Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked PM Narendra Modi over the rising number of rape and violence assault incidents of minors in the country.&nbsp

Rahul Gandhi took to twitter stating that the number of rape cases of minors has increased to 19,675 in 2016. He further added that PM should fast track these cases and punish the guilty if he is serious about providing “justice for our daughters.”

The attack comes following the horrific rape and murder incident of eight-year-old girl fro, Kathua, Jammuu and Kashmir.&nbsp

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There were 19,675 rapes of minor children reported in 2016. This is shameful. 
 
PM should fast track these cases and punish the guilty if he is serious about providing “justice for our daughters”. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpeakUp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpeakUp</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/985785261702467584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last week as well, Rahul Gandhi had targeted PM Modi saying his silence over growing violence against women and children was unacceptable. Taking to Twitter, he had asked as to why accused rapists and murderers are protected by the state, in an apparent reference to Unnao rape case where the accused is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

Rahul on Thursday last held a midnight candlelight march at India Gate in the national capital against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, which have triggered a country-wide outrage.

Meanwhile, forty-nine former bureaucrats have written a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-darkest-hour-response-of-government-inadequate-49-former-bureaucrats-write-to-pm-modi-after-kathua-unnao-gang-rapes-130680">scathing open letter</a> to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Kathua and Unnao gang rapes.&nbsp

"In post-independence India, this is our darkest hour and we find the response of our government, the leaders of our political parties inadequate and feeble," the bureaucrats write in their letter. &nbsp

The letter blames the Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir) and Unnao (UP) attacks on the BJP, which is in power in both states.&nbsp

Also,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trial-in-kathua-gang-rape-case-begins-130724"> the trial</a> in the gang-rape and murder case against eight accused men who allegedly drugged, tortured and gang-raped an 8-year-old girl in a village temple in Kathua for a week, began today.

The accused pleaded not guilty and asked the district and sessions judge for a narco test.

The attack comes following the horrific rape and murder incident of eight-year-old girl fro, Kathua, Jammuu and Kashmir

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked PM Narendra Modi over the rising number of rape and violence assault incidents of minors in the country. Rahul Gandhi took to twitter stating that the number of rape cases of minors has increased to 19,675 in 2016. He further added that PM should fast track these cases and punish the guilty if he is serious about providing “justice for our daughters.” The attack comes following the horrific rape and murder incident of eight-year-old girl fro, Kathua, Jammuu and Kashmir. There were 19,675 rapes of minor children reported in 2016. This is shameful. PM should fast track these cases and punish the guilty if he is serious about providing “justice for our daughters”. #SpeakUp — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 16, 2018 × Last week as well, Rahul Gandhi had targeted PM Modi saying his silence over growing violence against women and children was unacceptable. Taking to Twitter, he had asked as to why accused rapists and murderers are protected by the state, in an apparent reference to Unnao rape case where the accused is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Rahul on Thursday last held a midnight candlelight march at India Gate in the national capital against the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, which have triggered a country-wide outrage. Meanwhile, forty-nine former bureaucrats have written a scathing open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Kathua and Unnao gang rapes. "In post-independence India, this is our darkest hour and we find the response of our government, the leaders of our political parties inadequate and feeble," the bureaucrats write in their letter. The letter blames the Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir) and Unnao (UP) attacks on the BJP, which is in power in both states. Also, the trial in the gang-rape and murder case against eight accused men who allegedly drugged, tortured and gang-raped an 8-year-old girl in a village temple in Kathua for a week, began today. The accused pleaded not guilty and asked the district and sessions judge for a narco test.

PM should 'speak up if serious about providing justice for our daughters': Rahul

After concluding his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a stopover in Berlin on April 20.

The external affairs ministry said that PM Modi would be making the stopover on April 20 "at the suggestion of" the German Chancellor.

"At the suggestion of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be making a brief stopover in Berlin on April 20 after completing his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdom."

During his visit, the Prime Minister will meet Chancellor Merkel and both the leaders will exchange views on a number of bilateral, regional and global issues.

This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since Chancellor Merkel began her fourth term on March 14 this year.&nbsp

The visit demonstrates the commitment by the two countries to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges.&nbsp

PM Modi will visit Sweden and Britain from April 16 to 20 with the aim of boosting bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment. The Sweden leg of his visit will be on April 16-17. Later, he will travel to the United Kingdom.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will also participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit and this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Prime Ministers of all Nordic countries-Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will attend the summit. 
&nbsp

After concluding his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a stopover in Berlin on April 20

After concluding his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a stopover in Berlin on April 20. The external affairs ministry said that PM Modi would be making the stopover on April 20 "at the suggestion of" the German Chancellor. "At the suggestion of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be making a brief stopover in Berlin on April 20 after completing his visits to Sweden and the United Kingdom." During his visit, the Prime Minister will meet Chancellor Merkel and both the leaders will exchange views on a number of bilateral, regional and global issues. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since Chancellor Merkel began her fourth term on March 14 this year. The visit demonstrates the commitment by the two countries to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges. PM Modi will visit Sweden and Britain from April 16 to 20 with the aim of boosting bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment. The Sweden leg of his visit will be on April 16-17. Later, he will travel to the United Kingdom. During his visit, the Prime Minister will also participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit and this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Prime Ministers of all Nordic countries-Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will attend the summit.

PM Modi to make stopover in Germany on 'suggestion' of Angela Merkel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Sweden and England from April 16 to April 20. PM Modi will participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit along with this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).&nbsp;

PM Modi is expected to reach Stockholm on April 16 in what will be the first prime ministerial visit from India to Sweden in the last three decades. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was the last Indian Prime Minister to have visited the country in the year 1988.&nbsp;

PM Modi's agenda will include dialogue and discussions in the areas of innovation, technology and education.&nbsp;

Here's a quick look at the rough itinerary of PM Modi's visit to the two European countries.&nbsp;

1. The Prime minister will hold a bilateral summit with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven on April 17 to discuss regional and global issues at length.&nbsp;

2. India and Sweden will also co-host the first ever India-Nordic Summit on April 17. The event is expected to see the Prime Ministers from four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway in attendance.&nbsp;

3. An India-Sweden Innovation Partnership is also expected to be launched.&nbsp;

4. The Prime Minister will leave for Britain on April 17. PM Modi's last visit to Britain was in November 2015. The English Prime Minister Theresa May's visited India in November 2016. The two leaders are likely to hold a bilateral dialogue on April 18.&nbsp;

5.&nbsp;In what has been categorised as an "unprecedented" welcome, PM Modi will hold not just one but two meetings with his British counterpart Theresa May on Wednesday before they begin formal deliberations as part of the multilateral Commonwealth summit on Thursday, PTI reports.

6. A memorandum of understanding on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field.

7. PM Modi's UK visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership and the central feature of this will be his second meeting with Theresa May on Wednesday at the Francis Crick Institute in London, where a new India-UK Technical Alliance is expected to be among a series of announcements.

8. The Prime Minister will also meet Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases before going in to the India-UK CEOs Forum.

The Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that around 10-12 deliverables, including innovation-related MoUs between NASSCOM and Innovate UK and between NITI Aayog and its counterpart in the UK, are expected to be accompanied by a formal joint statement at the end of the bilateral leg of the visit on Wednesday.

9.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi is also among only three senior world leaders attending CHOGM to be invited for an audience with Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday evening.

10. PM Modi's royal welcome will include a special event hosted by Prince Charles, during which the heir to the British throne will drive up in a Tata Motors' first-ever electric Jaguar to symbolise the India-UK technical collaboration.

"The welcome being accorded to the Indian Prime Minister is unprecedented in many ways. It reflects the importance the UK attaches to the visit and shows the mature level of India-UK ties," said an official involved with the preparations for the visit.&nbsp;

Modi's visit to Britain has been themed "Living bridge and tech partnership".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi's UK visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Sweden and England from April 16 to April 20. PM Modi will participate in the first-ever India-Nordic Summit along with this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). PM Modi is expected to reach Stockholm on April 16 in what will be the first prime ministerial visit from India to Sweden in the last three decades. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was the last Indian Prime Minister to have visited the country in the year 1988. PM Modi's agenda will include dialogue and discussions in the areas of innovation, technology and education. Here's a quick look at the rough itinerary of PM Modi's visit to the two European countries. 1. The Prime minister will hold a bilateral summit with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven on April 17 to discuss regional and global issues at length. 2. India and Sweden will also co-host the first ever India-Nordic Summit on April 17. The event is expected to see the Prime Ministers from four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway in attendance. 3. An India-Sweden Innovation Partnership is also expected to be launched. 4. The Prime Minister will leave for Britain on April 17. PM Modi's last visit to Britain was in November 2015. The English Prime Minister Theresa May's visited India in November 2016. The two leaders are likely to hold a bilateral dialogue on April 18. 5. In what has been categorised as an "unprecedented" welcome, PM Modi will hold not just one but two meetings with his British counterpart Theresa May on Wednesday before they begin formal deliberations as part of the multilateral Commonwealth summit on Thursday, PTI reports. 6. A memorandum of understanding on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field. 7. PM Modi's UK visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership and the central feature of this will be his second meeting with Theresa May on Wednesday at the Francis Crick Institute in London, where a new India-UK Technical Alliance is expected to be among a series of announcements. 8. The Prime Minister will also meet Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases before going in to the India-UK CEOs Forum. The Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that around 10-12 deliverables, including innovation-related MoUs between NASSCOM and Innovate UK and between NITI Aayog and its counterpart in the UK, are expected to be accompanied by a formal joint statement at the end of the bilateral leg of the visit on Wednesday. 9. Prime Minister Modi is also among only three senior world leaders attending CHOGM to be invited for an audience with Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday evening. 10. PM Modi's royal welcome will include a special event hosted by Prince Charles, during which the heir to the British throne will drive up in a Tata Motors' first-ever electric Jaguar to symbolise the India-UK technical collaboration. "The welcome being accorded to the Indian Prime Minister is unprecedented in many ways. It reflects the importance the UK attaches to the visit and shows the mature level of India-UK ties," said an official involved with the preparations for the visit. Modi's visit to Britain has been themed "Living bridge and tech partnership". (With inputs from agencies)

Welcome being accorded to Modi by Britain is 'unprecedented', says official

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first health centre under Ayushman Bharat Scheme here today.

He also inaugurated the first phase of the Bastar Internet scheme under which a 40,000-km-long network of fibre optics cable would be spread across the seven districts of the tribal region.

The districts are Bijapur, Narayanpur, Bastar, Kanker, Kondagaon, Sukma and Dantewada.

Modi, who is the first prime minister to visit the tribal district of Bijapur, also inaugurated a new rail line and a passenger train between Gudum and Bhanupratapur, bringing north Bastar region on railways' map.

This was the prime minister's fourth visit to Chhattisgarh, where assembly elections are due later the year. He had visited Dantewada in May 2015, Naya Raipur and Rajnandgaon in February 2016 and Naya Raipur in November 2016.

Modi also inaugurated bank branches in seven villages and visited rural BPO centre developed under the India BPO promotion scheme. The BPO centre is provided Internet by the Bastar internet scheme.

He also laid foundation stones for road and bridge projects worth over Rs 1,700 crore.

The prime minister's visit to the state coincides with the birth anniversary of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh chaired the programme while Health Minister J P Nadda was the chief guest on the occasion.

Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, the government aims to open 1.5 lakh health and wellness centre by 2022, which would be equipped to treat host of diseases, including blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and old-age illness.

Also under the scheme, the government has prepared the broad contour of the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) and work is on to finalise parameters for identifying beneficiaries and hospital entitlement.&nbsp;

Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, the government aims to open 1.5 lakh health and wellness centre by 2022, which would be equipped to treat host of diseases, including blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and old-age illness

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first health centre under Ayushman Bharat Scheme here today. He also inaugurated the first phase of the Bastar Internet scheme under which a 40,000-km-long network of fibre optics cable would be spread across the seven districts of the tribal region. The districts are Bijapur, Narayanpur, Bastar, Kanker, Kondagaon, Sukma and Dantewada. Modi, who is the first prime minister to visit the tribal district of Bijapur, also inaugurated a new rail line and a passenger train between Gudum and Bhanupratapur, bringing north Bastar region on railways' map. This was the prime minister's fourth visit to Chhattisgarh, where assembly elections are due later the year. He had visited Dantewada in May 2015, Naya Raipur and Rajnandgaon in February 2016 and Naya Raipur in November 2016. Modi also inaugurated bank branches in seven villages and visited rural BPO centre developed under the India BPO promotion scheme. The BPO centre is provided Internet by the Bastar internet scheme. He also laid foundation stones for road and bridge projects worth over Rs 1,700 crore. The prime minister's visit to the state coincides with the birth anniversary of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh chaired the programme while Health Minister J P Nadda was the chief guest on the occasion. Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, the government aims to open 1.5 lakh health and wellness centre by 2022, which would be equipped to treat host of diseases, including blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and old-age illness. Also under the scheme, the government has prepared the broad contour of the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) and work is on to finalise parameters for identifying beneficiaries and hospital entitlement.

