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Karnataka chief minister&nbsp;HD Kumaraswamy wrote a letter to prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday requesting him for a financial aid of Rs 2,000 crore for rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit state.&nbsp;

In the letter, Kumaraswamy informed that 17 people had died and about 2200 houses were damaged due to the heavy rains from August 14 to August 22. He mentioned that nearly 7,500 people have been provided shelter in 53 relief camps and more than 4,500 people were rescued in the operations. &nbsp;

Kumaraswamy also wrote that the damages caused by the recent floods to the infrastructure, public property and crops were estimated to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore as the final assessment of losses was not done yet.&nbsp;

Elaborating on the damage to the worst-hit Kodagu district of Karnataka, the chief&nbsp;minister wrote that arterial roads connecting it were completely damaged.&nbsp;

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Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy has written a letter to PM Narendra Modi, in which he has appealed to him to release a sum of Rs 2000 crores for interim relief to begin the rehabilitation process of the flood-affected areas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/WIpA04MYE7">pic.twitter.com/WIpA04MYE7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1033022219822067712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Karnataka chief&nbsp;minister's appeal to the Centre came hours after defense&nbsp;minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the flood-hit areas in Kodagu.

Sitharaman, on Friday, also announced financial aid of Rs 1 crore from her Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme, reports said.&nbsp;

On 21 August, Kumaraswamy had urged the Centre to provide Rs 100 crore relief fund for the Kodagu district.&nbsp;

Incessant rains have lashed Karnataka since August 14, causing landslide and flooding in the state. On August 15, a high alert was issued in five districts namely Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy also mentioned that the damages caused by the recent floods to the infrastructure, public property and crops were estimated to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore as the final assessment of losses was not done yet.

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy wrote a letter to prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday requesting him for a financial aid of Rs 2,000 crore for rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit state. In the letter, Kumaraswamy informed that 17 people had died and about 2200 houses were damaged due to the heavy rains from August 14 to August 22. He mentioned that nearly 7,500 people have been provided shelter in 53 relief camps and more than 4,500 people were rescued in the operations. Kumaraswamy also wrote that the damages caused by the recent floods to the infrastructure, public property and crops were estimated to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore as the final assessment of losses was not done yet. Elaborating on the damage to the worst-hit Kodagu district of Karnataka, the chief minister wrote that arterial roads connecting it were completely damaged. Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy has written a letter to PM Narendra Modi, in which he has appealed to him to release a sum of Rs 2000 crores for interim relief to begin the rehabilitation process of the flood-affected areas. #KarnatakaFloods pic.twitter.com/WIpA04MYE7 — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2018 × The Karnataka chief minister's appeal to the Centre came hours after defense minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the flood-hit areas in Kodagu. Sitharaman, on Friday, also announced financial aid of Rs 1 crore from her Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme, reports said. On 21 August, Kumaraswamy had urged the Centre to provide Rs 100 crore relief fund for the Kodagu district. Incessant rains have lashed Karnataka since August 14, causing landslide and flooding in the state. On August 15, a high alert was issued in five districts namely Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga.

Karnataka rains: CM Kumaraswamy writes to PM Modi seeking Rs 2,000 crore aid

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has been discharged from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lalu-lands-in-mumbai-ahead-of-hospitalization-139041">Mumbai's </a>Asian Heart Institute after he was admitted on August 20 due to&nbsp;deteriorating health.&nbsp;

Lalu is presently serving sentence in three fodder scam related cases and was behind the bars since December 23, 2017. On March 29, he was hospitalised in Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, after his failing health and was later referred to AIIMS, New Delhi, for his treatment.

The Jharkhand High Court on Friday rejected Yadav's request for three months bail extension on medical grounds and have asked him to surrender by August 30.&nbsp;

His son Tejashwi Yadav had earlier written on&nbsp;Twitter: "Visited my ailing father admitted in Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai due to various diseases. Perturbed to see his falling health & increased infection. Praying that he may recover soon under the around-the-clock monitoring & continuous medical care of specialist doctors," he tweeted.

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Visited my ailing father admitted in Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai due to various diseases. Perturbed to see his falling health & increased infection. Praying that he may recover soon under the around-the-clock monitoring & continuous medical care of specialist doctors. <a href="https://t.co/JY0Cr7RGlf">pic.twitter.com/JY0Cr7RGlf</a>
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1031573906019307520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On May 11, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-hc-extends-lalus-provisional-bail-till-july-3-on-medical-grounds-lawyer-146463">Jharkhand High Court</a> had granted a six-week provisional bail to Lalu for his treatment at specialised institutes, though his counsel's had sought a 12-week relief.

On August 17, the Jharkhand High Court extended the provisional bail of former Bihar chief minister till August 27. Granting the extension of the provisional bail, the bench of Justice Apresh Kumar Singh fixed August 24 as the date to hear the bail petition.&nbsp;

The maximum prison term granted to 70-year-old Prasad in connection with the fodder scam is 14 years. The case pertained to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 3.13 crore from the treasury in Dumka, now in Jharkhand, in the early 1990s.

On March 29, he was hospitalised in Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, after his health deteriorated and was later referred to AIIMS, New Delhi, for his treatment.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has been discharged from Mumbai's Asian Heart Institute after he was admitted on August 20 due to deteriorating health. Lalu is presently serving sentence in three fodder scam related cases and was behind the bars since December 23, 2017. On March 29, he was hospitalised in Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, after his failing health and was later referred to AIIMS, New Delhi, for his treatment. The Jharkhand High Court on Friday rejected Yadav's request for three months bail extension on medical grounds and have asked him to surrender by August 30. His son Tejashwi Yadav had earlier written on Twitter: "Visited my ailing father admitted in Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai due to various diseases. Perturbed to see his falling health & increased infection. Praying that he may recover soon under the around-the-clock monitoring & continuous medical care of specialist doctors," he tweeted. Visited my ailing father admitted in Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai due to various diseases. Perturbed to see his falling health & increased infection. Praying that he may recover soon under the around-the-clock monitoring & continuous medical care of specialist doctors. pic.twitter.com/JY0Cr7RGlf — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) August 20, 2018 × On May 11, the Jharkhand High Court had granted a six-week provisional bail to Lalu for his treatment at specialised institutes, though his counsel's had sought a 12-week relief. On August 17, the Jharkhand High Court extended the provisional bail of former Bihar chief minister till August 27. Granting the extension of the provisional bail, the bench of Justice Apresh Kumar Singh fixed August 24 as the date to hear the bail petition. The maximum prison term granted to 70-year-old Prasad in connection with the fodder scam is 14 years. The case pertained to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 3.13 crore from the treasury in Dumka, now in Jharkhand, in the early 1990s.

Lalu Prasad Yadav discharged from Mumbai hospital, asked to surrender by August 30

The Defence Ministry released a clarification on Saturday&nbsp;over the reaction of Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to Karnataka's Kodagu district on Friday.&nbsp;

The clarification referred to media reports stating that&nbsp;Sitharaman got angry with Mahesh during the flood review meeting with the Kodagu district administrator (Sa Ra Mahesh). It further said that Mahesh's remark lowered the dignity of the Rajya Sabha which showed utter lack of regard and knowledge about Indian polity.&nbsp;

The clarification further stated that the tour of the Defence ministry was finalised by the district administration of the Kodagu in consultation with the public representatives.&nbsp;

The defence minister said on completion of the field visit as per the programme, she was interacting with the ex-servicemen who were affected by the floods when Mahesh objected and insisted that the meeting of the officials must be conducted first.&nbsp; 
She clarified that welfare of the ex-servicemen was an essential part of the defence ministry and the same was scheduled in the programme. However, the district administration insisted that she immediately stop the interaction and proceed to the meeting with the officials.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The response from the ministry also invited criticism from the state government.

Sitharaman was speaking at the district commissioner's office with a group of affected people of Kodagu district, where torrential rains had left a huge trail of destruction and claimed at least 17 lives, when Mahesh suggested that she wind up the interaction as a number of government officials were waiting for a meeting with her. Sitharaman, a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, reacted tersely saying she was going by the itinerary approved by the state authorities.

"I am following a minute-to-minute programme, minister. I do not violate that. If officials are important, my parivaar (family) is also equally important. I follow the minister-in-charge. Central minister follows the minister in-charge here. Unbelievable," a visibly miffed Sitharaman told Mahesh, who was sitting next to her, in full view of officials and the media.

"You have a list of minute-to-minute programme for me to follow. If you did have a difference of opinion, you should have sorted it out before," Sitharaman said.

When an official told her that media was recording her comments, she said "Let it get recorded."

"The venue was already set up for the press conference and hurriedly the officials were summoned to sit among the mediapersons for the review. It was unprecedented to hold a meeting with the officials, with all the mediapersons present," it said.

The ministry said inspite of the district administration finalising her programme and the minister following the same in its "entirety", it is unfortunate that the Karnataka minister behaved the way he did.

"Subsequently, the personal remarks made against the defence minister were also in bad taste, which do not merit a response," the ministry said.

But the Defence minister's remarks drew a sharp response from Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara who said the state governments derive their powers from the Constitution, not from the Centre, and he was disappointed to see her lashing out at his colleague.

"The Constitution has distributed powers among the Centre and states to ensure an equitable partnership between both. We are not inferior to the Centre. We are partners @nsitharamanMadam,, he said in his tweet, before the clarification.

"Madam @nsitharaman, our ministers have stayed back in Kodagu for weeks to oversee relief operations along with district administration. You should extend to them the same respect that they extend for the help from your end. It was disappointing to see you lash out at my colleague," he said.

Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah also criticised Sitharaman, alleging that she was "more interested in dominating our minister" which reflected BJP's "apathy" towards the state.

In its clarification, the defence ministry noted that "there has been gross misrepresentation with regard to the use of the term "parivar"&nbsp;by the defence minister during the press conference".

"One of the four departments of the Ministry of Defence is the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare and in that context it was stated that all ex-servicemen are part of the MoD "parivar". Any other inference is misconstrued and uncalled for," it said. 
After the incident Mahesh had dubbed Sitharaman's comments as a reaction to the demand for funds from the Centre to Kodagu.

"She would have known the pain had she contested election by standing with the electorate, going to every house, meeting voters and asked their problems. She has been elected to Rajya Sabha from Karnataka," he had told a TV channel. 
The torrential rains that lashed the district last week have also left more than 5,000 people homeless.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Sitharaman was speaking at the district commissioner's office with a group of affected people of Kodagu district, where torrential rains had left a huge trail of destruction and claimed at least 17 lives, when Mahesh suggested that she wind up the interaction as a number of government officials were waiting for a meeting with her

The Defence Ministry released a clarification on Saturday over the reaction of Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to Karnataka's Kodagu district on Friday. The clarification referred to media reports stating that Sitharaman got angry with Mahesh during the flood review meeting with the Kodagu district administrator (Sa Ra Mahesh). It further said that Mahesh's remark lowered the dignity of the Rajya Sabha which showed utter lack of regard and knowledge about Indian polity. The clarification further stated that the tour of the Defence ministry was finalised by the district administration of the Kodagu in consultation with the public representatives. The defence minister said on completion of the field visit as per the programme, she was interacting with the ex-servicemen who were affected by the floods when Mahesh objected and insisted that the meeting of the officials must be conducted first. She clarified that welfare of the ex-servicemen was an essential part of the defence ministry and the same was scheduled in the programme. However, the district administration insisted that she immediately stop the interaction and proceed to the meeting with the officials. The response from the ministry also invited criticism from the state government. Sitharaman was speaking at the district commissioner's office with a group of affected people of Kodagu district, where torrential rains had left a huge trail of destruction and claimed at least 17 lives, when Mahesh suggested that she wind up the interaction as a number of government officials were waiting for a meeting with her. Sitharaman, a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, reacted tersely saying she was going by the itinerary approved by the state authorities. "I am following a minute-to-minute programme, minister. I do not violate that. If officials are important, my parivaar (family) is also equally important. I follow the minister-in-charge. Central minister follows the minister in-charge here. Unbelievable," a visibly miffed Sitharaman told Mahesh, who was sitting next to her, in full view of officials and the media. "You have a list of minute-to-minute programme for me to follow. If you did have a difference of opinion, you should have sorted it out before," Sitharaman said. When an official told her that media was recording her comments, she said "Let it get recorded." "The venue was already set up for the press conference and hurriedly the officials were summoned to sit among the mediapersons for the review. It was unprecedented to hold a meeting with the officials, with all the mediapersons present," it said. The ministry said inspite of the district administration finalising her programme and the minister following the same in its "entirety", it is unfortunate that the Karnataka minister behaved the way he did. "Subsequently, the personal remarks made against the defence minister were also in bad taste, which do not merit a response," the ministry said. But the Defence minister's remarks drew a sharp response from Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara who said the state governments derive their powers from the Constitution, not from the Centre, and he was disappointed to see her lashing out at his colleague. "The Constitution has distributed powers among the Centre and states to ensure an equitable partnership between both. We are not inferior to the Centre. We are partners @nsitharamanMadam,, he said in his tweet, before the clarification. "Madam @nsitharaman, our ministers have stayed back in Kodagu for weeks to oversee relief operations along with district administration. You should extend to them the same respect that they extend for the help from your end. It was disappointing to see you lash out at my colleague," he said. Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah also criticised Sitharaman, alleging that she was "more interested in dominating our minister" which reflected BJP's "apathy" towards the state. In its clarification, the defence ministry noted that "there has been gross misrepresentation with regard to the use of the term "parivar" by the defence minister during the press conference". "One of the four departments of the Ministry of Defence is the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare and in that context it was stated that all ex-servicemen are part of the MoD "parivar". Any other inference is misconstrued and uncalled for," it said. After the incident Mahesh had dubbed Sitharaman's comments as a reaction to the demand for funds from the Centre to Kodagu. "She would have known the pain had she contested election by standing with the electorate, going to every house, meeting voters and asked their problems. She has been elected to Rajya Sabha from Karnataka," he had told a TV channel. The torrential rains that lashed the district last week have also left more than 5,000 people homeless. (With inputs from PTI)

Defence ministry says Karnataka minister's behaviour unfortunate; state government hits back

A parliamentary panel adopted a report on the Doklam issue on Saturday recommending that India should encourage Bhutan to deploy more soldiers on the northern parts of the sensitive region.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam in the Sikkim sector from June 16 last year, after the Indian side stopped construction of a road in the disputed tri-junction by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, headed by party MP Shashi Tharoor. Gandhi was not present in the meeting today.

