LIVE! Hong Kong marks 5 years of 'Umbrella' protests

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Sat, 28 September 2019

Hong Kong marks 5 years of 'Umbrella' protests

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21:31 Hong Kong marks 5 years of 'Umbrella' protests

Thousands of protesters on Saturday gathered in Hong Kong to mark the fifth anniversary of Umbrella Revolution.

Washington Post reported that protesters gathered in the tens of thousands to mark the fifth anniversary of the 2014 revolution, which awakened them to the city's distinct identity to oppose their masters in Beijing and laid the groundwork for a political crisis now in its 17th week.

A banner put up at the protest read "We are back". South China Morning Post reported that Police took the banner down within an hour.

The protesters armed with stacks of posters, stickers, fliers and cans of glue and spray paint rebuilt the "Lennon Walls" of anti-government graffiti which was assembled from Victoria Park to Tamar Park.

Police used water cannons to blast a blue-tinted dye to quickly clear the protesters.

When the 2014 movement came to an end, protesters then had put up banners which read "We will be Back." The movement was triggered by a proposal from Beijing that would grant Hong Kong only limited democracy, rather than being allowed to choose the city's leader.

The protesters also took over the same road that they occupied in 2014.

Hong Kong has been already rocked by months-long protest over the controversial extradition bill that now stands withdrawn.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned home to a rousing welcome by BJP leaders, workers and supporters after concluding his week-long US visit that included two meetings with the US President Donald Trump and the address to the United Nations General Assembly.

Before taking off for New Delhi, the prime minister thanked the American people for exceptional welcome, warmth and hospitality and said the diverse range of programmes he attended during his US stay will greatly benefit India.

Prime Minister Modi was also awarded the Global Goalkeeper Award from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat campaign during his trip that also saw him attend bilaterals on the sidelines of the UN summit along with a hugely successful Indian diaspora event in Houston, Texas, Howdy, Modi!

PM thanked US president Donald Trump for attending the Indian diaspora event before leaving the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis week-long visit to the US also marked progress in resolving the differences over trade ties between India and the US.

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, at the UN General Assembly, warned of a nuclear war with India, BJP MP Gautam Gambhir today contrasted his speech with the message of "peace and development" delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The time allotted to each country is 15 minutes. What one does with it shows character and intellect. @narendramodi ji chose to talk about peace and development while Pakistan army's puppet threatened a nuclear war. He is the same man who claims to promote peace in Kashmir," Gambhir tweeted.

Gambhir, who represents the East Delhi parliamentary constituency, and the Pakistani PM are former cricketers who have played for their national teams before joining politics.

On Friday, Khan speaking at the UNGA had held out threats of a conventional war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours spinning out of control, with "consequences far beyond the borders". He singled out India's move last month to scrap special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and divide the state into two Union Territories as a big escalation in already strained ties.

Khan painted a chilling picture of bloodshed and terrorism as he attacked India in his extempore speech that lasted more than the 15 minutes allotted to him, following which India hit back at him.

National Conference on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the United Nations General Assembly "belie" the actions undertaken by his government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, the PM on Friday exhorted the international community to stand united against terrorism, which he described as one of the biggest challenges not for any single country, but for the entire world.

"The speech of PM Modi in the UNGA eulogising the country on being the biggest democracy is no less than travesty. The communities of world leaders are judging the Modi-led government on its actions in the state of J-K," the party said in a statement.

The NC said the idea development was impossible without having due respect for human rights and "unfortunately, ever since the unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A was carried out, the people of the state have been denied of their basic civil liberties".

The NC said the state of Jammu and Kashmir was "robbed" of its status and demoted to a status of Union territory on the alleged reason of development.

Restrictions were first imposed across the Kashmir on 5 August when the Centre announced its decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcate the state into two Union territories. The restrictions were lifted in phases from many parts of the valley as the situation improved with passage of time.

-- PTI

Delhi Police has put into place elaborate security arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who returns to New Delhi on Saturday after a week-long visit to the United States of America.

"Nine companies of para-military forces have been deployed in the national capital. Anti-terror measures have also been taken. The security arrangements will be in order in coordination with all agencies. Snipers will be deployed on rooftops," MS Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Delhi said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is planning a grand welcome to the PM with the Delhi unit of the party organising a cultural program at the Palam airport.

According to reports, party representatives from other states will be present to welcome Modi.

Bringing an "extremely productive" week-long visit to an end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday emplaned for New Delhi from New York, after delivering a speech at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.

-- ANI

The Ministry of Finance, in a notification dated September 28, 2019, announced that it has extended the deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar to December 31, 2019. Earlier this deadline was September 30, 2019.

This extension will come as a relief for those individuals who still have not linked their PAN with their Aadhaar.

If your PAN is not linked with Aadhaar by the extended deadline, then as per current laws your PAN will become inoperative. However, the government is yet to notify the implications of 'inoperative' in case PAN is not linked with Aadhaar.

