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Watch the video above no know about the history of no confidence motion in Indian parliament through the ages.

History of no confidence motion in Indian parliament through the ages

Four BJP MPs have submitted a privilege notice against Congress President Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of "misleading" Parliament by making "false" allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;

BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Anurag Thakur, Dushyant Singh and Prahalad Joshi have given the notice to the Speaker.

According to the rules of the House, Gandhi should have given prior notice before making any allegations against any member. He should have given substantiating material to the Speaker, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar had said, adding notice for privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi will be given for "falsehood and misleading" Parliament

While speaking in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the no-confidence motion against the government, Rahul had alleged that Sitharaman had lied to the nation by claiming that India was bound by a secrecy clause in the Rafale fighter jet deal signed with France.

Gandhi said the French president had clearly conveyed to him that there was no problem in sharing details relating to the Rafale deal worth Rs 58,000 crore.

Alleging corruption in the deal, the Congress has been demanding details, including cost of equipment and weapons, but the government has refused to share them citing the secrecy clause.

Countering his allegations, Sitharaman said all charges were absolutely wrong" and added that the initial agreement for the deal which had the secrecy clause was signed when the UPA was in power in 2008.

BJP leaders said Gandhi's accusations that Modi benefited one industrialist in the Rafale deal and 'betrayed' the Indian Army in Doklam were among his several defamatory allegations against the prime minister. Their privilege motion against him would include these "unsubstantiated" charges.

The NDA government had signed a deal with France-based Dassault Aviation to purchase 36 Rafale jets.

While speaking in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the no-confidence motion against the government, Rahul had alleged that Sitharaman had lied to the nation by claiming that India was bound by a secrecy clause in the Rafale fighter jet deal signed with France.

Four BJP MPs have submitted a privilege notice against Congress President Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of "misleading" Parliament by making "false" allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, reported news agency PTI. BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Anurag Thakur, Dushyant Singh and Prahalad Joshi have given the notice to the Speaker. According to the rules of the House, Gandhi should have given prior notice before making any allegations against any member. He should have given substantiating material to the Speaker, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar had said, adding notice for privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi will be given for "falsehood and misleading" Parliament While speaking in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the no-confidence motion against the government, Rahul had alleged that Sitharaman had lied to the nation by claiming that India was bound by a secrecy clause in the Rafale fighter jet deal signed with France. Gandhi said the French president had clearly conveyed to him that there was no problem in sharing details relating to the Rafale deal worth Rs 58,000 crore. Alleging corruption in the deal, the Congress has been demanding details, including cost of equipment and weapons, but the government has refused to share them citing the secrecy clause. Countering his allegations, Sitharaman said all charges were absolutely wrong" and added that the initial agreement for the deal which had the secrecy clause was signed when the UPA was in power in 2008. BJP leaders said Gandhi's accusations that Modi benefited one industrialist in the Rafale deal and 'betrayed' the Indian Army in Doklam were among his several defamatory allegations against the prime minister. Their privilege motion against him would include these "unsubstantiated" charges. The NDA government had signed a deal with France-based Dassault Aviation to purchase 36 Rafale jets.

BJP MPs submit privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi for 'misleading' Parliament

Following the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, Interim Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced reduced GST rates for a variety of commodities.

Addressing a presser, Goyal said, "After careful considerations and discussion with the state finance ministers, we (the GST Council) have decided to implement these changes for the welfare of the middle classes and small businesses and traders. Besides revenue collection, the GST council will now focus on job creation as well."

The decisions made on Saturday will be applicable from 27 July.

Apart from a 100 per cent waiver of GST on sanitary pads, the council has decided to nullify tax on raw materials such as stone, marble and wood, used by for making handicrafts like sculptures. Also, rakhis, sal leaves, the raw materials used to make regular brooms have also been fully exempted from being charged under GST.

The GST charged for commodities such as lithium-ion batteries, vacuum cleaners, food grinders, mixers, storage water heaters, head dryers, hand dryers, paint, varnishes, water cooler, milk cooler, ice cream coolers, perfumes, toilet sprays and other toiletries has been slashed from 28 per cent to 18 per cent.

The GST on handbags, jewellery box, wooden box for paintings, glass art ware, ornamental framed mirrors, handmade lamps, wax, natural gum, iron and brass products have been reduced from 18 per cent to 12 per cent.

The high court bench had said sanitary pads are a necessity, and there cannot be any explanation to tax them and exempt other items by listing them in the category of necessities.&nbsp;The court also expressed its displeasure over the absence of any women in the 31-member GST Council.

The GST on some commodities has been slashed from 18 per cent to five per cent, including ethanol, and solid bio-fuel pellets. Goyal asserted on the importance of reducing the tax on ethanol, as not only is it used for blending with petrol and diesel, it is also vital for the sugar industry, and will thus be very beneficial for the sugarcane farmers.

Various fabrics, like Chenille fabrics, mats made via handlooms, fertilizer-grade phosphoric acid, which were earlier under the 12 per cent bracket, will be charged 5 per cent, while the GST on washing machine reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent.

 
&nbsp;

The decisions made on Saturday will be applicable from 27 July.

Following the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, Interim Union Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced reduced GST rates for a variety of commodities. Addressing a presser, Goyal said, "After careful considerations and discussion with the state finance ministers, we (the GST Council) have decided to implement these changes for the welfare of the middle classes and small businesses and traders. Besides revenue collection, the GST council will now focus on job creation as well." The decisions made on Saturday will be applicable from 27 July. Apart from a 100 per cent waiver of GST on sanitary pads, the council has decided to nullify tax on raw materials such as stone, marble and wood, used by for making handicrafts like sculptures. Also, rakhis, sal leaves, the raw materials used to make regular brooms have also been fully exempted from being charged under GST. The GST charged for commodities such as lithium-ion batteries, vacuum cleaners, food grinders, mixers, storage water heaters, head dryers, hand dryers, paint, varnishes, water cooler, milk cooler, ice cream coolers, perfumes, toilet sprays and other toiletries has been slashed from 28 per cent to 18 per cent. The GST on handbags, jewellery box, wooden box for paintings, glass art ware, ornamental framed mirrors, handmade lamps, wax, natural gum, iron and brass products have been reduced from 18 per cent to 12 per cent. The high court bench had said sanitary pads are a necessity, and there cannot be any explanation to tax them and exempt other items by listing them in the category of necessities. The court also expressed its displeasure over the absence of any women in the 31-member GST Council. The GST on some commodities has been slashed from 18 per cent to five per cent, including ethanol, and solid bio-fuel pellets. Goyal asserted on the importance of reducing the tax on ethanol, as not only is it used for blending with petrol and diesel, it is also vital for the sugar industry, and will thus be very beneficial for the sugarcane farmers. Various fabrics, like Chenille fabrics, mats made via handlooms, fertilizer-grade phosphoric acid, which were earlier under the 12 per cent bracket, will be charged 5 per cent, while the GST on washing machine reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent.

Relief for consumers as government slashes GST rates on many products

A Jammu and Kashmir police official Salem Ahmed Shah was abducted and killed by terrorists from his house in Kulgam on Friday night, reports said.

Shah was on leave and was allegedly abducted by unknown militants.

“Our colleague Salem Ahmed Shah was abducted and killed by terrorists in Kulgam. We condemn this cowardly act. We all stand by his family at this critical juncture.” the Kashmir zone police tweeted.

A manhunt had been launched by security officials to trace the abducted policeman.&nbsp;

South Kashmir has become the hub of terror activities over the last few years where Policemen have been targeted frequently and robbed of their weapons.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Our colleague Salem Ahmed Shah was abducted and killed by terrorists in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kulgam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kulgam</a>. We condemn this cowardly act. We all stand by his family at this critical juncture.⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/pTtuIUraf4">pic.twitter.com/pTtuIUraf4</a>
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KashmirPolice/status/1020644944711647233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Shah was on leave and was allegedly abducted by unknown militants.

A Jammu and Kashmir police official Salem Ahmed Shah was abducted and killed by terrorists from his house in Kulgam on Friday night, reports said. Shah was on leave and was allegedly abducted by unknown militants. “Our colleague Salem Ahmed Shah was abducted and killed by terrorists in Kulgam. We condemn this cowardly act. We all stand by his family at this critical juncture.” the Kashmir zone police tweeted. A manhunt had been launched by security officials to trace the abducted policeman. South Kashmir has become the hub of terror activities over the last few years where Policemen have been targeted frequently and robbed of their weapons. Our colleague Salem Ahmed Shah was abducted and killed by terrorists in #Kulgam. We condemn this cowardly act. We all stand by his family at this critical juncture.⁦⁦@JmuKmrPolice⁩ pic.twitter.com/pTtuIUraf4 — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) July 21, 2018 ×

J&K police constable found dead after being abducted by terrorists

Giving a boost to India's neighborhood first policy, India along with Sri Lanka on Saturday inaugurated the nationwide expansion of India Funded Emergency Ambulance Service.&nbsp;

It was jointly inaugurated by Indian PM in New Delhi via video conferencing and Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickramasinghe in Jaffna.

Speaking at the event PM Modi said, "the event marks another major achievement in the development partnership of India and Sri Lanka". He also added, that " in good times and bad, India has been, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka".

Sri Lankan lauded PM Modi and said that India has helped consolidated "our health services."

He also congratulated PM Modi for defeating no-confidence motion in the Indian Parliament saying even he had the same experience.

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Sri Lankan PM congratulates PM modi for defeating <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoConfidenceMotion?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoConfidenceMotion</a> says even I had same experience. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainSL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_SriLanka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MFA_SriLanka</a> <a href="https://t.co/0TBQYrjwEi">https://t.co/0TBQYrjwEi</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1020627497967382529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Saturday's expansion of follows successful operation in Western n Southern Provinces. Service has already attended 600000 calls, served over 100000 people and handled 30 baby deliveries outside the hospital.&nbsp;

More than 1500 more jobs to be added with the nationwide expansion and staff will be trained in India and Sri Lanka. This is India's second largest project in Sri Lanka after the Indian housing project.&nbsp;

Service was launched in Sri Lanka on 28th July 2016 under Indian Grant Assistance of US $7.55 million. PM Modi had received a request for setting up an emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka during his first visit in March 2015. 
&nbsp;

It was jointly inaugurated by Indian PM in New Delhi via video conferencing and Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickramasinghe in Jaffna.

