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Days after Kerala chief minister Pinrayi Vijayan&nbsp;sought the Tamil Nadu government's intervention to draw water from the&nbsp;Mullaperiyar Dam,&nbsp;Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has responded to him by&nbsp;assuring that there was no threat to the safety of the&nbsp;Dam.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/keralas-situation-is-grave-says-supreme-court-army-navy-airforce-chiefs-meet-as-death-toll-mounts-to-75-159558">Kerala's situation is 'grave', says Supreme Court Defence chiefs meet as death toll mounts to 94</a>

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan saying that the water in the dam was being stored at the permitted level of 142 feet as per the orders issued by the Supreme Court.

"I would like to state that the Mullaperiyar Dam is in safe in all aspects hydrologically, seismically and structurally as per the Supreme Court order on May 7, 2014. During the past, the dam was inspected by many experts, on several occasions, and they had also found that the dam was safe in all aspects," the letter said.

Palaniswami also added that&nbsp;there was no threat to the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam.&nbsp;

He further informed in the letter that periodical inspection of the apex court-appointed supervisory committee had taken place which highlighted that the last inspection was on August 4.

"Therefore, there is no threat to the safety of the dam and water is being stored at the permitted level of 142 feet as per the orders of the Supreme Court," Palaniswami said.

Palaniswami claimed that the "Kerala officials were not permitting their Tamil Nadu counterparts to gauge the rainfall in the catchment area."

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister further informed that they are in constant touch with Kerala State Electricity Board for restoring the power supply to the dam, but of no avail.

The state has deposited Rs 1.65 crore with the Kerala Electricity Board to restore power supply.

Mullaperiyar Dam&nbsp;is one of the dams whose shutters have been opened to release excess water&nbsp;following the heavy downpour in the state.

The Dam has reached its full level of 142 feet and Kerala Government wanted the water level to be at 139 feet.

The dam&nbsp;located in Kerala and operated by Tamil Nadu&nbsp;has always been a cause of contentious between both states.

Kerala had said the dam was dangerous, but the Tamil Nadu had always opposed this.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Thursday described Kerala's flood situation as "grave" and&nbsp;directed&nbsp;a high power committee to convene a meeting by Friday on the rising water level in the Mullaperiyar dam.

The apex court agreed to hear a plea seeking Centre's mediation between Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments on the release of water from the Mullaperiyar dam.

Unabated rainfall and rising level of flood water prompted authorities to open floodgates of as many as 33 dams and reservoirs across the state. As many as 94 have been killed in flood and rain-related accidents in Kerala.&nbsp;

Rise in flood waters in Periyar River due to the rains and the opening of shutters of all major dams, including Mullaperiyar, Cheruthoni, part of Idukki reservoir, and Idamalayar, has severely affected lives of people in Kerala's low-lying areas.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The Mullaperiyar Dam has reached its full level of 142 feet and Kerala Government wanted the water level to be at 139 feet.

Days after Kerala chief minister Pinrayi Vijayan sought the Tamil Nadu government's intervention to draw water from the Mullaperiyar Dam, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has responded to him by assuring that there was no threat to the safety of the Dam. Also read: Kerala's situation is 'grave', says Supreme Court Defence chiefs meet as death toll mounts to 94 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan saying that the water in the dam was being stored at the permitted level of 142 feet as per the orders issued by the Supreme Court. "I would like to state that the Mullaperiyar Dam is in safe in all aspects hydrologically, seismically and structurally as per the Supreme Court order on May 7, 2014. During the past, the dam was inspected by many experts, on several occasions, and they had also found that the dam was safe in all aspects," the letter said. Palaniswami also added that there was no threat to the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam. He further informed in the letter that periodical inspection of the apex court-appointed supervisory committee had taken place which highlighted that the last inspection was on August 4. "Therefore, there is no threat to the safety of the dam and water is being stored at the permitted level of 142 feet as per the orders of the Supreme Court," Palaniswami said. Palaniswami claimed that the "Kerala officials were not permitting their Tamil Nadu counterparts to gauge the rainfall in the catchment area." The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister further informed that they are in constant touch with Kerala State Electricity Board for restoring the power supply to the dam, but of no avail. The state has deposited Rs 1.65 crore with the Kerala Electricity Board to restore power supply. Mullaperiyar Dam is one of the dams whose shutters have been opened to release excess water following the heavy downpour in the state. The Dam has reached its full level of 142 feet and Kerala Government wanted the water level to be at 139 feet. The dam located in Kerala and operated by Tamil Nadu has always been a cause of contentious between both states. Kerala had said the dam was dangerous, but the Tamil Nadu had always opposed this. The Supreme Court on Thursday described Kerala's flood situation as "grave" and directed a high power committee to convene a meeting by Friday on the rising water level in the Mullaperiyar dam. The apex court agreed to hear a plea seeking Centre's mediation between Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments on the release of water from the Mullaperiyar dam. Unabated rainfall and rising level of flood water prompted authorities to open floodgates of as many as 33 dams and reservoirs across the state. As many as 94 have been killed in flood and rain-related accidents in Kerala. Rise in flood waters in Periyar River due to the rains and the opening of shutters of all major dams, including Mullaperiyar, Cheruthoni, part of Idukki reservoir, and Idamalayar, has severely affected lives of people in Kerala's low-lying areas. (With inputs from ANI)

Mullaperiyar dam is safe: Tamil Nadu CM tells Kerala counterpart

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who passed away on Thursday left an indelible mark on the country during his five decades in politics.

Awarded with the highest civilian award of India, Bharat Ratna, Vajpayee's stood like a colossus in Indian politics.

A political persona known for his exemplary leadership, Vajpayee is the only non-Congress leader who served the nation as the prime minister and completed his full term.

Vajpayee was born to Krishna Devi and Krishna Bihari Vajpayee on &nbsp;December 25, 1924, in Gwalior. He completed his schooling from Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Gorkhi, Bara, Gwalior and went on to Victoria College (now Laxmi Bai College), where he graduated with distinction in Hindi, English and Sanskrit. He then completed his post-graduation with an MA in Political Science from DAV College, Kanpur, and was awarded a first-class degree.

His activism started with Arya Kumar Sabha of Gwalior, the youth wing of the Arya Samaj, of which he became the General Secretary in 1944. He also joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a swayamsevak in 1939.

Influenced by Babasaheb Apte, he attended the Officers Training Camp of the RSS during 1940-44 and became a "full-time worker" in 1947, technically a pracharak.

He gave up studying law due to the partition riots, and was sent as a vistarak (probationary pracharak) to Uttar Pradesh and quickly began working for the newspapers of Deendayal Upadhyaya, Rashtradharma (a Hindi monthly), Panchjanya (a Hindi weekly) and the dailies Swadesh and Veer Arjun.

Vajpayee's first exposure to politics was in August 1942, when he and his elder brother Prem were arrested for 23 days during the Quit India Movement, when he was released only after giving a written undertaking, expressly declaring not to participate in any of the anti-British struggles.

In 1951, he was seconded by the RSS, along with Deendayal Upadhyaya, to work for the newly formed Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a Hindu right-wing political party associated with the RSS. He was appointed as a national secretary of the party in charge of the Northern region, based in Delhi. He soon became a follower and aide of party leader Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

In 1954, Vajpayee was with Mukherjee when he went on a fast-unto-death in Kashmir to protest against the perceived inferior treatment of non-Kashmiri Indian visitors in the state. Mookerjee died in prison during this strike.&nbsp;

In 1957, Vajpayee lost to Raja Mahendra Pratap in Mathura in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament of India, but was eventually elected from Balrampur.

After the death of Deendayal Upadhyaya, the mantle of the leadership of Jana Sangh fell on the shoulders of the young Vajpayee, who became the national president in 1968 and, along with Nanaji Deshmukh, Balraj Madhok and L. K. Advani, led the Jana Sangh to national prominence.

From 1975 to 1977, Vajpayee was arrested along with several other Opposition leaders during the Internal Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In 1977, heeding the call of social reformer Jayaprakash Narayan for all the opposition parties to unite against the Congress, Vajpayee merged the Jana Sangh into the newly formed grand-alliance - the Janata Party.

Following Janata's victory in the 1977 general elections, he became the Minister of external affairs in Prime Minister Morarji Desai's cabinet. As foreign minister, that year Vajpayee became the first person to deliver a speech in the United Nations General Assembly in Hindi.

By the time the Janata government crumbled in 1979, Vajpayee had established himself as an experienced statesman and a respected political leader. However, the Janata Party was dissolved soon after Morarji Desai resigned as Prime Minister in 1979.

Subsequently, Vajpayee joined many of his Bharatiya Jana Sangh and RSS colleagues, particularly L. K. Advani and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, to form the BJP in 1980. He became the party's first president and emerged as a strong critic of the Congress (R) government that followed the Janata government.

Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister of India between 1996 and 2004 in three non-consecutive terms.

In the 1996 general elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha. The then president Shankar Dayal Sharma invited Vajpayee to form the government. Vajpayee was sworn-in as the 10th Prime Minister of India, but the BJP failed to muster enough support from other parties to obtain a majority. He resigned after 13 days when it became clear that he could not garner a majority.

In&nbsp;the 1998 general elections,&nbsp;BJP again finished ahead of the others. This time, a cohesive bloc of political parties joined the BJP to form the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and Vajpayee was sworn-in as the Prime Minister.

However, in mid-1999, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) under J Jayalalithaa withdrew its support to the government. The government lost the ensuing vote of confidence motion in the Lok Sabha by a single vote on April 17th, 1999.

As the Opposition was unable to come up with the numbers to form the new government, the Lok Sabha was again dissolved and fresh elections were held. Vajpayee remained the Prime Minister until the elections were held.

In the 1999 general elections, the BJP-led NDA won 303 seats out of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, in the aftermath of the Kargil operations, thereby securing a comfortable and stable majority. On 13 October 1999, Atal Bihari Vajpayee took oath as Prime Minister of India for the third time.

A parliamentarian for nearly five decades, Vajpayee was elected to the Lok Sabha ten times, and twice to the Rajya Sabha. He also served as the Member of Parliament for Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, until 2009, when he retired from active politics due to health concerns.

On December 25, 2014, the office of the President of India announced the Bharat Ratna award, India's highest civilian honour, to Vajpayee. In a special gesture, the President of India conferred Bharat Ratna to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence on March 27th, 2015.

Furthermore, the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 announced that Vajpayee's birthday would be celebrated as "Good Governance Day" annually.

