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<p>Extradition applications by Government of India to bring back individuals who are guilty of financial misconduct are a hot political issue. Recall that an extradition treaty was signed between the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the government of the Republic of India on September 22, 1992. The specificities of such bilateral treaties are a pre-requisite for any extradition cases to be heard or entertained in the UK Court. However, the successful processing of a request depends entirely on a case-to-case basis when adequate legal justifications to extradite an individual are met.</p>

<p>The Article 2 of the Extradition Treaty signed between the UK and India clearly states that "an offence may be an extradition offence notwithstanding that it relates to taxation or revenue or is of a purely fiscal character." In simple terms this guarantees that an offence of taxation or revenue that is of purely fiscal character do qualify as an extradition-worthy offence, and this would generally provide sufficient grounds for India to legally seek Vijay Mallya or Nirav Modi (defendants) to be extradited for their trial in India. An important requirement for extradition application to succeed before the UK Court is that the offence for which extradition is sought by a foreign country is recognised as a criminal offence under UK law.</p>

<p>Still, despite the basic requirements within the frameworks of the extradition treaty, there is an overarching requirement under English law for the court to ensure that a person, if extradited from the UK, would get a fair trial in the requesting country and will be treated in a humane fashion while in detention awaiting trial, and if convicted in jail. It would seem the Indian government (applicant) had, in the case of Mallya, missed to address the human rights concerns. This could well be partly because the extradition treaty fails to provide a proper legal framework for the balancing of the human rights and the interest of the Indian fugitive in the UK. Since human rights play a major pre-requisite, the UK, accordingly, classifies preferential countries, with the US and European countries in Category 1 – over India which is placed under Category 2 – for which the process is arduous and long.</p>

<p>Based on the numbers provided to Sir Scott Baker's panel, under Britain's various bilateral treaties, 130 extradition requests were submitted from the US to the UK. Of those 130 requests, the UK has refused 10. Of the remaining 120, 77 individuals were extradited from the UK to the US the other 43 cases remained pending in the UK system, or the individuals returned to the US on their own, or other circumstances made the extradition no longer necessary. During the same time period, the UK submitted 54 extradition requests to the US, of which none have been refused. Of those 54 requests, 38 resulted in extradition of an individual from the US to the UK. In the remaining 16 cases, the individuals similarly either returned to the UK voluntarily or other circumstances made extradition from the U.S. to the UK no longer necessary.</p>

<p>In comparison, since India signed the treaty with Britain in 1992, the number of people extradited from the UK to India stands at 1. The case was not via the legal route but on voluntary terms: Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sought in connection with the 2002 post-Godhra riots in Gujarat.</p>

<p>The numbers of fugitives living the UK that are wanted in India are currently over 60, with the following high-profile cases topping the list: Vijay Mallya (financial) Lalit Modi (financial) Ravi Shankaran (Indian Navy war room leak case) Tiger Hanif (1993 blasts in Gujarat) Nadeem Saifi (Gulshan Kumar murder case) Raymond Varley (UK citizen, child abuse cases in Goa).</p>

<p>Coming back to the Mallya and Lalit Modi cases, irrespective of the bilateral agreement between UK and India, the case might fall in favour of defendant due to Britain's strong human right laws. The Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights prohibits torture, and "inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". The Section 87 of the UK Extradition Act 2003 mandated the court to turn down the plea for extradition of any person, in case the court is not convinced that the extradition would in some way put at risk his or her "convention rights within the meaning of the Human Rights Act 1998". For example, in the case involving bookie Sanjeev Chawla, who was arrested in London in June 2017 over the cricket match-fixing scandal of 2000, UK officials wrote to Delhi police asking for details about security arrangements and facilities in the jail he would be kept in. The court ruled against his extradition, after taking into account overcrowding and lack of medical facilities as well as reports about clashes among prisoners in the Tihar jail. The case is now before the High Court of the UK. The appeal might well fail if the Indian government doesn't improve the conditions in prisons and abide by human rights before the appeal hearing date and made an application to the appeal court to be allowed to put new evidence on the improved conditions of Indian prisons.</p>

<p>These difficulties and inconsistencies are shown in turn to be the product of a broader, two-fold characterisation of extradition. Even though Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right of personal liberty and thereby prohibits any inhuman, cruel or degrading treatment to any person whether he is an Indian national or a foreigner, reality indicates otherwise. According to the Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, over 80 per cent of prisoners are undertrials. Moreover, insufficient provision of medical aid, insensitive attitude of jail authorities, and punishment carried out by jail authorities not coherent with the punishment given by the court make matters worse.</p>

<p>The mobility of criminals and the consequent internationalisation of crime has made domestic criminal law enforcement dependent upon international cooperation. Under such circumstances, India needs to comply with the international human rights laws to obtain similar results as the United States when it comes to extradition.</p>

<p><em>(The writer is Founder & Senior Partner at Zaiwalla & Co. LLP London)</em></p>

<p><em>(This article was first&nbsp;published on The DNA. Read the <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-vijay-mallya-s-return-won-t-be-a-cakewalk-2650781">original article</a>.)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


An important requirement for extradition application to succeed before the UK Court is that the offence for which extradition is sought by a foreign country is recognised as a criminal offence under UK law.

Extradition applications by Government of India to bring back individuals who are guilty of financial misconduct are a hot political issue. Recall that an extradition treaty was signed between the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the government of the Republic of India on September 22, 1992. The specificities of such bilateral treaties are a pre-requisite for any extradition cases to be heard or entertained in the UK Court. However, the successful processing of a request depends entirely on a case-to-case basis when adequate legal justifications to extradite an individual are met. The Article 2 of the Extradition Treaty signed between the UK and India clearly states that "an offence may be an extradition offence notwithstanding that it relates to taxation or revenue or is of a purely fiscal character." In simple terms this guarantees that an offence of taxation or revenue that is of purely fiscal character do qualify as an extradition-worthy offence, and this would generally provide sufficient grounds for India to legally seek Vijay Mallya or Nirav Modi (defendants) to be extradited for their trial in India. An important requirement for extradition application to succeed before the UK Court is that the offence for which extradition is sought by a foreign country is recognised as a criminal offence under UK law. Still, despite the basic requirements within the frameworks of the extradition treaty, there is an overarching requirement under English law for the court to ensure that a person, if extradited from the UK, would get a fair trial in the requesting country and will be treated in a humane fashion while in detention awaiting trial, and if convicted in jail. It would seem the Indian government (applicant) had, in the case of Mallya, missed to address the human rights concerns. This could well be partly because the extradition treaty fails to provide a proper legal framework for the balancing of the human rights and the interest of the Indian fugitive in the UK. Since human rights play a major pre-requisite, the UK, accordingly, classifies preferential countries, with the US and European countries in Category 1 – over India which is placed under Category 2 – for which the process is arduous and long. Based on the numbers provided to Sir Scott Baker's panel, under Britain's various bilateral treaties, 130 extradition requests were submitted from the US to the UK. Of those 130 requests, the UK has refused 10. Of the remaining 120, 77 individuals were extradited from the UK to the US the other 43 cases remained pending in the UK system, or the individuals returned to the US on their own, or other circumstances made the extradition no longer necessary. During the same time period, the UK submitted 54 extradition requests to the US, of which none have been refused. Of those 54 requests, 38 resulted in extradition of an individual from the US to the UK. In the remaining 16 cases, the individuals similarly either returned to the UK voluntarily or other circumstances made extradition from the U.S. to the UK no longer necessary. In comparison, since India signed the treaty with Britain in 1992, the number of people extradited from the UK to India stands at 1. The case was not via the legal route but on voluntary terms: Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sought in connection with the 2002 post-Godhra riots in Gujarat. The numbers of fugitives living the UK that are wanted in India are currently over 60, with the following high-profile cases topping the list: Vijay Mallya (financial) Lalit Modi (financial) Ravi Shankaran (Indian Navy war room leak case) Tiger Hanif (1993 blasts in Gujarat) Nadeem Saifi (Gulshan Kumar murder case) Raymond Varley (UK citizen, child abuse cases in Goa). Coming back to the Mallya and Lalit Modi cases, irrespective of the bilateral agreement between UK and India, the case might fall in favour of defendant due to Britain's strong human right laws. The Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights prohibits torture, and "inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". The Section 87 of the UK Extradition Act 2003 mandated the court to turn down the plea for extradition of any person, in case the court is not convinced that the extradition would in some way put at risk his or her "convention rights within the meaning of the Human Rights Act 1998". For example, in the case involving bookie Sanjeev Chawla, who was arrested in London in June 2017 over the cricket match-fixing scandal of 2000, UK officials wrote to Delhi police asking for details about security arrangements and facilities in the jail he would be kept in. The court ruled against his extradition, after taking into account overcrowding and lack of medical facilities as well as reports about clashes among prisoners in the Tihar jail. The case is now before the High Court of the UK. The appeal might well fail if the Indian government doesn't improve the conditions in prisons and abide by human rights before the appeal hearing date and made an application to the appeal court to be allowed to put new evidence on the improved conditions of Indian prisons. These difficulties and inconsistencies are shown in turn to be the product of a broader, two-fold characterisation of extradition. Even though Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right of personal liberty and thereby prohibits any inhuman, cruel or degrading treatment to any person whether he is an Indian national or a foreigner, reality indicates otherwise. According to the Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, over 80 per cent of prisoners are undertrials. Moreover, insufficient provision of medical aid, insensitive attitude of jail authorities, and punishment carried out by jail authorities not coherent with the punishment given by the court make matters worse. The mobility of criminals and the consequent internationalisation of crime has made domestic criminal law enforcement dependent upon international cooperation. Under such circumstances, India needs to comply with the international human rights laws to obtain similar results as the United States when it comes to extradition. (The writer is Founder & Senior Partner at Zaiwalla & Co. LLP London) (This article was first published on The DNA. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Vijay Mallya's return won't be a cakewalk

<p>It is easy to earn accolades and praise when in power but extremely difficult to be remembered fondly after one’s life time. In this case, Atal Bihari Vajpayee remains an exception. Fondness for him grew after his retirement. In fact, the first year of Modi government was intensely compared with Vajpayee’s tenure. Vajpayee went on to become a larger than life leader.</p>

<p>Vajpayee was many things rolled into one. He was a politician, journalist, swayamsevak, poet, administrator and a foodie. Vajpayee was one of the few politicians who participated in the freedom struggle, sat opposite to India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, a contemporary of Indira Gandhi who was respected cutting across the party lines . He was a pillar of Jan Sangh and went on to become the founding president of BJP in 1980.</p>

<p>It is easy to count contribution of any Prime Minister as all of them have large portfolios. Like every Prime Minister, Vajpayee’s contribution to Indian public life was also immense. What made him different was his politics of hope and his unique personality. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A man known for grace and humour injected civility in the Indian public life. Even biggest of his detractors found it difficult to avoid Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Today, the ruling party and Opposition do not see eye to eye but this would have been impossible during Vajpayee’s tenure. He ruled the country with a big heart and gentle touch. His political approach was expansive and accommodated. It is for this reason Vajpayee is remembered so fondly by an average Kashmiri. Kashmir witnessed brutal attacks during his tenure but he never lost hope. In fact, he did not lose hope even after Kargil.</p>

<p>Vajpayee also never gave up. Despite betrayal by the Pakistani establishment he hoped against hope to normalise India-Pakistan relationship. He was not a weak Prime Minister. He could accommodate multiple views and visions both in his Cabinet and the outside world. Vajpayee had a hardliner Advani in his Cabinet and an outsider like Arun Shourie. He had the ability to invite Pervez Musharaff to India for talks in Agra despite Kargil misadventure by the Pakistani Army. It did not make him feeble. He could launch operation Parakram and still talk to the hostile neighbour. Vajpayee also handled tough situations. Under his tenure, India witnessed first full onslaught of Islamic terrorism. Kandhar hijacking is a case in point. Dreaded terrorists had to be released so that captive Indians could come back. He was criticised over the lapse but the man quickly made up for it. He ordered a full security review of the security apparatus of the country which till today is in force in India.</p>

<p>Vajpayee was able to deliver which no Prime minister could do after Indira Gandhi. He was able to detonate nuclear devices and put into a place a nuclear doctrine which India desperately needed. If Indira birthed India’s nuclear ambition than it was Vajpayee who took India’s nuclear ambition to a logical end. He did not appropriate the success. The detonation was treated as a success of the NDA government. But he never allowed nuclear success to translate in to muscular nationalism. He also never allowed populist politics to dominate the liberal environment of the Indian Parliament. It was because of his personality. He did it despite stiff Opposition from the Parliament.</p>

