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India is working on a mega defence project to make the airspace over almost all its major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, virtually impregnable, sources in the military establishment said.

The government is procuring a variety of air defence systems, including missiles, launchers and command-and-control units from the US, Russia and Israel, besides deploying indigenously developed missiles as part of the project, they said.

In the last few years, China has significantly ramped up its air power and the sources said that the government was determined to equip the Indian Air Force with capabilities on par with its adversaries.&nbsp

"Missile shield over the national capital and many other cities are being strengthened considering the evolving security scenario. Procurement of missile systems, radars and weaponry is part of the initiative," a senior military official said.

India is engaged in talks with the US for procuring components of air defence systems, including missiles, radars and drones, and attack helicopters. The US has already approved sale of 22 Sea Guardian drones to India at an estimated cost of USD 2 billion.&nbsp

It is for the first time, the US is selling the drones to a country which is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The sources said India is also looking at the US' National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II to bolster its own missile shield.

India is also procuring the S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems from Russia at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore to boost its air defence mechanism. The deal is likely to be signed by the two countries later this year.

"The aim of the project is to make our skyline impregnable," the official said. 
As part of efforts to strengthen the country's aerial security, India is in the process of inducting the first batch of its intercontinental ballistic missile system -- Agni V -- which is expected to significantly bolster the country's air defence system. The missile, with a strike range of 5,000 km, is capable of carrying nuclear warhead

A very few countries, including the US, China, Russia, France and North Korea, have intercontinental ballistic missiles.

In its missile armoury, India currently has Agni-1 with a 700 km range, Agni-2 with a 2,000-km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2,500 km to more than 3,500-km range. 
In November last, India successfully test fired air-launched variant of the Brahmos, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, from a Sukhoi-30 combat jet. The missile will be also be part of the project to make the country's airspace impregnable, the sources said.

The Defence Ministry is now expediting the process to integrate the Brahmos missile with 40 Sukhoi combat aircraft.&nbsp

The government is procuring a variety of air defence systems, including missiles and launchers, from the US, Russia, and Israel

India is working on a mega defence project to make the airspace over almost all its major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, virtually impregnable, sources in the military establishment said. The government is procuring a variety of air defence systems, including missiles, launchers and command-and-control units from the US, Russia and Israel, besides deploying indigenously developed missiles as part of the project, they said. In the last few years, China has significantly ramped up its air power and the sources said that the government was determined to equip the Indian Air Force with capabilities on par with its adversaries. "Missile shield over the national capital and many other cities are being strengthened considering the evolving security scenario. Procurement of missile systems, radars and weaponry is part of the initiative," a senior military official said. India is engaged in talks with the US for procuring components of air defence systems, including missiles, radars and drones, and attack helicopters. The US has already approved sale of 22 Sea Guardian drones to India at an estimated cost of USD 2 billion. It is for the first time, the US is selling the drones to a country which is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The sources said India is also looking at the US' National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II to bolster its own missile shield. India is also procuring the S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems from Russia at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore to boost its air defence mechanism. The deal is likely to be signed by the two countries later this year. "The aim of the project is to make our skyline impregnable," the official said. As part of efforts to strengthen the country's aerial security, India is in the process of inducting the first batch of its intercontinental ballistic missile system -- Agni V -- which is expected to significantly bolster the country's air defence system. The missile, with a strike range of 5,000 km, is capable of carrying nuclear warhead A very few countries, including the US, China, Russia, France and North Korea, have intercontinental ballistic missiles. In its missile armoury, India currently has Agni-1 with a 700 km range, Agni-2 with a 2,000-km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2,500 km to more than 3,500-km range. In November last, India successfully test fired air-launched variant of the Brahmos, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, from a Sukhoi-30 combat jet. The missile will be also be part of the project to make the country's airspace impregnable, the sources said. The Defence Ministry is now expediting the process to integrate the Brahmos missile with 40 Sukhoi combat aircraft.

India buying missile shield for Delhi, Mumbai, major cities

Vice-president Venkaiah Naidu will visit DMK president M Karunanidhi in Kavery Hospital in Chennai on Sunday.&nbsp

Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital on Saturday after his blood pressure suddenly dropped. The former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is currently stable with ongoing medical support.

The 94-year-old former CM is continuously being monitored and treated by the panel of expert doctors in the Intensive Care Unit, the report further said.

Reports said the Naidu will reach the hospital after attending a programme at M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in Taramani, reports said.&nbsp

The DMK Chief has been admitted to Kauvery hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU).&nbsp

Jayakumar said it was political decency for the ruling party to visit Karunanidhi's residence, adding that a DMK delegation visited the Apollo hospitals here when former chief minister J Jayalalithaa was undergoing treatment in 2016.

Earlier, DMK Working President and son of the ailing leader, MK Stalin said that Karunanidhi’s health is improving. The DMK leader also thanked President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi among others for their concern and praying for Karunanidhi’s recovery.&nbsp

Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital on Saturday after his blood pressure suddenly dropped. The former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is currently stable with ongoing medical support.

Vice-president Venkaiah Naidu will visit DMK president M Karunanidhi in Kavery Hospital in Chennai on Sunday. Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital on Saturday after his blood pressure suddenly dropped. The former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is currently stable with ongoing medical support. The 94-year-old former CM is continuously being monitored and treated by the panel of expert doctors in the Intensive Care Unit, the report further said. Reports said the Naidu will reach the hospital after attending a programme at M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in Taramani, reports said. The DMK Chief has been admitted to Kauvery hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Jayakumar said it was political decency for the ruling party to visit Karunanidhi's residence, adding that a DMK delegation visited the Apollo hospitals here when former chief minister J Jayalalithaa was undergoing treatment in 2016. Earlier, DMK Working President and son of the ailing leader, MK Stalin said that Karunanidhi’s health is improving. The DMK leader also thanked President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi among others for their concern and praying for Karunanidhi’s recovery.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to meet Karunanidhi in hospital today

"I am not scared to be&nbsp;seen with industrialists," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday. Modi was speaking at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatever-ills-country-is-facing-today-dates-back-to-70-years-of-governance-modi-155471">launch of 81 investment projects</a> in Lucknow.&nbsp;

The launch was attended by captains of industry and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.&nbsp;

There are people like that, said Modi. You will never see a picture of them with an industrialist but, he added, there isn't a single industrialist who hasn't been to their homes.&nbsp;

Modi then cracked a joke at Amar Singh's expense, saying the former Samajwadi Party leader was at the launch and he would be able to recount the entire history of politicians hobnobbing quietly with industrialists.&nbsp;

But if your intentions — "niyat, iraade" — are correct, said Modi, then you can be seen standing next to anybody. He then gave the example of how Mahatma Gandhi and GD Birla were close. &nbsp;

Just like a farmer, an industrialist also has a hand in building this country, said Modi.&nbsp;

Watch video below:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WAICTH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WAICTH</a>: PM Modi in Lucknow says, "we aren't the ones who are scared of standing next to industrialists. Jab niyat saaf ho,irade nek ho, to kisi ke saath khade hone se daag nahi lagte. People who don't meet industrialists in public but do everything behind curtains remain scared" <a href="https://t.co/mpUfQxZLf0">pic.twitter.com/mpUfQxZLf0</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1023533194031783937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Uttar Pradesh has been successful in attaining a position in top 5 states in the country in terms of ease of doing business: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at 'Transforming Urban Landscape' event in Lucknow <a href="https://t.co/OVL0qoOve1">pic.twitter.com/OVL0qoOve1</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1023479582102630406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi has often been attacked for his alleged links to industrialists.&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has called his government a "suit-boot ki sarkar", or one that works for big industrialists and not the commmon man. Gandhi has recently been attacking Modi over the Rafale deal — he says the incumbent NDA government is paying more for the jets than the price negotiated with the French government by the former UPA adminstration.&nbsp;

Gandhi has also asked why the public-sector Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) was jettisoned as Dassault's (the company which makes the Rafale) India partner and the contract instead given to Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence, a company with no experience in the aviation industry.&nbsp;

Modi's comments are thought to be an answer to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's charge that he is close to industrialists and that they are the ones who benefit from his rule rather than the common man

"I am not scared to be seen with industrialists," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday. Modi was speaking at the launch of 81 investment projects in Lucknow. The launch was attended by captains of industry and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. There are people like that, said Modi. You will never see a picture of them with an industrialist but, he added, there isn't a single industrialist who hasn't been to their homes. Modi then cracked a joke at Amar Singh's expense, saying the former Samajwadi Party leader was at the launch and he would be able to recount the entire history of politicians hobnobbing quietly with industrialists. But if your intentions — "niyat, iraade" — are correct, said Modi, then you can be seen standing next to anybody. He then gave the example of how Mahatma Gandhi and GD Birla were close. Just like a farmer, an industrialist also has a hand in building this country, said Modi. Watch video below: #WAICTH: PM Modi in Lucknow says, "we aren't the ones who are scared of standing next to industrialists. Jab niyat saaf ho,irade nek ho, to kisi ke saath khade hone se daag nahi lagte. People who don't meet industrialists in public but do everything behind curtains remain scared" pic.twitter.com/mpUfQxZLf0 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 29, 2018 × Uttar Pradesh has been successful in attaining a position in top 5 states in the country in terms of ease of doing business: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at 'Transforming Urban Landscape' event in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/OVL0qoOve1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 29, 2018 × Modi has often been attacked for his alleged links to industrialists. Congress President Rahul Gandhi has called his government a "suit-boot ki sarkar", or one that works for big industrialists and not the commmon man. Gandhi has recently been attacking Modi over the Rafale deal — he says the incumbent NDA government is paying more for the jets than the price negotiated with the French government by the former UPA adminstration. Gandhi has also asked why the public-sector Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) was jettisoned as Dassault's (the company which makes the Rafale) India partner and the contract instead given to Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence, a company with no experience in the aviation industry.

