<p><a href="wionews.com/india-news/i-dream-of-every-family-owning-a-house-by-2022-modi-161058">I dream of every Indian family owning a home by 2022: PM Narendra Modi</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he dreams of every family owning a house by 2022 when the nation will celebrate 75 years of independence, and asserted that no bribes have to be paid to avail benefits of the Centre's housing scheme.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-us-economy-will-crash-if-he-is-impeached-161076">Donald Trump says US economy will 'crash' if he is impeached</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump said Thursday that the US economy would crash if he were impeached. Trump was speaking to Fox News.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="wionews.com/sports/asian-games-15-year-old-shardul-vihan-wins-silver-in-double-trap-shooting--161041">Asian Games: 15-year-old Shardul Vihan wins double trap silver</a></p>

<p>Shardul Vihan on Thursday has clinched the sliver medal in the men's double trap after some extraordinary shooting in the final.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="wionews.com/india-news/we-have-solid-evidence-against-kulbhushan-jadhav-pakistan-foreign-minister-161057">We have 'solid evidence' against Kulbhushan Jadhav: Pakistan Foreign Minister&nbsp</a></p>

<p>Pakistan has "solid evidence" against Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav and is hopeful of winning the case against him at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said today.</p>

<p><a href="wionews.com/india-news/is-this-your-idea-of-justice-for-our-daughters-mr-56-tweets-rahul-gandhi--161070">'Is this your idea of 'justice for our daughters', Mr 56?' asks Rahul Gandhi</a></p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday questioned the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of ''justice for our daughters'' with regard to what he described mysterious death and hurried burial of a key witness in the Unnao rape and murder case.&nbsp</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


I dream of every Indian family owning a home by 2022: PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he dreams of every family owning a house by 2022 when the nation will celebrate 75 years of independence, and asserted that no bribes have to be paid to avail benefits of the Centre's housing scheme. Donald Trump says US economy will 'crash' if he is impeached US President Donald Trump said Thursday that the US economy would crash if he were impeached. Trump was speaking to Fox News. Asian Games: 15-year-old Shardul Vihan wins double trap silver Shardul Vihan on Thursday has clinched the sliver medal in the men's double trap after some extraordinary shooting in the final. We have 'solid evidence' against Kulbhushan Jadhav: Pakistan Foreign Minister Pakistan has "solid evidence" against Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav and is hopeful of winning the case against him at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said today. 'Is this your idea of 'justice for our daughters', Mr 56?' asks Rahul Gandhi Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday questioned the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of ''justice for our daughters'' with regard to what he described mysterious death and hurried burial of a key witness in the Unnao rape and murder case.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi today named nine new secretaries, including Gujarat OBC leader Alpesh Thakore, in the All India Congress Committee (AICC) for different states, besides appointing Aditi Singh, MLA of Rae Bareli Sadar (UP) constituency, as general secretary of All India Mahila Congress.</p>

<p>Among the new secretaries appointed are Shakeel Ahmed Khan, an MLA, as AICC secretary for Jammu and Kashmir, Rajesh Dhamani for Uttarakhand and B P Singh, Mohd Jawaid and Sarat Raut, all three for West Bengal.</p>

<p>Backward leader Alpesh Thakore, who joined the Congress last year ahead of Gujarat assembly elections, has been made the AICC Secretary for Bihar and Challa Vamshi Chand Reddy and B M Sandeep, both for Maharashtra.</p>

<p>Gandhi also appointed Deepak Rathod from Himachal Pradesh and Rajpal Bisht from Uttarakhand as members of the screening committee for the state of Mizoram.</p>

<p>"Congress president Rahul Gandhi has appointed Aditi Singh, MLA Rae Bareli Sadar (UP) as general secretary of All India Mahila Congress," said a statement from AICC general secretary, Organisation, Ashok Gehlot.</p>

<p>Sanjay Dutt, ex MLC, has been made AICC secretary inchage of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>Gandhi has initiated a number of changes in the AICC ever since he took over as party chief late last year by bringing in young blood to infuse new energy in the party. Some of the old-timers and veterans have been shown the door in the new set-up under him.&nbsp</p>


Among the new secretaries appointed are Shakeel Ahmed Khan, an MLA, as AICC secretary for Jammu and Kashmir, Rajesh Dhamani for Uttarakhand and B P Singh, Mohd Jawaid and Sarat Raut, all three for West Bengal.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today named nine new secretaries, including Gujarat OBC leader Alpesh Thakore, in the All India Congress Committee (AICC) for different states, besides appointing Aditi Singh, MLA of Rae Bareli Sadar (UP) constituency, as general secretary of All India Mahila Congress. Among the new secretaries appointed are Shakeel Ahmed Khan, an MLA, as AICC secretary for Jammu and Kashmir, Rajesh Dhamani for Uttarakhand and B P Singh, Mohd Jawaid and Sarat Raut, all three for West Bengal. Backward leader Alpesh Thakore, who joined the Congress last year ahead of Gujarat assembly elections, has been made the AICC Secretary for Bihar and Challa Vamshi Chand Reddy and B M Sandeep, both for Maharashtra. Gandhi also appointed Deepak Rathod from Himachal Pradesh and Rajpal Bisht from Uttarakhand as members of the screening committee for the state of Mizoram. "Congress president Rahul Gandhi has appointed Aditi Singh, MLA Rae Bareli Sadar (UP) as general secretary of All India Mahila Congress," said a statement from AICC general secretary, Organisation, Ashok Gehlot. Sanjay Dutt, ex MLC, has been made AICC secretary inchage of Tamil Nadu. Gandhi has initiated a number of changes in the AICC ever since he took over as party chief late last year by bringing in young blood to infuse new energy in the party. Some of the old-timers and veterans have been shown the door in the new set-up under him.

Alpesh Thakore among 9 AICC secretaries appointed by Congress

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sleeping-elephant-has-now-woken-up-india-to-lead-world-growth-for-3-decades-pm-modi-159279">he dreams</a> of every family owning a house by 2022 when the nation will celebrate 75 years of independence, and asserted that no bribes have to be paid to avail benefits of the Centre's housing scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said there is no place for the system of paying 'commission' in his government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an apparent jibe at former (Congress) prime minister Rajiv Gandhi who had once claimed that if the Centre releases Re 1, only 15 paise reach the poor, Modi said in his government "if Re 1 goes from Delhi, the entire 100 paise reach the house of the poor".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister was addressing a public gathering at Jujwa village in Gujarat's Valsad town after witnessing the collective 'e-gruha pravesh' (online house warming) of the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin).</p>

<p>More than one lakh houses have been built in the state under the Centre's flagship scheme which envisions housing for all.</p>

<p>"While talking to 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 the scheme," Modi said after interacting with some of the beneficiaries in various districts of Gujarat through video conferencing.</p>

<p>"This was made possible because there is no place for the system of paying commission in my government. If one rupee goes from Delhi, the entire 100 paise reach the house of the poor," he said.</p>

<p>Modi said his government has the "guts", and when the entire country is watching and the media is present, he can ask the women beneficiaries if they had to pay any bribe or commission to get the houses.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>The prime minister said his endeavour is to ensure that every Indian family has its own home by 2022.</p>

<p>"Gujarat has taught me a lot. This lesson 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," Modi said.</p>

<p>He said the government has given money, but along with it, these homes have been built with the "sweat of the family".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The family decided how will the house be, what material will be used and how will it be made. We did not believe in contractors but the family. When a family makes its own home, it makes it the best," Modi said.</p>

<p>The prime minister arrived in Gujarat this morning on a day's visit and headed to Valsad.</p>

<p>He would later go to Junagadh town in Saurashtra to inaugurate various projects, including a newly-built hospital of the Gujarat Medical and Education Research Society and two fisheries colleges at Veraval town in the Gir Somnath district, another official said.</p>

<p>Modi would also address a public meeting at the Police Training College ground near Junagadh.</p>

<p>Later, he will preside over the convocation ceremony of the Gujarat Forensic Science University in Gandhinagar and before leaving for Delhi, he will attend the meeting of the Somnath Temple Trust in the evening at the Raj Bhavan there.</p>


The prime minister was addressing a public gathering at Jujwa village in Gujarat's Valsad town after witnessing the collective 'e-gruha pravesh' (online house warming) of the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he dreams of every family owning a house by 2022 when the nation will celebrate 75 years of independence, and asserted that no bribes have to be paid to avail benefits of the Centre's housing scheme. He said there is no place for the system of paying 'commission' in his government. In an apparent jibe at former (Congress) prime minister Rajiv Gandhi who had once claimed that if the Centre releases Re 1, only 15 paise reach the poor, Modi said in his government "if Re 1 goes from Delhi, the entire 100 paise reach the house of the poor". The prime minister was addressing a public gathering at Jujwa village in Gujarat's Valsad town after witnessing the collective 'e-gruha pravesh' (online house warming) of the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin). More than one lakh houses have been built in the state under the Centre's flagship scheme which envisions housing for all. "While talking to 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 the scheme," Modi said after interacting with some of the beneficiaries in various districts of Gujarat through video conferencing. "This was made possible because there is no place for the system of paying commission in my government. If one rupee goes from Delhi, the entire 100 paise reach the house of the poor," he said. Modi said his government has the "guts", and when the entire country is watching and the media is present, he can ask the women beneficiaries 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. The prime minister said his endeavour is to ensure that every Indian family has its own home by 2022. "Gujarat has taught me a lot. This lesson 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," Modi said. He said the government has given money, but along with it, these homes have 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 did not believe in contractors but the family. When a family makes its own home, it makes it the best," Modi said. The prime minister arrived in Gujarat this morning on a day's visit and headed to Valsad. He would later go to Junagadh town in Saurashtra to inaugurate various projects, including a newly-built hospital of the Gujarat Medical and Education Research Society and two fisheries colleges at Veraval town in the Gir Somnath district, another official said. Modi would also address a public meeting at the Police Training College ground near Junagadh. Later, he will preside over the convocation ceremony of the Gujarat Forensic Science University in Gandhinagar and before leaving for Delhi, he will attend the meeting of the Somnath Temple Trust in the evening at the Raj Bhavan there.

