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<p>IITs have encouraged setting up of several engineering colleges around the country and have emerged as global brand, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi was addressing the 56th convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) on Saturday.</p>

<p>''Innovation and new technology will decide the&nbsp;future direction of development in which IITs will play an important role,'' Modi said.</p>

<p>''My appeal to youngsters is - Innovate in India, Innovate for humanity, from mitigating climate change to ensuring better agricultural productivity, from cleaner energy to water conservation, from combating malnutrition to effective waste management,'' he&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Showering encomium&nbsp;on IITs for the extraordinary work the country's premier institutes have done over the years, Modi said the nation is proud of IITs and what they have achieved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''The confidence I can see on your face confirms that we are moving in the right direction,'' he said and added IITs were conceptualised to contribute to nation-building through use of technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Innovation is the buzz-word of the 21st century, he said and added any society which does not innovate will stagnate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is emerging as a hub for start-ups which shows the thirst for innovation, he said and added ''We must make India the most attractive destination for innovation &nbsp;and enterprise.''&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi also announced a financial aid of Rs 1000 crore for&nbsp;IIT-Bombay on the occasion.</p>

<p>It was a large number of IIT students who built the IT sector of India, brick by brick, he&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Modi was accorded a warm welcome by Maharashtra Governor C V Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, state BJP chief Raosaheb Patil-Danve, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar and other officials upon his arrival at Mumbai airport. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of the ongoing IIT-B`s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new building of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering and the Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering.</p>

<p>Union Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar was also present at the event.</p>


''Innovation and new technology will decide the future direction of development in which IITs will play an important role,'' Modi said.

IITs have encouraged setting up of several engineering colleges around the country and have emerged as global brand, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. Modi was addressing the 56th convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) on Saturday. ''Innovation and new technology will decide the future direction of development in which IITs will play an important role,'' Modi said. ''My appeal to youngsters is - Innovate in India, Innovate for humanity, from mitigating climate change to ensuring better agricultural productivity, from cleaner energy to water conservation, from combating malnutrition to effective waste management,'' he said. Showering encomium on IITs for the extraordinary work the country's premier institutes have done over the years, Modi said the nation is proud of IITs and what they have achieved. ''The confidence I can see on your face confirms that we are moving in the right direction,'' he said and added IITs were conceptualised to contribute to nation-building through use of technology. Innovation is the buzz-word of the 21st century, he said and added any society which does not innovate will stagnate. India is emerging as a hub for start-ups which shows the thirst for innovation, he said and added ''We must make India the most attractive destination for innovation and enterprise.'' Modi also announced a financial aid of Rs 1000 crore for IIT-Bombay on the occasion. It was a large number of IIT students who built the IT sector of India, brick by brick, he said. Earlier, Modi was accorded a warm welcome by Maharashtra Governor C V Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, state BJP chief Raosaheb Patil-Danve, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar and other officials upon his arrival at Mumbai airport. As part of the ongoing IIT-B`s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new building of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering and the Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering. Union Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar was also present at the event.

IITs have emerged as global brand: PM Modi

<p>Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is undertaking an aerial survey of flood-ravaged districts of the state which have been pounded by heavy rains since the past few days.</p>

<p>Due to inclement weather, the chief minister's helicopter could not land at Kattapana in Idukki, where he had called a meeting to review the situation in the backdrop of the opening of five shutters of Idukki Dam, government sources said.</p>

<p>The helicopter has left for Wayanad and the chief minister would be visiting a relief camp and attend a review meeting at the collectorate, they said.</p>

<p>The chief minister is accompanied by Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, Revenue minister, E Chandrasekharan, state Chief Secretary, Tom Jose and state Police Chief Loknath Behara.</p>

<p>Twenty-nine persons have so far lost their lives in the heavy rains since August 8 and over 50,000 persons have been shifted to relief camps.</p>

<p>A red alert has been issued for 8 districts-- Idukki, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Kottayam, Alappuzha of the 14 districts in the state by the Indian Meteorological Department.</p>

<p>Over 54,000 people have been shifted to relief camps across the state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan met the people affected due to flood in Wayanad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/1KYVMOqDA1">pic.twitter.com/1KYVMOqDA1</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028161212146626563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Water level at the Idukki reservoir has decreased, providing some relief to the authorities.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kochi Airport in a statement said flight operations are continuing uninterrupted and there have been no cancellations.</p>

<p>"We surmounted a night of anxiety. All systems worked properly. Our efforts to protect the operational area succeeded. Water levels in the surrounding having stabilised, flight operations at Kochi Airport continue uninterrupted," it said.</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday assured all possible assistance to the calamity-hit state. He will also visit the state on August 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted requesting Congress worker in Kerala to help the needy people.</p>

<p><img alt="kerala 2_1.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="570" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/kerala%202_1.JPG" width="775" /></p>

<p><img alt="kerala_0.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="554" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/kerala_0.JPG" width="885" /></p>

<p><img alt="kerala 4_0.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="550" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/kerala%204_0.JPG" width="781" /></p>


The chief minister is accompanied by Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, Revenue minister, E Chandrasekharan, state Chief Secretary, Tom Jose and state Police Chief Loknath Behara.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is undertaking an aerial survey of flood-ravaged districts of the state which have been pounded by heavy rains since the past few days. Due to inclement weather, the chief minister's helicopter could not land at Kattapana in Idukki, where he had called a meeting to review the situation in the backdrop of the opening of five shutters of Idukki Dam, government sources said. The helicopter has left for Wayanad and the chief minister would be visiting a relief camp and attend a review meeting at the collectorate, they said. The chief minister is accompanied by Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, Revenue minister, E Chandrasekharan, state Chief Secretary, Tom Jose and state Police Chief Loknath Behara. Twenty-nine persons have so far lost their lives in the heavy rains since August 8 and over 50,000 persons have been shifted to relief camps. A red alert has been issued for 8 districts-- Idukki, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Kottayam, Alappuzha of the 14 districts in the state by the Indian Meteorological Department. Over 54,000 people have been shifted to relief camps across the state. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan met the people affected due to flood in Wayanad. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/1KYVMOqDA1 — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × Water level at the Idukki reservoir has decreased, providing some relief to the authorities. Meanwhile, Kochi Airport in a statement said flight operations are continuing uninterrupted and there have been no cancellations. "We surmounted a night of anxiety. All systems worked properly. Our efforts to protect the operational area succeeded. Water levels in the surrounding having stabilised, flight operations at Kochi Airport continue uninterrupted," it said. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday assured all possible assistance to the calamity-hit state. He will also visit the state on August 12. Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted requesting Congress worker in Kerala to help the needy people.

Kerala: CM undertakes aerial survey of flood-hit districts as death toll reaches 29

<p>BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during his rally in Kolkata. Shah accused Banerjee of speaking against the NRC draft and "protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Why is she protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators? NRC is a process against illegal immigrants, shouldn't they be thrown out of the country?" Shah exclaimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP President added that the BJP will go to every district of Bengal to throw out Trinamool Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All Mamata ji has done, is to object against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NRC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NRC</a>. But NRC is the process to throw illegal immigrants out. Shouldn't Bangladeshi immigrants be thrown out?: BJP President Amit Shah in Kolkata <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/IIdAItvu4u">pic.twitter.com/IIdAItvu4u</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028198639691227136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Even if you try to suppress our voices, we will go to every district of Bengal and throw TMC out," Shah stated.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For us country first comes, before vote bank. Oppose us as much as you want but we will not stall the process of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NRC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NRC</a>: BJP President Amit Shah in Kolkata <a href="https://t.co/UnFGPiBnxh">pic.twitter.com/UnFGPiBnxh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028199795775627265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We want to ask Mamata Banerjee why is she protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators? Rahul Gandhi is also not clarifying his stand on the issue. This is because of Congress' vote-bank politics," the BJP President added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Signals of all Bengali channels have been lowered so that people will not be able to watch us. But even if you try to suppress our voices, we will go to every district of Bengal and throw TMC out: BJP President Amit Shah in Kolkata <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/CnsqF4mcCI">pic.twitter.com/CnsqF4mcCI</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028200103419334656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"All Mamata ji has done, is to object against NRC. But NRC is the process to throw illegal immigrants out. Shouldn't Bangladeshi immigrants be thrown out?" Shah enquired.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We want to ask Mamata Banerjee why is she protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators? Rahul Gandhi is also not clarifying his stand on the issue. This is because of Congress' vote-bank politics: BJP President Amit Shah in Kolkata <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/lSQyZhSZh7">pic.twitter.com/lSQyZhSZh7</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028202214689398785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been targetting the Central government after the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) left out as many as 40 lakh people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Banerjee called the NRC issue BJP's vote-bank politics. She enquired about the fate of the 40 lakh people who have been excluded from the list stating that "bloodbath" will take place if the NRC issue is not resolved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Union Minister Rajnath Singh reacted stating that the NRC issue should not be politicised as the government has no role in its proceedings which are actually vested with the Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>


Mamata Banerjee has been targetting the Central government after the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) left out as many as 40 lakh people.

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday lashed out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during his rally in Kolkata. Shah accused Banerjee of speaking against the NRC draft and "protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators". "Why is she protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators? NRC is a process against illegal immigrants, shouldn't they be thrown out of the country?" Shah exclaimed. The BJP President added that the BJP will go to every district of Bengal to throw out Trinamool Congress. All Mamata ji has done, is to object against #NRC. But NRC is the process to throw illegal immigrants out. Shouldn't Bangladeshi immigrants be thrown out?: BJP President Amit Shah in Kolkata #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/IIdAItvu4u — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × "Even if you try to suppress our voices, we will go to every district of Bengal and throw TMC out," Shah stated. For us country first comes, before vote bank. Oppose us as much as you want but we will not stall the process of #NRC: BJP President Amit Shah in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/UnFGPiBnxh — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × "We want to ask Mamata Banerjee why is she protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators? Rahul Gandhi is also not clarifying his stand on the issue. This is because of Congress' vote-bank politics," the BJP President added. Signals of all Bengali channels have been lowered so that people will not be able to watch us. But even if you try to suppress our voices, we will go to every district of Bengal and throw TMC out: BJP President Amit Shah in Kolkata #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/CnsqF4mcCI — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × "All Mamata ji has done, is to object against NRC. But NRC is the process to throw illegal immigrants out. Shouldn't Bangladeshi immigrants be thrown out?" Shah enquired. We want to ask Mamata Banerjee why is she protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators? Rahul Gandhi is also not clarifying his stand on the issue. This is because of Congress' vote-bank politics: BJP President Amit Shah in Kolkata #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/lSQyZhSZh7 — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been targetting the Central government after the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) left out as many as 40 lakh people. Banerjee called the NRC issue BJP's vote-bank politics. She enquired about the fate of the 40 lakh people who have been excluded from the list stating that "bloodbath" will take place if the NRC issue is not resolved. Union Minister Rajnath Singh reacted stating that the NRC issue should not be politicised as the government has no role in its proceedings which are actually vested with the Supreme Court.

Why is Mamata protecting infiltrators? We'll throw TMC out of Bengal: Amit Shah

<p>While Kerala continues to reel under torrential rains and flood fury, the Indian Meteorological Department on Saturday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for Andhra Pradesh for the next two days under the influence of low pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to IMD, neighbouring state Telangana is likely to receive moderate rainfall in isolated places.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Under the influence of low pressure heavy to very heavy rainfall are expected in Andhra Pradesh in next 2 days, however moderate rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places in Telangana. We have also issued a warning to fishermen not to venture into the sea," Raja Rao from the MeT department stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the influence of upper cyclonic circulation currently hovers over south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts while low pressure is very likely to form over northwest Bay of Bengal during the next 48 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Under the influence of low pressure heavy to very heavy rainfall are expected in Andhra Pradesh in next 2 days, however moderate rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places in Telangana. We have also issued warning to fishermen not to venture into the sea: Raja Rao, IMD</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028320090024890368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the death toll in flood-hit Kerala has risen to 37. After being pounded by rains for the past few days, there was a brief let-up in the downpour today in Kerala, but the government remained on high alert with more rains forecast.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan undertook an aerial survey of rain-ravaged areas of Idukki and Wayanad today.</p>

<p>Though there was a respite from rains across the state today, especially in catchment areas of Idukki dam, the Indian Meteorological Department issued a 'Red alert',&nbsp;asking people to be cautious as there was a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in most places in Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Malappuram.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)&nbsp;</p>


Meanwhile, the death toll in flood-hit Kerala has risen to 37.

