US vs China over South China Sea: Washington backs Philippines, Beijing hits back

Bigg Boss 20: Isha Rikhi evicted after three weeks in Salman Khan’s show

Musk plans to more than double xAI's chips to over 1.2 million Nvidia GPUs by year-end

After JU, clash erupts at SRFTI: BJP’s ‘Dimagi Naxal’ jibe sparks political firestorm after students protest RSS-linked event

‘Anti-social elements spreading false rumours’: LPU issues statement amid massive unrest over alleged rape

LPU students go on rampage, vandalise campus amid widespread protest: What's happening

Trump asked Xi to pressure Iran. China did not say yes — here’s what Beijing wants

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hails global crackdown on Iranian banks and airlines

An OpenAI agent escaped its locked test cage again, by hiding questions in DNS lookups

'Our video was trimmed': LPU girls who featured in rape-denial video make U-turn

3 males killed, four others injured in shooting after fight at strip club in Detroit

'Victory for low-budget consumers': Raghav Chadha hails 30-day telecom recharge rules

Claude rebuilt the 1989 game 'Prince of Persia' by reusing the original's own code

Beyond metros: How Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities could drive India’s next AI wave

Tesla builds first Cybertruck with its own refined lithium: Elon Musk's $1 billion Texas bet pays off

IndiGo flight suffers tail strike in Bengaluru while landing; DGCA to probe incident

The US and China set up an AI 'red telephone', but skipped the rulebook

‘Terror suspects arrested near UK air base were looking to do big damage’: Trump

Russian envoy claims US tactics to contain India were revealed in ‘Freudian slip’

IND vs WI 1st ODI: Kohli breaks Sachin's most runs in one country record with unbeaten 139 as India thump West Indies by 8 wickets

Researchers rebuilt exactly how 700 AI agents hacked Hugging Face: a 900-link chain trick

‘Olympic inclusion is our major target’: WPA President Ishaun Singh on pool’s global ambitions

Nations League: Spain sink England at Wembley; Modric shines for Croatia

Why has Iran released no proof of life of Mojtaba Khamenei? Araghchi reveals...

'What kind of confession is this?': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s 'terrorists would be roaming New York' remark goes viral, raises alarm online. Watch

South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over North Korean prisoners' transfer

Beyond BrahMos: India targets Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports with unmatched price edge

Sri Lankan Tamil migrant worker gets death sentence in Saudi Arabia, help sought from India

Muslim marriage cannot shield sex with minor wife from prosecution under POCSO: Delhi HC

'Can't help but draw painful parallels to Nirbhaya case': SC on latest incidents of rape cases in Delhi-NCR

99.9% more powerful - Scientists find boy who can recall memories from just 3 months of age

'FIRST LOOK from inside Noah’s Ark': Researchers share video from inside mysterious mound in Turkey

UNSC reform momentum grows: Russia, Portugal, Mauritius push for India's permanent seat bid

8 US marines injured in Iranian missile attack on vessel in Strait of Hormuz: Report

New OTT releases this week (September 28-October 4, 2026): Dupahiya 2, Pooja Meri Jaan, Ohh My Dog- 5 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Afghanistan says 28 fighters killed in clash near Pakistan border, Islamabad denies

Ceuta migrant crisis: Protesters take to streets as Spain grapples with migrant challenge

LPU suspend classes, postpones exams as violence escalates over rape claims: What's happening

New York City wants a 'kill switch' on every AI, and will pay whistleblowers who report violations

This segment of WION brings to you information on Iconic Dal Lake. State seeks help from Indian Navy as weed and azolla has choked Dal Lake. Picturesque Dal lake is full of weed and azolla. Watch this video to know more.

Iconic Dal Lake in Kashmir dying a slow death

<p>A special border meeting personal between the Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) was held at Nathu La Pass in Sikkim on August 15 to jointly celebrate the 72nd Independence Day of India.</p>

<p>The celebration took place in an atmosphere of warmth and friendship, with an aim of enhancing mutual trust and promoting border peace and tranquillity.</p>

<p>Beside interactions between the two Armies, cultural programme portraying the rich cultural diversity of the two countries, were presented by both sides to celebrate the occasion. Pleasantries were also exchanged in North Sikkim at Kongra La.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Border meeting between Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) took place today at Nathu La, Sikkim to jointly celebrate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDayIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDayIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/qa1iaggMpK">pic.twitter.com/qa1iaggMpK</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1029665570449383425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The joint participation of PLA was also seen as a reciprocal gesture wherein Indian Army had earlier participated in PLA Founding Day on August 1, 2018. Such interactions between the two armies have resulted in enhancement of goodwill and mutual understanding between the two nations.</p>

<p>Indian Army troops deployed in remote and high altitude areas of North Sikkim also celebrated Independence Day by hoisting the National Flag at different forward posts with great zeal and enthusiasm.</p>


Indian Army troops deployed in remote and high altitude areas of North Sikkim also celebrated Independence Day.

A special border meeting personal between the Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) was held at Nathu La Pass in Sikkim on August 15 to jointly celebrate the 72nd Independence Day of India. The celebration took place in an atmosphere of warmth and friendship, with an aim of enhancing mutual trust and promoting border peace and tranquillity. Beside interactions between the two Armies, cultural programme portraying the rich cultural diversity of the two countries, were presented by both sides to celebrate the occasion. Pleasantries were also exchanged in North Sikkim at Kongra La. Border meeting between Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) took place today at Nathu La, Sikkim to jointly celebrate #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/qa1iaggMpK — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018 × The joint participation of PLA was also seen as a reciprocal gesture wherein Indian Army had earlier participated in PLA Founding Day on August 1, 2018. Such interactions between the two armies have resulted in enhancement of goodwill and mutual understanding between the two nations. Indian Army troops deployed in remote and high altitude areas of North Sikkim also celebrated Independence Day by hoisting the National Flag at different forward posts with great zeal and enthusiasm.

India, China hold special border meeting

<p>Freedom came to India at a price. Some sacrificed their lives for the country while others chose to spend their lives in jail, leaving behind a life of comfort and luxury. We all know about the struggles of Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru.</p>

<p>For many, freedom struggle is all about them. The regional struggle that flared up across the country in the course of the freedom fight is often not recognized. These unsung heroes, who spearheaded the freedom struggle deserve an equal amount of respect as their national counterparts.<br />
&nbsp<br />
Here's celebrating the most important freedom fighters of South India whose contribution to freedom struggle deserve to be equally lauded.&nbsp<br />
&nbsp<br />
<strong>Pingali Venkayya</strong></p>

<p>The designer of the National Flag, he was a devout follower of the 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi. &nbspHe was also an authority in geology, agriculture and an educationist. After he designed the National Flag, it was first modified and adopted as the flag of the Indian National Congress and then again modified to be the national flag of India.<br />
&nbsp<br />
<strong>Tanguturi Prakasam</strong></p>

<p>He was a politician and a freedom fighter and was the first Chief Minister of Madras Presidency. He was also the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He was an established lawyer but gave up practising law as he was drawn toward the freedom movement. He was also known for his brave confrontation with the British Police during the 1928 protests against the Simon Commission.&nbsp<br />
&nbsp<br />
<strong>Veerapandiya Kattabomman</strong></p>

<p>A brave Palyekar chieftain in Tamil Nadu in the 18th century, he waged a war against Britishers 60 years prior to when the Indian War of Independence started in the Northern part of India. He was captured and hanged in 1799. Veerapandiya Kattabomma Karuthayya Nayakkar was a courageous 18th-century Palayakarrar ('Polygar') chieftain from Panchalankurichi of Tamil Nadu, India who refused to accept the sovereignty of British East India Company.<br />
&nbsp<br />
<strong>Puli Thevar</strong></p>

<p>He was one of the earliest opponents of the British rule in South India. He was involved in a vendetta with the Nawab of Arcot who was supported by the British. Thevar's prominent exploits were his confrontations with Marudhanayagam, who later rebelled against the British in the late 1750s and early 1760s. Nelkatumseval was the headquarters of Puli Thevar, the first chieftain in India to resist the British.<br />
&nbsp<br />
<strong>The Maruthu Pandiyar brothers</strong></p>

<p>(Periya Maruthu & Chinna Maruthu) ruled Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu during the last part of the 18th century and were the first to issue a proclamation of independence from the British rule from Trichy Thiruvarangam Temple, Tamil Nadu on June 10, 1801 -- 56 years before the North Indian rebellion – Sepoy mutiny of 1857.</p>


Here's celebrating the most important freedom fighters of South India whose contribution to freedom struggle deserve to be equally lauded.

Freedom came to India at a price. Some sacrificed their lives for the country while others chose to spend their lives in jail, leaving behind a life of comfort and luxury. We all know about the struggles of Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru. For many, freedom struggle is all about them. The regional struggle that flared up across the country in the course of the freedom fight is often not recognized. These unsung heroes, who spearheaded the freedom struggle deserve an equal amount of respect as their national counterparts. Here's celebrating the most important freedom fighters of South India whose contribution to freedom struggle deserve to be equally lauded. Pingali Venkayya The designer of the National Flag, he was a devout follower of the 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi. &nbspHe was also an authority in geology, agriculture and an educationist. After he designed the National Flag, it was first modified and adopted as the flag of the Indian National Congress and then again modified to be the national flag of India. Tanguturi Prakasam He was a politician and a freedom fighter and was the first Chief Minister of Madras Presidency. He was also the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He was an established lawyer but gave up practising law as he was drawn toward the freedom movement. He was also known for his brave confrontation with the British Police during the 1928 protests against the Simon Commission. Veerapandiya Kattabomman A brave Palyekar chieftain in Tamil Nadu in the 18th century, he waged a war against Britishers 60 years prior to when the Indian War of Independence started in the Northern part of India. He was captured and hanged in 1799. Veerapandiya Kattabomma Karuthayya Nayakkar was a courageous 18th-century Palayakarrar ('Polygar') chieftain from Panchalankurichi of Tamil Nadu, India who refused to accept the sovereignty of British East India Company. Puli Thevar He was one of the earliest opponents of the British rule in South India. He was involved in a vendetta with the Nawab of Arcot who was supported by the British. Thevar's prominent exploits were his confrontations with Marudhanayagam, who later rebelled against the British in the late 1750s and early 1760s. Nelkatumseval was the headquarters of Puli Thevar, the first chieftain in India to resist the British. The Maruthu Pandiyar brothers (Periya Maruthu & Chinna Maruthu) ruled Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu during the last part of the 18th century and were the first to issue a proclamation of independence from the British rule from Trichy Thiruvarangam Temple, Tamil Nadu on June 10, 1801 -- 56 years before the North Indian rebellion – Sepoy mutiny of 1857.

