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After his “new India” barb targeting the RSS, Congress President Rahul Gandhi today accused the BJP of respecting only one ideology “based on Nagpur”, a veiled reference to the saffron fountainhead, and said the opposition was united in fighting the “undemocratic” actions. Hitting out at the government over the arrest of prominent Left-wing activists for suspected Maoist links, Gandhi had yesterday tweeted that in the “new India”, there was place for only one NGO — the RSS.

In a brief interaction with media during his visit to flood-hit areas, the Congress chief today dubbed as ‘undemocratic’ ‘certain’ actions taken at the national level, apparently referring to the arrests of the activists.

“I think there are certain action that has been taken at national level which are undemocratic and we are fighting that battle. The opposition is united in fighting that battle,” he said.

Gandhi said there were two different visions of India — one was centralised and the other decentralised. “One respects only one ideology based on Nagpur and the other respects all the different states, all the different ideas, all the different cultures and all the different people of this country. That fight is on and I assure you that we are fighting that battle,” Gandhi said.

The Maharashtra Police had yesterday raided the homes of prominent Left-wing activists in several states and arrested at least five of them. This was as part of a probe into the violence between Dalits and the upper caste Peshwas at Koregaon-Bhima village near Pune after an event called Elgar Parishad, or conclave, on December 31 last year.

“There is only place for one NGO in India and it’s called the RSS. Shut down all other NGOs. Jail all activists and shoot those that complain. Welcome to the new India,” Gandhi had said in his tweet yesterday with the hashtag Bhima Koregaon.

Hitting out at the government over the arrest of prominent Left-wing activists for suspected Maoist links, Rahul Gandhi had yesterday tweeted that in the "new India", there was place for only one NGO -- the RSS.

After his “new India” barb targeting the RSS, Congress President Rahul Gandhi today accused the BJP of respecting only one ideology “based on Nagpur”, a veiled reference to the saffron fountainhead, and said the opposition was united in fighting the “undemocratic” actions. Hitting out at the government over the arrest of prominent Left-wing activists for suspected Maoist links, Gandhi had yesterday tweeted that in the “new India”, there was place for only one NGO — the RSS. In a brief interaction with media during his visit to flood-hit areas, the Congress chief today dubbed as ‘undemocratic’ ‘certain’ actions taken at the national level, apparently referring to the arrests of the activists. “I think there are certain action that has been taken at national level which are undemocratic and we are fighting that battle. The opposition is united in fighting that battle,” he said. Gandhi said there were two different visions of India — one was centralised and the other decentralised. “One respects only one ideology based on Nagpur and the other respects all the different states, all the different ideas, all the different cultures and all the different people of this country. That fight is on and I assure you that we are fighting that battle,” Gandhi said. The Maharashtra Police had yesterday raided the homes of prominent Left-wing activists in several states and arrested at least five of them. This was as part of a probe into the violence between Dalits and the upper caste Peshwas at Koregaon-Bhima village near Pune after an event called Elgar Parishad, or conclave, on December 31 last year. “There is only place for one NGO in India and it’s called the RSS. Shut down all other NGOs. Jail all activists and shoot those that complain. Welcome to the new India,” Gandhi had said in his tweet yesterday with the hashtag Bhima Koregaon.

Rahul Gandhi says only one ideology ‘based on Nagpur’ respected by BJP

The Supreme Court said Wednesday that the <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/bhima-koregaon-violence-police-carry-out-raids-in-5-states-activists-arrested-162113">five activists arrested yesterday</a> by Pune Police were not to be transferred to Maharashtra but were to be kept under house arrest till September 5.&nbsp;

"Dissent is the safety valve of democracy," the court had said earlier.&nbsp;

"If dissent is not allowed, then the pressure cooker may burst," the court added.&nbsp;

The court also issued a notice to the Maharashtra government asking for its reply by September 5. The court will hear the case again on September 6.&nbsp;

The order was passed by a three-judge bench of CJI Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud on a petition filed against the arrests by, among others, the historian Romila Thapar, the Delhi University professor Satish Deshpande, and the former JNU professor Prabhat Patnaik.&nbsp;

The five activists were arrested Wednesday after the Pune Police carried out raids in five different states.&nbsp;

The lawyer and trade union activists Sudha Bharadwaj was arrested from Faridabad in Haryana. Bharadwaj practises at the Chhattisgarh high court in Bilaspur. (She is also a visiting professor at the National Law University, Delhi.)&nbsp;

The others arrested included the poet Varavara Rao, who was arrested from his home in Hyderabad.&nbsp;

The activists Arun Fereira and Vernon Gonsalves were arrested from Mumbai, as was civil liberties activist Gautam Navlakha from Delhi.&nbsp;

"A team of 10 people came today morning. They didn't have a search warrant but were carrying another document. They checked our mobile phones and laptops and took all passwords," Bharadwaj's daughter Maaysha told ANI after her arrest.&nbsp;

The blowback against the arrests was swift, with the opposition and civil society calling the arrests a coup against the Constitution, and fascist in nature.&nbsp;

The historian Ramachandra Guha said that, as a biogrpaher of Mahatma Gandhi, he was certain Gandhi would have donned his lawyer's robes and defended Bharadwaj in court. That is, he added, "assuming the Modi Sarkar hadn't yet detained and arrested him too."&nbsp;

'Dissent is the safety valve of democracy. If dissent is not allowed, then the pressure cooker may burst,' the Supreme Court said. It also issued a notice to the Maharashtra government asking it to reply by September 5

The Supreme Court said Wednesday that the five activists arrested yesterday by Pune Police were not to be transferred to Maharashtra but were to be kept under house arrest till September 5. "Dissent is the safety valve of democracy," the court had said earlier. "If dissent is not allowed, then the pressure cooker may burst," the court added. The court also issued a notice to the Maharashtra government asking for its reply by September 5. The court will hear the case again on September 6. The order was passed by a three-judge bench of CJI Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud on a petition filed against the arrests by, among others, the historian Romila Thapar, the Delhi University professor Satish Deshpande, and the former JNU professor Prabhat Patnaik. The five activists were arrested Wednesday after the Pune Police carried out raids in five different states. The lawyer and trade union activists Sudha Bharadwaj was arrested from Faridabad in Haryana. Bharadwaj practises at the Chhattisgarh high court in Bilaspur. (She is also a visiting professor at the National Law University, Delhi.) The others arrested included the poet Varavara Rao, who was arrested from his home in Hyderabad. The activists Arun Fereira and Vernon Gonsalves were arrested from Mumbai, as was civil liberties activist Gautam Navlakha from Delhi. "A team of 10 people came today morning. They didn't have a search warrant but were carrying another document. They checked our mobile phones and laptops and took all passwords," Bharadwaj's daughter Maaysha told ANI after her arrest. The blowback against the arrests was swift, with the opposition and civil society calling the arrests a coup against the Constitution, and fascist in nature. The historian Ramachandra Guha said that, as a biogrpaher of Mahatma Gandhi, he was certain Gandhi would have donned his lawyer's robes and defended Bharadwaj in court. That is, he added, "assuming the Modi Sarkar hadn't yet detained and arrested him too."

Supreme Court says 5 arrested activists to only be kept under house arrest

India is fighting a perception battle on safety for foreign tourists due to "unfair and biased" media reports that the country was the most unsafe for women, Tourism Minister KJ Alphons said.

Alphons, who is currently visiting Beijing, Wuhan and Shanghai along with about 20 leading Indian travel agents to woo Chinese tourists to visit India, said that incidents like lynching are bad for India's reputation.

The incidents of lynching are not affecting tourism "big time", he told reporters after holding a roadshow on Tuesday.

"Well, not on a big-time basis... not really. But anything happening like that is bad for the reputation of the country. We will not say it's good for the reputation of the country," he said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called them criminals and asked the states to take action.

His ministry is now focusing to attract 10 per cent of the 144 million Chinese tourists who visited abroad last year, the largest from any country.

Despite special measures like e-visas, only 2.40 lakh Chinese tourists visited India last year against 14 lakh Indian visiting China.

"In 2016, India received about 2,51,000 Chinese travellers but in 2017 the number dropped to a mere 2,40,000. Given this backdrop, India has set an ambitious target of increasing this minuscule figure to an eye-popping 14 million by 2023," he said.

"We are opening an office in Beijing very soon, we should aim for at least 10 per cent of the 144 million Chinese tourists. This can be achieved in five years if we make concerted efforts," said Alphons.

He said India is fighting a perception battle about safety issues,&nbspespecially for women tourists. He also blamed a Thomson Reuters Foundation survey which projected India as "most dangerous" country for women.

He said the story is based on interviews with 548 people out of which 43 were from India.

"Most of the 43 feminists may be anti-government. It has got politics to it," he said.

"There is a massive unfairness in the whole reporting process. There is a huge bias in reporting. It is not fair. I don't want to play with numbers. Even one such case is not acceptable...Why they did a&nbspstory like that," he said and outlined steps like creating helpline in 12 languages, including Mandarin as well creating of tourism police by 14 states in India.

He said he is in China to "break the so-called story... it is not true". The number of cases (relating to safety) is so few, he said.

He also said a ban on beef eating has not affected tourist arrivals much.

"Not really. You see Kerala, Goa and North East which are beef-eating states. These are all big tourism destinations. People will go where they are comfortable. We need&nbspto respect the sentiments of people anywhere. That is so fundamental," he said.

Alphons said he is here to find out why more Chinese are not visiting India despite various measures.

India has all these basic things like good hotels with food and water facilities. India has a&nbspvery large number of Chinese restaurants though some of them are spicy, he said.

From now on China will have India Tourism Office which will be headed by an IAS or IFS officer. It will also have strategy advisor besides a PR agency to campaign, he said.

The previous tourism office has been closed years ago, he said.

Tourism from China to India is not picking up also because of lack of campaigns, he said and highlighted the improvement of relations, especially between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He refuted the perception that campaigns like the Buddhist circuit for Chinese travellers failed to work.

"Buddhist circuit never worked because we never had the infrastructure built for that. If we have the infrastructure they will come," he said. The new infrastructure included six-lane highways which will be ready in two years.

For the Chinese, there are 38 Mandarin speaking guides in India, he said.

Their numbers have grown to 200 though they have not been certified by Archaeological Survey of India, (ASI) which he said is not necessary.

He said overall the tourism sector in India is doing extremely well.

Tourism revenues fetched USD 27 billion as the sector registered a 14 per cent increase. Tourism is contributing to seven per cent of the GDP and created 14.62 million jobs in the last four years, he said.

Incidents like lynching are bad for India’s reputation; however, they are not affecting tourism ‘big time’, KJ Alphons said.

India is fighting a perception battle on safety for foreign tourists due to "unfair and biased" media reports that the country was the most unsafe for women, Tourism Minister KJ Alphons said. Alphons, who is currently visiting Beijing, Wuhan and Shanghai along with about 20 leading Indian travel agents to woo Chinese tourists to visit India, said that incidents like lynching are bad for India's reputation. The incidents of lynching are not affecting tourism "big time", he told reporters after holding a roadshow on Tuesday. "Well, not on a big-time basis... not really. But anything happening like that is bad for the reputation of the country. We will not say it's good for the reputation of the country," he said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called them criminals and asked the states to take action. His ministry is now focusing to attract 10 per cent of the 144 million Chinese tourists who visited abroad last year, the largest from any country. Despite special measures like e-visas, only 2.40 lakh Chinese tourists visited India last year against 14 lakh Indian visiting China. "In 2016, India received about 2,51,000 Chinese travellers but in 2017 the number dropped to a mere 2,40,000. Given this backdrop, India has set an ambitious target of increasing this minuscule figure to an eye-popping 14 million by 2023," he said. "We are opening an office in Beijing very soon, we should aim for at least 10 per cent of the 144 million Chinese tourists. This can be achieved in five years if we make concerted efforts," said Alphons. He said India is fighting a perception battle about safety issues,&nbspespecially for women tourists. He also blamed a Thomson Reuters Foundation survey which projected India as "most dangerous" country for women. He said the story is based on interviews with 548 people out of which 43 were from India. "Most of the 43 feminists may be anti-government. It has got politics to it," he said. "There is a massive unfairness in the whole reporting process. There is a huge bias in reporting. It is not fair. I don't want to play with numbers. Even one such case is not acceptable...Why they did a&nbspstory like that," he said and outlined steps like creating helpline in 12 languages, including Mandarin as well creating of tourism police by 14 states in India. He said he is in China to "break the so-called story... it is not true". The number of cases (relating to safety) is so few, he said. He also said a ban on beef eating has not affected tourist arrivals much. "Not really. You see Kerala, Goa and North East which are beef-eating states. These are all big tourism destinations. People will go where they are comfortable. We need&nbspto respect the sentiments of people anywhere. That is so fundamental," he said. Alphons said he is here to find out why more Chinese are not visiting India despite various measures. India has all these basic things like good hotels with food and water facilities. India has a&nbspvery large number of Chinese restaurants though some of them are spicy, he said. From now on China will have India Tourism Office which will be headed by an IAS or IFS officer. It will also have strategy advisor besides a PR agency to campaign, he said. The previous tourism office has been closed years ago, he said. Tourism from China to India is not picking up also because of lack of campaigns, he said and highlighted the improvement of relations, especially between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He refuted the perception that campaigns like the Buddhist circuit for Chinese travellers failed to work. "Buddhist circuit never worked because we never had the infrastructure built for that. If we have the infrastructure they will come," he said. The new infrastructure included six-lane highways which will be ready in two years. For the Chinese, there are 38 Mandarin speaking guides in India, he said. Their numbers have grown to 200 though they have not been certified by Archaeological Survey of India, (ASI) which he said is not necessary. He said overall the tourism sector in India is doing extremely well. Tourism revenues fetched USD 27 billion as the sector registered a 14 per cent increase. Tourism is contributing to seven per cent of the GDP and created 14.62 million jobs in the last four years, he said.

