The United States could be economically isolated for provoking trade frictions and jeopardizing fair trade principles worldwide, said an Indian expert on Friday.

Swaran Singh, a professor with the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the recent US&nbspactions of bullying its trade partners, including China and India, are not going to bring the country any good.

Instead, those actions will tighten the economic ties between the bullied countries, according to Singh.

"Indeed, I also want to underline that such a whimsical policy of President Trump is going to open several new opportunities for China and India. And very good examples are: China has imposed now 25 percent additional tariffs on soybean imports from the United States and just in the same time in July this year, now, last week, China has actually removed all tariffs on import of soybeans and oil kegs from five countries that are part of Asia Trade Agreement that China has, India is one of them. And we have seen cotton, soybean, sugar exports from India to China increasing," said Singh.

In addition to India, other major world economies also expressed strong discontent towards the US&nbsptariffs policy, said Singh, adding that the US&nbspactions of trade protectionism have already prompted the affected countries to stick together and enhance their multilateral trade ties, which could result in an economic isolation for the US&nbspin a long run.

"So in many ways, this kind of whimsical and unthoughtful policy of the United States is going to bring advantages to other countries, not just China and India, in fact, China's relations with many other countries could improve. Because countries like Canada, European Union [states], Mexico, Russia are all now targets of similar sanctions. And in that sense China, can take the lead in building close connection and consultations with all these countries who are friends, allies and adversaries of the United States, and the United States could end up being isolated in world affairs," said Singh.

Swaran Singh, a professor with the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the recent US actions of bullying its trade partners, including China and India, are not going to bring the country any good.

The United States could be economically isolated for provoking trade frictions and jeopardizing fair trade principles worldwide, said an Indian expert on Friday. Swaran Singh, a professor with the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the recent US&nbspactions of bullying its trade partners, including China and India, are not going to bring the country any good. Instead, those actions will tighten the economic ties between the bullied countries, according to Singh. "Indeed, I also want to underline that such a whimsical policy of President Trump is going to open several new opportunities for China and India. And very good examples are: China has imposed now 25 percent additional tariffs on soybean imports from the United States and just in the same time in July this year, now, last week, China has actually removed all tariffs on import of soybeans and oil kegs from five countries that are part of Asia Trade Agreement that China has, India is one of them. And we have seen cotton, soybean, sugar exports from India to China increasing," said Singh. In addition to India, other major world economies also expressed strong discontent towards the US&nbsptariffs policy, said Singh, adding that the US&nbspactions of trade protectionism have already prompted the affected countries to stick together and enhance their multilateral trade ties, which could result in an economic isolation for the US&nbspin a long run. "So in many ways, this kind of whimsical and unthoughtful policy of the United States is going to bring advantages to other countries, not just China and India, in fact, China's relations with many other countries could improve. Because countries like Canada, European Union [states], Mexico, Russia are all now targets of similar sanctions. And in that sense China, can take the lead in building close connection and consultations with all these countries who are friends, allies and adversaries of the United States, and the United States could end up being isolated in world affairs," said Singh.

US could be isolated for provoking trade frictions: Indian expert

People going to the cinema to watch movies in Maharashtra will soon be able to carry their own food into the theatres after a man filed a petition in the Bombay High Court.&nbsp;

At present, people are not even allowed to carry water bottles to the theatres and have to buy water and food at exorbitant prices.&nbsp;

The government announcement came during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly after the Bombay High Court in June after a petition was filed by filmmaker Jainendra Baxi.

Baxi's lawyer Advocate Aditya Pratap told ANI: "We had filed the petition in Bombay HC. Daily people are humiliated in multiplexes when their bags are checked and food items are thrown out so that multiplexes can sell a Rs 5 popcorn for Rs 250 and make money. We welcome Maharashtra govt's stand on it."

The government will also hold meetings with multiplex owners and resolve the issue of higher pricing of eatables and beverages in multiplexes.

State Food Supplies Minister Ravindra Chavan while announcing the government's decision has said in the Maharashtra Assembly that the government will take action against theatre employees and owners who do not comply with the order, reports said.

Last month, the Bombay High Court had asked the Maharashtra government why it could not regulate the prices of food items being sold at exorbitant rates in multiplexes across the state.

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We had filed the petition in Bombay HC. Daily people are humiliated in multiplexes when their bags are checked & food items are thrown out so that multiplexes can sell a Rs.5 popcorn for Rs.250 and make money. We welcome Maharashtra govt's stand on it: Aditya Pratap, petitioner <a href="https://t.co/TcuidKwldC">pic.twitter.com/TcuidKwldC</a>
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&nbsp;

At present, people are not even allowed to carry water bottles to the theatres and have to resort to buying water and food at exuberant prices.

People going to the cinema to watch movies in Maharashtra will soon be able to carry their own food into the theatres after a man filed a petition in the Bombay High Court. At present, people are not even allowed to carry water bottles to the theatres and have to buy water and food at exorbitant prices. The government announcement came during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly after the Bombay High Court in June after a petition was filed by filmmaker Jainendra Baxi. Baxi's lawyer Advocate Aditya Pratap told ANI: "We had filed the petition in Bombay HC. Daily people are humiliated in multiplexes when their bags are checked and food items are thrown out so that multiplexes can sell a Rs 5 popcorn for Rs 250 and make money. We welcome Maharashtra govt's stand on it." The government will also hold meetings with multiplex owners and resolve the issue of higher pricing of eatables and beverages in multiplexes. State Food Supplies Minister Ravindra Chavan while announcing the government's decision has said in the Maharashtra Assembly that the government will take action against theatre employees and owners who do not comply with the order, reports said. Last month, the Bombay High Court had asked the Maharashtra government why it could not regulate the prices of food items being sold at exorbitant rates in multiplexes across the state. We had filed the petition in Bombay HC. Daily people are humiliated in multiplexes when their bags are checked & food items are thrown out so that multiplexes can sell a Rs.5 popcorn for Rs.250 and make money. We welcome Maharashtra govt's stand on it: Aditya Pratap, petitioner pic.twitter.com/TcuidKwldC — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2018 ×

Petitioner welcomes Maharashtra govt's stand on multiplexes banning outside food articles

&nbsp;Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani has surpassed Alibaba Group's Jack Ma to become Asia's richest person.

While Ambani was estimated to be worth $44.3 billion on Friday as RIL shares rose 1.6 per cent, Ma's wealth stood at $44 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

The petrochemical-to-telecom has added $4 billion this year to Reliance honcho's wealth.

The market valuation of Reliance Industries surged past Rs 7 lakh crore mark during Friday morning trade.

Earlier this month, Ambani announced the launch of fixed-line broadband services Jio gig fibre.

"We will extend fibre connectivity to homes, merchants, small and medium enterprises and large enterprises simultaneously across 1,100 cities to offer the most advanced fibre-based broadband connectivity solutions," said Mukesh Ambani while addressing the shareholders at the Reliance Industries' 41st Annual General Meeting.

Ambani also noted that Reliance is India's largest payer of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Excise and Customs Duty, and Income Tax in the private sector.

He also announced the launch of Jio Phone 2 which will hit the markets by August 16 this year and will be available at a price of Rs. 2999.

"We are now taking the JioPhone to the next level, with added capabilities and functionalities. Reliance is bringing WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube to the Jio Phone. We will now extend fibre connectivity to homes, merchants, small and medium enterprises and large enterprises simultaneously across 1,100 cities to offer the most advanced fibre-based broadband connectivity solutions," daughter of Mukesh, Isha Ambani said while addressing the shareholders at the Reliance Industries' 41st Annual General Meeting.

The business magnate was ranked by Forbes as 18th-wealthiest person in the world in January this year. He is the only Indian businessman, on Forbes' list of the world's most powerful people.

The tycoon, who owns the Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians, was named as one of the richest sports owners in the world in 2012 by Forbes.

Ambani resides at one of the world's most expensive private residences Antilia Building that value of which is close to $1 billion.

Ambani was estimated to be worth $44.3 billion on Friday as RIL shares rose 1.6 per cent, Ma's wealth stood at $44 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani has surpassed Alibaba Group's Jack Ma to become Asia's richest person. While Ambani was estimated to be worth $44.3 billion on Friday as RIL shares rose 1.6 per cent, Ma's wealth stood at $44 billion, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The petrochemical-to-telecom has added $4 billion this year to Reliance honcho's wealth. The market valuation of Reliance Industries surged past Rs 7 lakh crore mark during Friday morning trade. Earlier this month, Ambani announced the launch of fixed-line broadband services Jio gig fibre. "We will extend fibre connectivity to homes, merchants, small and medium enterprises and large enterprises simultaneously across 1,100 cities to offer the most advanced fibre-based broadband connectivity solutions," said Mukesh Ambani while addressing the shareholders at the Reliance Industries' 41st Annual General Meeting. Ambani also noted that Reliance is India's largest payer of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Excise and Customs Duty, and Income Tax in the private sector. He also announced the launch of Jio Phone 2 which will hit the markets by August 16 this year and will be available at a price of Rs. 2999. "We are now taking the JioPhone to the next level, with added capabilities and functionalities. Reliance is bringing WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube to the Jio Phone. We will now extend fibre connectivity to homes, merchants, small and medium enterprises and large enterprises simultaneously across 1,100 cities to offer the most advanced fibre-based broadband connectivity solutions," daughter of Mukesh, Isha Ambani said while addressing the shareholders at the Reliance Industries' 41st Annual General Meeting. The business magnate was ranked by Forbes as 18th-wealthiest person in the world in January this year. He is the only Indian businessman, on Forbes' list of the world's most powerful people. The tycoon, who owns the Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians, was named as one of the richest sports owners in the world in 2012 by Forbes. Ambani resides at one of the world's most expensive private residences Antilia Building that value of which is close to $1 billion.

