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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday described the devastating floods which wreaked havoc across Kerala resulting in many casualties and causing damage to properties worth hundreds of crore as&nbsp;''one of the worst floods in our country's history''.&nbsp;

More than half a million people are displaced, he added.&nbsp;

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Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. This flood is also one of the worst floods in our country's history. More than half a million people are displaced. Your help can rebuild the lives of these affected. Donate to:<a href="https://t.co/FjYFEdOsyl">https://t.co/FjYFEdOsyl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaReliefFund?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaReliefFund</a>
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOKerala/status/1031143602418642944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. This flood is also one of the worst floods in our country's history. More than half a million people are displaced. Your help can rebuild the lives of these (Sic) affected,'' he tweeted.&nbsp;

Vijayan also announced that his government will honour fishing workers who were part of the rescue mission and reward them for their contribution in relief mission. &nbsp;

''CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the Government will honour fishing workers who were part of the rescue mission. All boats will be granted ₹3000 for each day of their work. Government will also bear the repairing costs of boats damaged during the mission,'' his official Twitter handle said.&nbsp;

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CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the Government will honour fishing workers who were part of the rescue mission. All boats will be granted ₹3000 for each day of their work. Government will also bear the repairing costs of boats damaged during the mission. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a>
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOKerala/status/1031217449901809664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Our prime concern was to save lives. It appears it has been met," Vijayan told the media amid signs that the most destructive phase of the floods had ended and that water overflowing numerous towns and villages had finally begun to recede. 
 
"The tragedy is perhaps one of the worst ever. Hence the loss caused is so huge. So we will accept all help," the Chief Minister said, revealing the extent of a tragedy which has not hit the state since 1924. 
 
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. 
 
Vijayan said the biggest challenge now was to provide adequate compensation to those who had lost virtually everything they had as the swollen rivers simply washed away countless homes and left a trail of destruction. 
 
At the start of the press conference, the Chief Minister put the number of people in relief camps at 846,680 but scaled down the figure later. 
 
He said the next task would be to help people get back to normal life, for which a plan was being worked out. 
 
"Rehabilitation will be done by various agencies."&nbsp; 
 
The Marxist leader pledged that all towns and cities hit by the floods would be cleaned on a war footing.

''Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. This flood is also one of the worst floods in our country's history. More than half a million people are displaced. Your help can rebuild the lives of these (Sic) affected,'' he tweeted.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday described the devastating floods which wreaked havoc across Kerala resulting in many casualties and causing damage to properties worth hundreds of crore as ''one of the worst floods in our country's history''. More than half a million people are displaced, he added. Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. This flood is also one of the worst floods in our country's history. More than half a million people are displaced. Your help can rebuild the lives of these affected. Donate to:https://t.co/FjYFEdOsyl #KeralaReliefFund — CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 19, 2018 × ''Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. This flood is also one of the worst floods in our country's history. More than half a million people are displaced. Your help can rebuild the lives of these (Sic) affected,'' he tweeted. Vijayan also announced that his government will honour fishing workers who were part of the rescue mission and reward them for their contribution in relief mission. ''CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the Government will honour fishing workers who were part of the rescue mission. All boats will be granted ₹3000 for each day of their work. Government will also bear the repairing costs of boats damaged during the mission,'' his official Twitter handle said. CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the Government will honour fishing workers who were part of the rescue mission. All boats will be granted ₹3000 for each day of their work. Government will also bear the repairing costs of boats damaged during the mission. #KeralaFloods — CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 19, 2018 × "Our prime concern was to save lives. It appears it has been met," Vijayan told the media amid signs that the most destructive phase of the floods had ended and that water overflowing numerous towns and villages had finally begun to recede. "The tragedy is perhaps one of the worst ever. Hence the loss caused is so huge. So we will accept all help," the Chief Minister said, revealing the extent of a tragedy which has not hit the state since 1924. 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. Vijayan said the biggest challenge now was to provide adequate compensation to those who had lost virtually everything they had as the swollen rivers simply washed away countless homes and left a trail of destruction. At the start of the press conference, the Chief Minister put the number of people in relief camps at 846,680 but scaled down the figure later. He said the next task would be to help people get back to normal life, for which a plan was being worked out. "Rehabilitation will be done by various agencies." The Marxist leader pledged that all towns and cities hit by the floods would be cleaned on a war footing.

One of the worst floods in our country's history, says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan as rain recedes

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Sunday inaugurated 'Panini Language Laboratory' at Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) in Mauritius. The lab, gifted by the Indian government, will help MGI in teaching Indian languages in Mauritius.

Swaraj said that similar laboratories equipped with all modern technologies and similar facilities need to be build up in India also to promote Hindi and regional languages.&nbsp

Education Minister of Mauritius Leela Devi Dookun and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.&nbsp

Swaraj and Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi statue at the institute.

The EAM also called on Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jagnauth. Both the leaders discussed further deepening of special ties between India and Mauritius.&nbsp

Prime Minister Jugnauth hosted a banquet lunch in the honour of External Affairs Minister, which was attended by the prominent dignitaries from both sides.

She also met former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Paul Berenger on the sidelines of 11th Vishwa Hindi Conference, who conveyed his condolences on the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and recalled his role in strengthening bilateral relations.

Swaraj also met the leader of opposition of Mauritius Xavier Luc Duval. Both the leaders exchanged views on furthering cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp

Later in the evening Swaraj met former Prime Minister of Mauritius Navinchandra Ramgoolam and discussed ties between both countries.

Swaraj said that similar laboratories equipped with all modern technologies and similar facilities need to be build up in India also to promote Hindi and regional languages.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Sunday inaugurated 'Panini Language Laboratory' at Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) in Mauritius. The lab, gifted by the Indian government, will help MGI in teaching Indian languages in Mauritius. Swaraj said that similar laboratories equipped with all modern technologies and similar facilities need to be build up in India also to promote Hindi and regional languages. Education Minister of Mauritius Leela Devi Dookun and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. Swaraj and Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi statue at the institute. The EAM also called on Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jagnauth. Both the leaders discussed further deepening of special ties between India and Mauritius. Prime Minister Jugnauth hosted a banquet lunch in the honour of External Affairs Minister, which was attended by the prominent dignitaries from both sides. She also met former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Paul Berenger on the sidelines of 11th Vishwa Hindi Conference, who conveyed his condolences on the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and recalled his role in strengthening bilateral relations. Swaraj also met the leader of opposition of Mauritius Xavier Luc Duval. Both the leaders exchanged views on furthering cooperation between the two countries. Later in the evening Swaraj met former Prime Minister of Mauritius Navinchandra Ramgoolam and discussed ties between both countries.

Sushma Swaraj inaugurates Panini Language lab in Mauritius

The Indian government on Sunday dismissed reports of David Headley's half-brother, Daniel Gilani, attending the funeral of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi on Friday.

Headley, a convict in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in 2008, is considered as one of the main plotters of the attack.

The government also denied reports of Daniel Gilani attending the courtesy meeting between Pakistan's interim Minister of Law and Information, Syed Ali Zafar and External Affairs Minister (EAM), Sushma Swaraj.

The denial came after reports emerged that Gilani attended the funeral of Vajpayee on August 17, as part of the Pakistan delegation.

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Danyal Gilani was issued visa after checking blacklist. No reports of his links to terrorism, he has publicly disassociated himself from David Headley: Sources on reports of David Headley’s Pakistani half-brother Danyal Gilani attending <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a>'s funeral in Delhi
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031167495002972160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"He (Gilani) did not go to the funeral venue. He (Gilani) did not attend the courtesy meeting of Caretaker Law Minister with EAM," sources said.

The government further informed that Gilani was issued visa after checking blacklist, adding, there are no reports of his links to terrorism.

According to the sources, Gilani is a Pakistan civil servant and director to the Caretaker Law Minister. "Daniel has publicly dissociated himself from David Headly," sources added.(

The government also denied reports of Daniel Gilani attending the courtesy meeting between Pakistan's interim Minister of Law and Information and Sushma Swaraj.

The Indian government on Sunday dismissed reports of David Headley's half-brother, Daniel Gilani, attending the funeral of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi on Friday. Headley, a convict in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in 2008, is considered as one of the main plotters of the attack. The government also denied reports of Daniel Gilani attending the courtesy meeting between Pakistan's interim Minister of Law and Information, Syed Ali Zafar and External Affairs Minister (EAM), Sushma Swaraj. The denial came after reports emerged that Gilani attended the funeral of Vajpayee on August 17, as part of the Pakistan delegation. Danyal Gilani was issued visa after checking blacklist. No reports of his links to terrorism, he has publicly disassociated himself from David Headley: Sources on reports of David Headley’s Pakistani half-brother Danyal Gilani attending #AtalBihariVajpayee's funeral in Delhi — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2018 × "He (Gilani) did not go to the funeral venue. He (Gilani) did not attend the courtesy meeting of Caretaker Law Minister with EAM," sources said. The government further informed that Gilani was issued visa after checking blacklist, adding, there are no reports of his links to terrorism. According to the sources, Gilani is a Pakistan civil servant and director to the Caretaker Law Minister. "Daniel has publicly dissociated himself from David Headly," sources added.(

David Headley's half-brother did not attend Vajpayee's funeral: Government

The noise pollution in the winter capital of Jammu has reached "alarming levels" with constant honking by drivers and sound of outdated engines adding to the severe problem, says a survey by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).&nbsp

It also called for necessary measures to curb the menace before the situation gets out of hand.&nbsp

The week-long study conducted at various traffic intersections and roundabouts of Jammu district under the direct supervision of a regional director, Shally Ranjan, has revealed some alarming results vis-a-vis noise pollution in the city, an official of the SPCB said.

Various areas in the city of temples recorded the average noise levels between 74.80 db and 81.28 db, against the permissible level of 65 db for commercial areas, he said.&nbsp

Quoting the survey, the official said Indira Chowk in the heart of the city recorded 74.80 db noise level followed by medical college at Bakshi Nagar at 75.88 db, Panama Chowk (76.87 db), Narwal Chowk (78.73 db), Amphalla Chowk (79.31 db),

Gumat Chowk (81.06 db), Gandhi Nagar opposite Army Gate (81.25 db) and Satwari Chowk (81.28 db).

