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The Supreme Court on Monday gave liberty to one of the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case to petition for release, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, convict AG Perarivalan will submit a copy of the letter, which he previously wrote to Tamil Nadu Governor&nbsp;seeking an earlier release from the prison.&nbsp;

The Court will hear the matter next after two weeks.&nbsp;

45-year-old AG Perarivala is presently serving a life sentence. He had previously moved the apex court seeking a suspension of his jail term.

On March 14, the top court had dismissed Perarivalan's plea seeking a recall of the May 11, 1999 verdict upholding his conviction in the case.

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Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: Supreme Court grants liberty to one of the convicts in the case. Convict AG Perarivalan, to submit letter copy which he wrote to Tamil Nadu Governor seeking earlier release from prison. Matter adjourned for 2 weeks.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031462386681561089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On January 23, the apex court had asked the Centre to take a decision within three months on a 2016 letter by the Tamil Nadu government seeking its concurrence on releasing the seven convicts.

The letter, written on March 2, 2016, had said the state government has already decided to release the seven convicts, but it is necessary to seek the Centre's concurrence as per an apex court order of 2015.

The Centre, on August 10, had told the apex court that it does not concur with the Tamil Nadu government's proposal to release seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, saying remission of their sentence will set a "dangerous precedent" and have "international ramifications".

In its May 1999 order, the top court had upheld the death sentence of four convicts -- Perarivalan, Murugan, Santham and Nalini -- in the assassination case.

&nbsp;

The Court will hear the matter next after two weeks.

The Supreme Court on Monday gave liberty to one of the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case to petition for release, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, convict AG Perarivalan will submit a copy of the letter, which he previously wrote to Tamil Nadu Governor seeking an earlier release from the prison. The Court will hear the matter next after two weeks. 45-year-old AG Perarivala is presently serving a life sentence. He had previously moved the apex court seeking a suspension of his jail term. On March 14, the top court had dismissed Perarivalan's plea seeking a recall of the May 11, 1999 verdict upholding his conviction in the case. Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: Supreme Court grants liberty to one of the convicts in the case. Convict AG Perarivalan, to submit letter copy which he wrote to Tamil Nadu Governor seeking earlier release from prison. Matter adjourned for 2 weeks. — ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018 × On January 23, the apex court had asked the Centre to take a decision within three months on a 2016 letter by the Tamil Nadu government seeking its concurrence on releasing the seven convicts. The letter, written on March 2, 2016, had said the state government has already decided to release the seven convicts, but it is necessary to seek the Centre's concurrence as per an apex court order of 2015. The Centre, on August 10, had told the apex court that it does not concur with the Tamil Nadu government's proposal to release seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, saying remission of their sentence will set a "dangerous precedent" and have "international ramifications". In its May 1999 order, the top court had upheld the death sentence of four convicts -- Perarivalan, Murugan, Santham and Nalini -- in the assassination case.

Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: SC allows convict to petition for release

Pressure on <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rains-bodies-found-as-water-recedes-outbreak-of-disease-feared-160394">Kerala</a>'s limited land resources due to the growing population, denudation of the Western Ghats and climate change could be the reasons behind the floods that have ravaged the state, eminent scientist K Kasturirangan has said.

The former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation noted that the state's population had increased in the last century and it "has its own pressures on the environment and resources".&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rescue-operations-by-indian-air-force-continue-tonnes-of-relief-material-dropped-160271">Air Force continues rescue operations in flood-hit Kerala</a>

"So, together there has been an impact on the environment ... The population has increased, there is more demand on resources, which includes land, agriculture and many other activities," he told PTI.

Kasturirangan, who was a member of the now defunct Planning Commission and hails from Kerala, said that heavy rains have in the past been "well managed" by nature through an exceptionally thick vegetation and "other kinds of natural endowment that the state has, including the backwaters".

But the size of the backwaters has shrunk to 50-60 per cent of what it was in the 1940s, he said.

Kasturirangan said the Western Ghats have denuded at many places, "and agricultural practices have been pursued there... Population pressure has caused this".

Climate change could also be a reason behind the heavy rains, according to him.

"There are multiple factors. One has to really analyse it," he said.

He called for "proper planning" to minimize damage due to heavy rains.

Kasturirangan said steps should be taken to enable sustainable livelihood for Keralites, "make them happy and contented".

The fierce monsoon rains in Kerala have claimed 210 lives since August 8 and displaced over 7.14 lakh people from their homes.&nbsp;

The former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation noted that the state's population had increased in the last century and it 'has its own pressures on the environment and resources'

Pressure on Kerala's limited land resources due to the growing population, denudation of the Western Ghats and climate change could be the reasons behind the floods that have ravaged the state, eminent scientist K Kasturirangan has said. The former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation noted that the state's population had increased in the last century and it "has its own pressures on the environment and resources". Also read: Air Force continues rescue operations in flood-hit Kerala "So, together there has been an impact on the environment ... The population has increased, there is more demand on resources, which includes land, agriculture and many other activities," he told PTI. Kasturirangan, who was a member of the now defunct Planning Commission and hails from Kerala, said that heavy rains have in the past been "well managed" by nature through an exceptionally thick vegetation and "other kinds of natural endowment that the state has, including the backwaters". But the size of the backwaters has shrunk to 50-60 per cent of what it was in the 1940s, he said. Kasturirangan said the Western Ghats have denuded at many places, "and agricultural practices have been pursued there... Population pressure has caused this". Climate change could also be a reason behind the heavy rains, according to him. "There are multiple factors. One has to really analyse it," he said. He called for "proper planning" to minimize damage due to heavy rains. Kasturirangan said steps should be taken to enable sustainable livelihood for Keralites, "make them happy and contented". The fierce monsoon rains in Kerala have claimed 210 lives since August 8 and displaced over 7.14 lakh people from their homes.

Pressure on land resources behind rain fury in Kerala: Former ISRO Chief

The Indian Meteorological Department on Monday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring state Telangana for the next 48 hours.

"In next 48 hours coastal Andhra Pradesh will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in most of the districts. Under the influence of upper air cyclonic circulation, in next 48 hours, Telangana state will also receive widespread rainfall in all the parts of the state," Dr K Nagarathnam from the MeT Department noted.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, Nagarathnam attributed the weather activity to "the low-pressure area lying in Odisha, West Bengal and its adjoining areas in North West Bay of Bengal".&nbsp;

"West Godavari, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and some parts of Krishna and Guntur districts have received heavy rainfall," he noted.

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Rest of the places received heavy to very heavy rainfall in West Godavari&Krishna dist&some parts of Visakhapatnam&Vizianagaram. Next 48 hrs,coastal Andhra is very likely to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in many places,light to moderate rainfall at most places:IMD <a href="https://t.co/Hc0wBvyUjZ">pic.twitter.com/Hc0wBvyUjZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031556315313659904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, a high alert has been sounded in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of <a href="wionews.com/india-news/andhra-pradesh-on-high-alert-as-godavari-krishna-go-in-spate-160467">rising water level in Godavari and Krishna</a> rivers.&nbsp;

Neighbouring states like Karnataka and Kerala have also been under the grip of heavy rainfall and flood.

The deluge in Kerala has claimed nearly 400 lives this monsoon season with around 7 lakh people displaced and homeless.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a high alert has been sounded in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of rising water level in Godavari and Krishna rivers.

The Indian Meteorological Department on Monday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring state Telangana for the next 48 hours. "In next 48 hours coastal Andhra Pradesh will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in most of the districts. Under the influence of upper air cyclonic circulation, in next 48 hours, Telangana state will also receive widespread rainfall in all the parts of the state," Dr K Nagarathnam from the MeT Department noted. Andhra Pradesh received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours, Nagarathnam attributed the weather activity to "the low-pressure area lying in Odisha, West Bengal and its adjoining areas in North West Bay of Bengal". "West Godavari, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and some parts of Krishna and Guntur districts have received heavy rainfall," he noted. Rest of the places received heavy to very heavy rainfall in West Godavari&Krishna dist&some parts of Visakhapatnam&Vizianagaram. Next 48 hrs,coastal Andhra is very likely to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in many places,light to moderate rainfall at most places:IMD pic.twitter.com/Hc0wBvyUjZ — ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018 × Meanwhile, a high alert has been sounded in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of rising water level in Godavari and Krishna rivers. Neighbouring states like Karnataka and Kerala have also been under the grip of heavy rainfall and flood. The deluge in Kerala has claimed nearly 400 lives this monsoon season with around 7 lakh people displaced and homeless. (With inputs from ANI)

Heavy rainfall likely to lash coastal Andhra, Telangana for next 48 hours: IMD

West Bengal BJP vice president and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose on Sunday said that his family will not accept the remains of Netaji without conducting a DNA test on them.&nbsp;

"Nation and most members of Bose family are not willing to accept ashes without DNA test. If proved to be Netaji's, nation's willing to accept," he said on Sunday.

His comments came following Netaji's daughter Anita Bose Pfaff appealed to the Indian and the Japanese governments to hand over the mortal remains.

In October last year, while talking to ANI, Anita Bose Pffaf had said that "no government saw any gain in bringing Netaji's remains back" and kept out of the issue, fearing censure.&nbsp;

The ashes of what is believed to be that of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose are preserved at Renkoji Temple in Japan in a small box.

"According to the reports from the Indian Mission in Tokyo, the ashes were preserved in a small box of about 9 inch by 6 inch which seem to be either made of tin or wood," Ministry of External Affairs Additional Secretary Ajai Choudhry had said, PTI reported.

According to the information available on the government files, he said the chief priest of Renkoji temple had written to then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru November 23, 1953 that he had been keeping the ashes of Netaji since September 18, 1945.

The disappearance of Netaji 70 years ago still remains a mystery with two Commissions of Inquiry concluding that he had died in a plane crash in Taipei on August 18, 1945, while a third probe panel, headed by Justice MK Mukherjee, had contested it and suggested that Bose had survived the crash.

His comments came following Netaji's daughter Anita Bose Pfaff appealed to the Indian and the Japanese governments to hand over the mortal remains.

West Bengal BJP vice president and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose on Sunday said that his family will not accept the remains of Netaji without conducting a DNA test on them. "Nation and most members of Bose family are not willing to accept ashes without DNA test. If proved to be Netaji's, nation's willing to accept," he said on Sunday. His comments came following Netaji's daughter Anita Bose Pfaff appealed to the Indian and the Japanese governments to hand over the mortal remains. In October last year, while talking to ANI, Anita Bose Pffaf had said that "no government saw any gain in bringing Netaji's remains back" and kept out of the issue, fearing censure. The ashes of what is believed to be that of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose are preserved at Renkoji Temple in Japan in a small box. "According to the reports from the Indian Mission in Tokyo, the ashes were preserved in a small box of about 9 inch by 6 inch which seem to be either made of tin or wood," Ministry of External Affairs Additional Secretary Ajai Choudhry had said, PTI reported. According to the information available on the government files, he said the chief priest of Renkoji temple had written to then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru November 23, 1953 that he had been keeping the ashes of Netaji since September 18, 1945. The disappearance of Netaji 70 years ago still remains a mystery with two Commissions of Inquiry concluding that he had died in a plane crash in Taipei on August 18, 1945, while a third probe panel, headed by Justice MK Mukherjee, had contested it and suggested that Bose had survived the crash.