Mukesh Ambani dethrones Jack Ma, becomes Asia's richest person

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday asked why the BJP-led Central government does not take a quick decision to build the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, the way it did in the case of demonetisation.&nbsp

"They (BJP) talk about building a Ram Mandir, bringing Uniform Civil Code and repealing section 370 in Jammu and Kashmir before the election, but which election, 2019 or 2050, they do not specify," Thackeray told reporters after a meeting of party leaders.&nbsp

"The way you (the BJP government) took the decision of noteban instantly, you can take the decision to build the Ram Mandir instantly, because you have a majority," said Thackeray, whose party often spars with the BJP despite being an ally.

So far, development was the BJP's agenda but now it has been replaced by the Ram Mandir issue, he said further. The Shiv Sena chief further alleged that the benefits of the loan waiver announced by the Maharashtra government last year did not reach farmers. He also reiterated his opposition to the West Coast refinery at Nanar, saying the project will harm the ecology of Konkan region.

"Such a disastrous development cannot be afforded and that is why we are with the people of Nanar (in opposing it). One thing is clear, this project will never happen," he said. On allegations by opposition parties that the state government was distributing copies of the Bhagavad Gita in schools in Mumbai (which the government has denied), he said the BJP was resorting to such gimmicks to divert people's attention from the mismanagement of Mumbai University.&nbsp

Thackeray asserted that the way BJP took the decision of note ban instantly, they can take the decision to build the Ram Mandir instantly because they have a majority.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday asked why the BJP-led Central government does not take a quick decision to build the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, the way it did in the case of demonetisation. "They (BJP) talk about building a Ram Mandir, bringing Uniform Civil Code and repealing section 370 in Jammu and Kashmir before the election, but which election, 2019 or 2050, they do not specify," Thackeray told reporters after a meeting of party leaders. "The way you (the BJP government) took the decision of noteban instantly, you can take the decision to build the Ram Mandir instantly, because you have a majority," said Thackeray, whose party often spars with the BJP despite being an ally. So far, development was the BJP's agenda but now it has been replaced by the Ram Mandir issue, he said further. The Shiv Sena chief further alleged that the benefits of the loan waiver announced by the Maharashtra government last year did not reach farmers. He also reiterated his opposition to the West Coast refinery at Nanar, saying the project will harm the ecology of Konkan region. "Such a disastrous development cannot be afforded and that is why we are with the people of Nanar (in opposing it). One thing is clear, this project will never happen," he said. On allegations by opposition parties that the state government was distributing copies of the Bhagavad Gita in schools in Mumbai (which the government has denied), he said the BJP was resorting to such gimmicks to divert people's attention from the mismanagement of Mumbai University.

Note ban happened instantly, why not Ram Temple: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray asks BJP

Amid a row over the alleged use of derogatory language in a web series while referring to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today said the BJP and the RSS believe that freedom of expression must be policed, while he regards it as a fundamental democratic right.

"My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that," Rahul Gandhi said on Twitter.

His remarks come days after a plea was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking removal of certain scenes from the Netflix series 'Sacred Games', claiming that some of its content was derogatory to Rajiv Gandhi.

The high court has said it will hear the plea filed by advocate Nikhil Bhalla on Monday.

Also, a police complaint has been filed by a Congress activist in Kolkata against the producers of the web series and actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui over the issue.

"BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed & controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

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BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed & controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right. 
 
My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SacredGames?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SacredGames</a>
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Siddiqui, online platform Netflix and "Sacred Games" producers are "jointly responsible" for abusing Rajiv Gandhi on the show, Congress activist Rajeev Sinha has alleged in his complaint, filed in the Girish Park Police Station in north Kolkata.

The first season of the show, comprising eight episodes, was released on July 6 and is available in 190 countries in four languages.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today said the BJP and the RSS believe that freedom of expression must be policed, while he regards it as a fundamental democratic right.

Amid a row over the alleged use of derogatory language in a web series while referring to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi today said the BJP and the RSS believe that freedom of expression must be policed, while he regards it as a fundamental democratic right. "My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that," Rahul Gandhi said on Twitter. His remarks come days after a plea was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking removal of certain scenes from the Netflix series 'Sacred Games', claiming that some of its content was derogatory to Rajiv Gandhi. The high court has said it will hear the plea filed by advocate Nikhil Bhalla on Monday. Also, a police complaint has been filed by a Congress activist in Kolkata against the producers of the web series and actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui over the issue. "BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed & controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. BJP/RSS believe the freedom of expression must be policed & controlled. I believe this freedom is a fundamental democratic right. My father lived and died in the service of India. The views of a character on a fictional web series can never change that.#SacredGames — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 14, 2018 × Siddiqui, online platform Netflix and "Sacred Games" producers are "jointly responsible" for abusing Rajiv Gandhi on the show, Congress activist Rajeev Sinha has alleged in his complaint, filed in the Girish Park Police Station in north Kolkata. The first season of the show, comprising eight episodes, was released on July 6 and is available in 190 countries in four languages.

My father lived and died in the service of India: Rahul Gandhi on 'Sacred Games' row

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat Saturday visited the Akhnoor sector and commended the field commanders for ably confronting the challenges posed by “inimical elements” and exhorted all ranks to continue working with dedication.

Accompanied by Northern Army commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the army chief visited the Akhnoor sector and was briefed by General Officer Commanding (GOC), White Knight Corps, Lt Gen Saranjeet Singh, GOC Crossed Swords Division Maj Gen M K Mago and other formation commanders, Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said in a statement.

He said the officers briefed the Chief of Army Staff on the operational preparedness, prevailing security situation and actions being undertaken to ensure a robust and effective counter infiltration grid.

General Rawat also reviewed the measures and standard operating procedures instituted and being followed by the units and formations, Lt Col Anand said.

Bipin Rawat also reviewed the measures and standard operating procedures instituted and being followed by the units and formations, Lt Col Anand said.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat Saturday visited the Akhnoor sector and commended the field commanders for ably confronting the challenges posed by “inimical elements” and exhorted all ranks to continue working with dedication. Accompanied by Northern Army commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the army chief visited the Akhnoor sector and was briefed by General Officer Commanding (GOC), White Knight Corps, Lt Gen Saranjeet Singh, GOC Crossed Swords Division Maj Gen M K Mago and other formation commanders, Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said in a statement. He said the officers briefed the Chief of Army Staff on the operational preparedness, prevailing security situation and actions being undertaken to ensure a robust and effective counter infiltration grid. General Rawat also reviewed the measures and standard operating procedures instituted and being followed by the units and formations, Lt Col Anand said.

Army chief Bipin Rawat visits Akhnoor sector in Jammu

A Kolkata court has issued a summon to two-time Lok Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor over his 'Hindu-Pakistan' comment, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The court summoned the Thiruvananthapuram MP after Advocate Sumeet Chowdhury filed the case alleging Tharoor's comments had <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/india-will-become-a-hindu-pakistan-if-bjp-comes-to-power-in-2019-shashi-tharoor-150941">hurt religious sentiments</a> and insulted the Constitution, the report said.&nbsp;

Tharoor has been asked to appear on August 14.&nbsp;

Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday sparked a row after he said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in 2019, it will compromise with the Indian Constitution and create a 'Hindu Pakistan'.

Addressing an event in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor stated that the BJP will write a new Constitution which will pave the way for a nation, much like Pakistan, where rights of minorities are not respected.

"If they (BJP) win a repeat in the Lok Sabha, our democratic constitution as we understand it, will not survive as they will have all the elements they need to tear apart the constitution of India and write a new one," he noted.

"That new one will be the one which will enshrine principles of Hindu Rashtra, that will remove equality for minorities, that'll create a Hindu Pakistan and that isn't what Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and great heroes of freedom struggle fought for," he said.

Tharoor's comments have triggered a controversy with the BJP demanding an apology from Congress President Rahul Gandhi over what Tharoor said.

The Congress leader also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is more interested in political campaigning than in running the country.

Tharoor has been asked to appear on August 14

A Kolkata court has issued a summon to two-time Lok Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor over his 'Hindu-Pakistan' comment, news agency ANI reported. The court summoned the Thiruvananthapuram MP after Advocate Sumeet Chowdhury filed the case alleging Tharoor's comments had hurt religious sentiments and insulted the Constitution, the report said. Tharoor has been asked to appear on August 14. Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday sparked a row after he said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in 2019, it will compromise with the Indian Constitution and create a 'Hindu Pakistan'. Addressing an event in Thiruvananthapuram, Tharoor stated that the BJP will write a new Constitution which will pave the way for a nation, much like Pakistan, where rights of minorities are not respected. "If they (BJP) win a repeat in the Lok Sabha, our democratic constitution as we understand it, will not survive as they will have all the elements they need to tear apart the constitution of India and write a new one," he noted. "That new one will be the one which will enshrine principles of Hindu Rashtra, that will remove equality for minorities, that'll create a Hindu Pakistan and that isn't what Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and great heroes of freedom struggle fought for," he said. Tharoor's comments have triggered a controversy with the BJP demanding an apology from Congress President Rahul Gandhi over what Tharoor said. The Congress leader also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is more interested in political campaigning than in running the country.

