Premium saffron costs up to Rs 1,000 per gram due to intense manual labour. Producing one kilogramme requires 150,000 hand-picked flowers, harvested within a 3-week window.


Why is this world's most expensive spice worth more than gold?

Many Afghan women find solace in the saffron industry, which provides a way to support their families and earn a living. Over 80 percent of the Saffron harvest activities are performed by women in the country. Watch this report for more details!

Saffron Companies Rely on Afghan Women to Harvest the Flowers

Bumper saffron harvest after 10 years, farmers in Kashmir elated. The saffron fields in the valley have transformed into a purple canvas and are providing a visual treat for the local residents and tourists.

India: Saffron farmers in Kashmir elated as they claim bumper crop after 10 years | World DNA

Bumper saffron harvest after 10 years, farmers in Kashmir elated

Kashmir: Bumper saffron harvest after 10 years, farmers in Kashmir elated

In Pics: Kashmir celebrates bumper saffron harvest, breaking decade-long record

It's after a decade that Kashmir's saffron farmers are overjoyed with the saffron produce this year. Farmers are calling it a bumper harvest as the production has surpassed the record for the last ten years. The saffron fields in the valley have turned into an expansive purple canvas and it's a treat for the eyes of locals as well as tourists.&nbsp;

The Pampore area in South Kashmir's Pulwama district also known as the Saffron town is one of the main producers of saffron in Kashmir Valley. Thousands of families in this area are associated with the world's best and most expensive spice. And these days all these families are busy plucking the saffron flowers from the fields.&nbsp;

Kashmir has more than 3700 hectares of land under the cultivation of saffron. The Pampore area in Pulwama is the main hub for growing saffron. Although now it's being cultivated across different districts of Kashmir valley as well. Farmers in Pampore are extremely happy about the crop this year.

''This year, there has been a bumper crop after more than 8-10 years.&nbsp;We haven't seen this kind of crop in so many years. A lot of farmers had no hope that the crop would be any better than previous years but it has surpassed all our expectations. Saffron is a livelihood for all of us living in the area. People had shifted to other jobs but this year the environmental factors were great. The rain played a major role due to which we got the bumper crop after a decade,'' said Dr Ubaid Bashir, Owner PariMahal Saffrons.

The tourists visiting the valley are stopping at these saffron farms to experience the process of saffron farming in the Valley. A lot of tourists are buying the saffron from these farms as well.

''It's such a great experience for us. We have always consumed saffron but now we know why it is so expensive. It takes a lot of hard work to grow saffron. It's a flower and only a few strands come out from one flower, it's a very unique experience. It's for the first time we are seeing Kashmiri saffron farms as it's called the best saffron in the world,'' said Sandeep, a tourist.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;tourists are appreciative of the farmers growing saffron in the Valley. Saffron is used on&nbsp;a lot of occasions in India. Whether it's the puja or making sweets for the festivals,&nbsp;its use is considered very auspicious.

''All our festivals, especially Diwali, use a lot of saffron. We have been using Kashmiri saffron daily, especially putting in milk for our kids. We are so happy to see the farms today and it's a unique experience,'' said Hetal, a tourist.&nbsp;

GI tag has benefitted the saffron farmers with quality control as well as the pricing.

It's after a decade that Kashmir's saffron farmers are overjoyed with the saffron produce this year. Farmers are calling it a bumper harvest as the production has surpassed the record for the last ten years.

It's after a decade that Kashmir's saffron farmers are overjoyed with the saffron produce this year. Farmers are calling it a bumper harvest as the production has surpassed the record for the last ten years. The saffron fields in the valley have turned into an expansive purple canvas and it's a treat for the eyes of locals as well as tourists. The Pampore area in South Kashmir's Pulwama district also known as the Saffron town is one of the main producers of saffron in Kashmir Valley. Thousands of families in this area are associated with the world's best and most expensive spice. And these days all these families are busy plucking the saffron flowers from the fields. Kashmir has more than 3700 hectares of land under the cultivation of saffron. The Pampore area in Pulwama is the main hub for growing saffron. Although now it's being cultivated across different districts of Kashmir valley as well. Farmers in Pampore are extremely happy about the crop this year. ''This year, there has been a bumper crop after more than 8-10 years. We haven't seen this kind of crop in so many years. A lot of farmers had no hope that the crop would be any better than previous years but it has surpassed all our expectations. Saffron is a livelihood for all of us living in the area. People had shifted to other jobs but this year the environmental factors were great. The rain played a major role due to which we got the bumper crop after a decade,'' said Dr Ubaid Bashir, Owner PariMahal Saffrons. The tourists visiting the valley are stopping at these saffron farms to experience the process of saffron farming in the Valley. A lot of tourists are buying the saffron from these farms as well. ''It's such a great experience for us. We have always consumed saffron but now we know why it is so expensive. It takes a lot of hard work to grow saffron. It's a flower and only a few strands come out from one flower, it's a very unique experience. It's for the first time we are seeing Kashmiri saffron farms as it's called the best saffron in the world,'' said Sandeep, a tourist. The tourists are appreciative of the farmers growing saffron in the Valley. Saffron is used on a lot of occasions in India. Whether it's the puja or making sweets for the festivals, its use is considered very auspicious. ''All our festivals, especially Diwali, use a lot of saffron. We have been using Kashmiri saffron daily, especially putting in milk for our kids. We are so happy to see the farms today and it's a unique experience,'' said Hetal, a tourist. GI tag has benefitted the saffron farmers with quality control as well as the pricing.

