin, vice president of Suriname and Raju Reddy, vice-chair the WHC.

Kothari categorically rejected allegations levelled by opponents of the event that the participants of the Congress have divisive agenda.

“They have lack of complete understanding of the World Hindu Congress,” the top MIT professor said.

Participants observed a minute of silence in honour of former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and author V S Naipaul, who died recently.

Speaking at the second World Hindu Congress, Mohan Bhagwat said, "We [Hindus] have to come together," noting that all the people need not register under one umbrella. "We have to learn to work together separately," he added.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat gave a clarion call on Friday to the Hindu community to unite and work for the betterment of the mankind. Addressing a gathering of some 2,500 delegates attending the second World Hindu Congress here, Bhagwat said the Hindu society has the largest number of meritorious persons. “But they never come together. Coming together of Hindus in itself is a difficult thing,” Bhagwat said in his inaugural address to the conference inspired by the Hindu principle ‘Sumantrite Suvikrante’ or ‘Think Collectively, Achieve Valiantly’. He noted that Hindus had been suffering for thousands of years because they forgot to practice its basic principles and spiritualism. “We have to come together,” Bhagwat said, noting that all the people need not register under one umbrella. “We have to learn to work together separately,” he said. The Hindu society will progress and prosper only when it will work as a society. Some organisations or parties working alone will not suffice, Bhagwat said, calling for bringing the spirit of teamwork towards the common goal of betterment of the mankind. The second World Hindu Congress 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, said Abhaya Asthana, coordinator of the event. “As a Hindu, it pains me deeply to see how half knowledge and ignorance are trying to destroy the oldest religion of the world,” said actor Anupam Kher. Among those who addressed the gathering were Illinois Lt Gov Evelyn Sanguinetti, S P Kothari, chairperson, organizing a committee of the World Hindu Congress, Ashwin Adhin, vice president of Suriname and Raju Reddy, vice-chair the WHC. Kothari categorically rejected allegations levelled by opponents of the event that the participants of the Congress have divisive agenda. “They have lack of complete understanding of the World Hindu Congress,” the top MIT professor said. Participants observed a minute of silence in honour of former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and author V S Naipaul, who died recently.

RSS chief asks Hindus to unite and work for better society

The Jammu and Kashmir Police Friday adopted a fresh strategy of nabbing stone pelters by planting its men among them at historic Jama Masjid downtown to arrest the real culprits in action.

After the Friday prayers, a mob started pelting stones at police and CRPF personnel but there was no retaliation this time and not even a single teargas shell was lobbed or baton charge initiated by the law enforcing force.

As the crowd swelled to over 100 people and two chronic stone pelters started leading the agitation, the first tear gas shell was lobbed at the mob dispersing them.

However, to the surprise of the two stone pelters, who were leading the mob, they were grabbed by policemen, covertly placed in the crowd, and whisked away in waiting vehicles.

The policemen, who disguised as stone pelters, brandished toy guns to scare others while the duo was taken to the police station.

Perplexed by the development, the stone pelters ended the protest early today as they were caught unaware of the police strategy.

This strategy was earlier executed in 2010 when scores of policemen were deployed in the mob to identify and arrested stone pelters in the area.

After the Friday prayers, a mob started pelting stones at police and CRPF personnel but there was no retaliation this time and not even a single teargas shell was lobbed or baton charge initiated by the law enforcing force.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police Friday adopted a fresh strategy of nabbing stone pelters by planting its men among them at historic Jama Masjid downtown to arrest the real culprits in action. After the Friday prayers, a mob started pelting stones at police and CRPF personnel but there was no retaliation this time and not even a single teargas shell was lobbed or baton charge initiated by the law enforcing force. As the crowd swelled to over 100 people and two chronic stone pelters started leading the agitation, the first tear gas shell was lobbed at the mob dispersing them. However, to the surprise of the two stone pelters, who were leading the mob, they were grabbed by policemen, covertly placed in the crowd, and whisked away in waiting vehicles. The policemen, who disguised as stone pelters, brandished toy guns to scare others while the duo was taken to the police station. Perplexed by the development, the stone pelters ended the protest early today as they were caught unaware of the police strategy. This strategy was earlier executed in 2010 when scores of policemen were deployed in the mob to identify and arrested stone pelters in the area.

