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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-welcome-imran-khans-words-on-peace-on-both-sides-of-the-border-us-160517">We welcome Imran Khan's words on peace on both sides of the border: US</a>

As Imran Khan's Cabinet was sworn-in on Monday, the US urged Pakistan to "do more on terror and create pressure against terror groups" even as it welcomed the new Pakistan government.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-hockey-team-betters-asiad-record-beats-indonesia-17-0--160523">Indian hockey team betters Asiad record, beats Indonesia 17-0</a>

Defending champions India bettered its own record at the Asian Games in hockey and surpassed its previous highest margin for the country which was 12-0, against Iran in 1974 and Bangladesh in 1982.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-death-toll-nears-400-kerala-cm-urges-centre-for-additional-help-160511">As death toll nears 400, Kerala CM urges Centre for additional help</a>

The destructive Kerala deluge has claimed nearly 400 lives so far with over 7 lakh people displaced and homeless, taking shelter in more than 5,000 relief camps.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-media-misquoted-foreign-minister-over-letter-by-modi-pakistan-160516">Indian media misquoted foreign minister over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-media-misquoted-foreign-minister-over-letter-by-modi-pakistan-160516">letter</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-media-misquoted-foreign-minister-over-letter-by-modi-pakistan-160516"> by Modi: Pakistan</a>

Pakistan's newly appointed foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday had claimed that the letter written by prime minister Narendra Modi to his counterpart Imran Khan called for talks between the two countries. However, his office soon after denied that the minister had made any such statements and said that the Indian media had misquoted him.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/who-was-ismat-chughtai-and-why-has-google-honoured-her-with-a-doodle-160528">Who was Ismat Chughtai and why has Google </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/who-was-ismat-chughtai-and-why-has-google-honoured-her-with-a-doodle-160528">honoured</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/who-was-ismat-chughtai-and-why-has-google-honoured-her-with-a-doodle-160528"> her with a doodle</a>

She was a rebel and lived her life unapologetically. Perhaps that made Urdu writer Ismat Chughtai stand out from the rest. On her 107th birth anniversary, the author was honoured with a Google doodle.&nbsp 
&nbsp

We welcome Imran Khan's words on peace on both sides of the border: US As Imran Khan's Cabinet was sworn-in on Monday, the US urged Pakistan to "do more on terror and create pressure against terror groups" even as it welcomed the new Pakistan government. Indian hockey team betters Asiad record, beats Indonesia 17-0 Defending champions India bettered its own record at the Asian Games in hockey and surpassed its previous highest margin for the country which was 12-0, against Iran in 1974 and Bangladesh in 1982. As death toll nears 400, Kerala CM urges Centre for additional help The destructive Kerala deluge has claimed nearly 400 lives so far with over 7 lakh people displaced and homeless, taking shelter in more than 5,000 relief camps. Indian media misquoted foreign minister over letter by Modi: Pakistan Pakistan's newly appointed foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday had claimed that the letter written by prime minister Narendra Modi to his counterpart Imran Khan called for talks between the two countries. However, his office soon after denied that the minister had made any such statements and said that the Indian media had misquoted him. Who was Ismat Chughtai and why has Google honoured her with a doodle She was a rebel and lived her life unapologetically. Perhaps that made Urdu writer Ismat Chughtai stand out from the rest. On her 107th birth anniversary, the author was honoured with a Google doodle.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Chief Justice of India and judges of the Supreme Court are contributing Rs 25,000 each towards Kerala flood relief fund. The money will be deposited in the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund.

The apex court bench helmed by the CJI and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud made the observation while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought the barring of lawmakers from practising in courts across the country. 
The top court bench made the observation after Attorney General KK Venugopal referred to the tragedy that has hit the southern state.

According to media reports, the AG had earlier donated Rs 1 crore to the flood relief fund. The calamity has also grabbed global attention.

 
Meanwhile, social networking giant Facebook is also donating $250,000 (nearly Rs 1.75 crore) for relief work in Kerala, which has been battered by torrential rains, floods and landslides, leaving over 300 dead amid the massive destruction, the company said on Monday.

Kerala has been facing the worst flooding in a century. Kerala Chief Minister confirmed on Saturday that the death toll due to the floods has increased to 400. He added that the state has suffered a loss of Rs 19,512 crore due to the deluge.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to media reports, the AG had earlier donated Rs 1 crore to the flood relief fund. The calamity has also grabbed global attention.

The Chief Justice of India and judges of the Supreme Court are contributing Rs 25,000 each towards Kerala flood relief fund. The money will be deposited in the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. The apex court bench helmed by the CJI and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud made the observation while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought the barring of lawmakers from practising in courts across the country. The top court bench made the observation after Attorney General KK Venugopal referred to the tragedy that has hit the southern state. According to media reports, the AG had earlier donated Rs 1 crore to the flood relief fund. The calamity has also grabbed global attention. Meanwhile, social networking giant Facebook is also donating $250,000 (nearly Rs 1.75 crore) for relief work in Kerala, which has been battered by torrential rains, floods and landslides, leaving over 300 dead amid the massive destruction, the company said on Monday. Kerala has been facing the worst flooding in a century. Kerala Chief Minister confirmed on Saturday that the death toll due to the floods has increased to 400. He added that the state has suffered a loss of Rs 19,512 crore due to the deluge. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court judges will contribute Rs 25,000 each to Kerala flood relief fund, says CJI Dipak Misra

This segment of WION brings to you latest updates. Prasad made the statement after meeting WhatsApp Chief Executive Officer Chris Daniels in view of the spread of fake and provocative content on its platform. Watch this video to know more.

WhatsApp has to follow Indian laws: IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

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WhatsApp CEO Chris Daniels meets IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

London's Westminster Magistrate’s Court, on Tuesday, denied bail to key Dawood Ibrahim aide Jabir Motiwala, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, Motiwala, a Pakistani National, was detained by UK security agencies in London on August 19.

Motiwala is believed to be in charge of D-Company finances.

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Key Dawood Ibrahim aide Jabir Motiwala was detained by UK security agencies in London on August 19. Motiwala is a Pakistani National and is believed to be in charge of D-Company finances. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/vC76rqUqov">pic.twitter.com/vC76rqUqov</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031874678938251266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, a Westminster Magistrate’s Court judge refused Motiwala's lawyer's request to hear the case behind closed doors.&nbsp;

“British justice is open justice and it would take a lot for me to vacate the public gallery,” the judge noted.&nbsp;

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London's Westminster Magistrate’s Court denies bail to key Dawood Ibrahim aide Jabir Motiwala who was detained by UK security agencies in London on August 19. <a href="https://t.co/29Xex2bnjc">pic.twitter.com/29Xex2bnjc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031900941052608516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jabir Motiwala was <a href="wionews.com/world/dawood-ibrahims-finance-manager-jabir-moti-detained-in-london-160101">detained by the London police</a> from London's Hilton Hotel on August 19 after months of investigations on his financial links to 1993 Mumbai serial blasts mastermind Dawood Ibrahim and his family.

A Westminster Magistrate’s Court judge refused Motiwala's lawyer's request to hear the case behind closed doors.

London's Westminster Magistrate’s Court, on Tuesday, denied bail to key Dawood Ibrahim aide Jabir Motiwala, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Motiwala, a Pakistani National, was detained by UK security agencies in London on August 19. Motiwala is believed to be in charge of D-Company finances. Key Dawood Ibrahim aide Jabir Motiwala was detained by UK security agencies in London on August 19. Motiwala is a Pakistani National and is believed to be in charge of D-Company finances. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/vC76rqUqov — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Meanwhile, a Westminster Magistrate’s Court judge refused Motiwala's lawyer's request to hear the case behind closed doors. “British justice is open justice and it would take a lot for me to vacate the public gallery,” the judge noted. London's Westminster Magistrate’s Court denies bail to key Dawood Ibrahim aide Jabir Motiwala who was detained by UK security agencies in London on August 19. pic.twitter.com/29Xex2bnjc — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Jabir Motiwala was detained by the London police from London's Hilton Hotel on August 19 after months of investigations on his financial links to 1993 Mumbai serial blasts mastermind Dawood Ibrahim and his family.

