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The sweet (pun intended) exchange took place at the Wagah-Attari border. India will celebrate its Independence Day on Wednesday.

On their Independence Day, Pakistan Rangers offer sweets to India's BSF

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/all-supporters-relatives-in-tamil-nadu-are-with-me-alagiri-challenges-mk-stalin-158837">DMK's working president MK Stalin</a> paid tribute to party patriarch and his father M Karunanidhi at a party executive meeting held in Chennai on Tuesday.

In his first public address after the demise of his father, MK Stalin hit out at the rival AIADMK for restricting the burial of Karunanidhi at the Marina beach.

He said, "When Kalaignar was in his last stage I held CM's hands and pleaded to fulfil his (Karunanidhi) last wish to be buried in Marina Beach but the government didn't agree".

"I give the entire credit of the victory (burial of Karunanidhi at Marina Beach) to lawyers. If this wouldn't have happened then surely I would have been the person to be buried along with our leader" he added.

The meeting was organised in Chennai to condole the death of Karunanidhi.

The meeting of the party's Executive Committee under working president M K Stalin also praised the life and achievement of the late party chief.

After battling for life in a private hospital for about 10 days, Karunanidhi had breathed his last on August 7.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)

'I give the entire credit of the victory (burial of Karunanidhi at Marina Beach) to lawyers. If this wouldn't have happened then surely I would have been the person to be buried along with our leader' he added.

DMK's working president MK Stalin paid tribute to party patriarch and his father M Karunanidhi at a party executive meeting held in Chennai on Tuesday. In his first public address after the demise of his father, MK Stalin hit out at the rival AIADMK for restricting the burial of Karunanidhi at the Marina beach. He said, "When Kalaignar was in his last stage I held CM's hands and pleaded to fulfil his (Karunanidhi) last wish to be buried in Marina Beach but the government didn't agree". "I give the entire credit of the victory (burial of Karunanidhi at Marina Beach) to lawyers. If this wouldn't have happened then surely I would have been the person to be buried along with our leader" he added. The meeting was organised in Chennai to condole the death of Karunanidhi. The meeting of the party's Executive Committee under working president M K Stalin also praised the life and achievement of the late party chief. After battling for life in a private hospital for about 10 days, Karunanidhi had breathed his last on August 7. (With input from agencies)

Karunanidhi Marina Beach burial: Stalin slams AIADMK for turning down request

A day after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-thought-to-have-shot-at-umar-khalid-caught-on-cctv-159011">attack</a> on him, JNU student Umar Khalid urged Prime Minister Modi to "please state"&nbsp;that he guarantees the safety of people who criticise&nbsp;his government and "its many failures".&nbsp;

"Modi Ji, you had asked for suggestions for your IDay speech," Umar tweeted.&nbsp;

"I have a suggestion to make - can you please state that you gurantee that there will be no attack on those who criticize your govt & its many failures," he added.&nbsp;

Umar's tweet contained a link to his statement — written on Facebook — on the attack on him.&nbsp;

"They cant scare us into silence!" Umar wrote. &nbsp;

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Modi Ji, you had asked for suggestions for your IDay speech. I have a suggestion to make - can you please state that you gurantee that there will be no attack on those who criticize your govt & its many failures. 
 
My statement on the attack on my life: <a href="https://t.co/Kypw4FCpum">https://t.co/Kypw4FCpum</a>
— Umar Khalid (@UmarKhalidJNU) <a href="https://twitter.com/UmarKhalidJNU/status/1029207383933763584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"With the repeated death threats against my life, and having seen the assassinations of one activist after the other in the last few years, I somehow knew that someday a gun may be turned against me too.... What is most paradoxical is that I had gone to attend an event named “Freedom from Fear” today when an unidentified gunman attacked me and tried to kill me in front of the Constitution Club," Umar wrote.&nbsp;

"But I want to state here that if something untoward would have happened yesterday, or if it were to happen tomorrow, then do not just hold that “unidentified gunman” responsible. The real culprits are those who from their seats of power have been breeding an atmosphere of hatred, of bloodlust and fear. The real culprits are those who have provided an atmosphere of complete impunity for assassins and mob lynchers," Umar wrote.&nbsp;

"Even today, even after the police has registered an offence under Section 307 and Arms Act, why is it that a MP from BJP, Meenakshi Lekhi and other saffron agents online are trying to suggest that the attack never happened, or worse that I engineered it on my own? Even as I haven’t pointed fingers at anyone, why are they so desperate to twist the narrative? What should this desperation be taken as a sign of? Their own culpability?" Umar wrote.&nbsp;

He ended his statement with the words, "Jai Bhim, Lal Salaam."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

'Modi Ji, you had asked for suggestions for your IDay speech. I have a suggestion to make - can you please state that you gurantee that there will be no attack on those who criticize your govt & its many failures,' Umar tweeted Tuesday morning.

A day after the attack on him, JNU student Umar Khalid urged Prime Minister Modi to "please state" that he guarantees the safety of people who criticise his government and "its many failures". "Modi Ji, you had asked for suggestions for your IDay speech," Umar tweeted. "I have a suggestion to make - can you please state that you gurantee that there will be no attack on those who criticize your govt & its many failures," he added. Umar's tweet contained a link to his statement — written on Facebook — on the attack on him. "They cant scare us into silence!" Umar wrote. Modi Ji, you had asked for suggestions for your IDay speech. I have a suggestion to make - can you please state that you gurantee that there will be no attack on those who criticize your govt & its many failures. My statement on the attack on my life: https://t.co/Kypw4FCpum — Umar Khalid (@UmarKhalidJNU) August 14, 2018 × "With the repeated death threats against my life, and having seen the assassinations of one activist after the other in the last few years, I somehow knew that someday a gun may be turned against me too.... What is most paradoxical is that I had gone to attend an event named “Freedom from Fear” today when an unidentified gunman attacked me and tried to kill me in front of the Constitution Club," Umar wrote. "But I want to state here that if something untoward would have happened yesterday, or if it were to happen tomorrow, then do not just hold that “unidentified gunman” responsible. The real culprits are those who from their seats of power have been breeding an atmosphere of hatred, of bloodlust and fear. The real culprits are those who have provided an atmosphere of complete impunity for assassins and mob lynchers," Umar wrote. "Even today, even after the police has registered an offence under Section 307 and Arms Act, why is it that a MP from BJP, Meenakshi Lekhi and other saffron agents online are trying to suggest that the attack never happened, or worse that I engineered it on my own? Even as I haven’t pointed fingers at anyone, why are they so desperate to twist the narrative? What should this desperation be taken as a sign of? Their own culpability?" Umar wrote. He ended his statement with the words, "Jai Bhim, Lal Salaam."

Say you guarantee there will be no attack on those who criticise your govt: Umar Khalid to Modi

A week after the death of former DMK chief M Karunanidhi, the family feud between his sons has again come out in open.&nbsp;

Karunanidhi's elder son MK Alagiri on Monday stood on the spot where his father lies buried and addressed the media claiming that he had the real support of the party members.

Addressing the media he said, "My father's true relatives are all are on my side. All the supporters in Tamil Nadu are on my side and are encouraging me only. Only time will give the answers...that is all I am willing to say now".

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My father's true relatives are all are on my side. All the supporters in Tamil Nadu are on my side & are encouraging me only. Only time will give the answers...that is all I am willing to say now: MK Alagiri, late DMK Chief M <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karunanidhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karunanidhi</a>'s son, in Chennai <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/3dAWMV0a6V">pic.twitter.com/3dAWMV0a6V</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028890003915436032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Alagiri, 67, is two years older to Stalin. Karunanidhi had expelled him from the party in 2014 for anti-party activities.

Thereafter the former DMK chief had also appointed his younger son MK Stalin as his heir.

Stalin was made the working president of the party in January 2017 after Karunanidhi's health deteriorated.

Alagiri seems to assert his claim over the party after the demise of his father. His support base primarily stems from southern part of Tamil Nadu.

His supposed stake claiming over DMK's leadership comes a day before the party's top brass meeting in Chennai on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) executive committee meeting is scheduled to be held tomorrow to condole the death of Karunanidhi.

The meeting will also announce the date on which the party will officially elect MK Stalin as the new president.

He may not be able to split the party but he can do significant damage to the DMK during next year's Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

After Jayalaitha and Karunanidhi's passing away, a political vacuum exists in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Two famous film stars Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth are already in the political fray who have the capacity to dislodge traditional parties like the DMK and AIADMK.

Even during RK Nagar bypoll, DMK came third. It has not been able to recover after 2014 Lok Sabha elections. DMK also lost to Jayalalithaa's party in 2016.

It can be a tough road ahead of Stalin as for the first time in 50 years, the first generation of Tamil politicians are absent from the scene.

'My father's true relatives are all are on my side. All the supporters in Tamil Nadu are on my side and are encouraging me only. Only time will give the answers...that is all I am willing to say now,' Alagiri said. Stalin and he are half brothers.

A week after the death of former DMK chief M Karunanidhi, the family feud between his sons has again come out in open. Karunanidhi's elder son MK Alagiri on Monday stood on the spot where his father lies buried and addressed the media claiming that he had the real support of the party members. Addressing the media he said, "My father's true relatives are all are on my side. All the supporters in Tamil Nadu are on my side and are encouraging me only. Only time will give the answers...that is all I am willing to say now". My father's true relatives are all are on my side. All the supporters in Tamil Nadu are on my side & are encouraging me only. Only time will give the answers...that is all I am willing to say now: MK Alagiri, late DMK Chief M #Karunanidhi's son, in Chennai #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/3dAWMV0a6V — ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2018 × Alagiri, 67, is two years older to Stalin. Karunanidhi had expelled him from the party in 2014 for anti-party activities. Thereafter the former DMK chief had also appointed his younger son MK Stalin as his heir. Stalin was made the working president of the party in January 2017 after Karunanidhi's health deteriorated. Alagiri seems to assert his claim over the party after the demise of his father. His support base primarily stems from southern part of Tamil Nadu. His supposed stake claiming over DMK's leadership comes a day before the party's top brass meeting in Chennai on Tuesday. A Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) executive committee meeting is scheduled to be held tomorrow to condole the death of Karunanidhi. The meeting will also announce the date on which the party will officially elect MK Stalin as the new president. He may not be able to split the party but he can do significant damage to the DMK during next year's Lok Sabha elections. After Jayalaitha and Karunanidhi's passing away, a political vacuum exists in Tamil Nadu. Two famous film stars Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth are already in the political fray who have the capacity to dislodge traditional parties like the DMK and AIADMK. Even during RK Nagar bypoll, DMK came third. It has not been able to recover after 2014 Lok Sabha elections. DMK also lost to Jayalalithaa's party in 2016. It can be a tough road ahead of Stalin as for the first time in 50 years, the first generation of Tamil politicians are absent from the scene.

