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Library begins digital archiving of holy Sikh scriptures in Amritsar. The Library located in Amritsar's Golden temple. The Library preserved using modern technology and optimizer. Watch this video to know more.

Library begins digital archiving of holy Sikh scriptures in Amritsar

Condemning the mob lynching incidents in the country, Home Minister&nbsp;Rajnath Singh&nbsp;on Tuesday said that the Centre was concerned and looking into the issue.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Singh said, "We are concerned about the issue and looking into the matter. It is condemnable," as quoted by ANI.&nbsp;

He, however, added, "The lynching incidents did not start recently they have been happening for many years. I have said this earlier too. The biggest mob lynching was what happened in 1984."

Singh's statement comes a day after the Centre set up a high-level committee headed by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to stop the menace. The committee will submit its recommendations to the government within four weeks.

Last week, 28-year-old Rakbar aka Akbar Khan was allegedly beaten to death by an agitated mob on suspicions of cow smuggling in Alwar district in the intervening night of July 20-21.

The man who died after being attacked by a mob in Rajasthan's Alwar on Saturday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alwar-lynching-case-man-died-of-shock-injuries-by-blunt-weapon-or-object-says-post-mortem-report-154055">died of shock and injured</a> by a "blunt weapon or object," a post-mortem report has said.

Minister of State&nbsp;(MoS) for Home Affairs&nbsp;Kiren Rijiju&nbsp;on Monday said that the Centre has issued strong advisories to all state governments in connection with recent&nbsp;lynching&nbsp;cases.

"Indian Government has sent strong advisories to all state governments. Lynching issue has been taken up very seriously no leniency in terms of action will be there," Rijiju told ANI.

"We want all the state government to act on it (lynching&nbsp;case). There are court observations also for which government is taking important steps," he added.

28-year-old Rakbar aka Akbar Khan was allegedly beaten to death by an agitated mob on suspicions of cow smuggling in Alwar district in the intervening night of July 20-21.

Condemning the mob lynching incidents in the country, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the Centre was concerned and looking into the issue. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Singh said, "We are concerned about the issue and looking into the matter. It is condemnable," as quoted by ANI. He, however, added, "The lynching incidents did not start recently they have been happening for many years. I have said this earlier too. The biggest mob lynching was what happened in 1984." Singh's statement comes a day after the Centre set up a high-level committee headed by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to stop the menace. The committee will submit its recommendations to the government within four weeks. Last week, 28-year-old Rakbar aka Akbar Khan was allegedly beaten to death by an agitated mob on suspicions of cow smuggling in Alwar district in the intervening night of July 20-21. The man who died after being attacked by a mob in Rajasthan's Alwar on Saturday died of shock and injured by a "blunt weapon or object," a post-mortem report has said. Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday said that the Centre has issued strong advisories to all state governments in connection with recent lynching cases. "Indian Government has sent strong advisories to all state governments. Lynching issue has been taken up very seriously no leniency in terms of action will be there," Rijiju told ANI. "We want all the state government to act on it (lynching case). There are court observations also for which government is taking important steps," he added.

'Lynching incidents have been happening for many years': Rajnath on Alwar mob killing

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday clearly stated they will forge an alliance with the Congress party only if they are offered a respectable number of seats.

Mayawati's reaction came amid reports that she asked the Congress party to forge an alliance in election-bound states including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.

"The BSP will contest elections as a part of coalition government only if it gets a respectable number of seats," Mayawati said in a press briefing here.

During the press briefing, Mayawati also cornered the Centre and said over Alwar lynching incident and said that it is a "deed of narrow-minded".

"Mob lynching is a deed of narrow-minded BJP members and supporters, but they consider it patriotism. I condemn the Alwar lynching incident but think that BJP would not be able to take appropriate action in the case.

Therefore, I request Court to intervene," she said.

Highlighting the rise in lynching incidents in the country, she said the BJP government will always be remembered for taking immature decisions.

"The BJP government will be remembered for taking immature decisions that have led to an increase in incidents of mob lynching of innocent people, giving freedom to commit murders, damaging the democracy in the nation and endangering peoples' lives," Mayawati said.

Highlighting the rise in lynching incidents in the country, she said the BJP government will always be remembered for taking immature decisions.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday clearly stated they will forge an alliance with the Congress party only if they are offered a respectable number of seats. Mayawati's reaction came amid reports that she asked the Congress party to forge an alliance in election-bound states including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan. "The BSP will contest elections as a part of coalition government only if it gets a respectable number of seats," Mayawati said in a press briefing here. During the press briefing, Mayawati also cornered the Centre and said over Alwar lynching incident and said that it is a "deed of narrow-minded". "Mob lynching is a deed of narrow-minded BJP members and supporters, but they consider it patriotism. I condemn the Alwar lynching incident but think that BJP would not be able to take appropriate action in the case. Therefore, I request Court to intervene," she said. Highlighting the rise in lynching incidents in the country, she said the BJP government will always be remembered for taking immature decisions. "The BJP government will be remembered for taking immature decisions that have led to an increase in incidents of mob lynching of innocent people, giving freedom to commit murders, damaging the democracy in the nation and endangering peoples' lives," Mayawati said.

Alliance with Congress depends on seat share: Mayawati

Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni has become the leading taxpayer in Jharkhand in 2017-18. The wicket-keeper batsman has paid Rs 12.17 cr in taxes says a senior IT official in Ranchi.

According to the media reports, Dhoni has also declared advance tax of Rs 3 cr for the next financial year.

In the previous financial year, i.e. 2016-2017, Dhoni had paid income tax of Rs 10.93 cr.

Along with Abhishek Bachchan and Vita Dani, Dhoni is also a co-owner of Chennai based Football club Chennaiyin FC, a franchise of the Indian Super League.

He is also a joint owner of Ranchi Rays team in Hockey India League.

In February 2016, Dhoni launched lifestyle brand SEVEN. Dhoni owns the footwear side of the brand and is also the brand ambassador of SEVEN.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-now-sakshi-dhoni-gives-a-sneak-peek-into-ranchi-farmhouse-141260">Watch: Now, Sakshi Dhoni gives a sneak peek into Ranchi farmhouse</a>

Wicketkeeper-batsman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/coach-ravi-shastri-speaks-on-ms-dhoni-retirement-rumours-152864">MS Dhoni faced criticism</a> for his slow performance in the recently concluded <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/coach-ravi-shastri-speaks-on-ms-dhoni-retirement-rumours-152864">One-Day series</a> against England.

After that, there were rumours that Dhoni will soon <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/coach-ravi-shastri-speaks-on-ms-dhoni-retirement-rumours-152864">announce retirement</a> from all formats of the game.

However, India's current head coach Ravi Shastri denied all the rumours and said that MS Dhoni is not going anywhere.

Wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni faced criticism for his slow performance in the recently concluded One-Day series against England.

Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni has become the leading taxpayer in Jharkhand in 2017-18. The wicket-keeper batsman has paid Rs 12.17 cr in taxes says a senior IT official in Ranchi. According to the media reports, Dhoni has also declared advance tax of Rs 3 cr for the next financial year. In the previous financial year, i.e. 2016-2017, Dhoni had paid income tax of Rs 10.93 cr. Along with Abhishek Bachchan and Vita Dani, Dhoni is also a co-owner of Chennai based Football club Chennaiyin FC, a franchise of the Indian Super League. He is also a joint owner of Ranchi Rays team in Hockey India League. In February 2016, Dhoni launched lifestyle brand SEVEN. Dhoni owns the footwear side of the brand and is also the brand ambassador of SEVEN. Watch: Now, Sakshi Dhoni gives a sneak peek into Ranchi farmhouse Wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni faced criticism for his slow performance in the recently concluded One-Day series against England. After that, there were rumours that Dhoni will soon announce retirement from all formats of the game. However, India's current head coach Ravi Shastri denied all the rumours and said that MS Dhoni is not going anywhere.

MS Dhoni becomes leading taxpayer in Jharkhand in 2017-18

The oldest silk factory in Srinagar city of Kashmir was reopened after three decades as the state looks to boost its sericulture sector and generate employment opportunities

Historic silk factory in Kashmir reopens after 30 years

The Supreme Court on Monday said that it will hear a contempt plea against the Rajasthan government on August 20 in the <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/alwar-lynching-man-beaten-to-death-by-mob-on-suspicion-of-being-cow-smuggler-153412">case of the lynching </a>of&nbsp;28-year-old Rakbar Khan in Rajasthan's Alwar district.

Petitioners Tushar Gandhi and Tehseen Poonawalla brought up the matter before the court and wanted it to be taken up this week but the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said it will be heard in August.

In their contempt pleas, Poonawalla and Gandhi alleged that offences were taking place despite the Supreme Court verdict on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alwar-lynching-eye-witness-recalls-the-incident-153603">cow vigilantism</a>.

Senior Advocate Indira Jaising moved a contempt petition in the matter, alleging Rajasthan Government’s non-compliance of SC directions to curb mob lynching. The matter was mentioned on Monday before &nbsp;Chief Justice Dipak Misra by Jaising, seeking an urgent listing. &nbsp;

“The contempt will be taken up with the main matter”, said the Chief Justice.

The contempt plea is now scheduled for hearing on August 20. The order passed by the Court on July 17 had issued several guidelines to Central and State Governments to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alwar-cow-lynching-second-man-says-6-7-men-fired-at-them--153603">curb cow vigilantism and mob lynching</a> and has posted the matter on August 20 to report compliance.

The contempt plea is now scheduled for hearing on August 20.

