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The first time I saw former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee face-to-face was when riots had broken out in the Nizamuddin locality in the heart of Delhi sometime in the early 90s. I had just begun working as an intern and was ordered to accompany a senior to cover riots in which four people had lost their lives. A nallah in this historic locality that houses tombs of Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin, poets Amir Khusru, Ghalib, Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan and Mughal Emperor Humayun divides Hindu and Muslim areas. Across the nallah, the then caretaker of the Dargah Pir Zamin Nizami had donated a portion of the land a few decades ago for the construction of Lodhi Road crematorium for the Hindus living in the area. Since the population of the Hindus had grown, they wanted to expand the crematorium, which was the bone of contention.

As I reached the locality, a strict curfew had been imposed. But after checking press cards, the police would allow us to pass through barricades. Blood was still splattered on the road near the tomb of Ghalib. The area looked like a ghost town till I crossed the nallah, where people were gathered in large numbers, throwing stones and raising slogans. East Delhi MP Bankath Lal Sharma alias Prem was addressing the crowd, pointing towards the green flag fluttering on the dargah dome, claiming it was a Pakistan flag. Suddenly there was commotion with the arrival of a white Ambassador car. Vajpayee and Madanlal Khurana emerged and soon went inside a room for a huddle.

When they emerged, Vajpayee took the mike and clarified that the flag on the dome was not Pakistani flag, but the religious flag of Muslims. As he was walking to his car, I asked him why he is not helping the police to enforce a curfew and also not dissuading people on the banks of the nallah from throwing stones to the other side. He put his hand on my shoulders and said, “Young man, they (Muslims) started it, threw stones, didn’t allow construction of the crematorium. They should understand to live together.” Realising that I may be the target of the crowd for asking such questions, he asked his bodyguards to accompany me until I was safe.

I remember in 2004, the late Pramod Mahajan had to cut short his election campaign midway in Maharashtra and return to Delhi to explain the remarks he had made against Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Vajpayee had pulled him up for making personal comments against Gandhi. In 1991, Narasimha Rao preferred a technocrat Manmohan Singh as finance minister. Singh would frequently become the target of the Opposition. Since he was a technocrat, he would frequently dish out his resignation letter, which the PM would reject. One day, when he announced to cut subsidy of fertilisers, it created a storm in Parliament. 
 
Soon, as the House adjourned, Vajpayee, who was the Leader of the Opposition, invited Singh to his chamber. According to Singh, Vajpayee had a piece of advice for him: “You are now a politician. You must be thick skinned and not offer resignation on every issue. Our job is to criticise you. That is our politics. Your job is to remain steadfast and continue with your reforms for the sake of making the country’s economy stronger and better.” Many years later, it was revealed that Rao had pleaded with Vajpayee to give these primary lessons of politics to Manmohan Singh.

In March 2003, when US President George Bush announced war on Iraq, he wanted Indian troops to join the global effort to help in the ouster of Saddam Hussain. Many leaders within the government and the BJP were in favour of joining the US war. Parliament was in session. When Parliament went to recess, Vajpayee invited Left leaders for breakfast to the Prime Minister’s residence. He told them that there was tremendous pressure on him to join the US war. Naturally, the Left leaders opposed. According to Sitaram Yechuri, the current general secretary of CPI (M), Vajpayee smiled and taunted them that their opposition like Congress is limited to issuing statements in drawing rooms. That was a message, according to Yechuri, to hit the streets. Suddenly after this meeting, street protests against the US military strike on Iraq and possible Indian help started in different cities. Vajpayee wanted the excuse of domestic protests to convince the US that consensus eludes in his country.

Vajpayee’s initiatives to end India’s diplomatic isolation, arising out of the 1998 nuclear tests, were a stupendous success. However, after conveying India’s nuclear strength, Vajpayee took the risk of reaching out to Pakistan suggesting an end to hostility by exploring creative solutions to problems afflicting bilateral relations. The bus journey from Amritsar to Lahore was loaded with symbolism. Vajpayee decided to take with him a delegation of writers, poets, painters, sportsmen, actors and musicians.

At the Lahore summit with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, he had set up a backchannel to explore solutions to the most contentious issue of J&K. Former Pakistani foreign secretary and high commissioner to India, Niaz Naik, who was nominated by Sharif as his backchannel contact, said that both countries would have reached an agreement in September or October 1999 if Kargil had not happened. Two years later, in July 2001, he invited Pakistani president Pervez Musharaf to Agra. In December 2001, Parliament was attacked and Operation Parakram led to the massive deployment of forces along the borders. 
 
Again in April 2003, without consulting his cabinet colleagues, at a rally in Srinagar, he made yet another unilateral peace offer to his own Kashmiris as well as those in Pakistan and it yielded the Islamabad Declaration after a summit with Musharraf in January 2004. He lost office in May 2004. Vajpayee’s biggest regret was that he could not take the peace process he had initiated with such enthusiasm to its logical conclusion of ending India-Pakistan hostility for all time. Paying befitting tributes, PM Modi walked four and a half kilometres to accompany Vajpayee on his last journey. But a more befitting tribute would be to traverse the path shown by Vajpayee to prevent bloodshed in the region and evolve South Asia into an economic union.

 
(The writer is Editor, Strategic Affairs for DNA)

(This article was first published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-embracing-political-diversity-2653810">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Vajpayee’s biggest regret was that he could not take the peace process he had initiated with such enthusiasm to its logical conclusion of ending India-Pakistan hostility for all time.

The first time I saw former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee face-to-face was when riots had broken out in the Nizamuddin locality in the heart of Delhi sometime in the early 90s. I had just begun working as an intern and was ordered to accompany a senior to cover riots in which four people had lost their lives. A nallah in this historic locality that houses tombs of Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin, poets Amir Khusru, Ghalib, Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan and Mughal Emperor Humayun divides Hindu and Muslim areas. Across the nallah, the then caretaker of the Dargah Pir Zamin Nizami had donated a portion of the land a few decades ago for the construction of Lodhi Road crematorium for the Hindus living in the area. Since the population of the Hindus had grown, they wanted to expand the crematorium, which was the bone of contention. As I reached the locality, a strict curfew had been imposed. But after checking press cards, the police would allow us to pass through barricades. Blood was still splattered on the road near the tomb of Ghalib. The area looked like a ghost town till I crossed the nallah, where people were gathered in large numbers, throwing stones and raising slogans. East Delhi MP Bankath Lal Sharma alias Prem was addressing the crowd, pointing towards the green flag fluttering on the dargah dome, claiming it was a Pakistan flag. Suddenly there was commotion with the arrival of a white Ambassador car. Vajpayee and Madanlal Khurana emerged and soon went inside a room for a huddle. When they emerged, Vajpayee took the mike and clarified that the flag on the dome was not Pakistani flag, but the religious flag of Muslims. As he was walking to his car, I asked him why he is not helping the police to enforce a curfew and also not dissuading people on the banks of the nallah from throwing stones to the other side. He put his hand on my shoulders and said, “Young man, they (Muslims) started it, threw stones, didn’t allow construction of the crematorium. They should understand to live together.” Realising that I may be the target of the crowd for asking such questions, he asked his bodyguards to accompany me until I was safe. I remember in 2004, the late Pramod Mahajan had to cut short his election campaign midway in Maharashtra and return to Delhi to explain the remarks he had made against Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Vajpayee had pulled him up for making personal comments against Gandhi. In 1991, Narasimha Rao preferred a technocrat Manmohan Singh as finance minister. Singh would frequently become the target of the Opposition. Since he was a technocrat, he would frequently dish out his resignation letter, which the PM would reject. One day, when he announced to cut subsidy of fertilisers, it created a storm in Parliament. Soon, as the House adjourned, Vajpayee, who was the Leader of the Opposition, invited Singh to his chamber. According to Singh, Vajpayee had a piece of advice for him: “You are now a politician. You must be thick skinned and not offer resignation on every issue. Our job is to criticise you. That is our politics. Your job is to remain steadfast and continue with your reforms for the sake of making the country’s economy stronger and better.” Many years later, it was revealed that Rao had pleaded with Vajpayee to give these primary lessons of politics to Manmohan Singh. In March 2003, when US President George Bush announced war on Iraq, he wanted Indian troops to join the global effort to help in the ouster of Saddam Hussain. Many leaders within the government and the BJP were in favour of joining the US war. Parliament was in session. When Parliament went to recess, Vajpayee invited Left leaders for breakfast to the Prime Minister’s residence. He told them that there was tremendous pressure on him to join the US war. Naturally, the Left leaders opposed. According to Sitaram Yechuri, the current general secretary of CPI (M), Vajpayee smiled and taunted them that their opposition like Congress is limited to issuing statements in drawing rooms. That was a message, according to Yechuri, to hit the streets. Suddenly after this meeting, street protests against the US military strike on Iraq and possible Indian help started in different cities. Vajpayee wanted the excuse of domestic protests to convince the US that consensus eludes in his country. Vajpayee’s initiatives to end India’s diplomatic isolation, arising out of the 1998 nuclear tests, were a stupendous success. However, after conveying India’s nuclear strength, Vajpayee took the risk of reaching out to Pakistan suggesting an end to hostility by exploring creative solutions to problems afflicting bilateral relations. The bus journey from Amritsar to Lahore was loaded with symbolism. Vajpayee decided to take with him a delegation of writers, poets, painters, sportsmen, actors and musicians. At the Lahore summit with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, he had set up a backchannel to explore solutions to the most contentious issue of J&K. Former Pakistani foreign secretary and high commissioner to India, Niaz Naik, who was nominated by Sharif as his backchannel contact, said that both countries would have reached an agreement in September or October 1999 if Kargil had not happened. Two years later, in July 2001, he invited Pakistani president Pervez Musharaf to Agra. In December 2001, Parliament was attacked and Operation Parakram led to the massive deployment of forces along the borders. Again in April 2003, without consulting his cabinet colleagues, at a rally in Srinagar, he made yet another unilateral peace offer to his own Kashmiris as well as those in Pakistan and it yielded the Islamabad Declaration after a summit with Musharraf in January 2004. He lost office in May 2004. Vajpayee’s biggest regret was that he could not take the peace process he had initiated with such enthusiasm to its logical conclusion of ending India-Pakistan hostility for all time. Paying befitting tributes, PM Modi walked four and a half kilometres to accompany Vajpayee on his last journey. But a more befitting tribute would be to traverse the path shown by Vajpayee to prevent bloodshed in the region and evolve South Asia into an economic union. (The writer is Editor, Strategic Affairs for DNA) (This article was first published on The DNA. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Embracing political diversity

UAE's national carrier Emirates has said it will fly over 175 tonnes of relief material to Kerala, which is facing the deadliest deluge in nearly 100 years.&nbsp

Unprecedented floods due to incessant rain have created havoc in the state causing immeasurable misery and devastation. As per the official records, since August 8, over 231 people have died and more than 10 lakh have been displaced.&nbsp

"Emirates SkyCargo will carry flood relief cargo of over 175 tonnes to Kerala, India, joining the UAE community in their support of the people of Kerala," the airlines said in a statement.

The airline said over a dozen flights will transport the relief goods, which have been donated by various UAE-based businesses and organisations, to Thiruvananthapuram - the nearest online Emirates station to the areas most affected by the flood.

"The goods, including lifesaving boats, blankets and dry food items, will be handed over to the local flood relief and aid organisations for distribution," it said.&nbsp

"Emirates SkyCargo will carry flood relief cargo of over 175 tonnes to Kerala, India, joining the UAE community in their support of the people of Kerala," the airlines said in a statement.