Giving a boost to India's neighborhood first policy, India along with Sri Lanka on Saturday inaugurated the nationwide expansion of India Funded Emergency Ambulance Service. It was jointly inaugurated by Indian PM in New Delhi via video conferencing and Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickramasinghe in Jaffna. Speaking at the event PM Modi said, "the event marks another major achievement in the development partnership of India and Sri Lanka". He also added, that " in good times and bad, India has been, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka". Sri Lankan lauded PM Modi and said that India has helped consolidated "our health services." He also congratulated PM Modi for defeating no-confidence motion in the Indian Parliament saying even he had the same experience. Sri Lankan PM congratulates PM modi for defeating #NoConfidenceMotion says even I had same experience. @IndiainSL @MFA_SriLanka https://t.co/0TBQYrjwEi — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 21, 2018 × Saturday's expansion of follows successful operation in Western n Southern Provinces. Service has already attended 600000 calls, served over 100000 people and handled 30 baby deliveries outside the hospital. More than 1500 more jobs to be added with the nationwide expansion and staff will be trained in India and Sri Lanka. This is India's second largest project in Sri Lanka after the Indian housing project. Service was launched in Sri Lanka on 28th July 2016 under Indian Grant Assistance of US $7.55 million. PM Modi had received a request for setting up an emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka during his first visit in March 2015.

India's 2nd biggest development project: Emergency Ambulance Service inaugurated in Sri Lanka

BJP's alliance partner in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena, praised the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-confidence-motion-rahul-gandhis-jaadu-ki-jhappi-for-pm-modi-leaves-twitter-in-splits-153174">Congress President Rahul Gandhi </a>for his speech in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

A report quoted the party leader Sanjay Raut as saying that the Congress chief has now graduated from the real school of politics.

In an embarrassment to the NDA, the alliance partner had already abstained from the debate on the no-confidence motion. Shiv Sena decided to boycott the parliamentary work on the day of the debate.

Forty-eight-year-old Rahul led the opposition charge yesterday by attacking the government on various issues.

He took a jibe at PM Modi and the BJP for their 'pappu' comment and walked across the Lok Sabha hall to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/after-the-sharp-attack,-rahul-hugs-modi-153245">hug the Prime Minister</a>.

Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at PM Modi and the BJP for their 'pappu' comment and walked across the Lok Sabha hall to hug the Prime Minister

BJP's alliance partner in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena, praised the Congress President Rahul Gandhi for his speech in the Lok Sabha on Friday. A report quoted the party leader Sanjay Raut as saying that the Congress chief has now graduated from the real school of politics. In an embarrassment to the NDA, the alliance partner had already abstained from the debate on the no-confidence motion. Shiv Sena decided to boycott the parliamentary work on the day of the debate. Forty-eight-year-old Rahul led the opposition charge yesterday by attacking the government on various issues. He took a jibe at PM Modi and the BJP for their 'pappu' comment and walked across the Lok Sabha hall to hug the Prime Minister.

Shiv Sena praises Rahul Gandhi for his speech in Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday digitally launched an India-assisted emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the inaugural event via video conference, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the launch of the project as a "major achievement" in the development of Indo-Sri Lankan relations.

Speaking at the event PM Modi said, "the&nbsp;event marks another major achievement in the development partnership of India and Sri Lanka". He also added, that " in&nbsp;good times and bad, India has been, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka."

Sri Lankan lauded PM Modi and said that India has helped consolidated "our health services.". He also&nbsp;congratulated PM Modi for defeating no-confidence motion in the Indian Parliament saying even he had the&nbsp;same experience.

"During my visit last year, I had promised that India will work for expanding the pre-hospital Emergency Ambulance Service all over Sri Lanka. I am happy that India has fulfilled its promise in a timely manner and we have marked the beginning of the second phase of the service," he said.

Prime Minister Modi further assured that India has, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka.

"It is not just a coincidence that India has the privilege to be Sri Lanka's partner in establishing this first responder service and in its expansion. In good times and bad, India has been, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka," he said.

The Prime Minister also noted that Sri Lanka is not just a neighbour, but a trusted partner of India in South Asia.

"When I look at Sri Lanka, I see not only a neighbour, but a very special and trusted partner of India in South Asia and in the Indian Ocean. I believe that our development cooperation with Sri Lanka is an important means for translating our vision of shared progress into reality. Our people should be in constant touch with each other so that we know each other better and become even closer friends," he added.

Among the dignitaries present at the event was Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

India has given a grant of USD 22.8 million- 7.6 million dollars in the first phase and 15.2 million dollars for the country-wide expansion being launched today.

Under the first phase, 88 ambulances have been purchased for the two provinces, while another 209 ambulances are being provided to cover all districts in the country.

Saturday's expansion of follows successful operation in Western n Southern Provinces.&nbsp;Service has already attended 600000 calls, served over 100000 people and handled 30 baby deliveries outside the hospital.

More than&nbsp;1500&nbsp;more jobs to be added with the nationwide expansion and staff will be trained in India and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

This is India's second largest project in Sri Lanka after the Indian housing project.&nbsp;

Addressing the inaugural event via video conference, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the launch of the project as a 'major achievement' in the development of Indo-Sri Lankan relations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday digitally launched an India-assisted emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka. Addressing the inaugural event via video conference, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the launch of the project as a "major achievement" in the development of Indo-Sri Lankan relations. Speaking at the event PM Modi said, "the event marks another major achievement in the development partnership of India and Sri Lanka". He also added, that " in good times and bad, India has been, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka." Sri Lankan lauded PM Modi and said that India has helped consolidated "our health services.". He also congratulated PM Modi for defeating no-confidence motion in the Indian Parliament saying even he had the same experience. "During my visit last year, I had promised that India will work for expanding the pre-hospital Emergency Ambulance Service all over Sri Lanka. I am happy that India has fulfilled its promise in a timely manner and we have marked the beginning of the second phase of the service," he said. Prime Minister Modi further assured that India has, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka. "It is not just a coincidence that India has the privilege to be Sri Lanka's partner in establishing this first responder service and in its expansion. In good times and bad, India has been, and will always be the first responder for Sri Lanka," he said. The Prime Minister also noted that Sri Lanka is not just a neighbour, but a trusted partner of India in South Asia. "When I look at Sri Lanka, I see not only a neighbour, but a very special and trusted partner of India in South Asia and in the Indian Ocean. I believe that our development cooperation with Sri Lanka is an important means for translating our vision of shared progress into reality. Our people should be in constant touch with each other so that we know each other better and become even closer friends," he added. Among the dignitaries present at the event was Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. India has given a grant of USD 22.8 million- 7.6 million dollars in the first phase and 15.2 million dollars for the country-wide expansion being launched today. Under the first phase, 88 ambulances have been purchased for the two provinces, while another 209 ambulances are being provided to cover all districts in the country. Saturday's expansion of follows successful operation in Western n Southern Provinces. Service has already attended 600000 calls, served over 100000 people and handled 30 baby deliveries outside the hospital. More than 1500 more jobs to be added with the nationwide expansion and staff will be trained in India and Sri Lanka. This is India's second largest project in Sri Lanka after the Indian housing project.

PM Modi inaugurates ambulance service in Sri Lanka

In perhaps the most direct attack on the US, Moscow has said Washington's sanctions are not only unfair but aimed at driving Russia out of the Indian defence sector and its military and political space. In an interview to RIA Novosti about the interaction between Moscow and New Delhi, Russia's ambassador Nikolay&nbsp;Kudashev said, "A distinctive feature of the present time is the sanctions against Russian producers, which are a means of unfair competition and which are pursuing the goal of driving Russia out of the Indian defence sector and its military and political space."

He said that Russia is "ready for equitable, fair and open competition" but sanctions and what the US is doing "is not a competition, it is something opposite to competition."&nbsp;

Accepting that US Sanctions do create difficulties but of "a certain kind" but " &nbsp;these difficulties are surmountable. We are searching for the solution of these problems and undoubtedly it will be found. " 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;Sounding upbeat about India Russia ties he said both the countries "remain closest partners, and all our defence industry agreements are being implemented".&nbsp;

India is likely to purchase of S-400s from Russia soon and undertake joint production of Ka-226 helicopters.

The comments come ahead of 2+2 India US defence and foreign ministers meet in New Delhi on Sept 6 and India, Russia annual summit in October.&nbsp;

In both meetings, countering America's adversaries through Sanctions Act or CAATSA is likely to be taken up and its impact on India. The acts impose sanctions on Russia and impacts countries like India which engages with it. With a substantial defence partnership with Russia, New Delhi could soon be under pressure due to sanctions.&nbsp;

Russia Lauds India on Chabahar

On the connectivity front, both the countries are engaged in Eurasian connectivity project. &nbsp;The first round of negotiations was held but these were of a technical nature, concerning modalities of further negotiations. The Ambassador said, "Government of India is becoming more convinced in this idea, though some of our geopolitical competitors suggest and whisper to India other options, which go against the evident reality."

India and Moscow are planning on “South-North” corridor to connect Mumbai to Moscow and go via Chabahar port in Iran and Azerbaijan. With US sanctions kicking on Iran from August 6, New Delhi will be under pressure on that front. Russian ambassador meanwhile, lauded India and said, "India make(ing) great effort to develop this idea despite growing complications around Iran. I am sure that the prospect of the project is very bright because it is not artificial, but is in demand by life and the millenniums of the history of relations between our countries."

The comments come ahead of 2+2 India US defence and foreign ministers meet in New Delhi on Sept 6 and India, Russia annual summit in October.

In perhaps the most direct attack on the US, Moscow has said Washington's sanctions are not only unfair but aimed at driving Russia out of the Indian defence sector and its military and political space. In an interview to RIA Novosti about the interaction between Moscow and New Delhi, Russia's ambassador Nikolay Kudashev said, "A distinctive feature of the present time is the sanctions against Russian producers, which are a means of unfair competition and which are pursuing the goal of driving Russia out of the Indian defence sector and its military and political space." He said that Russia is "ready for equitable, fair and open competition" but sanctions and what the US is doing "is not a competition, it is something opposite to competition." Accepting that US Sanctions do create difficulties but of "a certain kind" but " these difficulties are surmountable. We are searching for the solution of these problems and undoubtedly it will be found. " Sounding upbeat about India Russia ties he said both the countries "remain closest partners, and all our defence industry agreements are being implemented". India is likely to purchase of S-400s from Russia soon and undertake joint production of Ka-226 helicopters. The comments come ahead of 2+2 India US defence and foreign ministers meet in New Delhi on Sept 6 and India, Russia annual summit in October. In both meetings, countering America's adversaries through Sanctions Act or CAATSA is likely to be taken up and its impact on India. The acts impose sanctions on Russia and impacts countries like India which engages with it. With a substantial defence partnership with Russia, New Delhi could soon be under pressure due to sanctions. Russia Lauds India on Chabahar On the connectivity front, both the countries are engaged in Eurasian connectivity project. The first round of negotiations was held but these were of a technical nature, concerning modalities of further negotiations. The Ambassador said, "Government of India is becoming more convinced in this idea, though some of our geopolitical competitors suggest and whisper to India other options, which go against the evident reality." India and Moscow are planning on “South-North” corridor to connect Mumbai to Moscow and go via Chabahar port in Iran and Azerbaijan. With US sanctions kicking on Iran from August 6, New Delhi will be under pressure on that front. Russian ambassador meanwhile, lauded India and said, "India make(ing) great effort to develop this idea despite growing complications around Iran. I am sure that the prospect of the project is very bright because it is not artificial, but is in demand by life and the millenniums of the history of relations between our countries."

