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On the occasion of International Widows Day, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu called for a societal change of mindset, asking "if a man can remarry, why can't a woman?"

"Two things are important including societal change of mindset and adopting this social cause as a mission for&nbsp;uplifting&nbsp;condition of widows," Naidu said at an event here on Saturday.

"When a man, who lost his wife can remarry, then why not a woman? There is a need for a social movement to change the mindset of people on widow remarriages," he added.

The Vice President also urged Centre to focus on providing livelihood skills to widows and facilitate&nbsp;education&nbsp;of their children to empower them.

The event, which was organised by the Loomba Foundation at Vigyan Bhawan, was also graced by Union Minister for Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad.

"The steps taken for&nbsp;empowerment&nbsp;of widows will not be successful unless it is taken as a mass movement. Without a change in attitude, we cannot change much," Prasad said.&nbsp;

The Vice President also urged Centre to focus on providing livelihood skills to widows and facilitate education of their children to empower them.

On the occasion of International Widows Day, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu called for a societal change of mindset, asking "if a man can remarry, why can't a woman?" "Two things are important including societal change of mindset and adopting this social cause as a mission for uplifting condition of widows," Naidu said at an event here on Saturday. "When a man, who lost his wife can remarry, then why not a woman? There is a need for a social movement to change the mindset of people on widow remarriages," he added. The Vice President also urged Centre to focus on providing livelihood skills to widows and facilitate education of their children to empower them. The event, which was organised by the Loomba Foundation at Vigyan Bhawan, was also graced by Union Minister for Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad. "The steps taken for empowerment of widows will not be successful unless it is taken as a mass movement. Without a change in attitude, we cannot change much," Prasad said.

If men can remarry, why can't women? Asks Vice President

Fake news spread instantaneously over WhatsApp chat groups and Facebook is causing a “firestorm” in India and resulting in the loss of lives, warns the BBC in a new investigative report from Bangalore.

The British public broadcaster is set to highlight the issue in a report to be aired on BBC World News on Tuesday centred around the death of Kaluram Bachanram, who was beaten to death by a mob in Bangalore after WhatsApp rumours convinced people that he was a child kidnapper.

“Kalu became a victim of India’s fake news firestorm… Across India, eight lives have been lost in this latest wave of fallacy defeating fact. Fake news is a challenge we all grapple with but here it is proving deadly,” the BBC correspondent says in his report.

The BBC has been working to combat the issue of fake news through initiatives such as “BBC Reality Check”, a political discourse fact-checking service. It was launched during the European Union (EU) referendum in 2016 for both TV and online and has now been made permanent and covers a wide range of issues.

“Fake news is a big problem and it’s vital for democracy that ordinary people are able to tell truth from fiction in the news they read, watch, and hear,” said Jim Egan, CEO of BBC Global News Ltd.

He noted: “Trusted news will be as important as ever as we approach the elections in India next year, however, a recent BBC ‘Value of News’ study found that 83 per cent of Indian news consumers are concerned about fake news.

“We experienced the reality of this problem recently when a fake survey on Karnataka polls circulated on WhatsApp with BBC News branding and we were forced to put out a statement making clear that it did not come from the BBC.”

BBC News said it is doing a number of things to empower people to look at the stories they read with a critical eye. Slow news is more of a focus alongside breaking news, with more in-depth analysis of topics with data, investigations and expertise to provide context around the issues.

All these initiatives are part of BBC News’ wider investment drive in India, creating 157 new jobs in the region and making Delhi the BBC’s largest bureau outside the UK.

The Delhi bureau will become a video, TV and digital content production hub for the South Asia region, with the closest technological specifications to the corporation’s headquarters in London.

The expansion began with the launch of four new Indian services – Telugu, Gujarati, Marathi and Punjabi – in October last year.

In addition, BBC StoryWorks, the global content marketing team within BBC Global News, has expanded to India with staff now based in the country for the first time as part of wider growth across the Asia Pacific region, the public broadcaster said.

The British public broadcaster is set to highlight the issue in a report to be aired on BBC World News on Tuesday centred around the death of Kaluram Bachanram, who was beaten to death by a mob in Bangalore after WhatsApp rumours convinced people that he was a child kidnapper

Fake news spread instantaneously over WhatsApp chat groups and Facebook is causing a “firestorm” in India and resulting in the loss of lives, warns the BBC in a new investigative report from Bangalore. The British public broadcaster is set to highlight the issue in a report to be aired on BBC World News on Tuesday centred around the death of Kaluram Bachanram, who was beaten to death by a mob in Bangalore after WhatsApp rumours convinced people that he was a child kidnapper. “Kalu became a victim of India’s fake news firestorm… Across India, eight lives have been lost in this latest wave of fallacy defeating fact. Fake news is a challenge we all grapple with but here it is proving deadly,” the BBC correspondent says in his report. The BBC has been working to combat the issue of fake news through initiatives such as “BBC Reality Check”, a political discourse fact-checking service. It was launched during the European Union (EU) referendum in 2016 for both TV and online and has now been made permanent and covers a wide range of issues. “Fake news is a big problem and it’s vital for democracy that ordinary people are able to tell truth from fiction in the news they read, watch, and hear,” said Jim Egan, CEO of BBC Global News Ltd. He noted: “Trusted news will be as important as ever as we approach the elections in India next year, however, a recent BBC ‘Value of News’ study found that 83 per cent of Indian news consumers are concerned about fake news. “We experienced the reality of this problem recently when a fake survey on Karnataka polls circulated on WhatsApp with BBC News branding and we were forced to put out a statement making clear that it did not come from the BBC.” BBC News said it is doing a number of things to empower people to look at the stories they read with a critical eye. Slow news is more of a focus alongside breaking news, with more in-depth analysis of topics with data, investigations and expertise to provide context around the issues. All these initiatives are part of BBC News’ wider investment drive in India, creating 157 new jobs in the region and making Delhi the BBC’s largest bureau outside the UK. The Delhi bureau will become a video, TV and digital content production hub for the South Asia region, with the closest technological specifications to the corporation’s headquarters in London. The expansion began with the launch of four new Indian services – Telugu, Gujarati, Marathi and Punjabi – in October last year. In addition, BBC StoryWorks, the global content marketing team within BBC Global News, has expanded to India with staff now based in the country for the first time as part of wider growth across the Asia Pacific region, the public broadcaster said.

Fake news proving deadly in India: BBC

Actress Anushka Sharma and her husband and cricketer Virat Kohli have been served a legal notice by the man, who was earlier scolded by former in a recent post over social media for littering in public.

The man, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-getting-yelled-at-by-anushka-sharma-for-littering-man-slams-her-on-social-media--144934">named Arhhan Singh</a>, reportedly sent Anushka and Virat the legal notice on Saturday for shaming him on social media, reported news agency ANI.

"Hi. My legal advisors have sent a notice to Mr Virat Kohli and Mrs Anushka Sharma Kohli. As the ball is in their court, no comments now. As in all fairness, I should await their response," Arhhan said.

Congress party leader Sanjay Jha took to Twitter on Saturday and questioned Virat and Anushka over their stance.

"Celebrities don't need to promote themselves when supposedly attempting a good thing. How much publicity do you want, guys? " Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli served legal notice by man scolded in littering video," Jha tweeted.

The post was shared online by Virat and quickly went viral. It showed Anushka scolding a man sitting in a 'luxury car' for throwing plastic out of the car's window.

"Why are you throwing garbage on the road? Don't throw garbage on the road. Please be careful," Anushka said in the video.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Saw these people throwing garbage on the road & pulled them up rightfully. Travelling in a luxury car and brains gone for a toss. These people will keep our country clean? Yeah right! If you see something wrong happening like this, do the same & spread awareness. <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnushkaSharma</a> <a href="https://t.co/p8flrmcnba">pic.twitter.com/p8flrmcnba</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1007952358310055937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The video received mixed reactions from fans of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma on Twitter.

While some people applauded the actress for giving a 'piece of mind to these idiots', many, however, stated the couple's main motive was to just put the video out on social media.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" data-lang="en">
Celebrities don’t need to promote themselves when supposedly attempting a good thing. How much publicity do you want, guys? “ Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli served legal notice by man scolded in littering video <a href="https://t.co/lrjzsRXgWX">https://t.co/lrjzsRXgWX</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/htTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@htTweets</a>
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) <a href="https://twitter.com/JhaSanjay/status/1010554360902844417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Congress party leader Sanjay Jha took to Twitter on Saturday and questioned Virat and Anushka over their stance.

Actress Anushka Sharma and her husband and cricketer Virat Kohli have been served a legal notice by the man, who was earlier scolded by former in a recent post over social media for littering in public. The man, named Arhhan Singh, reportedly sent Anushka and Virat the legal notice on Saturday for shaming him on social media, reported news agency ANI. "Hi. My legal advisors have sent a notice to Mr Virat Kohli and Mrs Anushka Sharma Kohli. As the ball is in their court, no comments now. As in all fairness, I should await their response," Arhhan said. Congress party leader Sanjay Jha took to Twitter on Saturday and questioned Virat and Anushka over their stance. "Celebrities don't need to promote themselves when supposedly attempting a good thing. How much publicity do you want, guys? " Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli served legal notice by man scolded in littering video," Jha tweeted. The post was shared online by Virat and quickly went viral. It showed Anushka scolding a man sitting in a 'luxury car' for throwing plastic out of the car's window. "Why are you throwing garbage on the road? Don't throw garbage on the road. Please be careful," Anushka said in the video. Saw these people throwing garbage on the road & pulled them up rightfully. Travelling in a luxury car and brains gone for a toss. These people will keep our country clean? Yeah right! If you see something wrong happening like this, do the same & spread awareness. @AnushkaSharma pic.twitter.com/p8flrmcnba — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 16, 2018 × The video received mixed reactions from fans of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma on Twitter. While some people applauded the actress for giving a 'piece of mind to these idiots', many, however, stated the couple's main motive was to just put the video out on social media. Celebrities don’t need to promote themselves when supposedly attempting a good thing. How much publicity do you want, guys? “ Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli served legal notice by man scolded in littering video https://t.co/lrjzsRXgWX via @htTweets — Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) June 23, 2018 ×

Anushka, Virat served legal notice by man shamed in littering video

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/false-charges-were-levelled-against-us-our-commitment-to-alliance-never-wavered-mehbooba-mufti-hits-back-at-amit-shah-146683">False charges were levelled against us, our commitment never wavered: Mehbooba Mufti hits back at Amit Shah</a>