UAE's national carrier Emirates has said it will fly over 175 tonnes of relief material to Kerala, which is facing the deadliest deluge in nearly 100 years. Unprecedented floods due to incessant rain have created havoc in the state causing immeasurable misery and devastation. As per the official records, since August 8, over 231 people have died and more than 10 lakh have been displaced. "Emirates SkyCargo will carry flood relief cargo of over 175 tonnes to Kerala, India, joining the UAE community in their support of the people of Kerala," the airlines said in a statement. The airline said over a dozen flights will transport the relief goods, which have been donated by various UAE-based businesses and organisations, to Thiruvananthapuram - the nearest online Emirates station to the areas most affected by the flood. "The goods, including lifesaving boats, blankets and dry food items, will be handed over to the local flood relief and aid organisations for distribution," it said.

UAE's national carrier Emirates to fly 175 tonnes of relief material for flood-ravaged Kerala

The BJP today launched a furious attack on Rahul Gandhi after the Congress president compared it and its ideological mentor RSS with the radical Islamist outfit Muslim Brotherhood, accusing him of acting as a "contract killer of the idea called India" for his attempt to present them as a terror organisation.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said likes of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who died last week, have a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) background and Gandhi's comparison of the organisation with an Islamist outfit at an event in London is "unforgivable".

Addressing the media, Patra demanded immediate apology from the Congress president for likening the choice of Indians in an election with an organisation which, the BJP leader added, is declared a terror outfit in many countries. 
He asked if Gandhi has taken a 'supari' (contract for killing) for India.

"Stop this job of acting as a contract killer of the idea called India," he said.

Instead of being a proud Indian leader on foreign countries, the Congress president has been attempting to insult and belittle India abroad, he alleged.

"India is asking you is some terrorist organisation ruling India? It is a democratically elected government. Is this government, is this choice of people of India for a terror organisation," he asked.

Patra said Gandhi has no maturity and understanding whatsoever of India and has no leadership quality.

The only quality he has, the BJP leader said, is hatred towards Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the RSS and his irresponsible and immature remarks were an outcome of this.

The "frustration" shown by the Congress leader ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls is similar to his party's desperation in 2013 ahead of the general elections in 2014 when it had allegedly accused the RSS of running terror camps and coined the term "Hindu terrorism", Patra said.

"Why you have such hatred for democracy... Why you hate Hindus?" he asked.

What Gandhi has said will be headlines in Pakistan's media tomorrow, he claimed, and alleged that the Congress president had a&nbspsense of entitlement and could not tolerate Modi as prime minister as he came from a poor background and a backward community.

Patra also targeted Gandhi for his criticism of Modi's handling of Pakistan, and said he should have been a proud Indian and attacked not the prime minister but the neighbouring country for its support to terrorism.

With his charge of vendetta politics against the government, the Congress leader has given a handle to lawyers of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, who is wanted in India for economic crimes and is currently based in London.&nbsp

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said likes of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who died last week, have a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) background

The BJP today launched a furious attack on Rahul Gandhi after the Congress president compared it and its ideological mentor RSS with the radical Islamist outfit Muslim Brotherhood, accusing him of acting as a "contract killer of the idea called India" for his attempt to present them as a terror organisation. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said likes of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who died last week, have a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) background and Gandhi's comparison of the organisation with an Islamist outfit at an event in London is "unforgivable". Addressing the media, Patra demanded immediate apology from the Congress president for likening the choice of Indians in an election with an organisation which, the BJP leader added, is declared a terror outfit in many countries. He asked if Gandhi has taken a 'supari' (contract for killing) for India. "Stop this job of acting as a contract killer of the idea called India," he said. Instead of being a proud Indian leader on foreign countries, the Congress president has been attempting to insult and belittle India abroad, he alleged. "India is asking you is some terrorist organisation ruling India? It is a democratically elected government. Is this government, is this choice of people of India for a terror organisation," he asked. Patra said Gandhi has no maturity and understanding whatsoever of India and has no leadership quality. The only quality he has, the BJP leader said, is hatred towards Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the RSS and his irresponsible and immature remarks were an outcome of this. The "frustration" shown by the Congress leader ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls is similar to his party's desperation in 2013 ahead of the general elections in 2014 when it had allegedly accused the RSS of running terror camps and coined the term "Hindu terrorism", Patra said. "Why you have such hatred for democracy... Why you hate Hindus?" he asked. What Gandhi has said will be headlines in Pakistan's media tomorrow, he claimed, and alleged that the Congress president had a&nbspsense of entitlement and could not tolerate Modi as prime minister as he came from a poor background and a backward community. Patra also targeted Gandhi for his criticism of Modi's handling of Pakistan, and said he should have been a proud Indian and attacked not the prime minister but the neighbouring country for its support to terrorism. With his charge of vendetta politics against the government, the Congress leader has given a handle to lawyers of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, who is wanted in India for economic crimes and is currently based in London.

Stop acting as 'contract killer' of idea called India: BJP to Rahul Gandhi

Whatsapp has said it cannot build software to trace the origin of a message on its platform, turning down a demand from the Indian government that wanted such a solution to track down fake or false information that has led to crimes like mob-lynching. The company continues to hold its stance that it cannot trace the origin of messages because of end-to-end encryption.

When contacted, a WhatsApp spokesperson said "Building traceability would undermine end-to-end encryption and the private nature of WhatsApp, creating the potential for serious misuse. WhatsApp will not weaken the privacy protections we provide".

He added that people rely on WhatsApp for all kinds of "sensitive conversations", including with their doctors, banks and families.

"Our focus remains working closely with others in India to educate people about misinformation and help keep people safe," the spokesperson said.

Over the past few months, WhatsApp has drawn flak over its use in spreading the fake news through its platform that has even incited incidents of mob-lynching in various parts of the country.

WhatsApp Head Chris Daniels had met IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad earlier this week. After the meeting, Prasad told reporters that the government has asked WhatsApp to set up a local corporate entity and find a technology solution to trace the origin of fake messages circulated through its platform as well as appoint a grievance officer.

He acknowledged the role played by the Facebook-owned company in India's digital story, but was stern that WhatsApp could face abetment charges if it did not take action to tackle the issue of fake news being circulated on its platform.

Daniels had declined to comment on the proceedings after the meeting.

With general elections slated to be held next year in India, the government is taking a stern view of the use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp for spread of misinformation.

India is the largest market for WhatsApp with a base of over 200 million users of the over 1.5 billion global user base.

The Indian government has served two notices to WhatsApp seeking details of actions it has taken to curb the menace. In its response, WhatsApp had informed that it is building a local team, including having an India head, and has introduced new features to let its users identify forwarded messages.

WhatsApp has also restricted the number of forwards that can be done at a time. 
Besides, the company is also running advocacy and education programme to help people spot fake news.

The company continues to hold its stance that it cannot trace origin of messages because of end-to-end encryption.

Whatsapp has said it cannot build software to trace the origin of a message on its platform, turning down a demand from the Indian government that wanted such a solution to track down fake or false information that has led to crimes like mob-lynching. The company continues to hold its stance that it cannot trace the origin of messages because of end-to-end encryption. When contacted, a WhatsApp spokesperson said "Building traceability would undermine end-to-end encryption and the private nature of WhatsApp, creating the potential for serious misuse. WhatsApp will not weaken the privacy protections we provide". He added that people rely on WhatsApp for all kinds of "sensitive conversations", including with their doctors, banks and families. "Our focus remains working closely with others in India to educate people about misinformation and help keep people safe," the spokesperson said. Over the past few months, WhatsApp has drawn flak over its use in spreading the fake news through its platform that has even incited incidents of mob-lynching in various parts of the country. WhatsApp Head Chris Daniels had met IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad earlier this week. After the meeting, Prasad told reporters that the government has asked WhatsApp to set up a local corporate entity and find a technology solution to trace the origin of fake messages circulated through its platform as well as appoint a grievance officer. He acknowledged the role played by the Facebook-owned company in India's digital story, but was stern that WhatsApp could face abetment charges if it did not take action to tackle the issue of fake news being circulated on its platform. Daniels had declined to comment on the proceedings after the meeting. With general elections slated to be held next year in India, the government is taking a stern view of the use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp for spread of misinformation. India is the largest market for WhatsApp with a base of over 200 million users of the over 1.5 billion global user base. The Indian government has served two notices to WhatsApp seeking details of actions it has taken to curb the menace. In its response, WhatsApp had informed that it is building a local team, including having an India head, and has introduced new features to let its users identify forwarded messages. WhatsApp has also restricted the number of forwards that can be done at a time. Besides, the company is also running advocacy and education programme to help people spot fake news.

WhatsApp rejects India’s demand to track origin of message, says cannot undermine privacy

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-encounter-underway-in-anantnag-3-terrorists-trapped-161144">Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway in Anantnag, 3 terrorists trapped&nbsp;</a>

An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists in Kokernag area of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. As per reports, three terrorists are believed to be holed up in Kokernag area.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/correct-statement-issued-on-terrorism-during-imran-pompeo-phone-call-pakistan-to-us-161142">Correct</a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/correct-statement-issued-on-terrorism-during-imran-pompeo-phone-call-pakistan-to-us-161142"> statement issued on terrorism during Imran-Pompeo phone call: Pakistan to </a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/correct-statement-issued-on-terrorism-during-imran-pompeo-phone-call-pakistan-to-us-161142">US</a>

Pakistan today asked the United States to "correct" a readout issued by State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in which she said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had asked Pakistan to take "decisive action" against all terrorists operating in Pakistan.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-china-constructive-trade-talks-fail-to-end-tariff-deadlock-161156">US</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-china-constructive-trade-talks-fail-to-end-tariff-deadlock-161156">, China 'constructive' trade talks fail to end tariff deadlock</a>

A day after US tariffs came into effect on Chinese goods, US and Chinese negotiators met in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday to find the impasse over tit-for-tat tariff war.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/google-removes-youtube-channels-linked-to-iran-misinformation-campaign-161145">Google removes YouTube channels linked to Iran misinformation campaign</a>

Google has said it blocked YouTube channels and other accounts over a misinformation campaign linked to Iran, on the heels of similar moves by Facebook and Twitter.

<a href="http://wionews.com/entertainment/this-is-how-sunny-leones-husband-handled-her-working-with-other-men-in-adult-films--161085">This is how Sunny Leone's husband handled her working with other men in adult films</a>

Megastar Sunny Leone who has captured the imagination of the youth of the country and the world with her long career in the adult entertainment industry now opened up on her relationship with husband Daniel Weber, how their whirlwind romance started and how he ended up being her partner in everything she did.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway in Anantnag, 3 terrorists trapped An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists in Kokernag area of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. As per reports, three terrorists are believed to be holed up in Kokernag area. Correct statement issued on terrorism during Imran-Pompeo phone call: Pakistan to US Pakistan today asked the United States to "correct" a readout issued by State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in which she said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had asked Pakistan to take "decisive action" against all terrorists operating in Pakistan. US, China 'constructive' trade talks fail to end tariff deadlock A day after US tariffs came into effect on Chinese goods, US and Chinese negotiators met in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday to find the impasse over tit-for-tat tariff war. Google removes YouTube channels linked to Iran misinformation campaign Google has said it blocked YouTube channels and other accounts over a misinformation campaign linked to Iran, on the heels of similar moves by Facebook and Twitter. This is how Sunny Leone's husband handled her working with other men in adult films Megastar Sunny Leone who has captured the imagination of the youth of the country and the world with her long career in the adult entertainment industry now opened up on her relationship with husband Daniel Weber, how their whirlwind romance started and how he ended up being her partner in everything she did.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Gandhi’s address was to be aired via a YouTube link, starting at 9:30 pm IST, which was later rescheduled to start from 10:30 pm IST.

The address, however, could not be aired ‘live’ and the Congress party cited a technical glitch as the reason for it.

Gandhi is on a five-day tour to Germany and the UK.

On Wednesday night, he had addressed a gathering at the Bucerius Summer School in Hamburg, Germany.

He was to address the Indian Overseas Congress tonight during his two-day stay in Germany. He heads to London on Friday.

In London, he will address students of the London School of Economics on Friday. And on Saturday, he will address a gathering of the Indian National Overseas Congress.

In London, he will address students of the London School of Economics on Friday.