Kashmir: Bumper saffron harvest after a decade, farmers joyous

The Kashmir government plans to implement a new export policy in the state that will boost the export of the Kashmiri Saffron. The state government has shortlisted 60 countries where the demand for Kashmiri saffron is good.

India: Kashmir govt to introduce new export policy to boost export of saffron

The Kashmiri saffron is famous across the world and Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest producer. Now, the state government aims to further boost saffron production with its new export policy.

The government has shortlisted 60 countries where the demand for Kashmiri saffron is huge.

Saffron, also known as red gold, is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Currently, saffron is cultivated on only 4,000 hectares of land. Experts say that Kashmiri saffron is one of the best in quality and with the implementation of the new export policy, it has the potential to beat the Iranian saffron.

The Department of Agriculture says that within the next two months, the new export policy would be implemented and will provide a big boost for the saffron growers of the valley.&nbsp;

''The saffron from Kashmir Valley is famous. One of the reasons why is it considered the best in quality is because of the favourable climatic conditions it is grown in. While we have been working on increasing the production of saffron, we are also focussing on the export policy, wherein&nbsp;we shortlisted countries where we can sell our produce. Dubai, America and Israel are one of the largest buyers of Kashmir saffron,'' said Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, Director, the Department of Agriculture, Kashmir.&nbsp;

Saffron is used in cosmetics, food, and medicines, and is also used for rituals. After the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, symbolising its exclusivity in the international market, the prices for Kashmiri saffron have grown tremendously. Earlier, it used to sell for 60,000 rupees, whereas now it fetches around Rs 2,50,000.

Since the last decade, the area under the saffron cultivation has shrunk from 5,000 hectares to 4000. And around 90 per cent of the cultivation comes from the Pampore area of Pulwama district.&nbsp;Under the new export policy, the government has identified other districts where the land is suitable for saffron farming.

''The data does show that the saffron cultivation area has shrunk, but what we are doing is slowly expanding in the other areas. We want to secure the heritage crop and make sure to increase the space and identify those areas which have the best climatic conditions for the cultivation of saffron,'' Iqbal said.&nbsp;

The government hopes that with the new export policy, more people take up saffron cultivation.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Kashmiri saffron is famous across the world and Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest producer. Now, the state government aims to further boost saffron production with its new export policy.

The Kashmiri saffron is famous across the world and Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest producer. Now, the state government aims to further boost saffron production with its new export policy. The government has shortlisted 60 countries where the demand for Kashmiri saffron is huge. Saffron, also known as red gold, is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Currently, saffron is cultivated on only 4,000 hectares of land. Experts say that Kashmiri saffron is one of the best in quality and with the implementation of the new export policy, it has the potential to beat the Iranian saffron. The Department of Agriculture says that within the next two months, the new export policy would be implemented and will provide a big boost for the saffron growers of the valley. ''The saffron from Kashmir Valley is famous. One of the reasons why is it considered the best in quality is because of the favourable climatic conditions it is grown in. While we have been working on increasing the production of saffron, we are also focussing on the export policy, wherein we shortlisted countries where we can sell our produce. Dubai, America and Israel are one of the largest buyers of Kashmir saffron,'' said Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, Director, the Department of Agriculture, Kashmir. Saffron is used in cosmetics, food, and medicines, and is also used for rituals. After the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, symbolising its exclusivity in the international market, the prices for Kashmiri saffron have grown tremendously. Earlier, it used to sell for 60,000 rupees, whereas now it fetches around Rs 2,50,000. Since the last decade, the area under the saffron cultivation has shrunk from 5,000 hectares to 4000. And around 90 per cent of the cultivation comes from the Pampore area of Pulwama district. Under the new export policy, the government has identified other districts where the land is suitable for saffron farming. ''The data does show that the saffron cultivation area has shrunk, but what we are doing is slowly expanding in the other areas. We want to secure the heritage crop and make sure to increase the space and identify those areas which have the best climatic conditions for the cultivation of saffron,'' Iqbal said. The government hopes that with the new export policy, more people take up saffron cultivation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Under new export policy, Kashmiri saffron to be exported to over 60 countries

There is good news for the saffron farmers in the Kashmir Valley this year. It's a bumper harvest of saffron in the valley which has brought happiness among the saffron growers of Kashmir.