Earlier this month, the panel could not adopt the draft report as most of the BJP members skipped the meeting and the quorum could not be reached, according to sources.

Some members of the panel who were present in today's meeting said the report was adopted with minor modifications.

The draft report, circulated among the panel's members on August 6, did not clarify whether the committee was favouring increasing the deployment of Indian troops in the region.

BJP members of the panel had demanded that statements recorded before the committee by the defence secretary and the incumbent and former external affairs secretaries not be made public.

A member of the committee said today that "nothing sensitive and crucial information" shared with the panel by officials has been made public.&nbsp

The committee members had travelled to Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh to take stock of ground situations and meet senior officials there.

It has been briefed several times on the issue by the former and current foreign secretaries and other officials.

The foreign ministry officials had informed the panel that Bhutan was firmly with India on the issue.

During earlier discussions, Rahul Gandhi had questioned External Affairs Ministry officials on China's objective and why Beijing chose Doklam to create a confrontation, the sources earlier said.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam in the Sikkim sector from June 16 last year.

A parliamentary panel adopted a report on the Doklam issue on Saturday recommending that India should encourage Bhutan to deploy more soldiers on the northern parts of the sensitive region. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam in the Sikkim sector from June 16 last year, after the Indian side stopped construction of a road in the disputed tri-junction by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. Congress president Rahul Gandhi is a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, headed by party MP Shashi Tharoor. Gandhi was not present in the meeting today. Earlier this month, the panel could not adopt the draft report as most of the BJP members skipped the meeting and the quorum could not be reached, according to sources. Some members of the panel who were present in today's meeting said the report was adopted with minor modifications. The draft report, circulated among the panel's members on August 6, did not clarify whether the committee was favouring increasing the deployment of Indian troops in the region. BJP members of the panel had demanded that statements recorded before the committee by the defence secretary and the incumbent and former external affairs secretaries not be made public. A member of the committee said today that "nothing sensitive and crucial information" shared with the panel by officials has been made public. The committee members had travelled to Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh to take stock of ground situations and meet senior officials there. It has been briefed several times on the issue by the former and current foreign secretaries and other officials. The foreign ministry officials had informed the panel that Bhutan was firmly with India on the issue. During earlier discussions, Rahul Gandhi had questioned External Affairs Ministry officials on China's objective and why Beijing chose Doklam to create a confrontation, the sources earlier said.

Indian parliamentary panel asks government to encourage Bhutan to deploy more soldiers in Doklam

After linking RSS to Muslim Brotherhood, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday stepped up his attack on the BJP and the RSS and said that people support populist leaders like US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi because they are angry over not having jobs.&nbsp;

Interacting with Indian Journalists' Association in London, Gandhi scion said that instead of solving the problem, these leaders ride on that anger and damage the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/why-congress-president-rahul-gandhi-is-attacking-rss-161288">Why Rahul Gandhi is attacking RSS</a>

"People support populist leaders like Mr Trump and Mr Modi because they are angry that they don't have a job. Instead of solving this problem these leaders ride on that anger. They damage the country by this," he said.

Yesterday, Gandhi said India was facing a "full blown crisis" of unemployment and the Government was refusing to admit it.

During an interaction programme at the prestigious London School of Economics here, he had said that where China creates 50,000 jobs a day, only 450 jobs are created in a day in India. This is a catastrophe.

Gandhi again maintained that "there is a lot of similarity between Muslim Brotherhood and RSS. They use democratic processes to capture power".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rss-idea-is-similar-to-the-idea-of-muslim-brotherhood-in-arab-world-rahul-gandhi--161261">Rahul Gandhi equates RSS to Muslim Brotherhood in UK address</a>

The Muslim Brotherhood is the oldest political Islamist group in the Arab world. It is banned and declared as a terrorist organisation by the governments of several countries.

On Vijay Mallaya, Gandhi said that Indian prisons are "pretty decent" while commenting on his ongoing extradition case.

"Indian prisons are pretty decent as far as Mr. Mallya is concerned," he said.

In July, Mallya appeared before the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London where both defence and prosecution presented clarifications on Barrack 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where Mallya is to be held post-extradition.

Judge Emma Arbuthnot asked the Indian authorities to submit within three weeks a video of the Barrack 12 of the Arthur Road Jail.

Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya is currently undergoing an extradition trial in a UK court over fraud and money laundering charges by Indian authorities.

When asked what shapes his political ideology, Gandhi said ''My political ideology is...it’s a very old idea in India, and it’s been fighting the RSS idea for thousands of years and it’s not new".&nbsp;

 
COMPLAINT AGAINST RAHUL GANDHI

Meanwhile, a complaint was filed against Rahul Gandhi in a court in Muzaffarpur today seeking registration of a case against him for allegedly defaming country's image abroad.&nbsp;

The complaint was filed by advocate SK Ojha. The court will hear the complaint on September 4.

(With PTI inputs)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Interacting with Indian Journalists' Association in London, Gandhi scion said that instead of solving the problem, these leaders ride on that anger and damage the country.

After linking RSS to Muslim Brotherhood, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday stepped up his attack on the BJP and the RSS and said that people support populist leaders like US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi because they are angry over not having jobs. Interacting with Indian Journalists' Association in London, Gandhi scion said that instead of solving the problem, these leaders ride on that anger and damage the country. Also read: Why Rahul Gandhi is attacking RSS "People support populist leaders like Mr Trump and Mr Modi because they are angry that they don't have a job. Instead of solving this problem these leaders ride on that anger. They damage the country by this," he said. Yesterday, Gandhi said India was facing a "full blown crisis" of unemployment and the Government was refusing to admit it. During an interaction programme at the prestigious London School of Economics here, he had said that where China creates 50,000 jobs a day, only 450 jobs are created in a day in India. This is a catastrophe. Gandhi again maintained that "there is a lot of similarity between Muslim Brotherhood and RSS. They use democratic processes to capture power". Also read: Rahul Gandhi equates RSS to Muslim Brotherhood in UK address The Muslim Brotherhood is the oldest political Islamist group in the Arab world. It is banned and declared as a terrorist organisation by the governments of several countries. On Vijay Mallaya, Gandhi said that Indian prisons are "pretty decent" while commenting on his ongoing extradition case. "Indian prisons are pretty decent as far as Mr. Mallya is concerned," he said. In July, Mallya appeared before the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London where both defence and prosecution presented clarifications on Barrack 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where Mallya is to be held post-extradition. Judge Emma Arbuthnot asked the Indian authorities to submit within three weeks a video of the Barrack 12 of the Arthur Road Jail. Fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya is currently undergoing an extradition trial in a UK court over fraud and money laundering charges by Indian authorities. When asked what shapes his political ideology, Gandhi said ''My political ideology is...it’s a very old idea in India, and it’s been fighting the RSS idea for thousands of years and it’s not new". COMPLAINT AGAINST RAHUL GANDHI Meanwhile, a complaint was filed against Rahul Gandhi in a court in Muzaffarpur today seeking registration of a case against him for allegedly defaming country's image abroad. The complaint was filed by advocate SK Ojha. The court will hear the complaint on September 4. (With PTI inputs)

People support leaders like Trump and Modi because they don't have jobs: Rahul Gandhi

Former Karnataka chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-gets-emotional-at-mlas-meet-sr-leaders-blame-him-for-defeat-137465">Siddaramaiah</a>&nbsp;expressed hope that with the blessings of the people of the state he would once again take over as the CM, he said on Thursday.&nbsp;

While addressing a crowd in Hassan, Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said that the opposition came together to make sure he does not get the position for the second time. He also claimed that caste and money were becoming part of politics.&nbsp;

"I thought people will bless me once again and make me the chief minister. Unfortunately, I lost, but this is not the end. In politics wins and losses are common," he asserted, as quoted by ANI.

After days of high-octane political drama and a floor test in the state assembly for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to prove majority, the power to form the state government was vested upon the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition under the leadership of HD Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;

The 69-year-old leader received flak from several senior party MLAs, who held him responsible for the Congress' performance, citing his complete authority in the selection of candidates and the Lingayat issue, they said.

Meanwhile, the police in Mysuru had registered an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fir-against-former-cm-siddaramaiah-in-land-denotification-case-146766">FIR against former CM Siddaramaiah</a> for alleged involvement in a land de-notification case.&nbsp;

RTI activist N Gangaraju had charged Siddaramaiah and the officials of usurping government property and denotifying 30 guntas of land at Hinkal village near Mysuru.

He alleged that the land was denotified at the behest of Siddaramaiah and in 1997, he had purchased 10 guntas illegally and built a house in 1998 before selling it when he was Deputy Chief Minister.&nbsp;

While addressing a crowd in Hassan, Siddharamaiah said that the opposition came together to make sure he does not get the position for the second time.

Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah expressed hope that with the blessings of the people of the state he would once again take over as the CM, he said on Thursday. While addressing a crowd in Hassan, Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said that the opposition came together to make sure he does not get the position for the second time. He also claimed that caste and money were becoming part of politics. "I thought people will bless me once again and make me the chief minister. Unfortunately, I lost, but this is not the end. In politics wins and losses are common," he asserted, as quoted by ANI. After days of high-octane political drama and a floor test in the state assembly for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to prove majority, the power to form the state government was vested upon the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition under the leadership of HD Kumaraswamy. The 69-year-old leader received flak from several senior party MLAs, who held him responsible for the Congress' performance, citing his complete authority in the selection of candidates and the Lingayat issue, they said. Meanwhile, the police in Mysuru had registered an FIR against former CM Siddaramaiah for alleged involvement in a land de-notification case. RTI activist N Gangaraju had charged Siddaramaiah and the officials of usurping government property and denotifying 30 guntas of land at Hinkal village near Mysuru. He alleged that the land was denotified at the behest of Siddaramaiah and in 1997, he had purchased 10 guntas illegally and built a house in 1998 before selling it when he was Deputy Chief Minister.

Will become Karnataka CM again, claims Siddaramaiah

Expelled DMK leader M K Alagiri on Saturday fired a fresh salvo claiming the party would face a 'threat' after his September 5 Chennai rally, expected to be a show of strength by him.

Days after claiming that all loyal workers were with him, the former union minister also appeared to be reaching out to his estranged brother M K Stalin to facilitate his re-entry into the party, saying he never hankered after any post.

Karunanidhi, who passed away on August 7, had expelled Alagiri and his supporters from the party in 2014 at the height of his tiff with his Stalin over establishing supremacy in the party.

"You please wait till Sept 5 when we are organising <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/all-supporters-relatives-in-tamil-nadu-are-with-me-alagiri-challenges-mk-stalin-158837">silent</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/all-supporters-relatives-in-tamil-nadu-are-with-me-alagiri-challenges-mk-stalin-158837"> rally</a> to pay homage at the memorial of thalaivar (leader)... You will know how the party men accept me and want me in the party," he told reporters here.

The DMK would definitely face 'threat' following the rally. "Even rivals had appreciated my election work..And organisational skills.. Section of DMK leaders will understand me at least now," he asserted.

He was apparently referring to his role in ensuring the success of DMK in by-elections in southern Tamil Nadu during the DMK's 2006-11 rule.

Earlier, he held a consultative meeting with his supporters for the rally.

Indicating a fresh succession war in the DMK, Alagiri had on August 13 claimed all loyal party workers are with him and hit out at Stalin, accusing him of blocking his return to the party.

In his interaction with media today, Alagiri said: "I never desired for any post when thalaivar (leader) Karunanidhi was alive. Why should I seek any post now? I don't have desire to become DMK president.... Stalin is showing urgency in taking over as party president."

Asked about state minister R B Udhayakumar's remarks that he was organising the rally to join the DMK, the former union minister said there was nothing wrong if he joined the DMK founded by late chief minister C N Annadurai and nurtured by his father.

Alagiri claimed if he was not re-admitted into the DMK, the party leaders would again face similar defeat in coming Lok Sabha elections like in the last Parliament and assembly polls. "The same situation will continue."

DMK had drawn a blank in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, with the AIADMK sweeping 37 of the 39 seats. It suffered back-to-back defeats in the Tamil Nadu assembly polls in 2011 and 2016.

DMK has brushed aside Alagiri's latest claims. The party has convened its general council meet in Chennai on August 28 where its working president Stalin will be elevated as the party the chief.