US trying to force Russia out of Indian arms market: Russian Ambassador

Bharatiya Janata Party leader GVL Narasimha Rao on Wednesday said, what happened in the Parliament on Friday was just the trailer of what will happen in 2019 and beyond.

"This is only a trailer, what the people of the country have seen yesterday, on the floor of the parliament is what will happen in 2019 and beyond. And, the Prime Minister said that Rahul Gandhi and Congress party will have to move yet another no-confidence vote against him in 2024. That reflects the real situation on the ground," said Rao.

Calling out Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his stunt in the Parliament yesterday, Rao called him a zero and incapable of holding a political office.

"Rahul Gandhi demonstrated that he is a complete zero as far as his important attributes of a political leader. He was completely immature. He demonstrated his incapability to hold any public office," said Rao over Rahul Gandhi's behaviour. 
Rao also called out the opposition for being disunited, completely issueless and being united only by their hatred for the BJP.

"This is possibly the widest victory for a party in a no-confidence vote. Yesterday, the first casualty was the fault lines in the opposition parties. It showed how fractured the grand opposition is," Rao on the no-confidence vote in the Parliament on Friday.

Rao then slammed the Telugu Desam Party and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, the 'prime mover' of the no-confidence vote.

Speaking on Naidu, Rao said, "Chandrababu Naidu has changed his position over the special category status in a U-turn. And, after the special assistance measure which was announced in lieu of the special package."

"You said this special package has been granted to the state in lieu of special category status. You have hailed this measure, and this central government," he added.

He further explained that only for the purpose of central assistance special category status will be extended to Andhra Pradesh. It is given in the parliamentary assurance.

Rao also claimed that the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu hailed this decision as a worthy replacement for the special category status.

"Mr Naidu has said this if this money is given to the state it will put the state's finances on a firmer footing," said Rao while claiming that Naidu said Rs 16,447 crores would meet the assurance given in parliament.

GVL Narasimha Rao also said that political parties in Andhra Pradesh are trying to mislead people.

"I think every political party in Andhra Pradesh is trying to mislead people and tell them that they are due to get some benefits which are a not a part of the Special Category Status."

GVL Narasimha Rao called out the TDP for disrupting the harmony of the 'Telugu brotherhood'.

"In his greed to somehow score political brownie points, the TDP and its leader Chandrababu Naidu have actually caused grave harm to the unity and brotherhood of Telugu people. What happened on the floor of the house yesterday was actually to create a wedge between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana."

Rao also clarified that Special Category Status and industrial or tax incentives do not go hand-in-hand. He also accused all the political parties of fooling and misleading people.&nbsp

Calling out Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his stunt in the Parliament yesterday, Rao called him a zero and incapable of holding a political office.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader GVL Narasimha Rao on Wednesday said, what happened in the Parliament on Friday was just the trailer of what will happen in 2019 and beyond. "This is only a trailer, what the people of the country have seen yesterday, on the floor of the parliament is what will happen in 2019 and beyond. And, the Prime Minister said that Rahul Gandhi and Congress party will have to move yet another no-confidence vote against him in 2024. That reflects the real situation on the ground," said Rao. Calling out Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his stunt in the Parliament yesterday, Rao called him a zero and incapable of holding a political office. "Rahul Gandhi demonstrated that he is a complete zero as far as his important attributes of a political leader. He was completely immature. He demonstrated his incapability to hold any public office," said Rao over Rahul Gandhi's behaviour. Rao also called out the opposition for being disunited, completely issueless and being united only by their hatred for the BJP. "This is possibly the widest victory for a party in a no-confidence vote. Yesterday, the first casualty was the fault lines in the opposition parties. It showed how fractured the grand opposition is," Rao on the no-confidence vote in the Parliament on Friday. Rao then slammed the Telugu Desam Party and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, the 'prime mover' of the no-confidence vote. Speaking on Naidu, Rao said, "Chandrababu Naidu has changed his position over the special category status in a U-turn. And, after the special assistance measure which was announced in lieu of the special package." "You said this special package has been granted to the state in lieu of special category status. You have hailed this measure, and this central government," he added. He further explained that only for the purpose of central assistance special category status will be extended to Andhra Pradesh. It is given in the parliamentary assurance. Rao also claimed that the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu hailed this decision as a worthy replacement for the special category status. "Mr Naidu has said this if this money is given to the state it will put the state's finances on a firmer footing," said Rao while claiming that Naidu said Rs 16,447 crores would meet the assurance given in parliament. GVL Narasimha Rao also said that political parties in Andhra Pradesh are trying to mislead people. "I think every political party in Andhra Pradesh is trying to mislead people and tell them that they are due to get some benefits which are a not a part of the Special Category Status." GVL Narasimha Rao called out the TDP for disrupting the harmony of the 'Telugu brotherhood'. "In his greed to somehow score political brownie points, the TDP and its leader Chandrababu Naidu have actually caused grave harm to the unity and brotherhood of Telugu people. What happened on the floor of the house yesterday was actually to create a wedge between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana." Rao also clarified that Special Category Status and industrial or tax incentives do not go hand-in-hand. He also accused all the political parties of fooling and misleading people.

This is only a trailer: BJP on no-confidence vote

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Friday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government for sailing through the No-Confidence Motion in the Lok Sabha, saying that the victory is a "defeat of familism."

In a series of tweets, Shah said, "Keeping the light of democracy above the negative politics of familism, I express my gratitude on behalf of the BJP to all our colleagues, all political parties and all the MPs who have shown their faith in Prime Minister Modi`s government."

Shah added that the victory of Prime Minister Modi-led government in the No-Confidence Motion was a defeat of familism and a victory for democracy.

"The victory of the PM Modi government in the No-Confidence Motion is a victory for democracy and a defeat of familism. Today, the Congress through its familism, casteism and appeasement has again reaffirmed their hatred and unacceptability towards a Prime Minister born in a poor family, who has been elected by the people of the country," he said.

Hitting out at the "unconstitutional" Congress Party and other opposition parties for bringing the No-Confidence Motion against the government, Shah said that the grand old party was repeating the history of crushing the country`s democracy.

"Without any majority, the unconstitutional Congress and its fraternity have shown not only its political bankruptcy by bringing a No-Confidence Motion against the government who was elected by the people of the country with an absolute majority, but the Congress has also repeated their history of crushing the country`s democracy," Shah tweeted.

The BJP president further said that those who were playing with the interests of the people were defeated, adding that it was just a glimpse of what would be the results in the next year`s general elections."The PM Modi government will continue with the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" and the citizens of this country have full faith in us," Shah said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi-led NDA Government sailed through its first floor test in Lok Sabha by defeating the No-Confidence Motion moved by Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

Taking to his Twitter handle, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to all the parties who supported the NDA government in the Lok Sabha."NDA has the confidence of the Lok Sabha and the 125 crore people of India. I thank all the parties that have supported us in the vote today.

Our efforts to transform India and fulfil the dreams of our youth continue. Jai Hind!," he had tweeted.

The government had a comfortable majority of 325 votes in its favour, who voted against the No Confidence Motion in contrast to 126 votes by the Opposition parties out of total 451 Members of Parliament present in the Lok Sabha.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) members had staged a walk-out while NDA ally Shiv Sena abstained from voting.

The NDA`s massive victory came after an 11-hour debate, followed by a 90-minute reply by the Prime Minister, during which he listed out the achievements of his government and underlined the failures of the Congress and its allies during their previous terms.

This was also the first major unity strength of the Opposition parties that are planning to come together for `Grand Alliance` hoping to fight the BJP in the 2019 general elections.

In a series of tweets, Shah said, 'Keeping the light of democracy above the negative politics of familism, I express my gratitude on behalf of the BJP to all our colleagues, all political parties and all the MPs who have shown their faith in Prime Minister Modi`s government'

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Friday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government for sailing through the No-Confidence Motion in the Lok Sabha, saying that the victory is a "defeat of familism." In a series of tweets, Shah said, "Keeping the light of democracy above the negative politics of familism, I express my gratitude on behalf of the BJP to all our colleagues, all political parties and all the MPs who have shown their faith in Prime Minister Modi`s government." Shah added that the victory of Prime Minister Modi-led government in the No-Confidence Motion was a defeat of familism and a victory for democracy. "The victory of the PM Modi government in the No-Confidence Motion is a victory for democracy and a defeat of familism. Today, the Congress through its familism, casteism and appeasement has again reaffirmed their hatred and unacceptability towards a Prime Minister born in a poor family, who has been elected by the people of the country," he said. Hitting out at the "unconstitutional" Congress Party and other opposition parties for bringing the No-Confidence Motion against the government, Shah said that the grand old party was repeating the history of crushing the country`s democracy. "Without any majority, the unconstitutional Congress and its fraternity have shown not only its political bankruptcy by bringing a No-Confidence Motion against the government who was elected by the people of the country with an absolute majority, but the Congress has also repeated their history of crushing the country`s democracy," Shah tweeted. The BJP president further said that those who were playing with the interests of the people were defeated, adding that it was just a glimpse of what would be the results in the next year`s general elections."The PM Modi government will continue with the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" and the citizens of this country have full faith in us," Shah said. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi-led NDA Government sailed through its first floor test in Lok Sabha by defeating the No-Confidence Motion moved by Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Taking to his Twitter handle, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to all the parties who supported the NDA government in the Lok Sabha."NDA has the confidence of the Lok Sabha and the 125 crore people of India. I thank all the parties that have supported us in the vote today. Our efforts to transform India and fulfil the dreams of our youth continue. Jai Hind!," he had tweeted. The government had a comfortable majority of 325 votes in its favour, who voted against the No Confidence Motion in contrast to 126 votes by the Opposition parties out of total 451 Members of Parliament present in the Lok Sabha. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) members had staged a walk-out while NDA ally Shiv Sena abstained from voting. The NDA`s massive victory came after an 11-hour debate, followed by a 90-minute reply by the Prime Minister, during which he listed out the achievements of his government and underlined the failures of the Congress and its allies during their previous terms. This was also the first major unity strength of the Opposition parties that are planning to come together for `Grand Alliance` hoping to fight the BJP in the 2019 general elections.

Victory of PM Modi govt a 'defeat of familism': Amit Shah

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-led-nda-defeats-no-confidence-motion-with-126-yes-votes--325-no-votes-153330">Modi government</a> won the no-confidence by a voice vote on Friday amid large-scale disruption in Parliament as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/you-can-abuse-me-as-much-as-you-want-but-stop-insulting-our-jawans-pm-modi-to-congress-153370">PM Modi</a> attacked the Congress and the Opposition for moving the no-trust move.

After BJP's victory, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor attempted to downplay the defeat by saying the result was predictable.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-the-hurry-to-come-to-power-modi-after-gandhis-hug-153381">Also read:&nbsp;'What is the hurry to come to power,' says PM Narendra Modi after Rahul Gandhi's hug</a>

Tharoor said, "Basic message is that the journey is more important than the destination. Failures of the BJP government were put before the nation. The outcome was predictable but the process was successful."

