<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he held an extensive review on the preparedness for novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>"Had an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Different ministries and states are working together, from screening people arriving in India to providing prompt medical attention," he said in a tweet.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-letter-pm-modi-offers-assistance-to-chinese-president-xi-jinping-over-coronavirus-outbreak-279583">In a letter, PM Modi offers assistance to Chinese President Xi Jinping over coronavirus outbreak </a></strong></p>

<p>The Health Ministry on Tuesday said six cases with "high-viral load" were detected during sample testing in Agra and these people have been kept in isolation.</p>

<p>The six people had come in contact with a 45-year-old patient from Delhi, whose case came to light on Monday, and they include his family members.</p>

<p>According to government sources, the man, who is a resident of Mayur Vihar, had visited them in Agra.</p>

<p>The six have been kept in isolation at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and their samples are being sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he held an extensive review on the preparedness for novel coronavirus. "Had an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he held an extensive review on the preparedness for novel coronavirus. "Had an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Different ministries and states are working together, from screening people arriving in India to providing prompt medical attention," he said in a tweet. Also Read:In a letter, PM Modi offers assistance to Chinese President Xi Jinping over coronavirus outbreak The Health Ministry on Tuesday said six cases with "high-viral load" were detected during sample testing in Agra and these people have been kept in isolation. The six people had come in contact with a 45-year-old patient from Delhi, whose case came to light on Monday, and they include his family members. According to government sources, the man, who is a resident of Mayur Vihar, had visited them in Agra. The six have been kept in isolation at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and their samples are being sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation.

PM holds extensive review for coronavirus preparedness

<p>A day after two new cases of novel coronavirus that included one from Delhi were reported, the Health Ministry on Tuesday said six cases with "high-viral load" were detected during sample testing in Agra and these people have been kept in isolation.</p>

<p>The six people had come in contact with a 45-year-old patient from Delhi, whose case came to light on Monday, and they include his family members.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-scare-hits-noida-school-premises-closed-all-exams-cancelled-283889">&nbsp;Coronavirus scare hits Noida school: Premises closed, all exams cancelled</a></strong></p>

<p>According to government sources, the man, who is a resident of Mayur Vihar, had visited them in Agra.</p>

<p>The six have been kept in isolation at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and their samples are being sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation.</p>

<p>Contact tracing of the people who came in contact with the six is simultaneously being done through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) network, the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/work-from-home-google-and-twitter-order-their-staff-amid-coronavirus-concerns-283900">'Work from home': Google and Twitter order their staff amid coronavirus concerns</a></strong></p>

<p>Sources said the patient from Mayur Vihar was shifted to a quarantine ward at Safdarjung Hospital on Sunday night.</p>

<p>His other family members have been asked to stay alert and look out for symptoms. One accountant, who came in contact with the man and some of his family members, was also quarantined, they said.</p>

<p>India on Monday reported two new cases of the novel coronavirus, one from Delhi and another one from Hyderabad. The government has stepped up its efforts to detect and check the infection which has killed 2,912 people in China.</p>

<p>On Monday, Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma had said that an Italian tourist tested positive for coronavirus in Jaipur.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;New Delhi comes under Covid-19 radar, Noida school shut</strong></p>

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<p>The first sample collected from him on February 29 tested negative but his condition deteriorated, so a second sample was collected which tested positive on Monday, the minister said, adding, "Since there is a variation in the reports, the samples have been sent to the NIV, Pune for testing".</p>

<p>India had earlier reported three cases from Kerala, including two medical students from Wuhan in China, the epicentre of the deadly novel coronavirus. They had self-reported on their return to the country and tested positive for the infection. They were discharged from hospitals last month following recovery.</p>

<p>The infected person from Delhi had travelled to Italy, while the other patient who tested positive for the COVID-19 infection is from Telangana and had recently travelled to Dubai.</p>

<p>Both the patients had self-reported after they developed symptoms.</p>

<p>"They tested positive. They are stable and being closely monitored," the ministry said on Monday.?</p>

<p>The government has asked people to avoid non-essential travel to Iran, Italy, South Korea and Singapore and said India was in discussions with authorities in Iran and Italy, two countries badly affected by the infection, to evacuate Indians there.</p>

<p>The novel coronavirus or COVID-19, which originated in China, has spread to over 60 countries</p>


A day after two new cases of novel coronavirus that included one from Delhi were reported, the Health Ministry on Tuesday said six cases with "high-viral load" were detected during sample testing in Agra and these people have been kept in isolation.

A day after two new cases of novel coronavirus that included one from Delhi were reported, the Health Ministry on Tuesday said six cases with "high-viral load" were detected during sample testing in Agra and these people have been kept in isolation. The six people had come in contact with a 45-year-old patient from Delhi, whose case came to light on Monday, and they include his family members. Also read: Coronavirus scare hits Noida school: Premises closed, all exams cancelled According to government sources, the man, who is a resident of Mayur Vihar, had visited them in Agra. The six have been kept in isolation at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and their samples are being sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation. Contact tracing of the people who came in contact with the six is simultaneously being done through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) network, the ministry said in a statement. Also see: 'Work from home': Google and Twitter order their staff amid coronavirus concerns Sources said the patient from Mayur Vihar was shifted to a quarantine ward at Safdarjung Hospital on Sunday night. His other family members have been asked to stay alert and look out for symptoms. One accountant, who came in contact with the man and some of his family members, was also quarantined, they said. India on Monday reported two new cases of the novel coronavirus, one from Delhi and another one from Hyderabad. The government has stepped up its efforts to detect and check the infection which has killed 2,912 people in China. On Monday, Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma had said that an Italian tourist tested positive for coronavirus in Jaipur. Watch: New Delhi comes under Covid-19 radar, Noida school shut × The first sample collected from him on February 29 tested negative but his condition deteriorated, so a second sample was collected which tested positive on Monday, the minister said, adding, "Since there is a variation in the reports, the samples have been sent to the NIV, Pune for testing". India had earlier reported three cases from Kerala, including two medical students from Wuhan in China, the epicentre of the deadly novel coronavirus. They had self-reported on their return to the country and tested positive for the infection. They were discharged from hospitals last month following recovery. The infected person from Delhi had travelled to Italy, while the other patient who tested positive for the COVID-19 infection is from Telangana and had recently travelled to Dubai. Both the patients had self-reported after they developed symptoms. "They tested positive. They are stable and being closely monitored," the ministry said on Monday.? The government has asked people to avoid non-essential travel to Iran, Italy, South Korea and Singapore and said India was in discussions with authorities in Iran and Italy, two countries badly affected by the infection, to evacuate Indians there. The novel coronavirus or COVID-19, which originated in China, has spread to over 60 countries

Six cases with 'high-viral load' detected in Agra

<p>Massive billboards greeting US President Donald Trump ahead of his India visit and reflecting the bonhomie between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have come up in Agra, which is on the itinerary of the American leader.</p>

<p>From streets near the airport to public squares in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal, the billboards have added to the air of excitement in Agra that is eagerly expecting the arrival of Trump, who will be in the city for a couple of hours.</p>

<p>Trump's convoy route from the airport to the Taj Mahal is about 13 km and along the way thousands of artistes will welcome him with special performances.</p>

<p>On the famous Mall Road, which falls on the route, one hoarding reads 'His Excellency Donald J Trump, President of the United States of America, Heartiest Welcome to the Land of Krishna'.</p>

<p>It is accompanied with an image of Trump standing next to Prime Minister Modi.</p>

<p>Another billboard features the two leaders shaking hands and bears the message 'Welcome to the Land of Holy Rivers Yamuna and Ganga'.</p>

<p>Yet another one on the route says 'Welcome to the Land of Rich Heritage of Art and Craft'.</p>

<p>Trump is slated to arrive in Agra on Monday evening after jointly attending with Modi the mega 'Namaste Trump' event at the newly built Motera cricket stadium in Ahmedabad earlier in the day.</p>

<p>The event has been named 'Namaste Trump' on the lines of the 'Howdy, Modi' programme organised in the US last year.</p>

<p>Trump's daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and a galaxy of top US officials will be part of the high-level delegation accompanying him during his visit to India on February 24 and 25.</p>

<p>The Agra administration is all geared up for the big day and preparations are in full swing to present the 'best face of Agra'.</p>

<p>Another billboard shows Trump and Modi shaking hands with the message 'Two great nations. One great friendship', 'Namaste Trump, February 24'.</p>

<p>Outside the Agra Cantonment station at the Atal Chowk, a banner on Trump's visit also greets people arriving in the city.</p>

<p>In Agra, the Trump family will spend about an hour at the Taj Mahal before sunset. They will then leave for Delhi.</p>

<p>A huge billboard near the Taj Mahal complex carrying the image of Trump and his wife reads 'His Excellency Donald J Trump, President of the United States of America, Her Excellency Melania Trump First Lady of the United States of America, Welcoming you on behalf of the 1350 million people of India'.</p>

<p>Another one says, 'His Excellency Donald J Trump, President of the United States of America', welcome to the land of immense opportunities for investment'.&nbsp;</p>


Massive billboards greeting US President Donald Trump ahead of his India visit and reflecting the bonhomie between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have come up in Agra, which is on the itinerary of the American leader.

Massive billboards greeting US President Donald Trump ahead of his India visit and reflecting the bonhomie between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have come up in Agra, which is on the itinerary of the American leader. From streets near the airport to public squares in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal, the billboards have added to the air of excitement in Agra that is eagerly expecting the arrival of Trump, who will be in the city for a couple of hours. Trump's convoy route from the airport to the Taj Mahal is about 13 km and along the way thousands of artistes will welcome him with special performances. On the famous Mall Road, which falls on the route, one hoarding reads 'His Excellency Donald J Trump, President of the United States of America, Heartiest Welcome to the Land of Krishna'. It is accompanied with an image of Trump standing next to Prime Minister Modi. Another billboard features the two leaders shaking hands and bears the message 'Welcome to the Land of Holy Rivers Yamuna and Ganga'. Yet another one on the route says 'Welcome to the Land of Rich Heritage of Art and Craft'. Trump is slated to arrive in Agra on Monday evening after jointly attending with Modi the mega 'Namaste Trump' event at the newly built Motera cricket stadium in Ahmedabad earlier in the day. The event has been named 'Namaste Trump' on the lines of the 'Howdy, Modi' programme organised in the US last year. Trump's daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and a galaxy of top US officials will be part of the high-level delegation accompanying him during his visit to India on February 24 and 25. The Agra administration is all geared up for the big day and preparations are in full swing to present the 'best face of Agra'. Another billboard shows Trump and Modi shaking hands with the message 'Two great nations. One great friendship', 'Namaste Trump, February 24'. Outside the Agra Cantonment station at the Atal Chowk, a banner on Trump's visit also greets people arriving in the city. In Agra, the Trump family will spend about an hour at the Taj Mahal before sunset. They will then leave for Delhi. A huge billboard near the Taj Mahal complex carrying the image of Trump and his wife reads 'His Excellency Donald J Trump, President of the United States of America, Her Excellency Melania Trump First Lady of the United States of America, Welcoming you on behalf of the 1350 million people of India'. Another one says, 'His Excellency Donald J Trump, President of the United States of America', welcome to the land of immense opportunities for investment'.