Alagiri wielded considerable influence in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and was the party's organising secretary for south zone before his expulsion.&nbsp;

Indicating a fresh succession war in the DMK, Alagiri had on August 13 claimed all loyal party workers are with him and hit out at Stalin, accusing him of blocking his return to the party

Expelled DMK leader M K Alagiri on Saturday fired a fresh salvo claiming the party would face a 'threat' after his September 5 Chennai rally, expected to be a show of strength by him. Days after claiming that all loyal workers were with him, the former union minister also appeared to be reaching out to his estranged brother M K Stalin to facilitate his re-entry into the party, saying he never hankered after any post. Karunanidhi, who passed away on August 7, had expelled Alagiri and his supporters from the party in 2014 at the height of his tiff with his Stalin over establishing supremacy in the party. "You please wait till Sept 5 when we are organising silent rally to pay homage at the memorial of thalaivar (leader)... You will know how the party men accept me and want me in the party," he told reporters here. The DMK would definitely face 'threat' following the rally. "Even rivals had appreciated my election work..And organisational skills.. Section of DMK leaders will understand me at least now," he asserted. He was apparently referring to his role in ensuring the success of DMK in by-elections in southern Tamil Nadu during the DMK's 2006-11 rule. Earlier, he held a consultative meeting with his supporters for the rally. Indicating a fresh succession war in the DMK, Alagiri had on August 13 claimed all loyal party workers are with him and hit out at Stalin, accusing him of blocking his return to the party. In his interaction with media today, Alagiri said: "I never desired for any post when thalaivar (leader) Karunanidhi was alive. Why should I seek any post now? I don't have desire to become DMK president.... Stalin is showing urgency in taking over as party president." Asked about state minister R B Udhayakumar's remarks that he was organising the rally to join the DMK, the former union minister said there was nothing wrong if he joined the DMK founded by late chief minister C N Annadurai and nurtured by his father. Alagiri claimed if he was not re-admitted into the DMK, the party leaders would again face similar defeat in coming Lok Sabha elections like in the last Parliament and assembly polls. "The same situation will continue." DMK had drawn a blank in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, with the AIADMK sweeping 37 of the 39 seats. It suffered back-to-back defeats in the Tamil Nadu assembly polls in 2011 and 2016. DMK has brushed aside Alagiri's latest claims. The party has convened its general council meet in Chennai on August 28 where its working president Stalin will be elevated as the party the chief. Alagiri wielded considerable influence in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and was the party's organising secretary for south zone before his expulsion.

Expelled DMK leader M K Alagiri claims party will face 'threat' after September 5 rally

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted a video of Barrack Number 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail where former liquor baron Vijay Mallya will be kept after his extradition.&nbsp;

The video was sent on UK's Westminster Magistrate's Court's demand after Mallya complained about the inhabitable conditions in Indian jails.&nbsp;

The six to eight-minute-long video showed the jail to have a personal toilet, library, washing area and a TV set along with a courtyard.&nbsp;

According to media reports, the UK court asked the Indian government for&nbsp;a video of the prison cell for "the avoidance of doubt" over the availability of natural light in the cell where the businessman was expected to be detained pre-trial, during trial and in the event he was convicted by the Indian courts, news agency PTI reported

Vijay Mallya's defense lawyers had challenged the extradition on grounds that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India and that the conditions in Indian jails are not habitable.&nbsp;

A 'step by step video'&nbsp;of Barrack 12 was sent by the CBI to UK officials.

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Vijay Mallya extradition case: CBI submitted a video footage of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail to UK authorities this week. Westminster Magistrate's Court in London had requested India to compile a detailed video of barrack 12 after Mallya complained about conditions of Indian Jail <a href="https://t.co/2X2ooMrWZd">pic.twitter.com/2X2ooMrWZd</a>
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The CBI also added that Arthur Road Jail's Barrack 12 houses high-profile inmates, including prisoners who face a security threat elsewhere, or those who could pose a threat to others.&nbsp;

The UK court has been hearing money laundering case against Mallya, a charge he vehemently denies. Mallya had said he was ready to settle "all dues" but hadn't filed a clemency plea.

In the ongoing matter, in case the judge rules in favor of the Indian government, authorities in the UK will have about two months to sign Mallya's extradition order, but both parties will have a chance to appeal in higher courts.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier said it will appeal against a recent order of a PMLA tribunal, asking the agency to release a "minuscule" amount of assets it had attached in connection with a multi-crore-rupee bank loan fraud probe related to the Kingfisher Airlines and its promoter Vijay Mallya.

The CBI sent the video after authorities in the UK complained that there is 'no natural light' or fresh air in Indian jails.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted a video of Barrack Number 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail where former liquor baron Vijay Mallya will be kept after his extradition. The video was sent on UK's Westminster Magistrate's Court's demand after Mallya complained about the inhabitable conditions in Indian jails. The six to eight-minute-long video showed the jail to have a personal toilet, library, washing area and a TV set along with a courtyard. According to media reports, the UK court asked the Indian government for a video of the prison cell for "the avoidance of doubt" over the availability of natural light in the cell where the businessman was expected to be detained pre-trial, during trial and in the event he was convicted by the Indian courts, news agency PTI reported Vijay Mallya's defense lawyers had challenged the extradition on grounds that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India and that the conditions in Indian jails are not habitable. A 'step by step video' of Barrack 12 was sent by the CBI to UK officials. Vijay Mallya extradition case: CBI submitted a video footage of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail to UK authorities this week. Westminster Magistrate's Court in London had requested India to compile a detailed video of barrack 12 after Mallya complained about conditions of Indian Jail pic.twitter.com/2X2ooMrWZd — ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2018 × The CBI also added that Arthur Road Jail's Barrack 12 houses high-profile inmates, including prisoners who face a security threat elsewhere, or those who could pose a threat to others. The UK court has been hearing money laundering case against Mallya, a charge he vehemently denies. Mallya had said he was ready to settle "all dues" but hadn't filed a clemency plea. In the ongoing matter, in case the judge rules in favor of the Indian government, authorities in the UK will have about two months to sign Mallya's extradition order, but both parties will have a chance to appeal in higher courts. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier said it will appeal against a recent order of a PMLA tribunal, asking the agency to release a "minuscule" amount of assets it had attached in connection with a multi-crore-rupee bank loan fraud probe related to the Kingfisher Airlines and its promoter Vijay Mallya.

Vijay Mallya's Mumbai cell to have TV, private toilet, washing area; CBI sends video to UK court

Apropos my <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-does-imran-khan-have-the-gall-to-take-india-policy-out-of-army-isi-hands-160796">earlier blog</a> on pre-conditions to talks with Pakistan as an counter to Imran Khan's offer. 
 
In the intervening period, his swearing in ceremony was held and he had invited his Indian cricket contemporaries. Sensible ones declined the invitation. The only political one who had, like Imran graduated to politics, accepted the invitation to attend the ceremony.&nbsp

About Sidhu as a cricketer

In strictest sense of term Sidhu cannot be really called a cricketing contemporary of Imran. Imran's cricketing career was at its peak when Sidhu was cutting his teeth in international cricket. Like him, his on-field cricket also has multiple phases. He began his international as a stroke-less wonder in 1983, against the then mighty West Indies team in a domestic series. Sent in as an opener, he slept on the pitch and forgot the mandate for which he was sent in - to score runs. Hence, after spending considerable length of time on the pitch in slumber with single digit scores to show for, he was dropped.

Then he began his second tenure in 1987 World Cup as a man possessed, who had forgotten that you have to wait for the ball to be delivered. He would often meet spinners half way down the pitch to belt the ball out of the ground, and people loved it. He continued the same tempo outside the field and belted an old man to death. The case kept hanging for 30 years before he purchased his judgement. His career had spanned several eventful incidents, including him walking out of the Indian team during the tour of England in 1996. The incidents were always unsavoury, depicting the lopsidedness of his personality.

Sidhu the politician 
 
It was natural that he went to join politics in the country, since he had also acquired a criminal record to buttress his claim. Irrespective of which side of the political divide he was on, people will recall his propensity to break conventions/protocols expected of elected representatives. He would participate in comedy shows, which were exercises in belittling every person and every institution, with celebrities' participation. To that extent, it was fully tolerable.

Sidhu the minister 
 
But having been sworn in as a minister of the Punjab cabinet to moonlight with his continued participation in the said comedy show, Sidhu had shown his first expressive sign of disrespect to the established norms of public interest. A cabinet minister's is a full time job, requiring commitment 24x7. He challenged the establishment while being a part of it. He could have declined the cabinet position, but did not have the integrity to do so. It was a challenge to his public interest role, but the attendant consequences did not overtly have any national security imperatives.

Sidhu's participation in Imran Khan's swearing-in ceremony 
 
But his going to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan is acceptable. Let me recall from the opening part of this blog, the they were not cricketing contemporaries in the truest sense. You may not be able to recall many international matches tests or ODIs which Imran and Sidhu might have played opposite to each other. With Sunil Gavaskar or Kapil Dev it is well known that they did have encounters on the field on many more occasions. As regards Sidhu, his place in the team became permanent only after Imran had retired from international cricket. Hence to call them contemporaries is not correct.&nbsp

Invitation to Sidhu a ploy

That raises the question, was the invitation to Sidhu an ISI ploy? Indeed. Having regard to his propensity to make wild utterances couched in ornamental language with total disregard to consequences and also having regard to the fact that Sidhu is at present is at a crossroads with the central establishment, the Pakistanis simply laid a bait. Sidhu accepted it. Pakistanis are hailing him as a messenger of peace. In reality, when you watch the video, Imran did not even think it fit to shake hands when Sidhu draped him with a shawl as a congratulatory gesture. The utterances of Sidhu on his return to India check out as a ploy of the Pakistanis. These are reflexive of Imran's commitment to mischief in the garb of peace talks.

Unholy Pakistani ploy made successful

Is this nation so ungrateful to our protectors that a celebrity cricketer-turned-politician, goes and hugs the Army chief of Pakistan, who continues to violate ceasefires, and returns like a hero, be let off without the attendant consequences? I put the question to the readers.

(RVS Mani is a former Central government officer)

(This article was first published on The Zee News. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/navjot-sidhu-should-understand-there-can-be-no-sidhuisms-in-national-security-2135800.html">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp

&nbsp

The Pakistanis simply laid a bait. Navjot Singh Sidhu accepted it. Pakistanis are hailing him as a messenger of peace.

Apropos my earlier blog on pre-conditions to talks with Pakistan as an counter to Imran Khan's offer. In the intervening period, his swearing in ceremony was held and he had invited his Indian cricket contemporaries. Sensible ones declined the invitation. The only political one who had, like Imran graduated to politics, accepted the invitation to attend the ceremony. About Sidhu as a cricketer In strictest sense of term Sidhu cannot be really called a cricketing contemporary of Imran. Imran's cricketing career was at its peak when Sidhu was cutting his teeth in international cricket. Like him, his on-field cricket also has multiple phases. He began his international as a stroke-less wonder in 1983, against the then mighty West Indies team in a domestic series. Sent in as an opener, he slept on the pitch and forgot the mandate for which he was sent in - to score runs. Hence, after spending considerable length of time on the pitch in slumber with single digit scores to show for, he was dropped. Then he began his second tenure in 1987 World Cup as a man possessed, who had forgotten that you have to wait for the ball to be delivered. He would often meet spinners half way down the pitch to belt the ball out of the ground, and people loved it. He continued the same tempo outside the field and belted an old man to death. The case kept hanging for 30 years before he purchased his judgement. His career had spanned several eventful incidents, including him walking out of the Indian team during the tour of England in 1996. The incidents were always unsavoury, depicting the lopsidedness of his personality. Sidhu the politician It was natural that he went to join politics in the country, since he had also acquired a criminal record to buttress his claim. Irrespective of which side of the political divide he was on, people will recall his propensity to break conventions/protocols expected of elected representatives. He would participate in comedy shows, which were exercises in belittling every person and every institution, with celebrities' participation. To that extent, it was fully tolerable. Sidhu the minister But having been sworn in as a minister of the Punjab cabinet to moonlight with his continued participation in the said comedy show, Sidhu had shown his first expressive sign of disrespect to the established norms of public interest. A cabinet minister's is a full time job, requiring commitment 24x7. He challenged the establishment while being a part of it. He could have declined the cabinet position, but did not have the integrity to do so. It was a challenge to his public interest role, but the attendant consequences did not overtly have any national security imperatives. Sidhu's participation in Imran Khan's swearing-in ceremony But his going to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan is acceptable. Let me recall from the opening part of this blog, the they were not cricketing contemporaries in the truest sense. You may not be able to recall many international matches tests or ODIs which Imran and Sidhu might have played opposite to each other. With Sunil Gavaskar or Kapil Dev it is well known that they did have encounters on the field on many more occasions. As regards Sidhu, his place in the team became permanent only after Imran had retired from international cricket. Hence to call them contemporaries is not correct. Invitation to Sidhu a ploy That raises the question, was the invitation to Sidhu an ISI ploy? Indeed. Having regard to his propensity to make wild utterances couched in ornamental language with total disregard to consequences and also having regard to the fact that Sidhu is at present is at a crossroads with the central establishment, the Pakistanis simply laid a bait. Sidhu accepted it. Pakistanis are hailing him as a messenger of peace. In reality, when you watch the video, Imran did not even think it fit to shake hands when Sidhu draped him with a shawl as a congratulatory gesture. The utterances of Sidhu on his return to India check out as a ploy of the Pakistanis. These are reflexive of Imran's commitment to mischief in the garb of peace talks. Unholy Pakistani ploy made successful Is this nation so ungrateful to our protectors that a celebrity cricketer-turned-politician, goes and hugs the Army chief of Pakistan, who continues to violate ceasefires, and returns like a hero, be let off without the attendant consequences? I put the question to the readers. (RVS Mani is a former Central government officer) (This article was first published on The Zee News. 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: There can be no Sidhuisms in national security

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) informed the Madras High Court today that only 484 out of 1,940 requests made to social media companies, including Facebook and Twitter, seeking IP details of suspected cyber-criminals were answered during 2016-2018. &nbsp;

It submitted that without such crucial information, it is difficult to commence investigation into complaints of cybercrimes, Additional Commissioner of Police, CCB MT Ganeshmoorthy said.