Gandhi’s address was to be aired via a YouTube link, starting at 9:30 pm IST, which was later rescheduled to start from 10:30 pm IST. The address, however, could not be aired ‘live’ and the Congress party cited a technical glitch as the reason for it. Gandhi is on a five-day tour to Germany and the UK. On Wednesday night, he had addressed a gathering at the Bucerius Summer School in Hamburg, Germany. He was to address the Indian Overseas Congress tonight during his two-day stay in Germany. He heads to London on Friday. In London, he will address students of the London School of Economics on Friday. And on Saturday, he will address a gathering of the Indian National Overseas Congress.

Rahul Gandhi’s Berlin speech could not be aired live due to technical glitch: Congress

An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists in Kokernag area of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.&nbsp;

As per reports, three terrorists are believed to be holed up in Kokernag area.

The terrorists had opened fire at a patrol party of the security forces in Anantnag, but no one was injured.

The patrol operation turned into a gunbattle after the&nbsp;firing upon a search party of the forces who retaliated.&nbsp;

The gunbattle was going on when last reports came in, the official said, adding that further details were awaited.

Earlier on Thursday, terrorists barged into the residence of a forest department official and shot at him. The official, &nbsp;38-year-old Tariq Ahmad Malik, later succumbed to his injuries. The incident was reported in Zandpal area at Kunzer in Tangmarg, Baramulla.

A case has been registered and the investigation is underway, the J&K police said. The initial investigation into the matter establishes the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Yousuf Dar alias Kantroo, who is a resident of Kawoosa in Budgam district.

The gunbattle was going on when last reports came in, the official said, adding that further details were awaited.

An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists in Kokernag area of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. As per reports, three terrorists are believed to be holed up in Kokernag area. The terrorists had opened fire at a patrol party of the security forces in Anantnag, but no one was injured. The patrol operation turned into a gunbattle after the firing upon a search party of the forces who retaliated. The gunbattle was going on when last reports came in, the official said, adding that further details were awaited. Earlier on Thursday, terrorists barged into the residence of a forest department official and shot at him. The official, 38-year-old Tariq Ahmad Malik, later succumbed to his injuries. The incident was reported in Zandpal area at Kunzer in Tangmarg, Baramulla. A case has been registered and the investigation is underway, the J&K police said. The initial investigation into the matter establishes the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Yousuf Dar alias Kantroo, who is a resident of Kawoosa in Budgam district.

Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway in Anantnag, 3 terrorists trapped 

Kerala government blames Tamil Nadu for floods. Kerala on Thursday told the apex court that the sudden release of water from the Mullaperiyar Dam by the Tamil Nadu government. Watch this video to know more.

Your Story: Kerala points finger at Tamil Nadu

Kerala should be treated on a different yardstick for extending flood relief assistance as its huge loss cannot be compared with damage in any other state at any point of time, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said today.

Giving a detailed account of the havoc caused by the devastating floods and landslides since early this month, he said the preliminary assessment of losses was around Rs 20,000 crore which was equal to the state's annual Plan size for 2018-19.

The heavy rains and floods have claimed 231 lives in Kerala since August 8 and more than 10.40 lakh people are still in relief camps across the state.

In support of his stand that Kerala's case was unique, he said the state was densely populated and the entire state had infrastructure facilities such as good roads, communication network and hospitals.

Hence, the loss suffered in the floods was huge in nature and was something which cannot be compared to the damage suffered by any other part of the country at any point of time, Vijayan said, urging that the state should be treated on a different yardstick for extending assistance.

His stress on the magnitude of the calamity and assistance comes at a time when there is a standoff over accepting foreign aid for the flood-ravaged state.

While the state government was keen on receiving foreign aid, including USD 100 million offered by the United Arab Emirates, the Centre has taken the stand that it cannot accept any assistance from overseas governments and cited an existing policy.

Pushing for foreign assistance, Vijayan had earlier said there was no blanket ban and India, by law, could accept financial aid voluntarily given by a foreign government in times of a severe calamity.

In his statement today, the chief minister said: "It is with a thankful heart that we take note of the fact that foreign countries ranging from the UAE to Qatar have come forward with their promise of assistance."

Vijayan also mentioned about the immediate release of Rs 100 crore by the Centre and further interim aid of Rs 500 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately after his aerial survey of flood-affected areas on August 19.

The Centre has already released Rs 600 crore to the state.

The chief minister said the state was facing the biggest calamity in 100 years and preliminary estimate of losses comes around Rs 20,000 crore.

It goes without saying that the actual losses will steadily go up once the water recedes and the final assessment is made. "To put it in a nutshell, the size of the loss caused by the calamity is equal to the size of the annual plan the state has chalked out for 2018-2019," Vijayan said.

More than 26,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed and crops spread over 40,000 hectares lost, Vijayan said, adding, "We have lost more than two lakh poultry and at least 46,000 milch animals."

The magnitude of the havoc truly gets reflected in the fact that a vast area of the state still remains submerged in flood waters, the chief minister said.

Floods have washed away several multi-storeyed buildings, shops, commercial establishments and even bridges, he said.

Telecommunication network and electricity lines have been damaged. The power sector suffered losses of around Rs 750 crore while damage to water supply infrastructure was close to Rs 900 crore, he said.

He also noted that more than 300 landslides have occurred, resulting in hills being razed in several places.

Major rivers such as Bharathapuzha, Periyar, Chalakkudy and Pamba have altered course in many places.

Several parts of the state had been cut off, and remained as isolated islands, inaccessible by road or water transport, for days together.

People of the state came together and stood behind the government in evacuating the people stranded in flood waters and rehabilitating them in relief camps, the chief minister said.

Giving details of the rescue operations held with the active cooperation of the national disaster response force, defence forces, Coast Guard, police and others, Vijayan said it was for the first time that "such a massive rescue operation of this magnitude" was conducted anywhere in the country.

On post-flood health concerns, he said the health authorities were taking every precaution to ensure the wellbeing of the people and to ensure that there was no epidemic breakout.

Giving a detailed account of the havoc caused by the devastating floods and landslides since early this month, he said the preliminary assessment of losses was around Rs 20,000 crore which was equal to the state's annual Plan size for 2018-19.

Kerala should be treated on a different yardstick for extending flood relief assistance as its huge loss cannot be compared with damage in any other state at any point of time, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said today. Giving a detailed account of the havoc caused by the devastating floods and landslides since early this month, he said the preliminary assessment of losses was around Rs 20,000 crore which was equal to the state's annual Plan size for 2018-19. The heavy rains and floods have claimed 231 lives in Kerala since August 8 and more than 10.40 lakh people are still in relief camps across the state. In support of his stand that Kerala's case was unique, he said the state was densely populated and the entire state had infrastructure facilities such as good roads, communication network and hospitals. Hence, the loss suffered in the floods was huge in nature and was something which cannot be compared to the damage suffered by any other part of the country at any point of time, Vijayan said, urging that the state should be treated on a different yardstick for extending assistance. His stress on the magnitude of the calamity and assistance comes at a time when there is a standoff over accepting foreign aid for the flood-ravaged state. While the state government was keen on receiving foreign aid, including USD 100 million offered by the United Arab Emirates, the Centre has taken the stand that it cannot accept any assistance from overseas governments and cited an existing policy. Pushing for foreign assistance, Vijayan had earlier said there was no blanket ban and India, by law, could accept financial aid voluntarily given by a foreign government in times of a severe calamity. In his statement today, the chief minister said: "It is with a thankful heart that we take note of the fact that foreign countries ranging from the UAE to Qatar have come forward with their promise of assistance." Vijayan also mentioned about the immediate release of Rs 100 crore by the Centre and further interim aid of Rs 500 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately after his aerial survey of flood-affected areas on August 19. The Centre has already released Rs 600 crore to the state. The chief minister said the state was facing the biggest calamity in 100 years and preliminary estimate of losses comes around Rs 20,000 crore. It goes without saying that the actual losses will steadily go up once the water recedes and the final assessment is made. "To put it in a nutshell, the size of the loss caused by the calamity is equal to the size of the annual plan the state has chalked out for 2018-2019," Vijayan said. More than 26,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed and crops spread over 40,000 hectares lost, Vijayan said, adding, "We have lost more than two lakh poultry and at least 46,000 milch animals." The magnitude of the havoc truly gets reflected in the fact that a vast area of the state still remains submerged in flood waters, the chief minister said. Floods have washed away several multi-storeyed buildings, shops, commercial establishments and even bridges, he said. Telecommunication network and electricity lines have been damaged. The power sector suffered losses of around Rs 750 crore while damage to water supply infrastructure was close to Rs 900 crore, he said. He also noted that more than 300 landslides have occurred, resulting in hills being razed in several places. Major rivers such as Bharathapuzha, Periyar, Chalakkudy and Pamba have altered course in many places. Several parts of the state had been cut off, and remained as isolated islands, inaccessible by road or water transport, for days together. People of the state came together and stood behind the government in evacuating the people stranded in flood waters and rehabilitating them in relief camps, the chief minister said. Giving details of the rescue operations held with the active cooperation of the national disaster response force, defence forces, Coast Guard, police and others, Vijayan said it was for the first time that "such a massive rescue operation of this magnitude" was conducted anywhere in the country. On post-flood health concerns, he said the health authorities were taking every precaution to ensure the wellbeing of the people and to ensure that there was no epidemic breakout.

Treat Kerala on different yardstick for flood relief aid: Pinarayi Vijayan

As a blame-game erupted between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the devastating floods, the Supreme Court today directed the panel on the Mullaperiyar Dam to ensure that the water level at the reservoir is maintained at 139.99 feet till August 31.

The Mullaperiyar Dam, built in 1895 on Periyar River in Idukki District of Kerala, came under the spotlight with the Kerala government accusing Tamil Nadu, which maintains the reservoir, of sudden release of water leading to unprecedented deluge in the state.

Kerala's claim was today rebuffed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, who said the neighbouring state had suffered the deluge due to the discharge of excess water from 80 reservoirs spurred by heavy rains there.

The Tamil Nadu government also filed an affidavit in the apex court today charging Kerala with an "obstructionist attitude and non-cooperation" and alleging that it was helping illegal encroachments.

However, the top court steered clear of the dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the maximum permissible limit of water level of 142 ft in the dam as fixed by it in its 2014 verdict and said that currently, it was concerned with disaster management and maintaining the water level at 139 ft to ensure that the flood situation does not worsen.

"Needless to say, the present writ petition has nothing to do with any kind of dispute between the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, but it relates to saving of human lives in the obtaining situation of disaster," a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said.

The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, took note of the submissions of Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha, representing the Centre, that the sub-committee on the dam met on August 23 and directed "maintaining the water level at 2 to 3 ft below the permitted level (of 142 ft)".

The law officer also said the Chairman of the panel has directed that the "current status of reservoir and water level is at 139.99 ft at Mullaperiyar dam, which shall be maintained till August 31".

"At this juncture, we may direct that the Committee which has met yesterday, shall see to it that as far as practicable water level be maintained at the dam and both the states ... Shall cooperate with the Committee," the bench ordered.

Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, appearing for Tamil Nadu, alleged that the plea seeking to lower the water level at the dam could be part of a "sinister design" to circumvent the apex court's decision fixing the permissible limit at 142 ft.

The bench said it would not get into the maximum limit as fixed by it in 2014 but rather deal with the aspect of disaster management.

It then fixed for hearing on September 6 the plea filed by Kerala resident Russel Joy seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu to manage the water level in the dam as the floods in Kerala have created a havoc.

It asked the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to file their responses to the affidavit filed by Kerala in the matter.