It is likely that if a person's PAN becomes inoperative it will be treated as if the individual is not holding the PAN and he/she would be unable to conduct financial transactions where quoting of PAN is mandatory.

A Delhi court on Saturday asked American multinational Apple Inc to give it by October 9 the details of expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's location on the day he allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl from Unnao.

District Judge Dharmesh Sharma, holding in-chamber proceedings, gave the phone maker time till October 9 after the technology firm sought two weeks time to locate and access the requisite data, said lawyers related to the case.

The counsel for Apple India Pvt Ltd told the court that they needed to seek instructions regarding availability of the data because as of now it is not known whether the data is stored, and if yes, where and whether it was available, if it was stored at all.

The company counsel further said they were yet to take a decision on the format in which the that, if available, can be supplied to the court.

The court directed that the data be furnished along with an affidavit containing a certificate from the system analyst or the authorised person of the company.

The woman was allegedly raped by Sengar in 2017, when she was a minor.

The court has already framed charges against the MLA, representing Bangermau in the Uttar Pradesh assembly, and put him on trial.

The rape survivor's father was arrested on April 3, 2018 in a case by the police under the Arms Act. He died in judicial custody six days later.

-- PTI

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday demanded an apology from the Congress for "helping Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in maligning India's image" at his United Nations General Assembly speech on Friday.

While addressing the UN general assembly, Imran Khan quoted the Congress to peddle his anti-India rhetoric during his speech, putting the party in a tough spot. Launching an attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Imran Khan said, "The previous Congress home minister gave a statement that in RSS camps, terrorists are being trained."

Attacking the Congress over Imran Khan's remarks at the UNGA, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra demanded an apology from former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, former party president Rahul Gandhi and Sushilkumar Shinde for "helping" Imran Khan in attacking India at the international forum.

Sambit Patra said, "I am very much hurt about the speech wherein Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at UNGA said that it is Congress party's home minister who has publicly shared about terrorist camps in India and we all know who that Congress home minister was."

Sambit Patra demanded an apology from senior Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde for his "false statement against Hindus, against RSS and against the BJP" which, the BJP leader said, the Congress leader had made in 2013 in Jaipur.

Amid the threat of Taliban, millions of Afghans including several prominent leaders came out to vote in the country's third presidential election on Sunday.

Afghans came out to vote despite skepticism about transparency and allegations of fraud and mismanagement, reported TOLO News.

The incumbent Afghani President Ashraf Ghani who is seeking re-election was quoted as saying, "I thank all Afghans for their commitment to democracy and to a prosperous and sovereign Afghanistan. Participation in the elections indicates a commitment to the Constitution of Afghanistan. Elections determine the continuation of the democratic system in Afghanistan."

The Afghanistan president made the remarks after casting his vote in Amani High School in Kabul.

Paying tributes to Afghan National Security and Defence Forces, the president said, "Afghan security forces are our pride and they have shown their commitment to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan." He also thanked women for their participation in the elections.

"Our plan for peace is ready, at the moment we are awaiting the verdict of the nation," said Ghani.

-- ANI

On the heels of her fiery speech at the UN Climate Action Summit, 16-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg has been named one of the 2019 Right Livelihood Award winners.

The international award, widely known as the "alternative Nobel Prize," was established in 1980 to "honour and support courageous people solving global problems."

"I'm deeply grateful for being one of the recipients of this great honoir," Thunberg said in a statement. "But of course, whenever I receive an award, it is not me who is the winner. I am part of a global movement of school children, youth and adults of all ages who have decided to act in defence of our living planet. I share this award with them."

Aminatou Haidar (Western Sahara), Guo Jianmei (China) and Davi Kopenawa / Hutukara Yanomami Association (Brazil) are the other recipients of the award.

Each of the winners will be awarded 1 million Swedish krona ($103,000).

17:37 8 Sikh prisoners to be released from prisons

Eight Sikh prisoners, lodged in different jails in the country for committing crimes during the militancy period in Punjab, will be released by the government on 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November as a humanitarian gesture.

The Union Home Ministry also announced that through a special remission, the death sentence of another Sikh prisoner has been commuted to life imprisonment.

The central government has taken a decision to grant a special dispensation to nine Sikh prisoners from various jails in the country, a Home Ministry spokesperson said.

In one case, a decision has been taken to commute the death sentence to life imprisonment, and in the remaining eight cases, the decision has been taken for premature release of prisoners serving life and other sentences, through special remission.

These individuals were convicted by various courts in the country for the offences committed by them during the militancy period in Punjab, the spokesperson said.

The above decision was taken by the central government as a token of goodwill in response to the long-pending demands of the release of Sikh prisoners articulated by various sections of the Sikh community.

A communication to this effect was sent on Saturday to the state governments and union territories concerned for release of the Sikh prisoners.

The 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism's founder Guru Nanak Dev will be in November.