I dream of every Indian family owning a home by 2022: PM Narendra Modi

<p>The BJP was on Thursday quick to latch on to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's comments made in Hamburg, Germany on Wednesday.&nbsp</p>

<p>On Twitter, BJP spokesman Sambit Patra said Gandhi's comments had been "unbelievable".&nbsp</p>

<p>"He’s a PM aspirant??" Patra added.&nbsp</p>

<p>Gandhi, who is on a visit to Germany and the UK, had been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-non-violence-essence-of-being-an-indian-rahul-gandhi-says-in-germany-160935?first_load=no">speaking at the Bucerius Summer School</a> in Hamburg on Wednesday.&nbsp</p>

<p>There, he had accused the BJP of excluding tribal, Dalits, and minorities from the development process.&nbsp</p>

<p>"It is very dangerous in the 21st century to exclude people. If you don't give people a vision in the 21st century somebody else will give them one," PTI quoted Rahul as saying.&nbsp</p>

<p>"And that's the real risk of excluding a large number of people from our development processes," Rahul added.&nbsp</p>

<p>He added that demonetisation and a badly-implemented GST had wrecked farm incomes and small businesses, leaving people angry. And that the recent spate of lynchings was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-germany-rahul-gandhi-blames-gst-demonetisation-and-unemployment-for-lynchings-160965">a result of that</a>.&nbsp</p>

<p>Gandhi then went on to give an example from America's invasion of Iraq. After the invasion, he said, the people in power decided not to give government and army jobs to one particular tribe.&nbsp</p>

<p>It seemed like an "innocuous" decision at the time, Gandhi said. But the people from that tribe went on to become militants — which finally led to the creation of ISIS.&nbsp</p>

<p>Patra was quick to latch on to that. &nbsp</p>

<p>"Horrified to hear Congress President RahulG justifying the formation of ISIS in Syria... and giving out a veiled threat that if Modiji doesn’t 'give vision'&nbspto India then soon someone else (read ISIS) would give the vision... Unbelievable... He’s a PM aspirant?" he said on Twitter.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Horrified to hear Congress President RahulG justifying the formation of ISIS in Syria ..and giving out a veiled threat that if Modiji doesn’t “give vision” to India then soon someone else(read ISIS) would give the vision..Unbelievable ..He’s a PM aspirant??</p>
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/sambitswaraj/status/1032320497558667269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Later, at a press conference, he accused Gandhi of belittling the country's&nbspminorities, and said the Congress President must come up with an explanation.&nbsp</p>


'Horrified to hear Congress President RahulG justifying the formation of ISIS in Syria... and giving out a veiled threat that if Modiji doesn’t 'give vision' to India then soon someone else (read ISIS) would give the vision... Unbelievable... He’s a PM aspirant?' BJP spokesman Sambit Patra said.

The BJP was on Thursday quick to latch on to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's comments made in Hamburg, Germany on Wednesday. On Twitter, BJP spokesman Sambit Patra said Gandhi's comments had been "unbelievable". "He’s a PM aspirant??" Patra added. Gandhi, who is on a visit to Germany and the UK, had been speaking at the Bucerius Summer School in Hamburg on Wednesday. There, he had accused the BJP of excluding tribal, Dalits, and minorities from the development process. "It is very dangerous in the 21st century to exclude people. If you don't give people a vision in the 21st century somebody else will give them one," PTI quoted Rahul as saying. "And that's the real risk of excluding a large number of people from our development processes," Rahul added. He added that demonetisation and a badly-implemented GST had wrecked farm incomes and small businesses, leaving people angry. And that the recent spate of lynchings was a result of that. Gandhi then went on to give an example from America's invasion of Iraq. After the invasion, he said, the people in power decided not to give government and army jobs to one particular tribe. It seemed like an "innocuous" decision at the time, Gandhi said. But the people from that tribe went on to become militants — which finally led to the creation of ISIS. Patra was quick to latch on to that. "Horrified to hear Congress President RahulG justifying the formation of ISIS in Syria... and giving out a veiled threat that if Modiji doesn’t 'give vision'&nbspto India then soon someone else (read ISIS) would give the vision... Unbelievable... He’s a PM aspirant?" he said on Twitter. Horrified to hear Congress President RahulG justifying the formation of ISIS in Syria ..and giving out a veiled threat that if Modiji doesn’t “give vision” to India then soon someone else(read ISIS) would give the vision..Unbelievable ..He’s a PM aspirant?? — Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) August 22, 2018 × Later, at a press conference, he accused Gandhi of belittling the country's&nbspminorities, and said the Congress President must come up with an explanation.

'Unbelievable,' says BJP after Rahul accuses it of excluding minorities from development process

<p>Following a fire at a residential high-rise in Dadar area in Mumbai, which claimed at least four lives, police arrested the builder late Wednesday night.</p>

<p>A case of culpable homicide was registered against the developer of the building, Abdul Razak Ismail Supariwala.</p>

<p>He was subsequently arrested, said an officer from Bhoiwada police station.</p>

<p>"The developer has been booked under IPC sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 336 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others)," Deputy Commissioner of Police N Ambika said earlier today.</p>

<p>Supariwala was booked under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Act 2006, the officer said.</p>

<p>Fire broke out this morning on the 12th floor of the 17-storey Crystal Tower building near Hindmata Cinema.</p>

<p>The building does not have the mandatory Occupation Certificate granted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, but it was already occupied by around 58 flat owners, according to the civic body.</p>

<p>The civic body had in October 2016 issued a notice to the builder and the 58 occupants to vacate the building within seven days, but it was challenged in the court and the matter is still sub-judice, the BMC said in a statement.</p>

<p>Four people, including an elderly woman, were killed and 21 suffered injuries in the fire.</p>


The civic body had in October 2016 issued a notice to the builder and the 58 occupants to vacate the building within seven days, but it was challenged in the court and the matter is still sub-judice.

Following a fire at a residential high-rise in Dadar area in Mumbai, which claimed at least four lives, police arrested the builder late Wednesday night. A case of culpable homicide was registered against the developer of the building, Abdul Razak Ismail Supariwala. He was subsequently arrested, said an officer from Bhoiwada police station. "The developer has been booked under IPC sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 336 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others)," Deputy Commissioner of Police N Ambika said earlier today. Supariwala was booked under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Act 2006, the officer said. Fire broke out this morning on the 12th floor of the 17-storey Crystal Tower building near Hindmata Cinema. The building does not have the mandatory Occupation Certificate granted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, but it was already occupied by around 58 flat owners, according to the civic body. The civic body had in October 2016 issued a notice to the builder and the 58 occupants to vacate the building within seven days, but it was challenged in the court and the matter is still sub-judice, the BMC said in a statement. Four people, including an elderly woman, were killed and 21 suffered injuries in the fire.

Crystal Tower fire: Building didn't have civic body certificate

<p>Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe are holding talks&nbsp;today to discuss terrorism and strategic communication issues.</p>

<p>This is their second meeting in 2018 as Sitharaman met him during her visit to Beijing in April to take part in the defence ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).</p>

<p>Removing distrust and boost coordination between the armies of the two neighbours are high on their agenda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese defence minister Wei Fenghe was given a ceremonial welcome in New Delhi when he arrived for talks with his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian and China were engaged in a tense military standoff in Bhutan’s Doklam region last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wei's visit is regarded as a full-fledged bilateral visit aimed at solidifying military ties in the larger improvement of relations after 2018's informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delegation led by Smt <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> in a bilateral meeting with Chinese delegation led by General Wei Fenghe, Hon'ble Defence Minister of China. The meeting emphasized on strengthening Indo-China defence cooperation and strategic ties.<a href="https://twitter.com/EOIBeijing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EOIBeijing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInShanghai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInShanghai</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mea9riK3mx">pic.twitter.com/Mea9riK3mx</a></p>
— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1032532754640977921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi: Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Defence Minister of China General Wei Fenghe hold delegation level talks <a href="https://t.co/XVO3zmIL02">pic.twitter.com/XVO3zmIL02</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1032531700847263744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Wei, who arrived on Tuesday, had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the same day.</p>

<p>There is speculation that Wei’s visit could result in the two sides coming up with certain steps to build trust between their armies as the countries work towards implementing the decisions taken by Modi and Xi in Wuhan.</p>


Chinese defence minister Wei Fenghe and India’s Nirmala Sitharaman will discuss stepping up of strategic communication between India and China

Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe are holding talks today to discuss terrorism and strategic communication issues. This is their second meeting in 2018 as Sitharaman met him during her visit to Beijing in April to take part in the defence ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Removing distrust and boost coordination between the armies of the two neighbours are high on their agenda. Chinese defence minister Wei Fenghe was given a ceremonial welcome in New Delhi when he arrived for talks with his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman. Indian and China were engaged in a tense military standoff in Bhutan’s Doklam region last year. Wei's visit is regarded as a full-fledged bilateral visit aimed at solidifying military ties in the larger improvement of relations after 2018's informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. Delegation led by Smt @nsitharaman in a bilateral meeting with Chinese delegation led by General Wei Fenghe, Hon'ble Defence Minister of China. The meeting emphasized on strengthening Indo-China defence cooperation and strategic ties.@EOIBeijing @IndiaInShanghai pic.twitter.com/Mea9riK3mx — Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) August 23, 2018 × Delhi: Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Defence Minister of China General Wei Fenghe hold delegation level talks pic.twitter.com/XVO3zmIL02 — ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2018 × Wei, who arrived on Tuesday, had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the same day. There is speculation that Wei’s visit could result in the two sides coming up with certain steps to build trust between their armies as the countries work towards implementing the decisions taken by Modi and Xi in Wuhan.