The officer made the submission through an affidavit on a PIL moved by Antony Clement Rubin, a resident of Chennai, seeking direction to the central government to make it mandatory to link Aadhaar to all social media accounts.&nbsp;

According to the petitioner, the people involved in cybercrimes could be easily identified if Aadhaar was linked with such accounts.

Explaining the difficulty faced by the department, Ganeshmoorthy said, "To investigate any kind of complaints of cybercrime, the CCB is largely dependent on the information provided from the social media company concerned."&nbsp;

He said only after receiving details like Internet Protocol (IP) logs of the social media account, through which the offence was alleged to have committed, the department could proceed with the investigation.

"On receipt of IP logs for the 484 requests, nine cases were registered, 28 cases were closed after the complainant withdrew the complaint.&nbsp;

"Fifteen were closed as there was no prima facie case made out, 26 IP locations were found located outside India, 286 were pending for receiving IP user details from Internet Service Providers (ISP) and 120 IPs were found to be dynamic IP logs," Ganeshmoorthy said.

He said the CCB was facing difficulties in obtaining details from social media companies which were primarily located outside the country.

This apart, in some cases where IP logs obtained from Facebook, Google, Youtube were sent to ISPs for getting user details, the request remains unanswered for long periods, he said.&nbsp;

Particularly, companies like Go-daddy, Beam Telecom, Saudi Telecom had never responded to IP user requests, he added.

In case of Facebook, the company had asked them to approach them through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) or Letter Rogatory, which should be routed through diplomatic channel consuming more time, particularly when the data retention period is 60 to 90 days in foreign countries, he said.

Recording the submissions, a division bench of Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad orally directed the Centre to furnish the regulations governing ISPs and posted the plea to August 27 for further hearing.

It submitted that without such crucial information, it is difficult to commence investigation into complaints of cybercrimes, Additional Commissioner of Police, CCB MT Ganeshmoorthy said.

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) informed the Madras High Court today that only 484 out of 1,940 requests made to social media companies, including Facebook and Twitter, seeking IP details of suspected cyber-criminals were answered during 2016-2018. It submitted that without such crucial information, it is difficult to commence investigation into complaints of cybercrimes, Additional Commissioner of Police, CCB MT Ganeshmoorthy said. The officer made the submission through an affidavit on a PIL moved by Antony Clement Rubin, a resident of Chennai, seeking direction to the central government to make it mandatory to link Aadhaar to all social media accounts. According to the petitioner, the people involved in cybercrimes could be easily identified if Aadhaar was linked with such accounts. Explaining the difficulty faced by the department, Ganeshmoorthy said, "To investigate any kind of complaints of cybercrime, the CCB is largely dependent on the information provided from the social media company concerned." He said only after receiving details like Internet Protocol (IP) logs of the social media account, through which the offence was alleged to have committed, the department could proceed with the investigation. "On receipt of IP logs for the 484 requests, nine cases were registered, 28 cases were closed after the complainant withdrew the complaint. "Fifteen were closed as there was no prima facie case made out, 26 IP locations were found located outside India, 286 were pending for receiving IP user details from Internet Service Providers (ISP) and 120 IPs were found to be dynamic IP logs," Ganeshmoorthy said. He said the CCB was facing difficulties in obtaining details from social media companies which were primarily located outside the country. This apart, in some cases where IP logs obtained from Facebook, Google, Youtube were sent to ISPs for getting user details, the request remains unanswered for long periods, he said. Particularly, companies like Go-daddy, Beam Telecom, Saudi Telecom had never responded to IP user requests, he added. In case of Facebook, the company had asked them to approach them through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) or Letter Rogatory, which should be routed through diplomatic channel consuming more time, particularly when the data retention period is 60 to 90 days in foreign countries, he said. Recording the submissions, a division bench of Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad orally directed the Centre to furnish the regulations governing ISPs and posted the plea to August 27 for further hearing.

Out of 1940, only 484 requests for cyber-criminals information answered: CCB to High Court

An Italian DJ, Olly Esse, reportedly said that she was manhandled and slapped by the Air India staff at the&nbsp;Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, on August 19. The airline has since denied the charges.&nbsp;

In an online video, Esse said she was travelling on an Air India flight to Delhi, after touring in Hyderabad, which was delayed by nine hours.&nbsp;Reports say that Air India alleged that Esse was agitated because of the delay.

Esse has also alleged that the police did not respond positively when she went to register a case. She had posted a video on her Facebook account narrating the incident.

"The lady at the desk who was supposed to help me was rude. At the end of the story she slapped me. I want to complain to the police, but that was not possible as the guy (police) who should take the complaint was not there. I feel violated," she said in the video.

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She also alleges that airport security also refused to help her.

"After that as soon as I took the name and surname, tried to go to the police station and file the case and u know what? The inspector was not even there and when I've asked for help of the security of the airport they literally started to laugh in my face. I've tried to ask for mercy and help and no one cared," she wrote.

"Bravo AIR INDIA! I AM LEFT WITH NO FOOD AND WATER FOR 9 HOURS. NO ONE CARED ABOUT ME BEING LITERALLY ASSAULTED PHYSICALLY and the manager didn't even blinked or assisted me!" she added.

M Mahesh, Airport police inspector said they received a complaint from her on April 19 and booked a case under sections for punishment for voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation of IPC and were investigating it.

When contacted an AI spokesperson denied the charge and said the lady whom Esse met at the Air India counter was an outsourcing employee.

"The person (female employee) is an outsourcing employee. She did not slap her. That was a false allegation. Ms Esse was filming the employee with her mobile phone, to which she (the employee) objected and tried to stop her. In the melee, her phone slipped from her hand, but did not fall on the ground," the Air India official told PTI.

The police have informed that an investigation is currently going on and the footage from the incident is under verification.

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Good afternoon madam 
I Mahesh Inspector of Police RIGA PS 
I am very much available in the police station since morning. I enquired and came to know that you met a special police constable. Since he is on gaured duty he might have informed you to visit PS RGIA in shamshabad.
— RGI Airport Police Station (@psrgia_cyb) <a href="https://twitter.com/psrgia_cyb/status/1031123739856003073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from PTI)

M Mahesh, Airport police inspector said they received a complaint from her on April 19 and booked a case under sections for punishment for voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation of IPC and were investigating it.

An Italian DJ, Olly Esse, reportedly said that she was manhandled and slapped by the Air India staff at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, on August 19. The airline has since denied the charges. In an online video, Esse said she was travelling on an Air India flight to Delhi, after touring in Hyderabad, which was delayed by nine hours. Reports say that Air India alleged that Esse was agitated because of the delay. Esse has also alleged that the police did not respond positively when she went to register a case. She had posted a video on her Facebook account narrating the incident. "The lady at the desk who was supposed to help me was rude. At the end of the story she slapped me. I want to complain to the police, but that was not possible as the guy (police) who should take the complaint was not there. I feel violated," she said in the video. × She also alleges that airport security also refused to help her. "After that as soon as I took the name and surname, tried to go to the police station and file the case and u know what? The inspector was not even there and when I've asked for help of the security of the airport they literally started to laugh in my face. I've tried to ask for mercy and help and no one cared," she wrote. "Bravo AIR INDIA! I AM LEFT WITH NO FOOD AND WATER FOR 9 HOURS. NO ONE CARED ABOUT ME BEING LITERALLY ASSAULTED PHYSICALLY and the manager didn't even blinked or assisted me!" she added. M Mahesh, Airport police inspector said they received a complaint from her on April 19 and booked a case under sections for punishment for voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation of IPC and were investigating it. When contacted an AI spokesperson denied the charge and said the lady whom Esse met at the Air India counter was an outsourcing employee. "The person (female employee) is an outsourcing employee. She did not slap her. That was a false allegation. Ms Esse was filming the employee with her mobile phone, to which she (the employee) objected and tried to stop her. In the melee, her phone slipped from her hand, but did not fall on the ground," the Air India official told PTI. The police have informed that an investigation is currently going on and the footage from the incident is under verification. Good afternoon madam I Mahesh Inspector of Police RIGA PS I am very much available in the police station since morning. I enquired and came to know that you met a special police constable. Since he is on gaured duty he might have informed you to visit PS RGIA in shamshabad. — RGI Airport Police Station (@psrgia_cyb) August 19, 2018 × (With inputs from PTI)

Air India staff allegedly assaults Italian DJ in Hyderabad, airline denies charges

SOS International, an organisation representing displaced people from the PoK, has moved an application for impleadment in connection with a batch of petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of Article 35A of the Constitution.

The application filed yesterday urged the apex court to consider the plight of the people displaced from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir who have been the victims of the provision, it said in a statement in Jammu.&nbsp

It said the application, filed by SOS International chairman Rajiv Chuni, has drawn attention to the "petty relief package" sanctioned by the Centre, whose benefit could not be taken by those who do not possess the state's domicile.

He also highlighted the plight of 12 lakh people and of more than 1.5 lakh families who are still residing in transit camps and living deplorable and miserable lives in Jammu and Kashmir, the statement said.

It said the displaced people who were settled in other states could not take benefit of the package.&nbsp

"India a sovereign democratic republic and any kind of discrimination is a direct attack on the sovereignty, which has no place in the benign Constitution and is a flagrant breach of one's rights," Chuni claimed in the application.&nbsp

Meanwhile, NGO Ikk Jutt Jammu president Ankur Sharma moved a plea in the Supreme Court yesterday challenging the validity of the article and alleged the provision represented the endeavour to convert Jammu and Kashmir into a Muslim state.

"Article 35-A denies fundamental rights to lakhs of West Pakistani Refugees, Gorkhas and sanitation workers of Valmiki Samaj," he alleged.

The NGO today organised a seminar on 'Article 35A: Jammu under siege' demanding scrapping of the constitutional provision.

Historian Hari Om said the article was a mockery of Constitution and was made applicable retrospectively from 1944, when India was even not a free republic and Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state.

"The act was a decisive blow to equality and freedom," he said.&nbsp

MLA Pawan Gupta said the most dangerous implication of the provision was gender inequality.

The application filed yesterday urged the apex court to consider the plight of the people displaced from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir who have been the victims of the provision, it said in a statement here.

SOS International, an organisation representing displaced people from the PoK, has moved an application for impleadment in connection with a batch of petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of Article 35A of the Constitution. The application filed yesterday urged the apex court to consider the plight of the people displaced from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir who have been the victims of the provision, it said in a statement in Jammu. It said the application, filed by SOS International chairman Rajiv Chuni, has drawn attention to the "petty relief package" sanctioned by the Centre, whose benefit could not be taken by those who do not possess the state's domicile. He also highlighted the plight of 12 lakh people and of more than 1.5 lakh families who are still residing in transit camps and living deplorable and miserable lives in Jammu and Kashmir, the statement said. It said the displaced people who were settled in other states could not take benefit of the package. "India a sovereign democratic republic and any kind of discrimination is a direct attack on the sovereignty, which has no place in the benign Constitution and is a flagrant breach of one's rights," Chuni claimed in the application. Meanwhile, NGO Ikk Jutt Jammu president Ankur Sharma moved a plea in the Supreme Court yesterday challenging the validity of the article and alleged the provision represented the endeavour to convert Jammu and Kashmir into a Muslim state. "Article 35-A denies fundamental rights to lakhs of West Pakistani Refugees, Gorkhas and sanitation workers of Valmiki Samaj," he alleged. The NGO today organised a seminar on 'Article 35A: Jammu under siege' demanding scrapping of the constitutional provision. Historian Hari Om said the article was a mockery of Constitution and was made applicable retrospectively from 1944, when India was even not a free republic and Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state. "The act was a decisive blow to equality and freedom," he said. MLA Pawan Gupta said the most dangerous implication of the provision was gender inequality.

SOS international moves Supreme Court on Article 35A

Anil Ambani's Reliance Group companies have filed a Rs 5,000-crore defamation suit against Congress-owned 'National Herald', claiming an article published in the newspaper regarding the Rafale fighter deal was "libellous and derogatory".

The civil defamation suit was filed by Reliance Defence, Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Aerostructure, which belong to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group, against the Associated Journals Limited, the publisher of the National Herald, its editor in-charge Zafar Agha, and author of the article, Vishwadeepak.

The suit was filed on Friday in the court of city civil and sessions judge P J Tamakuwala, who issued notices to the respondents and sought replies by September 7.

In the suit, the companies alleged the article titled 'Anil Ambani floated Reliance Defence 10 days before Modi announced Rafale deal' was libellous and defamatory, and it "misleads the general public to believe that undue business favours are being extended to them by the government of the day".

The article conveys a "negative image" and "adversely affects the public perception" of Reliance Group and its chairman Ambani, the petition said.

It has caused "considerable damage" to reputation and goodwill of plaintiff firms, it said, seeking damages of Rs 5,000 crore.

The plaintiffs "vehemently" deny the content of the article, the petition said.

