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An open-air jail cafe is the latest attraction in Himachal Pradesh, as over 135 prisoners are working at six mobile vans in Shimla, Nahan and Dharamshala.

The mobile van canteen at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) and book cafe at the Taka Bench are popular attractions for locals and tourists here.

Conceptualized by the Himachal Pradesh Director General of Prisons, Somesh Goyal, the mobile canteens, book cafe and jail-made products including bakery, handloom and other cuisines have proved to be life changers for these prisoners.

While talking to ANI, Somesh Goyal said, "The idea is to give a chance to the inmates for reform, rehabilitation and go out of the prison. 135 inmates are being sent out of jail on the basis of good conduct. Prisons department wants to rehabilitate the prisoners. We're giving job opportunities to prisoners and skilling them up. All our efforts have led to a lot of turnover of jail products that we manufacture."

The prisons department is earning over Rs 3.5 crores annually from the produce and open-air jail concept.

Inmates are providing different bakery products, coffee, tea and books to the visitors here.

"We have applied for tag name for the handloom and bakery product to genuine and quality of the products. The inmates are not only helping themselves but also helping their families from the prison," said Goyal 
One of the inmates, Jai Chand, who has been in the prison for past eight years as he is serving a life imprisonment for murder, runs the book cafe.

"Coming here at the cafe to meet the students, tourists and literary people has changed my life. I am hopeful about the future. I am also contributing to my family. I feel happy and give all the credits to the Director-General for giving me the chance," he said.

Another jail inmate, Bhupender Singh, said that the huge rush of people coming for lunch keeps him busy throughout the day.

The establishment of these cafes and libraries is seen as a welcome move to encourage prisoners to engage in mainstream activities.

The prisons department is earning over Rs 3.5 crores annually from the produce and open-air jail concept.

An open-air jail cafe is the latest attraction in Himachal Pradesh, as over 135 prisoners are working at six mobile vans in Shimla, Nahan and Dharamshala. The mobile van canteen at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) and book cafe at the Taka Bench are popular attractions for locals and tourists here. Conceptualized by the Himachal Pradesh Director General of Prisons, Somesh Goyal, the mobile canteens, book cafe and jail-made products including bakery, handloom and other cuisines have proved to be life changers for these prisoners. While talking to ANI, Somesh Goyal said, "The idea is to give a chance to the inmates for reform, rehabilitation and go out of the prison. 135 inmates are being sent out of jail on the basis of good conduct. Prisons department wants to rehabilitate the prisoners. We're giving job opportunities to prisoners and skilling them up. All our efforts have led to a lot of turnover of jail products that we manufacture." The prisons department is earning over Rs 3.5 crores annually from the produce and open-air jail concept. Inmates are providing different bakery products, coffee, tea and books to the visitors here. "We have applied for tag name for the handloom and bakery product to genuine and quality of the products. The inmates are not only helping themselves but also helping their families from the prison," said Goyal One of the inmates, Jai Chand, who has been in the prison for past eight years as he is serving a life imprisonment for murder, runs the book cafe. "Coming here at the cafe to meet the students, tourists and literary people has changed my life. I am hopeful about the future. I am also contributing to my family. I feel happy and give all the credits to the Director-General for giving me the chance," he said. Another jail inmate, Bhupender Singh, said that the huge rush of people coming for lunch keeps him busy throughout the day. The establishment of these cafes and libraries is seen as a welcome move to encourage prisoners to engage in mainstream activities.

Tourists are dining at this Shimla prison

Goa government has cracked down on drinking in public, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday announced that the government would soon issue a notification on imposing a heavy fine on drinking alcohol in public.

According to reports, the new rule is likely to go into effect from August. Parrikar said that he desires to go ahead with the rule earlier but most probably it will come into effect from August 15.&nbsp;

"Mind you, there will be a heavy fine if you are found drinking (in public) from the month of August. We're issuing a notification very soon. I intend to do it before August, so that we can implement it from August 15," Parrikar said at a function here.

Chief Minister Parrikar also warned that littering the state with beer bottles would also attract a steeper fine.

"Same way littering will also have a heavy fine of Rs 2,500. I have caught two-three college students going there with beer bottles. This is not done," Parrikar said.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

According to reports, the new rule is likely to go into effect from August.

Goa government has cracked down on drinking in public, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday announced that the government would soon issue a notification on imposing a heavy fine on drinking alcohol in public. According to reports, the new rule is likely to go into effect from August. Parrikar said that he desires to go ahead with the rule earlier but most probably it will come into effect from August 15. "Mind you, there will be a heavy fine if you are found drinking (in public) from the month of August. We're issuing a notification very soon. I intend to do it before August, so that we can implement it from August 15," Parrikar said at a function here. Chief Minister Parrikar also warned that littering the state with beer bottles would also attract a steeper fine. "Same way littering will also have a heavy fine of Rs 2,500. I have caught two-three college students going there with beer bottles. This is not done," Parrikar said. (With inputs from ANI)

Goa to soon impose heavy fine on drinking in public: Chief Minister

The <a href="http://wionews.com/videos/supreme-court-refuses-to-delay-hearing-on-section-377--150765">Supreme Court</a> reserves its verdict on Tuesday whether <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/how-twitter-reacted-to-section-377-lgbt-community-151084">to decriminalise Section 377</a>, that makes gay sex a punishable offence. &nbsp;

The court has asked the counsel to submit their written views irrespective of 'for' and 'against' of <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/section-377-lgbt-community-forced-to-live-in-fear-says-supreme-court-151054">Section 377</a> by this Friday.

The case is being heard by the newly reconstituted bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra and comprises of Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra.&nbsp;

Manoj George, the lawyer of the Christian community, opposed and said that <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/section-377-centre-tells-sc-it-will-let-court-decide-on-decriminalising-gay-sex-150720">homosexuality</a> should remain a crime and that sex objective should only be to have children.&nbsp;

Justice RF Nariman commented: 'If a law is against fundamental rights, we will not wait for the majority of the government to cancel it. As soon as we are assured that any law is against fundamental rights, we will take immediate action against it, and not wait for the government.'

Nariman said that if the government makes prostitution legal in India, then they can avail to health services. And if avoided, it can create many problems in the future.&nbsp;

Chief Justice Dipak Misra said to cancel to Section 377, it is important that both people are agreeing to homosexuality. Without the consent of a person, it will be considered as a violation of rights. &nbsp;

Last week, Centre passed the buck on Supreme Court and said that the Constitutionality of 377 is to be decided by the Court.&nbsp;

What is Section 377?&nbsp;

Section 377 refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, will get life imprisonment, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

This archaic law dates back to 1861, and the ambit extends to any sexual union involving penile insertion.

The court has asked the council to submit their written views irrespective of 'for' and 'against' of Section 377 by this Friday

The Supreme Court reserves its verdict on Tuesday whether to decriminalise Section 377, that makes gay sex a punishable offence. The court has asked the counsel to submit their written views irrespective of 'for' and 'against' of Section 377 by this Friday. The case is being heard by the newly reconstituted bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra and comprises of Justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra. Manoj George, the lawyer of the Christian community, opposed and said that homosexuality should remain a crime and that sex objective should only be to have children. Justice RF Nariman commented: 'If a law is against fundamental rights, we will not wait for the majority of the government to cancel it. As soon as we are assured that any law is against fundamental rights, we will take immediate action against it, and not wait for the government.' Nariman said that if the government makes prostitution legal in India, then they can avail to health services. And if avoided, it can create many problems in the future. Chief Justice Dipak Misra said to cancel to Section 377, it is important that both people are agreeing to homosexuality. Without the consent of a person, it will be considered as a violation of rights. Last week, Centre passed the buck on Supreme Court and said that the Constitutionality of 377 is to be decided by the Court. What is Section 377? Section 377 refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, will get life imprisonment, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine. This archaic law dates back to 1861, and the ambit extends to any sexual union involving penile insertion.

Decriminalisation of homosexuality: Supreme Court reserves verdict on Section 377

Nearly 34,000 people have been shifted to relief camps after floodwater inundated low-lying areas due to heavy rains that have lashed Kerala for the past one week.&nbsp

A total of 34,693 people from 8,033 families were shifted to 265 relief camps across the state, the control room monitoring rain-related incidents said.&nbsp

At least 12 people have died and six reported missing in rain-related incidents after the monsoon became active on July 9.

In the second spell of rains, around 36 houses were completely destroyed while 1,214 suffered partial damage, officials said. Control room officials said the flood water has not yet receded in several places.

Many parts of Kottayam and Alappuzha districts were still under flood water. Educational institutions in these two districts remained shut on Tuesday.

Road traffic continued to be hit in some parts of the state due to water-logging. Rains are expected to continue till July 19.

A total of 34,693 people from 8,033 families were shifted to 265 relief camps across the state, the control room monitoring rain-related incidents said

Nearly 34,000 people have been shifted to relief camps after floodwater inundated low-lying areas due to heavy rains that have lashed Kerala for the past one week. A total of 34,693 people from 8,033 families were shifted to 265 relief camps across the state, the control room monitoring rain-related incidents said. At least 12 people have died and six reported missing in rain-related incidents after the monsoon became active on July 9. In the second spell of rains, around 36 houses were completely destroyed while 1,214 suffered partial damage, officials said. Control room officials said the flood water has not yet receded in several places. Many parts of Kottayam and Alappuzha districts were still under flood water. Educational institutions in these two districts remained shut on Tuesday. Road traffic continued to be hit in some parts of the state due to water-logging. Rains are expected to continue till July 19.

Heavy rains in Kerala, at least 12 dead

''Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all,'' said <a href="http://wionews.com/world/obama-to-deliver-speech-today-marking-100th-anniversary-of-nelson-mandelas-birth-152357">Nelson Mandela</a>, often called as the 'Gandhi of South Africa.'

<a href="http://wionews.com/videos/barack-obama-honours-mandela-on-his-100th-birth-anniversary-in-johannesburg--152427">Also watch:&nbsp;Barack Obama honours Mandela on his 100th birth anniversary in Johannesburg</a>

As the world is celebrating the <a href="http://wionews.com/world/nelson-mandelas-100th-birthday-celebrated-with-rigor-in-south-africa-obama-to-lead-centenary--152020">100th anniversary of Nelson's Mandela birth</a> on July 18, let's have a look at his connection with India and Mahatma Gandhi.