London court denies bail to Dawood Ibrahim's key aide Jabir Motiwala 

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Tuesday announced the renaming of a number of places in the state as a tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;

According to reports, Naya Raipur city will be renamed to Atal Nagar.&nbsp;

"On the sad demise of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a motion of condolence has been passed to rename some places after him. Bilaspur University will be known as Atal Bihari Vajpayee University, Narrow Gauge Line will be renamed to Atal Path," news agency quoted CM Raman Singh.&nbsp;

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Central Park being constructed beside Collectorate to be named as Atal Park & Rajnandgaon Medical College to be named after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> . For Atal ji’s contribution to Pokhran Nuclear Test,a police battalion to be named as ‘Pokhran Battalion’: Raman Singh, Chhattisgarh CM <a href="https://t.co/XzLkNOuLjB">pic.twitter.com/XzLkNOuLjB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031853703798480900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Central Park, which is being constructed beside the Collectorate, will be named to Atal Park while Rajnandgaon Medical College will also be renamed after Bharat Ratna Vajpayee, ANI reported.&nbsp;

"For Atalji’s contribution to Pokhran Nuclear Test, a police battalion will be named as the ‘Pokhran Battalion’," Singh told media.&nbsp;

Former PM and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee breathed his last on August 16 at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Science. He was 93.

He was cremated with full state honours at Smriti Sthal in Delhi on August 17.&nbsp;

Central Park, which is being constructed beside the Collectorate, will be named to Atal Park.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Tuesday announced the renaming of a number of places in the state as a tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. According to reports, Naya Raipur city will be renamed to Atal Nagar. "On the sad demise of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a motion of condolence has been passed to rename some places after him. Bilaspur University will be known as Atal Bihari Vajpayee University, Narrow Gauge Line will be renamed to Atal Path," news agency quoted CM Raman Singh. Central Park being constructed beside Collectorate to be named as Atal Park & Rajnandgaon Medical College to be named after #AtalBihariVajpayee . For Atal ji’s contribution to Pokhran Nuclear Test,a police battalion to be named as ‘Pokhran Battalion’: Raman Singh, Chhattisgarh CM pic.twitter.com/XzLkNOuLjB — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Central Park, which is being constructed beside the Collectorate, will be named to Atal Park while Rajnandgaon Medical College will also be renamed after Bharat Ratna Vajpayee, ANI reported. "For Atalji’s contribution to Pokhran Nuclear Test, a police battalion will be named as the ‘Pokhran Battalion’," Singh told media. Former PM and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee breathed his last on August 16 at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Science. He was 93. He was cremated with full state honours at Smriti Sthal in Delhi on August 17.

Some places will be renamed after Atalji: Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh

This segment of WION brings to you latest updates. Banyan tree grows out of building by giving it a natural makeover. Watch this video to know more.

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Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam Monday turned down the demand of Congress leaders to declare Kerala flood as a “national calamity” and said there was no provision in the Disaster Management Act 2005 to do so.

Responding to the statement of former Defence Minister and senior Congress leader A K Antony in this regard, the senior BJP leader said the Disaster Management Act was passed when the Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre. Antony had asked the union government to immediately declare the Kerala floods as a national disaster.

Declaring the Kerala floods as a ‘national calamity’ would help in garnering funds not only from the country but also in getting aid from abroad, Antony said.

On the relief sanctioned by the Centre, Antony said Rs 600 crore was nothing as the huge damage had been caused to the state.

Reacting to Antony’s remark, Kannanthanam said “There is no provision to declare any calamity as a national calamity. None of the calamities was declared as national by the Congress when it was in power from 2004-14.”

Terming the statement of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Antony in this regard as ‘stupid’, Kannanthanam said: “does Antony, who was the defence minister of the country for ten years not know the rules and provisions of the act.”

Taking a dig at the Congress President, Kannanthanam said “let us excuse Rahul as he does not have any administrative and political experience, but a statement like this from a senior leader like Antony was uncalled for, at a time when the people of Kerala are united to face the challenge caused by the floods.”

The BJP leader said the aid of Rs 500 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to flood-hit areas was only for immediate relief works.

The central team would visit the state again to assess the damage caused by the floods and would be extending more assistance, he added.

On the demand of the Congress to hand over the relief work to the army, Kannanthanam said there was no provision in the Constitution to do that. In the event of a calamity, the army will assist the civil authorities based on their request, he added.

State Opposition leader and former KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala had demanded handing over of relief works to the army.

Kannanthanam also said instead of making statements like this, the Congress leaders should ask party workers to go to the field.

“This shows the sorry state of affairs in the Congress party and I think, it is anti-people. Because, the state showed that they are one except for the Congress leaders who are speaking absolutely ridiculous things,” he added.

There was only a provision to declare the floods a disaster of severe nature, the union minister said.

Over 200 people have lost their lives in the rains, floods and landslides in the state where over 7.24 lakh displaced people have been sheltered in 5,645 relief camps since August 8.

Declaring the Kerala floods as a 'national calamity' would help in garnering funds not only from the country, but also in getting aid from abroad, Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam said.

Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam Monday turned down the demand of Congress leaders to declare Kerala flood as a “national calamity” and said there was no provision in the Disaster Management Act 2005 to do so. Responding to the statement of former Defence Minister and senior Congress leader A K Antony in this regard, the senior BJP leader said the Disaster Management Act was passed when the Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre. Antony had asked the union government to immediately declare the Kerala floods as a national disaster. Declaring the Kerala floods as a ‘national calamity’ would help in garnering funds not only from the country but also in getting aid from abroad, Antony said. On the relief sanctioned by the Centre, Antony said Rs 600 crore was nothing as the huge damage had been caused to the state. Reacting to Antony’s remark, Kannanthanam said “There is no provision to declare any calamity as a national calamity. None of the calamities was declared as national by the Congress when it was in power from 2004-14.” Terming the statement of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Antony in this regard as ‘stupid’, Kannanthanam said: “does Antony, who was the defence minister of the country for ten years not know the rules and provisions of the act.” Taking a dig at the Congress President, Kannanthanam said “let us excuse Rahul as he does not have any administrative and political experience, but a statement like this from a senior leader like Antony was uncalled for, at a time when the people of Kerala are united to face the challenge caused by the floods.” The BJP leader said the aid of Rs 500 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to flood-hit areas was only for immediate relief works. The central team would visit the state again to assess the damage caused by the floods and would be extending more assistance, he added. On the demand of the Congress to hand over the relief work to the army, Kannanthanam said there was no provision in the Constitution to do that. In the event of a calamity, the army will assist the civil authorities based on their request, he added. State Opposition leader and former KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala had demanded handing over of relief works to the army. Kannanthanam also said instead of making statements like this, the Congress leaders should ask party workers to go to the field. “This shows the sorry state of affairs in the Congress party and I think, it is anti-people. Because, the state showed that they are one except for the Congress leaders who are speaking absolutely ridiculous things,” he added. There was only a provision to declare the floods a disaster of severe nature, the union minister said. Over 200 people have lost their lives in the rains, floods and landslides in the state where over 7.24 lakh displaced people have been sheltered in 5,645 relief camps since August 8.

No provision to declare Kerala floods as national calamity, says K Alphons

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that the option of NOTA (None of the above) cannot be used in Rajya Sabha elections.

A bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra observed that NOTA should be applied in direct polls only.

With this, the apex court overruled the notification of the Election Commission (EC) made during the 2017 Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat, allowing NOTA option.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Gujarat Congress leader, Shailesh Manubhai Parmar in 2017, challenging the Election Commission's order.

The EC had earlier said that NOTA was first introduced in 2014 after the apex court verdict, wherein it directed that the option of NOTA shall be provided on the ballot papers or Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

The apex court overruled the notification of the Election Commission (EC) made during the 2017 Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that the option of NOTA (None of the above) cannot be used in Rajya Sabha elections. A bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra observed that NOTA should be applied in direct polls only. With this, the apex court overruled the notification of the Election Commission (EC) made during the 2017 Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat, allowing NOTA option. The court was hearing a petition filed by Gujarat Congress leader, Shailesh Manubhai Parmar in 2017, challenging the Election Commission's order. The EC had earlier said that NOTA was first introduced in 2014 after the apex court verdict, wherein it directed that the option of NOTA shall be provided on the ballot papers or Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

NOTA cannot be allowed in Rajya Sabha polls: Supreme Court

The destructive Kerala deluge has claimed nearly 400 lives so far with over 7 lakh people displaced and homeless, taking shelter in more than 5,000 relief camps.&nbsp;

Unabated rainfall prompted Kerala authorities to open shutters of as many as 33 dams and reservoirs across the state, leading to massive flooding in its rivers.&nbsp;

Briefing the media in Trivandrum, the Kerala Chief Minister said, "223 people lost their lives between August 8-20. Six people died today. The Centre said they will make all necessary requirements available to us but in today`s situation what is most needed is the necessary help, equivalent to the total damages caused so far."

On August 18, Vijayan informed that May 29 onwards the death toll in the flood-hit Kerala increased to 357. The Chief Minister further informed that the state has suffered a loss of Rs 19,512 crores due to floods.