The Supreme Court on Monday said that it will hear a contempt plea against the Rajasthan government on August 20 in the case of the lynching of 28-year-old Rakbar Khan in Rajasthan's Alwar district. Petitioners Tushar Gandhi and Tehseen Poonawalla brought up the matter before the court and wanted it to be taken up this week but the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said it will be heard in August. In their contempt pleas, Poonawalla and Gandhi alleged that offences were taking place despite the Supreme Court verdict on cow vigilantism. Senior Advocate Indira Jaising moved a contempt petition in the matter, alleging Rajasthan Government’s non-compliance of SC directions to curb mob lynching. The matter was mentioned on Monday before Chief Justice Dipak Misra by Jaising, seeking an urgent listing. “The contempt will be taken up with the main matter”, said the Chief Justice. The contempt plea is now scheduled for hearing on August 20. The order passed by the Court on July 17 had issued several guidelines to Central and State Governments to curb cow vigilantism and mob lynching and has posted the matter on August 20 to report compliance.

Alwar lynching case: Supreme Court to hear contempt plea against Rajasthan government

India and Rwanda relationships have stood the test of time. It is a matter of honour for us that India has stood with Rwanda in their economic development journey, said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday after he arrived in Rwanda on the first leg of his three-nation Africa tour.

Addressing a joint press conference, Modi said that the president himself came to receive me at the airport. This special gesture is a sign of respect for entire India.&nbsp;

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India & Rwanda relationships have stood the test of time. It is a matter of honour for us that India has stood with Rwanda in their economic development journey: PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rwanda?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rwanda</a> <a href="https://t.co/WRqkiQI36l">pic.twitter.com/WRqkiQI36l</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1021449854449475584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The President himself came to receive me at the airport. This special gesture is a sign of respect for the entire India: PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rwanda?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rwanda</a> <a href="https://t.co/3GmyPl8umL">pic.twitter.com/3GmyPl8umL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1021449387736686592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This visit, the first by an Indian PM, represents a milestone between the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Rwanda and India, said &nbsp;President of Rwanda Paul Kagame.&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi and President of Rwanda Paul Kagame also witness the signing of agreements between the two countries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Addressing a joint press conference, Modi said that the president himself came to receive me at the airport. This special gesture is a sign of respect for entire India.

India and Rwanda relationships have stood the test of time. It is a matter of honour for us that India has stood with Rwanda in their economic development journey, said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday after he arrived in Rwanda on the first leg of his three-nation Africa tour. Addressing a joint press conference, Modi said that the president himself came to receive me at the airport. This special gesture is a sign of respect for entire India. India & Rwanda relationships have stood the test of time. It is a matter of honour for us that India has stood with Rwanda in their economic development journey: PM Narendra Modi #Rwanda pic.twitter.com/WRqkiQI36l — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2018 × The President himself came to receive me at the airport. This special gesture is a sign of respect for the entire India: PM Narendra Modi #Rwanda pic.twitter.com/3GmyPl8umL — ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2018 × This visit, the first by an Indian PM, represents a milestone between the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Rwanda and India, said President of Rwanda Paul Kagame. PM Narendra Modi and President of Rwanda Paul Kagame also witness the signing of agreements between the two countries.

President himself came to receive me, that is sign of respect for entire India: Modi in Rwanda

A London-bound Jet Airways flight from Mumbai was today diverted to Bucharest in Romania due to a medical emergency, but it remained stranded there reportedly for more than four hours, passengers complained. Author Suhel Seth was one of the passengers on the flight. He took to Twitter to vent his anger.&nbsp;

“The commander of @jetairways 9W 116 which is now stranded at Bucharest tells us that while all local clearances have been given, they are waiting for the goddamn DGCA to give them an approval and that too from Bombay? How stupid can things get?” he tweeted.

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The commander of <a href="https://twitter.com/jetairways?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jetairways</a> 9W 116 which is now stranded at Bucharest tells us that while all local clearances have been given, they are waiting for the goddamn DGCA to give them an approval and that too from Bombay? How stupid can things get?
— SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/suhelseth/status/1021045692796678145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In another tweet, he said, “Passengers on @jetairways 9W 116 have been sitting in the plane at Bucharest which has now been on the Tarmac for four hours. Waiting for some stupid chap in the DGCA BOMBAY to give us an approval to take off for London. What’s going on @jayantsinha and @sureshpprabhu?”. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu reacted to his tweet: “I am getting this looked into and sorted out immediately.”

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So <a href="https://twitter.com/jetairways?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jetairways</a> flight 9W 116 was diverted to Bucharest at 12 noon BST while enroute London owing to a medical emergency. And now passengers are waiting in the aircraft while pilots get approvals from DGCA BOMBAY to take off! How stupid is this <a href="https://twitter.com/jayantsinha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jayantsinha</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/sureshpprabhu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sureshpprabhu</a> ?
— SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/suhelseth/status/1021046765167038470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Minutes later, the Ministry of Civil Aviation tweeted that no permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation was required but they were awaiting clearance from Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, as the flight had landed with excess fuel weight. “There is no permission pending from DGCA. However, since the landing was with excess fuel weight (en route London), clearance has been sought from the manufacturer (Boeing) so that there is no technical safety issue on take-off. Should take off as soon as the clearance is received,” the tweet read. A response from Jet Airways is awaited.

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Thank you for clarifying because the Jet commander told us about DGCA MUMBAI. On the Public Address system. Strangely even the Ministry has now responded. But neither <a href="https://twitter.com/Boeing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Boeing</a> nor <a href="https://twitter.com/jetairways?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jetairways</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/maM0uIjIdp">https://t.co/maM0uIjIdp</a>
— SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/suhelseth/status/1021053963431567360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A London-bound Jet Airways flight from Mumbai was diverted to Bucharest in Romania due to a medical emergency, but it remained stranded there reportedly for more than four hours, passengers complained.

A London-bound Jet Airways flight from Mumbai was today diverted to Bucharest in Romania due to a medical emergency, but it remained stranded there reportedly for more than four hours, passengers complained. Author Suhel Seth was one of the passengers on the flight. He took to Twitter to vent his anger. “The commander of @jetairways 9W 116 which is now stranded at Bucharest tells us that while all local clearances have been given, they are waiting for the goddamn DGCA to give them an approval and that too from Bombay? How stupid can things get?” he tweeted. The commander of @jetairways 9W 116 which is now stranded at Bucharest tells us that while all local clearances have been given, they are waiting for the goddamn DGCA to give them an approval and that too from Bombay? How stupid can things get? — SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) July 22, 2018 × In another tweet, he said, “Passengers on @jetairways 9W 116 have been sitting in the plane at Bucharest which has now been on the Tarmac for four hours. Waiting for some stupid chap in the DGCA BOMBAY to give us an approval to take off for London. What’s going on @jayantsinha and @sureshpprabhu?”. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu reacted to his tweet: “I am getting this looked into and sorted out immediately.” So @jetairways flight 9W 116 was diverted to Bucharest at 12 noon BST while enroute London owing to a medical emergency. And now passengers are waiting in the aircraft while pilots get approvals from DGCA BOMBAY to take off! How stupid is this @jayantsinha and @sureshpprabhu ? — SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) July 22, 2018 × Minutes later, the Ministry of Civil Aviation tweeted that no permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation was required but they were awaiting clearance from Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, as the flight had landed with excess fuel weight. “There is no permission pending from DGCA. However, since the landing was with excess fuel weight (en route London), clearance has been sought from the manufacturer (Boeing) so that there is no technical safety issue on take-off. Should take off as soon as the clearance is received,” the tweet read. A response from Jet Airways is awaited. Thank you for clarifying because the Jet commander told us about DGCA MUMBAI. On the Public Address system. Strangely even the Ministry has now responded. But neither @Boeing nor @jetairways ! https://t.co/maM0uIjIdp — SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) July 22, 2018 ×

Jet Airways stranded on Romania tarmac, passengers enraged

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in Rwanda on the first leg of his three-nation Africa tour, becoming the first Indian premier to visit the East African country.

The Prime Minister's aircraft landed at the Kigali International Airport where he was given a red carpet welcome this evening.

His two-day state visit to Rwanda -- one of Africa's fastest growing economies -- assumes significance as this is the first by an Indian premier.

Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral meetings with President Paul Kagame, delegation-level talks and meetings with the business and the Indian communities, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

He will also visit the Genocide Memorial and participate in an event on "Girinka" (one cow per family), a national social protection scheme of Rwanda initiated by Kagame.

A defence cooperation agreement is also expected to be signed between India and Rwanda during the visit, TS Tirumurti, secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said in New Delhi last week.

India will also be opening a mission in Rwanda very soon, Tirumurti said.

"During this visit, we expect to conclude two lines of credit -- one of USD 100 million for development of industrial parks and Kigali special economic zone (SEZ), and another one for USD 100 million for agriculture and irrigation," he said.

An important element of the programme would be the prime minister's visit to Rweru Model Village where he will gift 200 cows as a contribution from India to the 'Girinka' scheme of Rwanda, Tirumurti said.

Under 'Girinka', a social protection scheme of the Rwandan government personally overseen by President Kagame, poorest families are gifted dairy cows by the government and the first female calf born to the cow is gifted to the neighbour, thus promoting brotherhood and solidarity.

The cows to be gifted by India would be sourced from Rawanda.

"We expect agreements to be concluded in the areas of defence, dairy cooperation, leather, agriculture, and culture," he said.

Modi's visit comes days after Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to Rwanda.

Modi would proceed to Uganda tomorrow for a two-day visit, the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister since 1997.

The Prime Minister's visit to Rwanda is a historic one since it will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the East African country, a senior External Affairs Ministry official said in New Delhi.

"Rwanda is an important gateway to Eastern Africa and we have elevated our bilateral relations with Rwanda to the level of a strategic partnership in January 2017," he said.

The President of Rwanda is the current Chair of the African Union.

Modi will attend the 10th edition of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa during which the grouping's leaders are expected to deliberate on global hot-spot issues, international peace and security, global governance and trade issues among others.