While Kerala continues to reel under torrential rains and flood fury, the Indian Meteorological Department on Saturday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for Andhra Pradesh for the next two days under the influence of low pressure. According to IMD, neighbouring state Telangana is likely to receive moderate rainfall in isolated places. "Under the influence of low pressure heavy to very heavy rainfall are expected in Andhra Pradesh in next 2 days, however moderate rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places in Telangana. We have also issued a warning to fishermen not to venture into the sea," Raja Rao from the MeT department stated. According to reports, the influence of upper cyclonic circulation currently hovers over south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts while low pressure is very likely to form over northwest Bay of Bengal during the next 48 hours. Under the influence of low pressure heavy to very heavy rainfall are expected in Andhra Pradesh in next 2 days, however moderate rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places in Telangana. We have also issued warning to fishermen not to venture into the sea: Raja Rao, IMD — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × Meanwhile, the death toll in flood-hit Kerala has risen to 37. After being pounded by rains for the past few days, there was a brief let-up in the downpour today in Kerala, but the government remained on high alert with more rains forecast. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan undertook an aerial survey of rain-ravaged areas of Idukki and Wayanad today. Though there was a respite from rains across the state today, especially in catchment areas of Idukki dam, the Indian Meteorological Department issued a 'Red alert', asking people to be cautious as there was a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in most places in Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Malappuram. (With inputs from agencies)

Heavy rains likely to lash Andhra Pradesh in next 48 hours: IMD

<p><strong>By Carolyn Roberts</strong></p>

<p>The saying goes that the Taj Mahal is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, and golden when the moon shines. Though this may once have been true for the famously pristine marble monument, a mixture of pollution and poor management has now burdened the Taj with a 24-hour layer of yellowy-brown. Condemning the “lethargy” of restoration efforts, India’s Supreme Court recently told the government to restore the Taj &nbsp;or demolish it.</p>

<p>Located in Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is one of the most iconically beautiful buildings in the world. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament to his grief, following the death of his first wife Mumtaz Mahal, Rabindranath Tagore called it “a tear running down the cheek of time”.</p>

<p>The Taj was constructed of translucent white marble, brought to Agra from the north-west Indian region of Rajasthan. It was then inlaid with semiprecious stones, including jasper, jade, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire and carnelian. The whole riverside complex, including the gardens and surrounding sandstone walls, was finished in 1653.</p>

<p><strong>A mausoleum in need of new life</strong><br />
<br />
Over the last four centuries the Taj has aged and darkened as a result of natural oxidation processes – the marble equivalent of rust – but it has been given no help by its hostile surroundings. It has been drenched in acid rain, coated in soot from industrial and domestic chimneys, and eroded by atmospheric pollutants.</p>

<p>Air pollution in Indian cities is legendary, and Agra is no exception. As in many Asian cities, increasing car ownership has caused traffic to surge, while dirty air seeps from Agra’s oil refinery and tannery chimneys. These pollutants – sulphur dioxide, Nox gases, and mainly carbon-based particulates – have steadily weathered and eroded the Taj’s brilliant white façade, giving it a yellow sheen. Despite the establishment of a 4,000 square mile protective area around the site, (the Taj Trapezium Zone), within which emissions are supposedly strictly controlled, photographs show a marked deterioration in the Taj’s condition over the last few years.</p>

<p>Legal emission limits have been long contested by developers, and are widely ignored. Smoky funeral pyres are lit, and piles of rubbish are regularly burned very close to the buildings. Pollution from the Yamuna River presents a further challenge. Untreated sewage and industrial waste pours in from the city, creating nutrient-rich waters. These nutrients are then picked up by the wind and deposited in the Taj’s increasingly porous stonework, allowing river-derived microorganisms to thrive on its surfaces, colouring them green.</p>

<p>Allegedly, excrement from the many insects that thrive in the contaminated river water has hastened the damage, but the effect is surely negligible compared to that of fossil fuel-derived sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.</p>

<p>Since 1998, a range of Indian research institutes have explored restoration methods, and millions have been spent trying to reverse the discolouration. One attempt involved smothering the Taj with damp clay poultices similar to face packs. It was hoped they would draw the damaging acids out of the surface layers of marble, but, if anything, they seem to have made the situation worse.</p>

<p><strong>A template for renewal</strong><br />
<br />
In London, some 50 years after the completion of the Taj Mahal, Sir Christopher Wren designed a structure of comparable ambition. St Paul’s Cathedral was finished around 1711, a resting place for the nation’s great and good, and was built from the light-coloured, calcerous rock, Portland Stone.</p>

<p>St Paul’s has suffered many of the same problems as the Taj Mahal – acid rain, soot, atmospheric pollutants, darkening with age. But after 40 years of monitoring by teams of university geographers, employing scientific techniques such as repeated observation with microerosion meters, the extent of the weathering is far better understood</p>

<p>Older British readers may recall the infamous smogs that engulfed Britain’s cities in the 1940s and 50s. Four hundred years of coal-powered domestic heating, and latterly the fumes emanating from vehicles and coal-fired power stations, allowed sulphur dioxide and fine particles of carbon to reach toxic levels in London’s air.</p>

<p>On cold, still autumn evenings, dense chemical smog can do as much damage to calcerous or chalky stone as it can to people’s lungs. Combined with rainfall it creates weak sulphuric or nitric acid, which over centuries can erode calcareous stone. When St. Paul’s was closely examined in the 1980s, some of the parapets and carvings had crumbled away completely leaving stone surfaces held together by black sooty crusts, hiding the voids beneath.</p>

<p>The worst excesses of soot and sulphur dioxide have been curbed by environmental legislation, though the atmospheric nitrogen produced by traffic, particularly diesel vehicles, still causes problems. Like Agra, London regularly breaks the World Health Organisation limits on air pollution.</p>

<p>However, the rate of weathering on St Paul’s seems to have halved with the fall in atmospheric sulphur dioxide. Concerns remain over microflora growing on stone surfaces, but sensitive cleaning and the odd replacement stone have largely protected Wren’s legacy. It remains to be seen whether the Taj can be similarly restored.</p>

<p>The Taj Mahal is a wonder of the modern world, but this national and international treasure needs swift and decisive action if it is not to lose its legendary lustre.</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-taj-mahal-is-wasting-away-and-it-may-soon-hit-the-point-of-no-return-100376">original article</a>.)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Taj Mahal is a wonder of the modern world, but this national and international treasure needs swift and decisive action if it is not to lose its legendary lustre.

By Carolyn Roberts The saying goes that the Taj Mahal is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, and golden when the moon shines. Though this may once have been true for the famously pristine marble monument, a mixture of pollution and poor management has now burdened the Taj with a 24-hour layer of yellowy-brown. Condemning the “lethargy” of restoration efforts, India’s Supreme Court recently told the government to restore the Taj or demolish it. Located in Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is one of the most iconically beautiful buildings in the world. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament to his grief, following the death of his first wife Mumtaz Mahal, Rabindranath Tagore called it “a tear running down the cheek of time”. The Taj was constructed of translucent white marble, brought to Agra from the north-west Indian region of Rajasthan. It was then inlaid with semiprecious stones, including jasper, jade, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire and carnelian. The whole riverside complex, including the gardens and surrounding sandstone walls, was finished in 1653. A mausoleum in need of new life Over the last four centuries the Taj has aged and darkened as a result of natural oxidation processes – the marble equivalent of rust – but it has been given no help by its hostile surroundings. It has been drenched in acid rain, coated in soot from industrial and domestic chimneys, and eroded by atmospheric pollutants. Air pollution in Indian cities is legendary, and Agra is no exception. As in many Asian cities, increasing car ownership has caused traffic to surge, while dirty air seeps from Agra’s oil refinery and tannery chimneys. These pollutants – sulphur dioxide, Nox gases, and mainly carbon-based particulates – have steadily weathered and eroded the Taj’s brilliant white façade, giving it a yellow sheen. Despite the establishment of a 4,000 square mile protective area around the site, (the Taj Trapezium Zone), within which emissions are supposedly strictly controlled, photographs show a marked deterioration in the Taj’s condition over the last few years. Legal emission limits have been long contested by developers, and are widely ignored. Smoky funeral pyres are lit, and piles of rubbish are regularly burned very close to the buildings. Pollution from the Yamuna River presents a further challenge. Untreated sewage and industrial waste pours in from the city, creating nutrient-rich waters. These nutrients are then picked up by the wind and deposited in the Taj’s increasingly porous stonework, allowing river-derived microorganisms to thrive on its surfaces, colouring them green. Allegedly, excrement from the many insects that thrive in the contaminated river water has hastened the damage, but the effect is surely negligible compared to that of fossil fuel-derived sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. Since 1998, a range of Indian research institutes have explored restoration methods, and millions have been spent trying to reverse the discolouration. One attempt involved smothering the Taj with damp clay poultices similar to face packs. It was hoped they would draw the damaging acids out of the surface layers of marble, but, if anything, they seem to have made the situation worse. A template for renewal In London, some 50 years after the completion of the Taj Mahal, Sir Christopher Wren designed a structure of comparable ambition. St Paul’s Cathedral was finished around 1711, a resting place for the nation’s great and good, and was built from the light-coloured, calcerous rock, Portland Stone. St Paul’s has suffered many of the same problems as the Taj Mahal – acid rain, soot, atmospheric pollutants, darkening with age. But after 40 years of monitoring by teams of university geographers, employing scientific techniques such as repeated observation with microerosion meters, the extent of the weathering is far better understood Older British readers may recall the infamous smogs that engulfed Britain’s cities in the 1940s and 50s. Four hundred years of coal-powered domestic heating, and latterly the fumes emanating from vehicles and coal-fired power stations, allowed sulphur dioxide and fine particles of carbon to reach toxic levels in London’s air. On cold, still autumn evenings, dense chemical smog can do as much damage to calcerous or chalky stone as it can to people’s lungs. Combined with rainfall it creates weak sulphuric or nitric acid, which over centuries can erode calcareous stone. When St. Paul’s was closely examined in the 1980s, some of the parapets and carvings had crumbled away completely leaving stone surfaces held together by black sooty crusts, hiding the voids beneath. The worst excesses of soot and sulphur dioxide have been curbed by environmental legislation, though the atmospheric nitrogen produced by traffic, particularly diesel vehicles, still causes problems. Like Agra, London regularly breaks the World Health Organisation limits on air pollution. However, the rate of weathering on St Paul’s seems to have halved with the fall in atmospheric sulphur dioxide. Concerns remain over microflora growing on stone surfaces, but sensitive cleaning and the odd replacement stone have largely protected Wren’s legacy. It remains to be seen whether the Taj can be similarly restored. The Taj Mahal is a wonder of the modern world, but this national and international treasure needs swift and decisive action if it is not to lose its legendary lustre. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Taj Mahal may soon hit the point of no return

<p>The Rafale fighter jet deal will end up in arbitration, which will be the biggest arbitration case after the one on the Bhopal gas tragedy, Congress MP Sunil Jakhar claimed on Friday.</p>

<p>Participating on debate in the Lok Sabha on the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, Jakhar also alleged that businessmen close to the government had got their companies registered in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) just days before the deal was clinched.</p>

<p>"The Minister should inform the House why this (Rafale fighter jet) deal will not end up in arbitration seat? Whether the Rafale deal will end up in arbitration seat in India or the Hague?&nbsp;</p>

<p>"... This will be the biggest arbitration after the Bhopal gas tragedy," he claimed.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the Congress member had created a flutter in the Lok Sabha, saying "I can make a better Rafale (fighter aircraft), please give me the contract."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He had made this caustic remark attacking the BJP-led government while waiving a paper replica of the fighter aircraft during the Zero Hour, when Congress members were in the Well raising slogans on the issue.</p>

<p>In his speech later, Jakhar also wondered how India's Foreign Secretary did not know about the Rafale deal but the companies knew about it. "This is a breach of the Official Secrets Act," he charged.</p>

<p>The Congress members, who were earlier in the Well raising slogans alleging corruption in the Rafale jet deal, had later walked out of the House.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">National security isn't child's play. BJP govt is trying to distract people from this issue. To emphasise this point, we wanted to draw their attention with help of a so-called replica of Rafale fighter jets. Won't let Modi govt play with national security: Sunil Jakhar, Congress <a href="https://t.co/byEMUFjXTE">pic.twitter.com/byEMUFjXTE</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028144793073774593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jakhar also alleged that businessmen close to the government had got their companies registered in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) just days before the deal was clinched.