Freedom struggle: Unsung heroes from South India 

<p>It's been nearly 7 months since the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, broke his silence on the allegations made against him by his fellow judges in the Supreme Court in that unprecedented press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the occasion of India's 72nd independence day celebrations at the Supreme Court, CJI Dipak Misra said, "There may be some elements who may endeavour to weaken the institution... to criticize, attack and destroy the system is quite easy. What is difficult and challenging is to transform it into a performing one."</p>

<p>Earlier this year on January 4, senior judges of the apex court came and spoke to the press, an event never seen in the history. They told everyone that the sentiment of&nbsp;uneasiness in the top court was because some cases have "far-reaching consequences for the nation", a case where cases were being assigned to selective benches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While everyone waited for CJI Dipak Misra's response to the&nbsp;scathing allegations, he chose to keep mum and move on with his work. Even when an impeachment motion was moved against him, the retort measured in silence.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Constructive steps need to be taken with positive mindset. Concrete reforms must be undertaken with rationality, maturity, responsibility & composure. It's necessary to be productive instead of being counter-productive. Then only the institution can go to greater heights: CJI <a href="https://t.co/uIr5ubiP24">pic.twitter.com/uIr5ubiP24</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1029649267600883712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>As some may see this as CJI Dipak Misra exercising his right to the freedom of speech or a&nbsp;well-thought-out retort, the wait has been longer than expected from the man holding the highest judicial office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He concluded his speech by saying, "Constructive steps need to be taken with a&nbsp;positive mindset. Concrete reforms must be undertaken with rationality, maturity, responsibility, and composure. It is necessary to be productive instead of being counter-productive. Then only the institution can go to greater heights".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CJI also noted that one must transcend personal ambitions and grievances to enhance the performance of the judiciary.</p>


Misra hoisted the national flag on Wednesday inside the Supreme Court in Delhi and stated that criticising the system is easy over transforming it.

It's been nearly 7 months since the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, broke his silence on the allegations made against him by his fellow judges in the Supreme Court in that unprecedented press conference. On the occasion of India's 72nd independence day celebrations at the Supreme Court, CJI Dipak Misra said, "There may be some elements who may endeavour to weaken the institution... to criticize, attack and destroy the system is quite easy. What is difficult and challenging is to transform it into a performing one." Earlier this year on January 4, senior judges of the apex court came and spoke to the press, an event never seen in the history. They told everyone that the sentiment of uneasiness in the top court was because some cases have "far-reaching consequences for the nation", a case where cases were being assigned to selective benches. While everyone waited for CJI Dipak Misra's response to the scathing allegations, he chose to keep mum and move on with his work. Even when an impeachment motion was moved against him, the retort measured in silence. Constructive steps need to be taken with positive mindset. Concrete reforms must be undertaken with rationality, maturity, responsibility & composure. It's necessary to be productive instead of being counter-productive. Then only the institution can go to greater heights: CJI pic.twitter.com/uIr5ubiP24 — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018 × As some may see this as CJI Dipak Misra exercising his right to the freedom of speech or a well-thought-out retort, the wait has been longer than expected from the man holding the highest judicial office. He concluded his speech by saying, "Constructive steps need to be taken with a positive mindset. Concrete reforms must be undertaken with rationality, maturity, responsibility, and composure. It is necessary to be productive instead of being counter-productive. Then only the institution can go to greater heights". The CJI also noted that one must transcend personal ambitions and grievances to enhance the performance of the judiciary.

Transforming system requires transcendence of personal ambitions: CJI Misra

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday wished President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on nation's 72nd Independence Day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin identified the importance of New Delhi in resolving regional and global issues.</p>

<p>In a letter to President Kovind and PM Modi, the Russian President wrote, "The achievements of your country in social and economic development are widely recognized. New Delhi plays an important constructive role in solving relevant issues of the regional and global agenda".</p>

<p>"Russia values the relations of special and privileged strategic partnership with India. I am convinced that through joint efforts we will bring about further development of political dialogue, improve bilateral cooperation across all sectors as well as interaction in global affairs", the letter read.</p>

<p>Putin also wished them "wholeheartedly" for their "good health and success, and to all citizens of India - well-being and prosperity".</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from ANI</em>)</p>


Putin identified the importance of New Delhi in resolving regional and global issues.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday wished President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on nation's 72nd Independence Day. Putin identified the importance of New Delhi in resolving regional and global issues. In a letter to President Kovind and PM Modi, the Russian President wrote, "The achievements of your country in social and economic development are widely recognized. New Delhi plays an important constructive role in solving relevant issues of the regional and global agenda". "Russia values the relations of special and privileged strategic partnership with India. I am convinced that through joint efforts we will bring about further development of political dialogue, improve bilateral cooperation across all sectors as well as interaction in global affairs", the letter read. Putin also wished them "wholeheartedly" for their "good health and success, and to all citizens of India - well-being and prosperity". (With inputs from ANI)

Russia values strategic partnership with India: Putin wishes President Kovind, PM Modi on Independence Day 

<p>With the country engrossed in the celebrations of the 72nd Independence Day, one of the longest national flags in the country was on Wednesday unfurled in Gujarat's Surat city.</p>

<p>An 1100 feet-long, 9 feet-wide tricolour flag was unfurled with thousands of people taking part in a 5 km-long 'Shaan-e-Tiranga' rally, organised by the Agrawal Vikas Trust. The idea behind the rally was to deliver the message that nationalism was greater than any religion as people from various religious communities came together to take part in it. This was the biggest 'Tiranga Yatra' organised in Gujarat so far.</p>

<p>The flag was made from a 5000 meter-long cloth, and it took 12 days for 200 people to produce the flag. The dyes used in the making of the flag were specially imported from Germany.</p>

<p>Speaking to ANI, president of the trust's women wing Deepa Kediya said, "We have been preparing for nearly three months for this rally. Our Yuva Shakha (youth wing) has contributed a lot towards this rally. We have been supported by around 150 NGOs for this rally."</p>

<p>Elsewhere, the Attari-Wagah border, in Amritsar, has been illuminated with saffron, white and green, the three colours of the national flag. In Delhi, government offices including Parliament house, Vayu Bhawan, North and South Blocks have also been illuminated with the tricolours.</p>

<p>Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Moradabad railway station, among others, have also been brightly lit up.&nbsp</p>


Elsewhere, the Attari-Wagah border, in Amritsar, has been illuminated with saffron, white and green, the three colours of the national flag.

With the country engrossed in the celebrations of the 72nd Independence Day, one of the longest national flags in the country was on Wednesday unfurled in Gujarat's Surat city. An 1100 feet-long, 9 feet-wide tricolour flag was unfurled with thousands of people taking part in a 5 km-long 'Shaan-e-Tiranga' rally, organised by the Agrawal Vikas Trust. The idea behind the rally was to deliver the message that nationalism was greater than any religion as people from various religious communities came together to take part in it. This was the biggest 'Tiranga Yatra' organised in Gujarat so far. The flag was made from a 5000 meter-long cloth, and it took 12 days for 200 people to produce the flag. The dyes used in the making of the flag were specially imported from Germany. Speaking to ANI, president of the trust's women wing Deepa Kediya said, "We have been preparing for nearly three months for this rally. Our Yuva Shakha (youth wing) has contributed a lot towards this rally. We have been supported by around 150 NGOs for this rally." Elsewhere, the Attari-Wagah border, in Amritsar, has been illuminated with saffron, white and green, the three colours of the national flag. In Delhi, government offices including Parliament house, Vayu Bhawan, North and South Blocks have also been illuminated with the tricolours. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Moradabad railway station, among others, have also been brightly lit up.

Gujarat: 1100 feet-long flag unfurled in Surat

<p>The recent victory of Harivansh Narayan Singh as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha shows that within and outside the Parliament, the Modi-Shah combine remains powerful, ruthless and capable of last-minute surprises, through sam, dam, dand and bhed. Politics is not for the faint-hearted and winning has become a habit that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have acquired, as they proved once again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fallout of Singh’s victory throws up a number of interesting points. Apart from showcasing the might of the BJP, it also shows that its allies in the NDA are just bargaining hard without any desire to desert the Modi-Shah camp. Also, any possible tensions between the BJP and the JD(U) were finally put to rest with Nitish Kumar’s candidate being elected. The Bihar chief minister personally contacted several parties, many of whom “helped” him to see his “Man Friday” win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The other interesting thing to note was the stance taken by the Shiv Sena in the election. The party which voted for the Congress presidential candidate Pratibha Patil in the past on the grounds that she was a Maharashtrian, did not have the same thinking when the name of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate Vandana Chavan came up as the united Opposition’s candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was despite the fact that she had been a very efficient former Pune Mayor. As a result, she had to withdraw and BK Hariprasad from the Congress party was put up by the Opposition. The Sena, which claims that it will go alone in the forthcoming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections, did not even abstain, but actually voted for the ruling-coalition’s candidate as Rajya Sabha deputy chairman. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which also had its own long-term parliamentarian, Naresh Gujral, as a probable candidate for this post, swallowed its pride and voted for the NDA’s candidate. So, it is clear that the JD(U), the Shiv Sena and the SAD have nowhere else to go in 2019.</p>

<p>Such stances are good indicators on what parties are likely to do in 2019 if the major parties do not get an outright majority. The “fence-sitters” — Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), AIADMK and YSR Congress — are in all probability likely to join the NDA, if they win in their respective states. The AIADMK, which has been broken virtually into three camps post Jayalalitha’s demise, is most likely to be within the NDA, should the need arise. The party has little choice as it faces a resurgent DMK, which, in spite of the death of M Karunanidhi, is in a stronger position as their succession plan with Stalin is in place. For the BJD and TRS, it is pure opportunism and the fact that they see the Congress as a bigger threat than the BJP in their respective states, Odisha and Telangana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coming to the Opposition parties, it is clear that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will not go with the BJP, but the Congress is still not ready to do business with AAP in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana where the party has some influence. The AAP and Congress going their separate ways in these three states in the Lok Sabha polls is an automatic advantage for the BJP, which the Congress leadership — blinded by Ajay Maken in Delhi and Captain Amarinder Singh in Punjab — has so far failed to understand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation between AAP and the Congress shows that a “Grand &nbsp;Opposition” is just a lot of rhetoric with no clear agenda or common minimum programme in place. So, though parties are basking in the glory of a BSP-SP-Congress-RLD coming together in Uttar Pradesh and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) reportedly ready to do business with Congress in Bengal, the Opposition, to remain relevant in the fray for 2019, must urgently put up an agenda of governance, catering to regional aspirations and demands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The concerned parties also need to look at better ways to target groups like farmers, Dalits, minorities and Armed Forces’ veterans in various parts of the country, all of whom have shown their anger against the government. So far though, they have no clear agenda for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As a result, a one-on-one contest between the BJP and a so-called “United Opposition” is a myth. As the situation stands, there are likely to be triangular contests in many states — by virtue of the nature of parties and their unclear strategies there (like Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, etc.), and also due to the fact that a direct contest may actually benefit the BJP in states like West Bengal, and &nbsp;some of the states in the Northeast.</p>

<p>The last major point to note is that 2019 will be decided by key states. It is to be noted that Maharashtra, UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are the states, which will hold the key to the formation of the next government. Both the NDA and the Opposition would do well to specifically recognise the main regional parties from these states and their aspirations as they hold the key to the results more than ever before. This was demonstrated in the Rajya Sabha election.</p>

<p>But before the grand finale, there are state elections to consider. So, now, as the battle shifts from Parliament to the heat, dust and rains of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the pressure is on the Congress, which has to take on the BJP in these states. How the Congress will take along the BSP and the Left with it in these states and how effectively it can cash in on some amount of perceived anti-incumbency in all these BJP-governed states, will determine the contours of a possible “United Opposition”, and its chances ahead. So far, though, with a little over 100 days to go and no Congress alliance or agenda in place, the prospects for the Grand Old Party look bleak.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>(</strong><em><strong>Ujjwal K Chowdhury is a media academic and a columnist)</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article.)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


It is to be noted that Maharashtra, UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are the states, which will hold the key to the formation of the next government.