"Jammu city is fast turning into a city of noise pollution especially due to rise in vehicular population. Levels of noise pollution in the city has reached alarming proportions," the SPCB official said.?

He said honking coupled with outdated vehicles was causing a lot of nuisance to the people living near the city roads and high vehicular density areas.

"It is assumed that people of all age groups can fast experience a dip in quality of hearing power and some in old age groups are getting exposed to health hazards like anxiety, hypertension and depression due to the constant and agonising noise around," the official said.

"What is compounding the already grave problem is the smoke released by these vehicles. In a similar drive by the SPCB with traffic police recently, 264 vehicles were intercepted, out of which 85 were fined for not having valid pollution under check certificates.

"Huge smoke and sounds produced by knocking of outdated engines is increasingly becoming unbearable," he said.

Expressing concern over the survey findings, Rajan said the situation could get out of hands if urgent steps were not taken to check the menace.?

"The local administration along with the traffic police need to prepare a task force to identify the noise causing automobiles and grossly polluting vehicles and weed them out to save the environment," she said.

The SPCB regional director said strip plantation and fast-growing green belts must be developed along highways and internal roads which could very effectively control noise and air pollution emitted by automobiles.?

"Pressure horns must be strictly banned in residential areas and silence zones created to bring down emissions," Rajan added.&nbsp

Various areas in the city of temples recorded the average noise levels between 74.80 db and 81.28 db, against the permissible level of 65 db for commercial areas.

The noise pollution in the winter capital of Jammu has reached "alarming levels" with constant honking by drivers and sound of outdated engines adding to the severe problem, says a survey by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). It also called for necessary measures to curb the menace before the situation gets out of hand. The week-long study conducted at various traffic intersections and roundabouts of Jammu district under the direct supervision of a regional director, Shally Ranjan, has revealed some alarming results vis-a-vis noise pollution in the city, an official of the SPCB said. Various areas in the city of temples recorded the average noise levels between 74.80 db and 81.28 db, against the permissible level of 65 db for commercial areas, he said. Quoting the survey, the official said Indira Chowk in the heart of the city recorded 74.80 db noise level followed by medical college at Bakshi Nagar at 75.88 db, Panama Chowk (76.87 db), Narwal Chowk (78.73 db), Amphalla Chowk (79.31 db), Gumat Chowk (81.06 db), Gandhi Nagar opposite Army Gate (81.25 db) and Satwari Chowk (81.28 db). "Jammu city is fast turning into a city of noise pollution especially due to rise in vehicular population. Levels of noise pollution in the city has reached alarming proportions," the SPCB official said.? He said honking coupled with outdated vehicles was causing a lot of nuisance to the people living near the city roads and high vehicular density areas. "It is assumed that people of all age groups can fast experience a dip in quality of hearing power and some in old age groups are getting exposed to health hazards like anxiety, hypertension and depression due to the constant and agonising noise around," the official said. "What is compounding the already grave problem is the smoke released by these vehicles. In a similar drive by the SPCB with traffic police recently, 264 vehicles were intercepted, out of which 85 were fined for not having valid pollution under check certificates. "Huge smoke and sounds produced by knocking of outdated engines is increasingly becoming unbearable," he said. Expressing concern over the survey findings, Rajan said the situation could get out of hands if urgent steps were not taken to check the menace.? "The local administration along with the traffic police need to prepare a task force to identify the noise causing automobiles and grossly polluting vehicles and weed them out to save the environment," she said. The SPCB regional director said strip plantation and fast-growing green belts must be developed along highways and internal roads which could very effectively control noise and air pollution emitted by automobiles.? "Pressure horns must be strictly banned in residential areas and silence zones created to bring down emissions," Rajan added.

Noise pollution alarmingly high in Jammu: Survey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked his United Arab Emirates (UAE) counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for offering flood relief support to Kerala.&nbsp

“A big thanks to @hhshkmohd for his gracious offer to support people of Kerala during this difficult time. His concern reflects the special ties between governments and people of India and UAE,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

Earlier today, the UAE announced to form a committee to provide relief to the flood-affected in Kerala. The UAE Prime Minister took to Twitter to make the announcement and urged “everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative”.

“The state of Kerala in India is currently witnessing huge floods, the most devastating in a century. Hundreds have been killed, hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Ahead of Eid Al Adha, do not forget to extend a helping hand to our brothers in India,” he tweeted.

“UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected. We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative,” he added.

The state of Kerala has been hit by severe rainfall over the past few weeks, causing acute flooding and landslides. So far, 324 people have lost their lives due to the floods.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked his United Arab Emirates (UAE) counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for offering flood relief support to Kerala.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked his United Arab Emirates (UAE) counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for offering flood relief support to Kerala. “A big thanks to @hhshkmohd for his gracious offer to support people of Kerala during this difficult time. His concern reflects the special ties between governments and people of India and UAE,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted. Earlier today, the UAE announced to form a committee to provide relief to the flood-affected in Kerala. The UAE Prime Minister took to Twitter to make the announcement and urged “everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative”. “The state of Kerala in India is currently witnessing huge floods, the most devastating in a century. Hundreds have been killed, hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Ahead of Eid Al Adha, do not forget to extend a helping hand to our brothers in India,” he tweeted. “UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected. We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative,” he added. The state of Kerala has been hit by severe rainfall over the past few weeks, causing acute flooding and landslides. So far, 324 people have lost their lives due to the floods.

Kerala floods: PM Narendra Modi thanks UAE for help

A fire broke on Saturday evening in the Enforcement Directorate headquarter&nbsplocated on the sixth-floor of Lok Nayak Bhawan budilding in Khan market, Delhi.

The Delhi fire services&nbspreceived a call around 5 pm.&nbspEight fire tenders were rushed to contain it and within half an hour, the fire came under control.

No file was damaged, however, one room of ED was gutted in the blaze.

The cause of the fire is not known yet.

The firefighters broke many windowpanes for smoke to escape. The building is secured by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The building also houses offices of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases, some departments of home affairs and the Revenue Department.&nbsp

A fire broke on Saturday evening in the Enforcement Directorate headquarter&nbsplocated on the sixth-floor of Lok Nayak Bhawan budilding in Khan market, Delhi. The Delhi fire services&nbspreceived a call around 5 pm.&nbspEight fire tenders were rushed to contain it and within half an hour, the fire came under control. No file was damaged, however, one room of ED was gutted in the blaze. The cause of the fire is not known yet. The firefighters broke many windowpanes for smoke to escape. The building is secured by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The building also houses offices of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases, some departments of home affairs and the Revenue Department.

Fire at ED headquarters in Lok Nayak Bhavan

The Telangana Government has launched Disaster Response Force (DRF) vehicles in Hyderabad to combat situations like flash floods, heavy rains, building collapse and fire mishaps.

The vehicles will be parked at 24 locations with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) DRF staff and will be pressed into action at the time of need.

Speaking to ANI, Director of Vigilance Enforcement and Disaster Management of GHMC, Viswajeet Kampati said that the main aim behind the initiative is that the state should have its own disaster force.

“The force has been trained in tackling urban flooding, tree falls, structural collapses and any other site of emergencies. Hyderabad is also the second city to have an exclusive Enforcement Vigilance Disaster Management wing,” he said.

“The team is capable to work continuously during emergencies. After the launch, the force has carried out rescue operations and saved couple of lives. The disaster personal will be available on the field for 24/7,” he added.

The Telangana Government has launched Disaster Response Force (DRF) vehicles in Hyderabad to combat situations like flash floods, heavy rains, building collapse and fire mishaps.

The Telangana Government has launched Disaster Response Force (DRF) vehicles in Hyderabad to combat situations like flash floods, heavy rains, building collapse and fire mishaps. The vehicles will be parked at 24 locations with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) DRF staff and will be pressed into action at the time of need. Speaking to ANI, Director of Vigilance Enforcement and Disaster Management of GHMC, Viswajeet Kampati said that the main aim behind the initiative is that the state should have its own disaster force. “The force has been trained in tackling urban flooding, tree falls, structural collapses and any other site of emergencies. Hyderabad is also the second city to have an exclusive Enforcement Vigilance Disaster Management wing,” he said. “The team is capable to work continuously during emergencies. After the launch, the force has carried out rescue operations and saved couple of lives. The disaster personal will be available on the field for 24/7,” he added.

Telangana Govt launches Disaster Response Force vehicles

Stepping up attack on the Modi government, the Congress has finalised a month-long, countrywide agitation to "expose" the alleged corruption under the BJP rule including the Rafale jet deal.

The party also demanded that Kerala floods be declared a 'national calamity'.

The final shape to the party's agitational plan was given at a meeting of top Congress leaders, including party general secretaries and in-charges of various states, state unit chiefs and legislature party leaders, chaired by party president Rahul Gandhi.

"It was decided that corruption, scams of the Modi government particularly the Rafale scam will be taken to people of India," party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters.

In the next 30 days, Congress workers will do district and state level demonstrations. We will ensure a fair probe, independent probe, a JPC is constituted immediately. We will not be deterred and pushed back," he said, adding "we will push the government.... Ensuring that the Rafale scam and corruption scams are exposed".

The party, he said, discussed the Rafale deal in detail and claimed that the scam has cost the exchequer Rs 41,000 crore. He alleged that a company belonging to a "friend" of the Prime Minister has been given a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore under the deal after snatching it away from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The government and the BJP have dismissed the allegations levelled by the Congress on the Rafale deal.

Besides, other political challenges in the election going states were also deliberated, Surjewala said.

Surjewala said the party also demanded that Kerala floods be declared as a "national calamity" and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to play politics in such matters.

"Dear PM, Increasing funds allocated for Kerala relief to Rs.500 Cr is a good step but nowhere near enough. It is critical you declare the floods as a National Disaster. Please do not vacillate as the people of Kerala are suffering,"&nbspGandhi tweeted earlier.

He had also demanded in another tweet that Kerala floods be declared a national disaster without any delay, saying the lives, livelihood and future of millions of people is at stake.

Surjewala claimed that while the central government has only provided Rs 100 crore relief to the state government, there has been a huge loss of life and damage to properties to the extent of Rs 2,000-3,000 crore due to the floods.

"We believe Modiji should stop discriminating in the matters of flood relief between BJP and non-BJP governments. Only mere Rs 100 crore has been given to Kerala.