Watch: 'Not scared to be seen with industrialists,' says Modi

Police have booked eight men in Haryana's Mewat district for raping a goat, news reports said Sunday.&nbsp;

The goat, which was pregnant, died after the assault.&nbsp;

Police booked the men under Section 377 of the Indian Penal code, which prohibits "carnal intercourse against the order of nature with man, woman or animal", and the Animal Cruelty Act.&nbsp;

The reports quoted police as saying the accused are locals, and had criminal records. And that three of them were beaten up by local villagers.&nbsp;

The incident took place in Maroda village, about an hour-and-a-half south of Gurgaon.&nbsp;

The police are still to make any arrests. News reports Sunday quoted police as saying they were recording the statements of eyewitnesses and villagers.&nbsp;

The goat's owner, Aslup Khan, was quoted as saying his goat went missing Wednesday night. Khan said he panicked since four of his goats had been stolen in the past and that this one was the only one left.&nbsp;

At around 11 pm, Khan said, he heard some noise and went out.&nbsp;

That was when he saw three men sexually assaulting his goat.&nbsp;

Khan is a truck driver.&nbsp;

The goat died after the assault. Police said the men had criminal records

Police have booked eight men in Haryana's Mewat district for raping a goat, news reports said Sunday. The goat, which was pregnant, died after the assault. Police booked the men under Section 377 of the Indian Penal code, which prohibits "carnal intercourse against the order of nature with man, woman or animal", and the Animal Cruelty Act. The reports quoted police as saying the accused are locals, and had criminal records. And that three of them were beaten up by local villagers. The incident took place in Maroda village, about an hour-and-a-half south of Gurgaon. The police are still to make any arrests. News reports Sunday quoted police as saying they were recording the statements of eyewitnesses and villagers. The goat's owner, Aslup Khan, was quoted as saying his goat went missing Wednesday night. Khan said he panicked since four of his goats had been stolen in the past and that this one was the only one left. At around 11 pm, Khan said, he heard some noise and went out. That was when he saw three men sexually assaulting his goat. Khan is a truck driver.

Haryana: Police arrest 8 men for raping pregnant goat

The Jammu and Kashmir government has called a massive crackdown on illegal constructions and encroachments in the state.

Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Verma asked the senior functionaries of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), JMC, Revenue, Tourism, Geology and Mining, Flood Control, police and other departments to initiate joint action against illegal structures and encroachments on state land.

The government in the state Assembly had said that 1,510 acres of land in the city has encroached as it admitted that the JDA is yet to demarcate 6,818 acres of land meant for development.

The J&K government transferred 9,479 acres of land to the JDA since 1973, out of which 6,818 acres of land has not been demarcated, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Asiea Naqash told the Legislative Assembly during a budget session this year.

The state government had also told the Assembly that 243 hectares of forest land have encroached in Jammu city where seven cases have been registered and 52 cases lodged in courts.

Over 379 acres of state land has been encroached by land grabbers in four villages in the outskirts of Jammu city, it said.

The Divisional Commissioner asked the Geology and Mining Department to properly demarcate the auction beds and initiate an stern action against illegal mining.

He further directed the department to take action against illegal stone crushers not following the set norms and guidelines.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The government in the state Assembly had said that 1,510 acres of land in the city has encroached as it admitted that the JDA is yet to demarcate 6,818 acres of land meant for development.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has called a massive crackdown on illegal constructions and encroachments in the state. Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Verma asked the senior functionaries of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), JMC, Revenue, Tourism, Geology and Mining, Flood Control, police and other departments to initiate joint action against illegal structures and encroachments on state land. The government in the state Assembly had said that 1,510 acres of land in the city has encroached as it admitted that the JDA is yet to demarcate 6,818 acres of land meant for development. The J&K government transferred 9,479 acres of land to the JDA since 1973, out of which 6,818 acres of land has not been demarcated, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Asiea Naqash told the Legislative Assembly during a budget session this year. The state government had also told the Assembly that 243 hectares of forest land have encroached in Jammu city where seven cases have been registered and 52 cases lodged in courts. Over 379 acres of state land has been encroached by land grabbers in four villages in the outskirts of Jammu city, it said. The Divisional Commissioner asked the Geology and Mining Department to properly demarcate the auction beds and initiate an stern action against illegal mining. He further directed the department to take action against illegal stone crushers not following the set norms and guidelines.

J&K government undertakes massive anti-encroachment drive

The entire intelligence apparatus should be moved away from bureaucratic control and intel agency heads should get longer tenures and be selected on the basis of career performance and not just seniority suggests former R&AW chief Vikram Sood.

He feels that it is necessary to have periodic reforms to ensure that the country has the best intelligence apparatus it can afford.

Sood has come up with a new book "The Unending Game: A Former R&AW Chief's Insights into Espionage" in which he deconstructs the shadowy world of spies, from the Cold War era to the age of global jihad, from surveillance states to psy-war and cyberwarfare, from gathering information to turning it into credible intelligence.

"Prime ministers need to choose their chiefs of intelligence with great care. Past experience, career performance in the R&AW and integrity should be the main guiding factors and not just seniority," he says.

"Leaving this decision opaque or simply on the basis of seniority, which is quite an immutable rule in bureaucracy, is not the most suitable way of selecting a successor for an intelligence organisation," he says.

On the issue of seven officers heading the R&AW between 1990 and 1999, he writes, "This was certainly not the best advertisement for a specialised agency that needs continuity and stability at the top."

A career intelligence officer for 31 years, Sood retired in March 2003 after heading India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW).

The book, published by Penguin Random House India, provides a national and international perspective on gathering external intelligence, its relevance in securing and advancing national interests, and why intelligence is the first playground in the game of nations.

"Heads of intelligence organisations must have longer tenures - five years ideally - the selection should be from within and be based on career performance," Sood suggests.

He goes on to add that the rest of the bureaucracy will describe his suggestion as blasphemy and the politician will wonder at the idea of leaving a man in charge despite them, not because of them.

"The main argument here is that the entire intelligence apparatus should be moved away from the control and supervision of the traditional bureaucracy, and promotions, career prospects or remunerations should be decided independently," he writes.

According to Sood, the longevity of tenure is a professional requirement and continuation of intelligence chiefs at the will of the executive head is not always a good idea and uncertainty of tenure hardly raises morale.

He is also of the view that a defined and clearly understood charter with legal backing is the starting point of any reform.&nbsp;

Sood has come up with a new book "The Unending Game: A Former R&AW Chief's Insights into Espionage" in which he deconstructs the shadowy world of spies.

The entire intelligence apparatus should be moved away from bureaucratic control and intel agency heads should get longer tenures and be selected on the basis of career performance and not just seniority suggests former R&AW chief Vikram Sood. He feels that it is necessary to have periodic reforms to ensure that the country has the best intelligence apparatus it can afford. Sood has come up with a new book "The Unending Game: A Former R&AW Chief's Insights into Espionage" in which he deconstructs the shadowy world of spies, from the Cold War era to the age of global jihad, from surveillance states to psy-war and cyberwarfare, from gathering information to turning it into credible intelligence. "Prime ministers need to choose their chiefs of intelligence with great care. Past experience, career performance in the R&AW and integrity should be the main guiding factors and not just seniority," he says. "Leaving this decision opaque or simply on the basis of seniority, which is quite an immutable rule in bureaucracy, is not the most suitable way of selecting a successor for an intelligence organisation," he says. On the issue of seven officers heading the R&AW between 1990 and 1999, he writes, "This was certainly not the best advertisement for a specialised agency that needs continuity and stability at the top." A career intelligence officer for 31 years, Sood retired in March 2003 after heading India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). The book, published by Penguin Random House India, provides a national and international perspective on gathering external intelligence, its relevance in securing and advancing national interests, and why intelligence is the first playground in the game of nations. "Heads of intelligence organisations must have longer tenures - five years ideally - the selection should be from within and be based on career performance," Sood suggests. He goes on to add that the rest of the bureaucracy will describe his suggestion as blasphemy and the politician will wonder at the idea of leaving a man in charge despite them, not because of them. "The main argument here is that the entire intelligence apparatus should be moved away from the control and supervision of the traditional bureaucracy, and promotions, career prospects or remunerations should be decided independently," he writes. According to Sood, the longevity of tenure is a professional requirement and continuation of intelligence chiefs at the will of the executive head is not always a good idea and uncertainty of tenure hardly raises morale. He is also of the view that a defined and clearly understood charter with legal backing is the starting point of any reform.

Heads of intel agencies should have longer tenures: Ex-R&AW chief

The Jammu and Kashmir Police's crime branch will be submitting its supplementary chargesheet this week before the Pathankot court, which is hearing the gruesome case of rape-and-murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua this January, officials said here today.

The chargesheet would be submitted this week in which further investigation carried out by crime branch personnel would be presented in the court against the eight people arrested for allegedly committing the heinous crime, they said.

Earlier this month, the crime branch had informed the Supreme Court that they would be submitting a supplementary chargesheet in the case. The apex court had given them eight weeks to file it.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra had on July 9 issued a detailed order asking the crime branch to file the supplementary chargesheet&nbsp;within eight weeks&nbsp;after obtaining due sanctions.