Huge billboards greeting Trump put up in Agra ahead of his visit 

<p>The preparations to welcome US President Donald Trump are in full swing. As the US president is likely to visit Taj Mahal in Agra, the Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned to beautify the area for his visit.</p>

<p>According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department has released 500 cusecs of water into the Yamuna from the Ganganahar in Bulandshahr to improve the river's "environmental condition" in Agra, news agency PTI reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-signals-very-big-trade-deal-with-india-before-us-presidential-elections-281582">Trump signals 'very big' trade deal with India before US presidential elections</a></strong></p>

<p>"Keeping in mind US President Trump's visit to Agra, 500 cusecs of water has been released from the Ganganahar to improve the environmental condition of the Yamuna. This water will reach the Yamuna in Mathura by February 20 and Agra by February 21 afternoon," the department's Superintending Engineer Dharmender Singh Phogat said.</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) assistant engineer Arvind Kumar said that though the move will not make the river's water fit for consumption, it is likely to reduce the "foul smell" from the Yamuna.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preparations-in-full-swing-ahead-of-us-president-donald-trumps-india-visit-281468">India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit</a></strong></p>

<p>"If 500 cusecs of water has been released into the Yamuna to control pollution, it will certainly have an impact. This will also improve the oxygen level in the Yamuna in Mathura and in Agra. This move may not make the Yamuna's water fit for drinking, but could reduce the foul smell from the river," Arvind Kumar said.</p>

<p>Trump and Melania will visit the Taj Mahal on February 24 before reaching New Delhi for a series of official meetings a day later.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/going-to-india-trump-set-to-open-worlds-biggest-cricket-stadium-281416">Going to India - Trump set to open world's biggest cricket stadium</a></strong></p>

<p>The US President is also scheduled to visit Gujarat. It is reported that a whopping Rs 120 crore is being spent for a 3-hour visit of Trump to Ahmedabad. That's Rs 1.5 crore a minute that the US president spends in the Gujarati city.</p>

<p>Trump will also inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium when he arrives in Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>The US president will be on a two-day trip to India between February 24 and 25.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


The preparations to welcome US President Donald Trump are in full swing. As the US president is likely to visit Taj Mahal in Agra, the Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned to beautify the area for his visit.

The preparations to welcome US President Donald Trump are in full swing. As the US president is likely to visit Taj Mahal in Agra, the Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned to beautify the area for his visit. According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department has released 500 cusecs of water into the Yamuna from the Ganganahar in Bulandshahr to improve the river's "environmental condition" in Agra, news agency PTI reported. Also read: Trump signals 'very big' trade deal with India before US presidential elections "Keeping in mind US President Trump's visit to Agra, 500 cusecs of water has been released from the Ganganahar to improve the environmental condition of the Yamuna. This water will reach the Yamuna in Mathura by February 20 and Agra by February 21 afternoon," the department's Superintending Engineer Dharmender Singh Phogat said. Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) assistant engineer Arvind Kumar said that though the move will not make the river's water fit for consumption, it is likely to reduce the "foul smell" from the Yamuna. Also read: India to spend Rs 1.5 crore a minute during US president's Ahmedabad visit "If 500 cusecs of water has been released into the Yamuna to control pollution, it will certainly have an impact. This will also improve the oxygen level in the Yamuna in Mathura and in Agra. This move may not make the Yamuna's water fit for drinking, but could reduce the foul smell from the river," Arvind Kumar said. Trump and Melania will visit the Taj Mahal on February 24 before reaching New Delhi for a series of official meetings a day later. Also read: Going to India - Trump set to open world's biggest cricket stadium The US President is also scheduled to visit Gujarat. It is reported that a whopping Rs 120 crore is being spent for a 3-hour visit of Trump to Ahmedabad. That's Rs 1.5 crore a minute that the US president spends in the Gujarati city. Trump will also inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium when he arrives in Ahmedabad. The US president will be on a two-day trip to India between February 24 and 25. (With inputs from PTI)

Ahead of Trump's Agra visit, 500 cusecs of water released into Yamuna to tackle 'foul smell'

<p>The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday opened an all-new viewpoint of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/taj-mahal-gets-air-purifier-as-delhi-breathes-toxic-air-259900">Taj Mahal</a> which will enable the tourists to get a spectacular view of the iconic monument under the moonlight and during early morning hours.<br />
<br />
State Minister Girraj Singh Dharmesh on Saturday inaugurated the Mehtab Bagh Taj viewpoint, which will allow tourists to view Taj Mahal at the cost of Rs 20 for three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening. This new point will be opened for tourists from morning 7 to 10 am and in evening 7 to 10 pm.<br />
<br />
"The Taj viewpoint has been developed by the Agra Development Authority. I wish more such viewpoints are developed in Agra so that more foreign tourists can come here," Dharmesh told media.<br />
<br />
Tourists present on the day of the inauguration were happy to see Taj Mahal through a new viewpoint.<br />
<br />
"I am from Melbourne, Australia. I have been to Taj Mahal before, but not to this place (Mehtab Bagh Taj View Point). I think it is a wonderful spot," said a foreign tourist.<br />
Another tourist from Jammu and Kashmir said, "It is a good thing for tourism. It is a dream come true moment if I get to see the Taj Mahal during the night."<br />
<br />
Earlier this month, the Agra District Administration had installed two air purifier machines at the gates of the Mughal era monument Taj Mahal to combat air pollution in the region.</p>


The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday opened an all-new viewpoint of Taj Mahal which will enable the tourists to get a spectacular view of the iconic monument under the moonlight and during early morning hours.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday opened an all-new viewpoint of Taj Mahal which will enable the tourists to get a spectacular view of the iconic monument under the moonlight and during early morning hours. State Minister Girraj Singh Dharmesh on Saturday inaugurated the Mehtab Bagh Taj viewpoint, which will allow tourists to view Taj Mahal at the cost of Rs 20 for three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening. This new point will be opened for tourists from morning 7 to 10 am and in evening 7 to 10 pm. "The Taj viewpoint has been developed by the Agra Development Authority. I wish more such viewpoints are developed in Agra so that more foreign tourists can come here," Dharmesh told media. Tourists present on the day of the inauguration were happy to see Taj Mahal through a new viewpoint. "I am from Melbourne, Australia. I have been to Taj Mahal before, but not to this place (Mehtab Bagh Taj View Point). I think it is a wonderful spot," said a foreign tourist. Another tourist from Jammu and Kashmir said, "It is a good thing for tourism. It is a dream come true moment if I get to see the Taj Mahal during the night." Earlier this month, the Agra District Administration had installed two air purifier machines at the gates of the Mughal era monument Taj Mahal to combat air pollution in the region.

Agra: Government opens new viewing spot for tourists to see Taj Mahal

New Jersey governor Phil Murphy to visit 6 Indian cities. He will visit New Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, from September 13 to 22. Watch this video to know more.

New Jersey governor Phil Murphy to visit 6 Indian cities

<p>Around 70 terrorists and hardcore pro-Pakistan separatists from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-employees-in-jammu-and-kashmir-told-to-report-to-duties-with-immediate-effect-241566">Kashmir valley </a>have been shifted to Agra, news agency ANI reported citing sources.</p>

<p>The terrorists and separatists were shifted in a special plane provided by the Indian Air Force, ANI added.</p>

<p>Earlier today, government employees in Jammu and Kashmir working at divisional and district level and those serving in civil secretariat Srinagar were told to report to duties with immediate effect.</p>

<p>The chief secretary said that necessary arrangements regarding the smooth and secure working environment for the employees were made by the administration.</p>

<p>Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir has been on lockdown since Sunday and security forces are on maximum alert to "pre-empt" and "prevent" any breach of security.</p>

<p>Parliament on Tuesday approved a resolution abrogating special status to Jammu and Kashmir under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-point-by-point-rebuttal-amit-shah-takes-on-congress-in-fiery-speech-after-abrogation-of-article-370-241181">Article 370&nbsp;</a>of the Constitution and a bill for splitting the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladhak.</p>

<p>The repeal of Article 370 has also led to abrogation of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-article-35a-heres-all-you-need-to-know-240752">Article 35A</a>&nbsp;related to "permanent residents".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Around 70 terrorists and hardcore pro-Pakistan separatists from Kashmir valley have been shifted to Agra, news agency ANI reported citing sources. The terrorists and separatists were shifted in a special plane provided by the Indian Air Force, ANI added.

Around 70 terrorists and hardcore pro-Pakistan separatists from Kashmir valley have been shifted to Agra, news agency ANI reported citing sources. The terrorists and separatists were shifted in a special plane provided by the Indian Air Force, ANI added. Earlier today, government employees in Jammu and Kashmir working at divisional and district level and those serving in civil secretariat Srinagar were told to report to duties with immediate effect. The chief secretary said that necessary arrangements regarding the smooth and secure working environment for the employees were made by the administration. Jammu and Kashmir has been on lockdown since Sunday and security forces are on maximum alert to "pre-empt" and "prevent" any breach of security. Parliament on Tuesday approved a resolution abrogating special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution and a bill for splitting the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladhak. The repeal of Article 370 has also led to abrogation of Article 35A related to "permanent residents". (With inputs from ANI)

70 terrorists, pro-Pakistani separatists from Kashmir shifted to Agra: Report

<p>Yoodlee Films’ announced a new project today titled ‘Agra’ with director Kanu Behl whose first film ‘Titli’ wowed the audience. Before its release, the film travelled to more than twenty major festivals worldwide including 2104 edition of Cannes Film Festival and won several awards in various categories .&nbsp;</p>

<p>‘Agra’ boasts of an ensemble cast headlined by Rahul Roy who makes a comeback with this film. It also features Priyanka Bose, Mohit Agarwal and Ruhani Sharma, Vibha Chibber, Sonal Jha and Aanchal Goswami in pivotal roles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film delves into sexual dynamics that operate within a close dysfunctional family unit. In a country where there are topics that are rarely explored with any amount of sensitivity, Kanu Behl's vision is a refreshing take on sexual politics with family members and the merging consequences in their interpersonal relationships.</p>

<p>On the film, Kanu Behl said, "Agra is a story of a cosmos of a family – throbbing and pulsating, hunting and escaping the very dynamic energies that people in the family inhabit. Its an exploration of space in an increasingly crowded world, and the quest for a sexual odyssey of an individual here. Having a production house like Yoodlee Films to come onboard and back this project gives me confidence in their commitment to creating meaningful cinema – cinema which is at once relevant and unique in content."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Siddharth Anand Kumar, Producer Yoodlee Films said, "Agra continues the commitment of Yoodlee Films to create quality cinema, championing a good script above all else, fearless in its choice of subjects, and to be counted amongst the best in the world. The fact that we have a talent like Kanu Behl is in charge of bringing this riveting story to screen makes this an exciting proposition to look out for all cine-goers. "</p>

<p>'Agra' is set to be shot in and around the city of Agra and will go on floors this month. The film is expected to hit theatres by next year.&nbsp;</p>


Yoodlee Films’ announced a new project today titled ‘Agra’ with director Kanu Behl whose first film ‘Titli’ wowed the audience. Before its release, the film travelled to more than twenty major festivals worldwide including 2104 edition of Cannes Film Festival and won several awards in various categories .