He first visited India in 1990 when he was released from jail after more than 27 years for leading the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

Soon after Mandela’s release, the government of India had honoured Mandela with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.

He chose the land of Gandhi as his first destination, whom he called his 'political guru' and a 'role model.'

An avowed Gandhian, Madiba, as Mandela was affectionately known around the world, always praised Gandhi for his principles of 'Satya and Ahimsa' and followed his philosophy.

"The Mahatma is an integral part of our history because it is here that he first experimented with truth here that he demonstrated his characteristic firmness in pursuit of justice here that he developed Satyagraha as a philosophy and a method of struggle," Mandela said at an unveiling of Gandhi Memorial in South Africa in 1993.

As South Africa's first black President from 1994 to 1999, Mandela drove close relations with India and the two countries forged bonds over groupings like IBSA and BRICS as a result of that closeness described by Mandela himself some years ago.

He will be remembered as much as an Indian leader and an inspirational figure in India.

(With inputs from agencies)

He first visited India in 1990 when he was released from jail after more than 27 years for leading the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa

''Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all,'' said Nelson Mandela, often called as the 'Gandhi of South Africa.' Also watch: Barack Obama honours Mandela on his 100th birth anniversary in Johannesburg As the world is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Nelson's Mandela birth on July 18, let's have a look at his connection with India and Mahatma Gandhi. He first visited India in 1990 when he was released from jail after more than 27 years for leading the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Soon after Mandela’s release, the government of India had honoured Mandela with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour. He chose the land of Gandhi as his first destination, whom he called his 'political guru' and a 'role model.' An avowed Gandhian, Madiba, as Mandela was affectionately known around the world, always praised Gandhi for his principles of 'Satya and Ahimsa' and followed his philosophy. "The Mahatma is an integral part of our history because it is here that he first experimented with truth here that he demonstrated his characteristic firmness in pursuit of justice here that he developed Satyagraha as a philosophy and a method of struggle," Mandela said at an unveiling of Gandhi Memorial in South Africa in 1993. As South Africa's first black President from 1994 to 1999, Mandela drove close relations with India and the two countries forged bonds over groupings like IBSA and BRICS as a result of that closeness described by Mandela himself some years ago. He will be remembered as much as an Indian leader and an inspirational figure in India. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian connection of 'Gandhian' Nelson Mandela

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday made optimum use of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/heading-coalition-government-is-like-swallowing-poison-teary-eyed-kumaraswamy-tells-jds-members-151770"> 'teary-eyed' video of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy</a> and said, unlike Karnataka's failed coalition politics, during 2019 polls India should opt for a "strong and decisive political leadership" under Narendra Modi.

"The leader of the world’s fastest-growing economy cannot be a ‘Bechara’ (helpless)," Mr Jaitley said.

In the article, Jaitley noted the coalition situation in Karnataka was a “repeat of what the Congress did to Chaudhary Charan Singh, Shri Chandrasekhar, Shri HD Deve Gowda and Shri IK Gujral.” Jaitley adds, “It is the obvious consequence of a non-ideological opportunistic alliance with no positive agenda. The basis of the negative agenda is ‘Keep Modi Out’.”

After referring to an earlier article written in May, Jaitley argued a “great opportunity” awaits India. “We need, for the next one decade and more, a high trajectory growth. We are faced with the global challenge of terrorism and the current economic challenges thrown up by rising crude oil prices and the trade war. To confront these challenges, India needs a strong and cohesive Government.” Jaitley added.

“India needs a government which is able to resist unfair pressures of either allies or regions. It is the high growth rate, investment into rural India and the social sectors, credibility and strength of the Indian economy which will help us to be domestically strong to meet these challenges,” Jaitley said.

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Jaitley referred to Kumaraswamy's confession of coalition compulsions. “In the past few days we witnessed the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, baring his emotions with tears, wetting his eyes and declining to accept bouquets and garlands,” Jaitley noted.

Jaitley argued that “non-ideological” coalitions such as the one in Karnataka “always get trapped within their own contradictions” as their only object is their survival, not service to the nation.

Jaitley made a swiping remark on Kumaraswamy saying that if any such coalition comes to power, and the Prime Minister has to weep before the cameras with an only wish of how to exit from office, it will be a scenario worse than the policy paralysis of UPA II.

Jaitley's remarks were directed towards the emotional outburst of Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy, who on Sunday had equated the burden of carrying the weight of a coalition government to 'swallowing poison' like Lord Shiva.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday made optimum use of the 'teary-eyed' video of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and said, unlike Karnataka's failed coalition politics, during 2019 polls India should opt for a "strong and decisive political leadership" under Narendra Modi. "The leader of the world’s fastest-growing economy cannot be a ‘Bechara’ (helpless)," Mr Jaitley said. In the article, Jaitley noted the coalition situation in Karnataka was a “repeat of what the Congress did to Chaudhary Charan Singh, Shri Chandrasekhar, Shri HD Deve Gowda and Shri IK Gujral.” Jaitley adds, “It is the obvious consequence of a non-ideological opportunistic alliance with no positive agenda. The basis of the negative agenda is ‘Keep Modi Out’.” After referring to an earlier article written in May, Jaitley argued a “great opportunity” awaits India. “We need, for the next one decade and more, a high trajectory growth. We are faced with the global challenge of terrorism and the current economic challenges thrown up by rising crude oil prices and the trade war. To confront these challenges, India needs a strong and cohesive Government.” Jaitley added. “India needs a government which is able to resist unfair pressures of either allies or regions. It is the high growth rate, investment into rural India and the social sectors, credibility and strength of the Indian economy which will help us to be domestically strong to meet these challenges,” Jaitley said. × Jaitley referred to Kumaraswamy's confession of coalition compulsions. “In the past few days we witnessed the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, baring his emotions with tears, wetting his eyes and declining to accept bouquets and garlands,” Jaitley noted. Jaitley argued that “non-ideological” coalitions such as the one in Karnataka “always get trapped within their own contradictions” as their only object is their survival, not service to the nation. Jaitley made a swiping remark on Kumaraswamy saying that if any such coalition comes to power, and the Prime Minister has to weep before the cameras with an only wish of how to exit from office, it will be a scenario worse than the policy paralysis of UPA II.

India needs strong leader like Modi, not tragedy king like Kumaraswamy: Jaitley

Pakistan will file its second counter-memorial in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Tuesday, on the conviction of retired Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death in April last year on charges of espionage and terrorism.

The 400-page reply will be submitted by Foreign Office Director India Dr Fareha Bugti, who has arrived at The Hague for the purpose, Geo TV reported.

Pakistan's rejoinder has been prepared by a team of experts led by Pakistan's Attorney General.

Islamabad, in its counter-memorial, states that Jadhav is not an ordinary person and does not fall under the purview of the Vienna Convention.

On April 17, India had submitted a fresh set of pleadings in the ICJ. The pleadings were filed in response to Pakistan's submissions to the court.

Pakistan was given time until July 17 by the court to file its response (rejoinder).

It may be recalled that India first approached the court on May 8 last year, for egregious violations of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, by Pakistan in the matter.

The court, on May 18 last year, indicated provisional measures as requested by India and passed an order obligating Pakistan not to carry out the sentence that was awarded to Jadhav through a farcical trial by Pakistan.

As per the court order, India had filed written pleadings (Memorial) in the case on September 13, 2017, and Pakistan filed its counter-memorial in December last year.

Jadhav was arrested in Balochistan, Pakistan, over charges of alleged involvement in espionage and subversive activities for India's intelligence agency - the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

India, however, maintains that Jadhav was a former naval officer and kidnapped from Iran, where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy.

On April 10, 2017, Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) in Pakistan.

Over a month later, the ICJ stayed the hanging after India approached it against the death sentence.&nbsp

Pakistan was given time until July 17 by the court to file its response (rejoinder).

Pakistan will file its second counter-memorial in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Tuesday, on the conviction of retired Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death in April last year on charges of espionage and terrorism. The 400-page reply will be submitted by Foreign Office Director India Dr Fareha Bugti, who has arrived at The Hague for the purpose, Geo TV reported. Pakistan's rejoinder has been prepared by a team of experts led by Pakistan's Attorney General. Islamabad, in its counter-memorial, states that Jadhav is not an ordinary person and does not fall under the purview of the Vienna Convention. On April 17, India had submitted a fresh set of pleadings in the ICJ. The pleadings were filed in response to Pakistan's submissions to the court. Pakistan was given time until July 17 by the court to file its response (rejoinder). It may be recalled that India first approached the court on May 8 last year, for egregious violations of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, by Pakistan in the matter. The court, on May 18 last year, indicated provisional measures as requested by India and passed an order obligating Pakistan not to carry out the sentence that was awarded to Jadhav through a farcical trial by Pakistan. As per the court order, India had filed written pleadings (Memorial) in the case on September 13, 2017, and Pakistan filed its counter-memorial in December last year. Jadhav was arrested in Balochistan, Pakistan, over charges of alleged involvement in espionage and subversive activities for India's intelligence agency - the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). India, however, maintains that Jadhav was a former naval officer and kidnapped from Iran, where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy. On April 10, 2017, Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) in Pakistan. Over a month later, the ICJ stayed the hanging after India approached it against the death sentence.

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: Pakistan to file counter-memorial today

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-reserves-judgement-on-section-377-152375">Decriminalisation of homosexuality: Supreme Court reserves verdict on Section 377</a>

The Supreme Court reserves its verdict on Tuesday whether to decriminalise Section 377, that makes gay sex a punishable offence. &nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-iran-exploring-ways-of-working-around-us-sanctions-iran-deputy-foreign-minister-to-wion-152365">India, Iran exploring ways of working around US sanctions: Iran deputy foreign minister to WION</a>

India and Iran are exploring ways of working around US sanctions by making oil payments in the rupee and the euro, indicating some sort of trilateral cooperation between India, Iran and the European Union.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharif-his-daughter-to-remain-in-jail-until-elections-as-court-adjourns-hearing-on-their-appeals-152395">Nawaz Sharif, daughter Maryam to remain in jail until elections as court adjourns hearing on their appeals</a>

A Pakistani court on Tuesday adjourned until last week of July the hearing of appeals filed by jailed former premier Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law against their conviction in a corruption case, shattering their hope to come out of jail before polls to boost the campaign of their party.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-japan-sign-major-trade-deal-in-message-against-protectionism-152411">EU, Japan sign major trade deal in 'message against protectionism'</a>

Japan and the EU signed a sweeping free trade deal Tuesday saying they were sending a "clear message" against protectionism, as Washington puts up barriers and threatens a trade war.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-official-brexit-campaign-fined-referred-to-police-152390">UK's official Brexit campaign fined, referred to police</a>

Britain's official Brexit campaign, Vote Leave, has been fined for breaking spending rules in the 2016 EU membership referendum, the Electoral Commission announced Tuesday, adding that it had referred the case to the police.