The fresh supplementary chargesheet is likely to highlight other angles of the alleged conspiracy that was hatched by the accused people, who are at present in district jail of Gurdaspur in Punjab.

The crime branch has arrested Sanji Ram, his son Vishal and his juvenile nephew, two special police officers Deepak Khajuria alias 'Dipu' and Surender Verma and friend Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu.

It also names head constable Tilak Raj and sub-inspector Anand Dutta, who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Sanji Ram and destroyed crucial evidence. Both Raj and Dutta have since been dismissed from the police services.

The district and sessions court in Pathankot framed charges of rape and murder against the seven accused in the case on&nbsp;June 8.

Sanji Ram, considered the main accused, is alleged to have hatched the conspiracy with the other accused of kidnapping the girl as part of a strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area.

The fate of the eighth accused, a juvenile, was yet to be decided after the crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police moved an application in the high court claiming him to be an adult.&nbsp;

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra had on July 9 issued a detailed order asking the crime branch to file the supplementary charge sheet within eight weeks after obtaining due sanctions.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police's crime branch will be submitting its supplementary chargesheet this week before the Pathankot court, which is hearing the gruesome case of rape-and-murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua this January, officials said here today. The chargesheet would be submitted this week in which further investigation carried out by crime branch personnel would be presented in the court against the eight people arrested for allegedly committing the heinous crime, they said. Earlier this month, the crime branch had informed the Supreme Court that they would be submitting a supplementary chargesheet in the case. The apex court had given them eight weeks to file it. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra had on July 9 issued a detailed order asking the crime branch to file the supplementary chargesheet within eight weeks after obtaining due sanctions. The fresh supplementary chargesheet is likely to highlight other angles of the alleged conspiracy that was hatched by the accused people, who are at present in district jail of Gurdaspur in Punjab. The crime branch has arrested Sanji Ram, his son Vishal and his juvenile nephew, two special police officers Deepak Khajuria alias 'Dipu' and Surender Verma and friend Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu. It also names head constable Tilak Raj and sub-inspector Anand Dutta, who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Sanji Ram and destroyed crucial evidence. Both Raj and Dutta have since been dismissed from the police services. The district and sessions court in Pathankot framed charges of rape and murder against the seven accused in the case on June 8. Sanji Ram, considered the main accused, is alleged to have hatched the conspiracy with the other accused of kidnapping the girl as part of a strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area. The fate of the eighth accused, a juvenile, was yet to be decided after the crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police moved an application in the high court claiming him to be an adult.

Supplementary chargesheet in Kathua rape case this week: Officials

Criticising West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for accusing the BJP of trying to create an "atmosphere of Talibani Hinduism" in the country, a Rajasthan minister has said that she should quit Hinduism.

"She does not have the knowledge, and she does not love her country," Labour Minister Jaswant Singh Yadav said on Friday evening.

He accused her of making the "shameless statement" that "all Hindu organisations" are extremists.

"Then she should leave Hinduism... her mental condition is not good," he told reporters at Behror in Alwar district.

After the recent mob killing of 28-year old Rakbar Khan in Alwar district on the suspicion of cow smuggling, the Trinamool Congress chief had accused the BJP of trying to create an "atmosphere of Talibani Hinduism and Talibani communalism".

Yadav said he stood by his earlier statement that Hindus will not tolerate the smuggling and slaughter of cows because the cow is like a mother to them.

Referring to the recent mob killing, he said, "Taking the law in one's hand and beating or killing someone is condemnable but Hindus' religious sentiments are connected with cows... I request Meo brothers to stop cow smuggling and slaughter in the interest of unity and harmony in the country," he said.

Rakbar Khan, who was from the Meo community, was beaten by a group of people on the night of July 20 and declared brought dead at the community health centre in Ramgarh.

The police arrested three men who are now under judicial custody for the killing.

An assistant sub inspector and three constables were shunted to police lines for dereliction of duty over the delay in taking the victim to the nearby health centre.

Jaswant Singh Yadav said he stood by his earlier statement that Hindus will not tolerate the smuggling and slaughter of cows because the cow is like a mother to them.

Criticising West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for accusing the BJP of trying to create an "atmosphere of Talibani Hinduism" in the country, a Rajasthan minister has said that she should quit Hinduism. "She does not have the knowledge, and she does not love her country," Labour Minister Jaswant Singh Yadav said on Friday evening. He accused her of making the "shameless statement" that "all Hindu organisations" are extremists. "Then she should leave Hinduism... her mental condition is not good," he told reporters at Behror in Alwar district. After the recent mob killing of 28-year old Rakbar Khan in Alwar district on the suspicion of cow smuggling, the Trinamool Congress chief had accused the BJP of trying to create an "atmosphere of Talibani Hinduism and Talibani communalism". Yadav said he stood by his earlier statement that Hindus will not tolerate the smuggling and slaughter of cows because the cow is like a mother to them. Referring to the recent mob killing, he said, "Taking the law in one's hand and beating or killing someone is condemnable but Hindus' religious sentiments are connected with cows... I request Meo brothers to stop cow smuggling and slaughter in the interest of unity and harmony in the country," he said. Rakbar Khan, who was from the Meo community, was beaten by a group of people on the night of July 20 and declared brought dead at the community health centre in Ramgarh. The police arrested three men who are now under judicial custody for the killing. An assistant sub inspector and three constables were shunted to police lines for dereliction of duty over the delay in taking the victim to the nearby health centre.

Mamata Banerjee should quit Hinduism, says Rajasthan minister

The Congress on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not raising the Doklam issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

"The truth is that Prime Minister Modi meets the Chinese president on the sidelines of the BRICS summit and holds talks, but forgets to talk about Doklam. When will this government show the 56-inch chest and red eyes and have the courage to raise the issues concerning security and nation's borders?...the 132 crore people of the country want to know," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

He said the United States Congressional Committee has stated that China has made a headway in Doklam and was raising its infrastructure and Army strength there.

"This is a direct threat and challenge to national security," he said.&nbsp

The Congress leader said the way Chinese Army strength of Brigade-level was there in north Doklam and in southern Doklam in the Siliguri corridor, China has constructed a road, but the "prime minister and defence minister did not speak anything on it".

"The truth is that the one who claimed having a 56-inch chest and dared to show 'red eyes' to China, has gone back on his promise and has turned silent on national security.

"The prime minister, who dared to show China his red eyes, gave swing rides to the Chinese president. But when he goes to China with an agenda-less visit, he forgets to even raise the issue of Doklam which is linked to national security," Mr Surjewala said.

The Congress leader said China, which does not have any diplomatic ties with Bhutan, visited the nation and discussed Doklam with Bhutan without involving India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 10th BRICS Summit agreed that the Chinese defence minister will visit India next month as part of the efforts to maintain the "momentum" generated by their recent meetings.

PM Modi, who is here to attend the BRICS Summit, met Xi for the third time in nearly three months last evening after their two-day informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late April and a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Qingdao, China in June.

"It is important to maintain this momentum and for this we should, at our level, regularly review our relationship and give proper instructions whenever required," PM Modi told Xi in his opening remarks

The Congress leader said China, which does not have any diplomatic ties with Bhutan, visited the nation and discussed Doklam with Bhutan without involving India.

The Congress on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not raising the Doklam issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg. "The truth is that Prime Minister Modi meets the Chinese president on the sidelines of the BRICS summit and holds talks, but forgets to talk about Doklam. When will this government show the 56-inch chest and red eyes and have the courage to raise the issues concerning security and nation's borders?...the 132 crore people of the country want to know," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. He said the United States Congressional Committee has stated that China has made a headway in Doklam and was raising its infrastructure and Army strength there. "This is a direct threat and challenge to national security," he said. The Congress leader said the way Chinese Army strength of Brigade-level was there in north Doklam and in southern Doklam in the Siliguri corridor, China has constructed a road, but the "prime minister and defence minister did not speak anything on it". "The truth is that the one who claimed having a 56-inch chest and dared to show 'red eyes' to China, has gone back on his promise and has turned silent on national security. "The prime minister, who dared to show China his red eyes, gave swing rides to the Chinese president. But when he goes to China with an agenda-less visit, he forgets to even raise the issue of Doklam which is linked to national security," Mr Surjewala said. The Congress leader said China, which does not have any diplomatic ties with Bhutan, visited the nation and discussed Doklam with Bhutan without involving India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 10th BRICS Summit agreed that the Chinese defence minister will visit India next month as part of the efforts to maintain the "momentum" generated by their recent meetings. PM Modi, who is here to attend the BRICS Summit, met Xi for the third time in nearly three months last evening after their two-day informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late April and a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Qingdao, China in June. "It is important to maintain this momentum and for this we should, at our level, regularly review our relationship and give proper instructions whenever required," PM Modi told Xi in his opening remarks

Congress hits out at PM Modi for 'not raising Doklam issue' with Xi Jinping

Taking note of the&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/delhi-evacuation-begins-as-yamuna-water-level-crosses-danger-mark-155322">Yamuna&nbsp;river&nbsp;overflow</a>, the&nbsp;District Magistrate&nbsp;(DM) of East Delhi, K. Mahesh on Sunday said that the situation is under control and the government is fully prepared to combat the situation.