Shashi Tharoor summoned by Kolkata court over 'Hindu-Pakistan' comment

RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi has said that Hindus need to shun slave mentality and self-centeredness and work unitedly for the country, the religion and the society.

He also expressed dissatisfaction that the Hindu society was divided into different sects.

“Hindu philosophy is based on the principle that everyone has a right to live. It is the strength of the Hindu society,” Joshi said.

“But Hindu society is divided into different sects. We should strive to bring equality among all the Hindus in the country,” he said.

He was speaking at Samajik Sadbhav (communal harmony) meeting in Somnath town in Gir Somnath district on Friday.

“The present plight of the Hindu society is due to several evils like slave mentality, which needs to be removed. Hindus need to shun self-centredness and work for the country, the religion and the society,” Joshi said.

"But Hindu society is divided into different sects. We should strive to bring equality among all the Hindus in the country," Bhaiyyaji Joshi said.

RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi has said that Hindus need to shun slave mentality and self-centeredness and work unitedly for the country, the religion and the society. He also expressed dissatisfaction that the Hindu society was divided into different sects. “Hindu philosophy is based on the principle that everyone has a right to live. It is the strength of the Hindu society,” Joshi said. “But Hindu society is divided into different sects. We should strive to bring equality among all the Hindus in the country,” he said. He was speaking at Samajik Sadbhav (communal harmony) meeting in Somnath town in Gir Somnath district on Friday. “The present plight of the Hindu society is due to several evils like slave mentality, which needs to be removed. Hindus need to shun self-centredness and work for the country, the religion and the society,” Joshi said.

Hindus need to shun slave mentality: Bhaiyyaji Joshi

Seven persons are missing after a country boat carrying 30 people capsized in the Gautami river in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh today.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said 23 passengers have been rescued while search is on for the remaining.

Naidu said the boat was carrying 30 people, mostly students when it capsized after colliding with a pier of a bridge under construction. 
A search and rescue operation is on in the river Gautami, a tributary of the Godavari, officials said.

National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force from Rajamahendravaram and Visakhapatnam have been deployed for the rescue operation along with police and revenue personnel.

The boat was en route to Saladivari Palem from Pasuvullanka when the mishap occurred this evening.

As the river was in spate, the water was swirling, making the boat movement unstable, a senior official of the State Disaster Management Department here said.

It hit a pier of the bridge that is being constructed on the river and capsized, the official said.

Some students in the boat climbed the base of the pier and saved themselves.

Fishermen and local villagers besides bridge construction workers rescued about 20 people.

According to a release from the Chief Ministers Office, rescue operation is on under the supervision of East Godavari district Collector Kartikeya Misra and Superintendent of Police Vishal Gunni.

State Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa is monitoring the rescue operations.

In May 2017, 20 people died when a boat carrying 40 people capsized near Polavaram village.

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Andhra Pradesh: A boat with more than 40 people in it has capsized in East Godavari after ramming into a bridge's pillar, 10 people have been reported missing. Search operation is underway. <a href="https://t.co/gNMkzSR20Q">pic.twitter.com/gNMkzSR20Q</a>
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&nbsp;

More than 40 people, mostly students, were said to be travelling in the boat, state Disaster Management Department sources said.

Seven persons are missing after a country boat carrying 30 people capsized in the Gautami river in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh today. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said 23 passengers have been rescued while search is on for the remaining. Naidu said the boat was carrying 30 people, mostly students when it capsized after colliding with a pier of a bridge under construction. A search and rescue operation is on in the river Gautami, a tributary of the Godavari, officials said. National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force from Rajamahendravaram and Visakhapatnam have been deployed for the rescue operation along with police and revenue personnel. The boat was en route to Saladivari Palem from Pasuvullanka when the mishap occurred this evening. As the river was in spate, the water was swirling, making the boat movement unstable, a senior official of the State Disaster Management Department here said. It hit a pier of the bridge that is being constructed on the river and capsized, the official said. Some students in the boat climbed the base of the pier and saved themselves. Fishermen and local villagers besides bridge construction workers rescued about 20 people. According to a release from the Chief Ministers Office, rescue operation is on under the supervision of East Godavari district Collector Kartikeya Misra and Superintendent of Police Vishal Gunni. State Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa is monitoring the rescue operations. In May 2017, 20 people died when a boat carrying 40 people capsized near Polavaram village. Andhra Pradesh: A boat with more than 40 people in it has capsized in East Godavari after ramming into a bridge's pillar, 10 people have been reported missing. Search operation is underway. pic.twitter.com/gNMkzSR20Q — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2018 ×

Seven missing after boat capsizes in Andhra Pradesh's Gautami river

A BJP legislator's wife today publicly accused her husband of having an extra-marital affair with a college student and marrying her, in a fresh twist to a case that has seen the MLA appear before the disciplinary committee of the party.

Gagan Bhagat, BJP legislator from R S Pura constituency in Jammu district, has been accused by his wife Monika Sharma that he is living with the student after marrying her.

The student's father, an ex-servicemen, has also accused Gagan Bhagat of abducting his daughter from a college in Punjab.

The student and the legislator have denied the charges, calling them an attempt to defame him.

Today,&nbspSharma negated Gagan Bhagat's claim he was paying her&nbspRs.&nbsp1 lakh a month and said "not a single penny was given by him despite signing a maintenance form before a judge in April".

She made an appeal to the BJP central leadership and also Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying a "daughter of your own family is seeking justice, not only for myself and my children but also for that girl who had just turned 19".

Sharma said she and the BJP MLA are married for 13 years.

Her accusations come a day after Bhagat appeared before the disciplinary committee of the BJP in Jammu to clarify his position. Gagan Bhagat and Monika Sharma appeared before the committee separately amid protests led by the student's grandfather.

The legislator refuted the allegations and claimed he and his wife were in the process of getting divorced.

His wife, however, countered Gagan Bhagat's stand and told reporters that though they were living separately for nearly 10 months, no suit has been filed before any court for divorce.

She was accompanied by their 12-year-old son and four-year-old daughter.

Monika Sharma, also the state secretary of BJP's women wing, said she remained quiet for nearly one year in the interest of her family and keeping in mind the future of their children.

"I did not have evidence to prove it (then), but now I have the proof and I have presented it before the committee yesterday," she said.

"I have evidence they are married," Ms Sharma said, showing an incomplete marriage agreement reportedly signed by Gagan Bhagat and the student. She also showed a purported Aadhaar card of the student, which showed her as Gagan Bhagat's wife and her address on the document as Gandhi Nagar in Jammu.

She said she managed to get the marriage certificate before the notary signed it and has cross-checked the Aadhaar card for forgery.

"My mother-in-law visited the residence of the girl to inform her family about her affair with the MLA. On one occasion, she escaped on seeing me, leaving behind her phone. The selfies taken from the phone leave no doubt that they had an extra-marital affair and that they were married."

During a visit to Ludhiana in November, she said her son, who was accompanying his father, lived with the student who had joined them there.

"If they want to live together, let them admit it openly," she said. "My appeal to my party is that if a person holding such a position indulges in these things what will happen to the society."

She said Gagan Bhagat visited her a few days ago and asked her not to appear before the BJP disciplinary committee.

"Every time I have asked him to leave the girl he told me she might file a case against him if he dumps her," she said.

Asked whether she faces any threat, she said a "threat perception is there. My family is saying that they heard you will be killed, or meet an accident or roughed up."&nbsp

Gagan Bhagat, BJP legislator from R S Pura constituency in Jammu district, has been accused by his wife Monika Sharma that he is living with the student after marrying her.

A BJP legislator's wife today publicly accused her husband of having an extra-marital affair with a college student and marrying her, in a fresh twist to a case that has seen the MLA appear before the disciplinary committee of the party. Gagan Bhagat, BJP legislator from R S Pura constituency in Jammu district, has been accused by his wife Monika Sharma that he is living with the student after marrying her. The student's father, an ex-servicemen, has also accused Gagan Bhagat of abducting his daughter from a college in Punjab. The student and the legislator have denied the charges, calling them an attempt to defame him. Today,&nbspSharma negated Gagan Bhagat's claim he was paying her&nbspRs.&nbsp1 lakh a month and said "not a single penny was given by him despite signing a maintenance form before a judge in April". She made an appeal to the BJP central leadership and also Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying a "daughter of your own family is seeking justice, not only for myself and my children but also for that girl who had just turned 19". Sharma said she and the BJP MLA are married for 13 years. Her accusations come a day after Bhagat appeared before the disciplinary committee of the BJP in Jammu to clarify his position. Gagan Bhagat and Monika Sharma appeared before the committee separately amid protests led by the student's grandfather. The legislator refuted the allegations and claimed he and his wife were in the process of getting divorced. His wife, however, countered Gagan Bhagat's stand and told reporters that though they were living separately for nearly 10 months, no suit has been filed before any court for divorce. She was accompanied by their 12-year-old son and four-year-old daughter. Monika Sharma, also the state secretary of BJP's women wing, said she remained quiet for nearly one year in the interest of her family and keeping in mind the future of their children. "I did not have evidence to prove it (then), but now I have the proof and I have presented it before the committee yesterday," she said. "I have evidence they are married," Ms Sharma said, showing an incomplete marriage agreement reportedly signed by Gagan Bhagat and the student. She also showed a purported Aadhaar card of the student, which showed her as Gagan Bhagat's wife and her address on the document as Gandhi Nagar in Jammu. She said she managed to get the marriage certificate before the notary signed it and has cross-checked the Aadhaar card for forgery. "My mother-in-law visited the residence of the girl to inform her family about her affair with the MLA. On one occasion, she escaped on seeing me, leaving behind her phone. The selfies taken from the phone leave no doubt that they had an extra-marital affair and that they were married." During a visit to Ludhiana in November, she said her son, who was accompanying his father, lived with the student who had joined them there. "If they want to live together, let them admit it openly," she said. "My appeal to my party is that if a person holding such a position indulges in these things what will happen to the society." She said Gagan Bhagat visited her a few days ago and asked her not to appear before the BJP disciplinary committee. "Every time I have asked him to leave the girl he told me she might file a case against him if he dumps her," she said. Asked whether she faces any threat, she said a "threat perception is there. My family is saying that they heard you will be killed, or meet an accident or roughed up."