Alagiri challenges DMK chief Stalin, says father's true relatives, supporters 'all on my side'

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday informed that as per the preliminary report, the total damage due to floods in the state is estimated to be worth Rs 8316 crore.

Taking to Twitter, Vijayan said he has requested for an additional Rs 400 crore from the Home Ministry to carry out immediate relief and rehabilitation work in the state.

Also read:<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/33-dead-6-missing-in-kerala-floods-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-158643"> 33 dead, 6 missing in Kerala floods: CM Pinarayi Vijayan</a>

"The impact of the disaster is likely to be felt for a long time. The Preliminary assessment indicates that nearly 20000 houses have been fully damaged and nearly 10000 km of state PWD roads damaged. The preliminary loss is around 8316 crore," he tweeted."

The Chief Minister has requested an amount of Rs 400 crore in addition to the Rs 800 crore already sought for carrying out the immediate relief and rehabilitation.

CM also requested that a Central team may be sent again to assess the damages that have occurred during the last week," a second tweet read.

The state government has also requested the Centre to declare the calamity a 'rare severity'&nbsp;and provide the required funds and assistance within four weeks.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, after meeting flood victims in Kerala and taking an aerial overview of the situation in the state, announced an additional Rs 100 crore flood relief.

The Home Minister also approved the release of the second instalment in advance for the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to supplement the efforts of the state government.

The Chief Minister had informed that at least 33 people had been killed and six missing in rain-related incidents in the state.

Flash floods due to incessant rains have wreaked havoc in several districts of the state. From past few days, normal life in many parts has been disrupted. The areas which were worst hit are Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Idukki, and Mallapuram districts.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday informed that as per the preliminary report, the total damage due to floods in the state is estimated to be worth Rs 8316 crore

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday informed that as per the preliminary report, the total damage due to floods in the state is estimated to be worth Rs 8316 crore. Taking to Twitter, Vijayan said he has requested for an additional Rs 400 crore from the Home Ministry to carry out immediate relief and rehabilitation work in the state. Also read: 33 dead, 6 missing in Kerala floods: CM Pinarayi Vijayan "The impact of the disaster is likely to be felt for a long time. The Preliminary assessment indicates that nearly 20000 houses have been fully damaged and nearly 10000 km of state PWD roads damaged. The preliminary loss is around 8316 crore," he tweeted." The Chief Minister has requested an amount of Rs 400 crore in addition to the Rs 800 crore already sought for carrying out the immediate relief and rehabilitation. CM also requested that a Central team may be sent again to assess the damages that have occurred during the last week," a second tweet read. The state government has also requested the Centre to declare the calamity a 'rare severity' and provide the required funds and assistance within four weeks. Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, after meeting flood victims in Kerala and taking an aerial overview of the situation in the state, announced an additional Rs 100 crore flood relief. The Home Minister also approved the release of the second instalment in advance for the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to supplement the efforts of the state government. The Chief Minister had informed that at least 33 people had been killed and six missing in rain-related incidents in the state. Flash floods due to incessant rains have wreaked havoc in several districts of the state. From past few days, normal life in many parts has been disrupted. The areas which were worst hit are Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Idukki, and Mallapuram districts.

Property worth Rs 8,316 crore damaged in rain-battered Kerala

The death toll in Kerala due to incessant rainfall leading to floods rose to 39 on Monday.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has announced immediate relief of additional Rs 100 crore to the state.&nbsp;

The announcement has come a day after he visited the flood-affected area.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh along with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister KJ Alphons on Sunday undertook an aerial survey of the flood-affected regions in the state.

Singh also met the victims of the flood in Kerala and assured them of providing all resources from the central government.

He said,''I would like to assure the state government that all resources will be provided from central government to fight this flood situation.''

Meanwhile, the water level in the Idukki Dam was recorded at 2397.94 feet today at around 5 pm.

<img alt="dam 2.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="576" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/dam%202.JPG" width="924" />

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Death toll in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> rises to 39. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has announced an immediate relief of additional Rs 100 crores for the state. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/sxy5Pul753">pic.twitter.com/sxy5Pul753</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028845644608241664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<img alt="dam.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="707" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/dam.JPG" width="1013" />

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IdukkiDam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IdukkiDam</a> update: Water level in the dam, recorded at 5 am today is 2397.94 feet. The Full Reservoir Level of the dam is 2403 feet. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/Mmotg0qJxd">pic.twitter.com/Mmotg0qJxd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028835473588772865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The announcement of relief was made by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh a day after he visited flood-affected areas in the state.

The death toll in Kerala due to incessant rainfall leading to floods rose to 39 on Monday. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has announced immediate relief of additional Rs 100 crore to the state. The announcement has come a day after he visited the flood-affected area. Home Minister Rajnath Singh along with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister KJ Alphons on Sunday undertook an aerial survey of the flood-affected regions in the state. Singh also met the victims of the flood in Kerala and assured them of providing all resources from the central government. He said,''I would like to assure the state government that all resources will be provided from central government to fight this flood situation.'' Meanwhile, the water level in the Idukki Dam was recorded at 2397.94 feet today at around 5 pm. Death toll in #KeralaFloods rises to 39. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has announced an immediate relief of additional Rs 100 crores for the state. #Kerala (file pic) pic.twitter.com/sxy5Pul753 — ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2018 × #IdukkiDam update: Water level in the dam, recorded at 5 am today is 2397.94 feet. The Full Reservoir Level of the dam is 2403 feet. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/Mmotg0qJxd — ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2018 ×

Kerala rains: Death toll rises to 39, government announces Rs 100 crore relief

In a goodwill gesture, India today released seven Pakistani civilian prisoners, taking the total number of jailed inmates repatriated to the neighbouring country in the last one week to 21.

Pakistan also freed 30 Indian prisoners, including 27 fishermen, who were languishing in jails in that country.

The release of the prisoners by the two countries came days before the swearing-in of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan as the country's new prime minister.

"Seven Pakistan civilian prisoners were repatriated today. Earlier, 14 Pakistani fishermen were released and repatriated on August 7," the ministry of external affairs said.

It said India attaches high priority to addressing humanitarian issues including early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and prisoners in Pakistan's custody.

The MEA said Pakistan has released a total of 178 Indian prisoners in the current year.

Imran Khan is scheduled to take oath on August 18. The PTI emerged as the single largest party in the July 25 elections in Pakistan.

Pakistan and India frequently arrest fishermen as there is no clear demarcation of the maritime border between the two countries in the Arabian Sea.

The two countries usually release each other's prisoners ahead of their Independence Day celebrations.

Pakistan also freed 30 Indian prisoners, including 27 fishermen, who were languishing in jails in that country.

In a goodwill gesture, India today released seven Pakistani civilian prisoners, taking the total number of jailed inmates repatriated to the neighbouring country in the last one week to 21. Pakistan also freed 30 Indian prisoners, including 27 fishermen, who were languishing in jails in that country. The release of the prisoners by the two countries came days before the swearing-in of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan as the country's new prime minister. "Seven Pakistan civilian prisoners were repatriated today. Earlier, 14 Pakistani fishermen were released and repatriated on August 7," the ministry of external affairs said. It said India attaches high priority to addressing humanitarian issues including early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and prisoners in Pakistan's custody. The MEA said Pakistan has released a total of 178 Indian prisoners in the current year. Imran Khan is scheduled to take oath on August 18. The PTI emerged as the single largest party in the July 25 elections in Pakistan. Pakistan and India frequently arrest fishermen as there is no clear demarcation of the maritime border between the two countries in the Arabian Sea. The two countries usually release each other's prisoners ahead of their Independence Day celebrations.

India releases 7 Pakistan prisoners in goodwill gesture

An Indian Army soldier, Pushpendra Singh, was killed after an infiltration bid was foiled by the armed forces in Tangdhar Sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara District.

"Chinar Corps Cadre and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Sepoy Pushpendra Singh, who laid down his life in foiling infiltration bid in Tangdhar Sector on August 13, 2018, and offer condolences to the family," read a post on the Twitter handle of Chinar Corps of the Indian Army.

On August 7, four Army personnel, including a Major, lost their lives while foiling an infiltration bid in north Kashmir's Gurez Sector.

The deceased were identified as Major KP Rane, hawaldars Jamie Singh and Vikramjeet and rifleman Mandeep.

There were eight terrorists who tried to infiltrate, of which the Army killed four terrorists, while the rest escaped. The terrorists fired at the soldiers near the 36 Rashtriya Rifles post at Govind Nallah along the LoC.&nbsp

On August 7, four Army personnel, including a Major, lost their lives while foiling an infiltration bid in north Kashmir's Gurez Sector.

An Indian Army soldier, Pushpendra Singh, was killed after an infiltration bid was foiled by the armed forces in Tangdhar Sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara District. "Chinar Corps Cadre and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Sepoy Pushpendra Singh, who laid down his life in foiling infiltration bid in Tangdhar Sector on August 13, 2018, and offer condolences to the family," read a post on the Twitter handle of Chinar Corps of the Indian Army. On August 7, four Army personnel, including a Major, lost their lives while foiling an infiltration bid in north Kashmir's Gurez Sector. The deceased were identified as Major KP Rane, hawaldars Jamie Singh and Vikramjeet and rifleman Mandeep. There were eight terrorists who tried to infiltrate, of which the Army killed four terrorists, while the rest escaped. The terrorists fired at the soldiers near the 36 Rashtriya Rifles post at Govind Nallah along the LoC.