As Kerala battles its worst floods in a century, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) met for the fifth time in five days in Delhi on Monday to review the rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected areas in Kerala.&nbsp;

Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha chaired the meeting. The Chief Secretary of Kerala participated in the meeting via video conference. He informed that there has been less rainfall and floodwater has started receding. The Department of Consumer Affairs has dispatched 100 MT of pulses yesterday.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Health has airlifted 52 MT of emergency medicines. Another 20 MT of medicines has also reached Kerala. 20MT of bleaching powder and one crore Chlorine tablets will be dispatched by Tuesday. At least, 12 medical teams have also been put on standby and no outbreak of disease has also been reported so far.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Power has also extended help by moving power equipment like electricity meters, coils, transformers etc. to restore the distribution network. Power generation has reached 2600 MW and no difficulty is envisaged on this score.

The Department of Telecom has made operational 77000 towers out of total 85000 towers in the State. Out of 1407 telephone exchanges, except 13 all are made functional. DoT has operationalised a helpline with number 1948 to help trace missing persons.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has made available 12000 KL of Kerosene. Adequate arrangements have been made for distribution of LPG cylinders. Adequate aviation fuel is also made available.

With regard to cattle fodder, 450 MT has been dispatched. Two lots of veterinary medicines have also been dispatched.

The Indian Railways have offered to supply required amounts of water and also transport relief material free of cost. Adequate quantities of milk and other product were also made available by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

The NCMC meeting was attended by Secretaries of Central Ministries including Health, Telecom, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Power, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and senior officers of Defence Forces, Ministry of Home Affairs and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Various people and organisations across the world have come forward to help the rain-battered state in its hour of need. Thousands of personnel of Indian Navy, Air Force, Army, NDRF and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are engaged in the rescue and relief operations.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Chief Minister further informed that the state has suffered a loss of Rs 19,512 crores due to floods.

The destructive Kerala deluge has claimed nearly 400 lives so far with over 7 lakh people displaced and homeless, taking shelter in more than 5,000 relief camps. Unabated rainfall prompted Kerala authorities to open shutters of as many as 33 dams and reservoirs across the state, leading to massive flooding in its rivers. Briefing the media in Trivandrum, the Kerala Chief Minister said, "223 people lost their lives between August 8-20. Six people died today. The Centre said they will make all necessary requirements available to us but in today`s situation what is most needed is the necessary help, equivalent to the total damages caused so far." On August 18, Vijayan informed that May 29 onwards the death toll in the flood-hit Kerala increased to 357. The Chief Minister further informed that the state has suffered a loss of Rs 19,512 crores due to floods. As Kerala battles its worst floods in a century, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) met for the fifth time in five days in Delhi on Monday to review the rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected areas in Kerala. Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha chaired the meeting. The Chief Secretary of Kerala participated in the meeting via video conference. He informed that there has been less rainfall and floodwater has started receding. The Department of Consumer Affairs has dispatched 100 MT of pulses yesterday. The Ministry of Health has airlifted 52 MT of emergency medicines. Another 20 MT of medicines has also reached Kerala. 20MT of bleaching powder and one crore Chlorine tablets will be dispatched by Tuesday. At least, 12 medical teams have also been put on standby and no outbreak of disease has also been reported so far. The Ministry of Power has also extended help by moving power equipment like electricity meters, coils, transformers etc. to restore the distribution network. Power generation has reached 2600 MW and no difficulty is envisaged on this score. The Department of Telecom has made operational 77000 towers out of total 85000 towers in the State. Out of 1407 telephone exchanges, except 13 all are made functional. DoT has operationalised a helpline with number 1948 to help trace missing persons. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has made available 12000 KL of Kerosene. Adequate arrangements have been made for distribution of LPG cylinders. Adequate aviation fuel is also made available. With regard to cattle fodder, 450 MT has been dispatched. Two lots of veterinary medicines have also been dispatched. The Indian Railways have offered to supply required amounts of water and also transport relief material free of cost. Adequate quantities of milk and other product were also made available by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The NCMC meeting was attended by Secretaries of Central Ministries including Health, Telecom, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Power, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and senior officers of Defence Forces, Ministry of Home Affairs and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Various people and organisations across the world have come forward to help the rain-battered state in its hour of need. Thousands of personnel of Indian Navy, Air Force, Army, NDRF and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are engaged in the rescue and relief operations. (With inputs from ANI)

As death toll nears 400, Kerala CM urges Centre for additional help

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells has said that the upcoming India-US 2+2 dialogue would serve as an important opportunity to enhance the relations between the two countries while adding that deliberations on operationalising India as a major defence partner would be held in the meeting.

After getting deferred twice, the first India-US 2+2 dialogue is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 6. Notably, the high-level meeting will take place between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with their American counterparts US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defence James Mattis.

Addressing a press briefing, Ms Wells said, "With India, we are looking forward to the inaugural 2+2 dialogue where Pompeo and Mattis would be travelling to Delhi. This is an important opportunity to enhance and discuss our engagement in a range of diplomatic and security priorities and is an indication of the deepening strategic partnership that we enjoy with India. In the 2+2 dialogue, we will discuss how do we operationalise India as a status as a major defence partner."

The 2+2 meeting would cover a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues of shared interest, with a view to strengthening security ties between the two nations.

Ms Wells underscored that India plays a central role in the US national security, adding that it is enshrined in US President Donald Trump's national security strategy.

She continued, "Our partnership is rooted in values and we share democratic values and commitment to rule-based order. We have gone from zero dollars in defence cooperation in 2008 to 18 million dollars today."

The American diplomat stressed that Washington conducted military exercises with New Delhi than with any other country in the world. She said, "How do we take this partnership to a new level, and so it's not going to be based on defence acquisitions, but framing how we see these challenges and how we are able to respond to these challenges."

Commenting on the close Indo-US cooperation, Ms Wells elucidated that Washington oversees the opening of trade with New Delhi as a key strategic objective for the Trump administration.

Ms Wells informed that the bilateral trade between the two countries at present is USD 126 billion dollars USD 10 billion more from last year. She credited the rise in the bilateral trade to critical purchases by Indian firms in commercial aviation, energy and defence sectors.

Acknowledging that there were impediments in the bilateral ties, Ms Wells explained, "Tariffs and non-tariffs barriers and intellectual property rights have been the subjects of long-term concerns. We are continuing intensive dialogue with the Indian government on how to address these irritants and unlock the trade that is of great interest to the US firms when they look at the Indian market and its potential."

The 55-year-old American diplomat underlined that Washington is willing to work with New Delhi in several projects outside India.

Terming India as an 'all-weather partner', Wells further said, "One of the great new elements of our relationship is working in third countries. We worked together in Africa at assistance level in health issue, peacekeeping training and on programs like bringing Afghan people to India for training that can be done at lower costs and with greater effectiveness."

After getting deferred twice, the first India-US 2+2 dialogue is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 6.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells has said that the upcoming India-US 2+2 dialogue would serve as an important opportunity to enhance the relations between the two countries while adding that deliberations on operationalising India as a major defence partner would be held in the meeting. After getting deferred twice, the first India-US 2+2 dialogue is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 6. Notably, the high-level meeting will take place between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with their American counterparts US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defence James Mattis. Addressing a press briefing, Ms Wells said, "With India, we are looking forward to the inaugural 2+2 dialogue where Pompeo and Mattis would be travelling to Delhi. This is an important opportunity to enhance and discuss our engagement in a range of diplomatic and security priorities and is an indication of the deepening strategic partnership that we enjoy with India. In the 2+2 dialogue, we will discuss how do we operationalise India as a status as a major defence partner." The 2+2 meeting would cover a broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues of shared interest, with a view to strengthening security ties between the two nations. Ms Wells underscored that India plays a central role in the US national security, adding that it is enshrined in US President Donald Trump's national security strategy. She continued, "Our partnership is rooted in values and we share democratic values and commitment to rule-based order. We have gone from zero dollars in defence cooperation in 2008 to 18 million dollars today." The American diplomat stressed that Washington conducted military exercises with New Delhi than with any other country in the world. She said, "How do we take this partnership to a new level, and so it's not going to be based on defence acquisitions, but framing how we see these challenges and how we are able to respond to these challenges." Commenting on the close Indo-US cooperation, Ms Wells elucidated that Washington oversees the opening of trade with New Delhi as a key strategic objective for the Trump administration. Ms Wells informed that the bilateral trade between the two countries at present is USD 126 billion dollars USD 10 billion more from last year. She credited the rise in the bilateral trade to critical purchases by Indian firms in commercial aviation, energy and defence sectors. Acknowledging that there were impediments in the bilateral ties, Ms Wells explained, "Tariffs and non-tariffs barriers and intellectual property rights have been the subjects of long-term concerns. We are continuing intensive dialogue with the Indian government on how to address these irritants and unlock the trade that is of great interest to the US firms when they look at the Indian market and its potential." The 55-year-old American diplomat underlined that Washington is willing to work with New Delhi in several projects outside India. Terming India as an 'all-weather partner', Wells further said, "One of the great new elements of our relationship is working in third countries. We worked together in Africa at assistance level in health issue, peacekeeping training and on programs like bringing Afghan people to India for training that can be done at lower costs and with greater effectiveness."