The Mullaperiyar Dam, built in 1895 on Periyar River in Idukki District of Kerala, came under the spotlight with the Kerala government accusing Tamil Nadu, which maintains the reservoir, of sudden release of water leading to unprecedented deluge in the state

As a blame-game erupted between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the devastating floods, the Supreme Court today directed the panel on the Mullaperiyar Dam to ensure that the water level at the reservoir is maintained at 139.99 feet till August 31. The Mullaperiyar Dam, built in 1895 on Periyar River in Idukki District of Kerala, came under the spotlight with the Kerala government accusing Tamil Nadu, which maintains the reservoir, of sudden release of water leading to unprecedented deluge in the state. Kerala's claim was today rebuffed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, who said the neighbouring state had suffered the deluge due to the discharge of excess water from 80 reservoirs spurred by heavy rains there. The Tamil Nadu government also filed an affidavit in the apex court today charging Kerala with an "obstructionist attitude and non-cooperation" and alleging that it was helping illegal encroachments. However, the top court steered clear of the dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the maximum permissible limit of water level of 142 ft in the dam as fixed by it in its 2014 verdict and said that currently, it was concerned with disaster management and maintaining the water level at 139 ft to ensure that the flood situation does not worsen. "Needless to say, the present writ petition has nothing to do with any kind of dispute between the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, but it relates to saving of human lives in the obtaining situation of disaster," a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said. The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, took note of the submissions of Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha, representing the Centre, that the sub-committee on the dam met on August 23 and directed "maintaining the water level at 2 to 3 ft below the permitted level (of 142 ft)". The law officer also said the Chairman of the panel has directed that the "current status of reservoir and water level is at 139.99 ft at Mullaperiyar dam, which shall be maintained till August 31". "At this juncture, we may direct that the Committee which has met yesterday, shall see to it that as far as practicable water level be maintained at the dam and both the states ... Shall cooperate with the Committee," the bench ordered. Senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, appearing for Tamil Nadu, alleged that the plea seeking to lower the water level at the dam could be part of a "sinister design" to circumvent the apex court's decision fixing the permissible limit at 142 ft. The bench said it would not get into the maximum limit as fixed by it in 2014 but rather deal with the aspect of disaster management. It then fixed for hearing on September 6 the plea filed by Kerala resident Russel Joy seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu to manage the water level in the dam as the floods in Kerala have created a havoc. It asked the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to file their responses to the affidavit filed by Kerala in the matter.

Kerala flood: SC orders to maintain water level at 139 ft at Mullaperiyar

The ED again questioned former finance minister P Chidambaram for about six hours today in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case, officials said.&nbsp

Sources said Chidambaram's statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after he appeared before the investigating officer (IO) of the case at the Enforcement Directorate's office here.

The questioning went on for about six hours, they said.&nbsp

While the CBI has filed a charge sheet in this case involving the politician in July, the ED is expected to file its own prosecution complaint within the next fortnight.&nbsp

It is understood that the agency wanted to put a fresh set of questions to him regarding the deal and hence had asked him to appear.

The agency had earlier recorded statements of officials who were in FIPB when this deal took place, and it is understood that Chidambaram would have been confronted with these versions.&nbsp

Some specific queries on the circumstances and procedures adopted by the now-defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), while giving approval to the Aircel-Maxis deal during his tenure, were put to him earlier.&nbsp

His son Karti has also been questioned by the ED in this case twice.&nbsp

Chidambaram, after a similar questioning by the ED in this case in June, had said that what he told the agency was already recorded in government documents. He also said that there is no FIR, yet a probe had been initiated.

"More than half the time taken up by typing the answers without errors, reading the statement and signing it!," he had said in his tweet.

The Aircel-Maxis cases pertains to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd in 2006 for investment in Aircel.&nbsp

The Supreme Court had on March 12 directed investigating agencies -- the CBI and the ED -- to complete their probe into the 2G spectrum allocation cases, including the Aircel Maxis alleged money laundering case, in six months.&nbsp

The agency had said that the FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was competent to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).&nbsp

The ED is investigating "the circumstances of the FIPB approval granted (in 2006) by the then finance minister".&nbsp

"In the instant case, the approval for FDI of $ 800 million (over Rs 3,500 crore) was sought. Hence, the CCEA was competent to grant the approval.&nbsp

"However, the approval was not obtained from the CCEA," the ED had alleged.&nbsp

The agency said its probe revealed that the case of the said FDI was "wrongly projected as an investment of Rs 180 crore so that it need not be sent to the CCEA to avoid a detailed scrutiny".&nbsp

The ED is probing the Aircel-Maxis deal under the PMLA after taking cognisance of a 2011 CBI FIR in the case.&nbsp

The senior Chidambaram had earlier described the ED action in this case as a "crazy mixture of falsehoods and conjectures" and said that the charge sheet filed by probe agencies was rejected by the court.&nbsp

However, the agencies maintained that the FIR in the case had not been quashed.&nbsp

In September last year, the ED had attached assets worth Rs 1.16 crore of Karti and a firm allegedly linked to him in connection with this case.

The questioning went on for about six hours.

The ED again questioned former finance minister P Chidambaram for about six hours today in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case, officials said. Sources said Chidambaram's statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after he appeared before the investigating officer (IO) of the case at the Enforcement Directorate's office here. The questioning went on for about six hours, they said. While the CBI has filed a charge sheet in this case involving the politician in July, the ED is expected to file its own prosecution complaint within the next fortnight. It is understood that the agency wanted to put a fresh set of questions to him regarding the deal and hence had asked him to appear. The agency had earlier recorded statements of officials who were in FIPB when this deal took place, and it is understood that Chidambaram would have been confronted with these versions. Some specific queries on the circumstances and procedures adopted by the now-defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), while giving approval to the Aircel-Maxis deal during his tenure, were put to him earlier. His son Karti has also been questioned by the ED in this case twice. Chidambaram, after a similar questioning by the ED in this case in June, had said that what he told the agency was already recorded in government documents. He also said that there is no FIR, yet a probe had been initiated. "More than half the time taken up by typing the answers without errors, reading the statement and signing it!," he had said in his tweet. The Aircel-Maxis cases pertains to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd in 2006 for investment in Aircel. The Supreme Court had on March 12 directed investigating agencies -- the CBI and the ED -- to complete their probe into the 2G spectrum allocation cases, including the Aircel Maxis alleged money laundering case, in six months. The agency had said that the FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was competent to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). The ED is investigating "the circumstances of the FIPB approval granted (in 2006) by the then finance minister". "In the instant case, the approval for FDI of $ 800 million (over Rs 3,500 crore) was sought. Hence, the CCEA was competent to grant the approval. "However, the approval was not obtained from the CCEA," the ED had alleged. The agency said its probe revealed that the case of the said FDI was "wrongly projected as an investment of Rs 180 crore so that it need not be sent to the CCEA to avoid a detailed scrutiny". The ED is probing the Aircel-Maxis deal under the PMLA after taking cognisance of a 2011 CBI FIR in the case. The senior Chidambaram had earlier described the ED action in this case as a "crazy mixture of falsehoods and conjectures" and said that the charge sheet filed by probe agencies was rejected by the court. However, the agencies maintained that the FIR in the case had not been quashed. In September last year, the ED had attached assets worth Rs 1.16 crore of Karti and a firm allegedly linked to him in connection with this case.

ED questions Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis PMLA case; records statement

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today met the senior leadership of the UK's Opposition Labour Party and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues, and highlighted the difficulties faced by Indian professionals and students following the change in Britain's visa policy.

Gandhi and the Labour leadership, including Shadow Cabinet members, discussed issues of unemployment, growing protectionism, trade wars and threat to rule-based international order.

They expressed concern over threats of terrorism and forces of violence to stability and peace.

Both the sides also acknowledged the value of the UK-India economic partnership including growing investments and technology cooperation.

The Congress and the Labour leadership agreed to reinvigorate party-to-party exchanges and create an institutional mechanism for a regular exchange between the leadership of the two parties, the Congress said in a statement.

Gandhi was accompanied by Congress Working Committee member and chairman of the foreign affairs department Anand Sharma, besides chairman of Overseas Indian Congress Sam Pitroda and Milind Deora.

The Labour Party was represented by Barry Gardiner MP and shadow secretary for International Trade and Climate Change, Valerie Vaz, MP and shadow leader of the House of Commons, Sir Keir Starmer, MP and shadow Brexit secretary, Gareth

Thomas, MP and shadow minister of Foreign Commonwealth Office, Preet Gill, shadow minister for International Development, Rajesh Agarwal, deputy Mayor of London among others.

Gandhi specifically referred to the fallout of the Brexit, increasing inequality and youth unemployment.

Britain will leave the 28-member European Union in March 2019, following a historic referendum held on June 23, 2016.

He referred to the concerns over the visa for Indian professionals and students following the change in the UK visa policy and the fall in the number of Indian students in the UK after the closure of Old Tier- 1 post study work route, the statement said.

Gandhi said India has made huge intellectual investments in the UK and the contribution of Indian doctors and nurses to the country's National Health Scheme is immense.

"Nothing should be done to hinder the movement of professional," the Congress president was quoted as saying.

The Congress and Labour Party attach special significance to the special relationship and strategic partnership between the UK and India, and will work to strengthen it, the statement added.&nbsp

Gandhi and the Labour leadership, including Shadow Cabinet members, discussed issues of unemployment, growing protectionism, trade wars and threat to rule-based international order.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today met the senior leadership of the UK's Opposition Labour Party and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues, and highlighted the difficulties faced by Indian professionals and students following the change in Britain's visa policy. Gandhi and the Labour leadership, including Shadow Cabinet members, discussed issues of unemployment, growing protectionism, trade wars and threat to rule-based international order. They expressed concern over threats of terrorism and forces of violence to stability and peace. Both the sides also acknowledged the value of the UK-India economic partnership including growing investments and technology cooperation. The Congress and the Labour leadership agreed to reinvigorate party-to-party exchanges and create an institutional mechanism for a regular exchange between the leadership of the two parties, the Congress said in a statement. Gandhi was accompanied by Congress Working Committee member and chairman of the foreign affairs department Anand Sharma, besides chairman of Overseas Indian Congress Sam Pitroda and Milind Deora. The Labour Party was represented by Barry Gardiner MP and shadow secretary for International Trade and Climate Change, Valerie Vaz, MP and shadow leader of the House of Commons, Sir Keir Starmer, MP and shadow Brexit secretary, Gareth Thomas, MP and shadow minister of Foreign Commonwealth Office, Preet Gill, shadow minister for International Development, Rajesh Agarwal, deputy Mayor of London among others. Gandhi specifically referred to the fallout of the Brexit, increasing inequality and youth unemployment. Britain will leave the 28-member European Union in March 2019, following a historic referendum held on June 23, 2016. He referred to the concerns over the visa for Indian professionals and students following the change in the UK visa policy and the fall in the number of Indian students in the UK after the closure of Old Tier- 1 post study work route, the statement said. Gandhi said India has made huge intellectual investments in the UK and the contribution of Indian doctors and nurses to the country's National Health Scheme is immense. "Nothing should be done to hinder the movement of professional," the Congress president was quoted as saying. The Congress and Labour Party attach special significance to the special relationship and strategic partnership between the UK and India, and will work to strengthen it, the statement added.

Rahul Gandhi calls on UK's Opposition Labour party leaders

The 21st century should be defined by Mahatma Gandhi's message of compassion and non-violence, Congress party president Rahul Gandhi said here today.

Rahul, who is the first foreign Leader of Opposition to be invited to speak at the Grand Committee Room of the UK Parliament, said that India and the UK are connected as they fight people on ideas.

The other prominent speakers who have spoken at the Grand Committee Room in the House of Commons are Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, former South African president Nelson Mandela and former president of erstwhile Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev.

"What connects India and the UK is that we fight people on ideas... In the 21st century, the greatest idea is compassion and non-violence as laid out by my hero Mahatma Gandhi," he told an audience of parliamentarians and local political leaders.

"Even though the British ruled us, they left us with many ideas and some strengths as well," he said.&nbsp

He also hailed the Indian-origin politicians that are part of the British political establishment.