After meeting PM Modi, Chinese defence minister meets Nirmala Sitharaman

<p>India ranks among the top 10 popular destinations for Chinese travellers in Asia, especially for social media-influenced millennials, according to a report. As per the India Tourism Statistics 2017, the country had welcomed over 2 lakh Chinese tourists in 2017.</p>

<p>In India, Mumbai (69 per cent) and Delhi (51 per cent) emerged as the top visited cities, as per the Hotels.com Chinese International Travel Monitor 2018.</p>

<p>For this report, Hotels.com engaged market research firm Ipsos to conduct interviews during May 2018 with 3,047 Chinese residents, aged 18-58 years, who had travelled overseas in the past 12 months.</p>

<p>It said, star-struck by global pop-culture, film and television (62 per cent) are now the main sources of inspiration for Chinese millennial travellers, it said.</p>

<p>Out of the 59 per cent of Chinese travellers who expressed interest in visiting the timeless monument of love, Taj Mahal, when they visit India – 38 per cent said the desire to do so because of it being a favourite television series or film location as well, it said.</p>

<p>Interestingly, 26 per cent added Taj Mahal to their bucket-list after seeing their favourite celebrity visit it, it added.</p>

<p>“While millennials were at the helm of social media influence and trends, the report found no generation was free from social networking’s undeniable draw,” Hotels.com brand general manager, Asia Pacific, Nelson Allen said.</p>

<p>About 52 per cent of Chinese travellers were wooed by the news feed, and a third of the older generation reported their travel decisions and behaviour were influenced by their digitally-connected children, he added.</p>

<p>Travel brag moments and selfies were a huge part of the Chinese millennial travel experience in 2017, with 63 per cent using the reverse camera angle to boost those likes and build their social brand.</p>

<p>India’s picturesque towns with natural beauty (62 per cent), indigenous local food (49 per cent) and vibrant local culture (40 per cent) were popular for selfie-worthy moments for Chinese travellers when exploring India.</p>


As per the India Tourism Statistics 2017, the country had welcomed over 2 lakh Chinese tourists in 2017.

India ranks among the top 10 popular destinations for Chinese travellers in Asia, especially for social media-influenced millennials, according to a report. As per the India Tourism Statistics 2017, the country had welcomed over 2 lakh Chinese tourists in 2017. In India, Mumbai (69 per cent) and Delhi (51 per cent) emerged as the top visited cities, as per the Hotels.com Chinese International Travel Monitor 2018. For this report, Hotels.com engaged market research firm Ipsos to conduct interviews during May 2018 with 3,047 Chinese residents, aged 18-58 years, who had travelled overseas in the past 12 months. It said, star-struck by global pop-culture, film and television (62 per cent) are now the main sources of inspiration for Chinese millennial travellers, it said. Out of the 59 per cent of Chinese travellers who expressed interest in visiting the timeless monument of love, Taj Mahal, when they visit India – 38 per cent said the desire to do so because of it being a favourite television series or film location as well, it said. Interestingly, 26 per cent added Taj Mahal to their bucket-list after seeing their favourite celebrity visit it, it added. “While millennials were at the helm of social media influence and trends, the report found no generation was free from social networking’s undeniable draw,” Hotels.com brand general manager, Asia Pacific, Nelson Allen said. About 52 per cent of Chinese travellers were wooed by the news feed, and a third of the older generation reported their travel decisions and behaviour were influenced by their digitally-connected children, he added. Travel brag moments and selfies were a huge part of the Chinese millennial travel experience in 2017, with 63 per cent using the reverse camera angle to boost those likes and build their social brand. India’s picturesque towns with natural beauty (62 per cent), indigenous local food (49 per cent) and vibrant local culture (40 per cent) were popular for selfie-worthy moments for Chinese travellers when exploring India.

India among top 10 destinations for Chinese travellers in Asia

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended greetings on Eid al-Adha, hoping that the festival of sacrifice would deepen the spirit of compassion in the society.</p>

<p>"Best wishes on Id-ul-Zuha. May this day deepen the spirit of compassion and brotherhood in our society," Modi tweeted. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best wishes on Id-ul-Zuha. May this day deepen the spirit of compassion and brotherhood in our society.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1032091142219866112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended greetings on Eid al-Adha, hoping that the festival of sacrifice would deepen the spirit of compassion in the society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended greetings on Eid al-Adha, hoping that the festival of sacrifice would deepen the spirit of compassion in the society. "Best wishes on Id-ul-Zuha. May this day deepen the spirit of compassion and brotherhood in our society," Modi tweeted. Best wishes on Id-ul-Zuha. May this day deepen the spirit of compassion and brotherhood in our society. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 22, 2018 ×

PM Narendra Modi extends greeting on Eid al-Adha

<p>The recent havoc in Kerala that claimed more than 370 lives in the state and damaged over thousand crores worth property, would have been averted if the people had shown a little concern over the growing ecological imbalance in the state.</p>

<p>Recorded as the worst flood of the century the intensity of the rains in the recent monsoon in Kerala was more than the normal rainfall that the state receives every year. The strong&nbsp;south-west monsoon which resulted in the torrential rains flooded the lakes and rivers of the state.</p>

<p>But the destruction caused cannot be blamed entirely on the rains and the submerged water bodies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Madhav Gadgil committee report had made recommendations to preserve the Western Ghats which acts as a blanket to the southern state in August 2011. The report had recommended 57 restrictions to safeguard the western ghats.</p>

<p>Ecologist Madhav Gadgil, who headed the Western Ghats Ecology Panel, had suggested that several regions in Kerala which come under the Western Ghats should be classified as ecologically sensitive areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the recommendations, construction was allowed over the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.</p>

<p>The Western Ghats which act as Kerala's blanket could have prevented the strong winds from flowing towards the state.&nbsp;Referring to the illegal construction on river beds and the unauthorised stone quarrying, Gadgil also called the floods and landslides in Kerala as a man-made disaster.</p>

<p>A media report quoted Gadgil as saying that the irresponsible environmental policy is to be blamed for the recent floods and landslides in Kerala.</p>

<p>He also added that the rapid urbanisation which leads to encroachment over the water bodies has impacted the natural penetration process of the land.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kochi airport which is constructed on the canal connecting the land and the water body further obstructed the outflow of water.&nbsp;The land diverted to agriculture in the state is also decreasing at an alarming rate. The paddy fields which would once absorb water have now been converted into urban infrastructure.</p>

<p>A similar man-made flood had created a havoc in Chennai in 2015. Every year during the monsoon season, most part of the country is submerged under water. The inefficiency on the part of the government and the indifferent attitude of the people have already done much harm to the country's ecological balance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation has worsened to a level where we cannot restore the destruction done to the society. All we can do is to just sit helplessly and pray that nature does not inflict such intensity on us.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While we blame the nature's wrath behind such disasters, most such calamities are caused due to the ever-growing human interference and ecological imbalance.<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The situation has worsened to a level where we cannot restore the destruction done to the society. All we can do is to just sit helplessly and pray that nature does not inflicts such intensity on us.