J&K: Infiltration bid foiled, 1 jawan killed

At least 18 people were killed in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/5-dead-bridge-washed-away-as-heavy-rains-hit-himachal-pradesh-158908">Himachal Pradesh</a> while nine died in Uttar Pradesh as heavy rains pounded several parts of north India triggering landslides in hill states and many rivers flowing above the danger mark.

A four-year-old girl died at Roorkee in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district after falling in an irrigation canal which was at spate following rains, while a woman was injured when the thatched roof of a house collapsed.&nbsp;

The weather department has warned of heavy to very heavy showers in at least eight districts of the state till tomorrow and asked tourists visiting the hilly areas and people living in the low-lying areas to remain alert.

The State Emergency Operations Centre has issued instructions to the district magistrates to maintain vigil as there is a&nbsp;possibility of cloudbursts.

Also, a cyclonic circulation in northwest Bay of Bengal along the Odisha coast is likely to intensify into a low pressure by August 14, the weatherman said in its forecast.

The Met department has forecast heavy rain for the next two days in the coastal districts of East and West Midnapore till Tuesday and in the additional districts of South and North 24 Parganas and Jhargram from tomorrow till Tuesday.

In Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district, officials said the Rispa bridge was washed away due to heavy rains and efforts are on to restore traffic movement by setting up a span bridge.

BJP chief Amit Shah's proposed visit to Shimla on August 16 has been cancelled due to persistent rains, a Himachal Pradesh BJP leader said today.

The Himachal Pradesh government has released Rs 96.50 crore for relief and rescue operations following loss of human life and the property, an official said.

In Uttar Pradesh, three people died in Basti, two each in Sitapur and Kannauj and one each in Sonebhadra and Bijnore in rain-related incidents since last night as thundershowers lashed several parts of the state, officials said.

Rains lashed many places in Haryana and Punjab, with Chandigarh, the joint capital of both states, receiving 21.2 mm of rains during the day.

In Haryana, heavy rains lashed Panchkula district and Ghaggar and Tangri rivers were in spate. There were reports of rain waters entering some slums in low-lying areas.

As many as 774 people have died in incidents related to floods and rains in seven states during the monsoon season so far, the Home Ministry said.

As many as 774 people have died in incidents related to floods and rains in seven states during the monsoon season so far, the Home Ministry said.

At least 18 people were killed in Himachal Pradesh while nine died in Uttar Pradesh as heavy rains pounded several parts of north India triggering landslides in hill states and many rivers flowing above the danger mark. A four-year-old girl died at Roorkee in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district after falling in an irrigation canal which was at spate following rains, while a woman was injured when the thatched roof of a house collapsed. The weather department has warned of heavy to very heavy showers in at least eight districts of the state till tomorrow and asked tourists visiting the hilly areas and people living in the low-lying areas to remain alert. The State Emergency Operations Centre has issued instructions to the district magistrates to maintain vigil as there is a possibility of cloudbursts. Also, a cyclonic circulation in northwest Bay of Bengal along the Odisha coast is likely to intensify into a low pressure by August 14, the weatherman said in its forecast. The Met department has forecast heavy rain for the next two days in the coastal districts of East and West Midnapore till Tuesday and in the additional districts of South and North 24 Parganas and Jhargram from tomorrow till Tuesday. In Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district, officials said the Rispa bridge was washed away due to heavy rains and efforts are on to restore traffic movement by setting up a span bridge. BJP chief Amit Shah's proposed visit to Shimla on August 16 has been cancelled due to persistent rains, a Himachal Pradesh BJP leader said today. The Himachal Pradesh government has released Rs 96.50 crore for relief and rescue operations following loss of human life and the property, an official said. In Uttar Pradesh, three people died in Basti, two each in Sitapur and Kannauj and one each in Sonebhadra and Bijnore in rain-related incidents since last night as thundershowers lashed several parts of the state, officials said. Rains lashed many places in Haryana and Punjab, with Chandigarh, the joint capital of both states, receiving 21.2 mm of rains during the day. In Haryana, heavy rains lashed Panchkula district and Ghaggar and Tangri rivers were in spate. There were reports of rain waters entering some slums in low-lying areas. As many as 774 people have died in incidents related to floods and rains in seven states during the monsoon season so far, the Home Ministry said.

Heavy rains lash Himachal Pradesh; death toll rises to 18

The Karnataka government today stepped up pressure on the Centre to conduct the "Aero-India" 2019 edition here itself, amid reports that the venue for the prestigious air show hosted by the city for over two decades might be shifted to Lucknow.

As a political slugfest broke out, state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy dashed off a missive to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, insisting that Bengaluru would be the "best choice" for the biennial event.

"Bengaluru being the hub for defence and aviation majors of the country, is certainly the most suitable place to conduct the show," he said in the letter.

There are reports that the event, organised by the Defence Ministry, would be held in Lucknow but the defence minister had made it clear a few days ago that no announcement had been made, but added that "people in many places are asking for that (the show)."

Ever since its inception in 1996, Bengaluru has been playing host to Asia's biggest air show, in which 549 global and Indian companies from 51 countries participated at the 11th edition, held in February 2017.

Reports about shifting the venue have triggered a public spat between the Congress and BJP.

The KPCC has written to Sitaraman, telling her that as a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, she had to protect the interests of the state and ensure that Aero India show was retained in Bengaluru.

A miffed Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara had said last week that under the NDA regime, the state was losing key defence projects to other states.

Speaking to reporters at Gadag in north Karnataka, opposition BJP leader in the Assembly B S Yeddyurappa today said the party, its MPs and central ministers from the state would make all efforts to retain the show in Bengaluru by bringing pressure on the Centre.

He accused Congress leaders of creating "unnecessary confusion" over the issue.

When the defence minister had made it clear that no formal announcement on the venue had been made yet, it would not be proper to discuss about the change now, the state BJP chief said.

In his letter, Kumaraswamy noted that Bengaluru has become synonymous with Aero India.

In order to aid and assist the defence ministry, the state has also suitably upgraded its infrastructure in terms of roads, public amenities and smooth flow of traffic, he said.

Kumaraswamy said Bengaluru, with its past experience in conducting the show successfully, "beautiful" weather conditions and favourably located defence and aviation industries, would be the best choice to conduct Aero India.

"As chief minister of the state, it will be my bounden duty to ensure best possible assistance by Team Karnataka," he added.

More grist was added to the reports about shifting the venue after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged the defence minister to hold the event in his state as it would benefit the defence production there.

As a political slugfest broke out, state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy dashed off a missive to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, insisting that Bengaluru would be the 'best choice' for the biennial event.

The Karnataka government today stepped up pressure on the Centre to conduct the "Aero-India" 2019 edition here itself, amid reports that the venue for the prestigious air show hosted by the city for over two decades might be shifted to Lucknow. As a political slugfest broke out, state chief minister H D Kumaraswamy dashed off a missive to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, insisting that Bengaluru would be the "best choice" for the biennial event. "Bengaluru being the hub for defence and aviation majors of the country, is certainly the most suitable place to conduct the show," he said in the letter. There are reports that the event, organised by the Defence Ministry, would be held in Lucknow but the defence minister had made it clear a few days ago that no announcement had been made, but added that "people in many places are asking for that (the show)." Ever since its inception in 1996, Bengaluru has been playing host to Asia's biggest air show, in which 549 global and Indian companies from 51 countries participated at the 11th edition, held in February 2017. Reports about shifting the venue have triggered a public spat between the Congress and BJP. The KPCC has written to Sitaraman, telling her that as a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, she had to protect the interests of the state and ensure that Aero India show was retained in Bengaluru. A miffed Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara had said last week that under the NDA regime, the state was losing key defence projects to other states. Speaking to reporters at Gadag in north Karnataka, opposition BJP leader in the Assembly B S Yeddyurappa today said the party, its MPs and central ministers from the state would make all efforts to retain the show in Bengaluru by bringing pressure on the Centre. He accused Congress leaders of creating "unnecessary confusion" over the issue. When the defence minister had made it clear that no formal announcement on the venue had been made yet, it would not be proper to discuss about the change now, the state BJP chief said. In his letter, Kumaraswamy noted that Bengaluru has become synonymous with Aero India. In order to aid and assist the defence ministry, the state has also suitably upgraded its infrastructure in terms of roads, public amenities and smooth flow of traffic, he said. Kumaraswamy said Bengaluru, with its past experience in conducting the show successfully, "beautiful" weather conditions and favourably located defence and aviation industries, would be the best choice to conduct Aero India. "As chief minister of the state, it will be my bounden duty to ensure best possible assistance by Team Karnataka," he added. More grist was added to the reports about shifting the venue after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged the defence minister to hold the event in his state as it would benefit the defence production there.

CM Kumaraswamy writes to Sitharaman to keep Aero India in Bengaluru

The weatherman has issued a fresh warning asking fishermen not to venture into the sea, saying the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep may experience winds at the speed of 35 to 45 kmph , sometimes going up to 60 kmph .

Kerala's worst affected Idukki district continued to reel under the impact of unprecedented floods on Monday even as fresh rains were reported from several other parts of the state.

The water level in the Idukki hydro-electric dam has receded to 2,397.58 feet, alleviating concerns about floods in fresh downstream areas, particularly in Ernakulam district, officials said.

The Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had informed that at least <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-death-toll-rises-to-39-government-announces-relief-of-rs-100-crore-158800">39 people</a> had been killed and six missing in rain-related incidents in the state. Flash floods due to incessant rains have wreaked havoc in several districts of the state.&nbsp;

From past few days, normal life in many parts has been disrupted. The areas which were worst hit are Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Idukki, and Mallapuram districts.

At present, 3,095 people are lodged in 17 camps in the Ernakulam district. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had made an aerial survey of two rain-ravaged districts — Ernakulam and Idukki — and said the situation in the state was "very serious".

He had also announced an aid of Rs 100 crore as immediate central relief.

Vijayan on Sunday had informed that as per the preliminary report, the total damage due to floods in the state is estimated to be worth <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-8316-crore-worth-property-damaged-in-rain-battered-kerala-158766">Rs 8316 crore</a>.

The Chief Minister has requested an amount of Rs 400 crore in addition to the Rs 800 crore already sought for carrying out the immediate relief and rehabilitation.