The&nbsp;Yamuna&nbsp;water level has crossed the danger mark prompting the Delhi Government to be on high alert. The water level touched 205.46 metres on Sunday, reaching beyond the danger mark of 204.83 metres.

"Everything is under control, this is not a panic situation. The situation is not all that dangerous. We are prepared we have a standard operating procedure. The departments know what they are supposed to do," the DM said.

He further dwelled on the details of the preparations and rescue operations that are being carried on.

"Till now 1500 people have shifted from low-lying areas and 1500 are yet to move. 550 tents have been pitched across 10 locations in the east district. We have made arrangements for food," he added.

Mahesh further explained the arrangements made for any untoward situation, saying, "In case the situation does not improve, and more people turn up than expected, we have schools and night shelters to accommodate them. We have ordered a total of 650 tents. If needed then we will take the help of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team," he added.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, earlier on Saturday called an emergency meeting to discuss the situation. The Delhi Government have also issued flood warning and asked the people living in low-lying areas to evacuate.

The Yamuna water level has crossed the danger mark prompting the Delhi Government to be on high alert.

Taking note of the Yamuna river overflow, the District Magistrate (DM) of East Delhi, K. Mahesh on Sunday said that the situation is under control and the government is fully prepared to combat the situation. The Yamuna water level has crossed the danger mark prompting the Delhi Government to be on high alert. The water level touched 205.46 metres on Sunday, reaching beyond the danger mark of 204.83 metres. "Everything is under control, this is not a panic situation. The situation is not all that dangerous. We are prepared we have a standard operating procedure. The departments know what they are supposed to do," the DM said. He further dwelled on the details of the preparations and rescue operations that are being carried on. "Till now 1500 people have shifted from low-lying areas and 1500 are yet to move. 550 tents have been pitched across 10 locations in the east district. We have made arrangements for food," he added. Mahesh further explained the arrangements made for any untoward situation, saying, "In case the situation does not improve, and more people turn up than expected, we have schools and night shelters to accommodate them. We have ordered a total of 650 tents. If needed then we will take the help of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team," he added. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, earlier on Saturday called an emergency meeting to discuss the situation. The Delhi Government have also issued flood warning and asked the people living in low-lying areas to evacuate.

Yamuna overflow: Situation under control, says DM

A court here today sentenced 14 persons to life imprisonment besides awarding two years in jail to another, in a six-year-old hooch tragedy which had claimed more than 20 lives.

The order was passed by Additional District and Sessions Judge Ramesh Chandra Dwivedi, who had on July 24 convicted all the 15 accused in the case relating to the consumption of spurious liquor.&nbsp

The incident had killed 21 Dalits, including five women, on December 7, 2012.

All those who were sentenced for life were held guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Excise Act and the SC/ST Act. They were also slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 each.

The order was passed by Additional District and Sessions Judge Ramesh Chandra Dwivedi, who had on July 24 convicted all the 15 accused in the case relating to the consumption of spurious liquor.

A court here today sentenced 14 persons to life imprisonment besides awarding two years in jail to another, in a six-year-old hooch tragedy which had claimed more than 20 lives. The order was passed by Additional District and Sessions Judge Ramesh Chandra Dwivedi, who had on July 24 convicted all the 15 accused in the case relating to the consumption of spurious liquor. The incident had killed 21 Dalits, including five women, on December 7, 2012. All those who were sentenced for life were held guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Excise Act and the SC/ST Act. They were also slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 each.

14 sentenced to life in 2012 Bihar hooch tragedy

The government is likely to unveil a major policy next month outlining a roadmap to build a robust defence production industry and make India one of the top five manufacturers of military equipment and platforms in the next 10 years.

Official sources said the final touches are being given to the policy before it is being placed before the Union Cabinet for approval.

They said a significant focus of the defence production policy (DPP-2018) will be to invest adequate resources to develop critical technology for manufacturing state-of-the-art military platforms including fighter jets, attack helicopters and weaponry indigenously.

The DPP-2018 is likely to be released next month, the sources said.&nbsp;

According to the draft policy, the government is looking at achieving a turnover of Rs 1,70,000 crore in military goods and services by 2025.

A Swedish think tank, in a report in March, said India remained the largest importer of military hardware in the world in the last five years, adding Indian imports of major weapons rose by 111 per cent in the last five years compared to 2004-08.

Officials said the aim of the DPP would be to indigenously develop all major platforms which are being imported since in the last six decades.

According to official figure, India inked 187 contracts worth Rs 2.40 lakh crore with foreign and domestic firms for various military equipment and weapons in the last four years. However, the majority of the projects are yet to take off due to procedural delays.

Officials said the DPP is also likely to simplify the procurement process by cutting several layers of approval which often cause delays.&nbsp;

They said the policy aims to make India one of the top five manufacturers of defence platforms with the active participation of public and private sectors.

The draft policy released in March listed as major objective export of Rs 35,000 crore in military equipment and services by 2025.

The government identified 12 military platforms and weapons systems for production in India to achieve the aim of "self-reliance".

They are fighter aircraft, medium lift and utility helicopters, warships, land combat vehicles, missile systems, gun systems, small arms, ammunition and explosives, surveillance systems, electronic warfare (EW) systems and night fighting enablers, among others.

According to the policy, the government aims to make one of the top five manufacturers of military equipment and platforms in the next 10 years as well as to fulfil the demand of other friendly countries.

The draft policy says the licensing process for defence industries will be liberalised and the list of items requiring licences will be reviewed and pruned.

The government is looking at achieving a turnover of Rs 1,70,000 crore in military goods and services by 2025.

The government is likely to unveil a major policy next month outlining a roadmap to build a robust defence production industry and make India one of the top five manufacturers of military equipment and platforms in the next 10 years. Official sources said the final touches are being given to the policy before it is being placed before the Union Cabinet for approval. They said a significant focus of the defence production policy (DPP-2018) will be to invest adequate resources to develop critical technology for manufacturing state-of-the-art military platforms including fighter jets, attack helicopters and weaponry indigenously. The DPP-2018 is likely to be released next month, the sources said. According to the draft policy, the government is looking at achieving a turnover of Rs 1,70,000 crore in military goods and services by 2025. A Swedish think tank, in a report in March, said India remained the largest importer of military hardware in the world in the last five years, adding Indian imports of major weapons rose by 111 per cent in the last five years compared to 2004-08. Officials said the aim of the DPP would be to indigenously develop all major platforms which are being imported since in the last six decades. According to official figure, India inked 187 contracts worth Rs 2.40 lakh crore with foreign and domestic firms for various military equipment and weapons in the last four years. However, the majority of the projects are yet to take off due to procedural delays. Officials said the DPP is also likely to simplify the procurement process by cutting several layers of approval which often cause delays. They said the policy aims to make India one of the top five manufacturers of defence platforms with the active participation of public and private sectors. The draft policy released in March listed as major objective export of Rs 35,000 crore in military equipment and services by 2025. The government identified 12 military platforms and weapons systems for production in India to achieve the aim of "self-reliance". They are fighter aircraft, medium lift and utility helicopters, warships, land combat vehicles, missile systems, gun systems, small arms, ammunition and explosives, surveillance systems, electronic warfare (EW) systems and night fighting enablers, among others. According to the policy, the government aims to make one of the top five manufacturers of military equipment and platforms in the next 10 years as well as to fulfil the demand of other friendly countries. The draft policy says the licensing process for defence industries will be liberalised and the list of items requiring licences will be reviewed and pruned.

Government to unveil key policy next month to make India hub for defence manufacturing

India is working on a mega defence project to make the airspace over almost all its major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, virtually impregnable, sources in the military establishment said.

The government is procuring a variety of air defence systems, including missiles, launchers and command-and-control units from the US, Russia and Israel, besides deploying indigenously developed missiles as part of the project, they said.

In the last few years, China has significantly ramped up its air power and the sources said that the government was determined to equip the Indian Air Force with capabilities on par with its adversaries.&nbsp;

"Missile shield over the national capital and many other cities are being strengthened considering the evolving security scenario. Procurement of missile systems, radars and weaponry is part of the initiative," a senior military official said.

India is engaged in talks with the US for procuring components of air defence systems, including missiles, radars and drones, and attack helicopters. The US has already approved the sale of 22 Sea Guardian drones to India at an estimated cost of US $ 2 billion.&nbsp;

It is for the first time, the US is selling the drones to a country which is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The sources said India is also looking at the US' National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II to bolster its own missile shield.

India is also procuring the S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems from Russia at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore to boost its air defence mechanism. The deal is likely to be signed by the two countries later this year.

"The aim of the project is to make our skyline impregnable," the official said.

As part of efforts to strengthen the country's aerial security, India is in the process of inducting the first batch of its intercontinental ballistic missile system&nbsp;Agni V&nbsp;which is expected to significantly bolster the country's air defence system. The missile, with a strike range of 5,000 km, is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead

A very few countries, including the US, China, Russia, France and North Korea, have intercontinental ballistic missiles.

In its missile armoury, India currently has Agni-1 with a 700 km range, Agni-2 with a 2,000-km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2,500 km to more than 3,500-km range.

In November last, India successfully tests fired air-launched variant of the Brahmos, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, from a Sukhoi-30 combat jet. The missile will also be part of the project to make the country's airspace impregnable, the sources said.