Bumper saffron harvest cheers up farmers in Kashmir region

The bumper Harvest of Saffron in the Kashmir Valley this year has brought cheer to its farmers, our correspondent Idrees Lone brings this story from Pampore.

India: Farmers cheer over healthy Saffron cultivation in Kashmir

There is good news for the saffron farmers in the Kashmir Valley this year. It's a bumper harvest of saffron in the valley which has brought happiness among the saffron growers of Kashmir. Farmers say that the production is double pf what it was last year.&nbsp;

Thousands of families are associated with saffron farming in the Kashmir region. They&nbsp;are busy plucking the saffron flowers from the fields.

<img alt="Saffron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15172255-1ef9-4216-9587-9050ad609f2d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Image%20%283%29.jpg" />

Kashmir has more than 3700 hectares of land under the cultivation of saffron. The Pampore area in Pulwama is the main hub for growing saffron. However, the spice is now being cultivated across different districts of Kashmir valley as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"As compared to last year, the production this year is twice of what it was the previous year. Adequate rain at the proper time helped&nbsp;and that's why we had the best production. This is much better than the previous year. The GI tag is good for us, and will benefit us. It makes sure the purest Kashmiri saffron is sold in the market,'' said Farhad, a saffron farmer.&nbsp;

<img alt="Saffron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="426f095e-a788-458c-a62a-2e17e55a6510" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/se.jpg" />

The tourists visiting the valley are stopping at the saffron farms to see how it is grown. A lot of tourists are buying saffron from the farms as well.

''With the grace of God, the crop is much better this year than what we had hoped for. We have been harvesting for days and you can see this farm was harvested yesterday and today. There is so much to be picked as well. This whole place is dependent on saffron as we grow most of the saffron from the Kashmir region," said Nasir Hamid, another saffron farmer.&nbsp;

"GI tagging is beneficial for us, but we have seen a lot of non-Kashmiri products being sold across India on Kashmir name and that needs to be stopped. Although GI tagging has not reached ground level farmers. The tourists visit our farms, and they see with their own eyes how we grow saffron. This also makes sure they believe the authenticity of the saffron from here. The world's best saffron is grown in the Kashmir valley and demand for it has been good," he added.&nbsp;

The tourists are appreciative of the farmers growing saffron in the valley. It is a unique experience for them to see the saffron farms.

''It is a unique experience, we come from Pune&nbsp;and don't get to see all this. Saffron is expensive and seeing its farming was a great experience. Kashmiri saffron is the best and is known all over the world. It provides great fragrance and taste to dishes," said Vikrant, a tourist.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/two-migrant-laborers-shot-dead-in-shopian-in-south-kashmir-526413">Two migrant laborers shot dead in Shopian in south Kashmir</a>

Saffron is used on numerous occasions in India. The use of saffron in&nbsp;puja and making sweets for festivals is considered&nbsp;auspicious.&nbsp;

''We have come to see saffron farming as we use it in so many things, while making sweets, and during Puja. It is considered very auspicious. I am seeing the saffron flower for the first time. All sweets like shrikhand are made with it," said Preeti, another tourist.&nbsp;

The saffron farmers have been demanding that the rates of saffron should be revised. With everything becoming expensive in the market and the process involved in growing and processing the saffron becoming costlier as well, the saffron farmers say the rates need to be increased for them to sustain.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe> &nbsp;