Chhattisgarh: Modi inaugurates first health centre under Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence over the rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district of the State.

“Hon PM sir, there isn’t a day when we don’t hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others,” he tweeted.

Abdullah requested the Prime Minister not to let the girl be “someone you choose to remain silent about”.

Abdullah also asked the ministers who supported the killers and threatened the police not to make arrests in the case to step down and said that they have no right to stay in the cabinet.

''Ministers who supported the killers of Kathua rape and murder case victim and threatened police not to make arrests have no right to stay in the cabinet. Mehbooba Mufti should take action just like she took against Haseeb Drabu (ex J&K FM), whose crime wasn't this heinous,'' Omar Abdullah said.&nbsp;

The rape and killing of the girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, has become a national issue. Details of the crime surfaced following filing of charges.

The girl had disappeared from a spot near her house close to Rasana village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area.

A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence.

 
&nbsp;

“Hon PM sir, there isn’t a day when we don’t hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others,” he tweeted.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence over the rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district of the State. “Hon PM sir, there isn’t a day when we don’t hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others,” he tweeted. Abdullah requested the Prime Minister not to let the girl be “someone you choose to remain silent about”. Abdullah also asked the ministers who supported the killers and threatened the police not to make arrests in the case to step down and said that they have no right to stay in the cabinet. ''Ministers who supported the killers of Kathua rape and murder case victim and threatened police not to make arrests have no right to stay in the cabinet. Mehbooba Mufti should take action just like she took against Haseeb Drabu (ex J&K FM), whose crime wasn't this heinous,'' Omar Abdullah said. The rape and killing of the girl, who belonged to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, has become a national issue. Details of the crime surfaced following filing of charges. The girl had disappeared from a spot near her house close to Rasana village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable, who was charged with destroying evidence.

Kathua rape and murder: Omar Abdullah asks PM Modi to break silence

Amid fasting over the "washout" of the Budget session of Parliament, PM Modi today inaugurated the&nbsp;DefExpo at Mahabalipuram even as&nbsp;political parties staged protests&nbsp;over the Cauvery issue on Thursday.

Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader Velmurugan and other protesters were detained by police as they were protesting outside the airport when PM Modi arrived in Chennai.&nbsp;

The Cauvery issue has become the focal point of attention in the city even hitting the cricket IPL with the BCCI on Wednesday deciding to shift the venue for the Chennai matches due to the ongoing Cauvery agitation.

"Over 40 countries have sent their delegation to the event,"&nbsp;PM Modi said at the event, adding that India has one of the largest peacekeeping forces in the world.&nbsp;

"Commitment to peace is a commitment to our people,"&nbsp;the PM said while speaking at the event. "It is wonderful to see 500 firms at this Expo," the PM said.

"We are taking all steps to equip our forces,"&nbsp;he added.

"We have increased FDI in defence to 49 per cent,"&nbsp;Modi said at the event, adding that India is committed to building defence corridors.

"The defence corridors will be made in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu,"&nbsp;PM Modi&nbsp;informed. "Make in India will boost innovation," he said.

"We encourage defence-based startups, we want to transform not tinker," PM Modi declared.&nbsp;

Speaking at the DefExpo,&nbsp;Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said&nbsp;50 per cent of Expo manufacturers consisted of Indians, most of them small and medium industries.

According to the Defence Ministry, over 670 defence firms including 154 foreign manufacturers are participating in the exhibition of weapons and military hardware.

It is being attended by official delegations from over 47 countries including the US, the UK, Russia, Afghanistan and Sweden, Finland, Italy, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Portugal, Seychelles and Vietnam.

Heavy security measures have been put in&nbsp;place in the city over&nbsp;PM Modi's visit.&nbsp;There were reports of protests near the airport in Alandur area.

Earlier this week, actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth had called for IPL venue to be shifted out of Chennai in view of the ongoing Cauvery row and the plight of the farmers.

Rajinikanth had said&nbsp;he felt "embarrassed" that the IPL matches are being held in the city. The BCCI confirmed on Wednesday evening that Chennai will no longer host the IPL matches in the city as a result.

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth had called for IPL venue to be shifted out of Chennai in view of the ongoing Cauvery row and the plight of the farmers.

Amid fasting over the "washout" of the Budget session of Parliament, PM Modi today inaugurated the DefExpo at Mahabalipuram even as political parties staged protests over the Cauvery issue on Thursday. Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader Velmurugan and other protesters were detained by police as they were protesting outside the airport when PM Modi arrived in Chennai. The Cauvery issue has become the focal point of attention in the city even hitting the cricket IPL with the BCCI on Wednesday deciding to shift the venue for the Chennai matches due to the ongoing Cauvery agitation. "Over 40 countries have sent their delegation to the event," PM Modi said at the event, adding that India has one of the largest peacekeeping forces in the world. "Commitment to peace is a commitment to our people," the PM said while speaking at the event. "It is wonderful to see 500 firms at this Expo," the PM said. "We are taking all steps to equip our forces," he added. "We have increased FDI in defence to 49 per cent," Modi said at the event, adding that India is committed to building defence corridors. "The defence corridors will be made in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu," PM Modi informed. "Make in India will boost innovation," he said. "We encourage defence-based startups, we want to transform not tinker," PM Modi declared. Speaking at the DefExpo, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said 50 per cent of Expo manufacturers consisted of Indians, most of them small and medium industries. According to the Defence Ministry, over 670 defence firms including 154 foreign manufacturers are participating in the exhibition of weapons and military hardware. It is being attended by official delegations from over 47 countries including the US, the UK, Russia, Afghanistan and Sweden, Finland, Italy, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Portugal, Seychelles and Vietnam. Heavy security measures have been put in place in the city over PM Modi's visit. There were reports of protests near the airport in Alandur area. Earlier this week, actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth had called for IPL venue to be shifted out of Chennai in view of the ongoing Cauvery row and the plight of the farmers. Rajinikanth had said he felt "embarrassed" that the IPL matches are being held in the city. The BCCI confirmed on Wednesday evening that Chennai will no longer host the IPL matches in the city as a result.

At DefExpo, PM Modi says India will build defence corridors

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Chennai, actor Kamal Haasan released a video on Twitter where he sought justice for Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue.

"People of Tamil Nadu are fighting for justice. Justice has been given but it is not being executed. People have started to believe that this delay is due to Karnataka elections, and your interest in it. I want this belief to be dispelled for people are more important than elections," Haasan said in his video.

"With your previous experiment with Narmada Water Authority, you could easily deliver the justice that Tamil Nadu is asking," Haasan said. "Please do justice with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka," he added in nearly 2-minute-long video.

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To my Honourable Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KamalAppealToPM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KamalAppealToPM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/FXlM7dDO9x">pic.twitter.com/FXlM7dDO9x</a>
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/984299305182806016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Though the PM is in Chennai to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-in-chennai-over-cauvery-row-as-pm-modi-arrives-in-city-129994">inaugurate the DefExpo</a>, political parties have chosen his visit as an occasion to stage protests over the Cauvery issue.

Since April 1, the state has been witnessing protests by political parties, pro-Tamil outfits, student groups and voluntary organisations seeking setting up of the Cauvery Management Board.

Last week, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth had said that Centre would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cauvery-row-rajinikanth-says-centre-will-earn-tamil-nadus-wrath-if-it-drags-feet-galaxy-of-actors-at-protest-129097">earn the wrath of Tamil Nadu people</a> if it fails to constitute the Cauvery Management Board on an urgent basis. Rajinikanth, along with other actors like Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, Vijay, Surya, Sathyaraj, Sivakumar, Nassar, Vishal, Karthi and Sivakarthikeyan took part in a day-long protest over demand for formation of the board.

The ongoing protests over the issue have led the shifting of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cauvery-protests-all-matches-moved-out-of-chennai-confirms-ipl-chairman-129912">Indian Premier League matches out of Chennai</a> due to security reasons. Three policemen are attacked during an anti-IPL protest over the Cauvery issue on Wednesday after which the decision was taken to move all the matches from Chennai to Pune.

On February 16, the Supreme Court had raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's share while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin.

The court had granted six weeks time to the Centre to formulate a scheme to ensure compliance of its 465-page judgement on the decades-old Cauvery dispute, which modified the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award of 2007.

The six-week period ended on March 29.

Since April 1, the state has been witnessing protests by political parties, pro-Tamil outfits, student groups and voluntary organisations seeking setting up of the Cauvery Management Board.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Chennai, actor Kamal Haasan released a video on Twitter where he sought justice for Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue. "People of Tamil Nadu are fighting for justice. Justice has been given but it is not being executed. People have started to believe that this delay is due to Karnataka elections, and your interest in it. I want this belief to be dispelled for people are more important than elections," Haasan said in his video. "With your previous experiment with Narmada Water Authority, you could easily deliver the justice that Tamil Nadu is asking," Haasan said. "Please do justice with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka," he added in nearly 2-minute-long video. To my Honourable Prime Minister #KamalAppealToPM @narendramodi @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/FXlM7dDO9x — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) April 12, 2018 × Though the PM is in Chennai to inaugurate the DefExpo, political parties have chosen his visit as an occasion to stage protests over the Cauvery issue. Since April 1, the state has been witnessing protests by political parties, pro-Tamil outfits, student groups and voluntary organisations seeking setting up of the Cauvery Management Board. Last week, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth had said that Centre would earn the wrath of Tamil Nadu people if it fails to constitute the Cauvery Management Board on an urgent basis. Rajinikanth, along with other actors like Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, Vijay, Surya, Sathyaraj, Sivakumar, Nassar, Vishal, Karthi and Sivakarthikeyan took part in a day-long protest over demand for formation of the board. The ongoing protests over the issue have led the shifting of Indian Premier League matches out of Chennai due to security reasons. Three policemen are attacked during an anti-IPL protest over the Cauvery issue on Wednesday after which the decision was taken to move all the matches from Chennai to Pune. On February 16, the Supreme Court had raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's share while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin. The court had granted six weeks time to the Centre to formulate a scheme to ensure compliance of its 465-page judgement on the decades-old Cauvery dispute, which modified the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award of 2007. The six-week period ended on March 29.

Cauvery issue: Kamal Haasan seeks 'justice for Tamil Nadu' in video message to PM Modi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-observe-day-long-fast-on-april-12-to-protest-disruption-of-parliament-by-opposition-129617">PM Modi to observe day-long fast on April 12 to protest disruption of parliament by opposition</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will observe a day-long fast on Thursday with BJP MPs to protest the recent washout of the Budget session of Parliament, while party chief Amit Shah will hold a sit-in at Hubli in poll-bound Karnataka on the same day.

<a href="wionews.com/sports/cwg-2018-power-paralifter-sachin-chaudhary-wins-bronze-takes-indias-medal-tally-to-21--129605">CWG 2018: Power </a><a href="wionews.com/sports/cwg-2018-power-paralifter-sachin-chaudhary-wins-bronze-takes-indias-medal-tally-to-21--129605">paralifter</a><a href="wionews.com/sports/cwg-2018-power-paralifter-sachin-chaudhary-wins-bronze-takes-indias-medal-tally-to-21--129605"> Sachin Chaudhary wins bronze, takes India's medal tally to 21</a>

Power paralifter Sachin Chaudhary on Tuesday won bronze to take India's overall medal tally to 21 at 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. He claimed the medal in men's heavyweight final at the Carrara Sports Arena 1. It is also the first medal from the country's para-athletic contingent.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-aims-to-pacify-us-lawmakers-129591">Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to pacify US lawmakers</a>

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg will strike a conciliatory tone on Tuesday in testimony before Congress in an attempt to blunt possible regulatory fallout from the privacy scandal engulfing his social network.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-challenges-us-over-steel-aluminium-tariffs-at-wto-129567">China challenges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-challenges-us-over-steel-aluminium-tariffs-at-wto-129567">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-challenges-us-over-steel-aluminium-tariffs-at-wto-129567"> over steel, aluminium tariffs at WTO</a>

Beijing has requested dispute consultations with the United States at the World Trade Organization over US tariffs slapped on imports of Chinese steel and aluminium products, according to a WTO document published Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-salman-khan-to-produce-tv-show-on-cops-will-air-next-month-129559">After conviction, Salman Khan to produce TV show on Mumbai cops</a>

Salman Khan who is currently on bail in 1998 blackbuck poaching case, is now set to turn producer for an upcoming TV show. The show will interestingly be based on the lives of Mumbai police officers.&nbsp

PM Modi to observe day-long fast on April 12 to protest disruption of parliament by opposition Prime Minister Narendra Modi will observe a day-long fast on Thursday with BJP MPs to protest the recent washout of the Budget session of Parliament, while party chief Amit Shah will hold a sit-in at Hubli in poll-bound Karnataka on the same day. CWG 2018: Power paralifter Sachin Chaudhary wins bronze, takes India's medal tally to 21 Power paralifter Sachin Chaudhary on Tuesday won bronze to take India's overall medal tally to 21 at 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. He claimed the medal in men's heavyweight final at the Carrara Sports Arena 1. It is also the first medal from the country's para-athletic contingent. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to pacify US lawmakers Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg will strike a conciliatory tone on Tuesday in testimony before Congress in an attempt to blunt possible regulatory fallout from the privacy scandal engulfing his social network. China challenges US over steel, aluminium tariffs at WTO Beijing has requested dispute consultations with the United States at the World Trade Organization over US tariffs slapped on imports of Chinese steel and aluminium products, according to a WTO document published Tuesday. After conviction, Salman Khan to produce TV show on Mumbai cops Salman Khan who is currently on bail in 1998 blackbuck poaching case, is now set to turn producer for an upcoming TV show. The show will interestingly be based on the lives of Mumbai police officers.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reached Motihari in Bihar in the concluding ceremony of the Champaran Satyagraha centenary celebrations at Motihari. Titled "Satyagrah se Swachhagrah" campaign, he addressed about 20,000 'Swacchagrahis' or cleanliness ambassadors at the Sacch Bharat Abhiyan event.&nbsp;

A sprawling tent-city, named 'Swachhagram', has been set up to accommodate the volunteers. Mahatma Gandhi had set off on his Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 in protest against atrocities on Indigo planters.