Won't accept Netaji's ashes without conducting DNA test: Grandnephew CK Bose

<a href="wionews.com/world/sufficient-concern-over-russian-chinese-iranian-and-north-korean-meddling-in-us-mid-term-polls-nsa-john-bolton-160268">Sufficient concern over Russian, Chinese, Iranian and North Korean meddling in US mid-term polls: John Bolton</a>

As Kremlin announced last week about a meeting with John Bolton meeting top Russian officials, the US national security adviser said targeted China, Iran, North Korea including Russia over possible meddling in the US mid-term polls in November.

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/rescue-operations-by-indian-air-force-continue-tonnes-of-relief-material-dropped-160271">Air Force continues rescue operations in flood-hit Kerala</a>

The IAF dropped relief materials in flood-hit regions of Kochi on Sunday. Aircrafts are dropping relief packages in all the flood-hit regions. Around 75 tonnes of relief material have been airdropped in affected areas.

<a href="wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-3rd-test-day-2-rishabh-pant-creates-history-with-five-catches-16028">IND vs ENG, 3rd Test Day 2: Rishabh Pant creates history with five catches</a>

India's wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant, 20, who impressed everyone with the bat in India's first innings against England at Nottingham, became the fourth wicket-keeper to take five catches on Test debut.

<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-denies-supporting-taliban-in-ghazni-siege-160280">Pakistan Army chief denies supporting Taliban in Ghazni siege</a>

Pakistan's Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa rebuffed claims from Kabul that Islamabad supported the Taliban in carrying out an attack in Afghanistan's Ghazni city.

<a href="wionews.com/world/south-koreans-head-for-family-reunions-in-north-after-decades-apart-160258">South Koreans enter North for family reunions after decades apart</a>

A convoy of buses carrying dozens of the South Korean family members entered North Korea on Monday for a government-arranged reunion -- the first time since being separated from nearly 70 years ago.

&nbsp

Sufficient concern over Russian, Chinese, Iranian and North Korean meddling in US mid-term polls: John Bolton As Kremlin announced last week about a meeting with John Bolton meeting top Russian officials, the US national security adviser said targeted China, Iran, North Korea including Russia over possible meddling in the US mid-term polls in November. Air Force continues rescue operations in flood-hit Kerala The IAF dropped relief materials in flood-hit regions of Kochi on Sunday. Aircrafts are dropping relief packages in all the flood-hit regions. Around 75 tonnes of relief material have been airdropped in affected areas. IND vs ENG, 3rd Test Day 2: Rishabh Pant creates history with five catches India's wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant, 20, who impressed everyone with the bat in India's first innings against England at Nottingham, became the fourth wicket-keeper to take five catches on Test debut. Pakistan Army chief denies supporting Taliban in Ghazni siege Pakistan's Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa rebuffed claims from Kabul that Islamabad supported the Taliban in carrying out an attack in Afghanistan's Ghazni city. South Koreans enter North for family reunions after decades apart A convoy of buses carrying dozens of the South Korean family members entered North Korea on Monday for a government-arranged reunion -- the first time since being separated from nearly 70 years ago.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The relief and rescue operation by the Indian Air Force continued all across the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-is-one-of-the-worst-floods-in-our-countrys-history-kerala-chief-minister-pinarayi-vijayan-160245">flood-hit state of Kerala</a>.&nbsp;

The IAF dropped relief materials in flood-hit regions of Kochi on Sunday. Aircrafts are dropping relief packages in all the flood-hit regions. Around 75 tonnes of relief material have been airdropped in affected areas.

Since Wednesday, the IAF has flown scores of sorties, hoisting more than 537 forlorn civilians from inundated neighbourhoods to relatively high-ground.

Men from the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force, the Garud commandos, flew on board the helicopters with Army specialists for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-government-to-provide-rs-3-crore-aid-for-flood-hit-kerala-160256">rescue missions</a>. They abseiled down the copters to reach stranded persons, whom they helped hoist up using high powered winches.

Airfields of Sulur, Trivandrum and Kochi (Garuda) have been the centre of flying activity with extensive dawn to dusk operations. Additional helicopters are now also positioned and operating from Pallakad to facilitate quicker responses to remote areas.&nbsp;

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Update on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloodRelief?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloodRelief</a> : IAF C130J aircraft transported 9.0 tons of Relief material & Army personnel from Bhopla to Calicut on 16 Aug 18. 
Kerala flood relief Ops Continuing in full spirit.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OpMadad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OpMadad</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SavingLives?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SavingLives</a> <a href="https://t.co/uWDjrBagzk">pic.twitter.com/uWDjrBagzk</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1030324308495585281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, fixed-wing aircraft continue to induct heavy supply of relief material which is being distributed through the state administration. So far a total of 90 sorties by various fixed wing aircrafts have been flown and 458 tonnes of load have been deployed.

Air Marshal B Suresh AVSM VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command flew on board a MI-17V5 helicopter to oversee the situation over the flood-affected areas.&nbsp;

The AOC-in-C in a statement emphasized that the IAF would continue <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-as-rains-ease-kochi-naval-base-inspected-for-commercial-flight-operations-160188">relentless efforts</a> to help the Kerala State Civil Population tide over this calamity till normalcy is restored.

A red alert has been issued for three districts in Kerala including Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam for Sunday.

The Centre has announced a package of Rs 500 crore as immediate aid, in addition to Rs 100 crores announced on August 12, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conducted an aerial surveillance to ascertain the extent of the devastation.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-steps-up-rescue-relief-efforts-in-flood-hit-kerala-160263">The Navy</a>, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and NDRF have been working relentlessly on the ground for the past two weeks after heavy rainfall and massive landslides shattered ‘God’s Own Country’ on August 8.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloodRelief?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloodRelief</a> :Wg Cdr Prasanth of Garud Spl Force of IAF saved a toddler from rooftop in flood hit town of Alappuzha, Kerala. Smile on the face of mother, Priceless. IAF committed in Defence of Skies & Saving Precious Lives on Ground<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SavingLives?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SavingLives</a><a href="https://twitter.com/CMOKerala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOKerala</a><a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/ls3paAXlyH">pic.twitter.com/ls3paAXlyH</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1031038228281753601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Since Wednesday, the IAF has flown scores of sorties, hoisting more than 537 forlorn civilians from inundated neighbourhoods to relatively high-ground.

The relief and rescue operation by the Indian Air Force continued all across the flood-hit state of Kerala. The IAF dropped relief materials in flood-hit regions of Kochi on Sunday. Aircrafts are dropping relief packages in all the flood-hit regions. Around 75 tonnes of relief material have been airdropped in affected areas. Since Wednesday, the IAF has flown scores of sorties, hoisting more than 537 forlorn civilians from inundated neighbourhoods to relatively high-ground. Men from the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force, the Garud commandos, flew on board the helicopters with Army specialists for rescue missions. They abseiled down the copters to reach stranded persons, whom they helped hoist up using high powered winches. Airfields of Sulur, Trivandrum and Kochi (Garuda) have been the centre of flying activity with extensive dawn to dusk operations. Additional helicopters are now also positioned and operating from Pallakad to facilitate quicker responses to remote areas. Update on #KeralaFloodRelief : IAF C130J aircraft transported 9.0 tons of Relief material & Army personnel from Bhopla to Calicut on 16 Aug 18. Kerala flood relief Ops Continuing in full spirit.#OpMadad #SavingLives pic.twitter.com/uWDjrBagzk — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 17, 2018 × Meanwhile, fixed-wing aircraft continue to induct heavy supply of relief material which is being distributed through the state administration. So far a total of 90 sorties by various fixed wing aircrafts have been flown and 458 tonnes of load have been deployed. Air Marshal B Suresh AVSM VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command flew on board a MI-17V5 helicopter to oversee the situation over the flood-affected areas. The AOC-in-C in a statement emphasized that the IAF would continue relentless efforts to help the Kerala State Civil Population tide over this calamity till normalcy is restored. A red alert has been issued for three districts in Kerala including Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam for Sunday. The Centre has announced a package of Rs 500 crore as immediate aid, in addition to Rs 100 crores announced on August 12, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday conducted an aerial surveillance to ascertain the extent of the devastation. The Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and NDRF have been working relentlessly on the ground for the past two weeks after heavy rainfall and massive landslides shattered ‘God’s Own Country’ on August 8. #KeralaFloodRelief :Wg Cdr Prasanth of Garud Spl Force of IAF saved a toddler from rooftop in flood hit town of Alappuzha, Kerala. Smile on the face of mother, Priceless. IAF committed in Defence of Skies & Saving Precious Lives on Ground#SavingLives@CMOKerala@DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/ls3paAXlyH — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 19, 2018 ×

Air Force continues rescue operations in flood-hit Kerala

Violence erupted in Gujarat after Patidar quota agitation leader Alpesh Kathiriya, a close aide of Hardik Patel, was arrested by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch in an old sedition case.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hardik-patel-detained-in-ahmedabad-ahead-of-hunger-strike-160164">Hardik Patel</a> was also detained by Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Sunday morning.&nbsp

Mobs set a BRTS bus on fire at Yogi Chawk and damaged a bus stand at Varachha area. The group also burnt tyres and petled stones.&nbsp

Kathiriya is a leader of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), an outfit organising protests demanding reservation for the Patidar community.&nbsp

Hardik and other Patidar leaders were on their way to Nikol assembly constituency of Ahmedabad district when they were detained by the crime branch. The group was intended to take part in a one-day hunger strike over the issue of reservation.

Surat Police Commissioner Satish Sharma said the situation was under control and the police were trying to ascertain who were behind the violence.

"A BRTS bus was set ablaze and a bus stand damaged by mobs, but we have brought the situation under control. We are trying to ascertain who all were behind the violence. It appears that those behind the violence are PAAS members and those sympathising with the outfit," he said.

While eight of them were released on bail after being booked under sections 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly) and 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) of the IPC, Kathiriya was shown as arrested in a sedition case dating back to 2015, in which he was an accused, a Crime Branch official said.

On July 25, Patel along with his two aides was sentenced to two years of imprisonment by a local court in Gujarat for inciting violence during a protest rally held in 2015. They, however, were later granted bail with a direction to file an appeal in the Gujarat High Court within a month.&nbsp

Kathiriya was detained, along with Patel, who is spearheading the protest demanding reservation for the Patidar community.

Violence erupted in Gujarat after Patidar quota agitation leader Alpesh Kathiriya, a close aide of Hardik Patel, was arrested by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch in an old sedition case. Hardik Patel was also detained by Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Sunday morning. Mobs set a BRTS bus on fire at Yogi Chawk and damaged a bus stand at Varachha area. The group also burnt tyres and petled stones. Kathiriya is a leader of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), an outfit organising protests demanding reservation for the Patidar community. Hardik and other Patidar leaders were on their way to Nikol assembly constituency of Ahmedabad district when they were detained by the crime branch. The group was intended to take part in a one-day hunger strike over the issue of reservation. Surat Police Commissioner Satish Sharma said the situation was under control and the police were trying to ascertain who were behind the violence. "A BRTS bus was set ablaze and a bus stand damaged by mobs, but we have brought the situation under control. We are trying to ascertain who all were behind the violence. It appears that those behind the violence are PAAS members and those sympathising with the outfit," he said. While eight of them were released on bail after being booked under sections 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly) and 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) of the IPC, Kathiriya was shown as arrested in a sedition case dating back to 2015, in which he was an accused, a Crime Branch official said. On July 25, Patel along with his two aides was sentenced to two years of imprisonment by a local court in Gujarat for inciting violence during a protest rally held in 2015. They, however, were later granted bail with a direction to file an appeal in the Gujarat High Court within a month.