The Rafale fighter jet deal will end up in arbitration, which will be the biggest arbitration case after the one on the Bhopal gas tragedy, Congress MP Sunil Jakhar claimed on Friday. Participating on debate in the Lok Sabha on the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, Jakhar also alleged that businessmen close to the government had got their companies registered in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) just days before the deal was clinched. "The Minister should inform the House why this (Rafale fighter jet) deal will not end up in arbitration seat? Whether the Rafale deal will end up in arbitration seat in India or the Hague? "... This will be the biggest arbitration after the Bhopal gas tragedy," he claimed. Earlier in the day, the Congress member had created a flutter in the Lok Sabha, saying "I can make a better Rafale (fighter aircraft), please give me the contract." He had made this caustic remark attacking the BJP-led government while waiving a paper replica of the fighter aircraft during the Zero Hour, when Congress members were in the Well raising slogans on the issue. In his speech later, Jakhar also wondered how India's Foreign Secretary did not know about the Rafale deal but the companies knew about it. "This is a breach of the Official Secrets Act," he charged. The Congress members, who were earlier in the Well raising slogans alleging corruption in the Rafale jet deal, had later walked out of the House. National security isn't child's play. BJP govt is trying to distract people from this issue. To emphasise this point, we wanted to draw their attention with help of a so-called replica of Rafale fighter jets. Won't let Modi govt play with national security: Sunil Jakhar, Congress pic.twitter.com/byEMUFjXTE — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 ×

'Can make a better Rafale,give me contract': Congress MP Sunil Jakhar

<p>Under fire from the Opposition for backing the NDA candidate in the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman’s election, the BJD today said that it had supported the JD(U) due to “ideological similarities” and continues to maintain equal distance from the BJP and the Congress.</p>

<p>The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha had voted in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh– a first-time MP of the Janata Dal (United).</p>

<p>BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had on Aug 8 declared support for Singh after holding talks with JD(U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.</p>

<p>As there were two candidates in the August 9 election, the BJD supported the JD(U) because of our ideological similarities since the JP movement, BJD spokesman Sasmit Patra said in a statement.</p>

<p>“The BJD believes that when it comes to the (election for) constitutional posts such as a speaker, deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, unanimity should be there. However, that did not happen,” he said.</p>

<p>“We had made our stand clear two days ago. However, the opposition party leaders are not ready to understand the circumstances. We have nothing more to say,” he added.</p>

<p>In the wake of the NDA nominee winning the keenly fought contest with 125 votes against 105 by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) contestant B K Hariprasad, a fuming Opposition led by the Congress has mounted a scathing attack on the BJD.</p>

<p>Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik in a tweet posted separate pictures of Patnaik and Prime Minister Narendra Modi purportedly talking about the election with the caption “phone a friend”.</p>

<p>In a separate post, he shared another photo of Patnaik captioned “all lines to this route are busy” mocking the chief minister’s alleged failure to get access to Modi to discuss the special category status for Odisha and illegal encroachment by BJP governments in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.</p>

<p>The Congress leader further said, “The PM and the CM have been talking a lot on phone these days. Wonder when will they talk about issues on Odisha? Why does not the CM pick up the phone and ask the PM to intervene on the construction of barrages on Mahanadi by the BJP ruled Chhattisgarh government?”</p>

<p>Ridiculing Naveen Patnaik’s claim of maintaining equal distance from the NDA and the UPA, he said in another post: “The equal distance has turned into better understanding. The games of BJD and BJP have been totally exposed. Sad that BJD has chosen to ally with BJP, a party which betrayed Odisha on every front …”</p>

<p>Niranjan Patnaik further accused the BJP of betraying the people of Odisha and its own cadre.</p>

<p>“BJP’s Mission 120 has turned into Mission 420 for the people of Odisha and BJP members,” he said.</p>

<p>BJP chief Amit Shah had launched the ‘Mission 120’ campaign in 2017 claiming that the party will storm to power in the state with two-thirds majority in the next assembly elections.</p>

<p>The Congress leader urged Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram, both from Odisha, to join the Congress if they wanted to serve the people of the state as Congress was the only credible opposition.</p>


Under fire from the Opposition for backing the NDA candidate in the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman's election, the BJD today said that it had supported the JD(U) due to "ideological similarities" and continues to maintain equal distance from the BJP and the Congress.

Under fire from the Opposition for backing the NDA candidate in the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman’s election, the BJD today said that it had supported the JD(U) due to “ideological similarities” and continues to maintain equal distance from the BJP and the Congress. The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha had voted in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Harivansh Narayan Singh– a first-time MP of the Janata Dal (United). BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had on Aug 8 declared support for Singh after holding talks with JD(U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. As there were two candidates in the August 9 election, the BJD supported the JD(U) because of our ideological similarities since the JP movement, BJD spokesman Sasmit Patra said in a statement. “The BJD believes that when it comes to the (election for) constitutional posts such as a speaker, deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, unanimity should be there. However, that did not happen,” he said. “We had made our stand clear two days ago. However, the opposition party leaders are not ready to understand the circumstances. We have nothing more to say,” he added. In the wake of the NDA nominee winning the keenly fought contest with 125 votes against 105 by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) contestant B K Hariprasad, a fuming Opposition led by the Congress has mounted a scathing attack on the BJD. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik in a tweet posted separate pictures of Patnaik and Prime Minister Narendra Modi purportedly talking about the election with the caption “phone a friend”. In a separate post, he shared another photo of Patnaik captioned “all lines to this route are busy” mocking the chief minister’s alleged failure to get access to Modi to discuss the special category status for Odisha and illegal encroachment by BJP governments in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The Congress leader further said, “The PM and the CM have been talking a lot on phone these days. Wonder when will they talk about issues on Odisha? Why does not the CM pick up the phone and ask the PM to intervene on the construction of barrages on Mahanadi by the BJP ruled Chhattisgarh government?” Ridiculing Naveen Patnaik’s claim of maintaining equal distance from the NDA and the UPA, he said in another post: “The equal distance has turned into better understanding. The games of BJD and BJP have been totally exposed. Sad that BJD has chosen to ally with BJP, a party which betrayed Odisha on every front …” Niranjan Patnaik further accused the BJP of betraying the people of Odisha and its own cadre. “BJP’s Mission 120 has turned into Mission 420 for the people of Odisha and BJP members,” he said. BJP chief Amit Shah had launched the ‘Mission 120’ campaign in 2017 claiming that the party will storm to power in the state with two-thirds majority in the next assembly elections. The Congress leader urged Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram, both from Odisha, to join the Congress if they wanted to serve the people of the state as Congress was the only credible opposition.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman poll: Support was for JD(U) not BJP, says BJD

<p>The Income Tax department has slapped three notices under the foreign black money law against diamond trader Nirav Modi, involved in Rs. 14,000 crore PNB fraud case, for allegedly holding illegal assets abroad.</p>

<p>"Three notices u/s 10(1) of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, issued against Nirav Modi," the Revenue Department said in an action taken report to the Standing Committee on Finance.</p>

<p>An arrest warrant has been issued against Nirav Modi. "Supplementary prosecution complaint filed against 31 persons/individuals/entities u/d 276C(1), 227A and 278 of the Income Tax Act," it added.</p>

<p>Besides, the Income Tax department has attached 32 immovable properties located in various cities, including Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur and Delhi. Also 141 bank accounts/ FDs of the Nirav Modi Group having a credit balance of Rs. 145.74 crore have been attached.</p>

<p>The department has also attached 173 paintings and artworks and filed four prosecution cases against Nirav Modi.</p>

<p>"Look Out notice/Blue Corner Notice has been opened against Nirav Modi by Bureau of Immigration on February 22, 2018, after request from I-T department. It is valid till February 21, 2019," the revenue department said.</p>

<p>Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are accused in an Rs. 14,000 crore fraud at state-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB).</p>

<p>With regard to Mehul Choksi, the promoter of the Gitanjali Group of companies, the Revenue Department said "Look Out Notice/ Blue Corner Notice (has been) opened against Mehul Choksi and the same is valid till February 21, 2019".</p>

<p>As many as 7 immovable properties in Mumbai belonging to Gitanjali Group have been attached u/s 281B of the I-T Act. Also, land and building and fixed assets valued at Rs. 1,278 crore of a group subsidiary have been provisionally attached. Also, 244 banks accounts/FDs having a total credit balance of Rs. 101.78 crore have been attached.</p>

<p>In case of the money laundering probe against Kanpur-based Rotomac group in an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs. 3,695 crore, the Revenue Department said four immovable properties and 29 bank accounts have been attached by the I-T authorities.</p>

<p>"Six prosecutions have been initiated against Vikram Kothari, main person of the Rotomac Group. Further 18 prosecutions have been launched against M/s Rotomac Global (P) Ltd," the Revenue Department said.&nbsp;</p>


The Income Tax department has slapped three notices under the foreign black money law against diamond trader Nirav Modi, involved in Rs. 14,000 crore PNB fraud case, for allegedly holding illegal assets abroad

The Income Tax department has slapped three notices under the foreign black money law against diamond trader Nirav Modi, involved in Rs. 14,000 crore PNB fraud case, for allegedly holding illegal assets abroad. "Three notices u/s 10(1) of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, issued against Nirav Modi," the Revenue Department said in an action taken report to the Standing Committee on Finance. An arrest warrant has been issued against Nirav Modi. "Supplementary prosecution complaint filed against 31 persons/individuals/entities u/d 276C(1), 227A and 278 of the Income Tax Act," it added. Besides, the Income Tax department has attached 32 immovable properties located in various cities, including Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur and Delhi. Also 141 bank accounts/ FDs of the Nirav Modi Group having a credit balance of Rs. 145.74 crore have been attached. The department has also attached 173 paintings and artworks and filed four prosecution cases against Nirav Modi. "Look Out notice/Blue Corner Notice has been opened against Nirav Modi by Bureau of Immigration on February 22, 2018, after request from I-T department. It is valid till February 21, 2019," the revenue department said. Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are accused in an Rs. 14,000 crore fraud at state-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB). With regard to Mehul Choksi, the promoter of the Gitanjali Group of companies, the Revenue Department said "Look Out Notice/ Blue Corner Notice (has been) opened against Mehul Choksi and the same is valid till February 21, 2019". As many as 7 immovable properties in Mumbai belonging to Gitanjali Group have been attached u/s 281B of the I-T Act. Also, land and building and fixed assets valued at Rs. 1,278 crore of a group subsidiary have been provisionally attached. Also, 244 banks accounts/FDs having a total credit balance of Rs. 101.78 crore have been attached. In case of the money laundering probe against Kanpur-based Rotomac group in an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs. 3,695 crore, the Revenue Department said four immovable properties and 29 bank accounts have been attached by the I-T authorities. "Six prosecutions have been initiated against Vikram Kothari, main person of the Rotomac Group. Further 18 prosecutions have been launched against M/s Rotomac Global (P) Ltd," the Revenue Department said.