KJ Alphons blames ‘biased’ reports on women safety for decline in tourism

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticised the government over the arrest of prominent Left-wing activists for suspected Maoist links, saying that in the "new India", there was place for only one NGO -- the RSS.

The Maharashtra Police raided the homes of prominent Left-wing activists in several states and arrested at least five of them as part of a probe into the violence between Dalits and the upper caste Peshwas at Koregaon-Bhima village near Pune after an event called Elgar Parishad, or conclave, on December 31 last year.&nbsp

"There is only place for one NGO in India and it's called the RSS. Shut down all other NGOs. Jail all activists and shoot those that complain. Welcome to the new India," Gandhi said in a tweet with the hashtag Bhima Koregaon.

Earlier, Congress spokesperson Jaipal Reddy condemned the raids and arrests saying no human rights activists should be arrested without a case.

"I condemn those arrests in unqualified terms. No human rights activist should be arrested. For that matter, no Indian can be arrested without proper case. I defend the rights of everybody, more particularly human rights protesters. They are selfless NGOs, activists, who are obliged to fight the enveloping darkness of dictatorial tendencies," he told reporters when asked about the arrests of some activists by the Pune police.

Near-simultaneous raids&nbspwere carried out at the residences of prominent Telugu poet Varavara Rao in Hyderabad, activists Vernon Gonzalves and Arun Farreira in Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bhardwaj in Faridabad, and civil liberties activist Gautam Navalakha in New Delhi.

Subsequently, Rao, Bhardwaj, Farreira, Gonzalves and Navalakha were arrested under IPC Section 153 (A), which relates to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and committing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony, said the official.

The Maharashtra Police raided the homes of prominent Left-wing activists in several states and arrested at least five of them

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticised the government over the arrest of prominent Left-wing activists for suspected Maoist links, saying that in the "new India", there was place for only one NGO -- the RSS. The Maharashtra Police raided the homes of prominent Left-wing activists in several states and arrested at least five of them as part of a probe into the violence between Dalits and the upper caste Peshwas at Koregaon-Bhima village near Pune after an event called Elgar Parishad, or conclave, on December 31 last year. "There is only place for one NGO in India and it's called the RSS. Shut down all other NGOs. Jail all activists and shoot those that complain. Welcome to the new India," Gandhi said in a tweet with the hashtag Bhima Koregaon. Earlier, Congress spokesperson Jaipal Reddy condemned the raids and arrests saying no human rights activists should be arrested without a case. "I condemn those arrests in unqualified terms. No human rights activist should be arrested. For that matter, no Indian can be arrested without proper case. I defend the rights of everybody, more particularly human rights protesters. They are selfless NGOs, activists, who are obliged to fight the enveloping darkness of dictatorial tendencies," he told reporters when asked about the arrests of some activists by the Pune police. Near-simultaneous raids&nbspwere carried out at the residences of prominent Telugu poet Varavara Rao in Hyderabad, activists Vernon Gonzalves and Arun Farreira in Mumbai, trade union activist Sudha Bhardwaj in Faridabad, and civil liberties activist Gautam Navalakha in New Delhi. Subsequently, Rao, Bhardwaj, Farreira, Gonzalves and Navalakha were arrested under IPC Section 153 (A), which relates to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and committing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony, said the official.

There is place for only one NGO in 'new India' -- RSS: Rahul Gandhi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-says-5-activists-to-only-be-kept-under-house-arrest-issues-notice-to-maharashtra-govt-162345">Supreme Court says 5 activists to only be kept under house arrest, issues notice to Maharashtra govt</a>

The Supreme Court said Wednesday that the five activists arrested yesterday by Pune Police were not to be transferred to Maharashtra but were to be kept under house arrest till September 5.&nbsp

"Dissent is the safety valve of democracy," the court had said earlier.&nbsp

"If dissent is not allowed, then the pressure cooker may burst," the court added.&nbsp

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-four-policemen-killed-in-a-terrorist-attack-in-shopian-district-162302">J&K: Four policemen killed in terrorist attack in Shopian</a>

Four Jammu and Kashmir policemen were shot dead by terrorists in the Arahama area of South Kashmir's Shopian on Wednesday.

The terrorists fired on the cops while they were repairing their vehicle in Bongam village.&nbsp

While two cops died on the spot, two succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-arpinder-singh-wins-gold-in-mens-triple-jump-162344">Asian Games: Arpinder Singh wins gold in men's triple jump</a>

India's Arpinder Singh won the gold in the men's triple jump at the ongoing 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.

This was India's 10th gold. Singh's compatriot Rakesh Babu finished sixth.

Arpinder jumped a total distance of 16.77 metres for his gold.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-moved-5-crore-people-out-of-poverty-in-four-years-pm-modi--162316">Govt lifted 5 crore people out of poverty in four years: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said his government has moved five crore people out of poverty in four years, and emphasized that the Centre is committed to bringing those left behind in the development race into the mainstream.

Interacting with BJP's office-bearers and party workers of his constituency, Varanasi, Modi said everyone in the city is now associated with the ongoing movement for development.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/un-urges-facebook-to-proactively-fight-hate-speech-162347">UN urges Facebook to 'proactively' fight hate speech</a>

The UN human rights chief urged Facebook Wednesday to more proactively address hate speech but warned against excessive regulation, after US President Donald Trump accused tech giants' platforms of bias against him.

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein's appeal follows a decision by Facebook this week to ban Myanmar's army chief and other top military brass named in a UN probe linking them to a possible "genocide" against Rohingya Muslims.

Read the top five stories of the day here

Supreme Court says 5 activists to only be kept under house arrest, issues notice to Maharashtra govt The Supreme Court said Wednesday that the five activists arrested yesterday by Pune Police were not to be transferred to Maharashtra but were to be kept under house arrest till September 5. "Dissent is the safety valve of democracy," the court had said earlier. "If dissent is not allowed, then the pressure cooker may burst," the court added. J&K: Four policemen killed in terrorist attack in Shopian Four Jammu and Kashmir policemen were shot dead by terrorists in the Arahama area of South Kashmir's Shopian on Wednesday. The terrorists fired on the cops while they were repairing their vehicle in Bongam village. While two cops died on the spot, two succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Asian Games: Arpinder Singh wins gold in men's triple jump India's Arpinder Singh won the gold in the men's triple jump at the ongoing 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. This was India's 10th gold. Singh's compatriot Rakesh Babu finished sixth. Arpinder jumped a total distance of 16.77 metres for his gold. Govt lifted 5 crore people out of poverty in four years: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said his government has moved five crore people out of poverty in four years, and emphasized that the Centre is committed to bringing those left behind in the development race into the mainstream. Interacting with BJP's office-bearers and party workers of his constituency, Varanasi, Modi said everyone in the city is now associated with the ongoing movement for development. UN urges Facebook to 'proactively' fight hate speech The UN human rights chief urged Facebook Wednesday to more proactively address hate speech but warned against excessive regulation, after US President Donald Trump accused tech giants' platforms of bias against him. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein's appeal follows a decision by Facebook this week to ban Myanmar's army chief and other top military brass named in a UN probe linking them to a possible "genocide" against Rohingya Muslims.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Four Jammu and Kashmir policemen were shot dead by terrorists in Arahama area of South Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesday.

Terrorists fired on cops when they were repairing their vehicle in the Bongam village.

While two cops died on the spot, two succumbed to injuries in a hospital.

The two martyred cops were identified as Mohammad Iqbal and Javid Ahmad. The identity of the two policemen was not immediately known.&nbsp;

The area was cordoned off following the attack, and a manhunt was launched to arrest the attackers.

The terrorists fled with three weapons after attacking cops. The martyred cops were personal security officers deployed at DySp headquarters in Shopian.

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Four policemen have lost their lives after being attacked by terrorists in Shopian's Arahama; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from the hospital. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/ORF0IXlKYV">pic.twitter.com/ORF0IXlKYV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1034745159554977792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Following the incident, the area has been cordoned off.

Four Jammu and Kashmir policemen were shot dead by terrorists in Arahama area of South Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesday. Terrorists fired on cops when they were repairing their vehicle in the Bongam village. While two cops died on the spot, two succumbed to injuries in a hospital. The two martyred cops were identified as Mohammad Iqbal and Javid Ahmad. The identity of the two policemen was not immediately known. The area was cordoned off following the attack, and a manhunt was launched to arrest the attackers. The terrorists fled with three weapons after attacking cops. The martyred cops were personal security officers deployed at DySp headquarters in Shopian. Four policemen have lost their lives after being attacked by terrorists in Shopian's Arahama; #Visuals from the hospital. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/ORF0IXlKYV — ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2018 ×

J&K: Four policemen killed in terrorist attack in Shopian

Senior AAP leader Atishi Marlena, party's east Delhi Lok Sabha probable, has dropped her last name, which was apparently after Communist thinkers Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin, reported news agency PTI.

The party has rejected reports that it forced the AAP leader to change her last name because it was "Christian-sounding".

Meanwhile, reports said that the AAP leader dropped her last name after alleged rumours that BJP is spreading misinformation that Marlena is a Christian.&nbsp;

A source in the party said that Marlena is not her surname and her surname was Singh, adding the second name (Marlena) was given by her parents, PTI report added.

"She has decided to use just Atishi for her Lok Sabha election campaign," an AAP leader said.

As part of the change, Atishi's Twitter is now "@AtishiAAP" from the earlier @Atishimarlena.

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As the Lok Sabha Prabhari for East Delhi, I am pleased to announce that in an hour from now our Lok Sabha office will be inaugurated next to the Laxmi Nagar Metro Station. 
 
This marks the beginning of our effort to strengthen <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAPInEastDelhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAPInEastDelhi</a>
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtishiAAP/status/1034019578685222912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The AAP leader's profile in the party's official website has also been changed. All publicity materials are also carrying her first name only, report added.

The AAP is yet to officially declare its candidates for the Lok Sabha polls which are scheduled to be held next year.

However, they have named Atishi (East Delhi), Raghav Chadha (South Delhi), Pankaj Gupta (Chandni Chowk), Dilip Pandey (Northeast Delhi) and Ghuggan Singh (Northwest Delhi) as Lok Sabha constituency in-charge.

Party sources said these five would be declared as AAP's Lok Sabha candidates.