Yoodlee Films’ announced a new project today titled ‘Agra’ with director Kanu Behl whose first film ‘Titli’ wowed the audience. Before its release, the film travelled to more than twenty major festivals worldwide including 2104 edition of Cannes Film Festival and won several awards in various categories . ‘Agra’ boasts of an ensemble cast headlined by Rahul Roy who makes a comeback with this film. It also features Priyanka Bose, Mohit Agarwal and Ruhani Sharma, Vibha Chibber, Sonal Jha and Aanchal Goswami in pivotal roles. The film delves into sexual dynamics that operate within a close dysfunctional family unit. In a country where there are topics that are rarely explored with any amount of sensitivity, Kanu Behl's vision is a refreshing take on sexual politics with family members and the merging consequences in their interpersonal relationships. On the film, Kanu Behl said, "Agra is a story of a cosmos of a family – throbbing and pulsating, hunting and escaping the very dynamic energies that people in the family inhabit. Its an exploration of space in an increasingly crowded world, and the quest for a sexual odyssey of an individual here. Having a production house like Yoodlee Films to come onboard and back this project gives me confidence in their commitment to creating meaningful cinema – cinema which is at once relevant and unique in content." Meanwhile, Siddharth Anand Kumar, Producer Yoodlee Films said, "Agra continues the commitment of Yoodlee Films to create quality cinema, championing a good script above all else, fearless in its choice of subjects, and to be counted amongst the best in the world. The fact that we have a talent like Kanu Behl is in charge of bringing this riveting story to screen makes this an exciting proposition to look out for all cine-goers. " 'Agra' is set to be shot in and around the city of Agra and will go on floors this month. The film is expected to hit theatres by next year.

Yoodlee Films’ partners with Kanu Behl of ‘Titli’ fame for their next film, 'Agra'

<p>In a boost to urban public transport, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi on Thursday approved metro rail projects of Kanpur and Agra cities in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>The Agra metro rail project will have two corridors. These corridors will connect major public nodes, tourist places and city cluster areas of Agra. The implementation of the metro rail system will result in less vehicular traffic and better movement on the roads leading to the reduction in congestion, travel time, cost of journey and pollution.</p>

<p>The metro rail system will also promote transit-oriented development which will lead to the development of more residential and commercial complexes along the corridors.</p>

<p>The Agra metro rail project will have two corridors which will pass through the heart of the city and connect prominent tourist places including Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Sikandra as well as ISBT, Raja Ki Mandi Railway Station, Medical College, Agra Cant Railway Station, Collectorate, Sanjay Place and surrounding densely populated residential areas.</p>

<p>1. The length of Sikandra to Taj East Gate corridor 14.00 km, which is partly elevated and partly underground comprises of 13 stations (6-Elevated and 7-Underground).</p>

<p>2. The length of Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar corridor is 15.40 km comprising of 14 stations all elevated.</p>

<p>3. The estimated cost of the project is Rs&nbsp;8,379.62 crore and will be completed in five years.</p>

<p>About 20 lakh population of the city is expected to be benefitted by the upcoming metro project.</p>

<p>The proposed corridors will be having multimodal integration with railway stations and BRTS stations and will have feeder network of bus, Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) and Non-Motorised Transport (NMT).</p>

<p>The metro project will have non-fare box revenue from rental and advertisement as well as Value Capture Financing (VCF) through the mechanism of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR).</p>

<p>The Kanpur metro rail project will also have two corridors, which will connect major public nodes and city cluster areas of Kanpur. The implementation of the metro rail system will result in less vehicular traffic and better movement on the roads leading to a reduction in congestion, travel time, cost of journey and pollution.</p>

<p>It will also promote transit-oriented development which will lead to the development of more residential and commercial complexes along the corridors.</p>

<p>1. The length of ITT to Naubasta corridor is 23.785 km, which is partly elevated and partly underground and comprises of 22 stations (14-Elevated and 8-Underground).</p>

<p>2. The length of Agriculture University to Barra-8 corridor is 8.60 km comprising of four elevated and four underground stations.</p>

<p>3. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 11,076.48 crore and will be completed in five years.</p>

<p>IJT Kanpur to Naubasta corridor will pass through the heart of the city covering several prominent educational institutions, railway and bus stations, including IIT Kanpur, CSJM University, GSYM Medical College, Jhakarkati Bus Station and Kanpur Central Railway Station etc.</p>

<p>Agriculture University to Barra-8 corridor will provide smooth connectivity to various densely populated residential areas including Kakadeo and Govind Nagar etc.</p>

<p>The metro will provide eco-friendly and sustainable public transport to residents, commuters, industrial workers, visitors and travellers.<br />
About 40 lakh population is expected to be benefitted by the new metro rail project.&nbsp;</p>


In a boost to urban public transport, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi on Thursday approved metro rail projects of Kanpur and Agra cities in Uttar Pradesh.

In a boost to urban public transport, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi on Thursday approved metro rail projects of Kanpur and Agra cities in Uttar Pradesh. The Agra metro rail project will have two corridors. These corridors will connect major public nodes, tourist places and city cluster areas of Agra. The implementation of the metro rail system will result in less vehicular traffic and better movement on the roads leading to the reduction in congestion, travel time, cost of journey and pollution. The metro rail system will also promote transit-oriented development which will lead to the development of more residential and commercial complexes along the corridors. The Agra metro rail project will have two corridors which will pass through the heart of the city and connect prominent tourist places including Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Sikandra as well as ISBT, Raja Ki Mandi Railway Station, Medical College, Agra Cant Railway Station, Collectorate, Sanjay Place and surrounding densely populated residential areas. 1. The length of Sikandra to Taj East Gate corridor 14.00 km, which is partly elevated and partly underground comprises of 13 stations (6-Elevated and 7-Underground). 2. The length of Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar corridor is 15.40 km comprising of 14 stations all elevated. 3. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 8,379.62 crore and will be completed in five years. About 20 lakh population of the city is expected to be benefitted by the upcoming metro project. The proposed corridors will be having multimodal integration with railway stations and BRTS stations and will have feeder network of bus, Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) and Non-Motorised Transport (NMT). The metro project will have non-fare box revenue from rental and advertisement as well as Value Capture Financing (VCF) through the mechanism of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR). The Kanpur metro rail project will also have two corridors, which will connect major public nodes and city cluster areas of Kanpur. The implementation of the metro rail system will result in less vehicular traffic and better movement on the roads leading to a reduction in congestion, travel time, cost of journey and pollution. It will also promote transit-oriented development which will lead to the development of more residential and commercial complexes along the corridors. 1. The length of ITT to Naubasta corridor is 23.785 km, which is partly elevated and partly underground and comprises of 22 stations (14-Elevated and 8-Underground). 2. The length of Agriculture University to Barra-8 corridor is 8.60 km comprising of four elevated and four underground stations. 3. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 11,076.48 crore and will be completed in five years. IJT Kanpur to Naubasta corridor will pass through the heart of the city covering several prominent educational institutions, railway and bus stations, including IIT Kanpur, CSJM University, GSYM Medical College, Jhakarkati Bus Station and Kanpur Central Railway Station etc. Agriculture University to Barra-8 corridor will provide smooth connectivity to various densely populated residential areas including Kakadeo and Govind Nagar etc. The metro will provide eco-friendly and sustainable public transport to residents, commuters, industrial workers, visitors and travellers. About 40 lakh population is expected to be benefitted by the new metro rail project.

Centre approves Agra, Kanpur rail projects

<p>After Uttar Pradesh's Faizabad and Allahabad, yet another city in the state may be renamed if BJP MLA from Agra North, Jagan Prasad Garg, has his way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Garg, Agra was called Agravan about 5,000 years ago and the BJP MLA wants the state chief minister Yogi Adityanath to restore the centuries-old nomenclature.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Garg said, buttressing his claim, that most people from the Agrawal community live in Agra and the word Agra has no meaning and it doesn't make sense.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said he would meet the Uttar Pradesh chief minister in this connection and request the name change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Uttar Pradesh chief minister recently renamed Mughal Sarai as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Nagar, Allahabad as Prayagraj and Faizabad as Ayodhya.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Gujarat government on Thursday said it was considering renaming Ahmedabad as Karnavati.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Vijay Rupani told reporters in Gandhinagar the name change could be effected before the Lok Sabha election.</p>


After Uttar Pradesh's Faizabad and Allahabad, yet another city in the state may be renamed if BJP MLA from Agra North, Jagan Prasad Garg, has his way. According to Garg, Agra was called Agravan about 5,000 years ago and the BJP MLA wants the state chief minister Yogi Adityanath to restore the centuries-old nomenclature.

After Uttar Pradesh's Faizabad and Allahabad, yet another city in the state may be renamed if BJP MLA from Agra North, Jagan Prasad Garg, has his way. According to Garg, Agra was called Agravan about 5,000 years ago and the BJP MLA wants the state chief minister Yogi Adityanath to restore the centuries-old nomenclature. Garg said, buttressing his claim, that most people from the Agrawal community live in Agra and the word Agra has no meaning and it doesn't make sense. He said he would meet the Uttar Pradesh chief minister in this connection and request the name change. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister recently renamed Mughal Sarai as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Nagar, Allahabad as Prayagraj and Faizabad as Ayodhya. Meanwhile, the Gujarat government on Thursday said it was considering renaming Ahmedabad as Karnavati. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani told reporters in Gandhinagar the name change could be effected before the Lok Sabha election.

Now, BJP MLA from Agra wants city renamed to 'Agravan'

<p>When in India, a visit to the Taj Mahal in &nbsp;Agra is a must. Hollywood actor Will Smith, on Wednesday, made a visit to the famous monument of love and posed for the shutterbugs.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Dressed casually in a blue T-Shirt and grey trackpants, Smith could have easily blended into the crowd like any other regular celebrity had security personnel not accompanyed him.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Smith also posed with CISF officers on duty.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Will Smith at the Taj Mahal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6732a20-26b1-4f92-b5d1-e18f8c52f10b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/smith3.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="Will Smith at the Taj Mahal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7bc0b007-42e2-491b-a527-c7912954275d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/smith4.jpg" /></p>

<p><img alt="Will Smith at the Taj Mahal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="81fe59b0-598b-41df-9d87-b9a635046d47" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/smith5.jpg" /></p>

<p><img alt="Will Smith at the Taj Mahal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01bdb0f9-9d15-4fa9-84e5-17c7728dc184" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/smith%206.jpg" /></p>

<p>The Hollywood actor is in India to shoot for a Bollywood film. Smith has already shot for a song sequence <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-smith-is-going-to-be-part-of-student-of-the-year-2-shakes-a-leg-with-tiger-shroff-170191">with the cast of 'Student Of The Year 2'</a>. The film stars Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria and Ananya Panday in the lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith will be seen next playing the magical genie in Disney's reboot of 'Aladdin'. The actor gave a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-smith-reveals-aladdins-first-poster-on-instagram-170814"> glimpse of the poster </a>on his Instagram page recently.&nbsp;</p>


When in India, a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra is a must. Hollywood actor Will Smith, on Wednesday, made a visit to the famous monument of love and posed for the shutterbugs.