2+2 dialogue an opportunity to enhance India-US ties: US official

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-pakistan-must-talk-resolve-their-conflicts-including-kashmir-imran-khan-160621">India and Pakistan must talk, resolve their conflicts including Kashmir: Imran Khan</a>

Imran Khan said Tuesday that India and Pakistan must talk, and that that was the only way to move forward and resolve their conflicts.&nbsp

"To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts incl Kashmir," Khan tweeted.&nbsp

"The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading," he added.&nbsp

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mandsaur-gang-rape-2-accused-sentenced-to-death-case-closed-in-under-2-months-160642">Mandsaur gang rape: Case closed in under 2 months, 2 accused sentenced to death</a>

The two men accused of the Mandsaur gang rape were on Tuesday sentenced to death. The case was closed in under two months.

The class 2 girl was raped on June 26. She had been waiting outside her school for her parents to pick her up when she was lured away by the two men — Irfan and Asif.&nbsp

The men tortured her, raped her, and then slit her throat. The girl was found with severe injuries to her face, head, neck, and private parts.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-ravaged-by-rain-begins-mammoth-task-of-recovery-160684">Kerala, ravaged by rain, begins </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-ravaged-by-rain-begins-mammoth-task-of-recovery-160684">mammoth</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-ravaged-by-rain-begins-mammoth-task-of-recovery-160684"> task of recovery</a>

With rains easing and water receding in some areas of flood-ravaged Kerala, people started returning to their homes as Union Ministrer KJ Alphons today appealed for cooked food and skilled workers to rehabilitate more than 10 lakh displaced people.&nbsp

Though there has been some respite from the rain in the last two days, the water level has not come down in several areas of the worst-hit Ernakulam, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kollam districts, the officials said, a day after the Union Home Ministry declared the flood a 'calamity of severe nature'.&nbsp

&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/majority-of-muslims-also-want-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-uttar-pradesh-deputy-cm-160620">Majority of Muslims also want Ram temple in Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM</a>

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Tuesday clarified his previous statement on Ramjnamabhoomi dispute and said that even majority of Muslims want Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya.

Speaking to ANI, Maurya criticised the Congress party for looking at Ayodhya dispute as a political issue.

&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imran-khan-defends-sidhu-calls-him-ambassador-of-peace-160612">Imran Khan goes to bat for Navjot Singh Sidhu, calls him 'ambassador of peace'</a>

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday defended cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and thanked him for attending his oath-taking ceremony. Khan called Sidhu an "ambassador of peace".&nbsp

"I want to thank Sidhu for coming to Pakistan for my oath taking ceremony. He was an ambassador of peace and was given amazing love and affection by the people of Pakistan," Khan tweeted.

Read the top five stories of the day here

India and Pakistan must talk, resolve their conflicts including Kashmir: Imran Khan Imran Khan said Tuesday that India and Pakistan must talk, and that that was the only way to move forward and resolve their conflicts. "To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts incl Kashmir," Khan tweeted. "The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading," he added. Mandsaur gang rape: Case closed in under 2 months, 2 accused sentenced to death The two men accused of the Mandsaur gang rape were on Tuesday sentenced to death. The case was closed in under two months. The class 2 girl was raped on June 26. She had been waiting outside her school for her parents to pick her up when she was lured away by the two men — Irfan and Asif. The men tortured her, raped her, and then slit her throat. The girl was found with severe injuries to her face, head, neck, and private parts. Kerala, ravaged by rain, begins mammoth task of recovery With rains easing and water receding in some areas of flood-ravaged Kerala, people started returning to their homes as Union Ministrer KJ Alphons today appealed for cooked food and skilled workers to rehabilitate more than 10 lakh displaced people. Though there has been some respite from the rain in the last two days, the water level has not come down in several areas of the worst-hit Ernakulam, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kollam districts, the officials said, a day after the Union Home Ministry declared the flood a 'calamity of severe nature'. Majority of Muslims also want Ram temple in Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Tuesday clarified his previous statement on Ramjnamabhoomi dispute and said that even majority of Muslims want Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya. Speaking to ANI, Maurya criticised the Congress party for looking at Ayodhya dispute as a political issue. Imran Khan goes to bat for Navjot Singh Sidhu, calls him 'ambassador of peace' Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday defended cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and thanked him for attending his oath-taking ceremony. Khan called Sidhu an "ambassador of peace". "I want to thank Sidhu for coming to Pakistan for my oath taking ceremony. He was an ambassador of peace and was given amazing love and affection by the people of Pakistan," Khan tweeted.

With rains easing and water receding in some areas of flood-ravaged Kerala, people started returning to their homes as Union Ministrer KJ Alphons today appealed for cooked food and skilled workers to rehabilitate more than 10 lakh displaced people.&nbsp

Though there has been some respite from the rain in the last two days, the water level has not come down in several areas of the worst-hit Ernakulam, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kollam districts, the officials said, a day after the Union Home Ministry declared the flood a 'calamity of severe nature'.&nbsp

An estimated 223 people have lost their lives since August 8 in Kerala's worst floods in decades that has caused damage worth more than Rs 20,000 crore. About 10.78 lakh people, including 2.12 lakh women and one lakh children under 12, have been sheltered in 3,200 relief camps, officials said.

Rail and road traffic services have been restored in most places, they said.

As relief agencies, local governments and people across the country banded together to put together relief supplies, the flood-hit in several parts of Kerala began returning home.

Many people found their electrical appliances and furniture ruined and a thick layers of sludge and slime.&nbsp

Incidents of snake bites were reported from Ernakulam and Thrissur districts.

"As the flood is receding in Kerala people have to move to whatever is left of their homes. Need ready to eat cooked food, clothes and an army of electricians, plumbers and carpenters," Alphons said on Twitter, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.&nbsp

The minister, who belongs to Kerala, also issued an appeal to skilled workers like plumbers, electricians and carpenters to come to the state to make homes livable and help in the task of restoring normalcy.

Flagging the immediate needs of the people, he tweeted, "Doctors and nurses who can go down to the villages as there is apprehension about the possibility of outbreak of deceases. New clothes, if it can be distributed through NGOs," he said.

<img alt="Untitled design (44).jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Untitled%20design%20(44).jpg" width="770" />

(Flood-affected women wait in a queue to receive relief material at a camp in Chengannur. Image source: Reuters)

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(A doctor examines a flood-affected woman inside a relief camp in Chengannur. Image source: Reuters)

 
The minister also thanked the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for providing the state huge quantities of tetra pack milk and public sector oil companies which came together and handed Rs 25 crore to the Kerala chief minister for flood relief.

As the state began the task of recovering from the disaster, one small step at a time, more relief material arrived at the Cochin port.

The Cochin Port Trust has earmarked two warehouses for free storage of relief materials, arriving from across the country, for people affected by the unprecedented floods, a port trust official said.

The first truck carrying relief materials, mobilised by all major ports under the Union Shipping Ministry, was dispatched through the VOC Port Trust in Tuticorin and will be arriving at the port here today, he said.

Four containers of relief material sent by the shipping fraternity from Tuticorin under the initiative of the ministry was delivered for distribution yesterday, the official said.

More relief material from different parts of India have started arriving at the Cochin port through coastal shipping.

The state government and the Army have made it clear that rescue operations will continue till the last person stranded is brought to safety.

Over the last four days, more than 1.63 lakh stranded people were rescued in a joint operation conducted by police, National Disaster Response Team, Army, Navy, Air Force and a large number of volunteers.

The state government, which has called for an all-party meeting later in the day to elicit views on the package for rehabilitation, has decided to honour the fishermen community that played a vital role in rescuing people.

The state cabinet will meet today to take stock of the situation and work out a rehabilitation package for those affected.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters last night the focus of the government will be on rehabilitation.

The first priority will be to clear the houses.

The government will also prepare a comprehensive health action programme to prevent the outbreak of any water borne diseases.

The Southern Air Command has said the Indian Air Force (IAF) will continue all out efforts in coordination with the civil administration to ensure that the people of the Kerala recover quickly from the calamity.

It has dispatched four medical teams to Thiruvalla and Chengannur for setting up medical facilities.

A total of 364 helicopter sorties were flown, 1.25 lakh kg of supplies dropped and 574 people rescued, a release said.