The party has rejected reports that it forced the AAP leader to change her last name because it was "Christian-sounding"

Senior AAP leader Atishi Marlena, party's east Delhi Lok Sabha probable, has dropped her last name, which was apparently after Communist thinkers Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin, reported news agency PTI. The party has rejected reports that it forced the AAP leader to change her last name because it was "Christian-sounding". Meanwhile, reports said that the AAP leader dropped her last name after alleged rumours that BJP is spreading misinformation that Marlena is a Christian. A source in the party said that Marlena is not her surname and her surname was Singh, adding the second name (Marlena) was given by her parents, PTI report added. "She has decided to use just Atishi for her Lok Sabha election campaign," an AAP leader said. As part of the change, Atishi's Twitter is now "@AtishiAAP" from the earlier @Atishimarlena. As the Lok Sabha Prabhari for East Delhi, I am pleased to announce that in an hour from now our Lok Sabha office will be inaugurated next to the Laxmi Nagar Metro Station. This marks the beginning of our effort to strengthen #AAPInEastDelhi — Atishi (@AtishiAAP) August 27, 2018 × The AAP leader's profile in the party's official website has also been changed. All publicity materials are also carrying her first name only, report added. The AAP is yet to officially declare its candidates for the Lok Sabha polls which are scheduled to be held next year. However, they have named Atishi (East Delhi), Raghav Chadha (South Delhi), Pankaj Gupta (Chandni Chowk), Dilip Pandey (Northeast Delhi) and Ghuggan Singh (Northwest Delhi) as Lok Sabha constituency in-charge. Party sources said these five would be declared as AAP's Lok Sabha candidates.

AAP leader Atishi Marlena drops her last name after alleged rumours

Ahead of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC summit, India has called the 21-year-old grouping as 'natural choice to fulfil our foreign policy priorities'.&nbsp;

The 4th summit of BIMSTEC will take place in Nepal's capital Kathmandu from 30th to 31st of August.

Briefing the media, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Preeti Saran&nbsp;said, 'For India BIMSTEC is a natural choice to fulfil our foreign policy priorities which is our Neighborhood Frist and Act East policy."&nbsp;

MEA also said,"Regional cooperation under BIMSTEC also extends to developments of the North Eastern states of India forming a bridge between South and South East Asia".

Pakistan must act on terror: New Delhi on SAARC

The statement comes at a time when SAARC summit has headed to a deadlock over terror emanating from Pakistan.2016 SAARC summit in Islamabad was cancelled after New Delhi along with other SAARC members spoke openly on Pakistan providing safe havens to terrorist groups. Last year, the then Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called SAARC a 'jammed' vehicle.

On SAARC, New Delhi has called on Pakistan for a constructive attitude on the grouping and act on terror groups in the country. Ahead of the BIMSTEC summit, sources speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal on SAARC said, "The ball is in Pakistan's court to revive the process by taking action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil and contribute meaningfully towards regional cooperation by adopting a constructive attitude."

Counter-terror, connectivity to dominate agenda&nbsp;

Counter-terror, connectivity will be the main focus area of this years BIMSTEC summit. Calling "connectivity is a very important component of our discussions within BIMSTEC", secretary east said, "projects such as Kaladan Multi-modal project, the Tri-lateral highway which directly ends up connecting the Northeastern states in India to the BIMSTEC countries."

A strong statement is expected on counter-terror front. BIMSTEC NSAs have already met twice —1st in New Delhi last year and then this year in Dhaka. In Fact, during the BIMSTECOutreach Summit in 2016 in Goa, all member countries had strong words on terror and countries supporting terror. The joint declaration without naming any country said, "they seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organizations, and network and also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against states who encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups and falsely extol their virtues.”&nbsp;

NRC Fallout: Sheikh Hasina-Modi Bilateral?

A number of bilaterals are expected. While confirming meet with Nepal PM, the ministry of external affairs in response to WION's question did not confirm Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's meet with PM Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

The Secretary east said, "I can confirm there will be bilaterals for sure with Nepal as it is the host country, but it is customary for our Prime Minister whenever he attends such regional summits, it is certainly a very important opportunity for him to meet his counterparts from the neighbouring countries."

The Bangla PM meet with Indian PM assumes significance in the backdrop of the draft list coming out under the National Register of Citizens or NRC for the eastern Indian state of Assam.&nbsp;

BIMSTEC has 7 members--Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka and is home to 1.6 billion people. With nearly 22 % of the world’s population, it has a combined GDP of $2.8 trillion. This is the 4th BIMSTEC summit. This is also the 4th visit by Indian PM to Nepal since taking charge in 2014 and 2nd visit in 2018.

BIMSTEC has 7 members--Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka and is home to 1.6 billion people.

Ahead of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC summit, India has called the 21-year-old grouping as 'natural choice to fulfil our foreign policy priorities'. The 4th summit of BIMSTEC will take place in Nepal's capital Kathmandu from 30th to 31st of August. Briefing the media, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, Preeti Saran said, 'For India BIMSTEC is a natural choice to fulfil our foreign policy priorities which is our Neighborhood Frist and Act East policy." MEA also said,"Regional cooperation under BIMSTEC also extends to developments of the North Eastern states of India forming a bridge between South and South East Asia". Pakistan must act on terror: New Delhi on SAARC The statement comes at a time when SAARC summit has headed to a deadlock over terror emanating from Pakistan.2016 SAARC summit in Islamabad was cancelled after New Delhi along with other SAARC members spoke openly on Pakistan providing safe havens to terrorist groups. Last year, the then Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called SAARC a 'jammed' vehicle. On SAARC, New Delhi has called on Pakistan for a constructive attitude on the grouping and act on terror groups in the country. Ahead of the BIMSTEC summit, sources speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal on SAARC said, "The ball is in Pakistan's court to revive the process by taking action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil and contribute meaningfully towards regional cooperation by adopting a constructive attitude." Counter-terror, connectivity to dominate agenda Counter-terror, connectivity will be the main focus area of this years BIMSTEC summit. Calling "connectivity is a very important component of our discussions within BIMSTEC", secretary east said, "projects such as Kaladan Multi-modal project, the Tri-lateral highway which directly ends up connecting the Northeastern states in India to the BIMSTEC countries." A strong statement is expected on counter-terror front. BIMSTEC NSAs have already met twice —1st in New Delhi last year and then this year in Dhaka. In Fact, during the BIMSTECOutreach Summit in 2016 in Goa, all member countries had strong words on terror and countries supporting terror. The joint declaration without naming any country said, "they seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organizations, and network and also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against states who encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups and falsely extol their virtues.” NRC Fallout: Sheikh Hasina-Modi Bilateral? A number of bilaterals are expected. While confirming meet with Nepal PM, the ministry of external affairs in response to WION's question did not confirm Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's meet with PM Narendra Modi. The Secretary east said, "I can confirm there will be bilaterals for sure with Nepal as it is the host country, but it is customary for our Prime Minister whenever he attends such regional summits, it is certainly a very important opportunity for him to meet his counterparts from the neighbouring countries." The Bangla PM meet with Indian PM assumes significance in the backdrop of the draft list coming out under the National Register of Citizens or NRC for the eastern Indian state of Assam. BIMSTEC has 7 members--Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka and is home to 1.6 billion people. With nearly 22 % of the world’s population, it has a combined GDP of $2.8 trillion. This is the 4th BIMSTEC summit. This is also the 4th visit by Indian PM to Nepal since taking charge in 2014 and 2nd visit in 2018.

BIMSTEC: A natural choice for India to fulfil foreign policy priorities

Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi will meet Bangladesh&nbsp;PM Sheikh Hasina in Kathmandu on Thursday on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit.

This will be the first meeting between the two after the second and final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was released in Assam. It has however not been confirmed that the NRC will be discussed.

Bangladesh has been silent on the issue saying it is India's internal issue.

Earlier, speaking to WION, Bangladesh’s Information Minister Hasanul-Haque Inu said, “This is an internal issue for state of Assam and India, Bangladesh has nothing to do with it.”

He added that Bangladesh has no interest in what is happening in Assam.

He further said the Indian government has never raised the issue of migration with Bangladesh in the past several years.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee however had said the issue will destroy New Delhi's ties with Bangladesh.&nbsp;

"The NRC will destroy the relationship between India and Bangladesh. Out of 40 lakh people whose names are not on the list of NRC, only 1 per cent could be illegal infiltrators. But the BJP is trying to show that all those not included (in NRC) are infiltrators,” Mamata had said.&nbsp;

PM Modi will also meet with Nepal Prime Minister&nbsp;KP Sharma Oli.

Preeti Saran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, in a curtain raiser press conference ahead of the BIMSTEC Summit in New Delhi, said, "I can confirm there will be bilaterals for sure with Nepal as it is the host country, but it is customary for our Prime Minister whenever he attends such regional summits, it is certainly a very important opportunity for him to meet his counterparts from the neighboring countries."

This will be the second visit by Modi to Nepal this year and the fourth visit since taking charge in 2014. He will also visit Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu.

Other than the bilateral meetings with Bangladesh and Nepal PMs, Modi will also meet with the Sri Lankan President and the Thai Prime Minister.

The two will meet on Thursday. This will be the first meeting between the two after the second draft of the National Register of Citizens was released in Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in Kathmandu on Thursday on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit. This will be the first meeting between the two after the second and final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was released in Assam. It has however not been confirmed that the NRC will be discussed. Bangladesh has been silent on the issue saying it is India's internal issue. Earlier, speaking to WION, Bangladesh’s Information Minister Hasanul-Haque Inu said, “This is an internal issue for state of Assam and India, Bangladesh has nothing to do with it.” He added that Bangladesh has no interest in what is happening in Assam. He further said the Indian government has never raised the issue of migration with Bangladesh in the past several years. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee however had said the issue will destroy New Delhi's ties with Bangladesh. "The NRC will destroy the relationship between India and Bangladesh. Out of 40 lakh people whose names are not on the list of NRC, only 1 per cent could be illegal infiltrators. But the BJP is trying to show that all those not included (in NRC) are infiltrators,” Mamata had said. PM Modi will also meet with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Preeti Saran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, in a curtain raiser press conference ahead of the BIMSTEC Summit in New Delhi, said, "I can confirm there will be bilaterals for sure with Nepal as it is the host country, but it is customary for our Prime Minister whenever he attends such regional summits, it is certainly a very important opportunity for him to meet his counterparts from the neighboring countries." This will be the second visit by Modi to Nepal this year and the fourth visit since taking charge in 2014. He will also visit Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu. Other than the bilateral meetings with Bangladesh and Nepal PMs, Modi will also meet with the Sri Lankan President and the Thai Prime Minister.

After NRC, Modi, Bangladesh's Hasina to meet on sidelines of BIMSTEC summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said his government has moved five crore people out of poverty in four years, and emphasized that the Centre is committed to bringing those left behind in the development race into the mainstream.

Interacting with BJP's office-bearers and party workers of his constituency, Varanasi, Modi said everyone in the city is now associated with the ongoing movement for development.

Talking about preparations for the next Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Varanasi in January 2019, he sought cooperation and support of all people in the holy city to make the event a success, the BJP said in a statement issued today.

Emphasising the role of party workers in expanding the reach of his government's welfare schemes, Modi said it is their responsibility to ensure that all central flagship programmes reach their targeted beneficiaries.

"The BJP government is committed to bring those in the mainstream who were left behind in the race for development. In the last four years, five crore people were moved out of poverty," Modi was quoted as saying in the BJP statement.

He said India today is moving forward on both scale and speed, and the BJP-led government at the Centre has carried out development works which were not done in past 67 years.

Modi also urged party workers in Varanasi to make the campaign 'Swachhta Hi Seva' a grand success.

Interacting with BJP's office-bearers and party workers of his constituency, Varanasi, Modi said everyone in the city is now associated with the ongoing movement for development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said his government has moved five crore people out of poverty in four years, and emphasized that the Centre is committed to bringing those left behind in the development race into the mainstream. Interacting with BJP's office-bearers and party workers of his constituency, Varanasi, Modi said everyone in the city is now associated with the ongoing movement for development. Talking about preparations for the next Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Varanasi in January 2019, he sought cooperation and support of all people in the holy city to make the event a success, the BJP said in a statement issued today. Emphasising the role of party workers in expanding the reach of his government's welfare schemes, Modi said it is their responsibility to ensure that all central flagship programmes reach their targeted beneficiaries. "The BJP government is committed to bring those in the mainstream who were left behind in the race for development. In the last four years, five crore people were moved out of poverty," Modi was quoted as saying in the BJP statement. He said India today is moving forward on both scale and speed, and the BJP-led government at the Centre has carried out development works which were not done in past 67 years. Modi also urged party workers in Varanasi to make the campaign 'Swachhta Hi Seva' a grand success.

Govt moved 5 crore people out of poverty in four years: PM Modi

Clearing the air on the Rafale deal, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said that the present NDA government has negotiated hard to keep prices down by at least 20 per cent for each aircraft as per 2016 deal, compared to that of the UPA in 2007.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, Jaitley underlined the fact that each of these aircraft were coming fully loaded and the deal is between government to government without involving anyone in between.