When in India, a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra is a must. Hollywood actor Will Smith, on Wednesday, made a visit to the famous monument of love and posed for the shutterbugs. Dressed casually in a blue T-Shirt and grey trackpants, Smith could have easily blended into the crowd like any other regular celebrity had security personnel not accompanyed him. Smith also posed with CISF officers on duty. The Hollywood actor is in India to shoot for a Bollywood film. Smith has already shot for a song sequence with the cast of 'Student Of The Year 2'. The film stars Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria and Ananya Panday in the lead. Smith will be seen next playing the magical genie in Disney's reboot of 'Aladdin'. The actor gave a glimpse of the poster on his Instagram page recently.

In pics: Hollywood star Will Smith visits Taj Mahal in Agra

<p>India's most famous monument, the white marble Taj Mahal, is "dying" -- according to historians and local guides who are calling for the government to protect and carry out preservation work on the palace.</p>

<p>Pollution in Agra, which has risen sharply over the past 30 years, has been blamed. The city, which sits on an industrial belt, is ranked eighth in the world for the most polluted air, according to a World Health Organisation list earlier this year.</p>

<p>The iconic 17th-century Mughal palace, built by emperor Shah Jahaan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaj Mahal, is visited by millions every year, including royalty and film stars. But local guides say foreign tourists are dwindling because of the pollution that is lending a yellowish tinge to the walls of the Taj Mahal.</p>

<p>Experts say one of the main causes of increasing pollution and discolouring of Taj Mahal is the drying up of the river Yamuna that flanks the famed marble monument. The pollution from the sewage in the Yamuna has fuelled a growing number of insects, whose excretions, along with the air's impurities have stained the Taj Mahal an ugly yellow.</p>

<p>Exhaust from a large number of vehicles clogging the roads is also making matters worse.</p>

<p>But there is hope yet -- M.C. Mehta, a leading environmental lawyer who has been fighting legal battles to conserve the Taj Mahal for over three decades now, got the top court's support recently. It directed the government to take urgent steps to restore the monument to its original glory and said if authorities did not have the expertise to do so, they should seek foreign help.</p>

<p>Mehta has had previous success. In the 1990s, following Mehta's petition, the Supreme Court ordered the closure of hundreds of factories near the white mausoleum.</p>

<p>For now, restorers from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) have been using a paste made of a clay mineral, to clean the marble but critics say it has not been effective in preventing the marble from decaying.</p>


Agra, which sits on an industrial belt, is ranked eighth in the world for the most polluted air

India's most famous monument, the white marble Taj Mahal, is "dying" -- according to historians and local guides who are calling for the government to protect and carry out preservation work on the palace. Pollution in Agra, which has risen sharply over the past 30 years, has been blamed. The city, which sits on an industrial belt, is ranked eighth in the world for the most polluted air, according to a World Health Organisation list earlier this year. The iconic 17th-century Mughal palace, built by emperor Shah Jahaan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaj Mahal, is visited by millions every year, including royalty and film stars. But local guides say foreign tourists are dwindling because of the pollution that is lending a yellowish tinge to the walls of the Taj Mahal. Experts say one of the main causes of increasing pollution and discolouring of Taj Mahal is the drying up of the river Yamuna that flanks the famed marble monument. The pollution from the sewage in the Yamuna has fuelled a growing number of insects, whose excretions, along with the air's impurities have stained the Taj Mahal an ugly yellow. Exhaust from a large number of vehicles clogging the roads is also making matters worse. But there is hope yet -- M.C. Mehta, a leading environmental lawyer who has been fighting legal battles to conserve the Taj Mahal for over three decades now, got the top court's support recently. It directed the government to take urgent steps to restore the monument to its original glory and said if authorities did not have the expertise to do so, they should seek foreign help. Mehta has had previous success. In the 1990s, following Mehta's petition, the Supreme Court ordered the closure of hundreds of factories near the white mausoleum. For now, restorers from the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) have been using a paste made of a clay mineral, to clean the marble but critics say it has not been effective in preventing the marble from decaying.

Pollution is 'killing' Taj Mahal: Report

<p>At least 8 people died in various parts of north India due to a thunderstorm that struck the region on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The storm has claimed the lives of 3 people in Mathura, 4 people in Etawah and one in Agra.</p>

<p>In a data released by the Home Ministry on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-thunderstorm-alert-in-13-states-2-union-territories-135026">the number of deaths in the thunderstorms and lightning on May 2-3 accounted for 134 people</a>. The data further stated that over&nbsp;400 people were injured in the storm in five states&nbsp;including the hardest-hit Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>The IMD has also issued warning alert to at least 13 states.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">3 people in Mathura, 4 people in Etawah & 1 person in Agra die due to thunderstorm in the respective areas.</p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/994251467367297025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The storm that hit parts of North India on Wednesday claimed the lives of 3 people in Mathura, 4 people in Etawah and one in Agra

At least 8 people died in various parts of north India due to a thunderstorm that struck the region on Wednesday. The storm has claimed the lives of 3 people in Mathura, 4 people in Etawah and one in Agra. In a data released by the Home Ministry on Wednesday, the number of deaths in the thunderstorms and lightning on May 2-3 accounted for 134 people. The data further stated that over 400 people were injured in the storm in five states including the hardest-hit Uttar Pradesh. The IMD has also issued warning alert to at least 13 states. 3 people in Mathura, 4 people in Etawah & 1 person in Agra die due to thunderstorm in the respective areas. — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 9, 2018 ×

Thunderstorms claim 8 more lives in north India

<p>Uttar Pradesh's Agra has been put on a 72-hour alert by the weather office the alert has been issued till Monday.</p>

<p>According to Gaurav Dayal, Agra District Magistrate, a detailed advisory will be issued to manage any imminent disaster.</p>

<p>The alert comes after a dust storm swept through north India in states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-106-dead-in-dust-storm-in-uttar-pradesh-rajasthan-134488">killing at least 106 people</a>.&nbsp</p>

<p>The 132-kmph dust storm hit Agra on late Wednesday night followed by heavy showers and hailstorm. As many as 44 people have been reported dead in the city while property worth crores have been destroyed.</p>

<p>Officials suggest the number of casualties to rise further.</p>

<p>Agra has witnessed a couple of devastating storms in past 20 days. According to reports, over 1,400 villages continue to remain without power supply.&nbsp</p>

<p>The deadly storm also affected the transportation system in the city with many trains running behind schedule.</p>

<p>Historical buildings and heritage architecture including the Taj Mahal have also suffered damages. While several trees in the mausoleum were uprooted, two wooden doors of the Taj minarets have also been damaged.&nbsp</p>

<p>Farmers have also suffered a loss of crop and have been promised compensation and relief aid.&nbsp</p>

<p>In Uttar Pradesh, Agra district was the worst hit. The other storm-hit districts in the state include&nbspBijnor, Bareli, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Chitrakoot, Muzaffarnagar, Rae Bareli and Unnao.</p>

<p>India Meteorological Department (IMD) Additional Director General Mritunjay Mohapatra said the trigger for the storm was a cyclonic circulation over Haryana.</p>

<p>A western disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir, and easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal were also responsible.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>


A western disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir, and easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal are responsible for the dust storm

Uttar Pradesh's Agra has been put on a 72-hour alert by the weather office the alert has been issued till Monday. According to Gaurav Dayal, Agra District Magistrate, a detailed advisory will be issued to manage any imminent disaster. The alert comes after a dust storm swept through north India in states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh killing at least 106 people. The 132-kmph dust storm hit Agra on late Wednesday night followed by heavy showers and hailstorm. As many as 44 people have been reported dead in the city while property worth crores have been destroyed. Officials suggest the number of casualties to rise further. Agra has witnessed a couple of devastating storms in past 20 days. According to reports, over 1,400 villages continue to remain without power supply. The deadly storm also affected the transportation system in the city with many trains running behind schedule. Historical buildings and heritage architecture including the Taj Mahal have also suffered damages. While several trees in the mausoleum were uprooted, two wooden doors of the Taj minarets have also been damaged. Farmers have also suffered a loss of crop and have been promised compensation and relief aid. In Uttar Pradesh, Agra district was the worst hit. The other storm-hit districts in the state include&nbspBijnor, Bareli, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Chitrakoot, Muzaffarnagar, Rae Bareli and Unnao. India Meteorological Department (IMD) Additional Director General Mritunjay Mohapatra said the trigger for the storm was a cyclonic circulation over Haryana. A western disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir, and easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal were also responsible. (With inputs from agencies)

Agra put on 72-hour weather alert as Uttar Pradesh battles dust storm

<p>A storm whipped through a large swathe of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh last night, killing over 100 people in a trail of destruction that brought down mud houses, uprooted trees and flattened crops.</p>

<p>At least 183 others were injured as a massive dust storm, followed by thunder showers, snapped power lines and sent tin roofs and street hoardings flying in parts of eastern Rajasthan and the adjoining areas of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp</p>

<p>The death toll this evening was 108. Seventy people were killed in UP and 83 injured. In Rajasthan, 38 died and another 100 were injured in the storm that hit the region around 7 pm.</p>

<p>The worst period lasted about 45 minutes, according to reports from Dholpur in Rajasthan. But the extent of the damage was known only this morning.&nbsp</p>

<p>The Met department today predicted another dust storm in parts of Rajasthan and UP in the next 48 hours.</p>

<p>A Met official told PTI in Jaipur that his department had been issuing dust storm warnings for the past couple of days.</p>

<p>India Meteorological Department (IMD) Additional Director General Mritunjay Mohapatra said the trigger for the storm was a cyclonic circulation over Haryana.</p>

<p>But also responsible were a western disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir, and easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal.</p>

<p>In UP, Agra district was the worst hit, accounting for at least 43 deaths and injuries to 51 others, officials said.</p>

<p>Besides Agra, the other storm-hit UP districts were Bijnor, Bareli, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Chitrakoot, Muzaffarnagar, Rae Bareli and Unnao.</p>

<p>In Rajasthan, Bharatpur district was the worst affected with 19 killed. Nine people died in Alwar and nine in Dholpur, officials said.</p>

<p>Two of those killed in Dholpur were from Agra in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Power supply was cut off in many areas as the squall uprooted trees and snapped electricity cables. Officials said it was being gradually restored.</p>

<p>In towns, the storm triggered traffic snarls. Some trains were delayed as overhead power cables broke.</p>

<p>In rural areas, there were reports of crop being damaged due to hailstorm. Farmers lost cattle and poultry. UP Relief Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said 160 heads of cattle were lost.</p>