Here are some highlights of the event:&nbsp;

- PM Modi was accompanied by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar at the event on Tuesday where he laid foundation stone for four sewerage projects worth Rs. 1,111.56 crore. "These four projects together will create new sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity of 60 MLD and lay the sewer network of 376.12 km in Saidpur and Pahari sewerage zones of Patna," the release said.&nbsp;The expected sewage load for Patna by 2035 is estimated to be 320 MLD.&nbsp;

- PM Modi also flagged off&nbsp;an electric locomotive, with a 12,000 horsepower (HP), which will be flagged off from Bihar's Madhepura loco factory.&nbsp;This will be the first of 40 locomotives expected to roll out of the factory by the end of March 2020. Under the agreement with Alstom, India will get 800 high horsepower electric locomotives over the next 11 years, at a cost of Rs. 20,000 crore

- He also flagged off the first run of the Champaran Humsafar Express between Katihar and Old Delhi.&nbsp;The Champaran Humsafar Express will facilitate faster, safer and comfortable journey experience for the common man of North Bihar.&nbsp;

- "In the last one week, more than 8,50,000 toilets have been constructed in Bihar. This is a great achievement. I congratulate the people, the 'Swachhagrahis' and the State Govt for this," he said.&nbsp;

-&nbsp;We will launch a Gram Swaraj Abhiyan from April 14. We should see that the message of hygiene reaches all sections and every person in the society.&nbsp;We should make India a clean country in order to realise the idea of a 'New India' by 2022, says PM.&nbsp;

- At the event, PM Modi says Bihar is the state that transformed Mahatma Gandhi into 'Bapu'. "Hundred years ago, people from across the country came to Champaran and worked under the leadership of Gandhi. Today, enthusiastic youngsters are working shoulder to shoulder with cleanliness workers," he said.

- Rs&nbsp;6,600 crore worth projects have been launched&nbsp;today will be a boon to Bihar and Champaran. Projects worth Rs. 3,000 crore have been approved to prevent waste dumping in Ganga.&nbsp;

- "Under the leadership of Gandhi, the Satyagraha movement gave a new lease of life to many individuals. Swachhagraha is also changing people's lives," says Modi. "We will fulfill the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi" Modi added.&nbsp;

- He further urged the youth to play a big part in nation building with full enthusiasm.&nbsp;

A sprawling tent-city, named 'Swachhagram', has been set up to accommodate the volunteers. Mahatma Gandhi had set off on his Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 in protest against atrocities on Indigo planter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reached Motihari in Bihar in the concluding ceremony of the Champaran Satyagraha centenary celebrations at Motihari. Titled "Satyagrah se Swachhagrah" campaign, he addressed about 20,000 'Swacchagrahis' or cleanliness ambassadors at the Sacch Bharat Abhiyan event. A sprawling tent-city, named 'Swachhagram', has been set up to accommodate the volunteers. Mahatma Gandhi had set off on his Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 in protest against atrocities on Indigo planters. Here are some highlights of the event: - PM Modi was accompanied by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar at the event on Tuesday where he laid foundation stone for four sewerage projects worth Rs. 1,111.56 crore. "These four projects together will create new sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity of 60 MLD and lay the sewer network of 376.12 km in Saidpur and Pahari sewerage zones of Patna," the release said. The expected sewage load for Patna by 2035 is estimated to be 320 MLD. - PM Modi also flagged off an electric locomotive, with a 12,000 horsepower (HP), which will be flagged off from Bihar's Madhepura loco factory. This will be the first of 40 locomotives expected to roll out of the factory by the end of March 2020. Under the agreement with Alstom, India will get 800 high horsepower electric locomotives over the next 11 years, at a cost of Rs. 20,000 crore - He also flagged off the first run of the Champaran Humsafar Express between Katihar and Old Delhi. The Champaran Humsafar Express will facilitate faster, safer and comfortable journey experience for the common man of North Bihar. - "In the last one week, more than 8,50,000 toilets have been constructed in Bihar. This is a great achievement. I congratulate the people, the 'Swachhagrahis' and the State Govt for this," he said. - We will launch a Gram Swaraj Abhiyan from April 14. We should see that the message of hygiene reaches all sections and every person in the society. We should make India a clean country in order to realise the idea of a 'New India' by 2022, says PM. - At the event, PM Modi says Bihar is the state that transformed Mahatma Gandhi into 'Bapu'. "Hundred years ago, people from across the country came to Champaran and worked under the leadership of Gandhi. Today, enthusiastic youngsters are working shoulder to shoulder with cleanliness workers," he said. - Rs 6,600 crore worth projects have been launched today will be a boon to Bihar and Champaran. Projects worth Rs. 3,000 crore have been approved to prevent waste dumping in Ganga. - "Under the leadership of Gandhi, the Satyagraha movement gave a new lease of life to many individuals. Swachhagraha is also changing people's lives," says Modi. "We will fulfill the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi" Modi added. - He further urged the youth to play a big part in nation building with full enthusiasm.

8.5 lakh toilets built in Bihar in one week: PM Modi in Champaran

Nearly five days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bijapur, an exchange of fire took place between Maoists and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel here on Monday.

The skirmish took place on Monday morning in Mahadeoghat area on the Bijapur-Bhopalpatnam road when a team of 85th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was out on an area-domination operation, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg said.

As per reports, the CRPF troops, along with Chhattisgarh police, were out for area domination when two improvised explosive devices (IED) blasts occurred, followed by a brief exchange of fire.

However, no loss of life or casualty was reported.

Today's exchange of fire comes less than ten days after a security force personnel was injured in an IED blast here in Chinnakorepal village of the district.

As per statistics, as many as 47 security personnel have been killed in Chhattisgarh's Naxal-affected Bastar region since 2005.

Among the major incidents in which insurgents targeted the anti-mine vehicles include the killing of 22 CRPF jawans in September 2005 in Bijapur district, when Naxalites had reportedly used 200 kg of IED to blow up the vehicle.

On a related note, Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Bijapur on April 14.

The exchange of fire took place in the forest area between Mahadev Ghati and Chinnabodkel in Bijapur between Maoists and troops of the CRPF's 85 Battalion.

Nearly five days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bijapur, an exchange of fire took place between Maoists and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel here on Monday. The skirmish took place on Monday morning in Mahadeoghat area on the Bijapur-Bhopalpatnam road when a team of 85th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was out on an area-domination operation, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg said. As per reports, the CRPF troops, along with Chhattisgarh police, were out for area domination when two improvised explosive devices (IED) blasts occurred, followed by a brief exchange of fire. However, no loss of life or casualty was reported. Today's exchange of fire comes less than ten days after a security force personnel was injured in an IED blast here in Chinnakorepal village of the district. As per statistics, as many as 47 security personnel have been killed in Chhattisgarh's Naxal-affected Bastar region since 2005. Among the major incidents in which insurgents targeted the anti-mine vehicles include the killing of 22 CRPF jawans in September 2005 in Bijapur district, when Naxalites had reportedly used 200 kg of IED to blow up the vehicle. On a related note, Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Bijapur on April 14.

Chhattisgarh: Ahead of PM Modi's visit, 2 blasts in Bijapur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Indian women's table tennis team for their victory at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said, "A well deserved and historic Gold for the Indian women`s Table Tennis team! Congratulations to the team. Delighted at this accomplishment."

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his delight on the achievement.

"Congratulations to the Golden Girls - Manika Batra, Madhurika Patkar, and Mouma Das - for bagging India`s first ever Women`s Table Tennis Team GOLD at Commonwealth Games. Stupendous achievement," he tweeted.

The Indian women table tennis team staged a winning show on Day 4 of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games as they defeated defending champions Singapore 3-1 to claim gold.

This is India's first ever gold at the multi-sport event.&nbsp;

They had earlier appeared in the finals at the home edition of the Games in 2010, and finished fourth in the Glasgow Games.India took the lead with the help of Manika Batra`s 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7 victory over World No. 4 Tianwei Feng.

This is India's seventh gold medal at the 21st edition of the Games.India has so far bagged seven gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his delight on the achievement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Indian women's table tennis team for their victory at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said, "A well deserved and historic Gold for the Indian women`s Table Tennis team! Congratulations to the team. Delighted at this accomplishment." President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his delight on the achievement. "Congratulations to the Golden Girls - Manika Batra, Madhurika Patkar, and Mouma Das - for bagging India`s first ever Women`s Table Tennis Team GOLD at Commonwealth Games. Stupendous achievement," he tweeted. The Indian women table tennis team staged a winning show on Day 4 of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games as they defeated defending champions Singapore 3-1 to claim gold. This is India's first ever gold at the multi-sport event. They had earlier appeared in the finals at the home edition of the Games in 2010, and finished fourth in the Glasgow Games.India took the lead with the help of Manika Batra`s 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7 victory over World No. 4 Tianwei Feng. This is India's seventh gold medal at the 21st edition of the Games.India has so far bagged seven gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.

PM Modi, President Kovind, laud Indian eves for CWG victory

Forget the BJP winning the 2019 polls, even Prime Minister Narendra Modi might lose his Varanasi seat under a united opposition, asserted Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday.

Pegging his confidence on opposition unity, Gandhi said far from the BJP winning the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, even Modi might lose from Varanasi if his party, the SP and the BSP were united against him.

Exuding confidence over roping in and managing alliance partners despite their varied personal and regional aspirations, Gandhi predicted for the current ruling dispensation, a "collapse" not "seen in many years."

"Frankly, I don't see the BJP winning the next election, so in 2019 we will go back to the normal, I sense," he said in reply to a question on "Dalit anger."

"...because there are two basic things, once opposition unity goes above a certain level, it becomes impossible to win elections. Now the opposition unity has gone to a point. It's simple," Gandhi said at an informal media interaction.

Pointing at the opposition unity efforts in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and by the DMK, the Trinamool Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party in Tamil Nadu, Gandhi asked, "Where are they (BJP) going to win seats?"

And in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab. We will take it over."

"You are going to see a collapse of the style you haven't seen in many years," he said.

Gandhi was on the sixth leg of campaigning as part of the 'Janashirvada Yatra' ahead of the May 12 polls in Karnataka.

Responding to a question doubting the forging of opposition unity amid varied aspirations of each party and their leaders, Gandhi expressed confidence of overcoming it.

"We will manage it. We in the Congress know how to carry people, we are not egotistical people, we don't crush people and we don't destroy people's lives, so we will manage it," he said.

The basic thing is how to get the country out of the "mess that Mr Modi and RSS has put it in," he said.

The Congress president also ruled out the emergence of any third front.

Accusing the RSS of generating anger and hatred, Gandhi alleged that people are being killed for what they are saying and that needs to be put to an end.

"The natural sort of political environment where there is a little bit of acrimony, but not hatred, needs to be restored," he said.

Stating that Modi had a "very good" opportunity after the 2014 election, Gandhi said a lot could have been done for the country.

Terming as "funny" the BJP's confidence of breaking the opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh and claiming that he understands UP politics, Rahul said when the three parties (SP, BSP and Congress) come together, "BJP will win only two seats, that too with luck.&nbsp;

He said even Modi may lose if he stands from Varanasi and the three parties were united against him.

"In fact, I challenge him to stand with three parties united," he added.