“Can you compare a basic aircraft’s pricing with a loaded aircraft? Can you compare a simple aircraft with a weaponised aircraft?... If in 2012 they had come to an agreement, the first would have been delivered in 2017. From 2007 to 2017 the escalations would have gone up, along with a foreign exchange variation. So there is India specific add-ons and the foreign exchange variants… Is the Congress party aware that if you take the 2007 L1 offer and the escalation clause without the add-ons, the price negotiated in 2015-16 is cheaper?” Jaitley said.

“Let us first come to the pricing. My question therefore is, if you are fully aware -- Mr Anthony fully read the file and abandoned the contract -- he would tell his party that the L1 offer of 2007 had a basic 2007 price plus escalation plus currency variation. In 2015 or 16, this would have been 9 per cent costlier than what the basic aircraft price of 2016 negotiated was… Loaded to unloaded, you compare the price again. The 2016 price is 20 per cent cheaper than the 2007 offer. So we got it cheaper,” Jaitley asserted.

“What was negotiated from 2015 to 2016 and finally executed in 2016, with the escalations and the currency variations, the basic aircraft price turns out to be 9 per cent cheaper. Is the Congress party aware of this?” he added.&nbsp;

Slamming Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s charge of a more expensive final Rafale jet being purchased by the present government, Jaitley said that every fact put out by the Congress is factually false.

“Every fact that they have said on pricing is factually false... Mr Rahul Gandhi himself has given seven different prices in different speeches with regard to the Rafale, that is the 2007 offer. And the simple case is they have made it as if it is a kindergarten or primary school debate,” Jaitley said.

The Finance Minister asserted that no rules were bypassed and the Cabinet Committee on Security approval was taken during the deal and the negotiations took about 14 months to complete.

He attacked the Congress for compromising the nation’s security through policy paralysis and not going ahead with a deal after the tendering process was complete.

“India’s security was compromised. Was it policy paralysis or decision paralysis that you allow India’s security to be compromised by indefinitely not taking a decision or was there any collateral consideration which compelled you to just abandon it and put India’s security at risk? After all, once you have gone through a tendering process,” he said

He challenged the Congress party to produce evidence that the deal was not good for the country and attacked Rahul Gandhi for twisting the facts of the deal.

“Any responsible politician will know that government to government transactions are always clean. Governments don’t pay kickbacks. It’s a transaction between Government of India and Government of France, publically made and publically declared terms that we will give you an offer better than 2007 and then enter into. But they had already gone home. If you can go to the extent of misquoting (French) President Macron, and saying that he warned me there is no secrecy clause, the French Government denied it, the Government of India showed the secrecy clause in Parliament and then you turn around and say “hoga par main nahin manta” (it must be there but I don’t believe it). If that is the cussed approach, that you say look my party has a legacy of corruption in defence deals, let me make a faint effort to say everybody is corrupt. If that is the political strategy, then please don’t advise us to show official files,” Jaitley said.

The Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi has launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the controversial Rafale deal, alleging a "scam" in the deal with France. Gandhi has also accused Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of doing a "flip-flop" on the secrecy clause. The Congress has also accused the government of procuring the fighter jets at a higher cost and benefitting private parties in the deal.&nbsp;

Slamming Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s charge of a more expensive final Rafale jet being purchased by the present government, Jaitley said that every fact put out by the Congress is factually false.

Clearing the air on the Rafale deal, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said that the present NDA government has negotiated hard to keep prices down by at least 20 per cent for each aircraft as per 2016 deal, compared to that of the UPA in 2007. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Jaitley underlined the fact that each of these aircraft were coming fully loaded and the deal is between government to government without involving anyone in between. “Can you compare a basic aircraft’s pricing with a loaded aircraft? Can you compare a simple aircraft with a weaponised aircraft?... If in 2012 they had come to an agreement, the first would have been delivered in 2017. From 2007 to 2017 the escalations would have gone up, along with a foreign exchange variation. So there is India specific add-ons and the foreign exchange variants… Is the Congress party aware that if you take the 2007 L1 offer and the escalation clause without the add-ons, the price negotiated in 2015-16 is cheaper?” Jaitley said. “Let us first come to the pricing. My question therefore is, if you are fully aware -- Mr Anthony fully read the file and abandoned the contract -- he would tell his party that the L1 offer of 2007 had a basic 2007 price plus escalation plus currency variation. In 2015 or 16, this would have been 9 per cent costlier than what the basic aircraft price of 2016 negotiated was… Loaded to unloaded, you compare the price again. The 2016 price is 20 per cent cheaper than the 2007 offer. So we got it cheaper,” Jaitley asserted. “What was negotiated from 2015 to 2016 and finally executed in 2016, with the escalations and the currency variations, the basic aircraft price turns out to be 9 per cent cheaper. Is the Congress party aware of this?” he added. Slamming Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s charge of a more expensive final Rafale jet being purchased by the present government, Jaitley said that every fact put out by the Congress is factually false. “Every fact that they have said on pricing is factually false... Mr Rahul Gandhi himself has given seven different prices in different speeches with regard to the Rafale, that is the 2007 offer. And the simple case is they have made it as if it is a kindergarten or primary school debate,” Jaitley said. The Finance Minister asserted that no rules were bypassed and the Cabinet Committee on Security approval was taken during the deal and the negotiations took about 14 months to complete. He attacked the Congress for compromising the nation’s security through policy paralysis and not going ahead with a deal after the tendering process was complete. “India’s security was compromised. Was it policy paralysis or decision paralysis that you allow India’s security to be compromised by indefinitely not taking a decision or was there any collateral consideration which compelled you to just abandon it and put India’s security at risk? After all, once you have gone through a tendering process,” he said He challenged the Congress party to produce evidence that the deal was not good for the country and attacked Rahul Gandhi for twisting the facts of the deal. “Any responsible politician will know that government to government transactions are always clean. Governments don’t pay kickbacks. It’s a transaction between Government of India and Government of France, publically made and publically declared terms that we will give you an offer better than 2007 and then enter into. But they had already gone home. If you can go to the extent of misquoting (French) President Macron, and saying that he warned me there is no secrecy clause, the French Government denied it, the Government of India showed the secrecy clause in Parliament and then you turn around and say “hoga par main nahin manta” (it must be there but I don’t believe it). If that is the cussed approach, that you say look my party has a legacy of corruption in defence deals, let me make a faint effort to say everybody is corrupt. If that is the political strategy, then please don’t advise us to show official files,” Jaitley said. The Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi has launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the controversial Rafale deal, alleging a "scam" in the deal with France. Gandhi has also accused Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of doing a "flip-flop" on the secrecy clause. The Congress has also accused the government of procuring the fighter jets at a higher cost and benefitting private parties in the deal.

NDA got Rafale jets 20% cheaper than UPA: Arun Jaitley

The Indian Railways will start trials for indigenously-built and much-awaited semi-high speed 'Train 18' from next month, a senior official of the ministry said, three months after its scheduled unveiling.&nbsp;

Once, successfully tested, it shall be inducted in the railways fleet. Train 18 will replace India’s fastest Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi Express train.&nbsp;

Codenamed after the year it is being manufactured, Train 18 will mark a huge technological leap for the Indian Railways as it will be the first self-propelled train for inter-city travel.&nbsp;

Rather than being pulled by a locomotive, 'Train 18' sets are powered by traction motors fitted underneath each coach to render them self-propelled, just like metro trains. The made-in-India fleet was earlier scheduled for roll-out in June. This means that the train travel time between Delhi and Bhopal will come down considerably with Train 18.

Train 18 is being manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.&nbsp;

After the rollout, Train 18 will undergo extensive trials by RDSO for three months, given that it is a new technology for the Indian Railways.&nbsp;

Meanwhile. the Indian Railways has started making smart coaches which will be among the world's most well-equipped engines with the most modern technology available. An onboard intelligence system will be used in these engines. &nbsp;

These coaches have been made in Raebareli modern coach factory of Indian Railways. Railways has also taken the help of private companies for the intelligence system and modern technology.

Why railways named it a smart coach?

To make these coaches smart, Railway has equipped every coach with the coach diagnostic system. Vibration-based self-power harvesting sensor has been installed near the wheel of the coach, which will know in advance if tracks are weak and where it needs to be repaired. The sensors will then send an immediate alert to the server.&nbsp;

These sensors are based on the energy harvesters, meaning it will be charged by the jerks of the train.

Train 18 will replace India’s fastest Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi Express train

The Indian Railways will start trials for indigenously-built and much-awaited semi-high speed 'Train 18' from next month, a senior official of the ministry said, three months after its scheduled unveiling. Once, successfully tested, it shall be inducted in the railways fleet. Train 18 will replace India’s fastest Delhi-Bhopal Shatabdi Express train. Codenamed after the year it is being manufactured, Train 18 will mark a huge technological leap for the Indian Railways as it will be the first self-propelled train for inter-city travel. Rather than being pulled by a locomotive, 'Train 18' sets are powered by traction motors fitted underneath each coach to render them self-propelled, just like metro trains. The made-in-India fleet was earlier scheduled for roll-out in June. This means that the train travel time between Delhi and Bhopal will come down considerably with Train 18. Train 18 is being manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. After the rollout, Train 18 will undergo extensive trials by RDSO for three months, given that it is a new technology for the Indian Railways. Meanwhile. the Indian Railways has started making smart coaches which will be among the world's most well-equipped engines with the most modern technology available. An onboard intelligence system will be used in these engines. These coaches have been made in Raebareli modern coach factory of Indian Railways. Railways has also taken the help of private companies for the intelligence system and modern technology. Why railways named it a smart coach? To make these coaches smart, Railway has equipped every coach with the coach diagnostic system. Vibration-based self-power harvesting sensor has been installed near the wheel of the coach, which will know in advance if tracks are weak and where it needs to be repaired. The sensors will then send an immediate alert to the server. These sensors are based on the energy harvesters, meaning it will be charged by the jerks of the train.

'Train 18': Railways begin trial for 'engineless' Delhi to Bhopal Shatabdi Express

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved additional 2 per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR), a move that will benefit about 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners, an official release said.

The impact on the exchequer on account of both DA and DR would be Rs 6,112.20 crore per annum and Rs 4,074.80 crore in the financial year 2018-19 (8 months from July, 2018 to February, 2019).

The hike will be effected from July 1, 2018, the release said.

The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The Union Cabinet...Has approved to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.E.F. July 01, 2018 representing an increase of 2 per cent over the existing rate of 7 per cent of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise," it said.

The hike will benefit about 48.41 lakh central government employees and 62.03 lakh pensioners.

As per the release, the increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.&nbsp;

The impact on the exchequer on account of both DA and DR would be Rs 6,112.20 crore per annum and Rs 4,074.80 crore in the financial year 2018-19 (8 months from July, 2018 to February, 2019)

The Cabinet on Wednesday approved additional 2 per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR), a move that will benefit about 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners, an official release said. The impact on the exchequer on account of both DA and DR would be Rs 6,112.20 crore per annum and Rs 4,074.80 crore in the financial year 2018-19 (8 months from July, 2018 to February, 2019). The hike will be effected from July 1, 2018, the release said. The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The Union Cabinet...Has approved to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.E.F. July 01, 2018 representing an increase of 2 per cent over the existing rate of 7 per cent of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise," it said. The hike will benefit about 48.41 lakh central government employees and 62.03 lakh pensioners. As per the release, the increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

Cabinet approves additional 2% hike in DA; to benefit 1.1 crore employees, pensioners

At a time when India is facing serious internal security challenges, there is an industry that is mushrooming across the country to malign and weaken the morale of the Army engaged in counter insurgency (CI) and counter terrorism (CT) operations by mounting Human Rights (HR) violation cases against soldiers in various courts of law. In spite of the immunity provided by the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), more and more soldiers today are being dragged into litigation for their actions while discharging their lawful command.&nbsp;

The soldier who has been requisitioned by the state under extraordinary situations, because institutions of governance have either failed, collapsed or subverted, is made to create stable conditions for the state to function. Of course, this is a solider’s duty and he makes all endeavours to do so, even at the cost of his life. But the moment the situation improves, HR complaints flood courts of law. These soldiers are then abandoned by politicians, bureaucrats and even at times by their own military leadership. They are thus left all by themselves to defend their actions during conflict &nbsp;in courts of law.&nbsp;

The situation has taken a serious turn, and soldiers now feel betrayed by a system that seeks their assistance to save the integrity and authority of the state. Currently, soldiers in conflict situations like Kashmir have been given two untenable options by the system: First, discharge your lawful duties and face the court of law and prosecution. Second, if you don’t respond, then be prepared to lose your life.&nbsp;

The recent case of Major Aditya, who was forced to use minimum force to save his men from a murderous crowd of stone pelters is an eye-opener. He was abandoned by the political leadership, Ministry of Defence (MoD), state administration and even by the military leadership. Ultimately, it was the father of the officer who had to go to the Supreme Court to stay the FIR against the officer. This is the state of affairs today.