&nbsp

Decriminalisation of homosexuality: Supreme Court reserves verdict on Section 377 The Supreme Court reserves its verdict on Tuesday whether to decriminalise Section 377, that makes gay sex a punishable offence. India, Iran exploring ways of working around US sanctions: Iran deputy foreign minister to WION India and Iran are exploring ways of working around US sanctions by making oil payments in the rupee and the euro, indicating some sort of trilateral cooperation between India, Iran and the European Union. Nawaz Sharif, daughter Maryam to remain in jail until elections as court adjourns hearing on their appeals A Pakistani court on Tuesday adjourned until last week of July the hearing of appeals filed by jailed former premier Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law against their conviction in a corruption case, shattering their hope to come out of jail before polls to boost the campaign of their party. EU, Japan sign major trade deal in 'message against protectionism' Japan and the EU signed a sweeping free trade deal Tuesday saying they were sending a "clear message" against protectionism, as Washington puts up barriers and threatens a trade war. UK's official Brexit campaign fined, referred to police Britain's official Brexit campaign, Vote Leave, has been fined for breaking spending rules in the 2016 EU membership referendum, the Electoral Commission announced Tuesday, adding that it had referred the case to the police.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has said that empowerment of women is central to achieve the objective of inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.

He further insisted that women empowerment is not only a national goal but also a global agenda.

The Vice President's comments came while addressing the gathering after inaugurating the International Conference on 'Empowering Women: Fostering Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability' organized by the NITI Aayog and Shri Ram College of Commerce.

"Empowerment of women is central to achieving the objective of inclusive, equitable and sustainable development and it is not the only national goal but a global agenda. Women have been doing exceedingly well in higher professional education and so we need to ensure their commensurate participation in the formal economy," Naidu said.

"Women's active participation in decision making has a positive impact on education, health, nutrition, employment and social protection," he added.

Naidu also stressed that lack of equal access to education and employment, inequalities in the labour market, rising sexual violence and unequal division of unpaid care and domestic work remain the key barriers to the advancement of women.

NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform and Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, have jointly organised the two-day conference which saw representation from countries across various continents.&nbsp;

The Vice President's comments came while addressing the gathering after inaugurating the International Conference on empowering women.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has said that empowerment of women is central to achieve the objective of inclusive, equitable and sustainable development. He further insisted that women empowerment is not only a national goal but also a global agenda. The Vice President's comments came while addressing the gathering after inaugurating the International Conference on 'Empowering Women: Fostering Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability' organized by the NITI Aayog and Shri Ram College of Commerce. "Empowerment of women is central to achieving the objective of inclusive, equitable and sustainable development and it is not the only national goal but a global agenda. Women have been doing exceedingly well in higher professional education and so we need to ensure their commensurate participation in the formal economy," Naidu said. "Women's active participation in decision making has a positive impact on education, health, nutrition, employment and social protection," he added. Naidu also stressed that lack of equal access to education and employment, inequalities in the labour market, rising sexual violence and unequal division of unpaid care and domestic work remain the key barriers to the advancement of women. NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform and Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, have jointly organised the two-day conference which saw representation from countries across various continents.

Venkaiah Naidu pitches for women empowerment

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has asserted that a free judicial system is essential for democracy.

Delivering a lecture at an event in New Delhi yesterday, the Union Minister said, "A free judicial system is essential for democracy. It is the duty of the government to give assistance and infrastructure but the obligation to run the judicial system must rest only and only with the judiciary."

Prasad added that there should be accountability in the judiciary, something which would help judges find out whether the system is in order.

He said, "If there is a need for accountability in all forms of government, then, there is also a need for considering the possibility of accountability among the judiciary as to how the system is working, do we need to expedite it, do we need to explore extra avenues".&nbsp

Prasad added that there should be accountability in the judiciary.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has asserted that a free judicial system is essential for democracy. Delivering a lecture at an event in New Delhi yesterday, the Union Minister said, "A free judicial system is essential for democracy. It is the duty of the government to give assistance and infrastructure but the obligation to run the judicial system must rest only and only with the judiciary." Prasad added that there should be accountability in the judiciary, something which would help judges find out whether the system is in order. He said, "If there is a need for accountability in all forms of government, then, there is also a need for considering the possibility of accountability among the judiciary as to how the system is working, do we need to expedite it, do we need to explore extra avenues".

Free judicial system essential for democracy: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Eighteen men have been held in Chennai for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl for seven months, ANI reported Tuesday.&nbsp;

ANI said the accused included security guards, lift operators, and plumbers who worked at the apartment complex where the girl lives.&nbsp;

Chennai High Court Advocate Association President Mohana Krishnan has announced that no lawyer will take the case of the 18 accused.

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Chennai High Court Advocate Association President Mohana Krishnan has announced that no lawyer will take the case of the 18 accused, who sexually harassed an 11-year-old girl for over a period of 7 months. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1019197538065354752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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News reports said the girl was hearing-impaired.&nbsp;

The reports said she was first raped by a lift operator.&nbsp;

Three days later, the reports said, the lift operator brought along two men reeking of alchohol, who also raped the minor girl. In time, other men joined in the crime.&nbsp;

The men would sedate the girl with drug-laced soft drinks, and then rape her. The reports said a total of 22 men raped the minor girl.&nbsp;

Police said the 300-flat apartment complex where the girl lived was largely empty, allowing the men to go about their crime largely unhindered.&nbsp;

The minor girl finally recounted her ordeal to her older sister when she came home for her vacation from college in&nbsp;Delhi.&nbsp;

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18 men held for allegedly sexually harassing an 11-year-old girl for over a period of 7 months in Chennai. The accused involve security men, lift operator & water suppliers in the apartment where the minor girl stays. Police investigation underway <a href="https://t.co/DcJIUhwDCG">pic.twitter.com/DcJIUhwDCG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1019088475772080129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India has recently seen a sharp spike in rapes of children.&nbsp;

National Crime Records Bureau data for 2016 showed an 82% rise in rapes of children compared to 2015. The highest rise was registered in Uttar Pradesh, where figures trebled.&nbsp;

2016 NCRB data also showed that out of all rape victims, four out of 10 (or 43.3%) were children (0 to 17 years of age).&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The girl's ordeal had been continuing for seven months. She was hearing impaired

Eighteen men have been held in Chennai for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl for seven months, ANI reported Tuesday. ANI said the accused included security guards, lift operators, and plumbers who worked at the apartment complex where the girl lives. Chennai High Court Advocate Association President Mohana Krishnan has announced that no lawyer will take the case of the 18 accused. Chennai High Court Advocate Association President Mohana Krishnan has announced that no lawyer will take the case of the 18 accused, who sexually harassed an 11-year-old girl for over a period of 7 months. #TamilNadu — ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2018 × News reports said the girl was hearing-impaired. The reports said she was first raped by a lift operator. Three days later, the reports said, the lift operator brought along two men reeking of alchohol, who also raped the minor girl. In time, other men joined in the crime. The men would sedate the girl with drug-laced soft drinks, and then rape her. The reports said a total of 22 men raped the minor girl. Police said the 300-flat apartment complex where the girl lived was largely empty, allowing the men to go about their crime largely unhindered. The minor girl finally recounted her ordeal to her older sister when she came home for her vacation from college in Delhi. 18 men held for allegedly sexually harassing an 11-year-old girl for over a period of 7 months in Chennai. The accused involve security men, lift operator & water suppliers in the apartment where the minor girl stays. Police investigation underway pic.twitter.com/DcJIUhwDCG — ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2018 × India has recently seen a sharp spike in rapes of children. National Crime Records Bureau data for 2016 showed an 82% rise in rapes of children compared to 2015. The highest rise was registered in Uttar Pradesh, where figures trebled. 2016 NCRB data also showed that out of all rape victims, four out of 10 (or 43.3%) were children (0 to 17 years of age).

Chennai: 18 held for allegedly raping 11-year-old for 7 months, they worked at her apartment complex

Self-styled godman Daati Maharaj accused of raping a disciple in his ashrams here and Rajasthan joined the probe in the case here today, the police said.

He was sent a notice asking him to join the probe by Wednesday. He reached the Crime Branch office today and his questioning is underway, they added.

On Saturday, a Delhi Police team had visited the godman's ashram in Pali, Rajasthan, to gather evidence.

The team, which failed to find the godman at the ashram, was accompanied by the rape victim.

The woman had filed a complaint last Sunday against Daati Maharaj at the Fatehpur Beri police station here in south Delhi.

The case was later transferred to the Crime Branch.

The woman had alleged that she was sexually abused at Daati Maharaj's ashrams in Delhi and Rajasthan and had also named two male disciples of the godman in her complaint.

Delhi Commission for Women had recently demanded the godman's arrest.

The Delhi Police had earlier issued a lookout circular against Daati Maharaj to ensure that he does not leave the country.

The woman has told the police that she had been a disciple of Daati Maharaj for a decade but after she was raped by him, she returned to her home in Rajasthan.