J&K Police disguise as stone pelters to catch real culprits

Amidst all the speculations and controversy, Aero India 2019 will be held in Karnataka's Bengaluru from 20-24 February 2019.&nbsp;

The five-day event will combine a trade exhibition for the aerospace and defence industries with public air shows.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/no-decision-to-shift-aero-india-from-bengaluru-union-minister-ananth-kumar--159124">Also read: No decision to shift Aero India from Bengaluru: Union minister Ananth Kumar</a>

Aero India has traditionally been organised at the Indian Air Force's Yelahanka air base on the outskirts of Bengaluru since its inception in 1996.&nbsp;

A political slugfest had erupted between the BJP at the Centre and the Karnataka government led by the Congress-JD(S) combine after reports claimed that the central government was contemplating to move the event to Lucknow in a bid to project Uttar Pradesh as a manufacturing hub.

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Ministry of Defence announces aeroshow <a href="https://t.co/BNHyseYjcA">https://t.co/BNHyseYjcA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/drajaykumar_ias?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drajaykumar_ias</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a>
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Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had marked his dissent, saying that he would agitate against the Centre if the aero show is moved out of the state. Former CM and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah had also lambasted the government, saying that it would validate the "step-motherly" treatment being meted out towards Karnataka.

The aero show is being held in Bengaluru for the last two decades. Each year, the event witnesses arms manufacturer from across the world displaying their fighter aircraft, cargo planes and other defence equipments which could be procured by the Indian defence and paramilitary bodies. The event also facilitates the exchange of information, ideas and new developments in the aviation industry.&nbsp;

"The Department of Defence Production is committed to making this a successful and result oriented show," the MoD notification said.

The five-day event will combine a trade exhibition for the aerospace and defence industries with public air shows.

Amidst all the speculations and controversy, Aero India 2019 will be held in Karnataka's Bengaluru from 20-24 February 2019. The five-day event will combine a trade exhibition for the aerospace and defence industries with public air shows. Also read: No decision to shift Aero India from Bengaluru: Union minister Ananth Kumar Aero India has traditionally been organised at the Indian Air Force's Yelahanka air base on the outskirts of Bengaluru since its inception in 1996. A political slugfest had erupted between the BJP at the Centre and the Karnataka government led by the Congress-JD(S) combine after reports claimed that the central government was contemplating to move the event to Lucknow in a bid to project Uttar Pradesh as a manufacturing hub. Ministry of Defence announces aeroshow https://t.co/BNHyseYjcA @DefenceMinIndia @drajaykumar_ias @PIB_India @MIB_India @nsitharaman — Defence Spokesperson (@SpokespersonMoD) September 8, 2018 × Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had marked his dissent, saying that he would agitate against the Centre if the aero show is moved out of the state. Former CM and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah had also lambasted the government, saying that it would validate the "step-motherly" treatment being meted out towards Karnataka. The aero show is being held in Bengaluru for the last two decades. Each year, the event witnesses arms manufacturer from across the world displaying their fighter aircraft, cargo planes and other defence equipments which could be procured by the Indian defence and paramilitary bodies. The event also facilitates the exchange of information, ideas and new developments in the aviation industry. "The Department of Defence Production is committed to making this a successful and result oriented show," the MoD notification said.

After row over venue, Aero India 2019 to be held in Bengaluru from February 20-24

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;Omar Abdullah on Thursday reacted to the sudden transfer of J&K police chief SP Vaid. Abdullah stated that&nbsp;there was no hurry to replace Vaid.

"He should have been changed only when a permanent arrangement had been worked out. @JmuKmrPolice has enough problems without having to deal with the&nbsp;confusion of leadership," Abdullah tweeted out on Thursday.

"Changing the DG is the prerogative of the administration but why a DG as a temporary arrangement? The current DG won’t know if he’s going to stay & others who would like his job will be trying to replace him. None of this is good for @JmuKmrPolice," the tweet read.

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There was no hurry to replace <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@spvaid</a>. He should have been changed only when a permanent arrangement had been worked out. <a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a> has enough problems without having to deal with confusion of leadership.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1037770931773558787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jammu and Kashmir police chief <a href="wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-dgp-sp-vaid-removed-164085">SP Vaid </a><a href="wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-dgp-sp-vaid-removed-164085">was</a><a href="wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-dgp-sp-vaid-removed-164085"> unceremoniously removed </a>late Thursday and shunted as the Transport Commissioner. He will be replaced by the Director General of Prison Dilbagh Singh until a regular appointment was made.