"It is rooms like this from where Britain governed India... And many Indian people are today helping run Britain. How far the world has come," he said at the event titled 'India and the World' attended by senior Opposition Labour party MPs Keith Vaz, Virendra Sharma and Seema Malhotra.&nbsp

Rahul Gandhi was invited to speak at the Grand Committee Room of the UK Parliament

The 21st century should be defined by Mahatma Gandhi's message of compassion and non-violence, Congress party president Rahul Gandhi said here today. Rahul, who is the first foreign Leader of Opposition to be invited to speak at the Grand Committee Room of the UK Parliament, said that India and the UK are connected as they fight people on ideas. The other prominent speakers who have spoken at the Grand Committee Room in the House of Commons are Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, former South African president Nelson Mandela and former president of erstwhile Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev. "What connects India and the UK is that we fight people on ideas... In the 21st century, the greatest idea is compassion and non-violence as laid out by my hero Mahatma Gandhi," he told an audience of parliamentarians and local political leaders. "Even though the British ruled us, they left us with many ideas and some strengths as well," he said. He also hailed the Indian-origin politicians that are part of the British political establishment. "It is rooms like this from where Britain governed India... And many Indian people are today helping run Britain. How far the world has come," he said at the event titled 'India and the World' attended by senior Opposition Labour party MPs Keith Vaz, Virendra Sharma and Seema Malhotra.

21st century should be defined by Mahatma Gandhi's message of compassion, non-violence: Rahul Gandhi

Congress President Rahul Gandhi made yet another provocative attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his overseas tour, this time equating the right-wing group to the Muslim Brotherhood while addressing students in London on Friday.

Speaking at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London, Gandhi said RSS was trying to change the nature of India. There is no other organisation in India that wants to capture India's institutions, he added.

"RSS is trying to change the nature of India. There is no other organisation in India that wants to capture India's institutions. RSS' idea is similar to the idea of Muslim Brotherhood in Arab world," Rahul Gandhi said at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London.

The Muslim Brotherhood is a Sunni Islamist organisation founded in Egypt and is considered to be a terror outfit by Russia and six west Asian nations.

While Congress party binds the people of India, the BJP-RSS divides them and spreads hatred, Rahul said.

Stating that the West did not believe in India in 1947, Rahul Gandhi said but India proved the West wrong. ''What allowed us to succeed is that thousands of people built the institutions, and these are the institutions that are being attacked today,'' Rahul said.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: "RSS is trying to change the nature of India. There is no other organisation in India that wants to capture India's institutions. RSS' idea is similar to idea of Muslim Brotherhood in Arab world, "says Rahul Gandhi at International Institute of Strategic Studies in London <a href="https://t.co/HzBg16EKCN">pic.twitter.com/HzBg16EKCN</a>
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The Gandhi scion also attacked the Modi government saying that they lacked a coherent strategy in dealing with Pakistan.

Modi&nbsp;government ''lacks a coherent strategy''&nbsp;in dealing with Pakistan, he said even as he accused the neighbouring country of spreading terrorism in India.

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Commenting on the Doklam standoff with China, Gandhi said the row was not an isolated issue but part of a sequence of events. “Prime Minister [Narendra Modi] is episodic. He views Doklam as an event. If he was carefully watching the process, he could’ve stopped it. The truth is the Chinese are still in Doklam today,” he said.

The Gandhi scion also attacked the Modi government saying that they lacked a coherent strategy in dealing with Pakistan.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi made yet another provocative attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his overseas tour, this time equating the right-wing group to the Muslim Brotherhood while addressing students in London on Friday. Speaking at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London, Gandhi said RSS was trying to change the nature of India. There is no other organisation in India that wants to capture India's institutions, he added. "RSS is trying to change the nature of India. There is no other organisation in India that wants to capture India's institutions. RSS' idea is similar to the idea of Muslim Brotherhood in Arab world," Rahul Gandhi said at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London. The Muslim Brotherhood is a Sunni Islamist organisation founded in Egypt and is considered to be a terror outfit by Russia and six west Asian nations. While Congress party binds the people of India, the BJP-RSS divides them and spreads hatred, Rahul said. Stating that the West did not believe in India in 1947, Rahul Gandhi said but India proved the West wrong. ''What allowed us to succeed is that thousands of people built the institutions, and these are the institutions that are being attacked today,'' Rahul said. #WATCH: "RSS is trying to change the nature of India. There is no other organisation in India that wants to capture India's institutions. RSS' idea is similar to idea of Muslim Brotherhood in Arab world, "says Rahul Gandhi at International Institute of Strategic Studies in London pic.twitter.com/HzBg16EKCN — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2018 × The Gandhi scion also attacked the Modi government saying that they lacked a coherent strategy in dealing with Pakistan. Modi government ''lacks a coherent strategy'' in dealing with Pakistan, he said even as he accused the neighbouring country of spreading terrorism in India. #WATCH: "On Modi government, I would like to say that even with Pakistan, they lack a coherent strategy," says Congress President Rahul Gandhi at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London pic.twitter.com/jUZAh2a5bf — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2018 × Commenting on the Doklam standoff with China, Gandhi said the row was not an isolated issue but part of a sequence of events. “Prime Minister [Narendra Modi] is episodic. He views Doklam as an event. If he was carefully watching the process, he could’ve stopped it. The truth is the Chinese are still in Doklam today,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi equates RSS to Muslim Brotherhood in UK address

No specific amount for financial aid to flood-ravaged Kerala has been finalised officially by the United Arab Emirates and there was no announcement on donation to the state, officials in UAE embassy said here on Friday, amid a row over the Centre deciding not to accept any foreign donations for flood relief.

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.

"The UAE has not officially announced any financial aid for Kerala flood relief. We have not conveyed anything to India on any assistance," said a senior official in the UAE embassy here.

He said the UAE may come out with its plan in the next few days to extend assistance to flood victims.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan earlier this week said that the UAE has decided to extend a financial assistance of Rs 700 crore to Kerala, considering the Gulf nation's special relationship with Kerala.&nbsp;

Around three million Indians live and work in the UAE, out of which 80 per cent are from Kerala, according to official figures.

On August 18, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum tweeted that his country has formed a committee for extending help to flood affected people in Kerala.

"UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected. We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative," he tweeted.

Days after the Kerala CM said the UAE has offered to give Rs 700 crore to his state, the Ministry of External Affairs made it clear that the Centre will not allow any financial assistance from foreign governments for Kerala in sync with an existing policy.

The MEA, however, said contributions to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund from NRIs (Non Resident Indians, PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) and international entities such as foundations will be welcomed.

While refusing foreign aid, the government invoked a policy decision taken by the Manmohan Singh government in 2004 in the aftermath of the Tsunami for not accepting foreign assistance.

After the MEA said India will not accept donations from foreign nations, an unhappy Vijayan said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had in 2016 suggested that assistance offered as a goodwill gesture "may" be accepted, asserting that there is no blanket ban on receiving such assistance.

Vijayan said he would approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.&nbsp;

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.

No specific amount for financial aid to flood-ravaged Kerala has been finalised officially by the United Arab Emirates and there was no announcement on donation to the state, officials in UAE embassy said here on Friday, amid a row over the Centre deciding not to accept any foreign donations for flood relief. 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. "The UAE has not officially announced any financial aid for Kerala flood relief. We have not conveyed anything to India on any assistance," said a senior official in the UAE embassy here. He said the UAE may come out with its plan in the next few days to extend assistance to flood victims. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan earlier this week said that the UAE has decided to extend a financial assistance of Rs 700 crore to Kerala, considering the Gulf nation's special relationship with Kerala. Around three million Indians live and work in the UAE, out of which 80 per cent are from Kerala, according to official figures. On August 18, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum tweeted that his country has formed a committee for extending help to flood affected people in Kerala. "UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected. We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative," he tweeted. Days after the Kerala CM said the UAE has offered to give Rs 700 crore to his state, the Ministry of External Affairs made it clear that the Centre will not allow any financial assistance from foreign governments for Kerala in sync with an existing policy. The MEA, however, said contributions to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund from NRIs (Non Resident Indians, PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) and international entities such as foundations will be welcomed. While refusing foreign aid, the government invoked a policy decision taken by the Manmohan Singh government in 2004 in the aftermath of the Tsunami for not accepting foreign assistance. After the MEA said India will not accept donations from foreign nations, an unhappy Vijayan said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had in 2016 suggested that assistance offered as a goodwill gesture "may" be accepted, asserting that there is no blanket ban on receiving such assistance. Vijayan said he would approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

No specific amount finalised officially for Kerala flood relief: UAE officials

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said every paisa of every rupee released by his government reaches the poor as there is no place for middlemen and asserted that his endeavour is to provide every Indian family a home of its own by 2022.

In an apparent jibe at former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's famous comment about only 15 paise of every one rupee released by the centre reaching the targetted beneficiary, PM Modi said, "If one rupee is released from Delhi, the entire 100 paise (now) reach the house of the poor."

Addressing a public gathering in this Gujarat village after a collective 'e-gruha pravesh' (online house warming) event for beneficiaries of the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme for Rural areas, PM Modi said people now do not have to pay bribes to avail benefits of the centre's flagship housing scheme.

PM Modi said he dreams of every family owning a house of its own by 2022 when the nation will celebrate 75 years of independence.

The erstwhile rural housing scheme, Indira Awaas Yojana was restructured into Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), which was launched by PM Modi in November 2016.

As part of the government's 'Housing for All by 2022' scheme, targets have been set to complete one crore new pucca houses in rural areas by March 2019 and 2.95 crore by 2022.

According to information available on the Rural Development Ministry website, 18.22 lakh houses were completed under the erstwhile scheme in 2015-16, while the number rose to over 32 lakh in 2016-17 and 44.54 lakh in 2017-18 after taking into account houses built under the new scheme and completion of incomplete houses started under the previous scheme.

The scheme aims to provide a pucca house with basic amenities to all houseless families and those living in kutcha and dilapidated houses by 2022.

It provides unit assistance of Rs. 1.20 lakh in plains and Rs. 1.30 lakh in hilly areas, besides other benefits. The assistance cost is shared between the central and state government in the ratio of 60:40 in plains and 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states.

"While talking to the women beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, I was watching the houses behind them. Even you would be wondering how such good quality houses were built under that scheme," PM Modi said, referring to his interaction through video conferencing with some beneficiaries.

"This was made possible because there is no place for middlemen in my government," he said.

PM Modi said his government has the "guts" to ask the women beneficiaries -- when the entire country is watching and the media is present -- if they had to pay any bribe or commission to get the houses.

&nbsp;"In reply, the mothers and sisters could say with satisfaction that they got the houses according to rules and they did not have to pay a single rupee bribe," he said.

Prime Minister said his government has paid due attention to ensure that these houses are of good quality.

"Gujarat has taught me a lot. It has taught me to fulfil dreams within a specific time. It is my dream, it is our endeavour to ensure that every Indian family has its own home by 2022," he said.

PM Modi said the government has given money for building the houses, but these homes have also been built with the "sweat of the family".

"The family decided how will the house be, what material will be used and how will it be made. We put our trust in them and not on contractors. When a family makes its own home, it makes it the best," PM Modi said.

While interacting with women beneficiaries, he asked them about their experiences of owning a concrete house, quizzed them about cleanliness, education of the girl child, supply of water, power, and gas connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana.

He asked some women if they had to pay any bribe to the middlemen to get the amount of around Rs. 1.5 lakh under the housing scheme.

PM Modi said bribery was not possible as the money was transferred directly into accounts of the beneficiaries.

As many as 1.15 lakh concrete houses have been constructed under the scheme across 26 districts in Gujarat and its beneficiaries are the rural families.

On the occasion, women beneficiaries of the Chief Minister's Gramodaya Yojana were also given certificates of vocational training.

Referring to the government's drive to provide electricity to all, PM Modi said in the next 1-1.5 years, no home will be left without power in the country.

At the function, he also performed ground-breaking ceremony through remote control of a Rs. 586 crore water supply project to provide drinking water to around 175 villages situated in hilly areas of Valsad district.