The recent victory of Harivansh Narayan Singh as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha shows that within and outside the Parliament, the Modi-Shah combine remains powerful, ruthless and capable of last-minute surprises, through sam, dam, dand and bhed. Politics is not for the faint-hearted and winning has become a habit that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have acquired, as they proved once again. The fallout of Singh’s victory throws up a number of interesting points. Apart from showcasing the might of the BJP, it also shows that its allies in the NDA are just bargaining hard without any desire to desert the Modi-Shah camp. Also, any possible tensions between the BJP and the JD(U) were finally put to rest with Nitish Kumar’s candidate being elected. The Bihar chief minister personally contacted several parties, many of whom “helped” him to see his “Man Friday” win. The other interesting thing to note was the stance taken by the Shiv Sena in the election. The party which voted for the Congress presidential candidate Pratibha Patil in the past on the grounds that she was a Maharashtrian, did not have the same thinking when the name of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate Vandana Chavan came up as the united Opposition’s candidate. This was despite the fact that she had been a very efficient former Pune Mayor. As a result, she had to withdraw and BK Hariprasad from the Congress party was put up by the Opposition. The Sena, which claims that it will go alone in the forthcoming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections, did not even abstain, but actually voted for the ruling-coalition’s candidate as Rajya Sabha deputy chairman. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which also had its own long-term parliamentarian, Naresh Gujral, as a probable candidate for this post, swallowed its pride and voted for the NDA’s candidate. So, it is clear that the JD(U), the Shiv Sena and the SAD have nowhere else to go in 2019. Such stances are good indicators on what parties are likely to do in 2019 if the major parties do not get an outright majority. The “fence-sitters” — Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), AIADMK and YSR Congress — are in all probability likely to join the NDA, if they win in their respective states. The AIADMK, which has been broken virtually into three camps post Jayalalitha’s demise, is most likely to be within the NDA, should the need arise. The party has little choice as it faces a resurgent DMK, which, in spite of the death of M Karunanidhi, is in a stronger position as their succession plan with Stalin is in place. For the BJD and TRS, it is pure opportunism and the fact that they see the Congress as a bigger threat than the BJP in their respective states, Odisha and Telangana. Coming to the Opposition parties, it is clear that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will not go with the BJP, but the Congress is still not ready to do business with AAP in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana where the party has some influence. The AAP and Congress going their separate ways in these three states in the Lok Sabha polls is an automatic advantage for the BJP, which the Congress leadership — blinded by Ajay Maken in Delhi and Captain Amarinder Singh in Punjab — has so far failed to understand. The situation between AAP and the Congress shows that a “Grand Opposition” is just a lot of rhetoric with no clear agenda or common minimum programme in place. So, though parties are basking in the glory of a BSP-SP-Congress-RLD coming together in Uttar Pradesh and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) reportedly ready to do business with Congress in Bengal, the Opposition, to remain relevant in the fray for 2019, must urgently put up an agenda of governance, catering to regional aspirations and demands. The concerned parties also need to look at better ways to target groups like farmers, Dalits, minorities and Armed Forces’ veterans in various parts of the country, all of whom have shown their anger against the government. So far though, they have no clear agenda for them. As a result, a one-on-one contest between the BJP and a so-called “United Opposition” is a myth. As the situation stands, there are likely to be triangular contests in many states — by virtue of the nature of parties and their unclear strategies there (like Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, etc.), and also due to the fact that a direct contest may actually benefit the BJP in states like West Bengal, and some of the states in the Northeast. The last major point to note is that 2019 will be decided by key states. It is to be noted that Maharashtra, UP, Bihar, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are the states, which will hold the key to the formation of the next government. Both the NDA and the Opposition would do well to specifically recognise the main regional parties from these states and their aspirations as they hold the key to the results more than ever before. This was demonstrated in the Rajya Sabha election. But before the grand finale, there are state elections to consider. So, now, as the battle shifts from Parliament to the heat, dust and rains of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the pressure is on the Congress, which has to take on the BJP in these states. How the Congress will take along the BSP and the Left with it in these states and how effectively it can cash in on some amount of perceived anti-incumbency in all these BJP-governed states, will determine the contours of a possible “United Opposition”, and its chances ahead. So far, though, with a little over 100 days to go and no Congress alliance or agenda in place, the prospects for the Grand Old Party look bleak. (Ujjwal K Chowdhury is a media academic and a columnist) (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: What to expect from 2019 elections

India turned 71 on Wednesday and as far as the eye could see, national flags fluttered in the air.

All together, India celebrates its Independence Day

<p>Separatists in Kashmir called for a state-wide shutdown to mark the country's 72nd Independence Day on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The separatists in a statement called on students to boycott Independence Day celebrations in schools and warned teachers and parents against forcing their children to take part in any such programmes.</p>

<p>Heavy security was deployed across the region and mobile internet services were also suspended to prevent any rumour mongering or protest gatherings. Shops remained closed and vehicles were off the roads.</p>

<p>The Himalayan region is one of the world's most militarised zones, with India deploying more than 1.3 million troops to quell the rebellion that triggered off in 1989.</p>

<p>India accuses Pakistan of backing separatist fighters - a charge Islamabad denies. Violence has declined since the early 2000s when thousands died each year, but disillusionment and anger against Indian rule is widespread, and the separatist revolt is now largely homegrown.</p>

<p>India achieved its independence from the colonial British rule on August 15, 1947, ending more than 200 years of rule.</p>


India achieved its independence from the colonial British rule on August 15, 1947, ending more than 200 years of rule.

Separatists in Kashmir called for a state-wide shutdown to mark the country's 72nd Independence Day on Wednesday. The separatists in a statement called on students to boycott Independence Day celebrations in schools and warned teachers and parents against forcing their children to take part in any such programmes. Heavy security was deployed across the region and mobile internet services were also suspended to prevent any rumour mongering or protest gatherings. Shops remained closed and vehicles were off the roads. The Himalayan region is one of the world's most militarised zones, with India deploying more than 1.3 million troops to quell the rebellion that triggered off in 1989. India accuses Pakistan of backing separatist fighters - a charge Islamabad denies. Violence has declined since the early 2000s when thousands died each year, but disillusionment and anger against Indian rule is widespread, and the separatist revolt is now largely homegrown. India achieved its independence from the colonial British rule on August 15, 1947, ending more than 200 years of rule.

Shutdown in Kashmir on India's 72nd Independence Day

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the government has no tolerance for corrupt people and black money hoarders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will not forgive the corrupt and those who have black money. They have ruined the nation. Delhi's streets are free from power brokers. From the voice of power brokers, the voice of the poor is heard," he said.</p>

<p>Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 72nd Independence Day, he listed out the pace of reforms in the last four years of his government that pulled out the country from being considered a "fragile and risky" economy to being the fastest in the world.</p>

<p>Prior to 2014, India was likened to policy paralysis and delayed reforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India was considered among 'fragile five' but today the world is seeing it as a destination of multi-billion dollar investment. The narrative has changed," he said.</p>

<p>The government's motto, he said, is reform, perform and transform.<br />
Red tape has been replaced with 'red carpet', propelling India on the ease of doing business ranking, he said.</p>

<p>Bottlenecks were a topic of discussions among international institutions and experts prior to 2014 but "today they are saying the sleeping elephant has woken up and has started running".</p>

<p>The comment was an apparent reference to International Monetary Fund's commentary on India last week in which it said the country is on track to hold its position as one of the world's fastest-growing economies as reforms start to pay off.</p>

<p>Stating that India is now the sixth largest economy in the world, Modi said international institutions are saying that "India will give strength to the world economy for the next three decades. India will be the engine of growth".</p>

<p>On the 72nd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is touted as the world's largest healthcare project, will be launched on September 25.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is high time we ensure that the poor of India get proper access to good quality and affordable healthcare," he said.</p>

<p>"The healthcare initiatives of the Government of India will have a positive impact on 50 crore Indians. It is essential to ensure that we free the poor of India from the clutches of poverty due to which they cannot afford healthcare," he added.</p>


'We will not forgive the corrupt and those who have black money. They have ruined the nation,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the government has no tolerance for corrupt people and black money hoarders. "We will not forgive the corrupt and those who have black money. They have ruined the nation. Delhi's streets are free from power brokers. From the voice of power brokers, the voice of the poor is heard," he said. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 72nd Independence Day, he listed out the pace of reforms in the last four years of his government that pulled out the country from being considered a "fragile and risky" economy to being the fastest in the world. Prior to 2014, India was likened to policy paralysis and delayed reforms. "India was considered among 'fragile five' but today the world is seeing it as a destination of multi-billion dollar investment. The narrative has changed," he said. The government's motto, he said, is reform, perform and transform. Red tape has been replaced with 'red carpet', propelling India on the ease of doing business ranking, he said. Bottlenecks were a topic of discussions among international institutions and experts prior to 2014 but "today they are saying the sleeping elephant has woken up and has started running". The comment was an apparent reference to International Monetary Fund's commentary on India last week in which it said the country is on track to hold its position as one of the world's fastest-growing economies as reforms start to pay off. Stating that India is now the sixth largest economy in the world, Modi said international institutions are saying that "India will give strength to the world economy for the next three decades. India will be the engine of growth". On the 72nd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is touted as the world's largest healthcare project, will be launched on September 25. "It is high time we ensure that the poor of India get proper access to good quality and affordable healthcare," he said. "The healthcare initiatives of the Government of India will have a positive impact on 50 crore Indians. It is essential to ensure that we free the poor of India from the clutches of poverty due to which they cannot afford healthcare," he added.