3 tax notices issued against Nirav Modi: Revenue Department

<p>Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera on Saturday stated that the party is not against the National Register of Citizens (NRC) final draft but the way it is being implemented in Assam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khera further added that politicising the issue is "very dangerous"&nbsp;and accused BJP Chief Amit Shah of doing politics over the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Amit Shah does not know the history of NRC. The 1985 Assam Accord was signed by Rajiv Gandhi and the Congress after coming to power. The party initiated the NRC process in 2005," Khera told media in Kolkata.</p>

<p>"Also during the tenure of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, there was no work on the NRC in Assam," Khera said.</p>

<p>"Now people like Amit Shah are doing politics over the NRC. The NRC draft does not have the names of the family members of a former president of the country (Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed) and a former vice-chancellor among others," he added.</p>

<p>Khera further added that Congress will "never think about vote bank. We think about the entire country".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP President Amit Shah at an event in Kolkata today accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of "protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We want to ask Mamata Banerjee why is she protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators? Rahul Gandhi is also not clarifying his stand on the issue. This is because of Congress' vote-bank politics: BJP President Amit Shah in Kolkata <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/lSQyZhSZh7">pic.twitter.com/lSQyZhSZh7</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028202214689398785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"<a href="wionews.com/india-news/why-is-mamata-protecting-bangladeshi-infiltrators-well-throw-tmc-out-of-bengal-amit-shah--158461">Why is she protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators</a>? NRC is a process against illegal immigrants, shouldn't they be thrown out of the country?" Shah exclaimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP President added that the BJP will go to every district of Bengal to throw out Trinamool Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from PTI</em>)</p>


Khera further added that Congress will 'never think about vote bank. We think about the entire country'.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera on Saturday stated that the party is not against the National Register of Citizens (NRC) final draft but the way it is being implemented in Assam. Khera further added that politicising the issue is "very dangerous" and accused BJP Chief Amit Shah of doing politics over the issue. "Amit Shah does not know the history of NRC. The 1985 Assam Accord was signed by Rajiv Gandhi and the Congress after coming to power. The party initiated the NRC process in 2005," Khera told media in Kolkata. "Also during the tenure of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, there was no work on the NRC in Assam," Khera said. "Now people like Amit Shah are doing politics over the NRC. The NRC draft does not have the names of the family members of a former president of the country (Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed) and a former vice-chancellor among others," he added. Khera further added that Congress will "never think about vote bank. We think about the entire country". Meanwhile, BJP President Amit Shah at an event in Kolkata today accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of "protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators". We want to ask Mamata Banerjee why is she protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators? Rahul Gandhi is also not clarifying his stand on the issue. This is because of Congress' vote-bank politics: BJP President Amit Shah in Kolkata #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/lSQyZhSZh7 — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × "Why is she protecting Bangladeshi infiltrators? NRC is a process against illegal immigrants, shouldn't they be thrown out of the country?" Shah exclaimed. The BJP President added that the BJP will go to every district of Bengal to throw out Trinamool Congress. (With inputs from PTI)

Congress not against NRC but way it is being implemented in Assam: Pawan Khera 

<p>Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said today that dharma sustains society and maintains social order, besides ensures well-being and progress of humanity.</p>

<p>“Dharma is a concept that cannot be adequately translated in English or any other language. It sustains society, maintains social order and ensures well-being, besides progress of humanity,” Justice Misra said after inaugurating a two-day conference on ‘Human Values and The Legal World’ here.</p>

<p>More than 30 sitting judges of the Supreme Court and various high courts, besides more than 750 delegates from legal fraternity, are attending the conference, which is said to be the first-of-its-kind in India.</p>

<p>Making distinction between human values and human rights, Justice Misra said one can only enjoy human rights when he or she do not bend others’ rights.</p>

<p>“There is distinction between human values and human rights. We need to protect human rights by expressing human values. One can enjoy one’s human rights without bending the human rights of others. You should also not disturb the human values of others,” he said.</p>

<p>He further said if human values are lost the entire edifice will crumble and emphasised the need for imparting justice with human touch.</p>

<p>“Law and justice is blended with humanity,” he said.</p>

<p>Paying tributes to religious leader Sathya Sai Baba, he said one can attain peace by only abandoning one’s ego.</p>

<p>“The centrality of idea cannot be ego. The way to peace is the annihilation of ballooning of perpendicularism, which in spiritual terms, means the elimination of ego. This is the culture of India and this is what Baba (Sri Sathya Sai Baba) preached,” he added.</p>

<p>Talking about importance of spirituality and humanity in life and legal world, Justice Misra said spirituality is not beyond rationality and rationality is not bereft of spirituality, and hence there has to be a synthesis, amalgamation, synergy between them.</p>

<p>“My spiritual and moral summoning has brought me here. There is no need for a tussle between science and spirituality…. There are three spiritual aspects, namely divinity is humanity, thoughtless thought is spirituality and remaining in constant nowness is physical and economic morality,” he said.</p>

<p>Laying emphasis on the importance of surrendering to divinity, he said one’s imagination will not solve problems and the rationalisation will not provide answers to problems either.</p>

<p>“Only thing, which offers a solution to the problem, is surrender. Like you say to Baba I now surrender before you,” the CJI said.</p>

<p>Among other dignitaries, present on the occasion included International Court of Justice Judge Dalveer Bhandari, Supreme Court judge Justice N V Ramana, Andhra Pradesh High Court Chief Justice TBN Radhakrishnan, former apex court judge and NCLAT chairperson S J Mukhopadhaya.</p>

<p>The conference, which is being attended by members of legal fraternity and students to discuss the importance of human values in legal profession, will conclude tomorrow.</p>


Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said today that dharma sustains society and maintains social order, besides ensures well-being and progress of humanity.

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said today that dharma sustains society and maintains social order, besides ensures well-being and progress of humanity. “Dharma is a concept that cannot be adequately translated in English or any other language. It sustains society, maintains social order and ensures well-being, besides progress of humanity,” Justice Misra said after inaugurating a two-day conference on ‘Human Values and The Legal World’ here. More than 30 sitting judges of the Supreme Court and various high courts, besides more than 750 delegates from legal fraternity, are attending the conference, which is said to be the first-of-its-kind in India. Making distinction between human values and human rights, Justice Misra said one can only enjoy human rights when he or she do not bend others’ rights. “There is distinction between human values and human rights. We need to protect human rights by expressing human values. One can enjoy one’s human rights without bending the human rights of others. You should also not disturb the human values of others,” he said. He further said if human values are lost the entire edifice will crumble and emphasised the need for imparting justice with human touch. “Law and justice is blended with humanity,” he said. Paying tributes to religious leader Sathya Sai Baba, he said one can attain peace by only abandoning one’s ego. “The centrality of idea cannot be ego. The way to peace is the annihilation of ballooning of perpendicularism, which in spiritual terms, means the elimination of ego. This is the culture of India and this is what Baba (Sri Sathya Sai Baba) preached,” he added. Talking about importance of spirituality and humanity in life and legal world, Justice Misra said spirituality is not beyond rationality and rationality is not bereft of spirituality, and hence there has to be a synthesis, amalgamation, synergy between them. “My spiritual and moral summoning has brought me here. There is no need for a tussle between science and spirituality…. There are three spiritual aspects, namely divinity is humanity, thoughtless thought is spirituality and remaining in constant nowness is physical and economic morality,” he said. Laying emphasis on the importance of surrendering to divinity, he said one’s imagination will not solve problems and the rationalisation will not provide answers to problems either. “Only thing, which offers a solution to the problem, is surrender. Like you say to Baba I now surrender before you,” the CJI said. Among other dignitaries, present on the occasion included International Court of Justice Judge Dalveer Bhandari, Supreme Court judge Justice N V Ramana, Andhra Pradesh High Court Chief Justice TBN Radhakrishnan, former apex court judge and NCLAT chairperson S J Mukhopadhaya. The conference, which is being attended by members of legal fraternity and students to discuss the importance of human values in legal profession, will conclude tomorrow.

Dharma ensures progress of humanity, sustains society, says CJI Dipak Misra

<p>MDMK chief Vaiko today demanded that the Centre posthumously confer Bharat Ratna on M Karunanidhi a day after DMK raised a similar demand in Parliament.</p>

<p>While paying tribute to Karunanidhi, Vaiko said in a statement that ‘Kalaignar’ (as Karunanidhi is fondly called) received love and affection from people across the country and urged the centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on the late leader as part of honouring him.</p>

<p>Yesterday, during the Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, DMK member ‘Tiruchi’ Siva asked the Centre to ‘posthumously’ confer Bharat Ratna on Karunanidhi as a tribute to his exemplary work for the people.</p>

<p>Many members, including Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, supported Siva’s demand.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, DMK working president M K Stalin along with senior party leaders paid floral tributes at Karunanidhi’s burial site on the Marina beachfront.</p>

<p>As people continue to throng the site, party MLA J Anbhazhagan said arrangements have been made to serve free food and water to them.</p>


MDMK chief Vaiko today demanded that the Centre posthumously confer Bharat Ratna on M Karunanidhi a day after DMK raised a similar demand in Parliament.

MDMK chief Vaiko today demanded that the Centre posthumously confer Bharat Ratna on M Karunanidhi a day after DMK raised a similar demand in Parliament. While paying tribute to Karunanidhi, Vaiko said in a statement that ‘Kalaignar’ (as Karunanidhi is fondly called) received love and affection from people across the country and urged the centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on the late leader as part of honouring him. Yesterday, during the Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, DMK member ‘Tiruchi’ Siva asked the Centre to ‘posthumously’ confer Bharat Ratna on Karunanidhi as a tribute to his exemplary work for the people. Many members, including Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, supported Siva’s demand. Meanwhile, DMK working president M K Stalin along with senior party leaders paid floral tributes at Karunanidhi’s burial site on the Marina beachfront. As people continue to throng the site, party MLA J Anbhazhagan said arrangements have been made to serve free food and water to them.

Bharat Ratna for Karunanidhi: MDMK chief Vaiko backs demand

<p>Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday assured all possible assistance to the calamity-hit state. He will also visit the state on August 12.&nbsp</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted requesting Congress worker in Kerala to help the needy people.</p>

<p>He tweeted, "Unprecedented rainfall has created havoc in Kerala, destroying property and forcing thousands to abandon their homes. I urge each and every Congres worker in Kerala to step up and help those in need. My prayers and thoughts are with the people of Kerala in this difficult time".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unprecedented rainfall has created havoc in Kerala, destroying property & forcing thousands to abandon their homes. I urge each and every Congres worker in Kerala to step up & help those in need. My prayers & thoughts are with the people of Kerala in this difficult time.</p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1028108879207522310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The water level of the Idukki dam in Kerala was recorded as 2401.16 feet at 6 am on Saturday. The full reserve level of the dam is 2403 feet.</p>

<p>Heavy rains that lashed Kerala prompted authorities to open all floodgates of Idukki dam on Friday.</p>

<p>Reports suggested that the Cheruthoni town&nbsplocated close to the dam is worst hit.</p>

<p>Ernakulam and Thrissur districts have been put on red alert. As many as 29 people have died in rain, flood-related accidents in the state.&nbsp</p>

<p>According to state disaster control room sources, 241 relief camps have been opened and 15,695 people have been shifted from low-lying areas.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/army-columns-deployed-in-flood-hit-areas-of-kerala-158173">Army and Navy forces have been deployed in critical regions</a>, carrying out relief and rescue operations at war-footing.&nbsp</p>

<p>"The Government of India is providing all the required assistance including services of armed forces, disaster management team and other required assistance. Any other immediate assistance requested by the Government of Kerala will be provided," Union minister Alphons Kannamthanam said in a Facebook post.</p>

<p>Union Minister KJ Alphons on Thursday called it Kerala's "biggest rain in 50 years".</p>

<p>Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the flood situation in the state as "very grim". He also noted that it was for the first time in the history of the state that 22 dams have been opened at a time.</p>

<p><img alt="kerala 2.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="570" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/kerala%202.JPG" width="775" /><img alt="kerala.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="554" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/kerala.JPG" width="885" /></p>

<p><img alt="kerala 4.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="550" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/kerala%204.JPG" width="781" /></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala: Latest visuals of Periyar river. 5 shutters of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IdukkiDam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IdukkiDam</a> were opened yesterday. The water level of the dam, reported at 6 am today, is 2401.16 feet with its full reserve level being 2403 feet. <a href="https://t.co/nyzyYDNxCa">pic.twitter.com/nyzyYDNxCa</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028117677326229504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>


Heavy rains that lashed Kerala prompted authorities to open all floodgates of Idukki dam on Friday

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday assured all possible assistance to the calamity-hit state. He will also visit the state on August 12. Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted requesting Congress worker in Kerala to help the needy people. He tweeted, "Unprecedented rainfall has created havoc in Kerala, destroying property and forcing thousands to abandon their homes. I urge each and every Congres worker in Kerala to step up and help those in need. My prayers and thoughts are with the people of Kerala in this difficult time". Unprecedented rainfall has created havoc in Kerala, destroying property & forcing thousands to abandon their homes. I urge each and every Congres worker in Kerala to step up & help those in need. My prayers & thoughts are with the people of Kerala in this difficult time. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 11, 2018 × The water level of the Idukki dam in Kerala was recorded as 2401.16 feet at 6 am on Saturday. The full reserve level of the dam is 2403 feet. Heavy rains that lashed Kerala prompted authorities to open all floodgates of Idukki dam on Friday. Reports suggested that the Cheruthoni town&nbsplocated close to the dam is worst hit. Ernakulam and Thrissur districts have been put on red alert. As many as 29 people have died in rain, flood-related accidents in the state. According to state disaster control room sources, 241 relief camps have been opened and 15,695 people have been shifted from low-lying areas. Army and Navy forces have been deployed in critical regions, carrying out relief and rescue operations at war-footing. "The Government of India is providing all the required assistance including services of armed forces, disaster management team and other required assistance. Any other immediate assistance requested by the Government of Kerala will be provided," Union minister Alphons Kannamthanam said in a Facebook post. Union Minister KJ Alphons on Thursday called it Kerala's "biggest rain in 50 years". Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the flood situation in the state as "very grim". He also noted that it was for the first time in the history of the state that 22 dams have been opened at a time. Kerala: Latest visuals of Periyar river. 5 shutters of #IdukkiDam were opened yesterday. The water level of the dam, reported at 6 am today, is 2401.16 feet with its full reserve level being 2403 feet. pic.twitter.com/nyzyYDNxCa — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 ×