Senior Congress leader PL Punia said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/13-crore-youth-given-loans-under-mudra-yojna-pm-modi-153369">Prime Minister Modi</a>'s speech reflected his insecurity from Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders.

"The threat to the Modi government from Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders was evident through the Prime Minister's speech that reflected his insecurity," he said.

Telegu Desam Party MP Jayadev Galla, meanwhile, criticised the Prime Minister for accusing the party of gaining political vantage.

He said, "For him (PM) to say that we are doing something for political gain it is ridiculous. He is tying up with our rivals while he is still in alliance with us and trying to weaken by starving our state (Andhra Pradesh) of funds." 
Terming the speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "Dramebaazi", Congress senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge said, "We posed questions to PM Modi on Rafael deal, Nirav Modi etc but he didn't answer any.&nbsp;

His speech was 'dramebaazi.' He didn't say anything for people of Andhra Pradesh. He was telling us what previous governments have done and not what his government has done in four years."

TDP MP K Srinivas dubbed the defeat of the Opposition a `moral victory`. He said, "It is not about majority, it is about morality. Morality won today. We wanted to showcase the failures of PM and his government. You take unemployment, farmers distress, economic slowdown and more. He has failed in every aspect and lost the trust of people of the country."

Congress' Jyotiraditya Scindia remarked, "The Prime Minister in his two-hour speech didn't address any of the woes of the common man. What BJP says and what it does is a difference between the reality and what they try and conjure up. That is the signal that has gone out."

The BJP which had a secured a smooth victory said this is a precursor to Congress' loss in the 2019 elections, in the words of Union Minister Smriti Irani.

She said, "Defeat of Congress and opposition is a precursor to their defeat in 2019 It also gives the public at large a sense of how scattered opposition is & has given citizens a look into what kind of strategy Congress is willing to embrace that there is instability in the country."

Meanwhile, Union Minister MJ Akbar said, "PM Modi answered each and every question that was posed to him. He literally shattered the Congress." 
Taking a dig at Congress President Rahul Gandhi's unexpected hug to the Prime Minister in the Parliament, Union Minister Jitender Singh remarked, "Rahul Gandhi's hug to PM Modi has done him more harm than good. What he did was also against the parliamentary decorum."

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, on the other hand, said that the result in Parliament is the reflection of people's trust in the Modi-led government. He stated, "The numbers have increased because the trust of people has also grown in the Modi Government."

Earlier in the day, the Modi-led NDA Government sailed through its first-floor test in Lok Sabha by defeating the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/first-no-confidence-motion-was-moved-in-1963-153364">No-Confidence Motion</a> moved by Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

The government had a comfortable majority of 325 votes in its favour, who voted against the No Confidence Motion in contrast to 126 votes by the Opposition parties out of total 451 Members of Parliament present in the Lok Sabha.

The NDA's massive victory came after an 11-hour debate, followed by a 90-minute reply by the Prime Minister, during which he listed out the achievements of his government and underlined the failures of the Congress and its allies during their previous terms.&nbsp;

In the voting held after the conclusion of the debate on the no-confidence motion, 325 MPs voted 'no', whereas, 126 lawmakers voted 'ayes'. "The no-trust vote has, thereby, been defeated," Speaker Sumitra Maharajan announced as she adjourned the House.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

After BJP's victory, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor attempted to downplay the defeat by saying the result was predictable.

The Modi government won the no-confidence by a voice vote on Friday amid large-scale disruption in Parliament as PM Modi attacked the Congress and the Opposition for moving the no-trust move. After BJP's victory, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor attempted to downplay the defeat by saying the result was predictable. Also read: 'What is the hurry to come to power,' says PM Narendra Modi after Rahul Gandhi's hug Tharoor said, "Basic message is that the journey is more important than the destination. Failures of the BJP government were put before the nation. The outcome was predictable but the process was successful." Senior Congress leader PL Punia said that Prime Minister Modi's speech reflected his insecurity from Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders. "The threat to the Modi government from Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders was evident through the Prime Minister's speech that reflected his insecurity," he said. Telegu Desam Party MP Jayadev Galla, meanwhile, criticised the Prime Minister for accusing the party of gaining political vantage. He said, "For him (PM) to say that we are doing something for political gain it is ridiculous. He is tying up with our rivals while he is still in alliance with us and trying to weaken by starving our state (Andhra Pradesh) of funds." Terming the speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "Dramebaazi", Congress senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge said, "We posed questions to PM Modi on Rafael deal, Nirav Modi etc but he didn't answer any. His speech was 'dramebaazi.' He didn't say anything for people of Andhra Pradesh. He was telling us what previous governments have done and not what his government has done in four years." TDP MP K Srinivas dubbed the defeat of the Opposition a `moral victory`. He said, "It is not about majority, it is about morality. Morality won today. We wanted to showcase the failures of PM and his government. You take unemployment, farmers distress, economic slowdown and more. He has failed in every aspect and lost the trust of people of the country." Congress' Jyotiraditya Scindia remarked, "The Prime Minister in his two-hour speech didn't address any of the woes of the common man. What BJP says and what it does is a difference between the reality and what they try and conjure up. That is the signal that has gone out." The BJP which had a secured a smooth victory said this is a precursor to Congress' loss in the 2019 elections, in the words of Union Minister Smriti Irani. She said, "Defeat of Congress and opposition is a precursor to their defeat in 2019 It also gives the public at large a sense of how scattered opposition is & has given citizens a look into what kind of strategy Congress is willing to embrace that there is instability in the country." Meanwhile, Union Minister MJ Akbar said, "PM Modi answered each and every question that was posed to him. He literally shattered the Congress." Taking a dig at Congress President Rahul Gandhi's unexpected hug to the Prime Minister in the Parliament, Union Minister Jitender Singh remarked, "Rahul Gandhi's hug to PM Modi has done him more harm than good. What he did was also against the parliamentary decorum." Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, on the other hand, said that the result in Parliament is the reflection of people's trust in the Modi-led government. He stated, "The numbers have increased because the trust of people has also grown in the Modi Government." Earlier in the day, the Modi-led NDA Government sailed through its first-floor test in Lok Sabha by defeating the No-Confidence Motion moved by Telugu Desam Party (TDP). The government had a comfortable majority of 325 votes in its favour, who voted against the No Confidence Motion in contrast to 126 votes by the Opposition parties out of total 451 Members of Parliament present in the Lok Sabha. The NDA's massive victory came after an 11-hour debate, followed by a 90-minute reply by the Prime Minister, during which he listed out the achievements of his government and underlined the failures of the Congress and its allies during their previous terms. In the voting held after the conclusion of the debate on the no-confidence motion, 325 MPs voted 'no', whereas, 126 lawmakers voted 'ayes'. "The no-trust vote has, thereby, been defeated," Speaker Sumitra Maharajan announced as she adjourned the House. (With inputs from ANI)

No-confidence motion in Lok Sabha against Modi govt defeated; Opposition reacts to NDA's victory

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-led-nda-defeats-no-confidence-motion-with-126-yes-votes--325-no-votes-153330">Congress president Rahul Gandhi</a> took the Treasury benches in the Lok Sabha by surprise when he hugged <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/rahul-gandhi-must-not-talk-on-issues-he-is-unaware-of-says-pm-modi-153373">Prime Minister Modi </a>during a debate on the no-confidence motion.&nbsp;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/no-confidence-motion-pm-modi-takes-a-dig-at-rahul-gandhis-wink-153371">Prime Minister</a> did not step back from unleashing his anger on Gandhi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"What is the hurry to come to power," the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-highlights-the-achievements-in-agricultural-sector-153368">Prime Minister</a> asked. "In the morning, the voting was not over, the debate was also not over. One member comes running to me saying- Utho Utho Utho..What is his hurry to come to power? Let me tell this member it is the people who elected us. That is how we have come here."&nbsp;

Speaking in the Lower House of the Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "I was surprised at Rahul Gandhi's excitement to come and hug me. What is the hurry? You should trust the people in a democracy. Some people are in a rush to get to the treasury benches."&nbsp;

Earlier during the day, after completing his speech Gandhi moved towards the treasury benches to Modi and they hugged each other. This gesture somewhat eased the tempers. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/modi-government-survives-no-confidence-motion-153377">Also watch:&nbsp;Modi government survives </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/modi-government-survives-no-confidence-motion-153377">no-confidence</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/modi-government-survives-no-confidence-motion-153377"> motion</a>

Later, talking about the Gandhi's winking act in Lok Sabha, he said, "Talking about eyes, we have seen quite a lot of eye movement today."&nbsp;

In the voting held after the conclusion of the debate on the no-confidence motion, 325 MPs voted 'no', whereas, 126 lawmakers voted 'ayes'. "The no-trust vote has, thereby, been defeated," Speaker Sumitra Maharajan announced as she adjourned the House.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Forty-four-year-old Rahul was leading the opposition charge attacking the government on various issues when he took a jibe at PM Modi and the BJP for their 'pappu' comment and walked across the Lok Sabha hall to hug the Prime Minister

Congress president Rahul Gandhi took the Treasury benches in the Lok Sabha by surprise when he hugged Prime Minister Modi during a debate on the no-confidence motion. The Prime Minister did not step back from unleashing his anger on Gandhi. "What is the hurry to come to power," the Prime Minister asked. "In the morning, the voting was not over, the debate was also not over. One member comes running to me saying- Utho Utho Utho..What is his hurry to come to power? Let me tell this member it is the people who elected us. That is how we have come here." Speaking in the Lower House of the Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "I was surprised at Rahul Gandhi's excitement to come and hug me. What is the hurry? You should trust the people in a democracy. Some people are in a rush to get to the treasury benches." Earlier during the day, after completing his speech Gandhi moved towards the treasury benches to Modi and they hugged each other. This gesture somewhat eased the tempers. Also watch: Modi government survives no-confidence motion Later, talking about the Gandhi's winking act in Lok Sabha, he said, "Talking about eyes, we have seen quite a lot of eye movement today." In the voting held after the conclusion of the debate on the no-confidence motion, 325 MPs voted 'no', whereas, 126 lawmakers voted 'ayes'. "The no-trust vote has, thereby, been defeated," Speaker Sumitra Maharajan announced as she adjourned the House. (With inputs from ANI)

'What is the hurry to come to power,' says PM Narendra Modi after Rahul Gandhi's hug

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-flags-concern-over-let-affiliated-individuals-participating-in-pakistan-elections-report-153480">US flags concern over LeT-affiliated individuals participating in Pakistan elections: Report</a>

The United States has raised concern over the participation of Lashkar-e-Taiba-affiliated (LeT) individuals in the July 25 election, according to a media report.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-will-win-all-42-lok-sabha-seats-from-west-bengal-mamata-banerjee--153476">TMC will win all 42 Lok Sabha seats from West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee</a>

Claiming that the TMC would win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the next general elections, news agency PTI reported quoting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a rally.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sanitary-napkin-to-be-exempted-from-gst-153487">Sanitary napkin to be exempted from GST</a>

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday said sanitary napkin has been exempted from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), reported news agency ANI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supreme-leader-says-obvious-mistake-to-negotiate-with-us-153457">Iran supreme leader says 'obvious mistake' to negotiate with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supreme-leader-says-obvious-mistake-to-negotiate-with-us-153457">US</a>

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday it would be an "obvious mistake" to negotiate with the United States as Washington was unreliable.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/key-to-joe-roots-odi-success-was-picking-kuldeep-from-his-hand-sachin-tendulkar-153481">Key to Joe Root's ODI success was picking Kuldeep from his hand: Sachin Tendulkar</a>

England Test captain Joe Root may have decoded how to tackle chinaman Kuldeep Yadav but Sachin Tendulkar feels that the young wrist spinner could still prove to be a handful if the home team prepares dry surfaces for the upcoming five-Test series against India, starting August 1.