PM Modi said he had spent time in Vasad's tribal areas in the past and therefore he knew about problems faced by its people.

Modi's remark was an apparent jibe at former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, who had famously said that only 15 paise of every rupee released by the Centre reaches beneficiaries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said every paisa of every rupee released by his government reaches the poor as there is no place for middlemen and asserted that his endeavour is to provide every Indian family a home of its own by 2022. In an apparent jibe at former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's famous comment about only 15 paise of every one rupee released by the centre reaching the targetted beneficiary, PM Modi said, "If one rupee is released from Delhi, the entire 100 paise (now) reach the house of the poor." Addressing a public gathering in this Gujarat village after a collective 'e-gruha pravesh' (online house warming) event for beneficiaries of the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme for Rural areas, PM Modi said people now do not have to pay bribes to avail benefits of the centre's flagship housing scheme. PM Modi said he dreams of every family owning a house of its own by 2022 when the nation will celebrate 75 years of independence. The erstwhile rural housing scheme, Indira Awaas Yojana was restructured into Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), which was launched by PM Modi in November 2016. As part of the government's 'Housing for All by 2022' scheme, targets have been set to complete one crore new pucca houses in rural areas by March 2019 and 2.95 crore by 2022. According to information available on the Rural Development Ministry website, 18.22 lakh houses were completed under the erstwhile scheme in 2015-16, while the number rose to over 32 lakh in 2016-17 and 44.54 lakh in 2017-18 after taking into account houses built under the new scheme and completion of incomplete houses started under the previous scheme. The scheme aims to provide a pucca house with basic amenities to all houseless families and those living in kutcha and dilapidated houses by 2022. It provides unit assistance of Rs. 1.20 lakh in plains and Rs. 1.30 lakh in hilly areas, besides other benefits. The assistance cost is shared between the central and state government in the ratio of 60:40 in plains and 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states. "While talking to the women beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, I was watching the houses behind them. Even you would be wondering how such good quality houses were built under that scheme," PM Modi said, referring to his interaction through video conferencing with some beneficiaries. "This was made possible because there is no place for middlemen in my government," he said. PM Modi said his government has the "guts" to ask the women beneficiaries -- when the entire country is watching and the media is present -- if they had to pay any bribe or commission to get the houses. "In reply, the mothers and sisters could say with satisfaction that they got the houses according to rules and they did not have to pay a single rupee bribe," he said. Prime Minister said his government has paid due attention to ensure that these houses are of good quality. "Gujarat has taught me a lot. It has taught me to fulfil dreams within a specific time. It is my dream, it is our endeavour to ensure that every Indian family has its own home by 2022," he said. PM Modi said the government has given money for building the houses, but these homes have also been built with the "sweat of the family". "The family decided how will the house be, what material will be used and how will it be made. We put our trust in them and not on contractors. When a family makes its own home, it makes it the best," PM Modi said. While interacting with women beneficiaries, he asked them about their experiences of owning a concrete house, quizzed them about cleanliness, education of the girl child, supply of water, power, and gas connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana. He asked some women if they had to pay any bribe to the middlemen to get the amount of around Rs. 1.5 lakh under the housing scheme. PM Modi said bribery was not possible as the money was transferred directly into accounts of the beneficiaries. As many as 1.15 lakh concrete houses have been constructed under the scheme across 26 districts in Gujarat and its beneficiaries are the rural families. On the occasion, women beneficiaries of the Chief Minister's Gramodaya Yojana were also given certificates of vocational training. Referring to the government's drive to provide electricity to all, PM Modi said in the next 1-1.5 years, no home will be left without power in the country. At the function, he also performed ground-breaking ceremony through remote control of a Rs. 586 crore water supply project to provide drinking water to around 175 villages situated in hilly areas of Valsad district. PM Modi said he had spent time in Vasad's tribal areas in the past and therefore he knew about problems faced by its people.

No middlemen, every paisa from government reaches poor: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The Congress on Thursday hit out at the BJP alleging that none of its leaders had drawn any lessons from Atal Bihari Vajpayee and they were only "using" the former prime minister's ashes for "petty political gains".

Congress spokesperson RPN Singh also took strong exception to words used by BJP leaders for criticising Sonia Gandhi and the opposition party.

"The kind of words that the BJP has used for former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, it is unfortunate for politics.

"The entire country is paying tributes to Vajpayee and his ashes are yet to be immersed, but the BJP has not followed what Vajpayee had said," he told reporters.

"The kind of words (they are using) and the level that the BJP has fallen to, the BJP leaders have taken nothing from Vajpayee's speeches either in their words or thoughts," he said.

Later, the Congress on its official Twitter handle said, "The last rites are performed by family members for peace of the departed soul. PM Modi and the BJP have usurped the last remains of Former PM Vajpayee and are using it for petty political gains. BJP leaders discover new lows every day."

Earlier, another Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil had said the BJP should not do politics over Atal Bihari Vajpayee's legacy or on his ashes, as he was a tall leader respected by all in the country.

BJP leader Sambit Patra on Thursday attacked Mr Gandhi for citing job figures and comparing it with China and asked if the numbers were "manufactured in 10 Janpath".

The Congress chief's mother, Sonia Gandhi, stays at 10 Janpath Road in the national capital.

Mr Patra also alleged that Sonia Gandhi, who was the Congress chief for over 19 years, ruled India as a "proxy prime minister" for 10 years.

"Wasn't this the Indian culture which helped her reach the top? Rahul and Sonia Gandhi should come out and explain as to how they can point fingers at this great Indian culture," the BJP spokesperson said, demanding an apology from the Congress chief for his remarks on the issue of women's safety in India.

Congress spokesperson RPN Singh also took strong exception to words used by BJP leaders for criticising Sonia Gandhi and the opposition party.

The Congress on Thursday hit out at the BJP alleging that none of its leaders had drawn any lessons from Atal Bihari Vajpayee and they were only "using" the former prime minister's ashes for "petty political gains". Congress spokesperson RPN Singh also took strong exception to words used by BJP leaders for criticising Sonia Gandhi and the opposition party. "The kind of words that the BJP has used for former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, it is unfortunate for politics. "The entire country is paying tributes to Vajpayee and his ashes are yet to be immersed, but the BJP has not followed what Vajpayee had said," he told reporters. "The kind of words (they are using) and the level that the BJP has fallen to, the BJP leaders have taken nothing from Vajpayee's speeches either in their words or thoughts," he said. Later, the Congress on its official Twitter handle said, "The last rites are performed by family members for peace of the departed soul. PM Modi and the BJP have usurped the last remains of Former PM Vajpayee and are using it for petty political gains. BJP leaders discover new lows every day." Earlier, another Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil had said the BJP should not do politics over Atal Bihari Vajpayee's legacy or on his ashes, as he was a tall leader respected by all in the country. BJP leader Sambit Patra on Thursday attacked Mr Gandhi for citing job figures and comparing it with China and asked if the numbers were "manufactured in 10 Janpath". The Congress chief's mother, Sonia Gandhi, stays at 10 Janpath Road in the national capital. Mr Patra also alleged that Sonia Gandhi, who was the Congress chief for over 19 years, ruled India as a "proxy prime minister" for 10 years. "Wasn't this the Indian culture which helped her reach the top? Rahul and Sonia Gandhi should come out and explain as to how they can point fingers at this great Indian culture," the BJP spokesperson said, demanding an apology from the Congress chief for his remarks on the issue of women's safety in India.

BJP using Atal Bihari Vajpayee's last remains for petty political gains: Congress

Suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists shot dead a Forest Department official on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla, the police said.

"Terrorists this evening barged inside Tariq Ahmad Malik's house in Zandpal area in Tangmarg and fired upon him," a police spokesman said.

Mr Malik sustained critical injuries and later died, he said.

The police have registered a case and initial investigation establishes the involvement of LeT militant Yousuf Dar alias Kantroo, the spokesman said.

The police have registered a case and initial investigation establishes the involvement of LeT militant Yousuf Dar alias Kantroo

Suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists shot dead a Forest Department official on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla, the police said. "Terrorists this evening barged inside Tariq Ahmad Malik's house in Zandpal area in Tangmarg and fired upon him," a police spokesman said. Mr Malik sustained critical injuries and later died, he said. The police have registered a case and initial investigation establishes the involvement of LeT militant Yousuf Dar alias Kantroo, the spokesman said.

Forest department official killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/rss-idea-is-similar-to-the-idea-of-muslim-brotherhood-in-arab-world-rahul-gandhi--161261">RSS idea is similar to that of Muslim Brotherhood's in </a><a href="wionews.com/india-news/rss-idea-is-similar-to-the-idea-of-muslim-brotherhood-in-arab-world-rahul-gandhi--161261">Arab</a><a href="wionews.com/india-news/rss-idea-is-similar-to-the-idea-of-muslim-brotherhood-in-arab-world-rahul-gandhi--161261"> world: Rahul Gandhi during UK address</a>

Congress President Rahul Gandhi made yet another provocative attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his overseas tour, this time equating the right-wing group to the Muslim Brotherhood while addressing students in London on Friday.

<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/us-stands-by-its-statement-on-pakistan-161237">US</a><a href="wionews.com/south-asia/us-stands-by-its-statement-on-pakistan-161237"> stands by its statement asking Pakistan to act against terrorists, amid Islamabad's denial</a>

The United States on Friday said that it 'stood by' its statement where they had mentioned that conversation between US Secretary Mike Pompeo and Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan had sought 'decisive action' against terrorists operating from Pakistan news agency ANI reported.

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/ed-questions-chidambaram-in-aircel-maxis-money-laundering-case-161232">ED questions Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis money laundering case</a>

The ED again on Friday questioned former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case, officials said.&nbsp

<a href="wionews.com/entertainment/next-james-bond-film-to-miss-release-date-looks-difficult-to-even-come-out-in-2020-161274">Next James Bond film to miss release date, looks difficult to even come out in 2020?</a>

Another roadblock in the way of next James Bond film as sources close to the film reveal that it will most likely miss the scheduled release date because of the ongoing tussle between the makers, producers and the main lead actor Daniel Craig.&nbsp

<a href="wionews.com/world/sessions-hits-back-as-trump-says-impeachment-would-sink-economy-161255">Sessions </a><a href="wionews.com/world/sessions-hits-back-as-trump-says-impeachment-would-sink-economy-161255">hits</a><a href="wionews.com/world/sessions-hits-back-as-trump-says-impeachment-would-sink-economy-161255"> back as Trump says impeachment would sink </a><a href="wionews.com/world/sessions-hits-back-as-trump-says-impeachment-would-sink-economy-161255">economy</a>

US President Donald Trump and his allies tried to head off mounting talk of his impeachment, warning it would sink the world's largest economy and spark a public "revolt."

&nbsp

RSS idea is similar to that of Muslim Brotherhood's in Arab world: Rahul Gandhi during UK address Congress President Rahul Gandhi made yet another provocative attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his overseas tour, this time equating the right-wing group to the Muslim Brotherhood while addressing students in London on Friday. US stands by its statement asking Pakistan to act against terrorists, amid Islamabad's denial The United States on Friday said that it 'stood by' its statement where they had mentioned that conversation between US Secretary Mike Pompeo and Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan had sought 'decisive action' against terrorists operating from Pakistan news agency ANI reported. ED questions Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis money laundering case The ED again on Friday questioned former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case, officials said. Next James Bond film to miss release date, looks difficult to even come out in 2020? Another roadblock in the way of next James Bond film as sources close to the film reveal that it will most likely miss the scheduled release date because of the ongoing tussle between the makers, producers and the main lead actor Daniel Craig. Sessions hits back as Trump says impeachment would sink economy US President Donald Trump and his allies tried to head off mounting talk of his impeachment, warning it would sink the world's largest economy and spark a public "revolt."

The Supreme Court today agreed to examine a plea seeking a CBI probe into the alleged killing of three BJP workers in West Bengal after the recently held local bodies elections in the state.