<p>He was also criticised for his position on Babri Masjid when he had said that <em>dharti samtal karni hogi </em>and also for not taking decision after Gujarat riots when he spoke of Raj Dharma. But it did not stick to him. Controversies around him were frequently discounted even by his political foes. Controversies and criticism did not stick to him.</p>

<p>It was his ability to accommodate multiple interest that Vajpayee was able to run a huge coalition front. He was an old Prime Minister but the first non-Congress Prime Minister the country had. Vajpayee travelled many worlds. The bachelor Prime Minister who was fond of both food and poetry would be remembered for his big heart, grace and civility which most politicians lack today. Indian politics today neither has Vajpayee’s poetry nor oratory. Importantly, it also lacks his imagination and grace which could disarm even opponents.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></strong></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A man known for grace and humour injected civility in the Indian public life. Even biggest of his detractors found it difficult to avoid Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

It is easy to earn accolades and praise when in power but extremely difficult to be remembered fondly after one’s life time. In this case, Atal Bihari Vajpayee remains an exception. Fondness for him grew after his retirement. In fact, the first year of Modi government was intensely compared with Vajpayee’s tenure. Vajpayee went on to become a larger than life leader. Vajpayee was many things rolled into one. He was a politician, journalist, swayamsevak, poet, administrator and a foodie. Vajpayee was one of the few politicians who participated in the freedom struggle, sat opposite to India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, a contemporary of Indira Gandhi who was respected cutting across the party lines . He was a pillar of Jan Sangh and went on to become the founding president of BJP in 1980. It is easy to count contribution of any Prime Minister as all of them have large portfolios. Like every Prime Minister, Vajpayee’s contribution to Indian public life was also immense. What made him different was his politics of hope and his unique personality. A man known for grace and humour injected civility in the Indian public life. Even biggest of his detractors found it difficult to avoid Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Today, the ruling party and Opposition do not see eye to eye but this would have been impossible during Vajpayee’s tenure. He ruled the country with a big heart and gentle touch. His political approach was expansive and accommodated. It is for this reason Vajpayee is remembered so fondly by an average Kashmiri. Kashmir witnessed brutal attacks during his tenure but he never lost hope. In fact, he did not lose hope even after Kargil. Vajpayee also never gave up. Despite betrayal by the Pakistani establishment he hoped against hope to normalise India-Pakistan relationship. He was not a weak Prime Minister. He could accommodate multiple views and visions both in his Cabinet and the outside world. Vajpayee had a hardliner Advani in his Cabinet and an outsider like Arun Shourie. He had the ability to invite Pervez Musharaff to India for talks in Agra despite Kargil misadventure by the Pakistani Army. It did not make him feeble. He could launch operation Parakram and still talk to the hostile neighbour. Vajpayee also handled tough situations. Under his tenure, India witnessed first full onslaught of Islamic terrorism. Kandhar hijacking is a case in point. Dreaded terrorists had to be released so that captive Indians could come back. He was criticised over the lapse but the man quickly made up for it. He ordered a full security review of the security apparatus of the country which till today is in force in India. Vajpayee was able to deliver which no Prime minister could do after Indira Gandhi. He was able to detonate nuclear devices and put into a place a nuclear doctrine which India desperately needed. If Indira birthed India’s nuclear ambition than it was Vajpayee who took India’s nuclear ambition to a logical end. He did not appropriate the success. The detonation was treated as a success of the NDA government. But he never allowed nuclear success to translate in to muscular nationalism. He also never allowed populist politics to dominate the liberal environment of the Indian Parliament. It was because of his personality. He did it despite stiff Opposition from the Parliament. He was also criticised for his position on Babri Masjid when he had said that dharti samtal karni hogi and also for not taking decision after Gujarat riots when he spoke of Raj Dharma. But it did not stick to him. Controversies around him were frequently discounted even by his political foes. Controversies and criticism did not stick to him. It was his ability to accommodate multiple interest that Vajpayee was able to run a huge coalition front. He was an old Prime Minister but the first non-Congress Prime Minister the country had. Vajpayee travelled many worlds. The bachelor Prime Minister who was fond of both food and poetry would be remembered for his big heart, grace and civility which most politicians lack today. Indian politics today neither has Vajpayee’s poetry nor oratory. Importantly, it also lacks his imagination and grace which could disarm even opponents. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Vajpayee will be remembered for grace and civility in public life

<p>The package of freedom, liberty and fraternity, which our founding fathers of the Constitution envisaged for future Indian citizens, seems to fluctuate in upholding the national spirit over the 71 years of Independence. The “trust” between the Northeast&nbsp;region and Delhi has eroded down the years, specially when a new wave of scaling and defining “nationalism” prevails.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The “fraternity” envisioned for future India is in deep dilemma. Over the years, the insurgency campaign has gone deeper and wider,&nbsp;to the extend that, secessionism has entered into the realm of demands and petitions. At these juncture, we need to stoop over and reflect on the “politics of insurgency”, “politics on Northeast” and the reception of the people. One bewildering statement could be, the anticipations of the present generation on the government has grown. There are many more questions and equal assumptions on these line of rhetoric. The expectations of the people for better facilities were never fulfilled and they remained voiceless forever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Resources and identity withered nonchalantly. If we have to revisit the past decades before the onslaught of various insurgent groups, unemployment was one big issue. It remained unaddressed for decades and the situation became malignant eulogising into diverse magnitudes with adverse effects. We now hope that the “Look East Policy” and “Act East Policy” bring much of what they promise.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
When the question of nationalism arises within the ethnic belt of more than 500 different tribes, with their own super powerful insurgent group. There are moderate insurgent groups, who felt necessitated with the rise of non-state units from neighbouring tribes but remain loyal to their citizenship. Following the region closely, it is ever challenging to keep track the rising number of organisations and their rhythm of politics. Here again, if we have to focus and compare on the “trust” level between the mosaic of tribes living together in the region, it may be lower than what exists&nbsp;between the mainstream and the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A&nbsp;tribe has to be vigilant and protect the interest of their community.&nbsp;One standing example among the Northeast states is Mizoram. Ravaged and inflicted by insurgency, the state has been appreciated and held in high esteem in their pursuit towards peace and good governance. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
One incident which Late Professor BK Roy Burman loved to narrate on the issue of “trust” between the Prime Minister of India and PLA (Peoples’ Liberation Army), one of the oldest insurgent group of Manipur, is worth mentioning&nbsp;today. In 1980, Indira Gandhi visited a village in an insurgent prone area in Manipur. The insurgent group through an intermediary offered to take care of&nbsp;the security of the Prime Minister, provided that the Army outpost located on the village was removed. Following which, she ordered the removal of Army personnel. The barrack was raged to the ground and the place was turned into a helipad. The helicopter carrying the Prime Minister landed on the spot. Indira Gandhi travelled 2 kilometers in an open jeep to reach the destination as a gesture of her confidence in the people. The insurgents joined the police to ensure the security of the then Prime Minister. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Appropriate government policies for the Northeast will surely strike the right chord one day.&nbsp;Politics is undefinable and unpredictable, but with an objective of winning faith of people and spreading hope among them, government can bring the region more closer to Delhi.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Politics with appropriate policies for the Northeast will surely strike the right cord one day and bring the region more closer to New Delhi.

The package of freedom, liberty and fraternity, which our founding fathers of the Constitution envisaged for future Indian citizens, seems to fluctuate in upholding the national spirit over the 71 years of Independence. The “trust” between the Northeast region and Delhi has eroded down the years, specially when a new wave of scaling and defining “nationalism” prevails. The “fraternity” envisioned for future India is in deep dilemma. Over the years, the insurgency campaign has gone deeper and wider, to the extend that, secessionism has entered into the realm of demands and petitions. At these juncture, we need to stoop over and reflect on the “politics of insurgency”, “politics on Northeast” and the reception of the people. One bewildering statement could be, the anticipations of the present generation on the government has grown. There are many more questions and equal assumptions on these line of rhetoric. The expectations of the people for better facilities were never fulfilled and they remained voiceless forever. Resources and identity withered nonchalantly. If we have to revisit the past decades before the onslaught of various insurgent groups, unemployment was one big issue. It remained unaddressed for decades and the situation became malignant eulogising into diverse magnitudes with adverse effects. We now hope that the “Look East Policy” and “Act East Policy” bring much of what they promise. When the question of nationalism arises within the ethnic belt of more than 500 different tribes, with their own super powerful insurgent group. There are moderate insurgent groups, who felt necessitated with the rise of non-state units from neighbouring tribes but remain loyal to their citizenship. Following the region closely, it is ever challenging to keep track the rising number of organisations and their rhythm of politics. Here again, if we have to focus and compare on the “trust” level between the mosaic of tribes living together in the region, it may be lower than what exists between the mainstream and the region. A tribe has to be vigilant and protect the interest of their community. One standing example among the Northeast states is Mizoram. Ravaged and inflicted by insurgency, the state has been appreciated and held in high esteem in their pursuit towards peace and good governance. One incident which Late Professor BK Roy Burman loved to narrate on the issue of “trust” between the Prime Minister of India and PLA (Peoples’ Liberation Army), one of the oldest insurgent group of Manipur, is worth mentioning today. In 1980, Indira Gandhi visited a village in an insurgent prone area in Manipur. The insurgent group through an intermediary offered to take care of the security of the Prime Minister, provided that the Army outpost located on the village was removed. Following which, she ordered the removal of Army personnel. The barrack was raged to the ground and the place was turned into a helipad. The helicopter carrying the Prime Minister landed on the spot. Indira Gandhi travelled 2 kilometers in an open jeep to reach the destination as a gesture of her confidence in the people. The insurgents joined the police to ensure the security of the then Prime Minister. Appropriate government policies for the Northeast will surely strike the right chord one day. Politics is undefinable and unpredictable, but with an objective of winning faith of people and spreading hope among them, government can bring the region more closer to Delhi. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Northeast pins its hopes on government's policies

<p>The death toll in <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-flood-additional-ndrf-teams-deployed-for-the-rescue-operation-159524">Kerala&nbsp;</a>has risen to 167 on Friday as flood crisis worsens in the state, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.</p>

<p>The state has also incurred a loss of over Rs 8,000 crore&nbsp;due to the&nbsp;incessant rainfall.</p>

<p>Unabated rains and rising level of flood water have prompted authorities to open floodgates of as many as 33 dams and reservoirs across the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A red alert was issued today morning&nbsp;in all 13 districts of Kerala except Kasaragod.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/mullaperiyar-dam-is-safe-tamil-nadu-cm-tells-kerala-counterpart-159663">Mullaperiyar dam is safe: Tamil Nadu CM tells Kerala counterpart</a></p>

<p>The increase in the number of death was seen even as defence forces scaled up operations to rescue those stranded in worst-hit areas.</p>

<p>Twelve additional teams of the National Disaster Response Force comprising about 540 personnel were also rushed to Kerala.</p>

<p>The Indian Coast Guard has so far rescued 1,764 people and moved 4,688 people to safer locations. Twenty four teams of the Indian Coast Guard has been deployed in the region for rescue&nbsp;operations.</p>

<p><img alt="k3.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="742" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/k3.PNG" width="1083" /></p>

<p>The Supreme Court on Thursday described <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 flood situation as "grave" </a>and&nbsp;directed&nbsp;a high power committee to convene a meeting by Friday on the rising water level in the Mullaperiyar dam.</p>

<p><img alt="kerala.PNG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="644" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/kerala.PNG" width="848" /></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rains-toll-now-at-94-pm-narendra-modi-to-visit-flood-hit-state-159690">Modi will visit the flood-prone&nbsp;area today</a> evening to discuss the flood situation with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.</p>

<p>The PM said that he held a telephonic conversation with Kerala chief minister wherein he discussed the prevailing situation in the state and also the steps to review&nbsp;rescue operations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Death toll due to floods has risen to 167: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/zartEut6tj">pic.twitter.com/zartEut6tj</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030340987938254849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The chief minister had earlier described the ongoing flood fury in Kerala as something that had never happened in the history of the state wherein "<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/wionews.com/india-news/most-of-our-water-treatment-plants-are-submerged-providing-drinking-water-is-our-priority-kerala-cm-vijayan-159412">almost all dams have been opened</a>".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 25 trains were either cancelled or rescheduled in Kerala. Kochi Metro operations have not been affected so far, sources said.</p>