The BSP and the SP jointly fought Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats during the recent bypolls, costing the BJP both the seats, vacated respectively by Uttar Pradesh chief minister and deputy chief minister.

Hitting out at Modi and the BJP, the Congress president said they have lost track of running the country.

"You can't run this country as an individual, you have to run this country by listening to it, by working with it... and now after four years, he (Modi) has suddenly lost it, because now the wheels are running on them. Everybody can see that, you can hear it in his speeches," he said.&nbsp;

Responding to a question, Rahul blamed the "mentality" for Modi and BJP losing track.&nbsp;

He said, "...it is the mentality... you stand in front of Basavanna (12th-century social reformer from Karnataka) or Ambedkar, praise them, and then you destroy everything that they stood for..."&nbsp;

"Basavanna is an idea, he is the representative of the idea of Karnataka, you can go and stand in front of his statue as much as you want, but it won't work if you are destroying the idea... so, it is the mentality..." he said.

Sharing his experience in Gujarat, he said those raising "Modi Modi" slogans were nice to him when he met them and claimed they were "paid" for their sloganeering.&nbsp;

The BSP and the SP jointly fought Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats during the recent bypolls, costing the BJP both the seats.

Forget the BJP winning the 2019 polls, even Prime Minister Narendra Modi might lose his Varanasi seat under a united opposition, asserted Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday. Pegging his confidence on opposition unity, Gandhi said far from the BJP winning the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, even Modi might lose from Varanasi if his party, the SP and the BSP were united against him. Exuding confidence over roping in and managing alliance partners despite their varied personal and regional aspirations, Gandhi predicted for the current ruling dispensation, a "collapse" not "seen in many years." "Frankly, I don't see the BJP winning the next election, so in 2019 we will go back to the normal, I sense," he said in reply to a question on "Dalit anger." "...because there are two basic things, once opposition unity goes above a certain level, it becomes impossible to win elections. Now the opposition unity has gone to a point. It's simple," Gandhi said at an informal media interaction. Pointing at the opposition unity efforts in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and by the DMK, the Trinamool Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party in Tamil Nadu, Gandhi asked, "Where are they (BJP) going to win seats?" And in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab. We will take it over." "You are going to see a collapse of the style you haven't seen in many years," he said. Gandhi was on the sixth leg of campaigning as part of the 'Janashirvada Yatra' ahead of the May 12 polls in Karnataka. Responding to a question doubting the forging of opposition unity amid varied aspirations of each party and their leaders, Gandhi expressed confidence of overcoming it. "We will manage it. We in the Congress know how to carry people, we are not egotistical people, we don't crush people and we don't destroy people's lives, so we will manage it," he said. The basic thing is how to get the country out of the "mess that Mr Modi and RSS has put it in," he said. The Congress president also ruled out the emergence of any third front. Accusing the RSS of generating anger and hatred, Gandhi alleged that people are being killed for what they are saying and that needs to be put to an end. "The natural sort of political environment where there is a little bit of acrimony, but not hatred, needs to be restored," he said. Stating that Modi had a "very good" opportunity after the 2014 election, Gandhi said a lot could have been done for the country. Terming as "funny" the BJP's confidence of breaking the opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh and claiming that he understands UP politics, Rahul said when the three parties (SP, BSP and Congress) come together, "BJP will win only two seats, that too with luck. He said even Modi may lose if he stands from Varanasi and the three parties were united against him. "In fact, I challenge him to stand with three parties united," he added. The BSP and the SP jointly fought Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats during the recent bypolls, costing the BJP both the seats, vacated respectively by Uttar Pradesh chief minister and deputy chief minister. Hitting out at Modi and the BJP, the Congress president said they have lost track of running the country. "You can't run this country as an individual, you have to run this country by listening to it, by working with it... and now after four years, he (Modi) has suddenly lost it, because now the wheels are running on them. Everybody can see that, you can hear it in his speeches," he said. Responding to a question, Rahul blamed the "mentality" for Modi and BJP losing track. He said, "...it is the mentality... you stand in front of Basavanna (12th-century social reformer from Karnataka) or Ambedkar, praise them, and then you destroy everything that they stood for..." "Basavanna is an idea, he is the representative of the idea of Karnataka, you can go and stand in front of his statue as much as you want, but it won't work if you are destroying the idea... so, it is the mentality..." he said. Sharing his experience in Gujarat, he said those raising "Modi Modi" slogans were nice to him when he met them and claimed they were "paid" for their sloganeering.

Forget BJP winning 2019 polls, PM Modi will even lose Varanasi seat if Opposition unites: Rahul Gandhi

A Dalit Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Uttar Pradesh's Nagina, Yashwant Singh, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused the Central government of ignoring the Dalits of the country.

In his letter, Singh claimed that he became an MP because of his reservation.

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BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh's Nagina, Yashwant Singh, writes to PM Modi, says, 'Being a Dalit my capabilities have not been put to use, I only became an MP because of reservation,' adds that, 'In 4 years the govt has done nothing for the 30 crore Dalits of the country.' <a href="https://t.co/nbao7d6tzd">pic.twitter.com/nbao7d6tzd</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/982453505188401152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Being a Dalit, my capabilities have not been put to use, I only became an MP because of reservation," the letter read, adding, "In 4 years the government has done nothing for the 30 crore Dalits of the country."

The letter has also appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn the decision on the SC/ST Act.

Recently, Chote Lal Kharwar, tribal MP from Robertsganj, had written a letter to Prime Minister Modi, alleging mistreatment by the Yogi Adityanath-led government

In his letter, he had alleged that he met the Chief Minister twice regarding "corruption" in the district administration and forest department in Chandauli, but was instead "scolded and thrown out".

Chhotelal, who is a Dalit, had also complained to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes regarding the matter. (ANI)

"Being a Dalit, my capabilities have not been put to use, I only became an MP because of reservation," the letter read

A Dalit Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Uttar Pradesh's Nagina, Yashwant Singh, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused the Central government of ignoring the Dalits of the country. In his letter, Singh claimed that he became an MP because of his reservation. BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh's Nagina, Yashwant Singh, writes to PM Modi, says, 'Being a Dalit my capabilities have not been put to use, I only became an MP because of reservation,' adds that, 'In 4 years the govt has done nothing for the 30 crore Dalits of the country.' pic.twitter.com/nbao7d6tzd — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 7, 2018 × "Being a Dalit, my capabilities have not been put to use, I only became an MP because of reservation," the letter read, adding, "In 4 years the government has done nothing for the 30 crore Dalits of the country." The letter has also appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn the decision on the SC/ST Act. Recently, Chote Lal Kharwar, tribal MP from Robertsganj, had written a letter to Prime Minister Modi, alleging mistreatment by the Yogi Adityanath-led government In his letter, he had alleged that he met the Chief Minister twice regarding "corruption" in the district administration and forest department in Chandauli, but was instead "scolded and thrown out". Chhotelal, who is a Dalit, had also complained to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes regarding the matter. (ANI)

Another Dalit BJP MP writes to PM, accuses Centre of ignoring Dalits

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approached him for an alliance with the BJP during the 2014 general election.

The TDP chief said that he allied with the BJP for the sake of the interests of Andhra Pradesh.

"Even during the 2014 general election, we didn't try for an alliance with the BJP. Modi himself came to us, said that BJP is sympathetic towards Andhra, let us work together for the development of the state. Then only I allied with them, just for the sake of the state's interests," Chandrababu Naidu said.

The Andhra Pradesh chief minister said that it was only after parting ways from the BJP-led NDA alliance that the party could for the first time bring their problems to the notice of the nation.

"By standing against Narendra Modi we could, for the first time, bring our problems to the notice of the nation. The centre is going ahead with oppressive policy but they are not thinking to recognise our sentiments and resolve our problems," Chandrababu Naidu said.

The Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP had walked out of the NDA alliance over the demand for "special category status" for Andhra Pradesh.

The TDP and YSR Congress moved notices for a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha against the Narendra Modi government over not granting special category status to Andhra Pradesh. 
&nbsp

The Andhra Pradesh chief minister said that it was only after parting ways from the BJP-led NDA alliance that the party could for the first time bring their problems to the notice of the nation

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approached him for an alliance with the BJP during the 2014 general election. The TDP chief said that he allied with the BJP for the sake of the interests of Andhra Pradesh. "Even during the 2014 general election, we didn't try for an alliance with the BJP. Modi himself came to us, said that BJP is sympathetic towards Andhra, let us work together for the development of the state. Then only I allied with them, just for the sake of the state's interests," Chandrababu Naidu said. The Andhra Pradesh chief minister said that it was only after parting ways from the BJP-led NDA alliance that the party could for the first time bring their problems to the notice of the nation. "By standing against Narendra Modi we could, for the first time, bring our problems to the notice of the nation. The centre is going ahead with oppressive policy but they are not thinking to recognise our sentiments and resolve our problems," Chandrababu Naidu said. The Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP had walked out of the NDA alliance over the demand for "special category status" for Andhra Pradesh. The TDP and YSR Congress moved notices for a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha against the Narendra Modi government over not granting special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

PM Modi 'himself came to us' during 2014 general elections: Chandrababu Naidu

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that a new railway line will be developed which will connect India and Kathmandu. The duo also inaugurated&nbsp;India-Nepal petroleum products pipeline from Delhi on the occasion.&nbsp;

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During the joint press statements, Modi also said:&nbsp;"We aim at improving waterways and railways with Nepal. Today we reviewed the progress in various such connectivity projects."&nbsp;

PM Oli added: "Nepal attaches great importance to its relations with India, our countries enjoy-old historical ties and have many things to offer to each other." He has further invited PM Modi&nbsp;to pay a visit to Nepal soon.

Modi also hopes to continue the long history of India's contribution towards Nepal's development.&nbsp;

Oli, along with his wife Radhika Shakya and paid tributes at Raj Ghat on Saturday. Oli who is on his first visit to India after returning to power in February was received by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli, along with his wife Radhika Shakya, 
paid tributes at Raj Ghat. <a href="https://t.co/wGgX4pWzbM">pic.twitter.com/wGgX4pWzbM</a>
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&nbsp;

The Nepalese Prime Minister underscored the significance of friendship at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, saying, "Friendship is most important and there is no comparison with friendship. Any treaty any agreement, everything starts with friendship. With our neighbours, particularly with India, we first expect friendship.

During the visit, Oli will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers will also call on Nepalese Prime Minister.

Various issues including agriculture, energy, connectivity, trade and investment and reconstruction are likely to be discussed during the visit.

The $1.5 billion 900 mw energy project by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam is expected to be completed within five years.

He will also interact with Indian businessmen, industrialists, intellectuals and meet people from Nepali community.

The 66-year-old leader is not known to be India-friendly now and experts on South Asian politics believe that New Delhi has a test on its hand now to tackle Nepal, an age-old friend which has shown a strong tendency to lean in favour of China of late. 
&nbsp;

Oli, along with his wife Radhika Shakya ald paid tributes at Raj Ghat on Saturday

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that a new railway line will be developed which will connect India and Kathmandu. The duo also inaugurated India-Nepal petroleum products pipeline from Delhi on the occasion. We have agreed to work towards a new railway line to connect Kathmandu (Nepal) with India: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/Yzs4CF3sql — ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2018 × During the joint press statements, Modi also said: "We aim at improving waterways and railways with Nepal. Today we reviewed the progress in various such connectivity projects." PM Oli added: "Nepal attaches great importance to its relations with India, our countries enjoy-old historical ties and have many things to offer to each other." He has further invited PM Modi to pay a visit to Nepal soon. Modi also hopes to continue the long history of India's contribution towards Nepal's development. Oli, along with his wife Radhika Shakya and paid tributes at Raj Ghat on Saturday. Oli who is on his first visit to India after returning to power in February was received by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. #Delhi: Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli, along with his wife Radhika Shakya, paid tributes at Raj Ghat. pic.twitter.com/wGgX4pWzbM — ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2018 × The Nepalese Prime Minister underscored the significance of friendship at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, saying, "Friendship is most important and there is no comparison with friendship. Any treaty any agreement, everything starts with friendship. With our neighbours, particularly with India, we first expect friendship. During the visit, Oli will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other ministers will also call on Nepalese Prime Minister. Various issues including agriculture, energy, connectivity, trade and investment and reconstruction are likely to be discussed during the visit. The $1.5 billion 900 mw energy project by the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam is expected to be completed within five years. He will also interact with Indian businessmen, industrialists, intellectuals and meet people from Nepali community. The 66-year-old leader is not known to be India-friendly now and experts on South Asian politics believe that New Delhi has a test on its hand now to tackle Nepal, an age-old friend which has shown a strong tendency to lean in favour of China of late.