There is good news for the saffron farmers in the Kashmir Valley this year. It's a bumper harvest of saffron in the valley which has brought happiness among the saffron growers of Kashmir. Farmers say that the production is double pf what it was last year. Thousands of families are associated with saffron farming in the Kashmir region. They are busy plucking the saffron flowers from the fields. Kashmir has more than 3700 hectares of land under the cultivation of saffron. The Pampore area in Pulwama is the main hub for growing saffron. However, the spice is now being cultivated across different districts of Kashmir valley as well. "As compared to last year, the production this year is twice of what it was the previous year. Adequate rain at the proper time helped and that's why we had the best production. This is much better than the previous year. The GI tag is good for us, and will benefit us. It makes sure the purest Kashmiri saffron is sold in the market,'' said Farhad, a saffron farmer. The tourists visiting the valley are stopping at the saffron farms to see how it is grown. A lot of tourists are buying saffron from the farms as well. ''With the grace of God, the crop is much better this year than what we had hoped for. We have been harvesting for days and you can see this farm was harvested yesterday and today. There is so much to be picked as well. This whole place is dependent on saffron as we grow most of the saffron from the Kashmir region," said Nasir Hamid, another saffron farmer. "GI tagging is beneficial for us, but we have seen a lot of non-Kashmiri products being sold across India on Kashmir name and that needs to be stopped. Although GI tagging has not reached ground level farmers. The tourists visit our farms, and they see with their own eyes how we grow saffron. This also makes sure they believe the authenticity of the saffron from here. The world's best saffron is grown in the Kashmir valley and demand for it has been good," he added. The tourists are appreciative of the farmers growing saffron in the valley. It is a unique experience for them to see the saffron farms. ''It is a unique experience, we come from Pune and don't get to see all this. Saffron is expensive and seeing its farming was a great experience. Kashmiri saffron is the best and is known all over the world. It provides great fragrance and taste to dishes," said Vikrant, a tourist. ALSO WATCH: Two migrant laborers shot dead in Shopian in south Kashmir Saffron is used on numerous occasions in India. The use of saffron in puja and making sweets for festivals is considered auspicious. ''We have come to see saffron farming as we use it in so many things, while making sweets, and during Puja. It is considered very auspicious. I am seeing the saffron flower for the first time. All sweets like shrikhand are made with it," said Preeti, another tourist. The saffron farmers have been demanding that the rates of saffron should be revised. With everything becoming expensive in the market and the process involved in growing and processing the saffron becoming costlier as well, the saffron farmers say the rates need to be increased for them to sustain. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Bumper saffron harvest in Kashmir region. Farmers happy with abundant production

After years, the saffron farmers of Kashmir valley are happy. It's a bumper crop this year. The late rains across the Kashmir Valley, have helped the farmers with the best produce after a long time.&nbsp;

Farmers associated with saffron are busy plucking the saffron flowers from the fields. Around 3700 hectares of land are being used for the cultivation of the crop. The Pampore area in Pulwama is the main hub, although now the crop is being cultivated across different districts of Kashmir valley as well.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/life-to-net-zero-emissions-key-takeaways-from-pm-modis-historic-cop26-speech-426012" hreflang="en">'LIFE' to 'net zero emissions: Key takeaways from PM Modi's historic COP26 speech</a>

''It's a good harvest this season, the produce is much better than the previous years. It was really less in the last 5-6 years, but this year due to rainfall it is a good harvest. Kashmir saffron is of the best quality and it has a lot of medicinal properties. We are hoping that the government will help us to market the saffron. The GI Tag will help us a lot. The rains are the main factor for the increase in the produce'' says a farmer, Zahoor Ahmad Kuchay.&nbsp;

The farmers have been demanding that the rates of saffron should be revised. With everything becoming expensive in the market and also the process involved in growing and processing saffron, the saffron farmers say the rates need to be increased for them to sustain.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-appeals-to-farmers-not-to-hoard-fertilisers-425948" hreflang="en">Government appeals to farmers not to hoard fertilisers</a>

''This year the produce is much better than last year. We are hopeful the market will grow since we have a lot of production this year. The saffron rates are not growing, and we want the government to intervene to increase the rates. It's very expensive to grow saffron and we need the government to revise the rates. We have been demanding it for a long time now&nbsp;'' said Sahil Ahmad Yatoo, Farmer.&nbsp;

The tourists coming to Kashmir Valley are visiting these saffron farms. For some of them, this was their first exposure to saffron farming and they were impressed with the farmers' efforts.&nbsp;

''I am seeing it for the first time. Kashmir is famous for saffron and I am getting happy to see the saffron flowers. It's beautiful and now I see how difficult it is to grow. Salute to the farmers who are growing it. We use it in making desserts, pregnant women have it. It has a lot of nutritional value. '' said Rukesh, Tourist.&nbsp;

The government has also begun GI tagging Kashmir Saffron, which will boost sales of saffron across the world.&nbsp;

After years, the saffron farmers of Kashmir valley are happy. It's a bumper crop this year. The late rains across the Kashmir Valley, have helped the farmers with the best produce after a long time.