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A special gesture by a close friend and a strategic partner! Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/NarenderaModi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narenderamodi</a> personally received by Rwandan President <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulKagame?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaulKagame</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kigali?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kigali</a> International Airport on the first leg of his three-nation tour. First-ever visit by an Indian PM to Rwanda. <a href="https://t.co/sxskyIqx7T">pic.twitter.com/sxskyIqx7T</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1021437577117806592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's aircraft landed at the Kigali International Airport where he was given a red carpet welcome this evening.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in Rwanda on the first leg of his three-nation Africa tour, becoming the first Indian premier to visit the East African country. The Prime Minister's aircraft landed at the Kigali International Airport where he was given a red carpet welcome this evening. His two-day state visit to Rwanda -- one of Africa's fastest growing economies -- assumes significance as this is the first by an Indian premier. Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral meetings with President Paul Kagame, delegation-level talks and meetings with the business and the Indian communities, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. He will also visit the Genocide Memorial and participate in an event on "Girinka" (one cow per family), a national social protection scheme of Rwanda initiated by Kagame. A defence cooperation agreement is also expected to be signed between India and Rwanda during the visit, TS Tirumurti, secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said in New Delhi last week. India will also be opening a mission in Rwanda very soon, Tirumurti said. "During this visit, we expect to conclude two lines of credit -- one of USD 100 million for development of industrial parks and Kigali special economic zone (SEZ), and another one for USD 100 million for agriculture and irrigation," he said. An important element of the programme would be the prime minister's visit to Rweru Model Village where he will gift 200 cows as a contribution from India to the 'Girinka' scheme of Rwanda, Tirumurti said. Under 'Girinka', a social protection scheme of the Rwandan government personally overseen by President Kagame, poorest families are gifted dairy cows by the government and the first female calf born to the cow is gifted to the neighbour, thus promoting brotherhood and solidarity. The cows to be gifted by India would be sourced from Rawanda. "We expect agreements to be concluded in the areas of defence, dairy cooperation, leather, agriculture, and culture," he said. Modi's visit comes days after Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to Rwanda. Modi would proceed to Uganda tomorrow for a two-day visit, the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister since 1997. The Prime Minister's visit to Rwanda is a historic one since it will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the East African country, a senior External Affairs Ministry official said in New Delhi. "Rwanda is an important gateway to Eastern Africa and we have elevated our bilateral relations with Rwanda to the level of a strategic partnership in January 2017," he said. The President of Rwanda is the current Chair of the African Union. Modi will attend the 10th edition of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa during which the grouping's leaders are expected to deliberate on global hot-spot issues, international peace and security, global governance and trade issues among others. A special gesture by a close friend and a strategic partner! Prime Minister @narenderamodi personally received by Rwandan President @PaulKagame at #Kigali International Airport on the first leg of his three-nation tour. First-ever visit by an Indian PM to Rwanda. pic.twitter.com/sxskyIqx7T — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) July 23, 2018 ×

Narendra Modi becomes 1st Indian prime minister to set foot in Rwanda

A senior Rajasthan police officer has said the police made an "error in judgement" when they decided to first take the cows over which Akbar Khan was lynched to a shelther before taking Khan to hospital.&nbsp

"... prima facie we have found that there was indeed an error in judgement in deciding what was important at that point," NRK Reddy, Special DG on police role in Alwar lynching case, said.&nbsp

Rakbar aka Akbar Khan had been lynched in Alwar district's Lallwandi village on Saturday. Another man with him had been beaten.&nbsp

The policemen who had arrive on the scene had first taken the cows over which Akbar had been lynched — they belonged to him — to a cow shelther 10 kilometres away. They then took Khan to the police station — which was reportedly right next to the hospital — to change his clothes. At some point they also stopped for tea, before finally taking Khan to hospital.&nbsp

Khan was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Khan had by that time been in police custody for close to four hours.&nbsp

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-is-pm-modis-brutal-new-india-tweets-rahul-gandhi-on-alwar-lynching-case-153787">This is PM Modi's 'brutal new India', says Rahul Gandhi after Alwar lynching</a>

There has since then been frenetic speculation that Khan would have survived had the police brought him to hospital sooner.&nbsp

There have also been reports of Khan having been beaten by police. Reddy however said Monday that "we have no info yet of victim being thrashed in custody".&nbsp

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-calls-rahul-gandhi-merchant-of-hate-after-he-slams-modi-over-alwar-lynching-153839">BJP calls Rahul Gandhi 'MERCHANT OF HATE' after he slams Modi over Alwar lynching</a>

Reddy added that the assistant sub-inspector has since been suspended and three constables have been sent to district lines.&nbsp

The policemen who arrived on the scene first took the cows — over which Rakbar Khan was lynched; they belonged to him — before taking Khan to hospital. They also stopped for tea en route

A senior Rajasthan police officer has said the police made an "error in judgement" when they decided to first take the cows over which Akbar Khan was lynched to a shelther before taking Khan to hospital. "... prima facie we have found that there was indeed an error in judgement in deciding what was important at that point," NRK Reddy, Special DG on police role in Alwar lynching case, said. Rakbar aka Akbar Khan had been lynched in Alwar district's Lallwandi village on Saturday. Another man with him had been beaten. The policemen who had arrive on the scene had first taken the cows over which Akbar had been lynched — they belonged to him — to a cow shelther 10 kilometres away. They then took Khan to the police station — which was reportedly right next to the hospital — to change his clothes. At some point they also stopped for tea, before finally taking Khan to hospital. Khan was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Khan had by that time been in police custody for close to four hours. Also read: This is PM Modi's 'brutal new India', says Rahul Gandhi after Alwar lynching There has since then been frenetic speculation that Khan would have survived had the police brought him to hospital sooner. There have also been reports of Khan having been beaten by police. Reddy however said Monday that "we have no info yet of victim being thrashed in custody". Also read: BJP calls Rahul Gandhi 'MERCHANT OF HATE' after he slams Modi over Alwar lynching Reddy added that the assistant sub-inspector has since been suspended and three constables have been sent to district lines.

Alwar lynching: Police made 'error in judgement', says senior Rajasthan cop

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who arrived in Rwanda on Monday was received by President of Rwanda Paul Kagame.&nbsp

The PM is on a five-day visit to Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa.

Modi also received ceremonial reception at Kigali International Airport upon his arrival in Rwanda.

Modi and Paul Kagame also a held a bilateral meeting in Kigali, Rwanda.

Following his bilateral visits to two countries in East Africa, he will take part in BRICS summit in South Africa. This will be the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to Africa. During his first visit, he visited six African countries.&nbsp

Modi's Rwanda state visit to Rwanda will be followed by Uganda from July 24 to 25 and 10th BRICS summit.&nbsp

Prime Minister’s official engagement in Rwanda and Uganda include bilateral meetings with the presidents, delegation level talks, and meetings with the business and the Indian communities.&nbsp

According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, a number of agreements and MoUs in the areas of Defence, trade, culture, Agriculture and Dairy cooperation are scheduled to be signed during the visits."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Embarking on a momentous journey to strengthen our historical bond with Africa! PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> departs on a 3-nation tour to Rwanda, Uganda & South Africa from 23-27 July. This is PM’s maiden visit to Rwanda & Uganda. In South Africa, PM will attend the 10th BRICS Summit. <a href="https://t.co/K0uUkefrNn">pic.twitter.com/K0uUkefrNn</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1021329288224788481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

The PM is on a five-day visit to Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who arrived in Rwanda on Monday was received by President of Rwanda Paul Kagame. The PM is on a five-day visit to Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa. Modi also received ceremonial reception at Kigali International Airport upon his arrival in Rwanda. Modi and Paul Kagame also a held a bilateral meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. Following his bilateral visits to two countries in East Africa, he will take part in BRICS summit in South Africa. This will be the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to Africa. During his first visit, he visited six African countries. Modi's Rwanda state visit to Rwanda will be followed by Uganda from July 24 to 25 and 10th BRICS summit. Prime Minister’s official engagement in Rwanda and Uganda include bilateral meetings with the presidents, delegation level talks, and meetings with the business and the Indian communities. According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, a number of agreements and MoUs in the areas of Defence, trade, culture, Agriculture and Dairy cooperation are scheduled to be signed during the visits." Embarking on a momentous journey to strengthen our historical bond with Africa! PM @narendramodi departs on a 3-nation tour to Rwanda, Uganda & South Africa from 23-27 July. This is PM’s maiden visit to Rwanda & Uganda. In South Africa, PM will attend the 10th BRICS Summit. pic.twitter.com/K0uUkefrNn — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) July 23, 2018 ×

Modi's three-nation tour: PM received by Rwanda president Paul Kagame upon arrival

The BJP responded to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Alwar lynching by calling him a "MERCHANT OF HATE".&nbsp;

"Enough is Enough," they added.&nbsp;

The tweet was put out by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal. Goyal had also been handling the finance ministry in Arun Jaitley's absence who had been getting a kidney transplant.&nbsp;

"The state has already assured strict & prompt action," Goyal said. "Stop jumping with joy every time a crime happens, Mr Rahul Gandhi."&nbsp;

"You divide the society in every manner possible for electoral gains & then shed crocodile tears," he added. "Enough is Enough. You are a MERCHANT OF HATE."&nbsp;

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Stop jumping with joy every time a crime happens, Mr Rahul Gandhi. 
 
The state has already assured strict & prompt action. 
 
You divide the society in every manner possible for electoral gains & then shed crocodile tears. 
 