New railway line will be developed connecting India and Kathmandu: PM Modi

Hours after weightlifters Sanjita Chanu and Deepak Lather made Indian proud by clinching gold and bronze respectively, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the two players an praised their performance at the &nbsp2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast

On the second day of the Games, Sanjita handed India its second gold medal by outshining in the women's 53 kg category event.

PM Modi too to his office Twitter handle and praised Chanu, saying the entire nation was overjoyed by her exemplary performance.

"A second Gold for India!Congratulations to K Sanjita Chanu on winning the Gold Medal in the Women`s 53 kg weightlifting event. The nation is overjoyed by this exemplary performance," he tweeted.

Prime Minister Modi then extended his greetings to Lather, who bagged a bronze medal in the men's 69 kg category.

"Our weightlifters are in superb form! My young friend Deepak Lather wins a Bronze in the Men`s 69 kg category. Congratulations to this youngster and all the best for his future endeavours," he wrote.

On day 1, Manipuri teammate Saikhom Mirabai Chanu gave India its first gold in the women's weightlifting 48 kg category event.

Thereafter, 18-year-old Deepak lifted a combined weight of 295kg (136kg in snatch and 159kg in Clean and Jerk).

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Our weightlifters are in superb form! My young friend Deepak Lather wins a Bronze in the Men's 69 kg category. Congratulations to this youngster and all the best for his future endeavours: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/H93XVJnFhh">pic.twitter.com/H93XVJnFhh</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/982163933095079936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

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A second Gold for India! Congratulations to K Sanjita Chanu on winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s 53 kg weightlifting event. The nation is overjoyed by this exemplary performance: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/nGcRymiry8">pic.twitter.com/nGcRymiry8</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/982146849887760384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India are currently placed third in the Games after England and Australia, having clinched four medals in total including two gold.

Sanjita handed India its second gold medal by outshining in the women's 53 kg category event

Hours after weightlifters Sanjita Chanu and Deepak Lather made Indian proud by clinching gold and bronze respectively, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the two players an praised their performance at the &nbsp2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast On the second day of the Games, Sanjita handed India its second gold medal by outshining in the women's 53 kg category event. PM Modi too to his office Twitter handle and praised Chanu, saying the entire nation was overjoyed by her exemplary performance. "A second Gold for India!Congratulations to K Sanjita Chanu on winning the Gold Medal in the Women`s 53 kg weightlifting event. The nation is overjoyed by this exemplary performance," he tweeted. Prime Minister Modi then extended his greetings to Lather, who bagged a bronze medal in the men's 69 kg category. "Our weightlifters are in superb form! My young friend Deepak Lather wins a Bronze in the Men`s 69 kg category. Congratulations to this youngster and all the best for his future endeavours," he wrote. On day 1, Manipuri teammate Saikhom Mirabai Chanu gave India its first gold in the women's weightlifting 48 kg category event. Thereafter, 18-year-old Deepak lifted a combined weight of 295kg (136kg in snatch and 159kg in Clean and Jerk). Our weightlifters are in superb form! My young friend Deepak Lather wins a Bronze in the Men's 69 kg category. Congratulations to this youngster and all the best for his future endeavours: PM @narendramodi #GC2018 @GC2018 pic.twitter.com/H93XVJnFhh — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 6, 2018 × A second Gold for India! Congratulations to K Sanjita Chanu on winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s 53 kg weightlifting event. The nation is overjoyed by this exemplary performance: PM @narendramodi #GC2018 @GC2018 pic.twitter.com/nGcRymiry8 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 6, 2018 × India are currently placed third in the Games after England and Australia, having clinched four medals in total including two gold.

PM Modi hails weightlifters Sanjita, Lather for CWG heroics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who clinched the first gold medal for India at the ongoing the 21st Commonwealth Games.

He also applauded&nbsp;P Gururaja for opening India's medal account.

The official PM Modi tweeted, "Congratulations to Saikhom Mirabai Chanu for winning India’s first Gold at the #GC2018 games and breaking three CWG records. India is delighted by these achievements."

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Congratulations to Saikhom Mirabai Chanu for winning India’s first Gold at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> games and breaking three CWG records. India is delighted by these achievements: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/XHyFh8blVw">pic.twitter.com/XHyFh8blVw</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/981801744706383875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, P Gururaja opened India's medal tally by claiming a silver in the men's 56kg&nbsp;Weightlifting section.

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Proud of you P Gururaja! Congratulations for the Silver medal in the Men’s 56 kg Weightlifting event and bagging India’s first medal in the 2018 Commonwealth Games: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/9a2aS3Hx1c">pic.twitter.com/9a2aS3Hx1c</a>
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<img alt="Mirabai Chanu.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="https://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Mirabai%20Chanu.jpg" width="770" />

Mirabai Chanu lifted more than double her body weight (103kg, 107kg and 110kg) in three successful attempts to clinch the gold and smashed the overall Games record.

For his outstanding performance, she earned massive applause from the fans at the Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre.

The 23-year-old's previous best was a total lift of 194kg (snatch 85kg and 109kg in clean and jerk) achieved in the World Championships a few months ago.

P Gururaja opened India's medal tally by claiming a silver in the men's 56kg section whereas, Mirabai Chanu smashed CWG record to claim India's first gold medal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who clinched the first gold medal for India at the ongoing the 21st Commonwealth Games. He also applauded P Gururaja for opening India's medal account. The official PM Modi tweeted, "Congratulations to Saikhom Mirabai Chanu for winning India’s first Gold at the #GC2018 games and breaking three CWG records. India is delighted by these achievements." Congratulations to Saikhom Mirabai Chanu for winning India’s first Gold at the #GC2018 games and breaking three CWG records. India is delighted by these achievements: PM @narendramodi @GC2018 pic.twitter.com/XHyFh8blVw — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 5, 2018 × Earlier, P Gururaja opened India's medal tally by claiming a silver in the men's 56kg Weightlifting section. Proud of you P Gururaja! Congratulations for the Silver medal in the Men’s 56 kg Weightlifting event and bagging India’s first medal in the 2018 Commonwealth Games: PM @narendramodi #GC2018 @GC2018 pic.twitter.com/9a2aS3Hx1c — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 5, 2018 × Mirabai Chanu lifted more than double her body weight (103kg, 107kg and 110kg) in three successful attempts to clinch the gold and smashed the overall Games record. For his outstanding performance, she earned massive applause from the fans at the Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre. The 23-year-old's previous best was a total lift of 194kg (snatch 85kg and 109kg in clean and jerk) achieved in the World Championships a few months ago.

PM Modi congratulates Mirabai Chanu, Gururaja for their achievements at CWG

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to families of the 39 Indians killed in Iraq's Mosul. 
&nbsp;

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PM announces ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to families of those killed in Iraq's Mosul. <a href="https://t.co/SE0fck0H34">pic.twitter.com/SE0fck0H34</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/981066152968409088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The announcement comes amid a clamour by Opposition parties including the Congress for compensation to the kin of those killed in Iraq.

Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu had earlier announced a Rs five lakh ex-gratia compensation for the family members of those who lost their lives.&nbsp;

Asked whether the families of the 39 Indians who died in Iraq would be provided jobs or compensation, Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh said yesterday that the issue was not like distributing biscuits.&nbsp;

He had said,&nbsp;"The issue is not about distributing biscuits, it is about the life of people, did you understand".

VK Singh had brought back the bodies of 38 Indians who were killed yesterday.

The Indians had gone missing when the Islamic State overran Mosul in 2014. The Indian government launched a massive search operation along with the Iraqi government.

Foreign Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had announced in Parliament last month that the Indian government had found the mortal remains of the Indians.

The announcement comes amid a clamour by Opposition parties including the Congress for compensation to the kin of those killed in Iraq

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to families of the 39 Indians killed in Iraq's Mosul. PM announces ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to families of those killed in Iraq's Mosul. pic.twitter.com/SE0fck0H34 — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018 × The announcement comes amid a clamour by Opposition parties including the Congress for compensation to the kin of those killed in Iraq. Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu had earlier announced a Rs five lakh ex-gratia compensation for the family members of those who lost their lives. Asked whether the families of the 39 Indians who died in Iraq would be provided jobs or compensation, Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh said yesterday that the issue was not like distributing biscuits. He had said, "The issue is not about distributing biscuits, it is about the life of people, did you understand". VK Singh had brought back the bodies of 38 Indians who were killed yesterday. The Indians had gone missing when the Islamic State overran Mosul in 2014. The Indian government launched a massive search operation along with the Iraqi government. Foreign Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had announced in Parliament last month that the Indian government had found the mortal remains of the Indians.

PM Modi announces Rs 10 lakh compensation for families of Indians killed in Iraq

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the press release regarding 'fake news'&nbsp;to be withdrawn. As per PM Modi's order, the matter should now be addressed in Press Council of India.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLASH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FLASH</a>: Prime Minister has directed that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and the matter should only be addressed in Press Council of India. <a href="https://t.co/KVUBeAoDhC">pic.twitter.com/KVUBeAoDhC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/981063988913016832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Indian government yesterday amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists in a bid to deal with the rise of "fake news".

The move came in the wake of the Malaysian Parliament pushing for a law that made 'fake news' punishable with a maximum six-year jail term.

Smriti Irani-led Information & Broadcasting ministry proposed penalties ranging from suspension to cancellation of accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news”.

The guidelines were set to apply to journalists accredited by the Government of India, thereby indicating government's plan to deal with non-accredited journalists engaging in 'fake news' through the I&B ministry.

“While examining the requests seeking accreditation, the regulatory agencies will examine whether the `Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ and `Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards’ prescribed by the PCI and NBA respectively are adhered to by the journalists as part of their functioning. It would be obligatory for journalists to abide by these guidelines,” the Information & Broadcasting ministry said in its release.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/government-proposes-penalties-for-journalists-reporting-fake-news-127949">Government proposes penalties for journalists reporting 'fake news'</a>

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting&nbsp;took to Twitter saying that the accreditation guidelines have generated a debate.

"Several journalists & organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same," her tweet read.&nbsp;

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PIB Accreditation Guidelines asking Press Council of India & News Broadcasters Association to define & act against ‘fake news’ have generated debate. Several journalists & organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same. 1/2
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/981060726042300421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Irani welcomed journalists to engage with her over questions and doubts related to the guidelines.&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a> is more than happy to engage with journalist body or organisation/s wanting to give suggestions so that together we can fight the menace of ‘fake news’ & uphold ethical journalism. Interested journalists and/or organisations may feel free to meet me at <a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a>. 2/2
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/981061044914278401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Indian government yesterday amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists in a bid to deal with the rise of 'fake news'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the press release regarding 'fake news' to be withdrawn. As per PM Modi's order, the matter should now be addressed in Press Council of India. #FLASH: Prime Minister has directed that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and the matter should only be addressed in Press Council of India. pic.twitter.com/KVUBeAoDhC — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018 × The Indian government yesterday amended the guidelines for accreditation of journalists in a bid to deal with the rise of "fake news". The move came in the wake of the Malaysian Parliament pushing for a law that made 'fake news' punishable with a maximum six-year jail term. Smriti Irani-led Information & Broadcasting ministry proposed penalties ranging from suspension to cancellation of accreditation of journalists found guilty of reporting “fake news”. The guidelines were set to apply to journalists accredited by the Government of India, thereby indicating government's plan to deal with non-accredited journalists engaging in 'fake news' through the I&B ministry. “While examining the requests seeking accreditation, the regulatory agencies will examine whether the `Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ and `Code of Ethics and Broadcasting Standards’ prescribed by the PCI and NBA respectively are adhered to by the journalists as part of their functioning. It would be obligatory for journalists to abide by these guidelines,” the Information & Broadcasting ministry said in its release. Also read: Government proposes penalties for journalists reporting 'fake news' Meanwhile, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting took to Twitter saying that the accreditation guidelines have generated a debate. "Several journalists & organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same," her tweet read. PIB Accreditation Guidelines asking Press Council of India & News Broadcasters Association to define & act against ‘fake news’ have generated debate. Several journalists & organisations have reached out giving positive suggestions regarding the same. 1/2 — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) April 3, 2018 × Irani welcomed journalists to engage with her over questions and doubts related to the guidelines. .@MIB_India is more than happy to engage with journalist body or organisation/s wanting to give suggestions so that together we can fight the menace of ‘fake news’ & uphold ethical journalism. Interested journalists and/or organisations may feel free to meet me at @MIB_India. 2/2 — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) April 3, 2018 ×

'Fake news' issue: PM Modi steps in, orders withdrawal of press guidelines

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral ties.

Swaraj, who was here on a three-day visit, also conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abe.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

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EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> called on Japanese Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a> today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to PM Abe. PM Abe said that ???? traditional friendship are characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth <a href="https://t.co/jN8GWI4Nau">pic.twitter.com/jN8GWI4Nau</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/979533350871252993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth.