The state level bankers committee has also decided to declare a moratorium on agriculture loan for one year.&nbsp

An estimated 223 people have died. Over 10 lakh people have been displaced. Union Ministrer KJ Alphons today appealed for cooked food and skilled workers to help rehabilitate them.

With rains easing and water receding in some areas of flood-ravaged Kerala, people started returning to their homes as Union Ministrer KJ Alphons today appealed for cooked food and skilled workers to rehabilitate more than 10 lakh displaced people. Though there has been some respite from the rain in the last two days, the water level has not come down in several areas of the worst-hit Ernakulam, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kollam districts, the officials said, a day after the Union Home Ministry declared the flood a 'calamity of severe nature'. An estimated 223 people have lost their lives since August 8 in Kerala's worst floods in decades that has caused damage worth more than Rs 20,000 crore. About 10.78 lakh people, including 2.12 lakh women and one lakh children under 12, have been sheltered in 3,200 relief camps, officials said. Rail and road traffic services have been restored in most places, they said. As relief agencies, local governments and people across the country banded together to put together relief supplies, the flood-hit in several parts of Kerala began returning home. Many people found their electrical appliances and furniture ruined and a thick layers of sludge and slime. Incidents of snake bites were reported from Ernakulam and Thrissur districts. "As the flood is receding in Kerala people have to move to whatever is left of their homes. Need ready to eat cooked food, clothes and an army of electricians, plumbers and carpenters," Alphons said on Twitter, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. The minister, who belongs to Kerala, also issued an appeal to skilled workers like plumbers, electricians and carpenters to come to the state to make homes livable and help in the task of restoring normalcy. Flagging the immediate needs of the people, he tweeted, "Doctors and nurses who can go down to the villages as there is apprehension about the possibility of outbreak of deceases. New clothes, if it can be distributed through NGOs," he said. (Flood-affected women wait in a queue to receive relief material at a camp in Chengannur. Image source: Reuters) (A doctor examines a flood-affected woman inside a relief camp in Chengannur. Image source: Reuters) The minister also thanked the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for providing the state huge quantities of tetra pack milk and public sector oil companies which came together and handed Rs 25 crore to the Kerala chief minister for flood relief. As the state began the task of recovering from the disaster, one small step at a time, more relief material arrived at the Cochin port. The Cochin Port Trust has earmarked two warehouses for free storage of relief materials, arriving from across the country, for people affected by the unprecedented floods, a port trust official said. The first truck carrying relief materials, mobilised by all major ports under the Union Shipping Ministry, was dispatched through the VOC Port Trust in Tuticorin and will be arriving at the port here today, he said. Four containers of relief material sent by the shipping fraternity from Tuticorin under the initiative of the ministry was delivered for distribution yesterday, the official said. More relief material from different parts of India have started arriving at the Cochin port through coastal shipping. The state government and the Army have made it clear that rescue operations will continue till the last person stranded is brought to safety. Over the last four days, more than 1.63 lakh stranded people were rescued in a joint operation conducted by police, National Disaster Response Team, Army, Navy, Air Force and a large number of volunteers. The state government, which has called for an all-party meeting later in the day to elicit views on the package for rehabilitation, has decided to honour the fishermen community that played a vital role in rescuing people. The state cabinet will meet today to take stock of the situation and work out a rehabilitation package for those affected. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters last night the focus of the government will be on rehabilitation. The first priority will be to clear the houses. The government will also prepare a comprehensive health action programme to prevent the outbreak of any water borne diseases. The Southern Air Command has said the Indian Air Force (IAF) will continue all out efforts in coordination with the civil administration to ensure that the people of the Kerala recover quickly from the calamity. It has dispatched four medical teams to Thiruvalla and Chengannur for setting up medical facilities. A total of 364 helicopter sorties were flown, 1.25 lakh kg of supplies dropped and 574 people rescued, a release said. The state level bankers committee has also decided to declare a moratorium on agriculture loan for one year.

Kerala, ravaged by rain, begins mammoth task of recovery

This segment of WION brings to you latest news updates. Mansha Bashir is a Taekwondo player and coach in Jammu and Kashmir. Mansha teaches Taekwondo to young Kashmiris. She has also won gold at international event.

Mansha Bashir brings Taekwondo to J&K

The two men accused of the Mandsaur gang rape were on Tuesday sentenced to death. The case was closed in under two months.&nbsp;

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Mandsaur 7 year old girl rape case: Court pronounces death sentence to the two accused Irfan and Asif. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/zay2MJlupv">pic.twitter.com/zay2MJlupv</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031846277405913088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The class 2 girl was raped on June 26. She had been waiting outside her school for her parents to pick her up when she was lured away by the two men — Irfan and Asif.&nbsp;

The men tortured her, raped her, and then slit her throat. The girl was found with severe injuries to her face, head, neck, and private parts.

Police found the men within two hours of the crime after scouring CCTV footage from the area.&nbsp;

The Mandsaur gang rape had caused a huge uproar in the state, with the public accusing the government of not doing enough for public safety.&nbsp;

In response, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the case would be heard by a fast-track court. He also demanded the death penalty.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: BJP leader Vinay Dubela slaps one of the two Mandsaur rape accused while they were being produced before the court. The two accused have been awarded death sentence in the rape case. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/8fjqKikkkt">pic.twitter.com/8fjqKikkkt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031850590568173568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Madhya Pradesh became the first state in the country in December last year to pass a law saying the rape of a child below 12 was to be punishable by death.&nbsp;

In July this year, a court in Sagar, MP sentenced a man to death for the rape of a nine-year-old child.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh became the first state in the country in December last year to pass a law saying the rape of a child below 12 was to be punishable by death.

The two men accused of the Mandsaur gang rape were on Tuesday sentenced to death. The case was closed in under two months. Mandsaur 7 year old girl rape case: Court pronounces death sentence to the two accused Irfan and Asif. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/zay2MJlupv — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × The class 2 girl was raped on June 26. She had been waiting outside her school for her parents to pick her up when she was lured away by the two men — Irfan and Asif. The men tortured her, raped her, and then slit her throat. The girl was found with severe injuries to her face, head, neck, and private parts. Police found the men within two hours of the crime after scouring CCTV footage from the area. The Mandsaur gang rape had caused a huge uproar in the state, with the public accusing the government of not doing enough for public safety. In response, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the case would be heard by a fast-track court. He also demanded the death penalty. #WATCH: BJP leader Vinay Dubela slaps one of the two Mandsaur rape accused while they were being produced before the court. The two accused have been awarded death sentence in the rape case. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/8fjqKikkkt — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Madhya Pradesh became the first state in the country in December last year to pass a law saying the rape of a child below 12 was to be punishable by death. In July this year, a court in Sagar, MP sentenced a man to death for the rape of a nine-year-old child.

Mandsaur gang rape: Case closed in under 2 months, 2 accused sentenced to death

For the last few years we have witnessed the rise of hate speech, intolerance towards dissent&nbsp;and vilification of opponents. Unfortunately, political parties and their spokespersons have spearheaded this trend in public discourse.&nbsp;

But it seems the rot is going to get worse. The media storms and scrutiny that followed Rahul Gandhi hugging the Prime Minister, and more recently when Navjot Singh ‘Sidhu’ attended Imran Khan’s swearing-in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan tell us how juvenile our politics has become. &nbsp;

After Rahul’s hug, some politicians had made misogynistic and insensitive comments that betrayed their own toxic prudishness. Some of them had even said, ‘that their wives will not be happy if they hug Rahul Gandhi as he is not a married man’. &nbsp;

To some extent Rahul had diluted the effect of his own move and trivialised the purported essence of his speech by carelessly winking at a colleague soon after he returned to his seat after hugging PM Modi. &nbsp;But again, instead of discussing the points raised in his speech, social media discussions focused only on the hug, and the wink.&nbsp;

Of course, Rahul surely grabbed public attention by his hug but it remains to be seen if the electorates in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan will embrace the Congress when they go to election in the next few months.&nbsp; 
 
The more explosive hug-spectacle was offered to the media by Sidhu when he embraced Pakistan’s army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. It needs no elaboration why even as a polite gesture hugging a Pakistani army chief is prone to politicisation. Even though Sidhu had it made clear that he was attending the swearing-in as a&nbsp;friend of Imran (both had played cricket for their respective countries), some people&nbsp;were waiting for Sidhu to make just one slip.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The outrage soon followed and almost became another deluge for the Congress party till the Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, and state Congress President publicly disassociated from his hug. However, the controversy is likely to remain alive in the wake of Sidhu’s press conference targetting both PM Modi and the recently deceased Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;

Ironically, in December, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unscheduled visit to the birthday party of his then Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif had elicited only raving approval by social media observers and others. During that encounter Modi had greeted Sharif’s mother by touching her feet, as it is the custom among many Hindu and Sikh families. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Thankfully, nobody had called Modi’s politeness ‘stooping low in front of the enemy’s mother’. 
&nbsp; 
But since then at least two and a half monsoons have passed and several political developments have taken place since then in both India and Pakistan. Especially in Pakistan, where Sharif has been sentenced to ten years’ jail on corruption charges and the likes of Hafiz Saeed, who is on international terror&nbsp;lists and has&nbsp;been booted out by the voters. None of this seems to be on our mind while hammering Sidhu and the Congress for his embrace of the enemy. &nbsp;

While it’s surely debatable whether or not an Indian minister should hug the army chief of its ‘mortal enemy’ Pakistan, we should remember that this hug pales in comparison with Atal Bihari Vajpayee's famous bus trip to Lahore from Delhi in 1999.&nbsp; 
 
Former Prime Minister Vajpayee had passed away just two days before Imran Khan’s swearing-in and if he was alive he would have surely been amused by the increasing juvenility of our public discourse. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
 
&nbsp;

Navjot Singh Sidhu had made it clear that he was attending the swearing-in as a friend of Imran Khan.