Will not forgive corrupt, those who have black money, PM Modi says in Independence Day speech

The Indian national flag went through a number of transitions before it took final shape. Here is the story of how it evolved into a tricolour.

How India got her tricolour identity: The story of India’s national flag

PM Modi addressed the nation on the occasion of India's 72nd Independence day.

Watch Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech

<p>The year 1947 was significant for two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours - India and Pakistan. While the former attained freedom from the clutches of nearly 100 years of oppressive British Raj, Pakistan was born after painful dismembering from India.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Seventy one years hence, tensions between India and Pakistan seem to see no end. As we ring in India's 72nd Independence Day, here's a quick look at a timeline of Indo-Pak ties.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Indo-Pak divide led to what history will also remember as one of the largest exoduses of all times. Shortly after the Partition, the neighbouring nations began fighting over Kashmir - an issue that still remains contentious to New Delhi and Islamabad.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Shortly after the Partition, the neighbouring nations began fighting over Kashmir - an issue that still remains contentious to New Delhi and Islamabad.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Shortly after the Partition, the neighbouring nations began fighting over Kashmir - an issue that still remains contentious to New Delhi and Islamabad." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>The war came to an end in the year 1949 with United Nations' intervention which called for a permanent ceasefire in place.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Shortly after the futile talks, India and Pakistan fought another war in 1965 after nearly 30,000 Pakistani soldiers violated the Line of Control (LoC) and entered into Indian-administered Kashmir. UN called for a ceasefire after which state leaders of both the countries, Indian PM Lal Bahadur Shashtri and Pakistan's President General Ayub Khan, signed the Tashkent accord agreeing to restore peace and diplomatic ties.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2018-indias-road-to-freedom-159260">Independence Day special: India's road to freedom</a><br />
&nbsp;<br />
Peace was called for again when Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto signed the Shimla accord in 1972 agreeing to resolve tensions through peaceful measures. Shortly after, in the year 1976, Samjhauta Express was flagged off between Lahore and New Delhi.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
A nuclear agreement was signed in 1988 with both the countries agreeing not to attack each other's nuclear installations and share related information periodically.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto signed the Shimla accord in 1972</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text= Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto signed the Shimla accord in 1972 " target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>Tensions escalated when violence erupted in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989. Political parties accused the state government of rigging state polls and militant factions gained prominence. India, in turn, blamed Pakistan for fomenting trouble in the Valley and giving rise to militant activities, a charge denied by Islamabad till date.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The onset on the 1990s saw a number of agreements and accords signed between the two nations on military exercises, airspace violations, chemical weapons, nuclear activity and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Right before the turn of the century, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif signed the Lahore Declaration to reiterate commitment toward the Shimla accord of 1972 and build trust, and confidence via 'peaceful measures'. India, Pakistan fought the Kargil War the same year in May.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif signed the Lahore Declaration in 1999.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text= Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif signed the Lahore Declaration in 1999." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>Things went downhill after Pakistan's military chief Pervez Musharraf toppled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a military coup and assumed power tensions along the Line of Control escalated. A summit between Musharraf and Vajpayee in Agra failed miserably with no consensus reached on Kashmir.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
India kept blaming Pakistan for terror attacks, militant infiltration, and ceasefire violations. While denying all these charges, Pakistan reiterated its right over Kashmir.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Despite tensions, efforts were made to smoothen Indo-Pak ties - anti-terrorism mechanism was put in place, Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) were reviewed, trade routes were announced including a nod to cross LoC trade in 2008.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>All efforts were soiled when a terror attack jolted Mumbai in 2008.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=All efforts were soiled when a terror attack jolted Mumbai in 2008." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>All efforts were soiled when a terror attack jolted Mumbai in 2008. India was angered when the prime suspect of the attack, Ajmal Kasab of Pakistani nationality, admitted the attackers to have belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba, an Islamic militant group headed by Hafiz Saeed and operating out of Pakistan.</p>

<p>While Pakistan admitted the possibility of Mumbai attacks to have been plotted on its soil, it ruled out any involvement of its establishments, including the intelligence service.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
India broke off talks with Pakistan. A dossier was shared with Pakistan over Mumbai terror attacks. Foreign ministers and leaders from both sides met each other over the years with no substantial consensus attained on any issue. Meanwhile, Ajmal Kasab was found guilty on various charges and was hanged in 2012.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Ajmal Kasab of Pakistani nationality, admitted the attackers to have belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text= Ajmal Kasab of Pakistani nationality, admitted the attackers to have belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>Tensions across the LoC intensified over the years with both sides blaming each other. Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif in 2014 described Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein" and called for a peaceful resolution to the issue that is in the best interest of the people of Kashmir.</p>

<p>The frequency of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has dramatically increased in the last five years.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Minister of State (MoS), Defence Ministry Subhash Bhamre in July said that there were 152 cases of ceasefire violations in 2015 that went up to 228 in 2016 and a whopping 860 last year.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
This year, till July 23, Pakistan had already violated ceasefire 942 times.</p>

<p>While 71 years have passed, India and Pakistan have still not been able to bury the hatchet. Pakistan's Prime Minister-in-waiting, Imran Khan, has expressed willingness to resolve the Kashmir issue with India. Khan last week met with Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad, Ajay Bisaria.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
With the "historic" shift in Pakistan's diplomatic fabric and the emergence of a face that promises peace in the sub-continent, one can at least expect better turn in Indo-Pak ties this Independence Day and going forward.</p>


As we ring in India's 72nd Independence Day, here's a quick look at a timeline of Indo-Pak ties.

The year 1947 was significant for two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours - India and Pakistan. While the former attained freedom from the clutches of nearly 100 years of oppressive British Raj, Pakistan was born after painful dismembering from India. Seventy one years hence, tensions between India and Pakistan seem to see no end. As we ring in India's 72nd Independence Day, here's a quick look at a timeline of Indo-Pak ties. The Indo-Pak divide led to what history will also remember as one of the largest exoduses of all times. Shortly after the Partition, the neighbouring nations began fighting over Kashmir - an issue that still remains contentious to New Delhi and Islamabad. Shortly after the Partition, the neighbouring nations began fighting over Kashmir - an issue that still remains contentious to New Delhi and Islamabad. × The war came to an end in the year 1949 with United Nations' intervention which called for a permanent ceasefire in place. Shortly after the futile talks, India and Pakistan fought another war in 1965 after nearly 30,000 Pakistani soldiers violated the Line of Control (LoC) and entered into Indian-administered Kashmir. UN called for a ceasefire after which state leaders of both the countries, Indian PM Lal Bahadur Shashtri and Pakistan's President General Ayub Khan, signed the Tashkent accord agreeing to restore peace and diplomatic ties. Also read: Independence Day special: India's road to freedom Peace was called for again when Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto signed the Shimla accord in 1972 agreeing to resolve tensions through peaceful measures. Shortly after, in the year 1976, Samjhauta Express was flagged off between Lahore and New Delhi. A nuclear agreement was signed in 1988 with both the countries agreeing not to attack each other's nuclear installations and share related information periodically. Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani PM Zulfikar Ali Bhutto signed the Shimla accord in 1972 × Tensions escalated when violence erupted in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989. Political parties accused the state government of rigging state polls and militant factions gained prominence. India, in turn, blamed Pakistan for fomenting trouble in the Valley and giving rise to militant activities, a charge denied by Islamabad till date. The onset on the 1990s saw a number of agreements and accords signed between the two nations on military exercises, airspace violations, chemical weapons, nuclear activity and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs). Right before the turn of the century, Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif signed the Lahore Declaration to reiterate commitment toward the Shimla accord of 1972 and build trust, and confidence via 'peaceful measures'. India, Pakistan fought the Kargil War the same year in May. Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif signed the Lahore Declaration in 1999. × Things went downhill after Pakistan's military chief Pervez Musharraf toppled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a military coup and assumed power tensions along the Line of Control escalated. A summit between Musharraf and Vajpayee in Agra failed miserably with no consensus reached on Kashmir. India kept blaming Pakistan for terror attacks, militant infiltration, and ceasefire violations. While denying all these charges, Pakistan reiterated its right over Kashmir. Despite tensions, efforts were made to smoothen Indo-Pak ties - anti-terrorism mechanism was put in place, Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) were reviewed, trade routes were announced including a nod to cross LoC trade in 2008. All efforts were soiled when a terror attack jolted Mumbai in 2008. × All efforts were soiled when a terror attack jolted Mumbai in 2008. India was angered when the prime suspect of the attack, Ajmal Kasab of Pakistani nationality, admitted the attackers to have belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba, an Islamic militant group headed by Hafiz Saeed and operating out of Pakistan. While Pakistan admitted the possibility of Mumbai attacks to have been plotted on its soil, it ruled out any involvement of its establishments, including the intelligence service. India broke off talks with Pakistan. A dossier was shared with Pakistan over Mumbai terror attacks. Foreign ministers and leaders from both sides met each other over the years with no substantial consensus attained on any issue. Meanwhile, Ajmal Kasab was found guilty on various charges and was hanged in 2012. Ajmal Kasab of Pakistani nationality, admitted the attackers to have belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba. × Tensions across the LoC intensified over the years with both sides blaming each other. Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif in 2014 described Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein" and called for a peaceful resolution to the issue that is in the best interest of the people of Kashmir. The frequency of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has dramatically increased in the last five years. Minister of State (MoS), Defence Ministry Subhash Bhamre in July said that there were 152 cases of ceasefire violations in 2015 that went up to 228 in 2016 and a whopping 860 last year. This year, till July 23, Pakistan had already violated ceasefire 942 times. While 71 years have passed, India and Pakistan have still not been able to bury the hatchet. Pakistan's Prime Minister-in-waiting, Imran Khan, has expressed willingness to resolve the Kashmir issue with India. Khan last week met with Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad, Ajay Bisaria. With the "historic" shift in Pakistan's diplomatic fabric and the emergence of a face that promises peace in the sub-continent, one can at least expect better turn in Indo-Pak ties this Independence Day and going forward.