Enough is Enough. You are a MERCHANT OF HATE. <a href="https://t.co/4thsyNL3nx">https://t.co/4thsyNL3nx</a>
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1021311495781605376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Textiles Minister Smriti Irani echoed Goyal's sentiments, saying "Rahul Gandhi's family presided over the worst form of hate in 1984, Bhagalpur & Nellie & many other instances."&nbsp;

"It is shameful that he is doing the same through VULTURE POLITICS," she added. "Not a single instance goes by where he doesn't attempt to rupture social bonds for electoral gains."&nbsp;

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Rahul Gandhi’s family presided over the worst form of hate in 1984, Bhagalpur & Nellie & many other instances. 
 
It is shameful that he is doing the same through VULTURE POLITICS. 
 
Not a single instance goes by where he doesn't attempt to rupture social bonds for electoral gains. <a href="https://t.co/kpX3n1Kcc0">https://t.co/kpX3n1Kcc0</a>
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/1021312234889326592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rahul Gandhi had on Monday said this was "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-is-pm-modis-brutal-new-india-tweets-rahul-gandhi-on-alwar-lynching-case-153787">PM Modi's brutal new India</a>" after the Alwar lynching.&nbsp;

Rakbar aka Akbar Khan had been lynched in Rajasthan's Alwar district on Saturday. Another man had been beaten along with him.&nbsp;

Police had reportedly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alwar-lynching-cops-reportedly-stopped-for-tea-while-taking-victim-to-hospital-153828">stopped for tea</a> while taking Rakbar to hospital. They also first took the cows over which Rakbar was lynched to a shelter before taking him to hospital.&nbsp;

By the time they got to hospital, Rakbar was dead. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

'You divide the society in every manner possible for electoral gains & then shed crocodile tears,' said Piyush Goyal. 'Enough is Enough. You are a MERCHANT OF HATE'

The BJP responded to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Alwar lynching by calling him a "MERCHANT OF HATE". "Enough is Enough," they added. The tweet was put out by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal. Goyal had also been handling the finance ministry in Arun Jaitley's absence who had been getting a kidney transplant. "The state has already assured strict & prompt action," Goyal said. "Stop jumping with joy every time a crime happens, Mr Rahul Gandhi." "You divide the society in every manner possible for electoral gains & then shed crocodile tears," he added. "Enough is Enough. You are a MERCHANT OF HATE." Stop jumping with joy every time a crime happens, Mr Rahul Gandhi. The state has already assured strict & prompt action. You divide the society in every manner possible for electoral gains & then shed crocodile tears. Enough is Enough. You are a MERCHANT OF HATE. https://t.co/4thsyNL3nx — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) July 23, 2018 × Textiles Minister Smriti Irani echoed Goyal's sentiments, saying "Rahul Gandhi's family presided over the worst form of hate in 1984, Bhagalpur & Nellie & many other instances." "It is shameful that he is doing the same through VULTURE POLITICS," she added. "Not a single instance goes by where he doesn't attempt to rupture social bonds for electoral gains." Rahul Gandhi’s family presided over the worst form of hate in 1984, Bhagalpur & Nellie & many other instances. It is shameful that he is doing the same through VULTURE POLITICS. Not a single instance goes by where he doesn't attempt to rupture social bonds for electoral gains. https://t.co/kpX3n1Kcc0 — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) July 23, 2018 × Rahul Gandhi had on Monday said this was "PM Modi's brutal new India" after the Alwar lynching. Rakbar aka Akbar Khan had been lynched in Rajasthan's Alwar district on Saturday. Another man had been beaten along with him. Police had reportedly stopped for tea while taking Rakbar to hospital. They also first took the cows over which Rakbar was lynched to a shelter before taking him to hospital. By the time they got to hospital, Rakbar was dead.

BJP calls Rahul Gandhi 'MERCHANT OF HATE' after he slams Modi over Alwar lynching

Groundwater in Vedanta Resources' Thoothukudi copper smelter contains heavy metals exceeding limits for drinking water, India's junior minister for water resources, Arjun Ram Meghwal, told lawmakers on Monday.

The smelter was shut down in May under the order of the Tamil Nadu government after 13 people died after coming under police fire during violent protests over alleged pollution.

The Vedanta subsidiary that operates the Thoothukudi smelter did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Vedanta, owned by billionaire Anil Agarwal, has previously denied that the smelter is responsible for pollution and described the closure of the plant it had operated for more than 22 years as an "unfortunate development".

"We will study the order and decide on the future course of action," Vedanta said in May.

The analysis of groundwater samples showed the presence of iron, lead, fluoride, cadmium and nickel above the permissible limit for drinking water, Meghwal said, citing information provided by the federal pollution regulator.

Meghwal also said that a study by the Central Ground Water Board revealed that most groundwater samples around the industrial area in Thoothukudi were contaminated.

"The study indicates that most of the groundwater samples are contaminated with high TDS (totally dissolved solids) and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese, iron and arsenic, which are beyond permissible limits," Meghwal said.

A lawyer for the state's pollution regulator this month told the federal environmental court that long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking increases the risk of cancer among residents of villages near the smelter.

Vedanta's Indian subsidiary has sought an injunction against the Tamil Nadu state government to stop it interfering with the operations of its copper smelter and has asked an environmental court to set aside the order to shut the plant permanently.

The smelter was shut down in May under the order of the Tamil Nadu government after 13 people died after coming under police fire during violent protests over alleged pollution

Groundwater in Vedanta Resources' Thoothukudi copper smelter contains heavy metals exceeding limits for drinking water, India's junior minister for water resources, Arjun Ram Meghwal, told lawmakers on Monday. The smelter was shut down in May under the order of the Tamil Nadu government after 13 people died after coming under police fire during violent protests over alleged pollution. The Vedanta subsidiary that operates the Thoothukudi smelter did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Vedanta, owned by billionaire Anil Agarwal, has previously denied that the smelter is responsible for pollution and described the closure of the plant it had operated for more than 22 years as an "unfortunate development". "We will study the order and decide on the future course of action," Vedanta said in May. The analysis of groundwater samples showed the presence of iron, lead, fluoride, cadmium and nickel above the permissible limit for drinking water, Meghwal said, citing information provided by the federal pollution regulator. Meghwal also said that a study by the Central Ground Water Board revealed that most groundwater samples around the industrial area in Thoothukudi were contaminated. "The study indicates that most of the groundwater samples are contaminated with high TDS (totally dissolved solids) and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese, iron and arsenic, which are beyond permissible limits," Meghwal said. A lawyer for the state's pollution regulator this month told the federal environmental court that long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking increases the risk of cancer among residents of villages near the smelter. Vedanta's Indian subsidiary has sought an injunction against the Tamil Nadu state government to stop it interfering with the operations of its copper smelter and has asked an environmental court to set aside the order to shut the plant permanently.

Groundwater in Vedanta's Thoothukudi smelter contains heavy metals: Minister

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that the economic reforms undertaken by the Centre will make India one of world's top 5 economies in next few years.

While inaugurating the National Traders' Conclave organised by the Confederation of All-India Traders in the national capital, Singh said according to a survey by a consultancy film, India was ranked ninth among the world's top 10 economies in the year 2014, and today we have left behind France to reach the sixth position.

"I am confident, as economists predict, in the next two-three years India's economy will be among the top five. With this pace of GDP growth, by 2030 we will break into the world's top three economies," Singh said.

"India is the most attractive destination for foreign investors and received more than 150 billion dollars FDI in the last four years. In 'Ease of Doing Business', the country's ranking has improved from 142 to 100. Besides that, the manufacturing sector has got a fillip with the 'Make in India' programme. In 2014, while there were only two mobile phone factories in India, today we have 120 handset manufacturing units," he added.

Singh further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated key structural and procedural reforms in the economy.

"You don't need an economist to steer the country you only need a realist visionary to realise the potential of our economy," he said.

Citing examples of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), amendment to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and demonetization, Singh said India's GDP growth rate in the last four years&nbsp 
has outpaced the inflation rate every year since 2014.

"Government has recently substantially hiked Minimum Support Price (MSP) for food grains. This will benefit the farmers and boost rural spending, thereby giving a fillip to retail trading. Under the DBT, the role of middlemen has been eliminated subsidies worth Rs 3,65,000 crore under 431 schemes have been directly passed on to beneficiaries. Traders overcame hiccups during demonetisation to support the momentous decision in the long-term benefit of the country," he said.

"Out of 6.5 crore traders and shopkeepers, around 1.25 crore have registered under the GST. As per the economic survey, between November 2016 and 2017, more than 1.15 crore returns have been filed. GST is a major taxation reform in the country where only 6.10 crore people are under the taxation regime out of a population of more than 130 crores," Singh added.

Singh further sought the cooperation of the trading community to realise the Prime Minister's dream of doubling India's economy by 2022.

He said: "There are 6.5 crore retail traders in the country government wants to strengthen the trading system."

"I am confident, as economists predict, in the next two-three years India's economy will be among the top five. With this pace of GDP growth, by 2030 we will break into the world's top three economies," Singh said

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that the economic reforms undertaken by the Centre will make India one of world's top 5 economies in next few years. While inaugurating the National Traders' Conclave organised by the Confederation of All-India Traders in the national capital, Singh said according to a survey by a consultancy film, India was ranked ninth among the world's top 10 economies in the year 2014, and today we have left behind France to reach the sixth position. "I am confident, as economists predict, in the next two-three years India's economy will be among the top five. With this pace of GDP growth, by 2030 we will break into the world's top three economies," Singh said. "India is the most attractive destination for foreign investors and received more than 150 billion dollars FDI in the last four years. In 'Ease of Doing Business', the country's ranking has improved from 142 to 100. Besides that, the manufacturing sector has got a fillip with the 'Make in India' programme. In 2014, while there were only two mobile phone factories in India, today we have 120 handset manufacturing units," he added. Singh further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated key structural and procedural reforms in the economy. "You don't need an economist to steer the country you only need a realist visionary to realise the potential of our economy," he said. Citing examples of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), amendment to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and demonetization, Singh said India's GDP growth rate in the last four years has outpaced the inflation rate every year since 2014. "Government has recently substantially hiked Minimum Support Price (MSP) for food grains. This will benefit the farmers and boost rural spending, thereby giving a fillip to retail trading. Under the DBT, the role of middlemen has been eliminated subsidies worth Rs 3,65,000 crore under 431 schemes have been directly passed on to beneficiaries. Traders overcame hiccups during demonetisation to support the momentous decision in the long-term benefit of the country," he said. "Out of 6.5 crore traders and shopkeepers, around 1.25 crore have registered under the GST. As per the economic survey, between November 2016 and 2017, more than 1.15 crore returns have been filed. GST is a major taxation reform in the country where only 6.10 crore people are under the taxation regime out of a population of more than 130 crores," Singh added. Singh further sought the cooperation of the trading community to realise the Prime Minister's dream of doubling India's economy by 2022. He said: "There are 6.5 crore retail traders in the country government wants to strengthen the trading system."