For the last few years we have witnessed the rise of hate speech, intolerance towards dissent and vilification of opponents. Unfortunately, political parties and their spokespersons have spearheaded this trend in public discourse. But it seems the rot is going to get worse. The media storms and scrutiny that followed Rahul Gandhi hugging the Prime Minister, and more recently when Navjot Singh ‘Sidhu’ attended Imran Khan’s swearing-in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan tell us how juvenile our politics has become. After Rahul’s hug, some politicians had made misogynistic and insensitive comments that betrayed their own toxic prudishness. Some of them had even said, ‘that their wives will not be happy if they hug Rahul Gandhi as he is not a married man’. To some extent Rahul had diluted the effect of his own move and trivialised the purported essence of his speech by carelessly winking at a colleague soon after he returned to his seat after hugging PM Modi. But again, instead of discussing the points raised in his speech, social media discussions focused only on the hug, and the wink. Of course, Rahul surely grabbed public attention by his hug but it remains to be seen if the electorates in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan will embrace the Congress when they go to election in the next few months. The more explosive hug-spectacle was offered to the media by Sidhu when he embraced Pakistan’s army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. It needs no elaboration why even as a polite gesture hugging a Pakistani army chief is prone to politicisation. Even though Sidhu had it made clear that he was attending the swearing-in as a friend of Imran (both had played cricket for their respective countries), some people were waiting for Sidhu to make just one slip. The outrage soon followed and almost became another deluge for the Congress party till the Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, and state Congress President publicly disassociated from his hug. However, the controversy is likely to remain alive in the wake of Sidhu’s press conference targetting both PM Modi and the recently deceased Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Ironically, in December, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unscheduled visit to the birthday party of his then Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif had elicited only raving approval by social media observers and others. During that encounter Modi had greeted Sharif’s mother by touching her feet, as it is the custom among many Hindu and Sikh families. Thankfully, nobody had called Modi’s politeness ‘stooping low in front of the enemy’s mother’. But since then at least two and a half monsoons have passed and several political developments have taken place since then in both India and Pakistan. Especially in Pakistan, where Sharif has been sentenced to ten years’ jail on corruption charges and the likes of Hafiz Saeed, who is on international terror lists and has been booted out by the voters. None of this seems to be on our mind while hammering Sidhu and the Congress for his embrace of the enemy. While it’s surely debatable whether or not an Indian minister should hug the army chief of its ‘mortal enemy’ Pakistan, we should remember that this hug pales in comparison with Atal Bihari Vajpayee's famous bus trip to Lahore from Delhi in 1999. Former Prime Minister Vajpayee had passed away just two days before Imran Khan’s swearing-in and if he was alive he would have surely been amused by the increasing juvenility of our public discourse. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Storms over hugs reflect our immaturity

Danyal Gilani came to Delhi for Vajpayee's funeral as part of Pakistan delegation. Kinship is not a sin, says Danyal Gilani.

Danyal Gilani defends India visit

Imran Khan said Tuesday that India and Pakistan must talk, and that that was the only way to move forward and resolve their conflicts.&nbsp;

"To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts incl Kashmir," Khan tweeted.&nbsp;

"The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading," he added.&nbsp;

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To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts incl Kashmir: The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading <a href="https://t.co/V2UkXp0WwS">https://t.co/V2UkXp0WwS</a>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1031832335321317376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Khan was sworn in as Pakistan's new prime minister on Saturday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imran-khan-defends-sidhu-calls-him-ambassador-of-peace-160612">Imran Khan defends Sidhu, calls him 'ambassador of peace'</a>

In his first speech after he won the Pakistan election, Khan had called for <a href="http://wionews.com/index.php/south-asia/imran-khan-promises-a-new-pakistan-calls-for-good-relations-with-india-154815">better ties and trade with India</a>, as also a resolution of the Kashmir dispute.&nbsp;

Khan also thanked Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu for attending his swearing in. "He was an ambassador of peace & was given amazing love & affection by ppl of Pakistan," Khan tweeted.&nbsp;

"Those in India who targeted him are doing a gt disservice to peace in the subcontinent - without peace our ppl cannot progress," Khan added.&nbsp;

Sidhu has been embroiled in (needless?) controversy ever since he hugged Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Bajwa at Khan's swearing-in. It has also been pointed out that Sidhu, at the ceremony, was sitting next to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir President Masood Khan.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Navjot Singh Sidhu meets Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImranKhan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImranKhan</a>'s oath-taking ceremony in Islamabad. <a href="https://t.co/GU0wsSM56s">pic.twitter.com/GU0wsSM56s</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030684573838000130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Islamabad: Navjot Singh Sidhu was seated next to President of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK) Masood Khan at Imran Khan's oath ceremony. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/6gBzxPJGtO">pic.twitter.com/6gBzxPJGtO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030694410562883585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

'The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading,' Khan said. Khan was sworn in as Pakistan's new prime minister on Saturday.

Imran Khan said Tuesday that India and Pakistan must talk, and that that was the only way to move forward and resolve their conflicts. "To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts incl Kashmir," Khan tweeted. "The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading," he added. To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts incl Kashmir: The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading https://t.co/V2UkXp0WwS — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 21, 2018 × Khan was sworn in as Pakistan's new prime minister on Saturday. Also read: Imran Khan defends Sidhu, calls him 'ambassador of peace' In his first speech after he won the Pakistan election, Khan had called for better ties and trade with India, as also a resolution of the Kashmir dispute. Khan also thanked Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu for attending his swearing in. "He was an ambassador of peace & was given amazing love & affection by ppl of Pakistan," Khan tweeted. "Those in India who targeted him are doing a gt disservice to peace in the subcontinent - without peace our ppl cannot progress," Khan added. Sidhu has been embroiled in (needless?) controversy ever since he hugged Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Bajwa at Khan's swearing-in. It has also been pointed out that Sidhu, at the ceremony, was sitting next to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir President Masood Khan. #WATCH: Navjot Singh Sidhu meets Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa at #ImranKhan's oath-taking ceremony in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/GU0wsSM56s — ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018 × Islamabad: Navjot Singh Sidhu was seated next to President of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK) Masood Khan at Imran Khan's oath ceremony. #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/6gBzxPJGtO — ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018 ×

India and Pakistan must talk, resolve their conflicts including Kashmir: Imran Khan

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has offered financial assistance of Rs 700 crore.

Kerala Floods: UAE offers Rs 700 crore financial assistance

Congress leader and Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday defended his visit to Pakistan, saying that he went to Pakistan with government approval and he did not go there for any political gain.

Sidhu also said that he had received permission to visit Pakistan from Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

"I received invitation 10 times. Then I sought permission from the Indian government, I didn't get permission & was waiting. 2 days after Pakistan government gave the visa, Sushma Swaraj Ji herself called me in the night & informed that I have been given permission," he claimed.

Slammed by opposition and earning displeasure even from his own chief minister, the cricketer-turned-politician said he hugged the Pakistan Army chief in an "emotional" moment after General Qamar Javed Bajwa told him that they were making efforts to open the corridor from India's Dera Baba Nanak to Sikh shrine of Kartarpur Sahib.&nbsp;

Sidhu attended the swearing-in ceremony of his friend former Cricketer Imran Khan as the Prime Minister of Pakistan in Islamabad on August 18.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Sidhu said, "Many people from Congress have spoken on this including Captain Sahab. Its a democracy and everyone has the right to their opinion: Navjot Singh Sidhu on Punjab CM's statement against him for hugging Pak Army Chief."

On his meeting with Gen Bajwa, Sidhu said, "I again want to make it clear that this meeting took place in Islamabad at a time when Gen Bajwa reached the venue of the swearing-in ceremony."