Rajnath Singh assures help to disaster-hit Kerala, will visit state on August 12

<p>Former cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu will be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan Prime Minister-designate Imran Khan on August 18, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp</p>

<p>According to reports, Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has received an official invitation for the oath ceremony and has informed the Union Home Ministry and the office of Punjab's Chief Minister about his intention to attend the ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan.</p>

<p>Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief and incoming Prime Minister of Pakistan extended a personal invite over a telephone conversation to Sidhu, ANI reported.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has informed the Union Home Ministry and office of the Chief Minister, Punjab, regarding his intention to attend the oath taking ceremony of Pakistan's PM Designate Imran Khan. <a href="https://t.co/EAM0kY5qI9">https://t.co/EAM0kY5qI9</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028271299880275968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per an announcement made by PTI on Friday, Indian cricket legends and Khan's "old friends" Kapil Dev, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Sunil Gavaskar have been invited to the oath-taking ceremony.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu receives official invitation for Pakistan's PM designate Imran Khan's oath ceremony. (File pics) <a href="https://t.co/UK3MO85Eno">pic.twitter.com/UK3MO85Eno</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028268815505915904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Cricket legends from India and Kaptaan's old friends Kapil Dev, Sidhu and Sunil Gavaskar have been invited to attend oath-taking ceremony of Pakistan's PM Imran Khan," PTI Senator, Faisal Javed Khan tweeted on August 10.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cricket legends from India and Kaptaan's old friends Kapil Dev, Sidhu and Sunil Gavaskar have been invited to attend Oath Taking Ceremony of Pakistan's PM Imran Khan <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sherryontopp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/therealkapildev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@therealkapildev</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/36notout?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@36notout</a></p>
— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/FaisalJavedKhan/status/1027876086355570688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp</p>


PTI, on Friday, announced that Indian cricket legends Kapil Dev, Sidhu and Gavaskar have been invited to Khan's ceremony.

Former cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu will be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Pakistan Prime Minister-designate Imran Khan on August 18, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has received an official invitation for the oath ceremony and has informed the Union Home Ministry and the office of Punjab's Chief Minister about his intention to attend the ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief and incoming Prime Minister of Pakistan extended a personal invite over a telephone conversation to Sidhu, ANI reported. Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has informed the Union Home Ministry and office of the Chief Minister, Punjab, regarding his intention to attend the oath taking ceremony of Pakistan's PM Designate Imran Khan. https://t.co/EAM0kY5qI9 — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × As per an announcement made by PTI on Friday, Indian cricket legends and Khan's "old friends" Kapil Dev, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Sunil Gavaskar have been invited to the oath-taking ceremony. Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu receives official invitation for Pakistan's PM designate Imran Khan's oath ceremony. (File pics) pic.twitter.com/UK3MO85Eno — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × "Cricket legends from India and Kaptaan's old friends Kapil Dev, Sidhu and Sunil Gavaskar have been invited to attend oath-taking ceremony of Pakistan's PM Imran Khan," PTI Senator, Faisal Javed Khan tweeted on August 10. Cricket legends from India and Kaptaan's old friends Kapil Dev, Sidhu and Sunil Gavaskar have been invited to attend Oath Taking Ceremony of Pakistan's PM Imran Khan @sherryontopp @therealkapildev @36notout — Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) August 10, 2018 ×

Navjot Singh Sidhu accepts invitation to Imran Khan's oath-taking ceremony

<p>Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at AIIMS today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vajpayee was previously admitted to the hospital on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, chest congestion and urine output on the lower side.</p>

<p>A number of senior political leaders, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, to BJP chief Amit Shah, and former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda, visited Vajpayee at AIIMS in June. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh leaves All India Institutes of Medical Sciences after meeting Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/etzOV08SLw">pic.twitter.com/etzOV08SLw</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028295857182068736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Vajpayee, a diabetic, has one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia.</p>

<p>He was thrice elected as prime minister between 1996 and 1999 and is the only non-Congress prime minister to complete a full term of five years, from 1999 to 2004. As his health deteriorated, he slowly withdrew himself from public life and remained confined to his residence.</p>


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

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at AIIMS today. Vajpayee was previously admitted to the hospital on June 11 with a kidney tract infection, chest congestion and urine output on the lower side. A number of senior political leaders, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, to BJP chief Amit Shah, and former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda, visited Vajpayee at AIIMS in June. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh leaves All India Institutes of Medical Sciences after meeting Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/etzOV08SLw — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × Vajpayee, a diabetic, has one functional kidney. He had suffered a stroke in 2009 that weakened his cognitive abilities. Subsequently, he developed dementia. He was thrice elected as prime minister between 1996 and 1999 and is the only non-Congress prime minister to complete a full term of five years, from 1999 to 2004. As his health deteriorated, he slowly withdrew himself from public life and remained confined to his residence.

Rajnath Singh visits former PM Vajpayee in AIIMS

<p>UN environment chief Erik Solheim has lauded India for launching a single-window hub for online submission and monitoring of proposals submitted to the Environment Ministry to seek various types of clearances, and said it is an important step in ensuring such clearances are “transparent and efficient”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday launched the Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive, Virtuous and Environmental Single-window Hub (PARIVESH), a single-window hub for online submission, monitoring and management of proposals. Solheim said the launch would also ensure that “we protect the country’s tremendous natural wealth”. The prime minister launched ‘PARIVESH’ on the occasion of World Biofuel Day yesterday.</p>

<p>“Congratulations to @PMOIndia and @drharshvardhan! This is an important step towards ensuring that environmental clearances are transparent, efficient and that we protect the country’s tremendous natural wealth. @moefcc @UNinIndia @UNEnvironmentAP @UNEnvironment,” tweeted Solheim, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme.</p>

<p>In a series of tweets, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan had said PARIVESH automated the entire process of submitting applications and tracking the status of such proposals at each stage of processing.</p>

<p>He had also emphasised that with the launch of PARIVESH, the prime minister’s vision for e-governance and enhancing ease of doing responsible business is being translated into action by the ministry.</p>

<p>“With PARIVESH, the Environment Ministry has become more of a facilitator than a regulator. PARIVESH is a work flow-based application, based on the concept of web architecture.</p>

<p>“It has been rolled out for online submission, monitoring and management of proposals submitted by project proponents to the Environment Ministry as well as to the state-level Environmental Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAA) to seek various types of clearances – environment, forest, wildlife and coastal regulation zone clearances – from central, state and district-level authorities,” he said.</p>


In a series of tweets, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan had said PARIVESH automated the entire process of submitting applications and tracking the status of such proposals at each stage of processing.

UN environment chief Erik Solheim has lauded India for launching a single-window hub for online submission and monitoring of proposals submitted to the Environment Ministry to seek various types of clearances, and said it is an important step in ensuring such clearances are “transparent and efficient”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday launched the Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive, Virtuous and Environmental Single-window Hub (PARIVESH), a single-window hub for online submission, monitoring and management of proposals. Solheim said the launch would also ensure that “we protect the country’s tremendous natural wealth”. The prime minister launched ‘PARIVESH’ on the occasion of World Biofuel Day yesterday. “Congratulations to @PMOIndia and @drharshvardhan! This is an important step towards ensuring that environmental clearances are transparent, efficient and that we protect the country’s tremendous natural wealth. @moefcc @UNinIndia @UNEnvironmentAP @UNEnvironment,” tweeted Solheim, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme. In a series of tweets, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan had said PARIVESH automated the entire process of submitting applications and tracking the status of such proposals at each stage of processing. He had also emphasised that with the launch of PARIVESH, the prime minister’s vision for e-governance and enhancing ease of doing responsible business is being translated into action by the ministry. “With PARIVESH, the Environment Ministry has become more of a facilitator than a regulator. PARIVESH is a work flow-based application, based on the concept of web architecture. “It has been rolled out for online submission, monitoring and management of proposals submitted by project proponents to the Environment Ministry as well as to the state-level Environmental Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAA) to seek various types of clearances – environment, forest, wildlife and coastal regulation zone clearances – from central, state and district-level authorities,” he said.

UN environment chief hails Narendra Modi government’s ‘PARIVESH’ initiative

<p>More than half of the 14 districts in Kerala have been put on high alert, officials said on Saturday, as the death toll from one of the worst floods in the southern state reached 34.</p>

<p>Torrential rains and landslides during India's June-September monsoon season have ravaged farmlands and prompted massive evacuation efforts in Kerala.</p>

<p>Crops on 1,031 hectares (2547.66 acres) have been damaged and 31,000 people have been forced to take shelter in rescue camps, according to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority's (KSDMA) control room in the state capital.</p>

<p>A senior official there said eight districts had been put on varying levels of high alert.</p>

<p>Another government official previously told Reuters that crop worth 3.42 billion rupees ($49.65 million), across 26,824 hectares had been destroyed by rains since their onset on May 29.</p>

<p>PH&nbsp;Kurian, KSDMA's chief and a top state bureaucrat, said rains had eased.</p>

<p>"There was no rain in the catchment areas of major reservoirs today," Kurian said. "However, we will continue our alert and preparedness till August 15."</p>

<p>Union home minister Rajnath Singh was expected to travel to the state on Sunday to take a stock of the relief and rescue operations, Kurian added.</p>

<p>Kerala state authorities have taken the unprecedented step of opening the gates of 25 water reservoirs to prevent potentially disastrous breaches.</p>

<p>The state, which has 44 rivers, witnessed its worst floods in 1924 following torrential rains.</p>

<p>The weather department forecast heavy rains until August 15, India's Independence Day, also warning of flooding in low-lying coastal areas. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian sea.</p>

<p>Despite the rains, tens of hundreds of Hindus across the state gathered on the banks of rivers and roads to perform a ritual in honour of their ancestors.</p>


The state, which has 44 rivers, witnessed its worst floods in 1924 following torrential rains.

More than half of the 14 districts in Kerala have been put on high alert, officials said on Saturday, as the death toll from one of the worst floods in the southern state reached 34. Torrential rains and landslides during India's June-September monsoon season have ravaged farmlands and prompted massive evacuation efforts in Kerala. Crops on 1,031 hectares (2547.66 acres) have been damaged and 31,000 people have been forced to take shelter in rescue camps, according to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority's (KSDMA) control room in the state capital. A senior official there said eight districts had been put on varying levels of high alert. Another government official previously told Reuters that crop worth 3.42 billion rupees ($49.65 million), across 26,824 hectares had been destroyed by rains since their onset on May 29. PH Kurian, KSDMA's chief and a top state bureaucrat, said rains had eased. "There was no rain in the catchment areas of major reservoirs today," Kurian said. "However, we will continue our alert and preparedness till August 15." Union home minister Rajnath Singh was expected to travel to the state on Sunday to take a stock of the relief and rescue operations, Kurian added. Kerala state authorities have taken the unprecedented step of opening the gates of 25 water reservoirs to prevent potentially disastrous breaches. The state, which has 44 rivers, witnessed its worst floods in 1924 following torrential rains. The weather department forecast heavy rains until August 15, India's Independence Day, also warning of flooding in low-lying coastal areas. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian sea. Despite the rains, tens of hundreds of Hindus across the state gathered on the banks of rivers and roads to perform a ritual in honour of their ancestors.