Also, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today announced that passports damaged in floods in Kerala will be replaced free of cost by the government. 
&nbsp;

Kerala's worst affected Idukki district continued to reel under the impact of unprecedented floods on Monday even as fresh rains were reported from several other parts of the state.

The weatherman has issued a fresh warning asking fishermen not to venture into the sea, saying the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep may experience winds at the speed of 35 to 45 kmph , sometimes going up to 60 kmph . Kerala's worst affected Idukki district continued to reel under the impact of unprecedented floods on Monday even as fresh rains were reported from several other parts of the state. The water level in the Idukki hydro-electric dam has receded to 2,397.58 feet, alleviating concerns about floods in fresh downstream areas, particularly in Ernakulam district, officials said. The Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had informed that at least 39 people had been killed and six missing in rain-related incidents in the state. Flash floods due to incessant rains have wreaked havoc in several districts of the state. From past few days, normal life in many parts has been disrupted. The areas which were worst hit are Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Idukki, and Mallapuram districts. At present, 3,095 people are lodged in 17 camps in the Ernakulam district. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had made an aerial survey of two rain-ravaged districts — Ernakulam and Idukki — and said the situation in the state was "very serious". He had also announced an aid of Rs 100 crore as immediate central relief. Vijayan on Sunday had informed that as per the preliminary report, the total damage due to floods in the state is estimated to be worth Rs 8316 crore. The Chief Minister has requested an amount of Rs 400 crore in addition to the Rs 800 crore already sought for carrying out the immediate relief and rehabilitation. Also, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today announced that passports damaged in floods in Kerala will be replaced free of cost by the government.

Kerala rains: Fresh warning issued as death toll stands at 39

A senior All India Muslim Personal Law Board functionary on Sunday said the triple talaq bill should either be withdrawn or sent to the select committee of Parliament and the opinion of Islamic scholars be sought on it.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, which was passed by the Lok Sabha in December 2017, could not be taken up on the last day of the Monsoon Session in the Rajya Sabha on August 10 due to lack of consensus among political parties on the issue.

"Our stand on the triple talaq bill is clear. Either the Centre should withdraw this bill or it should be sent to the Select Committee (of Parliament). The Select Committee should take the opinion of scholars of Islamic law," Mohammed Umrain Mahfooz Rahmani, secretary and social media desk in-charge of the AIMPLB, said here today.

He said "in the entire world" the opinion of a community is taken whenever a law related to them is enacted.

"In our country, the (Muslim) community was not consulted before such a move. They are trying to impose their opinion," Rahmani claimed.

Speaking at a press conference here, he also claimed that amendments regarding the provision of bail for men found guilty under the provisions of the triple talaq bill were "inadequate" and would not benefit women.

The Union Cabinet had on August 9 cleared some amendments to the draft Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, including adding a bail provision to it.

Replying to a query on unfurling the national flag and singing the national anthem at madrassas, Rahmani said "this was out of the AIMPLB's purview".

He said the AIMPLB would extend its social media desk across the country and this would include the use of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YoutTube and Telegram.

Social media would be used to clear misconceptions that are being created regarding Islam, he said.

Rahmani was in the city to chair a meeting of Information Technology experts

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, which was passed by the Lok Sabha in December 2017, could not be taken up on the last day of the Monsoon Session in the Rajya Sabha on August 10 due to lack of consensus among political parties on the issue

A senior All India Muslim Personal Law Board functionary on Sunday said the triple talaq bill should either be withdrawn or sent to the select committee of Parliament and the opinion of Islamic scholars be sought on it. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, which was passed by the Lok Sabha in December 2017, could not be taken up on the last day of the Monsoon Session in the Rajya Sabha on August 10 due to lack of consensus among political parties on the issue. "Our stand on the triple talaq bill is clear. Either the Centre should withdraw this bill or it should be sent to the Select Committee (of Parliament). The Select Committee should take the opinion of scholars of Islamic law," Mohammed Umrain Mahfooz Rahmani, secretary and social media desk in-charge of the AIMPLB, said here today. He said "in the entire world" the opinion of a community is taken whenever a law related to them is enacted. "In our country, the (Muslim) community was not consulted before such a move. They are trying to impose their opinion," Rahmani claimed. Speaking at a press conference here, he also claimed that amendments regarding the provision of bail for men found guilty under the provisions of the triple talaq bill were "inadequate" and would not benefit women. The Union Cabinet had on August 9 cleared some amendments to the draft Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, including adding a bail provision to it. Replying to a query on unfurling the national flag and singing the national anthem at madrassas, Rahmani said "this was out of the AIMPLB's purview". He said the AIMPLB would extend its social media desk across the country and this would include the use of platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YoutTube and Telegram. Social media would be used to clear misconceptions that are being created regarding Islam, he said. Rahmani was in the city to chair a meeting of Information Technology experts

Withdraw triple talaq bill or send it to select committee: AIMPLB official

The Centre today asserted that all the six refugee camps in Tripura North district, sheltering Bru families from neighbouring Mizoram, will be closed down after September 25.

The final phase of repatriation of Bru refugees is scheduled to commence from August 25 and end on September 25.

"After discussion with the Bru refugee leaders, we have come to an agreement that repatriation of 32,876 people sheltered in the camps will begin on August 25 and the process will be completed by September 25. After that, we will close down the camps," Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, told reporters.

"If anybody wants to stay, they can stay back, but we will close the camps and stop distribution of relief," he said.&nbsp

A team of MHA officials, including Special Secretary (internal security) Rina Mitra, Adviser Mahesh Kumar Singla and Joint Secretary Satyendra Garg has been camping in Tripura for the past few days to oversee the implementation of the repatriation agreement signed on July 3 between the Centre, state governments of Mizoram and Tripura, and Bru refugees.

Speaking to reporters at Assam Rifles sector headquarters here, Garg said the repatriation was being continued as per agreement.

"The repatriation agreement was proposed by the Mizoram government in 2015 and 32,876 refugees from over 5,000 families were identified by it and the repatriation is being executed after discussion and agreement with Bru refugee leaders," the official said.

The MHA officials met the Bru refugees for two days at Damcherra in Kanchanpur, close to the Tripura-Mizoram border, till Friday.

The Bru refugees had expressed discontent at the package and demanded a host of other benefits, including Area Development Council (ADC), cluster villages and increased land entitlement.&nbsp

The refugees have been offered a package of Rs 1.5 lakh for housing assistance, Rs 4 lakh for sustenance, free ration for two years and Rs 5,000 per month as cash assistance.

The cash assistance will be provided after three years of uninterrupted stay in Mizoram and housing assistance would be given in three installments.

Garg said land was community property and neither the state nor the central government can grant demands for more land. However, he assured that at least 50 refugees will be settled in each village where they will be relocated.

Around 39,000 refugees fled Mamit, Kolasib and Lunglei districts in Mizoram after ethnic clashes broke out in 1997. Nearly 9,000 of them went back in seven phases of repatriation.

"I have visited those villages where the refugees returned to Mizoram in previous phases of repatriation. I do not feel there is any security threat perception. Still, the refugees will be accommodated in their home villages. In case there is shortage of land, they will be accommodated in villages of close proximity," Garg said.

The joint secretary said the arrangement could be relaxed, allowing refugees to withdraw 90 per cent of the assured package immediately after return to Mizoram. However, the amount will be released as bank loan, he said.

Identity-related documents like Aadhaar, ration card, bank account details, documents of land settlement will be updated for all returning refugees, Garg added.&nbsp

&nbsp

The final phase of repatriation of Bru refugees is scheduled to commence from August 25 and end on September 25

The Centre today asserted that all the six refugee camps in Tripura North district, sheltering Bru families from neighbouring Mizoram, will be closed down after September 25. The final phase of repatriation of Bru refugees is scheduled to commence from August 25 and end on September 25. "After discussion with the Bru refugee leaders, we have come to an agreement that repatriation of 32,876 people sheltered in the camps will begin on August 25 and the process will be completed by September 25. After that, we will close down the camps," Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, told reporters. "If anybody wants to stay, they can stay back, but we will close the camps and stop distribution of relief," he said. A team of MHA officials, including Special Secretary (internal security) Rina Mitra, Adviser Mahesh Kumar Singla and Joint Secretary Satyendra Garg has been camping in Tripura for the past few days to oversee the implementation of the repatriation agreement signed on July 3 between the Centre, state governments of Mizoram and Tripura, and Bru refugees. Speaking to reporters at Assam Rifles sector headquarters here, Garg said the repatriation was being continued as per agreement. "The repatriation agreement was proposed by the Mizoram government in 2015 and 32,876 refugees from over 5,000 families were identified by it and the repatriation is being executed after discussion and agreement with Bru refugee leaders," the official said. The MHA officials met the Bru refugees for two days at Damcherra in Kanchanpur, close to the Tripura-Mizoram border, till Friday. The Bru refugees had expressed discontent at the package and demanded a host of other benefits, including Area Development Council (ADC), cluster villages and increased land entitlement. The refugees have been offered a package of Rs 1.5 lakh for housing assistance, Rs 4 lakh for sustenance, free ration for two years and Rs 5,000 per month as cash assistance. The cash assistance will be provided after three years of uninterrupted stay in Mizoram and housing assistance would be given in three installments. Garg said land was community property and neither the state nor the central government can grant demands for more land. However, he assured that at least 50 refugees will be settled in each village where they will be relocated. Around 39,000 refugees fled Mamit, Kolasib and Lunglei districts in Mizoram after ethnic clashes broke out in 1997. Nearly 9,000 of them went back in seven phases of repatriation. "I have visited those villages where the refugees returned to Mizoram in previous phases of repatriation. I do not feel there is any security threat perception. Still, the refugees will be accommodated in their home villages. In case there is shortage of land, they will be accommodated in villages of close proximity," Garg said. The joint secretary said the arrangement could be relaxed, allowing refugees to withdraw 90 per cent of the assured package immediately after return to Mizoram. However, the amount will be released as bank loan, he said. Identity-related documents like Aadhaar, ration card, bank account details, documents of land settlement will be updated for all returning refugees, Garg added.

Tripura camps housing Bru families to close by September 25: Centre

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/newly-elected-pakistan-parliament-to-meet-for-first-time-today-158759">New Pakistan Parliament to meet for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/newly-elected-pakistan-parliament-to-meet-for-first-time-today-158759">first</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/newly-elected-pakistan-parliament-to-meet-for-first-time-today-158759"> time today</a>

Pakistan's newly-elected parliament will meet for the first time today to start the process of handing over power to the new government.