Soon India's economy will be among top five: Rajnath Singh

The Rohingiya refugee issue, which was a matter of debate between parties on how to treat refugees, is expected to acquire a strong electoral dimension. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has made the deportation of Rohingiya refugees and cow protection points of conversation in its annual mass-contact programme with members of Parliament.

The VHP has also demanded the Centre create a ministry for cow protection.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, VHP Central Joint Secretary Ras Bihari said, "We passed this resolution on 24th of June and under the programme, MPs of Parliament cutting across political parties would be contacted.” The mass-contact programme will later be taken to all state assemblies, and then to civil society.&nbsp;

“This mass-contact programme will have both state and civil society actors. Ultimately, it has to reach people in various parts of the country,” said Bihari.

The mass-contact programme is an annual affair. It will start on July 18 and will last till August 9, which corresponds roughly to the monsoon session of Parliament.&nbsp;

“Our demand is that Rohingiyas should be deported from India. Whether it is Jammu and Kashmir or North East, they cannot be allowed to stay back,” said Bihari.

The BJP has already taken a strong position on the Rohingiya issue. In the current political climate, and with the VHP now making it a point of conversation in their mass-contact programme, the Rohingiya issue is expected to grow politically. The last political issue the VHP spearheaded was the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, which is what paved the way for the BJP to become a national party.&nbsp;

The VHP is about to kick off its annual mass-contact programme. They will first go to MPs, then to the state assemblies, and finally to civil society — they will be demanding the deportation of the Rohingya from India, and cow protection

The Rohingiya refugee issue, which was a matter of debate between parties on how to treat refugees, is expected to acquire a strong electoral dimension. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has made the deportation of Rohingiya refugees and cow protection points of conversation in its annual mass-contact programme with members of Parliament. The VHP has also demanded the Centre create a ministry for cow protection. Speaking to WION, VHP Central Joint Secretary Ras Bihari said, "We passed this resolution on 24th of June and under the programme, MPs of Parliament cutting across political parties would be contacted.” The mass-contact programme will later be taken to all state assemblies, and then to civil society. “This mass-contact programme will have both state and civil society actors. Ultimately, it has to reach people in various parts of the country,” said Bihari. The mass-contact programme is an annual affair. It will start on July 18 and will last till August 9, which corresponds roughly to the monsoon session of Parliament. “Our demand is that Rohingiyas should be deported from India. Whether it is Jammu and Kashmir or North East, they cannot be allowed to stay back,” said Bihari. The BJP has already taken a strong position on the Rohingiya issue. In the current political climate, and with the VHP now making it a point of conversation in their mass-contact programme, the Rohingiya issue is expected to grow politically. The last political issue the VHP spearheaded was the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, which is what paved the way for the BJP to become a national party.

With 2019 elections coming, VHP set to turn Rohingyas into political issue

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/after-criticism-pakistan-election-commission-restricts-pak-armys-role-in-elections-153703">After criticism, Pakistan election commission restricts Army's role in elections</a>

After granting the Pakistan Army powers to "magistrate" the July 25th general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP) today "restricted" the powers of the Army amid widespread criticism.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/be-ready-to-contest-2019-polls-alone-amit-shah-tells-maharashtra-bjp-on-rift-with-shiv-sena-153705">Be ready to contest 2019 polls alone, Amit Shah tells Maharashtra BJP on rift with Shiv Sena</a>

Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah told party workers in Mumbai to be prepared to fight 2019 Lok Sabha Assembly elections without any alliance in Maharashtra, said reports. &nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/polish-daredevil-skies-down-k2-mountain-in-world-first-153698">In </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/polish-daredevil-skies-down-k2-mountain-in-world-first-153698">a first, Polish daredevil skies</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/polish-daredevil-skies-down-k2-mountain-in-world-first-153698"> down K2 mountain</a>

Daredevil Andrzej Bargiel has become the first person to ski down the world's second-highest mountain, the Polish national said Sunday.

<a href="http://wionews.com/sports/mesut-ozil-announces-international-retirement-citing-racism-and-disrespect-153710">Mesut Ozil announces international retirement citing 'racism and disrespect'</a>

Mesut Ozil has confirmed his retirement from the international football with immediate effect due to the treatment he received from the German football association (DFB).

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-to-urge-iranians-abroad-to-support-anti-regime-protests-153716">Mike Pompeo to urge Iranians abroad to 'support' anti-regime protests</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo plans on Sunday to urge members of the Iranian diaspora to "support" protesters in Iran, as the Trump administration hints at a desire for regime change in Tehran after turning its back on the Iranian nuclear accord.&nbsp

&nbsp

After criticism, Pakistan election commission restricts Army's role in elections After granting the Pakistan Army powers to "magistrate" the July 25th general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP) today "restricted" the powers of the Army amid widespread criticism. Be ready to contest 2019 polls alone, Amit Shah tells Maharashtra BJP on rift with Shiv Sena Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah told party workers in Mumbai to be prepared to fight 2019 Lok Sabha Assembly elections without any alliance in Maharashtra, said reports. In a first, Polish daredevil skies down K2 mountain Daredevil Andrzej Bargiel has become the first person to ski down the world's second-highest mountain, the Polish national said Sunday. Mesut Ozil announces international retirement citing 'racism and disrespect' Mesut Ozil has confirmed his retirement from the international football with immediate effect due to the treatment he received from the German football association (DFB). Mike Pompeo to urge Iranians abroad to 'support' anti-regime protests US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo plans on Sunday to urge members of the Iranian diaspora to "support" protesters in Iran, as the Trump administration hints at a desire for regime change in Tehran after turning its back on the Iranian nuclear accord.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Nobel Peace laureate and renowned child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi has appreciated the cabinet for approving the anti-trafficking bill.

He has also called upon parliamentarians to pass the anti-trafficking bill without further delay.

“This bill (against human trafficking) is one of the best legal drafts, and will provide the strictest punishment to human traffickers,” he said in an interview to Zee Digital.

He said that such a bill was revolutionary because nowhere else in the world had the law tried breaking the human trafficking industry in a systematic manner.&nbsp;

“It was never treated as an organized crime. Only the social and economic aspects have been considered so far. With this bill, not only will the accused face severest of punishments, but also will have their bank accounts and properties seized,” he said.

The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill was introduced in the monsoon session of the Lok Sabha on July 18, 2018, by Maneka Gandhi, the Minister for Women and Child Development, and is scheduled for discussion on July 23 in the Parliament.

The new proposed legislation covers all aspects of human trafficking - prevention, rescue, rehabilitation - including aggravated forms of trafficking like forced labour, begging, administering chemical substances and hormones for early sexual maturity, forced marriage, etc.

Human-trafficking is the worst violation of human rights and the third largest organised crime after drugs and the arms trade across the globe.&nbsp;

The problem of trafficking is particularly prevalent in India since it is a source, destination and transit country for victims of trafficking.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the human trafficking cases reported across India increased by almost 20 per cent in 2016 against the previous year, to 8,132 cases. West Bengal accounts for the highest number of such cases - comprising 44 per cent of the national total - followed by Rajasthan, which adds up to 17.9 per cent of cases in the country.

A total of 15,379 victims of human trafficking were registered in 2016, out of which over 60 per cent were minors.

(This interview was first published in <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/hindi">Zee News Hindi</a>. Read the full interview <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/hindi/india/exclusive-interview-of-kailash-satyarthi-with-piyush-babele/420586">here</a>)

The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill was introduced in the monsoon session of the Lok Sabha on July 18, 2018, by Maneka Gandhi.

Nobel Peace laureate and renowned child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi has appreciated the cabinet for approving the anti-trafficking bill. He has also called upon parliamentarians to pass the anti-trafficking bill without further delay. “This bill (against human trafficking) is one of the best legal drafts, and will provide the strictest punishment to human traffickers,” he said in an interview to Zee Digital. He said that such a bill was revolutionary because nowhere else in the world had the law tried breaking the human trafficking industry in a systematic manner. “It was never treated as an organized crime. Only the social and economic aspects have been considered so far. With this bill, not only will the accused face severest of punishments, but also will have their bank accounts and properties seized,” he said. The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill was introduced in the monsoon session of the Lok Sabha on July 18, 2018, by Maneka Gandhi, the Minister for Women and Child Development, and is scheduled for discussion on July 23 in the Parliament. The new proposed legislation covers all aspects of human trafficking - prevention, rescue, rehabilitation - including aggravated forms of trafficking like forced labour, begging, administering chemical substances and hormones for early sexual maturity, forced marriage, etc. Human-trafficking is the worst violation of human rights and the third largest organised crime after drugs and the arms trade across the globe. The problem of trafficking is particularly prevalent in India since it is a source, destination and transit country for victims of trafficking. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the human trafficking cases reported across India increased by almost 20 per cent in 2016 against the previous year, to 8,132 cases. West Bengal accounts for the highest number of such cases - comprising 44 per cent of the national total - followed by Rajasthan, which adds up to 17.9 per cent of cases in the country. A total of 15,379 victims of human trafficking were registered in 2016, out of which over 60 per cent were minors. (This interview was first published in Zee News Hindi. Read the full interview here)

Girls cheaper than cattle in India: Kailash Satyarthi on anti-trafficking bill

Congress Party to move a privilege motion in Lok Sabha on the Rafale issue. Whether it will be against Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is something party leadership will decide, said Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. However, the party has not ruled out moving the motion against both.