After years, the saffron farmers of Kashmir valley are happy. It's a bumper crop this year. The late rains across the Kashmir Valley, have helped the farmers with the best produce after a long time. Farmers associated with saffron are busy plucking the saffron flowers from the fields. Around 3700 hectares of land are being used for the cultivation of the crop. The Pampore area in Pulwama is the main hub, although now the crop is being cultivated across different districts of Kashmir valley as well. Also read | 'LIFE' to 'net zero emissions: Key takeaways from PM Modi's historic COP26 speech ''It's a good harvest this season, the produce is much better than the previous years. It was really less in the last 5-6 years, but this year due to rainfall it is a good harvest. Kashmir saffron is of the best quality and it has a lot of medicinal properties. We are hoping that the government will help us to market the saffron. The GI Tag will help us a lot. The rains are the main factor for the increase in the produce'' says a farmer, Zahoor Ahmad Kuchay. The farmers have been demanding that the rates of saffron should be revised. With everything becoming expensive in the market and also the process involved in growing and processing saffron, the saffron farmers say the rates need to be increased for them to sustain. Also read | Government appeals to farmers not to hoard fertilisers ''This year the produce is much better than last year. We are hopeful the market will grow since we have a lot of production this year. The saffron rates are not growing, and we want the government to intervene to increase the rates. It's very expensive to grow saffron and we need the government to revise the rates. We have been demanding it for a long time now '' said Sahil Ahmad Yatoo, Farmer. The tourists coming to Kashmir Valley are visiting these saffron farms. For some of them, this was their first exposure to saffron farming and they were impressed with the farmers' efforts. ''I am seeing it for the first time. Kashmir is famous for saffron and I am getting happy to see the saffron flowers. It's beautiful and now I see how difficult it is to grow. Salute to the farmers who are growing it. We use it in making desserts, pregnant women have it. It has a lot of nutritional value. '' said Rukesh, Tourist. The government has also begun GI tagging Kashmir Saffron, which will boost sales of saffron across the world.

After years Kashmir sees a bumper harvest of saffron

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday continued with the tradition of sporting bright-coloured turbans for his Independence Day speeches, and chose a saffron and cream headgear for the second I-Day address of his second term, and seventh consecutive address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

The off-white saafa with broad streak of orange had a long tail, imparting the prime minister a royal look for the I-Day ceremony.

The prime minister paired the 'saafa' with a half-sleeve kurta and a fitted churidar. He also wore a white scarf with a saffron border that he used to cover his mouth and nose in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dedicates-74th-independence-day-address-to-corona-warriors-security-forces-320685">Also read | PM Modi dedicates 74th Independence Day address to corona warriors, security forces</a>

Last year, PM Modi sported a multi-coloured turban as he gave his sixth Independence Day speech after returning to power for a second term with a thumping majority.

For his maiden Independence Day in 2014, he had opted for a bright red Jodhpuri bandhej turban with green at the tail. In 2015, he chose a yellow turban covered with multi-coloured criss-cross lines, and a tie and dye turban in hues of pink and yellow in 2016.

The prime minister's turban for 2017 was a mix of bright red and yellow with criss-crossed golden lines all over. He donned a saffron turban for his appearance at the Red Fort in 2018.

From a bright red bandhani turban from Kutch to a mustard Rajasthani 'safa', Modi's eye-catching turbans have been a highlight of his Republic Day appearances too.

Known otherwise to witness a bustling crowd, the annual grand Independence Day event at the Red Fort was scaled down this year in keeping with prescribed safety protocols to contain the spread of COVID-19 that has wreaked havoc across the world.

(with inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday continued with the tradition of sporting bright-coloured turbans for his Independence Day speeches, and chose a saffron and cream headgear for the second I-Day address of his second term, and seventh consecutive address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday continued with the tradition of sporting bright-coloured turbans for his Independence Day speeches, and chose a saffron and cream headgear for the second I-Day address of his second term, and seventh consecutive address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The off-white saafa with broad streak of orange had a long tail, imparting the prime minister a royal look for the I-Day ceremony. The prime minister paired the 'saafa' with a half-sleeve kurta and a fitted churidar. He also wore a white scarf with a saffron border that he used to cover his mouth and nose in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Also read | PM Modi dedicates 74th Independence Day address to corona warriors, security forces Last year, PM Modi sported a multi-coloured turban as he gave his sixth Independence Day speech after returning to power for a second term with a thumping majority. For his maiden Independence Day in 2014, he had opted for a bright red Jodhpuri bandhej turban with green at the tail. In 2015, he chose a yellow turban covered with multi-coloured criss-cross lines, and a tie and dye turban in hues of pink and yellow in 2016. The prime minister's turban for 2017 was a mix of bright red and yellow with criss-crossed golden lines all over. He donned a saffron turban for his appearance at the Red Fort in 2018. From a bright red bandhani turban from Kutch to a mustard Rajasthani 'safa', Modi's eye-catching turbans have been a highlight of his Republic Day appearances too. Known otherwise to witness a bustling crowd, the annual grand Independence Day event at the Red Fort was scaled down this year in keeping with prescribed safety protocols to contain the spread of COVID-19 that has wreaked havoc across the world. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Modi continues 'saafa' tradition; sports a saffron and off-white headgear during I-Day address