India needs to learn from other countries to better protect its soldiers. In Britain, Prime Minster Theresa May had publicly declared that UK troops &nbsp;would be protected from the “industry of vexatious claims that has pursued those who served in conflicts”. She also declared that she &nbsp;would “rip up” human rights laws that impede the fight against terrorism. If Britain can take such a stand, why is the Indian political leadership and MoD silent? It is a perplexing question. &nbsp;

The problem has only become worse with more than 300 officers and soldiers recently going to the Supreme Court &nbsp;and complaining of “persecution” by civilian agencies such as the CBI for simply carrying out their duties in sensitive areas such as Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. The petition filed &nbsp;by these senior officers is the outcome of growing stress and widening gap between the leadership and the rank and file. The military brass must sit down and find answers as to why soldiers have gone to the court instead of the MoD and Army HQ? &nbsp;&nbsp;

This lack of accountability of the political leadership, bureaucracy, police and judiciary has ensured &nbsp;that soldiers are becoming jittery and the chain of command is in danger of being threatened. What the state needs to do is provide broad guidelines for the deployment of the Army. States here should ideally sign and provide Rules of Engagement (RoE) since the situation is volatile and can move towards worst case scenarios. For instance, what is the RoE for the Army to deal with stone pelters, who are disrupting them from carrying out their duties? This is something that the Chief Secretary, acting on behalf of the Chief Minister of the state, should address.&nbsp;

By issuing RoE, the state is then allowing the Army to take action as deemed necessary by them if disrupted by stone pelters. But so far, neither has the military leadership been insisting on RoE for evolving situations, nor has the political leadership and bureaucracy obliged by issuing RoE. This is worrying and the judiciary needs to ask the political leadership and police why the Army is being disrupted from discharging their duties against stone pelters in Jammu and Kashmir. Likewise, instead of the Army personnel facing CBI probe in HR cases in the North East, it should be the state administration that should be held accountable. The state knows what it will get when it calls in the Army and it cannot duck responsibility simply because it was not in the firing line. The court and the public have the right to ask on what basis and terms the state engaged the Army and they must reply. We must remember that running of the state is not the Army’s business, and politicians must be made to answer as to how they allowed the rise of insurgencies in the first place. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The fact that soldiers today are willing to go to court should be taken as a warning by both the political and military leadership. Morale and trust is something that if lost once, is difficult to restore to its original level. The responsibility for the actions of soldiers in the line of duty rests with the political leadership and the state administration, who requisitioned the Army to carry out its mission in the manner it sees fit. If soldiers do not feel they can do that anymore, it could lead to a crisis situation within the country. 
 
(This article was first published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-stop-witch-hunt-against-army-2656102">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

There is an industry that is mushrooming across the country to malign and weaken the morale of the Army engaged in counter insurgency (CI) and counter terrorism (CT) operations.

At a time when India is facing serious internal security challenges, there is an industry that is mushrooming across the country to malign and weaken the morale of the Army engaged in counter insurgency (CI) and counter terrorism (CT) operations by mounting Human Rights (HR) violation cases against soldiers in various courts of law. In spite of the immunity provided by the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), more and more soldiers today are being dragged into litigation for their actions while discharging their lawful command. The soldier who has been requisitioned by the state under extraordinary situations, because institutions of governance have either failed, collapsed or subverted, is made to create stable conditions for the state to function. Of course, this is a solider’s duty and he makes all endeavours to do so, even at the cost of his life. But the moment the situation improves, HR complaints flood courts of law. These soldiers are then abandoned by politicians, bureaucrats and even at times by their own military leadership. They are thus left all by themselves to defend their actions during conflict in courts of law. The situation has taken a serious turn, and soldiers now feel betrayed by a system that seeks their assistance to save the integrity and authority of the state. Currently, soldiers in conflict situations like Kashmir have been given two untenable options by the system: First, discharge your lawful duties and face the court of law and prosecution. Second, if you don’t respond, then be prepared to lose your life. The recent case of Major Aditya, who was forced to use minimum force to save his men from a murderous crowd of stone pelters is an eye-opener. He was abandoned by the political leadership, Ministry of Defence (MoD), state administration and even by the military leadership. Ultimately, it was the father of the officer who had to go to the Supreme Court to stay the FIR against the officer. This is the state of affairs today. India needs to learn from other countries to better protect its soldiers. In Britain, Prime Minster Theresa May had publicly declared that UK troops would be protected from the “industry of vexatious claims that has pursued those who served in conflicts”. She also declared that she would “rip up” human rights laws that impede the fight against terrorism. If Britain can take such a stand, why is the Indian political leadership and MoD silent? It is a perplexing question. The problem has only become worse with more than 300 officers and soldiers recently going to the Supreme Court and complaining of “persecution” by civilian agencies such as the CBI for simply carrying out their duties in sensitive areas such as Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. The petition filed by these senior officers is the outcome of growing stress and widening gap between the leadership and the rank and file. The military brass must sit down and find answers as to why soldiers have gone to the court instead of the MoD and Army HQ? This lack of accountability of the political leadership, bureaucracy, police and judiciary has ensured that soldiers are becoming jittery and the chain of command is in danger of being threatened. What the state needs to do is provide broad guidelines for the deployment of the Army. States here should ideally sign and provide Rules of Engagement (RoE) since the situation is volatile and can move towards worst case scenarios. For instance, what is the RoE for the Army to deal with stone pelters, who are disrupting them from carrying out their duties? This is something that the Chief Secretary, acting on behalf of the Chief Minister of the state, should address. By issuing RoE, the state is then allowing the Army to take action as deemed necessary by them if disrupted by stone pelters. But so far, neither has the military leadership been insisting on RoE for evolving situations, nor has the political leadership and bureaucracy obliged by issuing RoE. This is worrying and the judiciary needs to ask the political leadership and police why the Army is being disrupted from discharging their duties against stone pelters in Jammu and Kashmir. Likewise, instead of the Army personnel facing CBI probe in HR cases in the North East, it should be the state administration that should be held accountable. The state knows what it will get when it calls in the Army and it cannot duck responsibility simply because it was not in the firing line. The court and the public have the right to ask on what basis and terms the state engaged the Army and they must reply. We must remember that running of the state is not the Army’s business, and politicians must be made to answer as to how they allowed the rise of insurgencies in the first place. The fact that soldiers today are willing to go to court should be taken as a warning by both the political and military leadership. Morale and trust is something that if lost once, is difficult to restore to its original level. The responsibility for the actions of soldiers in the line of duty rests with the political leadership and the state administration, who requisitioned the Army to carry out its mission in the manner it sees fit. If soldiers do not feel they can do that anymore, it could lead to a crisis situation within the country. (This article was first published on The DNA. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Stop witch-hunt against Army

A <a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2018/08/21/1809474115">new study</a> says air pollution makes us dumber.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/new-delhi-wins-the-global-air-pollution-race-538#photo-58048">New Delhi wins the global air pollution race</a>

The study was conducted by Xin Zhang of Beijing's School of Statistics, Xi Chen of the Yale School of Public Health, and Xiaobo Zhang of Peking University.&nbsp;

The trio examined data from the national China Family Panel Studies survey.&nbsp;

They studied close to 32,000 people, looking at the effects of short- and long-term pollution on them between the years 2010 and 2014.&nbsp;

"We find that long-term exposure to air pollution impedes cognitive performance in verbal and math tests," the study said.&nbsp;

"We provide evidence that the effect of air pollution on verbal tests becomes more pronounced as people age, especially for men and the less educated," the study added. &nbsp;

"The damage on the aging brain by air pollution likely imposes substantial health and economic costs, considering that cognitive functioning is critical for the elderly for both running daily errands and making high-stake decisions," the study said.&nbsp;

The study added that "most of the population in developing countries live in places with unsafe air."&nbsp;

The study should be thought of as especially alarming in India where air pollution in most major cities and a number of towns is severe.&nbsp;

The study found that long-term exposure to air pollution impedes cognitive performance in verbal and math tests, especially in men as they get older.

A new study says air pollution makes us dumber. Also read: New Delhi wins the global air pollution race The study was conducted by Xin Zhang of Beijing's School of Statistics, Xi Chen of the Yale School of Public Health, and Xiaobo Zhang of Peking University. The trio examined data from the national China Family Panel Studies survey. They studied close to 32,000 people, looking at the effects of short- and long-term pollution on them between the years 2010 and 2014. "We find that long-term exposure to air pollution impedes cognitive performance in verbal and math tests," the study said. "We provide evidence that the effect of air pollution on verbal tests becomes more pronounced as people age, especially for men and the less educated," the study added. "The damage on the aging brain by air pollution likely imposes substantial health and economic costs, considering that cognitive functioning is critical for the elderly for both running daily errands and making high-stake decisions," the study said. The study added that "most of the population in developing countries live in places with unsafe air." The study should be thought of as especially alarming in India where air pollution in most major cities and a number of towns is severe.

Air pollution is making us dumber: Study

There will be no “second chance” to preserve the Taj Mahal, the Supreme Court said today, asking the authorities to take a larger perspective on issues of pollution and green cover to prepare a vision document on protecting the monument. The top court, while observing that Taj Mahal would “of course be the centre piece” of the matters to be considered, said other issues like vehicular traffic, pollution from the industries operating in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) and the water level of river Yamuna, should also be looked into while preparing the vision document.

The TTZ is an area of about 10,400 sq km spread over the districts of Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras and Etah in Uttar Pradesh and the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. “If the Taj Mahal goes once, you will not get a second chance,” a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta told the project coordinator, who is involved in the process of preparing the vision document.

The bench said the authorities would have to look into several issues to protect the Taj Mahal and sought to know about the green cover, the number of industries operating in the area and the hotels and restaurants there. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta and advocate Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, said the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi was preparing a vision document.

Besides looking into issue of protection of Taj Mahal, they were also considering a larger comprehensive plan to deal with all these issues. ASG A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, said that in pursuance to the apex court’s order, they have received suggestions from expert bodies like the Aga Khan Foundation, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in this regard.

Nadkarni said that the Centre has communicated to the Uttar Pradesh government to send a proposal to declare Agra a ‘heritage city’. He said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was in the process of preparing a heritage plan for the Taj which would be filed with the UNESCO in three months.

The UP government told the court that they would respond to the Centre’s communication on declaring Agra as a heritage city within a month. At the outset, environmentalist M C Mehta, the petitioner in the case relating to the protection of Taj Mahal, told the court that green cover in the area has reduced and there were encroachments in and outside the Yamuna flood plains there. He referred to the apex court’s 1996 order in the case and said several industries have come up in the area, with many of them operating beyond their capacity.

Mehta said as per the 1996 order, there were 511 industries in the area out of which the court had then said it would deal with 292 industries separately. ASG Tushar Mehta told the bench that the School of Planning and Architecture would suggest steps to be taken in a time-bound manner to deal with the issues and the petitioner should also give his suggestions. When he said the vision document would cover “wider aspects”, the bench sought to know about the industries there. When Bhati said that 1,167 polluting industries existed in the area now, the bench said “things have changed from what was told to this court in 1996. There were 511 industries then and now it is 1,167. Has all this being taken into consideration?” The project coordinator told the bench that they were looking into all the aspects and verifying data on number of industries as the list given to them was “incorrect”.

“If information given to you is incorrect, the vision document would be incorrect. This is the problem,” the court observed. The coordinator also told the court that forest cover was only around six per cent and open density in the area has reduced, which was a cause of major concern.

The bench told the coordinator to do the work related to vision document “fearlessly” and said in case of any assistance, he could approach the apex court. “You can come to the Supreme Court in case you want any kind of assistance. You go slowly and steadily so that everything can be worked out,” it said. The bench also said that after finding a solution to the problems in the area, the government would have to implement the solutions. “If they (government) do not do it, then court is there,” the bench said and posted the matter for hearing on September 25.