Congress also accused the government of misleading the Parliament on Rafale deal and said that government has been issuing contradictory statements&nbsp;on the issue.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Former Defence Minister AK Antony alleged that as per the Constitution the government will need to explain the price jump as all the details ultimately will have to be shared with Comptroller and Audit General (CAG) of India which in turn would be scrutinised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).&nbsp;

Speaking on the issue, another Congress leader Anand Sharma said that nowhere in the Confidentiality Clause commercial pricing is barred from sharing. Secrecy Clause only exists for operational and security aspect, he added. He also said that even the French company under French law will have to submit all aspects of commercial pricing to the French government.

Congress also alleged that the decision to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft off the shelf was arbitrary and Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had not met. Anand Sharma said that an agreement existed before the purchase and the CCS approval was post facto.&nbsp;

" PM should put this on record in both houses of the Parliament whether CCS met before he left for France, " said Anand Sharma.&nbsp;

Congress said that the fact that a company has no experience in this sector was involved also raised questions. At the beginning of the negotiations Rafale was pegged at 620 crore and when purchased off the shelf, however,&nbsp;the price went up to 1600 crore, he said.

Congress also accused the government of misleading the Parliament on Rafale deal and said that government has been issuing contradictory statements on the issue.

Congress Party to move a privilege motion in Lok Sabha on the Rafale issue. Whether it will be against Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is something party leadership will decide, said Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. However, the party has not ruled out moving the motion against both. Congress also accused the government of misleading the Parliament on Rafale deal and said that government has been issuing contradictory statements on the issue. Former Defence Minister AK Antony alleged that as per the Constitution the government will need to explain the price jump as all the details ultimately will have to be shared with Comptroller and Audit General (CAG) of India which in turn would be scrutinised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Speaking on the issue, another Congress leader Anand Sharma said that nowhere in the Confidentiality Clause commercial pricing is barred from sharing. Secrecy Clause only exists for operational and security aspect, he added. He also said that even the French company under French law will have to submit all aspects of commercial pricing to the French government. Congress also alleged that the decision to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft off the shelf was arbitrary and Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had not met. Anand Sharma said that an agreement existed before the purchase and the CCS approval was post facto. " PM should put this on record in both houses of the Parliament whether CCS met before he left for France, " said Anand Sharma. Congress said that the fact that a company has no experience in this sector was involved also raised questions. At the beginning of the negotiations Rafale was pegged at 620 crore and when purchased off the shelf, however, the price went up to 1600 crore, he said.

Rafale deal: Congress to move privilege motion against PM, Nirmala Sitharaman

News reports said Monday that the policemen taking the Alwar lynching victim to hospital stopped en route for tea.&nbsp;

Rakbar aka Akbar Khan was lynched in Rajasthan Lallwandi's village on Friday night. Another man with him was beaten. They were accused of transporting cows for slaughter.&nbsp;

This was the third lynching in Alwar within a year.&nbsp;

The reports added that the policemen first took the cows to a shelter, then went to the police station — which is reportedly only a stone's throw away from the&nbsp;hospital — so that Rakbar could change his clothes, and only then did they take him to hospital.&nbsp;

On the way of course, they reportedly stopped for tea.&nbsp;

By time they got to hospital, Rakbar was declared brought dead. The reports said he had by then been in police custody for 3 hours and 45 minutes.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-is-pm-modis-brutal-new-india-tweets-rahul-gandhi-on-alwar-lynching-case-153787">This is PM Modi's 'brutal new India', tweets Rahul Gandhi on Alwar lynching</a>

The reports also quoted an eyewitness as saying Rakbar was beaten by the police and not by the mob.&nbsp;

That accusation was made earlier by BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja — that it was the police who beat Rakbar and not the mob that lynched him.&nbsp;

The union ministry of home affairs meanwhile has asked the Rajasthan government for a report on the matter.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The cops first took the cows over which Rakbar Khan was lynched to a shelter, then visited the police station, had tea, and only then took Rakbar to hospital. By the time they got there, he was dead

News reports said Monday that the policemen taking the Alwar lynching victim to hospital stopped en route for tea. Rakbar aka Akbar Khan was lynched in Rajasthan Lallwandi's village on Friday night. Another man with him was beaten. They were accused of transporting cows for slaughter. This was the third lynching in Alwar within a year. The reports added that the policemen first took the cows to a shelter, then went to the police station — which is reportedly only a stone's throw away from the hospital — so that Rakbar could change his clothes, and only then did they take him to hospital. On the way of course, they reportedly stopped for tea. By time they got to hospital, Rakbar was declared brought dead. The reports said he had by then been in police custody for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Also read: This is PM Modi's 'brutal new India', tweets Rahul Gandhi on Alwar lynching The reports also quoted an eyewitness as saying Rakbar was beaten by the police and not by the mob. That accusation was made earlier by BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja — that it was the police who beat Rakbar and not the mob that lynched him. The union ministry of home affairs meanwhile has asked the Rajasthan government for a report on the matter.

Alwar lynching: Cops reportedly stopped for tea while taking victim to hospital

The eye-witness in the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alwar-lynching-man-beaten-to-death-by-mob-on-suspicion-of-being-cow-smuggler-153412">Rajasthan's Alwar</a> lynching case recalled on Sunday the spine-chilling turn of events that led to the lynching of his friend on suspicion of smuggling cows.

Aslam, who had a narrow escape told, "We (him and the deceased )both were going with our two cows, on seeing a speeding bike the cows ran into the fields where 6-7 people were present who fired at us, I ran away from the spot to save my life, later found that my friend was killed."

This comes barely a week after the Supreme Court urged Parliament to enact a law against lynching.

28-year-old Rakbar Khan along with his friend was taking some cows to his village through a forest near Lalawandi area in the Alwar district of Rajasthan when some locals allegedly thrashed him brutally, suspecting him to be a cow smuggler.

The police immediately rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

Police have, so far, arrested two suspects and launched a manhunt for other suspects.

In a similar incident, 50-year-old Pehlu Khan was beaten to death by cow vigilantes in the same district in April last year.

Just on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged state governments to take stringent action against the culprits of mob lynching.

The cases of mob fury have been on a rise in India. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, 45 persons were killed by mob in 40 cases across nine states between 2014 and March 03 this year.

28-year-old Akbar Khan was allegedly beaten to death by villagers in Rajasthan's Alwar district on suspicion of cow smuggling on Friday.

The eye-witness in the Rajasthan's Alwar lynching case recalled on Sunday the spine-chilling turn of events that led to the lynching of his friend on suspicion of smuggling cows. Aslam, who had a narrow escape told, "We (him and the deceased )both were going with our two cows, on seeing a speeding bike the cows ran into the fields where 6-7 people were present who fired at us, I ran away from the spot to save my life, later found that my friend was killed." This comes barely a week after the Supreme Court urged Parliament to enact a law against lynching. 28-year-old Rakbar Khan along with his friend was taking some cows to his village through a forest near Lalawandi area in the Alwar district of Rajasthan when some locals allegedly thrashed him brutally, suspecting him to be a cow smuggler. The police immediately rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Police have, so far, arrested two suspects and launched a manhunt for other suspects. In a similar incident, 50-year-old Pehlu Khan was beaten to death by cow vigilantes in the same district in April last year. Just on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged state governments to take stringent action against the culprits of mob lynching. The cases of mob fury have been on a rise in India. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, 45 persons were killed by mob in 40 cases across nine states between 2014 and March 03 this year.

Alwar lynching: Eye-witness recalls the incident

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday remembered freedom fighters Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversaries.&nbsp;

PM Modi tweeted out describing Chandra Shekhar Azad as a "brave son of Bharat Mata" who "sacrificed himself so that his fellow citizens get freedom from colonialism".

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On his birth anniversary, my tributes to the great Chandra Shekhar Azad. A brave son of Bharat Mata, he sacrificed himself so that his fellow citizens get freedom from colonialism. Generations of Indians are inspired by his courage.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1021230424452976641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"On his birth anniversary, my tributes to the great Chandra Shekhar Azad. A brave son of Bharat Mata, he sacrificed himself so that his fellow citizens get freedom from colonialism. Generations of Indians are inspired by his courage," read his tweet.&nbsp;

He also extended wishes on Lokmanya Tilak's birth anniversary.&nbsp;

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I bow to Lokmanya Tilak on his Jayanti. He ignited the spark of patriotism among countless Indians. He successfully mobilised people from all sections of society and deepened the connect between our citizens and India’s glorious past. Lokmanya Tilak also emphasised on education.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1021229918053699585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I bow to Lokmanya Tilak on his Jayanti. He ignited the spark of patriotism among countless Indians. He successfully mobilised people from all sections of society and deepened the connection between our citizens and India’s glorious past. Lokmanya Tilak also emphasised on education," the tweet read.&nbsp;

PM Modi also extended wishes on Lokmanya Tilak's birth anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday remembered freedom fighters Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversaries. PM Modi tweeted out describing Chandra Shekhar Azad as a "brave son of Bharat Mata" who "sacrificed himself so that his fellow citizens get freedom from colonialism". On his birth anniversary, my tributes to the great Chandra Shekhar Azad. A brave son of Bharat Mata, he sacrificed himself so that his fellow citizens get freedom from colonialism. Generations of Indians are inspired by his courage. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2018 × "On his birth anniversary, my tributes to the great Chandra Shekhar Azad. A brave son of Bharat Mata, he sacrificed himself so that his fellow citizens get freedom from colonialism. Generations of Indians are inspired by his courage," read his tweet. He also extended wishes on Lokmanya Tilak's birth anniversary. I bow to Lokmanya Tilak on his Jayanti. He ignited the spark of patriotism among countless Indians. He successfully mobilised people from all sections of society and deepened the connect between our citizens and India’s glorious past. Lokmanya Tilak also emphasised on education. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2018 × "I bow to Lokmanya Tilak on his Jayanti. He ignited the spark of patriotism among countless Indians. He successfully mobilised people from all sections of society and deepened the connection between our citizens and India’s glorious past. Lokmanya Tilak also emphasised on education," the tweet read.