"PM Abe said that India-Japan traditional friendship is characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth," Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj, who was on her first visit to Japan in the capacity of the External Affairs Minister, had reached Tokyo on Wednesday to attend the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue.

She met her counterpart Taro Kano yesterday and the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties.

Describing the meeting as "very productive", Swaraj said her trip had laid a sound foundation for Modi's visit to Japan for the next bilateral Annual Summit later this year.

Hours after meeting Abe, Swaraj departed from Tokyo, concluding her first official trip to Japan.

"Sayonara! EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs from Tokyo after her first official visit to Japan for the 9th #IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue," Indian Embassy in Tokyo tweeted.

Earlier yesterday, Swaraj met Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council & former Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.

Swaraj also addressed a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Vivekanand Cultural Centre in Tokyo.

According to official figures, Japanese FDI in India during 2016-17 was $4.7 billion, an increase of 80 per cent over the last year.

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Tokyo: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. <a href="https://t.co/eJdb7w8oaS">pic.twitter.com/eJdb7w8oaS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/979538175780638720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral ties. Swaraj, who was here on a three-day visit, also conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abe. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe. PM Abe said that ???? traditional friendship are characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth pic.twitter.com/jN8GWI4Nau — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2018 × During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth. "PM Abe said that India-Japan traditional friendship is characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth," Kumar tweeted. Swaraj, who was on her first visit to Japan in the capacity of the External Affairs Minister, had reached Tokyo on Wednesday to attend the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue. She met her counterpart Taro Kano yesterday and the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties. Describing the meeting as "very productive", Swaraj said her trip had laid a sound foundation for Modi's visit to Japan for the next bilateral Annual Summit later this year. Hours after meeting Abe, Swaraj departed from Tokyo, concluding her first official trip to Japan. "Sayonara! EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs from Tokyo after her first official visit to Japan for the 9th #IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue," Indian Embassy in Tokyo tweeted. Earlier yesterday, Swaraj met Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council & former Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Swaraj also addressed a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Vivekanand Cultural Centre in Tokyo. According to official figures, Japanese FDI in India during 2016-17 was $4.7 billion, an increase of 80 per cent over the last year. Tokyo: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/eJdb7w8oaS — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 ×

Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese PM Abe, conveys PM Modi's greetings

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has once again called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a chowkidar (watchman).

Rahul Gandhi held PM Modi responsible for all the scams that have taken place recently including the most recent leak in the CBSE class 12 papers leak and the announcement of the Karnataka assembly election dates ahead of the Election Commission.

"Data leak, Aadhaar leak, SSC Exam leak, Election date leak, CBSE papers leak, everything has a leak, chowkidar is weak," the Congress president wrote on Twitter. 
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कितने लीक? 
 
डेटा लीक ! 
आधार लीक ! 
SSC Exam लीक ! 
Election Date लीक ! 
CBSE पेपर्स लीक ! 
 
हर चीज में लीक है 
चौकीदार वीक है<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BasEkAurSaal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BasEkAurSaal</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/979223686204002304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

 
Rahul Gandhi's chowkidar remark is in direct reference to the prime minister calling himself the nation's "chowkidar".

The Congress President had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-chowkidar-silent-rahul-gandhi-attacks-pm-modi-on-pnb-fraud-34022">previously called PM Modi a "chowkidar"</a> at a rally in poll-bound Karnataka in February when he targeted the prime minister for his silence on the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and the allegations of corruption against BJP President Amit Shah's son Jay Shah. 
&nbsp;

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Rahul Gandhi held PM Modi responsible for all the scams that have taken place recently including the most recent leak in the CBSE class 12 papers leak and the announcement of the Karnataka assembly election dates ahead of the Election Commission

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has once again called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a chowkidar (watchman). Rahul Gandhi held PM Modi responsible for all the scams that have taken place recently including the most recent leak in the CBSE class 12 papers leak and the announcement of the Karnataka assembly election dates ahead of the Election Commission. "Data leak, Aadhaar leak, SSC Exam leak, Election date leak, CBSE papers leak, everything has a leak, chowkidar is weak," the Congress president wrote on Twitter. कितने लीक? डेटा लीक ! आधार लीक ! SSC Exam लीक ! Election Date लीक ! CBSE पेपर्स लीक ! हर चीज में लीक है चौकीदार वीक है#BasEkAurSaal — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 29, 2018 × Rahul Gandhi's chowkidar remark is in direct reference to the prime minister calling himself the nation's "chowkidar". The Congress President had previously called PM Modi a "chowkidar" at a rally in poll-bound Karnataka in February when he targeted the prime minister for his silence on the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and the allegations of corruption against BJP President Amit Shah's son Jay Shah.

In everything there is a leak, chowkidar is weak: Rahul Gandhi

After a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/user-details-on-namo-app-sold-to-private-companies-french-security-researcher-36994"> French security researcher</a> accused PM Modi of passing on the data of people who sign up for his official NaMo app to American companies, the government has given clarification dismissing the allegations.&nbsp;

A statement released by the government stated that the &quot;Narendra Modi App is a unique App, which unlike most Apps, gives access to users in &lsquo;guest mode&rsquo; without even any permission or data. The permissions required are all contextual and cause-specific. For example, a selfie campaign requires access to the camera and/or photo gallery.&quot;

The statement further read: &quot;Contact access is required to connect with friends or fellow party workers on the New India connect module. If a person has entered his email address and date of birth, he receives a personalised birthday greeting from the PM. Each function asks for the specific permission when access is required. The app does not ask for blanket permissions when the app is started.&quot;

Narendra Modi App provides a platform for millions of his fans and party cadre to connect directly with the Prime Minister. It is a &quot;one of its kind&quot;&nbsp;app which enables unprecedented engagement and interactivity. It is way different from the standard &lsquo;one-way&rsquo; flow apps belonging to political leaders and parties possess. It has numerous features which comprise the best of features from social media networks like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc, the statement mentioned.

About the allegations against the BJP leader, the statement said, &quot;The data exposed by the French Twitter user is the data entered by the user on his own device. This is not a security breach. The person does not have access to any data apart from his own data.&quot;

&quot;Data is being used for analytics using third-party service, similar to Google Analytics. The data in no way is stored or used by the third party services.&nbsp;Analytics and processing of the user data are done for offering users the most contextual content. This ensures that a user gets the best possible experience by show content in his/her own language,&quot;&nbsp;the statement said.&nbsp;

&#39;It also enables a unique, personalized experience according to a person&rsquo;s interests. For example, a person who looks up content related to agriculture will get agriculture-related content prominently. A person from Tamil Nadu will get notifications in Tamil and get an update when the PM is in Tamil Nadu&#39; it added.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accusing the BJP leader of passing on the data of people who sign up for his official NaMo app to American companies.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accusing the BJP leader of passing on the data of people who sign up for his official NaMo app to American companies

After a French security researcher accused PM Modi of passing on the data of people who sign up for his official NaMo app to American companies, the government has given clarification dismissing the allegations. A statement released by the government stated that the "Narendra Modi App is a unique App, which unlike most Apps, gives access to users in ‘guest mode’ without even any permission or data. The permissions required are all contextual and cause-specific. For example, a selfie campaign requires access to the camera and/or photo gallery." The statement further read: "Contact access is required to connect with friends or fellow party workers on the New India connect module. If a person has entered his email address and date of birth, he receives a personalised birthday greeting from the PM. Each function asks for the specific permission when access is required. The app does not ask for blanket permissions when the app is started." Narendra Modi App provides a platform for millions of his fans and party cadre to connect directly with the Prime Minister. It is a "one of its kind" app which enables unprecedented engagement and interactivity. It is way different from the standard ‘one-way’ flow apps belonging to political leaders and parties possess. It has numerous features which comprise the best of features from social media networks like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc, the statement mentioned. About the allegations against the BJP leader, the statement said, "The data exposed by the French Twitter user is the data entered by the user on his own device. This is not a security breach. The person does not have access to any data apart from his own data." "Data is being used for analytics using third-party service, similar to Google Analytics. The data in no way is stored or used by the third party services. Analytics and processing of the user data are done for offering users the most contextual content. This ensures that a user gets the best possible experience by show content in his/her own language," the statement said. 'It also enables a unique, personalized experience according to a person’s interests. For example, a person who looks up content related to agriculture will get agriculture-related content prominently. A person from Tamil Nadu will get notifications in Tamil and get an update when the PM is in Tamil Nadu' it added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accusing the BJP leader of passing on the data of people who sign up for his official NaMo app to American companies.

The data in no way is stored or used by the third party services: Government on NaMo app

The Indian government has released funds for the purchase and modification of two VVIP aircraft, which will be used to ferry President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu.&nbsp;

The funds have been released from the National Small Savings account.&nbsp;

Air India had actually proposed that it would ask Bank of Baroda for a short-term loan of US$ 180 million, but the funds were released from the NSS account.&nbsp;

The money will be used to purchase and modify two Boeing 777-300 ERs, which will replace the earlier 747-400.&nbsp;

The upgrade has been long overdue, with this one coming after 25 years.&nbsp;

The 777-300 ER has two GE90-115B jet engines &mdash; the world&rsquo;s most powerful. The 777-300 will also mean fewer refuelling stops for India&#39;s most important trio.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The earlier Boeing 747-400 is being replaced with a 777-300 ER

The Indian government has released funds for the purchase and modification of two VVIP aircraft, which will be used to ferry President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu. The funds have been released from the National Small Savings account. Air India had actually proposed that it would ask Bank of Baroda for a short-term loan of US$ 180 million, but the funds were released from the NSS account. The money will be used to purchase and modify two Boeing 777-300 ERs, which will replace the earlier 747-400. The upgrade has been long overdue, with this one coming after 25 years. The 777-300 ER has two GE90-115B jet engines — the world’s most powerful. The 777-300 will also mean fewer refuelling stops for India's most important trio.

Country to get new Air India One, will be used to fly Modi, Kovind and Naidu

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-did-not-keep-anyone-in-the-dark-over-the-deaths-of-39-indians-in-mosul-sushma-swaraj-36505"> 39 kidnapped Indians,</a> who had gone missing in Iraq since 2014, are dead, external affairs minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459"> Sushma Swaraj </a>told the Rajya Sabha today. Swaraj said that the Islamic State (IS) had killed all the Indian nationals.

After informing&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-information-was-given-to-us-sister-of-indian-killed-in-iraq-36478">Parliament</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/politics-over-deaths-shameful-sushma-swaraj-on-indians-killed-in-mosul-36498">&nbsp;on the deaths of 39 Indians in Mosu</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-information-was-given-to-us-sister-of-indian-killed-in-iraq-36478">l, Iraq</a>, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters that the bodies of Indians weren&#39;t found in mass graves but in a mound in Badush.

PM Modi condemned the incident and recently tweeted: &quot;MEA and particularly my colleagues Sushma Swaraj Ji and VK Singh Ji left no stone unturned in trying to trace and safely bring back those we lost in Mosul. Our Government remains fully committed towards ensuring the safety of our sisters and brothers overseas.&quot;

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The MEA and particularly my colleagues <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> Ji and <a href="https://twitter.com/Gen_VKSingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gen_VKSingh</a> Ji left no stone unturned in trying to trace and safely bring back those we lost in Mosul. 
 
Our Government remains fully committed towards ensuring the safety of our sisters and brothers overseas.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/976072562621886465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Moreover,&nbsp;Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh wrote to Sushma Swaraj expressing his shock on the deaths of 39 Indians and has requested for financial assistance for families of the kin, informaing&nbsp;that 24 of those deceased were from Punjab and that Rs 20,000 were already being provided to the families by the government.

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Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh writes to EAM Sushma Swaraj expressing shock on the deaths of 39 Indians in Iraq, requests for financial assistance for families of the kin <a href="https://t.co/u2Y2A9X9a8">pic.twitter.com/u2Y2A9X9a8</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976058381948645382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The sister of Manjinder Singh, who was among the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459">39 Indians killed by the Islamic State</a>&nbsp;in Iraq, demanded the DNA reports of those killed, saying that the matter has been politicised, adding that the families should be been immediately contacted with the information.

Further, she criticised Swaraj and said that all she cared about was her reputation&nbsp;and had no ounce of sorrow over the loss of lives.

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We demand from govt to provide us DNA reports. It&#39;s being politicised. We had been running from pillar to post since 4 yrs &amp; now we&#39;re being told via TV that we lost one of our own: Gurpinder Kaur,sister of Manjinder Singh who was among 39 Indians killed in Iraq&#39;s Mosul <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsar</a> <a href="https://t.co/hWMp49ROSL">pic.twitter.com/hWMp49ROSL</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976050924727783424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Yes, she was supposed to announce this in Parliament first but he was part of our family. All she cared about was her reputation. She used to say they&#39;re like her children, if that&#39;s the case where&#39;s her sorrow?: Gurpinder,sister of Manjinder Singh who was among 39 Indians killed <a href="https://t.co/VGZyj9HvGY">pic.twitter.com/VGZyj9HvGY</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976060277237125120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kaur accused her of lying about the status of her brother and said: &quot;Why did she keep saying they&#39;re alive &amp; she&#39;ll bring them back? She could&#39;ve said she&#39;ll bring them back only if they&#39;re alive. I want to see DNA reports. We&#39;ll get answers only after meeting her&quot;.