(With inputs from ANI)

Vajpayee is the only non-Congress leader who served the nation as the prime minister and completed his full term.

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who passed away on Thursday left an indelible mark on the country during his five decades in politics. Awarded with the highest civilian award of India, Bharat Ratna, Vajpayee's stood like a colossus in Indian politics. A political persona known for his exemplary leadership, Vajpayee is the only non-Congress leader who served the nation as the prime minister and completed his full term. Vajpayee was born to Krishna Devi and Krishna Bihari Vajpayee on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior. He completed his schooling from Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Gorkhi, Bara, Gwalior and went on to Victoria College (now Laxmi Bai College), where he graduated with distinction in Hindi, English and Sanskrit. He then completed his post-graduation with an MA in Political Science from DAV College, Kanpur, and was awarded a first-class degree. His activism started with Arya Kumar Sabha of Gwalior, the youth wing of the Arya Samaj, of which he became the General Secretary in 1944. He also joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a swayamsevak in 1939. Influenced by Babasaheb Apte, he attended the Officers Training Camp of the RSS during 1940-44 and became a "full-time worker" in 1947, technically a pracharak. He gave up studying law due to the partition riots, and was sent as a vistarak (probationary pracharak) to Uttar Pradesh and quickly began working for the newspapers of Deendayal Upadhyaya, Rashtradharma (a Hindi monthly), Panchjanya (a Hindi weekly) and the dailies Swadesh and Veer Arjun. Vajpayee's first exposure to politics was in August 1942, when he and his elder brother Prem were arrested for 23 days during the Quit India Movement, when he was released only after giving a written undertaking, expressly declaring not to participate in any of the anti-British struggles. In 1951, he was seconded by the RSS, along with Deendayal Upadhyaya, to work for the newly formed Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a Hindu right-wing political party associated with the RSS. He was appointed as a national secretary of the party in charge of the Northern region, based in Delhi. He soon became a follower and aide of party leader Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. In 1954, Vajpayee was with Mukherjee when he went on a fast-unto-death in Kashmir to protest against the perceived inferior treatment of non-Kashmiri Indian visitors in the state. Mookerjee died in prison during this strike. In 1957, Vajpayee lost to Raja Mahendra Pratap in Mathura in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament of India, but was eventually elected from Balrampur. After the death of Deendayal Upadhyaya, the mantle of the leadership of Jana Sangh fell on the shoulders of the young Vajpayee, who became the national president in 1968 and, along with Nanaji Deshmukh, Balraj Madhok and L. K. Advani, led the Jana Sangh to national prominence. From 1975 to 1977, Vajpayee was arrested along with several other Opposition leaders during the Internal Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In 1977, heeding the call of social reformer Jayaprakash Narayan for all the opposition parties to unite against the Congress, Vajpayee merged the Jana Sangh into the newly formed grand-alliance - the Janata Party. Following Janata's victory in the 1977 general elections, he became the Minister of external affairs in Prime Minister Morarji Desai's cabinet. As foreign minister, that year Vajpayee became the first person to deliver a speech in the United Nations General Assembly in Hindi. By the time the Janata government crumbled in 1979, Vajpayee had established himself as an experienced statesman and a respected political leader. However, the Janata Party was dissolved soon after Morarji Desai resigned as Prime Minister in 1979. Subsequently, Vajpayee joined many of his Bharatiya Jana Sangh and RSS colleagues, particularly L. K. Advani and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, to form the BJP in 1980. He became the party's first president and emerged as a strong critic of the Congress (R) government that followed the Janata government. Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister of India between 1996 and 2004 in three non-consecutive terms. In the 1996 general elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha. The then president Shankar Dayal Sharma invited Vajpayee to form the government. Vajpayee was sworn-in as the 10th Prime Minister of India, but the BJP failed to muster enough support from other parties to obtain a majority. He resigned after 13 days when it became clear that he could not garner a majority. In the 1998 general elections, BJP again finished ahead of the others. This time, a cohesive bloc of political parties joined the BJP to form the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and Vajpayee was sworn-in as the Prime Minister. However, in mid-1999, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) under J Jayalalithaa withdrew its support to the government. The government lost the ensuing vote of confidence motion in the Lok Sabha by a single vote on April 17th, 1999. As the Opposition was unable to come up with the numbers to form the new government, the Lok Sabha was again dissolved and fresh elections were held. Vajpayee remained the Prime Minister until the elections were held. In the 1999 general elections, the BJP-led NDA won 303 seats out of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, in the aftermath of the Kargil operations, thereby securing a comfortable and stable majority. On 13 October 1999, Atal Bihari Vajpayee took oath as Prime Minister of India for the third time. A parliamentarian for nearly five decades, Vajpayee was elected to the Lok Sabha ten times, and twice to the Rajya Sabha. He also served as the Member of Parliament for Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, until 2009, when he retired from active politics due to health concerns. On December 25, 2014, the office of the President of India announced the Bharat Ratna award, India's highest civilian honour, to Vajpayee. In a special gesture, the President of India conferred Bharat Ratna to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence on March 27th, 2015. Furthermore, the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 announced that Vajpayee's birthday would be celebrated as "Good Governance Day" annually. (With inputs from ANI)

Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Politician with a difference

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-sonia-manmohan-pay-tributes-to-vajpayee-at-his-residence--159643">passed away on Thursday in Delhi</a>, was known for his oratory skills. Here are some excerpts from his speeches on a range of subjects, from nuclear tests and Kashmir to education and freedom of the press:&nbsp;

1:&nbsp;'Satta ka khel chalega' (the game of power will go on). Governments will come and go. Parties will be made and unmade. This country should survive, its democracy should survive,"&nbsp;

(Vajpayee in Lok Sabha when his government faced a trust vote in May 1996).

2: You want to run the country. It is a very good thing. Our congratulations are with you. We will be completely involved in the service of our country. We bow down to the strength of majority. We assure you that till the time the work that we started with our bare hands in national interest is not completed, we shall not rest. Respected Speaker, I am going to the President to tender my resignation."&nbsp;

(Vajpayee in Lok Sabha after his 13-day-old government fell in 1996).

3: Education, in the truest self of the term, is a process of self-discovery. It is the art of self-sculpture. It trains the individual not so much in specific skills or in specific branch of knowledge, but in the flowering of his or her latent intellectual, artistic and humanist capacities. The test of education is whether it imparts an urge for learning and learnability, not this or that particular set of information.

(December 28, 2002 - inaugural speech of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the University Grants Commission)&nbsp;

4:&nbsp;The Pokhran-2 nuclear tests were conducted neither for self-glorification nor for any display of machismo. But this has been our policy, and I think it is also the policy of the nation, that there should be minimum deterrence, which should also be credible. This is why we took the decision to conduct tests.

(In Parliament on the 1998 nuclear tests)

5:&nbsp;You can change friends but not neighbours.&nbsp;

(In Parliament in May 2003)

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-politician-with-a-difference-159596">Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Politician with a difference</a>

6: One cannot wish away the fact that before good neighbours can truly fraternise with each other, they must first mend their fences.&nbsp;

(June 23, 2003 - At Peking University)

7: If I break the party and forge new alliances to come to power, then I will not like to touch that power even with a pincer.&nbsp;

(Replying to the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha in 1996)

8: We should strive hard to ensure that every R&D rupee brings greater benefits to the nation.

9: Mutual suspicions and petty rivalries have continued to haunt us. As a result, the peace dividend has bypassed our region. History can remind us, guide us, teach us or warn us it should not shackle us. We have to look forward now, with a collective approach in mind.&nbsp;

(Talking on South Asia at the 12th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in January 2004)

10: We in India are inheritors to a great civilisation whose life chant has been 'Shanti' - that is, Peace - and 'Bhaichara' - which means Brotherhood. India has never been an aggressor nation, a coloniser or a hegemon in her long history. In modern times, we are alive to our responsibility to contribute to peace, friendship and cooperation both in our region and around the world.&nbsp;

(31 January 2004 - PM's speech at the inauguration of Global Convention on Peace and Non-violence).

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ataljis-passing-away-marks-end-of-an-era-modi--159598">'Atalji's passing away marks </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ataljis-passing-away-marks-end-of-an-era-modi--159598">end</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ataljis-passing-away-marks-end-of-an-era-modi--159598"> of an era': Modi</a>

11: Poverty is multidimensional. It extends beyond money incomes to education, healthcare, skills enhancement, political participation at all levels from the local to the global, access to natural resources, clean water and air, and advancement of one's own culture and social organisation.

(25 September 2003 - address at 58th Session of UN General Assembly)

12:&nbsp;The freedom of the press is an integral part of Indian democracy. It is protected by the Constitution. It is guarded in a more fundamental way by our democratic culture. This national culture not only respects freedom of thought and expression but also has nurtured a diversity of viewpoints unmatched anywhere in the world.&nbsp;

13:&nbsp;Persecution on account of one's beliefs and insistence that all must accept a particular point of view is unknown to our ethos.

(September 13, 2013 - at the 125th anniversary of The Hindu)

14: Gun can solve no problem brotherhood can. Issues can be resolved if we move forward guided by the three principles of Insaaniyat (humanism), Jamhooriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat (Kashmir's age old legacy of amity).