The Defence Ministry is now expediting the process to integrate the Brahmos missile with 40 Sukhoi combat aircraft.&nbsp;

The government is procuring a variety of air defence systems, including missiles, launchers and command-and-control units from the US, Russia and Israel, besides deploying indigenously developed missiles as part of the project

India is working on a mega defence project to make the airspace over almost all its major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, virtually impregnable, sources in the military establishment said. The government is procuring a variety of air defence systems, including missiles, launchers and command-and-control units from the US, Russia and Israel, besides deploying indigenously developed missiles as part of the project, they said. In the last few years, China has significantly ramped up its air power and the sources said that the government was determined to equip the Indian Air Force with capabilities on par with its adversaries. "Missile shield over the national capital and many other cities are being strengthened considering the evolving security scenario. Procurement of missile systems, radars and weaponry is part of the initiative," a senior military official said. India is engaged in talks with the US for procuring components of air defence systems, including missiles, radars and drones, and attack helicopters. The US has already approved the sale of 22 Sea Guardian drones to India at an estimated cost of US $ 2 billion. It is for the first time, the US is selling the drones to a country which is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The sources said India is also looking at the US' National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II to bolster its own missile shield. India is also procuring the S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems from Russia at a cost of nearly Rs 40,000 crore to boost its air defence mechanism. The deal is likely to be signed by the two countries later this year. "The aim of the project is to make our skyline impregnable," the official said. As part of efforts to strengthen the country's aerial security, India is in the process of inducting the first batch of its intercontinental ballistic missile system Agni V which is expected to significantly bolster the country's air defence system. The missile, with a strike range of 5,000 km, is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead A very few countries, including the US, China, Russia, France and North Korea, have intercontinental ballistic missiles. In its missile armoury, India currently has Agni-1 with a 700 km range, Agni-2 with a 2,000-km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with 2,500 km to more than 3,500-km range. In November last, India successfully tests fired air-launched variant of the Brahmos, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, from a Sukhoi-30 combat jet. The missile will also be part of the project to make the country's airspace impregnable, the sources said. The Defence Ministry is now expediting the process to integrate the Brahmos missile with 40 Sukhoi combat aircraft.

India bolstering air defence with latest missile systems, weaponry

A little over 1,000 'fast-track special courts' need to be set up across India as part of a new scheme to try cases related to the <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/death-penalty-to-child-rapists-president-ram-nath-kovind-promulgates-the-ordinance-to-amend-pocso-act-131985">rape of children </a>and women, the Law Ministry has estimated.

These courts are to be set up as part of a larger scheme to strengthen the infrastructure for better investigation and swift prosecution in such cases.

The Department of Justice in the Law Ministry has estimated an expenditure of Rs 767.25 to set up these special courts. The Centre will have to shell out Rs 474 crore as central funding, the department has told the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

"It is estimated that a total of 1,023 FTSCs (fast-track special courts) are required to be set up for disposing of rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases with an estimated expenditure of Rs 767.25 crore out of which Rs 464 crore as central funding on the pattern of centrally sponsored scheme," said a Law Ministry document.

The details worked out by it have been forwarded to the MHA.

The new scheme is part of an ordinance recently promulgated to allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children aged up to 12 years.

The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Ordinance amended the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the Evidence Act and the POCSO Act.

While bringing out the ordinance, the government had decided to frame a scheme to set up an "appropriate" number of fast-track courts to try rape cases in the states.

The scheme will include components, including the strengthening of the physical infrastructure and prosecution machinery, provision of the required number of judicial officers for lower courts, additional posts of public prosecutors, dedicated investigators and special forensic kits.

A senior government functionary said as many as 524 fast-track courts are already functional in the country to try cases related to women, SCs and STs, the marginalised and senior citizens.

Quoting a written response of Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Parliament in March 2017, the functionary pointed out that of the 524 fast track courts, 100 are in Maharashtra, 83 in Uttar Pradesh, 39 in Tamil Nadu, 38 in Andhra Pradesh and 34 in Telangana.

The special fast-track courts proposed now as part of the ordinance would specifically deal with rape and child rape cases, the functionary said.

In April, the government had issued an ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death, for those convicted of raping minors up to the age of 12 years, amid a nationwide outrage over cases of sexual assault and the murder of minors in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Gujarat's Surat, and the rape of a girl in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh.

New fast-track courts will be set up to deal with such cases and special forensic kits for rape cases will be given to all police stations and hospitals in the long term, according to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance.

It stipulates stringent punishment for perpetrators of rape, particularly of girls below 16 and 12 years. The death sentence has been provided for rapists of girls under 12 years.

The measure also provides for speedy investigation and trial. The time limit for the investigation of all cases of rape has been prescribed and has to be now completed&nbsp;within two months.

The deadline for the completion of a trial in all rape cases will be two months, officials said. A six-month time limit for the disposal of appeals in rape cases has also been prescribed.

New posts of public prosecutors will be created and special forensic kits for rape cases given to all police stations and hospitals in the long term, the officials said.

Dedicated manpower will be provided for investigation of rape cases in a time-bound manner.

Special forensic labs exclusively for rape cases would also come up in each state.&nbsp;

The Department of Justice in the Law Ministry has estimated an expenditure of Rs 767.25 to set up these special courts. The Centre will have to shell out Rs 474 crore as central funding, the department has told the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

A little over 1,000 'fast-track special courts' need to be set up across India as part of a new scheme to try cases related to the rape of children and women, the Law Ministry has estimated. These courts are to be set up as part of a larger scheme to strengthen the infrastructure for better investigation and swift prosecution in such cases. The Department of Justice in the Law Ministry has estimated an expenditure of Rs 767.25 to set up these special courts. The Centre will have to shell out Rs 474 crore as central funding, the department has told the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). "It is estimated that a total of 1,023 FTSCs (fast-track special courts) are required to be set up for disposing of rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases with an estimated expenditure of Rs 767.25 crore out of which Rs 464 crore as central funding on the pattern of centrally sponsored scheme," said a Law Ministry document. The details worked out by it have been forwarded to the MHA. The new scheme is part of an ordinance recently promulgated to allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping children aged up to 12 years. The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Ordinance amended the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the Evidence Act and the POCSO Act. While bringing out the ordinance, the government had decided to frame a scheme to set up an "appropriate" number of fast-track courts to try rape cases in the states. The scheme will include components, including the strengthening of the physical infrastructure and prosecution machinery, provision of the required number of judicial officers for lower courts, additional posts of public prosecutors, dedicated investigators and special forensic kits. A senior government functionary said as many as 524 fast-track courts are already functional in the country to try cases related to women, SCs and STs, the marginalised and senior citizens. Quoting a written response of Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Parliament in March 2017, the functionary pointed out that of the 524 fast track courts, 100 are in Maharashtra, 83 in Uttar Pradesh, 39 in Tamil Nadu, 38 in Andhra Pradesh and 34 in Telangana. The special fast-track courts proposed now as part of the ordinance would specifically deal with rape and child rape cases, the functionary said. In April, the government had issued an ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death, for those convicted of raping minors up to the age of 12 years, amid a nationwide outrage over cases of sexual assault and the murder of minors in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Gujarat's Surat, and the rape of a girl in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh. New fast-track courts will be set up to deal with such cases and special forensic kits for rape cases will be given to all police stations and hospitals in the long term, according to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance. It stipulates stringent punishment for perpetrators of rape, particularly of girls below 16 and 12 years. The death sentence has been provided for rapists of girls under 12 years. The measure also provides for speedy investigation and trial. The time limit for the investigation of all cases of rape has been prescribed and has to be now completed within two months. The deadline for the completion of a trial in all rape cases will be two months, officials said. A six-month time limit for the disposal of appeals in rape cases has also been prescribed. New posts of public prosecutors will be created and special forensic kits for rape cases given to all police stations and hospitals in the long term, the officials said. Dedicated manpower will be provided for investigation of rape cases in a time-bound manner. Special forensic labs exclusively for rape cases would also come up in each state.

India needs 1,023 special courts to try cases of rape and child rape: Law Ministry

The body of a 65-year-old woman who died in Pakistan could not be brought to India on Saturday, even as the Thar Express was halted at Khokhrapar railway station of Pakistan for repatriating her mortal remains, an official said.

The woman, Reshma, from Rajasthan's Barmer district had gone to Pakistan with her son Syab Khan on June 30. She passed away on July 25.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had assured help to the elderly woman's family members.

The weekly Thar Express, linking India and Pakistan, was halted for over an hour at Khokhrapar station in Pakistan in the evening. But the body could not be taken to the railway station, therefore, the train left for India without the body, the official said.

Barmer District Collector Shivpasad Madan Nakate said formalities have been completed at the level of the high commission of India in Pakistan for the repatriation of Reshma's mortal remains.

He said other options were also being explored to bring the body to India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had assured help to the elderly woman's family members.

The body of a 65-year-old woman who died in Pakistan could not be brought to India on Saturday, even as the Thar Express was halted at Khokhrapar railway station of Pakistan for repatriating her mortal remains, an official said. The woman, Reshma, from Rajasthan's Barmer district had gone to Pakistan with her son Syab Khan on June 30. She passed away on July 25. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had assured help to the elderly woman's family members. The weekly Thar Express, linking India and Pakistan, was halted for over an hour at Khokhrapar station in Pakistan in the evening. But the body could not be taken to the railway station, therefore, the train left for India without the body, the official said. Barmer District Collector Shivpasad Madan Nakate said formalities have been completed at the level of the high commission of India in Pakistan for the repatriation of Reshma's mortal remains. He said other options were also being explored to bring the body to India.