<p>The operations at the Kochi International Airport will remain suspended till August 26, with runways being flooded.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Aerial visual of submerged Kochi airport due to incessant rains. The airport has been shut till August 18. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/0P3sNY2Jq1">pic.twitter.com/0P3sNY2Jq1</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030259714032992256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had yesterday said 23 more helicopters will join the rescue operations today and 200 additional boats will also be pressed into service.</p>

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<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the flood-prone area today evening to discuss the flood situation with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan

The death toll in Kerala has risen to 167 on Friday as flood crisis worsens in the state, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. The state has also incurred a loss of over Rs 8,000 crore due to the incessant rainfall. Unabated rains and rising level of flood water have prompted authorities to open floodgates of as many as 33 dams and reservoirs across the state. A red alert was issued today morning in all 13 districts of Kerala except Kasaragod. Also read: Mullaperiyar dam is safe: Tamil Nadu CM tells Kerala counterpart The increase in the number of death was seen even as defence forces scaled up operations to rescue those stranded in worst-hit areas. Twelve additional teams of the National Disaster Response Force comprising about 540 personnel were also rushed to Kerala. The Indian Coast Guard has so far rescued 1,764 people and moved 4,688 people to safer locations. Twenty four teams of the Indian Coast Guard has been deployed in the region for rescue operations. 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. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the flood-prone area today evening to discuss the flood situation with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The PM said that he held a telephonic conversation with Kerala chief minister wherein he discussed the prevailing situation in the state and also the steps to review rescue operations. Death toll due to floods has risen to 167: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/zartEut6tj — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018 × The chief minister had earlier described the ongoing flood fury in Kerala as something that had never happened in the history of the state wherein "almost all dams have been opened". Over 25 trains were either cancelled or rescheduled in Kerala. Kochi Metro operations have not been affected so far, sources said. The operations at the Kochi International Airport will remain suspended till August 26, with runways being flooded. #WATCH: Aerial visual of submerged Kochi airport due to incessant rains. The airport has been shut till August 18. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/0P3sNY2Jq1 — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018 × Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had yesterday said 23 more helicopters will join the rescue operations today and 200 additional boats will also be pressed into service. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Death toll in Kerala floods escalates to 167

<p>A Sikh man has been stabbed to death at his store in the US state of New Jersey, the third incident targeting the minority Sikh community in the country in three weeks. Terlok Singh was discovered dead by his cousin yesterday in his store with an apparent stab wound in the chest. The Essex County Prosecutor’s office is calling the incident a homicide, according to a report in ABC7NY.</p>

<p>The motive behind the killing was not immediately known. Singh, described as a very kind person, is survived by his wife and children who live in India. He owned the store to support his family. His family closed the store as a deeply-saddened community watched in horror. The news report said Singh ran his store for at least six years and a neighbour said he should not have had to worry about being attacked in his workplace.</p>

<p>Civil rights organisation the Sikh Coalition, in a Facebook post, expressed condolences to Singh’s family, friends and the local community. Simran Jeet Singh, a visiting scholar at New York University’s Center for Religion and Media and a Senior Religion Fellow for the Sikh Coalition, tweeted about Singh’s tragic death, saying “this is the third attack on a Sikh in the last three weeks. So tired of all this sadness.”</p>

<p>On August 6 in Manteca, California, 71-year-old Sahib Singh was brutally attacked by Tyrone McAllister and a juvenile when the elderly man went on a morning walk. McAllister, who is this son of a local police chief, and the juvenile were charged with attempted robbery, elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon.</p>

<p>On July 31, 50-year-old Surjit Malhi was attacked while putting up campaign signs in support of incumbent Republican Congressman Jeff Denham and other local Republican candidates. While beating Malhi, the attackers yelled “Go back to your country!” and spray painted the same message, along with hate symbols, on his truck.</p>

<p>Following the two incidents, the Sikh Coalition had urged members of the community to know their rights, remain vigilant and report cases of bias, bigotry and backlash in the wake of the attacks. “We are deeply troubled by these two recent attacks and strongly encourage increased vigilance nationwide as we work to support the Central Valley, California community during this difficult time,” Sikh Coalition Legal Director Amrit Kaur had said.</p>


A Sikh man has been stabbed to death at his store in the US state of New Jersey, the third incident targeting the minority Sikh community in the country in three weeks.

A Sikh man has been stabbed to death at his store in the US state of New Jersey, the third incident targeting the minority Sikh community in the country in three weeks. Terlok Singh was discovered dead by his cousin yesterday in his store with an apparent stab wound in the chest. The Essex County Prosecutor’s office is calling the incident a homicide, according to a report in ABC7NY. The motive behind the killing was not immediately known. Singh, described as a very kind person, is survived by his wife and children who live in India. He owned the store to support his family. His family closed the store as a deeply-saddened community watched in horror. The news report said Singh ran his store for at least six years and a neighbour said he should not have had to worry about being attacked in his workplace. Civil rights organisation the Sikh Coalition, in a Facebook post, expressed condolences to Singh’s family, friends and the local community. Simran Jeet Singh, a visiting scholar at New York University’s Center for Religion and Media and a Senior Religion Fellow for the Sikh Coalition, tweeted about Singh’s tragic death, saying “this is the third attack on a Sikh in the last three weeks. So tired of all this sadness.” On August 6 in Manteca, California, 71-year-old Sahib Singh was brutally attacked by Tyrone McAllister and a juvenile when the elderly man went on a morning walk. McAllister, who is this son of a local police chief, and the juvenile were charged with attempted robbery, elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon. On July 31, 50-year-old Surjit Malhi was attacked while putting up campaign signs in support of incumbent Republican Congressman Jeff Denham and other local Republican candidates. While beating Malhi, the attackers yelled “Go back to your country!” and spray painted the same message, along with hate symbols, on his truck. Following the two incidents, the Sikh Coalition had urged members of the community to know their rights, remain vigilant and report cases of bias, bigotry and backlash in the wake of the attacks. “We are deeply troubled by these two recent attacks and strongly encourage increased vigilance nationwide as we work to support the Central Valley, California community during this difficult time,” Sikh Coalition Legal Director Amrit Kaur had said.

US hate crime incident: Sikh man stabbed to death in his store in New Jersey

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be visting Germany and the UK between August 22 and 25 to talk about the "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sleeping-elephant-has-now-woken-up-india-to-lead-world-growth-for-3-decades-pm-modi-159279">overall performance of the government</a>".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul will also talk about the state of the economy, employment, and demonetisation, among other things.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As he has done in the past, Rahul will give a series of talks at public events, meet political and business leaders, and interact with intellectuals, academics, the media, and students.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news was announced by Sam Pitroda on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Because of the high demand from NRIs and political, business, academia, Intellectuals and media in EU and UK, President of the <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> Indian National Congress Mr. <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> will be visiting Germany on Aug 22 & 23rd and London on Aug 24 & 25th. <a href="https://t.co/4xKcYiz49R">pic.twitter.com/4xKcYiz49R</a></p>
— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) <a href="https://twitter.com/sampitroda/status/1029917363016290304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"It is believed that people abroad are very interested in listening to Mr. @RahulGandhi on the economy, employment, demonetization, security, developments and overall performance of the government and future obstacles, opportunities and challenges in India," Pitroda said on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pitroda added that Gandhi will be in Germany on August 22 and 23, and in London on August 24 and 25.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mr. <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> will give a series of talks at large public events, meet political and business leaders and also interact with intellectuals, academicians, students and media.</p>
— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) <a href="https://twitter.com/sampitroda/status/1029917368061972480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mr. <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> will give a series of talks at large public events, meet political and business leaders and also interact with intellectuals, academicians, students and media.</p>
— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) <a href="https://twitter.com/sampitroda/status/1029917368061972480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is believed that people abroad are very interested in listening to Mr. <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> on the economy, employment, demonetization, security, developments and overall performance of the government and future obstacles, opportunities and challenges in India.</p>
— Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) <a href="https://twitter.com/sampitroda/status/1029917366774374400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The news was announced by Sam Pitroda. Rahul will also talk about the state of the economy, employment, and demonetisation, among other things.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be visting Germany and the UK between August 22 and 25 to talk about the "overall performance of the government". Rahul will also talk about the state of the economy, employment, and demonetisation, among other things. As he has done in the past, Rahul will give a series of talks at public events, meet political and business leaders, and interact with intellectuals, academics, the media, and students. The news was announced by Sam Pitroda on Twitter. Because of the high demand from NRIs and political, business, academia, Intellectuals and media in EU and UK, President of the @INCIndia Indian National Congress Mr. @RahulGandhi will be visiting Germany on Aug 22 & 23rd and London on Aug 24 & 25th. pic.twitter.com/4xKcYiz49R — Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) August 16, 2018 × "It is believed that people abroad are very interested in listening to Mr. @RahulGandhi on the economy, employment, demonetization, security, developments and overall performance of the government and future obstacles, opportunities and challenges in India," Pitroda said on Twitter. Pitroda added that Gandhi will be in Germany on August 22 and 23, and in London on August 24 and 25. Mr. @RahulGandhi will give a series of talks at large public events, meet political and business leaders and also interact with intellectuals, academicians, students and media. — Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) August 16, 2018 × Mr. @RahulGandhi will give a series of talks at large public events, meet political and business leaders and also interact with intellectuals, academicians, students and media. — Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) August 16, 2018 × It is believed that people abroad are very interested in listening to Mr. @RahulGandhi on the economy, employment, demonetization, security, developments and overall performance of the government and future obstacles, opportunities and challenges in India. — Sam Pitroda (@sampitroda) August 16, 2018 ×

To talk about performance of Modi govt, Rahul to visit UK, Germany

<p>Heavy and incessant rains continued in several parts of Kerala on Thursday, bringing the state to a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/heaviest-rain-in-50-years-in-kerala-army-deployed-in-idukki-wayanad-districts-158143">halt</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The water level in Achankoil river at Alappuzha's Kollakadavu continued to rise following heavy rainfall across the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Due to flood situation in most parts, authorities declared a holiday for educational institutions in all districts barring Kasaragod today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan to discuss flood situation in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also asked the Defence Ministry to step up the rescue and relief operations across the state.</p>

<p>"Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked the Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala," Modi tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOKerala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOKerala</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1029937060356997120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kerala has been witnessing incessant rain since past few days, causing flooding and landslide in the state. So far, at least 79 people have lost their lives in the havoc.</p>

<p>As the flood situation continues to grow worse in the state, rising level of water in Muttom Metro Yard area led to the suspension of train services at Kochi Metro on Thursday. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus services have also been stopped from Chamarajanagar district for Tamil Nadu`s Ooty and Kerala's Kochi.</p>

<p>Taking note of the crisis, Southern Naval Command has suspended all training activities to support in the flood relief operations as requested by Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). All resources have been mobilised for rescue and relief efforts in Ernakulam and Trichur cities in the state.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


'Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked the Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala,' Modi tweeted.

Heavy and incessant rains continued in several parts of Kerala on Thursday, bringing the state to a halt. The water level in Achankoil river at Alappuzha's Kollakadavu continued to rise following heavy rainfall across the state. Due to flood situation in most parts, authorities declared a holiday for educational institutions in all districts barring Kasaragod today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan to discuss flood situation in the state. He also asked the Defence Ministry to step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. "Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked the Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala," Modi tweeted. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala. @CMOKerala — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018 × Kerala has been witnessing incessant rain since past few days, causing flooding and landslide in the state. So far, at least 79 people have lost their lives in the havoc. As the flood situation continues to grow worse in the state, rising level of water in Muttom Metro Yard area led to the suspension of train services at Kochi Metro on Thursday. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus services have also been stopped from Chamarajanagar district for Tamil Nadu`s Ooty and Kerala's Kochi. Taking note of the crisis, Southern Naval Command has suspended all training activities to support in the flood relief operations as requested by Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). All resources have been mobilised for rescue and relief efforts in Ernakulam and Trichur cities in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala rains: Toll now at 79, Modi calls CM Pinari Vijayan to discuss situation

<p>The condition of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-pm-vajpayee-put-on-life-support-as-his-health-deteriorates-aiims-officials--159439">remains critical</a> and he continues on advanced life-support system, sources said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition continues to remain the same. He is critical and on life support systems: AIIMS statement <a href="https://t.co/OJKHHcTDSn">pic.twitter.com/OJKHHcTDSn</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1029964889933144065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 93-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader was admitted at the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, his condition has worsened. His condition is critical and he is on life-support system," AIIMS had said in a statement last night.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the AIIMS last evening to enquire about the condition of Vajpayee.</p>

<p>Modi reached the hospital at around 7.15 pm and spent about 50 minutes there.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Senior BJP leader LK Advani and daughter Pratibha Advani arrive at All India Institute of Medical Sciences where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee’s condition is critical & he is on life support system <a href="https://t.co/QgeG9isWDg">pic.twitter.com/QgeG9isWDg</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1029952823419592706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrives at All India Institute of Medical Sciences where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee’s condition is critical & he is on life support system <a href="https://t.co/X4YOLvwInm">pic.twitter.com/X4YOLvwInm</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1029951644337885186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to travel to Delhi later today, will visit AIIMS where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee’s condition is critical & he is on life support system (file pics) <a href="https://t.co/NZBpdmRCYr">pic.twitter.com/NZBpdmRCYr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1029935816204664832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to visit All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee’s condition is critical & he is on life support system. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/nxsoqIbq6L">pic.twitter.com/nxsoqIbq6L</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1029926063034388481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>After Modi, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi also paid a visit.</p>

<p>Later in the night, several leaders and ministers including Suresh Prabhu, Jitendra Singh, Harsh Vardhan and Shahnawaz Hussain visited the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani had visited the hospital to check on Vajpayee.</p>

<p>Vajpayee, a diabetic, has only one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia.&nbsp;</p>


Vajpayee, 93, was admitted to Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output, and chest congestion.