&nbsp;(April 23, 2003 - speaking on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament).&nbsp;

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away on Thursday in Delhi, was known for his oratory skills. Here are some excerpts from his speeches on a range of subjects, from nuclear tests and Kashmir to education and freedom of the press:

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away on Thursday in Delhi, was known for his oratory skills. Here are some excerpts from his speeches on a range of subjects, from nuclear tests and Kashmir to education and freedom of the press: 1: 'Satta ka khel chalega' (the game of power will go on). Governments will come and go. Parties will be made and unmade. This country should survive, its democracy should survive," (Vajpayee in Lok Sabha when his government faced a trust vote in May 1996). 2: You want to run the country. It is a very good thing. Our congratulations are with you. We will be completely involved in the service of our country. We bow down to the strength of majority. We assure you that till the time the work that we started with our bare hands in national interest is not completed, we shall not rest. Respected Speaker, I am going to the President to tender my resignation." (Vajpayee in Lok Sabha after his 13-day-old government fell in 1996). 3: Education, in the truest self of the term, is a process of self-discovery. It is the art of self-sculpture. It trains the individual not so much in specific skills or in specific branch of knowledge, but in the flowering of his or her latent intellectual, artistic and humanist capacities. The test of education is whether it imparts an urge for learning and learnability, not this or that particular set of information. (December 28, 2002 - inaugural speech of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the University Grants Commission) 4: The Pokhran-2 nuclear tests were conducted neither for self-glorification nor for any display of machismo. But this has been our policy, and I think it is also the policy of the nation, that there should be minimum deterrence, which should also be credible. This is why we took the decision to conduct tests. (In Parliament on the 1998 nuclear tests) 5: You can change friends but not neighbours. (In Parliament in May 2003) Also read: Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Politician with a difference 6: One cannot wish away the fact that before good neighbours can truly fraternise with each other, they must first mend their fences. (June 23, 2003 - At Peking University) 7: If I break the party and forge new alliances to come to power, then I will not like to touch that power even with a pincer. (Replying to the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha in 1996) 8: We should strive hard to ensure that every R&D rupee brings greater benefits to the nation. 9: Mutual suspicions and petty rivalries have continued to haunt us. As a result, the peace dividend has bypassed our region. History can remind us, guide us, teach us or warn us it should not shackle us. We have to look forward now, with a collective approach in mind. (Talking on South Asia at the 12th SAARC Summit in Islamabad in January 2004) 10: We in India are inheritors to a great civilisation whose life chant has been 'Shanti' - that is, Peace - and 'Bhaichara' - which means Brotherhood. India has never been an aggressor nation, a coloniser or a hegemon in her long history. In modern times, we are alive to our responsibility to contribute to peace, friendship and cooperation both in our region and around the world. (31 January 2004 - PM's speech at the inauguration of Global Convention on Peace and Non-violence). Also read: 'Atalji's passing away marks end of an era': Modi 11: Poverty is multidimensional. It extends beyond money incomes to education, healthcare, skills enhancement, political participation at all levels from the local to the global, access to natural resources, clean water and air, and advancement of one's own culture and social organisation. (25 September 2003 - address at 58th Session of UN General Assembly) 12: The freedom of the press is an integral part of Indian democracy. It is protected by the Constitution. It is guarded in a more fundamental way by our democratic culture. This national culture not only respects freedom of thought and expression but also has nurtured a diversity of viewpoints unmatched anywhere in the world. 13: Persecution on account of one's beliefs and insistence that all must accept a particular point of view is unknown to our ethos. (September 13, 2013 - at the 125th anniversary of The Hindu) 14: Gun can solve no problem brotherhood can. Issues can be resolved if we move forward guided by the three principles of Insaaniyat (humanism), Jamhooriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat (Kashmir's age old legacy of amity). (April 23, 2003 - speaking on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament).

Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Orator who won hearts with his mesmerising speeches

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is set for a two-day UK visit next week but the tour has been overshadowed by behind the scenes developments around one of his planned speaking arrangements.

The Congress MP will arrive in London on August 24 from Germany and was scheduled to address an event in the Houses of Parliament complex hosted by the Conservative Friends of India (CF India), a membership-led group that promotes links between the UK's ruling Conservative Party and India.

However, the event has now changed hands to be held in a different room within the House of Commons complex after CF India claimed it was unable to confirm its room booking.

Our event could not go ahead as we were unable to confirm the room booking in time, this being parliamentary recess period, said Rami Ranger, CF India co-chairman, who was hosting the event alongside Indian-origin peer Baroness Sandy Verma.

According to reports, Verma had backed out of the event leaving it without parliamentary backing and led to the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) stepping in to take charge of the meeting, scheduled for August 24, with the help of Indian-origin Labour MP Keith Vaz.&nbsp

It is now being billed as a cross-party event to distance itself from the influence of local BJP operatives, who were reportedly unhappy with CF India's support for the event.

"The Houses of Parliament programme is now being hosted by IOC. This is to allow IOC to manage the attendees, said IOC spokesperson Gurminder Randhawa.

The group is also hosting a flagship diaspora event in honour of the Congress president on August 25 evening, which has been described as an interaction with the inspirational and prestigious leader.

Randhawa added: The main purpose of the event is to bring together NRIs living in the UK and for them to be part of the Indian Overseas Congress UK Mega Conference 2018.

This will be an opportunity for the Indian Overseas Congress and Rahul Gandhi to share their views with the wider audience.

Besides the IOC organised events, Gandhi is set to address a gathering on India's Economic Growth and Foreign Policy in an Uncertain World' as well as a gathering of students and academics at an event organised by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK to launch its Perspective India Townhall&nbspat the London School of Economics (LSE).

The aim of the event is to promote dynamic and unbiased discussions on issues facing contemporary India as well as the opportunities India presents, said Sanam Arora, Chair of NISAU UK.

Our Townhall intends to bring together visionary leaders and doers, students, young professionals, academics and researchers in India and the UK for healthy and action-oriented discussion, debate and dissent, she said.

The Indian Journalists' Association (IJA) in the UK is also set to host a working lunch with Gandhi during the short visit.

This tour of Rahul Gandhi to Germany and UK comes at a time when events in Turkey and free fall of Lira is getting global attention on the type and style of leadership and its impact on social, political and economic fabric of a country, said Indian entrepreneur and inventor Sam Pitroda, who will be accompanying Gandhi and is the Guest of Honour at the IOC organised events.&nbsp

The Houses of Parliament programme is now being hosted by IOC

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is set for a two-day UK visit next week but the tour has been overshadowed by behind the scenes developments around one of his planned speaking arrangements. The Congress MP will arrive in London on August 24 from Germany and was scheduled to address an event in the Houses of Parliament complex hosted by the Conservative Friends of India (CF India), a membership-led group that promotes links between the UK's ruling Conservative Party and India. However, the event has now changed hands to be held in a different room within the House of Commons complex after CF India claimed it was unable to confirm its room booking. Our event could not go ahead as we were unable to confirm the room booking in time, this being parliamentary recess period, said Rami Ranger, CF India co-chairman, who was hosting the event alongside Indian-origin peer Baroness Sandy Verma. According to reports, Verma had backed out of the event leaving it without parliamentary backing and led to the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) stepping in to take charge of the meeting, scheduled for August 24, with the help of Indian-origin Labour MP Keith Vaz. It is now being billed as a cross-party event to distance itself from the influence of local BJP operatives, who were reportedly unhappy with CF India's support for the event. "The Houses of Parliament programme is now being hosted by IOC. This is to allow IOC to manage the attendees, said IOC spokesperson Gurminder Randhawa. The group is also hosting a flagship diaspora event in honour of the Congress president on August 25 evening, which has been described as an interaction with the inspirational and prestigious leader. Randhawa added: The main purpose of the event is to bring together NRIs living in the UK and for them to be part of the Indian Overseas Congress UK Mega Conference 2018. This will be an opportunity for the Indian Overseas Congress and Rahul Gandhi to share their views with the wider audience. Besides the IOC organised events, Gandhi is set to address a gathering on India's Economic Growth and Foreign Policy in an Uncertain World' as well as a gathering of students and academics at an event organised by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK to launch its Perspective India Townhall&nbspat the London School of Economics (LSE). The aim of the event is to promote dynamic and unbiased discussions on issues facing contemporary India as well as the opportunities India presents, said Sanam Arora, Chair of NISAU UK. Our Townhall intends to bring together visionary leaders and doers, students, young professionals, academics and researchers in India and the UK for healthy and action-oriented discussion, debate and dissent, she said. The Indian Journalists' Association (IJA) in the UK is also set to host a working lunch with Gandhi during the short visit. This tour of Rahul Gandhi to Germany and UK comes at a time when events in Turkey and free fall of Lira is getting global attention on the type and style of leadership and its impact on social, political and economic fabric of a country, said Indian entrepreneur and inventor Sam Pitroda, who will be accompanying Gandhi and is the Guest of Honour at the IOC organised events.

Rahul Gandhi's UK visit under cloud as parliament event changes hands

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/former-pm-vajpayees-cortege-arrives-at-smriti-sthal-for-last-rites-159782">Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee cremated with full state honours at Smriti Sthal</a>

India mourned as former PM Vajpayee was cremated today with full state honours at Smriti Sthal in Delhi. The defence service chiefs, PM Modi and President Kovind along with other leaders paid their respects to the former prime minister for the last time after the funeral procession arrived at the site thronged by thousands of people.

<a href="wionews.com/india-news/worst-flood-in-100-years-324-lives-lost-says-kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-159830">Worst floods in 100 years, 324 lives lost, says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan</a>

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan put the death toll at 324 and described the floods as worst in 100 years. Vijayan said 2,23139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps.

<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/pak-national-assembly-elects-imran-khan-as-prime-minister-159833">Pak National Assembly elects Imran Khan as Prime Minister&nbsp</a>

Pakistan's Prime Minister-elect Imran Khan was voted as the Prime Minister in the National Assembly on Friday. The newly-elected National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, met today to elect the prime minister, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp

<a href="wionews.com/world/turkey-will-respond-if-us-imposes-more-sanctions-report-159770">Turkey will respond if US imposes more sanctions: Report</a>

Turkey on Friday threatened to respond if the United States levied further sanctions over the detention of an American pastor, which has sparked a diplomatic standoff and battered the Turkish currency.&nbsp

<a href="wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-congratulates-armed-forces-for-ghazni-victory-159771">Our soldiers have fought bravely: Afghan president lauds armed forces for Ghazni victory</a>

President Ashraf Ghani congratulated Afghanistan's armed forces in Ghazni on Friday for their victory over Taliban insurgents in the strategically important city after clashes that killed at least 150 soldiers and 95 civilians.

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Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee cremated with full state honours at Smriti Sthal India mourned as former PM Vajpayee was cremated today with full state honours at Smriti Sthal in Delhi. The defence service chiefs, PM Modi and President Kovind along with other leaders paid their respects to the former prime minister for the last time after the funeral procession arrived at the site thronged by thousands of people. Worst floods in 100 years, 324 lives lost, says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan put the death toll at 324 and described the floods as worst in 100 years. Vijayan said 2,23139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. Pak National Assembly elects Imran Khan as Prime Minister Pakistan's Prime Minister-elect Imran Khan was voted as the Prime Minister in the National Assembly on Friday. The newly-elected National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, met today to elect the prime minister, news agency PTI reported. Turkey will respond if US imposes more sanctions: Report Turkey on Friday threatened to respond if the United States levied further sanctions over the detention of an American pastor, which has sparked a diplomatic standoff and battered the Turkish currency. Our soldiers have fought bravely: Afghan president lauds armed forces for Ghazni victory President Ashraf Ghani congratulated Afghanistan's armed forces in Ghazni on Friday for their victory over Taliban insurgents in the strategically important city after clashes that killed at least 150 soldiers and 95 civilians.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by industrialist Kalanithi Maran challenging a Madras High Court verdict setting aside a trial court order discharging him in a case relating to the alleged setting up of "illegal" telephone exchanges.

A bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi, Navin Sinha and K M Joseph rejected Maran's plea, following which he, along with his brother and former Union telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and others, would have to face trial in the case.

On July 30, the apex court had rejected a plea filed by Dayanidhi challenging the high court's July 25 order and asked him to face trial in the case.&nbsp

The case relates to the period when Dayanidhi Maran was the Minister for Communications and Information Technology during the tenure of UPA-1 government.

The CBI has alleged that he had misused his official position and got private telephone exchanges installed at his residences in Chennai. These telephone lines were used for Sun Network's business transactions, the agency alleged.

According to the CBI, over 700 high-end telecommunication lines were installed at Maran's residences in the Boat Club and Gopalapuram areas of the city for which bills were not raised, causing a loss of Rs 1.78 crore to the exchequer.

Maran brothers and other accused in the case have denied the CBI's allegations.

The special CBI court had on March 14 discharged the Maran brothers and five other accused, holding there was no prima facie case against them.

The other accused are former BSNL general manager K Brahmanathan, former deputy general manager M P Velusamy, Dayanidhi Maran's private secretary Gauthaman and some Sun TV officials.

Allowing the CBI's appeal against the trial court's discharge, the Madras High Court had on July 25 directed the special court to frame charges and conclude the trial within a year from the date of receipt of the high court order.

Kalanithi Maran, a billionaire businessman, is the chairman and founder of the Sun Group, which owns several media houses.&nbsp

On July 30, the apex court had rejected a plea filed by Dayanidhi challenging the high court's July 25 order and asked him to face trial in the case.

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by industrialist Kalanithi Maran challenging a Madras High Court verdict setting aside a trial court order discharging him in a case relating to the alleged setting up of "illegal" telephone exchanges. A bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi, Navin Sinha and K M Joseph rejected Maran's plea, following which he, along with his brother and former Union telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and others, would have to face trial in the case. On July 30, the apex court had rejected a plea filed by Dayanidhi challenging the high court's July 25 order and asked him to face trial in the case. The case relates to the period when Dayanidhi Maran was the Minister for Communications and Information Technology during the tenure of UPA-1 government. The CBI has alleged that he had misused his official position and got private telephone exchanges installed at his residences in Chennai. These telephone lines were used for Sun Network's business transactions, the agency alleged. According to the CBI, over 700 high-end telecommunication lines were installed at Maran's residences in the Boat Club and Gopalapuram areas of the city for which bills were not raised, causing a loss of Rs 1.78 crore to the exchequer. Maran brothers and other accused in the case have denied the CBI's allegations. The special CBI court had on March 14 discharged the Maran brothers and five other accused, holding there was no prima facie case against them. The other accused are former BSNL general manager K Brahmanathan, former deputy general manager M P Velusamy, Dayanidhi Maran's private secretary Gauthaman and some Sun TV officials. Allowing the CBI's appeal against the trial court's discharge, the Madras High Court had on July 25 directed the special court to frame charges and conclude the trial within a year from the date of receipt of the high court order. Kalanithi Maran, a billionaire businessman, is the chairman and founder of the Sun Group, which owns several media houses.

Illegal telephone exchange case: Supreme Court rejects Kalanithi Maran's plea

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan put the death toll at 324 and described the floods as worst in 100 years.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rain-fury-rages-in-kerala-as-death-toll-touches-173---159803">Also&nbsp;Read: Kochi airport to remain shut till August 26 as flood crisis worsens in Kerala</a>

As the state plunged deeper into misery today with hospitals facing shortage of oxygen and fuel stations running dry, Vijayan said 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps.

''Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. Your help can rebuild the lives of the affected,'' he said.&nbsp;

The CM sought donations and tweeted a link by clicking on it people can donate for the flood victims.&nbsp;

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Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. Your help can rebuild the lives of the affected. Donate to <a href="https://t.co/FjYFEdOsyl">https://t.co/FjYFEdOsyl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithKerala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithKerala</a>.
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOKerala/status/1030423284599283714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Vijayan also stated that road recovery after the flood is going to be a ''long one''.&nbsp;

''For the people of Kerala, the road to recovery is going to be a long one. Your help no matter how small will be a step to restore normalcy,'' he said. &nbsp;

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For the people of Kerala, the road to recovery is going to be a long one. Your help no matter how small will be a step to restore normalcy. Donate to: 
 
Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund 
NO: 67319948232 
Bank: State Bank of India &nbsp; 
IFSC : SBIN0070028 
SWIFT CODE : SBININBBT08 <a href="https://t.co/cbsFwRplsG">pic.twitter.com/cbsFwRplsG</a>
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOKerala/status/1030430627445727232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. Your help can rebuild the lives of the affected,'' he said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan put the death toll at 324 and described the floods as worst in 100 years. Also Read: Kochi airport to remain shut till August 26 as flood crisis worsens in Kerala As the state plunged deeper into misery today with hospitals facing shortage of oxygen and fuel stations running dry, Vijayan said 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. ''Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. Your help can rebuild the lives of the affected,'' he said. The CM sought donations and tweeted a link by clicking on it people can donate for the flood victims. Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. Your help can rebuild the lives of the affected. Donate to https://t.co/FjYFEdOsyl #StandWithKerala. — CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 17, 2018 × Vijayan also stated that road recovery after the flood is going to be a ''long one''. ''For the people of Kerala, the road to recovery is going to be a long one. Your help no matter how small will be a step to restore normalcy,'' he said. For the people of Kerala, the road to recovery is going to be a long one. Your help no matter how small will be a step to restore normalcy. Donate to: Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund NO: 67319948232 Bank: State Bank of India IFSC : SBIN0070028 SWIFT CODE : SBININBBT08 pic.twitter.com/cbsFwRplsG — CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 17, 2018 ×

Worst floods in 100 years, 324 lives lost, says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh were among the thousands of people at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal on the banks of the Yamuna, the BJP patriarch's final resting place.

Tearful nation bids goodbye to her favourite son

The Supreme Court on Friday directed Kerala's subcommittee to ensure that the water level in Mullaperiyar dam does not exceed 139 ft.&nbsp;

The top court also asked the &nbsp;National Crisis Management Committee&nbsp;(NCMC) to scale up rescue, relief and rehabilitation programme across flood-hit Kerala.&nbsp;

The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday <a href="wionews.com/india-news/dam-is-safe-in-all-respects-tamil-nadu-cm-snubs-keralas-request-to-reduce-water-in-mullaperiyar-159632">turned down Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's request</a> to reduce the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam to 139 feet.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Pinarayi requested Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami to direct authorities to release water from the dam in order to bring the water level down to 139 ft.

Tamil Nadu government on Thursday stated that the century-old reservoir was 'safe' enough to store water up to 142 feet.

The Supreme Court on Thursday described the flood situation in Kerala as "grave".

As many as 324&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/india-news/flood-continues-to-rage-in-kerala-as-death-toll-touches-173---159803">people have been killed in the deluge</a> so far, a Red Alert was sounded in all 14 districts on Thursday. Operations at the Kochi airport have been suspended till August 26 and flights were being diverted to various airports.

Around 15,000 people have been rescued from the flood-hit state in the last nine days.

Kerala says the total loss due to floods is estimated to be over Rs 8,000 crore.

As many as 173 people have been killed in the deluge so far, a Red Alert was sounded in all 14 districts on Thursday.

The Supreme Court on Friday directed Kerala's subcommittee to ensure that the water level in Mullaperiyar dam does not exceed 139 ft. The top court also asked the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to scale up rescue, relief and rehabilitation programme across flood-hit Kerala. The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday turned down Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's request to reduce the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam to 139 feet. On Wednesday, Pinarayi requested Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami to direct authorities to release water from the dam in order to bring the water level down to 139 ft. Tamil Nadu government on Thursday stated that the century-old reservoir was 'safe' enough to store water up to 142 feet. The Supreme Court on Thursday described the flood situation in Kerala as "grave". As many as 324 people have been killed in the deluge so far, a Red Alert was sounded in all 14 districts on Thursday. Operations at the Kochi airport have been suspended till August 26 and flights were being diverted to various airports. Around 15,000 people have been rescued from the flood-hit state in the last nine days. Kerala says the total loss due to floods is estimated to be over Rs 8,000 crore.

Ensure water level of Mullaperiyar dam remains under control: Supreme Court

As a murderous monsoon savaged Kerala claiming 106 lives on a single day yesterday, the state plunged deeper into misery today with hospitals facing shortage of oxygen and fuel stations running dry, officials said.

The deadliest deluge in close to a century has claimed 173 lives since August 8, and dealt a body blow to the scenic state, wrecking its tourism industry, destroying standing crops in thousands of hectares and inflicting huge damage to infrastructure.

The Kochi international airport will remain closed for operation till August 26 morning in the wake of torrential rains, the Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday said. It said airlines who were found to have spiked airfares operating to an out of Trivendrum and Calicut, have been "advised" to "cap" the ticket rates.

Kochi airport has been hit by incessant rains which have wreaked havoc in Kerala. According to an earlier announcement, operations at the airport had been suspended up to the afternoon of August 16.

In a communication, the Ministry said, "Cochin airport is closed for operations up to 8.30 AM of August 26".

It said airfares on 18 domestic routes -- 10 direct flights to and from Trivendrum and eight direct flights from Calicut are being monitored.

Earlier in the day, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted saying, "we have advised airlines to be more sensitive to situation arising out of #KeralaFlooding &keep airfares in check.

"It's a humanitarian cause Thx to all for agreeing with my suggestions to carry free of charge the #KeralaFloodRelief related material (sic)," he said.

The Ministry also asked the airlines to reschedule their flights without any additional charges in the interest of passengers travelling to Trivendrum and Calicut for onward journey.

Several roads in the hill district of Idukki, including in picturesque Munnar, have been badly damaged from a string of landslides. Wayanad, among the worst-hit by the floods, is cut off from the rest of Kerala.

Several trains were either cancelled or rescheduled, sources said. Services on the Kochi Metro are, however, unaffected.

Meanwhile, desperate non-resident Keralites from Australia, the US and the UK were making fervent pleas to authorities through television channels seeking help for their dear ones.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reach the state tonight and is likely to undertake an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas tomorrow.