Violence erupts in Gujarat following arrest of Patidar leader Alpesh Kathiriya

Shortly after Air India subsidiary, Alliance Air, started flight operations from the Kochi naval base on Monday, budget carrier IndiGo also decided to do the same from Tuesday. &nbsp

IndiGo, in a statement on Monday, said it would continue to operate eight round-trip relief flights from Kozhikode, Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Trivandrum in addition to "flying three daily additional relief flights (round trip) from Kochi naval base effective August 21, 2018, to August 26, 2018", it added.

Alliance Air operated four flights to and from the naval base and ferried around 256 passengers on Monday.

According to reports, Jet Airways may become another airline to join as domestic carriers look to provide more air connectivity to flood-ravaged Kerala. Cochin International Airport, which is currently shut in the wake of the deluge, is expected to resume operations after August 26.&nbsp

Last week, aviation regulator DGCA asked scheduled domestic airlines to mount additional flights in view of the closure of the Cochin airport.

Kerala, which has been battling severe flooding, landslides and unabated rainfall, witnessed relief from heavy rainfall on Monday. The MeT department withdrew red alert for the state, warming of orange alert in three districts and yellow, green alert for rest of the districts.&nbsp

Flood water is also believed to have begun receding in many areas in Kerala, however, rescue operations, relief work and rehabilitation is in full swing. The Central government on Monday declared the destructive deluge a 'calamity of severe nature'.&nbsp

Nearly 400 people have died with over 7 lakh people displaced and homeless, taking shelter in more than 5,000 relief camps across the state.

The massive floods are estimated to have caused a cumulative loss worth over 20,000 crore&nbspto the state.&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)

According to reports, Jet Airways may become another airline to join as domestic carriers look to provide more air connectivity to flood-ravaged Kerala.

Shortly after Air India subsidiary, Alliance Air, started flight operations from the Kochi naval base on Monday, budget carrier IndiGo also decided to do the same from Tuesday. IndiGo, in a statement on Monday, said it would continue to operate eight round-trip relief flights from Kozhikode, Bengaluru, Coimbatore and Trivandrum in addition to "flying three daily additional relief flights (round trip) from Kochi naval base effective August 21, 2018, to August 26, 2018", it added. Alliance Air operated four flights to and from the naval base and ferried around 256 passengers on Monday. According to reports, Jet Airways may become another airline to join as domestic carriers look to provide more air connectivity to flood-ravaged Kerala. Cochin International Airport, which is currently shut in the wake of the deluge, is expected to resume operations after August 26. Last week, aviation regulator DGCA asked scheduled domestic airlines to mount additional flights in view of the closure of the Cochin airport. Kerala, which has been battling severe flooding, landslides and unabated rainfall, witnessed relief from heavy rainfall on Monday. The MeT department withdrew red alert for the state, warming of orange alert in three districts and yellow, green alert for rest of the districts. Flood water is also believed to have begun receding in many areas in Kerala, however, rescue operations, relief work and rehabilitation is in full swing. The Central government on Monday declared the destructive deluge a 'calamity of severe nature'. Nearly 400 people have died with over 7 lakh people displaced and homeless, taking shelter in more than 5,000 relief camps across the state. The massive floods are estimated to have caused a cumulative loss worth over 20,000 crore&nbspto the state. (With inputs from PTI)

IndiGo to operate flights from Kochi naval base from Tuesday 

Karnataka Minister HD Revanna was slammed Monday after he was caught on camera throwing packets of biscuits to flood victims.&nbsp;

Video of the incident soon went viral.&nbsp;

HD Revanna, Karnataka's public works minister, is also Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's brother.&nbsp;

The video was shot at a flood relief camp in Ramanathapura in Karnataka.

In it, Revanna can be seen passing out the packets of biscuits. Then, after a while, he begins to throw them.&nbsp;

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H D Revanna, brother of <a href="https://twitter.com/hd_kumaraswamy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hd_kumaraswamy</a> is throwing biscuits to the people affected by floods in Karnataka, as if he is feeding to the fishes. 
 
This is an inhuman approach towards helping people who are stuck in a difficult situation. <a href="https://t.co/sY25imlFtl">pic.twitter.com/sY25imlFtl</a>
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Several districts of Karnataka's coastal and Malenadu regions have been battered by rain over the last few days.&nbsp;A number of people have since been moved to relief camps.&nbsp;

News reports said a number of people refused to eat out of the biscuit packets Revanna threw at them.&nbsp;

The minister in question, HD Revanna, Karnataka's public works minister, is also Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's brother.

Karnataka Minister HD Revanna was slammed Monday after he was caught on camera throwing packets of biscuits to flood victims. Video of the incident soon went viral. HD Revanna, Karnataka's public works minister, is also Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy's brother. The video was shot at a flood relief camp in Ramanathapura in Karnataka. In it, Revanna can be seen passing out the packets of biscuits. Then, after a while, he begins to throw them. H D Revanna, brother of @hd_kumaraswamy is throwing biscuits to the people affected by floods in Karnataka, as if he is feeding to the fishes. This is an inhuman approach towards helping people who are stuck in a difficult situation. pic.twitter.com/sY25imlFtl — Know The Nation (@knowthenation) August 20, 2018 × Several districts of Karnataka's coastal and Malenadu regions have been battered by rain over the last few days. A number of people have since been moved to relief camps. News reports said a number of people refused to eat out of the biscuit packets Revanna threw at them.

Video: Karnataka minister slammed after he throws biscuits at flood victims

Cricketer-turned-politician, Navjot Singh Sidhu defended after facing criticism for hugging Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and sitting beside Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir President, Masood Khan during swearing ceremony of prime minister Imran Khan.

After coming back from his Pakistan's visit, Sidhu said, "If one is invited as a guest of honour somewhere, then they have to sit wherever they are asked to. I was sitting somewhere else but they asked me to sit there," news agency ANI quoted him saying.

Further giving clarification on his hug with the Pakistan Army Chief, the Congress leader said, "If someone (Pakistan Army Chief General Bajwa) comes and says that we belong to the same culture and we will open Kartarpur border on Guru Nanak Dev's 550th Prakash Parv, what else I could do?"

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan on Saturday took oath as the 22nd prime minister of Pakistan, a day after he defeated Shahbaz Sharif in a one-sided contest in the National Assembly.

Sidhu after being invited to the event reached Lahore via the Wagah border on Friday. From there he then travelled to Islamabad for the event.

As Sidhu arrived at the Resident House for the swearing ceremony, he was welcomed by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa on Saturday where both hugged each other during the welcoming.

Sidhu then sat next to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) president Masood Khan. &nbsp

Following the event, he became a subject of backlash by the opposition as they condemned his visit.&nbsp

BJP termed his visit a "crime". BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "Navjot Singh Sidhu is not just an individual but also a member of a political party and a cabinet minister in the Punjab government. The&nbsp 
Congress needs to answer some serious questions in this regard. Navjot must have known that this man is the so-called President of PoK. He should have objected to sitting next to him."

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/opposition-in-punjab-slams-navjot-singh-sidhu-for-pakistan-visit--160112">Opposition in Punjab also questioned</a> Sidhu on the importance of the visit when the country is mourning for the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

'If one is invited as a guest of honour somewhere, then they have to sit wherever they are asked to', said Sidhu.

Cricketer-turned-politician, Navjot Singh Sidhu defended after facing criticism for hugging Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa and sitting beside Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir President, Masood Khan during swearing ceremony of prime minister Imran Khan. After coming back from his Pakistan's visit, Sidhu said, "If one is invited as a guest of honour somewhere, then they have to sit wherever they are asked to. I was sitting somewhere else but they asked me to sit there," news agency ANI quoted him saying. Further giving clarification on his hug with the Pakistan Army Chief, the Congress leader said, "If someone (Pakistan Army Chief General Bajwa) comes and says that we belong to the same culture and we will open Kartarpur border on Guru Nanak Dev's 550th Prakash Parv, what else I could do?" Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan on Saturday took oath as the 22nd prime minister of Pakistan, a day after he defeated Shahbaz Sharif in a one-sided contest in the National Assembly. Sidhu after being invited to the event reached Lahore via the Wagah border on Friday. From there he then travelled to Islamabad for the event. As Sidhu arrived at the Resident House for the swearing ceremony, he was welcomed by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa on Saturday where both hugged each other during the welcoming. Sidhu then sat next to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) president Masood Khan. Following the event, he became a subject of backlash by the opposition as they condemned his visit. BJP termed his visit a "crime". BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "Navjot Singh Sidhu is not just an individual but also a member of a political party and a cabinet minister in the Punjab government. The Congress needs to answer some serious questions in this regard. Navjot must have known that this man is the so-called President of PoK. He should have objected to sitting next to him." Opposition in Punjab also questioned Sidhu on the importance of the visit when the country is mourning for the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Navjot Singh Sidhu defends himself over Pakistan visit row

The union home ministry on Monday declared the Kerala floods "a calamity of severe nature".&nbsp;

"Keeping in view the intensity and magnitude of the floods and landslides in Kerala, this is a calamity of a severe nature for all practical purposes," a home ministry official said.

Unabated rainfall prompted Kerala authorities to open shutters of as many as 33 dams and reservoirs across the state, leading to massive flooding in its rivers.&nbsp;

The destructive deluge has claimed nearly 400 lives so far with over 7 lakh people displaced and homeless, taking shelter in more than 5,000 relief camps.&nbsp;

On Monday, authorities and teams involved in rescue and relief mission turned towards rehabilitation work as the state witnessed relief from heavy rainfall.

Flood water receded in many areas on Monday, however, reports suggest some areas are still cut-off and rescuers are trying to reach the stranded.&nbsp;

Kerala received rainfall that was more than 40 per cent greater than normal for the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. Over the past 10 days, the state witnessed torrential rainfall.

Officials predict cleaning of the flood-hit houses, rehabilitation, and prevention of water-borne diseases as some of the biggest challenges ahead.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Union Health Minister JP Nadda stated that the authorities are now bracing for any <a href="wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rains-bodies-found-as-water-recedes-outbreak-of-disease-feared-160394">possible outbreak of diseases</a> ensuring that medical essentials and drugs are easily available.

"There is a requirement for 90 different medicines and the first instalment has reached," he added.

Kerala's Health Minister KK Shailaja on Monday stated that the priority right now is health and sanitation.&nbsp;

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CM has spoken to us & we've discussed the situation at hand, our priority right now is health & sanitation. We have all the resources required to help the people & we also urge them to come forward if they any issue related to the same: Kerala Health Min KK Shailaja <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/dpY7GRIYGu">pic.twitter.com/dpY7GRIYGu</a>
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"The Chief Minister has spoken to us and we've discussed the situation at hand, our priority right now is health and sanitation. We have all the resources required to help the people and we also urge them to come forward if they find any issue related to the same," Shailaja noted.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last week described the calamity as one of the biggest to have hit the state in the last 100 years. The Supreme Court also termed the deluge "very grave".

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Officials predict cleaning of the flood-hit houses, rehabilitation, and prevention of water-borne diseases as some of the biggest challenges.