The recent havoc in Kerala that claimed more than 370 lives in the state and damaged over thousand crores worth property, would have been averted if the people had shown a little concern over the growing ecological imbalance in the state. Recorded as the worst flood of the century the intensity of the rains in the recent monsoon in Kerala was more than the normal rainfall that the state receives every year. The strong south-west monsoon which resulted in the torrential rains flooded the lakes and rivers of the state. But the destruction caused cannot be blamed entirely on the rains and the submerged water bodies. A Madhav Gadgil committee report had made recommendations to preserve the Western Ghats which acts as a blanket to the southern state in August 2011. The report had recommended 57 restrictions to safeguard the western ghats. Ecologist Madhav Gadgil, who headed the Western Ghats Ecology Panel, had suggested that several regions in Kerala which come under the Western Ghats should be classified as ecologically sensitive areas. Despite the recommendations, construction was allowed over the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Western Ghats which act as Kerala's blanket could have prevented the strong winds from flowing towards the state. Referring to the illegal construction on river beds and the unauthorised stone quarrying, Gadgil also called the floods and landslides in Kerala as a man-made disaster. A media report quoted Gadgil as saying that the irresponsible environmental policy is to be blamed for the recent floods and landslides in Kerala. He also added that the rapid urbanisation which leads to encroachment over the water bodies has impacted the natural penetration process of the land. The Kochi airport which is constructed on the canal connecting the land and the water body further obstructed the outflow of water. The land diverted to agriculture in the state is also decreasing at an alarming rate. The paddy fields which would once absorb water have now been converted into urban infrastructure. A similar man-made flood had created a havoc in Chennai in 2015. Every year during the monsoon season, most part of the country is submerged under water. The inefficiency on the part of the government and the indifferent attitude of the people have already done much harm to the country's ecological balance. The situation has worsened to a level where we cannot restore the destruction done to the society. All we can do is to just sit helplessly and pray that nature does not inflict such intensity on us. While we blame the nature's wrath behind such disasters, most such calamities are caused due to the ever-growing human interference and ecological imbalance. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Kerala floods a man-made disaster

<p>Mumbai police on Wednesday evening arrested developer Abdul Razak Ismail Supariwala in connection with Crystal Tower building fire in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>FIR was lodged under sections 304,336,337,338 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 3(3) of Maharashtra Fire Prevention & Life Safety Act 2006.&nbsp;</p>

<p>4 people died and 22 persons were injured in the incident.</p>

<p>Earlier the police registered a case against the building developer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The civic body had in October 2016 issued a notice to the builder and the 58 occupants to vacate the building within seven days but it was challenged in the court and is still sub-judice, the BMC said in a statement.</p>

<p>The Fire Department again declared the building unsafe today after the blaze and recommended disconnection of electricity and water supply.</p>

<p>The department has also suggested to the police to file a case of criminal negligence against those responsible for allowing the occupants to live in an unsafe building.</p>

<p>The fire was reported at 8.32 am and was brought under control after about three hours, officials said.</p>

<p>Some renovation work was underway on the affected floor but the exact reason behind the blaze would be known only after a proper investigation, they said.</p>

<p>"Owing to smoke and heat, the occupants on upper floors got trapped and 30 to 35 were rescued by fire brigade using special appliances and firemen donning breathing apertures from the staircase of the building," Mumbai Fire Brigade chief P S Rahangdale said.</p>

<p>A 10-year-old school girl, Zen Gunaratn Sadavarte, displayed heroism and guided the stranded people to deal with suffocation.</p>

<p>Zen put to use the fire safety tips she had learnt during a school project in Class 3, which ensured that her family and others remained safe until the arrival of fire brigade personnel.</p>

<p>"Since the building was without OC, its firefighting system was not in the place," Rahangdale said.</p>

<p>Four people, including an elderly woman, were killed and 22 suffered injuries in the fire, the BMC said in a statement.</p>


Four people died and 22 persons were injured in the incident.

Mumbai police on Wednesday evening arrested developer Abdul Razak Ismail Supariwala in connection with Crystal Tower building fire in Mumbai. FIR was lodged under sections 304,336,337,338 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 3(3) of Maharashtra Fire Prevention & Life Safety Act 2006. 4 people died and 22 persons were injured in the incident. Earlier the police registered a case against the building developer. The civic body had in October 2016 issued a notice to the builder and the 58 occupants to vacate the building within seven days but it was challenged in the court and is still sub-judice, the BMC said in a statement. The Fire Department again declared the building unsafe today after the blaze and recommended disconnection of electricity and water supply. The department has also suggested to the police to file a case of criminal negligence against those responsible for allowing the occupants to live in an unsafe building. The fire was reported at 8.32 am and was brought under control after about three hours, officials said. Some renovation work was underway on the affected floor but the exact reason behind the blaze would be known only after a proper investigation, they said. "Owing to smoke and heat, the occupants on upper floors got trapped and 30 to 35 were rescued by fire brigade using special appliances and firemen donning breathing apertures from the staircase of the building," Mumbai Fire Brigade chief P S Rahangdale said. A 10-year-old school girl, Zen Gunaratn Sadavarte, displayed heroism and guided the stranded people to deal with suffocation. Zen put to use the fire safety tips she had learnt during a school project in Class 3, which ensured that her family and others remained safe until the arrival of fire brigade personnel. "Since the building was without OC, its firefighting system was not in the place," Rahangdale said. Four people, including an elderly woman, were killed and 22 suffered injuries in the fire, the BMC said in a statement.

Builder of Mumbai's Crystal Tower, in which 4 died in fire, arrested

<p>Scientists have confirmed the presence of frozen water deposits <a href="http://wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-spots-isros-lost-chandrayaan-1-orbiting-the-moon-13256">in the darkest and coldest parts of the Moon's polar</a> regions using data from the Chandrayaan-I spacecraft, that was launched by India 10 years ago, NASA said today.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-to-be-launched-in-january-march-window-in-2019-says-isro-158734">Read:&nbspChandrayaan-2 to be launched in January-March window in 2019</a></p>

<p>With enough ice sitting at the surface - within the top few millimetres - water would possibly be accessible as a resource for future expeditions to explore and even stay on the Moon, and potentially easier to access than the water detected beneath the Moon's surface.</p>

<p>The ice deposits are patchily distributed and could possibly be ancient, according to the study published in the journal PNAS.</p>

<p>At the southern pole, most of the ice is concentrated at lunar craters, while the northern pole's ice is more widely, but sparsely spread.</p>

<p>Scientists used data from NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument to identify three specific signatures that definitively prove there is water ice at the surface of the Moon.</p>

<p>M3, aboard the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, launched in 2008 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was uniquely equipped to confirm the presence of solid ice on the Moon.</p>

<p>It collected data that not only picked up the reflective properties we would expect from ice, but was able to directly measure the distinctive way its molecules absorb infrared light, so it can differentiate between liquid water or vapour and solid ice.</p>

<p>Most of the newfound water ice lies in the shadows of craters near the poles, where the warmest temperatures never reach above minus 156 degrees Celsius.&nbsp</p>

<p>Due to the very small tilt of the Moon's rotation axis, sunlight never reaches these regions.</p>

<p>Previous observations indirectly found possible signs of surface ice at the lunar south pole, but these could have been explained by other phenomena, such as unusually reflective lunar soil.</p>

<p>Learning more about this ice, how it got there, and how it interacts with the larger lunar environment will be a key mission focus for NASA and commercial partners, as humans endeavour to return to and explore the Moon.&nbsp</p>

<p>NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory designed and built the moon mineralogy mapper instrument and was home to its project manager.</p>

<p>The Chandrayaan-I spacecraft, India's first lunar probe, started suffering from several technical issues and stopped sending radio signals on August 28, 2009. Shortly after this, ISRO officially declared the mission over.</p>

<p>The probe, which was intended to operate for two years, achieved 95 per cent of its planned objectives in under a year of its space journey.&nbsp</p>

<p>In 2016, NASA used ground-based radar systems to relocate Chandrayaan-1 in its lunar orbit. Repeated observations over the next three months allowed a precise determination of its current orbit.</p>


At the southern pole, most of the ice is concentrated at lunar craters, while the northern pole's ice is more widely, but sparsely spread.

Scientists have confirmed the presence of frozen water deposits in the darkest and coldest parts of the Moon's polar regions using data from the Chandrayaan-I spacecraft, that was launched by India 10 years ago, NASA said today. Read:&nbspChandrayaan-2 to be launched in January-March window in 2019 With enough ice sitting at the surface - within the top few millimetres - water would possibly be accessible as a resource for future expeditions to explore and even stay on the Moon, and potentially easier to access than the water detected beneath the Moon's surface. The ice deposits are patchily distributed and could possibly be ancient, according to the study published in the journal PNAS. At the southern pole, most of the ice is concentrated at lunar craters, while the northern pole's ice is more widely, but sparsely spread. Scientists used data from NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument to identify three specific signatures that definitively prove there is water ice at the surface of the Moon. M3, aboard the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, launched in 2008 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was uniquely equipped to confirm the presence of solid ice on the Moon. It collected data that not only picked up the reflective properties we would expect from ice, but was able to directly measure the distinctive way its molecules absorb infrared light, so it can differentiate between liquid water or vapour and solid ice. Most of the newfound water ice lies in the shadows of craters near the poles, where the warmest temperatures never reach above minus 156 degrees Celsius. Due to the very small tilt of the Moon's rotation axis, sunlight never reaches these regions. Previous observations indirectly found possible signs of surface ice at the lunar south pole, but these could have been explained by other phenomena, such as unusually reflective lunar soil. Learning more about this ice, how it got there, and how it interacts with the larger lunar environment will be a key mission focus for NASA and commercial partners, as humans endeavour to return to and explore the Moon. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory designed and built the moon mineralogy mapper instrument and was home to its project manager. The Chandrayaan-I spacecraft, India's first lunar probe, started suffering from several technical issues and stopped sending radio signals on August 28, 2009. Shortly after this, ISRO officially declared the mission over. The probe, which was intended to operate for two years, achieved 95 per cent of its planned objectives in under a year of its space journey. In 2016, NASA used ground-based radar systems to relocate Chandrayaan-1 in its lunar orbit. Repeated observations over the next three months allowed a precise determination of its current orbit.