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We should have been contacted as soon as they received the information. Had that been done it would not have been such a huge blow. We feel betrayed from all sides: Gurpinder Kaur, sister of Manjinder Singh who was among 39 Indians killed
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976060281301368833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile,&nbsp;Kamaljeet Kaur, wife of Roop Lal, who was among 39 Indians killed in Iraq&#39;s Mosul, also expressed her distress over the news and said: &quot;He had left for Iraq 7 years ago. We last talked to each other in 2015. They had taken DNA samples 2-3 months back. I don&#39;t know what to say.&quot;&nbsp;

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He had left for Iraq 7 years ago. We last talked to each other in 2015. They had taken DNA samples 2-3 months back. I don&#39;t know what to say: Kamaljeet Kaur, wife of Roop Lal who was among 39 Indians killed in Iraq&#39;s Mosul (Nakodar, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a>) <a href="https://t.co/8gDgC76mpX">pic.twitter.com/8gDgC76mpX</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976052354062737409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

After informing Parliament on the deaths of 39 Indians in Mosul, Iraq, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters that the bodies of Indians weren't found in mass graves but in a mound in Badush

The 39 kidnapped Indians, who had gone missing in Iraq since 2014, are dead, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha today. Swaraj said that the Islamic State (IS) had killed all the Indian nationals. After informing Parliament on the deaths of 39 Indians in Mosul, Iraq, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters that the bodies of Indians weren't found in mass graves but in a mound in Badush. PM Modi condemned the incident and recently tweeted: "MEA and particularly my colleagues Sushma Swaraj Ji and VK Singh Ji left no stone unturned in trying to trace and safely bring back those we lost in Mosul. Our Government remains fully committed towards ensuring the safety of our sisters and brothers overseas." The MEA and particularly my colleagues @SushmaSwaraj Ji and @Gen_VKSingh Ji left no stone unturned in trying to trace and safely bring back those we lost in Mosul. Our Government remains fully committed towards ensuring the safety of our sisters and brothers overseas. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2018 × Moreover, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh wrote to Sushma Swaraj expressing his shock on the deaths of 39 Indians and has requested for financial assistance for families of the kin, informaing that 24 of those deceased were from Punjab and that Rs 20,000 were already being provided to the families by the government. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh writes to EAM Sushma Swaraj expressing shock on the deaths of 39 Indians in Iraq, requests for financial assistance for families of the kin pic.twitter.com/u2Y2A9X9a8 — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × The sister of Manjinder Singh, who was among the 39 Indians killed by the Islamic State in Iraq, demanded the DNA reports of those killed, saying that the matter has been politicised, adding that the families should be been immediately contacted with the information. Further, she criticised Swaraj and said that all she cared about was her reputation and had no ounce of sorrow over the loss of lives. We demand from govt to provide us DNA reports. It's being politicised. We had been running from pillar to post since 4 yrs & now we're being told via TV that we lost one of our own: Gurpinder Kaur,sister of Manjinder Singh who was among 39 Indians killed in Iraq's Mosul #Amritsar pic.twitter.com/hWMp49ROSL — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × Yes, she was supposed to announce this in Parliament first but he was part of our family. All she cared about was her reputation. She used to say they're like her children, if that's the case where's her sorrow?: Gurpinder,sister of Manjinder Singh who was among 39 Indians killed pic.twitter.com/VGZyj9HvGY — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × Kaur accused her of lying about the status of her brother and said: "Why did she keep saying they're alive & she'll bring them back? She could've said she'll bring them back only if they're alive. I want to see DNA reports. We'll get answers only after meeting her". We should have been contacted as soon as they received the information. Had that been done it would not have been such a huge blow. We feel betrayed from all sides: Gurpinder Kaur, sister of Manjinder Singh who was among 39 Indians killed — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × Meanwhile, Kamaljeet Kaur, wife of Roop Lal, who was among 39 Indians killed in Iraq's Mosul, also expressed her distress over the news and said: "He had left for Iraq 7 years ago. We last talked to each other in 2015. They had taken DNA samples 2-3 months back. I don't know what to say." He had left for Iraq 7 years ago. We last talked to each other in 2015. They had taken DNA samples 2-3 months back. I don't know what to say: Kamaljeet Kaur, wife of Roop Lal who was among 39 Indians killed in Iraq's Mosul (Nakodar, #Punjab) pic.twitter.com/8gDgC76mpX — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 ×

'We demand govt to provide DNA reports' families of 39 killed in Iraq express angst

The Queen actress Kangana Ranaut who is often labelled as the queen of controversies in Bollywood met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently during an event in Delhi.&nbsp;

At the event, Kangana could be seen gushing while meeting NaMo as she revealed that she is a big fan of him and considers the PM to be her role model.&nbsp;

She was quoted:&nbsp;&ldquo;I am a big Modi fan because of his success story. As a young woman, I do believe that we need to have the right role models. I mean the graph and the ambition of an ordinary man and whenever we have a PM who is a chaiwala, then I always say that it is not his victory but it is the victory of our democracy. I feel he is the right role model.&rdquo;

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There is so much power, wit &amp; flair in these pics! When <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KanganaRanaut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KanganaRanaut</a> met Hon&#39;ble <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> &amp; CBFC Chairman &amp; prolific Songwriter <a href="https://twitter.com/prasoonjoshi_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@prasoonjoshi_</a> at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/News18RisingIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#News18RisingIndia</a> Summit by <a href="https://twitter.com/CNNnews18?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNNnews18</a> <a href="https://t.co/M5n3tXMT3b">pic.twitter.com/M5n3tXMT3b</a>
&mdash; Team Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaFanClub) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaFanClub/status/975961857327616001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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At the event, Kangana also called&nbsp;herself a nationalist and also made a statement stating that she will leave her boyfriend if he is not patriotic. According to the actor, the meaning of being a nationalist is misinterpreted by people. She also stated that she would like to join politics some day and lend her services to the nation.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kangana is&nbsp;currently shooting for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-kangana-ranaut-looks-gorgeous-as-rani-laxmibai-in-new-manikarnika-photo-33733" target="_blank">Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi</a> and is working for Ekta Kapoor&#39;s film with Rajkummar Rao titled <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-mental-hai-kya-look-5-out-kangana-ranaut-rajkummar-rao-play-with-fire-35225" target="_blank">Mental Hai Kya.&nbsp;</a>

Kangana met Indian PM Narendra Modi along with CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi

The Queen actress Kangana Ranaut who is often labelled as the queen of controversies in Bollywood met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently during an event in Delhi. At the event, Kangana could be seen gushing while meeting NaMo as she revealed that she is a big fan of him and considers the PM to be her role model. She was quoted: “I am a big Modi fan because of his success story. As a young woman, I do believe that we need to have the right role models. I mean the graph and the ambition of an ordinary man and whenever we have a PM who is a chaiwala, then I always say that it is not his victory but it is the victory of our democracy. I feel he is the right role model.” There is so much power, wit & flair in these pics! When #KanganaRanaut met Hon'ble @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi & CBFC Chairman & prolific Songwriter @prasoonjoshi_ at the #News18RisingIndia Summit by @CNNnews18 pic.twitter.com/M5n3tXMT3b — Team Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaFanClub) March 20, 2018 × At the event, Kangana also called herself a nationalist and also made a statement stating that she will leave her boyfriend if he is not patriotic. According to the actor, the meaning of being a nationalist is misinterpreted by people. She also stated that she would like to join politics some day and lend her services to the nation. Meanwhile, on the work front, Kangana is currently shooting for Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi and is working for Ekta Kapoor's film with Rajkummar Rao titled Mental Hai Kya.

Kangana Ranaut on meeting PM Modi: I am a big fan of NaMo, he is the right role model

According to unpublished government data, the Modi government spent as much as rupees 35 lakh to buy and install air purifiers for Prime Minister&#39;s offices and other federal departments and government agencies like NITI Aayog between the year 2014 and 2017.&nbsp;

The country has been battling escalating air pollution over the past years with alarming levels in Delhi among other metro cities. In the wake of worsening air quality, as many as 140 air purifiers were purchased for Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s offices, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

According to Reuters, in the last three years, the home ministry spent about $20,000 (Rs 13 lakh) to buy 44 air purifiers; 25 of which were allocated for PM Modi&#39;s parliament house offices.

Reuters filed a right to information plea to which NITI Aayog responded stating that the devices were &quot;issued to officers at the level of joint secretary and equivalent and above, as per their requests&quot;.&nbsp;

Traditionally, government officials cannot really make demands for such devices, there is no federal policy allowing the same until the demands come from bureaucrats.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced an allocation of $177 million to curb air pollution resulting from crop residue burning in this year&#39;s budget. A scheme for pollution control was also outlined.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Traditionally, government officials cannot really make demands for such devices, there is no federal policy allowing the same

According to unpublished government data, the Modi government spent as much as rupees 35 lakh to buy and install air purifiers for Prime Minister's offices and other federal departments and government agencies like NITI Aayog between the year 2014 and 2017. The country has been battling escalating air pollution over the past years with alarming levels in Delhi among other metro cities. In the wake of worsening air quality, as many as 140 air purifiers were purchased for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s offices, Reuters reported. According to Reuters, in the last three years, the home ministry spent about $20,000 (Rs 13 lakh) to buy 44 air purifiers; 25 of which were allocated for PM Modi's parliament house offices. Reuters filed a right to information plea to which NITI Aayog responded stating that the devices were "issued to officers at the level of joint secretary and equivalent and above, as per their requests". Traditionally, government officials cannot really make demands for such devices, there is no federal policy allowing the same until the demands come from bureaucrats. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced an allocation of $177 million to curb air pollution resulting from crop residue burning in this year's budget. A scheme for pollution control was also outlined. (With inputs from Reuters)

Modi government spent over Rs 35 lakh on installing air purifiers in offices: Report 

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched a spirited defence of much beleaguered Congress Party and accused the Modi government of doing everything to destroy the Congress Party.

Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions.

She also reminded her colleagues that Indira Gandhi&rsquo;s victory in Chikmanglur by election paved the way to success as she won the 1980 Lok Sabha elections with a solid majority.&nbsp;

Though she did not mention Gorakhpur and Phoolpur bye-elections, the message was not missed. Strong words like &quot;draamebazi&quot; were used by Sonia Gandhi to target the government. She even accused the government of the day to weaken projects started by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Congress Party&rsquo;s political resolution also echoed the similar sentiment. Out of 12 pages, one and a half were dedicated to RSS-BJP. The resolution accused the government of systematically attacking the foundational principles of the constitution.&nbsp;

The Political resolution also charged the government subverting educational, cultural and historical institutions facilitating their capture by BJP&rsquo;s ideological affiliates. The draft also accused the government of misusing the office Governors in the state.

The resolution also stated that Congress remains opposed to simultaneous elections as it goes against the grain of the Constitution.&nbsp;Surprisingly, even the media made way for the Political Resolution.

The plenary also devoted an hour to media which was discussed by Randeep Surjewala, Kumar Ketkar, Divya Spandana, Rajeev Gowda, Sushmita Sen and Mrinal Pande. The resolution said that government is muzzling the voice of the media whereas the panelist during plenary debated the issue of neutrality and media.

Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched a spirited defence of much beleaguered Congress Party and accused the Modi government of doing everything to destroy the Congress Party. Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions. She also reminded her colleagues that Indira Gandhi’s victory in Chikmanglur by election paved the way to success as she won the 1980 Lok Sabha elections with a solid majority. Though she did not mention Gorakhpur and Phoolpur bye-elections, the message was not missed. Strong words like "draamebazi" were used by Sonia Gandhi to target the government. She even accused the government of the day to weaken projects started by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Congress Party’s political resolution also echoed the similar sentiment. Out of 12 pages, one and a half were dedicated to RSS-BJP. The resolution accused the government of systematically attacking the foundational principles of the constitution. The Political resolution also charged the government subverting educational, cultural and historical institutions facilitating their capture by BJP’s ideological affiliates. The draft also accused the government of misusing the office Governors in the state. The resolution also stated that Congress remains opposed to simultaneous elections as it goes against the grain of the Constitution. Surprisingly, even the media made way for the Political Resolution. The plenary also devoted an hour to media which was discussed by Randeep Surjewala, Kumar Ketkar, Divya Spandana, Rajeev Gowda, Sushmita Sen and Mrinal Pande. The resolution said that government is muzzling the voice of the media whereas the panelist during plenary debated the issue of neutrality and media.