The condition of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee remains critical and he continues on advanced life-support system, sources said. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition continues to remain the same. He is critical and on life support systems: AIIMS statement pic.twitter.com/OJKHHcTDSn — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × The 93-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader was admitted at the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion. "Unfortunately, his condition has worsened. His condition is critical and he is on life-support system," AIIMS had said in a statement last night. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the AIIMS last evening to enquire about the condition of Vajpayee. Modi reached the hospital at around 7.15 pm and spent about 50 minutes there. Senior BJP leader LK Advani and daughter Pratibha Advani arrive at All India Institute of Medical Sciences where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee’s condition is critical & he is on life support system pic.twitter.com/QgeG9isWDg — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × #Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrives at All India Institute of Medical Sciences where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee’s condition is critical & he is on life support system pic.twitter.com/X4YOLvwInm — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to travel to Delhi later today, will visit AIIMS where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee’s condition is critical & he is on life support system (file pics) pic.twitter.com/NZBpdmRCYr — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to visit All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is admitted. Vajpayee’s condition is critical & he is on life support system. #Delhi (file pic) pic.twitter.com/nxsoqIbq6L — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × After Modi, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi also paid a visit. Later in the night, several leaders and ministers including Suresh Prabhu, Jitendra Singh, Harsh Vardhan and Shahnawaz Hussain visited the hospital. Earlier, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani had visited the hospital to check on Vajpayee. Vajpayee, a diabetic, has only one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia.

Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition remains critical, put on life support

<p>"My priorities are Public Grievance Redressal and Sensitive Policing," reads the pinned Tweet of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sandeep Chaudhary, presently posted as SSP in south Kashmir's Shopian district.</p>

<p>He not just claimed it but proved it as well. Sandeep began his 'operation dreams' on May 30, 2018 in South Jammu, with an aim to prepare J&K youth for competitive exams.</p>

<p>The classes, which were first held in his office chamber for two hours every day, soon shifted to a private community centre after more students turned up.</p>

<p>His selfless effort and dedication helped 38 students, out of which seven were girls, clear the written exam for the post of sub-inspector in different departments of the state police.</p>

<p>According to the numbers provided by the government in July 2018, as many as 87 youths in Jammu and Kashmir joined militancy so far this year. &nbsp;Youth in the age group of 15 years to 25 years are most vulnerable to be exploited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such initiatives, like that of Sandeep Chaudhary's, play a significant role to bring in them a “positive behavioural change”.</p>

<p>Some of the recent instances, wherein militants surrendered after appeals by their families to shun the path of violence and return home, are a clear indicator of the fact that parents do not want to see stone in hands of their children. They want education, employment and development for them.</p>

<p>Like Sandeep Chaudhary said, these initiatives would motivate the youth to utilise their energy for the betterment of society. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, Inspector General of Police (IGP) (Kashmir) Muneer Khan had said that the police would extend all the help to local militants who want to return to normal life. He also claimed that the police had brought back many youths, who were on their way to join militants, to mainstream.</p>

<p>Furthermore, In November 2017, the state government had announced an amnesty scheme and had withdrawn cases against youths who were first time offenders in cases of stone pelting.</p>

<p>We need such assurances and commitments from the government and concerned authorities to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,&nbsp;and help them identify the right path, ensuring their safety, security and progress.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Jammu and Kashmir government is in process of drafting a rehabilitation policy for militants who wish to return to mainstream. The policy is particularly aimed at their economic rehabilitation.</p>

<p>Taking forward government's peace initiative, the rehabilitation policy, apart from the financial support, should also offer employment opportunities, facilitate professional trainings and promote engagement of youth in curricular activities. The youth should get a chance to pursue their studies and follow their career goals without any phycological pressure.</p>

<p>Sandeep, through his initiative, tries to bridge the gap between youth and the police force.</p>

<p>In order to wean them away from militancy and radicalistion, we need heroes like Sandeep Chaudhary, who make all possible efforts to motivate the youth to lead a dignified life and contribute toward's society's progress.</p>

<p>Such personal initiatives have the potential to persuade youth to focus on education and stable professional life. Time and again, Central and state governments have come up with various policies. But, I reiterate, nothing better than a personal approach towards addressing their problems.</p>

<p>We need to engage in dialogue with the youth and tell them - "we care". The state needs more career counselling centres, drug de-addiction centres, personality development centres and training workshops, where youth can avail one- on-one interaction as well.</p>

<p>Incorporating human touch in central and state governments' policies and programmes would surely be more encouraging and engaging, and that will no doubt attract positive response from the youth.<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


We need to engage in dialogue with the Jammu and Kashmir youth and tell them - "we care".

"My priorities are Public Grievance Redressal and Sensitive Policing," reads the pinned Tweet of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sandeep Chaudhary, presently posted as SSP in south Kashmir's Shopian district. He not just claimed it but proved it as well. Sandeep began his 'operation dreams' on May 30, 2018 in South Jammu, with an aim to prepare J&K youth for competitive exams. The classes, which were first held in his office chamber for two hours every day, soon shifted to a private community centre after more students turned up. His selfless effort and dedication helped 38 students, out of which seven were girls, clear the written exam for the post of sub-inspector in different departments of the state police. According to the numbers provided by the government in July 2018, as many as 87 youths in Jammu and Kashmir joined militancy so far this year. Youth in the age group of 15 years to 25 years are most vulnerable to be exploited. Such initiatives, like that of Sandeep Chaudhary's, play a significant role to bring in them a “positive behavioural change”. Some of the recent instances, wherein militants surrendered after appeals by their families to shun the path of violence and return home, are a clear indicator of the fact that parents do not want to see stone in hands of their children. They want education, employment and development for them. Like Sandeep Chaudhary said, these initiatives would motivate the youth to utilise their energy for the betterment of society. Last year, Inspector General of Police (IGP) (Kashmir) Muneer Khan had said that the police would extend all the help to local militants who want to return to normal life. He also claimed that the police had brought back many youths, who were on their way to join militants, to mainstream. Furthermore, In November 2017, the state government had announced an amnesty scheme and had withdrawn cases against youths who were first time offenders in cases of stone pelting. We need such assurances and commitments from the government and concerned authorities to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and help them identify the right path, ensuring their safety, security and progress. Jammu and Kashmir government is in process of drafting a rehabilitation policy for militants who wish to return to mainstream. The policy is particularly aimed at their economic rehabilitation. Taking forward government's peace initiative, the rehabilitation policy, apart from the financial support, should also offer employment opportunities, facilitate professional trainings and promote engagement of youth in curricular activities. The youth should get a chance to pursue their studies and follow their career goals without any phycological pressure. Sandeep, through his initiative, tries to bridge the gap between youth and the police force. In order to wean them away from militancy and radicalistion, we need heroes like Sandeep Chaudhary, who make all possible efforts to motivate the youth to lead a dignified life and contribute toward's society's progress. Such personal initiatives have the potential to persuade youth to focus on education and stable professional life. Time and again, Central and state governments have come up with various policies. But, I reiterate, nothing better than a personal approach towards addressing their problems. We need to engage in dialogue with the youth and tell them - "we care". The state needs more career counselling centres, drug de-addiction centres, personality development centres and training workshops, where youth can avail one- on-one interaction as well. Incorporating human touch in central and state governments' policies and programmes would surely be more encouraging and engaging, and that will no doubt attract positive response from the youth. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: To help J&K youth, we need more initiatives like that of Sandeep Chaudhary's

<p>All Delhi governments offices, schools, and other institutions shall remain closed tomorrow, as a mark of respect for our dear departed Sh Atal ji, tweeted Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.</p>

<p>Similarly, the Haryana government declared a public holiday on Friday in its offices, including boards, corporations and educational institutions, as a mark of respect for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away in Delhi on Thursday.</p>

<p>At least 17 states have declared public holiday tomorrow as a mark of respect to the departed soul.</p>

<p>Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat governments have declared a week-long mourning in following Vajpayee's death. The BJP government in Gujarat has declared a public holiday tomorrow.&nbsp</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


At least 17 states have declared public holiday tomorrow as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

All Delhi governments offices, schools, and other institutions shall remain closed tomorrow, as a mark of respect for our dear departed Sh Atal ji, tweeted Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia. Similarly, the Haryana government declared a public holiday on Friday in its offices, including boards, corporations and educational institutions, as a mark of respect for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away in Delhi on Thursday. At least 17 states have declared public holiday tomorrow as a mark of respect to the departed soul. Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat governments have declared a week-long mourning in following Vajpayee's death. The BJP government in Gujarat has declared a public holiday tomorrow.

Delhi, Haryana governments declare public holiday on Friday

<p>The mortal remains of <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-former-prime-minister-and-bjp-stalwart-dies-at-93-159594">former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a>&nbsp;were&nbsp;brought to his home at Krishna Menon Marg in Delhi amid heavy security on Thursday.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-politician-with-a-difference-159596">Also Read:&nbsp;Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Politician with a difference</a></p>

<p>Vajpayee had passed away at AIIMS in the evening after being in the Delhi hospital for over two months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many dignitaries and political leaders gathered to pay their last respects to the leader whose body is wrapped in India's tricolour.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former PM Manmohan Singh, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and several others visited Vajpayee's residence to pay their tributes to the departed leader</p>

<p>The Union Cabinet has approved a seven-day mourning period till August 22 for Vajpayee. A half-day holiday has been declared in the afternoon for all central government offices and CPSUs across the country and Delhi government offices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The national flag will fly at half-mast throughout India and Indian missions abroad till August 22.</p>

<p>He will be given a state funeral at Smriti Sthal.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'm deeply saddened by the passing away of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a>. Vajpayee was a towering figure in our national life.Throughout his life, he stood for democratic values&demonstrated this commitment in all his acts whether as a parliamentarian,a cabinet minister or PM: Sonia Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/AFXZ11GYIy">pic.twitter.com/AFXZ11GYIy</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030131562224861184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mortal remains will be kept at his home for paying people to pay their tributes between 7.30am and 8.30am on Friday&nbsp;morning, and will then be taken to the BJP headquarters at 9am, said BJP president Amit Shah.</p>

<p>Vajpayee's funeral will be held at 4 pm on Friday, with state honours, added Shah.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh pays tribute to former Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a> at the latter's residence in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/7ZuCVwaQSH">pic.twitter.com/7ZuCVwaQSH</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030127412644704256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former PM Manmohan Singh and several others visited Vajpayee's residence to pay their tributes to the departed leader