Chandrayaan-I data confirms presence of ice on Moon: NASA

Pushplata and Abhilash have been camping with their two children at a temporary shelter after this century's deadliest floods ravaged their home in the worst-hit district of Chengannur.

Kerala family visits flood-hit home for first time

<p>Non-violence is "a founding philosophy of our nationhood" and the "essence of being an Indian", Rahul Gandhi said Wednesday in Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress President was speaking at the Bucerius Summer School in Hamburg, Germany. Gandhi is on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-talk-on-performance-of-govt-rahul-to-visit-uk-germany-159518">four-day visit</a> to Germany and the UK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Both my father and grandmother were killed, I have suffered violence. There is only one way forward and that is forgiveness," said Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi was asked about him hugging PM Narendra Modi in Parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"PM was making hateful remarks at me. I showed affection, he was taken aback," said Gandhi. "Even some of them (my Party members) didn't like it and I disagreed with them," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Basic idea is that if someone hates you, it is something that they are doing. Responding to it with hate is foolish, it won't solve any problem. You are in full control of how you react," said Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LIVE: CP <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> addresses a gathering at Bucerius Summer School, Germany. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WillkommenRahulGandhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WillkommenRahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/OeiNci1zhS">https://t.co/OeiNci1zhS</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1032300344108142592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President’s hugs are in demand! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WillkommenRahulGandhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WillkommenRahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wzpj5FwOz9">pic.twitter.com/Wzpj5FwOz9</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1032312868929060864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi was asked a number of other questions, including on the race between India and China and the #MeToo movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said India and China were not necessarily racing towards the same thing. That he thought it was important that in India, people could say anything they wanted to. And that was equal to at least a couple of percentage points in GDP growth.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is no race between India and China. China might be growing at a higher rate than India, but in India people are allowed to express what they want, and that's what matters: Congress President <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WillkommenRahulGandhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WillkommenRahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucerius?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bucerius</a> <a href="https://t.co/kiE4jowSWE">pic.twitter.com/kiE4jowSWE</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1032314322406408192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">European leaders are pro-globalisation but they have no answer on how to compete with the Indians and Chinese: Congress President <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WillkommenRahulGandhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WillkommenRahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bucerius?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bucerius</a> <a href="https://t.co/kUAxg6JjIl">pic.twitter.com/kUAxg6JjIl</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1032314314600804352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>And while he did not agree with the recent report that India was the most unsafe country for women, he said that there is a "huge amount" of violence against women in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that "India needs to change the way the Indian men view Indian women. Men have to start viewing women as equals and with respect. I am sorry to say that men do not."&nbsp;</p>


'Both my father and grandmother were killed, I have suffered violence. There is only one way forward and that is forgiveness,' said Gandhi.

Non-violence is "a founding philosophy of our nationhood" and the "essence of being an Indian", Rahul Gandhi said Wednesday in Germany. The Congress President was speaking at the Bucerius Summer School in Hamburg, Germany. Gandhi is on a four-day visit to Germany and the UK. "Both my father and grandmother were killed, I have suffered violence. There is only one way forward and that is forgiveness," said Gandhi. Gandhi was asked about him hugging PM Narendra Modi in Parliament. "PM was making hateful remarks at me. I showed affection, he was taken aback," said Gandhi. "Even some of them (my Party members) didn't like it and I disagreed with them," he added. "Basic idea is that if someone hates you, it is something that they are doing. Responding to it with hate is foolish, it won't solve any problem. You are in full control of how you react," said Gandhi. LIVE: CP @RahulGandhi addresses a gathering at Bucerius Summer School, Germany. #WillkommenRahulGandhi https://t.co/OeiNci1zhS — Congress (@INCIndia) August 22, 2018 × Congress President’s hugs are in demand! #WillkommenRahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/Wzpj5FwOz9 — Congress (@INCIndia) August 22, 2018 × Gandhi was asked a number of other questions, including on the race between India and China and the #MeToo movement. He said India and China were not necessarily racing towards the same thing. That he thought it was important that in India, people could say anything they wanted to. And that was equal to at least a couple of percentage points in GDP growth. There is no race between India and China. China might be growing at a higher rate than India, but in India people are allowed to express what they want, and that's what matters: Congress President @RahulGandhi #WillkommenRahulGandhi #Bucerius pic.twitter.com/kiE4jowSWE — Congress (@INCIndia) August 22, 2018 × European leaders are pro-globalisation but they have no answer on how to compete with the Indians and Chinese: Congress President @RahulGandhi #WillkommenRahulGandhi #Bucerius pic.twitter.com/kUAxg6JjIl — Congress (@INCIndia) August 22, 2018 × And while he did not agree with the recent report that India was the most unsafe country for women, he said that there is a "huge amount" of violence against women in India. He added that "India needs to change the way the Indian men view Indian women. Men have to start viewing women as equals and with respect. I am sorry to say that men do not."

Watch: 'Non-violence essence of being an Indian,' says Rahul Gandhi in Germany

<p>Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has briefed the senior leadership of the WHO, the United Nations and the International Red Cross here on the humanitarian crisis in Kerala which has been devastated by unprecedented floods, his office said in a statement.</p>

<p>Tharoor, a Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, discussed with them the possibilities for assisting Kerala which is struggling to find its feet after the devastating deluge that left 231 dead in a fortnight and displaced over 14 lakh people, reported news agency PTI.</p>

<p>The meetings were also aimed at identifying avenues through which international organisations can support relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding operations in the state, the statement added.</p>

<p>"Tharoor held a series of high-level discussions in Geneva with the senior leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations and the International Red Cross to brief them on the devastating humanitarian crisis of flooding in the southern Indian state of Kerala and explore possibilities for assistance," it said.</p>

<p>Tharoor travelled in his individual capacity and at his own expense as an MP from Kerala and as a former UN Under-Secretary-General, the statement said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">State Govt could request for the 2 million WHO stock of anti-cholera vaccines to minimise the risk of grave water-borne diseases: Dr Tharoor <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayanpinarayi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vijayanpinarayi</a> <a href="https://t.co/zGJsbYOZvp">pic.twitter.com/zGJsbYOZvp</a></p>
— INC-Tharoorian (@Tharoorian_INC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tharoorian_INC/status/1032189609361330176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>This reach was primarily due to a moral responsibility he felt as a Keralite to explore possibilities of international assistance and support to alleviate the sufferings of fellow Keralites, it said.</p>

<p>Tharoor has also written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the impressions gained from his briefings with the UN agencies in Geneva and the possible course of actions for the state, if required, the statement said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">`Rebuild Kerala better` in partnership with the UN system: Dr Tharoor<a href="https://twitter.com/vijayanpinarayi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vijayanpinarayi</a> <a href="https://t.co/zhF7dlx4WE">pic.twitter.com/zhF7dlx4WE</a></p>
— INC-Tharoorian (@Tharoorian_INC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tharoorian_INC/status/1032208740617879553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tharoor also briefed the Indian Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Rajiv Chander, in detail on both August 20 and 21 about his meetings.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This good media summary of the main points might help dispel some of the disinformation floating around! <a href="https://t.co/mIaOo3K10s">https://t.co/mIaOo3K10s</a> <a href="https://t.co/XpziURUWsz">https://t.co/XpziURUWsz</a></p>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1032239516675964928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Tharoor travelled in his individual capacity and at his own expense as an MP from Kerala and as a former UN Under-Secretary-General

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has briefed the senior leadership of the WHO, the United Nations and the International Red Cross here on the humanitarian crisis in Kerala which has been devastated by unprecedented floods, his office said in a statement. Tharoor, a Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, discussed with them the possibilities for assisting Kerala which is struggling to find its feet after the devastating deluge that left 231 dead in a fortnight and displaced over 14 lakh people, reported news agency PTI. The meetings were also aimed at identifying avenues through which international organisations can support relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding operations in the state, the statement added. "Tharoor held a series of high-level discussions in Geneva with the senior leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations and the International Red Cross to brief them on the devastating humanitarian crisis of flooding in the southern Indian state of Kerala and explore possibilities for assistance," it said. Tharoor travelled in his individual capacity and at his own expense as an MP from Kerala and as a former UN Under-Secretary-General, the statement said. State Govt could request for the 2 million WHO stock of anti-cholera vaccines to minimise the risk of grave water-borne diseases: Dr Tharoor @vijayanpinarayi pic.twitter.com/zGJsbYOZvp — INC-Tharoorian (@Tharoorian_INC) August 22, 2018 × This reach was primarily due to a moral responsibility he felt as a Keralite to explore possibilities of international assistance and support to alleviate the sufferings of fellow Keralites, it said. Tharoor has also written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the impressions gained from his briefings with the UN agencies in Geneva and the possible course of actions for the state, if required, the statement said. `Rebuild Kerala better` in partnership with the UN system: Dr Tharoor@vijayanpinarayi pic.twitter.com/zhF7dlx4WE — INC-Tharoorian (@Tharoorian_INC) August 22, 2018 × Tharoor also briefed the Indian Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Rajiv Chander, in detail on both August 20 and 21 about his meetings. This good media summary of the main points might help dispel some of the disinformation floating around! https://t.co/mIaOo3K10s https://t.co/XpziURUWsz — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 22, 2018 ×