Sonia accuses Modi government of 'tinkering with constitutional propriety'

Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his first address to the&nbsp;party&#39;s plenary session on Saturday said that the&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;will&nbsp;work&nbsp;for all.

He said, &quot;The nation is tired and looking for a way out, only Congress can show the way ahead&quot;.

The major focus of his address today was&nbsp;targetting&nbsp;the Modi government. He said that the youth of the country does not see&nbsp;their future with PM Modi.&nbsp;

He said, &quot;This is the only symbol (Congress party symbol) that can unite the nation and take it forward&quot;.

Referring to the BJP led NDA government, the Congress president said&nbsp;that while &quot;Congress uses love, they use&nbsp;anger&quot;.

The&nbsp;open session started today in the presence of AICC and PCC delegates and workers.&nbsp;

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Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi &amp; Manmohan Singh at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>&#39;s Indira Gandhi Stadium for Congress&#39; plenary session. <a href="https://t.co/0QtEdWENym">pic.twitter.com/0QtEdWENym</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974875390551429121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The session organised will focus on party workers than its leaders.The Congress workers will get a chance to speak in the session and&nbsp;will also be motivated to win public support for the 2019 elections.

The Congress party will unveil its political roadmap and vision for the next five years at the session.

The plenary&nbsp;session was organised at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi.&nbsp;

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Rahul Gandhi said, 'The nation is tired and looking for a way out, only Congress can show the way ahead'

Congress President Rahul Gandhi in his first address to the party's plenary session on Saturday said that the Congress will work for all. He said, "The nation is tired and looking for a way out, only Congress can show the way ahead". The major focus of his address today was targetting the Modi government. He said that the youth of the country does not see their future with PM Modi. He said, "This is the only symbol (Congress party symbol) that can unite the nation and take it forward". Referring to the BJP led NDA government, the Congress president said that while "Congress uses love, they use anger". The open session started today in the presence of AICC and PCC delegates and workers. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi & Manmohan Singh at #Delhi's Indira Gandhi Stadium for Congress' plenary session. pic.twitter.com/0QtEdWENym — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × The session organised will focus on party workers than its leaders.The Congress workers will get a chance to speak in the session and will also be motivated to win public support for the 2019 elections. The Congress party will unveil its political roadmap and vision for the next five years at the session. The plenary session was organised at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi.

Youth does not see future with PM Modi: Rahul Gandhi at Plenary session

Coming down hard on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said on Saturday that the ruling dispensation was undoing the work of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government.

&quot;The Modi government is not interested in addressing the needs of the poor. They are just ignoring and weakening the welfare programmes that we implemented it when we were in power,&quot; Sonia said while addressing party leaders at the 84th Congress plenary session, being held here.

&quot;In the last four years, this arrogant (Modi) government has left no stone unturned to destroy Congress. But Congress has never cowered down and it will never cower down,&quot; she asserted.

The former Congress president continued her tirade against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government claiming that her party was &quot;exposing fraud and corruption&quot; by the Modi government using proof.

Commenting on the rise of communal violence and lawlessness in the country under the BJP government, Sonia added, &quot;Wherever there is a non-Congress government, our friends are taking a stand against anarchy and violence in different places. They are continuing with their work and braving all of it. It is the Congress party which takes stand against injustice and raises its voice against it (violence).&quot;

Vowing to make India free from political vendetta and corruption, Sonia underscored that it was important for all to address the challenges and called for efforts to fulfill a &#39;corruption-free India&#39; under the leadership of her son and Congress President Rahul Gandhi respectively.

She also took a jibe at the BJP-led government&#39;s slogans of &#39;Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas&#39; and &#39;Na khaaoonga na khaane doona&#39;, saying that it was nothing but &quot;drama and tactic&quot; by the prime minister to garner votes.

Sonia went on to say that during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh&#39;s rule at the Centre for 10 years, India had achieved a very high economic growth.

Citing the example of late Indira Gandhi&#39;s stunning victory at Chikmagalur in Karnataka 40 years ago, the Congress veteran further said the party had to rediscover the &#39;magic&#39; of winning the next year&#39;s general elections, adding that the Congress party&#39;s victory would be equal to a victory for the country.

Sonia also praised Rahul for taking over as the Congress President at such a &#39;challenging time&#39; and underscored that under her son&#39;s leadership, the party would reach new heights.

The grand-old party at the plenary session will ratify Rahul&#39;s appointment as the Congress President and select members for the Congress Working Committee.

Vowing to make India free from political vendetta and corruption, Sonia underscored that it was important for all to address the challenges

Coming down hard on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said on Saturday that the ruling dispensation was undoing the work of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government. "The Modi government is not interested in addressing the needs of the poor. They are just ignoring and weakening the welfare programmes that we implemented it when we were in power," Sonia said while addressing party leaders at the 84th Congress plenary session, being held here. "In the last four years, this arrogant (Modi) government has left no stone unturned to destroy Congress. But Congress has never cowered down and it will never cower down," she asserted. The former Congress president continued her tirade against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government claiming that her party was "exposing fraud and corruption" by the Modi government using proof. Commenting on the rise of communal violence and lawlessness in the country under the BJP government, Sonia added, "Wherever there is a non-Congress government, our friends are taking a stand against anarchy and violence in different places. They are continuing with their work and braving all of it. It is the Congress party which takes stand against injustice and raises its voice against it (violence)." Vowing to make India free from political vendetta and corruption, Sonia underscored that it was important for all to address the challenges and called for efforts to fulfill a 'corruption-free India' under the leadership of her son and Congress President Rahul Gandhi respectively. She also took a jibe at the BJP-led government's slogans of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and 'Na khaaoonga na khaane doona', saying that it was nothing but "drama and tactic" by the prime minister to garner votes. Sonia went on to say that during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's rule at the Centre for 10 years, India had achieved a very high economic growth. Citing the example of late Indira Gandhi's stunning victory at Chikmagalur in Karnataka 40 years ago, the Congress veteran further said the party had to rediscover the 'magic' of winning the next year's general elections, adding that the Congress party's victory would be equal to a victory for the country. Sonia also praised Rahul for taking over as the Congress President at such a 'challenging time' and underscored that under her son's leadership, the party would reach new heights. The grand-old party at the plenary session will ratify Rahul's appointment as the Congress President and select members for the Congress Working Committee.

PM Modi govt weakening UPA's welfare schemes: Sonia Gandhi

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday called out PM Modi saying that it was a two-minute job for him to solve the sealing crisis in Delhi.&nbsp;

He reiterated that if there was no solution for the sealing issue till 31 March, he would sit on a hunger strike in support of city traders.&nbsp;

&ldquo;I wrote to PM Modi seeking time on sealing issue but he never responded, it is a two-minute job for him to solve this crises&quot;, Kejriwal said in assembly on the first day of the budget session. &ldquo;If sealing is not stopped by March 31st, we will sit on strike with the traders,&rdquo; he added.

Kejriwal, last week, &nbsp;wrote to the prime minister and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, seeking time for a meeting to resolve the sealing issue.

In the letter, Kejriwal mentioned that &quot;the reasons behind the sealing are anomalies in the law and it is the Centre&#39;s responsibility to remove the anomalies.&quot;

He stressed over the depleting condition of traders in the state, adding that they are on the verge of starvation and unemployment will impact law and order. &nbsp;

&quot;A Bill has to be brought in Parliament to remove anomalies in the law and save traders from unemployment,&quot; he said.

Meanwhile, addressing traders in Delhi&rsquo;s Gandhi Nagar, Kejriwal attacked the centre, saying that when it can support an ordinance on Jallikattu, why cannot it bring the ordinance on sealing to give a relief to traders from the drive.

&ldquo;You (Centre) bring an ordinance on small-small things. When you (Centre) can bring an ordinance on Jallikattu, but why cannot you bring the ordinance to give relief to traders of Delhi from the sealing drive? &ldquo;We don&rsquo;t have any objection with it (Jallikattu)...I request the Centre to do whatever it can do to stop the sealing,&rdquo; the chief minister said.

About 2,490 properties were sealed in the national capital by the four local bodies since December for violation of Delhi&#39;s Master Plan 2021, the parliament was informed on Thursday.

Kejriwal said that in next two-three days, the government will submit a survey report on 351 roads, submitted by municipal corporations, to the Supreme Court and once the city administration gets nod, it would issue a notification to ensure that there is no sealing on these roads in future.

'I wrote to PM Modi seeking time on sealing issue but he never responded, it is a two-minute job for him to solve this crises. If sealing is not stopped by March 31st, we will sit on strike with the traders,' he said

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday called out PM Modi saying that it was a two-minute job for him to solve the sealing crisis in Delhi. He reiterated that if there was no solution for the sealing issue till 31 March, he would sit on a hunger strike in support of city traders. “I wrote to PM Modi seeking time on sealing issue but he never responded, it is a two-minute job for him to solve this crises", Kejriwal said in assembly on the first day of the budget session. “If sealing is not stopped by March 31st, we will sit on strike with the traders,” he added. Kejriwal, last week, wrote to the prime minister and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, seeking time for a meeting to resolve the sealing issue. In the letter, Kejriwal mentioned that "the reasons behind the sealing are anomalies in the law and it is the Centre's responsibility to remove the anomalies." He stressed over the depleting condition of traders in the state, adding that they are on the verge of starvation and unemployment will impact law and order. "A Bill has to be brought in Parliament to remove anomalies in the law and save traders from unemployment," he said. Meanwhile, addressing traders in Delhi’s Gandhi Nagar, Kejriwal attacked the centre, saying that when it can support an ordinance on Jallikattu, why cannot it bring the ordinance on sealing to give a relief to traders from the drive. “You (Centre) bring an ordinance on small-small things. When you (Centre) can bring an ordinance on Jallikattu, but why cannot you bring the ordinance to give relief to traders of Delhi from the sealing drive? “We don’t have any objection with it (Jallikattu)...I request the Centre to do whatever it can do to stop the sealing,” the chief minister said. About 2,490 properties were sealed in the national capital by the four local bodies since December for violation of Delhi's Master Plan 2021, the parliament was informed on Thursday. Kejriwal said that in next two-three days, the government will submit a survey report on 351 roads, submitted by municipal corporations, to the Supreme Court and once the city administration gets nod, it would issue a notification to ensure that there is no sealing on these roads in future.

Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal threatens to sit in on strike again

A trial court in Jharkhand on Friday convicted 11 people accused in a cow vigilantism-related murder case.&nbsp;

Reports say that the sentencing will be held on March 20. All of the 11 accused &ndash; including a local BJP leader &ndash; were convicted under IPC Section 302 (murder). In addition, three of them were convicted under Section 120B (conspiracy) &ndash; suggesting that the court was convinced that the attack was pre-planned.

As per reports the accused will be appealing the conviction. This is the first ever incident where a conviction case has been filed against violence in the name of cow protection anywhere in India. &nbsp;

Last year, a mob of more than 100 people in Jharkhand&rsquo;s Ramgarh district lynched a 45-year-old Muslim trader on the suspicion of carrying beef in his car.&nbsp;

The man was beaten to death in the Bazaar Tand area of Ramgarh district. His van was set on fire too.

The incident happened on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against mob attacks on cattle traders, beef-eaters and dairy farmers, saying killing people in the name of protecting cows is unacceptable.

Meanwhile, last week, police seized over 30 kgs of meat, suspected to be beef, while it was being transported by an auto rickshaw to a hotel in Chandwa, Latehar district.&nbsp;

The police also arrested the driver and also booked the hotel owner and sealed the hotel.

Last year, a mob of more than 100 people in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district lynched a 45-year-old Muslim trader on the suspicion of carrying beef in his car

A trial court in Jharkhand on Friday convicted 11 people accused in a cow vigilantism-related murder case. Reports say that the sentencing will be held on March 20. All of the 11 accused – including a local BJP leader – were convicted under IPC Section 302 (murder). In addition, three of them were convicted under Section 120B (conspiracy) – suggesting that the court was convinced that the attack was pre-planned. As per reports the accused will be appealing the conviction. This is the first ever incident where a conviction case has been filed against violence in the name of cow protection anywhere in India. Last year, a mob of more than 100 people in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district lynched a 45-year-old Muslim trader on the suspicion of carrying beef in his car. The man was beaten to death in the Bazaar Tand area of Ramgarh district. His van was set on fire too. The incident happened on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against mob attacks on cattle traders, beef-eaters and dairy farmers, saying killing people in the name of protecting cows is unacceptable. Meanwhile, last week, police seized over 30 kgs of meat, suspected to be beef, while it was being transported by an auto rickshaw to a hotel in Chandwa, Latehar district. The police also arrested the driver and also booked the hotel owner and sealed the hotel.

Jharkhand court convicts 11 in gau raksha murder case

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