The union home ministry on Monday declared the Kerala floods "a calamity of severe nature". "Keeping in view the intensity and magnitude of the floods and landslides in Kerala, this is a calamity of a severe nature for all practical purposes," a home ministry official said. Unabated rainfall prompted Kerala authorities to open shutters of as many as 33 dams and reservoirs across the state, leading to massive flooding in its rivers. The destructive deluge has claimed nearly 400 lives so far with over 7 lakh people displaced and homeless, taking shelter in more than 5,000 relief camps. On Monday, authorities and teams involved in rescue and relief mission turned towards rehabilitation work as the state witnessed relief from heavy rainfall. Flood water receded in many areas on Monday, however, reports suggest some areas are still cut-off and rescuers are trying to reach the stranded. Kerala received rainfall that was more than 40 per cent greater than normal for the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. Over the past 10 days, the state witnessed torrential rainfall. Officials predict cleaning of the flood-hit houses, rehabilitation, and prevention of water-borne diseases as some of the biggest challenges ahead. Union Health Minister JP Nadda stated that the authorities are now bracing for any possible outbreak of diseases ensuring that medical essentials and drugs are easily available. "There is a requirement for 90 different medicines and the first instalment has reached," he added. Kerala's Health Minister KK Shailaja on Monday stated that the priority right now is health and sanitation. CM has spoken to us & we've discussed the situation at hand, our priority right now is health & sanitation. We have all the resources required to help the people & we also urge them to come forward if they any issue related to the same: Kerala Health Min KK Shailaja #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/dpY7GRIYGu — ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018 × "The Chief Minister has spoken to us and we've discussed the situation at hand, our priority right now is health and sanitation. We have all the resources required to help the people and we also urge them to come forward if they find any issue related to the same," Shailaja noted. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan last week described the calamity as one of the biggest to have hit the state in the last 100 years. The Supreme Court also termed the deluge "very grave".

As death toll nears 400, Centre declares Kerala floods 'calamity of severe nature'

After CBI officials confirmed on Monday about the presence of fugitive diamond merchant&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/request-for-extradition-of-nirav-modi-sent-to-uk-government-mos-mea-vk-singh--156699">Nirav Modi&nbsp;</a>in the United Kingdom, the officials have now&nbsp;requested Interpol Manchester to detain Nirav Modi.

The Interpol had earlier informed the Indian investigators' about his location on August 16.

According to reports, the authorities in the UK have not provided Modi's address and city yet. They have also not confirmed if any action has been taken.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-high-commission-in-london-initiates-nirav-modis-extradition-157106">government of India</a>&nbsp;had sent the extradition request for Nirav Modi to the UK authorities earlier this month&nbsp;and asked the UK authorities to detain Modi.

As per reports, Nirav Modi had arrived in London earlier this year on an Indian passport. The UK government was informed about the revocation of his passport via a formal Note Verbale from the Indian authorities on February 19, following which the UK Home Office indicated that the businessman had already entered the UK on his travel document but there was no record of him exiting the country.

The Enforcement Directorate has been probing two cases of money laundering against Nirav Modi and Choksi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI.&nbsp;

Last week, the Income Tax department had&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-tax-notices-issued-against-nirav-modi-revenue-department-158409">slapped three notices</a>&nbsp;under the foreign black money law against&nbsp; Nirav Modi who is involved in Rs&nbsp;14,000 crore PNB fraud case, for allegedly holding illegal assets abroad.

Nirav&nbsp;Modi, along with his uncle Mehul Choksi, are accused in the&nbsp;Rs.&nbsp;13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud.

The special&nbsp;Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court in Mumbai have issued summons against the diamond jeweller&nbsp;and his uncle Mehul Choksi to appear before it&nbsp;or be declared fugitives.

Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi have been asked to appear before the court on September 26 and 27 respectively.

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CBI has requested Interpol Manchester to detain <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NiravModi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NiravModi</a> in the UK: Sources (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/ytLvWEpWqO">pic.twitter.com/ytLvWEpWqO</a>
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&nbsp;

The Interpol had earlier informed the Indian investigators' about his location on August 16

After CBI officials confirmed on Monday about the presence of fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi in the United Kingdom, the officials have now requested Interpol Manchester to detain Nirav Modi. The Interpol had earlier informed the Indian investigators' about his location on August 16. According to reports, the authorities in the UK have not provided Modi's address and city yet. They have also not confirmed if any action has been taken. The government of India had sent the extradition request for Nirav Modi to the UK authorities earlier this month and asked the UK authorities to detain Modi. As per reports, Nirav Modi had arrived in London earlier this year on an Indian passport. The UK government was informed about the revocation of his passport via a formal Note Verbale from the Indian authorities on February 19, following which the UK Home Office indicated that the businessman had already entered the UK on his travel document but there was no record of him exiting the country. The Enforcement Directorate has been probing two cases of money laundering against Nirav Modi and Choksi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on the basis of an FIR registered by the CBI. Last week, the Income Tax department had slapped three notices under the foreign black money law against Nirav Modi who is involved in Rs 14,000 crore PNB fraud case, for allegedly holding illegal assets abroad. Nirav Modi, along with his uncle Mehul Choksi, are accused in the Rs. 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud. The special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court in Mumbai have issued summons against the diamond jeweller and his uncle Mehul Choksi to appear before it or be declared fugitives. Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi have been asked to appear before the court on September 26 and 27 respectively. CBI has requested Interpol Manchester to detain #NiravModi in the UK: Sources (file pic) pic.twitter.com/ytLvWEpWqO — ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018 ×

CBI requests Interpol Manchester to detain Nirav Modi in UK: Sources

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/modi-writes-to-pakistans-imran-khan-says-india-looking-for-meaningful-engagement-160401">Modi writes to Pakistan's Imran Khan, says India looking for meaningful engagement: Report</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to Imran Khan, the news agency PTI reported Monday. In his letter, written on Saturday, Modi said India was looking for constructive and meaningful engagement with Pakistan.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/sc-to-up-govt-why-should-cm-yogi-adityanath-not-be-prosecuted-for-alleged-hate-speech-160422">Supreme Court&nbsp;to UP govt: Why should CM Yogi Adityanath not be prosecuted for alleged hate speech?&nbsp;</a>

The Supreme Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government on Monday why Yogi Adityanath should not be prosecuted for allegedly making a hate speech in 2007.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/never-thought-i-will-ever-have-to-address-a-meeting-without-atal-ji-senior-bjp-leader-lk-advani--160433">Never thought I would have to address a meeting without Atalji: Advani</a>

While addressing a Prayer meet of Vajpayee in Delhi, Advani said, "I have addressed several public meetings but I had never thought that I will once have to address a meeting like this, a meeting where Atalji would not be there"

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rains-bodies-found-as-water-recedes-outbreak-of-disease-feared-160394">Kerala rains: Bodies found as water recedes, </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rains-bodies-found-as-water-recedes-outbreak-of-disease-feared-160394">outbreak</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rains-bodies-found-as-water-recedes-outbreak-of-disease-feared-160394"> of disease feared</a>

Floodwaters receded in Kerala on Monday, leaving rescuers the grim task of retrieving bodies as the death toll from the worst monsoon rains in a century rose above 400.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/would-visit-kabul-soon-to-initiate-new-beginnings-pak-foreign-minister-160441">Would visit Kabul soon to initiate 'new beginnings': Pak Foreign Minister</a>

Pakistan's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on Monday, delivered his first addressed wherein he called for fostering peaceful ties with Pakistan's neighbours.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Modi writes to Pakistan's Imran Khan, says India looking for meaningful engagement: Report Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to Imran Khan, the news agency PTI reported Monday. In his letter, written on Saturday, Modi said India was looking for constructive and meaningful engagement with Pakistan. Supreme Court to UP govt: Why should CM Yogi Adityanath not be prosecuted for alleged hate speech? The Supreme Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government on Monday why Yogi Adityanath should not be prosecuted for allegedly making a hate speech in 2007. Never thought I would have to address a meeting without Atalji: Advani While addressing a Prayer meet of Vajpayee in Delhi, Advani said, "I have addressed several public meetings but I had never thought that I will once have to address a meeting like this, a meeting where Atalji would not be there" Kerala rains: Bodies found as water recedes, outbreak of disease feared Floodwaters receded in Kerala on Monday, leaving rescuers the grim task of retrieving bodies as the death toll from the worst monsoon rains in a century rose above 400. Would visit Kabul soon to initiate 'new beginnings': Pak Foreign Minister Pakistan's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, on Monday, delivered his first addressed wherein he called for fostering peaceful ties with Pakistan's neighbours.

The Supreme Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government on Monday why Yogi Adityanath should not be prosecuted for allegedly making a hate speech in 2007.&nbsp;

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Supreme Court issues notice to Uttar Pradesh government in connection with a speech given by Yogi Adityanath in 2007, asked govt to reply as to why he should not be prosecuted for allegedly giving a hate speech in 2007? <a href="https://t.co/z2puUmxwbQ">pic.twitter.com/z2puUmxwbQ</a>
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The court issued a notice to the UP government, asking it to reply within four weeks.&nbsp;

Adityanath is the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The speech in question was given in Gorakhpur, outside the town's railway station.&nbsp;

A complaint&nbsp;filed with the police later said the speech had been inflammatory and had incited communal violence.&nbsp;

Adityanath was at the time MP from Gorakhpur.

The Supreme Court was on Monday hearing a petition challenging the Allahabad High Court judgement upholding the state government's decision to refuse permission to prosecute Adityanath.&nbsp;

The alleged hate speech was made in 2007 in Gorakhpur. Adityanath was at the time MP from Gorakhpur

The Supreme Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government on Monday why Yogi Adityanath should not be prosecuted for allegedly making a hate speech in 2007. Supreme Court issues notice to Uttar Pradesh government in connection with a speech given by Yogi Adityanath in 2007, asked govt to reply as to why he should not be prosecuted for allegedly giving a hate speech in 2007? pic.twitter.com/z2puUmxwbQ — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 20, 2018 × The court issued a notice to the UP government, asking it to reply within four weeks. Adityanath is the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. The speech in question was given in Gorakhpur, outside the town's railway station. A complaint filed with the police later said the speech had been inflammatory and had incited communal violence. Adityanath was at the time MP from Gorakhpur. The Supreme Court was on Monday hearing a petition challenging the Allahabad High Court judgement upholding the state government's decision to refuse permission to prosecute Adityanath.

SC to UP govt: Why should Adityanath not be prosecuted for alleged hate speech? 

An FIR was registered against Manju Verma, Bihar's ex-social welfare minister, and her husband under the Arms Act after 50 cartridges from her in-law's house during a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muzaffarpur-shelter-home-case-cbi-searches-premises-of-former-bihar-minister-manju-verma-159725">CBI raid</a> in connection with the Muzaffarpur shelter home sex scandal, police said.

The FIR was registered against the couple by a CBI official, SHO Rajak said, but declined to name him.

The search began on August 17. In addition to five locations, search operations are also underway at seven premises of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-shelter-home-case-police-source-says-main-accused-spoke-often-to-ministers-husband-157758">Brajesh Thakur</a>, who ran the NGO, his friends and relatives.&nbsp

The searches were spread across three residences of former Social Welfare Minister Verma in Patna and one each in Motihari and Bhagalpur, they said. Verma had resigned last week following allegations that her husband was a regular visitor to the girls’ shelter home where minor girls were facing sexual abuse.

The FIR was registered on Saturday against Manju Verma and her husband Chandrashekhar for recovery of 50 live cartridges from her in-law's house at Arjun Tola village during a raid, Cheria Bariarpur police station SHO Ranjit Kumar Rajak said.