<p>Most of the injured in Rajasthan have been discharged from hospitals.</p>

<p>Rajasthan's Disaster Management secretary Hemant Kumar Gera said some were undergoing primary treatment.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the deaths and directed officials to coordinate with states to ensure speedy relief and rehabilitation.</p>

<p>"Saddened by the loss of lives due to dust storms in various parts of India. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted quoting Modi.</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was in poll-bound Karnataka today, campaigning with Modi. He directed officials to personally monitor relief operations, warning against any laxity.&nbsp</p>

<p>Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje expressed grief over the calamity and said district authorities have been directed to ensure all possible help to victims.</p>

<p>Rajasthan government said contingency funds have been released to district administrations.</p>

<p>Family members of those dead will get Rs 4 lakh as compensation, and those injured will get between Rs 60,000 and Rs 2 lakh.&nbsp</p>


At least 183 others were injured as a massive dust storm, followed by thunder showers, snapped power lines and sent tin roofs and street hoardings flying in parts of eastern Rajasthan and the adjoining areas of Uttar Pradesh

A storm whipped through a large swathe of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh last night, killing over 100 people in a trail of destruction that brought down mud houses, uprooted trees and flattened crops. At least 183 others were injured as a massive dust storm, followed by thunder showers, snapped power lines and sent tin roofs and street hoardings flying in parts of eastern Rajasthan and the adjoining areas of Uttar Pradesh. The death toll this evening was 108. Seventy people were killed in UP and 83 injured. In Rajasthan, 38 died and another 100 were injured in the storm that hit the region around 7 pm. The worst period lasted about 45 minutes, according to reports from Dholpur in Rajasthan. But the extent of the damage was known only this morning. The Met department today predicted another dust storm in parts of Rajasthan and UP in the next 48 hours. A Met official told PTI in Jaipur that his department had been issuing dust storm warnings for the past couple of days. India Meteorological Department (IMD) Additional Director General Mritunjay Mohapatra said the trigger for the storm was a cyclonic circulation over Haryana. But also responsible were a western disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir, and easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal. In UP, Agra district was the worst hit, accounting for at least 43 deaths and injuries to 51 others, officials said. Besides Agra, the other storm-hit UP districts were Bijnor, Bareli, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Chitrakoot, Muzaffarnagar, Rae Bareli and Unnao. In Rajasthan, Bharatpur district was the worst affected with 19 killed. Nine people died in Alwar and nine in Dholpur, officials said. Two of those killed in Dholpur were from Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Power supply was cut off in many areas as the squall uprooted trees and snapped electricity cables. Officials said it was being gradually restored. In towns, the storm triggered traffic snarls. Some trains were delayed as overhead power cables broke. In rural areas, there were reports of crop being damaged due to hailstorm. Farmers lost cattle and poultry. UP Relief Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said 160 heads of cattle were lost. Most of the injured in Rajasthan have been discharged from hospitals. Rajasthan's Disaster Management secretary Hemant Kumar Gera said some were undergoing primary treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the deaths and directed officials to coordinate with states to ensure speedy relief and rehabilitation. "Saddened by the loss of lives due to dust storms in various parts of India. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted quoting Modi. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was in poll-bound Karnataka today, campaigning with Modi. He directed officials to personally monitor relief operations, warning against any laxity. Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje expressed grief over the calamity and said district authorities have been directed to ensure all possible help to victims. Rajasthan government said contingency funds have been released to district administrations. Family members of those dead will get Rs 4 lakh as compensation, and those injured will get between Rs 60,000 and Rs 2 lakh.

Dust storm kills over 100 in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan

<p>The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed concern over the change of colour of the iconic Taj Mahal at Agra and said the monument had become yellowish earlier and was now turning brownish and greenish.</p>

<p>The apex court suggested that the Centre take the assistance of experts from India and abroad to first assess the damage and then take steps to restore the historic monument.</p>

<p>"We don't know whether you have or perhaps don't have the expertise. Even if you have the expertise, you are not utilising it. Or perhaps you don't care," a bench comprising Justices M B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said.</p>

<p>"Perhaps we need some expert organisation from outside India unless there is a decision that the Taj has to go," the bench said sarcastically, adding, "you can get experts from India as well as from outside."</p>

<p>The apex court perused the photographs placed before it by petitioner MC Mehta and asked Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, who was representing the government, as to why the colour of Taj Mahal has changed.</p>

<p>"First it was yellow and now it is becoming brown and green," the bench observed.</p>

<p>Nadkarni told the bench that the management of Taj Mahal has to be done by the Archaeological Survey of India.</p>

<p>The apex court fixed the matter for further hearing on May 9.</p>

<p>Environmentalist Mehta has filed the plea seeking protection of the Taj from the ill-effects of polluting gases and deforestation in and around the area.</p>

<p>The top court has been monitoring developments in the area to protect the historic monument, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1631. The mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.&nbsp;</p>


The apex court suggested that the Centre take the assistance of experts from India and abroad to first assess the damage and then take steps to restore the historic monument

The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed concern over the change of colour of the iconic Taj Mahal at Agra and said the monument had become yellowish earlier and was now turning brownish and greenish. The apex court suggested that the Centre take the assistance of experts from India and abroad to first assess the damage and then take steps to restore the historic monument. "We don't know whether you have or perhaps don't have the expertise. Even if you have the expertise, you are not utilising it. Or perhaps you don't care," a bench comprising Justices M B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said. "Perhaps we need some expert organisation from outside India unless there is a decision that the Taj has to go," the bench said sarcastically, adding, "you can get experts from India as well as from outside." The apex court perused the photographs placed before it by petitioner MC Mehta and asked Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, who was representing the government, as to why the colour of Taj Mahal has changed. "First it was yellow and now it is becoming brown and green," the bench observed. Nadkarni told the bench that the management of Taj Mahal has to be done by the Archaeological Survey of India. The apex court fixed the matter for further hearing on May 9. Environmentalist Mehta has filed the plea seeking protection of the Taj from the ill-effects of polluting gases and deforestation in and around the area. The top court has been monitoring developments in the area to protect the historic monument, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1631. The mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

First yellow... now brown and green: Supreme Court expresses concern over change in Taj Mahal's colour

<p>As the heavy rains continue to lash in parts of North India, stone minarets and south and royal gates of the Taj Mahal were damaged.</p>

<p>No casualty has been reported yet.</p>

<p>The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at around 7:30 pm.</p>

<p>The royal gate a part of the main gate of Taj Mahal where tourists get the first view of the monument. Also knows as Darwaza-e-rauza was blown away by heavy winds.</p>

<p>In 2016 as well, one of the minarets were damaged, Reports suggested the damage might have caused by cleaning work.</p>

<p>However, later Archaeological Survey of India blamed monkey for the weakening of the structure.</p>

<p>Built in 1631 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal is losing its grace through time due to several reasons such as pollution, excessive cleaning because of its close proximity to heavily polluted Yamuna&nbsp;and insects near the area which are leaving&nbsp;green and black stains on the monument.</p>

<p>In another rain-related incident, about 50 km from Agra, three children died in Mathura district on Wednesday after a tin roof of their one-room house collapsed. The incident took place when their parents, who happen to be daily wage labourers were not at home.</p>

<p>Also, crops were damaged in several areas in Nandgaon, Vrindavan, Kosi Kalan areas of Mathura district.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


The royal gate a part of the main gate of Taj Mahal where tourists get the first view of the monument. Also knows as Darwaza-e-rauza was blown away by heavy winds.

As the heavy rains continue to lash in parts of North India, stone minarets and south and royal gates of the Taj Mahal were damaged. No casualty has been reported yet. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at around 7:30 pm. The royal gate a part of the main gate of Taj Mahal where tourists get the first view of the monument. Also knows as Darwaza-e-rauza was blown away by heavy winds. In 2016 as well, one of the minarets were damaged, Reports suggested the damage might have caused by cleaning work. However, later Archaeological Survey of India blamed monkey for the weakening of the structure. Built in 1631 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal is losing its grace through time due to several reasons such as pollution, excessive cleaning because of its close proximity to heavily polluted Yamuna and insects near the area which are leaving green and black stains on the monument. In another rain-related incident, about 50 km from Agra, three children died in Mathura district on Wednesday after a tin roof of their one-room house collapsed. The incident took place when their parents, who happen to be daily wage labourers were not at home. Also, crops were damaged in several areas in Nandgaon, Vrindavan, Kosi Kalan areas of Mathura district. (With inputs from ANI)

Uttar Pradesh: Royal gate of Taj Mahal collapses due to heavy rains

<p>The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will permit visitors to spend only three hours at the Taj Mahal, to ease rush and control pollution.</p>

<p>According to a notice issued by the ASI, the new system will become operational from Sunday (April 1).</p>

<p>At present, visitors can spend any amount of time till the monument is closed every evening.</p>

<p>Alarmed by the recent reports of "human pollution", several experts had suggested that the time restriction on tickets should be imposed at the Mughal-era monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.</p>

<p>On weekends and holidays, the mausoleum is visited by more than 50,000 people. The number of children visiting the site is not recorded, as entry is free for those under 15 years.</p>

<p>ASI officials said the new system will take a few days to streamline and more staffer will be deployed for checking tickets for time restriction. Those spending extra time at the site will have to pay extra amount, they said.</p>


Alarmed by the recent reports of "human pollution", several experts had suggested that the time restriction on tickets should be imposed

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will permit visitors to spend only three hours at the Taj Mahal, to ease rush and control pollution. According to a notice issued by the ASI, the new system will become operational from Sunday (April 1). At present, visitors can spend any amount of time till the monument is closed every evening. Alarmed by the recent reports of "human pollution", several experts had suggested that the time restriction on tickets should be imposed at the Mughal-era monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On weekends and holidays, the mausoleum is visited by more than 50,000 people. The number of children visiting the site is not recorded, as entry is free for those under 15 years. ASI officials said the new system will take a few days to streamline and more staffer will be deployed for checking tickets for time restriction. Those spending extra time at the site will have to pay extra amount, they said.