He was sent a notice asking him to join the probe by Wednesday. He reached the Crime Branch office today and his questioning is underway, they added

Self-styled godman Daati Maharaj accused of raping a disciple in his ashrams here and Rajasthan joined the probe in the case here today, the police said. He was sent a notice asking him to join the probe by Wednesday. He reached the Crime Branch office today and his questioning is underway, they added. On Saturday, a Delhi Police team had visited the godman's ashram in Pali, Rajasthan, to gather evidence. The team, which failed to find the godman at the ashram, was accompanied by the rape victim. The woman had filed a complaint last Sunday against Daati Maharaj at the Fatehpur Beri police station here in south Delhi. The case was later transferred to the Crime Branch. The woman had alleged that she was sexually abused at Daati Maharaj's ashrams in Delhi and Rajasthan and had also named two male disciples of the godman in her complaint. Delhi Commission for Women had recently demanded the godman's arrest. The Delhi Police had earlier issued a lookout circular against Daati Maharaj to ensure that he does not leave the country. The woman has told the police that she had been a disciple of Daati Maharaj for a decade but after she was raped by him, she returned to her home in Rajasthan.

Self-styled godman Daati Maharaj joins probe in rape case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today made a surprise visit to the transport authority office in Burari and after receiving a barrage of complaints he directed the officers concerned to decentralising the work done there and open vehicle fitness test centres across the city by next month.

Accompanied by Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot and senior officials of the department including Transport Commissioner Varsha Joshi, the chief minister met owners of autorickshaws and other commercial vehicles and listened to their complaints.

"It was complained that work here gets done quickly through touts otherwise it lingers for months. The fitness test centres (for vehicles) will be opened across the city by next month. I have also sought a list of works done here and we will completely decentralise it," Kejriwal told reporters.

He instructed the officers to ensure that by August 1, as many vehicle fitness test centres are opened in the city as are required.

"If 5,000 vehicle fitness test centres are required to be opened in the city, it should be opened," the chief minister said.

Learning about the difficulty faced by autorickshaw owners in purchasing and recharging SIM cards for GPS, he directed the transport department officials to ensure that it was made widely available.

Seeing long queues at the counters of the transport authority office, Kejriwal directed the transport commissioner to make surprise visit once a week and seek feedback from at least 50 people.

"There is no need for long queues. Corrupt officers will be punished and the work done here will be decentralised," he said and directed transport department officials to give him a list including name, address and the work for which people visited the transport department office Burari in the last 10 days.

The Burari transport authority office is visited by thousands every day for permit, vehicle fitness tests and other paper works of different types of commercial vehicles including autorickshaws and taxis

"If 5,000 vehicle fitness test centres are required to be opened in the city, it should be opened," the chief minister said

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today made a surprise visit to the transport authority office in Burari and after receiving a barrage of complaints he directed the officers concerned to decentralising the work done there and open vehicle fitness test centres across the city by next month. Accompanied by Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot and senior officials of the department including Transport Commissioner Varsha Joshi, the chief minister met owners of autorickshaws and other commercial vehicles and listened to their complaints. "It was complained that work here gets done quickly through touts otherwise it lingers for months. The fitness test centres (for vehicles) will be opened across the city by next month. I have also sought a list of works done here and we will completely decentralise it," Kejriwal told reporters. He instructed the officers to ensure that by August 1, as many vehicle fitness test centres are opened in the city as are required. "If 5,000 vehicle fitness test centres are required to be opened in the city, it should be opened," the chief minister said. Learning about the difficulty faced by autorickshaw owners in purchasing and recharging SIM cards for GPS, he directed the transport department officials to ensure that it was made widely available. Seeing long queues at the counters of the transport authority office, Kejriwal directed the transport commissioner to make surprise visit once a week and seek feedback from at least 50 people. "There is no need for long queues. Corrupt officers will be punished and the work done here will be decentralised," he said and directed transport department officials to give him a list including name, address and the work for which people visited the transport department office Burari in the last 10 days. The Burari transport authority office is visited by thousands every day for permit, vehicle fitness tests and other paper works of different types of commercial vehicles including autorickshaws and taxis

Vehicle fitness test centres to open across Delhi: Kejriwal

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-removes-bsp-leader-from-post-for-rahul-gandhi-comment-152345">Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati has removed party vice-chairperson and national coordinator Jaiprakash Singh </a>after he called Congress president Rahul Gandhi unfit for the prime ministerial post.

Singh slammed the BJP for playing vote politics in the name of ''cow, river Ganga and cow dunk,'' and also said that if country is afraid of Prime Minister Narendra Modi then he's afraid of BSP supremo Mayawati.&nbsp

"If this country is afraid of Modi then Modi is afraid of Mayawati. There is nothing wrong with them. The problem is with the voters of this nation. They ask for votes in the name of cow, river Ganga and cow dunk,"Jaiprakash Singh said while addressing a public gathering here.

"They say that make cow your mother. However, on other hand, they send their own mother to old age homes. No. A cow can be a good and innocent animal. She can eat less and give more milk, but a cow can never be anybody's mother. A mother is someone who has given birth to us," he added.

Besides BJP, Singh also criticised the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress while urging people to "stop begging."

"They say that we will give free laptop, mobile and internet data. They give wheat for Rs 2 per kg. But Mayawati says no, we will give you education and job and then you will not have to eat Rs 2 per kg rice as you can also afford to buy rice for Rs 200 per kg. Stop begging," he said.

Later, he claimed that Congress president Rahul Gandhi can never get successful in Indian politics.

"I can bet on this that Rahul Gandhi can never get successful in Indian politics. This country has only one alternative. That is Mayawati," Singh said while calling her as 'living goddess.'

Singh urged people to make Mayawati as the Prime Minister of India and claimed that she will give arms to everyone in the country for self-defence.

"Can you get armors in the name of Army? Without armors, there can't be any Army. If you want arms then there is only one option, which is politics. Make Mayawati the Prime Minister of this country. Just like how she gave arms license to all in Uttar Pradesh, similarly, she will allow arms to all for self-defence and not to harm anybody. Mayawati is a living god," he said.

"If this country is afraid of Modi then Modi is afraid of Mayawati

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati has removed party vice-chairperson and national coordinator Jaiprakash Singh after he called Congress president Rahul Gandhi unfit for the prime ministerial post. Singh slammed the BJP for playing vote politics in the name of ''cow, river Ganga and cow dunk,'' and also said that if country is afraid of Prime Minister Narendra Modi then he's afraid of BSP supremo Mayawati. "If this country is afraid of Modi then Modi is afraid of Mayawati. There is nothing wrong with them. The problem is with the voters of this nation. They ask for votes in the name of cow, river Ganga and cow dunk,"Jaiprakash Singh said while addressing a public gathering here. "They say that make cow your mother. However, on other hand, they send their own mother to old age homes. No. A cow can be a good and innocent animal. She can eat less and give more milk, but a cow can never be anybody's mother. A mother is someone who has given birth to us," he added. Besides BJP, Singh also criticised the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress while urging people to "stop begging." "They say that we will give free laptop, mobile and internet data. They give wheat for Rs 2 per kg. But Mayawati says no, we will give you education and job and then you will not have to eat Rs 2 per kg rice as you can also afford to buy rice for Rs 200 per kg. Stop begging," he said. Later, he claimed that Congress president Rahul Gandhi can never get successful in Indian politics. "I can bet on this that Rahul Gandhi can never get successful in Indian politics. This country has only one alternative. That is Mayawati," Singh said while calling her as 'living goddess.' Singh urged people to make Mayawati as the Prime Minister of India and claimed that she will give arms to everyone in the country for self-defence. "Can you get armors in the name of Army? Without armors, there can't be any Army. If you want arms then there is only one option, which is politics. Make Mayawati the Prime Minister of this country. Just like how she gave arms license to all in Uttar Pradesh, similarly, she will allow arms to all for self-defence and not to harm anybody. Mayawati is a living god," he said.

If this country is afraid of Modi then Modi is afraid of Mayawati: Jaiprakash Singh

We have been witnessing a lot of drama post Karnataka assembly elections outcome. BJP had emerged as the single largest party in the elections with 104 seats, however, the rival Congress - with 78 seats in the kitty, acted promptly and allied with JD(S), which had secured 37 seats.

Furthermore, the Congress announced JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy as coalition's chief ministerial candidate - an offer JD(S) could not have said no to.

Subsquently, the coalition won the trust vote in the state assembly. BS Yeddyurappa, who initially took oath as the chief minister, conceded defeat with an emotional speech and resigned from his post.&nbsp;

Soon after Kumaraswamy took oath as the chief minister and the coalition government came into existence, BJP had predicted a fallout between the two parties. "We will not try to indulge in any attempt to destabilise the coalition government. They will fight and fall on their own. There is no need for us to do anything,” Yeddyurappa had said.&nbsp;

Last week, Kumaraswamy broke down during a public event&nbsp;and said he was not happy being in the top post. His public outburst was taken as an indication of a growing rift within the coalition.&nbsp; 
 
This was not the first time when Kumaraswamy expressed his displeasure as the chief minister. Earlier in May, the coalition head had said that he was at mercy of the Congress,&nbsp;because JD(S) did not get an absolute majority.&nbsp;

His statements, that too public ones, are a clear indicator of the fact that Kumaraswamy was never content with forming a coalition government. The chief minister knew that he had certain compulsions and before taking any decision he would have to seek the consent of Congress.

Meanwhile, JD(S) has refuted the reports of any strain between the two coalition partners, saying Kumaraswamy's reaction was just an emotional outburst. Congress, which seems to be frustrated and stressed, is blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party of playing dirty politics.

However, it’s noteworthy that Kumaraswamy has not come up with any clarification or official statement as yet.

Going forward

The first signs of trouble in paradise reared its head when there was a tussle between the two parties over distribution of portfolios. After that - when Kumaraswamy presented his first budget on July 5 and proposed tax hike on petrol and diesel.

This did not go down well with the congress and some party leaders wrote to the chief minister, asking him to withdraw the proposal. The Congress also claimed that budget had nothing stored for the northern parts of state.

It was a godsend for both Congress and JD(S) that they could form government in Karnataka, despite BJP emerging as the single largest party. They came together keeping aside their differences.

As political analysts suggest, Kumaraswamy should remain strong and avoid public breakdowns, because this gives wrong signal about its coalition partner.

Moreover, Kumaraswamy, who is committed to fulfill his poll promise of waiving of all the debts of state farmers, should have consulted Congress before announcing a loan waiver of Rs 44, 700 (initially Rs 34, 000 loan waiver, followed by an additional crop loan waiver of Rs 10,700 from cooperative banks).

Experts say waiving off such a huge amount could harm the fiscal management of the state.