President Mamnoon Hussain has summoned the maiden session of the National Assembly, the lower house, for 10 am at Parliament House here.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-white-house-staffer-releases-tape-of-her-firing-her-tell-all-book-is-out-tomorrow-158769">Ex-White House staffer releases </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-white-house-staffer-releases-tape-of-her-firing-her-tell-all-book-is-out-tomorrow-158769">tape</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-white-house-staffer-releases-tape-of-her-firing-her-tell-all-book-is-out-tomorrow-158769"> of her firing, her tell-all book is out tomorrow</a>

A former White House staffer who has written a bombshell memoir of her time serving under President Donald Trump released a secret tape Sunday of the chief of staff firing her.

Omarosa Manigault Newman said she decided to release the secret recording of John Kelly in the Situation Room -- which marks a breach of security protocols -- and recorded conversations with Trump because "this is a White House where everybody lies."

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/porn-star-stormy-daniels-lawyer-says-he-could-take-trump-on-in-2020-158770">Porn star Stormy Daniels' lawyer says he could take Trump on in 2020</a>

As the lawyer for adult film star Stormy Daniels, Michael Avenatti has been a persistent thorn in Donald Trump's side.&nbsp

But in the last few days, Avenatti has gone a step further, strongly suggesting he is ready to take on the president in the 2020 elections and positioning himself as someone tough enough to take on Trump in a bare-knuckles battle for the White House.

"I'm going to put Donald Trump on trial," he said Sunday on ABC's "This Week." "The only question is how many jurors are we going to have in that trial."

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/counter-protest-drowns-out-small-washington-neo-nazi-rally-158764">1 year after Charlottesville, Washington neo-Nazi rally is drowned out by counter-protesters</a>

A white supremacist rally outside the White House fizzled out Sunday after only a handful of neo-Nazis showed up and were massively outnumbered by hundreds of counter-protesters.

In an effort to avoid a repeat of the chaos of a deadly protest in Charlottesville, Virginia exactly a year ago, Washington police closed streets and threw a ring of steel across a public park to make sure the white supremacists and rowdy counter-protesters did not come into contact.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/idris-elba-is-this-the-next-james-bond-158778">Is this the next James Bond?&nbsp</a>

The speculation was started by the actor Idris Elba, who tweeted Sunday that "my name’s Elba, Idris Elba."&nbsp

He followed that up five hours later with "Don’t believe the HYPE..." but social media was abuzz by then.&nbsp

Elba's tweet was shared over 18,000 times and the replies had poured in.&nbsp

Read the top five stories of the morning here

New Pakistan Parliament to meet for first time today Pakistan's newly-elected parliament will meet for the first time today to start the process of handing over power to the new government. President Mamnoon Hussain has summoned the maiden session of the National Assembly, the lower house, for 10 am at Parliament House here. Ex-White House staffer releases tape of her firing, her tell-all book is out tomorrow A former White House staffer who has written a bombshell memoir of her time serving under President Donald Trump released a secret tape Sunday of the chief of staff firing her. Omarosa Manigault Newman said she decided to release the secret recording of John Kelly in the Situation Room -- which marks a breach of security protocols -- and recorded conversations with Trump because "this is a White House where everybody lies." Porn star Stormy Daniels' lawyer says he could take Trump on in 2020 As the lawyer for adult film star Stormy Daniels, Michael Avenatti has been a persistent thorn in Donald Trump's side. But in the last few days, Avenatti has gone a step further, strongly suggesting he is ready to take on the president in the 2020 elections and positioning himself as someone tough enough to take on Trump in a bare-knuckles battle for the White House. "I'm going to put Donald Trump on trial," he said Sunday on ABC's "This Week." "The only question is how many jurors are we going to have in that trial." 1 year after Charlottesville, Washington neo-Nazi rally is drowned out by counter-protesters A white supremacist rally outside the White House fizzled out Sunday after only a handful of neo-Nazis showed up and were massively outnumbered by hundreds of counter-protesters. In an effort to avoid a repeat of the chaos of a deadly protest in Charlottesville, Virginia exactly a year ago, Washington police closed streets and threw a ring of steel across a public park to make sure the white supremacists and rowdy counter-protesters did not come into contact. Is this the next James Bond? The speculation was started by the actor Idris Elba, who tweeted Sunday that "my name’s Elba, Idris Elba." He followed that up five hours later with "Don’t believe the HYPE..." but social media was abuzz by then. Elba's tweet was shared over 18,000 times and the replies had poured in.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A day after <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/trinamool-congress-stages-protest-as-amit-shah-arrives-in-kolkata-to-address-rally--158440">holding protest rallies in different parts of West Bengal,</a> the ruling Trinamool Congress took out rallies in Kolkata on Sunday.

The protests were carried out against the complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The protest march was organised at Esplanade in the heart of the metropolis and in other places, including one at Kamarhati in the northern part.

The march was led by state minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay at Esplanade, while the protest at Kamarhati-Baranagar area was led by TMC leaders Tapas Roy and Madan Mitra.

The TMC accuses that the BJP government in Assam has deliberately removed the names of Bengalis from the list.

The complete draft of the NRC was published on July 30 in Assam with 2.89 lakh names out of 3.29 applicants.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The protests were carried out against the complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC)

A day after holding protest rallies in different parts of West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress took out rallies in Kolkata on Sunday. The protests were carried out against the complete draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The protest march was organised at Esplanade in the heart of the metropolis and in other places, including one at Kamarhati in the northern part. The march was led by state minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay at Esplanade, while the protest at Kamarhati-Baranagar area was led by TMC leaders Tapas Roy and Madan Mitra. The TMC accuses that the BJP government in Assam has deliberately removed the names of Bengalis from the list. The complete draft of the NRC was published on July 30 in Assam with 2.89 lakh names out of 3.29 applicants. (With inputs from PTI)

Trinamool holds protest rallies in Kolkata against NRC

Around 15 people got injured in a stampede that broke out at a temple in Bihar on Monday morning.

The incident happened at Garibnath temple in Muzaffarpur on the&nbsp;third Monday of the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar.

The stampede occurred due to the massive turnout of devotees in the temple.

The people who sustained injuries in the incident were rushed to the nearby hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

The situation is under control now.

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15 people have got injured in a stampede at Garibnath Temple in Muzaffarpur, this morning. The situation is now under control. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihar</a> <a href="https://t.co/d8yR7FaicD">pic.twitter.com/d8yR7FaicD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028821075554197505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The incident happened at Garibnath temple in Muzaffarpur on the third Monday of the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar

Around 15 people got injured in a stampede that broke out at a temple in Bihar on Monday morning. The incident happened at Garibnath temple in Muzaffarpur on the third Monday of the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar. The stampede occurred due to the massive turnout of devotees in the temple. The people who sustained injuries in the incident were rushed to the nearby hospital for treatment. The situation is under control now. 15 people have got injured in a stampede at Garibnath Temple in Muzaffarpur, this morning. The situation is now under control. #Bihar pic.twitter.com/d8yR7FaicD — ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2018 ×

15 people injured in stampede in Bihar temple

Ruling TRS MP D Srinivas' son Sanjay was arrested on charges of sexually harassing 12 students of a college run by him in Nizamabad, police said today.

Sanjay was arrested when he appeared before Nizamabad Assistant Commissioner of Police M Sudarshan yesterday after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the high court recently.

He presented himself for interrogation in response to a notice and after questioning he was arrested, the police said.

He was produced before a local court which remanded him to judicial custody till August 24, they said.

"Sanjay has been accused by 12 girls of sexual harassment and indecent behaviour on the college premises and other places," Sudarshan told PTI.

Earlier this month, 12 BSc students of the college complained to state Home Minister Nayini Narsimha Reddy that Sanjay had harassed them and misbehaved with them.

A case was registered against him under relevant sections of the IPC following the complaint, the police said.

Sanjay subsequently went absconding even as he had applied for the anticipatory bail which was later dismissed by the high court.

Sanjay was arrested when he appeared before Nizamabad Assistant Commissioner of Police M Sudarshan yesterday after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the high court recently.

Ruling TRS MP D Srinivas' son Sanjay was arrested on charges of sexually harassing 12 students of a college run by him in Nizamabad, police said today. Sanjay was arrested when he appeared before Nizamabad Assistant Commissioner of Police M Sudarshan yesterday after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the high court recently. He presented himself for interrogation in response to a notice and after questioning he was arrested, the police said. He was produced before a local court which remanded him to judicial custody till August 24, they said. "Sanjay has been accused by 12 girls of sexual harassment and indecent behaviour on the college premises and other places," Sudarshan told PTI. Earlier this month, 12 BSc students of the college complained to state Home Minister Nayini Narsimha Reddy that Sanjay had harassed them and misbehaved with them. A case was registered against him under relevant sections of the IPC following the complaint, the police said. Sanjay subsequently went absconding even as he had applied for the anticipatory bail which was later dismissed by the high court.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi MP's son held on charges of sexual harassment

The government today dismissed Usha Ananthasubramanian, former managing director of scam hit Punjab National Bank and Allahabad Bank, from service, according to an official notification.

Ananthasubramanian was, three months back, divested of all her powers as MD of Allahabad Bank, after being named in a CBI charge-sheet in the&nbspRs.&nbsp14,000 crore PNB fraud case but had continued to be an employee of the bank.

She was to superannuate today but has been dismissed from the service.

Ananthasubramanian had enjoyed leadership roles in PNB in two stints. She headed the bank between August 2015 and May 2017, before moving to Allahabad Bank. She was executive director at PNB from July 2011 to November 2013.

Ananthasubramanian was, three months back, divested of all her powers as MD of Allahabad Bank, after being named in a CBI charge-sheet in the Rs. 14,000 crore PNB fraud case but had continued to be an employee of the bank.