Brave son of Bharat Mata: PM Modi remembers Chandra Shekhar Azad on his birth anniversary 

Inspector General (IG) of&nbsp;Jaipur,&nbsp;Hemant Priyadarshi&nbsp;on Sunday said that probe in the&nbsp;Alwar&nbsp;lynching incident is being carried out in transparent and unbiased manner.

Priyadarshi informed that the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Crime and Vigilance (Jaipur&nbsp;Range) will probe the case.

"Additional SP Crime and Vigilance (Jaipur&nbsp;Range) will investigate&nbsp;Alwar&nbsp;lynching. FIR has been registered against unknown people and the probe is being done in a transparent and unbiased manner," Priyadarshi said.

The eye-witness in the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alwar-lynching-man-beaten-to-death-by-mob-on-suspicion-of-being-cow-smuggler-153412">Rajasthan's Alwar</a>&nbsp;lynching case recalled on Sunday the spine-chilling turn of events that led to the killing of his friend on suspicion of smuggling cows.

Aslam, who had a narrow escape told, "We (him and the deceased )both were going with our two cows, on seeing a speeding bike the cows ran into the fields where 6-7 people were present who fired at us, I ran away from the spot to save my life, later found that my friend was killed."

28-year-old Rakbar Khan along with his friend was taking some cows to his village through a forest near Lalawandi area in the&nbsp;Alwar&nbsp;district of&nbsp;Rajasthan&nbsp;when some locals allegedly thrashed him brutally on the intervening night of Friday-Saturday, suspecting him to be a cow smuggler.

The police immediately rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

Police have, so far, arrested two suspects and launched a manhunt for other suspects.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A mob beat a man to death in Alwar's Ramgarh, suspecting him to be a cow smuggler.

Inspector General (IG) of Jaipur, Hemant Priyadarshi on Sunday said that probe in the Alwar lynching incident is being carried out in transparent and unbiased manner. Priyadarshi informed that the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Crime and Vigilance (Jaipur Range) will probe the case. "Additional SP Crime and Vigilance (Jaipur Range) will investigate Alwar lynching. FIR has been registered against unknown people and the probe is being done in a transparent and unbiased manner," Priyadarshi said. The eye-witness in the Rajasthan's Alwar lynching case recalled on Sunday the spine-chilling turn of events that led to the killing of his friend on suspicion of smuggling cows. Aslam, who had a narrow escape told, "We (him and the deceased )both were going with our two cows, on seeing a speeding bike the cows ran into the fields where 6-7 people were present who fired at us, I ran away from the spot to save my life, later found that my friend was killed." 28-year-old Rakbar Khan along with his friend was taking some cows to his village through a forest near Lalawandi area in the Alwar district of Rajasthan when some locals allegedly thrashed him brutally on the intervening night of Friday-Saturday, suspecting him to be a cow smuggler. The police immediately rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Police have, so far, arrested two suspects and launched a manhunt for other suspects.

Alwar lynching: Rajasthan IG assures transparent, unbiased probe

Two time Rajya Sabha MP and former BJP leader Chandan Mitra joined TMC on Saturday. In an exclusive interview to WION hours after switching sides, Mitra said he feels relaxed after leaving BJP.&nbsp;

As we met him at his south Kolkata residence, Mitra looked relaxed and tranquil. &nbsp;

"Modiji came with a huge expectation and mandate in 2014 but failed to keep his promises. Demonetisation and GST are two decisions which have hit the common man really hard. Today the common man is angry with Modi and anger of the Common man will have some effect on the ballot box in 2019,'' Mitra said.

After 2014 things took a turn for the worse for Mitra as he was not given any organisational responsibility. According to Mitra, demonetisation and GST are not the only things influenced his decision. " Religious fanaticism has increased after 2014. Lynching activities are on the rise which is destroying the social structure of the nation, he said.&nbsp;

No action is initiated against people involved in such activities, he said. ''That is why, of late, I was not at ease with BJP and now that I have joined TMC I feel free," he said.

Mitra feels that TMC will play a crucial role in national politics in the coming days and said Mamata Banerjee will be key to it, he said.&nbsp;

Mitra is expected to play an important role for TMC in the national Capital.&nbsp;

After 2014 things took a turn for the worse for Mitra as he was not given any organisational responsibility.

Two time Rajya Sabha MP and former BJP leader Chandan Mitra joined TMC on Saturday. In an exclusive interview to WION hours after switching sides, Mitra said he feels relaxed after leaving BJP. As we met him at his south Kolkata residence, Mitra looked relaxed and tranquil. "Modiji came with a huge expectation and mandate in 2014 but failed to keep his promises. Demonetisation and GST are two decisions which have hit the common man really hard. Today the common man is angry with Modi and anger of the Common man will have some effect on the ballot box in 2019,'' Mitra said. After 2014 things took a turn for the worse for Mitra as he was not given any organisational responsibility. According to Mitra, demonetisation and GST are not the only things influenced his decision. " Religious fanaticism has increased after 2014. Lynching activities are on the rise which is destroying the social structure of the nation, he said. No action is initiated against people involved in such activities, he said. ''That is why, of late, I was not at ease with BJP and now that I have joined TMC I feel free," he said. Mitra feels that TMC will play a crucial role in national politics in the coming days and said Mamata Banerjee will be key to it, he said. Mitra is expected to play an important role for TMC in the national Capital.

Religious fanaticism is on the rise since Modi took over, Chandan Mitra says after leaving BJP

Congress President Rahul Gandhi hit out Monday at the Narendra Modi government over the Alwar lynching.&nbsp;

"This is Modi’s brutal New India where humanity is replaced with hatred and people are crushed and left to die," Gandhi tweeted this morning.&nbsp;

He also expressed anguish over the delay by police in taking the victim to the hospital.

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Policemen in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alwar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alwar</a> took 3 hrs to get a dying Rakbar Khan, the victim of a lynch mob, to a hospital just 6 KM away. 
 
Why? 
 
They took a tea-break enroute. 
 
This is Modi’s brutal “New India” where humanity is replaced with hatred and people are crushed and left to die. <a href="https://t.co/sNdzX6eVSU">https://t.co/sNdzX6eVSU</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1021284013909200896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The police, reportedly, first took the cows — over which the lynching took place — to a shelter, then took the victim Rakbar Khan to the police station to change his clothes, and then stopped for tea before finally taking him to hospital.&nbsp;

The FIR in the case revealed that the police received a call at about 12.41 am but they arrived at the spot at 1.15 or 1.20 am.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday said that it would hear a contempt plea against the Rajasthan government on August 20.

Petitioners Tushar Gandhi and Tehseen Poonawalla brought up the matter before the court and wanted it to be taken up this week but Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said it would be heard in August.

In their contempt pleas, Poonawalla and Gandhi alleged that offences were taking place despite the Supreme Court verdict on cow vigilantism.

'This is Modi’s brutal New India where humanity is replaced with hatred and people are crushed and left to die,' Rahul Gandhi tweeted

Congress President Rahul Gandhi hit out Monday at the Narendra Modi government over the Alwar lynching. "This is Modi’s brutal New India where humanity is replaced with hatred and people are crushed and left to die," Gandhi tweeted this morning. He also expressed anguish over the delay by police in taking the victim to the hospital. Policemen in #Alwar took 3 hrs to get a dying Rakbar Khan, the victim of a lynch mob, to a hospital just 6 KM away. Why? They took a tea-break enroute. This is Modi’s brutal “New India” where humanity is replaced with hatred and people are crushed and left to die. https://t.co/sNdzX6eVSU — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 23, 2018 × The police, reportedly, first took the cows — over which the lynching took place — to a shelter, then took the victim Rakbar Khan to the police station to change his clothes, and then stopped for tea before finally taking him to hospital. The FIR in the case revealed that the police received a call at about 12.41 am but they arrived at the spot at 1.15 or 1.20 am. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday said that it would hear a contempt plea against the Rajasthan government on August 20. Petitioners Tushar Gandhi and Tehseen Poonawalla brought up the matter before the court and wanted it to be taken up this week but Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said it would be heard in August. In their contempt pleas, Poonawalla and Gandhi alleged that offences were taking place despite the Supreme Court verdict on cow vigilantism.

This is PM Modi's 'brutal new India', says Rahul Gandhi after Alwar lynching

The Supreme Court on Monday lifted a blanket ban on rallies, dharnas or sit-ins at the Jantar Mantar and Boat Club areas here, saying there could not be an "absolute" ban on protests in such localities.

The top court also asked the Centre to frame guidelines within two months for according sanctions to such events.

A bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said, "There is a need to strike a balance between conflicting rights such as the right to protest and the right of citizens to live peacefully."

"There cannot be a complete or absolute ban on holding protests at places like Jantar Mantar and Boat Club (near India Gate)," the bench added, while directing the Centre to frame guidelines on the matter.