The bench, which has been monitoring development in the TTZ area to protect the Taj Mahal, asked the petitioner to give his suggestions to the expert body within a week. The top court had earlier slammed the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government and TTZ authority for their failure to restore the pristine glory of Taj Mahal.

There will be no "second chance" to preserve the Taj Mahal, the Supreme Court said today, asking the authorities to take a larger perspective on issues of pollution and green cover to prepare a vision document on protecting the monument.

There will be no “second chance” to preserve the Taj Mahal, the Supreme Court said today, asking the authorities to take a larger perspective on issues of pollution and green cover to prepare a vision document on protecting the monument. The top court, while observing that Taj Mahal would “of course be the centre piece” of the matters to be considered, said other issues like vehicular traffic, pollution from the industries operating in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) and the water level of river Yamuna, should also be looked into while preparing the vision document. The TTZ is an area of about 10,400 sq km spread over the districts of Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras and Etah in Uttar Pradesh and the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. “If the Taj Mahal goes once, you will not get a second chance,” a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta told the project coordinator, who is involved in the process of preparing the vision document. The bench said the authorities would have to look into several issues to protect the Taj Mahal and sought to know about the green cover, the number of industries operating in the area and the hotels and restaurants there. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta and advocate Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, said the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi was preparing a vision document. Besides looking into issue of protection of Taj Mahal, they were also considering a larger comprehensive plan to deal with all these issues. ASG A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, said that in pursuance to the apex court’s order, they have received suggestions from expert bodies like the Aga Khan Foundation, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in this regard. Nadkarni said that the Centre has communicated to the Uttar Pradesh government to send a proposal to declare Agra a ‘heritage city’. He said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was in the process of preparing a heritage plan for the Taj which would be filed with the UNESCO in three months. The UP government told the court that they would respond to the Centre’s communication on declaring Agra as a heritage city within a month. At the outset, environmentalist M C Mehta, the petitioner in the case relating to the protection of Taj Mahal, told the court that green cover in the area has reduced and there were encroachments in and outside the Yamuna flood plains there. He referred to the apex court’s 1996 order in the case and said several industries have come up in the area, with many of them operating beyond their capacity. Mehta said as per the 1996 order, there were 511 industries in the area out of which the court had then said it would deal with 292 industries separately. ASG Tushar Mehta told the bench that the School of Planning and Architecture would suggest steps to be taken in a time-bound manner to deal with the issues and the petitioner should also give his suggestions. When he said the vision document would cover “wider aspects”, the bench sought to know about the industries there. When Bhati said that 1,167 polluting industries existed in the area now, the bench said “things have changed from what was told to this court in 1996. There were 511 industries then and now it is 1,167. Has all this being taken into consideration?” The project coordinator told the bench that they were looking into all the aspects and verifying data on number of industries as the list given to them was “incorrect”. “If information given to you is incorrect, the vision document would be incorrect. This is the problem,” the court observed. The coordinator also told the court that forest cover was only around six per cent and open density in the area has reduced, which was a cause of major concern. The bench told the coordinator to do the work related to vision document “fearlessly” and said in case of any assistance, he could approach the apex court. “You can come to the Supreme Court in case you want any kind of assistance. You go slowly and steadily so that everything can be worked out,” it said. The bench also said that after finding a solution to the problems in the area, the government would have to implement the solutions. “If they (government) do not do it, then court is there,” the bench said and posted the matter for hearing on September 25. The bench, which has been monitoring development in the TTZ area to protect the Taj Mahal, asked the petitioner to give his suggestions to the expert body within a week. The top court had earlier slammed the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government and TTZ authority for their failure to restore the pristine glory of Taj Mahal.

There will be no second chance to save Taj Mahal: Supreme Court to authorities

Tripura's chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb has again courted controversy, this time by saying that he wants every family to rear ducks because “when ducks swim in water, the oxygen level automatically increases in the water body”.&nbsp;

Deb said that the government was planning to distribute 50,000 ducklings to villagers whose homes are near water bodies.

Biplab Deb is a politician with no previous experience to hold a constitutional office has stoked an array of controversies through his speeches after being elected as the Tripura CM.&nbsp;

Here is the list of all his controversial statements:&nbsp;

Internet during Mahabharata days:&nbsp;

"India has been using internet for ages. In Mahabharata, Sanjay was blind but he narrated what was happening in the battlefield to Dhritarashtra anyway. This was due to the internet and technology. The satellite also existed during that period."

‘Only civil engineers suited for civil services’

He had made this faux pas while addressing a Civil Services Day function in State capital Agartala.

"After pursuing mechanical engineering one should not go for Civil Services. Instead, civil engineers should join Civil Services as they have the knowledge and experience to help build administration and society."

Diana Hayden not worthy of Miss World crown

"We see women as goddess Laxmi, Saraswati. Aishwarya Rai represents the Indian women. She became the Miss World and that's all right. But I do not understand the beauty of Diana Hayden."

Keep a cow or open a paan shop, instead of running after govt jobs

"The youth here runs after political parties for several years to get a govt job and wastes the vital time of their life, had the same youth instead of running after parties set up a paan shop he would have by now had a bank balance of Rs 5 lakhs."

Biplab Deb is a politician with no previous experience to hold a constitutional office has stoked an array of controversies through his speeches after being elected as the Tripura CM.

Tripura's chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb has again courted controversy, this time by saying that he wants every family to rear ducks because “when ducks swim in water, the oxygen level automatically increases in the water body”. Deb said that the government was planning to distribute 50,000 ducklings to villagers whose homes are near water bodies. Biplab Deb is a politician with no previous experience to hold a constitutional office has stoked an array of controversies through his speeches after being elected as the Tripura CM. Here is the list of all his controversial statements: Internet during Mahabharata days: "India has been using internet for ages. In Mahabharata, Sanjay was blind but he narrated what was happening in the battlefield to Dhritarashtra anyway. This was due to the internet and technology. The satellite also existed during that period." ‘Only civil engineers suited for civil services’ He had made this faux pas while addressing a Civil Services Day function in State capital Agartala. "After pursuing mechanical engineering one should not go for Civil Services. Instead, civil engineers should join Civil Services as they have the knowledge and experience to help build administration and society." Diana Hayden not worthy of Miss World crown "We see women as goddess Laxmi, Saraswati. Aishwarya Rai represents the Indian women. She became the Miss World and that's all right. But I do not understand the beauty of Diana Hayden." Keep a cow or open a paan shop, instead of running after govt jobs "The youth here runs after political parties for several years to get a govt job and wastes the vital time of their life, had the same youth instead of running after parties set up a paan shop he would have by now had a bank balance of Rs 5 lakhs."

Biplab Deb's words of wisdom: List of absurd statements by Tripura CM

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhima-koregaon-violence-police-carry-out-raids-in-5-states-activists-arrested-162113">arrests of the five activists</a> today was followed by howls of protests from the intelligentsia.&nbsp;

"The simultaneous state-wide arrests are a dangerous sign of a government that fears it is losing its mandate and is falling into panic. That lawyers, poets, writers, Dalit rights activists and intellectuals are being arrested on ludicrous charges... While those who make up lynch mobs and threaten and murder people in broad daylight roam free, tells us very clearly where India is headed," Arundhati Roy told PTI in a message.&nbsp;

She added that murderers are being honoured and protected and anybody who speaks up for justice or against Hindu majoritarianism is being made into a criminal. "What is happening is absolutely perilous. In the run up to elections, this is an attempted coup against the Indian Constitution and all the freedoms that we cherish," Roy added.&nbsp;

"As a biographer of Gandhi, I have no doubt that if the Mahatma was alive today, he would don his lawyer's robes and defend Sudha Bharadwaj in court that is assuming the Modi Sarkar hadn't yet detained and arrested him too," said Ramachandra Guha.&nbsp;Guha is the author of Gandhi before India.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
This is absolutely chilling. The Supreme Court must intervene to stop this persecution and harassment of independent voices. Sudha Bharadwaj is as far from violence and illegality as Amit Shah is close to those things. <a href="https://t.co/GTD2V0Tlk7">https://t.co/GTD2V0Tlk7</a>
— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ram_Guha/status/1034344925112881152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Under the Modi regime's undeclared Emergency, rights activists and dissenters are either shot at, killed, or raided, arrested and jailed. The &nbsp;arrests of Sudha Bharadwaj, Gautam Navlakha, Vernon Gonsalves, Varavara Rao follow on the heels of the murderous attack on Umar Khalid," said Kavita Krishnan. Krishnan is secretary of the All India Progressive Women's Association.&nbsp;

She is also a member of the politburo of the Communist Party of India, and the editor of its monthly publication, Liberation.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Under the Modi regime's undeclared Emergency, rights activists and dissenters are either shot at, killed, or raided, arrested and jailed. The arrests of Sudha Bharadwaj, Gautam Navlakha, Vernon Gonsalves, Varavara Rao follow on the heels of the murderous attack on Umar Khalid.
— Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) <a href="https://twitter.com/kavita_krishnan/status/1034371611955261440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Fascist fangs are now openly bared," said Prashant Bhushan.&nbsp;

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Getting news that Pune police have raided/arrested among the finest Human rights activists&dissenting voices, such as Sudha Bharadwaj (a human rights lawyer), Gautam Navlakha (Former Pres of PUDR), Fr Stan Swamy (a human rights activist) & Ors. Fascist fangs are now openly bared
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/pbhushan1/status/1034337819865567232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

'As a biographer of Gandhi, I have no doubt that if the Mahatma was alive today, he would don his lawyer's robes and defend Sudha Bharadwaj in court; that is assuming the Modi Sarkar hadn't yet detained and arrested him too,' said Ramachandra Guha.

The arrests of the five activists today was followed by howls of protests from the intelligentsia. "The simultaneous state-wide arrests are a dangerous sign of a government that fears it is losing its mandate and is falling into panic. That lawyers, poets, writers, Dalit rights activists and intellectuals are being arrested on ludicrous charges... While those who make up lynch mobs and threaten and murder people in broad daylight roam free, tells us very clearly where India is headed," Arundhati Roy told PTI in a message. She added that murderers are being honoured and protected and anybody who speaks up for justice or against Hindu majoritarianism is being made into a criminal. "What is happening is absolutely perilous. In the run up to elections, this is an attempted coup against the Indian Constitution and all the freedoms that we cherish," Roy added. "As a biographer of Gandhi, I have no doubt that if the Mahatma was alive today, he would don his lawyer's robes and defend Sudha Bharadwaj in court that is assuming the Modi Sarkar hadn't yet detained and arrested him too," said Ramachandra Guha. Guha is the author of Gandhi before India. This is absolutely chilling. The Supreme Court must intervene to stop this persecution and harassment of independent voices. Sudha Bharadwaj is as far from violence and illegality as Amit Shah is close to those things. https://t.co/GTD2V0Tlk7 — Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) August 28, 2018 × "Under the Modi regime's undeclared Emergency, rights activists and dissenters are either shot at, killed, or raided, arrested and jailed. The arrests of Sudha Bharadwaj, Gautam Navlakha, Vernon Gonsalves, Varavara Rao follow on the heels of the murderous attack on Umar Khalid," said Kavita Krishnan. Krishnan is secretary of the All India Progressive Women's Association. She is also a member of the politburo of the Communist Party of India, and the editor of its monthly publication, Liberation. Under the Modi regime's undeclared Emergency, rights activists and dissenters are either shot at, killed, or raided, arrested and jailed. The arrests of Sudha Bharadwaj, Gautam Navlakha, Vernon Gonsalves, Varavara Rao follow on the heels of the murderous attack on Umar Khalid. — Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) August 28, 2018 × "Fascist fangs are now openly bared," said Prashant Bhushan. Getting news that Pune police have raided/arrested among the finest Human rights activists&dissenting voices, such as Sudha Bharadwaj (a human rights lawyer), Gautam Navlakha (Former Pres of PUDR), Fr Stan Swamy (a human rights activist) & Ors. Fascist fangs are now openly bared — Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) August 28, 2018 ×

'Coup against Constitution', 'chilling', says intelligentsia after arrest of activists

The Ministry of Railways has floated a tender to initiate the installation of CCTV cameras in all its stations and coaches as part of its surveillance plan, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp

According to a tender uploaded on the website of the railway's telecom arm, RailTel, on August 22, the ministry seeks the supply, installation, testing, commissioning, operation and maintenance of as many as 89,845 IP (Internet Protocol) based video surveillance system (VSS).&nbsp

These will be set up at 6,124 railway stations of A1, A, B, C, D and E category across northern, western, eastern and southern region. However, the tender does not include installation in coaches as of now. The last date for submission of bids for the tender is September 18.