The official order to this effect was issued by the Principal Secretary, Home, R K Goyal.&nbsp;

Vaid, a 1986-batch IPS officer, was appointed as the Director General of Police in December 2016. He is due to retire in October 2019.

According to media reports, the transfer follows the abduction of eight policemen and their family members by terrorists a week ago. They were released after police released family members of terrorists which reportedly includes the father of Hizbul of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riaz Naikoo.

Abdullah said that Vaid's removal could have been done after a permanent person was appointed to the post.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah on Thursday reacted to the sudden transfer of J&K police chief SP Vaid. Abdullah stated that there was no hurry to replace Vaid. "He should have been changed only when a permanent arrangement had been worked out. @JmuKmrPolice has enough problems without having to deal with the confusion of leadership," Abdullah tweeted out on Thursday. "Changing the DG is the prerogative of the administration but why a DG as a temporary arrangement? The current DG won’t know if he’s going to stay & others who would like his job will be trying to replace him. None of this is good for @JmuKmrPolice," the tweet read. There was no hurry to replace @spvaid. He should have been changed only when a permanent arrangement had been worked out. @JmuKmrPolice has enough problems without having to deal with confusion of leadership. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) September 6, 2018 × Jammu and Kashmir police chief SP Vaid was unceremoniously removed late Thursday and shunted as the Transport Commissioner. He will be replaced by the Director General of Prison Dilbagh Singh until a regular appointment was made. The official order to this effect was issued by the Principal Secretary, Home, R K Goyal. Vaid, a 1986-batch IPS officer, was appointed as the Director General of Police in December 2016. He is due to retire in October 2019. According to media reports, the transfer follows the abduction of eight policemen and their family members by terrorists a week ago. They were released after police released family members of terrorists which reportedly includes the father of Hizbul of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riaz Naikoo.

There was no hurry to replace him: Omar Abdullah on SP Vaid's sudden transfer

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/mehbooba-mufti-urges-pm-modi-to-hold-talks-with-pakistan-counterpart-imran-khan-163660">Ajay Bisaria speaking at a function</a> in Kolkata said the Imran Khan's government has opened "a new political window" after bilateral relations received a setback due to terrorist strikes in Pathankot and Uri.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/india-and-pakistan-must-talk-resolve-their-conflicts-including-kashmir-imran-khan-160621">Also Read:&nbsp;India and Pakistan must talk, resolve conflicts, says Imran Khan</a>

"Both the prime ministers (Narendra Modi and Imran Khan) had conversations over phone which had been very positive," Bisaria said, adding,"bilateral relations received a setback after the (terrorist) attacks on Pathankot and Uri. But after the new government came in Pakistan, a new political window opened up and we are filled with cautious hope."

Bisaria said terrorism was a "deal-breaker" while emphasizing that bilateral conversation was important which will end terrorism.

"Increased bilateral trade will create more stakeholders and may lead to absence of conflict", he added. Bisaria said Indian government hopes that ceasefire would prevail at the international border, which is necessary for bilateral conversation to begin.

The Indian ambassador added that&nbsp;"booming bilateral trade" was an important stakeholder which could play a key role in India-Pak relations. "Increased bilateral trade will create more stakeholders and may lead to the absence of conflict," Bisaria noted.

Bisaria's view reflects PM Imran Khan's July statement when the Pakistan prime minister said trade could play a key role in fixing ties between the two countries.

In his inaugural address to the nation just after winning the July 25th elections, the Pakistan prime minister had said that if India took one step to improve ties, Pakistan would take two. During his address, Imran brought up the Kashmir issue, declaring that it was the biggest dispute between the two countries. &nbsp;

We need to talk about Kashmir... We're still on Square 1. India sees Baluchistan, we see Kashmir... this blame game has to stop. We are ready to take two steps forward if you take one," Imran said. "The situation in Kashmir, the human rights violations, deploying army there... Kashmiris have suffered. The leadership has to find a way out," he added. 
&nbsp;

PM Imran Khan had said that if India took one step to improve ties, Pakistan would take two.