"It's time the PM rises above political partisan game and comes forward as a nation to help the people of Kerala and Karnataka and declare Kerala floods as a national calamity," he said.

Surjewala later tweeted, saying, "Tragic that PM Modi announced a pittance of 500 Cr for Kerala flood relief against the State's demand of 2000 Crore.&nbspPainful that Modi Government is playing politics over flood relief merely because BJP has no presence in the state."

Floods, human tragedy and unprecedented devastation can't be a subject matter of partisan politics as is being done by Modi Government in Kerala flood.

"Federalism envisages handholding and co-operation in such times. Does an autocratic Central Govt understand this foundational principle", he also said in another tweet.

He said the Congress governments in different states are contributing to the relief funds while all party MPs, MLAs, MLCs will donate one month's salary.

The Punjab government and the JDS-Congress Karnataka government have sent Rs 10 crore each, while the Puducherry government has contributed Rs one crore, he said.

The deadliest deluge in Kerala in close to a century has claimed 194 lives since August 8. Over 3.14 lakh people have been moved to relief camps. "We also noted with concern the grave situation arising out of floods in Karnataka and as also rest of the country. In the entire country, 324 people have lost their lives beside a lot of loss to property and other things," he said.

A Special Relief Committee in the adjoining states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry would be constituted wherein all material possible will be collected by Congress workers and will be sent to people of Kerala.&nbsp

The final shape to the party's agitational plan was given at a meeting of top Congress leaders chaired by Rahul Gandhi.

Stepping up attack on the Modi government, the Congress has finalised a month-long, countrywide agitation to "expose" the alleged corruption under the BJP rule including the Rafale jet deal. The party also demanded that Kerala floods be declared a 'national calamity'. The final shape to the party's agitational plan was given at a meeting of top Congress leaders, including party general secretaries and in-charges of various states, state unit chiefs and legislature party leaders, chaired by party president Rahul Gandhi. "It was decided that corruption, scams of the Modi government particularly the Rafale scam will be taken to people of India," party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters. In the next 30 days, Congress workers will do district and state level demonstrations. We will ensure a fair probe, independent probe, a JPC is constituted immediately. We will not be deterred and pushed back," he said, adding "we will push the government.... Ensuring that the Rafale scam and corruption scams are exposed". The party, he said, discussed the Rafale deal in detail and claimed that the scam has cost the exchequer Rs 41,000 crore. He alleged that a company belonging to a "friend" of the Prime Minister has been given a contract worth Rs 30,000 crore under the deal after snatching it away from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The government and the BJP have dismissed the allegations levelled by the Congress on the Rafale deal. Besides, other political challenges in the election going states were also deliberated, Surjewala said. Surjewala said the party also demanded that Kerala floods be declared as a "national calamity" and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to play politics in such matters. "Dear PM, Increasing funds allocated for Kerala relief to Rs.500 Cr is a good step but nowhere near enough. It is critical you declare the floods as a National Disaster. Please do not vacillate as the people of Kerala are suffering,"&nbspGandhi tweeted earlier. He had also demanded in another tweet that Kerala floods be declared a national disaster without any delay, saying the lives, livelihood and future of millions of people is at stake. Surjewala claimed that while the central government has only provided Rs 100 crore relief to the state government, there has been a huge loss of life and damage to properties to the extent of Rs 2,000-3,000 crore due to the floods. "We believe Modiji should stop discriminating in the matters of flood relief between BJP and non-BJP governments. Only mere Rs 100 crore has been given to Kerala. "It's time the PM rises above political partisan game and comes forward as a nation to help the people of Kerala and Karnataka and declare Kerala floods as a national calamity," he said. Surjewala later tweeted, saying, "Tragic that PM Modi announced a pittance of 500 Cr for Kerala flood relief against the State's demand of 2000 Crore.&nbspPainful that Modi Government is playing politics over flood relief merely because BJP has no presence in the state." Floods, human tragedy and unprecedented devastation can't be a subject matter of partisan politics as is being done by Modi Government in Kerala flood. "Federalism envisages handholding and co-operation in such times. Does an autocratic Central Govt understand this foundational principle", he also said in another tweet. He said the Congress governments in different states are contributing to the relief funds while all party MPs, MLAs, MLCs will donate one month's salary. The Punjab government and the JDS-Congress Karnataka government have sent Rs 10 crore each, while the Puducherry government has contributed Rs one crore, he said. The deadliest deluge in Kerala in close to a century has claimed 194 lives since August 8. Over 3.14 lakh people have been moved to relief camps. "We also noted with concern the grave situation arising out of floods in Karnataka and as also rest of the country. In the entire country, 324 people have lost their lives beside a lot of loss to property and other things," he said. A Special Relief Committee in the adjoining states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry would be constituted wherein all material possible will be collected by Congress workers and will be sent to people of Kerala.

Congress finalises month-long, countrywide agitation against Modi government on corruption

Cricket-turned-politician, Navjot Singh Sidhu came under attack on Sunday as he hugged Pakistan army chief during the swearing ceremony of the newly elected prime minister of Pakistan and his old friend Imran Khan.

The opposition in Punjab asked whether it was necessary to visit Pakistan while the nation is mourning for the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Punjab BJP chief Shwait Malik described his visit as "shameful", and &nbspShiromani Akali Dal said that Sidhu has broken the "decorum" by visiting Pakistan.

Malik further called Sidhu an opportunist and slammed him as he accused Sidhu of putting the nation's dignity at risk.

The BJP leader has further demanded an apology from Sidhu for the "unacceptable act."

The main opposition, Aam Aadmi Party also condemned the visit.

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 -- Cabinet minister in the Amarinder Singh-led Congress government in Punjab -- was 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<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/navjot-singh-sidhu-seated-next-to-pok-president-masood-khan-at-imran-khans-oath-ceremony-159941"> welcomed by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa</a> on Saturday where both hugged each other during the welcoming.

Sidhu then sat next to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) president Masood Khan. &nbsp

Welcoming the "change" in Pakistan's democracy with the election of Khan as prime minister, Sidhu said Khan should come forward in peace initiative between the two neighbours.

He said he has brought "a message of love" to Pakistan as a goodwill ambassador of India.

"I have come here not as a politician but as a friend. I have come here to take part in the happiness of my friend (Imran)," he said, adding sportsmen and artistes help bringing the people of two sides closer.&nbsp

The opposition asked whether it was necessary to visit Pakistan while the nation is mourning for the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Cricket-turned-politician, Navjot Singh Sidhu came under attack on Sunday as he hugged Pakistan army chief during the swearing ceremony of the newly elected prime minister of Pakistan and his old friend Imran Khan. The opposition in Punjab asked whether it was necessary to visit Pakistan while the nation is mourning for the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Punjab BJP chief Shwait Malik described his visit as "shameful", and &nbspShiromani Akali Dal said that Sidhu has broken the "decorum" by visiting Pakistan. Malik further called Sidhu an opportunist and slammed him as he accused Sidhu of putting the nation's dignity at risk. The BJP leader has further demanded an apology from Sidhu for the "unacceptable act." The main opposition, Aam Aadmi Party also condemned the visit. 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 -- Cabinet minister in the Amarinder Singh-led Congress government in Punjab -- was 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. Welcoming the "change" in Pakistan's democracy with the election of Khan as prime minister, Sidhu said Khan should come forward in peace initiative between the two neighbours. He said he has brought "a message of love" to Pakistan as a goodwill ambassador of India. "I have come here not as a politician but as a friend. I have come here to take part in the happiness of my friend (Imran)," he said, adding sportsmen and artistes help bringing the people of two sides closer.

Opposition in Punjab slams Navjot Singh Sidhu for Pakistan visit

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Sunday confirmed the reports of an arrest of an alleged key shooting in rationalist Narendra Dabholkar's murder case, news agency PTI reported.

The arrest of Sachin Praskasrao Andure&nbsp;was made by the central probe agency from Maharashtra's Aurangabad.

He is believed to be one of the shooters who fired at Dabholkar in Pune on August 20, 2013, in broad daylight, the officials said.

The arrest comes few days ahead of the fifth death anniversary of Dabholkar, who was murdered by unknown bike-borne assailants from point-blank range on August 20, 2013, in Pune, while he was returning home from a morning walk.

The Bombay High Court on August 2 had pulled up Maharashtra`s Special Investigation Agency (SIT) and CBI probing the case.

The court cracked a whip on the investigative agencies directing them to adopt the same degree of seriousness and promptness like Karnataka Police which is probing the Gauri Lankesh murder case.

"Is there a lack of coordination, or are the authorities before us restricting their probe to merely pursuing mobile phone records," the court had said.

Following a demand by members of Dabholkar`s family, the case was handed over to the CBI for investigation. On a related note, the Karnataka police while probing the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh found out that suspects in Lankesh`s murder had links with the conspirators in the murders of Dabholkar, Karburgi and Pansare.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The arrest of Sachin Praskasrao Andure was made by the central probe agency from Maharashtra's Aurangabad.

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Sunday confirmed the reports of an arrest of an alleged key shooting in rationalist Narendra Dabholkar's murder case, news agency PTI reported. The arrest of Sachin Praskasrao Andure was made by the central probe agency from Maharashtra's Aurangabad. He is believed to be one of the shooters who fired at Dabholkar in Pune on August 20, 2013, in broad daylight, the officials said. The arrest comes few days ahead of the fifth death anniversary of Dabholkar, who was murdered by unknown bike-borne assailants from point-blank range on August 20, 2013, in Pune, while he was returning home from a morning walk. The Bombay High Court on August 2 had pulled up Maharashtra`s Special Investigation Agency (SIT) and CBI probing the case. The court cracked a whip on the investigative agencies directing them to adopt the same degree of seriousness and promptness like Karnataka Police which is probing the Gauri Lankesh murder case. "Is there a lack of coordination, or are the authorities before us restricting their probe to merely pursuing mobile phone records," the court had said. Following a demand by members of Dabholkar`s family, the case was handed over to the CBI for investigation. On a related note, the Karnataka police while probing the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh found out that suspects in Lankesh`s murder had links with the conspirators in the murders of Dabholkar, Karburgi and Pansare. (With inputs from agencies)

Alleged key shooter in Narendra Dabholkar murder case arrested: Report

Amid heavy rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu, part of Kollidam bridge in Trichy collapsed and was washed away in the Cauvery river basin on Saturday night.&nbsp

According to a report by ANI, the incident took place at around 1 am. No casualties have been reported so far. &nbspTorrential rains continued to batter several districts of the state since the past week.