Earlier, Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group had sent legal notices to several Congress leaders, asking them to "cease and desist" from levelling such allegations against the company in connection with Rafale deal.&nbsp

In the suit, the companies alleged the article titled 'Anil Ambani floated Reliance Defence 10 days before Modi announced Rafale deal' was libellous and defamatory, and it 'misleads the general public to believe that undue business favours are being extended to them by the government of the day'

Anil Ambani's Reliance Group companies have filed a Rs 5,000-crore defamation suit against Congress-owned 'National Herald', claiming an article published in the newspaper regarding the Rafale fighter deal was "libellous and derogatory". The civil defamation suit was filed by Reliance Defence, Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Aerostructure, which belong to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group, against the Associated Journals Limited, the publisher of the National Herald, its editor in-charge Zafar Agha, and author of the article, Vishwadeepak. The suit was filed on Friday in the court of city civil and sessions judge P J Tamakuwala, who issued notices to the respondents and sought replies by September 7. In the suit, the companies alleged the article titled 'Anil Ambani floated Reliance Defence 10 days before Modi announced Rafale deal' was libellous and defamatory, and it "misleads the general public to believe that undue business favours are being extended to them by the government of the day". The article conveys a "negative image" and "adversely affects the public perception" of Reliance Group and its chairman Ambani, the petition said. It has caused "considerable damage" to reputation and goodwill of plaintiff firms, it said, seeking damages of Rs 5,000 crore. The plaintiffs "vehemently" deny the content of the article, the petition said. Earlier, Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group had sent legal notices to several Congress leaders, asking them to "cease and desist" from levelling such allegations against the company in connection with Rafale deal.

Rafale row: Anil Ambani files Rs 5,000 crore defamation suit against National Herald

The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday told a Delhi court that there was enough evidence to take cognisance of its charge sheet and summon RJD chief Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi and others as accused in connection with the IRCTC hotels allotment money laundering case.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar reserved his order on whether to summon Prasad, his wife, their son former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav as accused for September 11.

The ED's special public prosecutor Atul Tripathy told the court that the agency had gathered enough evidence against the accused and had submitted them along with the charge sheet.

"These evidence are enough to take cognisance of the charge sheet and summoned those named in them as accused," the counsel said.

In the charge sheet filed on Friday, the ED had also named RJD member PC Gupta and his wife Sarla Gupta, a firm Lara Projects and 10 others in the prosecution complaint (charge sheet) filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The agency said Prasad and IRCTC officials allegedly misused their position for granting sub-lease of the rights of two railway hotels at Puri and Ranchi to Ms Sujata Hotel Pvt. Ltd. Owned by Kochhars.&nbsp;

In lieu of the hotels sub-lease, 358 decimal of prime plot of land in Patna was transferred to Ms Delight Marketing Company Pvt Ltd (a company owned by family of P C Gupta who is a close associate of Prasad and an MP from RJD) in February 2005 at a rate which was much less than the then prevailing circle rates.&nbsp;

"The said company possessing valuable chunk of land gradually got transferred to Rabri Devi and her son Tejashwi by way of share purchase at nominal prices.&nbsp;

"The funds used to acquire the land had dubious origin and had been laundered through 151 group of companies belonging to P C Gupta by using an NBFC named Ms Abhishek Finance Company Limited," the agency charged.&nbsp;

Subsequently, the shares of Ms Delight Marketing Company Private Limited, it said, were acquired by Rabri Devi and Tejashwi at less than fair market value.&nbsp;

"It is noteworthy that the funds used for acquisition of shares by Rabri Devi are questionable and individuals from whom Tejashwi had purchased shares denied any knowledge of holding them," it said.

The ED said it has attached assets worth over Rs 44 crore in this case till now. The CBI too had filed a charge sheet in this case sometime back.

The CBI FIR had alleged that Lalu Prasad, during his tenure as the railway minister in UPA-I government, handed over the maintenance of two IRCTC hotels to a company in 2004 after receiving a bribe in the form of a prime land in Patna through a 'benami' company owned by Sarla Gupta, the wife of Prem Chand Gupta, who was also a former union minister.

The ED registered the criminal case against his family members and others under the PMLA, based on this CBI FIR.&nbsp;

The ED is investigating the alleged "proceeds of crime" generated by the accused, purportedly through shell companies, according to the officials.

Others named in the CBI FIR include Vijay Kochhar, Vinay Kochhar (both directors of Sujata Hotels), Delight Marketing company, now known as Lara Projects, and the then IRCTC managing director P.K. Goel.&nbsp;

The CBI FIR was registered on July 5 in connection with favours allegedly extended to Sujata Hotels in awarding a contract for the upkeep of the hotels in Ranchi and Puri and receiving premium land as "quid pro quo".

Special Judge Arvind Kumar reserved his order on whether to summon Prasad, his wife, their son former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav as accused for September 11.

The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday told a Delhi court that there was enough evidence to take cognisance of its charge sheet and summon RJD chief Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi and others as accused in connection with the IRCTC hotels allotment money laundering case. Special Judge Arvind Kumar reserved his order on whether to summon Prasad, his wife, their son former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav as accused for September 11. The ED's special public prosecutor Atul Tripathy told the court that the agency had gathered enough evidence against the accused and had submitted them along with the charge sheet. "These evidence are enough to take cognisance of the charge sheet and summoned those named in them as accused," the counsel said. In the charge sheet filed on Friday, the ED had also named RJD member PC Gupta and his wife Sarla Gupta, a firm Lara Projects and 10 others in the prosecution complaint (charge sheet) filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency said Prasad and IRCTC officials allegedly misused their position for granting sub-lease of the rights of two railway hotels at Puri and Ranchi to Ms Sujata Hotel Pvt. Ltd. Owned by Kochhars. In lieu of the hotels sub-lease, 358 decimal of prime plot of land in Patna was transferred to Ms Delight Marketing Company Pvt Ltd (a company owned by family of P C Gupta who is a close associate of Prasad and an MP from RJD) in February 2005 at a rate which was much less than the then prevailing circle rates. "The said company possessing valuable chunk of land gradually got transferred to Rabri Devi and her son Tejashwi by way of share purchase at nominal prices. "The funds used to acquire the land had dubious origin and had been laundered through 151 group of companies belonging to P C Gupta by using an NBFC named Ms Abhishek Finance Company Limited," the agency charged. Subsequently, the shares of Ms Delight Marketing Company Private Limited, it said, were acquired by Rabri Devi and Tejashwi at less than fair market value. "It is noteworthy that the funds used for acquisition of shares by Rabri Devi are questionable and individuals from whom Tejashwi had purchased shares denied any knowledge of holding them," it said. The ED said it has attached assets worth over Rs 44 crore in this case till now. The CBI too had filed a charge sheet in this case sometime back. The CBI FIR had alleged that Lalu Prasad, during his tenure as the railway minister in UPA-I government, handed over the maintenance of two IRCTC hotels to a company in 2004 after receiving a bribe in the form of a prime land in Patna through a 'benami' company owned by Sarla Gupta, the wife of Prem Chand Gupta, who was also a former union minister. The ED registered the criminal case against his family members and others under the PMLA, based on this CBI FIR. The ED is investigating the alleged "proceeds of crime" generated by the accused, purportedly through shell companies, according to the officials. Others named in the CBI FIR include Vijay Kochhar, Vinay Kochhar (both directors of Sujata Hotels), Delight Marketing company, now known as Lara Projects, and the then IRCTC managing director P.K. Goel. The CBI FIR was registered on July 5 in connection with favours allegedly extended to Sujata Hotels in awarding a contract for the upkeep of the hotels in Ranchi and Puri and receiving premium land as "quid pro quo".

Enough evidence to summon Lalu as accused in money laundering case: ED to Court

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday maintained that there was no lack of clarity on UAE aid for the flood-ravaged state. He hoped the Centre would accept the "offer" of Rs 700 crore, news agency PTI reported.

CM Vijayan said NRI businessman MA Yusfuf Ali had informed him about the aid. The UAE aid was communicated to Ali when he had met the crown prince to convey Bakrid greetings, the Chief Minister noted.

"When I asked him whether it could be made public, he said there is no problem in it," Vijayan told media on Friday.

Vijayan said the issue whether or not to accept the aid was a matter to be decided by the Centre.

"I hope that this will be accepted," Vijayan added.

Officials in the UAE embassy in New Delhi said <a href="wionews.com/india-news/no-aid-finalised-officially-for-kerala-flood-relief-uae-officials-161290">no specific amount for financial aid</a> to flood-ravaged Kerala was finalised officially by the United Arab Emirates and there was no announcement on donation to the state.

UAE ambassador Ahmed Albannam, without mentioning financial aid, said his government only set up a national emergency committee to provide relief assistance to people affected by flash floods in Kerala.

Meanwhile, the central government has clarified that it <a href="wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-wont-take-foreign-aid-says-government-cm-vijayan-says-may-discuss-with-centre-160934">won't be accepting any foreign financial aid</a> and would rather assist relief and rehabilitation work in Kerala with the help of domestic measures.&nbsp;

Kerala, which faced the worst floods and rainfall in its history in nearly 100 years, received a respite from unabated torrential rainfall this Monday. State authorities reported floodwaters receding across the state with rehabilitation work in full swing.&nbsp;

Although lakhs of people have returned home, there are still about 8.69 lakh people in 2287 relief camps across the state, officials said.

The destructive deluge in Kerala claimed nearly 400 lives this monsoon season rendering over 10 lakh displaced and homeless, taking shelter in over 5,000 relief camps across the state.&nbsp;

The estimated loss to the state has amounted to over Rs 21,000 crore. Cochin International Airport is expected to <a href="wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-cochin-airport-to-open-on-august-29-160904">resume operations from August 29</a>.&nbsp;

CM Vijayan said NRI businessman MA Yusfuf Ali had informed him about the aid.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday maintained that there was no lack of clarity on UAE aid for the flood-ravaged state. He hoped the Centre would accept the "offer" of Rs 700 crore, news agency PTI reported. CM Vijayan said NRI businessman MA Yusfuf Ali had informed him about the aid. The UAE aid was communicated to Ali when he had met the crown prince to convey Bakrid greetings, the Chief Minister noted. "When I asked him whether it could be made public, he said there is no problem in it," Vijayan told media on Friday. Vijayan said the issue whether or not to accept the aid was a matter to be decided by the Centre. "I hope that this will be accepted," Vijayan added. Officials in the UAE embassy in New Delhi said no specific amount for financial aid to flood-ravaged Kerala was finalised officially by the United Arab Emirates and there was no announcement on donation to the state. UAE ambassador Ahmed Albannam, without mentioning financial aid, said his government only set up a national emergency committee to provide relief assistance to people affected by flash floods in Kerala. Meanwhile, the central government has clarified that it won't be accepting any foreign financial aid and would rather assist relief and rehabilitation work in Kerala with the help of domestic measures. Kerala, which faced the worst floods and rainfall in its history in nearly 100 years, received a respite from unabated torrential rainfall this Monday. State authorities reported floodwaters receding across the state with rehabilitation work in full swing. Although lakhs of people have returned home, there are still about 8.69 lakh people in 2287 relief camps across the state, officials said. The destructive deluge in Kerala claimed nearly 400 lives this monsoon season rendering over 10 lakh displaced and homeless, taking shelter in over 5,000 relief camps across the state. The estimated loss to the state has amounted to over Rs 21,000 crore. Cochin International Airport is expected to resume operations from August 29.

'No lack of clarity on UAE aid,' says Kerala CM Vijayan; hopes Centre to accept offer

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday broke his silence on triple talaq and said that the party was against&nbsp;the criminalisation aspect of the bill but did not stonewall anything.&nbsp;

Speaking in London Gandhi said,''Our issue is with the criminalisation aspect&nbsp;but we have not stonewalled anything.''

Triple Talaq has become a political issue post-Supreme Court ruling on it.

The BJP has treated triple talaq talk as an issue of gender reform whereas conservatives within the minority community treat it as an interference in the personal laws of Muslims. Triple Talaq Bill was passed in Lok Sabha but it is still pending in Rajya Sabha.

The bill has not been introduced in Rajya Sabha due to the Congress&nbsp;opposition.&nbsp;

Speaking to DNA-WION, MA Naqvi, Minister in charge of Minority Affairs and with additional portfolio of Parliamentary Affairs, said,''This is the double standard of the Congress Party. They have stalled the bill in the Parliament. First the,y wanted the bill to go to the Select Committee now they are not allowing to come up for discussion.''

For Rajya Sabha, BJP had added two amendments which were not part of the original bill passed by Lok Sabha. The first amendment makes it possible to take bail from the magistrate which is not part of the original draft. The second amendment makes FIR limited to the blood relative. BJP had used this issue in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections with great success.

Rahul Gandhi also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Doklam issue.

“Do you know that Chinese have built a massive infrastructure at Doklam. PM went to China recently. He did not discuss the issue of Doklam. He did not discuss the issue of infrastructure. He had a conversation without an agenda. Somebody comes and slaps you across the face and you have a non-agenda conversation,'' Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi met journalists and students at separate venues in London and responded to multiple queries.

Speaking in London, he&nbsp;candidly admitted that a grand coalition will shape up before the Lok Sabha election&nbsp;in India but added that Congress Party will have no truck with ideologically opposed parties.

“There are parties who were with BJP and are now opposed to it. We are only going to align with parties who are ideologically aligned to us,” said Rahul Gandhi.