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria speaking at a function in Kolkata said the Imran Khan's government has opened "a new political window" after bilateral relations received a setback due to terrorist strikes in Pathankot and Uri. Also Read: India and Pakistan must talk, resolve conflicts, says Imran Khan "Both the prime ministers (Narendra Modi and Imran Khan) had conversations over phone which had been very positive," Bisaria said, adding,"bilateral relations received a setback after the (terrorist) attacks on Pathankot and Uri. But after the new government came in Pakistan, a new political window opened up and we are filled with cautious hope." Bisaria said terrorism was a "deal-breaker" while emphasizing that bilateral conversation was important which will end terrorism. "Increased bilateral trade will create more stakeholders and may lead to absence of conflict", he added. Bisaria said Indian government hopes that ceasefire would prevail at the international border, which is necessary for bilateral conversation to begin. The Indian ambassador added that "booming bilateral trade" was an important stakeholder which could play a key role in India-Pak relations. "Increased bilateral trade will create more stakeholders and may lead to the absence of conflict," Bisaria noted. Bisaria's view reflects PM Imran Khan's July statement when the Pakistan prime minister said trade could play a key role in fixing ties between the two countries. In his inaugural address to the nation just after winning the July 25th elections, the Pakistan prime minister had said that if India took one step to improve ties, Pakistan would take two. During his address, Imran brought up the Kashmir issue, declaring that it was the biggest dispute between the two countries. We need to talk about Kashmir... We're still on Square 1. India sees Baluchistan, we see Kashmir... this blame game has to stop. We are ready to take two steps forward if you take one," Imran said. "The situation in Kashmir, the human rights violations, deploying army there... Kashmiris have suffered. The leadership has to find a way out," he added.

New political window has opened in Pak: Indian High Commissioner Bisaria

As the Supreme Court decriminialised homosexuality on Thursday in a historic verdict, celebrations erupted across India as supporters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community rejoiced in the streets by dancing and waving rainbow flags.&nbsp;

Tech giants like Google and Facebook also marked the celebration of equality and love .

Google India put out a 'rainbow flag' on its homepage with a message reading "celebrating equal rights" popping up when a cursor is moved over it.

The Facebook India page also changed its display picture to a multi-hued icon.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="wionews.com/india-news/india-lifts-ban-on-homosexuality-but-challenges-loom-large--164146">India lifts </a><a href="wionews.com/india-news/india-lifts-ban-on-homosexuality-but-challenges-loom-large--164146">ban</a><a href="wionews.com/india-news/india-lifts-ban-on-homosexuality-but-challenges-loom-large--164146"> on homosexuality but challenges loom large</a>

The rainbow flag, commonly known as the gay pride flag or LGBT pride flag, is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and LGBT social movements.

The apex court unanimously held that consensual sex among adult homosexuals or heterosexuals in private space is not a crime, as it struck down part of a British-era law that criminalised it.

The path-breaking judgement held that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalised consensual gay sex was "irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary".

Also read: <a href="wionews.com/india-news/freedom-of-expression-should-be-allowed-says-cji-as-supreme-court-decriminalises-homosexuality-163925">'Freedom of expression should be allowed,' says CJI as Supreme Court decriminalises homosexuality</a>

The order was passed — unanimously — by a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, and comprising Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra.

The 158-year-old colonial-era Section 377 referred to 'unnatural offences' and said whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

The court had earlier reserved its verdict on July 17 after hearing various stakeholders for four days, including gay rights activists.

The country's top court had asserted that courts cannot wait for a "majoritarian government" to decide on enacting, amending or striking down a law if it violates fundamental rights.

It had made clear that it may not strike down the law completely and deal with it to the extent it relates to consensual acts between two adults.

It had said that the other aspects of the penal provision dealing with minors and animals should be allowed to remain in the statute book.

The rainbow flag, commonly known as the gay pride flag or LGBT pride flag, is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and LGBT social movements.