BJP MLA's wife accuses him of having affair with college student

BJP president Amit Shah arrived in Ahmedabad on Saturday to offer morning prayers at the Jagannath Temple, ahead of his 141st Rath Yatra, and also address a Youth Parliament&nbsp;at a private university in Gandhinagar.

Thousands of people assembled for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra from the Jagannath Temple.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to people on the occasion of Jagannath Rath Yatra on Saturday, July 14.&nbsp;

"With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, may our country scale new heights of growth. May every Indian be happy and prosperous," PM Modi said in his tweet.&nbsp;

The 141st Rath Yatra on commenced on Saturday, from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area amid tight security after four crude bombs, 12 pipe bombs and a bottle of kerosene were found by the police during a search on Friday. The police have detained two people in connection with the case.

Around 20,000 police personnel, home guard, State Reserve Police and para-military forces have been deployed for the yatra on the 18-km route which passes through some communally sensitive areas.

Shah will also address a youth parliament at Karnavati University which will also be attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and state BJP president Jitu Vaghani.

The youth parliament, titled "Forum for Democratic Dialogues" is a two-day event that will see students from educational institutions debate on social and political issues. &nbsp;

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Ahmedabad: Latest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visuals</a> of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra from Jagannath Temple. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/uExwriSlp8">pic.twitter.com/uExwriSlp8</a>
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&nbsp;

The 141st Rath Yatra on commenced on Saturday, from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area amid tight security after four crude bombs, 12 pipe bombs and a bottle of kerosene were found by the police during a search on Friday.

BJP president Amit Shah arrived in Ahmedabad on Saturday to offer morning prayers at the Jagannath Temple, ahead of his 141st Rath Yatra, and also address a Youth Parliament at a private university in Gandhinagar. Thousands of people assembled for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra from the Jagannath Temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to people on the occasion of Jagannath Rath Yatra on Saturday, July 14. "With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, may our country scale new heights of growth. May every Indian be happy and prosperous," PM Modi said in his tweet. The 141st Rath Yatra on commenced on Saturday, from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur area amid tight security after four crude bombs, 12 pipe bombs and a bottle of kerosene were found by the police during a search on Friday. The police have detained two people in connection with the case. Around 20,000 police personnel, home guard, State Reserve Police and para-military forces have been deployed for the yatra on the 18-km route which passes through some communally sensitive areas. Shah will also address a youth parliament at Karnavati University which will also be attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and state BJP president Jitu Vaghani. The youth parliament, titled "Forum for Democratic Dialogues" is a two-day event that will see students from educational institutions debate on social and political issues. Ahmedabad: Latest #visuals of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra from Jagannath Temple. #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/uExwriSlp8 — ANI (@ANI) July 14, 2018 ×

Amit Shah arrives in Ahmedabad for Jagannath Rath Yatra

Gold coins belonging to the 12th century have been found during earth-digging for a road construction in Chhattisgarh's Kondagaon district, officials today said.

A pot containing 57 gold coins, a silver coin and a gold earring was unearthed on July 10 during the construction of a road between Korkoti and Bedma villages, district collector Neelkanth Tekam said.

Korkoti Sarpanch Nehrulal Baghel today handed over the pot and its contents to him, he said.

The pot, buried few feet underground, was discovered by a woman labourer, following which other workers informed the villagers, Tekam told PTI.

As per the preliminary investigation, the coins date back to the 12th and 13th century.

The inscriptions on the coins are in a script which was prevalent during the time of Yadav dynasty which ruled over Vidarbha (presently in Maharashtra), he said.

The Yadav state had also expanded into Dandakaranya which includes seven districts of the Bastar region in present-day Chhattisgarh.

The state archaeological department will examine the coins further, the collector said.

A pot containing 57 gold coins, a silver coin and a gold earring was unearthed on July 10 during the construction of a road between Korkoti and Bedma villages, district collector Neelkanth Tekam said.

Gold coins belonging to the 12th century have been found during earth-digging for a road construction in Chhattisgarh's Kondagaon district, officials today said. A pot containing 57 gold coins, a silver coin and a gold earring was unearthed on July 10 during the construction of a road between Korkoti and Bedma villages, district collector Neelkanth Tekam said. Korkoti Sarpanch Nehrulal Baghel today handed over the pot and its contents to him, he said. The pot, buried few feet underground, was discovered by a woman labourer, following which other workers informed the villagers, Tekam told PTI. As per the preliminary investigation, the coins date back to the 12th and 13th century. The inscriptions on the coins are in a script which was prevalent during the time of Yadav dynasty which ruled over Vidarbha (presently in Maharashtra), he said. The Yadav state had also expanded into Dandakaranya which includes seven districts of the Bastar region in present-day Chhattisgarh. The state archaeological department will examine the coins further, the collector said.

Gold coins of 12th century found during road construction in Chhattisgarh

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-pakistani-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-arrested-on-return-as-bomber-kills-128-151502">Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrested on </a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-pakistani-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-arrested-on-return-as-bomber-kills-128-151502">return</a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-pakistani-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-arrested-on-return-as-bomber-kills-128-151502"> as bomber kills 128</a>

Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam, both facing lengthy prison terms, were arrested minutes after landing in the country on Friday as they returned seeking to revitalise their flagging party ahead of a July 25 election.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/will-build-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-before-2019-elections-says-amit-shah-151510">Will build Ram Temple in Ayodhya before 2019 elections, says Amit Shah</a>

Bhartiya Janta Party President Amit Shah on Friday claimed that the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya will commence before the 2019 elections, reports said.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/team-trump-plays-nice-in-first-visit-to-mexico-president-elect-151515">Team Trump plays </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/team-trump-plays-nice-in-first-visit-to-mexico-president-elect-151515">nice</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/team-trump-plays-nice-in-first-visit-to-mexico-president-elect-151515"> in </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/team-trump-plays-nice-in-first-visit-to-mexico-president-elect-151515">first</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/team-trump-plays-nice-in-first-visit-to-mexico-president-elect-151515"> visit to Mexico president-elect</a>

Top officials from US President Donald Trump's administration met with Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, with both sides upbeat on the potential for a turning point in the countries' troubled relationship.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-says-britains-may-a-tremendous-help-in-pursuit-of-nuclear-free-north-korea-151520">Trump says Britain's May a 'tremendous help' in pursuit of nuclear-free North Korea</a>

US president Donald Trump on Friday said that Britain's Theresa May had been a "tremendous help" in the pursuit of a nuclear-free North Korea, news agency Reuters reported.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/babri-masjid-was-destroyed-by-hindu-taliban-case-litigant-tells-supreme-court--151518">Babri Masjid was destroyed by 'Hindu Taliban', case litigant tells Supreme Court</a>

A litigant in the Ayodhya temple-mosque land dispute case told the Supreme court on Friday that the Babri Masjid was destroyed by the "Hindu Taliban" just like the demolition of the Buddha statue by the Taliban at Bamiyan in Afghanistan.&nbsp

&nbsp

Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrested on return as bomber kills 128 Ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam, both facing lengthy prison terms, were arrested minutes after landing in the country on Friday as they returned seeking to revitalise their flagging party ahead of a July 25 election. Will build Ram Temple in Ayodhya before 2019 elections, says Amit Shah Bhartiya Janta Party President Amit Shah on Friday claimed that the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya will commence before the 2019 elections, reports said. Team Trump plays nice in first visit to Mexico president-elect Top officials from US President Donald Trump's administration met with Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, with both sides upbeat on the potential for a turning point in the countries' troubled relationship. Trump says Britain's May a 'tremendous help' in pursuit of nuclear-free North Korea US president Donald Trump on Friday said that Britain's Theresa May had been a "tremendous help" in the pursuit of a nuclear-free North Korea, news agency Reuters reported. Babri Masjid was destroyed by 'Hindu Taliban', case litigant tells Supreme Court A litigant in the Ayodhya temple-mosque land dispute case told the Supreme court on Friday that the Babri Masjid was destroyed by the "Hindu Taliban" just like the demolition of the Buddha statue by the Taliban at Bamiyan in Afghanistan.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Dhaka for his three-day visit to Bangladesh to conduct talks over security, anti-terror cooperation of the Rohingya crisis.&nbsp;

Singh was received by his Bangladeshi counterpart Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal at the airport on Friday.

"HM Shri @rajnathsingh has reached Dhaka on a three-day tour to Bangladesh," the Home Affairs Ministry tweeted.

During the visit, Singh will meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and will hold a bilateral discussion on various issues like anti-terror cooperation, attempts by terror groups to radicalise youth and the constant inflow of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from across the border.

The Home Minister said India and Bangladesh have made notable progress in transforming land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquillity.

In his meeting with Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Singh will discuss ways to strengthen the anti-terror mechanism between the two countries and check radicalisation of youths by terrorist groups, a Home Ministry official said.