 
&nbsp

US flags concern over LeT-affiliated individuals participating in Pakistan elections: Report The United States has raised concern over the participation of Lashkar-e-Taiba-affiliated (LeT) individuals in the July 25 election, according to a media report. TMC will win all 42 Lok Sabha seats from West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee Claiming that the TMC would win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the next general elections, news agency PTI reported quoting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a rally. Sanitary napkin to be exempted from GST Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday said sanitary napkin has been exempted from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), reported news agency ANI. Iran supreme leader says 'obvious mistake' to negotiate with US Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday it would be an "obvious mistake" to negotiate with the United States as Washington was unreliable. Key to Joe Root's ODI success was picking Kuldeep from his hand: Sachin Tendulkar England Test captain Joe Root may have decoded how to tackle chinaman Kuldeep Yadav but Sachin Tendulkar feels that the young wrist spinner could still prove to be a handful if the home team prepares dry surfaces for the upcoming five-Test series against India, starting August 1.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Claiming that the TMC would win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the next general elections, news agency PTI reported quoting&nbspChief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a rally.

The party would oust the BJP to save the country, she said and added BJP's strength would drastically reduce in the next LS polls.

"We will win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. It is our pledge. We will oust the BJP to save the country. We will organise a big rally here in January and invite all the (opposition) leaders," she said at the TMC's annual Martyrs' Day rally here.

The party presently has 34 Lok Sabha seats from West Bengal.

Banerjee, who mooted the idea of a federal front to defeat the BJP, said, "We don't bother about the chair. We only bother about the people and the country."

Taking a dig at the saffron party for the collapse of a makeshift tent at PM Narendra Modi's rally at Midnapore, she said, "They cannot build a pandal. How can they build the country?".

The CM said the number of BJP's Lok Sabha seats would significantly come down in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal.

"During the no-confidence vote in the Lok Sabha yesterday, they (NDA) got 325 votes, but in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, their strength will come down to barely 100 seats," she said.&nbsp

"During the no-confidence vote in the Lok Sabha yesterday, they (NDA) got 325 votes, but in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, their strength will come down to barely 100 seats," she said.

Claiming that the TMC would win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the next general elections, news agency PTI reported quoting&nbspChief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a rally. The party would oust the BJP to save the country, she said and added BJP's strength would drastically reduce in the next LS polls. "We will win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. It is our pledge. We will oust the BJP to save the country. We will organise a big rally here in January and invite all the (opposition) leaders," she said at the TMC's annual Martyrs' Day rally here. The party presently has 34 Lok Sabha seats from West Bengal. Banerjee, who mooted the idea of a federal front to defeat the BJP, said, "We don't bother about the chair. We only bother about the people and the country." Taking a dig at the saffron party for the collapse of a makeshift tent at PM Narendra Modi's rally at Midnapore, she said, "They cannot build a pandal. How can they build the country?". The CM said the number of BJP's Lok Sabha seats would significantly come down in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal. "During the no-confidence vote in the Lok Sabha yesterday, they (NDA) got 325 votes, but in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, their strength will come down to barely 100 seats," she said.

TMC will win all 42 Lok Sabha seats from West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee

The DMK has called its arch-rival AIADMK "spineless" for not voting in favour of the no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government and alleged that the ruling party in Tamil Nadu supported the NDA as a "quid pro quo" despite several issues.

DMK working president M K Stalin said that the ruling party's opposition to the motion in the Lok Sabha yesterday showed there was a "tacit alliance" between the AIADMK and the BJP.

Stalin, whose party has no representation in the Lower House of Parliament, had urged the AIADMK, which has 37 MPs, to support the no-trust motion.

"Support for Modi Govt in #NoConfidence despite NEET, 15th Finance Commission, GST, Hindi imposition and communal politics is further proof of the quid pro quo arrangement between ADMK and BJP," Stalin said in a tweet late last night.

In a statement today, he called the AIADMK "spineless" for supporting the NDA, despite issues concerning Tamil Nadu.

The Modi-led government had "totally ignored" the state on issues including NEET, devolution of taxes in the GST era and by proposing to replace the UGC and trying to enact a legislation on dam safety, he said.

"The BJP government is going against democracy, social justice and regional autonomy and the chief minister (K Palaniswami) and the AIADMK MPs were spineless" in not opposing these, he said.

Though the ruling AIADMK was often claiming that it had only "government to government relations" with the BJP at the Centre, its support to the saffron party yesterday proved that "there is a tacit alliance" between the two, he said.

The AIADMK's support to the BJP came just days after the latter's chief, Amit Shah, had mentioned about corruption in Tamil Nadu, Stalin added.

During his recent visit to Tamil Nadu, Shah had said he was "pained" to see the state being "counted among the most corrupt" and asserted, "We will finish corruption here too."

Yesterday's no-confidence motion, moved by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a former BJP ally, against the Modi government was decisively defeated last night.

The government secured 325 votes against 126 of the opposition.

Palaniswami had indicated on Thursday that his party might not support the motion as it was moved by the TDP for an issue concerning Andhra Pradesh.

"No party had backed Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue when AIADMK lawmakers had stalled the Lok Sabha for nearly three weeks seeking constitution of the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee," Palaniswami had said.

The no-trust motion was the first after Modi assumed office in May 2014 and less than a year before the next general elections.&nbsp

DMK working president M K Stalin said that the ruling party's opposition to the motion in the Lok Sabha yesterday showed there was a "tacit alliance" between the AIADMK and the BJP.

The DMK has called its arch-rival AIADMK "spineless" for not voting in favour of the no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government and alleged that the ruling party in Tamil Nadu supported the NDA as a "quid pro quo" despite several issues. DMK working president M K Stalin said that the ruling party's opposition to the motion in the Lok Sabha yesterday showed there was a "tacit alliance" between the AIADMK and the BJP. Stalin, whose party has no representation in the Lower House of Parliament, had urged the AIADMK, which has 37 MPs, to support the no-trust motion. "Support for Modi Govt in #NoConfidence despite NEET, 15th Finance Commission, GST, Hindi imposition and communal politics is further proof of the quid pro quo arrangement between ADMK and BJP," Stalin said in a tweet late last night. In a statement today, he called the AIADMK "spineless" for supporting the NDA, despite issues concerning Tamil Nadu. The Modi-led government had "totally ignored" the state on issues including NEET, devolution of taxes in the GST era and by proposing to replace the UGC and trying to enact a legislation on dam safety, he said. "The BJP government is going against democracy, social justice and regional autonomy and the chief minister (K Palaniswami) and the AIADMK MPs were spineless" in not opposing these, he said. Though the ruling AIADMK was often claiming that it had only "government to government relations" with the BJP at the Centre, its support to the saffron party yesterday proved that "there is a tacit alliance" between the two, he said. The AIADMK's support to the BJP came just days after the latter's chief, Amit Shah, had mentioned about corruption in Tamil Nadu, Stalin added. During his recent visit to Tamil Nadu, Shah had said he was "pained" to see the state being "counted among the most corrupt" and asserted, "We will finish corruption here too." Yesterday's no-confidence motion, moved by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a former BJP ally, against the Modi government was decisively defeated last night. The government secured 325 votes against 126 of the opposition. Palaniswami had indicated on Thursday that his party might not support the motion as it was moved by the TDP for an issue concerning Andhra Pradesh. "No party had backed Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue when AIADMK lawmakers had stalled the Lok Sabha for nearly three weeks seeking constitution of the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee," Palaniswami had said. The no-trust motion was the first after Modi assumed office in May 2014 and less than a year before the next general elections.

DMK calls AIADMK 'spineless' for not supporting no-trust motion in LS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a dig at Rahul Gandhi over the "unwanted hug" he received from the Congress president in the&nbsp;Parliament and said the coming together of many parties against the BJP will only help the 'lotus' bloom.

"We asked the reasons for their no confidence, but when they failed to give it they ended up giving an unwanted hug," Modi said, referring to Gandhi's embrace in Lok Sabha yesterday.

Addressing a Kisan Kalyan Rally in Shahjahanpur, Modi said: "There is not just one 'dal' (political party) but dal over dal resulting in "dal-dal" (marshy land) which will only help the 'lotus" bloom." Lotus is the election symbol of the BJP.

He said the coming together of several parties against the BJP will be an opportunity.

Slamming opposition parties, he said they were running after the prime minister's chair, ignoring the poor, youth and farmers. He used a Hindi expression that translates to more the parties, more the marshy land in which the 'lotus' blooms.

"If one dal (party) is added to another dal, then it becomes dal-dal (marshy land) which is favourable for 'kamal' to blossom.

Asking the people if they were satisfied with what happened in Lok Sabha, he alleged that the opposition parties only had their eyes of the prime minister's chair.

"Are you people satisfied with what happened yesterday in Lok Sabha... Have you come to know who is at fault. They are not seeing the poor and the country but have their eyes only on the PM's chair," he said.

"Have I done anything wrong. I am only working for the poor and the country...Fighting corruption and this is my crime," he said.

Accusing previous governments of not having the will to help farmers, Modi listed the key decisions taken by his government for welfare of farmers and criticised the parties who ruled in the past for lacking pro-farmer intentions.

He also said that for the first time the government has decided to allow mills to produce ethanol from molasses and sugarcane juice from December 1.

After reaching out to voters in Azamgarh, Mirzapur and Varanasi last week, Modi addressed the rally in Shahjahanpur, the biggest wholesale grain market and also a prominent cane growing district in Uttar Pradesh which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha.

This was his third visit to the state in less than a month. Farmers in large numbers from adjoining districts such as Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Pilibhit, Sitapur, Bareilly and Badaun attended the rally.