As the Supreme Court decriminialised homosexuality on Thursday in a historic verdict, celebrations erupted across India as supporters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community rejoiced in the streets by dancing and waving rainbow flags. Tech giants like Google and Facebook also marked the celebration of equality and love . Google India put out a 'rainbow flag' on its homepage with a message reading "celebrating equal rights" popping up when a cursor is moved over it. The Facebook India page also changed its display picture to a multi-hued icon. Also read: India lifts ban on homosexuality but challenges loom large The rainbow flag, commonly known as the gay pride flag or LGBT pride flag, is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride and LGBT social movements. The apex court unanimously held that consensual sex among adult homosexuals or heterosexuals in private space is not a crime, as it struck down part of a British-era law that criminalised it. The path-breaking judgement held that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalised consensual gay sex was "irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary". Also read: 'Freedom of expression should be allowed,' says CJI as Supreme Court decriminalises homosexuality The order was passed — unanimously — by a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, and comprising Justices RF Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. The 158-year-old colonial-era Section 377 referred to 'unnatural offences' and said whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine. The court had earlier reserved its verdict on July 17 after hearing various stakeholders for four days, including gay rights activists. The country's top court had asserted that courts cannot wait for a "majoritarian government" to decide on enacting, amending or striking down a law if it violates fundamental rights. It had made clear that it may not strike down the law completely and deal with it to the extent it relates to consensual acts between two adults. It had said that the other aspects of the penal provision dealing with minors and animals should be allowed to remain in the statute book.

SC decriminalises homosexuality: Google homepage puts up 'gay pride' flag, FB changes DP

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday berated&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the BJP-led government of all round failure.&nbsp;

Singh was speaking at the launch of Congress leader Kapil Sibal`s book "Shades of Truth--A Journey Derailed."&nbsp;

Sibal`s book gives a comprehensive analysis of the functioning of the Modi government in the last four years, Singh said.&nbsp;

"It highlights the failure of this government to fulfil important promises made to the people on the eve of 2014 Lok Sabha elections," he added.&nbsp;

Referring Modi`s 2014 promises of 2 crore jobs, Singh said the employment growth rate has been declining in the last 4 years.&nbsp;

''Youth are desperately waiting for the promised 2 Crore jobs. Employment growth rate has been declining in last 4 years. People aren't impressed with the figures being put out by Modi govt to justify the creation of a large number of jobs.&nbsp;Programmes, like Make in India and Stand up India, are yet to make any meaningful impact on the growth of industrial production,'' he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Small and marginal enterprises are yet to benefit from ease of doing business and demonetisation and hasty implementation of GST have badly hurt these enterprises, he further said.&nbsp;

Continuing his attack on Modi on his 2014 poll promises, Singh said nothing concrete was done to bring back black money stashed in foreign tax havens.&nbsp;

"Women, Dalits and minorities are increasingly living in an environment of insecurity. The Modi government has slowly but surely undermined the values that any democratic party, any democratic polity should fiercely protect.&nbsp;

"Our relations with neighbours have deteriorated in last 4 years. Modi government has failed to address issues relating to the creative use of science and technology," he added.

&nbsp;

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Prog like Make in India&Stand Up India yet to make meaningful impact on industrial production growth. Small&marginal enterprises yet to derive significant benefit from ease of doing business schemes. Demonetisation& GST's hasty implementation has hurt enterprises: Manmohan Singh <a href="https://t.co/y7iZbmAE9p">pic.twitter.com/y7iZbmAE9p</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1038069745596030976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Singh was speaking at the launch of Congress leader Kapil Sibal`s book "Shades of Truth--A Journey Derailed."

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday berated Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the BJP-led government of all round failure. Singh was speaking at the launch of Congress leader Kapil Sibal`s book "Shades of Truth--A Journey Derailed." Sibal`s book gives a comprehensive analysis of the functioning of the Modi government in the last four years, Singh said. "It highlights the failure of this government to fulfil important promises made to the people on the eve of 2014 Lok Sabha elections," he added. Referring Modi`s 2014 promises of 2 crore jobs, Singh said the employment growth rate has been declining in the last 4 years. ''Youth are desperately waiting for the promised 2 Crore jobs. Employment growth rate has been declining in last 4 years. People aren't impressed with the figures being put out by Modi govt to justify the creation of a large number of jobs. Programmes, like Make in India and Stand up India, are yet to make any meaningful impact on the growth of industrial production,'' he was quoted as saying. Small and marginal enterprises are yet to benefit from ease of doing business and demonetisation and hasty implementation of GST have badly hurt these enterprises, he further said. Continuing his attack on Modi on his 2014 poll promises, Singh said nothing concrete was done to bring back black money stashed in foreign tax havens. "Women, Dalits and minorities are increasingly living in an environment of insecurity. The Modi government has slowly but surely undermined the values that any democratic party, any democratic polity should fiercely protect. "Our relations with neighbours have deteriorated in last 4 years. Modi government has failed to address issues relating to the creative use of science and technology," he added. Prog like Make in India&Stand Up India yet to make meaningful impact on industrial production growth. Small&marginal enterprises yet to derive significant benefit from ease of doing business schemes. Demonetisation& GST's hasty implementation has hurt enterprises: Manmohan Singh pic.twitter.com/y7iZbmAE9p — ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2018 ×