The verdict came on a batch of petitions, including one filed by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, an NGO, challenging the decision of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to ban all kinds of protests at the said places.

The top court had earlier observed, "When, during elections, politicians can go among the public to seek votes, why can't people come near their offices after the polls to protest."

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the NGO and other petitioners, had contended that the Centre had completely banned protests or assembly of people in whole of central Delhi and imposed section 144, CrPC permanently in the guise of avoiding traffic obstruction.

He had said the authorities had asked the protesters to go to the Ramlila Maidan to stage agitations, while there were several court verdicts that recognised the "people's right to protest".

"The protests have to be near the seat of power, so that the people can make their voices heard," Bhushan had submitted, while referring to a Delhi High Court verdict, recognising the people's right to protest at the gate of a factory, so long it did not affect the traffic.

Earlier, the Centre had justified the continuous imposition of prohibitory orders under section 144, CrPC in central Delhi, which houses most of the government offices and VIP residences.

The Centre's counsel had told the apex court that this was an era of "professional protesters", who liked to protest outside Parliament or the president's or prime minister's house to make their voices heard.

He had added that the government had to take holistic steps while dealing with such protests, rallies and dharnas to ensure that peace and harmony prevailed in an area.

The Centre, while justifying the permanent imposition of prohibitory orders in its affidavit, had referred to over a dozen instances when protests had turned violent and the police had to use teargas shells and water cannons to control the mobs at the Jantar Mantar and Boat Club areas.

The plea moved by the NGO had challenged the complete ban on assemblies and protests in the central and New Delhi areas imposed by the NGT.

It had claimed that there could not be a continuous imposition of prohibitory orders in entire central Delhi, which was an emergency provision to be used when there was an apprehension of violence or law-and-order problems.

It had said it would have been understandable if the government's decision to impose prohibitory orders was based on a specific intelligence input or apprehension of a protest turning violent.

The NGT had, on October 5 last year, banned all protests and dharnas around the historic Jantar Mantar here, which had been a hotspot of many agitations over the past decades, saying such activities violated environmental laws.

The green panel had said the State had totally failed to protect the right of a citizen to enjoy a pollution-free environment at the Jantar Mantar Road area, which was located close to Connaught Place at the heart of the national capital.

It had added that it was the duty of the State to ensure that the right of the people to live a peaceful and comfortable life was not infringed by those who created noise pollution in the name of their right to freedom of speech and expression, which could never be unlimited.

The tribunal had directed the authorities to shift the protesters to an alternative site at the Ramleela Grounds in Ajmeri Gate "forthwith".

It had also said those participating in protests and raising slogans through loudspeakers had no right to compel the people living in the area to tolerate it day and night.

The top court also asked the Centre to frame guidelines within two months for according sanctions to such events.

The Supreme Court on Monday lifted a blanket ban on rallies, dharnas or sit-ins at the Jantar Mantar and Boat Club areas here, saying there could not be an "absolute" ban on protests in such localities. The top court also asked the Centre to frame guidelines within two months for according sanctions to such events. A bench of justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said, "There is a need to strike a balance between conflicting rights such as the right to protest and the right of citizens to live peacefully." "There cannot be a complete or absolute ban on holding protests at places like Jantar Mantar and Boat Club (near India Gate)," the bench added, while directing the Centre to frame guidelines on the matter. The verdict came on a batch of petitions, including one filed by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan, an NGO, challenging the decision of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to ban all kinds of protests at the said places. The top court had earlier observed, "When, during elections, politicians can go among the public to seek votes, why can't people come near their offices after the polls to protest." Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the NGO and other petitioners, had contended that the Centre had completely banned protests or assembly of people in whole of central Delhi and imposed section 144, CrPC permanently in the guise of avoiding traffic obstruction. He had said the authorities had asked the protesters to go to the Ramlila Maidan to stage agitations, while there were several court verdicts that recognised the "people's right to protest". "The protests have to be near the seat of power, so that the people can make their voices heard," Bhushan had submitted, while referring to a Delhi High Court verdict, recognising the people's right to protest at the gate of a factory, so long it did not affect the traffic. Earlier, the Centre had justified the continuous imposition of prohibitory orders under section 144, CrPC in central Delhi, which houses most of the government offices and VIP residences. The Centre's counsel had told the apex court that this was an era of "professional protesters", who liked to protest outside Parliament or the president's or prime minister's house to make their voices heard. He had added that the government had to take holistic steps while dealing with such protests, rallies and dharnas to ensure that peace and harmony prevailed in an area. The Centre, while justifying the permanent imposition of prohibitory orders in its affidavit, had referred to over a dozen instances when protests had turned violent and the police had to use teargas shells and water cannons to control the mobs at the Jantar Mantar and Boat Club areas. The plea moved by the NGO had challenged the complete ban on assemblies and protests in the central and New Delhi areas imposed by the NGT. It had claimed that there could not be a continuous imposition of prohibitory orders in entire central Delhi, which was an emergency provision to be used when there was an apprehension of violence or law-and-order problems. It had said it would have been understandable if the government's decision to impose prohibitory orders was based on a specific intelligence input or apprehension of a protest turning violent. The NGT had, on October 5 last year, banned all protests and dharnas around the historic Jantar Mantar here, which had been a hotspot of many agitations over the past decades, saying such activities violated environmental laws. The green panel had said the State had totally failed to protect the right of a citizen to enjoy a pollution-free environment at the Jantar Mantar Road area, which was located close to Connaught Place at the heart of the national capital. It had added that it was the duty of the State to ensure that the right of the people to live a peaceful and comfortable life was not infringed by those who created noise pollution in the name of their right to freedom of speech and expression, which could never be unlimited. The tribunal had directed the authorities to shift the protesters to an alternative site at the Ramleela Grounds in Ajmeri Gate "forthwith". It had also said those participating in protests and raising slogans through loudspeakers had no right to compel the people living in the area to tolerate it day and night.

Cannot impose complete ban on protests at Jantar Mantar, says Supreme Court

Gitanjali Gems promoter Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the multi-crore PNB scam, on Monday moved a special court seeking cancellation of non-bailable warrants issued against him, claiming that he apprehends mob lynching if he is brought to India, reported news agency PTI.

"There have been various cases of mob lynching in India. This recent trend of mob lynching and general public giving justice on the road is growing. Even the applicant faces a similar threat as there are several persons who have grievances and anger against him (Choksi)," it claimed.

A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court had in March and July this year issued non-bailable warrants against Choksi after it took cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the case.

Choksi, in his application moved before the special PMLA court, claimed he faces a threat to his life not only from his former employees and debtors but also from jail staff and inmates (where he would be launched if he returns).

"As it became impossible for the applicant's company to function and the employees were not paid their salaries and debtors did not get their money back, all these persons have become agitated against the applicant and he is now facing threat to his life," the application said. 
 
Choksi also faces a threat of extortion by jail staff, and danger to his life by jail inmates if he is brought to India and lodged in a prison here, the application said.

It claimed that Choksi never shied away from the investigation and has responded to all the communication he received from the investigating agencies.

Choksi's ill health, the revocation of his passport and threat to his life are the main circumstances why he is unable to travel to India, it added.

Special PMLA Judge M S Azmi directed the Enforcement Directorate to file its reply on Choksi's application and kept the matter for further hearing on August 18.

Choksi, who is also facing a corruption case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation, had last month moved a similar application before a special CBI court seeking cancellation of the warrant issued by that court.

The Punjab National Bank (PNB) had earlier detected a multi-crore scam, wherein diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Choksi allegedly cheated the state-run lender to the tune of Rs 13,400 crore with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

The scam, which reportedly began in 2011, was detected in January this year, after which PNB officials reported it to the agencies concerned.

While the CBI is probing the alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating and other offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the ED is probing the money laundering charges.&nbsp;

A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court had in March and July this year issued non-bailable warrants against Choksi after it took cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the case.

Gitanjali Gems promoter Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the multi-crore PNB scam, on Monday moved a special court seeking cancellation of non-bailable warrants issued against him, claiming that he apprehends mob lynching if he is brought to India, reported news agency PTI. "There have been various cases of mob lynching in India. This recent trend of mob lynching and general public giving justice on the road is growing. Even the applicant faces a similar threat as there are several persons who have grievances and anger against him (Choksi)," it claimed. A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court had in March and July this year issued non-bailable warrants against Choksi after it took cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the case. Choksi, in his application moved before the special PMLA court, claimed he faces a threat to his life not only from his former employees and debtors but also from jail staff and inmates (where he would be launched if he returns). "As it became impossible for the applicant's company to function and the employees were not paid their salaries and debtors did not get their money back, all these persons have become agitated against the applicant and he is now facing threat to his life," the application said. Choksi also faces a threat of extortion by jail staff, and danger to his life by jail inmates if he is brought to India and lodged in a prison here, the application said. It claimed that Choksi never shied away from the investigation and has responded to all the communication he received from the investigating agencies. Choksi's ill health, the revocation of his passport and threat to his life are the main circumstances why he is unable to travel to India, it added. Special PMLA Judge M S Azmi directed the Enforcement Directorate to file its reply on Choksi's application and kept the matter for further hearing on August 18. Choksi, who is also facing a corruption case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation, had last month moved a similar application before a special CBI court seeking cancellation of the warrant issued by that court. The Punjab National Bank (PNB) had earlier detected a multi-crore scam, wherein diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Choksi allegedly cheated the state-run lender to the tune of Rs 13,400 crore with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank. The scam, which reportedly began in 2011, was detected in January this year, after which PNB officials reported it to the agencies concerned. While the CBI is probing the alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating and other offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the ED is probing the money laundering charges.

Mehul Choksi seeks cancellation of NBWs, fears mob lynching if brought to India

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