Today's rally was Modi's first public address after leading his party to victory in the no-confidence motion moved by the TDP. The BJP-led NDA won the no-trust-vote.&nbsp;

Modi also said that for the first time the government has decided to allow mills to produce ethanol from molasses and sugarcane juice from December 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took a dig at Rahul Gandhi over the "unwanted hug" he received from the Congress president in the Parliament and said the coming together of many parties against the BJP will only help the 'lotus' bloom. "We asked the reasons for their no confidence, but when they failed to give it they ended up giving an unwanted hug," Modi said, referring to Gandhi's embrace in Lok Sabha yesterday. Addressing a Kisan Kalyan Rally in Shahjahanpur, Modi said: "There is not just one 'dal' (political party) but dal over dal resulting in "dal-dal" (marshy land) which will only help the 'lotus" bloom." Lotus is the election symbol of the BJP. He said the coming together of several parties against the BJP will be an opportunity. Slamming opposition parties, he said they were running after the prime minister's chair, ignoring the poor, youth and farmers. He used a Hindi expression that translates to more the parties, more the marshy land in which the 'lotus' blooms. "If one dal (party) is added to another dal, then it becomes dal-dal (marshy land) which is favourable for 'kamal' to blossom. Asking the people if they were satisfied with what happened in Lok Sabha, he alleged that the opposition parties only had their eyes of the prime minister's chair. "Are you people satisfied with what happened yesterday in Lok Sabha... Have you come to know who is at fault. They are not seeing the poor and the country but have their eyes only on the PM's chair," he said. "Have I done anything wrong. I am only working for the poor and the country...Fighting corruption and this is my crime," he said. Accusing previous governments of not having the will to help farmers, Modi listed the key decisions taken by his government for welfare of farmers and criticised the parties who ruled in the past for lacking pro-farmer intentions. He also said that for the first time the government has decided to allow mills to produce ethanol from molasses and sugarcane juice from December 1. After reaching out to voters in Azamgarh, Mirzapur and Varanasi last week, Modi addressed the rally in Shahjahanpur, the biggest wholesale grain market and also a prominent cane growing district in Uttar Pradesh which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha. This was his third visit to the state in less than a month. Farmers in large numbers from adjoining districts such as Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Pilibhit, Sitapur, Bareilly and Badaun attended the rally. Today's rally was Modi's first public address after leading his party to victory in the no-confidence motion moved by the TDP. The BJP-led NDA won the no-trust-vote.

Modi slams Opposition, takes a dig at Rahul over the 'unwanted hug' at UP rally

BJP President Amit Shah today asked party workers and leaders in Rajasthan to work for 18 hours a day for the next few months to ensure its victory in the next Assembly and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

According to BJP MLA Ashok Parnami, Shah's message to the party workers at the concluding session of the state BJP's working committee meeting here was clear -- that they have to work with dedication.

The two-day meeting began yesterday at Totuka Bhawan and the party's national president addressed the concluding session today.

"The party president said that every worker of the party should dedicate 18 hours a day for the party for the next few months. The party's workers are full of energy and fully charged," Parnami told reporters after the meeting.

State Housing and Urban Development minister Shrichand Kriplani said that Shah wants the party to win more Assembly seats this time compared to last state elections.

"His visit has given a strength to the party and party workers and we will achieve the target of winning more than 180 Assembly seats in the upcoming elections," he said.

Elections for the 200 Assembly seats in the state are due later this year.&nbsp

Education minister Vasudev Devnani said Shah has asked partymen to reach out to the masses on the basis of works done by the Centre and the state government.

"He said the party workers should go among the masses and tell them the works done by our governments. Congress cannot do anything and victory in next elections is ours," Devnani said.

Shah is also scheduled to hold meetings with the MPs and MLAs, social media volunteers, district presidents, and members of the core committee and the election campaigning committee today.

According to BJP MLA Ashok Parnami, Shah's message to the party workers at the concluding session of the state BJP's working committee meeting here was clear -- that they have to work with dedication.

BJP President Amit Shah today asked party workers and leaders in Rajasthan to work for 18 hours a day for the next few months to ensure its victory in the next Assembly and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. According to BJP MLA Ashok Parnami, Shah's message to the party workers at the concluding session of the state BJP's working committee meeting here was clear -- that they have to work with dedication. The two-day meeting began yesterday at Totuka Bhawan and the party's national president addressed the concluding session today. "The party president said that every worker of the party should dedicate 18 hours a day for the party for the next few months. The party's workers are full of energy and fully charged," Parnami told reporters after the meeting. State Housing and Urban Development minister Shrichand Kriplani said that Shah wants the party to win more Assembly seats this time compared to last state elections. "His visit has given a strength to the party and party workers and we will achieve the target of winning more than 180 Assembly seats in the upcoming elections," he said. Elections for the 200 Assembly seats in the state are due later this year. Education minister Vasudev Devnani said Shah has asked partymen to reach out to the masses on the basis of works done by the Centre and the state government. "He said the party workers should go among the masses and tell them the works done by our governments. Congress cannot do anything and victory in next elections is ours," Devnani said. Shah is also scheduled to hold meetings with the MPs and MLAs, social media volunteers, district presidents, and members of the core committee and the election campaigning committee today.

Amit Shah asks partymen to work for 18 hours a day in poll-bound Rajasthan

Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi has granted approval to the territorial assembly to bring in and adopt the 'Appropriation Bill' with a condition to comply with the Supreme Court order to allow the three nominated MLAs of BJP to attend the proceedings of the House.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of her visit to the Electricity Department, she said her office had received the communication of the Supreme Court regarding the three nominated MLAs "to function as such and attend and participate in the proceedings of the Assembly."

She had accordingly forwarded and recommended "introduction of the Appropriation Bill to the Legislative Assembly last night for its consideration with the condition to comply with the interim order of the Supreme court in respect of the three nominated legislators," she added.

Bedi also requested the Speaker while forwarding her recommendation for the adoption of the Appropriation Bill "to reconvenethe Assembly to transact the important financial business."

"I have requested the Speaker to reconvene the session (which was adjourned sine die on July 19 without being able to pass the Appropriate Bill for want of Lt Governor`s approval then to introduce the Bill), to pass the bill and send it back to me for assent.

With this compliance there will be no cause of dislocation of any public service," she said.

The Budget session of the Assembly began on July 2 and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who also holds the Finance portfolio presented the Rs 7,530 crore budget for the fiscal 2018-2019.

The House was originally scheduled to have its session till July 27.

But the days of meeting were rescheduled and the House had its sittings only till July 19 as the Chief Minister and his colleagues along with the MLAs had planned to visit New Delhi on July 23 to press the Centre for grant of Statehood.

The Appropriation Bill slated to be introduced on July 18 could not be brought in as the approval of Lt Governor was not available till then.

The House adjourned on July 19without being able to bring in the Appropriation Bill,causing apprehension whether the disbursement of salaries and pension to retired government staff and meeting of routine commitments would be possible for want of adoption of the Bill.

While Chief Minister Narayanasamy blamed the Lt Governor for the impasse, the former IPS officer said the session was originally scheduled to have sittings till July 27 but was suddenly "foreclosed."

She wanted the government to make it transparent as to what necessitated this decision.

The Supreme Court had on July 19 pronounced an interim order directing the Puducherry Assembly Speaker to allow the three nominated members to function as MLAs till the adjudication of the petition filed before the apex court.

The petitions challenged the order of the High court delivered on March 23 this year upholding the nomination of the three members to be legislators of Puducherry Assembly.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK urged the Centre to send a high level official team to study the "impasse prevailing in Puducherry following intensive face off between Lt Governor and the Chief Minister" on the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal 2018-2019.

He said Bedi had claimed that she had sent in her approval last night to the Assembly to adopt the Bill after reconvening the Assembly, subject to the condition that the Apex court order relating to nominated MLAs should be complied with.

"It is still a big question whether the Lt Governor could fix a condition while making her recommendation for reconvening of the House to the Speaker," he said.&nbsp

Bedi also requested the Speaker while forwarding her recommendation for the adoption of the Appropriation Bill 'to reconvenethe Assembly to transact the important financial business.'

Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi has granted approval to the territorial assembly to bring in and adopt the 'Appropriation Bill' with a condition to comply with the Supreme Court order to allow the three nominated MLAs of BJP to attend the proceedings of the House. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of her visit to the Electricity Department, she said her office had received the communication of the Supreme Court regarding the three nominated MLAs "to function as such and attend and participate in the proceedings of the Assembly." She had accordingly forwarded and recommended "introduction of the Appropriation Bill to the Legislative Assembly last night for its consideration with the condition to comply with the interim order of the Supreme court in respect of the three nominated legislators," she added. Bedi also requested the Speaker while forwarding her recommendation for the adoption of the Appropriation Bill "to reconvenethe Assembly to transact the important financial business." "I have requested the Speaker to reconvene the session (which was adjourned sine die on July 19 without being able to pass the Appropriate Bill for want of Lt Governor`s approval then to introduce the Bill), to pass the bill and send it back to me for assent. With this compliance there will be no cause of dislocation of any public service," she said. The Budget session of the Assembly began on July 2 and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who also holds the Finance portfolio presented the Rs 7,530 crore budget for the fiscal 2018-2019. The House was originally scheduled to have its session till July 27. But the days of meeting were rescheduled and the House had its sittings only till July 19 as the Chief Minister and his colleagues along with the MLAs had planned to visit New Delhi on July 23 to press the Centre for grant of Statehood. The Appropriation Bill slated to be introduced on July 18 could not be brought in as the approval of Lt Governor was not available till then. The House adjourned on July 19without being able to bring in the Appropriation Bill,causing apprehension whether the disbursement of salaries and pension to retired government staff and meeting of routine commitments would be possible for want of adoption of the Bill. While Chief Minister Narayanasamy blamed the Lt Governor for the impasse, the former IPS officer said the session was originally scheduled to have sittings till July 27 but was suddenly "foreclosed." She wanted the government to make it transparent as to what necessitated this decision. The Supreme Court had on July 19 pronounced an interim order directing the Puducherry Assembly Speaker to allow the three nominated members to function as MLAs till the adjudication of the petition filed before the apex court. The petitions challenged the order of the High court delivered on March 23 this year upholding the nomination of the three members to be legislators of Puducherry Assembly. Meanwhile, the AIADMK urged the Centre to send a high level official team to study the "impasse prevailing in Puducherry following intensive face off between Lt Governor and the Chief Minister" on the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal 2018-2019. He said Bedi had claimed that she had sent in her approval last night to the Assembly to adopt the Bill after reconvening the Assembly, subject to the condition that the Apex court order relating to nominated MLAs should be complied with. "It is still a big question whether the Lt Governor could fix a condition while making her recommendation for reconvening of the House to the Speaker," he said.

Bedi gives nod to introduce Appropriation Bill with rider

A self-styled godman was nabbed by Fatehabad police for allegedly raping his female disciples.

Acting on a tip-off, Amar Puri was arrested from his residence in Shakti Nagar area in Fatehabad district on Thursday night, police said.

Video CDs containing the clips of the victims being sexually assaulted were recovered from the accused, they added.

"There are videos in which he could be seen sexually abusing different female disciples," said Deputy Superintendent of Police (Tohana) Joginder Sharma.

"A case had been registered... Investigations were under progress," he added.