Congress too should understand that criticising the chief minister in public will only give the opposition a reason to attack the coalition government. Congress leaders should support and respect Kumaraswamy as the coalition head if they want this government to run successfully. In particular, former chief minister Siddaramaiah need to shun his alleged dictatorial attitude.

If Congress and JD(S) want this coalition to complete the 5-year term, then they should stop washing dirty linen in public.&nbsp;There is, therefore, an urgent need for both the parties to sit and sort out their differences and establish a strong partnership.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

The first signs of trouble in paradise reared its head when there was a tussle between the two parties over distribution of portfolios. After that - when Kumaraswamy presented his first budget on July 5 and proposed tax hike on petrol and diesel.

We have been witnessing a lot of drama post Karnataka assembly elections outcome. BJP had emerged as the single largest party in the elections with 104 seats, however, the rival Congress - with 78 seats in the kitty, acted promptly and allied with JD(S), which had secured 37 seats. Furthermore, the Congress announced JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy as coalition's chief ministerial candidate - an offer JD(S) could not have said no to. Subsquently, the coalition won the trust vote in the state assembly. BS Yeddyurappa, who initially took oath as the chief minister, conceded defeat with an emotional speech and resigned from his post. Soon after Kumaraswamy took oath as the chief minister and the coalition government came into existence, BJP had predicted a fallout between the two parties. "We will not try to indulge in any attempt to destabilise the coalition government. They will fight and fall on their own. There is no need for us to do anything,” Yeddyurappa had said. Last week, Kumaraswamy broke down during a public event and said he was not happy being in the top post. His public outburst was taken as an indication of a growing rift within the coalition. This was not the first time when Kumaraswamy expressed his displeasure as the chief minister. Earlier in May, the coalition head had said that he was at mercy of the Congress, because JD(S) did not get an absolute majority. His statements, that too public ones, are a clear indicator of the fact that Kumaraswamy was never content with forming a coalition government. The chief minister knew that he had certain compulsions and before taking any decision he would have to seek the consent of Congress. Meanwhile, JD(S) has refuted the reports of any strain between the two coalition partners, saying Kumaraswamy's reaction was just an emotional outburst. Congress, which seems to be frustrated and stressed, is blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party of playing dirty politics. However, it’s noteworthy that Kumaraswamy has not come up with any clarification or official statement as yet. Going forward The first signs of trouble in paradise reared its head when there was a tussle between the two parties over distribution of portfolios. After that - when Kumaraswamy presented his first budget on July 5 and proposed tax hike on petrol and diesel. This did not go down well with the congress and some party leaders wrote to the chief minister, asking him to withdraw the proposal. The Congress also claimed that budget had nothing stored for the northern parts of state. It was a godsend for both Congress and JD(S) that they could form government in Karnataka, despite BJP emerging as the single largest party. They came together keeping aside their differences. As political analysts suggest, Kumaraswamy should remain strong and avoid public breakdowns, because this gives wrong signal about its coalition partner. Moreover, Kumaraswamy, who is committed to fulfill his poll promise of waiving of all the debts of state farmers, should have consulted Congress before announcing a loan waiver of Rs 44, 700 (initially Rs 34, 000 loan waiver, followed by an additional crop loan waiver of Rs 10,700 from cooperative banks). Experts say waiving off such a huge amount could harm the fiscal management of the state. Congress too should understand that criticising the chief minister in public will only give the opposition a reason to attack the coalition government. Congress leaders should support and respect Kumaraswamy as the coalition head if they want this government to run successfully. In particular, former chief minister Siddaramaiah need to shun his alleged dictatorial attitude. If Congress and JD(S) want this coalition to complete the 5-year term, then they should stop washing dirty linen in public. There is, therefore, an urgent need for both the parties to sit and sort out their differences and establish a strong partnership. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Bumps along the way - it’s high time Congress and JD(S) iron out differences

By&nbsp;Kamalika Sen, Zee News Network

Coochbihar in North Bengal is a strategically important place for India. It is the gateway of Assam, Bhutan, Bangladesh. It has a&nbsp;550km border with Bangladesh out of which about 200 km has no fencing.

Changrabandha here is said to be one of the important integrated check posts through which over a lakh people travel to and fro to Bangladesh and more than 100 trucks ploy to Bangladesh every day.&nbsp;

Time and again, the Central Government has pointed out that Bengal has become a transit route for terrorists. Therefore, we planned to check the infrastructure and security measures of the northernmost important border, Changrabandha.

Changrabandha is two hours away from Siliguri. The Changrabandha station is the last station of India.

As we reached Changrabandha, we saw two tin-roofed huts standing desolate on the border. Inside the larger one, Bangladeshis were jostling one another to make to the immigration officer’s table. 
&nbsp; 
Indian passport holders had to report to two immigration officials, sitting outside the second hut with a swarm of unlicensed money changers for company. 
&nbsp; 
In the absence of x-ray machines, the officer goes through every piece of the luggage, leaving you to repack them with various hues of middlemen and curious onlookers gawking. 
&nbsp; 
"Poor infrastructure has totally chocked the post here. Even now, people have to stand under trees with the passports and visas to carry out formalities. People have repeatedly expressed anguish at the Centre for not developing the infrastructure here, it has now become the terror corridor. State Government, several times, have written to them, but the centre has done nothing," says North Bengal's development minister, Rabin Deb. 
&nbsp; 
Choton Das, a resident of this place, came and expressed their concern to us, they feel threatened to stay here, "You see there is no x-ray machine here, look at the condition of the immigration office... is it possible to check the trucks manually? Trucks go from here and we know a lot of illegal stuff too. Gold is smuggled from this place, we hear people going and coming at late night," he stated.&nbsp;

BSF is there but in comparison to the Petropole border, which is located in Bonga, less number of people are deployed here. BSF sources state there is no gate in this check post and less number of people deployed here is a huge problem.

Moreover, we met Riyaz Mia who came crossing the border from Bangladesh. Riyaz is a frequent visitor of India and shares that there is no place to sit this side and if medical patients come to India, there is no interim place where the patients can take rest.

Custom department officials state that their department is very much concerned about this region. They have sent a detailed report to the central government seeking infrastructural development.&nbsp;

This land port handles more than half, the nearly $6.5-billion, of the Indo-Bangla trade and a similar proportion of the 15 lakh people transiting between the two nations. But, this type of poor infrastructure is a cause of concern.

The Land Ports Authority under the Union Home Ministry decided to upgrade the Changrabandha Land Customs Station to a modern Integrated Check Post (ICP) in 2012 at an estimated cost of ₹64 crore. 
&nbsp; 
The West Bengal government has also has made the Changrabandha Development Board, but the officials say it is not their arena to upgrade the infrastructure in this check post and they are waiting for the central government to act on the same.

Standing here in Changrabandha, one question that comes up is why the government, the agencies are not acting to the situation here. Blame games continue between the centre and the state about the illegal Bangladeshi migrants and terror route, still why no action? We hope things will change.

Blame games continue between the centre and the state about the illegal Bangladeshi migrants and terror route, still why no action?

By Kamalika Sen, Zee News Network Coochbihar in North Bengal is a strategically important place for India. It is the gateway of Assam, Bhutan, Bangladesh. It has a 550km border with Bangladesh out of which about 200 km has no fencing. Changrabandha here is said to be one of the important integrated check posts through which over a lakh people travel to and fro to Bangladesh and more than 100 trucks ploy to Bangladesh every day. Time and again, the Central Government has pointed out that Bengal has become a transit route for terrorists. Therefore, we planned to check the infrastructure and security measures of the northernmost important border, Changrabandha. Changrabandha is two hours away from Siliguri. The Changrabandha station is the last station of India. As we reached Changrabandha, we saw two tin-roofed huts standing desolate on the border. Inside the larger one, Bangladeshis were jostling one another to make to the immigration officer’s table. Indian passport holders had to report to two immigration officials, sitting outside the second hut with a swarm of unlicensed money changers for company. In the absence of x-ray machines, the officer goes through every piece of the luggage, leaving you to repack them with various hues of middlemen and curious onlookers gawking. "Poor infrastructure has totally chocked the post here. Even now, people have to stand under trees with the passports and visas to carry out formalities. People have repeatedly expressed anguish at the Centre for not developing the infrastructure here, it has now become the terror corridor. State Government, several times, have written to them, but the centre has done nothing," says North Bengal's development minister, Rabin Deb. Choton Das, a resident of this place, came and expressed their concern to us, they feel threatened to stay here, "You see there is no x-ray machine here, look at the condition of the immigration office... is it possible to check the trucks manually? Trucks go from here and we know a lot of illegal stuff too. Gold is smuggled from this place, we hear people going and coming at late night," he stated. BSF is there but in comparison to the Petropole border, which is located in Bonga, less number of people are deployed here. BSF sources state there is no gate in this check post and less number of people deployed here is a huge problem. Moreover, we met Riyaz Mia who came crossing the border from Bangladesh. Riyaz is a frequent visitor of India and shares that there is no place to sit this side and if medical patients come to India, there is no interim place where the patients can take rest. Custom department officials state that their department is very much concerned about this region. They have sent a detailed report to the central government seeking infrastructural development. This land port handles more than half, the nearly $6.5-billion, of the Indo-Bangla trade and a similar proportion of the 15 lakh people transiting between the two nations. But, this type of poor infrastructure is a cause of concern. The Land Ports Authority under the Union Home Ministry decided to upgrade the Changrabandha Land Customs Station to a modern Integrated Check Post (ICP) in 2012 at an estimated cost of ₹64 crore. The West Bengal government has also has made the Changrabandha Development Board, but the officials say it is not their arena to upgrade the infrastructure in this check post and they are waiting for the central government to act on the same. Standing here in Changrabandha, one question that comes up is why the government, the agencies are not acting to the situation here. Blame games continue between the centre and the state about the illegal Bangladeshi migrants and terror route, still why no action? We hope things will change.

Ground report: On Indo-Bangladesh border, Changrabandha is both trade and terror spot

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday asked the BJP and the Congress the message it was sending out to the Muslims in the country.&nbsp;

Owaisi asked if the usage of "Muslim word will lead to polarisation"?