The mortal remains of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee were brought to his home at Krishna Menon Marg in Delhi amid heavy security on Thursday. Also Read: Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Politician with a difference Vajpayee had passed away at AIIMS in the evening after being in the Delhi hospital for over two months. Many dignitaries and political leaders gathered to pay their last respects to the leader whose body is wrapped in India's tricolour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former PM Manmohan Singh, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and several others visited Vajpayee's residence to pay their tributes to the departed leader The Union Cabinet has approved a seven-day mourning period till August 22 for Vajpayee. A half-day holiday has been declared in the afternoon for all central government offices and CPSUs across the country and Delhi government offices. The national flag will fly at half-mast throughout India and Indian missions abroad till August 22. He will be given a state funeral at Smriti Sthal. I'm deeply saddened by the passing away of #AtalBihariVajpayee. Vajpayee was a towering figure in our national life.Throughout his life, he stood for democratic values&demonstrated this commitment in all his acts whether as a parliamentarian,a cabinet minister or PM: Sonia Gandhi pic.twitter.com/AFXZ11GYIy — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × Atal Bihari Vajpayee's mortal remains will be kept at his home for paying people to pay their tributes between 7.30am and 8.30am on Friday morning, and will then be taken to the BJP headquarters at 9am, said BJP president Amit Shah. Vajpayee's funeral will be held at 4 pm on Friday, with state honours, added Shah. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh pays tribute to former Prime Minister #AtalBihariVajpayee at the latter's residence in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/7ZuCVwaQSH — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 ×

Modi, Sonia pay tributes to former PM Vajpayee at his residence; cremation to take place at Smriti Sthal

<p>Former Prime Minister <a href=".wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-former-prime-minister-and-bjp-stalwart-dies-at-93-159594">Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away on Thursday</a> at Delhi's AIIMS, leaving the country mourning the irreplaceable loss. While political leaders and diplomats across the country condoled Vajpayee's demise, leaders from neighbouring South Asian nations also expressed grief on the unfortunate event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described Vajpayee as "one of the most famous sons of India" sharing that she was "deeply shocked at the sad demise of former PM Vajpayee".</p>

<p>"He'll be remembered for contributing towards good governance and highlighting issues affecting common people of India as well as regional peace and prosperity," PM Hasina noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today is a day of great sadness for all of us in Bangladesh," she said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He was our friend&highly respected in Bangladesh. As a token of recognition for his invaluable contribution to our Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh Govt conferred on him Bangladesh Liberation War Honour. Today is a day of great sadness for all of us in Bangladesh: Bangladesh PM <a href="https://t.co/OWAISFofcY">pic.twitter.com/OWAISFofcY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030124837702967297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He was our friend and highly respected in Bangladesh. As a token of recognition for his invaluable contribution to our Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh government conferred on him Bangladesh Liberation War Honour," Bangladesh's PM shared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace!" tweeted Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India.<br />
May the departed soul rest in eternal peace! <a href="https://t.co/ncjzW6pxw7">pic.twitter.com/ncjzW6pxw7</a></p>
— KP Sharma Oli (@PM_Nepal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PM_Nepal/status/1030120957845942272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The government of Pakistan also condoled the loss and noted Vajpayee as a "renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in Indo-Pak relations and remained a key supporter of SAARC and regional cooperation for development".</p>

<p>"Pakistan government and the people extend their heartfelt condolences to his family and to the government and people of India," news agency ANI quoted Pak&nbsp;government's statement.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He was a renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in Indo-Pak relations&remained key supporter of SAARC & regional cooperation for development. Pakistan Govt & people extend their heartfelt condolences to his family & to Govt & people of India: Pakistan government</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030122090035335168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the official statement released by AIIMS, Vajpayee passed away at 5.05pm on Thursday, August 16.</p>

<p>"It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at 5.05pm on August 16," the statement noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Shri Vajpayee was admitted in AIIMS on June 11 and was stable in the last 9 weeks under the care of a team of AIIMS doctors. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems. Despite the best efforts, we have lost him today. We join the nation in deeply mourning the great loss," AIIMS stated in the release.&nbsp;</p>


He was our friend and highly respected in Bangladesh: PM Sheikh Hasina.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away on Thursday at Delhi's AIIMS, leaving the country mourning the irreplaceable loss. While political leaders and diplomats across the country condoled Vajpayee's demise, leaders from neighbouring South Asian nations also expressed grief on the unfortunate event. Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina described Vajpayee as "one of the most famous sons of India" sharing that she was "deeply shocked at the sad demise of former PM Vajpayee". "He'll be remembered for contributing towards good governance and highlighting issues affecting common people of India as well as regional peace and prosperity," PM Hasina noted. "Today is a day of great sadness for all of us in Bangladesh," she said. He was our friend&highly respected in Bangladesh. As a token of recognition for his invaluable contribution to our Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh Govt conferred on him Bangladesh Liberation War Honour. Today is a day of great sadness for all of us in Bangladesh: Bangladesh PM pic.twitter.com/OWAISFofcY — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × "He was our friend and highly respected in Bangladesh. As a token of recognition for his invaluable contribution to our Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh government conferred on him Bangladesh Liberation War Honour," Bangladesh's PM shared. "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace!" tweeted Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace! pic.twitter.com/ncjzW6pxw7 — KP Sharma Oli (@PM_Nepal) August 16, 2018 × The government of Pakistan also condoled the loss and noted Vajpayee as a "renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in Indo-Pak relations and remained a key supporter of SAARC and regional cooperation for development". "Pakistan government and the people extend their heartfelt condolences to his family and to the government and people of India," news agency ANI quoted Pak government's statement. He was a renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in Indo-Pak relations&remained key supporter of SAARC & regional cooperation for development. Pakistan Govt & people extend their heartfelt condolences to his family & to Govt & people of India: Pakistan government — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × According to the official statement released by AIIMS, Vajpayee passed away at 5.05pm on Thursday, August 16. "It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at 5.05pm on August 16," the statement noted. "Shri Vajpayee was admitted in AIIMS on June 11 and was stable in the last 9 weeks under the care of a team of AIIMS doctors. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems. Despite the best efforts, we have lost him today. We join the nation in deeply mourning the great loss," AIIMS stated in the release.

Day of great sadness for Bangladesh: PM Sheikh Hasina on former PM Vajpayee's demise 

<p>Indian Army said today that Director General Military Operations(GMO) level talks were held today at the behest of Pakistan DGMO.</p>

<p>Pleasantries were exchanged between the DGMOs on the occasion of Independence Day of both the countries, the Indian Army said.</p>

<p>During the meeting, the Pakistan DGMO expressed satisfaction on the measures being taken along the Line of Control(LoC) by troops to maintain peace and tranquillity.</p>

<p>The Pakistan DGMO&nbspassured the Indian official that the Pak Army would take prompt action against any move by "inimical elements" in the proximity of&nbspthe LoC, the Indian Army said, adding that Pak Army said it&nbspwould also respond to information shared by the Indian side thereby facilitating the conduct of anti-terrorist operations.</p>

<p>The Indian DGMO told the Pak DGMO that infiltration attempts by terrrorists were a major cause of concern, the Army said in a statement. The Indian DGMO informed Pakistan that activities had "increased in the areas north of Pir Panjal Mountain Ranges."</p>

<p>"Pakistan must institute measures to prevent infiltration from the launch pads located on the side of the LoC," the Indian DGMO told the Pakistan DGMO.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp</p>


The Indian DGMO told the Pak DGMO that infiltration attempts by terrrorists were a major cause of concern, the Army said

Indian Army said today that Director General Military Operations(GMO) level talks were held today at the behest of Pakistan DGMO. Pleasantries were exchanged between the DGMOs on the occasion of Independence Day of both the countries, the Indian Army said. During the meeting, the Pakistan DGMO expressed satisfaction on the measures being taken along the Line of Control(LoC) by troops to maintain peace and tranquillity. The Pakistan DGMO&nbspassured the Indian official that the Pak Army would take prompt action against any move by "inimical elements" in the proximity of&nbspthe LoC, the Indian Army said, adding that Pak Army said it&nbspwould also respond to information shared by the Indian side thereby facilitating the conduct of anti-terrorist operations. The Indian DGMO told the Pak DGMO that infiltration attempts by terrrorists were a major cause of concern, the Army said in a statement. The Indian DGMO informed Pakistan that activities had "increased in the areas north of Pir Panjal Mountain Ranges." "Pakistan must institute measures to prevent infiltration from the launch pads located on the side of the LoC," the Indian DGMO told the Pakistan DGMO.

India, Pak DGMOs meet to talk on infiltration, peace along LoC

<p>Atal Bihari Vajpayye had a unique distinction of being a member of Parliament for 12 terms -- a 10-time Lok Sabha member and twice of Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>The only time he lost a Lok Sabha election was against Madhavrao Scindia of Congress from Gwalior in 1984, when he lost by a margin of close to 2 lakh votes.</p>

<p>Vajpayee represented Lucknow in the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th Lok Sabha from 1991 to 2009.</p>

<p>He represented Balrampur in the second and fourth Lok Sabha, Gwalior in the fifth and New Delhi in the sixth and the seventh LS.</p>

<p>In 1962 and 1986, he was elected to Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>In December, 2005, Vajpayee had announced his retirement from electoral politics at a party gathering in Mumbai.</p>

<p>He was a parliamentarian for nearly 47 years.</p>

<p>Vajpayee served as the prime minister between 1996 and 2004 in three non-consecutive terms -- first for 13 days, then for 11 months between 1998 and 1999 and then from 1999-2004.&nbsp;</p>


The only time he lost a Lok Sabha election was against Madhavrao Scindia of Congress from Gwalior in 1984, when he lost by a margin of close to 2 lakh votes.

Atal Bihari Vajpayye had a unique distinction of being a member of Parliament for 12 terms -- a 10-time Lok Sabha member and twice of Rajya Sabha. The only time he lost a Lok Sabha election was against Madhavrao Scindia of Congress from Gwalior in 1984, when he lost by a margin of close to 2 lakh votes. Vajpayee represented Lucknow in the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th Lok Sabha from 1991 to 2009. He represented Balrampur in the second and fourth Lok Sabha, Gwalior in the fifth and New Delhi in the sixth and the seventh LS. In 1962 and 1986, he was elected to Rajya Sabha. In December, 2005, Vajpayee had announced his retirement from electoral politics at a party gathering in Mumbai. He was a parliamentarian for nearly 47 years. Vajpayee served as the prime minister between 1996 and 2004 in three non-consecutive terms -- first for 13 days, then for 11 months between 1998 and 1999 and then from 1999-2004.

Vajpayee: A parliamentarian for 12 terms; 10 in Lok Sabha, twice in Rajya Sabha

<p>Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee breathed his last today at Delhi's All India Institute Of Medical Science. He was 93.</p>

<p>According to the official statement released by AIIMS, Vajpayee passed away at 5.05pm on Thursday, August 16.</p>

<p>"It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at 5.05pm on August 16," the statement noted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is a very sad moment for us that Atal ji is no more. Shortly his mortal remains will be taken to his residence where people can pay tribute to him: Home Minister Rajnath Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVaajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVaajpayee</a> <a href="https://t.co/iskqHlfcfS">pic.twitter.com/iskqHlfcfS</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030071032751611904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Shri Vajpayee was admitted in AIIMS on June 11 and was stable in the last 9 weeks under the care of a team of AIIMS doctors.&nbsp;Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems. Despite the best efforts, we have lost him today.&nbsp;We join the nation in deeply mourning the great loss," AIIMS stated in the release.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Former Prime Minister & Bharat Ratna <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVaajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVaajpayee</a> passes away in AIIMS. He was 93. <a href="https://t.co/r12aIPF5G0">pic.twitter.com/r12aIPF5G0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030063471138754560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Vajpayee was admitted to the hospital on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, chest congestion and urine output on the lower side.</p>

<p>Vajpayee, a diabetic, had one functional kidney and had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia and was bed-ridden ever since.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">मैं नि:शब्द हूं, शून्य में हूं, लेकिन भावनाओं का ज्वार उमड़ रहा है।<br />
<br />
हम सभी के श्रद्धेय अटल जी हमारे बीच नहीं रहे। अपने जीवन का प्रत्येक पल उन्होंने राष्ट्र को समर्पित कर दिया था। उनका जाना, एक युग का अंत है।</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1030063782410772480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Born on 25 December 1924 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee started out as a Communist before joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the year 1939.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vajpayee, along with Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay joined Syama Prasad Mukherjee's Bharatiya Jana Sangh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a political career that spanned over six decades, Vajpayee closely witnessed and participated in the freedom struggle and even went to jail during the Quit India Movement in 1942.</p>