It has asked for four types of cameras to provide high-level security and vigilance which will not only record all the movement at stations but will also be equipped with facial recognition software, motion detection, quick review and intrusion detection.&nbsp

The ministry has allocated Rs&nbsp3,000 crore in its 2018-19 budget to install CCTV systems across 11,000 trains and 8,500 stations in a bid to bolster up its vigilance, security and surveillance system.&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp

The ministry has allocated Rs. 3,000 crore in its 2018-19 budget to install CCTV systems across 11,000 trains and 8,500 stations.

The Ministry of Railways has floated a tender to initiate the installation of CCTV cameras in all its stations and coaches as part of its surveillance plan, news agency PTI reported. According to a tender uploaded on the website of the railway's telecom arm, RailTel, on August 22, the ministry seeks the supply, installation, testing, commissioning, operation and maintenance of as many as 89,845 IP (Internet Protocol) based video surveillance system (VSS). These will be set up at 6,124 railway stations of A1, A, B, C, D and E category across northern, western, eastern and southern region. However, the tender does not include installation in coaches as of now. The last date for submission of bids for the tender is September 18. It has asked for four types of cameras to provide high-level security and vigilance which will not only record all the movement at stations but will also be equipped with facial recognition software, motion detection, quick review and intrusion detection. The ministry has allocated Rs&nbsp3,000 crore in its 2018-19 budget to install CCTV systems across 11,000 trains and 8,500 stations in a bid to bolster up its vigilance, security and surveillance system. (With inputs from PTI)

Railways ministry seeks supply of nearly 89,000 CCTVs for all stations, floats tender 

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has done it again.

This time he has said ducks raise the oxygen levels of lakes and other water bodies.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/internet-and-satellite-existed-since-mahabharata-era-claims-tripura-cm-131112">Tripura CM Biplab Deb says internet, satellite existed during Mahabharata</a>

He made the remarks Monday evening at a boat race at Tripura's Rudrasagar Lake.&nbsp;

Deb said the ducks recycle water when they swim, thereby increasing oxygen levels. That, he added, helps fish populations grow.&nbsp;

Deb's theory was quickly put down by scientists. News reports Tuesday quoting them as saying Deb was quacking up the wrong tree.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> 'Aaj maine ghoshna ki hai 50,000 desi hans (ducks) aas pass ke logon ko de diye <a href="https://t.co/JnlsyO3SZd">https://t.co/JnlsyO3SZd</a> jalasai(Neermahal Lake) mein jab 50,000 safed ducks ghumegi toh kitna sundar lagegi aur use oxygen bhi recycle hoti hai' says Tripura CM Biplab Deb (27.8.18) <a href="https://t.co/1pLzb5dsHi">pic.twitter.com/1pLzb5dsHi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1034456992029392897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time Deb has put his foot in his mouth.&nbsp;

He has before this said we had the internet and satellites during the days of the Mahabharata.&nbsp;

And that Diana Hayden was not really an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aishwarya-rai-represents-indian-women-not-diana-hayden-tripura-cm-biplab-deb-133113">"Indian" beauty</a> while Aishwarya Rai was.

Aishwarya won the Miss World contest in 1994, Diana five years later in 1999.

Deb said the ducks recycle water when they swim, thereby increasing oxygen levels. That, he added, helps fish populations grow.

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has done it again. This time he has said ducks raise the oxygen levels of lakes and other water bodies. Also read: Tripura CM Biplab Deb says internet, satellite existed during Mahabharata He made the remarks Monday evening at a boat race at Tripura's Rudrasagar Lake. Deb said the ducks recycle water when they swim, thereby increasing oxygen levels. That, he added, helps fish populations grow. Deb's theory was quickly put down by scientists. News reports Tuesday quoting them as saying Deb was quacking up the wrong tree. #WATCH 'Aaj maine ghoshna ki hai 50,000 desi hans (ducks) aas pass ke logon ko de diye https://t.co/JnlsyO3SZd jalasai(Neermahal Lake) mein jab 50,000 safed ducks ghumegi toh kitna sundar lagegi aur use oxygen bhi recycle hoti hai' says Tripura CM Biplab Deb (27.8.18) pic.twitter.com/1pLzb5dsHi — ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2018 × This is not the first time Deb has put his foot in his mouth. He has before this said we had the internet and satellites during the days of the Mahabharata. And that Diana Hayden was not really an "Indian" beauty while Aishwarya Rai was. Aishwarya won the Miss World contest in 1994, Diana five years later in 1999.

Watch Tripura CM Biplab Deb's latest: Ducks can raise oxygen levels of lakes

Sources have told WION that Justice Ranjan Gogoi will become the 46th Chief Justice of India on October 2 this year.&nbsp;

The sources said current CJI Dipak Misra is likely to send Justice Ranjan Gogoi’s name to the law ministry as official confirmation that he take over after Misra demits office.&nbsp;

With a month to go for CJI Dipak Misra to demit the highest judicial office, speculation had been rife that the succession might take an ugly turn.&nbsp;

According to convention, the outgoing CJI recommends the name of the second seniormost judge of the Supreme Court as his successor. There are no two ways about the fact that Justice Ranjan Gogoi is the second seniormost judge, and therefore due to be elevated to the post of CJI.&nbsp;

There had earlier been rumours about the government introducing a bill to increase the retirement age of judges, but the speculation was put to rest by the law ministry.&nbsp;

With a month to go for CJI Dipak Misra to demit the highest judicial office, speculation has been rife that the succession might take an ugly turn.

Sources have told WION that Justice Ranjan Gogoi will become the 46th Chief Justice of India on October 2 this year. The sources said current CJI Dipak Misra is likely to send Justice Ranjan Gogoi’s name to the law ministry as official confirmation that he take over after Misra demits office. With a month to go for CJI Dipak Misra to demit the highest judicial office, speculation had been rife that the succession might take an ugly turn. According to convention, the outgoing CJI recommends the name of the second seniormost judge of the Supreme Court as his successor. There are no two ways about the fact that Justice Ranjan Gogoi is the second seniormost judge, and therefore due to be elevated to the post of CJI. There had earlier been rumours about the government introducing a bill to increase the retirement age of judges, but the speculation was put to rest by the law ministry.

Justice Ranjan Gogoi to take over as Chief Justice on October 2: Sources

After creating history with Chandrayaan-1, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to take India’s exploits in space expeditions to the next level.&nbsp;

Chandrayaan-2, which has been in the pipeline for a long time now, has been finally given a launch period and an ISRO official revealed all the intricate details of the massive moon project.

The window period to launch the mission starts on January 3, 2019, and ends on February 16, 2019.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, ISRO Chairman K Sivan said, "In January 2019, we will have a major mission Chandrayaan-2 by GSLV-Mk-III-M1. We have taken a review by experts throughout the country. They appreciated our efforts saying this is the most complex mission ISRO has ever taken."

The ISRO Chairman further revealed that the mass of Chandrayaan-2 has been increased to 3.8 tonnes and will be launched by GSLV-MK-III.

"Mass of Chandrayaan-2 has increased to 3.8 tonnes which can't be launched by GSLV. We have redefined launch vehicle to GSLV-MK-III. Window for the launch is January 3-16 February. It would be the first mission in the world going near the South Pole," he added.

The first edition of the lunar probe was launched in October 2008 and operated until August 2009. The mission included a lunar orbiter and an impactor.&nbsp;

India launched the spacecraft using a PSLV-XL rocket, serial number C11, on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, about 80 km north of Chennai.

As per reports, Chandrayaan-2 was scheduled to be launched in April this year.

(With inputs from agencies)

The window period to launch the mission starts on January 3, 2019, and ends on February 16, 2019.

After creating history with Chandrayaan-1, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to take India’s exploits in space expeditions to the next level. Chandrayaan-2, which has been in the pipeline for a long time now, has been finally given a launch period and an ISRO official revealed all the intricate details of the massive moon project. The window period to launch the mission starts on January 3, 2019, and ends on February 16, 2019. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, ISRO Chairman K Sivan said, "In January 2019, we will have a major mission Chandrayaan-2 by GSLV-Mk-III-M1. We have taken a review by experts throughout the country. They appreciated our efforts saying this is the most complex mission ISRO has ever taken." The ISRO Chairman further revealed that the mass of Chandrayaan-2 has been increased to 3.8 tonnes and will be launched by GSLV-MK-III. "Mass of Chandrayaan-2 has increased to 3.8 tonnes which can't be launched by GSLV. We have redefined launch vehicle to GSLV-MK-III. Window for the launch is January 3-16 February. It would be the first mission in the world going near the South Pole," he added. The first edition of the lunar probe was launched in October 2008 and operated until August 2009. The mission included a lunar orbiter and an impactor. India launched the spacecraft using a PSLV-XL rocket, serial number C11, on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, about 80 km north of Chennai. As per reports, Chandrayaan-2 was scheduled to be launched in April this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Chandrayaan-2 to be launched in January 2019: ISRO chief

Late Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi's sons MK Alagiri and MK Stalin will be standing against each other in the party presidential election on Tuesday.

The position of DMK president has been lying vacant after the demise of M Karunanidhi on August 7.

Presently, Stalin is holding the post of working president in the party while Alagiri was expelled from the political outfit in March 2014 by Karunanidhi for slanderous attacks on senior party members and carrying out anti-party activities.

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Chennai: DMK leader MK Stalin arrives at party headquarters ahead of General Council meeting. He has filed nomination for the post of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/DMBVMW1wC8">pic.twitter.com/DMBVMW1wC8</a>
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Stalin filed nomination for the post of president on Sunday. Hours after that, Alagiri said he will decide the future course of action after the by-elections are announced.

"What do I do? You want me to go and propose his name? We will see what to do when bypolls are announced," Alagiri said.

The political battle between the brothers got yet more intense after Alagiri on August 13 claimed, "All the supporters in Tamil Nadu are on my side and are encouraging me only. Only time will give the answers that is all I am willing to say now."

Founded by CN&nbsp;Annadurai in 1949, DMK was a breakaway faction from the Dravidar Kazhagam that was popularly known as Justice Party until 1944.

This political outfit had been headed by Karunanidhi from 1969 until his death in August.&nbsp;

The position of DMK president has been lying vacant after the demise of M Karunanidhi on August 7.

Late Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi's sons MK Alagiri and MK Stalin will be standing against each other in the party presidential election on Tuesday. The position of DMK president has been lying vacant after the demise of M Karunanidhi on August 7. Presently, Stalin is holding the post of working president in the party while Alagiri was expelled from the political outfit in March 2014 by Karunanidhi for slanderous attacks on senior party members and carrying out anti-party activities. Chennai: DMK leader MK Stalin arrives at party headquarters ahead of General Council meeting. He has filed nomination for the post of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/DMBVMW1wC8 — ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2018 × Stalin filed nomination for the post of president on Sunday. Hours after that, Alagiri said he will decide the future course of action after the by-elections are announced. "What do I do? You want me to go and propose his name? We will see what to do when bypolls are announced," Alagiri said. The political battle between the brothers got yet more intense after Alagiri on August 13 claimed, "All the supporters in Tamil Nadu are on my side and are encouraging me only. Only time will give the answers that is all I am willing to say now." Founded by CN Annadurai in 1949, DMK was a breakaway faction from the Dravidar Kazhagam that was popularly known as Justice Party until 1944. This political outfit had been headed by Karunanidhi from 1969 until his death in August.

Alagiri versus Stalin: Who will be DMK's next chief?

The BJP and its ally Shiromani Akali Dal on Monday stepped up their attack on Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for remarks that his party was not involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, alleging the opposition party's entire apparatus was involved in the genocide and they could not be absolved of their sins.

They also attacked Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for defending Gandhi and his stand and claimed he had hurt the sentiments of people in his state and of Sikhs across the country.

"This was not expected from Amarinder Singh. Being a Sikh he should not have stood with the conspirators of the 1984 genocide on this issue. The Punjab chief minister has hurt the sentiments of the people from his state," senior SAD leader Prem Singh Chandumajra claimed.