Police said the live cartridges are of different firearms.

It was alleged by the wife of an arrested accused from the department that Verma’s husband was a frequent visitor to the Muzaffarpur shelter home, where 34 girls were allegedly raped over a period of time.&nbsp

Verma had given <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muzaffarpur-shelter-home-case-media-opposition-created-uproar-says-manju-verma-after-resigning--157886">her resignation</a> last week due to agitation by media and the opposition, and hopes that the CBI and judiciary give a clean chit to her husband.&nbsp

Talking to ANI, Verma said, "I resigned because media and opposition had created a furore, but I have full faith in CBI and Judiciary, I am sure truth will be out and my husband will come out clean."

What appears to have precipitated her resignation was media reports that examination of mobile phone details of key accused Brajesh Thakur showed that he had spoken to her husband 17 times from January to June this year.

The FIR was registered against the couple by a CBI official, SHO Rajak said, but declined to name him.

An FIR was registered against Manju Verma, Bihar's ex-social welfare minister, and her husband under the Arms Act after 50 cartridges from her in-law's house during a CBI raid in connection with the Muzaffarpur shelter home sex scandal, police said. The FIR was registered against the couple by a CBI official, SHO Rajak said, but declined to name him. The search began on August 17. In addition to five locations, search operations are also underway at seven premises of Brajesh Thakur, who ran the NGO, his friends and relatives. The searches were spread across three residences of former Social Welfare Minister Verma in Patna and one each in Motihari and Bhagalpur, they said. Verma had resigned last week following allegations that her husband was a regular visitor to the girls’ shelter home where minor girls were facing sexual abuse. The FIR was registered on Saturday against Manju Verma and her husband Chandrashekhar for recovery of 50 live cartridges from her in-law's house at Arjun Tola village during a raid, Cheria Bariarpur police station SHO Ranjit Kumar Rajak said. Police said the live cartridges are of different firearms. It was alleged by the wife of an arrested accused from the department that Verma’s husband was a frequent visitor to the Muzaffarpur shelter home, where 34 girls were allegedly raped over a period of time. Verma had given her resignation last week due to agitation by media and the opposition, and hopes that the CBI and judiciary give a clean chit to her husband. Talking to ANI, Verma said, "I resigned because media and opposition had created a furore, but I have full faith in CBI and Judiciary, I am sure truth will be out and my husband will come out clean." What appears to have precipitated her resignation was media reports that examination of mobile phone details of key accused Brajesh Thakur showed that he had spoken to her husband 17 times from January to June this year.

Manju Verma, husband booked under Arms Act in Bihar shelter home rapes

The central government has directed the withdrawal of over 7,000 CRPF personnel from their long drawn deployment in four states, the maximum being from West Bengal.

These armed troops, part of seven battalions, will subsequently be re-deployed for conducting operations in Naxal-hit regions of south Bastar in Chhattisgarh, a recent government order has said.

The force was deployed to carry out anti-Naxal operations in West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand whereas for internal security-related duty in Uttar Pradesh.

As per the directive issued accessed by PTI, the Union Home Ministry early this week informed the respective states enumerating that the maximum of three battalions are to be withdrawn from West Bengal, two from Bihar and one each from Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.

Official sources said the move to take out the Central Reserve Police Force battalions from these states has come after a long time and the Home Ministry ordered for their marching after the paramilitary made a demand to it that it requires more battalions in Chhattisgarh in order to open more bases in the Maoist hotbed in Chhattisgarh.

As the biggest Left Wing Extremism (LWE) combat challenge is now in south Bastar, that borders Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, it is required to enhance the number of CRPF boots in these areas, they said.

The districts of Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, Kanker and Kondagaon witness the maximum movement and activity of the armed Maoist cadres and since the last year, the CRPF has begun opening camps in the interior areas to penetrate into the core Naxal areas, they said.

The LWE theatre in all the states from where the battalions have been ordered to be taken out, except Uttar Pradesh, have seen a marginal dip in the strength and control of Naxals and the forces are now in the dominating position, a senior official supervising anti-Naxal operations for the CRPF explained.

Uttar Pradesh has one LWE affected district - Sonebhadra - and the lone CRPF battalion proposed to be taken out from this central Indian state would come from a group centre of the force under which eight-nine battalions operate, he said.

These states are the only places from where the CRPF could take out few battalions as there is not much scope to withdraw units from either Jammu and Kashmir or the north east, the two other internal security theatres where the paramilitary is deployed thickly.

We expect the withdrawal to begin by this month end and their re-deployment in Chhattisgarh to be completed by the year end, he said.

The Home Ministry, under the same order, has asked the Chhattisgarh government to provide "adequate logistics and accommodation" for these new incoming units.

The CRPF, country's largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) with over three lakh personnel in its ranks, has about 30 battalions deployed in Chhattisgarh at present.

A CRPF battalion has over 1,000 troops.&nbsp

These armed troops, part of seven battalions, will subsequently be re-deployed for conducting operations in Naxal-hit regions of south Bastar in Chhattisgarh, a recent government order has said.

The central government has directed the withdrawal of over 7,000 CRPF personnel from their long drawn deployment in four states, the maximum being from West Bengal. These armed troops, part of seven battalions, will subsequently be re-deployed for conducting operations in Naxal-hit regions of south Bastar in Chhattisgarh, a recent government order has said. The force was deployed to carry out anti-Naxal operations in West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand whereas for internal security-related duty in Uttar Pradesh. As per the directive issued accessed by PTI, the Union Home Ministry early this week informed the respective states enumerating that the maximum of three battalions are to be withdrawn from West Bengal, two from Bihar and one each from Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. Official sources said the move to take out the Central Reserve Police Force battalions from these states has come after a long time and the Home Ministry ordered for their marching after the paramilitary made a demand to it that it requires more battalions in Chhattisgarh in order to open more bases in the Maoist hotbed in Chhattisgarh. As the biggest Left Wing Extremism (LWE) combat challenge is now in south Bastar, that borders Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, it is required to enhance the number of CRPF boots in these areas, they said. The districts of Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, Kanker and Kondagaon witness the maximum movement and activity of the armed Maoist cadres and since the last year, the CRPF has begun opening camps in the interior areas to penetrate into the core Naxal areas, they said. The LWE theatre in all the states from where the battalions have been ordered to be taken out, except Uttar Pradesh, have seen a marginal dip in the strength and control of Naxals and the forces are now in the dominating position, a senior official supervising anti-Naxal operations for the CRPF explained. Uttar Pradesh has one LWE affected district - Sonebhadra - and the lone CRPF battalion proposed to be taken out from this central Indian state would come from a group centre of the force under which eight-nine battalions operate, he said. These states are the only places from where the CRPF could take out few battalions as there is not much scope to withdraw units from either Jammu and Kashmir or the north east, the two other internal security theatres where the paramilitary is deployed thickly. We expect the withdrawal to begin by this month end and their re-deployment in Chhattisgarh to be completed by the year end, he said. The Home Ministry, under the same order, has asked the Chhattisgarh government to provide "adequate logistics and accommodation" for these new incoming units. The CRPF, country's largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) with over three lakh personnel in its ranks, has about 30 battalions deployed in Chhattisgarh at present. A CRPF battalion has over 1,000 troops.

7000 CRPF troops to be withdrawn from 4 states for deployment in Bastar

As the massive floods continue to wreak havoc in the state of Kerala, the Western Naval Command on Sunday sailed Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mysore with relief material to provide assistance to the flood-hit state.

On the night of August 19, the ship carried about 70 tonnes of relief material which includes bottled water, ready to eat meals, fresh ration, milk, biscuits and other miscellaneous things like medicines, essential toiletries, phenyl, gash bags, bleaching powder, and candles.&nbsp

The relief material also included items received from some NGOs situated in Mumbai.

The ship also carried one Chetak helicopter for augmenting air effort of the Southern Naval Command.&nbsp

A second ship, INS Mumbai is also being prepared with relief material and would depart for Kochi by the morning of August 20.

The Western Naval Command's Karwar Naval Base has also sent approximately 15 tonnes of fresh rations on Indian Naval Ship Sharda on August 19.

Earlier on August 17, INS Deepak had sailed from Mumbai for Kochi with divers, Geminis, raincoats, gumboots, bottled water, fresh rations and ready to eat meals.

The ship entered Kochi on Sunday and handed over relief stores. Over the next few days, the ship will stock up more fresh water and relief material from Karwar for a second round of replenishment at Kochi.

Yesterday, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) directed the central ministries to focus on the provision of emergency supplies of food, water, medicines and restoration of essential services in the southern state.

NCMC met for the fourth time on Sunday in last four day to coordinate rescue and relief operations among the Defence Forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and other Central Ministries and Kerala Government.

Thousands of personnel of Indian Navy, Air Force, Army, NDRF and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are engaged in the rescue and relief operations, which is in full swing in Kerala.

Till now, 38,000 people have been rescued and evacuated from the flood-affected areas. Medical aid has been provided to more than 23,000 people and around 3,00,000 food packets have been supplied by the Food Processing Ministry.

Kerala has been facing the worst flooding in a century. Kerala Chief Minister confirmed on Saturday that the death toll due to the floods has increased to 357. He added that the state has suffered a loss of Rs 19,512 crore due to the deluge.

Till now, 38,000 people have been rescued and evacuated from the flood-affected areas. Medical aid has been provided to more than 23,000 people and around 3,00,000 food packets have been supplied by the Food Processing Ministry.

As the massive floods continue to wreak havoc in the state of Kerala, the Western Naval Command on Sunday sailed Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mysore with relief material to provide assistance to the flood-hit state. On the night of August 19, the ship carried about 70 tonnes of relief material which includes bottled water, ready to eat meals, fresh ration, milk, biscuits and other miscellaneous things like medicines, essential toiletries, phenyl, gash bags, bleaching powder, and candles. The relief material also included items received from some NGOs situated in Mumbai. The ship also carried one Chetak helicopter for augmenting air effort of the Southern Naval Command. A second ship, INS Mumbai is also being prepared with relief material and would depart for Kochi by the morning of August 20. The Western Naval Command's Karwar Naval Base has also sent approximately 15 tonnes of fresh rations on Indian Naval Ship Sharda on August 19. Earlier on August 17, INS Deepak had sailed from Mumbai for Kochi with divers, Geminis, raincoats, gumboots, bottled water, fresh rations and ready to eat meals. The ship entered Kochi on Sunday and handed over relief stores. Over the next few days, the ship will stock up more fresh water and relief material from Karwar for a second round of replenishment at Kochi. Yesterday, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) directed the central ministries to focus on the provision of emergency supplies of food, water, medicines and restoration of essential services in the southern state. NCMC met for the fourth time on Sunday in last four day to coordinate rescue and relief operations among the Defence Forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and other Central Ministries and Kerala Government. Thousands of personnel of Indian Navy, Air Force, Army, NDRF and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are engaged in the rescue and relief operations, which is in full swing in Kerala. Till now, 38,000 people have been rescued and evacuated from the flood-affected areas. Medical aid has been provided to more than 23,000 people and around 3,00,000 food packets have been supplied by the Food Processing Ministry. Kerala has been facing the worst flooding in a century. Kerala Chief Minister confirmed on Saturday that the death toll due to the floods has increased to 357. He added that the state has suffered a loss of Rs 19,512 crore due to the deluge.