The government today dismissed Usha Ananthasubramanian, former managing director of scam hit Punjab National Bank and Allahabad Bank, from service, according to an official notification. Ananthasubramanian was, three months back, divested of all her powers as MD of Allahabad Bank, after being named in a CBI charge-sheet in the&nbspRs.&nbsp14,000 crore PNB fraud case but had continued to be an employee of the bank. She was to superannuate today but has been dismissed from the service. Ananthasubramanian had enjoyed leadership roles in PNB in two stints. She headed the bank between August 2015 and May 2017, before moving to Allahabad Bank. She was executive director at PNB from July 2011 to November 2013.

Government dismisses former managing director named in PNB scam

Pune, Navi Mumbai and Greater Mumbai from Maharashtra were ranked today India's three most livable places on the government's inaugural 'Ease of Living Index', where the national capital came at 65th place out of total 111 cities.

Rampur in Uttar Pradesh figured at the bottom of the livability index released by the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. Chennai has been ranked 14th, while Kolkata did not participate in the survey. Kohima (Nagaland) and Patna (Bihar) were also placed in the bottom-three.

In the top-ten, the three cities from Maharashtra were followed by Tirupati, Chandigarh, Thane, Raipur, Indore, Vijayawada and Bhopal.

Varanasi is at 33rd place, Ahmedabad at 23rd and Hyderabad at 27th.

This is the first-ever exercise undertaken by the ministry to rank the country's major cities on the basis of four parameters of ease of living -- governance, social, economic and physical infrastructure.

The ministry said the evaluation of cities has been done on a 100-point scale across 78 indicators -- institutional and social pillars carried 25 points each, 5 points were given for economic pillar and 45 points for the physical pillar.

Releasing the index, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said this assessment is first of its kind globally in terms of scale and coverage and the ranking marks a shift to a data-driven approach to urban planning and management and promotes healthy competition among cities.

No city from Uttar Pradesh or Tamil Nadu figured in the top-ten.

While Rampur is ranked the lowest, those in the bottom-ten also include Kohima, Patna, Bihar Sharif, Bhagalpur, Itanagar, Pasighat, Kavaratti, Saharanpur and Silvassa.

Srinagar is ranked 100th, Jammu at 95th, Panaji 90th, Aligarh 86th, Gurugram at 88th and Meerut is 101st. Ghaziabad is ranked 46th and Rai Bareli is at 49th.

After the ten most livable cities, Karim Nagar (Telangana) has been ranked 11th, followed by Tiruchirappalli, Bilaspur, Chennai, Jabalpur, Amravati, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Vasai-Virar city, Nashik, Solarpur, Ahmedabad, Ujjain, Coimbatore, Erode, Hyderabad, Madurai, Tiruppur, Jainpur, Nagpur and Gwalior among others.

In the top-ten, the three cities from Maharashtra were followed by Tirupati, Chandigarh, Thane, Raipur, Indore, Vijayawada and Bhopal.

Pune, Navi Mumbai and Greater Mumbai from Maharashtra were ranked today India's three most livable places on the government's inaugural 'Ease of Living Index', where the national capital came at 65th place out of total 111 cities. Rampur in Uttar Pradesh figured at the bottom of the livability index released by the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. Chennai has been ranked 14th, while Kolkata did not participate in the survey. Kohima (Nagaland) and Patna (Bihar) were also placed in the bottom-three. In the top-ten, the three cities from Maharashtra were followed by Tirupati, Chandigarh, Thane, Raipur, Indore, Vijayawada and Bhopal. Varanasi is at 33rd place, Ahmedabad at 23rd and Hyderabad at 27th. This is the first-ever exercise undertaken by the ministry to rank the country's major cities on the basis of four parameters of ease of living -- governance, social, economic and physical infrastructure. The ministry said the evaluation of cities has been done on a 100-point scale across 78 indicators -- institutional and social pillars carried 25 points each, 5 points were given for economic pillar and 45 points for the physical pillar. Releasing the index, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said this assessment is first of its kind globally in terms of scale and coverage and the ranking marks a shift to a data-driven approach to urban planning and management and promotes healthy competition among cities. No city from Uttar Pradesh or Tamil Nadu figured in the top-ten. While Rampur is ranked the lowest, those in the bottom-ten also include Kohima, Patna, Bihar Sharif, Bhagalpur, Itanagar, Pasighat, Kavaratti, Saharanpur and Silvassa. Srinagar is ranked 100th, Jammu at 95th, Panaji 90th, Aligarh 86th, Gurugram at 88th and Meerut is 101st. Ghaziabad is ranked 46th and Rai Bareli is at 49th. After the ten most livable cities, Karim Nagar (Telangana) has been ranked 11th, followed by Tiruchirappalli, Bilaspur, Chennai, Jabalpur, Amravati, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Vasai-Virar city, Nashik, Solarpur, Ahmedabad, Ujjain, Coimbatore, Erode, Hyderabad, Madurai, Tiruppur, Jainpur, Nagpur and Gwalior among others.

Pune top-ranked city on government's Ease of Living Index; New Delhi 65th

Grappling with issue of air pollution, Delhi-NCR will soon see cars with orange and blue stickers as markers to identify polluting levels. The Supreme Court of India has accepted government's proposal to colour-code vehicles in New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) according to the fuel they run on.

The apex court ruling allows for blue stickers to be used for vehicles running on petrol and CNG, and orange stickers for diesel vehicles. However, it clarified that this would only be applicable in Delhi and NCR.

Earlier, the Pollution Control Board (PCB) had told the court that the new hologram-based colour-coded stickers are important as they will help in the identification of polluting vehicles to curb air pollution in New Delhi and the neighbouring cities.

The PCB also cited an example of the city of Paris where colour-coded schemes help in proper implementation of odd-even scheme. With colour-coded vehicles, it will be easier to implement the odd-even vehicle rotation scheme in Delhi along with identifying older vehicles, the board said.

The Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) told the court that this is a welcome suggestion and that the government has proposed to issue green number plates for electric vehicles.

The PCB further suggested that the use of hydrogen and CNG mixed fuel would help in curbing air pollution as compared to using just CNG. It also asserted that state-run oil company, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), has the conversion machine for this.

"We already have CNG network in the city and if we bring the mixture of hydrogen and CNG, it would be much better," the EPCB said.

A three-judge bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra, and comprising Justice A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud was hearing the petition filed by noted environmentalist M C Mehta, seeking a direction to take proper steps to deal with pollution in Delhi and NCR.

The apex court ruling allows for blue stickers to be used for vehicles running on petrol and CNG, and orange stickers for diesel vehicles. However, it clarified that this would only be applicable in Delhi and NCR.

Grappling with issue of air pollution, Delhi-NCR will soon see cars with orange and blue stickers as markers to identify polluting levels. The Supreme Court of India has accepted government's proposal to colour-code vehicles in New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) according to the fuel they run on. The apex court ruling allows for blue stickers to be used for vehicles running on petrol and CNG, and orange stickers for diesel vehicles. However, it clarified that this would only be applicable in Delhi and NCR. Earlier, the Pollution Control Board (PCB) had told the court that the new hologram-based colour-coded stickers are important as they will help in the identification of polluting vehicles to curb air pollution in New Delhi and the neighbouring cities. The PCB also cited an example of the city of Paris where colour-coded schemes help in proper implementation of odd-even scheme. With colour-coded vehicles, it will be easier to implement the odd-even vehicle rotation scheme in Delhi along with identifying older vehicles, the board said. The Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) told the court that this is a welcome suggestion and that the government has proposed to issue green number plates for electric vehicles. The PCB further suggested that the use of hydrogen and CNG mixed fuel would help in curbing air pollution as compared to using just CNG. It also asserted that state-run oil company, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), has the conversion machine for this. "We already have CNG network in the city and if we bring the mixture of hydrogen and CNG, it would be much better," the EPCB said. A three-judge bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra, and comprising Justice A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud was hearing the petition filed by noted environmentalist M C Mehta, seeking a direction to take proper steps to deal with pollution in Delhi and NCR.

Supreme Court approves colour coding of vehicles as per fuel type

The defence ministry today approved a long-pending proposal to procure six indigenously manufactured next-generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPVs) for the Navy at a cost of&nbspRs.&nbsp4,941 crore, officials said.

The go-ahead for the project was given by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement.

The meeting of the DAC was chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The DAC accorded approval for the procurement of six indigenously designed and manufactured offshore patrol vessels at an approximate cost of&nbspRs.&nbsp4,941 crore, the officials said.

The NGOPVs will be built in Indian shipyards and will be fitted with state-of-the-art sensor suite with increased endurance, they said.

These platforms will be used for a multitude of operational roles which include protection of offshore assets, maritime interdiction operations and search and seizure operations, surveillance missions, mine warfare and counter infiltration operations, the defence ministry said.

The go-ahead for the project was given by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement.

The defence ministry today approved a long-pending proposal to procure six indigenously manufactured next-generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPVs) for the Navy at a cost of&nbspRs.&nbsp4,941 crore, officials said. The go-ahead for the project was given by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement. The meeting of the DAC was chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The DAC accorded approval for the procurement of six indigenously designed and manufactured offshore patrol vessels at an approximate cost of&nbspRs.&nbsp4,941 crore, the officials said. The NGOPVs will be built in Indian shipyards and will be fitted with state-of-the-art sensor suite with increased endurance, they said. These platforms will be used for a multitude of operational roles which include protection of offshore assets, maritime interdiction operations and search and seizure operations, surveillance missions, mine warfare and counter infiltration operations, the defence ministry said.

Government approves procurement of 6 offshore patrol vessels for navy

A gunshot rang out at Constitution Club in the high-security area near Parliament today when an unidentified man targeted JNU student leader Umar Khalid, who escaped unhurt, eyewitnesses said.&nbsp 
The attacker dropped the weapon and fled the spot, police and eyewitnesses said.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jnu-student-leader-umar-khalid-shot-at-in-delhis-constitution-club-158874">Also Read:&nbspJNU student leader Umar Khalid shot at in Delhi's Constitution Club</a>

Police sources said they had seized the weapon.&nbsp

As confusion persisted over what had actually happened and how many people were involved, Ajay Chaudhury, joint commissioner of police, New Delhi range, said police was investigating whether shots were fired or not. 
Giving his version of what had happened, Khalid said he was going back inside the complex, which also houses the Mavlankar Auditorium and MP quarters on Rafi Marg, after having tea when somebody tried to fire at him. 
"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.&nbsp

"I do not know whether it was the handiwork of some group and if others accompanied the attacker. It's ironic that it happened as I have come to participate in an even against mob lynching.&nbsp

"There is an atmosphere of fear. If you speak against the government you will be branded and then anything could happen to you," he said.