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Attack on Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel continues, several dead Four heavily-armed gunmen raided Kabul`s landmark Intercontinental Hotel on Saturday, shooting at guests and staff and setting the building on fire, officials said, in an hours-long assault that is still ongoing. Local television channel Tolo News is reporting that at least 15 people have been killed or wounded. Delhi fire kills 17: Owner had plastic factory licence, was running cracker storage unit One person was taken into custody on Saturday after a major fire broke out in Delhi's Bawana industrial area killing 17 people, including 10 women, and injuring two. A case has been registered and the co-owner of the unit, Manoj Jain has been apprehended, the Rohini Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajneesh Gupta informed. Now, parks, dividers in Lucknow painted saffron As a part of the Uttar Pradesh government's saffronisation drive, several parks and dividers in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar were on Saturday painted saffron by the Municipal Corporation. From Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's office to various other spots, the colour has become a defining feature of the state. 'Death by negligence' case against policemen who refused help to accident victims A case of "causing death by negligence" was registered on Saturday against three policemen who allegedly denied medical help to two accident victims. The policemen, who refused to take the two teenage youth to the hospital in Saharanpur in their patrol car because of their unwillingness to "soil car with blood", were earlier suspended on Saturday. 1 year of Trump: Protesters flock in droves to women's marches Protestors took to the streets en masse across the United States Saturday, hoisting anti-Donald Trump placards, banging drums and donning pink hats for a second Women's March opposing the president -- one year to the day of his inauguration. Hundreds of thousands of marchers assembled in Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Chicago, Denver, Boston and other cities nationwide, many donning the famous pink knit "pussy hats" -- a reference to Trump's videotaped boasts of his license to grope women without repercussions.

WION morning news brief, January 21, 2018

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat hoisted the Indian flag this morning at a school in Kerala&#39;s Palakkad. Which really should not make the news but Bhagwat and the Kerala government have had a long-running feud over the hosting of the tricolour.&nbsp;

Bhagwat had defied a government order last year by hoisting the flag at a government-aided school in Kerala, again in Palakkad.&nbsp;

This year, the Kerala government had on January 17 said only the heads of institutions were to hoist the flag on Republic Day.&nbsp;But Bhagwat got around the directive with the RSS saying the school he hoisted the flag at this time around was not government-aided but run by the Sangh.&nbsp;

&quot;This is not a government or aided school. The school management will decide who has to hoist the flag,&quot; RSS&nbsp;state coordinator KK Balram told PTI. &quot;The government circular is not binding on us as it is a private school.&quot;&nbsp;

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Ours is a CBSE affiliated school &amp; not state supported. Nowhere it is prohibited,any citizen can hoist the National Flag : Devan Gopal, Principal of School where RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat unfurled the tricolour. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a> <a href="https://t.co/eUsbBn65ku">pic.twitter.com/eUsbBn65ku</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956797032823324673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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At the ceremony though, Bhagwat said the sort of things that usually find him in the news.&nbsp;

A symbol of the Hindu religion -- the colour saffron -- he said, appeared on the top of the flag.&nbsp;

The wheel at the centre, he said, was again a symbol of the Hindu&nbsp;religion.&nbsp;

And, he added, religion is the very foundation of life

A more common interpretation -- of the kind most Indian children learn in school -- of the three colours of the India flag goes something like this: the top saffron band symbolises the country&#39;s strength and courage, the middle white band symbolises peace and truth.&nbsp;And the bottom green band symbolises India&#39;s fertility, and auspiciousness.

Kerala and Mohan Bhagwat have had a long-running feud over the hoisting of the Indian flag

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat hoisted the Indian flag this morning at a school in Kerala's Palakkad. Which really should not make the news but Bhagwat and the Kerala government have had a long-running feud over the hosting of the tricolour. Bhagwat had defied a government order last year by hoisting the flag at a government-aided school in Kerala, again in Palakkad. This year, the Kerala government had on January 17 said only the heads of institutions were to hoist the flag on Republic Day. But Bhagwat got around the directive with the RSS saying the school he hoisted the flag at this time around was not government-aided but run by the Sangh. "This is not a government or aided school. The school management will decide who has to hoist the flag," RSS state coordinator KK Balram told PTI. "The government circular is not binding on us as it is a private school." Ours is a CBSE affiliated school & not state supported. Nowhere it is prohibited,any citizen can hoist the National Flag : Devan Gopal, Principal of School where RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat unfurled the tricolour. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/eUsbBn65ku — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2018 × At the ceremony though, Bhagwat said the sort of things that usually find him in the news. A symbol of the Hindu religion -- the colour saffron -- he said, appeared on the top of the flag. The wheel at the centre, he said, was again a symbol of the Hindu religion. And, he added, religion is the very foundation of life A more common interpretation -- of the kind most Indian children learn in school -- of the three colours of the India flag goes something like this: the top saffron band symbolises the country's strength and courage, the middle white band symbolises peace and truth. And the bottom green band symbolises India's fertility, and auspiciousness.