<p>Vajpayee was one of the founding members of Bhartiya Jana Sangha and even headed it. After the collapse of Morarji Desai's Janata Government, he played a pivotal role in reviving Jana Sangh as Bhartiya Janata Party in 1980.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A parliamentarian for over four decades, Vajpayee served as the External Affairs Minister in Morarji Desai's government. He was elected to the Lok Sabha ten times and twice to the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India grieves the demise of our beloved Atal Ji.<br />
<br />
His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1030064761730473984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Recipient of the prestigious Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, Vajpayee was thrice elected as Prime Minister between 1996 and 1999 and was the only non-Congress PM to complete a full term of five years, from 1999 to 2004.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under his leadership, the BJP-led NDA alliance achieved many milestones for the country. Vajpayee, as a Prime Minister, was lauded for initiating peace-talks with Pakistan by inviting Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf to India in 2001.</p>

<p>Under Vajpayee's tenure, India successfully conducted underground nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998 -- a mammoth milestone in India's nuclear prowess.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's victory in Kargil War cemented his reputation as a strong and able leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Atal Bihari Vajpayee will always be remembered for encouraging economic and private research and for giving a fillip to privatisation when it was severely criticised.</p>

<p>National projects and schemes like the National Highway Development Project, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan were some of the notable government initiatives taken under his rule.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As his health deteriorated, Vajpayee slowly withdrew himself from public life. He resigned as Prime Minister in 2004 and announced retirement from the political arena in the year 2005.</p>


Vajpayee was admitted to the hospital on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, chest congestion and urine output on the lower side.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee breathed his last today at Delhi's All India Institute Of Medical Science. He was 93. According to the official statement released by AIIMS, Vajpayee passed away at 5.05pm on Thursday, August 16. "It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at 5.05pm on August 16," the statement noted. This is a very sad moment for us that Atal ji is no more. Shortly his mortal remains will be taken to his residence where people can pay tribute to him: Home Minister Rajnath Singh #AtalBihariVaajpayee pic.twitter.com/iskqHlfcfS — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × "Shri Vajpayee was admitted in AIIMS on June 11 and was stable in the last 9 weeks under the care of a team of AIIMS doctors. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems. Despite the best efforts, we have lost him today. We join the nation in deeply mourning the great loss," AIIMS stated in the release. Former Prime Minister & Bharat Ratna #AtalBihariVaajpayee passes away in AIIMS. He was 93. pic.twitter.com/r12aIPF5G0 — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × Vajpayee was admitted to the hospital on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, chest congestion and urine output on the lower side. Vajpayee, a diabetic, had one functional kidney and had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia and was bed-ridden ever since. मैं नि:शब्द हूं, शून्य में हूं, लेकिन भावनाओं का ज्वार उमड़ रहा है। हम सभी के श्रद्धेय अटल जी हमारे बीच नहीं रहे। अपने जीवन का प्रत्येक पल उन्होंने राष्ट्र को समर्पित कर दिया था। उनका जाना, एक युग का अंत है। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018 × Born on 25 December 1924 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee started out as a Communist before joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the year 1939. Vajpayee, along with Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay joined Syama Prasad Mukherjee's Bharatiya Jana Sangh. In a political career that spanned over six decades, Vajpayee closely witnessed and participated in the freedom struggle and even went to jail during the Quit India Movement in 1942. Vajpayee was one of the founding members of Bhartiya Jana Sangha and even headed it. After the collapse of Morarji Desai's Janata Government, he played a pivotal role in reviving Jana Sangh as Bhartiya Janata Party in 1980. A parliamentarian for over four decades, Vajpayee served as the External Affairs Minister in Morarji Desai's government. He was elected to the Lok Sabha ten times and twice to the Rajya Sabha. India grieves the demise of our beloved Atal Ji. His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018 × Recipient of the prestigious Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, Vajpayee was thrice elected as Prime Minister between 1996 and 1999 and was the only non-Congress PM to complete a full term of five years, from 1999 to 2004. Under his leadership, the BJP-led NDA alliance achieved many milestones for the country. Vajpayee, as a Prime Minister, was lauded for initiating peace-talks with Pakistan by inviting Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf to India in 2001. Under Vajpayee's tenure, India successfully conducted underground nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998 -- a mammoth milestone in India's nuclear prowess. India's victory in Kargil War cemented his reputation as a strong and able leader. Atal Bihari Vajpayee will always be remembered for encouraging economic and private research and for giving a fillip to privatisation when it was severely criticised. National projects and schemes like the National Highway Development Project, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan were some of the notable government initiatives taken under his rule. As his health deteriorated, Vajpayee slowly withdrew himself from public life. He resigned as Prime Minister in 2004 and announced retirement from the political arena in the year 2005.

End of an era: Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee dies at 93

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-pm-atal-bihari-vajpayees-condition-remains-critical-put-on-life-support-159460">Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition remains critical, put on life support</a></p>

<p>The condition of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has worsened over the past 24 hours and he has been put on life-support system, Delhi's AIIMS said in a statement Wednesday night.</p>

<p>The 93-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader was admitted at the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, his condition has worsened over the last 24 hours. His condition is critical and he is on life-support system," AIIMS said in the statement.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blacklists-critical-ex-cia-chief-brennan-159453">Trump revokes ex-CIA chief John Brennan's security clearance he was a frequent critic</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump on Wednesday revoked the security clearance of former Central Intelligence Agency director John Brennan, and warned several other prominent critics they too risk being blacklisted.</p>

<p>In a highly unusually directive, Trump claimed that Brennan -- a former station chief in Riyadh who rose to lead the formidable spy agency -- had become "erratic."</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-send-negotiator-to-us-for-trade-talks-this-month-official-159463">China to send </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-send-negotiator-to-us-for-trade-talks-this-month-official-159463">negotiator</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-send-negotiator-to-us-for-trade-talks-this-month-official-159463"> to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-send-negotiator-to-us-for-trade-talks-this-month-official-159463">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-send-negotiator-to-us-for-trade-talks-this-month-official-159463"> for trade talks this month</a></p>

<p>China will send a negotiator to the US for trade talks later this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two countries have been engaged in a full-blown trade war ever since US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on a number of Chinese goods.&nbsp;China responded in kind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement, of the trade talks was made by the Chinese commerce ministry which seemed to say the invite&nbsp;had come from the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-finally-stops-far-right-conspiracy-theorist-from-tweeting-for-7-days-159478">Twitter finally stops far-right conspiracy theorist from tweeting, for 7 days</a></p>

<p>Twitter said Wednesday it was putting curbs on the account of far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones after he called on his supporters to take up "battle rifles" to fight internet censorship.</p>

<p>The social network's move affected the personal account of Jones, who operates the Infowars website, which has disputed the veracity of the September 11 attacks, the Sandy Hook school massacre and other events.</p>

<p>Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey told NBC News that "we put him in a timeout," which resulted in "removing his ability to tweet for a time period."</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/america-was-never-that-great-says-new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo--159462">'America was never that great,' says New York Governor</a></p>

<p>While addressing a speech at a bill signing event in New York on Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo invited a lot of criticism over his statement claiming "America was never that great".</p>

<p>The Democrat politician said that they were not going to make America great again as it was never that great. News reports said there was an&nbsp;audible gasp from the audience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cuomo said the US has not reached greatness. That it will become great when every American citizen is engaged, when discrimination and stereotyping of women is gone and when every woman is making her full contribution.</p>


Read the top five stories of the morning here

Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's condition remains critical, put on life support The condition of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has worsened over the past 24 hours and he has been put on life-support system, Delhi's AIIMS said in a statement Wednesday night. The 93-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party leader was admitted at the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion. "Unfortunately, his condition has worsened over the last 24 hours. His condition is critical and he is on life-support system," AIIMS said in the statement. Trump revokes ex-CIA chief John Brennan's security clearance he was a frequent critic US President Donald Trump on Wednesday revoked the security clearance of former Central Intelligence Agency director John Brennan, and warned several other prominent critics they too risk being blacklisted. In a highly unusually directive, Trump claimed that Brennan -- a former station chief in Riyadh who rose to lead the formidable spy agency -- had become "erratic." China to send negotiator to US for trade talks this month China will send a negotiator to the US for trade talks later this month. The two countries have been engaged in a full-blown trade war ever since US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on a number of Chinese goods. China responded in kind. The announcement, of the trade talks was made by the Chinese commerce ministry which seemed to say the invite had come from the US. Twitter finally stops far-right conspiracy theorist from tweeting, for 7 days Twitter said Wednesday it was putting curbs on the account of far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones after he called on his supporters to take up "battle rifles" to fight internet censorship. The social network's move affected the personal account of Jones, who operates the Infowars website, which has disputed the veracity of the September 11 attacks, the Sandy Hook school massacre and other events. Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey told NBC News that "we put him in a timeout," which resulted in "removing his ability to tweet for a time period." 'America was never that great,' says New York Governor While addressing a speech at a bill signing event in New York on Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo invited a lot of criticism over his statement claiming "America was never that great". The Democrat politician said that they were not going to make America great again as it was never that great. News reports said there was an audible gasp from the audience. Cuomo said the US has not reached greatness. That it will become great when every American citizen is engaged, when discrimination and stereotyping of women is gone and when every woman is making her full contribution.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure as prime minister saw India face several security challenges such as the Kargil conflict, the Kandahar hijacking and the Parliament attack, but he steered the country through them, using diplomacy and military force in equal measure.</p>

<p>After being sworn in as prime minister for a second time in 1998, Vajpayee travelled on a bus from Amritsar to Lahore for a visit the next year which was widely acclaimed as the start of a new era in Indo-Pakistan relations.</p>

<p>However, despite the Lahore Declaration, the bonhomie between India and Pakistan did not last long as just months after the visit, the Pakistan Army undertook a covert operation to send its troops into Kargil that led to a limited conflict that Pakistan lost.</p>

<p>Vajpayee was desirous of peace with Pakistan and prepared to go the extra mile, but he did not hesitate in taking military action as well.</p>

<p>"I recall that when it (the Kargil conflict) broke, I was asked to come to Delhi and it was at a briefing at the Army headquarters that Mr Vajpayee sanctioned the use of airpower. It was personally sanctioned by him and the cabinet committee on security," said Gopalaswami Parthasarathy, who was India's High Commissioner to Pakistan at the time.</p>

<p>"He (Vajpayee) told them that you will not cross the Line of Control because we are fighting Pakistan as they have crossed the Line of Control, we should not do the same thing. And yes we emerged successful at the end of it," he said.</p>

<p>The Vajpayee government lost the trust vote in 1999 and came back to power in October with Vajpayee as prime minister once again.</p>

<p>This time, the first major challenge his government faced was in December 1999, when an Indian Airlines flight IC 814, with nearly 190 people on board, coming from Kathmandu to New Delhi was hijacked by five terrorists and flown to Kandahar in the then Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.</p>

<p>The Vajpayee government agreed to the hijackers' demands and the then foreign minister Jaswant Singh escorted the terrorists -- Masood Azhar, Omar Saeed Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar -- to Kandahar and exchanged them for the captive passengers.</p>

<p>Another security crisis that his government faced was the attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001 by Pakistan-based terror outfits.&nbsp</p>

<p>Five heavily terrorists stormed the Parliament complex and opened indiscriminate fire killing nine people. The dastardly attack on Parliament led to India mobilising its troops on the border with Pakistan under 'Operation Parakram' for nearly 11 months.</p>

<p>Talking about the troop mobilisation, Parthasarathy said, "When the Parliament attack took place, he (Vajpayee) mobilised forces on the border and put huge pressure on Pakistan. The net result was that Pakistan was forced to a ceasefire and dialogue was resumed only after President Musharraf said territory under Pakistan's control would not be used for terrorism.</p>

<p>"He (Vajpayee) was prepared to go the extra mile for peace, but he was also prepared to use military force in defence of the country as he did during Kargil and thereafter the military deployment after the Parliament attack," he said.&nbsp</p>