Before leaving for Dhaka, Rajnath took to social media and tweeted, "India and Bangladesh have made notable progress in transforming our land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquility. Looking forward to strengthen the bilateral relations between both the countries on the basis of friendship and trust."

"The relationship between India and Bangladesh is anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of democracy. India attaches great significance to ties with Bangladesh," he wrote in another tweet.

The Indian side is expected to take up the issue of the continuous inflow of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from across the border and the attacks on BSF personnel by criminals based in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh side is expected to raise the issue of their nationals being killed or injured in BSF firing along the border and the illegal transport of drugs into their territory from the Indian side.

India shares a 4,096-km-long border with Bangladesh.&nbsp;

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HM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> has reached Dhaka on a three day tour to Bangladesh. <a href="https://t.co/398Bmg9UzD">pic.twitter.com/398Bmg9UzD</a>
— HMO India (@HMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia/status/1017758778521862144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Home Minister said India and Bangladesh have made notable progress in transforming land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquillity.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Dhaka for his three-day visit to Bangladesh to conduct talks over security, anti-terror cooperation of the Rohingya crisis. Singh was received by his Bangladeshi counterpart Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal at the airport on Friday. "HM Shri @rajnathsingh has reached Dhaka on a three-day tour to Bangladesh," the Home Affairs Ministry tweeted. During the visit, Singh will meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and will hold a bilateral discussion on various issues like anti-terror cooperation, attempts by terror groups to radicalise youth and the constant inflow of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from across the border. The Home Minister said India and Bangladesh have made notable progress in transforming land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquillity. In his meeting with Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Singh will discuss ways to strengthen the anti-terror mechanism between the two countries and check radicalisation of youths by terrorist groups, a Home Ministry official said. Before leaving for Dhaka, Rajnath took to social media and tweeted, "India and Bangladesh have made notable progress in transforming our land and maritime boundaries into zones of peace and tranquility. Looking forward to strengthen the bilateral relations between both the countries on the basis of friendship and trust." "The relationship between India and Bangladesh is anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of democracy. India attaches great significance to ties with Bangladesh," he wrote in another tweet. The Indian side is expected to take up the issue of the continuous inflow of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from across the border and the attacks on BSF personnel by criminals based in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh side is expected to raise the issue of their nationals being killed or injured in BSF firing along the border and the illegal transport of drugs into their territory from the Indian side. India shares a 4,096-km-long border with Bangladesh. HM Shri @rajnathsingh has reached Dhaka on a three day tour to Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/398Bmg9UzD — HMO India (@HMOIndia) July 13, 2018 ×

Home Minister Rajnath Singh reaches Dhaka, hopes to strengthen bilateral relation

The 141st Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced this morning in Puri, Odisha and Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The Rath Yatra is taken out every year on Ashadhi Bij, the second day of Ashad month, as per the Hindu calendar.

Odisha: Devotees flock to be part of annual Jagannath Yatra

Former finance minister P Chidambaram on Friday attacked the government for the slip in industrial production growth and said that retail inflation had hit a five-month high.

The senior Congress leader's comments came in the wake of reports that industrial production growth slipped to a seven-month low of 3.2 per cent in May, mainly, due to sluggish performance of the manufacturing and the power sectors coupled with poor offtake of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG).

"Retail inflation hits 5-month high, industrial growth (IIP) slumps to 7-month low. 'Achhe Din' is around the corner. Outgoing CEA (chief economic advisor) says demonetisation certainly contributed to deceleration of the economy. As we had predicted, it cost 1.5% of GDP," he tweeted.

Factory output growth, measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), was revised down to 4.8 per cent in April from the previous estimate of 4.9 per cent, according to the data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Thursday.

The IIP had expanded by 2.9 per cent in May last year. The previous low of industrial production growth was 1.8 per cent in October 2017.

During April-May of this fiscal, the IIP recorded a growth of 4.4 per cent as compared to 3.1 per cent in same period year ago.

The IIP had expanded by 2.9 per cent in May last year. The previous low of industrial production growth was 1.8 per cent in October 2017.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram on Friday attacked the government for the slip in industrial production growth and said that retail inflation had hit a five-month high. The senior Congress leader's comments came in the wake of reports that industrial production growth slipped to a seven-month low of 3.2 per cent in May, mainly, due to sluggish performance of the manufacturing and the power sectors coupled with poor offtake of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG). "Retail inflation hits 5-month high, industrial growth (IIP) slumps to 7-month low. 'Achhe Din' is around the corner. Outgoing CEA (chief economic advisor) says demonetisation certainly contributed to deceleration of the economy. As we had predicted, it cost 1.5% of GDP," he tweeted. Factory output growth, measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), was revised down to 4.8 per cent in April from the previous estimate of 4.9 per cent, according to the data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Thursday. The IIP had expanded by 2.9 per cent in May last year. The previous low of industrial production growth was 1.8 per cent in October 2017. During April-May of this fiscal, the IIP recorded a growth of 4.4 per cent as compared to 3.1 per cent in same period year ago.

'Retail inflation hits 5-month high': P Chidambaram attacks Centre

A litigant in the Ayodhya temple-mosque land dispute case told the Supreme court on Friday that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/babri-masjid-ramjanmabhoomi-dispute-a-timeline-25799">Babri Masjid</a> was destroyed by the "Hindu Taliban" just like the demolition of the Buddha statue by the Taliban at Bamiyan in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

No law or the Constitution allows the destruction of religious structures of any faith, senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for the legal heirs of M Siddiq -- one of the original litigants in the case and has died, told a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer.

Dhavan also questioned the locus of the Shia Central Waqf Board in the case.

His comments came after the Shia board told the bench that it was willing to donate one-third of the disputed land, which the Allahabad High Court had given to the Muslims, to the Hindu group for "peace, harmony, unity and integrity" in this great country.

The counsel for the Shia Central Waqf Board said they were the claimants of the Muslim share of land at the disputed Ayodhya site, as the Babri Masjid was built by Mir Baki, a Shia Muslim.

He argued that those who destroyed the mosque should be barred from making any claim since "no one has the right to destroy a mosque or any other religious structures."

He also questioned the "intervention" of an Additional Solicitor General (ASG), who was appearing for Uttar Pradesh government, in the matter and said that arguments by the law officer were "uncalled" for.

Dhavan also countered the arguments advanced by the Hindu group about "pilgrimage" and said as per their submissions, the Muslims do not have the right under Article 25 (freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion).

He said if arguments by Hindu group was to be accepted, then Christians might be asked to go directly to the Pope for prayers and Sikhs could be asked to go only to the Golden Temple at Amritsar.

The Muslim groups have argued before the bench that the "sweeping" observation of the apex court in the verdict needed to be reconsidered by a five-judge bench as "it had and will have a bearing" on Babri Masjid-Ram Temple land dispute case.

In February, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said that the Babri Masjid will remain a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/babri-masjid-will-remain-mosque-till-eternity-aimplb-32515">mosque till eternity </a>and Muslims can never exchange land for the masjid.&nbsp;

In a statement issued on the concluding day of its 26th plenary, the board said Babri masjid is an essential part of faith in Islam and Muslims can never "abdicate" the Masjid.

A special CBI court framed charges of criminal conspiracy against senior BJP leaders L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti in the 1992 Babri Masjid case.

The court rejected the discharge petition filed by the three leaders and nine others who have been accused of criminal conspiracy. Earlier, the court granted bail to all twelve accused on a personal bond of Rs 50,000.

(with inputs from PTI)

No law or the Constitution allows destruction of religious structures of any faith, the Supreme Court was told.

A litigant in the Ayodhya temple-mosque land dispute case told the Supreme court on Friday that the Babri Masjid was destroyed by the "Hindu Taliban" just like the demolition of the Buddha statue by the Taliban at Bamiyan in Afghanistan. No law or the Constitution allows the destruction of religious structures of any faith, senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for the legal heirs of M Siddiq -- one of the original litigants in the case and has died, told a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer. Dhavan also questioned the locus of the Shia Central Waqf Board in the case. His comments came after the Shia board told the bench that it was willing to donate one-third of the disputed land, which the Allahabad High Court had given to the Muslims, to the Hindu group for "peace, harmony, unity and integrity" in this great country. The counsel for the Shia Central Waqf Board said they were the claimants of the Muslim share of land at the disputed Ayodhya site, as the Babri Masjid was built by Mir Baki, a Shia Muslim. He argued that those who destroyed the mosque should be barred from making any claim since "no one has the right to destroy a mosque or any other religious structures." He also questioned the "intervention" of an Additional Solicitor General (ASG), who was appearing for Uttar Pradesh government, in the matter and said that arguments by the law officer were "uncalled" for. Dhavan also countered the arguments advanced by the Hindu group about "pilgrimage" and said as per their submissions, the Muslims do not have the right under Article 25 (freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion). He said if arguments by Hindu group was to be accepted, then Christians might be asked to go directly to the Pope for prayers and Sikhs could be asked to go only to the Golden Temple at Amritsar. The Muslim groups have argued before the bench that the "sweeping" observation of the apex court in the verdict needed to be reconsidered by a five-judge bench as "it had and will have a bearing" on Babri Masjid-Ram Temple land dispute case. In February, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said that the Babri Masjid will remain a mosque till eternity and Muslims can never exchange land for the masjid. In a statement issued on the concluding day of its 26th plenary, the board said Babri masjid is an essential part of faith in Islam and Muslims can never "abdicate" the Masjid. A special CBI court framed charges of criminal conspiracy against senior BJP leaders L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti in the 1992 Babri Masjid case. The court rejected the discharge petition filed by the three leaders and nine others who have been accused of criminal conspiracy. Earlier, the court granted bail to all twelve accused on a personal bond of Rs 50,000. (with inputs from PTI)

Babri Masjid was destroyed by 'Hindu Taliban', case litigant tells Supreme Court

The Income Tax Department has decided to re-assess the tax returns of over 50 high net-worth individuals who purchased costly jewellery from firms owned by absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi, official sources said.