"We discussed the flood situation across the state and reviewed rescue operations. Later this evening, I will be heading to Kerala to take stock of the unfortunate situation due to flooding. @CMOKerala," Modi tweeted after talking to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by phone. The two have been in regular touch for the last two days.

Vijayan, who also spoke to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, said the situation continued to be "grave" with over 2.23 lakh people from more than 50,000 families sheltered in relief camps.

Though there was some let up in rains at a few places, four districts of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur remained in the throes of the monsoon fury.

Officials said many private hospitals in Ernakulam district are running out of oxygen, forcing the authorities to shift patients to nearbyfacilities. Many had to be evacuated after flood water entered hospitals.

People in relief shelters also complained about dearth of food and drinking water.

Quite a few petrol pumps, even in places like the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, which has escaped the monsoon fury to some extent, have run dry.

Long queues of motorists were seen at several fuel stations in Thiruvananthapuram district. Authorities have directed each of these fuel bunks to keep in reserve 3000 litres of diesel and 1000 litres of petrol at all times for relief operations.

(With PTI inputs)

The deadliest deluge in close to a century has claimed 173 lives since August 8, and dealt a body blow to the scenic state, wrecking its tourism industry, destroying standing crops in thousands of hectares and inflicting huge damage to infrastructure.

As a murderous monsoon savaged Kerala claiming 106 lives on a single day yesterday, the state plunged deeper into misery today with hospitals facing shortage of oxygen and fuel stations running dry, officials said. The deadliest deluge in close to a century has claimed 173 lives since August 8, and dealt a body blow to the scenic state, wrecking its tourism industry, destroying standing crops in thousands of hectares and inflicting huge damage to infrastructure. The Kochi international airport will remain closed for operation till August 26 morning in the wake of torrential rains, the Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday said. It said airlines who were found to have spiked airfares operating to an out of Trivendrum and Calicut, have been "advised" to "cap" the ticket rates. Kochi airport has been hit by incessant rains which have wreaked havoc in Kerala. According to an earlier announcement, operations at the airport had been suspended up to the afternoon of August 16. In a communication, the Ministry said, "Cochin airport is closed for operations up to 8.30 AM of August 26". It said airfares on 18 domestic routes -- 10 direct flights to and from Trivendrum and eight direct flights from Calicut are being monitored. Earlier in the day, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted saying, "we have advised airlines to be more sensitive to situation arising out of #KeralaFlooding &keep airfares in check. "It's a humanitarian cause Thx to all for agreeing with my suggestions to carry free of charge the #KeralaFloodRelief related material (sic)," he said. The Ministry also asked the airlines to reschedule their flights without any additional charges in the interest of passengers travelling to Trivendrum and Calicut for onward journey. Several roads in the hill district of Idukki, including in picturesque Munnar, have been badly damaged from a string of landslides. Wayanad, among the worst-hit by the floods, is cut off from the rest of Kerala. Several trains were either cancelled or rescheduled, sources said. Services on the Kochi Metro are, however, unaffected. Meanwhile, desperate non-resident Keralites from Australia, the US and the UK were making fervent pleas to authorities through television channels seeking help for their dear ones. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reach the state tonight and is likely to undertake an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas tomorrow. "We discussed the flood situation across the state and reviewed rescue operations. Later this evening, I will be heading to Kerala to take stock of the unfortunate situation due to flooding. @CMOKerala," Modi tweeted after talking to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by phone. The two have been in regular touch for the last two days. Vijayan, who also spoke to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, said the situation continued to be "grave" with over 2.23 lakh people from more than 50,000 families sheltered in relief camps. Though there was some let up in rains at a few places, four districts of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur remained in the throes of the monsoon fury. Officials said many private hospitals in Ernakulam district are running out of oxygen, forcing the authorities to shift patients to nearbyfacilities. Many had to be evacuated after flood water entered hospitals. People in relief shelters also complained about dearth of food and drinking water. Quite a few petrol pumps, even in places like the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, which has escaped the monsoon fury to some extent, have run dry. Long queues of motorists were seen at several fuel stations in Thiruvananthapuram district. Authorities have directed each of these fuel bunks to keep in reserve 3000 litres of diesel and 1000 litres of petrol at all times for relief operations. (With PTI inputs)

Kochi airport to remain shut till August 26 as flood crisis worsens in Kerala; death toll touches 173

On an emotional day, where thousands gathered to pay homages to one of the nation's most beloved PMs, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was finally laid to rest at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal.

Final homage paid to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, cremation shortly

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Friday said that he felt like an "orphan" after hearing the death news of former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee, under whose guardianship he had learnt the "art of good politics".

The BJP MP from Patna Sahib described Vajpayee as a "father-figure".

Vajpayee passed away at AIIMS hospital in Delhi last evening at the age of 93 following prolonged illness.

Sinha had served in the cabinet of Vajpayee during the NDA government rule between 1999 and 2004.

"As this most revered & respected institution leaves us, a real Father figure has gone. I feel orphaned in the true sense...We shall always remember you & miss your guidance on the correct path of life. I humbly offer my prayers & heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones," he said in a tweet.

Sharing his fond memories with the visionary leader, Sinha&nbsp said "Nanaji Deshmukh had sent me to Vajpayee ji and Advani ji for training in politics. Both of them showered their love and blessings on me all my life," the actor-politician said. Sinha, who joined Vajpayee on the historic bus journey to Lahore in 1999, said he had traits of a great leader.

"He was a 'yug purush' in the true sense of the term," he added.

The BJP leader also remembered sharing dais with the former prime minister at an election rally at Lucknow in 2004 - the last election Vajpayee had fought.

"Atal ji had called me specially to campaign for him at Lucknow on the last day. It was a tense moment when he handed over the microphone to me. At the end of the rally, he patted my back. Getting appreciation from a man, who himself was an extraordinary orator, was a touching gesture," he said.

His passing away has created a void not just in the BJP but the entire political spectrum, Sinha added.

The BJP MP from Patna Sahib described Vajpayee as a "father-figure".

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Friday said that he felt like an "orphan" after hearing the death news of former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee, under whose guardianship he had learnt the "art of good politics". The BJP MP from Patna Sahib described Vajpayee as a "father-figure". Vajpayee passed away at AIIMS hospital in Delhi last evening at the age of 93 following prolonged illness. Sinha had served in the cabinet of Vajpayee during the NDA government rule between 1999 and 2004. "As this most revered & respected institution leaves us, a real Father figure has gone. I feel orphaned in the true sense...We shall always remember you & miss your guidance on the correct path of life. I humbly offer my prayers & heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones," he said in a tweet. Sharing his fond memories with the visionary leader, Sinha said "Nanaji Deshmukh had sent me to Vajpayee ji and Advani ji for training in politics. Both of them showered their love and blessings on me all my life," the actor-politician said. Sinha, who joined Vajpayee on the historic bus journey to Lahore in 1999, said he had traits of a great leader. "He was a 'yug purush' in the true sense of the term," he added. The BJP leader also remembered sharing dais with the former prime minister at an election rally at Lucknow in 2004 - the last election Vajpayee had fought. "Atal ji had called me specially to campaign for him at Lucknow on the last day. It was a tense moment when he handed over the microphone to me. At the end of the rally, he patted my back. Getting appreciation from a man, who himself was an extraordinary orator, was a touching gesture," he said. His passing away has created a void not just in the BJP but the entire political spectrum, Sinha added.

Feel 'orphaned' by demise of Vajpayee: Shatrughan Sinha

India mourned as former PM Vajpayee was cremated today with full state honours at Smriti Sthal in Delhi.

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Last rites ceremony of former PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> underway at Smriti Sthal <a href="https://t.co/ws2VYaKaHB">pic.twitter.com/ws2VYaKaHB</a>
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The defence service chiefs,&nbsp;PM Modi and President Kovind along with other leaders paid their respects&nbsp;to the former prime minister for the last time after the funeral procession arrived at the site thronged by thousands of people.

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Earlier, former PM&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-orator-who-won-hearts-with-his-mesmerising-speeches-159657">Vajpayee's cortege arrived at&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Smriti Sthal for the last rites on Friday afternoon as people gathered on the way to catch a last glimpse of the departed leader.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayees-mortal-remains-reach-bjp-head-office-last-rites-at-4-pm-159706">Also Read:&nbsp;Thousands gather to pay homage to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a>

Prime minister Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah walked behind the cortege as the funeral procession made its way to Smirti Sthal.

Vajpayee, 93, had passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday evening after prolonged illness.

Earlier in the day, several leaders including former president of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, Bhutanese king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bangladesh foreign minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali arrived in Delhi to pay their last respects to former prime minister Vajpayee.

Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena and prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condoled the death of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said the former Indian prime minister played a vital role in ensuring the&nbsp;stability of the island nation.

Pakistan's prime minister-in-waiting Imran Khan also expressed condolences over the demise of Vajpayee, saying his efforts for India-Pakistan peace will always be remembered. Pakistan's foreign office in a statement said: "Mr Vajpayee was a renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in India-Pakistan relations and remained a key supporter of SAARC and regional cooperation for development,"

In an unprecedented gesture, the government of Mauritius decided that both Indian and Mauritian flag will fly half-mast on government buildings today as a mark of respect for India's former prime minister Vajpayee.

Vajpayee's mortal remains were taken to the BJP headquarters at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg on Friday morning after being kept at his official residence 6 A Krishna Menon Marg overnight. 
&nbsp;

Vajpayee, 93, had passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday evening after prolonged illness.