From April 1, you can spend only 3 hours at Taj Mahal

<p>The slum dwellers in Agra&#39;s Jagdish Pura area have alleged that they were approached by priests to convert to Christianity in return for better facilities.</p>

<p>As per one of the residents, Maya, the officials gave them samosas and told them to convert for the sake of their children&rsquo;s education. A passerby saw this and intervened. As soon as this happened, the &lsquo;father&rsquo; removed his robes and changed into plain-clothes,&rdquo; she alleged.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Agra: Slum dwellers of Sector-4 Awas Vikas Colony in Jagdish Pura say they were approached by people who asked them to convert to Christianity in order to avail education for their children, houses and better lifestyle, police say matter being probed. <a href="https://t.co/RiHRKDQrGU">pic.twitter.com/RiHRKDQrGU</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/972131807993966602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>She informed that the police was soon called to the spot.</p>

<p>She also alleged&nbsp;that the samosas served to the residents were questionable, &ldquo;Many, including my daughter, started feeling dizzy after consuming the samosa,&rdquo; she added.</p>

<p>The Jagdish Pura police have begun probe into the matter after receiving a complaint. Although an official complaint hasn&rsquo;t been filed, the SP of Agra city said that a complaint had been filed by an organization.</p>

<p>&quot;We received a complaint from an organisation. The matter is being probed. We have talked to the people of the missionary. They have told us that they were creating awareness about education on Women&#39;s Day, but the other party is alleging that religious conversion was being done,&quot; Agra Superintendent of Police (SP) Kunwar Anupam Singh said and added that people from the slums have not lodged any complaint yet.</p>


A resident also said that the samosas served to the residents were questionable, 'Many, including my daughter, started feeling dizzy after consuming the samosa,' she added

The slum dwellers in Agra's Jagdish Pura area have alleged that they were approached by priests to convert to Christianity in return for better facilities. As per one of the residents, Maya, the officials gave them samosas and told them to convert for the sake of their children’s education. A passerby saw this and intervened. As soon as this happened, the ‘father’ removed his robes and changed into plain-clothes,” she alleged. Agra: Slum dwellers of Sector-4 Awas Vikas Colony in Jagdish Pura say they were approached by people who asked them to convert to Christianity in order to avail education for their children, houses and better lifestyle, police say matter being probed. pic.twitter.com/RiHRKDQrGU — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 9, 2018 × She informed that the police was soon called to the spot. She also alleged that the samosas served to the residents were questionable, “Many, including my daughter, started feeling dizzy after consuming the samosa,” she added. The Jagdish Pura police have begun probe into the matter after receiving a complaint. Although an official complaint hasn’t been filed, the SP of Agra city said that a complaint had been filed by an organization. "We received a complaint from an organisation. The matter is being probed. We have talked to the people of the missionary. They have told us that they were creating awareness about education on Women's Day, but the other party is alleging that religious conversion was being done," Agra Superintendent of Police (SP) Kunwar Anupam Singh said and added that people from the slums have not lodged any complaint yet.

Slum dwellers in Agra allege 'forcible' conversion bid by priests to Christianity

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the world-famous Taj Mahal here on Sunday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM of Canada <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustinTrudeau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustinTrudeau</a>, along with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and children Xavier, Ella-Grace &amp; Hadrien at Taj Mahal in Agra. <a href="https://t.co/DqnxoTqfni">pic.twitter.com/DqnxoTqfni</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/965119793861931008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trudeau was accompanied along with his wife Sophie Gregoire and his three children, Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustinTrudeau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustinTrudeau</a>, along with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, and kids Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien, visits Agra&#39;s Taj Mahal. <a href="https://t.co/4vUmxf1gx6">pic.twitter.com/4vUmxf1gx6</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/965096215238062080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Many foreign dignitaries have visited the Taj Mahal in the past few years.</p>

<p>The Taj Mahal, located along the Yamuna river, was built by Shah Jahan, a 17th-century Mughal ruler for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to her fourteenth child.</p>

<p>It is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture, having a combination of Indian, Persian and Islamic influences.</p>

<p>The structure of the monument is built entirely with white marble, studded with semi-precious stones and is inscribed with verses of Quran. It is surrounded by four minarets.</p>

<p>It was one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.</p>

<p>The Canadian Prime Minister, who arrived in India on Saturday, is on a week-long state visit to the country.</p>

<p>After visiting the Taj Mahal, he will proceed to Mathura, where he will visit the Wild Life Century (Elephant Conservation Center).</p>

<p>The sanctuary will remain shut for around two hours to the public, owing to Trudeau&#39;s visit.</p>

<p>The week-long state visit to India, which includes stops in Agra, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, will provide an opportunity for Trudeau to connect with the Indian leaders in government and business, promote empowerment of women and girls, and strengthen Canada and India&#39;s close economic ties.</p>

<p>The Indian and Canadian sides will reaffirm the close friendship between the two countries and discuss ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation.</p>

<p>Trudeau will also participate in several business roundtables to promote further trade and investment between Canada and India.</p>

<p>Canada will work closely with the Indian leaders to advance their economic opportunities in both countries respectively.</p>


Many foreign dignitaries have visited the Taj Mahal in the past few years

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the world-famous Taj Mahal here on Sunday. #WATCH: PM of Canada #JustinTrudeau, along with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and children Xavier, Ella-Grace & Hadrien at Taj Mahal in Agra. pic.twitter.com/DqnxoTqfni — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 18, 2018 × Trudeau was accompanied along with his wife Sophie Gregoire and his three children, Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Canadian Prime Minister #JustinTrudeau, along with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, and kids Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien, visits Agra's Taj Mahal. pic.twitter.com/4vUmxf1gx6 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 18, 2018 × Many foreign dignitaries have visited the Taj Mahal in the past few years. The Taj Mahal, located along the Yamuna river, was built by Shah Jahan, a 17th-century Mughal ruler for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to her fourteenth child. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture, having a combination of Indian, Persian and Islamic influences. The structure of the monument is built entirely with white marble, studded with semi-precious stones and is inscribed with verses of Quran. It is surrounded by four minarets. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. The Canadian Prime Minister, who arrived in India on Saturday, is on a week-long state visit to the country. After visiting the Taj Mahal, he will proceed to Mathura, where he will visit the Wild Life Century (Elephant Conservation Center). The sanctuary will remain shut for around two hours to the public, owing to Trudeau's visit. The week-long state visit to India, which includes stops in Agra, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, will provide an opportunity for Trudeau to connect with the Indian leaders in government and business, promote empowerment of women and girls, and strengthen Canada and India's close economic ties. The Indian and Canadian sides will reaffirm the close friendship between the two countries and discuss ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation. Trudeau will also participate in several business roundtables to promote further trade and investment between Canada and India. Canada will work closely with the Indian leaders to advance their economic opportunities in both countries respectively.

Watch: 'Thank you... one of the most beautiful places in the world,' says Justin Trudeau at Taj Mahal

<p>India&#39;s first semi-high speed train Gatimaan Express is all set to extend its route to Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The North Central Railway recently confirmed that the train will now offer its services up to the Bundelkhand region.</p>

<p>Gatimaan Express was flagged off in April 2016 to cover a total distance of 187 kilometres -- between Delhi and Agra city -- in just 100 minutes. The train, which originally runs between Delhi&rsquo;s Hazrat Nizamuddin and Agra Cantt stations, will now be operated to Gwalior in the first phase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The train will now cover 306 kilometres in 3 hours 15 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The service is likely to be extended to Jhansi in its second phase, passengers will reach Jhansi from Delhi in just four and a half hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gatimaan&#39;s new route will come into effect from February 19. The train will leave from platform number five at 8.10 am from Delhi&#39;s Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station.&nbsp;</p>


Gatimaan Express will now cover 306 kilometres in 3 hours 15 minutes

India's first semi-high speed train Gatimaan Express is all set to extend its route to Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The North Central Railway recently confirmed that the train will now offer its services up to the Bundelkhand region. Gatimaan Express was flagged off in April 2016 to cover a total distance of 187 kilometres -- between Delhi and Agra city -- in just 100 minutes. The train, which originally runs between Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin and Agra Cantt stations, will now be operated to Gwalior in the first phase. The train will now cover 306 kilometres in 3 hours 15 minutes. The service is likely to be extended to Jhansi in its second phase, passengers will reach Jhansi from Delhi in just four and a half hours. Gatimaan's new route will come into effect from February 19. The train will leave from platform number five at 8.10 am from Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station.

India's fastest train to run between Delhi-Gwalior in under 4 hours

<p>The Uttar Pradesh government has hiked the ticket prices for visiting Taj Mahal to Rs 50 from Rs 40.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government has also decided to introduce Rs 200 charge for seeing the main mausoleum.</p>

<p>As of now, there is no separate fee for entry to the main mausoleum.</p>

<p>Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma announced the price hike and said the new tickets will be valid only for three hours.</p>

<p>&ldquo;We need to preserve Taj Mahal for the generations to come; new &lsquo;barcoded&rsquo; tickets would cost Rs 50 from the earlier Rs 40 and it would be valid only for three hours,&rdquo; said Mahesh Sharma.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;All our monuments and the area around them would be polythene-free,&rdquo; he added.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Separate ticket of Rs. 200 will be needed to enter into the main mausoleum at Taj Mahal to ensure the protection of the built fabric and better crowd management,&rdquo; the minister said.</p>

<p>Taj Mahal, one the seven wonders of the world, was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. T</p>

<p>The monument was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world&rsquo;s heritage.</p>


As of now, there is no separate fee for entry to the main mausoleum

The Uttar Pradesh government has hiked the ticket prices for visiting Taj Mahal to Rs 50 from Rs 40. The government has also decided to introduce Rs 200 charge for seeing the main mausoleum. As of now, there is no separate fee for entry to the main mausoleum. Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma announced the price hike and said the new tickets will be valid only for three hours. “We need to preserve Taj Mahal for the generations to come; new ‘barcoded’ tickets would cost Rs 50 from the earlier Rs 40 and it would be valid only for three hours,” said Mahesh Sharma. “All our monuments and the area around them would be polythene-free,” he added. “Separate ticket of Rs. 200 will be needed to enter into the main mausoleum at Taj Mahal to ensure the protection of the built fabric and better crowd management,” the minister said. Taj Mahal, one the seven wonders of the world, was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. T The monument was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.

Taj Mahal ticket price hiked to Rs 50, Rs 200 to enter main mausoleum

<p>The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is likely to restrict the number of tourists visiting the Taj Mahal to 40,000 daily, and put a three-hour cap on each ticket holder to tour the 17th-century Mughal monument in a bid to preserve the heritage site, a source in the culture ministry said.</p>

<p>Culture Secretary Ravindra Singh held a high-level meeting on Tuesday with ASI officials and representatives of Agra district administration and officers of the Central Industrial Security Force, where the decision was taken.</p>

<p>Ministry officials said that the sale of tickets - both online and offline - will be stopped at the 40,000 mark.</p>

<p>As of now, there is no restriction on the number of people entering the iconic monument complex at any point of time. The average footfall at the monument has increased at a rate of 10-15 per cent per annum.</p>

<p>Many times, during peak tourist season and other occasions, the number of tourists inside the complex crosses 60,000 to 70,000 per day.</p>

<p>The ASI is also likely to introduce a system to issue &quot;zero-value&quot; tickets to children below the age of 15 years, enabling them to keep a count of the number of such visitors, whose entry will remain free.</p>

<p>The ASI had in 2012 commissioned the National Environmental Engineering and Research Institute (NEERI) to prepare a report on the monument&#39;s load-bearing capacity.</p>

<p>The decision to limit the number of visitors has been based on the final recommendation in the report submitted by NEERI, the officials said.</p>

<p>The Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest specimen of the Mughal architecture. In 1983, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as &quot;the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world&#39;s heritage.&quot;</p>


During peak tourist season, the number of tourists inside the complex crosses 60,000 to 70,000 per day.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is likely to restrict the number of tourists visiting the Taj Mahal to 40,000 daily, and put a three-hour cap on each ticket holder to tour the 17th-century Mughal monument in a bid to preserve the heritage site, a source in the culture ministry said. Culture Secretary Ravindra Singh held a high-level meeting on Tuesday with ASI officials and representatives of Agra district administration and officers of the Central Industrial Security Force, where the decision was taken. Ministry officials said that the sale of tickets - both online and offline - will be stopped at the 40,000 mark. As of now, there is no restriction on the number of people entering the iconic monument complex at any point of time. The average footfall at the monument has increased at a rate of 10-15 per cent per annum. Many times, during peak tourist season and other occasions, the number of tourists inside the complex crosses 60,000 to 70,000 per day. The ASI is also likely to introduce a system to issue "zero-value" tickets to children below the age of 15 years, enabling them to keep a count of the number of such visitors, whose entry will remain free. The ASI had in 2012 commissioned the National Environmental Engineering and Research Institute (NEERI) to prepare a report on the monument's load-bearing capacity. The decision to limit the number of visitors has been based on the final recommendation in the report submitted by NEERI, the officials said. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest specimen of the Mughal architecture. In 1983, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."