"The most unfortunate thing that has come out of recent controversy of Muslims not being part of this party or that party, statements of Cong president and PM Modi. What is the message you're sending to Muslims, that the usage of the Muslim word will lead to polarisation, it's a dirty word?" Owaisi stated.&nbsp;

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The most unfortunate thing that has come out of recent controversy of Muslims not being part of this party or that party, statements of Cong pres & PM, what is the message you're sending to Muslims, that usage of Muslim word will lead to polarisation, it's a dirty word?: A Owaisi <a href="https://t.co/Oz8HCZFZEJ">pic.twitter.com/Oz8HCZFZEJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1019127729286008832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He further asked how many recruitments from the minority communities took place in the last four years.&nbsp;

"In the last four years, whether Railways, Paramilitary Forces, how many recruitments of minorities took place? In PM's 15 point programme, it's said in point 10 that recruitment to state and central services or police, the government will be advised to give special consideration to minorities," Owaisi added. &nbsp;

A group of Muslim intellectuals had recently met with Gandhi, after which an Urdu newspaper — Inquilaab — quoted Gandhi as having told them the "Congress is a Muslim party".&nbsp;

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In last 4 yrs, whether Railways, Paramilitary Forces, how many recruitments of minorities took place? In PM's 15 point programme, it's said in point 10 that recruitment to state¢ral services or police, govt will be advised to give special consideration to minorities: A Owaisi <a href="https://t.co/696kemJGFH">pic.twitter.com/696kemJGFH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1019126762746400768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The BJP was quick to pick on the report with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launching attacks on Gandhi. "I read in the newspapers that naamdaar (entitled) said the Congress is a party of the Muslims. I am not surprised... When the previous prime minister was in charge, he said openly that the first use of natural resources should be with Muslims," Modi said in UP's Azamgarh.

"You can't be janeu-dhari (Hindu who wears the sacred thread) at one point... Muslim-dhari at another... This is playing with the people's trust," Sitharaman said at a press conference in Delhi.&nbsp;

In his <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/religion-caste-matter-little-to-me-rahul-gandhi-amidst-congress-is-muslim-party-row-152352">reaction to the row</a>, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday tweeted out saying, "I stand with the last person in the line. The exploited, marginalised and the persecuted. Their religion, caste or beliefs matter little to me."

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I stand with the last person in the line. The exploited, marginalised and the persecuted. Their religion, caste or beliefs matter little to me. 
 
I seek out those in pain and embrace them. I erase hatred and fear. 
 
I love all living beings. 
 
I am the Congress.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1019116350474776577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He added, "I seek out those in pain and embrace them. I erase hatred and fear. I love all living beings. I am the Congress."&nbsp;

The comments are being seen as a riposted to the "Congress is a Muslim party" allegation against Gandhi.&nbsp;

He further asked how many recruitments from the minority communities took place in the last four years.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday asked the BJP and the Congress the message it was sending out to the Muslims in the country. Owaisi asked if the usage of "Muslim word will lead to polarisation"? "The most unfortunate thing that has come out of recent controversy of Muslims not being part of this party or that party, statements of Cong president and PM Modi. What is the message you're sending to Muslims, that the usage of the Muslim word will lead to polarisation, it's a dirty word?" Owaisi stated. The most unfortunate thing that has come out of recent controversy of Muslims not being part of this party or that party, statements of Cong pres & PM, what is the message you're sending to Muslims, that usage of Muslim word will lead to polarisation, it's a dirty word?: A Owaisi pic.twitter.com/Oz8HCZFZEJ — ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2018 × He further asked how many recruitments from the minority communities took place in the last four years. "In the last four years, whether Railways, Paramilitary Forces, how many recruitments of minorities took place? In PM's 15 point programme, it's said in point 10 that recruitment to state and central services or police, the government will be advised to give special consideration to minorities," Owaisi added. A group of Muslim intellectuals had recently met with Gandhi, after which an Urdu newspaper — Inquilaab — quoted Gandhi as having told them the "Congress is a Muslim party". In last 4 yrs, whether Railways, Paramilitary Forces, how many recruitments of minorities took place? In PM's 15 point programme, it's said in point 10 that recruitment to state¢ral services or police, govt will be advised to give special consideration to minorities: A Owaisi pic.twitter.com/696kemJGFH — ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2018 × The BJP was quick to pick on the report with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launching attacks on Gandhi. "I read in the newspapers that naamdaar (entitled) said the Congress is a party of the Muslims. I am not surprised... When the previous prime minister was in charge, he said openly that the first use of natural resources should be with Muslims," Modi said in UP's Azamgarh. "You can't be janeu-dhari (Hindu who wears the sacred thread) at one point... Muslim-dhari at another... This is playing with the people's trust," Sitharaman said at a press conference in Delhi. In his reaction to the row, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday tweeted out saying, "I stand with the last person in the line. The exploited, marginalised and the persecuted. Their religion, caste or beliefs matter little to me." I stand with the last person in the line. The exploited, marginalised and the persecuted. Their religion, caste or beliefs matter little to me. I seek out those in pain and embrace them. I erase hatred and fear. I love all living beings. I am the Congress. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 17, 2018 × He added, "I seek out those in pain and embrace them. I erase hatred and fear. I love all living beings. I am the Congress." The comments are being seen as a riposted to the "Congress is a Muslim party" allegation against Gandhi.

Asaduddin Owaisi to BJP, Congress: What message are you sending to Muslims?

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Maneka Gandhi, has instructed all states to inspect child care homes run by Missionaries of Charity.&nbsp;

The move followed recent reports of illegal adoptions carried out by Missionaries of Charity in Jharkhand.&nbsp;

A nun and some employees of an organisation in Ranchi, run by Missionaries of Charity, were arrested by the Jharkhand Police on July 5 for allegedly selling a baby for over a lakh rupees.&nbsp;

On July 5, the Jharkhand Police had arrested a nun and an employee on charges of selling a baby allegedly for Rs 1.2 lakh.

According to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, registration of CCIs and their linking with the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is mandatory, but some orphanages have challenged the validity of the clause, an official in the Women and Child Development Ministry said.

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Taking cognizance of the recent cases of illegal adoptions carried out by Missionaries of Charity in Jharkhand, Min of Women&Child Development,Maneka Gandhi has instructed the states to get child care homes run by Missionaries of Charity all over the country inspected immediately <a href="https://t.co/FwkWHBePJ4">pic.twitter.com/FwkWHBePJ4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1019053427782029312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to news agency ANI, Maneka Gandhi ordered state governments to register all child care institutions (CCI) and link them to the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) within a month's time.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C6E_6UL7lOk" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Gandhi has expressed displeasure over the fact that the children in the 2,300 institutions linked to CARA are yet to be brought under an adoption system. According to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), 2,32,937 children are currently under the care of CCIs -- both registered and unregistered -- in the country.&nbsp;

The order comes after reports of illegal adoptions carried out by the Missionaries of Charity in Jharkhand.

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Maneka Gandhi, has instructed all states to inspect child care homes run by Missionaries of Charity. The move followed recent reports of illegal adoptions carried out by Missionaries of Charity in Jharkhand. A nun and some employees of an organisation in Ranchi, run by Missionaries of Charity, were arrested by the Jharkhand Police on July 5 for allegedly selling a baby for over a lakh rupees. On July 5, the Jharkhand Police had arrested a nun and an employee on charges of selling a baby allegedly for Rs 1.2 lakh. According to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, registration of CCIs and their linking with the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is mandatory, but some orphanages have challenged the validity of the clause, an official in the Women and Child Development Ministry said. Taking cognizance of the recent cases of illegal adoptions carried out by Missionaries of Charity in Jharkhand, Min of Women&Child Development,Maneka Gandhi has instructed the states to get child care homes run by Missionaries of Charity all over the country inspected immediately pic.twitter.com/FwkWHBePJ4 — ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2018 × According to news agency ANI, Maneka Gandhi ordered state governments to register all child care institutions (CCI) and link them to the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) within a month's time. Gandhi has expressed displeasure over the fact that the children in the 2,300 institutions linked to CARA are yet to be brought under an adoption system. According to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), 2,32,937 children are currently under the care of CCIs -- both registered and unregistered -- in the country.

All child care homes run by Missionaries of Charity to be inspected: Maneka Gandhi

"I stand with the last person in the line," Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Tuesday. "The exploited, marginalised and the persecuted. Their religion, caste or beliefs matter little to me."&nbsp;

He added, "I seek out those in pain and embrace them. I erase hatred and fear. I love all living beings. I am the Congress."&nbsp;

The comments are being seen as a riposted to the "Congress is a Muslim party" allegation against Gandhi.&nbsp;

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I stand with the last person in the line. The exploited, marginalised and the persecuted. Their religion, caste or beliefs matter little to me. 
 
I seek out those in pain and embrace them. I erase hatred and fear. 
 
I love all living beings. 
 
I am the Congress.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1019116350474776577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A group of Muslim intellectuals had recently met with Gandhi, after which an Urdu newspaper — Inquilaab — quoted Gandhi as having told them the "Congress is a Muslim party".&nbsp;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-prasad-questions-rahuls-silence-over-muslim-party-remark-151971">BJP</a> was quick to pick on the report with Prime Minster Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launching attacks on Gandhi. "I read in the newspapers that naamdaar (entitled) said the Congress is a party of the Muslims. I am not surprised... When the previous prime minister was in charge, he said openly that the first use of natural resources should be with Muslims," Modi said in UP's Azamgarh.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-party-row-rahul-has-exposed-congress-real-face-says-javadekar-152141">Rahul has exposed Congress' real face, says Javadekar</a>

"You can't be janeu-dhari (Hindu who wears the sacred thread) at one point... Muslim-dhari at another... This is playing with the people's trust," Sitharaman said at a press conference in Delhi.&nbsp;

Sitharaman added that Gandhi was dividing the country along religious lines, and that the Congress would be responsible for any communal disturbances that might break out in the run up to the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

Most of the Muslim intellectuals have since said Gandhi never made the "Congress is a Muslim party" comment.&nbsp;

The Inquilaab reporter however has stood by his report. News reports quoted him as saying what Gandhi had said had been nuanced.