India mourned as former PM Vajpayee was cremated today with full state honours at Smriti Sthal in Delhi. Last rites ceremony of former PM #AtalBihariVajpayee underway at Smriti Sthal pic.twitter.com/ws2VYaKaHB — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018 × The defence service chiefs, PM Modi and President Kovind along with other leaders paid their respects to the former prime minister for the last time after the funeral procession arrived at the site thronged by thousands of people. Senior BJP leader LK Advani and BJP President Amit Shah pay last respects to former PM #AtalBihariVajpayee at Smriti Sthal pic.twitter.com/51KVjpTDJR — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018 × Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and Sri Lanka acting Foreign Minister Lakshman Kiriella pay last respects to former PM #AtalBihariVajpayee at Smriti Sthal pic.twitter.com/BaWegOx4mi — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018 × Earlier, former PM Vajpayee's cortege arrived at Smriti Sthal for the last rites on Friday afternoon as people gathered on the way to catch a last glimpse of the departed leader. Also Read: Thousands gather to pay homage to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee Prime minister Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah walked behind the cortege as the funeral procession made its way to Smirti Sthal. Vajpayee, 93, had passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday evening after prolonged illness. Earlier in the day, several leaders including former president of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, Bhutanese king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bangladesh foreign minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali arrived in Delhi to pay their last respects to former prime minister Vajpayee. Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena and prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condoled the death of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said the former Indian prime minister played a vital role in ensuring the stability of the island nation. Pakistan's prime minister-in-waiting Imran Khan also expressed condolences over the demise of Vajpayee, saying his efforts for India-Pakistan peace will always be remembered. Pakistan's foreign office in a statement said: "Mr Vajpayee was a renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in India-Pakistan relations and remained a key supporter of SAARC and regional cooperation for development," In an unprecedented gesture, the government of Mauritius decided that both Indian and Mauritian flag will fly half-mast on government buildings today as a mark of respect for India's former prime minister Vajpayee. Vajpayee's mortal remains were taken to the BJP headquarters at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg on Friday morning after being kept at his official residence 6 A Krishna Menon Marg overnight.

Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee cremated with full state honours at Smriti Sthal

India mourned as the last rites were performed for former prime minister Vajpayee at Smriti Sthal today.

Final farewell: Last rites performed for former PM Vajpayee

Former PM Vajpayee was accorded full state honours as PM Modi and other leaders paid their last respects to the departed leader at Smriti Sthal.

PM Modi, Defence chiefs pay homage to former PM Vajpayee at Smriti Sthal

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has condoled the death of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying he was an "eloquent" supporter of the Tibetan people and a "friend", reported news agency PTI.

In a letter to Vajpayee's foster daughter Namita Bhattacharya yesterday, the Dalai Lama said with his passing away, India has lost an eminent national leader.

"We met regularly during the course of his career and I continued to visit him at (his) home after he retired. Shri Vajpayee was a truly dedicated politician. With his passing away, India has lost an eminent national leader. His eloquent support of the Tibetan people began in the late 1950s. Since then, he regularly took Indian governments to task in Parliament, prompting them to take a stronger stand on Tibet," he said.

"I feel privileged to have known him and am honoured to have counted him as a friend," the spiritual leader added.

He also offered his condolences to Vajpayee's relatives, friends and colleagues.

Vajpayee, who served as India's prime minister three times, died at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in Delhi yesterday following prolonged illness. He was 93.&nbsp

In a letter to Vajpayee's foster daughter Namita Bhattacharya yesterday, the Dalai Lama said with his passing away, India has lost an eminent national leader

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has condoled the death of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying he was an "eloquent" supporter of the Tibetan people and a "friend", reported news agency PTI. In a letter to Vajpayee's foster daughter Namita Bhattacharya yesterday, the Dalai Lama said with his passing away, India has lost an eminent national leader. "We met regularly during the course of his career and I continued to visit him at (his) home after he retired. Shri Vajpayee was a truly dedicated politician. With his passing away, India has lost an eminent national leader. His eloquent support of the Tibetan people began in the late 1950s. Since then, he regularly took Indian governments to task in Parliament, prompting them to take a stronger stand on Tibet," he said. "I feel privileged to have known him and am honoured to have counted him as a friend," the spiritual leader added. He also offered his condolences to Vajpayee's relatives, friends and colleagues. Vajpayee, who served as India's prime minister three times, died at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in Delhi yesterday following prolonged illness. He was 93.

Dalai Lama condoles Vajpayee's demise, hails his eloquent support to Tibetan people

Benchmark Sensex rebounded by over 284 points to close at 37,947.88 on Friday, while the NSE Nifty finished at a fresh lifetime high on the back of robust gains in FMCG, metal and banking stocks amid positive global cues.

Brokers said sentiment got a lift on uninterrupted buying by domestic institutional investors, while global markets were mixed after the US and China agreed to resume trade talks.

The 30-share Sensex stayed in the green throughout the session and hit the day's high of 38,022.32 on a flurry of buying. It finally ended at 37,947.88, up 284.32 points, or 0.75 per cent.

The broader NSE Nifty spurted 85.70 points, or 0.75 per cent, to end at a new record of 11,470.75. It surpassed its previous closing high of 11,470.70 hit on August 9.

Except oil and gas, all sectoral indices finished with gains, led by metal, FMCG, realty, auto and banking.

Major index gainers were Yes Bank, SBI, Vedanta, HUL, Tata Motors, ITC, Tata Steel, ICICI Bank, Kotak Bank, M&M, Adani Ports, Sun Pharma, L&T, Asian Paints, Axis Bank, Infosys, RIL, TCS, IndusInd Bank and HDFC Bank, rising up to 3.76 per cent.

It was the fourth straight week of gains for the benchmarks. The Sensex recorded a rise of 78.65 points, or 0.21 per cent, while the Nifty gained 41.25 points, or 0.36 per cent, during the week.

Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 133.78 crore while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold equities worth Rs 825.08 crore yesterday, provisional data showed. PTI DPL KPS SDG ABM

Brokers said sentiment got a lift on uninterrupted buying by domestic institutional investors, while global markets were mixed after the US and China agreed to resume trade talks.

Benchmark Sensex rebounded by over 284 points to close at 37,947.88 on Friday, while the NSE Nifty finished at a fresh lifetime high on the back of robust gains in FMCG, metal and banking stocks amid positive global cues. Brokers said sentiment got a lift on uninterrupted buying by domestic institutional investors, while global markets were mixed after the US and China agreed to resume trade talks. The 30-share Sensex stayed in the green throughout the session and hit the day's high of 38,022.32 on a flurry of buying. It finally ended at 37,947.88, up 284.32 points, or 0.75 per cent. The broader NSE Nifty spurted 85.70 points, or 0.75 per cent, to end at a new record of 11,470.75. It surpassed its previous closing high of 11,470.70 hit on August 9. Except oil and gas, all sectoral indices finished with gains, led by metal, FMCG, realty, auto and banking. Major index gainers were Yes Bank, SBI, Vedanta, HUL, Tata Motors, ITC, Tata Steel, ICICI Bank, Kotak Bank, M&M, Adani Ports, Sun Pharma, L&T, Asian Paints, Axis Bank, Infosys, RIL, TCS, IndusInd Bank and HDFC Bank, rising up to 3.76 per cent. It was the fourth straight week of gains for the benchmarks. The Sensex recorded a rise of 78.65 points, or 0.21 per cent, while the Nifty gained 41.25 points, or 0.36 per cent, during the week. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 133.78 crore while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold equities worth Rs 825.08 crore yesterday, provisional data showed. PTI DPL KPS SDG ABM

Sensex surges 284 points, Nifty hits new high

The NDRF said on Friday it has moved more than 4,000 people to safer places and rescued another 44 from flooded areas in Kerala during the past nine days, even as its personnel struggle to reach remote areas cut off due to landslides.

Kerala has been severely hit by monsoon rains and rivers and dam reservoirs are overflowing, inundating a large part of the state. At least 100 people died yesterday in rain-related incidents, State Disaster Management Authority officials said in Thiruvananthapuram.

A National Disaster Response Force spokesperson said in New Delhi that its 51 teams, out of the total 53 deployed, are operating on the ground. Two more teams will reach Kerala soon, he added.

"So far, over 4,319 persons have been evacuated and 44 people have been rescued by our teams since their deployment in Kerala. Operations are still going on," he said.

The rescue and evacuations operations by the NDRF entered its ninth day today.

The spokesperson said despite heavy rains and unfavourable weather, every effort was being made by NDRF responders to "access and reach" every person in distress.

A total of 173 people have died in the state since the second spell of monsoon fury began on August 8.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Kerala tonight after the funeral of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He will undertake an aerial survey of flood-hit areas tomorrow.

&nbsp

The National Crisis Management Committee, the apex body to handle emergency situations, also met for the second time today and directed agencies to mobilise additional resources.&nbsp

At least 100 people died yesterday in rain-related incidents, State Disaster Management Authority officials said in Thiruvananthapuram

The NDRF said on Friday it has moved more than 4,000 people to safer places and rescued another 44 from flooded areas in Kerala during the past nine days, even as its personnel struggle to reach remote areas cut off due to landslides. Kerala has been severely hit by monsoon rains and rivers and dam reservoirs are overflowing, inundating a large part of the state. At least 100 people died yesterday in rain-related incidents, State Disaster Management Authority officials said in Thiruvananthapuram. A National Disaster Response Force spokesperson said in New Delhi that its 51 teams, out of the total 53 deployed, are operating on the ground. Two more teams will reach Kerala soon, he added. "So far, over 4,319 persons have been evacuated and 44 people have been rescued by our teams since their deployment in Kerala. Operations are still going on," he said. The rescue and evacuations operations by the NDRF entered its ninth day today. The spokesperson said despite heavy rains and unfavourable weather, every effort was being made by NDRF responders to "access and reach" every person in distress. A total of 173 people have died in the state since the second spell of monsoon fury began on August 8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Kerala tonight after the funeral of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He will undertake an aerial survey of flood-hit areas tomorrow. The National Crisis Management Committee, the apex body to handle emergency situations, also met for the second time today and directed agencies to mobilise additional resources.

Moved 4,000 people to safety, 51 teams in Kerala: NDRF

Social leader Swami Agnivesh was assaulted at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg in central Delhi on Friday.&nbsp;

He was reportedly on his way to pay tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Soon after Agnivesh arrived at the venue on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, some people raised slogans asking him to go back.&nbsp;

Agnivesh was recently attacked in Jharkhand`s Pakur district in Jharkhand when he was on way to attend a public function in a village.&nbsp;

Swami Agnivesh is widely known for his campaign against bonded labour through his foundation Bandhua Mukti Morcha (Bonded Labor Liberation Front).

He was elected to the Haryana Assembly in 1977 and was made education minister after two years.

He, however, resigned from the post in protest against the Haryana government’s inaction against police who had opened fire at workers protesting bonded labour.

Spiritual leader Swami Agnivesh was assaulted outside the BJP headquarters located at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg in central Delhi on Friday.