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti lashed out at the BJP in a series of tweets posted from her Twitter handle today. Her statements came a day after BJP Chief Amit Shah on Saturday targetted her while addressing a public rally in the state.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/bisaria-had-agreed-to-cancel-his-visit-pakistan-on-preventing-indian-envoy-from-visiting-gurduwara--146703">Bisaria had agreed to cancel his visit: Pakistan on barring Indian envoy from visiting </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/bisaria-had-agreed-to-cancel-his-visit-pakistan-on-preventing-indian-envoy-from-visiting-gurduwara--146703">Gurduwara</a>

Pakistan today rejected the allegations of denying Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria access to a famous Sikh Gurduwara on Saturday. Pakistani officials stated that the diplomat had agreed to cancel his visit following the protests by the Sikh pilgrims against the release of controversial movies in India.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/14-killed-in-attacks-in-mexican-border-city-of-juarez-death-toll-rises-to-128-for-the-month-146699">14 killed in attacks in Mexican border city of Juarez death toll rises to 128 for the month</a>

Over 14 people were killed on Saturday in the northern city of Juarez, which is known for its drug gang-related violence, in three separate incidents.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jk-two-let-militants-killed-in-an-ongoing-encounter-in-kulgam-146687">J&K: Two LeT militants killed in an ongoing encounter in Kulgam</a>

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of south Kashmir today, police said.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/erdogan-faces-major-test-as-turks-vote-for-president-parliament-146714">Erdogan faces major test as Turks vote for president, parliament</a>

Turks voted on Sunday in presidential and parliamentary elections that pose the biggest ballot box challenge to Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamist-rooted AK Party since they swept to power more than a decade and a half ago.

False charges were levelled against us, our commitment never wavered: Mehbooba Mufti hits back at Amit Shah Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti lashed out at the BJP in a series of tweets posted from her Twitter handle today. Her statements came a day after BJP Chief Amit Shah on Saturday targetted her while addressing a public rally in the state. Bisaria had agreed to cancel his visit: Pakistan on barring Indian envoy from visiting Gurduwara Pakistan today rejected the allegations of denying Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria access to a famous Sikh Gurduwara on Saturday. Pakistani officials stated that the diplomat had agreed to cancel his visit following the protests by the Sikh pilgrims against the release of controversial movies in India. 14 killed in attacks in Mexican border city of Juarez death toll rises to 128 for the month Over 14 people were killed on Saturday in the northern city of Juarez, which is known for its drug gang-related violence, in three separate incidents. J&K: Two LeT militants killed in an ongoing encounter in Kulgam Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of south Kashmir today, police said. Erdogan faces major test as Turks vote for president, parliament Turks voted on Sunday in presidential and parliamentary elections that pose the biggest ballot box challenge to Tayyip Erdogan and his Islamist-rooted AK Party since they swept to power more than a decade and a half ago.

News brief: Big stories of the day

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday demanded an apology from Senior Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Saifuddin Soz for their recent comments on Kashmir. Shah also threatened to take an appropriate action against both the leaders in case they fail to apologise.&nbsp;

According to reports, former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had said that "the Indian Army was killing more civilians than terrorists" in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Shah, <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/bjp-pdp-alliance-broke-due-to-continued-partiality-between-jammu-and-ladakh-amit-shah-146556">while addressing a public rally today in Jammu and Kashmir</a>, stated that Azad's statement was such that he cannot even repeat it. He alleged that the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) supported Azad's statement.

Shah asked the Congress how did its senior leader shared similar views as the LeT.&nbsp;

He also lashed out at Congress leader Saifuddin Soz for saying that former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf was right in saying Kashmiris will prefer to be independent.

Shah noted that the BJP will never let Kashmir disintegrate from the country and that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India which can never be lost.&nbsp;

The BJP chief demanded the Congress take action against the two leaders and apologize to the nation for the statements they have made.&nbsp;

According to reports, former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had said that 'the Indian Army was killing more civilians than terrorists' in Jammu and Kashmir

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday demanded an apology from Senior Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Saifuddin Soz for their recent comments on Kashmir. Shah also threatened to take an appropriate action against both the leaders in case they fail to apologise. According to reports, former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had said that "the Indian Army was killing more civilians than terrorists" in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah, while addressing a public rally today in Jammu and Kashmir, stated that Azad's statement was such that he cannot even repeat it. He alleged that the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) supported Azad's statement. Shah asked the Congress how did its senior leader shared similar views as the LeT. He also lashed out at Congress leader Saifuddin Soz for saying that former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf was right in saying Kashmiris will prefer to be independent. Shah noted that the BJP will never let Kashmir disintegrate from the country and that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India which can never be lost. The BJP chief demanded the Congress take action against the two leaders and apologize to the nation for the statements they have made.

Amit Shah dares Congress to take action against Azad, Soz for Kashmir remarks

The Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday arrested two over-ground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit in the state's Anantnag district.

The police have also recovered a live grenade from the two arrestees.

The police and the army had established a joint Naka (checkpoint) at Tulkhan crossing on the new national highway in south Kashmir. The Naka party busted the two suspicious people who were roaming around in the region.&nbsp

The two were later identified as Amin Ahmad Sofi, a resident of Charligund Awantipora and Tanveer Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Chechikot Awantipora.

The investigations revealed that the two were assisting HM militant Hamad Khan operating in the Tral area and were involved in the grenade attack at Goriwan Chowk in the Bijbehara area on May 23 this year in which 10 civilians were injured.

The police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter.

Earlier during the day,<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jk-two-let-militants-killed-in-an-ongoing-encounter-in-kulgam-146687"> two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were killed in an encounter with security forces</a> in Kulgam district of south Kashmir today.

&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)

The police and the army had established a joint Naka (checkpoint) at Tulkhan crossing on the new national highway in south Kashmir. The Naka party busted the two suspicious people who were roaming around in the region

The Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday arrested two over-ground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit in the state's Anantnag district. The police have also recovered a live grenade from the two arrestees. The police and the army had established a joint Naka (checkpoint) at Tulkhan crossing on the new national highway in south Kashmir. The Naka party busted the two suspicious people who were roaming around in the region. The two were later identified as Amin Ahmad Sofi, a resident of Charligund Awantipora and Tanveer Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Chechikot Awantipora. The investigations revealed that the two were assisting HM militant Hamad Khan operating in the Tral area and were involved in the grenade attack at Goriwan Chowk in the Bijbehara area on May 23 this year in which 10 civilians were injured. The police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter. Earlier during the day, two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of south Kashmir today. (With inputs from PTI)

Two over-ground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen arrested in Jammu and Kashmir

Concerned over an unusual rise in the number of people joining the ranks of militants, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has decided to intensify its "outreach programme" to persuade them through their families to lay down weapons and join the mainstream.

The police are reaching out to the families of the newly recruited militants and asking them to appeal to their wards to return home after shunning guns, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police S P Vaid said.

The outreach programme will continue to bring the misguided youths back home and "mainstream them", he said, adding that "it has resulted in some success and several militants have shun militancy and returned to their homes".

A police officer said that over 80 people, some of them with postgraduate degrees, have joined the ranks of militants in Kashmir Valley this year.

There is a trend now of highly-educated men joining militancy in Kashmir.&nbsp

The youths joining militancy has picked up after the killing of 21-year-old Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8, 2016.

In 2017, 127 young men joined militancy, a record since 2010.

The police officer claimed that 88 Kashmiri youths joined militancy in 2016. Since 2014, there has been a constant rise in the number of people joining militancy. As many as 66 youths joined militancy in Kashmir in 2015 and 53 in 2014, according to data compiled by security agencies.

In 2010, 54 youths joined militancy and in 2011, the number came down to 23. It further dipped to 21 in 2012 and 16 in 2013, it said.

According to security forces officials, every funeral of a local militant spawns at least two additions to the ranks of militant groups.

The Pulwama-Shopian-Kulgam region has become a hotbed of homegrown militants, the officials said.&nbsp

Security officials say Pulwama, which has of-late emerged as the terror epicentre, is strategically important as it is the central point to connect Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Budgam districts of central Kashmir.

"The areas have seen the highest number of encounters and attacks," the officer added.

The topography of Pulwama, with its vast orchards and fields ringed by dense forests, also provide a perfect shelter and operating cover to militants.&nbsp

Pulwama was home to Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in July last year. It was also the base of slain Abu Dujana, commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba militants in the Kashmir Valley, Abu Musa and dozens of other militants.

The state police chief said, "Going beyond its mandate of normal policing, Jammu and Kashmir Police is transforming hearts and minds by instilling national pride in the youth of the valley."&nbsp

 
&nbsp

The youths joining militancy has picked up after the killing of 21-year-old Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8, 2016

Concerned over an unusual rise in the number of people joining the ranks of militants, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has decided to intensify its "outreach programme" to persuade them through their families to lay down weapons and join the mainstream. The police are reaching out to the families of the newly recruited militants and asking them to appeal to their wards to return home after shunning guns, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police S P Vaid said. The outreach programme will continue to bring the misguided youths back home and "mainstream them", he said, adding that "it has resulted in some success and several militants have shun militancy and returned to their homes". A police officer said that over 80 people, some of them with postgraduate degrees, have joined the ranks of militants in Kashmir Valley this year. There is a trend now of highly-educated men joining militancy in Kashmir. The youths joining militancy has picked up after the killing of 21-year-old Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8, 2016. In 2017, 127 young men joined militancy, a record since 2010. The police officer claimed that 88 Kashmiri youths joined militancy in 2016. Since 2014, there has been a constant rise in the number of people joining militancy. As many as 66 youths joined militancy in Kashmir in 2015 and 53 in 2014, according to data compiled by security agencies. In 2010, 54 youths joined militancy and in 2011, the number came down to 23. It further dipped to 21 in 2012 and 16 in 2013, it said. According to security forces officials, every funeral of a local militant spawns at least two additions to the ranks of militant groups. The Pulwama-Shopian-Kulgam region has become a hotbed of homegrown militants, the officials said. Security officials say Pulwama, which has of-late emerged as the terror epicentre, is strategically important as it is the central point to connect Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Budgam districts of central Kashmir. "The areas have seen the highest number of encounters and attacks," the officer added. The topography of Pulwama, with its vast orchards and fields ringed by dense forests, also provide a perfect shelter and operating cover to militants. Pulwama was home to Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in July last year. It was also the base of slain Abu Dujana, commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba militants in the Kashmir Valley, Abu Musa and dozens of other militants. The state police chief said, "Going beyond its mandate of normal policing, Jammu and Kashmir Police is transforming hearts and minds by instilling national pride in the youth of the valley."