Puri was produced before the local court yesterday that granted him five-day police remand, said the DSP.&nbsp

Acting on a tip-off, Amar Puri was arrested from his residence in Shakti Nagar area in Fatehabad district on Thursday night, police said.

A self-styled godman was nabbed by Fatehabad police for allegedly raping his female disciples. Acting on a tip-off, Amar Puri was arrested from his residence in Shakti Nagar area in Fatehabad district on Thursday night, police said. Video CDs containing the clips of the victims being sexually assaulted were recovered from the accused, they added. "There are videos in which he could be seen sexually abusing different female disciples," said Deputy Superintendent of Police (Tohana) Joginder Sharma. "A case had been registered... Investigations were under progress," he added. Puri was produced before the local court yesterday that granted him five-day police remand, said the DSP.

Self-styled godman held for raping female disciples

Accusing Rahul Gandhi of "concocting" a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Union Minister Arun Jaitley today said the Congress President has seriously hurt the image of an Indian politician before the world at large.

Participating in the debate on 'no-confidence motion' in the Lok Sabha yesterday Gandhi said that Macron told him that there was no binding secrecy clause in the Rafale deal. The statement was denied by the French government.

"Rahul Gandhi, by concocting a conversation with President Macron, has lowered his own credibility and seriously hurt the image of an Indian politician before the world at large," Jaitley said in a Facebook post.

The minister also hit out at the Congress President accusing him of trivialising the no-confidence motion debate stressing "facts are always sacrosanct".

"None should ever trivialise the debate. Those who desire to be Prime Minister never blend ignorance, falsehood and acrobatics."

In the post titled "Frivolity and the No Confidence Motion", Jaitley said the lead participants in the debate are normally senior political leaders. They are expected to raise the level of political discourse.

"A Vote of No Confidence against the Government is a serious business. It is not an occasion for frivolity," he said.

The minister said if a participant in the debate happens to be a president of a national political party nourishing prime ministerial aspirations, every word he speaks should be precious. His facts should convey credibility.

The NDA government yesterday faced the no-confidence motion brought in by opposition in Parliament yesterday. The government won the motion by 325 against 126 votes in the Lok Sabha.

In his speech, Gandhi had launched a frontal attack on the NDA government over unfulfilled promises and questioned the Rafale deal, demanding answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on why he allegedly favoured a particular businessman in the contract.

Stating that Gandhi missed a great opportunity, Jaitley said "if this was his best argument for 2019, God help his party".

Attacking Gandhi, Jaitley said his lack of understanding is not only confined to basic issues but also to the niceties of protocol.

"One should never misquote a conversation with a Head of Government or a Head of State. You do it once, serious people will be reluctant to speak to you or speak in your presence," the minister said.

On Gandhi's accusation about secrecy of the Rafale fighter jet deal, Jaitley said the UPA government itself had entered into the secrecy pact.

"Rahul has repeatedly shown that he is ignorant of facts. But to insist on disclosure of financial details, which indirectly involves the disclosures of the strategic equipment on the aircraft, is to hurt national interest. Cost gives away a clue to the weaponry in the aircraft," Jaitley said.

He said there is no minister who either desires to change or is constitutionally entitled to change the Constitution of India.

Referring to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Jaitley said the last Indian politician who wanted the power to change the Constitution was Rahul's grandmother and "she too failed".

Taking a dig at Gandhi, he said hallucinations can give momentary pleasure to a person.

"Therefore, to hallucinate after an embarrassing performance that he has won future election or to hallucinate that he is the reincarnation of Mark Antony being complemented by friends and foes alike, may give him self-satisfaction but for serious observers it is more than just self-praise in fact a serious problem."&nbsp

"Even in dynasties many successors remind you of the virtues of their predecessors. Yesterday, I reread two of Panditji's (former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru) legendary speeches. Tryst with Destiny&nbspand Light has gone out of Lives," Jaitley said.

Participating in the debate on 'no-confidence motion' in the Lok Sabha yesterday Gandhi said that Macron told him that there was no binding secrecy clause in the Rafale deal.

Accusing Rahul Gandhi of "concocting" a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Union Minister Arun Jaitley today said the Congress President has seriously hurt the image of an Indian politician before the world at large. Participating in the debate on 'no-confidence motion' in the Lok Sabha yesterday Gandhi said that Macron told him that there was no binding secrecy clause in the Rafale deal. The statement was denied by the French government. "Rahul Gandhi, by concocting a conversation with President Macron, has lowered his own credibility and seriously hurt the image of an Indian politician before the world at large," Jaitley said in a Facebook post. The minister also hit out at the Congress President accusing him of trivialising the no-confidence motion debate stressing "facts are always sacrosanct". "None should ever trivialise the debate. Those who desire to be Prime Minister never blend ignorance, falsehood and acrobatics." In the post titled "Frivolity and the No Confidence Motion", Jaitley said the lead participants in the debate are normally senior political leaders. They are expected to raise the level of political discourse. "A Vote of No Confidence against the Government is a serious business. It is not an occasion for frivolity," he said. The minister said if a participant in the debate happens to be a president of a national political party nourishing prime ministerial aspirations, every word he speaks should be precious. His facts should convey credibility. The NDA government yesterday faced the no-confidence motion brought in by opposition in Parliament yesterday. The government won the motion by 325 against 126 votes in the Lok Sabha. In his speech, Gandhi had launched a frontal attack on the NDA government over unfulfilled promises and questioned the Rafale deal, demanding answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on why he allegedly favoured a particular businessman in the contract. Stating that Gandhi missed a great opportunity, Jaitley said "if this was his best argument for 2019, God help his party". Attacking Gandhi, Jaitley said his lack of understanding is not only confined to basic issues but also to the niceties of protocol. "One should never misquote a conversation with a Head of Government or a Head of State. You do it once, serious people will be reluctant to speak to you or speak in your presence," the minister said. On Gandhi's accusation about secrecy of the Rafale fighter jet deal, Jaitley said the UPA government itself had entered into the secrecy pact. "Rahul has repeatedly shown that he is ignorant of facts. But to insist on disclosure of financial details, which indirectly involves the disclosures of the strategic equipment on the aircraft, is to hurt national interest. Cost gives away a clue to the weaponry in the aircraft," Jaitley said. He said there is no minister who either desires to change or is constitutionally entitled to change the Constitution of India. Referring to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Jaitley said the last Indian politician who wanted the power to change the Constitution was Rahul's grandmother and "she too failed". Taking a dig at Gandhi, he said hallucinations can give momentary pleasure to a person. "Therefore, to hallucinate after an embarrassing performance that he has won future election or to hallucinate that he is the reincarnation of Mark Antony being complemented by friends and foes alike, may give him self-satisfaction but for serious observers it is more than just self-praise in fact a serious problem." "Even in dynasties many successors remind you of the virtues of their predecessors. Yesterday, I reread two of Panditji's (former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru) legendary speeches. Tryst with Destiny&nbspand Light has gone out of Lives," Jaitley said.

Rahul Gandhi has seriously hurt image of Indian politician before the world: Jaitley

Former Rajya Sabha member of the BJP, Chandan Mitra, and five Congress MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly joined the ruling TMC in presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The Congress MLAs who joined the TMC are Sabina Yasmin, Apurba Sarkar, Akrurzaman, Samar Mukherjee and Moinul Hasan. They are legislators from Malda and Murshidabad district.

Chandan Mitra had submitted his resignation from the BJP to party president Amit Shah on Wednesday.&nbsp;

A two-time Rajya Sabha Member, Mitra is the Editor and Managing Director of The Pioneer. He was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from August 2003 to 2009.

In June 2010, BJP got him elected to the upper house from Madhya Pradesh. His term ended in 2016.

All of them joined the TMC at its annual Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the rally said that the party will ensure that the BJP government does not return to the party in 2019.

The Congress MLAs who joined the TMC are Samar Mukherjee, Abu Taher, Sabina Yasmin and Akhruzzman.

Former Rajya Sabha member of the BJP, Chandan Mitra, and five Congress MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly joined the ruling TMC in presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Congress MLAs who joined the TMC are Sabina Yasmin, Apurba Sarkar, Akrurzaman, Samar Mukherjee and Moinul Hasan. They are legislators from Malda and Murshidabad district. Chandan Mitra had submitted his resignation from the BJP to party president Amit Shah on Wednesday. A two-time Rajya Sabha Member, Mitra is the Editor and Managing Director of The Pioneer. He was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from August 2003 to 2009. In June 2010, BJP got him elected to the upper house from Madhya Pradesh. His term ended in 2016. All of them joined the TMC at its annual Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the rally said that the party will ensure that the BJP government does not return to the party in 2019.

Former BJP MP Chandan Mitra, 5 Congress MLAs join TMC

The centre has sanctioned&nbsp;Rs&nbsp;80 crore to Kerala as initial assistance to deal with "unprecedented rains and floods," Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said today.

A central government team headed by Rijiju and accompanied by Union Tourism Minister Alphons Kannanthanam arrived in Kochi this morning. The team will visit the rain-affected districts, including Kottayam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam.

"We issued&nbsp;Rs&nbsp;80 crore yesterday and the state government has some amount," Rijiju said, adding the centre and the state would work together to deal with the situation. He said damages caused due to flooding was being calculated.

"We will extend whatever possible help from the Government of India because Kerala has witnessed unprecedented rains and floods. We are with the people of Kerala and the central government will do whatever is required," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, a defence spokesperson said the Southern Naval Command or SNC has sent five teams to Alappuzha district to assist the civil administration in disaster relief. The teams were dispatched after a request by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in view of widespread inundation and waterlogging in the state.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>Each team comprises five members and is equipped with inflatable gemini boats and other equipment including diving sets, the spokesperson said.

The SNC is ready to offer assistance with food and medical services if required by the administration, he added.

The toll in rain-related incidents in Kerala has gone up to 41 since the onset of monsoon on May 29.

As many as 1.18 lakh people have taken refuge in 606 relief camps across Kerala, as rains continued to batter several parts of the state.

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Our Central team along with Kerala State team is on the way by boats to visit Alappuzha, Komalapuram, Zero Jetty Gruel Centre, Kuppapuram flood relief camps to meet to people. <a href="https://t.co/ucqNDPdxEh">pic.twitter.com/ucqNDPdxEh</a>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1020577069330120704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A central government team headed by Rijiju and accompanied by Union Tourism Minister Alphons Kannanthanam arrived in Kochi this morning.