Modi government is all round failure, Make in India yet to make impact: Manmohan Singh

The Supreme Court scrapped a colonial-era ban on gay sex on Thursday, in a landmark judgement that sparked celebrations across India and elsewhere in South Asia, where activists hope to push for similar reform.

Gay sex is considered taboo by many in socially conservative India, as well as in neighbouring Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It was reinstated as a criminal offence in India in 2013, punishable up to 10 years in prison, after four years of decriminalisation.

A five-judge bench in India's Supreme Court was unanimous in overturning the ban. But the ruling could face a legal challenge from groups that say gay sex erodes traditional values.

"Any consensual sexual relationship between two consenting adults - homosexuals, heterosexuals or lesbians - cannot be said to be unconstitutional," said the Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra, as he read out the judgement.

Supporters of the campaign to scrap the ban milled around the court before the verdict and cheered the decision, hugging one another and waving rainbow flags.

Some were overcome with emotion, while others waved banners with slogans such as "Gay and Proud" and "I am who I am". A few distributed sweets in celebration.

"I'm so excited, I have no words," said Debottam Saha, one of the petitioners in the case.

Activists hope the scrapping of the ban will uphold the right to equality but many acknowledged that discrimination would persist.

"We are no longer criminals, (but) it will take time to change things on the ground - 20 to 30 years, maybe," said Saha.

Balachandran Ramiah, a second petitioner, also said there was "a long road ahead when it comes to changing societal mindsets", and stressed the importance of employers ending discrimination in workplaces.

"A number of companies up until now were unable to put these down on paper," he said, referring to steps to end discrimination.

"Now they can."

Long road

The law against gay sex, known as "Section 377", was introduced during the British rule of South Asia more than a century-and-a-half ago.

The law banned "carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal" - which was widely interpreted to refer to homosexual sex.

The battle to repeal Section 377 began in 2001 when a group called the Naz Foundation challenged it in court. That eventually led to its repeal in 2009.

It was reinstated in 2013 after a legal challenge from an astrologer, Suresh Kumar Kaushal, who told Reuters on Thursday the latest verdict would erode traditional society.

"Marriage is the most sacred part of our culture, many cultures actually," he said. "Sexual relations are a sacred part of this bond."

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had said it would support any decision by the Supreme Court but one prominent member of the party criticised the court ruling.

"This verdict could give rise to other issues such as an increase in the number of HIV cases," member of parliament Subramanian Swamy told CNN-News18.

Shashi Tharoor, a senior member of the opposition Congress party, said: "the government has no place in the bedroom".

"Private acts between consenting adults is something which no government should have criminalised as unfortunately, we have done," he said.

Activists in Muslim-majority Bangladesh and Pakistan said they planned to push for reform of the laws that their countries also inherited from colonial Britain.

"The Bangladeshi LGBT community has gained moral support," said Shahanur Islam, executive director of the Bangladesh Institute for Human Rights.

"We hope and will make sure that other countries will follow suit in overturning this remnant from the colonial law,” said Mani Aq of the Pakistani branch of the Naz Foundation.

 
&nbsp

The battle to repeal Section 377 began in 2001 when a group called the Naz Foundation challenged it in court. That eventually led to its repeal in 2009.