Tourist entry at Taj Mahal likely to be capped at 40,000 daily

<p>A Dutch tourist died after&nbsp;he jumped off a moving train in Rajasthan&#39;s Sawai Madhopur district on Tuesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Dutch tourist dead, a UK tourist injured after they allegedly jumped from a moving train in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a>&#39;s Sawai Madhopur. Police begin investigation</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948110406396010496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to media reports, the 54-year-old tourist jumped off a moving train after he&nbsp;realised that he had&nbsp;boarded a wrong train and in panic, he&nbsp;jumped off the&nbsp;train.</p>

<p>The Dutch tourist identified as Erik Johannes was travelling with his friend from the UK who also jumped with him and is&nbsp;reported to have suffered head injuries.</p>

<p>Both tourists had to catch a train to&nbsp;Agra but mistakenly they boarded a&nbsp;train going towards Delhi.</p>

<p>Police have begun investigation.</p>


Dutch tourist identified as Erik Johannes from the Netherlands was travelling with his friend from the UK who also jumped with him is now suffering fatal head injuries, now admitted to local hospital

A Dutch tourist died after he jumped off a moving train in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district on Tuesday. A Dutch tourist dead, a UK tourist injured after they allegedly jumped from a moving train in #Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur. Police begin investigation — ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2018 × According to media reports, the 54-year-old tourist jumped off a moving train after he realised that he had boarded a wrong train and in panic, he jumped off the train. The Dutch tourist identified as Erik Johannes was travelling with his friend from the UK who also jumped with him and is reported to have suffered head injuries. Both tourists had to catch a train to Agra but mistakenly they boarded a train going towards Delhi. Police have begun investigation.

Dutch tourist jumps off moving train, dies

<p>One person died and 45 students were -&nbsp;5 of them seriously -&nbsp;when a school bus they were travelling in&nbsp;suffered a tyre burst on the Yamuna Expressway near Agra on Friday afternoon.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> 1 person dead, 45 students injured incl 5 critical in bus accident due to tyre burst on Yamuna Expressway near Agra</p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/926349304779890688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>A bus carrying the school children overturned and hit a divider.</p>

<p>The students were from class VI to VII of Alok Bharti School in Himachal Pradesh&#39;s Mandi. They&nbsp;were on their way to Agra for an excursion tour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The students who got injured in the accident were taken to the Sarojini Naidu Medical College in Agra.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> Several students injured after a bus carrying them overturned due to tyre burst on Yamuna Express highway near Agra <a href="https://t.co/374t45g0PM">pic.twitter.com/374t45g0PM</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/926338111377784833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Bus carrying students overturns on Yamuna Expressway

One person died and 45 students were - 5 of them seriously - when a school bus they were travelling in suffered a tyre burst on the Yamuna Expressway near Agra on Friday afternoon. #UPDATE 1 person dead, 45 students injured incl 5 critical in bus accident due to tyre burst on Yamuna Expressway near Agra — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2017 × A bus carrying the school children overturned and hit a divider. The students were from class VI to VII of Alok Bharti School in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi. They were on their way to Agra for an excursion tour. The students who got injured in the accident were taken to the Sarojini Naidu Medical College in Agra. #Visuals Several students injured after a bus carrying them overturned due to tyre burst on Yamuna Express highway near Agra pic.twitter.com/374t45g0PM — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2017 ×

1 dead, 45 injured in Yamuna Expressway bus accident

<p>The Switzerland embassy said on Friday that it was deeply concerned about the health of the Swiss couple who were attacked in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra on Sunday (October 22).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Swiss embassy also thanked Indian authorities, citizens and the media for their concern, support, and compassion for the Swiss couple.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply concerned about health of the two Swiss citizens attacked in Fatehpur Sikri on October 22: Switzerland Embassy</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/923898003894579201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank Indian authorities, citizens and media for overwhelming concern,support &amp;many signs of compassion received for victims:Swiss Embassy</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/923898522432299008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The statement by the embassy came a while after ministry of external affairs spokesperson told in a weekly press briefing that they were in touch with the Switzerland embassy.</p>

<p>MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that the ministry believes&nbsp;in quick redressal of the issue. He said that the officials have also visited the victims in the hospital to ensure their safety.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our response in such cases is to bring immediate relief to victims&amp;wish them speedy recovery: MEA on Swiss Couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/923847829163880448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>A Swiss couple, hailing from Lausanne in Switzerland, was brutally <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-steps-in-after-swiss-couple-brutally-attacked-in-fatehpur-sikri-22931" target="_blank">thrashed by a group of youth&nbsp;in Fatehpur Sikri on October 22.</a> The couple is currently admitted at Apollo hospital in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-five-arrested-in-fatehpur-sikri-attack-22992" target="_blank">all the five accused, including three minors, were arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/storm-on-social-media-after-swiss-couple-attacked-in-fatehpur-sikri-22978" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Storm on social media after Swiss couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri</a></p>

<p>Earlier today, union minister of state for tourism KJ Alphons said that shooting incidents happen regularly in US&nbsp;as do terror attacks in Europe.</p>

<p>&quot;Do we call those countries unsafe to travel ?&quot;, Alphons said, remarking that India was a very safe destination for tourists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alphons also said that in India, very few incidents like these take place in a year.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India is a very safe destination for tourists, very few incidents take place in a year: KJ Alphons, Tourism Minister <a href="https://t.co/qVB5XHh0J9">pic.twitter.com/qVB5XHh0J9</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/923884097130209280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shooting incidents happen regularly in USA&amp; terror attacks in Europe,do we call those countries unsafe to travel? :KJ Alphons,Tourism Min <a href="https://t.co/11fJDLQtUN">pic.twitter.com/11fJDLQtUN</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/923884559447371776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The Swiss embassy also thanked Indian citizens and media for their overwhelming concern and support to the victims

The Switzerland embassy said on Friday that it was deeply concerned about the health of the Swiss couple who were attacked in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra on Sunday (October 22). The Swiss embassy also thanked Indian authorities, citizens and the media for their concern, support, and compassion for the Swiss couple. Deeply concerned about health of the two Swiss citizens attacked in Fatehpur Sikri on October 22: Switzerland Embassy — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2017 × Thank Indian authorities, citizens and media for overwhelming concern,support &many signs of compassion received for victims:Swiss Embassy — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2017 × The statement by the embassy came a while after ministry of external affairs spokesperson told in a weekly press briefing that they were in touch with the Switzerland embassy. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that the ministry believes in quick redressal of the issue. He said that the officials have also visited the victims in the hospital to ensure their safety. Our response in such cases is to bring immediate relief to victims&wish them speedy recovery: MEA on Swiss Couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2017 × A Swiss couple, hailing from Lausanne in Switzerland, was brutally thrashed by a group of youth in Fatehpur Sikri on October 22. The couple is currently admitted at Apollo hospital in Delhi. On Thursday, all the five accused, including three minors, were arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police. Also read: Storm on social media after Swiss couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri Earlier today, union minister of state for tourism KJ Alphons said that shooting incidents happen regularly in US as do terror attacks in Europe. "Do we call those countries unsafe to travel ?", Alphons said, remarking that India was a very safe destination for tourists. Alphons also said that in India, very few incidents like these take place in a year. India is a very safe destination for tourists, very few incidents take place in a year: KJ Alphons, Tourism Minister pic.twitter.com/qVB5XHh0J9 — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2017 × Shooting incidents happen regularly in USA& terror attacks in Europe,do we call those countries unsafe to travel? :KJ Alphons,Tourism Min pic.twitter.com/11fJDLQtUN — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2017 ×

Deeply concerned about health of Swiss couple: Switzerland embassy

<p>Three of the four suspects who attacked a Swiss couple in Fatehpur Sikri on Sunday have been arrested.</p>

<p>All three arrested are minors, the public relations officer of director general of police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All four youths, news reports said, are in the age group of eight to 16.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fatehpur Sikri Swiss couple attack: Out of the 4 accused, 3 have been arrested, all the three arrested are minors- DGP PRO</p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/923551583538999297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-steps-in-after-swiss-couple-brutally-attacked-in-fatehpur-sikri-22931" target="_blank">Also read: Swiss couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/storm-on-social-media-after-swiss-couple-attacked-in-fatehpur-sikri-22978" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Storm on social media after Swiss couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/attacks-on-foreign-tourists-raise-questions-on-indian-ethos-22979" target="_blank">Also read: Attacks on Swiss couple raise questions on Indian ethics</a></p>

<p>Quentin Jeremy Clerc, 24 and his girlfriend Marie Droz, also 24, were chased and attacked by a group of youths near the Fatehpur Sikri railway station on Sunday, October 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The youths had been following Clerc and Marie from Agra for a day before they attacked them. They had also harassed Marie before they finally attacked the couple.</p>

<p>Clerc was left with&nbsp;a fractured skull, a clot in his brain, a hearing impairment, a broken arm, and multiple bruises after the attack.</p>

<p>Marie was left with a broken arm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clerc has since been moved out of ICU.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clerc and Marie are currently admitted at&nbsp;Apollo Hospital in Delhi.</p>


The group of youths had attacked a Swiss couple on Sunday in Fatehpur Sikri

Three of the four suspects who attacked a Swiss couple in Fatehpur Sikri on Sunday have been arrested. All three arrested are minors, the public relations officer of director general of police said. All four youths, news reports said, are in the age group of eight to 16. Fatehpur Sikri Swiss couple attack: Out of the 4 accused, 3 have been arrested, all the three arrested are minors- DGP PRO — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 26, 2017 × Also read: Swiss couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri Also read: Storm on social media after Swiss couple attacked in Fatehpur Sikri Also read: Attacks on Swiss couple raise questions on Indian ethics Quentin Jeremy Clerc, 24 and his girlfriend Marie Droz, also 24, were chased and attacked by a group of youths near the Fatehpur Sikri railway station on Sunday, October 22. The youths had been following Clerc and Marie from Agra for a day before they attacked them. They had also harassed Marie before they finally attacked the couple. Clerc was left with a fractured skull, a clot in his brain, a hearing impairment, a broken arm, and multiple bruises after the attack. Marie was left with a broken arm. Clerc has since been moved out of ICU. Clerc and Marie are currently admitted at Apollo Hospital in Delhi.