Independence Day 2018: A history of India-Pakistan relations

<p>Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal seems to have turned down Ashutosh's resignation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"How can we ever accept ur resignation?" Kejriwal tweeted a few hours after Ashutosh announced his resignation on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How can we ever accept ur resignation?<br />
<br />
ना, इस जनम में तो नहीं। <a href="https://t.co/r7Y3tTcIOZ">https://t.co/r7Y3tTcIOZ</a></p>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1029637026390450176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ashutosh had earlier on Wednesday cited "a very very personal reason" for leaving.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My association with AAP which was beautiful/revolutionary has come to an end.I have resigned from the party/requested PAC to accept the same. It is purely for a very very personal reason," he had tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To media friends. Please respect my privacy. I won’t be giving any bite of any kind. Please cooperate," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashutosh had been an&nbsp;official spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He had been a television journalist before joining the Arvind Kejriwal-led party.&nbsp;</p>


Ashutosh had earlier on Wednesday cited 'a very very personal reason' for quitting the party.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal seems to have turned down Ashutosh's resignation. "How can we ever accept ur resignation?" Kejriwal tweeted a few hours after Ashutosh announced his resignation on Twitter. How can we ever accept ur resignation? ना, इस जनम में तो नहीं। https://t.co/r7Y3tTcIOZ — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 15, 2018 × Ashutosh had earlier on Wednesday cited "a very very personal reason" for leaving. "My association with AAP which was beautiful/revolutionary has come to an end.I have resigned from the party/requested PAC to accept the same. It is purely for a very very personal reason," he had tweeted. "To media friends. Please respect my privacy. I won’t be giving any bite of any kind. Please cooperate," he added. Ashutosh had been an official spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party. He had been a television journalist before joining the Arvind Kejriwal-led party.

How can we ever accept your resignation: AAP chief Kejriwal replies to Ashutosh

<p>There are two major theories related to art and literature in the world which define different types of art.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One is art for art’s sake in which does not serve any social or moral purpose instead it is just created for an entertainment or just for the ''sake of art.''&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second is “art for a social purpose” which serves the people and helps them in their struggle for a better life by evoking emotions related to oppression or some kind of injustice that they could have been facing or to increase sensitivity towards the suffering.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Probably that’s how Indian art and literature contributed in the country’s largest movement. A movement of freedom struggle against colonialism.</p>

<p>As the entire nation was fighting colonialism, art and literature too became the medium of struggle.</p>

<p>Both colonialism and its reaction to it by the Indians helped in the growth of Indian art. It developed with people painting battle scenes between Indian and British soldiers and portraying brutalities, to people singing and writing nationalistic poetries, plays, and stories.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2018-indias-road-to-freedom-159260">Independence Day special: India's road to freedom</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The nationalistic sentiment replaced what was earlier widely dominated by the portraits and songs or ‘bhajans’ based on gods and goddesses only.</p>

<p>Before the freedom movement in our country, medium of communication and representation – poems, slogans, folk songs, and music – were based on religion and interpersonal issues including Urdu writers who would be more focused on Sufism and love for their partner but as the nationalistic sentiment reached its peak during the freedom struggle it started addressing social issues. The subject shifted to political awareness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Writers and poets such as Rabindranath Tagore, Subramanya Bharati, Josh Malihabadi, Muhammad Iqbal, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Mohammad Ali Jouhar, and Kazi Nazrul Islam used literature, poetry and speech as a tool to spread awareness against the atrocities by British on Indians and to provoke the thought of freedom to encourage people to fight for the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Women leaders like Begum Rokeya and Sarojini Naidu promoted the emancipation of Indian women and to encourage their participation in national politics.</p>

<p>British colonial rule had a great impact on Indian art as well. The artists who had been making traditional art became less influential, and western art became more prominent in public platforms as the British empire established schools of art in major cities, like the Bombay Art Society in 1888. The Company style of paintings became common, created by Indian artists working for European patrons of the East India Company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The style of painting was mainly romanticised, with watercolour as a primary medium used to convey soft textures and tones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2018-history-of-india-pakistan-relations-159264"> Independence Day 2018: A history of India-Pakistan relations</a></p>

<p>By 1858, the British government took over the task of administration of India under the British Raj. The fusion of Indian traditions with European style at this time is evident from Raja Ravi Varma's oil paintings of women in flowy sarees in a graceful manner.</p>

<p>By 1905, the &nbsp;Swadeshi movement started gaining momentum, Indian artists attempted to revive their cultural identities which were suppressed by the British. They actively started rejecting the romanticised style of 'the company paintings' and the Raja Ravi Varma’s style of work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This then led to the creation of what is known today as the Bengal School of Art, led by the reworked Indian styles with a focus on nationalism of Abanindranath Tagore (1871—1951), who has been referred to as the father of Modern Indian art.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many other artists like Jamini Roy and later SH Raza took inspiration from folk traditions. In 1944, KCS Paniker founded the Progressive Painters' Association (PPA) thus giving rise to the "madras movement" in art.</p>

<p>Another change which came into the art during colonialism was the trend of self-portraits, as British officers used Indian artists to paint themselves which was then taken back to their own country to show off their dominance over Indians. The concept of “self-portraits” was quickly then taken up by the Nawabs and Kings of those times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By this time, Indians were using natural dyes or water-colours but due to the introduction of oil colours by British&nbsp;it resulted in a change in colour texture of Indian paintings.</p>


Both colonialism and its reaction to it by the Indians helped in the growth of Indian art.

There are two major theories related to art and literature in the world which define different types of art. One is art for art’s sake in which does not serve any social or moral purpose instead it is just created for an entertainment or just for the ''sake of art.'' The second is “art for a social purpose” which serves the people and helps them in their struggle for a better life by evoking emotions related to oppression or some kind of injustice that they could have been facing or to increase sensitivity towards the suffering. Probably that’s how Indian art and literature contributed in the country’s largest movement. A movement of freedom struggle against colonialism. As the entire nation was fighting colonialism, art and literature too became the medium of struggle. Both colonialism and its reaction to it by the Indians helped in the growth of Indian art. It developed with people painting battle scenes between Indian and British soldiers and portraying brutalities, to people singing and writing nationalistic poetries, plays, and stories. Also read: Independence Day special: India's road to freedom The nationalistic sentiment replaced what was earlier widely dominated by the portraits and songs or ‘bhajans’ based on gods and goddesses only. Before the freedom movement in our country, medium of communication and representation – poems, slogans, folk songs, and music – were based on religion and interpersonal issues including Urdu writers who would be more focused on Sufism and love for their partner but as the nationalistic sentiment reached its peak during the freedom struggle it started addressing social issues. The subject shifted to political awareness. Writers and poets such as Rabindranath Tagore, Subramanya Bharati, Josh Malihabadi, Muhammad Iqbal, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Mohammad Ali Jouhar, and Kazi Nazrul Islam used literature, poetry and speech as a tool to spread awareness against the atrocities by British on Indians and to provoke the thought of freedom to encourage people to fight for the country. Women leaders like Begum Rokeya and Sarojini Naidu promoted the emancipation of Indian women and to encourage their participation in national politics. British colonial rule had a great impact on Indian art as well. The artists who had been making traditional art became less influential, and western art became more prominent in public platforms as the British empire established schools of art in major cities, like the Bombay Art Society in 1888. The Company style of paintings became common, created by Indian artists working for European patrons of the East India Company. The style of painting was mainly romanticised, with watercolour as a primary medium used to convey soft textures and tones. Also read: Independence Day 2018: A history of India-Pakistan relations By 1858, the British government took over the task of administration of India under the British Raj. The fusion of Indian traditions with European style at this time is evident from Raja Ravi Varma's oil paintings of women in flowy sarees in a graceful manner. By 1905, the Swadeshi movement started gaining momentum, Indian artists attempted to revive their cultural identities which were suppressed by the British. They actively started rejecting the romanticised style of 'the company paintings' and the Raja Ravi Varma’s style of work. This then led to the creation of what is known today as the Bengal School of Art, led by the reworked Indian styles with a focus on nationalism of Abanindranath Tagore (1871—1951), who has been referred to as the father of Modern Indian art. Many other artists like Jamini Roy and later SH Raza took inspiration from folk traditions. In 1944, KCS Paniker founded the Progressive Painters' Association (PPA) thus giving rise to the "madras movement" in art. Another change which came into the art during colonialism was the trend of self-portraits, as British officers used Indian artists to paint themselves which was then taken back to their own country to show off their dominance over Indians. The concept of “self-portraits” was quickly then taken up by the Nawabs and Kings of those times. By this time, Indians were using natural dyes or water-colours but due to the introduction of oil colours by British it resulted in a change in colour texture of Indian paintings.

Independence Day 2018: How art and literature influenced India’s freedom struggle

<p>India is celebrating its 72nd Independence Day today. In these decades, while the country is still grappling with some basic issues, it has made great strides in other fields, especially technology.</p>

<p>India has achieved a lot of technological breakthroughs in these decades. So, today, we take a look at India's greatest and first-of-its-kind tech achievements.</p>

<p><strong>Hyperloop:</strong> The face of Indian transportation will soon undergo a major shift, thanks to the Hyperloop - a concept that aims to cut travel time from hours to minutes. And like other countries, India too is aggressively working on running the hyperloop in India. The first hyperloop India is likely to run between Vijayawada and Amaravati in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It will cover a distance of around 35 kilometres in 5 minutes. Travelling between these two places by road usually takes up to an hour. And not just Andhra Pradesh, there is also a plan to run a hyperloop between Mumbai and Pune. Richard Branson's Virgin Hyperloop One has already partnered with the Maharashtra government for this. It is expected to be ready by 2024, changing the way India travels.</p>

<p><strong>Bullet train:</strong> Bullet train, unarguably, is one of the safest and fastest ways to travel, and interestingly, India has started work on its first such train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The bullet train will reduce the travel time from eight hours to three hours. It will cover the 508-kilometre-long stretch between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in 2 hours and 58 minutes, if it stops at 10 stations. But it will take around two hours if it stops at only four stations. The bullet train will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad with a total of 12 stations. It will stop for 165 seconds at every station. Initially, the train will have 10 coaches with a total seating capacity of 750 passengers. Later, it is proposed to have 16 coaches with a seating capacity of 1,250 passengers. India's first bullet train is expected to hit the track in less than five years. The Indian government aims to launch operations on August 15, 2022 - the day India completes 75 years of independence.</p>

<p><strong>GPS:</strong> In the year 1999, when the Kargil conflict was taking place, India was tracking Pakistani infiltrators who took positions high up in the hills. The GPS data of the area was what the Indian military needed. India approached the US for the data, but was denied access. That was when India felt the need for its own GPS system. And two decades later, India has its own GPS technology. It's called NAVIC - which stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation. In Sanskrit, it means sailor or navigator. NAVIC is more accurate than decades-old American GPS. While the American system has a position accuracy of 20-30 metres, India's NAVIC will provide users with the position accuracy of five metres. It will cover India and its surroundings, within 1,500 kilometres from the border. Our desi GPS is in the final stages of launch, which means soon we won't be dependent on the US's GPS technology for location-based services such as Google maps or app-based taxi services.</p>

<p><strong>India's first internet calling service:</strong> You can now make calls without using a SIM card, thanks to the state-owned telecom firm BSNL which has unveiled India's first-ever telephony service app called Wings. The app allows BSNL users to dial any telephone number - from other mobile networks to even landlines in India - using internet connections. The service also includes video-calling but the catch is that the functionality is only supported between two Wings users. This service is targeted at people living in suburban areas where cellular network is patchy but there is a good Wi-Fi connection available. While other internet calling apps such as&nbsp; WhatsApp are already quite popular in the country, BSNL plans to beat the competition.</p>

<p><strong>Drone:</strong> State-run aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and IIT-Kanpur have joined hands to develop a rotary helicopter-like drone, which recently flew for the first time in Bengaluru. It is powered by a two-stroke petrol engine and has a twin blade main rotor and tail rotor. The 10kg drone can carry a 2.5-kg payload, including a video camera for live streaming. It can be airborne for an hour and travel for up to 10 kilometres. The test flight lasted for about 10 minutes during which various modes were tested - a fine example of India's quest to become self-reliant in the field of drone technology.</p>


Here's a look back at the technological strides India has taken after getting independence.