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They said the taxman decided to initiate the step after a number of people, it sent notices asking them to explain the source of income for the purchase of the jewellery, denied any cash payment made by them to Nirav Modi's firms.

Officials said the department has gathered documents that indicate that these select buyers of high-end jewellery had split the total payment for diamond jewellery, by paying a part through cheque or card (debit/credit) and the rest in cash.

In reply to the tax notices, most of the people said that they did not make any cash payment, but this version does not corroborate with the data obtained by the IT Department vis-a-vis the sales made by the firms of Nirav Modi.

It has been found from the company books that payments were received after splitting them into cash and cheque/card transactions, officials said, hence it is essential to re-assess the income tax returns (ITRs) of these over 50 people beginning from the 2014-15 assessment year.

They said if discrepancies of concealed cash payments are found, which in some cases may be in several lakhs, the HNIs will be charged for tax evasion and subsequent action will be initiated.

Some more cases of this nature are under preliminary probe, the officials said.

The department had recently conducted searches on the premises of a Rewari-based hospital group, related to the family of Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav after it was found that the owners of the firm allegedly made a part-cash and cheque payment against the purchase of jewellery from a Nirav Modi firm.

The tax department has already filed a charge sheet against Nirav Modi and others before a Mumbai court for alleged tax evasion.

Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi are also being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI after it was detected that they allegedly cheated Punjab National Bank of more than Rs. 13,400 crore with the purported involvement of a few of its employees.

The scam, which reportedly began in 2011, was detected in January this year, after which PNB officials reported it to the probe agencies.

Two criminal complaints were filed by the ED in these instances after taking cognisance of CBI FIRs.

Officials said the taxman decided to initiate the step after a number of people, it sent notices asking them to explain the source of income for the purchase of the jewellery, denied any cash payment made by them to Nirav Modi's firms

The Income Tax Department has decided to re-assess the tax returns of over 50 high net-worth individuals who purchased costly jewellery from firms owned by absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi, official sources said. × They said the taxman decided to initiate the step after a number of people, it sent notices asking them to explain the source of income for the purchase of the jewellery, denied any cash payment made by them to Nirav Modi's firms. Officials said the department has gathered documents that indicate that these select buyers of high-end jewellery had split the total payment for diamond jewellery, by paying a part through cheque or card (debit/credit) and the rest in cash. In reply to the tax notices, most of the people said that they did not make any cash payment, but this version does not corroborate with the data obtained by the IT Department vis-a-vis the sales made by the firms of Nirav Modi. It has been found from the company books that payments were received after splitting them into cash and cheque/card transactions, officials said, hence it is essential to re-assess the income tax returns (ITRs) of these over 50 people beginning from the 2014-15 assessment year. They said if discrepancies of concealed cash payments are found, which in some cases may be in several lakhs, the HNIs will be charged for tax evasion and subsequent action will be initiated. Some more cases of this nature are under preliminary probe, the officials said. The department had recently conducted searches on the premises of a Rewari-based hospital group, related to the family of Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav after it was found that the owners of the firm allegedly made a part-cash and cheque payment against the purchase of jewellery from a Nirav Modi firm. The tax department has already filed a charge sheet against Nirav Modi and others before a Mumbai court for alleged tax evasion. Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi are also being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI after it was detected that they allegedly cheated Punjab National Bank of more than Rs. 13,400 crore with the purported involvement of a few of its employees. The scam, which reportedly began in 2011, was detected in January this year, after which PNB officials reported it to the probe agencies. Two criminal complaints were filed by the ED in these instances after taking cognisance of CBI FIRs.

50 wealthy Indians to face tax scrutiny for buying Nirav Modi jewellery

Bhartiya Janata Party has denied the claims made by party president Amit Shah&nbsp;about <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/will-build-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-before-2019-elections-says-amit-shah-151510">constructing the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya</a> before the 2019 elections.

Following Shah's assurance at a meeting in Hyderabad, the BJP said:&nbsp;“no such matter was even on the agenda”.

According to reports Shah had claimed on Friday that the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya will commence before the 2019 elections.

Interacting with nearly 30 leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) working at various levels in the state at a private hotel in Friday, he said the party is committed to the construction of the Ram Temple and expressed the confidence that necessary circumstances would emerge once the apex court gave its judgment on the issue pending before it.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to reports Shah had claimed on Friday that the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya will commence before the 2019 elections.

Bhartiya Janata Party has denied the claims made by party president Amit Shah about constructing the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya before the 2019 elections. Following Shah's assurance at a meeting in Hyderabad, the BJP said: “no such matter was even on the agenda”. According to reports Shah had claimed on Friday that the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya will commence before the 2019 elections. Interacting with nearly 30 leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) working at various levels in the state at a private hotel in Friday, he said the party is committed to the construction of the Ram Temple and expressed the confidence that necessary circumstances would emerge once the apex court gave its judgment on the issue pending before it.

BJP denies Amit Shah's assurance of Ram Mandir construction before 2019 polls

Police have busted a fake passport racket in Tamil Nadu, which helped Sri Lankan nationals fly abroad from the city as Indian citizens.

Two Sri Lankans, including a 38-year-old woman, suspected to be part of the racket, have been arrested, police said.

Earlier, the crime branch wing had arrested 11 people, including a travel agent, for allegedly preparing fake passports by collecting amounts of upto Rs 10 lakh from Sri Lankan nationals.

Police said investigations revealed that the woman had come to Tamil Nadu from the island nation on a tourist visa some time back and had been staying here well past its expiry date.

She had sought the help of the travel agent, who prepared a fake passport for her.

Her accomplice, who also possessed a Sri Lankan passport, managed to get a fake Aadhar card for her, police said.

The woman and her accomplice were arrested from a house in the city yesterday and produced before a local court, which later sent them to Puzhal central prison.

Describing the modus operandi, police said the travel agent used to prepare fake Indian passports for Sri Lankan nationals, based on the information he received from his aide in Colombo.

The man, with the help of his gang, collected expired passports from people of economically weaker sections and sold them to Sri Lankan nationals as valid Indian passports for a monetary consideration.

Police also recovered 77 Indian passports, 12 Sri Lankan passports and machines used to prepare them and cash of Rs 85,000.

Police also recovered 77 Indian passports, 12 Sri Lankan passports and machines used to prepare them and cash of Rs 85,000

Police have busted a fake passport racket in Tamil Nadu, which helped Sri Lankan nationals fly abroad from the city as Indian citizens. Two Sri Lankans, including a 38-year-old woman, suspected to be part of the racket, have been arrested, police said. Earlier, the crime branch wing had arrested 11 people, including a travel agent, for allegedly preparing fake passports by collecting amounts of upto Rs 10 lakh from Sri Lankan nationals. Police said investigations revealed that the woman had come to Tamil Nadu from the island nation on a tourist visa some time back and had been staying here well past its expiry date. She had sought the help of the travel agent, who prepared a fake passport for her. Her accomplice, who also possessed a Sri Lankan passport, managed to get a fake Aadhar card for her, police said. The woman and her accomplice were arrested from a house in the city yesterday and produced before a local court, which later sent them to Puzhal central prison. Describing the modus operandi, police said the travel agent used to prepare fake Indian passports for Sri Lankan nationals, based on the information he received from his aide in Colombo. The man, with the help of his gang, collected expired passports from people of economically weaker sections and sold them to Sri Lankan nationals as valid Indian passports for a monetary consideration. Police also recovered 77 Indian passports, 12 Sri Lankan passports and machines used to prepare them and cash of Rs 85,000.

Police unearth fake passport racket in Tamil Nadu

After two rounds of <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/our-alliance-with-nitish-kumar-will-continue-in-bihar-amit-shah--151151">cordial meeting between BJP chief Amit Shah and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar</a>, leaders of the two parties are upbeat about amicably finding a seat-sharing formula for the next Lok Sabha election.

Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, who was present during the meetings on Thursday, said on Twitter in Hindi that the opposition was in a "danger zone" because of the increase in comfort level of the National Democratic Alliance.

Modi said that this has sent a message to booth-level workers of both the parties to work unitedly to achieve success on all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in 2019 general elections.

Also, JD(U) spokespersons now appear to have toned down their party's claim to a lion's share of the 40 seats since the meetings. Instead, they now lay emphasis on a broad and cordial understanding the two leaders have been able to reach.

JD(U) spokesman Sanjay Singh said that seat-sharing will not be a problem "when we share cordial vibes".

State BJP leaders, including C P Thakur, also appear to accept the key place the JD(U) enjoys in the NDA in Bihar.

On Thursday in Patna, Shah said that the NDA was as strong as ever. In a possible signal to state BJP leaders, he said that only TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu has left the NDA since 2014 but Kumar has re-joined it to strengthen the alliance.

With the issue of seat-sharing being discussed at the highest levels, state leaders have refrained from speaking out of turn.

On condition of anonymity, some of them, however, say that Shah is likely to first discuss seat-sharing issues with Ram Vilas Paswan-led LJP and Upendra Kushwaha-led RLSP to understand the possibility of the alliance winning the maximum number of seats.