Flood fury in Kerala destroys crop worth 3.42 billion rupees

<p>As many as 37&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-rains-subside-after-claiming-29-lives-idukki-waters-recede-158456">people have been killed</a> in rain, flood-related accidents across Kerala, Reuters reported on Saturday. Torrential rains prompted authorities to open floodgates of as many as 22 dams and reservoirs which further added to the misery of people living in low-lying areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to media reports, as many as 54,000 people have been displaced and are now homeless.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Several teams are ready, whenever District Administration directs we will make our move. All teams have diving equipments, boats and are ready to help the public: Commander Sridhar Warrier PRO (Defence) on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Keralaflood?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Keralaflood</a> <a href="https://t.co/nIoWAEu635">pic.twitter.com/nIoWAEu635</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028283046032695296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Authorities have sounded a Red Alert for Idukki and Wayanad districts until August 14 and an Orange Alert until August 15. Kannur has been put on a Red Alert till August 13 and on an Orange alert till Aug 15.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kerala: Aerial visuals of flood-affected areas of Kochi. 29 people have lost their lives in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Keralaflood?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Keralaflood</a>. <a href="https://t.co/De0f6Sp95Y">pic.twitter.com/De0f6Sp95Y</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028224280851435521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release sufficient funds to the Kerala government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I request you to release sufficient funds immediately to the state government, to enable the state to respond effectively, and work towards restoring critical infrastructure," Gandhi said in his letter to Modi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Death toll reaches 37 in flood hit Kerala. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/lkaP5QLKUW">pic.twitter.com/lkaP5QLKUW</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028286514680274950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Congress chief said the disaster has already claimed over 150 lives in the past month and the hilly and coastal districts of Idukki, Wayanad, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Kozhikode have borne extensive damage.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="no">Red Alert for Idukki & Wayanad till Aug 14 & Orange alert till Aug 15. Red Alert for Kannur till Aug 13 & Orange alert till Aug 15, have been issued by India Meteorological Department. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/r4g8lJlRnK">pic.twitter.com/r4g8lJlRnK</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028216741141401601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday made a personal contribution of Rs one lakh to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) and urged everyone to contribute generously to relief efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Union Home Minister <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-assures-help-to-disaster-hit-kerala-will-visit-state-on-august-12-158407">Rajnath Singh on Friday</a> assured all possible assistance to the calamity-hit state. He will visit Kerala on August 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to state disaster control room sources, 241 relief camps have been opened and 15,695 people have been shifted from low-lying areas.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">6 people including 3 children have been rescued by the NDRF from a village in Mananthavady Taluk in Wayanad district. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/eT6skWJ8tU">pic.twitter.com/eT6skWJ8tU</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028207245186801665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Union Minister KJ Alphons on Thursday called it Kerala's "biggest rain in 50 years".</p>

<p>Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the flood situation in the state as "very grim". He also noted that it was for the first time in the history of the state that 22 dams have been opened at a time.</p>

<p>Wayanad, Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts have been severely affected by the destructive deluge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday undertook an <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-undertakes-aerial-survey-of-flood-hit-districts-as-death-toll-reaches-29-red-alert-issued-in-8-districts-158417">aerial survey of flood-ravaged districts</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)&nbsp;</p>


According to media reports, as many as 54,000 people have been displaced and are now homeless.

As many as 37 people have been killed in rain, flood-related accidents across Kerala, Reuters reported on Saturday. Torrential rains prompted authorities to open floodgates of as many as 22 dams and reservoirs which further added to the misery of people living in low-lying areas. According to media reports, as many as 54,000 people have been displaced and are now homeless. Several teams are ready, whenever District Administration directs we will make our move. All teams have diving equipments, boats and are ready to help the public: Commander Sridhar Warrier PRO (Defence) on #Keralaflood pic.twitter.com/nIoWAEu635 — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × Authorities have sounded a Red Alert for Idukki and Wayanad districts until August 14 and an Orange Alert until August 15. Kannur has been put on a Red Alert till August 13 and on an Orange alert till Aug 15. Kerala: Aerial visuals of flood-affected areas of Kochi. 29 people have lost their lives in the #Keralaflood. pic.twitter.com/De0f6Sp95Y — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × Meanwhile, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release sufficient funds to the Kerala government. "I request you to release sufficient funds immediately to the state government, to enable the state to respond effectively, and work towards restoring critical infrastructure," Gandhi said in his letter to Modi. Death toll reaches 37 in flood hit Kerala. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/lkaP5QLKUW — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × The Congress chief said the disaster has already claimed over 150 lives in the past month and the hilly and coastal districts of Idukki, Wayanad, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Kozhikode have borne extensive damage. Red Alert for Idukki & Wayanad till Aug 14 & Orange alert till Aug 15. Red Alert for Kannur till Aug 13 & Orange alert till Aug 15, have been issued by India Meteorological Department. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/r4g8lJlRnK — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday made a personal contribution of Rs one lakh to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) and urged everyone to contribute generously to relief efforts. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday assured all possible assistance to the calamity-hit state. He will visit Kerala on August 12. According to state disaster control room sources, 241 relief camps have been opened and 15,695 people have been shifted from low-lying areas. 6 people including 3 children have been rescued by the NDRF from a village in Mananthavady Taluk in Wayanad district. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/eT6skWJ8tU — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × Union Minister KJ Alphons on Thursday called it Kerala's "biggest rain in 50 years". Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the flood situation in the state as "very grim". He also noted that it was for the first time in the history of the state that 22 dams have been opened at a time. Wayanad, Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts have been severely affected by the destructive deluge. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday undertook an aerial survey of flood-ravaged districts. (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala floods: Death toll mounts to 37, alert sounded in various districts

<p><a href="wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-session-most-productive-for-lok-sabha-since-2000-158404">Monsoon session: Most productive for Lok Sabha since 2000</a></p>

<p>The Monsoon session of Parliament, which ended on Friday, was the "most productive" for Lok Sabha since 2000, a think tank has said.</p>

<p><a href="wionews.com/world/white-house-hits-back-at-former-trump-aide-omarosa-manigault-newman-who-branded-him-racist-in-new-book-158387">White House hits back at former Trump aide who branded him 'racist'</a></p>

<p>The White House hit back angrily Friday against accusations by an African-American former employee that President Donald Trump is a racist who repeatedly used the N-word during the making of his reality TV show.</p>

<p><a href="wionews.com/india-news/can-make-a-better-rafale-please-give-me-contract-congress-mp-sunil-jakhar-158401">'Can make a better Rafale</a><a href="wionews.com/india-news/can-make-a-better-rafale-please-give-me-contract-congress-mp-sunil-jakhar-158401">,give</a><a href="wionews.com/india-news/can-make-a-better-rafale-please-give-me-contract-congress-mp-sunil-jakhar-158401"> me contract': Congress MP Sunil Jakhar</a></p>

<p>The Rafale fighter jet deal will end up in arbitration, which will be the biggest arbitration case after the one on the Bhopal gas tragedy, Congress MP Sunil Jakhar claimed on Friday.</p>

<p><a href="wionews.com/world/chines-military-tells-us-military-plane-flying-over-south-china-sea-to-leave-immediately--158405">Chines military tells US military plane flying over </a><a href="wionews.com/world/chines-military-tells-us-military-plane-flying-over-south-china-sea-to-leave-immediately--158405">South</a><a href="wionews.com/world/chines-military-tells-us-military-plane-flying-over-south-china-sea-to-leave-immediately--158405"> China Sea to 'leave immediately'</a></p>

<p>A US military plane was issued a series of warnings from Chinese military as it was flying close to the disputed territory over the South China Sea.</p>

<p><a href="wionews.com/world/us-jury-orders-monsanto-pay-290mn-to-cancer-patient-in-weed-killer-trial-158393">US jury orders Monsanto pay $290mn to </a><a href="wionews.com/world/us-jury-orders-monsanto-pay-290mn-to-cancer-patient-in-weed-killer-trial-158393">cancer</a><a href="wionews.com/world/us-jury-orders-monsanto-pay-290mn-to-cancer-patient-in-weed-killer-trial-158393"> patient in weed killer trial</a></p>

<p>A California jury on Friday ordered chemical giant Monsanto to pay nearly $290 million for failing to warn a dying groundskeeper that its weed killer Roundup might cause cancer.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp</p>


Monsoon session: Most productive for Lok Sabha since 2000 The Monsoon session of Parliament, which ended on Friday, was the "most productive" for Lok Sabha since 2000, a think tank has said. White House hits back at former Trump aide who branded him 'racist' The White House hit back angrily Friday against accusations by an African-American former employee that President Donald Trump is a racist who repeatedly used the N-word during the making of his reality TV show. 'Can make a better Rafale,give me contract': Congress MP Sunil Jakhar The Rafale fighter jet deal will end up in arbitration, which will be the biggest arbitration case after the one on the Bhopal gas tragedy, Congress MP Sunil Jakhar claimed on Friday. Chines military tells US military plane flying over South China Sea to 'leave immediately' A US military plane was issued a series of warnings from Chinese military as it was flying close to the disputed territory over the South China Sea. US jury orders Monsanto pay $290mn to cancer patient in weed killer trial A California jury on Friday ordered chemical giant Monsanto to pay nearly $290 million for failing to warn a dying groundskeeper that its weed killer Roundup might cause cancer.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>Suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has once again created a controversy by saying that he never thought of a man who considers Muslims as puppies, would become Prime Minister of India one day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking during an event in New Delhi, Aiyar said he could never imagine that any person who called Muslims as puppy can become Prime Minister of India.</p>

<p>"Before 2014, I would have never thought, that a Chief Minister thinks of Muslims as puppy. The individual, who was when asked about whether you have any regrets that so many Muslims lost their lives in 2002, had said that even if a puppy comes under a car, I will feel the pain. I have thought over this statement. He never visited any Muslim refugee camp for 24 days (after Gujarat riots) and reached Shah Alam mosque in Ahmadabad only when (then) Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee came, as it was the necessity of the protocol. I had never thought that any such individual can become Prime Minister," Aiyar said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Maine socha ki jis aadmi ne aisa kaha,jo 24 din Musalamanon ke refugee camp mein nahi gaya aur Ahmedabad Masjid uss din pahucha jab PM Vajpayee aaye aur unke saath jaana majbooran tha... socha hi nahi tha ki aisa ek vyakti desh ka pradhanmantri ban sakta hai: Mani Shankar Aiyar <a href="https://t.co/Eo7BaHHOeW">pic.twitter.com/Eo7BaHHOeW</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028214919563366401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He went on to mention former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's contribution in promoting secularism. "Our first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru taught us the real definition of nationalism. I learned from him that majority communalism is worst than minority communalism. He taught us that we can either be secular or cannot remain one single country," Aiyar added.</p>

<p>He further said: "I am proud of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Christians and I am very proud of Muslims. Muslims ruled India for 666 years from the throne of Delhi. From Muhammad Ghori in 1152 to Bahadur Shah Zafar in 1858 -- Muslims ruled India but we remained a large nation. During this vast period, only 24 per cent Hindus converted to Islam and 76 per cent did not." Interestingly, years from 1152 to 1858 total to 706 years and not 666 as mentioned by Aiyar.</p>

<p>Aiyar has been a member of both houses of the Parliament. He has also served as Union Cabinet Minister under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the first tenure of United Progressive Alliance in 2004. Aiyar was suspended from the primary membership of the Congress party in December 2017 after his "neech" remark for Prime Minister Modi courted a major controversy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


"I had never thought that any such individual can become Prime Minister," Aiyar said.

Suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has once again created a controversy by saying that he never thought of a man who considers Muslims as puppies, would become Prime Minister of India one day. Speaking during an event in New Delhi, Aiyar said he could never imagine that any person who called Muslims as puppy can become Prime Minister of India. "Before 2014, I would have never thought, that a Chief Minister thinks of Muslims as puppy. The individual, who was when asked about whether you have any regrets that so many Muslims lost their lives in 2002, had said that even if a puppy comes under a car, I will feel the pain. I have thought over this statement. He never visited any Muslim refugee camp for 24 days (after Gujarat riots) and reached Shah Alam mosque in Ahmadabad only when (then) Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee came, as it was the necessity of the protocol. I had never thought that any such individual can become Prime Minister," Aiyar said. Maine socha ki jis aadmi ne aisa kaha,jo 24 din Musalamanon ke refugee camp mein nahi gaya aur Ahmedabad Masjid uss din pahucha jab PM Vajpayee aaye aur unke saath jaana majbooran tha... socha hi nahi tha ki aisa ek vyakti desh ka pradhanmantri ban sakta hai: Mani Shankar Aiyar pic.twitter.com/Eo7BaHHOeW — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 × He went on to mention former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's contribution in promoting secularism. "Our first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru taught us the real definition of nationalism. I learned from him that majority communalism is worst than minority communalism. He taught us that we can either be secular or cannot remain one single country," Aiyar added. He further said: "I am proud of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Christians and I am very proud of Muslims. Muslims ruled India for 666 years from the throne of Delhi. From Muhammad Ghori in 1152 to Bahadur Shah Zafar in 1858 -- Muslims ruled India but we remained a large nation. During this vast period, only 24 per cent Hindus converted to Islam and 76 per cent did not." Interestingly, years from 1152 to 1858 total to 706 years and not 666 as mentioned by Aiyar. Aiyar has been a member of both houses of the Parliament. He has also served as Union Cabinet Minister under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the first tenure of United Progressive Alliance in 2004. Aiyar was suspended from the primary membership of the Congress party in December 2017 after his "neech" remark for Prime Minister Modi courted a major controversy. (With inputs from ANI)

Never thought man who considers Muslims as puppies would become PM: Aiyar

<p>In what seems to be a deja vu, another Maldivian hotel has shut doors to Indians to get employment in the country. The Hulhule Island Hotel, located near the busy Malé International Airport has come with openings but said: "Due to visa restrictions — Maldivian, Sri Lankan, Nepalese, Thai, Filipino, Indonesians may apply only."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The advertisement by the hotel finds no mentions of Indians. WION had reached out to the hotel for a response but not got any before this copy went to the print.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION spoke to two Indians impacted by work permit ban but they did not wish to disclose identity. Sounding hopeless, one person said, "I almost waited more than 5 months and nothing has changed. So many people lost their job some of them resigned from their previous job because they got an offer from the Maldives. Now they lost everything even the balance of their family". &nbsp;</p>

<p>Another one added, &nbsp;"HR asking me to wait. So as per my HR, we can still wait for 2-3 months. Let's see if the situation will change. But if it does not resolve, we will lose our jobs."<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
Earlier this year, Alexander Blair - General Manager of 'The St Regis' on his LinkedIn profile while advertising for a vacancy in his hotel said, "unfortunately with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian."&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION was the first Indian Channel to raise the issue back then.</p>

<p>The Indian mission in the Maldives is trying its level best and is aware of difficulties faced by Indian nationals in getting Maldives visa. It has even taken up the matter several times with foreign ministry of Maldives and Maldives Department of Immigration. The Ministry of External Affairs has also raised the matter with Maldives Embassy in New Delhi.</p>

<p>Though the grant or denial of visa is the discretion and sovereign authority of every country many would say the recent downward spiral in the ties between the two countries is the main reason of the work permit ban.</p>

<p>The former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed in an interview to WION, when the work permit ban came to light said, "it will have negative implications for the Maldives especially the tourism industry." &nbsp;</p>

<p>He also asked India to step in so that the Maldives can have free and fair elections on 23rd September.</p>


The Indian mission in the Maldives is trying its level best and is aware of difficulties faced by Indian nationals in getting Maldives visa.

In what seems to be a deja vu, another Maldivian hotel has shut doors to Indians to get employment in the country. The Hulhule Island Hotel, located near the busy Malé International Airport has come with openings but said: "Due to visa restrictions — Maldivian, Sri Lankan, Nepalese, Thai, Filipino, Indonesians may apply only." The advertisement by the hotel finds no mentions of Indians. WION had reached out to the hotel for a response but not got any before this copy went to the print. WION spoke to two Indians impacted by work permit ban but they did not wish to disclose identity. Sounding hopeless, one person said, "I almost waited more than 5 months and nothing has changed. So many people lost their job some of them resigned from their previous job because they got an offer from the Maldives. Now they lost everything even the balance of their family". Another one added, "HR asking me to wait. So as per my HR, we can still wait for 2-3 months. Let's see if the situation will change. But if it does not resolve, we will lose our jobs." Earlier this year, Alexander Blair - General Manager of 'The St Regis' on his LinkedIn profile while advertising for a vacancy in his hotel said, "unfortunately with the current situation that work permits are not being granted to Indian nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian." WION was the first Indian Channel to raise the issue back then. The Indian mission in the Maldives is trying its level best and is aware of difficulties faced by Indian nationals in getting Maldives visa. It has even taken up the matter several times with foreign ministry of Maldives and Maldives Department of Immigration. The Ministry of External Affairs has also raised the matter with Maldives Embassy in New Delhi. Though the grant or denial of visa is the discretion and sovereign authority of every country many would say the recent downward spiral in the ties between the two countries is the main reason of the work permit ban. The former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed in an interview to WION, when the work permit ban came to light said, "it will have negative implications for the Maldives especially the tourism industry." He also asked India to step in so that the Maldives can have free and fair elections on 23rd September.

No work permit for Indians in Maldives continues

<p>BJP MLA from Rajasthan Gyan Dev Ahuja raked up a controversy on Friday when he said Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was not a pandit as he&nbsp;ate beef and pork.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahuja said, "Nehru was not a Pandit. One who ate beef and pork, cannot be a Pandit".</p>

<p>He further accused the Congress of contesting elections in the name of casteism.</p>

<p>Ahuja's comments came in response to the statements of Congress leader Sachin Pilot. Pilot had earlier said that Rahul had learnt to go to temples from his grandmother Indira Gandhi.</p>

<p>Hitting back at Pilot, Ahuja said Rahul Gandhi has never visited temples with Indira Gandhi.</p>

<p>Ahuja also challenged that he would quit his post if his claims were proved wrong.</p>

<p>The BJP MLA represents the Ramgarh Vidhan Sabha constituency of Rajasthan.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja says, "Nehru was not a Pandit. One who ate beef and pork, cannot be a Pandit". (10.08.18) <a href="https://t.co/faltELOAgr">pic.twitter.com/faltELOAgr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1028088553048170497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ahuja said that Nehru was not a pandit and the Congress had added the title before his name

BJP MLA from Rajasthan Gyan Dev Ahuja raked up a controversy on Friday when he said Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was not a pandit as he ate beef and pork. Ahuja said, "Nehru was not a Pandit. One who ate beef and pork, cannot be a Pandit". He further accused the Congress of contesting elections in the name of casteism. Ahuja's comments came in response to the statements of Congress leader Sachin Pilot. Pilot had earlier said that Rahul had learnt to go to temples from his grandmother Indira Gandhi. Hitting back at Pilot, Ahuja said Rahul Gandhi has never visited temples with Indira Gandhi. Ahuja also challenged that he would quit his post if his claims were proved wrong. The BJP MLA represents the Ramgarh Vidhan Sabha constituency of Rajasthan. #WATCH: BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja says, "Nehru was not a Pandit. One who ate beef and pork, cannot be a Pandit". (10.08.18) pic.twitter.com/faltELOAgr — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2018 ×

'Nehru ate beef, pork, he cannot be pandit': Rajasthan BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja

<p>The Monsoon session of Parliament, which ended on Friday, was the "most productive" for Lok Sabha since 2000, a think tank has said.</p>

<p>The monsoon session of Parliament was productive for the government as 18 of the 20&nbspbills introduced during the session were passed even as it witnessed clashes between the Opposition and the treasury benches on a range of issues including NRC and Rafale fighter jet deal.</p>

<p>The session, which was a stark contrast with the nearly washed-out second part of the Budget session, saw the first no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government which was defeated by a margin of 195 votes.&nbsp</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha, it said, worked for 110 per cent of the scheduled hours and the Rajya Sabha for 66 per cent.</p>

<p>The no-confidence motion was not taken up during the Budget session amid protests by members from Andhra Pradesh for a special package for the state.</p>

<p>The monsoon session began on July 18 and had 17 sittings.&nbsp</p>

<p>The government could not get the triple talaq Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha even though the cabinet on Thursday approved some amendments to the Bill passed by the Lok Sabha. But it gave a significant push to its legislative agenda by getting several pending bills passed and introducing a few others.&nbsp</p>

<p>The ruling National Democratic Alliance scored an emphatic victory over a combined opposition in the election to the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman even though it is short of a majority in the Upper House. The victory is expected to provide a psychological boost to the BJP-led alliance in an election year as opposition parties try to come together to oust it in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp</p>

<p>According to a parliamentary affairs ministry release, the productivity of Lok Sabha was 118 per cent and that of Rajya Sabha was 68 per cent.&nbsp</p>

<p>According to PRS Legislative, which tracks work of Parliament, it was the most productive monsoon session for Lok Sabha since 2000.&nbsp</p>

<p><em>(With agency inputs)&nbsp</em></p>


The monsoon session of Parliament was productive for the government as 18 of the 20 bills introduced during the session were passed even as it witnessed clashes between the Opposition and the treasury benches on a range of issues including NRC and Rafale fighter jet deal.

The Monsoon session of Parliament, which ended on Friday, was the "most productive" for Lok Sabha since 2000, a think tank has said. The monsoon session of Parliament was productive for the government as 18 of the 20&nbspbills introduced during the session were passed even as it witnessed clashes between the Opposition and the treasury benches on a range of issues including NRC and Rafale fighter jet deal. The session, which was a stark contrast with the nearly washed-out second part of the Budget session, saw the first no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government which was defeated by a margin of 195 votes. The Lok Sabha, it said, worked for 110 per cent of the scheduled hours and the Rajya Sabha for 66 per cent. The no-confidence motion was not taken up during the Budget session amid protests by members from Andhra Pradesh for a special package for the state. The monsoon session began on July 18 and had 17 sittings. The government could not get the triple talaq Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha even though the cabinet on Thursday approved some amendments to the Bill passed by the Lok Sabha. But it gave a significant push to its legislative agenda by getting several pending bills passed and introducing a few others. The ruling National Democratic Alliance scored an emphatic victory over a combined opposition in the election to the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman even though it is short of a majority in the Upper House. The victory is expected to provide a psychological boost to the BJP-led alliance in an election year as opposition parties try to come together to oust it in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. According to a parliamentary affairs ministry release, the productivity of Lok Sabha was 118 per cent and that of Rajya Sabha was 68 per cent. According to PRS Legislative, which tracks work of Parliament, it was the most productive monsoon session for Lok Sabha since 2000. (With agency inputs)

Monsoon session: Most productive for Lok Sabha since 2000

<p>China's Ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui, on Saturday said that his "love for India" prompted him to become a diplomat. The envoy, along with his delegation, was on a visit to a University campus in Punjab.</p>

<p>"I have a very long connection with India and my only reason for becoming a diplomat was my love for India. It is my second term as a diplomat in India and my wife has also studied her doctorate from India," Zhaohui noted.<br />
&nbsp<br />
The Chinese ambassador to India was also accompanied by his wife Jiang Yili. Zhaohui was on his first visit to Punjab.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">That page has already been turned over. We have reached a consensus to look forward. So I am happy and optimistic for our bilateral relations: China's ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui on Doklam <a href="https://t.co/BXOh24ul8p">pic.twitter.com/BXOh24ul8p</a></p>
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<p>On Friday, the envoy visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar and talked about the successful&nbsp<a href="wionews.com/india-news/that-page-has-been-turned-over-we-have-reached-consensus-on-doklam-chinas-envoy-to-india-158377">resolution of the Doklam issue</a> between both the countries.&nbsp</p>

<p>Zhaohui spoke to media sharing that a consensus has been reached by both the countries. He added that he is happy with the state of Indo-Sino bilateral relations.</p>

<p>"That page has already been turned over. We have reached a consensus to look forward. So I am happy and optimistic for our bilateral relations," Zhaohui told media.&nbsp</p>


The Chinese ambassador to India was also accompanied by his wife Jiang Yili. He was on his first visit to Punjab.

China's Ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui, on Saturday said that his "love for India" prompted him to become a diplomat. The envoy, along with his delegation, was on a visit to a University campus in Punjab. "I have a very long connection with India and my only reason for becoming a diplomat was my love for India. It is my second term as a diplomat in India and my wife has also studied her doctorate from India," Zhaohui noted. The Chinese ambassador to India was also accompanied by his wife Jiang Yili. Zhaohui was on his first visit to Punjab. That page has already been turned over. We have reached a consensus to look forward. So I am happy and optimistic for our bilateral relations: China's ambassador to India, Luo Zhaohui on Doklam pic.twitter.com/BXOh24ul8p — ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2018 × On Friday, the envoy visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar and talked about the successful resolution of the Doklam issue between both the countries. Zhaohui spoke to media sharing that a consensus has been reached by both the countries. He added that he is happy with the state of Indo-Sino bilateral relations. "That page has already been turned over. We have reached a consensus to look forward. So I am happy and optimistic for our bilateral relations," Zhaohui told media.