The landslides and heavy rain have claimed six lives in the district since Thursday, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. Multiple agencies, including army’s one column of Dogra Regiment with 60 personnel, are involved in the operation.&nbsp

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Part of Kollidam bridge in Trichy collapses and gets washed away in the Cauvery river basin. The incident took place at around 1 am today. No casualties reported. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/xjrs4wABEe">pic.twitter.com/xjrs4wABEe</a>
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On Saturday, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy undertook an aerial survey of the district which has been experiencing heavy rain for the past three days. Deputy chief minister Parameshwara tweeted today six people have been killed in Kodagu due to floods and landslides during the last 24 hours.

The government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased, he said, adding that the government would take care of the treatment of the injured. Landslides were reported from some places in the district and authorities have stepped up efforts to rescue stranded people, officials said.

A sum of Rs 200 crore was announced as a grant in aid to the affected districts for relief work a few days ago.&nbsp A committee, comprising senior administrative officers led by chief secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar, has been constituted to monitor relief operations, Kumaraswamy said.

A sum of Rs 200 crore was announced as a grant in aid to the affected districts for relief work a few days ago.

Amid heavy rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu, part of Kollidam bridge in Trichy collapsed and was washed away in the Cauvery river basin on Saturday night. According to a report by ANI, the incident took place at around 1 am. No casualties have been reported so far. &nbspTorrential rains continued to batter several districts of the state since the past week. The landslides and heavy rain have claimed six lives in the district since Thursday, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. Multiple agencies, including army’s one column of Dogra Regiment with 60 personnel, are involved in the operation. #WATCH: Part of Kollidam bridge in Trichy collapses and gets washed away in the Cauvery river basin. The incident took place at around 1 am today. No casualties reported. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/xjrs4wABEe — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2018 × On Saturday, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy undertook an aerial survey of the district which has been experiencing heavy rain for the past three days. Deputy chief minister Parameshwara tweeted today six people have been killed in Kodagu due to floods and landslides during the last 24 hours. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased, he said, adding that the government would take care of the treatment of the injured. Landslides were reported from some places in the district and authorities have stepped up efforts to rescue stranded people, officials said. A sum of Rs 200 crore was announced as a grant in aid to the affected districts for relief work a few days ago. A committee, comprising senior administrative officers led by chief secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar, has been constituted to monitor relief operations, Kumaraswamy said.

Tamil Nadu rains: Part of Kollidam bridge in Trichy collapses

The BJP on Sunday took on Rahul Gandhi over the revocation of suspension from his party of Mani Shankar Aiyar, who had used objectionable language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it exposed the Congress chief and his "love for a person of many controversies".

Aiyar was suspended from the primary membership of the Congress on December 7 last year for his "neech aadmi" remarks against Modi on the eve of the Gujarat Assembly polls.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, party spokesperson Sambit Patra questioned why Aiyar was taken back by the Congress, wondering if the party was incomplete without him.

"Rahul Gandhi had clarified that the Congress did not support Aiyar's foul language and that there was no place for such leaders in the party. But now, the way he has been taken back shows it was only a lip service and the Congress president stands exposed," he said.

Citing various controversial statements made by Aiyar against Modi, the BJP leader said he was the real face of the Congress.

Referring to a tweet of Gandhi where he said he was the Congress and the Congress was love, Patra wondered whether this love was for Aiyar, a man of many controversies.

"Rahul Gandhi tweets, saying I am Congress and I am love and now, his love Mani Shankar Aiyar is back... A man of many controversies," he said.

The Congress chief revoked Aiyar's suspension from the party yesterday on the recommendation of its central disciplinary committee.&nbsp;

Aiyar had also courted controversy when he hosted a former Pakistani foreign minister and senior Congress leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, at his residence here ahead of the Gujarat polls.

The issue had become a major campaign point for the BJP with Modi personally raking it up.&nbsp;

Citing various controversial statements made by Aiyar against Modi, the BJP leader said he was the real face of the Congress.

The BJP on Sunday took on Rahul Gandhi over the revocation of suspension from his party of Mani Shankar Aiyar, who had used objectionable language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it exposed the Congress chief and his "love for a person of many controversies". Aiyar was suspended from the primary membership of the Congress on December 7 last year for his "neech aadmi" remarks against Modi on the eve of the Gujarat Assembly polls. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, party spokesperson Sambit Patra questioned why Aiyar was taken back by the Congress, wondering if the party was incomplete without him. "Rahul Gandhi had clarified that the Congress did not support Aiyar's foul language and that there was no place for such leaders in the party. But now, the way he has been taken back shows it was only a lip service and the Congress president stands exposed," he said. Citing various controversial statements made by Aiyar against Modi, the BJP leader said he was the real face of the Congress. Referring to a tweet of Gandhi where he said he was the Congress and the Congress was love, Patra wondered whether this love was for Aiyar, a man of many controversies. "Rahul Gandhi tweets, saying I am Congress and I am love and now, his love Mani Shankar Aiyar is back... A man of many controversies," he said. The Congress chief revoked Aiyar's suspension from the party yesterday on the recommendation of its central disciplinary committee. Aiyar had also courted controversy when he hosted a former Pakistani foreign minister and senior Congress leaders, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, at his residence here ahead of the Gujarat polls. The issue had become a major campaign point for the BJP with Modi personally raking it up.

Revocation of Mani Shankar suspension exposes Rahul's 'love for man of controversies': BJP

Goa Congress Chief Girish Chodankar today said former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to enjoy eating things that his party (BJP) now objects to.

He was speaking at a condolence meeting organised by the state Congress for the departed leader at the party headquarters here.

The Congress leader, however, did not specify which culinary item he was referring to while making the comment.

Vajpayee, a Bharat Ratna awardee and a three-time prime minister, died at the age of 93 on August 16, almost a decade after he withdrew from public life due to age-related ailments.

Chodankar said had Vajpayee been active in politics in the last four to five years, the face of the country would have been different.

"If Vajpayee was active in politics in the last four to five years, he would have curbed the attempts to divide people on the basis of religion. He would not have let anyone dictate to the people what they should eat and what they should not," he said.

"Vajpayee used to eat everything. Those things which these people (BJP) are telling us not to eat, he used to enjoy them. He had the courage to confess what he was eating," the Congress leader said.

Referring to a quote often attributed to Vajpayee, where the BJP stalwart said he was a bachelor but not a "brahmachari" (celibate), Chodankar said the BJP should have the kind of courage the departed leader had in making such admissions.

Praising his secular politics, Chodankar said Vajpayee had once said an India which was not secular was not India at all.

"In 2002, he had told then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi to follow raj dharma (in the aftermath of the riots that broke out following the Godhra train fire). India is going in a different direction. We need leaders like Vajpayee to give it a proper direction.

"We hope that a leader like Vajpayee is present in different parties so that India remains united and there is no division of caste and religion," the Congress leader added.

Leader of the Opposition in the Goa Assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar praised Vajpayee as a man respected by even his political opponents and a leader who stood for secularism, despite being in a party "which is against secularism".&nbsp

Praising his secular politics, Chodankar said Vajpayee had once said an India which was not secular was not India at all.

Goa Congress Chief Girish Chodankar today said former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to enjoy eating things that his party (BJP) now objects to. He was speaking at a condolence meeting organised by the state Congress for the departed leader at the party headquarters here. The Congress leader, however, did not specify which culinary item he was referring to while making the comment. Vajpayee, a Bharat Ratna awardee and a three-time prime minister, died at the age of 93 on August 16, almost a decade after he withdrew from public life due to age-related ailments. Chodankar said had Vajpayee been active in politics in the last four to five years, the face of the country would have been different. "If Vajpayee was active in politics in the last four to five years, he would have curbed the attempts to divide people on the basis of religion. He would not have let anyone dictate to the people what they should eat and what they should not," he said. "Vajpayee used to eat everything. Those things which these people (BJP) are telling us not to eat, he used to enjoy them. He had the courage to confess what he was eating," the Congress leader said. Referring to a quote often attributed to Vajpayee, where the BJP stalwart said he was a bachelor but not a "brahmachari" (celibate), Chodankar said the BJP should have the kind of courage the departed leader had in making such admissions. Praising his secular politics, Chodankar said Vajpayee had once said an India which was not secular was not India at all. "In 2002, he had told then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi to follow raj dharma (in the aftermath of the riots that broke out following the Godhra train fire). India is going in a different direction. We need leaders like Vajpayee to give it a proper direction. "We hope that a leader like Vajpayee is present in different parties so that India remains united and there is no division of caste and religion," the Congress leader added. Leader of the Opposition in the Goa Assembly Chandrakant Kavlekar praised Vajpayee as a man respected by even his political opponents and a leader who stood for secularism, despite being in a party "which is against secularism".

Vajpayee ate things his party now objects to: Goa Congress Chief

Former prime minister&nbsp;Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ashes to be immersed in rivers of Uttar Pradesh starting from Ganga in Haridwar today.

Daughter Namita and granddaughter Niharika arrived at Smriti Sthal in Delhi to collect the ashes which will then be taken&nbsp;Prem ashram and then to Har-Ki-Puri in Haridwar in Uttarakhand by road.

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Ashes of former prime minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> will be taken to Prem Ashram, then to Har-ki-Pauri in Uttarakhand's Haridwar by road <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visuals</a> from Delhi's Smriti Sthal where his daughter Namita and granddaughter Niharika have come to collect the ashes <a href="https://t.co/ySE3BSwPX3">pic.twitter.com/ySE3BSwPX3</a>
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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, along with BJP Chief Amit Shah, will also visit Haridwar today for the immersion ceremony. They will be by accompanied by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra S Rawat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.&nbsp;

The procession carrying the former prime minister's ashes will start from the Shanti Kunj Ashram in Haridwar, cover a distance of around five kilometres and reach the Har Ki Pauri ghat for the immersion.&nbsp;

According to the official statement, the gesture is to pay respect and tribute to the grand stature of the magnanimous leader and Bharat Ratna.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee breathed his last on Thursday at Delhi's All India Institute Of Medical Science. He was 93.