J&K cops to intensify 'outreach programme' to bring new militant recruits back to mainstream

Overdose of sedatives, forcibly administered to an eight-year-old rape victim during her captivity in Kathua in January this year, could have pushed her into the coma before she was killed, forensic medical experts have said. 
 
The crime branch of the&nbspJammu and Kashmir&nbsppolice, probing the gang rape-and-murder case, sent a sample of her viscera to a forensic laboratory earlier this month to examine the effect of "mannar" candies (believed to be local cannabis) and Epitril 0.5 mg tablets, administered to the girl by her captors. 
 
According to the medical opinion received recently by the crime branch, the doctors said the tablet given to the eight-year-old girl could have pushed her into a state of shock or coma (loss of consciousness). 
 
The crime branch had asked the medical experts to comment upon the plausible effect of the medicine on an eight-year-old girl with an empty stomach. 
 
The crime branch decided to seek further medical opinion after it was claimed by the accused and their lawyers in the court, as well as on social media through their supporters, that it was virtually impossible that the girl could not have cried for help when such an alleged brutal attack was happening on her. 
 
The doctors, after examining the viscera, opined that the medicine administered to the victim contained Clonazepam salt and had to be administered under medical supervision keeping in mind the age and weight of the patient. 
 
"Considering her (victim) 30-kg body weight, the therapeutic dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mgs per day divided in three doses for patient (is recommended)," it said. 
 
"She was forcefully administered five tablets of Clonazepam of 0.5 mg each on January 11, 2018 which is higher than the safe therapeutic dose. Subsequently, more tablets were given...the signs and symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slow reflexes, slowed or stopped breathing, coma (loss of consciousness) and death," according to the opinion of the medical expert. 
 
The peak concentration of Clonazepam is achieved in the blood after one hour to 90 minutes of oral administration and its absorption is complete, "irrespective of administered either with or without food", according to the concluding opinion of the medical expert. 
 
The opinion would be submitted before the district and sessions court in Punjab's Pathankot, hearing the matter, after the summer break next week. The trial of the case was shifted from Kathua (in Jammu) to&nbspPathankot&nbspon the directions of the Supreme Court. 
 
The doctors said the risk is higher if Clonazepam is "concomitant used with other CNS (inner nervous system) depressants like alcohol..." The doctors, however, could not give any laboratory analysis of 'mannar' candies and said "it is difficult to comment on the effect its co-administration with Clonazepam" would have. 
 
'Mannar' is locally available cannabis, which keeps a person sedated for a few hours. The eight-year-old child belonging to a minority nomadic community was allegedly kidnapped on January 10 by a juvenile nephew of the main accused, Sanji Ram, and later killed on January 14. Her body was recovered on January 17. 
 
According to investigators, Sanji Ram was aware she had been kidnapped but didn't know about the rape.&nbsp

Besides Sanji Ram and his juvenile nephew, others named in the charge sheet filed by the crime branch are his son Vishal, special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma and friend Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu.

It also names head constable Tilak Raj and sub-inspector Anand Dutta -- who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Sanji Ram and destroyed crucial evidence. The district and sessions court in Pathankot framed charges of rape and murder against the seven accused in the case on June 8.

Sanji Ram, considered the main accused, is alleged to have hatched the conspiracy with the other accused of kidnapping the girl as part of a strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area. 
 
The fate of the eighth accused, a juvenile, was yet to be decided after the crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir police moved an application in the high court claiming him to be an adult.

According to the medical opinion received recently by the crime branch, the doctors said the tablet given to the eight-year-old girl could have pushed her into a state of shock or coma (loss of consciousness)

Overdose of sedatives, forcibly administered to an eight-year-old rape victim during her captivity in Kathua in January this year, could have pushed her into the coma before she was killed, forensic medical experts have said. The crime branch of the&nbspJammu and Kashmir&nbsppolice, probing the gang rape-and-murder case, sent a sample of her viscera to a forensic laboratory earlier this month to examine the effect of "mannar" candies (believed to be local cannabis) and Epitril 0.5 mg tablets, administered to the girl by her captors. According to the medical opinion received recently by the crime branch, the doctors said the tablet given to the eight-year-old girl could have pushed her into a state of shock or coma (loss of consciousness). The crime branch had asked the medical experts to comment upon the plausible effect of the medicine on an eight-year-old girl with an empty stomach. The crime branch decided to seek further medical opinion after it was claimed by the accused and their lawyers in the court, as well as on social media through their supporters, that it was virtually impossible that the girl could not have cried for help when such an alleged brutal attack was happening on her. The doctors, after examining the viscera, opined that the medicine administered to the victim contained Clonazepam salt and had to be administered under medical supervision keeping in mind the age and weight of the patient. "Considering her (victim) 30-kg body weight, the therapeutic dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mgs per day divided in three doses for patient (is recommended)," it said. "She was forcefully administered five tablets of Clonazepam of 0.5 mg each on January 11, 2018 which is higher than the safe therapeutic dose. Subsequently, more tablets were given...the signs and symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slow reflexes, slowed or stopped breathing, coma (loss of consciousness) and death," according to the opinion of the medical expert. The peak concentration of Clonazepam is achieved in the blood after one hour to 90 minutes of oral administration and its absorption is complete, "irrespective of administered either with or without food", according to the concluding opinion of the medical expert. The opinion would be submitted before the district and sessions court in Punjab's Pathankot, hearing the matter, after the summer break next week. The trial of the case was shifted from Kathua (in Jammu) to&nbspPathankot&nbspon the directions of the Supreme Court. The doctors said the risk is higher if Clonazepam is "concomitant used with other CNS (inner nervous system) depressants like alcohol..." The doctors, however, could not give any laboratory analysis of 'mannar' candies and said "it is difficult to comment on the effect its co-administration with Clonazepam" would have. 'Mannar' is locally available cannabis, which keeps a person sedated for a few hours. The eight-year-old child belonging to a minority nomadic community was allegedly kidnapped on January 10 by a juvenile nephew of the main accused, Sanji Ram, and later killed on January 14. Her body was recovered on January 17. According to investigators, Sanji Ram was aware she had been kidnapped but didn't know about the rape. Besides Sanji Ram and his juvenile nephew, others named in the charge sheet filed by the crime branch are his son Vishal, special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma and friend Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu. It also names head constable Tilak Raj and sub-inspector Anand Dutta -- who allegedly took Rs 4 lakh from Sanji Ram and destroyed crucial evidence. The district and sessions court in Pathankot framed charges of rape and murder against the seven accused in the case on June 8. Sanji Ram, considered the main accused, is alleged to have hatched the conspiracy with the other accused of kidnapping the girl as part of a strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area. The fate of the eighth accused, a juvenile, was yet to be decided after the crime branch of the Jammu and Kashmir police moved an application in the high court claiming him to be an adult.

Kathua rape victim sank into coma due to overdose of sedatives: Forensic experts

London Mayor Sadiq Khan lashed out on the latest British government rule of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/outrage-as-uk-excludes-india-from-relaxed-student-visa-rules-144812">exclusion of Indian students</a> from a new list of countries considered low risk in order to facilitate an easier visa application process to UK universities as "offensive" and a "wasted opportunity."

Dismissing UK government claims over visa overstayers from India, Khan said the evidence did not back up the concerns.

"To link the two, illegal immigration and students is deeply offensive and also muddies the waters. This hostile environment (to immigration) is still here and we need real concrete evidence that it will change," Khan said on the sidelines of the UK-India Awards&nbsp;last evening.

"There isn't a problem about students overstaying... All the evidence shows that Indians who study here leave with a very positive attitude. So, when they become chief executives or investors, they invest in the UK," he said.

The senior Labour party leader challenged the Theresa May-led Conservative party government's "blind spot", which fails to take into account the benefits of immigration to Britain.

"I feel this government is being very complacent about Indian investment. They assume it will always be here. My message to the government is no these talented people can go elsewhere," he warned.

Khan said he would continue to lobby the government to change rules, not just for tourists and students but also for Bollywood because film producers are now going to other parts of Europe as filming in London becomes far more difficult because of visa restrictions and the high cost of visitor visas.

In changes to its immigration policy tabled in Parliament, the UK Home Office announced a relaxation of the Tier 4 visa category for overseas students from around 25 countries.

Dismissing UK government claims over visa overstayers from India, Khan said the evidence did not back up the concerns

London Mayor Sadiq Khan lashed out on the latest British government rule of exclusion of Indian students from a new list of countries considered low risk in order to facilitate an easier visa application process to UK universities as "offensive" and a "wasted opportunity." Dismissing UK government claims over visa overstayers from India, Khan said the evidence did not back up the concerns. "To link the two, illegal immigration and students is deeply offensive and also muddies the waters. This hostile environment (to immigration) is still here and we need real concrete evidence that it will change," Khan said on the sidelines of the UK-India Awards last evening. "There isn't a problem about students overstaying... All the evidence shows that Indians who study here leave with a very positive attitude. So, when they become chief executives or investors, they invest in the UK," he said. The senior Labour party leader challenged the Theresa May-led Conservative party government's "blind spot", which fails to take into account the benefits of immigration to Britain. "I feel this government is being very complacent about Indian investment. They assume it will always be here. My message to the government is no these talented people can go elsewhere," he warned. Khan said he would continue to lobby the government to change rules, not just for tourists and students but also for Bollywood because film producers are now going to other parts of Europe as filming in London becomes far more difficult because of visa restrictions and the high cost of visitor visas. In changes to its immigration policy tabled in Parliament, the UK Home Office announced a relaxation of the Tier 4 visa category for overseas students from around 25 countries.

'British government complacent about Indian investment': London mayor criticises latest visa rule

A day after the Maharashtra government implemented the ban on manufacturing, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials, the plastic manufacturing industry said that the ban will result in loss of up to Rs 15,000 crore and nearly 3 lakh job.

The state government on Saturday put a&nbsp;ban on plastic materials&nbsp;including carry-bags and thermocol.

"The ban imposed by Maharashtra from Saturday has hit the industry very hard and the plastic industry is staring at a loss of Rs 15,000 crore, leaving nearly 3 lakh people jobless overnight," Plastic Bags Manufacturers Association of India general secretary Neemit Punamiya said.

Terming the ban as "discriminatory" the general secretary also added that about 2500 members of the association had to shut the shop after the ban.&nbsp;

The people from the Industry also said that the job losses from the ban will impact the state's GDP, and also increase banks' bad loans from the plastic sector.