Kerala flood situation: Shashi Tharoor briefs UN agencies in Geneva on

<p>State-run carrier Air India on Wednesday said cancellation penalties and charges applicable in case of changes would be waived for flight tickets going in and out of Kerala upto August 31, news agency PTI reported.</p>

<p>The waiver will be offered to both domestic and international flight tickets issued on or before August 17, the airline said in a statement.</p>

<p>Earlier, Air India had announced that the waiver would be applicable till August 26.</p>

<p>"The waiver for penalties in case of change, cancellation and no-show for travel from or to Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram for both domestic and international flights, will now be applicable for travel from August 15 till August 31, instead of ending on August 26. This will be applicable to tickets issued on or before August 17," the Air India statement read.</p>

<p>In a tweet today, budget carrier IndiGo said cancellation fee waiver will be offered on bookings made before August 20 for travel scheduled on or before August 31.</p>

<p>Gurugram-based airline Vistara yesterday said it will fly doctors, nurses, disaster management experts and skilled volunteers from accredited institutions and relief organisations in the national capital and Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram "free of cost".</p>

<p>In a tweet, Vistara said it will fly back the disaster management personnel after the completion of their mission.</p>


The waiver will be offered to both domestic and international flight tickets issued on or before August 17, the airline said in a statement.

State-run carrier Air India on Wednesday said cancellation penalties and charges applicable in case of changes would be waived for flight tickets going in and out of Kerala upto August 31, news agency PTI reported. The waiver will be offered to both domestic and international flight tickets issued on or before August 17, the airline said in a statement. Earlier, Air India had announced that the waiver would be applicable till August 26. "The waiver for penalties in case of change, cancellation and no-show for travel from or to Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram for both domestic and international flights, will now be applicable for travel from August 15 till August 31, instead of ending on August 26. This will be applicable to tickets issued on or before August 17," the Air India statement read. In a tweet today, budget carrier IndiGo said cancellation fee waiver will be offered on bookings made before August 20 for travel scheduled on or before August 31. Gurugram-based airline Vistara yesterday said it will fly doctors, nurses, disaster management experts and skilled volunteers from accredited institutions and relief organisations in the national capital and Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram "free of cost". In a tweet, Vistara said it will fly back the disaster management personnel after the completion of their mission.

Will waive cancellation penalty till August 31 for flight tickets going in and out of Kerala: Air India

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday cleared the air with respect to receiving foreign aid for flood-ravaged Kerala. According to the official MEA statement, "the government is committed to meeting the requirements for relief and rehabilitation through domestic efforts".</p>

<p>It further stated that the government of India "deeply appreciates offers from several countries".</p>

<p>"The government of India deeply appreciates offers from several countries, including from foreign governments, to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts after the tragic floods in Kerala," the MEA added.</p>

<p>The MEA also noted that the government would welcome contributions to Prime Minister's Relief Fund and Chief Minister's Relief Fund (Kerala) from NRIs and international entities such as foundations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government's clarification comes a day after Thailand's Ambassador to India, Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, <a href="wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-india-not-accepting-foreign-aid-thai-envoy-confirms-in-tweet-160870">confirmed that the Indian government is not accepting foreign aid</a> for Kerala floods.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In line with existing policy,govt is committed to meeting requirements for relief & rehabilitation through domestic efforts. Contributions to PM Relief Fund & CM Relief Fund from NRIs, PIOs and international entities such as foundations would, however, be welcome: MEA</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1032309656314470401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Informally informed with regret that the government of India is not accepting overseas donations for Kerala flood relief. Our hearts are with you the people of Bharat," Gongsakdi tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The governments of the Maldives and the UAE had extended financial support for flood-hit Kerala previously but the central government was reported to have decided to fall on domestic means to provide relief to Kerala.</p>

<p>Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday reacted to the chains of events stating, "2016 National Disaster Management Policy says, 'if govt of another country voluntarily offers assistance as a goodwill gesture in solidarity with the disaster victims, the central govt may accept the offer'. Right now, only talks are happening".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">2016 National Disaster Management Policy says, 'if govt of another country voluntarily offers assistance as a goodwill gesture in solidarity with the disaster victims,the central govt may accept the offer'. Right now only talk is happening, let us see what happens: Kerala CM <a href="https://t.co/iPA6dcyeaY">pic.twitter.com/iPA6dcyeaY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1032262786821238784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>CM Vijayan added that the government must accept the aid from the UAE. He maintained that the UAE cannot be considered as "any other nation" as Indians, including people from Kerala, have contributed a lot to its development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chief Minister called for a high-level meeting, "if needed", with the centre to enable the fund transfer from the UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The State will initiate high-level discussions, if needed, with authorities at the Centre to enable the fund- transfer from the UAE government in the wake of the deluge in Kerala,"&nbsp;Vijayan said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"The State will initiate high-level discussions, if needed, with authorities at the Centre to enable the fund- transfer from the UAE govt in the wake of deluge in Kerala", said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, earlier today <a href="https://t.co/DchjM4sM9B">pic.twitter.com/DchjM4sM9B</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1032312724066164742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


CM Vijayan said that the UAE cannot be considered as 'any other nation' as Indians, including people from Kerala, have contributed a lot to its development.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday cleared the air with respect to receiving foreign aid for flood-ravaged Kerala. According to the official MEA statement, "the government is committed to meeting the requirements for relief and rehabilitation through domestic efforts". It further stated that the government of India "deeply appreciates offers from several countries". "The government of India deeply appreciates offers from several countries, including from foreign governments, to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts after the tragic floods in Kerala," the MEA added. The MEA also noted that the government would welcome contributions to Prime Minister's Relief Fund and Chief Minister's Relief Fund (Kerala) from NRIs and international entities such as foundations. The government's clarification comes a day after Thailand's Ambassador to India, Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, confirmed that the Indian government is not accepting foreign aid for Kerala floods. In line with existing policy,govt is committed to meeting requirements for relief & rehabilitation through domestic efforts. Contributions to PM Relief Fund & CM Relief Fund from NRIs, PIOs and international entities such as foundations would, however, be welcome: MEA — ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2018 × "Informally informed with regret that the government of India is not accepting overseas donations for Kerala flood relief. Our hearts are with you the people of Bharat," Gongsakdi tweeted. The governments of the Maldives and the UAE had extended financial support for flood-hit Kerala previously but the central government was reported to have decided to fall on domestic means to provide relief to Kerala. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday reacted to the chains of events stating, "2016 National Disaster Management Policy says, 'if govt of another country voluntarily offers assistance as a goodwill gesture in solidarity with the disaster victims, the central govt may accept the offer'. Right now, only talks are happening". 2016 National Disaster Management Policy says, 'if govt of another country voluntarily offers assistance as a goodwill gesture in solidarity with the disaster victims,the central govt may accept the offer'. Right now only talk is happening, let us see what happens: Kerala CM pic.twitter.com/iPA6dcyeaY — ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2018 × CM Vijayan added that the government must accept the aid from the UAE. He maintained that the UAE cannot be considered as "any other nation" as Indians, including people from Kerala, have contributed a lot to its development. The Chief Minister called for a high-level meeting, "if needed", with the centre to enable the fund transfer from the UAE. "The State will initiate high-level discussions, if needed, with authorities at the Centre to enable the fund- transfer from the UAE government in the wake of the deluge in Kerala," Vijayan said. "The State will initiate high-level discussions, if needed, with authorities at the Centre to enable the fund- transfer from the UAE govt in the wake of deluge in Kerala", said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, earlier today pic.twitter.com/DchjM4sM9B — ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2018 ×

Kerala floods: Won't take foreign aid, says govt; CM Vijayan says may take up issue with Centre

<p>Eid festivities in a few sections of Jammu and Kashmir were damaged by savagery on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Substantial conflicts occurred between security forces and protestors in Anantnag, provoking authorities to depend on teargas shelling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The violence reportedly erupted after the stone pelters started attacking security forces. No losses of life have been accounted for up until now.</p>

<p>In Srinagar, people were seen waving national flag of Pakistan and flag of ISIS on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: People seen waving national flag of Pakistan and flag of ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) in Srinagar. <a href="https://t.co/i4STtWy49q">pic.twitter.com/i4STtWy49q</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1032119192235868160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ahead of Eid celebrations, top police and CRPF officials visited the south Kashmir district of Anantnag on Monday and reviewed security situation there.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Protesters pelt stones on a police vehicle & attack it with sticks as protests erupt in Anantnag. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>. <a href="https://t.co/N5rC0Uw8qD">pic.twitter.com/N5rC0Uw8qD</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1032136920355094529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In view of Eid celebrations, the officials in Anantnag were directed that market checking in the areas be intensified and those found indulging in malpractices be appropriately booked so that the common masses do not suffer.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Clashes break out between security forces and protesters in Srinagar. <a href="https://t.co/stmdTN7pvK">pic.twitter.com/stmdTN7pvK</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1032124251715727360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier in the day, militants killed Special Police Officer (SPO) Fayaz Ahmad in Zazripora village in Jammu and Kashmir`s Shopian district.</p>

<p>"He was shifted to a hospital where the doctors said he was dead on arrival," the police said.</p>

<p>A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) affiliate, Shabir Ahmed Bhat, was shot also dead by terrorists in the wee hours of Wednesday. The BJP affiliate was a resident of Rakh-e-litter village in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>


In Srinagar, people were seen waving national flag of Pakistan and flag of ISIS on Wednesday morning.