He also said that though Congress is an old party but in past it had become difficult to become a part of it. “Congress needs to open up. Party requires a mix of young and old. It is happening now. Look at the team of Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan,” said Rahul Gandhi.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> London: Rahul Gandhi responds to ANI’s question on Triple Talaq. “We have an issue with the criminalisation but we have not stone walled anything. Our issue is with the criminalisation aspect,” says Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/9E0bcXJyAI">pic.twitter.com/9E0bcXJyAI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1033343455295102977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Triple Talaq has become a political issue post-Supreme Court ruling on it.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday broke his silence on triple talaq and said that the party was against the criminalisation aspect of the bill but did not stonewall anything. Speaking in London Gandhi said,''Our issue is with the criminalisation aspect but we have not stonewalled anything.'' Triple Talaq has become a political issue post-Supreme Court ruling on it. The BJP has treated triple talaq talk as an issue of gender reform whereas conservatives within the minority community treat it as an interference in the personal laws of Muslims. Triple Talaq Bill was passed in Lok Sabha but it is still pending in Rajya Sabha. The bill has not been introduced in Rajya Sabha due to the Congress opposition. Speaking to DNA-WION, MA Naqvi, Minister in charge of Minority Affairs and with additional portfolio of Parliamentary Affairs, said,''This is the double standard of the Congress Party. They have stalled the bill in the Parliament. First the,y wanted the bill to go to the Select Committee now they are not allowing to come up for discussion.'' For Rajya Sabha, BJP had added two amendments which were not part of the original bill passed by Lok Sabha. The first amendment makes it possible to take bail from the magistrate which is not part of the original draft. The second amendment makes FIR limited to the blood relative. BJP had used this issue in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections with great success. Rahul Gandhi also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Doklam issue. “Do you know that Chinese have built a massive infrastructure at Doklam. PM went to China recently. He did not discuss the issue of Doklam. He did not discuss the issue of infrastructure. He had a conversation without an agenda. Somebody comes and slaps you across the face and you have a non-agenda conversation,'' Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi met journalists and students at separate venues in London and responded to multiple queries. Speaking in London, he candidly admitted that a grand coalition will shape up before the Lok Sabha election in India but added that Congress Party will have no truck with ideologically opposed parties. “There are parties who were with BJP and are now opposed to it. We are only going to align with parties who are ideologically aligned to us,” said Rahul Gandhi. He also said that though Congress is an old party but in past it had become difficult to become a part of it. “Congress needs to open up. Party requires a mix of young and old. It is happening now. Look at the team of Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan,” said Rahul Gandhi. #WATCH London: Rahul Gandhi responds to ANI’s question on Triple Talaq. “We have an issue with the criminalisation but we have not stone walled anything. Our issue is with the criminalisation aspect,” says Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/9E0bcXJyAI — ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2018 ×

Triple Talaq Issue: Rahul Gandhi breaks silence, says Congress against 'criminalisation' aspect

A grant of over Rs 18 crore has been approved by the Union Health Ministry for flood-ravaged Kerala, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The health ministry, under the National Health Mission (NHM), will be disbursing the sum to villages health, sanitation and nutrition committees in flood-hit Kerala.

"Health Ministry approves an additional grant of Rs 18.71 crore under NHM to Kerala for disbursing to Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees for Kerala flood relief, as per the state request," the official tweet read.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda had earlier said no outbreak of any communicable diseases has been reported so far in the state.

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued health advisories over post-flood public health management citing that the threat of waterborne, vector-borne and viral hepatitis diseases becomes potent after a flood situation.

Around 65 metric tonnes of emergency drugs were airlifted by the Indian Air Force to Thiruvananthapuram, the Ministry stated. One crore chlorine tablets were also sent while another one crore are in transit.

State authorities have raised a request of four crore chlorine tablets which will be met in phases.&nbsp;

The deluge in Kerala has claimed as many nearly 400 people this monsoon season. More than 10 lakh people were displaced and rendered homeless who took shelter in relief camps set up across the state.&nbsp;

The Central government had announced floods in Kerala a "calamity of severe nature". Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had described the flood situation as "grave" which led to the opening of nearly 33 dams and reservoirs for the first time.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued health advisories over post-flood public health management.

A grant of over Rs 18 crore has been approved by the Union Health Ministry for flood-ravaged Kerala, news agency PTI reported. The health ministry, under the National Health Mission (NHM), will be disbursing the sum to villages health, sanitation and nutrition committees in flood-hit Kerala. "Health Ministry approves an additional grant of Rs 18.71 crore under NHM to Kerala for disbursing to Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees for Kerala flood relief, as per the state request," the official tweet read. Union Health Minister JP Nadda had earlier said no outbreak of any communicable diseases has been reported so far in the state. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued health advisories over post-flood public health management citing that the threat of waterborne, vector-borne and viral hepatitis diseases becomes potent after a flood situation. Around 65 metric tonnes of emergency drugs were airlifted by the Indian Air Force to Thiruvananthapuram, the Ministry stated. One crore chlorine tablets were also sent while another one crore are in transit. State authorities have raised a request of four crore chlorine tablets which will be met in phases. The deluge in Kerala has claimed as many nearly 400 people this monsoon season. More than 10 lakh people were displaced and rendered homeless who took shelter in relief camps set up across the state. The Central government had announced floods in Kerala a "calamity of severe nature". Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had described the flood situation as "grave" which led to the opening of nearly 33 dams and reservoirs for the first time. (With inputs from PTI)

Union Health Ministry approves grant of over Rs 18 crore for flood-hit Kerala

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) on Friday announced that it will offer free bus services to women ahead of Raksha Bandhan on Sunday.&nbsp;

UPSRTC informed that free bus rides will be applicable to all categories of the state-owned buses including the air-conditioned (AC) ones for two days on August 25 and August 26.

At least 134 buses would travel across the various routes in the state offering free rides to women.&nbsp;

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The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) to offer free services to women in its buses of all categories including the AC buses on Aug 25 & Aug 26 ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RakshaBandhan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RakshaBandhan</a>.
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1032981404496187394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Also, the Delhi division of the Indian Railway announced that they would run ladies special trains to help women travel in a safe and secure manner.&nbsp;

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Friday announced that the Delhi Metro would conduct an additional 253 extra trips on Saturday and 598 trips on Sunday, ANI reported. On Saturday and Sunday, ahead of Raksha Bandhan, the metro line services is said to begin early, at 6 am instead of the usual timing at 8 am.

Extra traffic supervisory staff on streets and security personnel for metro stations will also be deployed to handle the rush expected on the Raksha Bandhan weekend, reports said.

UPSRTC informed that free bus rides will be applicable to all categories of the state-owned buses including the air-conditioned (AC) ones for two days on August 25 and August 26.

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) on Friday announced that it will offer free bus services to women ahead of Raksha Bandhan on Sunday. UPSRTC informed that free bus rides will be applicable to all categories of the state-owned buses including the air-conditioned (AC) ones for two days on August 25 and August 26. At least 134 buses would travel across the various routes in the state offering free rides to women. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) to offer free services to women in its buses of all categories including the AC buses on Aug 25 & Aug 26 ahead of #RakshaBandhan. — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 24, 2018 × Also, the Delhi division of the Indian Railway announced that they would run ladies special trains to help women travel in a safe and secure manner. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Friday announced that the Delhi Metro would conduct an additional 253 extra trips on Saturday and 598 trips on Sunday, ANI reported. On Saturday and Sunday, ahead of Raksha Bandhan, the metro line services is said to begin early, at 6 am instead of the usual timing at 8 am. Extra traffic supervisory staff on streets and security personnel for metro stations will also be deployed to handle the rush expected on the Raksha Bandhan weekend, reports said.

UP: Free bus rides to female passengers on Raksha Bandhan

Following a hacking of servers of city-headquartered Cosmos Bank,&nbspRs.&nbsp78 crore were withdrawn "physically" from 28 countries including the UK, USA, Russia and the UAE using cloned ATM cards, the police said on Friday.

On August 11 and 13, unidentified hackers targeted the bank's ATM switch server and stole details of VISA and Rupay ATM cards. They also attacked the interbank SWIFT system, and siphoned off&nbspRs.&nbsp94 crore in total.

"The United Kingdom, United States, Russia, United Arab Emirates and Canada are among 28 countries from where&nbspRs.&nbsp78 crore were withdrawn physically, using cloned cards," said Jyotipriya Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber and Economic Offences Wing).

The cyber cell was getting in touch with law enforcement agencies of these countries for further action, she said.

The hackers must have done some kind of "recce" (study) of the bank's system, she said.

"We suspect that the bank must have received some sort of alerts before the attack and we are waiting for the security audit report from the bank," DCP Singh said.

The cyber cell's aim now is to find out the "money mules" who were used to withdraw the money using ATMs in foreign&nbsp countries, she said.

The police have recovered around&nbspRs.&nbspfour lakh from the genuine Cosmos cardholders, who had visited ATMs when the malware (malicious software installed by hackers in the bank's system) was active and withdrew more money than their account balance, she said.

"These people are original cardholders, who, out of greed, withdrew money from the ATMs during the time the malware or proxy switch server was active," Singh said.&nbsp

On August 11 and 13, unidentified hackers targeted the bank's ATM switch server and stole details of VISA and Rupay ATM cards. They also attacked the interbank SWIFT system, and siphoned off Rs. 94 crore in total.

Following a hacking of servers of city-headquartered Cosmos Bank,&nbspRs.&nbsp78 crore were withdrawn "physically" from 28 countries including the UK, USA, Russia and the UAE using cloned ATM cards, the police said on Friday. On August 11 and 13, unidentified hackers targeted the bank's ATM switch server and stole details of VISA and Rupay ATM cards. They also attacked the interbank SWIFT system, and siphoned off&nbspRs.&nbsp94 crore in total. "The United Kingdom, United States, Russia, United Arab Emirates and Canada are among 28 countries from where&nbspRs.&nbsp78 crore were withdrawn physically, using cloned cards," said Jyotipriya Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber and Economic Offences Wing). The cyber cell was getting in touch with law enforcement agencies of these countries for further action, she said. The hackers must have done some kind of "recce" (study) of the bank's system, she said. "We suspect that the bank must have received some sort of alerts before the attack and we are waiting for the security audit report from the bank," DCP Singh said. The cyber cell's aim now is to find out the "money mules" who were used to withdraw the money using ATMs in foreign countries, she said. The police have recovered around&nbspRs.&nbspfour lakh from the genuine Cosmos cardholders, who had visited ATMs when the malware (malicious software installed by hackers in the bank's system) was active and withdrew more money than their account balance, she said. "These people are original cardholders, who, out of greed, withdrew money from the ATMs during the time the malware or proxy switch server was active," Singh said.

Hackers used cloned ATM cards to withdraw Rs 78 crore from cosmos bank

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Exercise began on Friday, bringing Indian and Pakistani militaries to participate for the first time in a joint exercise under the anti-terror setting.

The six-day SCO Exercise, which has brought the two countries together for the Exercise Peaceful Mission 2018, will continue till August 29 at Chebarkul town in Chelyabinsk Oblast in Russia. The Indian contingent will return on August 30.

The opening ceremony of the peace mission exercise was conducted at the Combined Arms Range at Chebarkul. It started with a speech by Central Military District Commander Col Gen Alexander Lapin, the Exercise Chief, who exhorted the participating troops to execute all tasks allotted to them in a professional manner.

The meet was declared open with the hoisting of national flags of all member nations, accompanied by respective national anthems. Contingent commanders also addressed the gathering followed by an impressive march past.

Col Gen Lapin conducted an operation briefing and issued directives. The exercise include zeroing and firing by tanks, infantry combat vehicle BMPs and small arms, practice jump by airborne troops, etc.

The exercise will also see sports competitions with a total of six sports activities planned during the period.

Approximately 3000 troops from the Armed Forces of all eight SCO member states are participating in the exercise. The 200-member strong Indian contingent has 167 Indian Army personnel including four women officers and 33 personnel from the Indian Air Force.

The Pakistan contingent comprises 110 members, while the strength of the Chinese contingent is of 748 personnel.

One the sidelines of this exercise, a meeting of the Expert Working Group (EWG) will also take place in Moscow on August 27. Lt Gen Satish Dua, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) of the Indian Armed Forces will be leading the Indian delegation for the EWG meeting. The prime agenda of the EWG meeting would be to prepare the protocol for the meeting of Chiefs of General Staffs (CGS, and equivalent).

The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation, which was initially created in China with five more members namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were given the status of full members of SOC in 2017.

The SCO is aimed at strengthening mutual trust and partnership among the member states, promoting effective cooperation in trade, research, economy, politics, technology, culture, education, energy, tourism among other things.