Indian Navy steps up rescue, relief efforts in flood-hit Kerala

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonwal on Sunday announced that his state would give Rs 3 crore as aid to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-is-one-of-the-worst-floods-in-our-countrys-history-kerala-chief-minister-pinarayi-vijayan-160245">rain-struck Kerala</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Telangana&nbsp;Deputy Chief Minister&nbsp;Mohammad Mahmood Ali&nbsp;has decided to donate his one-month salary as well.

"The Government of Assam would extend financial aid of Rs 3 crore to Kerala government in view of the devastating flood in the southern state," an official release said quoting the chief minister, PTI reported.&nbsp;

As a gesture of support,&nbsp;Telangana&nbsp;Home Minister, Nayani Narshimha Reddy also handed over a cheque of Rs 25 crore to&nbsp;Kerala&nbsp;Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday.

He has also ordered the state Revenue and Disaster Management Department to launch helplines to expedite the process of giving <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-as-rains-ease-kochi-naval-base-inspected-for-commercial-flight-operations-160188">relief and rescue support to people</a>.

Accordingly, the department opened two helpline numbers and a control room. The helpline numbers are 0361-2237219 and 0361-2237460, while the control room can be reached at 9401044617.

Apart from this, the&nbsp;Telangana&nbsp;administration has also airlifted 50 R.O machines worth Rs 2.5 crore to&nbsp;Kerala&nbsp;from Begumpet to facilitate drinking water.

Kerala is witnessing one of the worst floods in nearly a century, killing over 350 people, leaving multiple homeless and damaging several crores worth of property.

More than half a million people have been replaced, Kerala<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-directs-more-focus-on-food-medicine-restoration-of-vital-services-in-flood-hit-kerala-160235"> chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan</a> said on Sunday.&nbsp;

He said a total of 22,034 people had been rescued from flooded homes and other buildings with the help of various agencies, including the Navy and Air Force.

The death toll began on May 29 when Kerala got the first of the monsoon rains but the bulk of the fatalities were reported after August 9, when a tragedy of unprecedented proportion gripped the state after sluice gates of several rain-filled dams were opened.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He has also ordered the state Revenue and Disaster Management Department to launch helplines to expedite the process of giving relief and rescue support to people.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonwal on Sunday announced that his state would give Rs 3 crore as aid to rain-struck Kerala. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali has decided to donate his one-month salary as well. "The Government of Assam would extend financial aid of Rs 3 crore to Kerala government in view of the devastating flood in the southern state," an official release said quoting the chief minister, PTI reported. As a gesture of support, Telangana Home Minister, Nayani Narshimha Reddy also handed over a cheque of Rs 25 crore to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday. He has also ordered the state Revenue and Disaster Management Department to launch helplines to expedite the process of giving relief and rescue support to people. Accordingly, the department opened two helpline numbers and a control room. The helpline numbers are 0361-2237219 and 0361-2237460, while the control room can be reached at 9401044617. Apart from this, the Telangana administration has also airlifted 50 R.O machines worth Rs 2.5 crore to Kerala from Begumpet to facilitate drinking water. Kerala is witnessing one of the worst floods in nearly a century, killing over 350 people, leaving multiple homeless and damaging several crores worth of property. More than half a million people have been replaced, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Sunday. He said a total of 22,034 people had been rescued from flooded homes and other buildings with the help of various agencies, including the Navy and Air Force. The death toll began on May 29 when Kerala got the first of the monsoon rains but the bulk of the fatalities were reported after August 9, when a tragedy of unprecedented proportion gripped the state after sluice gates of several rain-filled dams were opened.

Assam govt to provide Rs 3 crore aid, Telangana deputy CM to give 1-month salary to flood-hit Kerala

Over 200 people have died in the rains that began on August 8. As the waters finally recede and relief operations begin, aid has come pouring in with reports saying donation centres have been 'stacked to the ceiling'.

Kerala receives aid 'stacked to the ceiling'

Pakistani troops violated ceasefire on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kamalkote sector of Uri town, news agency ANI reported.

Another ceasefire violation from the Pakistani side was reported on Thursday along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The ceasefire violated along the Poonch sector's Chakan da Bagh incited the Indian army to retaliate.

No casualty or damage of property was reported.

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Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Kamalkote sector of Uri. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/pebkdDcJ7m">pic.twitter.com/pebkdDcJ7m</a>
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The frequency of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has increased dramatically in the past few years. 
&nbsp; 
According to Minister of State (MoS) fot Defence, Subhash Bhamre, Pakistan violated ceasefire a total of 152 times in 2015 that went up to 228 in 2016 and a whopping 860 in 2017. 
&nbsp; 
Pakistan had already violated ceasefire 942 times this year till July.&nbsp;

Pakistan had already violated ceasefire 942 times this year till July.

Pakistani troops violated ceasefire on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kamalkote sector of Uri town, news agency ANI reported. Another ceasefire violation from the Pakistani side was reported on Thursday along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. The ceasefire violated along the Poonch sector's Chakan da Bagh incited the Indian army to retaliate. No casualty or damage of property was reported. Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Kamalkote sector of Uri. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/pebkdDcJ7m — ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018 × The frequency of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has increased dramatically in the past few years. According to Minister of State (MoS) fot Defence, Subhash Bhamre, Pakistan violated ceasefire a total of 152 times in 2015 that went up to 228 in 2016 and a whopping 860 in 2017. Pakistan had already violated ceasefire 942 times this year till July.

Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Kamalkote sector 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) remitted on Monday mining company Vedanta's plea, challenging closure of its Sterlite copper plant at Tuticorin, to a committee headed by a former judge.

A bench headed by chairperson A K Goel, said that the committee will also include representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board and the Environment Ministry.

"We are of the view that in substitution of the impugned orders, we have to hear before an independent body and remit the matter for fresh consideration before the committee," the bench said.

The Tribunal asked the committee to assume work within two weeks and to decide the matter within six weeks thereafter.

The Green Tribunal said that it will decide the name of the committee head after consulting the probable names.

The panel also reiterated its earlier order allowing Vedanta to access administrative unit of its plant at Tuticorin.&nbsp;

The NGT asked the committee to look into the maintenance work of the plant.

On August 9, the Tribunal had allowed Vedanta to enter the administrative unit inside its Sterlite copper plant at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, observing that no environmental damage would be caused by allowing access to the section.

The green panel had, however, said the plant would remain closed and the company would not have access to its production unit and directed the district magistrate to ensure this.

On July 30, the court had refused to grant any interim relief to Vedanta, which had challenged the Tamil Nadu government's order to permanently shut down its Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi, even as the firm termed the government action "political".

On July 5, the tribunal had issued notices to the state government and the pollution board seeking their responses after Tamil Nadu raised preliminary objections with regard to the maintainability of Vedanta's plea.

The Tamil Nadu government had, on May 28, ordered the state pollution control board to seal and "permanently" close the mining group's copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns.

Earlier in April, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board had rejected Sterlite's plea to renew the Consent To Operate certification, saying the company had not complied with the stipulated conditions.

Following this, the government issued a permanent closure notice to the plant.

Sterlite's factory had made headlines in March 2013 when a gas leak led to the death of one person and injuries to several others, after which the then chief minister J Jayalalithaa had ordered its closure.

The company had then appealed to the NGT, which had overturned the government order. The state had then moved the Supreme Court against it and the case is still pending.

The Supreme Court had then ordered the company to pay Rs 100 crore as compensation for polluting environment.

Following the latest protests and police firing, the plant was closed on March 27.

After Sterlite announced its plans to expand the Tuticorin plant, villagers around it started fresh protests that continued for over 100 days, culminating in the May 22 police firing on protestors that claimed 13 lives and left scores injured.&nbsp;

On August 9, the Tribunal had allowed Vedanta to enter the administrative unit inside its Sterlite copper plant at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, observing that no environmental damage would be caused by allowing access to the section. The green panel had, however, said the plant would remain closed and the company would not have access to its production unit

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) remitted on Monday mining company Vedanta's plea, challenging closure of its Sterlite copper plant at Tuticorin, to a committee headed by a former judge. A bench headed by chairperson A K Goel, said that the committee will also include representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board and the Environment Ministry. "We are of the view that in substitution of the impugned orders, we have to hear before an independent body and remit the matter for fresh consideration before the committee," the bench said. The Tribunal asked the committee to assume work within two weeks and to decide the matter within six weeks thereafter. The Green Tribunal said that it will decide the name of the committee head after consulting the probable names. The panel also reiterated its earlier order allowing Vedanta to access administrative unit of its plant at Tuticorin. The NGT asked the committee to look into the maintenance work of the plant. On August 9, the Tribunal had allowed Vedanta to enter the administrative unit inside its Sterlite copper plant at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, observing that no environmental damage would be caused by allowing access to the section. The green panel had, however, said the plant would remain closed and the company would not have access to its production unit and directed the district magistrate to ensure this. On July 30, the court had refused to grant any interim relief to Vedanta, which had challenged the Tamil Nadu government's order to permanently shut down its Sterlite copper plant in Thoothukudi, even as the firm termed the government action "political". On July 5, the tribunal had issued notices to the state government and the pollution board seeking their responses after Tamil Nadu raised preliminary objections with regard to the maintainability of Vedanta's plea. The Tamil Nadu government had, on May 28, ordered the state pollution control board to seal and "permanently" close the mining group's copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns. Earlier in April, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board had rejected Sterlite's plea to renew the Consent To Operate certification, saying the company had not complied with the stipulated conditions. Following this, the government issued a permanent closure notice to the plant. Sterlite's factory had made headlines in March 2013 when a gas leak led to the death of one person and injuries to several others, after which the then chief minister J Jayalalithaa had ordered its closure. The company had then appealed to the NGT, which had overturned the government order. The state had then moved the Supreme Court against it and the case is still pending. The Supreme Court had then ordered the company to pay Rs 100 crore as compensation for polluting environment. Following the latest protests and police firing, the plant was closed on March 27. After Sterlite announced its plans to expand the Tuticorin plant, villagers around it started fresh protests that continued for over 100 days, culminating in the May 22 police firing on protestors that claimed 13 lives and left scores injured.

NGT refers Vedanta plea on Tuticorin Sterlite plant to panel headed by ex-judge

Floodwaters receded in <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rescue-operations-by-indian-air-force-continue-tonnes-of-relief-material-dropped-160271">Kerala</a> on Monday, leaving rescuers the grim task of retrieving bodies as the death toll from the worst monsoon rains in a century rose above 400.

With nearly three quarters of a million people packed into relief camps in the southern state, known for its tourist beaches and hill resorts, authorities also fear outbreaks of disease.

After more than a week of fierce downpours, rainfall eased Monday and flood levels fell in some districts. <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-indian-ngo-in-us-donates-10000-qatar-announces-rs-3489-crore-financial-aid--160324">Army helicopters and boats</a> kept up missions to find trapped survivors and drop food and water in isolated villages.

Officials said 22,000 people were rescued on Sunday. At least 30 bodies were also found taking the death toll above 200 since the torrential rain started falling on August 8 and more than 400 since the monsoon started in June.

At least 1,000 were feared stranded in five villages around Chengannur, one of the districts worst hit by the deluge.

An Indian Navy team made a temporary rope bridge across a stream in Thrissur district on Sunday to rescue 100 people stranded for days.

Commercial flight operations to Kochi, the state's main city, resumed Monday after the navy opened its airstrips for small passenger aircraft. The city's international airport has been ordered shut until Sunday.