The Supreme Court scrapped a colonial-era ban on gay sex on Thursday, in a landmark judgement that sparked celebrations across India and elsewhere in South Asia, where activists hope to push for similar reform. Gay sex is considered taboo by many in socially conservative India, as well as in neighbouring Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It was reinstated as a criminal offence in India in 2013, punishable up to 10 years in prison, after four years of decriminalisation. A five-judge bench in India's Supreme Court was unanimous in overturning the ban. But the ruling could face a legal challenge from groups that say gay sex erodes traditional values. "Any consensual sexual relationship between two consenting adults - homosexuals, heterosexuals or lesbians - cannot be said to be unconstitutional," said the Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra, as he read out the judgement. Supporters of the campaign to scrap the ban milled around the court before the verdict and cheered the decision, hugging one another and waving rainbow flags. Some were overcome with emotion, while others waved banners with slogans such as "Gay and Proud" and "I am who I am". A few distributed sweets in celebration. "I'm so excited, I have no words," said Debottam Saha, one of the petitioners in the case. Activists hope the scrapping of the ban will uphold the right to equality but many acknowledged that discrimination would persist. "We are no longer criminals, (but) it will take time to change things on the ground - 20 to 30 years, maybe," said Saha. Balachandran Ramiah, a second petitioner, also said there was "a long road ahead when it comes to changing societal mindsets", and stressed the importance of employers ending discrimination in workplaces. "A number of companies up until now were unable to put these down on paper," he said, referring to steps to end discrimination. "Now they can." Long road The law against gay sex, known as "Section 377", was introduced during the British rule of South Asia more than a century-and-a-half ago. The law banned "carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal" - which was widely interpreted to refer to homosexual sex. The battle to repeal Section 377 began in 2001 when a group called the Naz Foundation challenged it in court. That eventually led to its repeal in 2009. It was reinstated in 2013 after a legal challenge from an astrologer, Suresh Kumar Kaushal, who told Reuters on Thursday the latest verdict would erode traditional society. "Marriage is the most sacred part of our culture, many cultures actually," he said. "Sexual relations are a sacred part of this bond." The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had said it would support any decision by the Supreme Court but one prominent member of the party criticised the court ruling. "This verdict could give rise to other issues such as an increase in the number of HIV cases," member of parliament Subramanian Swamy told CNN-News18. Shashi Tharoor, a senior member of the opposition Congress party, said: "the government has no place in the bedroom". "Private acts between consenting adults is something which no government should have criminalised as unfortunately, we have done," he said. Activists in Muslim-majority Bangladesh and Pakistan said they planned to push for reform of the laws that their countries also inherited from colonial Britain. "The Bangladeshi LGBT community has gained moral support," said Shahanur Islam, executive director of the Bangladesh Institute for Human Rights. "We hope and will make sure that other countries will follow suit in overturning this remnant from the colonial law,” said Mani Aq of the Pakistani branch of the Naz Foundation.

India lifts ban on homosexuality but challenges loom large

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate MOVE: India's ever first Global Mobility Summit organized by NITI Aayog at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on September 7 and 8.

The focus of the summit will be on raising awareness about various aspects of Mobility and bringing together various stakeholders involved in enhancing mobility across different platforms.

Representatives from various intergovernmental organisations, academia, policy think tanks from India and abroad, global leaders from across the mobility sector such as OEMs, battery manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, technology solution providers will be sharing their views on enhancing mobility over the next two days during the summit.

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar, and Chief Executive Officer Amitabh Kant held a curtain-raiser press conference ahead of the summit in the capital on Thursday.

Secretaries from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and representatives from the Department of Heavy Industries also present.

Rajiv Kumar said, "With disruptions in the mobility sector, we will be able to generate more employment and enhance the ease of living for citizens in India.

"Our main aim through the Global Mobility Summit is to revolutionise the way people travel in India, along with making mobility more connected, shared and seamless," said Amitabh Kant.

The Global Mobility Summit is the first of its kind, with over 2200 participants expected from across the world including leaders from the government, industry, research organizations, academia, think tanks and civil society.

Components of the Summit include the core conclave, digital exhibition, Mobility Week with Featured Events and a variety of stakeholder consultations.

In the months leading up the Conclave, consultations were held across States, with visiting teams from NITI Aayog, in State Task Forces. State-specific issues will also be discussed, to evolve a shared, connected, zero emission and inclusive mobility agenda for the future.

A Compendium of State Strategies, a Summary Compendium and a Compendium of Global Best Practices will be released on 7th September, outlining the results of this consultative process.