Social leader Swami Agnivesh was assaulted at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg in central Delhi on Friday. He was reportedly on his way to pay tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Soon after Agnivesh arrived at the venue on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, some people raised slogans asking him to go back. Agnivesh was recently attacked in Jharkhand`s Pakur district in Jharkhand when he was on way to attend a public function in a village. Swami Agnivesh is widely known for his campaign against bonded labour through his foundation Bandhua Mukti Morcha (Bonded Labor Liberation Front). He was elected to the Haryana Assembly in 1977 and was made education minister after two years. He, however, resigned from the post in protest against the Haryana government’s inaction against police who had opened fire at workers protesting bonded labour.

Swami Agnivesh assaulted in Delhi, had gone to pay homage to Atal Bihari Vajpayee

The Supreme Court on Friday said it would hear in October a plea by one of the convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, regarding the status of probe by the CBI-led Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) into conspiracy behind the murder.

The MDMA, set up in 1998, has been investigating the larger conspiracy behind Rajiv Gandhi's assassination on the night of May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu by a woman suicide bomber, identified as Dhanu, at a poll rally. Fourteen others, including Dhanu herself, were also killed in the blast.&nbsp

Gandhi's assassination was perhaps the first case of suicide bombing which had claimed the life of a high-profile leader.

The MDMA, which was established on the recommendations of Justice M C Jain Commission of Inquiry that had probed the conspiracy aspect of Gandhi's assassination, is headed by a CBI official and comprises officers from IB, RAW and Revenue Intelligence and other agencies.

The matter today came up for hearing before a bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi, Navin Sinha and K M Joseph.

"We will have to hear it," the bench said, adding that the case would be listed for hearing in October.

45-year-old A G Perarivalan, who is serving life sentence, had earlier moved the apex court seeking suspension of his jail term till the completion of the probe by the MDMA.

The MDMA, in its report filed in the apex court earlier, had said that probe was still open and Letters Rogatory were issued to various countries, including Sri Lanka, where some of the persons required to be investigated were residing.&nbsp

On March 14, the top court had dismissed Perarivalan's plea seeking recall of the May 11, 1999 verdict upholding his conviction in the case.

The court had asked the MDMA to file a report with regard to the status of a letter rogatory sent to Sri Lanka for examining one of the accused Nixon alias Suren, who is lodged in Colombo jail.

Recently on August 10, the Centre had told the apex court that it does not concur with the Tamil Nadu government's proposal to release seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, saying remission of their sentence will set a "dangerous precedent" and have "international ramifications".

On January 23, the apex court had asked the Centre to take a decision within three months on a 2016 letter by the Tamil Nadu government seeking its concurrence on releasing the seven convicts.

The letter, written on March 2, 2016, had said the state government has already decided to release the seven convicts, but it is necessary to seek the Centre's concurrence as per an apex court order of 2015.

The convicts, V Sriharan alias Murugan, T Suthendraraja alias Santham, A G Perarivalan alias Arivu, Jayakumar, Robert Payas, P Ravichandaran and Nalini, have been in jail for 25 years.

In its May 1999 order, the top court had upheld the death sentence of four convicts -- Perarivalan, Murugan, Santham and Nalini -- in the assassination case.

In April 2000, the Tamil Nadu Governor had commuted the death sentence of Nalini on the basis of state government's recommendation and an appeal by former Congress president and Rajiv Gandhi's widow Sonia Gandhi.

The apex court had on February 18, 2014, commuted death sentence of three convicts - Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan - citing inordinate delay by the executive in deciding their mercy plea.&nbsp

Gandhi's assassination was perhaps the first case of suicide bombing which had claimed the life of a high-profile leader

The Supreme Court on Friday said it would hear in October a plea by one of the convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, regarding the status of probe by the CBI-led Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) into conspiracy behind the murder. The MDMA, set up in 1998, has been investigating the larger conspiracy behind Rajiv Gandhi's assassination on the night of May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu by a woman suicide bomber, identified as Dhanu, at a poll rally. Fourteen others, including Dhanu herself, were also killed in the blast. Gandhi's assassination was perhaps the first case of suicide bombing which had claimed the life of a high-profile leader. The MDMA, which was established on the recommendations of Justice M C Jain Commission of Inquiry that had probed the conspiracy aspect of Gandhi's assassination, is headed by a CBI official and comprises officers from IB, RAW and Revenue Intelligence and other agencies. The matter today came up for hearing before a bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi, Navin Sinha and K M Joseph. "We will have to hear it," the bench said, adding that the case would be listed for hearing in October. 45-year-old A G Perarivalan, who is serving life sentence, had earlier moved the apex court seeking suspension of his jail term till the completion of the probe by the MDMA. The MDMA, in its report filed in the apex court earlier, had said that probe was still open and Letters Rogatory were issued to various countries, including Sri Lanka, where some of the persons required to be investigated were residing. On March 14, the top court had dismissed Perarivalan's plea seeking recall of the May 11, 1999 verdict upholding his conviction in the case. The court had asked the MDMA to file a report with regard to the status of a letter rogatory sent to Sri Lanka for examining one of the accused Nixon alias Suren, who is lodged in Colombo jail. Recently on August 10, the Centre had told the apex court that it does not concur with the Tamil Nadu government's proposal to release seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, saying remission of their sentence will set a "dangerous precedent" and have "international ramifications". On January 23, the apex court had asked the Centre to take a decision within three months on a 2016 letter by the Tamil Nadu government seeking its concurrence on releasing the seven convicts. The letter, written on March 2, 2016, had said the state government has already decided to release the seven convicts, but it is necessary to seek the Centre's concurrence as per an apex court order of 2015. The convicts, V Sriharan alias Murugan, T Suthendraraja alias Santham, A G Perarivalan alias Arivu, Jayakumar, Robert Payas, P Ravichandaran and Nalini, have been in jail for 25 years. In its May 1999 order, the top court had upheld the death sentence of four convicts -- Perarivalan, Murugan, Santham and Nalini -- in the assassination case. In April 2000, the Tamil Nadu Governor had commuted the death sentence of Nalini on the basis of state government's recommendation and an appeal by former Congress president and Rajiv Gandhi's widow Sonia Gandhi. The apex court had on February 18, 2014, commuted death sentence of three convicts - Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan - citing inordinate delay by the executive in deciding their mercy plea.

Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: SC to hear convict's plea in October

The government on Friday banned the import of petcoke for use as fuel, but said shipments for use as feedstock in some industries was allowed, reported news agency Reuters.

Usage of petcoke, a dirtier alternative to coal, in the energy-hungry country has come under scrutiny due to rising pollution levels in major cities.

"Import of Petcoke is allowed for only cement, lime kiln, calcium carbide and gasification industries, when used as the feedstock or in the manufacturing process on actual user condition," Reuters said quoting directorate general of foreign trade said.

As the world's largest consumer of petcoke, India imports over half its annual petcoke consumption of about 27 million tonnes, mainly from the United States. Local producers include Indian Oil Corp, Reliance Industries and Bharat Petroleum Corp.

India is the world's biggest consumer of petroleum coke, which is a dark solid carbon material that emits 11 per cent more greenhouse gases than coal, according to the Carnegie–Tsinghua Center for Global Policy.

Usage of petcoke, a dirtier alternative to coal, in the energy-hungry country has come under scrutiny due to rising pollution levels in major cities.

The government on Friday banned the import of petcoke for use as fuel, but said shipments for use as feedstock in some industries was allowed, reported news agency Reuters. Usage of petcoke, a dirtier alternative to coal, in the energy-hungry country has come under scrutiny due to rising pollution levels in major cities. "Import of Petcoke is allowed for only cement, lime kiln, calcium carbide and gasification industries, when used as the feedstock or in the manufacturing process on actual user condition," Reuters said quoting directorate general of foreign trade said. As the world's largest consumer of petcoke, India imports over half its annual petcoke consumption of about 27 million tonnes, mainly from the United States. Local producers include Indian Oil Corp, Reliance Industries and Bharat Petroleum Corp. India is the world's biggest consumer of petroleum coke, which is a dark solid carbon material that emits 11 per cent more greenhouse gases than coal, according to the Carnegie–Tsinghua Center for Global Policy.

Government bans petcoke import for use as fuel

Prime minister Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah walked behind the cortege as the funeral procession made its way to Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in Delhi.

PM Modi walks behind Vajapyee's cortege on way to Smriti Sthal

In 1945, when a 21-year-old Atal Bihari Vajpayee enrolled in a Kanpur college to study law, he had a classmate who was already retired after serving 30 years as a teacher.&nbsp;

He was none other than his father Pandit Krishna Biharilal Vajpayee was above 50 when he became Vajpayee's classmate at DAV college Kanpur.&nbsp;

After Vajpayee became prime minister, his alma mater published a write-up by him in the college magazine in 2002-03, which reveals more about the two.

"Have you ever seen or heard of a college, where both father and son studied together, and that too even in the same class," Vajpayee wrote in the article.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"If not, then your information pertaining to Kanpur's DAV College will be simply considered incomplete. This was such a college, which not only witnessed a father and son studying together, but also set a theatrical stage for it."

College principal Amit Kumar Srivastava says the former prime minister and his father were in the same section studying law, but eventually they changed their sections.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Whenever my father was late for the class, the professors amidst laughter, used to ask 'tell where your father has disappeared'. And when I was late, he used to be questioned as to 'why your son is missing'," Vajpayee wrote. 
"This situation was posing a problem for both of us, and it was decided that my father will remain in one section, while I will move to another."

In the article, Vajpayee also revealed how he and his father -- Pandit Krishna Biharilal Vajpayee -- became classmates.

"It was 1945-46. I had completed BA from Victoria College, Gwalior, and was worried about the future....My father had retired from government service. My two sisters were of marriageable age. Dowry had assumed the shape of a curse. From where will I manage resources for post-graduation?"

But when all the doors seemed closed, Gwalior Maharaja Shrimant Jivaji Rao Scindia, who knew Vajpayee well as a student, offered him a monthly scholarship of Rs 75, which is equivalent to today's (2002-03) Rs 200, he wrote.

"The wrinkles of tension on father's face gradually started to disappear. The family heaved a sigh of relief, and I too, took a plunge in happy dreams of the future."

After getting the scholarship from Gwalior riyasat (princely state), most of the students head to DAV College in Kanpur. He said he was also told to head to Kanpur. "My elder brother Prem Bihari Vajpayee was already studying law from there."&nbsp;

"It was at this point of time that an unusual incident took place," he wrote.&nbsp;

"Suddenly, my father decided that he too will pursue higher education. His decision had put all of us in wonder. He had retired after giving his contribution in the field of education for 30 years. When he saw that I am going to Kanpur for MA and to study law, he decided that he will go to Kanpur with me and study law."