According to the official statement released by AIIMS, Vajpayee passed away at 5.05pm on Thursday.

The entire nation mourned the loss as former PM Vajpayee was cremated on Friday at Smriti Sthal in Delhi with full state honours. PM Modi, President Kovind along with other leaders paid their last respects to the former prime minister.&nbsp;

Along with national leaders, a string of foreign dignitaries including King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, Sri Lanka's acting Foreign Minister Lakshman Kiriella and former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, were also in the national capital to attend Vajpayee's last rites.

Vajpayee, who led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998 to 2004, was the first-ever member of the BJP to become India's Prime Minister. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour in 2015.&nbsp;

According to the official statement, the gesture is to pay respect and tribute to the grand stature of the magnanimous leader and Bharat Ratna.

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ashes to be immersed in rivers of Uttar Pradesh starting from Ganga in Haridwar today. Daughter Namita and granddaughter Niharika arrived at Smriti Sthal in Delhi to collect the ashes which will then be taken Prem ashram and then to Har-Ki-Puri in Haridwar in Uttarakhand by road. Ashes of former prime minister #AtalBihariVajpayee will be taken to Prem Ashram, then to Har-ki-Pauri in Uttarakhand's Haridwar by road #visuals from Delhi's Smriti Sthal where his daughter Namita and granddaughter Niharika have come to collect the ashes pic.twitter.com/ySE3BSwPX3 — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2018 × Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, along with BJP Chief Amit Shah, will also visit Haridwar today for the immersion ceremony. They will be by accompanied by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra S Rawat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The procession carrying the former prime minister's ashes will start from the Shanti Kunj Ashram in Haridwar, cover a distance of around five kilometres and reach the Har Ki Pauri ghat for the immersion. According to the official statement, the gesture is to pay respect and tribute to the grand stature of the magnanimous leader and Bharat Ratna. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee breathed his last on Thursday at Delhi's All India Institute Of Medical Science. He was 93. According to the official statement released by AIIMS, Vajpayee passed away at 5.05pm on Thursday. The entire nation mourned the loss as former PM Vajpayee was cremated on Friday at Smriti Sthal in Delhi with full state honours. PM Modi, President Kovind along with other leaders paid their last respects to the former prime minister. Along with national leaders, a string of foreign dignitaries including King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, Sri Lanka's acting Foreign Minister Lakshman Kiriella and former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, were also in the national capital to attend Vajpayee's last rites. Vajpayee, who led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998 to 2004, was the first-ever member of the BJP to become India's Prime Minister. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour in 2015.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ashes to be immersed in Haridwar today

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) today directed the central ministries to focus on providing essential commodities and medicine and restoration of vital services in flood-hit Kerala.

The NCMC, headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, in its review meeting directed that focus should now be on the provision of emergency supplies of food, water, medicines and restoration of essential services such as power, fuel, telecom and transport links as flood water recedes in Kerala.

The Department of Food and Public Distribution has made available 50,000 metric tonnes of food grains (rice and wheat) to meet the immediate requirements with additional quantities in the pipeline, an official spokesperson said.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has made arrangements to airlift 100 metric tonnes of pulses by tomorrow with additional quantities to be sent by train.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has made available 9,300 kilolitres of kerosene to Kerala. Additional 12,000 kilolitres of kerosene will be allocated. LPG bottling plant in Kochi has been reopened.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is airlifting 60 tonnes of emergency medicines on Monday. It has put six specialised medical teams on standby.

The Railways will provide blankets and bedsheets to meet the immediate requirements of the state government. The Air India has offered to airlift relief material without any cost.

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The Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry has made available 9,300 kilolitres of kerosene to Kerala. Additional 12,000 kilolitres of kerosene will be allocated. LPG bottling plant in Kochi has been reopened: Government of India <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a>
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The NCMC, which met for the fourth consecutive day, reviewed the rescue and relief operations among the armed forces, NDRF, Ministry of Home Affairs and other central ministries and the Kerala government.

Rescue and relief operations are continuing in full swing with the thousands of personnel of the Indian Navy, Air Force, Army, NDRF and CAPFs are engaged in the rescue, relief and evacuation operations in Kerala with the support of dozens of helicopters, aircraft, hundreds of motorboats, the spokesperson said.

The operations will continue until the situation becomes normal. So far, they have rescued and evacuated more than 38,000 people from the flood-affected areas.

Medical aid has been provided to more than 23,000 people. As many as 3,00,000 food packets have been supplied by the Food Processing Ministry.

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Ministry of Health&Family Welfare to airlift 60 tonnes of emergency medicines tomorrow. A special train with 14 lakh litres of water & Navy ship with 8 lakh litres of water to reach Kerala by tomorrow: Government of India <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031198741842280448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Railways are running two special trains tomorrow to Kolkata from Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam to ensure travel of stranded people.

Train services are expected to be restored on all lines by tomorrow evening.

A special train with 14,00,000 litres of water and a Navy ship with 8,00,000 litres of water will reach Kerala by tomorrow.

Commercial flights will start operating from Kochi naval base from tomorrow and all logistic arrangements for this have been put in place.

The regular NCMC meetings are taking place following the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who made an aerial survey of the floods affected areas yesterday.

The operations will continue until the situation becomes normal.

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) today directed the central ministries to focus on providing essential commodities and medicine and restoration of vital services in flood-hit Kerala. The NCMC, headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, in its review meeting directed that focus should now be on the provision of emergency supplies of food, water, medicines and restoration of essential services such as power, fuel, telecom and transport links as flood water recedes in Kerala. The Department of Food and Public Distribution has made available 50,000 metric tonnes of food grains (rice and wheat) to meet the immediate requirements with additional quantities in the pipeline, an official spokesperson said. The Department of Consumer Affairs has made arrangements to airlift 100 metric tonnes of pulses by tomorrow with additional quantities to be sent by train. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has made available 9,300 kilolitres of kerosene to Kerala. Additional 12,000 kilolitres of kerosene will be allocated. LPG bottling plant in Kochi has been reopened. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is airlifting 60 tonnes of emergency medicines on Monday. It has put six specialised medical teams on standby. The Railways will provide blankets and bedsheets to meet the immediate requirements of the state government. The Air India has offered to airlift relief material without any cost. The Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry has made available 9,300 kilolitres of kerosene to Kerala. Additional 12,000 kilolitres of kerosene will be allocated. LPG bottling plant in Kochi has been reopened: Government of India #KeralaFloods — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2018 × The NCMC, which met for the fourth consecutive day, reviewed the rescue and relief operations among the armed forces, NDRF, Ministry of Home Affairs and other central ministries and the Kerala government. Rescue and relief operations are continuing in full swing with the thousands of personnel of the Indian Navy, Air Force, Army, NDRF and CAPFs are engaged in the rescue, relief and evacuation operations in Kerala with the support of dozens of helicopters, aircraft, hundreds of motorboats, the spokesperson said. The operations will continue until the situation becomes normal. So far, they have rescued and evacuated more than 38,000 people from the flood-affected areas. Medical aid has been provided to more than 23,000 people. As many as 3,00,000 food packets have been supplied by the Food Processing Ministry. Ministry of Health&Family Welfare to airlift 60 tonnes of emergency medicines tomorrow. A special train with 14 lakh litres of water & Navy ship with 8 lakh litres of water to reach Kerala by tomorrow: Government of India #KeralaFloods — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2018 × The Railways are running two special trains tomorrow to Kolkata from Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam to ensure travel of stranded people. Train services are expected to be restored on all lines by tomorrow evening. A special train with 14,00,000 litres of water and a Navy ship with 8,00,000 litres of water will reach Kerala by tomorrow. Commercial flights will start operating from Kochi naval base from tomorrow and all logistic arrangements for this have been put in place. The regular NCMC meetings are taking place following the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who made an aerial survey of the floods affected areas yesterday.

Centre directs more focus on food, medicine, restoration of vital services in flood-hit Kerala

India and Mauritius on Sunday discussed measures to further strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation in the field of maritime security as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with the country's top leadership.

Swaraj, who was here to attend the 11th World Hindi Conference, called on Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and discussed bilateral ties.&nbsp

"Connecting with a maritime neighbour! EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. Discussed further deepening our ties," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.&nbsp

PM Jugnauth hosted a banquet lunch in honour Swaraj which was attended by prominent dignitaries from both sides.

Swaraj also met the country's Opposition leader Xavier Luc Duval, former prime ministers Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Paul Berenger on the sidelines of the three-day World Hindi Conference that began here yesterday.

In the meeting, Berenger conveyed his condolence on the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and recalled the role played by him in strengthening our bilateral relations.

In April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the multilateral Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London, had met Jugnauth and talked about cooperation in trade and investment, maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties.

In 2017, India had announced a USD 500 million line of credit to Mauritius as the two countries decided to firm up cooperation in the field of maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

The two sides also signed a maritime security agreement.&nbsp

Earlier, Swaraj inaugurated Panini Language Laboratory at Mahatma Gandhi Institute. The language laboratory, gifted by the Indian government, deploys ICT-enabled methods to teach Hindi.&nbsp

PM Jugnauth hosted a banquet lunch in honour Swaraj which was attended by prominent dignitaries from both sides.

India and Mauritius on Sunday discussed measures to further strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation in the field of maritime security as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with the country's top leadership. Swaraj, who was here to attend the 11th World Hindi Conference, called on Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and discussed bilateral ties. "Connecting with a maritime neighbour! EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. Discussed further deepening our ties," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. PM Jugnauth hosted a banquet lunch in honour Swaraj which was attended by prominent dignitaries from both sides. Swaraj also met the country's Opposition leader Xavier Luc Duval, former prime ministers Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Paul Berenger on the sidelines of the three-day World Hindi Conference that began here yesterday. In the meeting, Berenger conveyed his condolence on the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and recalled the role played by him in strengthening our bilateral relations. In April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the multilateral Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London, had met Jugnauth and talked about cooperation in trade and investment, maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties. In 2017, India had announced a USD 500 million line of credit to Mauritius as the two countries decided to firm up cooperation in the field of maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. The two sides also signed a maritime security agreement. Earlier, Swaraj inaugurated Panini Language Laboratory at Mahatma Gandhi Institute. The language laboratory, gifted by the Indian government, deploys ICT-enabled methods to teach Hindi.