Some witnesses claimed two shots were fired when Khalid was at the entrance of the club, where he was going to attend a conference, 'Khauff Se Azaadi' (Freedom from Fear), organised by United Against Hate and featuring speakers such as lawyer Prashant Bhushan, Delhi University professor Apoorvanand and the late Rohith Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula.

"Khalid said he was attacked. Somebody pounced on him and tried to fire at him but the person could immediately not fire. People started chasing him. According to Khalid, he tried to fire in the air. CCTV is being examined to verify the incident," said Madhur Verma, deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi).&nbsp

Narrating what had happened, Saifi, who was with Khalid, said they had gone to have tea and three people approached them.

"One of them got hold of Khalid which he resisted. There was a melee as a gunshot was heard. But Khalid was not injured. While the accused were fleeing, they fired one more shot," he told reporters at the spot. 
Ban Jyotsana Lahiri, who was also there at the time, added that a man carrying a gun came from behind them and grappled with Khalid.&nbsp

"There was a scuffle. He shot from the gun after which he fled," Eyewitnesses also said a man in a white shirt who appeared to be the main attacker could be seen running towards Parliament Street.

The incident, which took place around 2.30 pm, comes two days before Independence Day when the city is on security alert.

Delhi Police's top officials reached the spot as news of the incident came in.&nbspThe student leader recently filed a complaint with the Delhi Police that he and Gujarat's Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani had received death threats from a man who identified himself as fugitive gangster Ravi Pujari in June.&nbsp

Khalid had said he was informed by Mevani about the threats, and had not received any call himself.&nbsp

He hit the headlines in 2016 when he and former JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar along with three others 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.&nbsp

The university recently refused to accept his PhD thesis following which he had moved court.&nbsp

Last year, an invitation to him for a seminar on "Culture of Protests" at Delhi University's Ramjas College, which was withdrawn by the college authorities following opposition by the ABVP, led to clashes and violence in North Campus.&nbsp

Delhi Police's top officials reached the spot as news of the incident came in.

A gunshot rang out at Constitution Club in the high-security area near Parliament today when an unidentified man targeted JNU student leader Umar Khalid, who escaped unhurt, eyewitnesses said. The attacker dropped the weapon and fled the spot, police and eyewitnesses said. Also Read:&nbspJNU student leader Umar Khalid shot at in Delhi's Constitution Club Police sources said they had seized the weapon. As confusion persisted over what had actually happened and how many people were involved, Ajay Chaudhury, joint commissioner of police, New Delhi range, said police was investigating whether shots were fired or not. Giving his version of what had happened, Khalid said he was going back inside the complex, which also houses the Mavlankar Auditorium and MP quarters on Rafi Marg, after having tea when somebody tried to fire at him. "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. "I do not know whether it was the handiwork of some group and if others accompanied the attacker. It's ironic that it happened as I have come to participate in an even against mob lynching. "There is an atmosphere of fear. If you speak against the government you will be branded and then anything could happen to you," he said. Some witnesses claimed two shots were fired when Khalid was at the entrance of the club, where he was going to attend a conference, 'Khauff Se Azaadi' (Freedom from Fear), organised by United Against Hate and featuring speakers such as lawyer Prashant Bhushan, Delhi University professor Apoorvanand and the late Rohith Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula. "Khalid said he was attacked. Somebody pounced on him and tried to fire at him but the person could immediately not fire. People started chasing him. According to Khalid, he tried to fire in the air. CCTV is being examined to verify the incident," said Madhur Verma, deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi). Narrating what had happened, Saifi, who was with Khalid, said they had gone to have tea and three people approached them. "One of them got hold of Khalid which he resisted. There was a melee as a gunshot was heard. But Khalid was not injured. While the accused were fleeing, they fired one more shot," he told reporters at the spot. Ban Jyotsana Lahiri, who was also there at the time, added that a man carrying a gun came from behind them and grappled with Khalid. "There was a scuffle. He shot from the gun after which he fled," Eyewitnesses also said a man in a white shirt who appeared to be the main attacker could be seen running towards Parliament Street. The incident, which took place around 2.30 pm, comes two days before Independence Day when the city is on security alert. Delhi Police's top officials reached the spot as news of the incident came in.&nbspThe student leader recently filed a complaint with the Delhi Police that he and Gujarat's Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani had received death threats from a man who identified himself as fugitive gangster Ravi Pujari in June. Khalid had said he was informed by Mevani about the threats, and had not received any call himself. He hit the headlines in 2016 when he and former JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar along with three others 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. The university recently refused to accept his PhD thesis following which he had moved court. Last year, an invitation to him for a seminar on "Culture of Protests" at Delhi University's Ramjas College, which was withdrawn by the college authorities following opposition by the ABVP, led to clashes and violence in North Campus.

Umar Khalid said he was attacked, CCTV being examined: Police

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Congress President Rahul Gandhi's wink at his colleague right after hugging him in the Parliament last month proved how childish his stunt was.

"It is for you to judge whether it was a childish act or not. And if you are unable to decide that, watch the wink and you will get the answer," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an exclusive interview to ANI on Saturday.

Gandhi had hugged PM Modi during the No-Confidence Motion against the NDA government. Later, Rahul Gandhi was seen winking at a fellow Congress Member of Parliament.

Continuing with his jibe at the Congress President, Prime Minister Modi said, "I am a humble kamdaar. I am nothing compared to the naamdaars of this country. They decide whom to hate when to hate, whom to love and how to make a show out of it. A kamdaar like me cannot have a say in it."

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also labeled Gandhi's hug as an "extremely childish act". Union Minister Rajnath Singh also hit out at Gandhi saying that he "began a Chipko movement after hugging PM Modi in the parliament".

Meanwhile, Gandhi attacked the Bhartiya Janata Party on Monday over the Rafale aircraft deal between India and France.

While addressing a rally in Karnataka's Bidar district, Gandhi reiterated that the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has lied to the nation about the deal. He further added that the French President has also denied her claims.

Gandhi said, "Nirmala Sitharaman Ji has lied to the youth of the nation. She said India and France have a secret pact and so they can't reveal the price of Rafale aircraft. I asked France President if this is true and he denied".

Gandhi further challenged the prime minister for debating with him over the Rafale deal.

Gandhi had hugged PM Modi during the No-Confidence Motion against the NDA government. Later, Rahul Gandhi was seen winking at a fellow Congress Member of Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Congress President Rahul Gandhi's wink at his colleague right after hugging him in the Parliament last month proved how childish his stunt was. "It is for you to judge whether it was a childish act or not. And if you are unable to decide that, watch the wink and you will get the answer," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an exclusive interview to ANI on Saturday. Gandhi had hugged PM Modi during the No-Confidence Motion against the NDA government. Later, Rahul Gandhi was seen winking at a fellow Congress Member of Parliament. Continuing with his jibe at the Congress President, Prime Minister Modi said, "I am a humble kamdaar. I am nothing compared to the naamdaars of this country. They decide whom to hate when to hate, whom to love and how to make a show out of it. A kamdaar like me cannot have a say in it." Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also labeled Gandhi's hug as an "extremely childish act". Union Minister Rajnath Singh also hit out at Gandhi saying that he "began a Chipko movement after hugging PM Modi in the parliament". Meanwhile, Gandhi attacked the Bhartiya Janata Party on Monday over the Rafale aircraft deal between India and France. While addressing a rally in Karnataka's Bidar district, Gandhi reiterated that the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has lied to the nation about the deal. He further added that the French President has also denied her claims. Gandhi said, "Nirmala Sitharaman Ji has lied to the youth of the nation. She said India and France have a secret pact and so they can't reveal the price of Rafale aircraft. I asked France President if this is true and he denied". Gandhi further challenged the prime minister for debating with him over the Rafale deal.

Rahul Gandhi's wink showed how childish the hug was: PM Modi

Heavy rains have killed five, left several stranded and pounded several parts of Himachal Pradesh, washing away a bridge in tribal Kinnaur district today and prompting authorities to close schools in Shimla, Kangra and Solan, officials said.

Three persons were killed in Mandi district in landslide incidents, while a boy was washed away in the swollen Kaushalya river near Parwanoo in Solan district.

According to reports five persons were buried under a landslide near Chakla village in Kandaghat in Solan district. One of them reportedly died. Rescue work is still on.

Several roads across Himachal Pradesh have been closed as heavy rains have triggered landslides in some areas.

District officials said Rispa bridge in Kinnaur was washed away due to heavy rains. The district administration is trying to restore movement by setting up a span bridge.

In view of the alarming situation of the silt in the reservoir&nbsp;after heavy rain&nbsp;caused huge inflow in Beas River, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) authorities are releasing water from Pandoh Dam in Mandhi district since 9 am, offiicials said.

A warning has been issued for tourists and people residing in low-lying areas not to go near the Beas River as water is being released from the Pandoh Dam.

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BBMB authorities have informed the district administration that the outflow would increase gradually and the release of water from the dam would continue till 3 pm tomorrow, he said, adding tourists and the people residing in low-lying areas have been warned not to go near the river.

The district administration is keeping a close watch on the situation, he added.

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar said residents can call 1077 in case of an emergency.

The MeT department has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue till tomorrow.

As per data provided by the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, 239 mm rain was recorded in Paonta Sahib followed by 238 mm in Sujanpur Tihra,.

Other places which received rains include Nehri in Mandi district (235 mm), Palampur (212 mm), Shimla (172.6 mm), Kangra airport (167.9 mm), Sundernagar (151.4 mm), Dharamshala (142.8 mm), Jubbarhatti (146.2 mm), Jwali in Kangra district (136 mm), Kasauli (134 mm), Bharwain in Una district (119 mm), Solan (110 mm), Chamba (78 mm), Dalhousie (72 mm) till 8.30 am.

(With PTI inputs)

Several roads across Himachal Pradesh have been closed as heavy rains have triggered landslides in some areas.