The floods have left widespread desolation in the city.

Mumthaz fled her home in the Malikapeedika district of Kochi with her daughters aged 13 and nine last Thursday.

She went to her husband's parents in another neighbourhood but within a few hours even that was also flooded and they had to be rescued and taken to a relief camp.

Hunt for missing

"It was surreal. The water was close to the knees at one point and within a few minutes it was touching five feet with a current so strong that we saw big cars floating like tin cans," said Mumthaz, who has only one name.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the priority now was to provide clean drinking water and restore power supplies to the state of 33 million people.

"The total number of people taking refuge at the 5,645 relief camps has risen to 724,649," Vijayan told reporters Sunday.

He said health officers would be deployed in each village to check the spread of communicable diseases.

Thousands of army, navy and air force personnel have fanned out to help those stranded in remote and hilly areas. Dozens of helicopters have been dropping tonnes of food, medicine and water over areas cut off due to damaged roads and bridges.

In worst-hit areas such as Thrissur and Chengannur, rescuers are searching inundated houses where they have found the bodies of those trapped by the fast-rising floodwaters.

"They didn't think that it would rise this high -- 10 to 15 feet (3-4.5 metres) at some places -- when the initial warnings were issued," said Ashraf Ali K.M, who is leading the search in the small town of Mala in Thrissur.

Fishermen have sailed inland from Kerala's coast to join the search, as volunteers set up soup kitchens and an international appeal was made for financial help. 
Vijayan praised the fishermen for joining the rescue mission.

The state government said each boat would get 3,000 rupees ($43) for each day of their work and that authorities would pay for any damage to them.

The floods have caused an estimated $3 billion in damage but the bill is likely to rise as the scale of devastation becomes clearer.

Officials said 22,000 people were rescued on Sunday. At least 30 bodies were also found taking the death toll over 200 since the rains started falling on August 8 and over 400 since the monsoon started in June.

Floodwaters receded in Kerala on Monday, leaving rescuers the grim task of retrieving bodies as the death toll from the worst monsoon rains in a century rose above 400. With nearly three quarters of a million people packed into relief camps in the southern state, known for its tourist beaches and hill resorts, authorities also fear outbreaks of disease. After more than a week of fierce downpours, rainfall eased Monday and flood levels fell in some districts. Army helicopters and boats kept up missions to find trapped survivors and drop food and water in isolated villages. Officials said 22,000 people were rescued on Sunday. At least 30 bodies were also found taking the death toll above 200 since the torrential rain started falling on August 8 and more than 400 since the monsoon started in June. At least 1,000 were feared stranded in five villages around Chengannur, one of the districts worst hit by the deluge. An Indian Navy team made a temporary rope bridge across a stream in Thrissur district on Sunday to rescue 100 people stranded for days. Commercial flight operations to Kochi, the state's main city, resumed Monday after the navy opened its airstrips for small passenger aircraft. The city's international airport has been ordered shut until Sunday. The floods have left widespread desolation in the city. Mumthaz fled her home in the Malikapeedika district of Kochi with her daughters aged 13 and nine last Thursday. She went to her husband's parents in another neighbourhood but within a few hours even that was also flooded and they had to be rescued and taken to a relief camp. Hunt for missing "It was surreal. The water was close to the knees at one point and within a few minutes it was touching five feet with a current so strong that we saw big cars floating like tin cans," said Mumthaz, who has only one name. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the priority now was to provide clean drinking water and restore power supplies to the state of 33 million people. "The total number of people taking refuge at the 5,645 relief camps has risen to 724,649," Vijayan told reporters Sunday. He said health officers would be deployed in each village to check the spread of communicable diseases. Thousands of army, navy and air force personnel have fanned out to help those stranded in remote and hilly areas. Dozens of helicopters have been dropping tonnes of food, medicine and water over areas cut off due to damaged roads and bridges. In worst-hit areas such as Thrissur and Chengannur, rescuers are searching inundated houses where they have found the bodies of those trapped by the fast-rising floodwaters. "They didn't think that it would rise this high -- 10 to 15 feet (3-4.5 metres) at some places -- when the initial warnings were issued," said Ashraf Ali K.M, who is leading the search in the small town of Mala in Thrissur. Fishermen have sailed inland from Kerala's coast to join the search, as volunteers set up soup kitchens and an international appeal was made for financial help. Vijayan praised the fishermen for joining the rescue mission. The state government said each boat would get 3,000 rupees ($43) for each day of their work and that authorities would pay for any damage to them. The floods have caused an estimated $3 billion in damage but the bill is likely to rise as the scale of devastation becomes clearer.

Kerala rains: Bodies found as water recedes, outbreak of disease feared

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on constructive and meaningful engagement with <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/kashmir-is-an-issue-we-need-to-acknowledge-it-says-pak-foreign-minister-qureshi--160350">Pakistan</a> in the congratulatory letter he wrote to newly appoint PM Imran Khan.&nbsp

In the letter, Modi posited that India is committed to peaceful neighborly ties with Pakistan and stressed the need to work for a terror-free South Asia.&nbsp

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday claimed that India called for dialogues with Pakistan, which Indian government sources have <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-wrote-congratulatory-letter-to-imran-no-new-proposal-for-dialogue-government-sources-160363">denied</a>.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/foreign-minister-qureshi-vows-to-put-pakistan-first-in-us-pak-relations-160366">Qureshi</a> also said on Monday that Kashmir remains an issue and it needed to be acknowledged. "We need uninterrupted dialogue with India and need to engage," he said.&nbsp

"I want to tell the Indian foreign minister that we are not just neighbors, we are atomic powers. We have a lot of common resources," he added.&nbsp

Cricketer-turned-politician and PTI chief Imran Khan swore-in as the new prime minister on Saturday.&nbsp

In the July 25 general elections, the PTI had emerged as the single largest party with 116 seats.&nbsp

The number increased to 158 in the NA after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued notifications of the successful candidates on the reserved seats for women and the minority community on August 11.&nbsp

In the letter, Modi posited that India is committed to peaceful neighborly ties with Pakistan and stressed the need to work for a terror-free South Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on constructive and meaningful engagement with Pakistan in the congratulatory letter he wrote to newly appoint PM Imran Khan. In the letter, Modi posited that India is committed to peaceful neighborly ties with Pakistan and stressed the need to work for a terror-free South Asia. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday claimed that India called for dialogues with Pakistan, which Indian government sources have denied. Qureshi also said on Monday that Kashmir remains an issue and it needed to be acknowledged. "We need uninterrupted dialogue with India and need to engage," he said. "I want to tell the Indian foreign minister that we are not just neighbors, we are atomic powers. We have a lot of common resources," he added. Cricketer-turned-politician and PTI chief Imran Khan swore-in as the new prime minister on Saturday. In the July 25 general elections, the PTI had emerged as the single largest party with 116 seats. The number increased to 158 in the NA after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued notifications of the successful candidates on the reserved seats for women and the minority community on August 11.

India looking for meaningful engagement with Pak: Modi in letter to PM Imran

Pakistan’s newly-appointed Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday claimed that prime minister Narendra Modi had&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kashmir-is-an-issue-we-need-to-acknowledge-it-says-pak-foreign-minister-qureshi--160350">written&nbsp;a letter </a>to Pakistan to propose talks.

However,&nbsp;Indian government sources denied Pakistan minister's claims, saying that no such proposals were made and Modi wrote a letter to Imran Khan to "congratulate"&nbsp;him.&nbsp;

"India and Pakistan have to move forward keeping realities before them," Qureshi was quoted as saying in a report in Geo News.

"There is a need for continued and uninterrupted dialogue with India. We are neighbours. We have long-standing issues, both of us know these problems. But we have no other option but to engage in dialogue," Qureshi added.

Qureshi was speaking at the Pakistan Foreign Office after taking oath as the cabinet minister.&nbsp;

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI) tweeted on Monday claiming that the Indian foreign minister had expressed the will to commence dialogue with Pakistan.&nbsp;

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Our foreign secretary just told us that the Indian foreign minister has congratulated Imran Khan and expressed the will to commence dialogue. <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SMQureshiPTI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FederalCabinet?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FederalCabinet</a>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1031427434997067778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In his hour-long maiden address to the nation a day after his swearing in as the country's 22nd prime minister, Imran Khan had said that the country will enter into talks with all neighbours to normalise ties.

Qureshi claimed that PM Narendra Modi had written a letter to PM Imran Khan in which he indicated the beginning of talks between the two countries.

Pakistan’s newly-appointed Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday claimed that prime minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Pakistan to propose talks. However, Indian government sources denied Pakistan minister's claims, saying that no such proposals were made and Modi wrote a letter to Imran Khan to "congratulate" him. "India and Pakistan have to move forward keeping realities before them," Qureshi was quoted as saying in a report in Geo News. "There is a need for continued and uninterrupted dialogue with India. We are neighbours. We have long-standing issues, both of us know these problems. But we have no other option but to engage in dialogue," Qureshi added. Qureshi was speaking at the Pakistan Foreign Office after taking oath as the cabinet minister. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI) tweeted on Monday claiming that the Indian foreign minister had expressed the will to commence dialogue with Pakistan. Our foreign secretary just told us that the Indian foreign minister has congratulated Imran Khan and expressed the will to commence dialogue. @SMQureshiPTI #FederalCabinet — PTI (@PTIofficial) August 20, 2018 × In his hour-long maiden address to the nation a day after his swearing in as the country's 22nd prime minister, Imran Khan had said that the country will enter into talks with all neighbours to normalise ties.

PM Modi wrote congratulatory letter to Imran, no new proposal for dialogue: Government sources

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s daughter Anita Bose-Pfaff has renewed her appeal to the governments of India and Japan for bringing her father’s mortal remains back home.

According to her, Netaji died in an air crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945, and his remains are preserved at Tokyo’s Renkoji temple since September 1945.

“On the 73rd anniversary of my father’s passing away, I renew my appeal to the governments of India and Japan to facilitate a transfer of his mortal remains from Japan to India for a final disposal,” she said.

“It was my father’s ambition to return to a free India. This was unfortunately not fulfilled. Therefore, it would be appropriate if at least his remains touch the soil of Independent India. My father was a devout Hindu. Thus, it is perhaps befitting as per custom to immerse at least part of his remains in the river Ganga,” she added.

Hiroshi Hirabayashi, president of the 115-year-old Tokyo-based Japan-India Association, also requested the Indian government to facilitate the return of Netaji’s mortal remains.

In a statement, Hirabayashi, a former Japanese ambassador to India, said, “The ashes of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose kept at Renkoji Temple (in Tokyo) have long been waiting for the official confirmation, already overdue, by the government of India as authentic.”

The Renkoji Temple held its annual memorial service yesterday to honour and pay homage to Netaji.

Some purported documents giving evidence on how Netaji died after a plane crash in Taipei and the transportation of his remains to Tokyo have been published recently in a book by Ashis Ray.

In her foreword to the book, “Laid to Rest: The Controversy over Subhas Chandra Bose’s Death”, published by Roli earlier this year, Bose-Pfaff wrote that “the only consistent story about Netaji’s demise remains his death in a plane crash on 18 August 1945.”

She had also said that a DNA test of the remains of Netaji would put to rest the doubts of people over his death.

“For most of those people who continue to doubt Netaji’s death in Taihoku in August 1945, one possible option for proof would be a DNA test of the remains of Netaji – provided DNA can be extracted from the bones remaining after his cremation,” Bose-Pfaff wrote.