The plea filed by a BJP leader alleged that family members of the victims were being threatened and FIRs had been lodged in these cases.

A bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan issued notices to West Bengal and the CBI on the plea and sought their reply in four weeks.

During the hearing, BJP leader and advocate Gaurav Bhatia said that "disturbing murders" have taken place in West Bengal and police have not registered an FIR in these cases.

He said that CBI probe should be ordered and alleged that family members of the three slain BJP workers, Shaktipad Sarkar, Trilochan Mahato and Dulal Kumar, were now being threatened.

Bhatia also demanded that compensation to the tune of Rs 50 lakh and security cover be provided to the family members of the victims.

The bench said it is issuing notice in the matter.

Earlier, the apex court had refused to give an urgent hearing on the plea seeking a CBI probe into the killing of BJP workers in Purulia and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal after the recently held panchayat polls.

Shaktipada Sarkar, a BJP block president in the Mandirbazar-Dhanurhat area, was hacked tod death when he was returning home in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on July 28.

The body of a 32-year-old Dulal Kumar, a BJP worker, was found hanging from an electric pole in the Purulia district's Balarampur of West Bengal on June 2.

In the same district on May 30, the body of 18-year-old Tirlochan Mahato, also a BJP worker from Balrampur, was found hanging from a tree with a poster written in Bengali struck on his back, saying he was killed for canvassing for the BJP during panchayat election.&nbsp

The plea filed by a BJP leader alleged that family members of the victims were being threatened and FIRs had been lodged in these cases.

The Supreme Court today agreed to examine a plea seeking a CBI probe into the alleged killing of three BJP workers in West Bengal after the recently held local bodies elections in the state. The plea filed by a BJP leader alleged that family members of the victims were being threatened and FIRs had been lodged in these cases. A bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan issued notices to West Bengal and the CBI on the plea and sought their reply in four weeks. During the hearing, BJP leader and advocate Gaurav Bhatia said that "disturbing murders" have taken place in West Bengal and police have not registered an FIR in these cases. He said that CBI probe should be ordered and alleged that family members of the three slain BJP workers, Shaktipad Sarkar, Trilochan Mahato and Dulal Kumar, were now being threatened. Bhatia also demanded that compensation to the tune of Rs 50 lakh and security cover be provided to the family members of the victims. The bench said it is issuing notice in the matter. Earlier, the apex court had refused to give an urgent hearing on the plea seeking a CBI probe into the killing of BJP workers in Purulia and South 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal after the recently held panchayat polls. Shaktipada Sarkar, a BJP block president in the Mandirbazar-Dhanurhat area, was hacked tod death when he was returning home in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on July 28. The body of a 32-year-old Dulal Kumar, a BJP worker, was found hanging from an electric pole in the Purulia district's Balarampur of West Bengal on June 2. In the same district on May 30, the body of 18-year-old Tirlochan Mahato, also a BJP worker from Balrampur, was found hanging from a tree with a poster written in Bengali struck on his back, saying he was killed for canvassing for the BJP during panchayat election.

SC seeks West Bengal govt's response on plea for CBI probe into killing of BJP workers

The Tamil Nadu government today rejected Kerala's contention that sudden water released by Tamil Nadu from the Mullaperiyar dam was one of the reasons for the deluge in the neighbouring state.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami said Kerala suffered the deluge due to the discharge of excess water from 80 reservoirs spurred by heavy rains in that state.

The Kerala government had yesterday filed an affidavit in the Supreme court, saying the sudden release of water from the Mullaperiyar dam by the Tamil Nadu government was one of the reasons for the unprecedented flooding in the state. &nbsp &nbsp&nbsp

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, however, told reporters today, "It was not just one part of Kerala that was affected due to the floods. It happened because of the discharge of excess water from 80 dams. The (Kerala) government is deliberately giving false information so as to not store water at 152 ft."

The dam is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu.

Further, water release was not sudden but done only after periodic alerts issued at various levels, he said. "Therefore, I wish to say that filling up of dams in Kerala due to the heavy rains and (discharge) of their excess water resulted in floods."&nbsp

The dam's safety has been a bone of contention between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

In a May 2014 verdict, a five-judge Constitution bench of the apex court had held that the Mullaperiyar dam was safe, and allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level up to 142 feet from 136 ft and and ultimately to 152 feet after the completion of strengthening measures on the reservoir. &nbsp &nbsp

The Kerala government affidavit also said that out of a total population of about 3.48 crore, more than 54 lakh (or one-sixth of the population of Kerala) had been directly affected by the floods.

Kerala had said that in the wake of prior alerts by its engineers, its Water Resources Secretary had written to her counterpart in the Tamil Nadu government and the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee on Mullaperiyar dam, requesting controlled release of water without waiting for the water in the reservoir to reach full level.

"Accordingly, the Tamil Nadu government was requested to gradually release water at least by 139 feet...But no positive assurance in this regard was received from Tamil Nadu even after repeated requests...

"But the sudden release from the Mullaperiyar dam, third largest reservoir in the Periyar Basin, forced us to release more water from Idukki reservoir, downstream of Mullaperiyar, which is one of the causes of this deluge," the affidavit had said.

Palaniswami, however, today said the water released from the dam was not sudden as alleged by Kerala and that periodic alerts were issued at 139 ft, 141 ft and 142 ft.

The Kerala government had also sought constitution of a committee to manage the day-to-day operations of the Mullaperiyar Dam, located on the Western Ghats near Thekkady in Idukki district of Kerala on the Periyar river.

Today, Palaniswami said that a central team had reviewed the dam a month before the floods in Kerala, and had opined that it was "safe".

"They had said that water could be stored at 142 ft.. The flooding had happened 20 days after that," he said.

The Chief Minister further said torrential downpour in various parts of Kerala had contributed to the deluge, besides the discharge of excess water from the dams in that state.

Water was released only a week after the flooding had happened in Kerala, he added. There was 'small levels' of discharge in the range of 11,000-12,000 tmcft and that water was not released "at one go," Palaniswami added.&nbsp

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami said Kerala suffered the deluge due to the discharge of excess water from 80 reservoirs spurred by heavy rains in that state.

The Tamil Nadu government today rejected Kerala's contention that sudden water released by Tamil Nadu from the Mullaperiyar dam was one of the reasons for the deluge in the neighbouring state. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami said Kerala suffered the deluge due to the discharge of excess water from 80 reservoirs spurred by heavy rains in that state. The Kerala government had yesterday filed an affidavit in the Supreme court, saying the sudden release of water from the Mullaperiyar dam by the Tamil Nadu government was one of the reasons for the unprecedented flooding in the state. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, however, told reporters today, "It was not just one part of Kerala that was affected due to the floods. It happened because of the discharge of excess water from 80 dams. The (Kerala) government is deliberately giving false information so as to not store water at 152 ft." The dam is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu. Further, water release was not sudden but done only after periodic alerts issued at various levels, he said. "Therefore, I wish to say that filling up of dams in Kerala due to the heavy rains and (discharge) of their excess water resulted in floods." The dam's safety has been a bone of contention between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In a May 2014 verdict, a five-judge Constitution bench of the apex court had held that the Mullaperiyar dam was safe, and allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level up to 142 feet from 136 ft and and ultimately to 152 feet after the completion of strengthening measures on the reservoir. The Kerala government affidavit also said that out of a total population of about 3.48 crore, more than 54 lakh (or one-sixth of the population of Kerala) had been directly affected by the floods. Kerala had said that in the wake of prior alerts by its engineers, its Water Resources Secretary had written to her counterpart in the Tamil Nadu government and the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee on Mullaperiyar dam, requesting controlled release of water without waiting for the water in the reservoir to reach full level. "Accordingly, the Tamil Nadu government was requested to gradually release water at least by 139 feet...But no positive assurance in this regard was received from Tamil Nadu even after repeated requests... "But the sudden release from the Mullaperiyar dam, third largest reservoir in the Periyar Basin, forced us to release more water from Idukki reservoir, downstream of Mullaperiyar, which is one of the causes of this deluge," the affidavit had said. Palaniswami, however, today said the water released from the dam was not sudden as alleged by Kerala and that periodic alerts were issued at 139 ft, 141 ft and 142 ft. The Kerala government had also sought constitution of a committee to manage the day-to-day operations of the Mullaperiyar Dam, located on the Western Ghats near Thekkady in Idukki district of Kerala on the Periyar river. Today, Palaniswami said that a central team had reviewed the dam a month before the floods in Kerala, and had opined that it was "safe". "They had said that water could be stored at 142 ft.. The flooding had happened 20 days after that," he said. The Chief Minister further said torrential downpour in various parts of Kerala had contributed to the deluge, besides the discharge of excess water from the dams in that state. Water was released only a week after the flooding had happened in Kerala, he added. There was 'small levels' of discharge in the range of 11,000-12,000 tmcft and that water was not released "at one go," Palaniswami added.

Tamil Nadu rejects Kerala contention that Mullaperiyar dam water release caused floods

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday filed its first charge sheet against RJD chief Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi and others in connection with the IRCTC hotels allotment money laundering case, officials said.

The agency has also named Prasad's son and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, his party colleague 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) before a special court here.

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.

"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.&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".&nbsp;

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.

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday filed its first charge sheet against RJD chief Lalu Prasad, his wife Rabri Devi and others in connection with the IRCTC hotels allotment money laundering case, officials said. The agency has also named Prasad's son and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, his party colleague 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) before a special court here. 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".

ED files charge sheet against Lalu, Rabri in IRCTC hotels money laundering case

While his party binds the people of India, the BJP-RSS divides them and spreads hatred, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has said.

Addressing the Indian diaspora at a function organised by the Indian Overseas Congress in Berlin last night, he said the Congress's thought of "unity in diversity" came from the times of Guru Nanak Dev.

Taking on the BJP-led NDA government in India, Gandhi said while long speeches were being given and hatred was being generated, farmers continued to commit suicide and youngsters were unable to see a future for themselves.

"The Congress belongs to all, works for everyone and our work is to spread the thought of unity in diversity. Today, the government in India is working differently," he said.

Gandhi said India's competition was with China and jobs would either go there or come here.

"The BJP-RSS people are dividing our own people. They are spreading hatred in our own country. Our job is to bring the people together and take the country forward and we have shown how to do it," he said.

The Congress chief once again claimed that while China gave jobs to 50,000 people in 24 hours, India gave employment to only 450 people in the said period.

"There are long speeches, spewing of hatred, but farmers are still committing suicide and the youth cannot see a future.

"We want India to go forward and you will never hear of any Indian spreading hatred or anger anywhere. This is our culture, this is your culture," he said.

Gandhi also noted that his thoughts emanated from those of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh guru, and thanked the members of the Indian community living in Germany, many of whom are from Punjab, for supporting the Congress and helping the party form government in the state.

He told them it was their government in Punjab and his doors were open to them in case they needed something.

"When we needed you, you stood with us and helped us form our government in Punjab. A friend in need is a friend indeed and you have been true friends," he told the gathering.

The Congress chief also mentioned that a German MP had told him Europe's strength was unity in diversity.

"I thought, you are saying this today, we have been speaking of unity in diversity from the times of Guru Nanak. Our strength is listening to everyone, even the weakest, the poorest person. Every Indian religion talks about helping the last man in the line," he said.

Gandhi also cited the "langar" concept in Sikhism, which follows the philosophy that no one should go hungry, no matter how weak or poor.

"The work Guru Nanak used to do, we work on the same philosophy," he said.

The Congress chief was accompanied by party leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's wife Preneet Kaur, who has been an MP and a Union minister in the past.