The state had announced a ban on the manufacture, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials such as one-time-use bags, spoons, plates, PET and PETE bottles and thermocol items on March 23.

The government had given three months time to dispose of the existing stocks, which ended on June 23.

The fine for the first-time and second-time offenders will be Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively. A third violation will attract a fine of Rs 25,000 and a jail term for three months.

After the implementation of the ban in Maharashtra, the state has become the 18th state in the country to impose such ban.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

'The ban imposed by Maharashtra from Saturday has hit the industry very hard and the plastic industry is staring at a loss of Rs 15,000 crore, leaving nearly 3 lakh people jobless overnight,' Plastic Bags Manufacturers Association of India general secretary Neemit Punamiya said

A day after the Maharashtra government implemented the ban on manufacturing, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials, the plastic manufacturing industry said that the ban will result in loss of up to Rs 15,000 crore and nearly 3 lakh job. The state government on Saturday put a ban on plastic materials including carry-bags and thermocol. "The ban imposed by Maharashtra from Saturday has hit the industry very hard and the plastic industry is staring at a loss of Rs 15,000 crore, leaving nearly 3 lakh people jobless overnight," Plastic Bags Manufacturers Association of India general secretary Neemit Punamiya said. Terming the ban as "discriminatory" the general secretary also added that about 2500 members of the association had to shut the shop after the ban. The people from the Industry also said that the job losses from the ban will impact the state's GDP, and also increase banks' bad loans from the plastic sector. The state had announced a ban on the manufacture, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials such as one-time-use bags, spoons, plates, PET and PETE bottles and thermocol items on March 23. The government had given three months time to dispose of the existing stocks, which ended on June 23. The fine for the first-time and second-time offenders will be Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively. A third violation will attract a fine of Rs 25,000 and a jail term for three months. After the implementation of the ban in Maharashtra, the state has become the 18th state in the country to impose such ban. (With inputs from PTI)

Industry stares at loss of Rs 15,000 crore and 3 lakh jobs: Plastic manufacturing industry

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of south Kashmir today, police said.

The encounter began this afternoon at a village in Kulgam as Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the CRPF and the Army, were carrying out operations to clear a national highway ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, beginning June 28, a senior police official said.

The encounter was still going on, the official said.

Internet services have been suspended in Kulgam district following the ambush.

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Reportedly two terrorists killed so far.
— Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid/status/1010829059507580928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from PTI)

The encounter began this afternoon at a village in Kulgam as Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the CRPF and the Army, were carrying out operations to clear a national highway.

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of south Kashmir today, police said. The encounter began this afternoon at a village in Kulgam as Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the CRPF and the Army, were carrying out operations to clear a national highway ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, beginning June 28, a senior police official said. The encounter was still going on, the official said. Internet services have been suspended in Kulgam district following the ambush. Reportedly two terrorists killed so far. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) June 24, 2018 × (With inputs from PTI)

J&K: Two LeT militants killed in an ongoing encounter in Kulgam

There were those who dared to raise their voice against Indira Gandhi and the Emergency. They braved the hardships and eventually put democracy back on the rails in March 1977. Here's remembering some of those heroes and honouring all of those who ensured that the Indian democracy survived its most difficult test.

In pictures: Heroes of India's Emergency & the rise of non-Congress leaders

According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of a committee that will lay down standards for metro rail systems in India.

The committee will be headed by E Sreedharan who is known for his leadership in the structuring of the Konkan Railway and the Delhi Metro. Sreedharan, who is known as the "Metro Man" of India, served as the managing director of Delhi Metro between 1995 and 2012.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of a committee headed by E. Sreedharan, to lay down standards for metro rail systems in India. <a href="https://t.co/yeakZOkXGt">pic.twitter.com/yeakZOkXGt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1010775931210911744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Delhi Metro's Mundka-Bahadurgarh section and said his government's priority is to build convenient, comfortable and affordable urban transport systems in cities.

Inaugurating the latest section via video conference, he said there was a direct link between connectivity and development.

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Delhi Metro’s Mundka-Bahadurgarh section of Green Line was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/eCEnFKTVjy">pic.twitter.com/eCEnFKTVjy</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1010802754565169153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Our government brought out a policy relating to metros. This is because we felt aspects relating to metro systems need greater coherence and work as per a basic set of standards," he said in his address.

He also said that the government wants to boost make in India by making coaches of the Metro in India itself.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Delhi Metro's Mundka-Bahadurgarh section

According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of a committee that will lay down standards for metro rail systems in India. The committee will be headed by E Sreedharan who is known for his leadership in the structuring of the Konkan Railway and the Delhi Metro. Sreedharan, who is known as the "Metro Man" of India, served as the managing director of Delhi Metro between 1995 and 2012. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of a committee headed by E. Sreedharan, to lay down standards for metro rail systems in India. pic.twitter.com/yeakZOkXGt — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2018 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the Delhi Metro's Mundka-Bahadurgarh section and said his government's priority is to build convenient, comfortable and affordable urban transport systems in cities. Inaugurating the latest section via video conference, he said there was a direct link between connectivity and development. Delhi Metro’s Mundka-Bahadurgarh section of Green Line was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today. pic.twitter.com/eCEnFKTVjy — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2018 × "Our government brought out a policy relating to metros. This is because we felt aspects relating to metro systems need greater coherence and work as per a basic set of standards," he said in his address. He also said that the government wants to boost make in India by making coaches of the Metro in India itself. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi approves committee to lay down standards for metro rail systems

A Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight returned to Kolkata on Sunday after developing a crack in the windshield, shortly after take-off, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said.

The IndiGo flight, with 168 passengers on board, made its way back to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, a little over 15 minutes after take-off.

"On Sunday... At around 1015 hrs Indigo 6E345 Kolkata-Bengaluru with 178 passengers on board returned due to a windshield crack. It landed safely at around 1034 hrs," the AAI official said.

A statement from IndiGo said the aircraft had to return to Kolkata, owing to inclement weather in the morning.

"Due to severe weather conditions witnessed in Kolkata this morning, an IndiGo flight... Suffered minor damage on the outer surface of the windshield. Following standard operating procedures, the pilot returned to Kolkata for further inspection," it said.

The windshield is currently being replaced, and the passengers are being accommodated in another flight, an IndiGo spokesperson said.

The IndiGo flight, with 168 passengers on board, made its way back to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, a little over 15 minutes after take-off

A Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight returned to Kolkata on Sunday after developing a crack in the windshield, shortly after take-off, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said. The IndiGo flight, with 168 passengers on board, made its way back to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, a little over 15 minutes after take-off. "On Sunday... At around 1015 hrs Indigo 6E345 Kolkata-Bengaluru with 178 passengers on board returned due to a windshield crack. It landed safely at around 1034 hrs," the AAI official said. A statement from IndiGo said the aircraft had to return to Kolkata, owing to inclement weather in the morning. "Due to severe weather conditions witnessed in Kolkata this morning, an IndiGo flight... Suffered minor damage on the outer surface of the windshield. Following standard operating procedures, the pilot returned to Kolkata for further inspection," it said. The windshield is currently being replaced, and the passengers are being accommodated in another flight, an IndiGo spokesperson said.

IndiGo flight develops crack in windshield, returns to Kolkata

At least 13 women agriculture workers were killed and 17 others injured when a tractor plunged into a canal in Telangana`s Yadadri district on Sunday, police said, report said. 
 
The incident occurred when the tractor, carrying the workers, fell in Musi canal near Veligonda. 
 
According to the police, the tractor driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction. 
 
The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals. The death toll may rise as the condition of some of the injured is stated to be critical.

The incident occurred when the tractor, carrying the workers, fell in Musi canal near Veligonda.

At least 13 women agriculture workers were killed and 17 others injured when a tractor plunged into a canal in Telangana`s Yadadri district on Sunday, police said, report said. The incident occurred when the tractor, carrying the workers, fell in Musi canal near Veligonda. According to the police, the tractor driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals. The death toll may rise as the condition of some of the injured is stated to be critical.

13 killed as tractor falls in Telangana canal

A 90-year old widow claiming to be the aunt of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has knocked on the doors of an appellate authority after failing to get satisfactory answers from the Labour Ministry on her RTI application seeking details of lease renewal of a government dispensary running in her premises.

In a hearing last week before Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu, Dahiben Narottamdas Modi sent her representative Ishwar Lal Modi who narrated her ordeal about her premises which was rented on April 11, 1983 for Rs 600 per month.

It was given out for running the Beedi Workers Welfare Fund (BWWF) dispensary in her premises in Vadnagar in Gujarat's Mehsana district.

The rent was increased from Rs 600 to Rs 1500 through revisions of lease between 1983 and 1998, she said in her submissions before the Central Information Commission (CIC), adding it has not been raised since then.

Dahiben had filed an RTI application in December last year in which she sought to know details of lease, renewals, norms for fixing rent, reasons for not renewing her lease every five years and whether the department was ready to pay arrears for periods in which lease was not renewed after five years, among others.

The matter reached the Commission after she failed to get satisfactory response of her Right to Information application and her first appeal before higher authorities remained unanswered, according to details submitted by Dahiben before the CIC. 
Dahiben claimed she was all alone and survived on the meagre rental income of Rs 1,500 from the building for which the revision of rent was pending.

Welfare and Cess Commissioner S S Bhople told the Commission in a letter that after the expiry of the last lease agreement the office has requested the landlord through letters dated July 24, 2002 and May 15, 2008 to submit fresh documents for rent revision.

He said the documents were not submitted and hence the rates could not be revised.

During the hearing before the CIC, Dahiben's representative told the Commission that unless her "information needs" are fulfilled, she will not be providing documents as sought by Welfare Commissioner office for lease renewal.

He said she is too old and cannot physically go around the PWD office and Welfare Commissioner's office at every stage of documentation.

"I am the widow of 90-years old and such type of mental cruelty is intolerable for me as I have no son or (sic)&nbspno one is there to look after me," she said in an emotional second appeal filed by her before the Central Information Commission. 
A copy of the second appeal, the RTI application and the First appeal filed by Dahiben were accessed by news agency PTI.

In response to her RTI application on December 21, 2017, the CPIO and Assistant Welfare Commissioner T B Moitra told Dahiben that some information was not available in his office.

Moitra also said that lease can be revised at a new rental which has to be fixed after assessment by PWD/CPWD authorities in Gujarat.

The response has been quoted in the appeal filed by Dahiben and was reiterated by her representative during the hearing held on June 21, 2018.

The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) said Dahiben was asked to submit documents for renewal of lease which was not done and hence the renewal is pending.