RSS chief gets around Kerala government's order, hoists tricolour at Sangh-run school

Putting an end to speculation about him joining hands with Superstar Rajinikanth to form an alliance, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said that there was a hue of saffron in Rajini&#39;s politics and unless that changes, there won&#39;t be any alliance.&nbsp;

While speaking at Harvard University, Haasan said,&#39;&#39;Alliance with Rajinikanth is unlikely as of now. He further said &#39;&#39;I hope Rajinikanth&#39;s politics is not saffron.&#39;&#39;

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There is a hue of saffron in Rajni&#39;s politics. If that doesn&#39;t change then I don&#39;t see an alliance with him. We are good friends but politics is different: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KamalHaasan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KamalHaasan</a> (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/UnUpBYLxQ5">pic.twitter.com/UnUpBYLxQ5</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/962540273006981120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&#39;&#39;There is a hue of saffron in Rajini&#39;s politics. If that doesn&#39;t change then I don&#39;t see an alliance with him. We are good friends but politics is different,&#39;&#39; news agency ANI reported quoting Haasan.&nbsp;

Speculation has been rife over an alliance between the two after both announced their plunge into politics.&nbsp;

When asked about forming an alliance with Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth recently responded in his inimitable filmy style saying &#39;&#39;only time will answer this question&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;

Haasan is likely to announce his political party&rsquo;s name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day. Christened &#39;&#39;Naalai Namadhe&#39;&#39;, the tour will see the actor-turned-politician crisscrossing the state to take stock of the issues faced by the people of Tamil Nadu. &nbsp;

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Let&rsquo;s join hands to build a sustainable village. New TN begins with you. Visit <a href="https://t.co/aHwGLWPlEJ">https://t.co/aHwGLWPlEJ</a> to volunteer #naalainamadhe#maiam#TamilPride
&mdash; Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/962537634437521408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The tour will be held in phases. The actor will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram &mdash; his hometown &mdash; and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai.

In January, Rajinikanth had extended his wishes to Haasan for announcing his political debut. &ldquo;I wish him all the best,&rdquo; 67-year-old had said.

Kamal Haasan also greeted &nbsp;Rajinikanth when he made an announcement about his political ambitions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Speculation has been rife over an alliance between the two after both announced their plunge into politics

Putting an end to speculation about him joining hands with Superstar Rajinikanth to form an alliance, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said that there was a hue of saffron in Rajini's politics and unless that changes, there won't be any alliance. While speaking at Harvard University, Haasan said,''Alliance with Rajinikanth is unlikely as of now. He further said ''I hope Rajinikanth's politics is not saffron.'' There is a hue of saffron in Rajni's politics. If that doesn't change then I don't see an alliance with him. We are good friends but politics is different: #KamalHaasan (file pic) pic.twitter.com/UnUpBYLxQ5 — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2018 × ''There is a hue of saffron in Rajini's politics. If that doesn't change then I don't see an alliance with him. We are good friends but politics is different,'' news agency ANI reported quoting Haasan. Speculation has been rife over an alliance between the two after both announced their plunge into politics. When asked about forming an alliance with Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth recently responded in his inimitable filmy style saying ''only time will answer this question''. Haasan is likely to announce his political party’s name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day. Christened ''Naalai Namadhe'', the tour will see the actor-turned-politician crisscrossing the state to take stock of the issues faced by the people of Tamil Nadu. Let’s join hands to build a sustainable village. New TN begins with you. Visit https://t.co/aHwGLWPlEJ to volunteer #naalainamadhe#maiam#TamilPride — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 11, 2018 × The tour will be held in phases. The actor will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram — his hometown — and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai. In January, Rajinikanth had extended his wishes to Haasan for announcing his political debut. “I wish him all the best,” 67-year-old had said. Kamal Haasan also greeted Rajinikanth when he made an announcement about his political ambitions.

There is a hue of 'saffron' in Rajini's politics: Kamal Haasan

A police station in Lucknow has been painted saffron after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-parks-dividers-in-lucknow-painted-saffron-30193">parks and dividers </a>were painted in the state last month.&nbsp;

The latest government building to get a saffron coat is Gomti Nagar police station, which is one of the poshest areas in the state capital. A temple is yet to be built in the area as well.&nbsp;

From Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath&#39;s office to various other spots, the colour has become a defining feature of the state.

The state has been draped in saffron hue ever since the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government came into the power.