Body of Rajasthan woman, who died in Pakistan, yet to reach India

A mentally unsound man today hacked three persons, including a minor and an infant, to death before he was lynched by the enraged villagers in Gumla district, police sources said.

"The accused, identified as Chotu Munda, who was stated to be mentally unsound, hacked to death 45-year-old woman Bhandain Mundain, her three-year-old son Bipin and a month-old daughter Bibiyani with a dagger without any provocation," police said.

The villagers tried to catch him but Chotu attacked them, too, and injured two villagers. The angry villagers thrashed him, and Chotu also died on the spot.

The incident took place in Kondekera village under Palkot Police Station area of Gumla district. The police have sent the bodies for post-mortem examination.

Officer-in-charge of Palkot Police station, Sudama Choudhary said Chotu has also injured two persons -- the victim woman's husband Krishna Munda and a villager Sukhdeo Munda -- who were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

On being informed of the incident, Choudhary, along with a police force, rushed to the village to investigate the incident.

Asked if land dispute was behind the incident, Choudhary denied it and said the accused was mentally unsound.

The bodies have been recovered and sent for post-mortem, police added.&nbsp

Following the incident, enraged villagers in large numbers assembled on the spot and caught hold of the accused and beat him to death, the sources said.

A mentally unsound man today hacked three persons, including a minor and an infant, to death before he was lynched by the enraged villagers in Gumla district, police sources said. "The accused, identified as Chotu Munda, who was stated to be mentally unsound, hacked to death 45-year-old woman Bhandain Mundain, her three-year-old son Bipin and a month-old daughter Bibiyani with a dagger without any provocation," police said. The villagers tried to catch him but Chotu attacked them, too, and injured two villagers. The angry villagers thrashed him, and Chotu also died on the spot. The incident took place in Kondekera village under Palkot Police Station area of Gumla district. The police have sent the bodies for post-mortem examination. Officer-in-charge of Palkot Police station, Sudama Choudhary said Chotu has also injured two persons -- the victim woman's husband Krishna Munda and a villager Sukhdeo Munda -- who were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. On being informed of the incident, Choudhary, along with a police force, rushed to the village to investigate the incident. Asked if land dispute was behind the incident, Choudhary denied it and said the accused was mentally unsound. The bodies have been recovered and sent for post-mortem, police added.

Mentally unsound man kills 3 in Jharkhand, lynched

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/assam-to-release-second--final-draft-of-register-of-citizens-tomorrow-155486">&nbspAssam to release second & final draft of </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/assam-to-release-second--final-draft-of-register-of-citizens-tomorrow-155486">register</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/assam-to-release-second--final-draft-of-register-of-citizens-tomorrow-155486"> of citizens tomorrow</a>

Assam will release the second and final draft of its National Register of Citizens tomorrow at noon. If the name of a resident of the state is on the list, then he or she is a citizen of Assam and therefore India if not, then he or she will have to prove his or her citizenship.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/watch-not-scared-to-be-seen-standing-next-to-an-industrialist-says-modi-155508">Watch: 'Not scared to be seen standing next to an industrialist,' says Modi</a>

"I am not scared to be&nbspseen standing next to an industrialist," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday. Modi was speaking at the launch of 81 investment projects in Lucknow.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-to-be-shifted-to-pims-after-his-health-deteriorates-155478">Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif to be shifted to hospital after his health deteriorates</a>

Pakistan's caretaker government has decided to shift former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to hospital, Pakistani news reports said Sunday.&nbspThe reports said irregularities had been found in an ECG Sharif underwent.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-floods-kill-at-least-10-force-54000-people-from-homes-155495">Myanmar floods kill at least 10, </a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-floods-kill-at-least-10-force-54000-people-from-homes-155495">force</a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-floods-kill-at-least-10-force-54000-people-from-homes-155495"> 54,000 people from homes</a>

Surging floodwaters have killed at least 10 people and forced tens of thousands from their homes across swathes of Myanmar, a government official said Sunday as more heavy monsoon rain battered the region.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/philippine-rebels-begin-campaign-for-muslims-approval-of-autonomy-law-155512">Philippine rebels begin </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://wionews.com/world/philippine-rebels-begin-campaign-for-muslims-approval-of-autonomy-law-155512">campaign</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/philippine-rebels-begin-campaign-for-muslims-approval-of-autonomy-law-155512"> for Muslims' approval of autonomy law</a>

Leaders of the Philippines' mainstream separatist group on Sunday urged Muslims in the country's south to support a new autonomy law designed to tackle extremism and defuse a half-century of conflict in a referendum later this year.

&nbspAssam to release second & final draft of register of citizens tomorrow Assam will release the second and final draft of its National Register of Citizens tomorrow at noon. If the name of a resident of the state is on the list, then he or she is a citizen of Assam and therefore India if not, then he or she will have to prove his or her citizenship. Watch: 'Not scared to be seen standing next to an industrialist,' says Modi "I am not scared to be&nbspseen standing next to an industrialist," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday. Modi was speaking at the launch of 81 investment projects in Lucknow. Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif to be shifted to hospital after his health deteriorates Pakistan's caretaker government has decided to shift former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to hospital, Pakistani news reports said Sunday.&nbspThe reports said irregularities had been found in an ECG Sharif underwent. Myanmar floods kill at least 10, force 54,000 people from homes Surging floodwaters have killed at least 10 people and forced tens of thousands from their homes across swathes of Myanmar, a government official said Sunday as more heavy monsoon rain battered the region. Philippine rebels begin campaign for Muslims' approval of autonomy law Leaders of the Philippines' mainstream separatist group on Sunday urged Muslims in the country's south to support a new autonomy law designed to tackle extremism and defuse a half-century of conflict in a referendum later this year.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said on Friday that he is willing to&nbsp;support and promised all cooperation to the Indian government if they approach the Antigua authorities on fugitive diamond jeweler Mehul Choksi's issue, reports said.&nbsp;

Browne said that Choksi was granted citizenship when there was no case against him and has a possibility to lose it if any false information is found.&nbsp;

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, allegedly involved in over US $2 billion scams in Punjab National Bank, claims he had taken Antigua citizenship last year to expand his business as the passport of the Caribbean nation provides visa-free travel to 132 countries, local media in Antigua reported.&nbsp;

Browne said Choksi at the time of application had claimed that he left India to escape from political persecution and an investigation will have to be conducted to confirm its veracity, reports said.&nbsp;

He further said that the Indian government will have to go through a set process including investigations and only then would there be a possibility of revocation of his citizenship, reports said.&nbsp;

After it emerged that Choksi had moved to the Caribbean country in July and also taken a local passport, the CBI wrote to Antiguan authorities seeking the whereabouts of the fugitive diamantaire.

The CBI, in its communication sent to Antiguan authority, cited diffusion notice issued by the Interpol against the fugitive businessman and sought details of his movement and his present location.

Choksi and Nirav Modi fled India in January this year nearly a fortnight before the scam was detected.

Choksi's actions show that he had planned his escape and subsequent life in advance knowing that the scam would blow up after the retirement of PNB employee Gokulnath Shetty, who was allegedly helping him with the renewal of letters of undertaking, sources had said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Browne reportedly said that Choksi got the citizenship when there was no case against him and has a possibility to lose it if any false information has been reported.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said on Friday that he is willing to support and promised all cooperation to the Indian government if they approach the Antigua authorities on fugitive diamond jeweler Mehul Choksi's issue, reports said. Browne said that Choksi was granted citizenship when there was no case against him and has a possibility to lose it if any false information is found. Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, allegedly involved in over US $2 billion scams in Punjab National Bank, claims he had taken Antigua citizenship last year to expand his business as the passport of the Caribbean nation provides visa-free travel to 132 countries, local media in Antigua reported. Browne said Choksi at the time of application had claimed that he left India to escape from political persecution and an investigation will have to be conducted to confirm its veracity, reports said. He further said that the Indian government will have to go through a set process including investigations and only then would there be a possibility of revocation of his citizenship, reports said. After it emerged that Choksi had moved to the Caribbean country in July and also taken a local passport, the CBI wrote to Antiguan authorities seeking the whereabouts of the fugitive diamantaire. The CBI, in its communication sent to Antiguan authority, cited diffusion notice issued by the Interpol against the fugitive businessman and sought details of his movement and his present location. Choksi and Nirav Modi fled India in January this year nearly a fortnight before the scam was detected. Choksi's actions show that he had planned his escape and subsequent life in advance knowing that the scam would blow up after the retirement of PNB employee Gokulnath Shetty, who was allegedly helping him with the renewal of letters of undertaking, sources had said.

Antigua Prime Minister Gaston Browne promises cooperation in Mehul Choksi fraud case

Antigua government on Saturday said that they would have never granted fugitive businessman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/antigua-pm-promises-cooperation-in-mehul-choksi-fraud-case-155151">Mehul Choks</a>i citizenship if they had known about the charges against him, reports said.&nbsp;

Antigua foreign minister EP Chet Greene said that they will fully cooperate in the issue&nbsp;and offer support if an extradition request is sent by India, in order to protect their 'friendship' and also Antigua's Citizenship Investment Program, or CIP, that seeks to tap into the estimated $ 2 billion global citizenship market.

The citizenship had cost him just a little over Rs&nbsp;1.3 crore, not such a big amount for some accused of fraud running into thousands of crores.

Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, allegedly involved in over US $2 billion scams in Punjab National Bank, claims he had taken Antigua citizenship last year to expand his business as the passport of the Caribbean nation provides visa-free travel to 132 countries, local media in Antigua reported.&nbsp;

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said on Friday that he is willing to support and promised all cooperation to the Indian government if they approach the Antigua authorities on fugitive diamond jeweler Mehul Choksi's issue, reports said.&nbsp;

Browne said that Choksi was granted citizenship when there was no case against him and has a possibility to lose it if any false information is found.&nbsp;

An Indian request to put out a red corner notice against Mehul Choksi is still pending with Interpol that has sought some clarifications. Earlier this month, the alert was issued to all countries against celebrity jeweller Nirav.

The citizenship had cost him just a little over Rs 1.3 crore, not such a big amount for some accused of fraud running into thousands of crores.

Antigua government on Saturday said that they would have never granted fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi citizenship if they had known about the charges against him, reports said. Antigua foreign minister EP Chet Greene said that they will fully cooperate in the issue and offer support if an extradition request is sent by India, in order to protect their 'friendship' and also Antigua's Citizenship Investment Program, or CIP, that seeks to tap into the estimated $ 2 billion global citizenship market. The citizenship had cost him just a little over Rs 1.3 crore, not such a big amount for some accused of fraud running into thousands of crores. Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, allegedly involved in over US $2 billion scams in Punjab National Bank, claims he had taken Antigua citizenship last year to expand his business as the passport of the Caribbean nation provides visa-free travel to 132 countries, local media in Antigua reported. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said on Friday that he is willing to support and promised all cooperation to the Indian government if they approach the Antigua authorities on fugitive diamond jeweler Mehul Choksi's issue, reports said. Browne said that Choksi was granted citizenship when there was no case against him and has a possibility to lose it if any false information is found. An Indian request to put out a red corner notice against Mehul Choksi is still pending with Interpol that has sought some clarifications. Earlier this month, the alert was issued to all countries against celebrity jeweller Nirav.

Would not have granted Choksi citizenship if charges were known: Antigua

Following a <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/465-dead-in-5-states-due-to-rains-floods-during-monsoon-155291">heavy downpour</a> in Bihar, several parts of the state capital were submerged under deep water.

The Nalanda Medical College Hospital (NMCH) in Patna had turned into a pool of water on Sunday.

A video released by a news agency shows multiple fishes floating inside the hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Fish seen in the water logged inside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Nalanda Medical College Hospital (NMCH) in Patna following heavy rainfall in the city. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/oRCnr6f0UJ">pic.twitter.com/oRCnr6f0UJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1023483430330191872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Other pictures show people walking in knee-deep water inside the hospital.

<img alt="patna 2.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="482" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/patna%202.JPG" width="771" />

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Also,&nbsp;the area outside the residence of Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi was seen waterlogged after the downpour.

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An area around a hospital in Bihar Rohtas district was also waterlogged due to heavy rains for last five days.

Meanwhile, the chief minister of the state, Nitish Kumar visited the site of Bailey Road where a road caved due to waterlogging at an under construction site.&nbsp;

Kumar said, " Told officials to check groundwater level. As it is a part of metro rail network, a thorough report will be made.This incident has cautioned us to prevent such incidents in future.Movement of light and heavy vehicles will be regulated".

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Told officials to check groundwater level. As it is a part of metro rail network,a thorough report will be made.This incident has cautioned us to prevent such incidents in future.Movement of light&heavy vehicles will be regulated:CM Nitish Kumar inspects broken Bailey Road <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/7y3bYLIRq0">pic.twitter.com/7y3bYLIRq0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1023473573531447297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Patna: Road caved in at an under construction site on Bailey Road following water-logging due to drain blockage and heavy rainfall. Traffic movement expected to resume tomorrow. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/JKVEIzmLUH">pic.twitter.com/JKVEIzmLUH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1023440564748988416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from ANI)

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The Nalanda Medical College Hospital (NMCH) in Patna had turned into a pool of water on Sunday

Following a heavy downpour in Bihar, several parts of the state capital were submerged under deep water. The Nalanda Medical College Hospital (NMCH) in Patna had turned into a pool of water on Sunday. A video released by a news agency shows multiple fishes floating inside the hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward. #WATCH: Fish seen in the water logged inside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Nalanda Medical College Hospital (NMCH) in Patna following heavy rainfall in the city. #Bihar pic.twitter.com/oRCnr6f0UJ — ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2018 × Other pictures show people walking in knee-deep water inside the hospital. Also, the area outside the residence of Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi was seen waterlogged after the downpour. An area around a hospital in Bihar Rohtas district was also waterlogged due to heavy rains for last five days. Meanwhile, the chief minister of the state, Nitish Kumar visited the site of Bailey Road where a road caved due to waterlogging at an under construction site. Kumar said, " Told officials to check groundwater level. As it is a part of metro rail network, a thorough report will be made.This incident has cautioned us to prevent such incidents in future.Movement of light and heavy vehicles will be regulated". Told officials to check groundwater level. As it is a part of metro rail network,a thorough report will be made.This incident has cautioned us to prevent such incidents in future.Movement of light&heavy vehicles will be regulated:CM Nitish Kumar inspects broken Bailey Road #Bihar pic.twitter.com/7y3bYLIRq0 — ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2018 × Patna: Road caved in at an under construction site on Bailey Road following water-logging due to drain blockage and heavy rainfall. Traffic movement expected to resume tomorrow. #Bihar pic.twitter.com/JKVEIzmLUH — ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2018 × (With inputs from ANI)

Watch: After heavy rains, fish swim into Bihar hospital ICU

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday slammed the previous non-BJP governments for lack of development and said that they did not have the will and their intentions were not clear.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking after launching 81 investment projects worth over Rs 60,000 crore for Uttar Pradesh at a mega ground-breaking event in Lucknow.

The projects are expected to give a big boost to industrialisation in the state.

''People are calling this event a ground-breaking ceremony. But I call this a record-breaking ceremony,'' Modi said.&nbsp;

Today the nation is becoming a hub of mobile manufacturing of the world, Modi said and added more than 50 mobile manufacturing company are working in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

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Today the nation is becoming a hub of mobile manufacturing for the world. Uttar Pradesh is leading this manufacturing revolution. More than 50 mobile manufacturing company are working in UP & the largest mobile manufacturing unit in the world has also been established here: PM <a href="https://t.co/SjntNgIA1A">pic.twitter.com/SjntNgIA1A</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1023486137954758656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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These projects will prove to be a big step in giving a new direction to Digital India and Make in India. Be it setting up of fiber or establishment of IT center for internet service in Uttar Pradesh, digital infrastructure will give a new direction, new pace to the state: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/a9rOoHjBfe">pic.twitter.com/a9rOoHjBfe</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1023485413762064384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi also said that in the past three years, Rs 50,000 crore have been saved in electricity bills because of the LED bulbs were set up in households under Ujala scheme.&nbsp;

Around 80 leading industrialists, including Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Aditya Birla group, Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani group, Subhash Chandra, chairman of Essel group and Sanjeev Puri, MD, ITC, besides top magnates of other major business houses participated in the event, which comes close on the heels of ‘Investors Summit’ in February this year.

Modi also said that in the past three years, Rs 50,000 crore have been saved in electricity bills because of the LED bulbs were set up in households under Ujala scheme.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday slammed the previous non-BJP governments for lack of development and said that they did not have the will and their intentions were not clear. Modi was speaking after launching 81 investment projects worth over Rs 60,000 crore for Uttar Pradesh at a mega ground-breaking event in Lucknow. The projects are expected to give a big boost to industrialisation in the state. ''People are calling this event a ground-breaking ceremony. But I call this a record-breaking ceremony,'' Modi said. Today the nation is becoming a hub of mobile manufacturing of the world, Modi said and added more than 50 mobile manufacturing company are working in Uttar Pradesh. Today the nation is becoming a hub of mobile manufacturing for the world. Uttar Pradesh is leading this manufacturing revolution. More than 50 mobile manufacturing company are working in UP & the largest mobile manufacturing unit in the world has also been established here: PM pic.twitter.com/SjntNgIA1A — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 29, 2018 × These projects will prove to be a big step in giving a new direction to Digital India and Make in India. Be it setting up of fiber or establishment of IT center for internet service in Uttar Pradesh, digital infrastructure will give a new direction, new pace to the state: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/a9rOoHjBfe — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 29, 2018 × Modi also said that in the past three years, Rs 50,000 crore have been saved in electricity bills because of the LED bulbs were set up in households under Ujala scheme. Around 80 leading industrialists, including Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Aditya Birla group, Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani group, Subhash Chandra, chairman of Essel group and Sanjeev Puri, MD, ITC, besides top magnates of other major business houses participated in the event, which comes close on the heels of ‘Investors Summit’ in February this year.

Whatever ills country is facing today dates back to 70 years of governance: Modi

A country made petrol bomb was hurled today at TTV Dhinakaran's car by an unidentified miscreant in Chennai.

The attack was carried out outside his house.

Dhinakaran, fortunately, escaped the bomb attack as he was not in the car at the time of the incident.

The bomb attack however injured his driver and personal photographer.

The rear windshield of his car was damaged in the attack.

Dhinakaran had split away from the ruling AIADMK and formed his own party last year. He won the RK Nagar by-election in December 2017.