The response was found unsatisfactory by Dahiben following which she filed her first appeal before Moitra's senior officer, Bhople, on January 9, 2018 in which she claimed that she was the "real aunt of Prime Minister Narendra Modi" and "if justice was not given to her the matter will be reported to the Prime Minister".

She did not elaborate on the relationship with the PM.

She filed a second appeal before the CIC, the highest adjudicating authority for RTI matters, after her first appeal went unheard.

The submissions and documents provided under the First Appeal with the concerned department and Second appeal before the Commission are given under oath by the appellant that details given are true.

While hearing the matter on June 21, Acharyulu observed that while she claimed to be a relative of the Prime Minister, she had not used it to influence the authorities.?

It was only after not being provided proper response that, in utter helplessness, she mentioned her relation with the Prime Minister, he noted.

He also asked some tough questions from the department about the ordeal faced by her and why penalty should not be imposed on the officers handling her RTI petition.

In response to her RTI application on December 21, 2017, the CPIO and Assistant Welfare Commissioner T B Moitra told Dahiben that some information was not available in his office.

A 90-year old widow claiming to be the aunt of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has knocked on the doors of an appellate authority after failing to get satisfactory answers from the Labour Ministry on her RTI application seeking details of lease renewal of a government dispensary running in her premises. In a hearing last week before Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu, Dahiben Narottamdas Modi sent her representative Ishwar Lal Modi who narrated her ordeal about her premises which was rented on April 11, 1983 for Rs 600 per month. It was given out for running the Beedi Workers Welfare Fund (BWWF) dispensary in her premises in Vadnagar in Gujarat's Mehsana district. The rent was increased from Rs 600 to Rs 1500 through revisions of lease between 1983 and 1998, she said in her submissions before the Central Information Commission (CIC), adding it has not been raised since then. Dahiben had filed an RTI application in December last year in which she sought to know details of lease, renewals, norms for fixing rent, reasons for not renewing her lease every five years and whether the department was ready to pay arrears for periods in which lease was not renewed after five years, among others. The matter reached the Commission after she failed to get satisfactory response of her Right to Information application and her first appeal before higher authorities remained unanswered, according to details submitted by Dahiben before the CIC. Dahiben claimed she was all alone and survived on the meagre rental income of Rs 1,500 from the building for which the revision of rent was pending. Welfare and Cess Commissioner S S Bhople told the Commission in a letter that after the expiry of the last lease agreement the office has requested the landlord through letters dated July 24, 2002 and May 15, 2008 to submit fresh documents for rent revision. He said the documents were not submitted and hence the rates could not be revised. During the hearing before the CIC, Dahiben's representative told the Commission that unless her "information needs" are fulfilled, she will not be providing documents as sought by Welfare Commissioner office for lease renewal. He said she is too old and cannot physically go around the PWD office and Welfare Commissioner's office at every stage of documentation. "I am the widow of 90-years old and such type of mental cruelty is intolerable for me as I have no son or (sic)&nbspno one is there to look after me," she said in an emotional second appeal filed by her before the Central Information Commission. A copy of the second appeal, the RTI application and the First appeal filed by Dahiben were accessed by news agency PTI. In response to her RTI application on December 21, 2017, the CPIO and Assistant Welfare Commissioner T B Moitra told Dahiben that some information was not available in his office. Moitra also said that lease can be revised at a new rental which has to be fixed after assessment by PWD/CPWD authorities in Gujarat. The response has been quoted in the appeal filed by Dahiben and was reiterated by her representative during the hearing held on June 21, 2018. The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) said Dahiben was asked to submit documents for renewal of lease which was not done and hence the renewal is pending. The response was found unsatisfactory by Dahiben following which she filed her first appeal before Moitra's senior officer, Bhople, on January 9, 2018 in which she claimed that she was the "real aunt of Prime Minister Narendra Modi" and "if justice was not given to her the matter will be reported to the Prime Minister". She did not elaborate on the relationship with the PM. She filed a second appeal before the CIC, the highest adjudicating authority for RTI matters, after her first appeal went unheard. The submissions and documents provided under the First Appeal with the concerned department and Second appeal before the Commission are given under oath by the appellant that details given are true. While hearing the matter on June 21, Acharyulu observed that while she claimed to be a relative of the Prime Minister, she had not used it to influence the authorities.? It was only after not being provided proper response that, in utter helplessness, she mentioned her relation with the Prime Minister, he noted. He also asked some tough questions from the department about the ordeal faced by her and why penalty should not be imposed on the officers handling her RTI petition.

90-year-old PM Modi's aunt seeks redressal for govt dispensary on her premises

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath began a cleanliness drive in Gomti river bank here on Sunday, reports news agency ANI.

The Chief Minister is being accompanied by cabinet ministers, the mayor, and a number of MLAs.

Addressing the gathering at the event, Adityanath said that the effort of citizens is necessary to keep the country clean.

"The India Mahatma Gandhi had dreamt of was not only about an independent India, but also a clean India. Our vow should be to clean our country and serve Mother India. There are so many countries in the world that are known for their cleanliness, and that is due to the efforts of the citizens in those countries," he was quoted as saying according to ANI.

The Chief Minister also made people present there to take a pledge to devote time to keep their surroundings clean.

Around 7000 volunteers have been deployed for the cleanliness drive, and have been provided with safety gear.

The Central Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launched 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' on October 2, 2014, with a vision of achieving 'Clean India' by 2019.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, at several events, has pitched for this drive and sometimes even took up the responsibility to clean the state.

He recently took up the broom to clean the litter himself in Lucknow slum. Adityanath took to the streets of Balu Adda Malin Basti along with some of his cabinet ministers to clean the litter.

The Chief Minister is being accompanied by cabinet ministers, the mayor, and a number of MLAs.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath began a cleanliness drive in Gomti river bank here on Sunday, reports news agency ANI. The Chief Minister is being accompanied by cabinet ministers, the mayor, and a number of MLAs. Addressing the gathering at the event, Adityanath said that the effort of citizens is necessary to keep the country clean. "The India Mahatma Gandhi had dreamt of was not only about an independent India, but also a clean India. Our vow should be to clean our country and serve Mother India. There are so many countries in the world that are known for their cleanliness, and that is due to the efforts of the citizens in those countries," he was quoted as saying according to ANI. The Chief Minister also made people present there to take a pledge to devote time to keep their surroundings clean. Around 7000 volunteers have been deployed for the cleanliness drive, and have been provided with safety gear. The Central Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launched 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' on October 2, 2014, with a vision of achieving 'Clean India' by 2019. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, at several events, has pitched for this drive and sometimes even took up the responsibility to clean the state. He recently took up the broom to clean the litter himself in Lucknow slum. Adityanath took to the streets of Balu Adda Malin Basti along with some of his cabinet ministers to clean the litter.

Adityanath launches cleanliness drive in Gomti river bank

Indian Army major Nikhil Handa has been arrested from Meerut's Daurala.&nbsp;

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He is accused of murdering the wife of another Army major who was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-majors-wifes-body-found-in-delhi-throat-was-slit-car-was-run-over-her-face-146623">found dead</a> in Delhi's cantonment area on Saturday.&nbsp;

Police said the victim's throat had been slit and her face had been run over by a car, in order to try and make her killing look like an accident. She was 35.&nbsp;

Police said she had been dropped off at the Army base hospital by a driver in her husband's official car.

But the driver was unable to find her when he returned. He also learnt that she had not attended her scheduled physiotherapy class.&nbsp;

Major Nikhil Handa was arrested from Meerut's Daurala. He is accused of murdering another major's wife in Delhi on Saturday

Indian Army major Nikhil Handa has been arrested from Meerut's Daurala. Indian Army Major Nikhil Handa arrested in Meerut's Daurala He is accused of murdering wife of another Indian Army major, who was found dead with her throat slit in Delhi's Brar Square yesterday: Sources — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2018 × He is accused of murdering the wife of another Army major who was found dead in Delhi's cantonment area on Saturday. Police said the victim's throat had been slit and her face had been run over by a car, in order to try and make her killing look like an accident. She was 35. Police said she had been dropped off at the Army base hospital by a driver in her husband's official car. But the driver was unable to find her when he returned. He also learnt that she had not attended her scheduled physiotherapy class.

Indian Army major arrested in Meerut, accused of murdering fellow officer's wife in Delhi

The Emergency was declared on June 25, 1975. And while a number of Indians were not even born then, the reverberations from the period continue to be felt even today.&nbsp;

The Emergency — often described as the 'darkest chapter' in independent India's history — was the first and only time that the fundamental rights of India's citizens were set aside. &nbsp;

Declaration of the Emergency was preceded by the Gandhian Jai Prakash Narayan's call to dislodge then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from power. The ensuing protests were so shrill that Indira imposed the Emergency, changing the country forever.&nbsp;

 
India becomes 'secular' and 'socialist'&nbsp; 
The words "socialist" and "secular" were added to the constitution. India was now a "sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic". &nbsp;

The words "secular" and "socialist" continue to be debated to this day, with the country's right wing continuing to insist they have done more harm than good to the country.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/the-heroes-of-india's-emergency-era---rise-of-non-congress-leaders-146659">Heroes of India's Emergency & the rise of non-Congress leaders</a>

 
The opposition comes together 
The Emergency brought the entire opposition together, with the first non-Congress government (although prime minister Morarji Desai and deputy prime minister Charan Singh were of Congress stock) coming to power at the centre in 1977 after the Emergency.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Emergency also ended the Jan Sangh's untouchability, briefly, with Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani becoming ministers of External Affairs and Information and Broadcasting in the coalition Janata Party government.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Babu Jagjivan Ram also broke ranks with the Congress to join the Janata government.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-the-press-was-muzzled-during-emergency--146664">How the press was muzzled during the Emergency</a>

A Dalit face and the youngest minister in Nehru’s cabinet in the 1950's, Jagjivan Ram's departure was a big blow to the Congress. Jagjivan Ram was the biggest Dalit leader to part ways with the Congress after Ambedkar. His departure was followed by that of Dalit votes from the Congress kitty in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. 
&nbsp;

India's future leaders&nbsp; 
The Emergency also proved to be a crucible for India’s future leadership. 
&nbsp; 
Youth leaders from then like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Nitish Kumar, Ram Vilas Paswan, and Sharad Yadav continue to stand tall in Indian politics. Vajpayee went on to become prime minister in 1996.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Emergency also impacted the Congress. Leaders close to Sanjay Gandhi — Indira's elder son and right-hand man during the Emergency years — went on to climb up the Congress ladder. They included Kamal Nath, Ambika Soni, Madhav Rao Scindia, and Sanjay Singh.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Emergency also allowed the regional parties to take shape, with a number of Janata Party leaders going on to create their own regional dynasties across india in the 1990's.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The biggest effect of the Emergency though was that it broke the myth that only the Congress could rule India.&nbsp;