According to Bose-Pfaff, if the state of general information available in the later 1940s is considered, it is understandable that at the time, an uncertainty prevailed regarding what had happened to Netaji.

“After all, some documents had not been made public at that time. When Sarat Chandra Bose died in 1950 he could still cling to the hope that his beloved brother had not died. And his belief also upheld Emilie’s hope that her husband had survived,” she said.

“However, as evidence became available from the mid-1950s, the only consistent story about Netaji’s demise remains his death in a plane crash on 18 August 1945.

“For me personally, this fact was brought home most strikingly when I had the opportunity to be present during the interview of one of the survivors of the plane crash by Professor Leonard Gordon in Tokyo in 1979,” Bose-Pfaff wrote.

Hiroshi Hirabayashi, president of the 115-year-old Tokyo-based Japan-India Association, also requested the Indian government to facilitate the return of Netaji’s mortal remains.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s daughter Anita Bose-Pfaff has renewed her appeal to the governments of India and Japan for bringing her father’s mortal remains back home. According to her, Netaji died in an air crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945, and his remains are preserved at Tokyo’s Renkoji temple since September 1945. “On the 73rd anniversary of my father’s passing away, I renew my appeal to the governments of India and Japan to facilitate a transfer of his mortal remains from Japan to India for a final disposal,” she said. “It was my father’s ambition to return to a free India. This was unfortunately not fulfilled. Therefore, it would be appropriate if at least his remains touch the soil of Independent India. My father was a devout Hindu. Thus, it is perhaps befitting as per custom to immerse at least part of his remains in the river Ganga,” she added. Hiroshi Hirabayashi, president of the 115-year-old Tokyo-based Japan-India Association, also requested the Indian government to facilitate the return of Netaji’s mortal remains. In a statement, Hirabayashi, a former Japanese ambassador to India, said, “The ashes of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose kept at Renkoji Temple (in Tokyo) have long been waiting for the official confirmation, already overdue, by the government of India as authentic.” The Renkoji Temple held its annual memorial service yesterday to honour and pay homage to Netaji. Some purported documents giving evidence on how Netaji died after a plane crash in Taipei and the transportation of his remains to Tokyo have been published recently in a book by Ashis Ray. In her foreword to the book, “Laid to Rest: The Controversy over Subhas Chandra Bose’s Death”, published by Roli earlier this year, Bose-Pfaff wrote that “the only consistent story about Netaji’s demise remains his death in a plane crash on 18 August 1945.” She had also said that a DNA test of the remains of Netaji would put to rest the doubts of people over his death. “For most of those people who continue to doubt Netaji’s death in Taihoku in August 1945, one possible option for proof would be a DNA test of the remains of Netaji – provided DNA can be extracted from the bones remaining after his cremation,” Bose-Pfaff wrote. According to Bose-Pfaff, if the state of general information available in the later 1940s is considered, it is understandable that at the time, an uncertainty prevailed regarding what had happened to Netaji. “After all, some documents had not been made public at that time. When Sarat Chandra Bose died in 1950 he could still cling to the hope that his beloved brother had not died. And his belief also upheld Emilie’s hope that her husband had survived,” she said. “However, as evidence became available from the mid-1950s, the only consistent story about Netaji’s demise remains his death in a plane crash on 18 August 1945. “For me personally, this fact was brought home most strikingly when I had the opportunity to be present during the interview of one of the survivors of the plane crash by Professor Leonard Gordon in Tokyo in 1979,” Bose-Pfaff wrote.

Netaji’s Subhas Chandra Bose’s daughter appeals to government, asks to bring his mortal remains to India

With affordable smartphones equipped with high-resolution cameras and unlimited access, everyone is a photographer today.

The hesitation in seeking permission to click a picture of the subject, ironically leaves the photographer exposed like the old-school negatives.&nbsp

The "right to click" seems to overshadow the right to privacy in the aggressive digital era.

On World Photography Day, photographers reflect upon the complex social construct of morality in endangering one's privacy and if they seek permission before capturing the subject.

According to photojournalist Ranjan Basu, be it a critical situation or a conflict-ridden area, there is an unwritten code that the photographer cannot take anyone's photograph without their permission.&nbsp

Basu, who went to Chhattisgarh's Dantewada on an assignment to cover the Naxals in 2008, says one has to keep the sensitivity in mind.&nbsp

"I had to seek permission from the naxals to click their pictures. They took us inside the jungle, but they permitted me to click the photographs from the second day of my tour.&nbsp

"In fact, one of the leaders did not want to show his face. So, I wasn't allowed to take his photo from the front," he told PTI.&nbsp

Mayank Austen Soofi, blogger and photojournalist, who writes popular columns for leading dailies such as Hindustan Times and Mint, says he is careful about what pictures he clicks and believes the photograph should not compromise the subject's dignity.

"For me, privacy is very important. Especially when you're in a public space, then it depends on the photographer's common sense. Almost every other day people rudely tell me not to click, which is justified because of the way they may be feeling. But it's part of the job.&nbsp

"I think it also depends on the vibe of the person who's clicking the photo. You can't fake your harmlessness or friendliness. As I keep discovering and rediscovering the city, I keep coming across familiar places and faces. So, it becomes easier gradually," he says.&nbsp

When asked if he first takes the picture of the potential subject or seeks permission from the person, Soofi counter questions: ask French photography veteran Henry Cartier-Bresson first.

"I have got an answer but I don't think I'll tell you that. Even Facebook and Instagram also ask me," he quips.&nbsp

Freelance photographer Sayan Acharya says privacy lies in the morality of the shutterbug.&nbsp

"I would never click someone whom I don't know or would never click without their consent. You never know what the person is feeling in that situation. To get pictures, most of the photographers bypass this line. They just want to click the photo," Acharya says.&nbsp

Gaurav Awasthi, a Canada-based IT professional and amateur photographer, shares an anecdote about his visit to Oxford, a famous town in Berkshire, UK, where he took some pictures of the homeless.&nbsp

"While none of them responded to me capturing their portraits, I somehow got disturbed by a deep stare from one of them. He made me realise that I was actually taking a benefit of their vulnerability.&nbsp

"I wasn't only shooting their expressions but the cause of those expressions, which was directly related to their vulnerable situation. And that made me realise the importance of giving privacy to the subject whether its actively sought or passively expected," Awasthi says.&nbsp

Psychologist Pallavi Ram says the notion of permission is its entirety is a social construct.&nbsp

"Seeking permission also depends on the context. In my opinion, whatever the context may be, you should seek permission. After all it is their face, expressions - they are private, even though they are displayed publicly. Come what may, it is their right to control the use of those photos," she says.

Souvik Mukherjee, Assistant Professor, Amity Law School, Kolkata, quotes a 19th century paper, published by Warren and Brandeis, titled 'the right to privacy', wherein they cited Judge Cooley for the development of the concept of 'right to be let alone', the very concept was an outcome of the realisation that development of invention and business methods calls for a notice to provide protect for individuals' private and domestic life which have become vulnerable to instantaneous photographs and news.&nbsp

"Even in 19th century they felt that law must afford some remedy for unauthorised circulation of portraits. Today with the internet governing most part of our life, we need the 'right to be let alone' be part of our fundamental right to privacy more than ever as the it represents manifestation of 'an inviolable personality'," Mukherjee says.

He adds, "If the subject matter is minding his own business then a photographer does not have the right to click him/her as if it is one then you are encroaching in his/her life without due permission."

Mukherjee says the apex court took note of the above concept while delivering the recent judgement on right to privacy.

The 'right to click' seems to overshadow the right to privacy in the aggressive digital era.

With affordable smartphones equipped with high-resolution cameras and unlimited access, everyone is a photographer today. The hesitation in seeking permission to click a picture of the subject, ironically leaves the photographer exposed like the old-school negatives. The "right to click" seems to overshadow the right to privacy in the aggressive digital era. On World Photography Day, photographers reflect upon the complex social construct of morality in endangering one's privacy and if they seek permission before capturing the subject. According to photojournalist Ranjan Basu, be it a critical situation or a conflict-ridden area, there is an unwritten code that the photographer cannot take anyone's photograph without their permission. Basu, who went to Chhattisgarh's Dantewada on an assignment to cover the Naxals in 2008, says one has to keep the sensitivity in mind. "I had to seek permission from the naxals to click their pictures. They took us inside the jungle, but they permitted me to click the photographs from the second day of my tour. "In fact, one of the leaders did not want to show his face. So, I wasn't allowed to take his photo from the front," he told PTI. Mayank Austen Soofi, blogger and photojournalist, who writes popular columns for leading dailies such as Hindustan Times and Mint, says he is careful about what pictures he clicks and believes the photograph should not compromise the subject's dignity. "For me, privacy is very important. Especially when you're in a public space, then it depends on the photographer's common sense. Almost every other day people rudely tell me not to click, which is justified because of the way they may be feeling. But it's part of the job. "I think it also depends on the vibe of the person who's clicking the photo. You can't fake your harmlessness or friendliness. As I keep discovering and rediscovering the city, I keep coming across familiar places and faces. So, it becomes easier gradually," he says. When asked if he first takes the picture of the potential subject or seeks permission from the person, Soofi counter questions: ask French photography veteran Henry Cartier-Bresson first. "I have got an answer but I don't think I'll tell you that. Even Facebook and Instagram also ask me," he quips. Freelance photographer Sayan Acharya says privacy lies in the morality of the shutterbug. "I would never click someone whom I don't know or would never click without their consent. You never know what the person is feeling in that situation. To get pictures, most of the photographers bypass this line. They just want to click the photo," Acharya says. Gaurav Awasthi, a Canada-based IT professional and amateur photographer, shares an anecdote about his visit to Oxford, a famous town in Berkshire, UK, where he took some pictures of the homeless. "While none of them responded to me capturing their portraits, I somehow got disturbed by a deep stare from one of them. He made me realise that I was actually taking a benefit of their vulnerability. "I wasn't only shooting their expressions but the cause of those expressions, which was directly related to their vulnerable situation. And that made me realise the importance of giving privacy to the subject whether its actively sought or passively expected," Awasthi says. Psychologist Pallavi Ram says the notion of permission is its entirety is a social construct. "Seeking permission also depends on the context. In my opinion, whatever the context may be, you should seek permission. After all it is their face, expressions - they are private, even though they are displayed publicly. Come what may, it is their right to control the use of those photos," she says. Souvik Mukherjee, Assistant Professor, Amity Law School, Kolkata, quotes a 19th century paper, published by Warren and Brandeis, titled 'the right to privacy', wherein they cited Judge Cooley for the development of the concept of 'right to be let alone', the very concept was an outcome of the realisation that development of invention and business methods calls for a notice to provide protect for individuals' private and domestic life which have become vulnerable to instantaneous photographs and news. "Even in 19th century they felt that law must afford some remedy for unauthorised circulation of portraits. Today with the internet governing most part of our life, we need the 'right to be let alone' be part of our fundamental right to privacy more than ever as the it represents manifestation of 'an inviolable personality'," Mukherjee says. He adds, "If the subject matter is minding his own business then a photographer does not have the right to click him/her as if it is one then you are encroaching in his/her life without due permission." Mukherjee says the apex court took note of the above concept while delivering the recent judgement on right to privacy.

World Photography Day: Why some pictures should never be clicked

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World Photography Day: Why some pictures should never be clicked