India is celebrating its 72nd Independence Day today. In these decades, while the country is still grappling with some basic issues, it has made great strides in other fields, especially technology. India has achieved a lot of technological breakthroughs in these decades. So, today, we take a look at India's greatest and first-of-its-kind tech achievements. Hyperloop: The face of Indian transportation will soon undergo a major shift, thanks to the Hyperloop - a concept that aims to cut travel time from hours to minutes. And like other countries, India too is aggressively working on running the hyperloop in India. The first hyperloop India is likely to run between Vijayawada and Amaravati in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It will cover a distance of around 35 kilometres in 5 minutes. Travelling between these two places by road usually takes up to an hour. And not just Andhra Pradesh, there is also a plan to run a hyperloop between Mumbai and Pune. Richard Branson's Virgin Hyperloop One has already partnered with the Maharashtra government for this. It is expected to be ready by 2024, changing the way India travels. Bullet train: Bullet train, unarguably, is one of the safest and fastest ways to travel, and interestingly, India has started work on its first such train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The bullet train will reduce the travel time from eight hours to three hours. It will cover the 508-kilometre-long stretch between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in 2 hours and 58 minutes, if it stops at 10 stations. But it will take around two hours if it stops at only four stations. The bullet train will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad with a total of 12 stations. It will stop for 165 seconds at every station. Initially, the train will have 10 coaches with a total seating capacity of 750 passengers. Later, it is proposed to have 16 coaches with a seating capacity of 1,250 passengers. India's first bullet train is expected to hit the track in less than five years. The Indian government aims to launch operations on August 15, 2022 - the day India completes 75 years of independence. GPS: In the year 1999, when the Kargil conflict was taking place, India was tracking Pakistani infiltrators who took positions high up in the hills. The GPS data of the area was what the Indian military needed. India approached the US for the data, but was denied access. That was when India felt the need for its own GPS system. And two decades later, India has its own GPS technology. It's called NAVIC - which stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation. In Sanskrit, it means sailor or navigator. NAVIC is more accurate than decades-old American GPS. While the American system has a position accuracy of 20-30 metres, India's NAVIC will provide users with the position accuracy of five metres. It will cover India and its surroundings, within 1,500 kilometres from the border. Our desi GPS is in the final stages of launch, which means soon we won't be dependent on the US's GPS technology for location-based services such as Google maps or app-based taxi services. India's first internet calling service: You can now make calls without using a SIM card, thanks to the state-owned telecom firm BSNL which has unveiled India's first-ever telephony service app called Wings. The app allows BSNL users to dial any telephone number - from other mobile networks to even landlines in India - using internet connections. The service also includes video-calling but the catch is that the functionality is only supported between two Wings users. This service is targeted at people living in suburban areas where cellular network is patchy but there is a good Wi-Fi connection available. While other internet calling apps such as WhatsApp are already quite popular in the country, BSNL plans to beat the competition. Drone: State-run aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and IIT-Kanpur have joined hands to develop a rotary helicopter-like drone, which recently flew for the first time in Bengaluru. It is powered by a two-stroke petrol engine and has a twin blade main rotor and tail rotor. The 10kg drone can carry a 2.5-kg payload, including a video camera for live streaming. It can be airborne for an hour and travel for up to 10 kilometres. The test flight lasted for about 10 minutes during which various modes were tested - a fine example of India's quest to become self-reliant in the field of drone technology.

India@71: First-of-its-kind tech achievements

<p>"We are already on the job," ISRO chairman K Sivan said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/by-2022-indian-son-or-daughter-to-go-in-space-carrying-national-flag-pm-narendra-modi-159291">manned space mission</a> by the year 2022.</p>

<p>"PM has given target of 2022 and it's our duty to meet it," ANI quoted Sivan as saying. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are already on the job and we have completed many technologies like crew module and escape systems. The project has been underway, now we need to prioritise and achieve the target," Sivan said.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM has given target of 2022& it's our duty to meet it. We are already on the job a&we have completed many technologies like crew module & escape systems. The project has been underway, now we need to prioritise &achieve the target: ISRO chairman K Sivan on Gaganyaan 2022 mission <a href="https://t.co/2WD1ydJfkk">pic.twitter.com/2WD1ydJfkk</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1029629668318539776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Modi had made the announcement in his Independence Day speech Wednesday from the Red Fort.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In space technology, we have dreamt something, our scientists have dreamt something. And I am happy to announce that by 2022, the 75th Independence year, we are planning a manned space mission," Modi had said.</p>

<p>"We will put an Indian in space by 2022 or earlier," he had added to applause.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's 2022 space mission is being called Gaganyaan.&nbsp;</p>


'PM has given target of 2022 and it's our duty to meet it,' K Sivan said.

"We are already on the job," ISRO chairman K Sivan said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a manned space mission by the year 2022. "PM has given target of 2022 and it's our duty to meet it," ANI quoted Sivan as saying. "We are already on the job and we have completed many technologies like crew module and escape systems. The project has been underway, now we need to prioritise and achieve the target," Sivan said. PM has given target of 2022& it's our duty to meet it. We are already on the job a&we have completed many technologies like crew module & escape systems. The project has been underway, now we need to prioritise &achieve the target: ISRO chairman K Sivan on Gaganyaan 2022 mission pic.twitter.com/2WD1ydJfkk — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018 × Modi had made the announcement in his Independence Day speech Wednesday from the Red Fort. "In space technology, we have dreamt something, our scientists have dreamt something. And I am happy to announce that by 2022, the 75th Independence year, we are planning a manned space mission," Modi had said. "We will put an Indian in space by 2022 or earlier," he had added to applause. India's 2022 space mission is being called Gaganyaan.

'On the job,' says ISRO chief after Modi announces manned space mission by 2022

<p>The history of South Asia was rewritten with the onset of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2018-history-of-india-pakistan-relations-159264"> India’s Independence in 1947</a>.</p>

<p>As a result three modern nations were formed in the sub-continent with the retreat of the colonial power. These modern nation-states were initially known as the Ava Kingdom, Hindustan or the Mughal Empire and the Bengal province.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2018-indias-road-to-freedom-159260">Indian independence movement </a>also instilled a sense of nationalism among the people. The region which was initially fragmented and divided on the basis of differences in history, culture and language later united during the fight for independence against the colonial power.</p>

<p>In India, independent royal kingdoms like the Manipuries the Ahoms, the Tripuri, the Kashmiris, Hyderabad and Junagadh became Indian citizens. In the Bengal province, the independent Chakmas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts became East Pakistanis.</p>

<p>Since 1947, religion has been a major factor for driving this nationalism. For instance, the rise of Muslim nationalism created Pakistan and Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the most important contributions of independent India to South Asia is its role in the liberation of Bangladesh or "East Pakistan" from West Pakistan.</p>

<p>India fought for releasing Bangladesh from the repression of Pakistan. It covertly supported guerrilla fighters constituting the Mukti Bahini to fight the Pakistan army which was carrying out brutal killings and mass murder of the people in East Pakistan or Bangladesh. Indian forces had to finally engage Pakistan in a two-front war in December, 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.</p>

<p>India also played a role in Sri Lanka's independence movement. Sri Lanka's fight for independence against the Britishers was mainly influenced by India's militant freedom struggle.</p>

<p>Since its independence in 1947, India has grown to become a major superpower in the subcontinent. The country has also emerged as one of the major economies in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is now in tough competition with its neighbour China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In order to maintain its stronghold over the subcontinent, China is providing financial and technical assistance to the neighbouring South Asian countries Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives.</p>

<p>China has also strategically constructed ports to encircle the Indian subcontinent with the help of alliances.</p>

<p>It is also providing consistent aid to Pakistan in the form of fighter jets, submarine and nuclear assistance and has also initiated the China Pakistan Economic Corridor in the PoK.</p>

<p>As the South Asian nations develop, they will no doubt have India at the back of their minds because of its size and its imprint on the subcontinent but as a united entity — SAARC — the future of the region is intertwined.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


As the South Asian nations develop, they will no doubt have India at the back of their minds because of its size and its imprint on the subcontinent but as a united entity — SAARC — the future of the region is intertwined

The history of South Asia was rewritten with the onset of India’s Independence in 1947. As a result three modern nations were formed in the sub-continent with the retreat of the colonial power. These modern nation-states were initially known as the Ava Kingdom, Hindustan or the Mughal Empire and the Bengal province. The Indian independence movement also instilled a sense of nationalism among the people. The region which was initially fragmented and divided on the basis of differences in history, culture and language later united during the fight for independence against the colonial power. In India, independent royal kingdoms like the Manipuries the Ahoms, the Tripuri, the Kashmiris, Hyderabad and Junagadh became Indian citizens. In the Bengal province, the independent Chakmas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts became East Pakistanis. Since 1947, religion has been a major factor for driving this nationalism. For instance, the rise of Muslim nationalism created Pakistan and Bangladesh. One of the most important contributions of independent India to South Asia is its role in the liberation of Bangladesh or "East Pakistan" from West Pakistan. India fought for releasing Bangladesh from the repression of Pakistan. It covertly supported guerrilla fighters constituting the Mukti Bahini to fight the Pakistan army which was carrying out brutal killings and mass murder of the people in East Pakistan or Bangladesh. Indian forces had to finally engage Pakistan in a two-front war in December, 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. India also played a role in Sri Lanka's independence movement. Sri Lanka's fight for independence against the Britishers was mainly influenced by India's militant freedom struggle. Since its independence in 1947, India has grown to become a major superpower in the subcontinent. The country has also emerged as one of the major economies in the world. India is now in tough competition with its neighbour China. In order to maintain its stronghold over the subcontinent, China is providing financial and technical assistance to the neighbouring South Asian countries Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives. China has also strategically constructed ports to encircle the Indian subcontinent with the help of alliances. It is also providing consistent aid to Pakistan in the form of fighter jets, submarine and nuclear assistance and has also initiated the China Pakistan Economic Corridor in the PoK. As the South Asian nations develop, they will no doubt have India at the back of their minds because of its size and its imprint on the subcontinent but as a united entity — SAARC — the future of the region is intertwined.