Fatehpur Sikri attack: Three of 4 suspects arrested; all 3 are minors, say police

<p>A Swiss couple got beaten up by a group of people at Fatehpur Sikri, Agra. This beaten, swollen, bloody bodies of two human beings do not go down well with our national image. The group of people who committed this heinous crime behaved like barbarians but India is a civilised nation. We have in the past, in moments of frenzy or because of deep-seated religious values, killed few people here and there. But these victims have mostly come from minority marginalised communities.</p>

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<h5>We want foreign investment and at the same time beat up foreigners.</h5>
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<p>What prompted a group of people to bludgeon a foreign couple can be a matter of introspection. We can trivialise it as a single episode of violence without context and feel simply sad as to how these uneducated poor Indians do not even understand the shastraic injections that ask Hindus to treat all &quot;Atithis&quot;&nbsp;i.e. guests as &lsquo;deva&rsquo; or god. Nodding in despair, we can mutter to ourselves, this is indeed &lsquo;incredible India&rsquo; - we want foreign investment and at the same time beat up foreigners.</p>

<p>Taking refuge in despair or in tradition, however, is not the answer to the situation. Actions are needed and, more importantly, introspection as to what acts as sources of these kinds of violence.</p>

<p>Beating up foreigners is not new to Indians. We beat up African nationals with impunity. But there a clear difference between treatment meted out to black folks and the white people visiting the Aryavarta.</p>

<p>Indians don&rsquo;t consider themselves black. Far from it, our extensive interactions as journalists confirmed this that many Indians see Africans as monsters and cannibals. But we don&rsquo;t share similar racial animosity towards the white people. With our pride in the Aryan heritage and deep fascination about white skin, we receive westerners with a bunch of contradictory feelings. They are &lsquo;mlecchas&rsquo; or irreligious, unclean, promiscuous, are divorcing all the time, and the girls grow up with no or little values. Their mothers are not like our mothers. Their mothers smoke, drink and don&rsquo;t spend their lives in the kitchen as ours do. In all these areas we feel superior. We have something to teach them.</p>

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<h5>Millions of foreigners visit Agra every year. Both Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal are global destinations for tourists.</h5>
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<p>But our fascination with the West or, more precisely, with the Whites don&rsquo;t end either. They have ruled us and, hence, they had to be superior in some intrinsic way. They are rich. They speak English-the ultimate mark of education. They are confident, even their women are.</p>

<p>So, we can&rsquo;t claim that it is jingoism that prompted this act of violence. People living in and around Agra meet and mix with foreigners on a daily basis. Millions of foreigners visit Agra every year. Both Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal are global destinations for tourists.</p>

<p>The white couple was subjected to violence is the news but, in reality, the aggression was in the first placed directed towards the white woman. Maybe the couples were holding hands or maybe not. Maybe they were kissing or maybe not. We may indulge ourselves, just like the cop did, in all kinds of speculations to fathom what provoked the violence. But emphasising on the gesture will miss the bigger point as to the mindset that causes the action.</p>

<p>Even if the couple did not publicly express their affection, this violence could have taken place. My friend, another white woman from the US, during her brief research trip to Delhi, was every day subjected to sexually explicit comments, people stalked her, threw stuff in her living room etc. She almost escaped Delhi. An expert in South Asian Studies, it is sad that she is too emotionally overwhelmed to visit Delhi again.</p>

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<h5>A great nation cannot be created with petty people who continue to treat women, Indian or otherwise, as objects of lust and violence.</h5>
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<p>The white people continue to be seen as the superior race; its women folks very desirable but unattainable. One doesn&#39;t need to be very smart to realise that the long history of colonial subjugation has shaped our views of the master race. But deeply entrenched within this feeling of inferiority is a perception that white women are sexually promiscuous. While Indian women are shaped by tradition to be monogamous and be under purdah, the white women, on the other hand, because of the natural ease they display in mingling with members of the opposite sex are seen as more open to sexual advances. The&nbsp;Swiss guy got beaten up not because he is a white or for being a foreigner but because he stood in the way of the expression of this lewd behaviour.</p>

<p>The stereotypes that we nurture in our heads have taken a life of their own. We don&rsquo;t exercise agencies over them. Instead, they have come to control our thoughts and actions. Historically speaking, the Western world for centuries have propagated such stereotypical views about the oriental men and women. They have portrayed us as virile, lazy, dishonest, passive, scheming, and our womenfolk, particularly, as baby churning machine with no sense of independence. An entire genre of postcolonial studies has cropped up critiquing the western approach. But the reverse stereotyping that we have given in to is making us an intolerant regressive society.</p>

<p>A great nation cannot be created with petty people who continue to treat women, Indian or otherwise, as objects of lust and violence.</p>


India can not pave the road to growth and development with hackneyed ideas prevailing in regressive minds

A Swiss couple got beaten up by a group of people at Fatehpur Sikri, Agra. This beaten, swollen, bloody bodies of two human beings do not go down well with our national image. The group of people who committed this heinous crime behaved like barbarians but India is a civilised nation. We have in the past, in moments of frenzy or because of deep-seated religious values, killed few people here and there. But these victims have mostly come from minority marginalised communities. We want foreign investment and at the same time beat up foreigners. × What prompted a group of people to bludgeon a foreign couple can be a matter of introspection. We can trivialise it as a single episode of violence without context and feel simply sad as to how these uneducated poor Indians do not even understand the shastraic injections that ask Hindus to treat all "Atithis" i.e. guests as ‘deva’ or god. Nodding in despair, we can mutter to ourselves, this is indeed ‘incredible India’ - we want foreign investment and at the same time beat up foreigners. Taking refuge in despair or in tradition, however, is not the answer to the situation. Actions are needed and, more importantly, introspection as to what acts as sources of these kinds of violence. Beating up foreigners is not new to Indians. We beat up African nationals with impunity. But there a clear difference between treatment meted out to black folks and the white people visiting the Aryavarta. Indians don’t consider themselves black. Far from it, our extensive interactions as journalists confirmed this that many Indians see Africans as monsters and cannibals. But we don’t share similar racial animosity towards the white people. With our pride in the Aryan heritage and deep fascination about white skin, we receive westerners with a bunch of contradictory feelings. They are ‘mlecchas’ or irreligious, unclean, promiscuous, are divorcing all the time, and the girls grow up with no or little values. Their mothers are not like our mothers. Their mothers smoke, drink and don’t spend their lives in the kitchen as ours do. In all these areas we feel superior. We have something to teach them. Millions of foreigners visit Agra every year. Both Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal are global destinations for tourists. × But our fascination with the West or, more precisely, with the Whites don’t end either. They have ruled us and, hence, they had to be superior in some intrinsic way. They are rich. They speak English-the ultimate mark of education. They are confident, even their women are. So, we can’t claim that it is jingoism that prompted this act of violence. People living in and around Agra meet and mix with foreigners on a daily basis. Millions of foreigners visit Agra every year. Both Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal are global destinations for tourists. The white couple was subjected to violence is the news but, in reality, the aggression was in the first placed directed towards the white woman. Maybe the couples were holding hands or maybe not. Maybe they were kissing or maybe not. We may indulge ourselves, just like the cop did, in all kinds of speculations to fathom what provoked the violence. But emphasising on the gesture will miss the bigger point as to the mindset that causes the action. Even if the couple did not publicly express their affection, this violence could have taken place. My friend, another white woman from the US, during her brief research trip to Delhi, was every day subjected to sexually explicit comments, people stalked her, threw stuff in her living room etc. She almost escaped Delhi. An expert in South Asian Studies, it is sad that she is too emotionally overwhelmed to visit Delhi again. A great nation cannot be created with petty people who continue to treat women, Indian or otherwise, as objects of lust and violence. × The white people continue to be seen as the superior race; its women folks very desirable but unattainable. One doesn't need to be very smart to realise that the long history of colonial subjugation has shaped our views of the master race. But deeply entrenched within this feeling of inferiority is a perception that white women are sexually promiscuous. While Indian women are shaped by tradition to be monogamous and be under purdah, the white women, on the other hand, because of the natural ease they display in mingling with members of the opposite sex are seen as more open to sexual advances. The Swiss guy got beaten up not because he is a white or for being a foreigner but because he stood in the way of the expression of this lewd behaviour. The stereotypes that we nurture in our heads have taken a life of their own. We don’t exercise agencies over them. Instead, they have come to control our thoughts and actions. Historically speaking, the Western world for centuries have propagated such stereotypical views about the oriental men and women. They have portrayed us as virile, lazy, dishonest, passive, scheming, and our womenfolk, particularly, as baby churning machine with no sense of independence. An entire genre of postcolonial studies has cropped up critiquing the western approach. But the reverse stereotyping that we have given in to is making us an intolerant regressive society. A great nation cannot be created with petty people who continue to treat women, Indian or otherwise, as objects of lust and violence.

Attacks on Swiss couple raise questions on Indian ethics

<p>India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a flagship housing scheme aimed at providing affordable housing to the poor from Agra.</p>

<p>Called the &quot;Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojna&quot;, the scheme aims at providing houses to all people in rural areas by 2022.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We want every Indian to have a house by 2022: PM Narendra Modi in Agra (Uttar Pradesh) <a href="https://t.co/CvpXMkYXwh">pic.twitter.com/CvpXMkYXwh</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/800287453344985088">November 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<p>The prime minister also said the scheme would generate employment in the rural areas, especially in the construction sector. Youth would be given training for building houses for the dual purpose of providing employment and building houses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The houses would also be provided with free gas and electricity connections, PM Modi said while launching the scheme in Agra.</p>

<p>A similar scheme for the urban poor, Pradhan Mantri Shahri Awas Yojna, was launched in 2015. Uttar Pradesh goes to polls next year in January.<br />
<br />
(WION)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Called the ?Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojna?, the scheme aims at providing houses to all people in rural areas by 2022

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a flagship housing scheme aimed at providing affordable housing to the poor from Agra. Called the "Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojna", the scheme aims at providing houses to all people in rural areas by 2022. We want every Indian to have a house by 2022: PM Narendra Modi in Agra (Uttar Pradesh) pic.twitter.com/CvpXMkYXwh — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 20, 2016 × The prime minister also said the scheme would generate employment in the rural areas, especially in the construction sector. Youth would be given training for building houses for the dual purpose of providing employment and building houses. The houses would also be provided with free gas and electricity connections, PM Modi said while launching the scheme in Agra. A similar scheme for the urban poor, Pradhan Mantri Shahri Awas Yojna, was launched in 2015. Uttar Pradesh goes to polls next year in January. (WION)

PM Modi launches flagship housing scheme for rural India

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