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Country made petrol bomb hurled at TTV Dhinakaran's car by an unidentified miscreant in Chennai. Dhinakaran was not in the car at the time of the incident. His driver and personal photographer injured. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> (earlier visuals) <a href="https://t.co/o8r3iJix5e">pic.twitter.com/o8r3iJix5e</a>
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Dhinakaran, fortunately, escaped the bomb attack as he was not in the car at the time of the incident

A country made petrol bomb was hurled today at TTV Dhinakaran's car by an unidentified miscreant in Chennai. The attack was carried out outside his house. Dhinakaran, fortunately, escaped the bomb attack as he was not in the car at the time of the incident. The bomb attack however injured his driver and personal photographer. The rear windshield of his car was damaged in the attack. Dhinakaran had split away from the ruling AIADMK and formed his own party last year. He won the RK Nagar by-election in December 2017. Country made petrol bomb hurled at TTV Dhinakaran's car by an unidentified miscreant in Chennai. Dhinakaran was not in the car at the time of the incident. His driver and personal photographer injured. #TamilNadu (earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/o8r3iJix5e — ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2018 ×

TTV Dhinakaran's car attacked with petrol bomb in Chennai, 2 injured

Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;will launch various projects worth Rs 60, 000 crore at the ground-breaking ceremony in&nbsp;Lucknow.

The ceremony will mark the implementation of 80 out of the 1,045 Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) signed at the Uttar Pradesh Investors' Summit, held earlier in 2018.

The projects, which will be launched today, will create around 2.1 lakh job opportunity in the state.

The ceremony will be telecasted live at all the district headquarters.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to the state capital, attended the concluding session of 'Transforming Urban Landscape' convention here.

Speaking at 'Transforming Urban Landscape', Prime Minister Modi had said that his government would build a system which will ensure ease of living, education, employment, economy and entertainment for the people of the nation.

The Prime Minister had also said that the pledge to make lives of Indians simple and comfortable has become stronger in the past few years.

"We are bound to build a system for future generations, where life is based on 5 Es: Ease of Living, Education, Employment, Economy and Entertainment," the Prime Minister said.

"Our pledge to make lives of Indians simple and comfortable has become stronger after 3 years. We will give 'pakka makaan' to people who are poor and homeless," he added.

The Prime Minister further underscored that his government would try to facilitate every Indian with an accommodation by the year 2022.

"By 2022 we will try to ensure that everyone has a house. In order to meet this target the government has approved 54 lakh houses in the cities and also provided more than 1 crore houses to people in villages," he had said.

The Prime Minister said that the pledge to make lives of Indians simple and comfortable has become stronger in the past few years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will launch various projects worth Rs 60, 000 crore at the ground-breaking ceremony in Lucknow. The ceremony will mark the implementation of 80 out of the 1,045 Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) signed at the Uttar Pradesh Investors' Summit, held earlier in 2018. The projects, which will be launched today, will create around 2.1 lakh job opportunity in the state. The ceremony will be telecasted live at all the district headquarters. On Saturday, the Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to the state capital, attended the concluding session of 'Transforming Urban Landscape' convention here. Speaking at 'Transforming Urban Landscape', Prime Minister Modi had said that his government would build a system which will ensure ease of living, education, employment, economy and entertainment for the people of the nation. The Prime Minister had also said that the pledge to make lives of Indians simple and comfortable has become stronger in the past few years. "We are bound to build a system for future generations, where life is based on 5 Es: Ease of Living, Education, Employment, Economy and Entertainment," the Prime Minister said. "Our pledge to make lives of Indians simple and comfortable has become stronger after 3 years. We will give 'pakka makaan' to people who are poor and homeless," he added. The Prime Minister further underscored that his government would try to facilitate every Indian with an accommodation by the year 2022. "By 2022 we will try to ensure that everyone has a house. In order to meet this target the government has approved 54 lakh houses in the cities and also provided more than 1 crore houses to people in villages," he had said.

Lucknow: PM Modi to launch projects worth Rs 60,000 crores

The Kerala Police on Saturday arrested a person alleged to have been the key tormentor of a 19-year-old Kerala student, who was trolled on the social media for selling fish after college hours, reports said.

Noorudeen Sheikh is being questioned and a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against him, a police officer was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

He has been booked under various sections of the IT Act, besides provisions attracting non-bailable offences.

Hanan Hamid, a final year graduate student of Chemistry studying in a college near here had attracted attention after it came to light that she was eking out a livelihood by selling fish and also doing odd jobs as a junior artiste in films.

All Hamid was doing was trying to take care of an ailing mother, who has been separated from her husband.

It was Sheikh who had first taken selfies with Hamid when he came to know of her struggles. Later, however, he went hammer and tongs against her and posted the pictures questioning her condition, after she was also seen in a few pictures with superstar Mohanlal.

Soon Sheikh`s post went viral and Hamid was slammed as "a fake and doing all she did only to impress to superstar Mohanlal to land a role with his son Pranav Mohanlal in an upcoming film.

Speaking to the media, after hearing his arrest, Hamid said she is very happy to hear the news.

"Now I have realised that with the support I am getting from the government and my college, I have now got so many guardians," said Hamid.

The police, keeping track of the social media posts, have said more people who have abused the college girl would also face consequences.

It was after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan`s Facebook post supporting Hamid on Friday that the police registered a case against the cyber bullies.

On Saturday, Vijayan speaking to reporters here said: "The thump rule for those on the social media is to be careful with their statements."&nbsp;

 
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Noorudeen Sheikh is being questioned and a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against him, a police officer said.

The Kerala Police on Saturday arrested a person alleged to have been the key tormentor of a 19-year-old Kerala student, who was trolled on the social media for selling fish after college hours, reports said. Noorudeen Sheikh is being questioned and a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against him, a police officer was quoted as saying. He has been booked under various sections of the IT Act, besides provisions attracting non-bailable offences. Hanan Hamid, a final year graduate student of Chemistry studying in a college near here had attracted attention after it came to light that she was eking out a livelihood by selling fish and also doing odd jobs as a junior artiste in films. All Hamid was doing was trying to take care of an ailing mother, who has been separated from her husband. It was Sheikh who had first taken selfies with Hamid when he came to know of her struggles. Later, however, he went hammer and tongs against her and posted the pictures questioning her condition, after she was also seen in a few pictures with superstar Mohanlal. Soon Sheikh`s post went viral and Hamid was slammed as "a fake and doing all she did only to impress to superstar Mohanlal to land a role with his son Pranav Mohanlal in an upcoming film. Speaking to the media, after hearing his arrest, Hamid said she is very happy to hear the news. "Now I have realised that with the support I am getting from the government and my college, I have now got so many guardians," said Hamid. The police, keeping track of the social media posts, have said more people who have abused the college girl would also face consequences. It was after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan`s Facebook post supporting Hamid on Friday that the police registered a case against the cyber bullies. On Saturday, Vijayan speaking to reporters here said: "The thump rule for those on the social media is to be careful with their statements."

Fish selling Kerala student: Police arrest prime suspect in girl's trolling case

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said that a high-level committee has been constituted to look into the unfulfilled demands of All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).

The minister said that the government is "sensitive" to the demands of the transporters after AIMTC called off its nationwide strike.&nbsp;

"The decision of All India Motor Congress to end the strike is commendable. They have withdrawn their strike following the government`s appeal. The government is sensitive to the demands of transporters. We had already accepted several demands. We have constituted a high-level committee to discuss the remaining demands," he tweeted in Hindi.

Furthermore, Gadkari, while addressing a press conference, assured the AIMTC of working on the things that have been decided."I am happy that they have called off the strike. Minister of Finance Piyush Goyal has been very helpful. I assure them that we will work on the things that have been decided," he said.

Road Transport Secretary YS Malik also thanked the AIMTC for ending the strike."Their role in keeping the economy on track is integral. We`ll try our best to solve their problems at the earliest," he said.

Transport unions, led by the AIMTC, began the nationwide strike on July 20 over several demands including a cut in diesel prices and highway tolls.

The strike was announced after the talks of negotiation between the AIMTC and the Union government did not yield the desired result.

Goods and Service Tax (GST) compliance, practical problems with e-way bills were some other issues which the transport unions were protesting against.

Gadkari said the government was "sensitive" to the demands of the transporters, adding that a high-level committee was constituted to look into the unfulfilled demands.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said that a high-level committee has been constituted to look into the unfulfilled demands of All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). The minister said that the government is "sensitive" to the demands of the transporters after AIMTC called off its nationwide strike. "The decision of All India Motor Congress to end the strike is commendable. They have withdrawn their strike following the government`s appeal. The government is sensitive to the demands of transporters. We had already accepted several demands. We have constituted a high-level committee to discuss the remaining demands," he tweeted in Hindi. Furthermore, Gadkari, while addressing a press conference, assured the AIMTC of working on the things that have been decided."I am happy that they have called off the strike. Minister of Finance Piyush Goyal has been very helpful. I assure them that we will work on the things that have been decided," he said. Road Transport Secretary YS Malik also thanked the AIMTC for ending the strike."Their role in keeping the economy on track is integral. We`ll try our best to solve their problems at the earliest," he said. Transport unions, led by the AIMTC, began the nationwide strike on July 20 over several demands including a cut in diesel prices and highway tolls. The strike was announced after the talks of negotiation between the AIMTC and the Union government did not yield the desired result. Goods and Service Tax (GST) compliance, practical problems with e-way bills were some other issues which the transport unions were protesting against.

Nitin Gadkari welcomes AIMTC's decision to call off strike

This is a segment of WION which talks about Blood Moon at Taj Mahal. Tourists hope to see blood moon at Taj Mahal in India. Cloudy weather may hamper the visibility of blood moon. Watch this video for more information.

Tourists hope to see blood moon at Taj Mahal in India

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