Independence Day 2018: How India's independence shaped South Asia

<p>India at 71 seems preoccupied with the same debates which were dominant at the time of independence. Whether the issues remained unresolved or reinvented to suit contemporary politics, they are back in full course. The developments coincide with rise and fall of two major organisations. Congress, founded in 1885 and 133-year-old is on a great low and RSS which is the back bone of BJP founded in 1925, a 93-year-old organisation is on a great high.</p>

<p>BJP, a 38-year-old party, formed after dissolution of Jan Sangh has become hegemonic in India. After 71 years, issues like loyalty of Muslims, cow protection, national anthem, national song, integration and cultural dogma has become central to Indian political life. The old Nehruvian consensus witnesses the toughest challenge from RSS-BJP combine. For once, if we locate the debate outside popular narrative, it shows that national boundaries and accepted norm of nationalism can change for any nation over a period of time.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Globally, post-communist order witnessed&nbsp;eastern Europe organising itself on the model of liberal-democratic societies. Within a span of 30 years, these countries are witnessing&nbsp;the rise of the right which believes in cultural nationalism based exceptional and unique nature of the society. For the "Right" demography matters and essential values do not flow from the constitution but from cultural and religious practices. It locates the nation in immutable attributes of the nation. In some cases it is argued that nation existed but state did not. It is argued both in the case of Israel and India by RSS. In both cases, the modern national consciousness is fused with select cultural history creating a sense of political renaissance. Today India has become a classic example of it. The national consensus on certain constitutional positions have become a matter of debate. Whether socialism and socialist should be or should not be part of the Constitution has become a matter of debate.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
These debates are a reflection of the fact that given positions of Constitution, citizenship and state has not remained the same. The question is why did it change so radically in last four years? It changed because an old actor has become a major political force in politics. The middle class is redefining&nbsp;national imagination. The middle class which was confined to cities and kept away from politics has become a political actor. Nationalism, which was purview of the elite and very well educated, has moved into the domain of middle class which may not be well versed in the historicity of nationalism, but has very vocal and definitive view on it. So, instead of agrarian equation with the elite which produced the dominant nationalist discourse in 50s, 60s,70s and 80s has shifted away to the middle class. The views find resonance with RSS-BJP world view and not &nbsp;Congress whose equation with middle class remains less defined and poorly maintained. It is not without reason that today, Congress Party's discussions on nationalism are getting confined to academia and RSS-BJP has taken the discussion to the larger middle class. Even if the decision of the large middle class is not defined, the views coupled with power of social media defines the political landscape.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
It is for this reason, old debates have been reignited. The national consensus which flew from the Constitution stands challenged.&nbsp;The shift of&nbsp;agency from agrarian class&nbsp;to the middle class on issues of economy to politics&nbsp;has&nbsp;caused the tectonic shift in politics. The new middle class articulates a marriage&nbsp;of politics with modern day&nbsp;consumerism. Unlike yesteryears where social justice and rights were central to politics, today it is about delivery and choice. It is about being treated equally. The new middle class does not share the guilt of historical injustice to Dalits or political comfort for Muslims. It seeks progress in context of India and not of communities.</p>

<p>The same middle class is engaging the old issues for final solution because it feels that nation has been stuck in old politics. This is the reason behind 35A petition, personal laws, uniform civil code and strong support to military in conflict areas. It also confirms to certain global trends. For example,&nbsp; veil which was a symbol of women domination two decades back has become a matter of cultural choice in Western society. This is a result of strong secularisation of public space. In India, it has resulted in rise of Hindutva which which now is not limited to the issue of temple. It has mutated to an issue&nbsp;of cultural identity which has become acceptable to the middle class.</p>

<p>This defines India today. It has reopened the old wounds and shifted the national consensus on cultural, political and religious issues. For good or bad, it will continue to engage us for some time till state specific issues become central to the national agenda.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Nationalism which was purview of the elite and very well educated has moved into the domain of middle class which may not be well versed in the historicity of nationalism but has very vocal and definitive view on it.

India at 71 seems preoccupied with the same debates which were dominant at the time of independence. Whether the issues remained unresolved or reinvented to suit contemporary politics, they are back in full course. The developments coincide with rise and fall of two major organisations. Congress, founded in 1885 and 133-year-old is on a great low and RSS which is the back bone of BJP founded in 1925, a 93-year-old organisation is on a great high. BJP, a 38-year-old party, formed after dissolution of Jan Sangh has become hegemonic in India. After 71 years, issues like loyalty of Muslims, cow protection, national anthem, national song, integration and cultural dogma has become central to Indian political life. The old Nehruvian consensus witnesses the toughest challenge from RSS-BJP combine. For once, if we locate the debate outside popular narrative, it shows that national boundaries and accepted norm of nationalism can change for any nation over a period of time. Globally, post-communist order witnessed eastern Europe organising itself on the model of liberal-democratic societies. Within a span of 30 years, these countries are witnessing the rise of the right which believes in cultural nationalism based exceptional and unique nature of the society. For the "Right" demography matters and essential values do not flow from the constitution but from cultural and religious practices. It locates the nation in immutable attributes of the nation. In some cases it is argued that nation existed but state did not. It is argued both in the case of Israel and India by RSS. In both cases, the modern national consciousness is fused with select cultural history creating a sense of political renaissance. Today India has become a classic example of it. The national consensus on certain constitutional positions have become a matter of debate. Whether socialism and socialist should be or should not be part of the Constitution has become a matter of debate. These debates are a reflection of the fact that given positions of Constitution, citizenship and state has not remained the same. The question is why did it change so radically in last four years? It changed because an old actor has become a major political force in politics. The middle class is redefining national imagination. The middle class which was confined to cities and kept away from politics has become a political actor. Nationalism, which was purview of the elite and very well educated, has moved into the domain of middle class which may not be well versed in the historicity of nationalism, but has very vocal and definitive view on it. So, instead of agrarian equation with the elite which produced the dominant nationalist discourse in 50s, 60s,70s and 80s has shifted away to the middle class. The views find resonance with RSS-BJP world view and not Congress whose equation with middle class remains less defined and poorly maintained. It is not without reason that today, Congress Party's discussions on nationalism are getting confined to academia and RSS-BJP has taken the discussion to the larger middle class. Even if the decision of the large middle class is not defined, the views coupled with power of social media defines the political landscape. It is for this reason, old debates have been reignited. The national consensus which flew from the Constitution stands challenged. The shift of agency from agrarian class to the middle class on issues of economy to politics has caused the tectonic shift in politics. The new middle class articulates a marriage of politics with modern day consumerism. Unlike yesteryears where social justice and rights were central to politics, today it is about delivery and choice. It is about being treated equally. The new middle class does not share the guilt of historical injustice to Dalits or political comfort for Muslims. It seeks progress in context of India and not of communities. The same middle class is engaging the old issues for final solution because it feels that nation has been stuck in old politics. This is the reason behind 35A petition, personal laws, uniform civil code and strong support to military in conflict areas. It also confirms to certain global trends. For example, veil which was a symbol of women domination two decades back has become a matter of cultural choice in Western society. This is a result of strong secularisation of public space. In India, it has resulted in rise of Hindutva which which now is not limited to the issue of temple. It has mutated to an issue of cultural identity which has become acceptable to the middle class. This defines India today. It has reopened the old wounds and shifted the national consensus on cultural, political and religious issues. For good or bad, it will continue to engage us for some time till state specific issues become central to the national agenda. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: The changing national consensus

<p>An Indian astronaut, be it a man or a woman, will go on a space odyssey by 2022 on board ‘Gaganyaan’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday in his last Independence Day speech ahead of next year’s general election.</p>

<p>He said when India celebrates 75th year of Independence in 2022, "and if possible even before, an Indian son or daughter" will undertake a manned space mission on board 'Gaganyaan' "carrying the national flag".</p>

<p>Modi also praised the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for launching 100 satellites in one go and making the country proud.&nbsp</p>

<p>"In 2022, when we will celebrate the 75th year of Independence, we are dedicated to sending people of the country to space. We will launch Gaganyan... we will become the 4th country in the world to take people to space," PM Modi said.</p>

<p>Chandrayaan-1 was India's first lunar probe. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation in October 2008 and operated until August 2009.</p>

<p>Mangalyaan is another Indian space project. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan, is a space probe orbiting Mars since September 24, 2014.</p>


An Indian astronaut, be it man or woman, will go on space odyssey by 2022 on board 'Gaganyaan', PM Modi said in his Independence Day speech.

An Indian astronaut, be it a man or a woman, will go on a space odyssey by 2022 on board ‘Gaganyaan’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday in his last Independence Day speech ahead of next year’s general election. He said when India celebrates 75th year of Independence in 2022, "and if possible even before, an Indian son or daughter" will undertake a manned space mission on board 'Gaganyaan' "carrying the national flag". Modi also praised the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for launching 100 satellites in one go and making the country proud. "In 2022, when we will celebrate the 75th year of Independence, we are dedicated to sending people of the country to space. We will launch Gaganyan... we will become the 4th country in the world to take people to space," PM Modi said. Chandrayaan-1 was India's first lunar probe. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation in October 2008 and operated until August 2009. Mangalyaan is another Indian space project. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan, is a space probe orbiting Mars since September 24, 2014.

By 2022, Indian son or daughter to go in space 'carrying national flag': PM Narendra Modi

<p>Over 300 Army personnel have moved the Supreme Court challenging the registration of an FIR against them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Army personnel said the Armed Forces Special Powers Act was in effect in the areas they were operating in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Supreme Court has agreed to hear their plea on August 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The controversial AFSPA gives the armed forces immunity from prosecution by a local court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Permission for their prosecution has to be taken from the ministry of defence. So far, no permissions have been given</p>

<p>AFSPA is currently in place in Kashmir and parts of the Northeast.&nbsp;</p>


The Army personnel say the Armed Forces Special Powers Act was in effect in the areas they were operating in.

Over 300 Army personnel have moved the Supreme Court challenging the registration of an FIR against them. The Army personnel said the Armed Forces Special Powers Act was in effect in the areas they were operating in. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear their plea on August 20. The controversial AFSPA gives the armed forces immunity from prosecution by a local court. Permission for their prosecution has to be taken from the ministry of defence. So far, no permissions have been given AFSPA is currently in place in Kashmir and parts of the Northeast.