Swaraj meets top leadership of Mauritius, discusses bilateral ties

The son of slain Maharashtra rationalist Narendra Dabholkar hoped that the real perpetrators behind the murder of his father are nabbed soon.

According to media reports, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested one of the two gunmen who allegedly killed Narendra Dabholkar in 2013.

Sachin Prakasrao Andure, who is believed to be one of the shooters who shot dead the MANS founder in Pune, was arrested by the central probe agency from Maharashtra`s Aurangabad.

Narendra Dabholkar's son Hamid Dabholkar, told ANI, "The CBI has arrested a person in connection with the case. I think it is an important development in the case which will help in the further probe. We hope that with this arrest, investigating agencies will get to the mastermind who was involved in the killing of my father Dr Dabholkar. The Bombay High Court is supervising and monitoring the case. I hope soon the accused in murder cases of Govind Pansare, MM Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh will also get arrested by the police."

Meanwhile, DCP Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra D&nbspKulkarni underscored that following a tip-off from Thane`s ATS team Andure was arrested.

"Thane ATS team, had recently arrested three persons from Nalasopara and Pune in an alleged case of explosives seizure. During custodial interrogation, one of the arrested people revealed about Andure`s direct involvement in the Dabholkar killing," said Kulkarni

."One more person was summoned and he also revealed identical information, following which the CBI arrested one more person and now is further investigating the case," Kulkarni said.

The arrest comes few days ahead of the fifth death anniversary of Dabholkar, who was murdered by unknown bike-borne assailants from point-blank range on August 20, 2013, in Pune, while he was returning home from a morning walk.

The Bombay High Court on August 2 had pulled up Maharashtra`s Special Investigation Agency (SIT) and CBI probing the case.

The court cracked a whip on the investigative agencies directing them to adopt the same degree of seriousness and promptness like Karnataka Police which is probing the Gauri Lankesh murder case.

"Is there a lack of coordination, or are the authorities before us restricting their probe to merely pursuing mobile phone records," the court had said.

Following a demand by members of Dabholkar`s family, the case was handed over to the CBI for investigation. On a related note, the Karnataka police while probing the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh found out that suspects in Lankesh`s murder had links with the conspirators in the murders of Dabholkar, Karburgi and Pansare.&nbsp 
&nbsp

According to media reports, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested one of the two gunmen who allegedly killed Narendra Dabholkar in 2013.

The son of slain Maharashtra rationalist Narendra Dabholkar hoped that the real perpetrators behind the murder of his father are nabbed soon. According to media reports, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested one of the two gunmen who allegedly killed Narendra Dabholkar in 2013. Sachin Prakasrao Andure, who is believed to be one of the shooters who shot dead the MANS founder in Pune, was arrested by the central probe agency from Maharashtra`s Aurangabad. Narendra Dabholkar's son Hamid Dabholkar, told ANI, "The CBI has arrested a person in connection with the case. I think it is an important development in the case which will help in the further probe. We hope that with this arrest, investigating agencies will get to the mastermind who was involved in the killing of my father Dr Dabholkar. The Bombay High Court is supervising and monitoring the case. I hope soon the accused in murder cases of Govind Pansare, MM Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh will also get arrested by the police." Meanwhile, DCP Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra D&nbspKulkarni underscored that following a tip-off from Thane`s ATS team Andure was arrested. "Thane ATS team, had recently arrested three persons from Nalasopara and Pune in an alleged case of explosives seizure. During custodial interrogation, one of the arrested people revealed about Andure`s direct involvement in the Dabholkar killing," said Kulkarni ."One more person was summoned and he also revealed identical information, following which the CBI arrested one more person and now is further investigating the case," Kulkarni said. The arrest comes few days ahead of the fifth death anniversary of Dabholkar, who was murdered by unknown bike-borne assailants from point-blank range on August 20, 2013, in Pune, while he was returning home from a morning walk. The Bombay High Court on August 2 had pulled up Maharashtra`s Special Investigation Agency (SIT) and CBI probing the case. The court cracked a whip on the investigative agencies directing them to adopt the same degree of seriousness and promptness like Karnataka Police which is probing the Gauri Lankesh murder case. "Is there a lack of coordination, or are the authorities before us restricting their probe to merely pursuing mobile phone records," the court had said. Following a demand by members of Dabholkar`s family, the case was handed over to the CBI for investigation. On a related note, the Karnataka police while probing the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh found out that suspects in Lankesh`s murder had links with the conspirators in the murders of Dabholkar, Karburgi and Pansare.

Hope real culprits behind murder are found soon: Narendra Dabholkar's son

Sachin Praskasrao Andure, accused of killing rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in 2013, was arrested on Sunday by the CBI. According to reports, Andure has been sent to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody till August 26 by a Pune court.

Andure was produced before the court today after being arrested by the CBI from Aurangabad, Maharashtra on Saturday.&nbsp

Meanwhile, Andure's advocate alleged that it was "some new theory to implicate Sachin".&nbsp

"As per the CBI, Andure is the person who actually fired at Dr Dabholkar and they (CBI) today sought further custody from the court. But in an earlier charge sheet filed by the CBI in Virendrasingh Tawde case, they have shown other two absconding persons, Sarang Akolkar and Vinay Pawar, as the one who actually fired at Dabholkar. Therefore this is some new theory to implicate Sachin," Andure's advocate was quoted by news agency ANI.&nbsp

Andure's arrest comes a day ahead of the fifth death anniversary of Dabholkar, Maharashtra based rationalist who was the founder of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS).

Narendra Dabholkar was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants while returning home from a morning walk on August 20, 2013.&nbsp

Andure's arrest comes a day ahead of the fifth death anniversary of Dabholkar.

Sachin Praskasrao Andure, accused of killing rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in 2013, was arrested on Sunday by the CBI. According to reports, Andure has been sent to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody till August 26 by a Pune court. Andure was produced before the court today after being arrested by the CBI from Aurangabad, Maharashtra on Saturday. Meanwhile, Andure's advocate alleged that it was "some new theory to implicate Sachin". "As per the CBI, Andure is the person who actually fired at Dr Dabholkar and they (CBI) today sought further custody from the court. But in an earlier charge sheet filed by the CBI in Virendrasingh Tawde case, they have shown other two absconding persons, Sarang Akolkar and Vinay Pawar, as the one who actually fired at Dabholkar. Therefore this is some new theory to implicate Sachin," Andure's advocate was quoted by news agency ANI. Andure's arrest comes a day ahead of the fifth death anniversary of Dabholkar, Maharashtra based rationalist who was the founder of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS). Narendra Dabholkar was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants while returning home from a morning walk on August 20, 2013.

Narendra Dabholkar murder case: Accused sent to CBI custody till August 26

The death toll on Saturday climbed to 357 people in flood-hit&nbsp;Kerala with over 3 lakh people displaced and homeless, state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed media.

The Chief Minister further informed that the state&nbsp;suffered a <a href="ionews.com/india-news/thousands-rescued-as-rains-and-landslides-continue-to-haunt-kerala-160040">loss of&nbsp;21,000 crores</a>&nbsp;in the worst floods of the century as he urged people to <a href="wionews.com/india-news/kerala-is-in-middle-of-disaster-we-need-to-unite-to-tackle-it-cm-vijayan--160047">"unite as one</a>"&nbsp;to tackle this.

Kerala has been facing the worst flooding in a century. The rescue and relief operations in the state are in full swing and efforts are being made to evacuate people from flood-affected areas.

The Centre has launched massive rescue and relief operations in the southern state. Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been asked to mobilize additional manpower, boats and helicopters to scale up the rescue and relief operations. Food packets and drinking water are also being rushed.

So far, around 42 navy, 16 army, 28 coast guard and 39 National Disaster Relief Force teams have been deployed in rescue operations.&nbsp;

67 helicopters, 24 aircraft, 548 motorboats and thousands of rescue personnel from Navy, Army, Air Force, NDRF, Coast Guard are pressed into service to evacuate people from submerged areas to relief camps and distribute relief materials, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a>: Relief materials being loaded on board Naval Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Chetak helicopter & Naval Sea King helicopter at Naval Air Station INS Garuda in Kochi <a href="https://t.co/t2hAtwZivj">pic.twitter.com/t2hAtwZivj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031004130289111040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Various state governments have also extended help to flood-ravaged Kerala. Central Ministries have made food, water and medicines available, including 3,00,000 food packets, 6,00,000 MT of milk, 14,00,000 litres of drinking water, 150 portable water purification kits with the capacity of 1,00,000 litre each.&nbsp;

On Saturday, after conducting an aerial survey of the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a relief fund of Rs. 500 crore to the state along with an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the next kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those critically injured.

Meanwhile, the weather department has predicted<a href="wionews.com/india-news/more-rains-to-follow-states-pledge-financial-aid-to-flood-ravaged-kerala-160011"> no respite from rainfall in Kerala</a> for the next 48 hours.&nbsp;The weather office warned of more heavy "red" category rains on Saturday, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The Chief Minister further informed that the state suffered a loss of Rs 19,512 crores in the worst floods of the century.

The death toll on Saturday climbed to 357 people in flood-hit Kerala with over 3 lakh people displaced and homeless, state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed media. The Chief Minister further informed that the state suffered a loss of 21,000 crores in the worst floods of the century as he urged people to "unite as one" to tackle this. Kerala has been facing the worst flooding in a century. The rescue and relief operations in the state are in full swing and efforts are being made to evacuate people from flood-affected areas. The Centre has launched massive rescue and relief operations in the southern state. Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been asked to mobilize additional manpower, boats and helicopters to scale up the rescue and relief operations. Food packets and drinking water are also being rushed. So far, around 42 navy, 16 army, 28 coast guard and 39 National Disaster Relief Force teams have been deployed in rescue operations. 67 helicopters, 24 aircraft, 548 motorboats and thousands of rescue personnel from Navy, Army, Air Force, NDRF, Coast Guard are pressed into service to evacuate people from submerged areas to relief camps and distribute relief materials, news agency ANI reported. #KeralaFloods: Relief materials being loaded on board Naval Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Chetak helicopter & Naval Sea King helicopter at Naval Air Station INS Garuda in Kochi pic.twitter.com/t2hAtwZivj — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2018 × Various state governments have also extended help to flood-ravaged Kerala. Central Ministries have made food, water and medicines available, including 3,00,000 food packets, 6,00,000 MT of milk, 14,00,000 litres of drinking water, 150 portable water purification kits with the capacity of 1,00,000 litre each. On Saturday, after conducting an aerial survey of the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a relief fund of Rs. 500 crore to the state along with an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the next kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those critically injured. Meanwhile, the weather department has predicted no respite from rainfall in Kerala for the next 48 hours. The weather office warned of more heavy "red" category rains on Saturday, news agency Reuters reported.