"He met me with enthusiasm after seeing me sitting in the first row. Immediately, he told me that they were making efforts to open the corridor from India's Dera Baba Nanak to Kartarpur Sahib, which is about 3 to 3.5 km in Pakistan, to facilitate the pilgrims to pay obeisance on the occasion of 550th 'Prakash Diwas' of Guru Nanak Dev Ji."

Talking about the Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh's statement against his embrace, Sidhu said that many people from Congress have spoken on this including Captain Sahab. "It's a democracy and everyone has the right to their opinion," Sidhu said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sidhu attended the swearing-in ceremony of his friend former Cricketer Imran Khan as the Prime Minister of Pakistan in Islamabad on August 18.

Congress leader and Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday defended his visit to Pakistan, saying that he went to Pakistan with government approval and he did not go there for any political gain. Sidhu also said that he had received permission to visit Pakistan from Sushma Swaraj. "I received invitation 10 times. Then I sought permission from the Indian government, I didn't get permission & was waiting. 2 days after Pakistan government gave the visa, Sushma Swaraj Ji herself called me in the night & informed that I have been given permission," he claimed. Slammed by opposition and earning displeasure even from his own chief minister, the cricketer-turned-politician said he hugged the Pakistan Army chief in an "emotional" moment after General Qamar Javed Bajwa told him that they were making efforts to open the corridor from India's Dera Baba Nanak to Sikh shrine of Kartarpur Sahib. Sidhu attended the swearing-in ceremony of his friend former Cricketer Imran Khan as the Prime Minister of Pakistan in Islamabad on August 18. Speaking to news agency ANI, Sidhu said, "Many people from Congress have spoken on this including Captain Sahab. Its a democracy and everyone has the right to their opinion: Navjot Singh Sidhu on Punjab CM's statement against him for hugging Pak Army Chief." On his meeting with Gen Bajwa, Sidhu said, "I again want to make it clear that this meeting took place in Islamabad at a time when Gen Bajwa reached the venue of the swearing-in ceremony." "He met me with enthusiasm after seeing me sitting in the first row. Immediately, he told me that they were making efforts to open the corridor from India's Dera Baba Nanak to Kartarpur Sahib, which is about 3 to 3.5 km in Pakistan, to facilitate the pilgrims to pay obeisance on the occasion of 550th 'Prakash Diwas' of Guru Nanak Dev Ji." Talking about the Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh's statement against his embrace, Sidhu said that many people from Congress have spoken on this including Captain Sahab. "It's a democracy and everyone has the right to their opinion," Sidhu said. (With inputs from agencies)

Sidhu defends visit, says hugging Pak Army chief was an 'emotional' moment

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday defended cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and thanked him for attending his oath-taking ceremony. Khan called Sidhu an "ambassador of peace".&nbsp;

"I want to thank Sidhu for coming to Pakistan for my oath taking ceremony. He was an ambassador of peace and was given amazing love and affection by the people of Pakistan," Khan tweeted.

Pak PM also noted that those who have been targeting Sidhu "are doing a great disservice to peace in the subcontinent. Without peace, our people cannot progress".

Khan also called for a dialogue to bring peace and resolve conflicts.

"To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts incl Kashmir: The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading," read the tweet.

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To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts incl Kashmir: The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading <a href="https://t.co/V2UkXp0WwS">https://t.co/V2UkXp0WwS</a>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1031832335321317376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu attended Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan on Saturday in Islamabad.

Sidhu has been at the centre of a controversy for sitting next to PoK President Masood Khan and for hugging Pak Army Chief General Bajwa at Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony.

Sidhu on Tuesday <a href="wionews.com/india-news/sidhu-defends-pakistan-visit-says-hugging-pak-army-chief-was-an-emotional-moment-160610">defended himself</a> saying that he went to the ceremony only after the Indian government's approval.&nbsp;

"I received invitation 10 times. Then I sought permission from the Indian government, I didn't get permission & was waiting. 2 days after Pakistan government gave the visa, Sushma Swaraj Ji herself called me in the night & informed that I have been given permission," he claimed.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

'I want to thank Sidhu for coming to Pakistan for my oath taking ceremony. He was an ambassador of peace and was given amazing love and affection by the people of Pakistan,' Khan tweeted.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday defended cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu and thanked him for attending his oath-taking ceremony. Khan called Sidhu an "ambassador of peace". "I want to thank Sidhu for coming to Pakistan for my oath taking ceremony. He was an ambassador of peace and was given amazing love and affection by the people of Pakistan," Khan tweeted. Pak PM also noted that those who have been targeting Sidhu "are doing a great disservice to peace in the subcontinent. Without peace, our people cannot progress". Khan also called for a dialogue to bring peace and resolve conflicts. "To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts incl Kashmir: The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading," read the tweet. To move forward Pakistan and India must dialogue and resolve their conflicts incl Kashmir: The best way to alleviate poverty and uplift the people of the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue and start trading https://t.co/V2UkXp0WwS — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 21, 2018 × Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu attended Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan on Saturday in Islamabad. Sidhu has been at the centre of a controversy for sitting next to PoK President Masood Khan and for hugging Pak Army Chief General Bajwa at Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony. Sidhu on Tuesday defended himself saying that he went to the ceremony only after the Indian government's approval. "I received invitation 10 times. Then I sought permission from the Indian government, I didn't get permission & was waiting. 2 days after Pakistan government gave the visa, Sushma Swaraj Ji herself called me in the night & informed that I have been given permission," he claimed.

Imran Khan goes to bat for Navjot Singh Sidhu, calls him 'ambassador of peace'

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Tuesday clarified his previous statement on Ramjnamabhoomi dispute and said that even majority of Muslims want Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya.

Speaking to ANI, Maurya criticised the Congress party for looking at Ayodhya dispute as a political issue.

"Just like other devotees of Lord Ram, I also want that Ram temple should be constructed in Ayodhya at the earliest. Currently, the matter is being heard in the Supreme Court. We are waiting for its judgement. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has always been in favour of the construction of Ram temple. It's not a political issue, rather it's about our faith," Maurya said.

"We have a majority in Lok Sabha, but we don't have the numbers in Rajya Sabha to pass a bill for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Majority of Muslims also want Ram temple to be made, but due to some political reasons, especially the Congress party does not want consecutive hearings in the Supreme Court. They do not want Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya," he added.

Earlier on Monday, Maurya suggested two options to resolve the dispute. He said either a dialogue process can be started among the stakeholders or a law can be passed in Parliament to resolve it.

"There is demand from saints to resolve the issue at the earliest. If there is any delay in the judgement, there are other options, such as dialogue or passing a law in Parliament. But the signals we are getting indicate that there would not be any delay," he had said.

The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528, was, on December 6, 1992, razed to the ground allegedly by Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that originally stood there. Since then, several hearings have been held in the Supreme Court regarding this matter.

Earlier on Monday, Maurya suggested two options to resolve the dispute.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Tuesday clarified his previous statement on Ramjnamabhoomi dispute and said that even majority of Muslims want Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya. Speaking to ANI, Maurya criticised the Congress party for looking at Ayodhya dispute as a political issue. "Just like other devotees of Lord Ram, I also want that Ram temple should be constructed in Ayodhya at the earliest. Currently, the matter is being heard in the Supreme Court. We are waiting for its judgement. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has always been in favour of the construction of Ram temple. It's not a political issue, rather it's about our faith," Maurya said. "We have a majority in Lok Sabha, but we don't have the numbers in Rajya Sabha to pass a bill for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. Majority of Muslims also want Ram temple to be made, but due to some political reasons, especially the Congress party does not want consecutive hearings in the Supreme Court. They do not want Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya," he added. Earlier on Monday, Maurya suggested two options to resolve the dispute. He said either a dialogue process can be started among the stakeholders or a law can be passed in Parliament to resolve it. "There is demand from saints to resolve the issue at the earliest. If there is any delay in the judgement, there are other options, such as dialogue or passing a law in Parliament. But the signals we are getting indicate that there would not be any delay," he had said. The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in Ayodhya in 1528, was, on December 6, 1992, razed to the ground allegedly by Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that originally stood there. Since then, several hearings have been held in the Supreme Court regarding this matter.

Majority of Muslims also want Ram temple in Ayodhya: Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM

Ladakh region of Kashmir on Sunday hosted its first-ever water sport 'World Highest Rafting and Kayaking' competition on the Zanskar river.