AFSPA: Over 300 Army personnel move SC, challenge FIR against them

Heavy rains lashing various parts of India's northern hilly state of Himachal Pradesh for the last 24 hours paralyzed normal life in Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, Kinnaur, Bilaspur, Kangra, Chamba, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur districts of the state on Monday.

Incessant rains paralyze normal life in northern India’s hilly state

<p>The man suspected to have <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jnu-student-leader-umar-khalid-shot-at-in-delhis-constitution-club-158874">opened fire at JNU student Umar Khalid</a> on Monday has been caught on CCTV.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man, seen in the CCTV grab, is wearing jeans, sneakers, and a white shirt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Umar Khalid had been shot at yesterday near Delhi's Constitution Club. The club is in the heart of the capital, only a stone's throw away from Parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Umar had been scheduled to speak at the club at an event called, ironically, "Freedom from Fear".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He had been having a <em>chai </em>with friends when a man approached him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News reports said the man tugged at his collar, after which they both fell.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Firing on JNU student <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UmarKhalid?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UmarKhalid</a>: A CCTV grab of the suspect, caught yesterday on the CCTV camera installed at Vitthalbhai Patel Road. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/q2fvIqIEvw">pic.twitter.com/q2fvIqIEvw</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1029192900024954884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The man then pointed a gun at Umar but pushed him away, as did his friends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man then ran away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was returning after having tea. One person came from behind, pushed me down and tried to fire at me. I ran for my life. He fled from there," Khalid told reporters. He said he could not see the face of the attacker.</p>

<p>Nobody was hurt in the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eyewitnesses had at the time said the man who shot at Umar had been dressed in a white shit and had long hair.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khalid hit the headlines in 2016 when he and former JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar along with another student Anirban Bhattacharya were charged with sedition for allegedly raising anti-national slogans during an event on campus to protest the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.</p>


The man, seen in the CCTV grab, is wearing jeans, sneakers, and a white shirt. Eyewitnesses to the shooting had said the man who shot at Umar had been dressed in a white shit and had long hair.

The man suspected to have opened fire at JNU student Umar Khalid on Monday has been caught on CCTV. The man, seen in the CCTV grab, is wearing jeans, sneakers, and a white shirt. Umar Khalid had been shot at yesterday near Delhi's Constitution Club. The club is in the heart of the capital, only a stone's throw away from Parliament. Umar had been scheduled to speak at the club at an event called, ironically, "Freedom from Fear". He had been having a chai with friends when a man approached him. News reports said the man tugged at his collar, after which they both fell. Firing on JNU student #UmarKhalid: A CCTV grab of the suspect, caught yesterday on the CCTV camera installed at Vitthalbhai Patel Road. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/q2fvIqIEvw — ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2018 × The man then pointed a gun at Umar but pushed him away, as did his friends. The man then ran away. "I was returning after having tea. One person came from behind, pushed me down and tried to fire at me. I ran for my life. He fled from there," Khalid told reporters. He said he could not see the face of the attacker. Nobody was hurt in the incident. Eyewitnesses had at the time said the man who shot at Umar had been dressed in a white shit and had long hair. Khalid hit the headlines in 2016 when he and former JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar along with another student Anirban Bhattacharya were charged with sedition for allegedly raising anti-national slogans during an event on campus to protest the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

Man who allegedly tried to shoot Umar Khalid caught on CCTV

<p>The Indian Army said Tuesday that it had "gunned down" two Pakistani soldiers last night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The army said the killings had been "retaliatory action" to "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/analysis-ceasefire-agreement-between-india-and-pakistan-is-as-good-as-dead-139471">unprovoked ceasefire violations</a>" in the Tangdhar sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The army added that its Pakistani counterparts had &nbsp;made "repeated attempts to infiltrate infiltration".&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian Army gunned down two Pakistani soldiers last night in a retaliatory action to unprovoked ceasefire violations and repeated attempts to facilitate infiltration by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar Sector: Defence PRO <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1029238607242977280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Indian Army gunned down two Pakistani soldiers last night in a retaliatory action to unprovoked ceasefire violations and repeated attempts to facilitate infiltration by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar Sector," a defence spokesperson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


'Indian Army gunned down two Pakistani soldiers last night in a retaliatory action to unprovoked ceasefire violations and repeated attempts to facilitate infiltration by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar Sector,' a defence spokesperson said.

The Indian Army said Tuesday that it had "gunned down" two Pakistani soldiers last night. The army said the killings had been "retaliatory action" to "unprovoked ceasefire violations" in the Tangdhar sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara. The army added that its Pakistani counterparts had made "repeated attempts to infiltrate infiltration". Indian Army gunned down two Pakistani soldiers last night in a retaliatory action to unprovoked ceasefire violations and repeated attempts to facilitate infiltration by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar Sector: Defence PRO #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2018 × "Indian Army gunned down two Pakistani soldiers last night in a retaliatory action to unprovoked ceasefire violations and repeated attempts to facilitate infiltration by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar Sector," a defence spokesperson said.

Two Pakistani soldiers killed in ceasefire violation: Indian Army

<p>Top Tamil star Rajinikanth suggested on Tuesday that Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his entire cabinet should have attended the burial of late DMK President M Karunanidhi last week at the Marina beach.</p>

<p>The actor said he would have launched a protest if the government had appealed against a Madras High Court verdict, directing it to provide burial space to the Dravidian stalwart on Marina beach.</p>

<p>Speaking at a memorial event organised by the South Indian Artistes Association for Karunanidhi, the actor said that many leaders, ranging from state Governor Banwarilal Purohit to Congress President Rahul Gandhi, were present during the burial of Karunanidhi at the Marina.</p>

<p>"For his burial, the whole of India came. State honors were given by members of the three armed forces. He was given a 21 gun salute.</p>

<p>But one thing remains. The Governor, many Chief Ministers and Congress president Rahul Gandhi had come. Tamil Nadu's first citizen, the Chief Minister, shouldn't he have come? Should not the entire cabinet have come? What will people think? Are you MGR (AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran) or Jayalalithaa," he asked.</p>

<p>Both Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa were considered rivals of Karunanidhi.</p>

<p>On the controversy over allocation of burial space for Karunanidhi, which was done by the state government on a court directive, Rajinikanth said he himself would have launched a protest if the government had appealed against the order.</p>

<p>Heaping praise on his 'friend' Karunanidhi, Rajinikanth said while many thousands had entered politics due to him, "many hundreds became leaders" because of him.</p>

<p>DMK working president M K Stalin also attended the memorial event.&nbsp;</p>


'Tamil Nadu's first citizen, the Chief Minister, shouldn't he have come? Should not the entire cabinet have come? What will people think? Are you MGR (AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran) or Jayalalithaa', asked Rajinikanth.

Top Tamil star Rajinikanth suggested on Tuesday that Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his entire cabinet should have attended the burial of late DMK President M Karunanidhi last week at the Marina beach. The actor said he would have launched a protest if the government had appealed against a Madras High Court verdict, directing it to provide burial space to the Dravidian stalwart on Marina beach. Speaking at a memorial event organised by the South Indian Artistes Association for Karunanidhi, the actor said that many leaders, ranging from state Governor Banwarilal Purohit to Congress President Rahul Gandhi, were present during the burial of Karunanidhi at the Marina. "For his burial, the whole of India came. State honors were given by members of the three armed forces. He was given a 21 gun salute. But one thing remains. The Governor, many Chief Ministers and Congress president Rahul Gandhi had come. Tamil Nadu's first citizen, the Chief Minister, shouldn't he have come? Should not the entire cabinet have come? What will people think? Are you MGR (AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran) or Jayalalithaa," he asked. Both Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa were considered rivals of Karunanidhi. On the controversy over allocation of burial space for Karunanidhi, which was done by the state government on a court directive, Rajinikanth said he himself would have launched a protest if the government had appealed against the order. Heaping praise on his 'friend' Karunanidhi, Rajinikanth said while many thousands had entered politics due to him, "many hundreds became leaders" because of him. DMK working president M K Stalin also attended the memorial event.

CM, entire cabinet should have attended Karuna's burial: Rajinikanth

<p>The Railway Ministry on Monday released the third party survey report on station cleanliness conducted by Quality Council of India (QCI).</p>

<p>Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal was present to grace the event.</p>

<p>The audit-cum survey was conducted by the Railways to increase the level of cleanliness standards and also to motivate states governments across the country to engage in a healthy competition when it comes to promoting railway stations.</p>

<p>Speaking on the occasion, Goyal said, "The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged the Railway Ministry to prioritize cleanliness in stations across India."</p>

<p>Goyal further added, "In last four years, the Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat campaign has witnessed tremendous improvement in terms of cleanliness standards in platforms, trains, toilets, and trains."</p>

<p>Launching the survey, Goyal asserted, "To be very honest, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has been the greatest tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. For instance, during the last 4 years, the sanitation coverage in the country has gone up to 83% from just 38% in 2014. This is a major improvement."</p>

<p>The third survey declared Jodhpur as the cleanest railway station in the country followed by Jaipur and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>In A category stations, Marwar has been placed at the first position, while Phulera station takes the second spot.</p>

<p>Both the stations are from North Western Railway in Rajasthan. Warangal station of South Central Railway in Telangana has been placed at the third spot.</p>

<p>The third cleanliness survey covered 407 stations, including 75 stations in A1 and 332 stations in A category stations.&nbsp;</p>


The audit-cum survey was conducted by the Railways to increase the level of cleanliness standards and also to motivate states governments across the country to engage in a healthy competition when it comes to promoting railway stations.

The Railway Ministry on Monday released the third party survey report on station cleanliness conducted by Quality Council of India (QCI). Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal was present to grace the event. The audit-cum survey was conducted by the Railways to increase the level of cleanliness standards and also to motivate states governments across the country to engage in a healthy competition when it comes to promoting railway stations. Speaking on the occasion, Goyal said, "The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged the Railway Ministry to prioritize cleanliness in stations across India." Goyal further added, "In last four years, the Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat campaign has witnessed tremendous improvement in terms of cleanliness standards in platforms, trains, toilets, and trains." Launching the survey, Goyal asserted, "To be very honest, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has been the greatest tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. For instance, during the last 4 years, the sanitation coverage in the country has gone up to 83% from just 38% in 2014. This is a major improvement." The third survey declared Jodhpur as the cleanest railway station in the country followed by Jaipur and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. In A category stations, Marwar has been placed at the first position, while Phulera station takes the second spot. Both the stations are from North Western Railway in Rajasthan. Warangal station of South Central Railway in Telangana has been placed at the third spot. The third cleanliness survey covered 407 stations, including 75 stations in A1 and 332 stations in A category stations.

Railway Ministry ranks Jodhpur as cleanest railway station

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news