The six-day SCO Exercise, which has brought the two countries together for the Exercise Peaceful Mission 2018, will continue till August 29 at Chebarkul town in Chelyabinsk Oblast in Russia.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Exercise began on Friday, bringing Indian and Pakistani militaries to participate for the first time in a joint exercise under the anti-terror setting. The six-day SCO Exercise, which has brought the two countries together for the Exercise Peaceful Mission 2018, will continue till August 29 at Chebarkul town in Chelyabinsk Oblast in Russia. The Indian contingent will return on August 30. The opening ceremony of the peace mission exercise was conducted at the Combined Arms Range at Chebarkul. It started with a speech by Central Military District Commander Col Gen Alexander Lapin, the Exercise Chief, who exhorted the participating troops to execute all tasks allotted to them in a professional manner. The meet was declared open with the hoisting of national flags of all member nations, accompanied by respective national anthems. Contingent commanders also addressed the gathering followed by an impressive march past. Col Gen Lapin conducted an operation briefing and issued directives. The exercise include zeroing and firing by tanks, infantry combat vehicle BMPs and small arms, practice jump by airborne troops, etc. The exercise will also see sports competitions with a total of six sports activities planned during the period. Approximately 3000 troops from the Armed Forces of all eight SCO member states are participating in the exercise. The 200-member strong Indian contingent has 167 Indian Army personnel including four women officers and 33 personnel from the Indian Air Force. The Pakistan contingent comprises 110 members, while the strength of the Chinese contingent is of 748 personnel. One the sidelines of this exercise, a meeting of the Expert Working Group (EWG) will also take place in Moscow on August 27. Lt Gen Satish Dua, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) of the Indian Armed Forces will be leading the Indian delegation for the EWG meeting. The prime agenda of the EWG meeting would be to prepare the protocol for the meeting of Chiefs of General Staffs (CGS, and equivalent). The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation, which was initially created in China with five more members namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were given the status of full members of SOC in 2017. The SCO is aimed at strengthening mutual trust and partnership among the member states, promoting effective cooperation in trade, research, economy, politics, technology, culture, education, energy, tourism among other things.

India-Pakistan conduct anti-terror exercise for the first time

<a href="wionews.com/world/china-rejects-us-assertion-it-is-holding-up-north-korea-progress-161469">China rejects US accusation it is stalling North Korea's </a><a href="wionews.com/world/china-rejects-us-assertion-it-is-holding-up-north-korea-progress-161469">denuclearisation</a><a href="wionews.com/world/china-rejects-us-assertion-it-is-holding-up-north-korea-progress-161469"> process</a>

China's Foreign Ministry on Saturday expressed "serious concern" about US comments on North Korea as it slammed President Donald Trump over "irresponsible accusation''.

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/government-clears-procurement-of-111-naval-helicopters-at-cost-of-rs-21000-crore--161472">Government clears procurement of 111 naval helicopters at cost of Rs 21,000 crore</a>

In a major decision, the Defence Ministry on Saturday gave its nod to acquisition of 111 utility helicopters for the Navy at a cost of over Rs 21,000 crore besides approving separate procurement proposals worth nearly Rs 25,000 crore, according to officials.

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/no-proposal-to-rename-ramlila-maidan-after-vajpayee-north-delhi-civic-body--161455">No proposal to rename Ramlila Maidan after Vajpayee: North Delhi civic body</a>

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) said on Saturday denied the reports to rename Ramlila Maidan after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, even as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter, reported news agency PTI.

<a href="wionews.com/world/pope-says-church-still-shamed-by-repugnant-irish-abuse-161487">Pope says church still shamed by 'repugnant' Irish abuse</a>

Pope Francis marked the first papal visit to Ireland in 39 years by acknowledging that the failure of Church authorities to adequately address "repugnant" clerical child abuse crimes there remains a source of shame for the Catholic community.

<a href="wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-leader-alexei-navalny-detained-in-moscow-report-161502">Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny detained in Moscow: Report</a>

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been detained in Moscow, his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

&nbsp

China rejects US accusation it is stalling North Korea's denuclearisation process China's Foreign Ministry on Saturday expressed "serious concern" about US comments on North Korea as it slammed President Donald Trump over "irresponsible accusation''. Government clears procurement of 111 naval helicopters at cost of Rs 21,000 crore In a major decision, the Defence Ministry on Saturday gave its nod to acquisition of 111 utility helicopters for the Navy at a cost of over Rs 21,000 crore besides approving separate procurement proposals worth nearly Rs 25,000 crore, according to officials. No proposal to rename Ramlila Maidan after Vajpayee: North Delhi civic body The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) said on Saturday denied the reports to rename Ramlila Maidan after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, even as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter, reported news agency PTI. Pope says church still shamed by 'repugnant' Irish abuse Pope Francis marked the first papal visit to Ireland in 39 years by acknowledging that the failure of Church authorities to adequately address "repugnant" clerical child abuse crimes there remains a source of shame for the Catholic community. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny detained in Moscow: Report Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been detained in Moscow, his spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Congress President Rahul <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/support-punishment-for-those-involved-in-1984-anti-sikh-riots-rahul-gandhi-161430">Gandhi raked up a controversy </a>on Friday over his comments claiming that the Congress was&nbsp;not responsible for the1984&nbsp;Sikh riots.

Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to the UK, told the audience of UK-based parliamentarians and local leaders yesterday that the Sikh riot was a "tragedy and had painful experiences".

However, he disagreed with the view that the Congress was "involved" in the massacre.

Rahul said,"I think any violence done against anybody is wrong. There are legal processes ongoing in India but as far as I'm concerned anything done that was wrong during that period should be punished and I would support that 100 per cent," he said.&nbsp;

"I have no confusion in my mind about that. It was a tragedy, it was a painful experience. You say that the Congress party was involved in that, I don't agree with that. Certainly there was violence, certainly there was tragedy."

Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal reacted to Rahul Gandhi's statements by saying that if the Sikh riots never took place then Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi&nbsp;were also never assassinated.

She said, "&nbsp;I say today with Rahul Gandhi's brain, that I'm putting in place of my brain. If as per him Sikh Massacre never took place then as per me his father and grandmother were never assassinated, they died of normal heart attack.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief&nbsp;Sukhbir Singh Badal hit out at Gandhi saying that the statements had added salt to the wounds of the victims.

He said, "Rahul Gandhi has conveyed a clear message, he is with those who killed innocent at that time. The statement given by Gandhi has added salt to the wounds of the victims".

&nbsp;

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Rahul Gandhi has conveyed clear message, he is with those who killed innocent at that time. The statement given by Rahul Gandhi has added salt to the wounds of the victims: Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal on statement made by Rahul Gandhi on 1984 riots yesterday <a href="https://t.co/MA1d3f7g96">pic.twitter.com/MA1d3f7g96</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1033271689251938305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I say today with R.Gandhi's brain, that I'm putting in place of my brain. If as per him Sikh Massacare never took place then as per me his father&grandmother were never assasinated, they died of normal heart attack: Union Min HK Badal on R.Gandhi's statemenet on 1984 riots, y'day <a href="https://t.co/arhpqZxUOh">pic.twitter.com/arhpqZxUOh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1033314838632644608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Senior&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/government-ignored-defence-procurement-procedure-in-rafale-deal-chidambaram-161419">Congress leader P Chidambaram&nbsp;</a>on Saturday defended Rahul&nbsp;Gandhi for his statements saying that Rahul should not be blamed for the riots as he was 13 or 14 years old during that time.

He said Gandhi has not absolved anyone of the riots and should not be blamed for it.

He said, "Congress was in office in 1984. A very terrible thing happened in 1984 for which Dr Manmohan Singh aplogised in Parliament. You can't hold Rahul Gandhi responsible for that, he was 13 or 14. He hasn't absolved anyone".

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal hit out at Gandhi saying that the statements had added salt to the wounds of the victims

Congress President Rahul Gandhi raked up a controversy on Friday over his comments claiming that the Congress was not responsible for the1984 Sikh riots. Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to the UK, told the audience of UK-based parliamentarians and local leaders yesterday that the Sikh riot was a "tragedy and had painful experiences". However, he disagreed with the view that the Congress was "involved" in the massacre. Rahul said,"I think any violence done against anybody is wrong. There are legal processes ongoing in India but as far as I'm concerned anything done that was wrong during that period should be punished and I would support that 100 per cent," he said. "I have no confusion in my mind about that. It was a tragedy, it was a painful experience. You say that the Congress party was involved in that, I don't agree with that. Certainly there was violence, certainly there was tragedy." Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal reacted to Rahul Gandhi's statements by saying that if the Sikh riots never took place then Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi were also never assassinated. She said, " I say today with Rahul Gandhi's brain, that I'm putting in place of my brain. If as per him Sikh Massacre never took place then as per me his father and grandmother were never assassinated, they died of normal heart attack. Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal hit out at Gandhi saying that the statements had added salt to the wounds of the victims. He said, "Rahul Gandhi has conveyed a clear message, he is with those who killed innocent at that time. The statement given by Gandhi has added salt to the wounds of the victims". Rahul Gandhi has conveyed clear message, he is with those who killed innocent at that time. The statement given by Rahul Gandhi has added salt to the wounds of the victims: Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal on statement made by Rahul Gandhi on 1984 riots yesterday pic.twitter.com/MA1d3f7g96 — ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2018 × I say today with R.Gandhi's brain, that I'm putting in place of my brain. If as per him Sikh Massacare never took place then as per me his father&grandmother were never assasinated, they died of normal heart attack: Union Min HK Badal on R.Gandhi's statemenet on 1984 riots, y'day pic.twitter.com/arhpqZxUOh — ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2018 × Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday defended Rahul Gandhi for his statements saying that Rahul should not be blamed for the riots as he was 13 or 14 years old during that time. He said Gandhi has not absolved anyone of the riots and should not be blamed for it. He said, "Congress was in office in 1984. A very terrible thing happened in 1984 for which Dr Manmohan Singh aplogised in Parliament. You can't hold Rahul Gandhi responsible for that, he was 13 or 14. He hasn't absolved anyone".

Opposition hits out at Rahul Gandhi for denying Congress' role in 1984 riots

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday constituted a 9-member core group for 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Media Department head&nbsp;Randeep Surjewala&nbsp;and KC Venugopal, MP from Kerala have found a place on the high table of the Congress Party. Both of them will be part of a group which constitutes of AK Antony, Ahmad Patel, Gulam Nabi Azad, Jairam Ramesh, Ashok Gehlot, Mallikarjun Kharge and P Chidambaram.&nbsp;

The last seven in one way or another were involved in hugely lost 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The core group does not have Anand Sharma who has been accommodated in manifesto and publicity committee. 
&nbsp; 
Similarly, new faces have been inducted in the manifesto and publicity committees. The lateral entrants in the manifesto committee are Rahul Gandhi’s old-time aide Sachin Rao. The 19-member committee also includes Lalitesh Tripathi, Shashi Tharoor and Mukul Sangama.&nbsp;

The new entrant in the publicity committee is Divya Spandana who is head of social media head of the Congress Party. This group has accommodated Rajiv Shukla, Manish Tewari, Milind Deora, Pramod Tewari and others. The fresh face here is Jaiveer Shergil. 
&nbsp; 
These changes are part and parcel of long series of changes which Rahul Gandhi is effecting in the organisation ahead of Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

It has seen a healthy mix of both old and young faces which earlier was being conceived impossible under his dispensation.

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi constitutes a 9-member Core Group Committee, including P Chidambaram, GN Azad & Mallikarjun Kharge, a 19-member Manifesto Committee including Salman Khurshid & Shashi Tharoor & 13 member Publicity Committee for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha Elections <a href="https://t.co/zv3OgcTsZ4">pic.twitter.com/zv3OgcTsZ4</a>
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&nbsp;

Randeep Surjewala and KC Venugopal become part of the Congress high table

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday constituted a 9-member core group for 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Media Department head Randeep Surjewala and KC Venugopal, MP from Kerala have found a place on the high table of the Congress Party. Both of them will be part of a group which constitutes of AK Antony, Ahmad Patel, Gulam Nabi Azad, Jairam Ramesh, Ashok Gehlot, Mallikarjun Kharge and P Chidambaram. The last seven in one way or another were involved in hugely lost 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The core group does not have Anand Sharma who has been accommodated in manifesto and publicity committee. Similarly, new faces have been inducted in the manifesto and publicity committees. The lateral entrants in the manifesto committee are Rahul Gandhi’s old-time aide Sachin Rao. The 19-member committee also includes Lalitesh Tripathi, Shashi Tharoor and Mukul Sangama. The new entrant in the publicity committee is Divya Spandana who is head of social media head of the Congress Party. This group has accommodated Rajiv Shukla, Manish Tewari, Milind Deora, Pramod Tewari and others. The fresh face here is Jaiveer Shergil. These changes are part and parcel of long series of changes which Rahul Gandhi is effecting in the organisation ahead of Lok Sabha elections. It has seen a healthy mix of both old and young faces which earlier was being conceived impossible under his dispensation. Congress President Rahul Gandhi constitutes a 9-member Core Group Committee, including P Chidambaram, GN Azad & Mallikarjun Kharge, a 19-member Manifesto Committee including Salman Khurshid & Shashi Tharoor & 13 member Publicity Committee for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha Elections pic.twitter.com/zv3OgcTsZ4 — ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2018 ×

Rahul Gandhi constitutes 'core group' ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday raked up the multi-billion Rafale deal in the UK, accusing the BJP government of changing the contract to benefit an industrialist who was in debt.

In an interaction with the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (UK) at the London School of Economics, Gandhi spoke of alleged corruption in the Rafale deal, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of favouring a businessman who had no experience in manufacturing aircraft.

Gandhi has been attacking the BJP government for allegedly inking the deal at a much higher price than the one the previous UPA regime had negotiated to benefit "one businessman".

Facing allegations of getting undue benefits from the multi-billion dollar Rafale deal, Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group has sent legal notices to several Congress leaders asking them to "cease and desist" from levelling such charges.

Gandhi, in response to a question on tackling corruption during an 'In Conversation' event at the famous London university, said: "Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been building aircraft for 70 years. It has built the Sukhoi, Hawk... whole set of planes. HAL has no debt. HAL has by far the best experience in building aircraft in 70 years".

Questioning the government's fighter jet deal struck with French giant Dassault Rafale, the Congress president said he found it "absolutely amazing" that the media in India had not picked up on highlighting how&nbspAmbani was "magically" given the contract for 36 fighter jets soon after PM Modi's visit to France.