The Summit, which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, in its inaugural session will include remarks by 11 global CEOs, with 12 more key CEOs in a panel discussion. Union Ministers speaking at various sessions include Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis is expected to speak on Day 2, along with Lt&nbspGovernor of Delhi, Anil Baijal.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis is expected to speak on Day 2, along with Lt Governor of Delhi, Anil Baijal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate MOVE: India's ever first Global Mobility Summit organized by NITI Aayog at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on September 7 and 8. The focus of the summit will be on raising awareness about various aspects of Mobility and bringing together various stakeholders involved in enhancing mobility across different platforms. Representatives from various intergovernmental organisations, academia, policy think tanks from India and abroad, global leaders from across the mobility sector such as OEMs, battery manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, technology solution providers will be sharing their views on enhancing mobility over the next two days during the summit. NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar, and Chief Executive Officer Amitabh Kant held a curtain-raiser press conference ahead of the summit in the capital on Thursday. Secretaries from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and representatives from the Department of Heavy Industries also present. Rajiv Kumar said, "With disruptions in the mobility sector, we will be able to generate more employment and enhance the ease of living for citizens in India. "Our main aim through the Global Mobility Summit is to revolutionise the way people travel in India, along with making mobility more connected, shared and seamless," said Amitabh Kant. The Global Mobility Summit is the first of its kind, with over 2200 participants expected from across the world including leaders from the government, industry, research organizations, academia, think tanks and civil society. Components of the Summit include the core conclave, digital exhibition, Mobility Week with Featured Events and a variety of stakeholder consultations. In the months leading up the Conclave, consultations were held across States, with visiting teams from NITI Aayog, in State Task Forces. State-specific issues will also be discussed, to evolve a shared, connected, zero emission and inclusive mobility agenda for the future. A Compendium of State Strategies, a Summary Compendium and a Compendium of Global Best Practices will be released on 7th September, outlining the results of this consultative process. The Summit, which will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, in its inaugural session will include remarks by 11 global CEOs, with 12 more key CEOs in a panel discussion. Union Ministers speaking at various sessions include Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis is expected to speak on Day 2, along with Lt&nbspGovernor of Delhi, Anil Baijal.

PM Modi to inaugurate India's first Global Mobility Summit today

US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo and Secretary of Defence James Mattis Thursday briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first 2+2 dialogue held between the two countries.

They conveyed greetings of President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Modi.

"The prime minister fondly recalled his interactions with President Trump and requested the secretaries to convey his greetings to him," a brief statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

It said the two briefed the prime minister on the "fruitful and productive" 2+2 dialogue held earlier Thursday.

The prime minister congratulated both the secretaries and their Indian counterparts External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who were also present during the meeting, for holding the first 2+2 dialogue, the statement said.

India and the US Thursday held the first edition of the twice-deferred two-plus-two talks, covering the expanse of bilateral ties and looking to expand their global strategic cooperation, including in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp

India and the US Thursday held the first edition of the twice-deferred two-plus-two talks, covering the expanse of bilateral ties and looking to expand their global strategic cooperation.

US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo and Secretary of Defence James Mattis Thursday briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first 2+2 dialogue held between the two countries. They conveyed greetings of President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Modi. "The prime minister fondly recalled his interactions with President Trump and requested the secretaries to convey his greetings to him," a brief statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. It said the two briefed the prime minister on the "fruitful and productive" 2+2 dialogue held earlier Thursday. The prime minister congratulated both the secretaries and their Indian counterparts External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who were also present during the meeting, for holding the first 2+2 dialogue, the statement said. India and the US Thursday held the first edition of the twice-deferred two-plus-two talks, covering the expanse of bilateral ties and looking to expand their global strategic cooperation, including in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.

Pompeo, Mattis brief PM Modi on 2+2 dialogue

Congress leader and former minister Kondru Murali Mohan joined Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Thursday in the presence of TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Naidu welcomed Mohan into the party.

Mohan, who was a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Rajam constituency in 2009, also served as the Minister for Medical and Health in the then Chief Minister, YS&nbsp;Rajasekhara Reddy cabinet between 2009 to 2014.

Naidu and state's Energy Minister, Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao played an important role in bringing Mohan in the folds of the party.

State assembly polls are slated to be held in Andhra Pradesh in 2019.

Mohan was a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Rajam constituency in 2009.

Congress leader and former minister Kondru Murali Mohan joined Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Thursday in the presence of TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Naidu welcomed Mohan into the party. Mohan, who was a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Rajam constituency in 2009, also served as the Minister for Medical and Health in the then Chief Minister, YS Rajasekhara Reddy cabinet between 2009 to 2014. Naidu and state's Energy Minister, Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao played an important role in bringing Mohan in the folds of the party. State assembly polls are slated to be held in Andhra Pradesh in 2019.

Congress leader Kondru Murali joins TDP

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