The Emergency also led to the dissolution of the Jan Sangh and the birth of the BJP in 1980. Today of course it is the BJP which is the country's largest party, with the other parties allying against it.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Emergency was declared on June 25, 1975. The reverberations from the period continue to be felt even today

The Emergency was declared on June 25, 1975. And while a number of Indians were not even born then, the reverberations from the period continue to be felt even today. The Emergency — often described as the 'darkest chapter' in independent India's history — was the first and only time that the fundamental rights of India's citizens were set aside. Declaration of the Emergency was preceded by the Gandhian Jai Prakash Narayan's call to dislodge then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from power. The ensuing protests were so shrill that Indira imposed the Emergency, changing the country forever. India becomes 'secular' and 'socialist' The words "socialist" and "secular" were added to the constitution. India was now a "sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic". The words "secular" and "socialist" continue to be debated to this day, with the country's right wing continuing to insist they have done more harm than good to the country. Also read: Heroes of India's Emergency & the rise of non-Congress leaders The opposition comes together The Emergency brought the entire opposition together, with the first non-Congress government (although prime minister Morarji Desai and deputy prime minister Charan Singh were of Congress stock) coming to power at the centre in 1977 after the Emergency. The Emergency also ended the Jan Sangh's untouchability, briefly, with Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani becoming ministers of External Affairs and Information and Broadcasting in the coalition Janata Party government. Babu Jagjivan Ram also broke ranks with the Congress to join the Janata government. Also read: How the press was muzzled during the Emergency A Dalit face and the youngest minister in Nehru’s cabinet in the 1950's, Jagjivan Ram's departure was a big blow to the Congress. Jagjivan Ram was the biggest Dalit leader to part ways with the Congress after Ambedkar. His departure was followed by that of Dalit votes from the Congress kitty in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. India's future leaders The Emergency also proved to be a crucible for India’s future leadership. Youth leaders from then like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Nitish Kumar, Ram Vilas Paswan, and Sharad Yadav continue to stand tall in Indian politics. Vajpayee went on to become prime minister in 1996. The Emergency also impacted the Congress. Leaders close to Sanjay Gandhi — Indira's elder son and right-hand man during the Emergency years — went on to climb up the Congress ladder. They included Kamal Nath, Ambika Soni, Madhav Rao Scindia, and Sanjay Singh. The Emergency also allowed the regional parties to take shape, with a number of Janata Party leaders going on to create their own regional dynasties across india in the 1990's. The biggest effect of the Emergency though was that it broke the myth that only the Congress could rule India. The Emergency also led to the dissolution of the Jan Sangh and the birth of the BJP in 1980. Today of course it is the BJP which is the country's largest party, with the other parties allying against it.

The Emergency and how it changed India forever

The Emergency saw a crackdown on press freedom with severe censorship imposed on TV, radio, print media.&nbsp;

It also saw a crackdown on civil liberties, dissent and even the press. Rumours of Sanjay Gandhi’s control over the media were rife before the imposition of his mother’s orders but with its declaration, the Emergency ensured that press freedom became a chimaera. 
&nbsp; 
In many ways, &nbsp;June 25, 1975, charted a new path for the Indian press. The imposition of the Emergency equalled severe censorship on print, television and radio media.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The fear of repercussions meant falling in line with few willing to risk dissent. The state of numbness in the media prompted that famous quote from the BJP stalwart L K Advani ''When Mrs Gandhi asked the media to bend, it crawled''.

Electricity supply to Delhi-based papers was cut in an attempt to prevent them from reporting the imposition of the Emergency. Only two newspaper – the Hindustan Times and The Statesman -- managed to put editions out the next day after they sourced electricity from elsewhere while others had to wait till June 28.&nbsp;

More than 100,000 people were jailed during the Emergency including more than 2000 journalists. The fear, therefore, was genuine.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Not surprisingly few chose the path of resistance. The likes of Indian Express and The Statesman, for instance, left their lead editorial space blank in a mark of protest. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Many magazines and journals were censored and banned altogether.&nbsp;Foreign correspondents of&nbsp;Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph were expelled while BBC recalled its correspondent Mark Tully. The Economist and The Guardian reporters left the country on their own fearing for their safety. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In may of 1976 the home ministry admitted to detaining 7000 persons for distributing literature that opposed the emergency. The crackdown was resolute and all-encompassing.&nbsp;

Foreign correspondents of Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph were expelled while BBC recalled its correspondent Mark Tully. The Economist and The Guardian reporters left the country on their own fearing for their safety

The Emergency saw a crackdown on press freedom with severe censorship imposed on TV, radio, print media. It also saw a crackdown on civil liberties, dissent and even the press. Rumours of Sanjay Gandhi’s control over the media were rife before the imposition of his mother’s orders but with its declaration, the Emergency ensured that press freedom became a chimaera. In many ways, June 25, 1975, charted a new path for the Indian press. The imposition of the Emergency equalled severe censorship on print, television and radio media. The fear of repercussions meant falling in line with few willing to risk dissent. The state of numbness in the media prompted that famous quote from the BJP stalwart L K Advani ''When Mrs Gandhi asked the media to bend, it crawled''. Electricity supply to Delhi-based papers was cut in an attempt to prevent them from reporting the imposition of the Emergency. Only two newspaper – the Hindustan Times and The Statesman -- managed to put editions out the next day after they sourced electricity from elsewhere while others had to wait till June 28. More than 100,000 people were jailed during the Emergency including more than 2000 journalists. The fear, therefore, was genuine. Not surprisingly few chose the path of resistance. The likes of Indian Express and The Statesman, for instance, left their lead editorial space blank in a mark of protest. Many magazines and journals were censored and banned altogether. Foreign correspondents of Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph were expelled while BBC recalled its correspondent Mark Tully. The Economist and The Guardian reporters left the country on their own fearing for their safety. In may of 1976 the home ministry admitted to detaining 7000 persons for distributing literature that opposed the emergency. The crackdown was resolute and all-encompassing.

How the press was muzzled during the Emergency

The plastic ban imposed by Maharashtra government in March has come into effect from Saturday.

Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam while addressing media said, that they will ensure that errant manufacturers violating the ban&nbsp;face a strong action, but common people and small traders will not be harassed.

"We will ensure that common people and small traders are not harassed. But strict action will be taken again plastic manufacturers (if they break the law)," the senior Shiv Sena minister said. 
There will be no relaxation in fine, he said.

"An extensive awareness campaign will be carried out in the next eight days to inform about banned items,"&nbsp;Kadam also added.

On March 23, the Maharashtra government announced a ban on manufacturing, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials as it became the 18th state in the country to impose such ban.

The fine for the first-time and second-time offenders will be Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively. A third violation will attract a fine of Rs 25,000 and a jail term for three months.

The government had given three months to traders, manufacturers and consumers to dispose of&nbsp;the banned plastic items.

Under the ban, the plastic products such as&nbsp;milk pouches, wrappers for processed food, dustbin liners, medicines packs, solid waste and agricultural products and PET bottles were exempted.

However, the PET bottles and milk pouches will be sold at an additional price of 1-2 rupees which will be refunded to the consumer after the return to the retailer for recycling.&nbsp;

Dairies have also been instructed to make an attempt to sell milk in glass bottles.

During the media address,&nbsp;Kadam reiterated that 80 per cent of banned plastic items are manufactured in Gujarat and smuggled to Maharashtra. He then added that anybody who will be caught bringing plastic goods will be imprisoned for three months.

The ban&nbsp;will mostly hit jobs in the plastic sector in Gujarat, he said, adding "we will find alternative jobs for those who are affected in Maharashtra."

On the demand to exempt thermocol used for decorations during Ganesh Festival, Kadam said, "Some Maharashtrian youths met me and requested that they be allowed to use thermocol items in the festival this year as they had already purchased these items."

The empowered committee of the government, dealing with the ban, will discuss this issue and an exemption might be given if Ganesh Mandals give an undertaking that these items will be later handed over to the municipal corporation for disposal, he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam while addressing media said, that they will ensure that errant manufacturers face a strong action, but common people and small traders will not be harassed

The plastic ban imposed by Maharashtra government in March has come into effect from Saturday. Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam while addressing media said, that they will ensure that errant manufacturers violating the ban face a strong action, but common people and small traders will not be harassed. "We will ensure that common people and small traders are not harassed. But strict action will be taken again plastic manufacturers (if they break the law)," the senior Shiv Sena minister said. There will be no relaxation in fine, he said. "An extensive awareness campaign will be carried out in the next eight days to inform about banned items," Kadam also added. On March 23, the Maharashtra government announced a ban on manufacturing, use, sale, distribution and storage of plastic materials as it became the 18th state in the country to impose such ban. The fine for the first-time and second-time offenders will be Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively. A third violation will attract a fine of Rs 25,000 and a jail term for three months. The government had given three months to traders, manufacturers and consumers to dispose of the banned plastic items. Under the ban, the plastic products such as milk pouches, wrappers for processed food, dustbin liners, medicines packs, solid waste and agricultural products and PET bottles were exempted. However, the PET bottles and milk pouches will be sold at an additional price of 1-2 rupees which will be refunded to the consumer after the return to the retailer for recycling. Dairies have also been instructed to make an attempt to sell milk in glass bottles. During the media address, Kadam reiterated that 80 per cent of banned plastic items are manufactured in Gujarat and smuggled to Maharashtra. He then added that anybody who will be caught bringing plastic goods will be imprisoned for three months. The ban will mostly hit jobs in the plastic sector in Gujarat, he said, adding "we will find alternative jobs for those who are affected in Maharashtra." On the demand to exempt thermocol used for decorations during Ganesh Festival, Kadam said, "Some Maharashtrian youths met me and requested that they be allowed to use thermocol items in the festival this year as they had already purchased these items." The empowered committee of the government, dealing with the ban, will discuss this issue and an exemption might be given if Ganesh Mandals give an undertaking that these items will be later handed over to the municipal corporation for disposal, he said. (With inputs from PTI)

Maharashtra: Plastic ban comes into effect from today

Unable to cope with the humiliating defeat that Argentina suffered&nbsp;at the hands of Croatia late on Thursday, a diehard Lionel Messi fan from Kottayam in Kerala has gone missing, leaving behind a suicide note saying he has nothing to look forward to now. A search operation is on.