In 2014, LJP won six seats while RLSP had three MPs.

Sources in the BJP say Shah is likely to have detailed discussions on seat sharing with Kumar only after that.

Stress would be given on ensuring optimum return for the NDA rather than on projecting any of the NDA constituents as a senior partner, the sources say.

Sources in BJP and JD(U) assert that this approach would enable them to reach a mutually acceptable and respectable solution.

The BJP chief is likely to visit Bihar again in November to interact with booth-level party workers, while JD(U)'s programmes to galvanize its workers are already under way.&nbsp

Modi said that this has sent a message to booth-level workers of both the parties to work unitedly to achieve success on all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in 2019 general elections

After two rounds of cordial meeting between BJP chief Amit Shah and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, leaders of the two parties are upbeat about amicably finding a seat-sharing formula for the next Lok Sabha election. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, who was present during the meetings on Thursday, said on Twitter in Hindi that the opposition was in a "danger zone" because of the increase in comfort level of the National Democratic Alliance. Modi said that this has sent a message to booth-level workers of both the parties to work unitedly to achieve success on all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in 2019 general elections. Also, JD(U) spokespersons now appear to have toned down their party's claim to a lion's share of the 40 seats since the meetings. Instead, they now lay emphasis on a broad and cordial understanding the two leaders have been able to reach. JD(U) spokesman Sanjay Singh said that seat-sharing will not be a problem "when we share cordial vibes". State BJP leaders, including C P Thakur, also appear to accept the key place the JD(U) enjoys in the NDA in Bihar. On Thursday in Patna, Shah said that the NDA was as strong as ever. In a possible signal to state BJP leaders, he said that only TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu has left the NDA since 2014 but Kumar has re-joined it to strengthen the alliance. With the issue of seat-sharing being discussed at the highest levels, state leaders have refrained from speaking out of turn. On condition of anonymity, some of them, however, say that Shah is likely to first discuss seat-sharing issues with Ram Vilas Paswan-led LJP and Upendra Kushwaha-led RLSP to understand the possibility of the alliance winning the maximum number of seats. In 2014, LJP won six seats while RLSP had three MPs. Sources in the BJP say Shah is likely to have detailed discussions on seat sharing with Kumar only after that. Stress would be given on ensuring optimum return for the NDA rather than on projecting any of the NDA constituents as a senior partner, the sources say. Sources in BJP and JD(U) assert that this approach would enable them to reach a mutually acceptable and respectable solution. The BJP chief is likely to visit Bihar again in November to interact with booth-level party workers, while JD(U)'s programmes to galvanize its workers are already under way.

After Shah-Nitish meetings, BJP and JD(U) upbeat about amicably solving seat-sharing issues

A total lunar eclipse will occur on July 27-28 with a totality duration of 1 hour 43 minutes, the longest in this century, the Ministry of Earth Sciences said yesterday. 
The partial eclipse of the Moon will begin at 11:54 pm (Indian Standard Time) on July 27. The Moon will be gradually covered by the Earth's shadow and the totality phase will begin at 1 am on July 28.

The total eclipse will last up to 2.43 hours. Then the Moon will start to gradually come out of Earth's shadow and partial eclipse will end at 3:49 am IST on July 28.

In this particular eclipse, the Moon will pass through the central part of the Earth's umbral shadow. Furthermore, the Moon will be at apogee, the farthest from the Earth in its orbit, on July 27 and will be moving at a slower speed in its orbit.

This slower moving full Moon will take longer time and greater distance of Earth's umbral shadow cone to travel.

"A total lunar eclipse will occur on July 27-28 with a totality duration of 1 hour 43 minutes. The duration makes it the longest total lunar eclipse of this century (2001 AD to 2100 AD)," a statement by the MoES said.

Such long duration of total lunar eclipses had earlier occurred on July 16, 2000 for totality duration of 1 hour 46 minutes and another one on June 15, 2011 for totality duration of 1 hour 40 minutes.

The entire eclipse will also be visible from all parts of India. The eclipse will also be visible in the region covering Australia, Asia, Russia -- except the northern part, Africa, Europe, east of South America and Antarctica.

On July 27, the red planet Mars, will also be at opposition, meaning that the Sun and Mars will lie opposite to each other, with the Earth in the middle.

This will result in Mars coming close to the Earth, causing it to appear brighter than normal and it will be seen from evening to dawn towards the end of July. The brighter Mars will remain very close to the eclipsed Moon in the sky on July 27-28 and can be spotted very easily with the naked eye.

However, the red planet will reach closest to the Earth on July 31. The planet Mars comes at opposition at an average interval of 2 years and 2 months when the planet comes close to the Earth and becomes brighter.

Mars opposition that had occurred in August 2003 brought the two planets at the closest distance in approximately 60,000 years. The approach of Mars on July 31 will bring the two planets closest and the planet Mars to be seen brightest since 2003.

The total eclipse will last up to 2.43 hours. Then the Moon will start to gradually come out of Earth's shadow and partial eclipse will end at 3:49 am IST on July 28.

A total lunar eclipse will occur on July 27-28 with a totality duration of 1 hour 43 minutes, the longest in this century, the Ministry of Earth Sciences said yesterday. The partial eclipse of the Moon will begin at 11:54 pm (Indian Standard Time) on July 27. The Moon will be gradually covered by the Earth's shadow and the totality phase will begin at 1 am on July 28. The total eclipse will last up to 2.43 hours. Then the Moon will start to gradually come out of Earth's shadow and partial eclipse will end at 3:49 am IST on July 28. In this particular eclipse, the Moon will pass through the central part of the Earth's umbral shadow. Furthermore, the Moon will be at apogee, the farthest from the Earth in its orbit, on July 27 and will be moving at a slower speed in its orbit. This slower moving full Moon will take longer time and greater distance of Earth's umbral shadow cone to travel. "A total lunar eclipse will occur on July 27-28 with a totality duration of 1 hour 43 minutes. The duration makes it the longest total lunar eclipse of this century (2001 AD to 2100 AD)," a statement by the MoES said. Such long duration of total lunar eclipses had earlier occurred on July 16, 2000 for totality duration of 1 hour 46 minutes and another one on June 15, 2011 for totality duration of 1 hour 40 minutes. The entire eclipse will also be visible from all parts of India. The eclipse will also be visible in the region covering Australia, Asia, Russia -- except the northern part, Africa, Europe, east of South America and Antarctica. On July 27, the red planet Mars, will also be at opposition, meaning that the Sun and Mars will lie opposite to each other, with the Earth in the middle. This will result in Mars coming close to the Earth, causing it to appear brighter than normal and it will be seen from evening to dawn towards the end of July. The brighter Mars will remain very close to the eclipsed Moon in the sky on July 27-28 and can be spotted very easily with the naked eye. However, the red planet will reach closest to the Earth on July 31. The planet Mars comes at opposition at an average interval of 2 years and 2 months when the planet comes close to the Earth and becomes brighter. Mars opposition that had occurred in August 2003 brought the two planets at the closest distance in approximately 60,000 years. The approach of Mars on July 31 will bring the two planets closest and the planet Mars to be seen brightest since 2003.

Century's longest Lunar Eclipse to take place on July 27-28

National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said today that the Congress's tweet about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and incarcerated former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disappointing.

"There are a lot of things I will be critical of PM Modi for but attempting to repair India's relations with Pakistan is certainly not one of them. I'm not even getting into the internal politics of Pakistan that makes this tweet even more disappointing," Abdullah said in a tweet.

The Congress had posted a photograph of Modi and Sharif walking hand in hand on micro-blogging site Twitter and sought to know what the prime minister thinks of his former Pakistani counterpart, who was arrested in a corruption case.

"Nawaz Sharif has been arrested on corruption charges. We'd like to know what his dear friend, PM Modi has to say about this," the Congress tweeted.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also lashed out at BJP activists for burning effigies of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu.

"It didn't matter when army establishments were attacked all over Jammu, soldiers kidnapped & killed, Amarnath yatris & tourists killed but suddenly @MehboobaMufti is enemy number one. The BJP thinks people are fools & won't punish their selective memory," he said in another tweet.

The Congress had posted a photograph of Modi and Sharif walking hand in hand on micro-blogging site Twitter and sought to know what the prime minister thinks of his former Pakistani counterpart

National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said today that the Congress's tweet about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and incarcerated former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif was disappointing. "There are a lot of things I will be critical of PM Modi for but attempting to repair India's relations with Pakistan is certainly not one of them. I'm not even getting into the internal politics of Pakistan that makes this tweet even more disappointing," Abdullah said in a tweet. The Congress had posted a photograph of Modi and Sharif walking hand in hand on micro-blogging site Twitter and sought to know what the prime minister thinks of his former Pakistani counterpart, who was arrested in a corruption case. "Nawaz Sharif has been arrested on corruption charges. We'd like to know what his dear friend, PM Modi has to say about this," the Congress tweeted. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also lashed out at BJP activists for burning effigies of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu. "It didn't matter when army establishments were attacked all over Jammu, soldiers kidnapped & killed, Amarnath yatris & tourists killed but suddenly @MehboobaMufti is enemy number one. The BJP thinks people are fools & won't punish their selective memory," he said in another tweet.

Omar Abdullah hits out at Congress on its tweet about PM Modi, Sharif

Nearly a month after being <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-denied-appointment-with-pm-modi-for-fourth-time-146253">denied permission by the PMO</a> to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an all-party delegation, led by <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pm-ignoring-kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-146539">Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan</a> has been granted an appointment on July 19 RPT July 19.