He alleged it was a fact that the Congress was involved in the riots and they "can not be absolved of their sins".

Echoing similar sentiments, BJP's national secretary R P Singh alleged, "Not one or two hands, the entire Congress apparatus was involved in the&nbsp1984 genocide against Sikhs in the national capital."

He claimed then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, the father of Rahul Gandhi, tried to justify it by saying that when a giant tree falls, the earth below shakes.

The Congress was forced to cancel its leader Kamal Nath's appointment as Punjab assembly polls in-charge following anger from the community whose members had alleged his involvement in the violence, he claimed.&nbsp

Last week, Gandhi, who was on a two-day visit to the UK, told an audience that the anti-Sikh riots were a tragedy and a painful experience, but disagreed with the view that the Congress was "involved" in it.

Last week, Rahul Gandhi said that the anti-Sikh riots were a tragedy and a painful experience, but disagreed with the view that the Congress was 'involved' in it.

The BJP and its ally Shiromani Akali Dal on Monday stepped up their attack on Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for remarks that his party was not involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, alleging the opposition party's entire apparatus was involved in the genocide and they could not be absolved of their sins. They also attacked Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh for defending Gandhi and his stand and claimed he had hurt the sentiments of people in his state and of Sikhs across the country. "This was not expected from Amarinder Singh. Being a Sikh he should not have stood with the conspirators of the 1984 genocide on this issue. The Punjab chief minister has hurt the sentiments of the people from his state," senior SAD leader Prem Singh Chandumajra claimed. He alleged it was a fact that the Congress was involved in the riots and they "can not be absolved of their sins". Echoing similar sentiments, BJP's national secretary R P Singh alleged, "Not one or two hands, the entire Congress apparatus was involved in the&nbsp1984 genocide against Sikhs in the national capital." He claimed then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, the father of Rahul Gandhi, tried to justify it by saying that when a giant tree falls, the earth below shakes. The Congress was forced to cancel its leader Kamal Nath's appointment as Punjab assembly polls in-charge following anger from the community whose members had alleged his involvement in the violence, he claimed. Last week, Gandhi, who was on a two-day visit to the UK, told an audience that the anti-Sikh riots were a tragedy and a painful experience, but disagreed with the view that the Congress was "involved" in it.

Entire Congress apparatus was involved in 1984 riots: BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal

Pune Police raided the homes and offices of activists in five states on Tuesday, arresting five. The arrests were made over the violence in Bhima Koregaon earlier this year.&nbsp;

The arrested included poet Varavara Rao, who was arrested from his home in Hyderabad.&nbsp;

The lawyer and trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj was arrested from Faridabad in Haryana. Her home and office in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh were also raided.&nbsp;

"A team of 10 people came today morning. They didn't have a search warrant but were carrying another document. They checked our mobile phones and laptops and took all passwords," Bharadwaj's daughter Maaysha told ANI.&nbsp;

The activists Arun Fereira and Vernon Gonsalves were arrested from Mumbai, as was civil liberties activist Gautam Navlakha from Delhi.&nbsp;

&nbsp;ANI quoted sources as saying all five have been booked under sections 153A, 505(1)B, 117, 120B, 13, 16, 18, 20, 38, 39, 40 and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.&nbsp;

"This is a brazen attack on democratic rights. We are demanding that all the cases against these people be withdrawn and they be released forthwith," CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat said.&nbsp;

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This is a brazen attack on democratic rights. We are demanding that all the cases against these people be withdrawn and they be released forthwith: CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat on raids and arrests across the country in connection with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhimaKoregaon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhimaKoregaon</a> violence case <a href="https://t.co/rocy4ldhfA">pic.twitter.com/rocy4ldhfA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1034409110459035649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BhimaKoregaon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BhimaKoregaon</a> Raids were conducted at Mumbai, Ranchi, Hyderabad, Faridabad, Delhi and Thane, today. Stan Swamy from Ranchi was not arrested, only search was conducted at his residential premises: Sources
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1034406115063123968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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News reports meanwhile said Varavara Rao was arrested over the alleged plot to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Varavara Rao's name had figured in a letter the Pune Police said they had found after the violence in Bhima Koregaon in January this year. Pune Police claimed the letter mentioned a plot to kill Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

The Battle of Koregaon was fought on January 1, 1818 between the British East India Company and the Peshwas.&nbsp;

The Dalits commemorate the British victory over the Peshwas because&nbsp;the English employed Dalit soldiers, something the Peshwas (who were Brahmin) did not. The commemoration of the battle is an old tradition but this year, violence broke out and one person was killed.&nbsp;

The blowback on social media meanwhile was swift:&nbsp;

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As a biographer of Gandhi, I have no doubt that if the Mahatma was alive today, he would don his lawyer's robes and defend Sudha Bharadwaj in court; that is assuming the Modi Sarkar hadn't yet detained and arrested him too
— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ram_Guha/status/1034406178548137985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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this is a witchhunt by a government that is treating the constitution with the same disdain it treated dalits in the aftermath of bhima-koregaon. it hasn't taken long from the creation of the term, popularising it through pliant media outlets, to framing people with it. <a href="https://t.co/Jne0HW1LAX">https://t.co/Jne0HW1LAX</a>
— Hartosh Singh Bal (@HartoshSinghBal) <a href="https://twitter.com/HartoshSinghBal/status/1034394800626262016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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When human rights lawyers, activists are arrested, who will remain to defend the defenceless? <a href="https://t.co/U2ZGmTKNjA">https://t.co/U2ZGmTKNjA</a>
— naresh fernandes (@tajmahalfoxtrot) <a href="https://twitter.com/tajmahalfoxtrot/status/1034380864010870784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As a reporter in Chhattisgarh, would get calls from Sudha Bharadwaj on cases relating to factory workers, miners, Adivasis dispossessed from their lands. She spent a lifetime fighting pro-bono for the poor and marginalised. Unbelievable she's been detained under anti-terror law
— Supriya Sharma (@sharmasupriya) <a href="https://twitter.com/sharmasupriya/status/1034371606443958272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is insane. <a href="https://twitter.com/Sudhabharadwaj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sudhabharadwaj</a> has nothing to do with Maoists. She is an activist and I have known of and been grateful of her work for years. <a href="https://t.co/UREsHJ2Cjf">https://t.co/UREsHJ2Cjf</a>
— Rahul Pandita (@rahulpandita) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahulpandita/status/1034348516464910337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The arrested include the poet Varavara Rao who was arrested from his home in Hyderabad, and the lawyer and trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj, who was arrested from Faridabad.

Pune Police raided the homes and offices of activists in five states on Tuesday, arresting five. The arrests were made over the violence in Bhima Koregaon earlier this year. The arrested included poet Varavara Rao, who was arrested from his home in Hyderabad. The lawyer and trade union activist Sudha Bharadwaj was arrested from Faridabad in Haryana. Her home and office in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh were also raided. "A team of 10 people came today morning. They didn't have a search warrant but were carrying another document. They checked our mobile phones and laptops and took all passwords," Bharadwaj's daughter Maaysha told ANI. The activists Arun Fereira and Vernon Gonsalves were arrested from Mumbai, as was civil liberties activist Gautam Navlakha from Delhi. ANI quoted sources as saying all five have been booked under sections 153A, 505(1)B, 117, 120B, 13, 16, 18, 20, 38, 39, 40 and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. "This is a brazen attack on democratic rights. We are demanding that all the cases against these people be withdrawn and they be released forthwith," CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat said. This is a brazen attack on democratic rights. We are demanding that all the cases against these people be withdrawn and they be released forthwith: CPI(M) leader Prakash Karat on raids and arrests across the country in connection with #BhimaKoregaon violence case pic.twitter.com/rocy4ldhfA — ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2018 × #BhimaKoregaon Raids were conducted at Mumbai, Ranchi, Hyderabad, Faridabad, Delhi and Thane, today. Stan Swamy from Ranchi was not arrested, only search was conducted at his residential premises: Sources — ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2018 × News reports meanwhile said Varavara Rao was arrested over the alleged plot to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Varavara Rao's name had figured in a letter the Pune Police said they had found after the violence in Bhima Koregaon in January this year. Pune Police claimed the letter mentioned a plot to kill Prime Minister Modi. The Battle of Koregaon was fought on January 1, 1818 between the British East India Company and the Peshwas. The Dalits commemorate the British victory over the Peshwas because the English employed Dalit soldiers, something the Peshwas (who were Brahmin) did not. The commemoration of the battle is an old tradition but this year, violence broke out and one person was killed. The blowback on social media meanwhile was swift: As a biographer of Gandhi, I have no doubt that if the Mahatma was alive today, he would don his lawyer's robes and defend Sudha Bharadwaj in court; that is assuming the Modi Sarkar hadn't yet detained and arrested him too — Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) August 28, 2018 × this is a witchhunt by a government that is treating the constitution with the same disdain it treated dalits in the aftermath of bhima-koregaon. it hasn't taken long from the creation of the term, popularising it through pliant media outlets, to framing people with it. https://t.co/Jne0HW1LAX — Hartosh Singh Bal (@HartoshSinghBal) August 28, 2018 × When human rights lawyers, activists are arrested, who will remain to defend the defenceless? https://t.co/U2ZGmTKNjA — naresh fernandes (@tajmahalfoxtrot) August 28, 2018 × As a reporter in Chhattisgarh, would get calls from Sudha Bharadwaj on cases relating to factory workers, miners, Adivasis dispossessed from their lands. She spent a lifetime fighting pro-bono for the poor and marginalised. Unbelievable she's been detained under anti-terror law — Supriya Sharma (@sharmasupriya) August 28, 2018 × This is insane. @Sudhabharadwaj has nothing to do with Maoists. She is an activist and I have known of and been grateful of her work for years. https://t.co/UREsHJ2Cjf — Rahul Pandita (@rahulpandita) August 28, 2018 ×

Bhima-Koregaon violence: Police carry out raids in 5 states, activists arrested

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan today said he would be donating Rs 1 crore to the families of martyrs and an additional Rs 1.5 crore to waive off loans of farmers.&nbsp;

The 75-year-old actor said he wanted to do something for the families of martyrs.&nbsp;

“Just yesterday, we got a list of 44 families from the government. We have prepared 112 demand drafts to the value of Rs 1 crore to take care of the families,” Bachchan told reporters here.

“There is a system in the government. Sixty per cent of the amount has to go to the wife, twenty per cent to the father and twenty per cent to the mother… Like this, we have divided the amount for 44 families of martyrs,” he added. The actor said he was also pained by the farmers’ suicide and has decided to pitch in. “I have always been bothered by reading about farmers’ suicides. Many years ago, I was shooting in Vizag and read that farmers who had loaned Rs 15,000, Rs 20,000 or Rs 30,000 and couldn’t pay back and were committing suicide… I came back and paid for 40-50 families…

“This time I am paying Rs 1.25 crore to 200 farmers’ families. I went to my bank and we got a list of all the farmers’ loans and there were 200 loans and that’s what I am paying off,” he added. Bachchan was speaking at the press conference of “Kaun Banega Crorepati” season 10 here today.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan today said he would be donating Rs 1 crore to the families of martyrs and an additional Rs 1.5 crore to waive off loans of farmers.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan today said he would be donating Rs 1 crore to the families of martyrs and an additional Rs 1.5 crore to waive off loans of farmers. The 75-year-old actor said he wanted to do something for the families of martyrs. “Just yesterday, we got a list of 44 families from the government. We have prepared 112 demand drafts to the value of Rs 1 crore to take care of the families,” Bachchan told reporters here. “There is a system in the government. Sixty per cent of the amount has to go to the wife, twenty per cent to the father and twenty per cent to the mother… Like this, we have divided the amount for 44 families of martyrs,” he added. The actor said he was also pained by the farmers’ suicide and has decided to pitch in. “I have always been bothered by reading about farmers’ suicides. Many years ago, I was shooting in Vizag and read that farmers who had loaned Rs 15,000, Rs 20,000 or Rs 30,000 and couldn’t pay back and were committing suicide… I came back and paid for 40-50 families… “This time I am paying Rs 1.25 crore to 200 farmers’ families. I went to my bank and we got a list of all the farmers’ loans and there were 200 loans and that’s what I am paying off,” he added. Bachchan was speaking at the press conference of “Kaun Banega Crorepati” season 10 here today.

Amitabh Bachchan to give Rs 2.5 crore to families of martyrs, farmers

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