A team of police divers and locals on Friday searched the Meenachil river that flows by Arumannoor in the locality.

Binu Alex, 30, who was last seen watching the FIFA World Cup match, according to his parents, has been missing from the house since 4 am, a police officer, who did not want to be named, told.

"A quick search revealed a suicide note in which he says he is leaving the world as he has nothing more to watch and see," the officer was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

A close relative of Alex told that he was a hardcore Messi fan and his mobile phone had a picture of Messi as the wallpaper.

"Yesterday, he purchased a T-shirt like the one worn by Messi and sat down to watch the match. In the morning when his mother got up at 4 am to prepare food for Alex, she saw that the back door of the kitchen was open and immediately called her husband.

"They then went to check on Alex and found that he was missing," said the relative, adding that police was called then.

Police arrived with a sniffer dog who ran towards the river which is flowing in full spate on account of the rains in the past few days. Some divers searched in the water but failed to find the body.

Alex was unmarried and works as an accountant in a private company here.

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Kerala: A 30-year-old fan of Argentina's player Lionel Messi went missing on Thursday, hours after Argentina's 3-0 loss to Croatia in 2018 FIFA World Cup. Visuals of police investigating the spot, yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/M6zWK0nqpG">pic.twitter.com/M6zWK0nqpG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1010403536134385666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Police arrived with a sniffer dog who ran towards the river which is flowing in full spate on account of the rains in the past few days. Some divers searched in the water but failed to find the body.

Unable to cope with the humiliating defeat that Argentina suffered at the hands of Croatia late on Thursday, a diehard Lionel Messi fan from Kottayam in Kerala has gone missing, leaving behind a suicide note saying he has nothing to look forward to now. A search operation is on. A team of police divers and locals on Friday searched the Meenachil river that flows by Arumannoor in the locality. Binu Alex, 30, who was last seen watching the FIFA World Cup match, according to his parents, has been missing from the house since 4 am, a police officer, who did not want to be named, told. "A quick search revealed a suicide note in which he says he is leaving the world as he has nothing more to watch and see," the officer was quoted as saying. A close relative of Alex told that he was a hardcore Messi fan and his mobile phone had a picture of Messi as the wallpaper. "Yesterday, he purchased a T-shirt like the one worn by Messi and sat down to watch the match. In the morning when his mother got up at 4 am to prepare food for Alex, she saw that the back door of the kitchen was open and immediately called her husband. "They then went to check on Alex and found that he was missing," said the relative, adding that police was called then. Police arrived with a sniffer dog who ran towards the river which is flowing in full spate on account of the rains in the past few days. Some divers searched in the water but failed to find the body. Alex was unmarried and works as an accountant in a private company here. Kerala: A 30-year-old fan of Argentina's player Lionel Messi went missing on Thursday, hours after Argentina's 3-0 loss to Croatia in 2018 FIFA World Cup. Visuals of police investigating the spot, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/M6zWK0nqpG — ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2018 ×

Kerala: Messi fan goes missing after Argentina defeat; suicide note says 'leaving the world'

To any security analyst the reported killing of four militants, on June 22, 2018 by synergised operation of security forces, in Anantnag district, with two out of them affiliated to the Islamic State Jammu and Kashmir (ISJK), as a sequel to renewed "Operation All Out" is no surprise.

After shrinking of Islamic State (IS) caliphate in Iraq and Syria it was well expected that their militant cadres will start disappearing in smaller groups to reappear in militant friendly areas, believing in IS ideology. The recent attack in Afghanistan during Ramzan, with many innocent killed, claimed by IS was a case in point. Kashmir, where IS and Pakistani flags have been coming up occasionally is one such area, where such induction was expected.

Backdrop

Few years back, after the declaration of the caliphate, the newly-named Caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, addressed jihadists the world over and said, "Muslims’ rights are forcibly seized in China, India, Palestine, Somalia, the Arabian Peninsula, the Caucasus, Sham (the Levant), Egypt, Iraq, Indonesia, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Ahvaz, Iran, Pakistan, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria and Morocco, in the East and in the West. Prisoners are moaning and crying for help. Orphans and widows are complaining of their plight. Women who have lost their children are weeping. Masajid (plural of masjid) are desecrated and sanctities are violated... terrify the enemies of Allah and seek death in the places where you expect to find it. Your brothers, on every piece of this earth, are waiting for you to rescue them” (sic). The address explicitly mentions China and India as one of the prime targets of the ISIS, with eye on Xinjiang and Kashmir. While China continues to deal with Xinjiang with full military might, without the handicap of vote bank politics/overactive HR organizations/media/legal fraternity, India has been giving the impression of softness on the issue.

The IS started showing signs of presence in India initially in the form of some sleeper cells caught in India who are under investigation. While these may be the initial visible footprints, the efforts of IS to make inroads into India are on, and cannot be ignored.

Failed experiments of ceasefire and NICO

The ceasefire and NICO experiments defied all military logic notwithstanding the good intent of peaceful Ramadan, hence were bound to fail, as they came due to insistence of politicians of Kashmir, despite awareness of its non acceptance by militants. The firing along international border/Line of Control (LoC) to infiltrate militants continued. Pakistan Army derives power from ‘India Threat Theory and boiling Kashmir’ hence its diversion from proxy war to peace is next to impossible, and its peace gestures are no more than a deception plan. Militants are their strategic assets are being used for terrorism in India and elsewhere, besides recent idea of getting them a political entry in Pakistan.

Inside Kashmir, NICO gave them a chance to revive their terror industry, wherein the militants could move freely, kill some informers and terrorise the rest, raise finances by extortion/money laundering, carried out recruitment of young boys into their outfit by luring them or terrorising their families, continued atrocities against terrorised innocent Kashmiries. The hiring of civilians from UP for stone pelting in the garb of job promise is a case in point of revival of terror industry.

The passion of Kashmiris exhibited post martyrdom of Aurengzeb, Fayaz, other soldiers and journalist Bukhari, brought in the Governor's rule. The security cost paid was one month loss of initiative to militants causing revival of terror industry, and gaining of expertise by militants to use stone pelting as an effective weapon.

Challenges ahead

The immediate challenge to be faced in Governor's rule will be safe and secure Amarnath Yatra. The security forces under the Governor's rule are going all out to control terrorism, ensure security of Amarnath Yatris, and bring Kashmir to normalcy, but the lost ground will take some more time to achieve it. The cost of flip-flop in ceasefire will buy some more casualties of security personnel and civilians. A hard professional stance is needed as a surgery of cancerous terrorism, as soft homeopathic treatment is not good enough. A synergy of civil administration and security forces is a must and we seem to be moving towards it.

How should India respond to future challenges in Kashmir?

<ul>
	<li>It’s time that all political parties to put national interest above their political interest, before it’s too late. Politicising national security is not in their interest from security as well as vote bank point of view, as all eyes are on Kashmir, and population from rest of the country understands what Indian national interest is.</li>
	<li>India needs to declare a well thought, coherent, long lasting, hard state policy on Kashmir, because any wavering of stance can be construed as a weakness. The NHRC, legal fraternity, motor mouth politicians, armchair tacticians and writers should weigh their actions against national security and have confidence on the executors, having tried everything else and failed in last so many decades.</li>
	<li>War with Pakistan is not a worthwhile economical option, but India must look at all overt and covert options against militants.</li>
	<li>India cannot afford to put its guard down on account of ceasefire. India should not be talking to Pakistan unless it shuns proxy war.</li>
	<li>While India expects the entire world to declare Pakistan a terror state, it is yet to scrap the ‘Most Favored Nation’ status accorded to it.</li>
	<li>India should also take up the issue of Balochistan in all world forums along with terrorism brewing in Pakistan.</li>
	<li>We need to do capacity building of our defence forces as we have been losing deterrence gradually due to inadequate attention over decades. Not having some critical equipment like strike drones is a case in point.</li>
	<li>India needs to use the leverage of water sharing also with Pakistan.</li>
	<li>The decision makers need to have and exhibit an honest intention to resolve it.</li>
</ul>

With all eyes set on security forces, the expectations from them have multiplied. They are delivering with repeated success, but the sympathisers of militants continue to criticise the decision makers. It will take some time to stabilise but the big question remains: Will our politicians spare national integrity from their routine political fight?

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The IS started showing signs of presence in India initially in the form of some sleeper cells caught in India, who are under investigation.