And that Rahul had not said "Congress is a Muslim party" but that "Congress is a party of Muslims".&nbsp;

A group of Muslim intellectuals had recently met with Gandhi, after which an Urdu newspaper quoted Gandhi as having told them the 'Congress is a Muslim party'. The BJP was quick to latch on to the purported remark

"I stand with the last person in the line," Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Tuesday. "The exploited, marginalised and the persecuted. Their religion, caste or beliefs matter little to me." He added, "I seek out those in pain and embrace them. I erase hatred and fear. I love all living beings. I am the Congress." The comments are being seen as a riposted to the "Congress is a Muslim party" allegation against Gandhi. I stand with the last person in the line. The exploited, marginalised and the persecuted. Their religion, caste or beliefs matter little to me. I seek out those in pain and embrace them. I erase hatred and fear. I love all living beings. I am the Congress. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 17, 2018 × A group of Muslim intellectuals had recently met with Gandhi, after which an Urdu newspaper — Inquilaab — quoted Gandhi as having told them the "Congress is a Muslim party". The BJP was quick to pick on the report with Prime Minster Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launching attacks on Gandhi. "I read in the newspapers that naamdaar (entitled) said the Congress is a party of the Muslims. I am not surprised... When the previous prime minister was in charge, he said openly that the first use of natural resources should be with Muslims," Modi said in UP's Azamgarh. Also read: Rahul has exposed Congress' real face, says Javadekar "You can't be janeu-dhari (Hindu who wears the sacred thread) at one point... Muslim-dhari at another... This is playing with the people's trust," Sitharaman said at a press conference in Delhi. Sitharaman added that Gandhi was dividing the country along religious lines, and that the Congress would be responsible for any communal disturbances that might break out in the run up to the 2019 elections. Most of the Muslim intellectuals have since said Gandhi never made the "Congress is a Muslim party" comment. The Inquilaab reporter however has stood by his report. News reports quoted him as saying what Gandhi had said had been nuanced. And that Rahul had not said "Congress is a Muslim party" but that "Congress is a party of Muslims".

Religion, caste matter little to me: Rahul Gandhi amid 'Congress is Muslim party' row

National highways authority of India has planned to build a road through the Bannerghatta National Park. This project will affect 104 Square kilometers area of the biodiversity hot spot.

Bengaluru: Government mulls road through national park

The Aam Aadmi Party has announced its chief ministerial candidate for Madhya Pradesh ahead of the assembly polls. Alok Agrawal was named the chief ministerial candidate by party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday.

"Agrawal is going to be the party's chief ministerial candidate," Kejriwal said at a party meeting.

"We can teach the Madhya Pradesh chief minister how to improve the functioning of government schools. I am ready to send Delhi education minister Manish Sisodia to MP for some time," Kejriwal targetted Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Kejriwal also talked about the condition of government schools in Madhya Pradesh and described it as worrisome. Kejriwal also stated that people in Madhya Pradesh are paying three times for electricity as compared to Delhi.

Alok Agarwal, who is also the party state convener, released the party's election manifesto. Printed on a Rs 100 stamp paper, the manifesto contained 30 agendas for the state with a promise&nbsp;to include Rs 1,500 to 3,000 monthly assistance for unemployed youths and a full farm loan waiver.

51-year-old Agrawal is an IIT Kanpur alumnus. He was earlier associated with the Narmada Bachao Andolan. The AAP does not have any MLA in Madhya Pradesh. The state will go to polls by the end of this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

51-year-old Agrawal is an IIT Kanpur alumnus. He was earlier associated with the Narmada Bachao Andolan.

The Aam Aadmi Party has announced its chief ministerial candidate for Madhya Pradesh ahead of the assembly polls. Alok Agrawal was named the chief ministerial candidate by party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday. "Agrawal is going to be the party's chief ministerial candidate," Kejriwal said at a party meeting. "We can teach the Madhya Pradesh chief minister how to improve the functioning of government schools. I am ready to send Delhi education minister Manish Sisodia to MP for some time," Kejriwal targetted Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Kejriwal also talked about the condition of government schools in Madhya Pradesh and described it as worrisome. Kejriwal also stated that people in Madhya Pradesh are paying three times for electricity as compared to Delhi. Alok Agarwal, who is also the party state convener, released the party's election manifesto. Printed on a Rs 100 stamp paper, the manifesto contained 30 agendas for the state with a promise to include Rs 1,500 to 3,000 monthly assistance for unemployed youths and a full farm loan waiver. 51-year-old Agrawal is an IIT Kanpur alumnus. He was earlier associated with the Narmada Bachao Andolan. The AAP does not have any MLA in Madhya Pradesh. The state will go to polls by the end of this year. (With inputs from PTI)

Madhya Pradesh polls: AAP announces Alok Agrawal as CM candidate

Workers of Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathna, a farmers' organisation, stopped milk supplying vehicles near Pune on Monday morning and prevented milk from being supplied to nearby cities.&nbsp

The organisation is demanding price hike for milk farmers.

''The government says that milk would be brought from other states, especially Gujarat and Karnataka. We'll start a 'Satyagraha' and ensure that no milk is brought to from outside. It's the tactic of the government to disrupt protest,'' said R Shetti, Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathna leader and MP.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>: Workers of Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathna, a farmers' organisation, stopped vehicles near Pune early morning today, and prevented milk from being supplied to nearby cities. The organisation is demanding price hike for milk farmers. <a href="https://t.co/z2a1D6YwMX">pic.twitter.com/z2a1D6YwMX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1018717963426390018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Regarding yesterday's Nagpur incident, he said ''Onus of Nagpur incident falls on state government and the police. Protests were to begin at 12 am today but police started detaining workers from yesterday morning. The police also went to farmers' houses and verbally abused women. They reacted. We want to protest peacefully,'' Shetti added.

Even though the strike was scheduled to begin from July 16, matters went out of hand on Sunday after a Nagpur-bound milk tanker was stoned in Amravati district. Ravikant Tupkar, state president of SSS, said, “No milk tanker will be allowed to enter Maharashtra. If someone tries to enter the state under police cover, our activists will create a law and order situation.”

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Govt says that milk would be brought from other states, especially Gujarat & Karnataka. We'll start a 'Satyagraha' & ensure that no milk is brought to from outside. It's the tactic of the govt to disrupt protest by doing this: R Shetti, Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathna leader & MP <a href="https://t.co/dcEf0hB349">pic.twitter.com/dcEf0hB349</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1018723968256303104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Even though the strike was scheduled to begin from July 16, matters went out of hand on Sunday after a Nagpur-bound milk tanker was stoned in Amravati district.

Workers of Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathna, a farmers' organisation, stopped milk supplying vehicles near Pune on Monday morning and prevented milk from being supplied to nearby cities. The organisation is demanding price hike for milk farmers. ''The government says that milk would be brought from other states, especially Gujarat and Karnataka. We'll start a 'Satyagraha' and ensure that no milk is brought to from outside. It's the tactic of the government to disrupt protest,'' said R Shetti, Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathna leader and MP. #Maharashtra: Workers of Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathna, a farmers' organisation, stopped vehicles near Pune early morning today, and prevented milk from being supplied to nearby cities. The organisation is demanding price hike for milk farmers. pic.twitter.com/z2a1D6YwMX — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2018 × Regarding yesterday's Nagpur incident, he said ''Onus of Nagpur incident falls on state government and the police. Protests were to begin at 12 am today but police started detaining workers from yesterday morning. The police also went to farmers' houses and verbally abused women. They reacted. We want to protest peacefully,'' Shetti added. Even though the strike was scheduled to begin from July 16, matters went out of hand on Sunday after a Nagpur-bound milk tanker was stoned in Amravati district. Ravikant Tupkar, state president of SSS, said, “No milk tanker will be allowed to enter Maharashtra. If someone tries to enter the state under police cover, our activists will create a law and order situation.” Govt says that milk would be brought from other states, especially Gujarat & Karnataka. We'll start a 'Satyagraha' & ensure that no milk is brought to from outside. It's the tactic of the govt to disrupt protest by doing this: R Shetti, Swabhimani Shetkari Sangathna leader & MP pic.twitter.com/dcEf0hB349 — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2018 ×

Maharashtra: Milk farmers demand price hike, say will ensure no milk is brought to state from outside

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said that for his demand for special status for Bihar, he has been receiving support from all political parties.

"We have been demanding special status for Bihar since 2006. The report of 14th Finance Commission indicated that special status is not required so we are pursuing the matter and will put it forward before the 15th Finance Commission," Nitish Kumar said while addressing a 'Lok Samvad' programme here.

"All parties in the state have supported the demand for special status for Bihar. We will keep forward our demand as we have our own logic in demanding special status," he added.

Talking about the meeting of President Ram Nath Kovind and Janata Dal (United) leader Ashok Choudhary at Rashtrapati Bhavan last week to discuss the issue, Nitish Kumar said to reports that the President reacted positively to the discussion.&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had put forth the demand for granting Special Status to his state on June 17.

Regarding the special status issue, Nitish claimed that this was necessary, as Bihar lagged behind on several key areas of human development like per capita income, education, health, electricity, institutional finance and others.

(With inputs from ANI)

"All parties in the state have supported the demand for special status for Bihar. We will keep forward our demand as we have our own logic in demanding special status," he said

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said that for his demand for special status for Bihar, he has been receiving support from all political parties. "We have been demanding special status for Bihar since 2006. The report of 14th Finance Commission indicated that special status is not required so we are pursuing the matter and will put it forward before the 15th Finance Commission," Nitish Kumar said while addressing a 'Lok Samvad' programme here. "All parties in the state have supported the demand for special status for Bihar. We will keep forward our demand as we have our own logic in demanding special status," he added. Talking about the meeting of President Ram Nath Kovind and Janata Dal (United) leader Ashok Choudhary at Rashtrapati Bhavan last week to discuss the issue, Nitish Kumar said to reports that the President reacted positively to the discussion. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had put forth the demand for granting Special Status to his state on June 17. Regarding the special status issue, Nitish claimed that this was necessary, as Bihar lagged behind on several key areas of human development like per capita income, education, health, electricity, institutional finance and others. (With inputs from ANI)

All Bihar political parties in support of special status demand: Nitish Kumar

The Centre today sought a report from the West Bengal government on the collapse of a makeshift tent at the venue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Midnapore in which at least 67 people were injured.