The centre has sanctioned Rs 80 crore to Kerala as initial assistance to deal with "unprecedented rains and floods," Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said today. A central government team headed by Rijiju and accompanied by Union Tourism Minister Alphons Kannanthanam arrived in Kochi this morning. The team will visit the rain-affected districts, including Kottayam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam. "We issued Rs 80 crore yesterday and the state government has some amount," Rijiju said, adding the centre and the state would work together to deal with the situation. He said damages caused due to flooding was being calculated. "We will extend whatever possible help from the Government of India because Kerala has witnessed unprecedented rains and floods. We are with the people of Kerala and the central government will do whatever is required," he told reporters. Meanwhile, a defence spokesperson said the Southern Naval Command or SNC has sent five teams to Alappuzha district to assist the civil administration in disaster relief. The teams were dispatched after a request by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in view of widespread inundation and waterlogging in the state. Each team comprises five members and is equipped with inflatable gemini boats and other equipment including diving sets, the spokesperson said. The SNC is ready to offer assistance with food and medical services if required by the administration, he added. The toll in rain-related incidents in Kerala has gone up to 41 since the onset of monsoon on May 29. As many as 1.18 lakh people have taken refuge in 606 relief camps across Kerala, as rains continued to batter several parts of the state. Our Central team along with Kerala State team is on the way by boats to visit Alappuzha, Komalapuram, Zero Jetty Gruel Centre, Kuppapuram flood relief camps to meet to people. pic.twitter.com/ucqNDPdxEh — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 21, 2018 ×

Centre approved Rs 80 crore aide to Kerala for floods: Kiren Rijiju

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced former Rajya Sabha BJP MP and eminent journalist Chandan Mitra, former CPI(M) MP Moinul Hasan, Congress's Sabina Yasmin and Mizoram advocate-general Biswajit Deb have joined TMC.

Chandan Mitra had submitted his resignation from the BJP to party president Amit Shah on Wednesday.&nbsp

A two-time Rajya Sabha Member, Mitra is the Editor and Managing Director of The Pioneer. He was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from August 2003 to 2009.

In June 2010, BJP got him elected to the upper house from Madhya Pradesh. His term ended in 2016.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the rally said that the party will ensure that the BJP government does not return to the party in 2019.

Banerjee said that a federal front of regional parties will ensure that BJP is defeated. Referring to the 325 votes polled in favour of BJP-led government at the no-confidence motion on Friday, she said that the figure will come down to 100 or 150 in the next Lok Sabha polls.

A two-time Rajya Sabha Member, Mitra is the Editor and Managing Director of The Pioneer. He was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from August 2003 to 2009.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced former Rajya Sabha BJP MP and eminent journalist Chandan Mitra, former CPI(M) MP Moinul Hasan, Congress's Sabina Yasmin and Mizoram advocate-general Biswajit Deb have joined TMC. Chandan Mitra had submitted his resignation from the BJP to party president Amit Shah on Wednesday. A two-time Rajya Sabha Member, Mitra is the Editor and Managing Director of The Pioneer. He was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from August 2003 to 2009. In June 2010, BJP got him elected to the upper house from Madhya Pradesh. His term ended in 2016. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the rally said that the party will ensure that the BJP government does not return to the party in 2019. Banerjee said that a federal front of regional parties will ensure that BJP is defeated. Referring to the 325 votes polled in favour of BJP-led government at the no-confidence motion on Friday, she said that the figure will come down to 100 or 150 in the next Lok Sabha polls.

Chandan Mitra, Congress's Sabina Yasmin, two others join TMC: Mamata Banerjee

At least five people were injured after a building collapsed in Keshavnagar in Pune’s Mundhwa locality, ANI reported. Two people, including a child, are believed to be trapped in the debris.&nbsp

Eight people have been rescued so far while one child is still feared trapped inside the building. The injured ones have been rushed to the hospital.

The building was 30 years old and it was served a notice by a municipal corporation. The rescue operation is underway.&nbsp

Reports inform that Pune district normally receives about 469.8 mm rainfall in these two months, but this year, it has already received 575.8 mm rain till July 18.&nbsp

The IMD has forecasted that Pune district may witness light to moderate rain till July 24.

The building was 30 years old and it was served a notice by a municipal corporation. The rescue operation is underway.

At least five people were injured after a building collapsed in Keshavnagar in Pune’s Mundhwa locality, ANI reported. Two people, including a child, are believed to be trapped in the debris. Eight people have been rescued so far while one child is still feared trapped inside the building. The injured ones have been rushed to the hospital. The building was 30 years old and it was served a notice by a municipal corporation. The rescue operation is underway. Reports inform that Pune district normally receives about 469.8 mm rainfall in these two months, but this year, it has already received 575.8 mm rain till July 18. The IMD has forecasted that Pune district may witness light to moderate rain till July 24.

Five people injured after building collapses near Pune’s Keshavnagar

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today filed a chargesheet in a Delhi court against Virbhadra Singh's son Vikramaditya in a money laundering case also involving the former Himachal Pradesh chief minister.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar fixed the matter for consideration on July 24, when he will decide on whether to take cognisance of the final report.

The chargesheet, filed by special public prosecutors Nitesh Rana and N K Matta, also named Managing Director of Tarani Infrastructure Vakamulla Chandrasekhar and one Ram Prakash Bhatia as an accused.

Both Chandrasekhar and Bhatia are also an accused in a CBI case related to the matter, along with Virbhadra Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh and others.&nbsp&nbsp

Besides 83-year-old Singh and his 62-year-old wife, the others named in the ED chargesheet, filed through advocate A R Aditya, are Universal Apple Associate owner Chunni Lal Chauhan, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) agent Anand Chauhan and two other co-accused Prem Raj and Lawan Kumar Roach.

Anand Chauhan, arrested on July 9, 2016, by the ED under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, was granted bail on January 2 in the case.

In a separate case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation in relation to the matter, the former Himachal Pradesh chief minister, his wife and Chauhan were chargesheeted along with others.

The couple, who have not been arrested so far in any of the two cases, and the other accused are facing trial in the CBI case.

The other accused in the CBI case are Chunni Lal Chauhan, stamp paper vendor Joginder Singh Ghalta, Managing Director of Tarani Infrastructure Vakamulla Chandrasekhar, and co-accused Lawan Kumar Roach, Prem Raj and Ram Prakash Bhatia.

The CBI had claimed that Virbhadra Singh had amassed assets worth around Rs 10 crore which were disproportionate to his total income during his tenure as a Union minister.

The matter was transferred by the Supreme Court to the Delhi High Court which, on April 6, 2016, asked the CBI not to arrest Singh and directed him to join the probe.

On November 5 last year, the apex court transferred Singh's plea from the Himachal Pradesh High Court to the Delhi High Court, saying it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, but "simply" transferring the petition "in the interest of justice and to save the institution (judiciary) from any embarrassment".&nbsp

The CBI had claimed that Virbhadra Singh had amassed assets worth around Rs 10 crore which were disproportionate to his total income during his tenure as a Union minister

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today filed a chargesheet in a Delhi court against Virbhadra Singh's son Vikramaditya in a money laundering case also involving the former Himachal Pradesh chief minister. Special Judge Arvind Kumar fixed the matter for consideration on July 24, when he will decide on whether to take cognisance of the final report. The chargesheet, filed by special public prosecutors Nitesh Rana and N K Matta, also named Managing Director of Tarani Infrastructure Vakamulla Chandrasekhar and one Ram Prakash Bhatia as an accused. Both Chandrasekhar and Bhatia are also an accused in a CBI case related to the matter, along with Virbhadra Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh and others. Besides 83-year-old Singh and his 62-year-old wife, the others named in the ED chargesheet, filed through advocate A R Aditya, are Universal Apple Associate owner Chunni Lal Chauhan, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) agent Anand Chauhan and two other co-accused Prem Raj and Lawan Kumar Roach. Anand Chauhan, arrested on July 9, 2016, by the ED under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, was granted bail on January 2 in the case. In a separate case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation in relation to the matter, the former Himachal Pradesh chief minister, his wife and Chauhan were chargesheeted along with others. The couple, who have not been arrested so far in any of the two cases, and the other accused are facing trial in the CBI case. The other accused in the CBI case are Chunni Lal Chauhan, stamp paper vendor Joginder Singh Ghalta, Managing Director of Tarani Infrastructure Vakamulla Chandrasekhar, and co-accused Lawan Kumar Roach, Prem Raj and Ram Prakash Bhatia. The CBI had claimed that Virbhadra Singh had amassed assets worth around Rs 10 crore which were disproportionate to his total income during his tenure as a Union minister. The matter was transferred by the Supreme Court to the Delhi High Court which, on April 6, 2016, asked the CBI not to arrest Singh and directed him to join the probe. On November 5 last year, the apex court transferred Singh's plea from the Himachal Pradesh High Court to the Delhi High Court, saying it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, but "simply" transferring the petition "in the interest of justice and to save the institution (judiciary) from any embarrassment".

ED files chargesheet against ex-Himachal Pradesh CM's son

Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief and&nbspWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that she&nbspwill start 'BJP hatao, desh Bachao' campaign on August 15 during the Martyrs’ Day rally.&nbsp

The Trinamool Congress observes Martyrs’ Day every year on July 21 to pay homage to 13 Youth Congress workers who were allegedly killed in police firing during the Left Front’s regime in 1993.

Banerjee was a leader of the Youth Congress at the time. The rally came a day after a no-confidence motion against the Modi government was decisively defeated.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/21682383758/1x1_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/21682383758/1x1_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>Talking about the rising number of&nbsplynching incidents across the country, the West Bengal Chief Minister said lynching is&nbspcreating Talibanis among people.

"The way lynching is happening everywhere in the country, they are creating Talibanis among people. In BJP & RSS, there are good people whom I respect but some are playing dirty games", she added.

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We will start 'BJP hatao, desh bachao' campaign on 15th August. 2019 will be a big blow, Bengal will show the path: TMC Chief & West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee <a href="https://t.co/KNmXB5ZRfJ">https://t.co/KNmXB5ZRfJ</a>
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“The 2019 Lok Sabha polls will be a big blow for the NDA, and Bengal will show the path,” she added.

&nbsp

The TMC organises the Martyrs’ Day rally every year on July 21 in the memory of 13 Youth Congress activists killed in police firing in 1993 during the Left Front regime in West Bengal.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief and&nbspWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that she&nbspwill start 'BJP hatao, desh Bachao' campaign on August 15 during the Martyrs’ Day rally. The Trinamool Congress observes Martyrs’ Day every year on July 21 to pay homage to 13 Youth Congress workers who were allegedly killed in police firing during the Left Front’s regime in 1993. Banerjee was a leader of the Youth Congress at the time. The rally came a day after a no-confidence motion against the Modi government was decisively defeated. Talking about the rising number of&nbsplynching incidents across the country, the West Bengal Chief Minister said lynching is&nbspcreating Talibanis among people. "The way lynching is happening everywhere in the country, they are creating Talibanis among people. In BJP & RSS, there are good people whom I respect but some are playing dirty games", she added. We will start 'BJP hatao, desh bachao' campaign on 15th August. 2019 will be a big blow, Bengal will show the path: TMC Chief & West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee https://t.co/KNmXB5ZRfJ — ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2018 × “The 2019 Lok Sabha polls will be a big blow for the NDA, and Bengal will show the path,” she added.

Mamata Banerjee to start ‘BJP hatao, desh bachao’ campaign from August 15

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