Heavy rains have killed five, left several stranded and pounded several parts of Himachal Pradesh, washing away a bridge in tribal Kinnaur district today and prompting authorities to close schools in Shimla, Kangra and Solan, officials said. Three persons were killed in Mandi district in landslide incidents, while a boy was washed away in the swollen Kaushalya river near Parwanoo in Solan district. According to reports five persons were buried under a landslide near Chakla village in Kandaghat in Solan district. One of them reportedly died. Rescue work is still on. Several roads across Himachal Pradesh have been closed as heavy rains have triggered landslides in some areas. District officials said Rispa bridge in Kinnaur was washed away due to heavy rains. The district administration is trying to restore movement by setting up a span bridge. In view of the alarming situation of the silt in the reservoir after heavy rain caused huge inflow in Beas River, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) authorities are releasing water from Pandoh Dam in Mandhi district since 9 am, offiicials said. A warning has been issued for tourists and people residing in low-lying areas not to go near the Beas River as water is being released from the Pandoh Dam. Himachal Pradesh: National Highway 3 (Chandigarh -Manali) is blocked due to landslide near Mandi town. Road clearing operation is underway. pic.twitter.com/uuxJwoFfcw — ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2018 × BBMB authorities have informed the district administration that the outflow would increase gradually and the release of water from the dam would continue till 3 pm tomorrow, he said, adding tourists and the people residing in low-lying areas have been warned not to go near the river. The district administration is keeping a close watch on the situation, he added. Kangra Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar said residents can call 1077 in case of an emergency. The MeT department has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue till tomorrow. As per data provided by the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, 239 mm rain was recorded in Paonta Sahib followed by 238 mm in Sujanpur Tihra,. Other places which received rains include Nehri in Mandi district (235 mm), Palampur (212 mm), Shimla (172.6 mm), Kangra airport (167.9 mm), Sundernagar (151.4 mm), Dharamshala (142.8 mm), Jubbarhatti (146.2 mm), Jwali in Kangra district (136 mm), Kasauli (134 mm), Bharwain in Una district (119 mm), Solan (110 mm), Chamba (78 mm), Dalhousie (72 mm) till 8.30 am. (With PTI inputs)

5 dead, bridge washed away as heavy rains hit Himachal Pradesh

Indians would live for about four years <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/withdrawban-on-parking-fee-hikeconstruction-activities-in-delhi-epca-24341">longer on an average if the country </a>meets the WHO's air quality standards, according to a new study.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/no-need-to-panic-its-not-bhopal-gas-tragedy-says-harsh-vardhan-24250">Also Read:&nbsp;'No need to panic, it's not Bhopal gas tragedy', says Harsh Vardhan</a>

Noting that ambient air pollution alone may cost India more than $500 billion per year, it said it is causing hundreds of millions of people in the country to lead shorter and sicker lives.&nbsp;

A group of researchers have proposed a slew of measures to overcome the issue that includes applying monetary charges on excess emissions.

Indians would be able to live for about four years longer on an average if the country meets the WHO's air quality standards, the study said.

Under the World Health Organisation quality standards, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) should be 10g/m3 annual mean and 25g/m3 24-hour meanwhile the coarse particulate matter (PM10) 20g/m3 annual mean and 50 g/m3 24-hour mean.

To help improve India's air quality, researchers from the University of Chicago and Harvard Kennedy School have laid out five key evidence-based policy recommendations in a new report titled 'A Roadmap Towards Cleaning India's Air', the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago said in a statement.

Moreover, if India were to meet the WHO's air quality standards, its people would live about four years longer on an average. The economic costs of pollution, through its impact on health care expenditures and workforce productivity, will be significant, it said.

The study noted more than 660 million Indians live in areas that exceed the country's standard for what is considered safe exposure to fine particulate matter(PM2.5).

For Delhi, the results of the odd-even scheme suggest driving restrictions may be most effective as emergency measures during the worst periods which is winter.

"The analysis found evidence of a 13 per cent reduction in PM2.5 concentrations during the January round. The effect was particularly large between 11 am and 2 pm, perhaps due to a reduction in traffic during the morning peak hours. In contrast, the analysis found no evidence of an effect during the April round. The absence of an April effect may have been due to greater dispersion caused by warmer temperatures," the study said.

It recommended improving emissions monitoring by better aligning incentives of auditors, providing regulators with real-time data on polluters' emissions, applying monetary charges for excess emissions, providing the public with information about polluters, and using markets to reduce abatement costs and pollution, according to the study.

"While the economic costs of pollution are high and there is no easy solution, we remain optimistic because of the incredible innovations currently being experimented with throughout India," Rohini Pande, a professor in Rafik Hariri University and co-director of Evidence for Policy Design (EPoD) at Harvard Kennedy School, was quoted in the statement.

Researchers from the University of Chicago and Harvard Kennedy School have laid out five key evidence-based policy recommendations in a new report.

Indians would live for about four years longer on an average if the country meets the WHO's air quality standards, according to a new study. Also Read: 'No need to panic, it's not Bhopal gas tragedy', says Harsh Vardhan Noting that ambient air pollution alone may cost India more than $500 billion per year, it said it is causing hundreds of millions of people in the country to lead shorter and sicker lives. A group of researchers have proposed a slew of measures to overcome the issue that includes applying monetary charges on excess emissions. Indians would be able to live for about four years longer on an average if the country meets the WHO's air quality standards, the study said. Under the World Health Organisation quality standards, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) should be 10g/m3 annual mean and 25g/m3 24-hour meanwhile the coarse particulate matter (PM10) 20g/m3 annual mean and 50 g/m3 24-hour mean. To help improve India's air quality, researchers from the University of Chicago and Harvard Kennedy School have laid out five key evidence-based policy recommendations in a new report titled 'A Roadmap Towards Cleaning India's Air', the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago said in a statement. Moreover, if India were to meet the WHO's air quality standards, its people would live about four years longer on an average. The economic costs of pollution, through its impact on health care expenditures and workforce productivity, will be significant, it said. The study noted more than 660 million Indians live in areas that exceed the country's standard for what is considered safe exposure to fine particulate matter(PM2.5). For Delhi, the results of the odd-even scheme suggest driving restrictions may be most effective as emergency measures during the worst periods which is winter. "The analysis found evidence of a 13 per cent reduction in PM2.5 concentrations during the January round. The effect was particularly large between 11 am and 2 pm, perhaps due to a reduction in traffic during the morning peak hours. In contrast, the analysis found no evidence of an effect during the April round. The absence of an April effect may have been due to greater dispersion caused by warmer temperatures," the study said. It recommended improving emissions monitoring by better aligning incentives of auditors, providing regulators with real-time data on polluters' emissions, applying monetary charges for excess emissions, providing the public with information about polluters, and using markets to reduce abatement costs and pollution, according to the study. "While the economic costs of pollution are high and there is no easy solution, we remain optimistic because of the incredible innovations currently being experimented with throughout India," Rohini Pande, a professor in Rafik Hariri University and co-director of Evidence for Policy Design (EPoD) at Harvard Kennedy School, was quoted in the statement.

Indians may live 4 years longer if country achieves WHO standards: Study

JNU student leader Umar Khalid attacked today at the gate of Constitution Club on Rafi Marg in Delhi.

Police said bullets were fired at Khalid. Reports added that&nbsp;an "unidentified person"&nbsp;fired shots at the JNU student leader.&nbsp;

Khalid was unhurt in the shooting.

Reports said people had caught the person but he managed to escape.

DCP Madhur Verma said: "It is being verified. He said that he was attacked, adding, "somebody pounced on Umar Khalid and pushed him, thereafter he tried to fire at Khalid."

"The person couldn't fire immediately. People started chasing him and according to Khalid the attacker then fired in the air," Verma added.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Delhi Police DCP Madhur Verma says 'It is being verified. Umar Khalid said that he was attacked. Somebody pounced on him and pushed, thereafter he tried to fire at Khalid.But couldn't. According to Khalid the attacker fired in the air and was chased by people' <a href="https://t.co/vhQrknlokB">pic.twitter.com/vhQrknlokB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028949597354217473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Khalid was at the venue to attend an event titled 'Khauff Se Azaadi', organised by an organisation named 'United Against Hate'.

Later Khalid said, "There is an atmosphere of fear in the country, and anybody who speaks against the government is threatened."

Khalid had filed a police complaint two months ago over death threats which had received along with Gujarat's Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani.

In 2016, Khalid's father Syed Qasim Illyas Rasool had filed a police complaint, claiming that he has received a phone call "threatening to kill" his son if he doesn't leave the country.

Last year, the Delhi Police had filed a sedition case against him and former JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar for allegedly organising an event against the hanging of 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

Police said bullets fired were fired at Khalid

JNU student leader Umar Khalid attacked today at the gate of Constitution Club on Rafi Marg in Delhi. Police said bullets were fired at Khalid. Reports added that an "unidentified person" fired shots at the JNU student leader. Khalid was unhurt in the shooting. Reports said people had caught the person but he managed to escape. DCP Madhur Verma said: "It is being verified. He said that he was attacked, adding, "somebody pounced on Umar Khalid and pushed him, thereafter he tried to fire at Khalid." "The person couldn't fire immediately. People started chasing him and according to Khalid the attacker then fired in the air," Verma added. #WATCH Delhi Police DCP Madhur Verma says 'It is being verified. Umar Khalid said that he was attacked. Somebody pounced on him and pushed, thereafter he tried to fire at Khalid.But couldn't. According to Khalid the attacker fired in the air and was chased by people' pic.twitter.com/vhQrknlokB — ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2018 × Khalid was at the venue to attend an event titled 'Khauff Se Azaadi', organised by an organisation named 'United Against Hate'. Later Khalid said, "There is an atmosphere of fear in the country, and anybody who speaks against the government is threatened." Khalid had filed a police complaint two months ago over death threats which had received along with Gujarat's Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani. In 2016, Khalid's father Syed Qasim Illyas Rasool had filed a police complaint, claiming that he has received a phone call "threatening to kill" his son if he doesn't leave the country. Last year, the Delhi Police had filed a sedition case against him and former JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar for allegedly organising an event against the hanging of 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

JNU student leader Umar Khalid shot at in Delhi's Constitution Club

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