"Our government signed a contract with Dassault, and gave the contract to HAL. The price we were paying was approximately 520 crores a plane.

"Then something happened, Prime Minister Modi went to France, changed the contract from 126 planes to 36 planes, changed the pricing structure from 520 crores to 1,600 crores and magically,&nbspAnil Ambani was given the contract," Gandhi said.

The Congress president alleged that "Mr Anil Ambani is&nbspRs.&nbsp45,000 crore in debt".

"Anil Ambani has never made a plane in his life, and the company that got the contract, one of the biggest defence contracts in the world, was formed one week before the contract was signed, luckily this is absolutely amazing. So that's the interesting question about corruption," Gandhi said.

Reliance Group has denied the allegations relating to the deal under which France's Dassault is supplying the fighter jets and has entered into a joint venture with an Anil Ambani-led group firm to meet its offset requirement of the contract.

Ambani recently wrote to Gandhi on the deal saying his party has been "misinformed, misdirected and misled" by "malicious vested interests and corporate rivals" on the issue.

The issue of corruption was among a range of topics covered by Mr Gandhi during his question and answer session with students from the LSE and other British universities, including Brunel and King's College London, organised by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK to launch its 'Perspective India Townhall'.

On the issue of his association with dynastic politics as the grandson of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and son of Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he said: "I come from a certain family but I am an elected person I have been democratically elected. So the term dynasty is not precise.

"I am actually elected and the important thing is I operate in a democracy and take the punches and have learnt a lot from my experiences over the years".

Calling on youngsters to join politics, he stressed that the Congress was determined to defend the "onslaught on the Indian Constitution" and "remove the BJP from power".

"We are constructing a manifesto in the Congress that brings in all ideas, stakeholders, farmers and allies and potentially have a structure with which to go to the people," Mr Gandhi said in reference to the 2019 general election, adding that his party would not be making any alliances with anybody not "ideologically on our platform".

The Congress president described the essence of the Congress party as its ideology of non-violence and one that feels deeply for the people in the country who are weaker.

"I have been through a certain degree of violence up close. I have seen family members killed and borne the brunt of massive attacks on myself and learnt a lot from that. Ultimately, I love my country," he said, when asked about his leadership credentials.

Asked if the Partition of India in 1947 was the right move, given the "attacks on minorities" in India, he was defiant in the message that India has more Muslim people than Pakistan.

"We are a more democratic and open country, which embraces its people. The negotiation that India has been able to carry with its people, I am very proud of.

"However, over the last four years, an attack is taking place on Indian institutions but the original idea of India is going to win - 100 per cent without a doubt," Gandhi said.

The event with LSE South Asian Centre director Mukulika Banerjee covered a wide spectrum of subjects.

Gandhi has been attacking the BJP government for allegedly inking the deal at a much higher price than the one the previous UPA regime had negotiated to benefit 'one businessman'.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday raked up the multi-billion Rafale deal in the UK, accusing the BJP government of changing the contract to benefit an industrialist who was in debt. In an interaction with the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (UK) at the London School of Economics, Gandhi spoke of alleged corruption in the Rafale deal, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of favouring a businessman who had no experience in manufacturing aircraft. Gandhi has been attacking the BJP government for allegedly inking the deal at a much higher price than the one the previous UPA regime had negotiated to benefit "one businessman". Facing allegations of getting undue benefits from the multi-billion dollar Rafale deal, Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group has sent legal notices to several Congress leaders asking them to "cease and desist" from levelling such charges. Gandhi, in response to a question on tackling corruption during an 'In Conversation' event at the famous London university, said: "Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been building aircraft for 70 years. It has built the Sukhoi, Hawk... whole set of planes. HAL has no debt. HAL has by far the best experience in building aircraft in 70 years". Questioning the government's fighter jet deal struck with French giant Dassault Rafale, the Congress president said he found it "absolutely amazing" that the media in India had not picked up on highlighting how&nbspAmbani was "magically" given the contract for 36 fighter jets soon after PM Modi's visit to France. "Our government signed a contract with Dassault, and gave the contract to HAL. The price we were paying was approximately 520 crores a plane. "Then something happened, Prime Minister Modi went to France, changed the contract from 126 planes to 36 planes, changed the pricing structure from 520 crores to 1,600 crores and magically,&nbspAnil Ambani was given the contract," Gandhi said. The Congress president alleged that "Mr Anil Ambani is&nbspRs.&nbsp45,000 crore in debt". "Anil Ambani has never made a plane in his life, and the company that got the contract, one of the biggest defence contracts in the world, was formed one week before the contract was signed, luckily this is absolutely amazing. So that's the interesting question about corruption," Gandhi said. Reliance Group has denied the allegations relating to the deal under which France's Dassault is supplying the fighter jets and has entered into a joint venture with an Anil Ambani-led group firm to meet its offset requirement of the contract. Ambani recently wrote to Gandhi on the deal saying his party has been "misinformed, misdirected and misled" by "malicious vested interests and corporate rivals" on the issue. The issue of corruption was among a range of topics covered by Mr Gandhi during his question and answer session with students from the LSE and other British universities, including Brunel and King's College London, organised by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK to launch its 'Perspective India Townhall'. On the issue of his association with dynastic politics as the grandson of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and son of Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he said: "I come from a certain family but I am an elected person I have been democratically elected. So the term dynasty is not precise. "I am actually elected and the important thing is I operate in a democracy and take the punches and have learnt a lot from my experiences over the years". Calling on youngsters to join politics, he stressed that the Congress was determined to defend the "onslaught on the Indian Constitution" and "remove the BJP from power". "We are constructing a manifesto in the Congress that brings in all ideas, stakeholders, farmers and allies and potentially have a structure with which to go to the people," Mr Gandhi said in reference to the 2019 general election, adding that his party would not be making any alliances with anybody not "ideologically on our platform". The Congress president described the essence of the Congress party as its ideology of non-violence and one that feels deeply for the people in the country who are weaker. "I have been through a certain degree of violence up close. I have seen family members killed and borne the brunt of massive attacks on myself and learnt a lot from that. Ultimately, I love my country," he said, when asked about his leadership credentials. Asked if the Partition of India in 1947 was the right move, given the "attacks on minorities" in India, he was defiant in the message that India has more Muslim people than Pakistan. "We are a more democratic and open country, which embraces its people. The negotiation that India has been able to carry with its people, I am very proud of. "However, over the last four years, an attack is taking place on Indian institutions but the original idea of India is going to win - 100 per cent without a doubt," Gandhi said. The event with LSE South Asian Centre director Mukulika Banerjee covered a wide spectrum of subjects.

Government changed Rafale contract to benefit industrialist: Rahul Gandhi

In a major decision, the Defence Ministry on Saturday gave its nod to acquisition of 111 utility helicopters for the Navy at a cost of over Rs 21,000 crore besides approving separate procurement proposals worth nearly Rs 25,000 crore, according to officials.

A meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement, cleared the proposals.

The procurement of the naval utility helicopters will be the first project under the ambitious strategic partnership (SP) model which provides for roping in private firm to build select military platforms in India in partnership with foreign defence manufacturers.

"The DAC, in a landmark decision on Saturday, approved procurement of 111 Utility Helicopters for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs 21,000 crore," the Defence Ministry said.

The utility helicopters will be used in attack missions as well as for search and rescue and surveillance operations.

The ministry said the DAC also granted approval to a few other procurement proposals amounting to Rs 24,879.16 crore, which included one on buying 150 indigenously designed and developed 155 mm advanced towed artillery gun systems for the Indian Army at an approximate cost of Rs 3,364.78 crore.

These guns have been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and will be manufactured by production agencies, as nominated by DRDO.

The DAC also accorded approval to procure 24 naval multi-role helicopters (NMRH) which will have the capability to engage in anti-submarine warfare. The MRHs are an integral part of the frontline warships like the aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and corvettes.

In addition, the government also approved procurement of 14 vertically launched short-range missile systems. Of these, 10 systems will be indigenously developed.

"These systems will boost the self-defence capability of ships against anti-ship missiles," the ministry said.

The Indian Navy in August last year had issued a global request for information (RFI) for procurement of 111 utility and 123 multi-role helicopters.

The Navy has been pressing the government to procure new utility and multi-role helicopters to add teeth to its existing capability and replace its ageing fleet of choppers but the procurement process has seen years of delay.

The government had issued an RFI for it in 2011 as well as in 2013.

In May last year, the defence ministry had finalised the SP model under which select private firms will be roped in to build military platforms like submarines, fighter jets and choppers in India in partnership with foreign entities.

The policy envisages the establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian defence majors through a transparent and competitive process wherein they would tie up with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to seek technology transfers to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains.

Initially, the strategic partners will be selected in four segments - fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines and armoured fighting vehicles/main battle tanks. It is expected to be expanded to other segments at a later stage.&nbsp;

The procurement of the naval utility helicopters will be the first project under the ambitious strategic partnership (SP) model which provides for roping in private firm to build select military platforms in India in partnership with foreign defence manufacturers.

In a major decision, the Defence Ministry on Saturday gave its nod to acquisition of 111 utility helicopters for the Navy at a cost of over Rs 21,000 crore besides approving separate procurement proposals worth nearly Rs 25,000 crore, according to officials. A meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement, cleared the proposals. The procurement of the naval utility helicopters will be the first project under the ambitious strategic partnership (SP) model which provides for roping in private firm to build select military platforms in India in partnership with foreign defence manufacturers. "The DAC, in a landmark decision on Saturday, approved procurement of 111 Utility Helicopters for the Indian Navy at a cost of over Rs 21,000 crore," the Defence Ministry said. The utility helicopters will be used in attack missions as well as for search and rescue and surveillance operations. The ministry said the DAC also granted approval to a few other procurement proposals amounting to Rs 24,879.16 crore, which included one on buying 150 indigenously designed and developed 155 mm advanced towed artillery gun systems for the Indian Army at an approximate cost of Rs 3,364.78 crore. These guns have been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and will be manufactured by production agencies, as nominated by DRDO. The DAC also accorded approval to procure 24 naval multi-role helicopters (NMRH) which will have the capability to engage in anti-submarine warfare. The MRHs are an integral part of the frontline warships like the aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and corvettes. In addition, the government also approved procurement of 14 vertically launched short-range missile systems. Of these, 10 systems will be indigenously developed. "These systems will boost the self-defence capability of ships against anti-ship missiles," the ministry said. The Indian Navy in August last year had issued a global request for information (RFI) for procurement of 111 utility and 123 multi-role helicopters. The Navy has been pressing the government to procure new utility and multi-role helicopters to add teeth to its existing capability and replace its ageing fleet of choppers but the procurement process has seen years of delay. The government had issued an RFI for it in 2011 as well as in 2013. In May last year, the defence ministry had finalised the SP model under which select private firms will be roped in to build military platforms like submarines, fighter jets and choppers in India in partnership with foreign entities. The policy envisages the establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian defence majors through a transparent and competitive process wherein they would tie up with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to seek technology transfers to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains. Initially, the strategic partners will be selected in four segments - fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines and armoured fighting vehicles/main battle tanks. It is expected to be expanded to other segments at a later stage.

Government clears procurement of 111 naval helicopters at cost of Rs 21,000 crore

Setting the tone for 2019 Lok Sabha polls,&nbsp;Congress on Saturday set up three crucial committees to look after election affairs related to coordination, manifesto and publicity, news agency ANI reported.

Party chief Rahul Gandhi formed the key nine-member Core Group Committee comprising A K Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Chidambaram, Ashok Gehlot, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, Randeep Surjewala and K C Veugopal.

A 19-member Manifesto Committee has been set up to come out with the party's manifesto for the general elections.

Gandhi also formed a committee comprising 19 top party leaders who will look after the party's publicity during the elections.

Announcing the setting up of the committees, party General Secretary, Organisation Ashok Gehlot said with the constitution of the committees, the party will go into election mode and start the work of putting up a manifesto and draw strategy for publicity and coordination.&nbsp;

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi constitutes a 9-member Core Group Committee, including P Chidambaram, GN Azad & Mallikarjun Kharge, a 19-member Manifesto Committee including Salman Khurshid & Shashi Tharoor & 13 member Publicity Committee for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha Elections <a href="https://t.co/zv3OgcTsZ4">pic.twitter.com/zv3OgcTsZ4</a>
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A 19-member Manifesto Committee has been set up to come out with the party's manifesto for the general elections.

Setting the tone for 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Congress on Saturday set up three crucial committees to look after election affairs related to coordination, manifesto and publicity, news agency ANI reported. Party chief Rahul Gandhi formed the key nine-member Core Group Committee comprising A K Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Chidambaram, Ashok Gehlot, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel, Jairam Ramesh, Randeep Surjewala and K C Veugopal. A 19-member Manifesto Committee has been set up to come out with the party's manifesto for the general elections. Gandhi also formed a committee comprising 19 top party leaders who will look after the party's publicity during the elections. Announcing the setting up of the committees, party General Secretary, Organisation Ashok Gehlot said with the constitution of the committees, the party will go into election mode and start the work of putting up a manifesto and draw strategy for publicity and coordination. Congress President Rahul Gandhi constitutes a 9-member Core Group Committee, including P Chidambaram, GN Azad & Mallikarjun Kharge, a 19-member Manifesto Committee including Salman Khurshid & Shashi Tharoor & 13 member Publicity Committee for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha Elections pic.twitter.com/zv3OgcTsZ4 — ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2018 ×

Congress sets up three key panels to look after election affairs ahead of 2019 polls

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