The tent was erected next to the main entrance of the rally venue to shelter people from the rain, and the incident happened when Modi was mid-way through his speech.

"The Centre has sought a report from the West Bengal government on the tent collapse incident in Midnapore in which several people were injured," a home ministry spokesperson said.

The prime minister saw the tent collapsing during his speech and immediately instructed special protection group personnel standing near him to look after the people and attend to the injured, officials said.

P Kundu, the principal of the government-run West Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, said 67 people including 13 women were admitted after the incident but no one was seriously injured.

Modi also visited the injured at the hospital later.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government would provide all medical assistance to those injured in the incident.

"We pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured at the Midnapore rally today. The government is giving all help for medical treatment," Banerjee wrote on her Twitter handle.&nbsp;

The tent was erected next to the main entrance of the rally venue to shelter people from the rain, and the incident happened when Modi was mid-way through his speech

The Centre today sought a report from the West Bengal government on the collapse of a makeshift tent at the venue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Midnapore in which at least 67 people were injured. The tent was erected next to the main entrance of the rally venue to shelter people from the rain, and the incident happened when Modi was mid-way through his speech. "The Centre has sought a report from the West Bengal government on the tent collapse incident in Midnapore in which several people were injured," a home ministry spokesperson said. The prime minister saw the tent collapsing during his speech and immediately instructed special protection group personnel standing near him to look after the people and attend to the injured, officials said. P Kundu, the principal of the government-run West Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, said 67 people including 13 women were admitted after the incident but no one was seriously injured. Modi also visited the injured at the hospital later. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government would provide all medical assistance to those injured in the incident. "We pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured at the Midnapore rally today. The government is giving all help for medical treatment," Banerjee wrote on her Twitter handle.

Centre seeks report from government on tent collapse incident in PM rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India is no longer considered to be among the 'Fragile Five' and is now considered as the world's fastest-growing economy.

"Gone are the days when India was considered to be among the 'Fragile Five'. Today, we are the fastest growing economy in the world. Powered by the 125 Crore people of India, we will grow even faster," he said while addressing the valedictory function at the New India Conclave here.

Stressing the importance of infrastructure, the Prime Minister said, "India needs great road infrastructure-Bharatmala is building thousands of km of roads. India needs port-led development-Sagarmala is helping build infrastructure. India needs to go digital in public service delivery - JAM trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number) is there."

He further noted that the Centre's Skill India mission will help create a pool of skilled talent in the country, thus furthering its growth.

"India needs villages connected with i-ways - we have laid 2.7 lakh km of optical fibre network connecting more than a lakh Gram Panchayats," he&nbsp 
added.

Assuring the youth of employment and empowerment, the Prime Minister promised to bring in more industries that will create better employment opportunities for the youth.

"When we bring more FDI, we create more industries in India. When we create more industries, we create more employment opportunities. When we create more employment opportunities, we empower the youth to improve their future."

He further assured that New India would give rise to a country where the power of hope would prevail over mindless hate, and where 125 crore Indians would write their own destiny.

'Gone are the days when India was considered to be among the 'Fragile Five'. Today, we are the fastest growing economy in the world,' says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India is no longer considered to be among the 'Fragile Five' and is now considered as the world's fastest-growing economy. "Gone are the days when India was considered to be among the 'Fragile Five'. Today, we are the fastest growing economy in the world. Powered by the 125 Crore people of India, we will grow even faster," he said while addressing the valedictory function at the New India Conclave here. Stressing the importance of infrastructure, the Prime Minister said, "India needs great road infrastructure-Bharatmala is building thousands of km of roads. India needs port-led development-Sagarmala is helping build infrastructure. India needs to go digital in public service delivery - JAM trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar & Mobile number) is there." He further noted that the Centre's Skill India mission will help create a pool of skilled talent in the country, thus furthering its growth. "India needs villages connected with i-ways - we have laid 2.7 lakh km of optical fibre network connecting more than a lakh Gram Panchayats," he added. Assuring the youth of employment and empowerment, the Prime Minister promised to bring in more industries that will create better employment opportunities for the youth. "When we bring more FDI, we create more industries in India. When we create more industries, we create more employment opportunities. When we create more employment opportunities, we empower the youth to improve their future." He further assured that New India would give rise to a country where the power of hope would prevail over mindless hate, and where 125 crore Indians would write their own destiny.

India no long among 'fragile five': PM Modi

A farmers' organisation in Madhya Pradesh has said it will campaign against 112 legislators, who belong to various parties, for their "failure" to take up the issues of cultivators.

Farmers would be asked to evaluate the works done by MLAs for their welfare, and cast votes "tactically" in the state Assembly elections due later this year, Aam Kisan Union leader Kedar Sirohi told PTI.

"We have identified 112 MLAs, who were elected from rural areas but never asked a question on the issues of farmers in the Assembly," he said.

The strategy is to focus on MLAs whose victory margin was less than 5,000 votes in the last state polls, he said.

Out of the 112 legislators identified by the organisation, 86 are of the BJP, 24 of the Congress and two are Independents, Sirohi said.

"Our (union) leaders will not go to every village of the identified constituencies, but they will visit only 20 villages having sizable farmers' population in each Assembly segment. We will interact with farmers and talk about their issues to convince them to vote tactically," he said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had last month said that his government deposited over Rs 35,000 crore into the accounts of farmers as part of various state-run schemes over the past one year. 
Sirohi said their organisation was not against any government or political outfit.

"Farmers from rural areas elect representatives to raise their problems in the Assembly. But, instead of raising the farmers' problems, legislators speak and talk at the behest of their party leadership," he alleged.

Farmers in MP have collectively lost Rs 22,000 crore due to the 'Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana' and there has been a loss of Rs 33,000 crore due to damage of crops in natural calamities, Sirohi claimed.

But, farmers across the state have been paid only Rs 5,300 crore under the crop insurance scheme, he said.

The Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana is a direct benefit transfer scheme under which farmers are paid the difference between the modal price (average market price for a particular commodity over a stipulated period) and the minimum support price (MSP) of crops.

Madhya Pradesh ranks third in terms of farmer suicides in the country, Sirohi pointed out, adding that such cases have gone up by 43 per cent in the last five years.

Notably, Home Minister Bhupendra Singh, during a reply in the MP Assembly last year, had quoted the State Crime Record Bureau's data which said that 15,129 farmers and people associated with farming committed suicide from 2004 to 2016.

Sirohi said they were not going to boycott the polls. "We will spread the awareness among farmers to tactically vote in favour of those who would ensure the agri-loan waiver and sustainable income for cultivators."

He said they were hopeful that other farmers' outfits would also support their plan.

The BJP, however, criticised the organisation's move saying the government was working for farmers' welfare.

"If farmers' organisations want to do politics, they should come out openly. The MP government is committed to the cause of farmers and it won the Krishi Karman Award for six times in a row for increasing the crop productivity," state BJP spokesman Deepak Vijayvargiya said.

He said the government was providing agricultural loan on zero per cent interest, facilitating subsidised power supply, and that the irrigation capacity in the state had gone up by 600 per cent in past decade.

The Aam Kisan Union had earlier given a call for protest from June 1 to 10 this year to mark the first anniversary of the police firing in which six farmers were killed in Mandsaur on June 6 last year.

Farmers would be asked to evaluate the works done by MLAs for their welfare, and cast votes 'tactically': Aam Kisan Union leader

A farmers' organisation in Madhya Pradesh has said it will campaign against 112 legislators, who belong to various parties, for their "failure" to take up the issues of cultivators. Farmers would be asked to evaluate the works done by MLAs for their welfare, and cast votes "tactically" in the state Assembly elections due later this year, Aam Kisan Union leader Kedar Sirohi told PTI. "We have identified 112 MLAs, who were elected from rural areas but never asked a question on the issues of farmers in the Assembly," he said. The strategy is to focus on MLAs whose victory margin was less than 5,000 votes in the last state polls, he said. Out of the 112 legislators identified by the organisation, 86 are of the BJP, 24 of the Congress and two are Independents, Sirohi said. "Our (union) leaders will not go to every village of the identified constituencies, but they will visit only 20 villages having sizable farmers' population in each Assembly segment. We will interact with farmers and talk about their issues to convince them to vote tactically," he said. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had last month said that his government deposited over Rs 35,000 crore into the accounts of farmers as part of various state-run schemes over the past one year. Sirohi said their organisation was not against any government or political outfit. "Farmers from rural areas elect representatives to raise their problems in the Assembly. But, instead of raising the farmers' problems, legislators speak and talk at the behest of their party leadership," he alleged. Farmers in MP have collectively lost Rs 22,000 crore due to the 'Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana' and there has been a loss of Rs 33,000 crore due to damage of crops in natural calamities, Sirohi claimed. But, farmers across the state have been paid only Rs 5,300 crore under the crop insurance scheme, he said. The Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana is a direct benefit transfer scheme under which farmers are paid the difference between the modal price (average market price for a particular commodity over a stipulated period) and the minimum support price (MSP) of crops. Madhya Pradesh ranks third in terms of farmer suicides in the country, Sirohi pointed out, adding that such cases have gone up by 43 per cent in the last five years. Notably, Home Minister Bhupendra Singh, during a reply in the MP Assembly last year, had quoted the State Crime Record Bureau's data which said that 15,129 farmers and people associated with farming committed suicide from 2004 to 2016. Sirohi said they were not going to boycott the polls. "We will spread the awareness among farmers to tactically vote in favour of those who would ensure the agri-loan waiver and sustainable income for cultivators." He said they were hopeful that other farmers' outfits would also support their plan. The BJP, however, criticised the organisation's move saying the government was working for farmers' welfare. "If farmers' organisations want to do politics, they should come out openly. The MP government is committed to the cause of farmers and it won the Krishi Karman Award for six times in a row for increasing the crop productivity," state BJP spokesman Deepak Vijayvargiya said. He said the government was providing agricultural loan on zero per cent interest, facilitating subsidised power supply, and that the irrigation capacity in the state had gone up by 600 per cent in past decade. The Aam Kisan Union had earlier given a call for protest from June 1 to 10 this year to mark the first anniversary of the police firing in which six farmers were killed in Mandsaur on June 6 last year.

Ahead of Madhya Pradesh polls, farmers' body to campaign against 112 MLAs

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