Eid festivities in a few sections of Jammu and Kashmir were damaged by savagery on Wednesday. Substantial conflicts occurred between security forces and protestors in Anantnag, provoking authorities to depend on teargas shelling. The violence reportedly erupted after the stone pelters started attacking security forces. No losses of life have been accounted for up until now. In Srinagar, people were seen waving national flag of Pakistan and flag of ISIS on Wednesday morning. #JammuAndKashmir: People seen waving national flag of Pakistan and flag of ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) in Srinagar. pic.twitter.com/i4STtWy49q — ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2018 × Ahead of Eid celebrations, top police and CRPF officials visited the south Kashmir district of Anantnag on Monday and reviewed security situation there. #WATCH: Protesters pelt stones on a police vehicle & attack it with sticks as protests erupt in Anantnag. #JammuAndKashmir. pic.twitter.com/N5rC0Uw8qD — ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2018 × In view of Eid celebrations, the officials in Anantnag were directed that market checking in the areas be intensified and those found indulging in malpractices be appropriately booked so that the common masses do not suffer. #JammuAndKashmir: Clashes break out between security forces and protesters in Srinagar. pic.twitter.com/stmdTN7pvK — ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2018 × Earlier in the day, militants killed Special Police Officer (SPO) Fayaz Ahmad in Zazripora village in Jammu and Kashmir`s Shopian district. "He was shifted to a hospital where the doctors said he was dead on arrival," the police said. A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) affiliate, Shabir Ahmed Bhat, was shot also dead by terrorists in the wee hours of Wednesday. The BJP affiliate was a resident of Rakh-e-litter village in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K: Clashes erupts between security forces, protestors in Srinagar

<p>The use of agricultural residues in power plants can help reduce pollution in the Delhi-NCR region by 8 per cent by 2025, a new study has suggested.</p>

<p>The study, conducted jointly by The Energy and Resources Institute and Automotive Research Association of India, suggests several measures that could help in reducing pollution by 2025, reported news agency PTI.</p>

<p>According to the study, up to 26 per cent of pollution in the city in summer is caused by internal factors like vehicular emissions and this goes up to 36 per cent in winter.</p>

<p>Use of agricultural residues in power plants can help cut down pollution by 8 per cent by 2025, according to the study.</p>

<p>Last year, the Union Power Ministry directed the state-run power producer NTPC to blend crop residue with coal at its plants to reduce stubble burning on agricultural lands, which triggers thick smog in Delhi every year.</p>

<p>Increasing LPG penetration in the NCR by 75 per cent by 2025 and 100 per cent by 2030 could help reduce pollution by 6 per cent, the study suggested.</p>

<p>A switch from solid fuels to gas can bring down the PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 12 per cent by 2025, it added.</p>

<p>The study used two approaches to assess the pollution level in the Delhi-NCR region. The first was Receptor Modelling, under which the PM10 and PM2.5 levels were monitored at 20 locations across the city and the second model used advanced chemical transport approach to ascertain the emission factors.</p>

<p>The study also found that the industries operating in the NCR contribute significantly to Delhi's pollution, apart from biomass burning in rural kitchens and agricultural fields.</p>

<p>In this study, the contribution of agricultural burning is not fully accounted for as the monitoring and modelling periods did not include the month of October when the burning activities are generally at their peak.&nbsp;</p>


The study, conducted jointly by The Energy and Resources Institute and Automotive Research Association of India, suggests several measures that could help in reducing pollution by 2025.

The use of agricultural residues in power plants can help reduce pollution in the Delhi-NCR region by 8 per cent by 2025, a new study has suggested. The study, conducted jointly by The Energy and Resources Institute and Automotive Research Association of India, suggests several measures that could help in reducing pollution by 2025, reported news agency PTI. According to the study, up to 26 per cent of pollution in the city in summer is caused by internal factors like vehicular emissions and this goes up to 36 per cent in winter. Use of agricultural residues in power plants can help cut down pollution by 8 per cent by 2025, according to the study. Last year, the Union Power Ministry directed the state-run power producer NTPC to blend crop residue with coal at its plants to reduce stubble burning on agricultural lands, which triggers thick smog in Delhi every year. Increasing LPG penetration in the NCR by 75 per cent by 2025 and 100 per cent by 2030 could help reduce pollution by 6 per cent, the study suggested. A switch from solid fuels to gas can bring down the PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 12 per cent by 2025, it added. The study used two approaches to assess the pollution level in the Delhi-NCR region. The first was Receptor Modelling, under which the PM10 and PM2.5 levels were monitored at 20 locations across the city and the second model used advanced chemical transport approach to ascertain the emission factors. The study also found that the industries operating in the NCR contribute significantly to Delhi's pollution, apart from biomass burning in rural kitchens and agricultural fields. In this study, the contribution of agricultural burning is not fully accounted for as the monitoring and modelling periods did not include the month of October when the burning activities are generally at their peak.

Study says use of agricultural residues in power plants can cut Delhi pollution by 8 per cent by 2025

<p>Eid festivity in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/withdrawal-of-bjp-from-kashmir-government-could-herald-muscular-policy-145594">militancy-hit Kashmir</a> was marred with violent incidents in which terrorists shot dead&nbsp;three policemen on Wednesday in two districts of the state, police said.</p>

<p>The first incident took place when Fayaz Ahmad Shah, an under-training police constable, was shot when he was returning home after offering Eid prayers in Kulgam, one of the worst militancy-hit districts of South Kashmir, according to news agency PTI.</p>

<p>Shah, 34, was working with the Jammu and Kashmir Police as a Special Police Officer and had been given an out-of-turn promotion and selected as a constable. He was undergoing training at Talwara in Jammu region and had come home.</p>

<p>Terrorists pumped bullets at Shah from a close range near his house and he died on the spot.</p>

<p>A pall of gloom descended on the policeman's native Zazripora village when the news of his death broke out.&nbsp;The Eid festivities turned into mourning at Shah's residence with his two minor daughters, aged five and two, unable to understand the sudden rush of people to their residence and the frequent breakdown of their mother and aged grandmother.</p>

<p>The family was inconsolable when his body wrapped in tricolour was brought to their residence.</p>

<p>A wreath-laying ceremony was held at district police lines Kulgam where officers led by Senior Superintendent of Police Harmeet Singh paid floral tributes to the police official.</p>

<p>Director General of Police SP Vaid termed the incident a "dastardly act".</p>

<p>Another Special Police Officer identified as Mohammad Yaqoob Shah was shot at in Pulwama district, according to PTI.</p>

<p>He was declared brought dead at the hospital.</p>

<p>Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Swayam Prakash Pani led the police team to pay tributes to Shah at district police lines in Pulwama, another worst militancy-hit district.</p>

<p>In yet another incident, terrorists shot dead Inspector Mohd Asharf Dar at his residence in Pulwama, according to ANI.</p>

<p>In another incident, body of a BJP worker identified as Shabir Ahmad Bhat was found in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.</p>

<p>He was reportedly kidnapped by suspected terrorists last night.</p>

<p>His bullet-riddled body was found in the fields at Rakh-e-Litter area of Kupwara, a police official said.</p>

<p>The incident evoked sharp reaction from BJP president Amit Shah who said extremists cannot stop the valley's youths from choosing a better future and that the cycle of violence will not last long.</p>

<p>"Anguished to learn about the killing of BJP karyakarta, Shabir Ahmad Bhat by terrorists in Pulwama (J&K). This act of cowardice is highly condemnable. Extremists cannot stop the youth of Kashmir from choosing a better future for themselves. This cycle of violence won't last long," he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Anguished to learn about the killing of BJP karyakarta, Shabir Ahmad Bhat by terrorists in Pulwama (J&K). This act of cowardice is highly condemnable. Extremists cannot stop the youth of Kashmir from choosing a better future for themselves. This cycle of violence won't last long. <a href="https://t.co/hAOb4ptPeo">pic.twitter.com/hAOb4ptPeo</a></p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1032126305079320576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


'It only shows the frustration of terrorists who are resorting to such a cowardly act of attacking an unarmed policeman,' Director General of Police SP Vaid said.