After being sworn in as prime minister for a second time in 1998, Vajpayee travelled on a bus from Amritsar to Lahore for a visit the next year which was widely acclaimed as the start of a new era in Indo-Pakistan relations.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure as prime minister saw India face several security challenges such as the Kargil conflict, the Kandahar hijacking and the Parliament attack, but he steered the country through them, using diplomacy and military force in equal measure. After being sworn in as prime minister for a second time in 1998, Vajpayee travelled on a bus from Amritsar to Lahore for a visit the next year which was widely acclaimed as the start of a new era in Indo-Pakistan relations. However, despite the Lahore Declaration, the bonhomie between India and Pakistan did not last long as just months after the visit, the Pakistan Army undertook a covert operation to send its troops into Kargil that led to a limited conflict that Pakistan lost. Vajpayee was desirous of peace with Pakistan and prepared to go the extra mile, but he did not hesitate in taking military action as well. "I recall that when it (the Kargil conflict) broke, I was asked to come to Delhi and it was at a briefing at the Army headquarters that Mr Vajpayee sanctioned the use of airpower. It was personally sanctioned by him and the cabinet committee on security," said Gopalaswami Parthasarathy, who was India's High Commissioner to Pakistan at the time. "He (Vajpayee) told them that you will not cross the Line of Control because we are fighting Pakistan as they have crossed the Line of Control, we should not do the same thing. And yes we emerged successful at the end of it," he said. The Vajpayee government lost the trust vote in 1999 and came back to power in October with Vajpayee as prime minister once again. This time, the first major challenge his government faced was in December 1999, when an Indian Airlines flight IC 814, with nearly 190 people on board, coming from Kathmandu to New Delhi was hijacked by five terrorists and flown to Kandahar in the then Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The Vajpayee government agreed to the hijackers' demands and the then foreign minister Jaswant Singh escorted the terrorists -- Masood Azhar, Omar Saeed Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar -- to Kandahar and exchanged them for the captive passengers. Another security crisis that his government faced was the attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001 by Pakistan-based terror outfits. Five heavily terrorists stormed the Parliament complex and opened indiscriminate fire killing nine people. The dastardly attack on Parliament led to India mobilising its troops on the border with Pakistan under 'Operation Parakram' for nearly 11 months. Talking about the troop mobilisation, Parthasarathy said, "When the Parliament attack took place, he (Vajpayee) mobilised forces on the border and put huge pressure on Pakistan. The net result was that Pakistan was forced to a ceasefire and dialogue was resumed only after President Musharraf said territory under Pakistan's control would not be used for terrorism. "He (Vajpayee) was prepared to go the extra mile for peace, but he was also prepared to use military force in defence of the country as he did during Kargil and thereafter the military deployment after the Parliament attack," he said.

From Kargil to Kandahar, Vajpayee steered India through major security challenges

<p>BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort as an "election speech in his political style".</p>

<p>Mayawati said that the speech "failed to infuse" new energy or hope and the prime minister "failed to assure the safety of life" and property of people which is of utmost importance.</p>

<p>"The speech was an election speech given in a totally political style ... it would have been better had the annual speech from the Red Fort not been used to serve political interests," the BSP chief said in a party release issued in Lucknow.</p>

<p>"The BJP government needs to give the account of the usefulness of policies and work in Parliament while the speech at the Red Fort needs to extend hope and confidence among the people to deal with the new challenges facing the country," she said.</p>

<p>"But, it seems that the BJP is not going to rise above its narrow and vindictive politics ... this seems impossible especially in view of the coming (Lok Sabha) elections," Mayawati said.</p>

<p>Lamenting that the speech was used to speak about the works done by his government in the over four years, she said PM Modi has been doing this also in his rallies and election meetings as well as in Parliament.</p>

<p>Mayawati also questioned the prime minister's "silence" over the fast-changing political situation and dangers facing the economy which has affected petrol, diesel, rupee, and the lives of Indians settled abroad.</p>


The BSP supremo alleged that PM Modi’s speech "failed to infuse" new energy or hope, adding the prime minister "failed to assure the safety of life" and property of people which is of utmost importance.

BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort as an "election speech in his political style". Mayawati said that the speech "failed to infuse" new energy or hope and the prime minister "failed to assure the safety of life" and property of people which is of utmost importance. "The speech was an election speech given in a totally political style ... it would have been better had the annual speech from the Red Fort not been used to serve political interests," the BSP chief said in a party release issued in Lucknow. "The BJP government needs to give the account of the usefulness of policies and work in Parliament while the speech at the Red Fort needs to extend hope and confidence among the people to deal with the new challenges facing the country," she said. "But, it seems that the BJP is not going to rise above its narrow and vindictive politics ... this seems impossible especially in view of the coming (Lok Sabha) elections," Mayawati said. Lamenting that the speech was used to speak about the works done by his government in the over four years, she said PM Modi has been doing this also in his rallies and election meetings as well as in Parliament. Mayawati also questioned the prime minister's "silence" over the fast-changing political situation and dangers facing the economy which has affected petrol, diesel, rupee, and the lives of Indians settled abroad.

PM Modi delivered 'election speech' from Red Fort on Independence Day: Mayawati

The former Prime Minister took his last breath at 05:05 pm today, at AIIMS in New Delhi.

In pics: Statesman Vajpayee united India with the world

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday <a href="wionews.com/india-news/release-water-immediately-to-avoid-widespread-damage-kerala-cm-to-tamil-nadu-over-mullaperiyar-dam-159446">sought Tamil Nadu's intervention</a> to reduce the rising water level of the Mullaperiyar dam.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">12 more teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) - 6 from Delhi and 6 from Gandhinagar - are being airlifted to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 18 teams are already deployed in the state. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/uCcm8TTAlg">pic.twitter.com/uCcm8TTAlg</a></p>
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<p>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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a>: Death toll rises to 94.<br />
11 missing, 41 injured, 165538 people in 1155 relief camps, 2857 houses damaged and 3393 hectares of crop loss. <a href="https://t.co/0px3oBc8au">pic.twitter.com/0px3oBc8au</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030107809441046528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>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;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have deployed teams in 7 districts. 14 teams are already there and today we are sending another 12 teams & if required more teams will be sent. We are working for rescue, evacuation and relief in coordination with the state authorities: Sanjay Kumar, DG NDRF <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/VoTyptz641">pic.twitter.com/VoTyptz641</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030031195256512512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Supreme Court asks the high power committee to convene a meeting by tomorrow morning in connection with the rising water level in Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030033662350217217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the National Crisis Management Committee held a meeting to review Kerala floods today. Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs attended the meeting along with Defence secretaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Red Alert was sounded on Wednesday in 12 of 14 districts in Kerala. Kerala authorities on Thursday&nbsp;sounded a Red Alert in all 14 districts.</p>

<p>Operations at the Kochi airport have been suspended till August 18 and flights were being diverted to various airports.</p>

<p>Kerala says the total loss due to floods is estimated to be around Rs&nbsp;8,000 crore.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala: 45 persons stranded due to incessant rains were rescued from Machilipatnam by three teams of Indian Navy deployed at Perumbavoor, yesterday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1030036480708759552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday described the ongoing flood fury in Kerala as something that had never happened in the history of the state wherein "<a href="wionews.com/india-news/most-of-our-water-treatment-plants-are-submerged-providing-drinking-water-is-our-priority-kerala-cm-vijayan-159412">almost all dams have been opened</a>".&nbsp;</p>


Kerala says the total loss due to floods is estimated to be Rs. 8,000 crore.

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. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday sought Tamil Nadu's intervention to reduce the rising water level of the Mullaperiyar dam. 12 more teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) - 6 from Delhi and 6 from Gandhinagar - are being airlifted to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 18 teams are already deployed in the state. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/uCcm8TTAlg — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × 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. #KeralaFloods: Death toll rises to 94. 11 missing, 41 injured, 165538 people in 1155 relief camps, 2857 houses damaged and 3393 hectares of crop loss. pic.twitter.com/0px3oBc8au — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × 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. We have deployed teams in 7 districts. 14 teams are already there and today we are sending another 12 teams & if required more teams will be sent. We are working for rescue, evacuation and relief in coordination with the state authorities: Sanjay Kumar, DG NDRF #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/VoTyptz641 — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × 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. Supreme Court asks the high power committee to convene a meeting by tomorrow morning in connection with the rising water level in Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala. #KeralaFloods — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × Meanwhile, the National Crisis Management Committee held a meeting to review Kerala floods today. Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs attended the meeting along with Defence secretaries. A Red Alert was sounded on Wednesday in 12 of 14 districts in Kerala. Kerala authorities on Thursday sounded a Red Alert in all 14 districts. Operations at the Kochi airport have been suspended till August 18 and flights were being diverted to various airports. Kerala says the total loss due to floods is estimated to be around Rs 8,000 crore. Kerala: 45 persons stranded due to incessant rains were rescued from Machilipatnam by three teams of Indian Navy deployed at Perumbavoor, yesterday. #KeralaFloods — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2018 × Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday described the ongoing flood fury in Kerala as something that had never happened in the history of the state wherein "almost all dams have been opened".

Kerala's situation is 'grave', says Supreme Court; Defence chiefs meet as death toll mounts to 94

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, <a href="wionews.com/india-news/release-water-immediately-to-avoid-widespread-damage-kerala-cm-to-tamil-nadu-over-mullaperiyar-dam-159446">Pinarayi requested Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswam</a>i to direct authorities to release water from Mullaperiyar dam in order to bring the water level down to 139 ft.</p>

<p>The water level in the Mullaperiyar dam touched 142 ft on Wednesday, the maximum the structure can bear according to authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu government on Thursday stated that the century-old reservoir was 'safe' enough to store water up to 142 feet.</p>

<p>In his letter, a copy of which was released to media, Palaniswami said the state Water Resources Department was maintaining the releases from the dam, owned and operated by Tamil Nadu, and there was no threat to its safety.</p>

<p>"I would like to state that Mullaperiyar dam is safe in all respects - hydrologically, seismically and structurally as per the Supreme Court order dated 7.5.2014. During the past, the dam was inspected by many experts on several occasions and they had also found that the dam is safe in all aspects," Palaniswami said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Supreme Court today described the flood situation in Kerala as "grave" and directed the Disaster Management sub-committee of Mullaperiyar Dam to consider reducing water level up to 139 feet from the present 142 feet.</p>

<p>"An effort has to be made to bring down the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam to 139 ft so that the people living downstream should not live in constant fear," a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Indu Malhotra said.</p>

<p>Water released from Mullaperiyar reaches Idukki reservoir, which is presently full.</p>

<p>CM Vijayan's office fears the widespread devastation that would follow if water from the dam is released suddenly and therefore, "water levels must be lowered immediately," a statement from Vijayan's office noted.</p>

<p>&nbsp;As many as 94 people have been killed in the deluge so far, a Red Alert has been sounded in all 14 districts. Operations at the Kochi airport have been suspended till August 18 and flights were being diverted to various airports.</p>

<p>Kerala says the total loss due to floods is estimated to be Rs. 8,000 crore.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Tamil Nadu government on Thursday stated that the century-old reservoir was 'safe' enough to store water up to 142 feet.

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 Mullaperiyar dam in order to bring the water level down to 139 ft. The water level in the Mullaperiyar dam touched 142 ft on Wednesday, the maximum the structure can bear according to authorities. Tamil Nadu government on Thursday stated that the century-old reservoir was 'safe' enough to store water up to 142 feet. In his letter, a copy of which was released to media, Palaniswami said the state Water Resources Department was maintaining the releases from the dam, owned and operated by Tamil Nadu, and there was no threat to its safety. "I would like to state that Mullaperiyar dam is safe in all respects - hydrologically, seismically and structurally as per the Supreme Court order dated 7.5.2014. During the past, the dam was inspected by many experts on several occasions and they had also found that the dam is safe in all aspects," Palaniswami said. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court today described the flood situation in Kerala as "grave" and directed the Disaster Management sub-committee of Mullaperiyar Dam to consider reducing water level up to 139 feet from the present 142 feet. "An effort has to be made to bring down the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam to 139 ft so that the people living downstream should not live in constant fear," a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Indu Malhotra said. Water released from Mullaperiyar reaches Idukki reservoir, which is presently full. CM Vijayan's office fears the widespread devastation that would follow if water from the dam is released suddenly and therefore, "water levels must be lowered immediately," a statement from Vijayan's office noted. As many as 94 people have been killed in the deluge so far, a Red Alert has been sounded in all 14 districts. Operations at the Kochi airport have been suspended till August 18 and flights were being diverted to various airports. Kerala says the total loss due to floods is estimated to be Rs. 8,000 crore.