To any security analyst the reported killing of four militants, on June 22, 2018 by synergised operation of security forces, in Anantnag district, with two out of them affiliated to the Islamic State Jammu and Kashmir (ISJK), as a sequel to renewed "Operation All Out" is no surprise. After shrinking of Islamic State (IS) caliphate in Iraq and Syria it was well expected that their militant cadres will start disappearing in smaller groups to reappear in militant friendly areas, believing in IS ideology. The recent attack in Afghanistan during Ramzan, with many innocent killed, claimed by IS was a case in point. Kashmir, where IS and Pakistani flags have been coming up occasionally is one such area, where such induction was expected. Backdrop Few years back, after the declaration of the caliphate, the newly-named Caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, addressed jihadists the world over and said, "Muslims’ rights are forcibly seized in China, India, Palestine, Somalia, the Arabian Peninsula, the Caucasus, Sham (the Levant), Egypt, Iraq, Indonesia, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Ahvaz, Iran, Pakistan, Tunisia, Libya, Algeria and Morocco, in the East and in the West. Prisoners are moaning and crying for help. Orphans and widows are complaining of their plight. Women who have lost their children are weeping. Masajid (plural of masjid) are desecrated and sanctities are violated... terrify the enemies of Allah and seek death in the places where you expect to find it. Your brothers, on every piece of this earth, are waiting for you to rescue them” (sic). The address explicitly mentions China and India as one of the prime targets of the ISIS, with eye on Xinjiang and Kashmir. While China continues to deal with Xinjiang with full military might, without the handicap of vote bank politics/overactive HR organizations/media/legal fraternity, India has been giving the impression of softness on the issue. The IS started showing signs of presence in India initially in the form of some sleeper cells caught in India who are under investigation. While these may be the initial visible footprints, the efforts of IS to make inroads into India are on, and cannot be ignored. Failed experiments of ceasefire and NICO The ceasefire and NICO experiments defied all military logic notwithstanding the good intent of peaceful Ramadan, hence were bound to fail, as they came due to insistence of politicians of Kashmir, despite awareness of its non acceptance by militants. The firing along international border/Line of Control (LoC) to infiltrate militants continued. Pakistan Army derives power from ‘India Threat Theory and boiling Kashmir’ hence its diversion from proxy war to peace is next to impossible, and its peace gestures are no more than a deception plan. Militants are their strategic assets are being used for terrorism in India and elsewhere, besides recent idea of getting them a political entry in Pakistan. Inside Kashmir, NICO gave them a chance to revive their terror industry, wherein the militants could move freely, kill some informers and terrorise the rest, raise finances by extortion/money laundering, carried out recruitment of young boys into their outfit by luring them or terrorising their families, continued atrocities against terrorised innocent Kashmiries. The hiring of civilians from UP for stone pelting in the garb of job promise is a case in point of revival of terror industry. The passion of Kashmiris exhibited post martyrdom of Aurengzeb, Fayaz, other soldiers and journalist Bukhari, brought in the Governor's rule. The security cost paid was one month loss of initiative to militants causing revival of terror industry, and gaining of expertise by militants to use stone pelting as an effective weapon. Challenges ahead The immediate challenge to be faced in Governor's rule will be safe and secure Amarnath Yatra. The security forces under the Governor's rule are going all out to control terrorism, ensure security of Amarnath Yatris, and bring Kashmir to normalcy, but the lost ground will take some more time to achieve it. The cost of flip-flop in ceasefire will buy some more casualties of security personnel and civilians. A hard professional stance is needed as a surgery of cancerous terrorism, as soft homeopathic treatment is not good enough. A synergy of civil administration and security forces is a must and we seem to be moving towards it. How should India respond to future challenges in Kashmir? It’s time that all political parties to put national interest above their political interest, before it’s too late. Politicising national security is not in their interest from security as well as vote bank point of view, as all eyes are on Kashmir, and population from rest of the country understands what Indian national interest is. India needs to declare a well thought, coherent, long lasting, hard state policy on Kashmir, because any wavering of stance can be construed as a weakness. The NHRC, legal fraternity, motor mouth politicians, armchair tacticians and writers should weigh their actions against national security and have confidence on the executors, having tried everything else and failed in last so many decades. War with Pakistan is not a worthwhile economical option, but India must look at all overt and covert options against militants. India cannot afford to put its guard down on account of ceasefire. India should not be talking to Pakistan unless it shuns proxy war. While India expects the entire world to declare Pakistan a terror state, it is yet to scrap the ‘Most Favored Nation’ status accorded to it. India should also take up the issue of Balochistan in all world forums along with terrorism brewing in Pakistan. We need to do capacity building of our defence forces as we have been losing deterrence gradually due to inadequate attention over decades. Not having some critical equipment like strike drones is a case in point. India needs to use the leverage of water sharing also with Pakistan. The decision makers need to have and exhibit an honest intention to resolve it. With all eyes set on security forces, the expectations from them have multiplied. They are delivering with repeated success, but the sympathisers of militants continue to criticise the decision makers. It will take some time to stabilise but the big question remains: Will our politicians spare national integrity from their routine political fight? (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Islamic State footprints in Kashmir and the challenges ahead

India and Cuba have agreed to enhance cooperation in biotechnology, renewable energy and traditional medicine as President Ram Nath Kovind held wide-ranging talks with his Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel to further cement the strong bilateral ties.

Kovind, who arrived here on Thursday on the last leg of his three-nation tour which also took him to Greece and Suriname, commenced his engagements here by paying tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. 
&nbsp

Later, Kovind met his counterpart Diaz-Canel.

"PresidentKovind held delegation-level talks with President Diaz-Canel of Cuba both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in biotechnology, renewable energy and traditional medicine," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.&nbsp

Cuba also reiterated support for India's candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

President also addressed the University of Havana on 'India and the Global South'.

During his address, Kovind stressed on the need for India and Cuba to work&nbsptogether to push for greater space for developing countries in global governance structures.

Kovind, who arrived here on Thursday on the last leg of his three-nation tour which also took him to Greece and Suriname, commenced his engagements here by paying tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

India and Cuba have agreed to enhance cooperation in biotechnology, renewable energy and traditional medicine as President Ram Nath Kovind held wide-ranging talks with his Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel to further cement the strong bilateral ties. Kovind, who arrived here on Thursday on the last leg of his three-nation tour which also took him to Greece and Suriname, commenced his engagements here by paying tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Kovind met his counterpart Diaz-Canel. "PresidentKovind held delegation-level talks with President Diaz-Canel of Cuba both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in biotechnology, renewable energy and traditional medicine," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Cuba also reiterated support for India's candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. President also addressed the University of Havana on 'India and the Global South'. During his address, Kovind stressed on the need for India and Cuba to work&nbsptogether to push for greater space for developing countries in global governance structures.

India, Cuba agree to enhance cooperation in biotechnology, renewable energy

The 21 month-long emergency -- announced just minutes before the midnight of June 25, 1975, was the darkest period for India. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi assumed draconian powers, curbing free speech and dissent. But what were the series of events that led to the country's darkest year, here's taking a quick look.

The Bangladesh liberation war had raised Indira Gandhi's profile. She was recognised around the world for providing substantial diplomatic, economic and military support to freedom fighters in Bangladesh. In the euphoria of victory against Pakistan, the Congress swept the polls in 1971. Indira Gandhi returned to power with a thumping majority. By now, she was being compared to goddess Durga.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
But not many knew that within three years, India would witness her most loved leader turn into a dictator. &nbsp;

The oil crisis of 1973 triggered a spike in inflation in the country. Rising unemployment and charges of rampant corruption changed the public mood against Gandhi.&nbsp;

Raj Narayan, leader of the Bharatiya Lok Dal Party, had stood against Indira Gandhi in Raebareli. He filed a case of electoral malpractice against her.&nbsp;

Justice Jagmohan Sinha of the Allahabad High Court delivered a historic decision. He found Indira Gandhi guilty on two counts of electoral malpractice. Her election was invalidated and she was disbarred from the office for six years.&nbsp;

This was a major setback for Gandhi. But, despite mounting protests by the opposition, she decided to fight back. The opposition, led by the likes of Jai Prakash Narayan and Morarji Desai took to the streets. India came to a standstill.&nbsp;

Indira Gandhi moved the Supreme Court against the judgement. A vacation bench gave a conditional stay, while the ruling bench allowed her to stay on as the prime minister. However, Gandhi was not allowed to speak or vote in the parliament, until a larger bench took a decision on the case.&nbsp;

The opposition -- emboldened by its victory in the Gujarat assembly elections -- announced a week-long satyagraha. They wanted Indira Gandhi to resign immediately.&nbsp;

On that day, Gandhi decided to take an unprecedented step. Taking the advice of the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Siddhartha Shankar Ray, she decided to impose an internal emergency.&nbsp;

A letter was drafted that said that there is an imminent danger to the security of India&nbsp;threatened by internal disturbances.&nbsp;

Later that night, Indira Gandhi met with President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed with the letter, and just a few minutes before the clock struck midnight, the state of Emergency was declared in India.&nbsp;

A letter was drafted that said that there is an imminent danger to the security of India

The 21 month-long emergency -- announced just minutes before the midnight of June 25, 1975, was the darkest period for India. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi assumed draconian powers, curbing free speech and dissent. But what were the series of events that led to the country's darkest year, here's taking a quick look. The Bangladesh liberation war had raised Indira Gandhi's profile. She was recognised around the world for providing substantial diplomatic, economic and military support to freedom fighters in Bangladesh. In the euphoria of victory against Pakistan, the Congress swept the polls in 1971. Indira Gandhi returned to power with a thumping majority. By now, she was being compared to goddess Durga. But not many knew that within three years, India would witness her most loved leader turn into a dictator. The oil crisis of 1973 triggered a spike in inflation in the country. Rising unemployment and charges of rampant corruption changed the public mood against Gandhi. Raj Narayan, leader of the Bharatiya Lok Dal Party, had stood against Indira Gandhi in Raebareli. He filed a case of electoral malpractice against her. Justice Jagmohan Sinha of the Allahabad High Court delivered a historic decision. He found Indira Gandhi guilty on two counts of electoral malpractice. Her election was invalidated and she was disbarred from the office for six years. This was a major setback for Gandhi. But, despite mounting protests by the opposition, she decided to fight back. The opposition, led by the likes of Jai Prakash Narayan and Morarji Desai took to the streets. India came to a standstill. Indira Gandhi moved the Supreme Court against the judgement. A vacation bench gave a conditional stay, while the ruling bench allowed her to stay on as the prime minister. However, Gandhi was not allowed to speak or vote in the parliament, until a larger bench took a decision on the case. The opposition -- emboldened by its victory in the Gujarat assembly elections -- announced a week-long satyagraha. They wanted Indira Gandhi to resign immediately. On that day, Gandhi decided to take an unprecedented step. Taking the advice of the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Siddhartha Shankar Ray, she decided to impose an internal emergency. A letter was drafted that said that there is an imminent danger to the security of India threatened by internal disturbances. Later that night, Indira Gandhi met with President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed with the letter, and just a few minutes before the clock struck midnight, the state of Emergency was declared in India.

What led Indira Gandhi to declare Emergency? 

Four members of a family, including a minor, were killed when a speedy truck overturned on their roadside eatery at the Sisaiya crossing early this morning, police said.

The deceased were identified as Badalu (70), who ran the eatery on the Sisaiya-Bahraich road, his daughter Nazima (35) and granddaughters Mahek (3) and Ruby (18), they said.

The speeding truck overturned on their eatery, killing all four on the spot, police said, adding that the negligence of the truck driver is said to be the cause of the accident.

Additional Superintendent of Police East Prasanth Varma, along with Dhaurahara and Isanagar police, rushed to the spot and the bodies have been sent for postmortem.

The truck driver has been taken into custody, police said.

The truck driver has been taken into custody

Four members of a family, including a minor, were killed when a speedy truck overturned on their roadside eatery at the Sisaiya crossing early this morning, police said. The deceased were identified as Badalu (70), who ran the eatery on the Sisaiya-Bahraich road, his daughter Nazima (35) and granddaughters Mahek (3) and Ruby (18), they said. The speeding truck overturned on their eatery, killing all four on the spot, police said, adding that the negligence of the truck driver is said to be the cause of the accident. Additional Superintendent of Police East Prasanth Varma, along with Dhaurahara and Isanagar police, rushed to the spot and the bodies have been sent for postmortem. The truck driver has been taken into custody, police said.

Uttar Pradesh: 4 members of family killed after truck overturns on roadside eatery

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