Eid festivity in militancy-hit Kashmir was marred with violent incidents in which terrorists shot dead three policemen on Wednesday in two districts of the state, police said. The first incident took place when Fayaz Ahmad Shah, an under-training police constable, was shot when he was returning home after offering Eid prayers in Kulgam, one of the worst militancy-hit districts of South Kashmir, according to news agency PTI. Shah, 34, was working with the Jammu and Kashmir Police as a Special Police Officer and had been given an out-of-turn promotion and selected as a constable. He was undergoing training at Talwara in Jammu region and had come home. Terrorists pumped bullets at Shah from a close range near his house and he died on the spot. A pall of gloom descended on the policeman's native Zazripora village when the news of his death broke out. The Eid festivities turned into mourning at Shah's residence with his two minor daughters, aged five and two, unable to understand the sudden rush of people to their residence and the frequent breakdown of their mother and aged grandmother. The family was inconsolable when his body wrapped in tricolour was brought to their residence. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at district police lines Kulgam where officers led by Senior Superintendent of Police Harmeet Singh paid floral tributes to the police official. Director General of Police SP Vaid termed the incident a "dastardly act". Another Special Police Officer identified as Mohammad Yaqoob Shah was shot at in Pulwama district, according to PTI. He was declared brought dead at the hospital. Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Swayam Prakash Pani led the police team to pay tributes to Shah at district police lines in Pulwama, another worst militancy-hit district. In yet another incident, terrorists shot dead Inspector Mohd Asharf Dar at his residence in Pulwama, according to ANI. In another incident, body of a BJP worker identified as Shabir Ahmad Bhat was found in north Kashmir's Kupwara district. He was reportedly kidnapped by suspected terrorists last night. His bullet-riddled body was found in the fields at Rakh-e-Litter area of Kupwara, a police official said. The incident evoked sharp reaction from BJP president Amit Shah who said extremists cannot stop the valley's youths from choosing a better future and that the cycle of violence will not last long. "Anguished to learn about the killing of BJP karyakarta, Shabir Ahmad Bhat by terrorists in Pulwama (J&K). This act of cowardice is highly condemnable. Extremists cannot stop the youth of Kashmir from choosing a better future for themselves. This cycle of violence won't last long," he tweeted. Anguished to learn about the killing of BJP karyakarta, Shabir Ahmad Bhat by terrorists in Pulwama (J&K). This act of cowardice is highly condemnable. Extremists cannot stop the youth of Kashmir from choosing a better future for themselves. This cycle of violence won't last long. pic.twitter.com/hAOb4ptPeo — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 22, 2018 ×

On Eid, 3 policemen shot dead in Jammu and Kashmir

A massive fire has broken out in Crystal tower building of Mumbai's Parel area on Wednesday.

Massive fire breaks out at Crystal Tower in Mumbai, rescue operations underway

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday expressed happiness over the overwhelming response received from the people of Kerala after receiving aid.</p>

<p>According to reports, CM Singh reacted to a video&nbsp;that depicted flood-hit Keralites shouting slogans in favour of Punjab after receiving aid from the Punjab government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Singh pledged that his government will continue to extend support and provide all possible assistance to Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Touched by the overwhelming gratitude of the people of Kerala for our small contribution to #KeralaFloodsRelief. We in Punjab will continue to do our best to assist in their relief and rehabilitation," Punjab CM tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Touched by the overwhelming gratitude of the people of Kerala for our small contribution towards <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloodRelief?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloodRelief</a>. We in Punjab will continue to do our best to assist in their relief and rehabilitation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabForKerala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabForKerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/8cSIbvxVJC">pic.twitter.com/8cSIbvxVJC</a></p>
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/1032273132663566337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Singh later added that it was the duty of every Indian to come forward to join the relief efforts in Kerala.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Singh, last week, has announced an assistance worth Rs 10 crore to the Kerala government.&nbsp;</p>


Singh pledged that his government will continue to extend support and provide all possible assistance to Kerala.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday expressed happiness over the overwhelming response received from the people of Kerala after receiving aid. According to reports, CM Singh reacted to a video that depicted flood-hit Keralites shouting slogans in favour of Punjab after receiving aid from the Punjab government. Singh pledged that his government will continue to extend support and provide all possible assistance to Kerala. "Touched by the overwhelming gratitude of the people of Kerala for our small contribution to #KeralaFloodsRelief. We in Punjab will continue to do our best to assist in their relief and rehabilitation," Punjab CM tweeted. Touched by the overwhelming gratitude of the people of Kerala for our small contribution towards #KeralaFloodRelief. We in Punjab will continue to do our best to assist in their relief and rehabilitation. #PunjabForKerala pic.twitter.com/8cSIbvxVJC — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) August 22, 2018 × Singh later added that it was the duty of every Indian to come forward to join the relief efforts in Kerala. Chief Minister Singh, last week, has announced an assistance worth Rs 10 crore to the Kerala government.

Touched by overwhelming gratitude of people of Kerala: Punjab CM 

Prayers were offered, people embraced each other the customary three times, sweets were exchanged, even by generally-warring soldiers, as India spent a day offering prayer and feasting.

Eid Mubarak in pictures: India celebrates Eid-al-Adha

<p>Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Gurudas Kamat died at a private hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday, Mumbai party officials said. He was 63. Kamat also served as the former Mumbai Congress President.</p>

<p>Kamat was a senior Congress leader and&nbspfive-time parliamentarian.</p>

<p>Kamat had served as a member of Parliament from Mumbai’s North West parliamentary constituency in 2009 and Mumbai’s North East Constituency in 1984, 1991, 1998 and 2004.</p>

<p>The Congress pioneer was an Advocate by profession.&nbsp</p>

<p>He likewise filled in as a Minister of State in the Union Home Ministry with an extra charge of Minister of Communication and Information Technology (2009 to 2011) amid the second stretch of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.</p>


Senior Congress leader Gurudas Kamat died at the age of 63 at a hospital in New Delhi. He breathed his last at Primus Hospital in Chanakyapuri area of the national capital.

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Gurudas Kamat died at a private hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday, Mumbai party officials said. He was 63. Kamat also served as the former Mumbai Congress President. Kamat was a senior Congress leader and&nbspfive-time parliamentarian. Kamat had served as a member of Parliament from Mumbai’s North West parliamentary constituency in 2009 and Mumbai’s North East Constituency in 1984, 1991, 1998 and 2004. The Congress pioneer was an Advocate by profession. He likewise filled in as a Minister of State in the Union Home Ministry with an extra charge of Minister of Communication and Information Technology (2009 to 2011) amid the second stretch of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

Gurudas Kamat, ex-Union Minister and Congress leader, passes away at 63

<p>Two days after the National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah chanted "Bharat Mata ki Jai" at a prayer meeting for former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the leader was heckled during Eid prayers in Srinagar today.</p>

<p>Abdullah was however not affected by the interruptions and continued with his prayers.</p>

<p>He said that the jeering and booing were by his "own people" who were misguided.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A section of the people who were hounding at the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir at the Hazratbal mosque shouted slogans of "Farooq Abdullah go back" and "Hum kya chahte, azaadi".</p>

<p>A group of people also tried to approach the leader who was sitting on a chair in the front row because of his ill-health.</p>

<p>The people were however restricted from meeting Abdullah.</p>

<p>Security personnel also threw a ring around the leader from Srinagar to protect him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Eid prayers were held at the 17th-century Hazratbal mosque in Srinagar.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


A section of the people who were hounding at the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir at the Hazratbal mosque shouted slogans of 'Farooq Abdullah go back' and 'Hum kya chahte, azaadi'

Two days after the National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah chanted "Bharat Mata ki Jai" at a prayer meeting for former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the leader was heckled during Eid prayers in Srinagar today. Abdullah was however not affected by the interruptions and continued with his prayers. He said that the jeering and booing were by his "own people" who were misguided. A section of the people who were hounding at the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir at the Hazratbal mosque shouted slogans of "Farooq Abdullah go back" and "Hum kya chahte, azaadi". A group of people also tried to approach the leader who was sitting on a chair in the front row because of his ill-health. The people were however restricted from meeting Abdullah. Security personnel also threw a ring around the leader from Srinagar to protect him. The Eid prayers were held at the 17th-century Hazratbal mosque in Srinagar. (With inputs from PTI)

Farooq Abdullah heckled during Eid prayers, says sloganeers his own people

This segment of WION brings to you latest updates about floods in Kerala. 400 killed and dozens missing in Kerala. There is lack of clean drinking water for those who affected due to floods.

WION Fineprint: 400 killed and dozens missing in Kerala

<p>A group of terrorists on Wednesday opened fire at a policeman in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.</p>

<p>The policeman, identified as Mohammad Yaqoob Shah, succumbed to his injuries, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp</p>

<p>According to reports, Shah was rushed to the district hospital in critical condition but could not be saved.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UDPATE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UDPATE</a>: Policeman Mohd Yaqoob Shah has succumbed to his injuries. He was shot at by terrorists in Pulwama today. <a href="https://t.co/jhGbstOGxi">https://t.co/jhGbstOGxi</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1032256441631924224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Shabir Ahmed Bhat, a BJP activist, was shot dead by terrorists earlier on Wednesday at his residence in Pulwama.</p>


The policeman, identified as Mohammad Yaqoob Shah, succumbed to his injuries, news agency ANI reported.

A group of terrorists on Wednesday opened fire at a policeman in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The policeman, identified as Mohammad Yaqoob Shah, succumbed to his injuries, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Shah was rushed to the district hospital in critical condition but could not be saved. #UDPATE: Policeman Mohd Yaqoob Shah has succumbed to his injuries. He was shot at by terrorists in Pulwama today. https://t.co/jhGbstOGxi — ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2018 × Meanwhile, Shabir Ahmed Bhat, a BJP activist, was shot dead by terrorists earlier on Wednesday at his residence in Pulwama.

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists kill policeman in Pulwama

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