Last month, the boundary wall of Haj Committee&#39;s office in Lucknow was painted in saffron colour. The wall was later repainted by the Haj committee, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to demand a clarification from the UP Haj Committee.&nbsp;

Last year, the chief minister flagged off a fleet of 50 buses that were painted saffron. The education department had distributed saffron school bags in government primary schools, to replace the ones that featured former CM Akhilesh Yadav&rsquo;s photograph.&nbsp;

Booklets that were distributed to mark 100 days and six months of the Adityanath government were saffron in colour as well. The information diary of the state government, which contains details of various officials, is also saffron.

Earlier this month, a nearly 80-year-old police station in Lucknow was painted saffron.

The latest government building to get a saffron coat is Gomti Nagar police station, which is one of the poshest areas in the state capital. A temple is yet to be built in the area as well.

A police station in Lucknow has been painted saffron after parks and dividers were painted in the state last month. The latest government building to get a saffron coat is Gomti Nagar police station, which is one of the poshest areas in the state capital. A temple is yet to be built in the area as well. From Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's office to various other spots, the colour has become a defining feature of the state. The state has been draped in saffron hue ever since the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government came into the power. Last month, the boundary wall of Haj Committee's office in Lucknow was painted in saffron colour. The wall was later repainted by the Haj committee, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to demand a clarification from the UP Haj Committee. Last year, the chief minister flagged off a fleet of 50 buses that were painted saffron. The education department had distributed saffron school bags in government primary schools, to replace the ones that featured former CM Akhilesh Yadav’s photograph. Booklets that were distributed to mark 100 days and six months of the Adityanath government were saffron in colour as well. The information diary of the state government, which contains details of various officials, is also saffron. Earlier this month, a nearly 80-year-old police station in Lucknow was painted saffron.

Now, police station in Lucknow painted saffron

The Uttar Pradesh government has demanded a clarification from the UP&nbsp;Haj Committee over the re-painting of its office boundary wall.

The office wall was painted saffron and was repainted by the Haj Committee.

Uttar Pradesh minister of state for Muslim Waqf and Haj, Mohsin Raza, asked his department&#39;s principal secretary to get a clarification from UP Haj Committee&#39;s secretary.

&quot;The boundary wall of the Haj Committee was given a saffron coat as per the directives of the secretary of Haj Committee of UP. A day later, the colour of the boundary wall was changed. Under which circumstances this was done is not clear,&quot; Raza noted.

A seven-point notice issued to the secretary of Haj Committee demanded a clarification on the same. The notice also sought an explanation on &quot;whose orders was the boundary wall painted for the first time&quot;.

&quot;When a saffron coat was already given, then under which circumstances there was a need to change the colour, and on whose orders was the colour changed?&quot; Mohsin asked in the notice.

&quot;Who was responsible for the ordering of the second coat of paint? And who will bear the cost for the second coat of paint?&quot; the notice asked.

&quot;Were any written orders issued to the contractor? According to the press release, some action was to be initiated against the contractor. Hence, what action has been initiated against the contractor,&quot; Raza demanded.

According to fresh reports, RP Singh, Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Haj Committee, has been removed from his position.&nbsp;

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Haj Committee Secretary RP Singh removed from his position over painting of UP State Haj Samiti Office in saffron colour. (File Pic) <a href="https://t.co/sfRzc2u4FO">pic.twitter.com/sfRzc2u4FO</a>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/953242795996688387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The office wall was painted saffron and was repainted by the Haj Committee

The Uttar Pradesh government has demanded a clarification from the UP Haj Committee over the re-painting of its office boundary wall. The office wall was painted saffron and was repainted by the Haj Committee. Uttar Pradesh minister of state for Muslim Waqf and Haj, Mohsin Raza, asked his department's principal secretary to get a clarification from UP Haj Committee's secretary. "The boundary wall of the Haj Committee was given a saffron coat as per the directives of the secretary of Haj Committee of UP. A day later, the colour of the boundary wall was changed. Under which circumstances this was done is not clear," Raza noted. A seven-point notice issued to the secretary of Haj Committee demanded a clarification on the same. The notice also sought an explanation on "whose orders was the boundary wall painted for the first time". "When a saffron coat was already given, then under which circumstances there was a need to change the colour, and on whose orders was the colour changed?" Mohsin asked in the notice. "Who was responsible for the ordering of the second coat of paint? And who will bear the cost for the second coat of paint?" the notice asked. "Were any written orders issued to the contractor? According to the press release, some action was to be initiated against the contractor. Hence, what action has been initiated against the contractor," Raza demanded. According to fresh reports, RP Singh, Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Haj Committee, has been removed from his position. Haj Committee Secretary RP Singh removed from his position over painting of UP State Haj Samiti Office in saffron colour. (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/sfRzc2u4FO — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 16, 2018 × (With inputs from agencies)

Why was saffron wall repainted? UP government asks Haj Committee, fires secretary

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