Kerala floods: Death toll rises to 357; 50000 rescued, red alert in 11 districts

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has said rumours were being spread over the stability of Mullaperiyar dam with an aim to create a wedge between the people of the state and Kerala, asserting that the reservoir was 'safe' to store water up to 142 feet.

"Experts have opined that water could be stored upto 142 ft.. There is no need to fear.. The dam is strong.. The dam will not be affected even if there is a tremor or quake," Panneerselvam told reporters here last night, after visiting the Kumuli road, which got damaged due to a landslide

"People of Kerala are our brothers and sisters.. Some people are trying to create misunderstanding between us," he said referring to the rumours doing rounds on social media platforms that the Mullaperiyar dam has developed some cracks.

The Deputy Chief Minister's statement comes following a plea made by flood-hit Kerala on August 15, for reducing the water level in the Mullaperiyar reservoir to 139 feet over safety concerns in view of heavy inflows.

The Tamil Nadu government had turned down the request saying the century-old reservoir was 'safe' enough to store water up to 142 feet.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also sought the Centre's intervention as he raised concerns about safety of the dam in view of the swelling inflows following torrential rains lashing the state.

The Supreme Court had on August 16 directed the Disaster Management sub-committee of Mullaperiyar Dam to consider reducing water level up to 139 feet from the present 142 feet, considering the "grave" flood situation in all the 14 districts of Kerala.

The two states are locked in a dispute over the storage level in the dam, situated in high-range Idukki district of Kerala, which has been raising concerns about safety of people living downstream.&nbsp

"People of Kerala are our brothers and sisters.. Some people are trying to create misunderstanding between us," he said referring to the rumours doing rounds on social media platforms that the Mullaperiyar dam has developed some cracks.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has said rumours were being spread over the stability of Mullaperiyar dam with an aim to create a wedge between the people of the state and Kerala, asserting that the reservoir was 'safe' to store water up to 142 feet. "Experts have opined that water could be stored upto 142 ft.. There is no need to fear.. The dam is strong.. The dam will not be affected even if there is a tremor or quake," Panneerselvam told reporters here last night, after visiting the Kumuli road, which got damaged due to a landslide "People of Kerala are our brothers and sisters.. Some people are trying to create misunderstanding between us," he said referring to the rumours doing rounds on social media platforms that the Mullaperiyar dam has developed some cracks. The Deputy Chief Minister's statement comes following a plea made by flood-hit Kerala on August 15, for reducing the water level in the Mullaperiyar reservoir to 139 feet over safety concerns in view of heavy inflows. The Tamil Nadu government had turned down the request saying the century-old reservoir was 'safe' enough to store water up to 142 feet. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also sought the Centre's intervention as he raised concerns about safety of the dam in view of the swelling inflows following torrential rains lashing the state. The Supreme Court had on August 16 directed the Disaster Management sub-committee of Mullaperiyar Dam to consider reducing water level up to 139 feet from the present 142 feet, considering the "grave" flood situation in all the 14 districts of Kerala. The two states are locked in a dispute over the storage level in the dam, situated in high-range Idukki district of Kerala, which has been raising concerns about safety of people living downstream.

Mullaperiyar dam 'safe' to store water upto 142 ft: O Panneerselvam

Ecologist Madhav Gadgil, who headed the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), claimed today that the floods and landslides in Kerala is also a man-made disaster as illegal constructions on river beds and unauthorised stone quarrying contributed to the calamity.

The government-constituted WGEEP, in its 2011 report, had recommended that several areas in Kerala which come under the Western Ghats should be classified as ecologically sensitive. However, the state government had opposed the panel's recommendations.

While the magnitude of rainfall witnessed in Kerala this season was not exactly unprecedented, the flooding seen this time was never experienced before, Gadgil told PTI here.

"There are two components to it. One is the intense rainfall -- of a higher level than normal. One of my students has done a thesis on intense rainfall events in Kerala... He says certainly this year it's quite intense but not unprecedented," he said.

"He (the student) hails from Kerala. The experience of his father and grandfather is that earlier there was occasionally intense rainfall but never this level of flooding or landslides," the 76-year-old ecologist said.

<img alt="LYNXMPEE7G0SI_L.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="520" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/LYNXMPEE7G0SI_L.jpg" width="800" />

The flooding has definitely brought to light existence of illegal stone quarries or large number of unauthorised constructions on river beds, he said, adding, "In this sense it is definitely a man-made calamity where intense rainfall and human intervention have made it a serious disaster."

Gadgil, the founder of the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, in his report on the Western Ghats in Kerala had recommended strict restrictions on mining and quarrying and on use of land for non-forest purposes.

Asked if the Kerala government should implement the recommendations of the WGEEP, also known as Gadgil commission, he said all that is needed to be done is to follow the law.

"Nobody has been able to point out any factual mistake in our report. The recommendations are entirely within constitutional provisions and various laws. Implementing the report means government stopping flouting our own laws and government stopping suppression of our own people," Gadgil said.

"Forget our report. The government must begin to behave lawfully and then automatically it means our report is implemented," he said.

According to the state authorities, 194 people have lost their lives and 36 are missing in Kerala since August 8 due to rains and landslides, while over 3.14 lakh people have been moved to relief camps.&nbsp;

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While the magnitude of rainfall witnessed in Kerala this season was not exactly unprecedented, the flooding seen this time was never experienced before, Gadgil told PTI.

Ecologist Madhav Gadgil, who headed the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), claimed today that the floods and landslides in Kerala is also a man-made disaster as illegal constructions on river beds and unauthorised stone quarrying contributed to the calamity. The government-constituted WGEEP, in its 2011 report, had recommended that several areas in Kerala which come under the Western Ghats should be classified as ecologically sensitive. However, the state government had opposed the panel's recommendations. While the magnitude of rainfall witnessed in Kerala this season was not exactly unprecedented, the flooding seen this time was never experienced before, Gadgil told PTI here. "There are two components to it. One is the intense rainfall -- of a higher level than normal. One of my students has done a thesis on intense rainfall events in Kerala... He says certainly this year it's quite intense but not unprecedented," he said. "He (the student) hails from Kerala. The experience of his father and grandfather is that earlier there was occasionally intense rainfall but never this level of flooding or landslides," the 76-year-old ecologist said. The flooding has definitely brought to light existence of illegal stone quarries or large number of unauthorised constructions on river beds, he said, adding, "In this sense it is definitely a man-made calamity where intense rainfall and human intervention have made it a serious disaster." Gadgil, the founder of the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, in his report on the Western Ghats in Kerala had recommended strict restrictions on mining and quarrying and on use of land for non-forest purposes. Asked if the Kerala government should implement the recommendations of the WGEEP, also known as Gadgil commission, he said all that is needed to be done is to follow the law. "Nobody has been able to point out any factual mistake in our report. The recommendations are entirely within constitutional provisions and various laws. Implementing the report means government stopping flouting our own laws and government stopping suppression of our own people," Gadgil said. "Forget our report. The government must begin to behave lawfully and then automatically it means our report is implemented," he said. According to the state authorities, 194 people have lost their lives and 36 are missing in Kerala since August 8 due to rains and landslides, while over 3.14 lakh people have been moved to relief camps.

Kerala floods also a man-made disaster, claims environmentalist Madhav Gadgil

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-death-toll-rises-to-357-160075">Kerala floods: Death toll rises to 357; 50000 rescued, red alert in 11 districts</a>

The death toll on Saturday climbed to 357 people in flood-hit Kerala with over 3 lakh people displaced and homeless, state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed media.

<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-likely-to-address-nation-today-160078">Pakistan PM Imran Khan likely to address nation today</a>

Newly sworn-in Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan would address the nation on Sunday evening, news agency ANI reported on Sunday.

<a href="wionews.com/world/mattis-talks-about-china-concerns-on-return-from-south-america-trip-160083">Mattis talks about China 'concerns' on return from South America trip</a>

US Defence Secretary James Mattis said there are "concerns" about China's "design" in the hemisphere on Friday (August 17) on his way back from a tour of South America where he met with partners from four different nations.

<a href="wionews.com/world/massive-82-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-fiji-no-tsunami-warning--160079">Massive 8.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Fiji, no tsunami warning</a>

A massive earthquake of magnitude 8.2 rattled Fiji on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said.

As per the officials, there have been no warning of tsunami yet.&nbsp;

<a href="wionews.com/world/first-satellite-to-measure-global-winds-set-for-launch-160090">First satellite to measure global winds set for launch</a>

A satellite designed to measure Earth's global wind patterns is set to be hoisted into orbit Tuesday from the Arianespace launch site in French Guiana.

Kerala floods: Death toll rises to 357; 50000 rescued, red alert in 11 districts The death toll on Saturday climbed to 357 people in flood-hit Kerala with over 3 lakh people displaced and homeless, state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed media. Pakistan PM Imran Khan likely to address nation today Newly sworn-in Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan would address the nation on Sunday evening, news agency ANI reported on Sunday. Mattis talks about China 'concerns' on return from South America trip US Defence Secretary James Mattis said there are "concerns" about China's "design" in the hemisphere on Friday (August 17) on his way back from a tour of South America where he met with partners from four different nations. Massive 8.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Fiji, no tsunami warning A massive earthquake of magnitude 8.2 rattled Fiji on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said. As per the officials, there have been no warning of tsunami yet. First satellite to measure global winds set for launch A satellite designed to measure Earth's global wind patterns is set to be hoisted into orbit Tuesday from the Arianespace launch site in French Guiana.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Three terrorists were gunned down on Saturday after the security forces on Saturday foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Tangdhar sector of Kashmir's Kupwara district.&nbsp

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police (DGP) S P Vaid also confirmed the killing of terrorists on Twitter.