Gandhi, who was on a two-day visit to Germany, will now head to the UK, where he is scheduled to address the students of the London School of Economics later in the day and then the Indian Overseas Congress a day after.&nbsp

The Congress chief claimed that while China gave jobs to 50,000 people in 24 hours, India gave employment to only 450 people in the said period

While his party binds the people of India, the BJP-RSS divides them and spreads hatred, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has said. Addressing the Indian diaspora at a function organised by the Indian Overseas Congress in Berlin last night, he said the Congress's thought of "unity in diversity" came from the times of Guru Nanak Dev. Taking on the BJP-led NDA government in India, Gandhi said while long speeches were being given and hatred was being generated, farmers continued to commit suicide and youngsters were unable to see a future for themselves. "The Congress belongs to all, works for everyone and our work is to spread the thought of unity in diversity. Today, the government in India is working differently," he said. Gandhi said India's competition was with China and jobs would either go there or come here. "The BJP-RSS people are dividing our own people. They are spreading hatred in our own country. Our job is to bring the people together and take the country forward and we have shown how to do it," he said. The Congress chief once again claimed that while China gave jobs to 50,000 people in 24 hours, India gave employment to only 450 people in the said period. "There are long speeches, spewing of hatred, but farmers are still committing suicide and the youth cannot see a future. "We want India to go forward and you will never hear of any Indian spreading hatred or anger anywhere. This is our culture, this is your culture," he said. Gandhi also noted that his thoughts emanated from those of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh guru, and thanked the members of the Indian community living in Germany, many of whom are from Punjab, for supporting the Congress and helping the party form government in the state. He told them it was their government in Punjab and his doors were open to them in case they needed something. "When we needed you, you stood with us and helped us form our government in Punjab. A friend in need is a friend indeed and you have been true friends," he told the gathering. The Congress chief also mentioned that a German MP had told him Europe's strength was unity in diversity. "I thought, you are saying this today, we have been speaking of unity in diversity from the times of Guru Nanak. Our strength is listening to everyone, even the weakest, the poorest person. Every Indian religion talks about helping the last man in the line," he said. Gandhi also cited the "langar" concept in Sikhism, which follows the philosophy that no one should go hungry, no matter how weak or poor. "The work Guru Nanak used to do, we work on the same philosophy," he said. The Congress chief was accompanied by party leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's wife Preneet Kaur, who has been an MP and a Union minister in the past. Gandhi, who was on a two-day visit to Germany, will now head to the UK, where he is scheduled to address the students of the London School of Economics later in the day and then the Indian Overseas Congress a day after.

BJP, RSS dividing India, spreading hatred: Rahul in Berlin

Around 128 schools in the national capital have rolled back their "arbitrary" fee hikes following complaints from parents, a government official said.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had issued directions to the schools to roll back their "arbitrary" fee hike after receiving several complaints from parents.

The Directorate of Education (DoE) had in April sent notices to 195 private schools of the city and asked the school heads to roll back their fee hike.

Last month, Kejriwal had asked DoE to submit a compliance report on whether the private schools had rolled back their fee hike as ordered by the government.

"Out of 195 private schools, 128 have informed us that they are rolling back their hiked fees. Remaining 67 private schools will soon be served show-cause notices for not complying with the orders," a DoE official said.

Education Minister Manish Sisodia would be meeting the representatives of all the 128 schools who had complied with the government's directive, the official said.&nbsp

Education Minister Manish Sisodia would be meeting the representatives of all the 128 schools who had complied with the government's directive

Around 128 schools in the national capital have rolled back their "arbitrary" fee hikes following complaints from parents, a government official said. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had issued directions to the schools to roll back their "arbitrary" fee hike after receiving several complaints from parents. The Directorate of Education (DoE) had in April sent notices to 195 private schools of the city and asked the school heads to roll back their fee hike. Last month, Kejriwal had asked DoE to submit a compliance report on whether the private schools had rolled back their fee hike as ordered by the government. "Out of 195 private schools, 128 have informed us that they are rolling back their hiked fees. Remaining 67 private schools will soon be served show-cause notices for not complying with the orders," a DoE official said. Education Minister Manish Sisodia would be meeting the representatives of all the 128 schools who had complied with the government's directive, the official said.

128 private schools in Delhi roll back 'arbitrary' fee hike

The ED again on Friday questioned former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case, officials said.&nbsp

Official sources said Chidambaram's statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).&nbsp

It is understood that the agency wants to put across a fresh set of questions to him regarding the deal. The agency had earlier recorded statements of FIPB officials when this deal took place and it is expected that Chidambaram may be confronted with these too.&nbsp

Some specific queries on the circumstances and procedures adopted by the now-defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) while giving approval to the Aircel-Maxis deal during his tenure were put to him earlier. Chidambaram's son Karti has been questioned by the ED in this case twice.&nbsp

Chidambaram, after a similar questioning by the ED in this case in June, had said that what he told the agency was already recorded in government documents. He also said that there is no FIR, yet a probe had been initiated.

"More than half the time taken up by typing the answers without errors, reading the statement and signing it!" he had said in his tweet.

The Aircel-Maxis cases pertain to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd in 2006 for investment in Aircel.&nbsp

The Supreme Court had on March 12 directed investigating agencies -- the CBI and the ED -- to complete their probe into the 2G spectrum allocation cases, including the Aircel Maxis alleged money laundering case, in six months.&nbsp

The agency had said that the FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was competent to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that, it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).&nbsp

The ED is investigating "the circumstances of the FIPB approval granted (in 2006) by the then finance minister".&nbsp

"In the instant case, the approval for FDI of USD 800 million (over Rs 3,500 crore) was sought. Hence, the CCEA was competent to grant the approval.&nbsp

"However, the approval was not obtained from the CCEA," the ED had alleged.&nbsp

The agency said its probe revealed that the case of the said FDI was "wrongly projected as an investment of Rs 180 crore so that it need not be sent to the CCEA to avoid a detailed scrutiny".&nbsp

The ED is probing the Aircel-Maxis deal under the PMLA after taking cognisance of a 2011 CBI FIR in the case.&nbsp

The senior Chidambaram had earlier described the ED action in this case as a "crazy mixture of falsehoods and conjectures" and said that the charge sheet filed by probe agencies was rejected by the court.&nbsp

However, the agencies maintained that the FIR in the case had not been quashed.&nbsp

In September last year, the ED had attached assets worth Rs 1.16 crore of Karti and a firm allegedly linked to him in connection with this case.&nbsp

Official sources said Chidambaram's statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED again on Friday questioned former Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case, officials said. Official sources said Chidambaram's statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It is understood that the agency wants to put across a fresh set of questions to him regarding the deal. The agency had earlier recorded statements of FIPB officials when this deal took place and it is expected that Chidambaram may be confronted with these too. Some specific queries on the circumstances and procedures adopted by the now-defunct Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) while giving approval to the Aircel-Maxis deal during his tenure were put to him earlier. Chidambaram's son Karti has been questioned by the ED in this case twice. Chidambaram, after a similar questioning by the ED in this case in June, had said that what he told the agency was already recorded in government documents. He also said that there is no FIR, yet a probe had been initiated. "More than half the time taken up by typing the answers without errors, reading the statement and signing it!" he had said in his tweet. The Aircel-Maxis cases pertain to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board clearance to firm M/S Global Communication Holding Services Ltd in 2006 for investment in Aircel. The Supreme Court had on March 12 directed investigating agencies -- the CBI and the ED -- to complete their probe into the 2G spectrum allocation cases, including the Aircel Maxis alleged money laundering case, in six months. The agency had said that the FIPB approval in the Aircel-Maxis FDI case was granted in March 2006 by Chidambaram even though he was competent to accord approval on project proposals only up to Rs 600 crore and beyond that, it required the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). The ED is investigating "the circumstances of the FIPB approval granted (in 2006) by the then finance minister". "In the instant case, the approval for FDI of USD 800 million (over Rs 3,500 crore) was sought. Hence, the CCEA was competent to grant the approval. "However, the approval was not obtained from the CCEA," the ED had alleged. The agency said its probe revealed that the case of the said FDI was "wrongly projected as an investment of Rs 180 crore so that it need not be sent to the CCEA to avoid a detailed scrutiny". The ED is probing the Aircel-Maxis deal under the PMLA after taking cognisance of a 2011 CBI FIR in the case. The senior Chidambaram had earlier described the ED action in this case as a "crazy mixture of falsehoods and conjectures" and said that the charge sheet filed by probe agencies was rejected by the court. However, the agencies maintained that the FIR in the case had not been quashed. In September last year, the ED had attached assets worth Rs 1.16 crore of Karti and a firm allegedly linked to him in connection with this case.

ED questions Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis money laundering case

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the Tamil Nadu govt that the water level in <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/sudden-water-release-by-tn-from-mullaperiyar-a-reason-for-deluge-kerala-to-sc-161111">Kerala’s Mullaperiyar reservoir </a>should be maintained at 139.99 feet till August 31. The reservoir’s maximum capacity is 142 feet.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud considered the Centre's submission that the sub-committee of the Mullaperiyar dam had met on August 23 and directed the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that the water level is maintained at 139 feet, which is two feet below the permissible limit fixed by the apex court.

The top court also said it will not deal with the dispute over the dam between Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments, instead, it will deal only with the disaster management committee.

The court directed Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments to respond to the Kerala affidavit and posted the next hearing on September 6.

The Kerala government had yesterday told the apex court that the sudden release of water from the Mullaperiyar Dam by the Tamil Nadu government was one of the reasons for the devastating deluge in the state.&nbsp

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kerala's accusations towards Tamil Nadu are false and baseless. If you say, excess water was discharged from one dam (Mullaperiyar) then how did water reach all parts of Kerala? The excess discharge of water from 80 dams caused flood in Kerala: Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palainasamy <a href="https://t.co/pmsLon2RLH">pic.twitter.com/pmsLon2RLH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1032886168470409216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It had said that out of a total population of about 3.48 crore, more than 54 lakh or one-sixth of the population of Kerala, had been directly affected by the floods.&nbsp

The Mullaperiyar Dam is located on the Western Ghats near Thekkady in Idukki district of Kerala on the Periyar river.&nbsp

Kerala resident Russel Roy had filed a plea seeking, among other things, a direction to Tamil Nadu to manage the water level in the dam as the floods in Kerala have created a havoc.&nbsp

The top court had earlier ordered the disaster management panel of the Mullaperiyar Dam to urgently decide on lowering the water level.

(With inputs from PTI)

The court directed Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments to respond to the Kerala affidavit and posted the next hearing on September 6.

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the Tamil Nadu govt that the water level in Kerala’s Mullaperiyar reservoir should be maintained at 139.99 feet till August 31. The reservoir’s maximum capacity is 142 feet. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud considered the Centre's submission that the sub-committee of the Mullaperiyar dam had met on August 23 and directed the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that the water level is maintained at 139 feet, which is two feet below the permissible limit fixed by the apex court. The top court also said it will not deal with the dispute over the dam between Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments, instead, it will deal only with the disaster management committee. The court directed Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments to respond to the Kerala affidavit and posted the next hearing on September 6. The Kerala government had yesterday told the apex court that the sudden release of water from the Mullaperiyar Dam by the Tamil Nadu government was one of the reasons for the devastating deluge in the state. Kerala's accusations towards Tamil Nadu are false and baseless. If you say, excess water was discharged from one dam (Mullaperiyar) then how did water reach all parts of Kerala? The excess discharge of water from 80 dams caused flood in Kerala: Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palainasamy pic.twitter.com/pmsLon2RLH — ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2018 × It had said that out of a total population of about 3.48 crore, more than 54 lakh or one-sixth of the population of Kerala, had been directly affected by the floods. The Mullaperiyar Dam is located on the Western Ghats near Thekkady in Idukki district of Kerala on the Periyar river. Kerala resident Russel Roy had filed a plea seeking, among other things, a direction to Tamil Nadu to manage the water level in the dam as the floods in Kerala have created a havoc. The top court had earlier ordered the disaster management panel of the Mullaperiyar Dam to urgently decide on lowering the water level. (With inputs from PTI)

Kerala floods: Supreme Court orders Tamil Nadu to maintain water level in Mullaperiyar dam

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