"He was above 50. With white hair and a walking stick, when my father - Pandit Krishna Biharilal Vajpayee -- reached the principal's (Kalka Prasad Bhatnagar) office, Mr Bhatnagar thought that the elderly gentleman had come to seek a professors post or to get someone enrolled.&nbsp;

"But when Mr Bhatnagar came to know that the elderly gentleman had come to enroll himself, he virtually jumped from his chair and started saying you have done a wonder."

"Soon, the news spread throughout the college. In the hostel, where the father and son lived together, crowd of students would turn up to see us," the former Prime Minister wrote.

He spent two years at the college.&nbsp;

"I still remember the Ramayana mandali which was organized by Purshottam Prasad Mishra. The mandali used to recite Ramayam every week, and my father was included in it as soon as he reached the hostel."

Vajpayee wrote, "I still remember the celebration of Independence Day. It was a strange coincidence of agony and ecstasy. We were ecstatic because 1,000 years of foreign rule has ended, and agonized due to the division of the motherland. On that day, former vice-chancellor of Agra University Dewaanchand had come. He handed a small reward from his pocket for my oratory skills."

The department of political science was headed by Shanti Narayan Verma, he said.&nbsp;

"All the students used to respect him a lot, but&nbsp;also maintained a distance from him. Contrary to him were professor Pradhan and professor Pandey, who were very affectionate towards the students, and students had no hesitation in approaching them&nbsp;with their problems," he wrote.

He also mentioned that in those days, there were shortage of books in the library, but teachers were always eager to help the students.&nbsp;

"I lament that I had to give up study of law midway, as I had to leave the college. Gaining Independence and partition of the country had created new circumstances. A number of youngsters left their homes, and had embarked on the path of nation-building. Studies were left, buddies got separated and new questions cropped up. Yet, the two years spent at DAV college cannot be forgotten," he said.

After Vajpayee became prime minister, his alma mater published a write-up by him in the college magazine in 2002-03, which reveals more about the two.

In 1945, when a 21-year-old Atal Bihari Vajpayee enrolled in a Kanpur college to study law, he had a classmate who was already retired after serving 30 years as a teacher. He was none other than his father Pandit Krishna Biharilal Vajpayee was above 50 when he became Vajpayee's classmate at DAV college Kanpur. After Vajpayee became prime minister, his alma mater published a write-up by him in the college magazine in 2002-03, which reveals more about the two. "Have you ever seen or heard of a college, where both father and son studied together, and that too even in the same class," Vajpayee wrote in the article. "If not, then your information pertaining to Kanpur's DAV College will be simply considered incomplete. This was such a college, which not only witnessed a father and son studying together, but also set a theatrical stage for it." College principal Amit Kumar Srivastava says the former prime minister and his father were in the same section studying law, but eventually they changed their sections. "Whenever my father was late for the class, the professors amidst laughter, used to ask 'tell where your father has disappeared'. And when I was late, he used to be questioned as to 'why your son is missing'," Vajpayee wrote. "This situation was posing a problem for both of us, and it was decided that my father will remain in one section, while I will move to another." In the article, Vajpayee also revealed how he and his father -- Pandit Krishna Biharilal Vajpayee -- became classmates. "It was 1945-46. I had completed BA from Victoria College, Gwalior, and was worried about the future....My father had retired from government service. My two sisters were of marriageable age. Dowry had assumed the shape of a curse. From where will I manage resources for post-graduation?" But when all the doors seemed closed, Gwalior Maharaja Shrimant Jivaji Rao Scindia, who knew Vajpayee well as a student, offered him a monthly scholarship of Rs 75, which is equivalent to today's (2002-03) Rs 200, he wrote. "The wrinkles of tension on father's face gradually started to disappear. The family heaved a sigh of relief, and I too, took a plunge in happy dreams of the future." After getting the scholarship from Gwalior riyasat (princely state), most of the students head to DAV College in Kanpur. He said he was also told to head to Kanpur. "My elder brother Prem Bihari Vajpayee was already studying law from there." "It was at this point of time that an unusual incident took place," he wrote. "Suddenly, my father decided that he too will pursue higher education. His decision had put all of us in wonder. He had retired after giving his contribution in the field of education for 30 years. When he saw that I am going to Kanpur for MA and to study law, he decided that he will go to Kanpur with me and study law." "He was above 50. With white hair and a walking stick, when my father - Pandit Krishna Biharilal Vajpayee -- reached the principal's (Kalka Prasad Bhatnagar) office, Mr Bhatnagar thought that the elderly gentleman had come to seek a professors post or to get someone enrolled. "But when Mr Bhatnagar came to know that the elderly gentleman had come to enroll himself, he virtually jumped from his chair and started saying you have done a wonder." "Soon, the news spread throughout the college. In the hostel, where the father and son lived together, crowd of students would turn up to see us," the former Prime Minister wrote. He spent two years at the college. "I still remember the Ramayana mandali which was organized by Purshottam Prasad Mishra. The mandali used to recite Ramayam every week, and my father was included in it as soon as he reached the hostel." Vajpayee wrote, "I still remember the celebration of Independence Day. It was a strange coincidence of agony and ecstasy. We were ecstatic because 1,000 years of foreign rule has ended, and agonized due to the division of the motherland. On that day, former vice-chancellor of Agra University Dewaanchand had come. He handed a small reward from his pocket for my oratory skills." The department of political science was headed by Shanti Narayan Verma, he said. "All the students used to respect him a lot, but also maintained a distance from him. Contrary to him were professor Pradhan and professor Pandey, who were very affectionate towards the students, and students had no hesitation in approaching them with their problems," he wrote. He also mentioned that in those days, there were shortage of books in the library, but teachers were always eager to help the students. "I lament that I had to give up study of law midway, as I had to leave the college. Gaining Independence and partition of the country had created new circumstances. A number of youngsters left their homes, and had embarked on the path of nation-building. Studies were left, buddies got separated and new questions cropped up. Yet, the two years spent at DAV college cannot be forgotten," he said.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his father were classmates in Kanpur law college

Thousands of people gathered outside the BJP headquarters today and hundreds lined up inside to pay homage to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the poet-politician who wove together pragmatism and a vision for an inclusive India.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-former-prime-minister-and-bjp-stalwart-dies-at-93-159594">Vajpayee, 93, passed away</a> at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here last evening after prolonged illness.&nbsp;

The air was solemn as Vajpayee's body, draped in the tricolour, was placed on a platform draped in white flowers.

Hundreds of people filed past the body in silence, with a large portrait of a smiling Vajpayee — a BJP flag on either side — in the backdrop.&nbsp;

According to tv reports, around 1 lakh people are expected to throng the Smriti Sthal to attend the last rites of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi, BJP president, CMs of several states and top opposition leaders will be present at the Vijay Ghat when Vajpayee's mortal remains will be consigned to the flames at 4&nbsp;pm.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: BJP President Amit Shah and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh pays last respects to former Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> at BJP Headquarters. <a href="https://t.co/RnyGmxRL3T">pic.twitter.com/RnyGmxRL3T</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030329906851454976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Opposition leaders like CPI's D Raja and CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury were among those who visited the BJP headquarters to pay their respects.&nbsp;

Earlier in the morning, hundreds of people chanted "Atal Bihari Amar Rahe" as Vajpayee's cortege made its way from his home through the city to reach the BJP office.&nbsp;

A decorated gun carriage carrying his mortal remains left his home on Krishna Menon Marg around 10 am and reached the party's headquarters at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, about five kilometres away, around 11 am.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: The mortal remains of former PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> have been brought to BJP Headquarters <a href="https://t.co/ujL8ZmYn6a">pic.twitter.com/ujL8ZmYn6a</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030328199107039232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The funeral procession will go through Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Delhi Gate, Netaji Subhash Marg, Nishadraj Marg and Shanti van before reaching Smriti Sthal, Delhi Traffic Police said in a tweet.

Police has made elaborate security arrangements for the funeral procession, officials said.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> live from Delhi: The mortal remains of former PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> being taken to Smriti Sthal for funeral. <a href="https://t.co/tLUwYCYpOl">https://t.co/tLUwYCYpOl</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030373030432657408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from PTI)

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's final journey will begin at 1 pm today with cremation at 4 pm.

Thousands of people gathered outside the BJP headquarters today and hundreds lined up inside to pay homage to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the poet-politician who wove together pragmatism and a vision for an inclusive India. Vajpayee, 93, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here last evening after prolonged illness. The air was solemn as Vajpayee's body, draped in the tricolour, was placed on a platform draped in white flowers. Hundreds of people filed past the body in silence, with a large portrait of a smiling Vajpayee — a BJP flag on either side — in the backdrop. According to tv reports, around 1 lakh people are expected to throng the Smriti Sthal to attend the last rites of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. PM Narendra Modi, BJP president, CMs of several states and top opposition leaders will be present at the Vijay Ghat when Vajpayee's mortal remains will be consigned to the flames at 4 pm. #Delhi: BJP President Amit Shah and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh pays last respects to former Prime Minister #AtalBihariVajpayee at BJP Headquarters. pic.twitter.com/RnyGmxRL3T — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018 × Opposition leaders like CPI's D Raja and CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury were among those who visited the BJP headquarters to pay their respects. Earlier in the morning, hundreds of people chanted "Atal Bihari Amar Rahe" as Vajpayee's cortege made its way from his home through the city to reach the BJP office. A decorated gun carriage carrying his mortal remains left his home on Krishna Menon Marg around 10 am and reached the party's headquarters at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, about five kilometres away, around 11 am. #Delhi: The mortal remains of former PM #AtalBihariVajpayee have been brought to BJP Headquarters pic.twitter.com/ujL8ZmYn6a — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018 × The funeral procession will go through Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Delhi Gate, Netaji Subhash Marg, Nishadraj Marg and Shanti van before reaching Smriti Sthal, Delhi Traffic Police said in a tweet. Police has made elaborate security arrangements for the funeral procession, officials said. #WATCH live from Delhi: The mortal remains of former PM #AtalBihariVajpayee being taken to Smriti Sthal for funeral. https://t.co/tLUwYCYpOl — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018 × (With inputs from PTI)

Thousands gather to pay homage to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, last rites at 4 pm

Hundreds of people followed the former prime minister as his body draped in the tricolour, was placed on a platform surrounding white flowers

In pics: Country bids adieu to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee died following a prolonged illness in New Delhi on August 16.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A politician with a heart of a poet

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