"Three terrorists killed by Army while infiltrating in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara today," Vaid tweeted.

The incident This came few days after two Pakistani troops were killed by the Army in the Tangdhar sector after they violated the ceasefire along the LoC.

The incident This came few days after two Pakistani troops were killed by the Army in the Tangdhar sector after they violated the ceasefire along the LoC.

Three terrorists were gunned down on Saturday after the security forces on Saturday foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Tangdhar sector of Kashmir's Kupwara district. Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police (DGP) S P Vaid also confirmed the killing of terrorists on Twitter. "Three terrorists killed by Army while infiltrating in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara today," Vaid tweeted. The incident This came few days after two Pakistani troops were killed by the Army in the Tangdhar sector after they violated the ceasefire along the LoC.

Jammu and Kashmir: Infiltration bid foiled, 3 terrorists killed in Kupwara

The Telangana Government has launched Disaster Response Force (DRF) vehicles in Hyderabad to combat situations like flash floods, heavy rains, building collapse and fire mishaps.

The vehicles will be parked at 24 locations with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) DRF staff and will be pressed into action at the time of need.

Speaking to ANI, Director of Vigilance Enforcement and Disaster Management of GHMC, Viswajeet Kampati said that the main aim behind the initiative is that the state should have its own disaster force.

"The force has been trained in tackling urban flooding, tree falls, structural collapses and any other site of emergencies. Hyderabad is also the second city to have an exclusive Enforcement Vigilance Disaster Management wing," he said.

"The team is capable to work continuously during emergencies. After the launch, the force has carried out rescue operations and saved couple of lives. The disaster personal will be available on the field for 24/7," he added.&nbsp

The vehicles will be parked at 24 locations with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) DRF staff and will be pressed into action at the time of need.

The Telangana Government has launched Disaster Response Force (DRF) vehicles in Hyderabad to combat situations like flash floods, heavy rains, building collapse and fire mishaps. The vehicles will be parked at 24 locations with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) DRF staff and will be pressed into action at the time of need. Speaking to ANI, Director of Vigilance Enforcement and Disaster Management of GHMC, Viswajeet Kampati said that the main aim behind the initiative is that the state should have its own disaster force. "The force has been trained in tackling urban flooding, tree falls, structural collapses and any other site of emergencies. Hyderabad is also the second city to have an exclusive Enforcement Vigilance Disaster Management wing," he said. "The team is capable to work continuously during emergencies. After the launch, the force has carried out rescue operations and saved couple of lives. The disaster personal will be available on the field for 24/7," he added.

Telangana Government launches Disaster Response Force vehicles

Pope Francis expressed solidarity with the inhabitants of Kerala on Sunday, where incessant rains since have caused the state's worst floods in a century.

The pontiff, after his Angelus prayer, invited the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square to join him in prayer for all the victims and people tried by the disaster, asking for concrete support from the international community.

During the current monsoon, Kerala has been hit with over a third more rain than average, according to the weather office.

Heavy rains let up on Sunday, giving some respite for thousands of marooned families, while authorities feared an outbreak of disease among over 200,000 people crammed into relief camps.

The India Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainfall only at one or two places of Kerala on Sunday and withdrew a red alert in several districts. Flood waters too began to recede from several places.

During the current monsoon, Kerala has been hit with over a third more rain than average, according to India's weather office.

Pope Francis expressed solidarity with the inhabitants of Kerala on Sunday, where incessant rains since have caused the state's worst floods in a century. The pontiff, after his Angelus prayer, invited the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square to join him in prayer for all the victims and people tried by the disaster, asking for concrete support from the international community. During the current monsoon, Kerala has been hit with over a third more rain than average, according to the weather office. Heavy rains let up on Sunday, giving some respite for thousands of marooned families, while authorities feared an outbreak of disease among over 200,000 people crammed into relief camps. The India Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainfall only at one or two places of Kerala on Sunday and withdrew a red alert in several districts. Flood waters too began to recede from several places.

Pope Francis prays for victims of Kerala floods

Over 6,000 candidates have shown interest in 10 posts of joint secretaries in the central government offered to private sector specialists as part of the Modi government's bid to bring in fresh talent in bureaucracy, officials said on Sunday.

The Personnel Ministry had recently announced recruiting 10 joint secretaries in select government departments through "lateral entry" mode, thus allowing private sector talents to join the government on contractual basis.

A total of 6,077 applications have been received for the joint secretary posts, the officials said.

The posts of joint secretaries are in revenue, financial services, economic affairs, agriculture and farmers welfare, road transport and highways, shipping, environment, forest and climate change, new and renewable energy, civil aviation and commerce departments. The deadline to apply for the posts was July 30.

The term lateral entry relates to the appointment of specialists, mainly those from private sector, in government organisations.

There are a maximum of 1,100 applicants against one post, depending on the department concerned. The minimum application for a post is 290.

"The central government has started the process of short-listing the candidates," a senior Personnel Ministry official said.

There are about 5,004 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, against the strength of 6,500, working across the country.

Usually, the posts of joint secretaries are manned by the IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS officers recruited through civil services examination conducted by the UPSC.

Citing the names of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was also a bureaucrat, and the then Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who was appointed through the lateral recruitment route, the government had last month informed Parliament that there has been no adverse effect on the morale of the civil servants due to such appointments.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said the government had decided to undertake lateral recruitment of 10 joint secretaries on contractual basis in order to achieve the twin objectives of bringing in fresh talent as well as augmenting the availability of manpower.

On whether this practice had been followed earlier also, the minister said there was lateral recruitment of some prominent persons to man specific assignments from time to time.

"This includes, among others, appointment of Manmohan Singh, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Vijay Kelkar, Bimal Jalan, Shankar Acharya, Rakesh Mohan, Arvind Virmani, Arvind Panagariya, Arvind Subramanian and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Parameswaran Iyer and Ram Vinay Shahi. No adverse effect on the morale of the civil servants has resulted from lateral recruitments," he said.

Kelkar had been former Finance Secretary, Jalan the ex-RBI Governor, Mohan former Deputy RBI Governor, and Acharya, Virmani and Subramanian, the former chief economic advisers.&nbsp;

Panagriya had been Vice Chairman of Niti Ayiog (formerly Planning Commission) and Kotecha is Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.

Iyer, a former IAS officer and sanitation expert, is Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Shahi was former Power Secretary.

Government think-tank Niti Ayog, in its three-year action agenda 2017-18 to 2019-20, highlighted that it is essential specialists be inducted into the system through lateral entry on fixed-term contract, the minister said.

The Sectoral Group of Secretaries (SGoS) submitted a report in February, 2017 in which it has inter alia been observed that there is shortage of officers at the Joint Secretary, Director, Deputy Secretary levels, due to reduction in recruitment in the service during 1995-2002.

"Based on the recommendation of SGoS, government has decided to undertake lateral recruitment of ten Joint Secretaries on contract basis in order to achieve the twin objectives of bringing in fresh talent as well as augment the availability of manpower," Singh said.

The Personnel Ministry had recently announced recruiting 10 joint secretaries in select government departments through "lateral entry" mode, thus allowing private sector talents to join the government on contractual basis

Over 6,000 candidates have shown interest in 10 posts of joint secretaries in the central government offered to private sector specialists as part of the Modi government's bid to bring in fresh talent in bureaucracy, officials said on Sunday. The Personnel Ministry had recently announced recruiting 10 joint secretaries in select government departments through "lateral entry" mode, thus allowing private sector talents to join the government on contractual basis. A total of 6,077 applications have been received for the joint secretary posts, the officials said. The posts of joint secretaries are in revenue, financial services, economic affairs, agriculture and farmers welfare, road transport and highways, shipping, environment, forest and climate change, new and renewable energy, civil aviation and commerce departments. The deadline to apply for the posts was July 30. The term lateral entry relates to the appointment of specialists, mainly those from private sector, in government organisations. There are a maximum of 1,100 applicants against one post, depending on the department concerned. The minimum application for a post is 290. "The central government has started the process of short-listing the candidates," a senior Personnel Ministry official said. There are about 5,004 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, against the strength of 6,500, working across the country. Usually, the posts of joint secretaries are manned by the IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS officers recruited through civil services examination conducted by the UPSC. Citing the names of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was also a bureaucrat, and the then Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who was appointed through the lateral recruitment route, the government had last month informed Parliament that there has been no adverse effect on the morale of the civil servants due to such appointments. In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said the government had decided to undertake lateral recruitment of 10 joint secretaries on contractual basis in order to achieve the twin objectives of bringing in fresh talent as well as augmenting the availability of manpower. On whether this practice had been followed earlier also, the minister said there was lateral recruitment of some prominent persons to man specific assignments from time to time. "This includes, among others, appointment of Manmohan Singh, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Vijay Kelkar, Bimal Jalan, Shankar Acharya, Rakesh Mohan, Arvind Virmani, Arvind Panagariya, Arvind Subramanian and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Parameswaran Iyer and Ram Vinay Shahi. No adverse effect on the morale of the civil servants has resulted from lateral recruitments," he said. Kelkar had been former Finance Secretary, Jalan the ex-RBI Governor, Mohan former Deputy RBI Governor, and Acharya, Virmani and Subramanian, the former chief economic advisers. Panagriya had been Vice Chairman of Niti Ayiog (formerly Planning Commission) and Kotecha is Secretary, Ministry of Ayush. Iyer, a former IAS officer and sanitation expert, is Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Shahi was former Power Secretary. Government think-tank Niti Ayog, in its three-year action agenda 2017-18 to 2019-20, highlighted that it is essential specialists be inducted into the system through lateral entry on fixed-term contract, the minister said. The Sectoral Group of Secretaries (SGoS) submitted a report in February, 2017 in which it has inter alia been observed that there is shortage of officers at the Joint Secretary, Director, Deputy Secretary levels, due to reduction in recruitment in the service during 1995-2002. "Based on the recommendation of SGoS, government has decided to undertake lateral recruitment of ten Joint Secretaries on contract basis in order to achieve the twin objectives of bringing in fresh talent as well as augment the availability of manpower," Singh said.

Lateral entry: Over 6000 private sector specialists apply for 10 joint secretary posts in govt

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