Rafting and kayaking competition held in Kashmir

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has given cash rewards worth Rs 41 lakh to people who informed it about power thefts in the last three years.&nbsp

The reward is part of an initiative of the MSEDCL to check power thefts following several such complaints, a release from the state-run power utility said yesterday.&nbsp

In the last three years, some alert citizens informed the electricity company, also known as ‘Mahavitaran’, about power thefts at 36 places in the state, it said.&nbsp

Subsequently, the MSEDCL recovered Rs 4.1 crore from the offenders and 10 per cent of the amount was given as the prize money to power theft informers, the release said.&nbsp

After the consumer pays the total amount along with the penalty, the reward is given to the informer without revealing his name, it added.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has given cash rewards worth Rs 41 lakh to people who informed it about power thefts in the last three years.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has given cash rewards worth Rs 41 lakh to people who informed it about power thefts in the last three years. The reward is part of an initiative of the MSEDCL to check power thefts following several such complaints, a release from the state-run power utility said yesterday. In the last three years, some alert citizens informed the electricity company, also known as ‘Mahavitaran’, about power thefts at 36 places in the state, it said. Subsequently, the MSEDCL recovered Rs 4.1 crore from the offenders and 10 per cent of the amount was given as the prize money to power theft informers, the release said. After the consumer pays the total amount along with the penalty, the reward is given to the informer without revealing his name, it added.

Maharashtra rewards Rs 41 lakh to people who reported power thefts in last three years

The Supreme Court today directed the Jammu and Kashmir government to file its response on a plea alleging custodial torture of the Kathua case witness by August 27.&nbsp;

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud fixed the matter for further hearing on August 29.

The top court was hearing a plea by Talib Hussain, a key witness in the Kathua gang rape-and-murder case, alleging custodial torture by the state police in an alleged rape case lodged against him by his sister-in-law.

The court had earlier asked the lawyer, appearing for Hussain’s cousin Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, to satisfy it on how a writ of habeas corpus (produce the body) was maintainable in the present case where the accused was in lawful police custody following an FIR being registered against him.

The counsel had referred to a Supreme Court judgement and said irrespective of the nature of the detention, whether legal or illegal, such a petition could always be filed in cases of custodial torture. The petition was opposed by the lawyer, appearing for Hussain’s sister-in-law who has filed the FIR alleging rape, that there were as many as 10 FIRs against the accused and no relief should be granted without hearing the victim.

The plea seeks protection of Hussain in police custody and alleges that he had been brutally beaten up in the alleged fake rape case. Hussain is a key witness in the Kathua case, in which an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community was abducted in January and gang-raped before being killed.

The state police’s Crime Branch, which probed the case, filed the main charge sheet against seven people and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile. The charge sheet has revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged and raped inside a place of worship before being killed.

The top court was hearing a plea by Talib Hussain, a key witness in the Kathua gang rape-and-murder case, alleging custodial torture by the state police in an alleged rape case lodged against him by his sister-in-law.

The Supreme Court today directed the Jammu and Kashmir government to file its response on a plea alleging custodial torture of the Kathua case witness by August 27. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud fixed the matter for further hearing on August 29. The top court was hearing a plea by Talib Hussain, a key witness in the Kathua gang rape-and-murder case, alleging custodial torture by the state police in an alleged rape case lodged against him by his sister-in-law. The court had earlier asked the lawyer, appearing for Hussain’s cousin Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, to satisfy it on how a writ of habeas corpus (produce the body) was maintainable in the present case where the accused was in lawful police custody following an FIR being registered against him. The counsel had referred to a Supreme Court judgement and said irrespective of the nature of the detention, whether legal or illegal, such a petition could always be filed in cases of custodial torture. The petition was opposed by the lawyer, appearing for Hussain’s sister-in-law who has filed the FIR alleging rape, that there were as many as 10 FIRs against the accused and no relief should be granted without hearing the victim. The plea seeks protection of Hussain in police custody and alleges that he had been brutally beaten up in the alleged fake rape case. Hussain is a key witness in the Kathua case, in which an eight-year-old girl from a minority nomadic community was abducted in January and gang-raped before being killed. The state police’s Crime Branch, which probed the case, filed the main charge sheet against seven people and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile. The charge sheet has revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged and raped inside a place of worship before being killed.

Kathua rape-murder case: SC asks J&K govt to file reply on alleged custodial torture of witness

Union Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said the WhatsApp has to follow Indian laws and regulations.&nbsp;

Prasad made the statement after meeting WhatsApp Chief Executive Officer Chris Daniels in view of the spread of fake and provocative content on its platform.&nbsp;

The minister said Daniels assured that WhatsApp will function in compliance with Indian laws.

"I had a very productive meeting. I complimented him for extraordinary technological awakening that WhatsApp has led in the country, for education, healthcare, relief in Kerala. These are positive developments. There are also very sinister developments, that provokes crime like mob lynching, revenge porn and you must find solutions to these challenges which are the downright criminal violation of Indian laws," Prasad said.

The union minister also suggested three points to WhatsApp CEO to curb misuse of the popular messaging app. &nbsp;

"I suggested three points. First, WhatsApp must have a grievance officer in India. Second, you must have a proper compliance of Indian laws. We won't appreciate a scenario where any problem will have to be answered in America. Third, WhatsApp has become an important component of India's digital storage & must have a proper corporate entity located in India," he added.

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Delhi: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Whatsapp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Whatsapp</a> CEO Chris Daniels meets Union Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad <a href="https://t.co/KMTdsXu8cx">pic.twitter.com/KMTdsXu8cx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031794672056774656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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WhatsApp CEO Chris Daniels is in India this week, as the company attempts to address concerns around fake news on its messaging platform which have led to horrific crimes like mob-lynching.&nbsp;

Last month, WhatsApp top executives including COO Matthew Idema had met IT Secretary and other Indian government officials to outline various steps being taken by the company to tackle fake news in India.

Over the past few months, fake messages circulating on WhatsApp have incited incidents of mob fury across parts of India. The government has sent out two notices to the Facebook-owned company directing it to take urgent measures to curb false information and rumours being spread on the messaging platform.

The IT ministry has, in the past, said that the platform cannot escape its responsibility for such rampant abuse and needed to find originators of provocative messages. It had also warned that in the absence of adequate checks, it will treat the messaging platform as abettor of rumour propagation and legal consequences will follow.

In its response, WhatsApp has informed the government that it is building a local team, including India head, as part of steps to check fake news circulation even as it did not meet the key demand of identifying message originators.

Apart from education and advocacy programmes, WhatsApp has also introduced new features to let its users identify forwarded messages, restricted number of forwards at a time, and brought out full-page ads giving "easy tips" to spot fake news.

The union minister also suggested three points to WhatsApp CEO to curb misuse of the popular messaging app.

Union Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said the WhatsApp has to follow Indian laws and regulations. Prasad made the statement after meeting WhatsApp Chief Executive Officer Chris Daniels in view of the spread of fake and provocative content on its platform. The minister said Daniels assured that WhatsApp will function in compliance with Indian laws. "I had a very productive meeting. I complimented him for extraordinary technological awakening that WhatsApp has led in the country, for education, healthcare, relief in Kerala. These are positive developments. There are also very sinister developments, that provokes crime like mob lynching, revenge porn and you must find solutions to these challenges which are the downright criminal violation of Indian laws," Prasad said. The union minister also suggested three points to WhatsApp CEO to curb misuse of the popular messaging app. "I suggested three points. First, WhatsApp must have a grievance officer in India. Second, you must have a proper compliance of Indian laws. We won't appreciate a scenario where any problem will have to be answered in America. Third, WhatsApp has become an important component of India's digital storage & must have a proper corporate entity located in India," he added. Delhi: #Whatsapp CEO Chris Daniels meets Union Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad pic.twitter.com/KMTdsXu8cx — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × WhatsApp CEO Chris Daniels is in India this week, as the company attempts to address concerns around fake news on its messaging platform which have led to horrific crimes like mob-lynching. Last month, WhatsApp top executives including COO Matthew Idema had met IT Secretary and other Indian government officials to outline various steps being taken by the company to tackle fake news in India. Over the past few months, fake messages circulating on WhatsApp have incited incidents of mob fury across parts of India. The government has sent out two notices to the Facebook-owned company directing it to take urgent measures to curb false information and rumours being spread on the messaging platform. The IT ministry has, in the past, said that the platform cannot escape its responsibility for such rampant abuse and needed to find originators of provocative messages. It had also warned that in the absence of adequate checks, it will treat the messaging platform as abettor of rumour propagation and legal consequences will follow. In its response, WhatsApp has informed the government that it is building a local team, including India head, as part of steps to check fake news circulation even as it did not meet the key demand of identifying message originators. Apart from education and advocacy programmes, WhatsApp has also introduced new features to let its users identify forwarded messages, restricted number of forwards at a time, and brought out full-page ads giving "easy tips" to spot fake news.

WhatsApp has to follow Indian laws, says Ravi Shankar Prasad after meeting CEO

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