Became diplomat over love for India: Chinese envoy to India

<p>Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said today his government will not allow opening of abattoirs in the state and will cancel licences for those issued by the previous regime.</p>

<p>Reiterating his government's commitment to cow conservation, Rawat said Uttarakhand is the first state where special police squads have been raised in Dehradun, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts to stop cow slaughter and cow trafficking.</p>

<p>"We will not allow opening slaughterhouses in the state. Those issued by previous governments will be cancelled," Rawat said at a function held here to mark the signing of a MoU with a US firm to produce sex-sorted semen to increase the population of cows.</p>

<p>Signed between Uttarakhand Livestock Development Board and Ignuran Sorting Technology LLP of the US, the MoU is aimed at increasing the number of cows through the production of sex-sorted semen at a first-of-its-kind laboratory being developed especially for the purpose in Rishikesh.</p>

<p>About the cow conservation act brought by the BC Khanduri government, of which he was a part, Rawat said he read in a newspaper that a licence for setting up an abattoir had been issued by the previous government in 2016 in Manglaur.?</p>

<p>"I immediately called the district magistrate asking him to cancel the licence or any such permission granted in the past. We will not allow cow slaughter under any circumstance. There will be no licence for setting up slaughterhouses in the state," the chief minister said.</p>

<p>Noting that raising cows can strengthen the finances of farmers in a big way, he said shelters and sheds are being built in the state to accommodate all stray cows before the Kumbh Mela.</p>


Rawat said Uttarakhand is the first state where special police squads have been raised to stop cow slaughter and cow trafficking.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said today his government will not allow opening of abattoirs in the state and will cancel licences for those issued by the previous regime. Reiterating his government's commitment to cow conservation, Rawat said Uttarakhand is the first state where special police squads have been raised in Dehradun, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts to stop cow slaughter and cow trafficking. "We will not allow opening slaughterhouses in the state. Those issued by previous governments will be cancelled," Rawat said at a function held here to mark the signing of a MoU with a US firm to produce sex-sorted semen to increase the population of cows. Signed between Uttarakhand Livestock Development Board and Ignuran Sorting Technology LLP of the US, the MoU is aimed at increasing the number of cows through the production of sex-sorted semen at a first-of-its-kind laboratory being developed especially for the purpose in Rishikesh. About the cow conservation act brought by the BC Khanduri government, of which he was a part, Rawat said he read in a newspaper that a licence for setting up an abattoir had been issued by the previous government in 2016 in Manglaur.? "I immediately called the district magistrate asking him to cancel the licence or any such permission granted in the past. We will not allow cow slaughter under any circumstance. There will be no licence for setting up slaughterhouses in the state," the chief minister said. Noting that raising cows can strengthen the finances of farmers in a big way, he said shelters and sheds are being built in the state to accommodate all stray cows before the Kumbh Mela.

Government will not allow slaughterhouses in Uttarakhand: CM Rawat

<p>Former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie and disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday hit out at the Narendra Modi government over issues ranging from the Rafale fighter jet deal to "concentration of power in the Prime Minister's Office".</p>

<p>During a discussion on `Save Democracy- Save Constitution' here, Yashwant Sinha claimed that ministerial decisions were being taken "single-handedly" in the NDA government.</p>

<p>Without naming Rajnath Singh, he claimed the home minister was not even aware of the BJP's decision to pull out of the alliance with the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>Similarly, the finance minister was not aware that demonetisation was going to be announced, he said.</p>

<p>He dubbed the Rafale fighter jet deal as "scam of Rs 35,000 crore, much bigger than the Rs 64-crore Bofors scam".</p>

<p>The Prime Minister's Office is controlling all ministerial decisions while ministers are sitting "idle", he alleged.</p>

<p>Shourie alleged, "Undoubtedly, the Constitution and democracy are in danger. 72 lynchings have happened so far, 54 witnesses have turned hostile in Soharabuddin (fake encounter) case... CBI is being misused...(these) are live examples of the new normal and there seems no hope that the things will change."</p>

<p>The veteran journalist said that the media is fearful because their advertisements could get blocked.</p>

<p>MP and actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha said he won't quit the BJP on his own.</p>

<p>"However, if they want to throw me out, then I will not challenge their wisdom," Sinha said.</p>

<p>"People ask me why do you criticise the BJP so much despite being its member. I tell them I belong to the people of India first. I try to give honest feedback to my party and its leadership," he said.</p>

<p>Criticising the prime minister for demonetisation, Sinha added that when the country was yet to recover from its shock, Modi "suddenly brought GST which was a double whammy for the countrymen".</p>

<p>"These were not party or cabinet decisions, but Modi's decisions alone," he alleged.</p>

<p>NCP leader Majid Memon, TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi, AAP MP Sanjay Singh and others also spoke on the occasion.</p>

<p>Trivedi said, "Spirit of India has vanished today and even Supreme Court judges are seeking justice... Parliament is not working in a rightful manner... I would say all the four pillars have been compromised."</p>

<p>Former high court judge Abhay Thipse, who joined the Congress after retirement, said that previous government never transferred judges unnecessarily.</p>

<p>"Today, judges fear to take a strong decision and stand. People and press are also fearful nowadays. There were caste biases earlier also but now fringe elements have got the confidence to rule the roost," he said.</p>

<p>AAP leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh alleged that the Modi-led government was the biggest "threat" to our democracy.</p>

<p>"It is the height of foolishness that the UP government is showering rose petals on kanwariyas from helicopters," Singh said.</p>

<p>Kanwariyas who were indulging in vandalism were not real pilgrims, he said.&nbsp</p>


During a discussion on `Save Democracy- Save Constitution' here, Yashwant Sinha claimed that ministerial decisions were being taken "single-handedly" in the NDA government.

Former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie and disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday hit out at the Narendra Modi government over issues ranging from the Rafale fighter jet deal to "concentration of power in the Prime Minister's Office". During a discussion on `Save Democracy- Save Constitution' here, Yashwant Sinha claimed that ministerial decisions were being taken "single-handedly" in the NDA government. Without naming Rajnath Singh, he claimed the home minister was not even aware of the BJP's decision to pull out of the alliance with the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, the finance minister was not aware that demonetisation was going to be announced, he said. He dubbed the Rafale fighter jet deal as "scam of Rs 35,000 crore, much bigger than the Rs 64-crore Bofors scam". The Prime Minister's Office is controlling all ministerial decisions while ministers are sitting "idle", he alleged. Shourie alleged, "Undoubtedly, the Constitution and democracy are in danger. 72 lynchings have happened so far, 54 witnesses have turned hostile in Soharabuddin (fake encounter) case... CBI is being misused...(these) are live examples of the new normal and there seems no hope that the things will change." The veteran journalist said that the media is fearful because their advertisements could get blocked. MP and actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha said he won't quit the BJP on his own. "However, if they want to throw me out, then I will not challenge their wisdom," Sinha said. "People ask me why do you criticise the BJP so much despite being its member. I tell them I belong to the people of India first. I try to give honest feedback to my party and its leadership," he said. Criticising the prime minister for demonetisation, Sinha added that when the country was yet to recover from its shock, Modi "suddenly brought GST which was a double whammy for the countrymen". "These were not party or cabinet decisions, but Modi's decisions alone," he alleged. NCP leader Majid Memon, TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi, AAP MP Sanjay Singh and others also spoke on the occasion. Trivedi said, "Spirit of India has vanished today and even Supreme Court judges are seeking justice... Parliament is not working in a rightful manner... I would say all the four pillars have been compromised." Former high court judge Abhay Thipse, who joined the Congress after retirement, said that previous government never transferred judges unnecessarily. "Today, judges fear to take a strong decision and stand. People and press are also fearful nowadays. There were caste biases earlier also but now fringe elements have got the confidence to rule the roost," he said. AAP leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh alleged that the Modi-led government was the biggest "threat" to our democracy. "It is the height of foolishness that the UP government is showering rose petals on kanwariyas from helicopters," Singh said. Kanwariyas who were indulging in vandalism were not real pilgrims, he said.

PMO controlling all ministerial decisions, alleges Yashwant Sinha

<p>NCP president Sharad Pawar today said the constitutional process for grant of reservation to the Maratha community would need time, and agitators must keep this in mind and desist from indulging in violence.</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Maharashtra government had taken a similar stand earlier, saying it needs time to fulfil the Marathas' quota demand by following the legal procedure.</p>

<p>"Once an agitation is started, one must also know when to stop it. I congratulate (the agitators) for thinking of this. The agitation has brought the Maratha community's strong sentiments to the fore. Constitutional procedures are needed to be completed for fulfilling the demand. For that appropriate period of time is necessary," Pawar said in a signed statement issued today.</p>

<p>For this process to be completed by the government and legislature, "peace is necessary", the former Union minister, himself a Maratha, said.</p>

<p>"Also, it must be ensured that the industry in the state is not harmed due to the agitation. Such an agitation will put a stop to investment in industry and the problem of unemployment will worsen. Therefore, peace must be the top priority for Maratha agitators," the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief said.</p>

<p>The agitation must be carried out without any "prejudices", and reservation must be granted to the Marathas without reducing the quota granted to other communities under the Constitution, Pawar stressed.</p>

<p>The government and some "vested interests" are trying to malign the agitation and divide the Marathas and other communities (who fall in the reserved category), he alleged.</p>

<p>Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is the idol of Maratha agitators, took along all communities when he created his sovereign state, Pawar noted.</p>

<p>Noting that the agitation was initially peaceful which earned the community a lot of goodwill, Pawar said, "loss of that goodwill due to the latest incidents of violence is not a good development".</p>

<p>On Friday, Maratha Kranti Morcha and Sakal Maratha Samaj, which are spearheading the agitation, had distanced themselves from incidents of violence in Pune and Aurangabad on August 9. The agitation has witnessed incidents of violence including stone-pelting and arson at many places since the last week of July.</p>

<p>Citing a report of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pawar noted that due to fragmentation of land, farming is no longer profitable. Because of the resultant poverty, the Maratha youth do not get education and remain unemployed, he said.</p>

<p>Twenty-eight per cent of Marathas are landless while 53 per cent are marginal landholders. Forty-six per cent of farmers who have committed suicide are Maratha, he said, adding that lack of irrigation has made the problem worse.</p>

<p>But though it was natural for Maratha youth to be angry, "arson, stone-pelting or suicide is no solution", he added.</p>

<p>While the Marathas are demanding 16 per cent quota in jobs and education, the BJP-led state government has been maintaining that it needs time to fulfil the demand in such a way that it stands the legal scrutiny.</p>


Though it was natural for Maratha youth to be angry, 'arson, stone-pelting or suicide is no solution', Pawar added.

NCP president Sharad Pawar today said the constitutional process for grant of reservation to the Maratha community would need time, and agitators must keep this in mind and desist from indulging in violence. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Maharashtra government had taken a similar stand earlier, saying it needs time to fulfil the Marathas' quota demand by following the legal procedure. "Once an agitation is started, one must also know when to stop it. I congratulate (the agitators) for thinking of this. The agitation has brought the Maratha community's strong sentiments to the fore. Constitutional procedures are needed to be completed for fulfilling the demand. For that appropriate period of time is necessary," Pawar said in a signed statement issued today. For this process to be completed by the government and legislature, "peace is necessary", the former Union minister, himself a Maratha, said. "Also, it must be ensured that the industry in the state is not harmed due to the agitation. Such an agitation will put a stop to investment in industry and the problem of unemployment will worsen. Therefore, peace must be the top priority for Maratha agitators," the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief said. The agitation must be carried out without any "prejudices", and reservation must be granted to the Marathas without reducing the quota granted to other communities under the Constitution, Pawar stressed. The government and some "vested interests" are trying to malign the agitation and divide the Marathas and other communities (who fall in the reserved category), he alleged. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is the idol of Maratha agitators, took along all communities when he created his sovereign state, Pawar noted. Noting that the agitation was initially peaceful which earned the community a lot of goodwill, Pawar said, "loss of that goodwill due to the latest incidents of violence is not a good development". On Friday, Maratha Kranti Morcha and Sakal Maratha Samaj, which are spearheading the agitation, had distanced themselves from incidents of violence in Pune and Aurangabad on August 9. The agitation has witnessed incidents of violence including stone-pelting and arson at many places since the last week of July. Citing a report of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pawar noted that due to fragmentation of land, farming is no longer profitable. Because of the resultant poverty, the Maratha youth do not get education and remain unemployed, he said. Twenty-eight per cent of Marathas are landless while 53 per cent are marginal landholders. Forty-six per cent of farmers who have committed suicide are Maratha, he said, adding that lack of irrigation has made the problem worse. But though it was natural for Maratha youth to be angry, "arson, stone-pelting or suicide is no solution", he added. While the Marathas are demanding 16 per cent quota in jobs and education, the BJP-led state government has been maintaining that it needs time to fulfil the demand in such a way that it stands the legal scrutiny.

Constitutional process for quota needs time, maintain peace: Pawar to Maratha agitators

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