Mullaperiyar dam is safe: Tamil Nadu CM snubs Kerala's request to reduce water

<p>The government on <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-former-prime-minister-and-bjp-stalwart-dies-at-93-159594">Thursday announced seven-day</a> national mourning following the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-politician-with-a-difference-159596">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Politician with a difference</a></p>

<p>The national flag to be flown at half-mast for seven days across India, according to the government announcement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government also said that a state funeral will be accorded to Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vajpayee, one of India's most charismatic leaders who led the nation through several crises and held together a tenuous coalition with his inclusive politics, died today evening. He was 93.</p>

<p>Vajpayee, a bachelor, is survived by his adopted daughter Namita Kaul Bhattacharya.</p>

<p>His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital where he was admitted June 11 with a variety of ailments.&nbsp;</p>


The national flag to be flown at half-mast for seven days across India

The government on Thursday announced seven-day national mourning following the demise of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Also Read: Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Politician with a difference The national flag to be flown at half-mast for seven days across India, according to the government announcement. The government also said that a state funeral will be accorded to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Vajpayee, one of India's most charismatic leaders who led the nation through several crises and held together a tenuous coalition with his inclusive politics, died today evening. He was 93. Vajpayee, a bachelor, is survived by his adopted daughter Namita Kaul Bhattacharya. His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital where he was admitted June 11 with a variety of ailments.

Government declares 7-day national mourning following Vajpayee's death

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said India has lost a great son and will miss former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.</p>

<p>Offering his condolences to Vajpayee's family and admirers, Gandhi said the former prime minister was loved and respected by millions.</p>

<p>"Today India lost a great son. Former PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, was loved and respected by millions. My condolences to his family and all his admirers. We will miss him," he said on Twitter.</p>

<p>Vajpayee, one of India's most charismatic leaders who led the nation through several crises and held together a tenuous coalition with his inclusive politics, died here today evening. He was 93.</p>

<p>Vajpayee, a bachelor, is survived by his adopted daughter Namita Kaul Bhattacharya.</p>

<p>His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital where he was admitted June 11 with a variety of ailments.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today India lost a great son. Former PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, was loved and respected by millions. My condolences to his family & all his admirers. We will miss him. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalBihariVajpayee?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalBihariVajpayee</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1030068745413292034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Offering his condolences to Vajpayee's family and admirers, Gandhi said the former prime minister was loved and respected by millions

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said India has lost a great son and will miss former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Offering his condolences to Vajpayee's family and admirers, Gandhi said the former prime minister was loved and respected by millions. "Today India lost a great son. Former PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, was loved and respected by millions. My condolences to his family and all his admirers. We will miss him," he said on Twitter. Vajpayee, one of India's most charismatic leaders who led the nation through several crises and held together a tenuous coalition with his inclusive politics, died here today evening. He was 93. Vajpayee, a bachelor, is survived by his adopted daughter Namita Kaul Bhattacharya. His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital where he was admitted June 11 with a variety of ailments. Today India lost a great son. Former PM, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, was loved and respected by millions. My condolences to his family & all his admirers. We will miss him. #AtalBihariVajpayee — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 16, 2018 ×

India has lost a great son, will miss him: Rahul on Vajpayee

<p>In India's political corridors, it is said that whoever wins the electoral battle in Uttar Pradesh, forms the government at Centre.</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh is India's most politically dominant state and holds the largest chunk of seats - 80 - in Parliament.</p>

<p>Such is Uttar Pradesh's electoral might that Maharashtra with the second highest number of Lok Sabha constituencies ranks almost halfway behind with 48 MPs.</p>

<p>There is also factual truth behind this. If we look at the performance of Congress, it was not easy to dethrone the party from Centre until it was strong in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>But when the Congress came down from the heart of the people of UP, the result was for everyone to see.</p>

<p>In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, out of the total 80 seats from Uttar Pradesh, the BJP won 71 and formed the government in Centre.</p>

<p>First PM, First woman PM, first woman CM, first woman governor and total 9 Prime Ministers</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh has played a pivotal role in India's political landscape.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Out of the 15 prime ministers, nine have come from Uttar Pradesh, including first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru (current PM Narendra Modi hails from Gujarat but contested election from Varanasi).</p>

<p>India is one of the first democracies to elect a woman, Indira Gandhi, as Prime Minister in 1966. And three years before that, the state had elected India’s first woman chief minister, Sucheta Kriplani.</p>

<p>Sarojini Naidu was the first female to become the governor of an Indian state. She governed Uttar Pradesh from August 15, 1947, to March 2, 1949.</p>

<p>But despite its political might, many issues still plague Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Be it&nbsp;crime, corruption, lack of education or infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh is far behind other states in&nbsp;fact&nbsp;it is part of BIMARU states, which continue to pull India backward.</p>

<p>According to Greenpeace India report 2018, Uttar Pradesh is India’s most polluted state. While PM Modi's constituency Varanasi is the sixth most polluted city in the country, 13 of the 30 most polluted cities are in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>More than 75 per cent of Japanese encephalitis cases&nbsp;are&nbsp;reported in UP. And the state has India’s second-highest maternal mortality rate.</p>

<p>UP has also been one of the slowest when it comes to reducing poverty.</p>

<p>UP’s politics has been&nbsp;centred&nbsp;on caste and religion which political parties have used to create vote banks and polarise the voters.</p>

<p>When it comes to development then, Uttar Pradesh is as weak as it is strong politically.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The political might of any state is appreciable but only if it's turning it into development otherwise it's just a&nbsp;votebank&nbsp;and nothing else.</p>


In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, out of the total 80 seats from Uttar Pradesh, the BJP won 71 and formed the government in Centre.

In India's political corridors, it is said that whoever wins the electoral battle in Uttar Pradesh, forms the government at Centre. Uttar Pradesh is India's most politically dominant state and holds the largest chunk of seats - 80 - in Parliament. Such is Uttar Pradesh's electoral might that Maharashtra with the second highest number of Lok Sabha constituencies ranks almost halfway behind with 48 MPs. There is also factual truth behind this. If we look at the performance of Congress, it was not easy to dethrone the party from Centre until it was strong in Uttar Pradesh. But when the Congress came down from the heart of the people of UP, the result was for everyone to see. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, out of the total 80 seats from Uttar Pradesh, the BJP won 71 and formed the government in Centre. First PM, First woman PM, first woman CM, first woman governor and total 9 Prime Ministers Uttar Pradesh has played a pivotal role in India's political landscape. Out of the 15 prime ministers, nine have come from Uttar Pradesh, including first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru (current PM Narendra Modi hails from Gujarat but contested election from Varanasi). India is one of the first democracies to elect a woman, Indira Gandhi, as Prime Minister in 1966. And three years before that, the state had elected India’s first woman chief minister, Sucheta Kriplani. Sarojini Naidu was the first female to become the governor of an Indian state. She governed Uttar Pradesh from August 15, 1947, to March 2, 1949. But despite its political might, many issues still plague Uttar Pradesh. Be it crime, corruption, lack of education or infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh is far behind other states in fact it is part of BIMARU states, which continue to pull India backward. According to Greenpeace India report 2018, Uttar Pradesh is India’s most polluted state. While PM Modi's constituency Varanasi is the sixth most polluted city in the country, 13 of the 30 most polluted cities are in Uttar Pradesh. More than 75 per cent of Japanese encephalitis cases are reported in UP. And the state has India’s second-highest maternal mortality rate. UP has also been one of the slowest when it comes to reducing poverty. UP’s politics has been centred on caste and religion which political parties have used to create vote banks and polarise the voters. When it comes to development then, Uttar Pradesh is as weak as it is strong politically. The political might of any state is appreciable but only if it's turning it into development otherwise it's just a votebank and nothing else.

Independence Day: Why is politically important Uttar Pradesh also one of our most backward states?

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-former-prime-minister-and-bjp-stalwart-dies-at-93-159594">Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister and BJP stalwart, dies at 93</a></p>

<p>Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee breathed his last today at Delhi's All India Institute Of Medical Science. He was 93. According to the official statement released by AIIMS, Vajpayee passed away at 5.05pm on Thursday, August 16.</p>

<p><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 79</a></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-tariffs-on-turkey-to-stay-even-if-pastor-released-white-house--159566">US tariffs on Turkey to stay even if pastor released: White House</a></p>

<p>The White House has asserted that the trade tariffs on Turkey would remain in place, even if American pastor Andrew Brunson, who is detained for terrorism charges, is freed.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-suicide-bombing-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-159581">Kabul suicide bombing: Islamic State claims responsibility</a></p>

<p>Islamic State on Thursday claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing that rocked a Shi'ite area of Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Wednesday.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/sports/france-is-new-no1-previous-champion-germany-slumps-to-15th-in-fifa-rankings-159578">France is new No.1, previous champion Germany slumps to 15th in FIFA rankings</a></p>

<p>FIFA 2018 World champions France shot to the top of the FIFA rankings on Thursday, displacing previous leaders Germany to 15th after their humiliating first-round exit in Russia.</p>


Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister and BJP stalwart, dies at 93 Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee breathed his last today at Delhi's All India Institute Of Medical Science. He was 93. According to the official statement released by AIIMS, Vajpayee passed away at 5.05pm on Thursday, August 16. Kerala's situation is 'grave', says Supreme Court Defence chiefs meet as death toll mounts to 79 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. US tariffs on Turkey to stay even if pastor released: White House The White House has asserted that the trade tariffs on Turkey would remain in place, even if American pastor Andrew Brunson, who is detained for terrorism charges, is freed. Kabul suicide bombing: Islamic State claims responsibility Islamic State on Thursday claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing that rocked a Shi'ite area of Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Wednesday. France is new No.1, previous champion Germany slumps to 15th in FIFA rankings FIFA 2018 World champions France shot to the top of the FIFA rankings on Thursday, displacing previous leaders Germany to 15th after their humiliating first-round exit in Russia.

<p>India grieves the demise of our beloved Atal Ji, tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, moments after Vajpayee breathed his last.&nbsp</p>

<p>''His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti,'' Modi tweeted.</p>

<p>It was Atal Ji's exemplary leadership that set the foundations for a strong, prosperous and inclusive India in the 21st century. His futuristic policies across various sectors touched the lives of each and every citizen of India, Modi said.</p>

<p>''Atal Ji's passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me. I have countless fond memories with him. He was an inspiration to Karyakartas like me. I will particularly remember his sharp intellect and outstanding wit.'' &nbspModi added.</p>

<p>It was due to the perseverance and struggles of Atal Ji that the BJP was built brick by brick. He travelled across the length and breadth of India to spread the BJP's message, which led to the BJP becoming a strong force in our national polity and in several states, Modi further said.</p>

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind also paid rich tributes to Vajpayee.</p>

<p>''Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, our former Prime Minister and a true Indian statesman. His leadership, foresight, maturity and eloquence put him in a league of his own. Atalji, the Gentle Giant, will be missed by one and all,'' Kovind tweeted.&nbsp</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp</p>


It was Atal Ji's exemplary leadership that set the foundations for a strong, prosperous and inclusive India in the 21st century, Modi tweeted

India grieves the demise of our beloved Atal Ji, tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, moments after Vajpayee breathed his last. ''His passing away marks the end of an era. He lived for the nation and served it assiduously for decades. My thoughts are with his family, BJP Karyakartas and millions of admirers in this hour of sadness. Om Shanti,'' Modi tweeted. It was Atal Ji's exemplary leadership that set the foundations for a strong, prosperous and inclusive India in the 21st century. His futuristic policies across various sectors touched the lives of each and every citizen of India, Modi said. ''Atal Ji's passing away is a personal and irreplaceable loss for me. I have countless fond memories with him. He was an inspiration to Karyakartas like me. I will particularly remember his sharp intellect and outstanding wit.'' &nbspModi added. It was due to the perseverance and struggles of Atal Ji that the BJP was built brick by brick. He travelled across the length and breadth of India to spread the BJP's message, which led to the BJP becoming a strong force in our national polity and in several states, Modi further said. President Ram Nath Kovind also paid rich tributes to Vajpayee. ''Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, our former Prime Minister and a true Indian statesman. His leadership, foresight, maturity and eloquence put him in a league of his own. Atalji, the Gentle Giant, will be missed by one and all,'' Kovind tweeted.

'Atalji's passing away marks end of an era': Modi

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News brief: Big stories of the day

From Kargil to Kandahar, Vajpayee steered India through major security challenges

PM Modi delivered 'election speech' from Red Fort on Independence Day: Mayawati

In pics: Statesman Vajpayee united India with the world

Kerala's situation is 'grave', says Supreme Court; Defence chiefs meet as death toll mounts to 94

Mullaperiyar dam is safe: Tamil Nadu CM snubs Kerala's request to reduce water

Government declares 7-day national mourning following Vajpayee's death

India has lost a great son, will miss him: Rahul on Vajpayee

Independence Day: Why is politically important Uttar Pradesh also one of our most backward states?

News brief: Big stories of the day

'Atalji's passing away marks end of an era': Modi