The Chief Minister's office&nbspconfirmed on Saturday in Thiruvananthapuram that they received a communication from the PMO.

Vijayan, currently on a two-week-long US Tour, would arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on July 18 and leave for New Delhi later to meet Modi along with an all-party delegation, they said.

The delegation would appraise Modi about the need to enhance the allocation of Kerala's foodgrains quota and apprehensions over the much-awaited Kanjikode Coach Factory in Palakkad district, besides a host of other development issues pertaining to the southern state, the CMO said.

Among ministers, state Public Works Minister G Sudhakaran and Food and Civil Supplies Minister P Thilothaman would be among the delegation along with the Chief Minister and representatives of other major political parties, they said.

Kicking up a political row, an all-party delegation led by CPI(M)-led LDF government headed byPinarayi Vijayan, had been denied permission to meet Modi in June.

The PMO had said they could meet Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan to discuss the foodgrains quota issue.

Coming down heavily on the Centre, Vijayan, in a press conference in New Delhi, had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of consistently ignoring Kerala and its demands.

The Kerala Chief Minister had also alleged the Centre was not paying heed to the country's federal structure.

"The Prime Minister has been ignoring Kerala. The Centre's aversion to Kerala's demands is leading to the collapse of several industries in the state.

When we needed to see the PM and submit our requests, we were not allowed to do so," Vijayan had said.

The Congress-led UDF opposition had also extended support to Vijayan and alleged that the Centre was playing politics without granting appointment to the state delegation.

Vijayan, currently on a two-week-long US Tour, would arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on July 18 and leave for New Delhi later to meet Modi along with an all-party delegation

Nearly a month after being denied permission by the PMO to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an all-party delegation, led by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been granted an appointment on July 19 RPT July 19. The Chief Minister's office&nbspconfirmed on Saturday in Thiruvananthapuram that they received a communication from the PMO. Vijayan, currently on a two-week-long US Tour, would arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on July 18 and leave for New Delhi later to meet Modi along with an all-party delegation, they said. The delegation would appraise Modi about the need to enhance the allocation of Kerala's foodgrains quota and apprehensions over the much-awaited Kanjikode Coach Factory in Palakkad district, besides a host of other development issues pertaining to the southern state, the CMO said. Among ministers, state Public Works Minister G Sudhakaran and Food and Civil Supplies Minister P Thilothaman would be among the delegation along with the Chief Minister and representatives of other major political parties, they said. Kicking up a political row, an all-party delegation led by CPI(M)-led LDF government headed byPinarayi Vijayan, had been denied permission to meet Modi in June. The PMO had said they could meet Food and Public Distribution Minister Ram Vilas Paswan to discuss the foodgrains quota issue. Coming down heavily on the Centre, Vijayan, in a press conference in New Delhi, had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of consistently ignoring Kerala and its demands. The Kerala Chief Minister had also alleged the Centre was not paying heed to the country's federal structure. "The Prime Minister has been ignoring Kerala. The Centre's aversion to Kerala's demands is leading to the collapse of several industries in the state. When we needed to see the PM and submit our requests, we were not allowed to do so," Vijayan had said. The Congress-led UDF opposition had also extended support to Vijayan and alleged that the Centre was playing politics without granting appointment to the state delegation.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led delegation gets appointment to meet Modi on July 19

Bhartiya Janta Party President Amit Shah on Friday claimed that the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya will commence before the 2019 elections, reports said.&nbsp

His remarks came during a meeting which he held with his party members in Hyderabad, saying that there will be necessary actions taken towards launching the construction before the polls next year.

Interacting with nearly 30 leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) working at various levels in the state at a private hotel in Friday, he said the party is committed to the construction of the Ram Temple and expressed the confidence that necessary circumstances would emerge once the Apex court gave its judgment on the issue pending before it.&nbsp

The BJP leader reportedly sought to consolidate the voters of Hindu faith against those of the minorities who are substantial in number in Telangana, by raising the temple issue.

Shah has been a day-long visit to Hyderabad to talk about ways to bring the party to power in the state.&nbsp

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the temple will be constructed before 2019 general elections and they shouldn't doubt Bharatiya Janata Party's intentions.

His remarks came during a meeting which he held with his party members in Hyderabad, saying that there will be necessary actions taken towards launching the construction before the polls next year.

Bhartiya Janta Party President Amit Shah on Friday claimed that the construction of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya will commence before the 2019 elections, reports said. His remarks came during a meeting which he held with his party members in Hyderabad, saying that there will be necessary actions taken towards launching the construction before the polls next year. Interacting with nearly 30 leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) working at various levels in the state at a private hotel in Friday, he said the party is committed to the construction of the Ram Temple and expressed the confidence that necessary circumstances would emerge once the Apex court gave its judgment on the issue pending before it. The BJP leader reportedly sought to consolidate the voters of Hindu faith against those of the minorities who are substantial in number in Telangana, by raising the temple issue. Shah has been a day-long visit to Hyderabad to talk about ways to bring the party to power in the state. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the temple will be constructed before 2019 general elections and they shouldn't doubt Bharatiya Janata Party's intentions.

Will build Ram Temple in Ayodhya before 2019 elections, says Amit Shah

Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said the government does not want to "shut the doors of madrasas", but it wants to open their doors for mainstream education.

Naqvi made the remarks at an event in Delhi to distribute certificates to the students who have been successful in a 'Bridge Course', jointly conducted by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Jamia Millia Islamia, for school dropouts and those studying in madrasas.

A statement issued by the minister's office quoted him as saying that the government's "3T"&nbsp-- Teacher, Tiffin & Toilet -- formula to bring minority youths into mainstream education has been a tremendous success.

The government does not want to "shut down the doors of Madrasas", it only wants to "open their doors for formal and mainstream education," Naqvi was quoted.&nbsp

He said that steps taken by the Modi government for the educational empowerment of the needy sections of the society, including the minorities, have ensured that the youths belonging to the minority communities are getting better jobs through quality education.

In the past about one year, thousands of educational institutions of all minority communities, including madarsas, have been included in the mainstream education system by connecting them with the 'Teacher, Tiffin, Toilet' campaign, Naqvi said.

He said the school dropout rate among Muslim girls, which was earlier more than 70 per cent, has now been reduced to about 35 per cent due to the educational empowerment programmes of the government.

Naqvi said that during the last four years, 2.66 crore students belonging to the poor and weaker sections among minorities have benefitted from various scholarships.

More than 5.43 lakh youths have been provided employment and employment opportunities through job-oriented skill development schemes, he said.

Naqvi handed out the certificates to the students successful in the bridge course.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs, in collaboration with the Jamia Millia Islamia University, had started the nine-months "bridge course"&nbspto bring madrasa students and school dropouts into mainstream education system.

This year, a total of 260 students had been trained under the course out of which 182 students successfully completed the course.

Naqvi said the Ministry of Minority Affairs has also started a training programme to link madrasa teachers with the mainstream education system.

Minority Affairs Ministry Secretary A Luikham, Aligarh Muslim University Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor Chairman Guru Harkishan Public School Society S Manjit Singh GK and representative of Diocese of Delhi-Church of North India Bishop Collin Theodore, were among those present at the event.

Naqvi made the remarks at an event in Delhi to distribute certificates to the students who have been successful in a 'Bridge Course', jointly conducted by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Jamia Millia Islamia, for school dropouts and those studying in madrasas

Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said the government does not want to "shut the doors of madrasas", but it wants to open their doors for mainstream education. Naqvi made the remarks at an event in Delhi to distribute certificates to the students who have been successful in a 'Bridge Course', jointly conducted by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Jamia Millia Islamia, for school dropouts and those studying in madrasas. A statement issued by the minister's office quoted him as saying that the government's "3T" -- Teacher, Tiffin & Toilet -- formula to bring minority youths into mainstream education has been a tremendous success. The government does not want to "shut down the doors of Madrasas", it only wants to "open their doors for formal and mainstream education," Naqvi was quoted. He said that steps taken by the Modi government for the educational empowerment of the needy sections of the society, including the minorities, have ensured that the youths belonging to the minority communities are getting better jobs through quality education. In the past about one year, thousands of educational institutions of all minority communities, including madarsas, have been included in the mainstream education system by connecting them with the 'Teacher, Tiffin, Toilet' campaign, Naqvi said. He said the school dropout rate among Muslim girls, which was earlier more than 70 per cent, has now been reduced to about 35 per cent due to the educational empowerment programmes of the government. Naqvi said that during the last four years, 2.66 crore students belonging to the poor and weaker sections among minorities have benefitted from various scholarships. More than 5.43 lakh youths have been provided employment and employment opportunities through job-oriented skill development schemes, he said. Naqvi handed out the certificates to the students successful in the bridge course. The Ministry of Minority Affairs, in collaboration with the Jamia Millia Islamia University, had started the nine-months "bridge course"&nbspto bring madrasa students and school dropouts into mainstream education system. This year, a total of 260 students had been trained under the course out of which 182 students successfully completed the course. Naqvi said the Ministry of Minority Affairs has also started a training programme to link madrasa teachers with the mainstream education system. Minority Affairs Ministry Secretary A Luikham, Aligarh Muslim University Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor Chairman Guru Harkishan Public School Society S Manjit Singh GK and representative of Diocese of Delhi-Church of North India Bishop Collin Theodore, were among those present at the event.

Government wants to open doors of madrasas for mainstream education: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

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