Meanwhile, the government is also planning to release some more prisoners from jails across the country under the scheme for special remission to prisoners to commemorate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

So far, 1,424 prisoners have been released by states and UTs in two phases (October 2, 2018 and April 6, 2019).

The third phase of release is due on October 2 and action is underway by states and UTs, the spokesperson said.

-- PTI

Suspended paediatrician Kafeel Khan, who has been absolved of charges of medical negligence and corruption in connection with the Gorakhpur's BRD hospital tragedy, on Saturday demanded he be reinstated with due honour.

Addressing mediapersons at the Press Club of India, he reiterated the Uttar Pradesh government should apologise to the families of the children who died and provide compensation to the kin.

"The departmental inquiry has shown that I did not do any medical negligence or indulge in any corruption... That tag of 'murderer Kafeel' and infamous doctor Kafeel is off my head now," he said.

"I demand that I should be reinstated in my job with due honour and a CBI inquiry should be conducted into the case," he said.

About 30 children died during the night of August 10, 2017 and 34 more over the next few days, officials had said then.

Many of the infants died allegedly because of disruption in oxygen supply on the night of August 10 due to pending payments to the supplier, a charge refuted by the state government.

Khan was accused of negligence and corruption and was suspended and subsequently arrested following the outrage over the deaths at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College. His suspension is yet to be revoked.

An advisor to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, however, said on Friday that the inquiry has not disproved the charge that the doctor also ran a private practice.

-- PTI

17:06 Sharad Pawar was defamed because of me: Ajit

Senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar said on Saturday that he resigned as MLA in keeping with his "conscience" after his uncle and party chief Sharad Pawar's name was embroiled in the alleged MSC Bank scam for no reason.

An emotional Ajit, whose resignation on Friday ahead of Maharashtra elections shocked political circles, also

denied that there was any rift within the Pawar family.

He also questioned the allegations against him in connection with the alleged Rs 25,000 crore scam at the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank.

"Sharad Pawar is not even remotely associated with the bank or its transactions in any capacity. Yet, the day before

yesterday, only Pawar saheb's name was doing rounds in connection with the case," Ajit Pawar said at a press conference.

"I reached upto (the post of) deputy chief minister because of Sharad Pawar... I was perturbed as I felt it was

because of me that he had to face infamy at this age. Hence, I decided to resign in keeping with my conscience," he added.

"I apologise to NCP workers if their sentiments were hurt by my actions," he said.

-- PTI

16:46

An update on the encounter in Ramban.

Three terrorists killed, hostage rescued in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban

16:23 Day-time restrictions relaxed from all 105 police station limits in Kashmir: J-K DGP

Jammu and Kashmir administration has relaxed day-time restrictions from all 105 police station jurisdictions in Kashmir.

"Day time restrictions have been relaxed from all 105 police station jurisdictions in Kashmir. It has been done after improvement in the situation," said Dilbag Singh, DGP Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier on September 2, Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary (Planning) Jammu and Kashmir said day-time restrictions have been lifted from 92 police stations in Kashmir.

"Relaxation in day-time restrictions is up from 81 police stations to 92 from last week with 91 per cent of Kashmir Valley free from any day-time restrictions," he had said.

Restrictions were imposed across the state after the government revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. However, the restrictions have been relaxed in a phased manner.

-- ANI

16:04 Want to make Shiv Sainik Maha CM: Uddhav

Amid delay in finalising the seat sharing pact for the assembly polls which are less than a month away, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that talks with BJP chief Amit Shah were progressing well and a final decision would be announced soon.

He said he would fulfil the promise he had made to his father and late Sena supremo Bal Thackeray of making a Shiv sainik (party worker) the chief minister of Maharashtra.

Thackeray was addressing party workers and ticket aspirants at Rang Sharda Auditorium in Bandra in Mumbai.

"If the alliance materialises, Shiv Sena is not the one to backstab. We oppose openly," he said.

Stating that he wants the Sena to be power in Maharashtra, he said, "I had promised Balasaheb that I will make a Shiv sainik the chief minister of Maharashtra. I have vowed to fulfil this promise."

"I want power in Maharashtra so I have called aspirants from all 288 seats. I want to strengthen the party in all the constituencies. If alliance with BJP happens, Shiv Sena will work to ensure BJP's victory in the seats they

contest. BJP's support should always be there for Sena candidates where they contest," he said.

-- PTI

15:10 Terrorists try to stop bus, enter home in J-K

Exchange of fire is underway at Batote in Ramban after suspicious individuals tried to stop a civil vehicle, early morning today.

Security forces have launched joint operations against them in Ramban, Doda and Ganderbal areas of Jammu and Kashmir, which is still on.

"We have information that at least three men are present here. Our team has carried out a search operation to find them. They had launched three grenades and firing also took place," said PC Jha, Deputy Inspector General CRPF.

Security forces conducted a search operation to find the suspected terrorists here.

"Around 7:30 in the morning, we heard a blast in the region and as soon as we stepped out of our house, another blast took place followed by the third blast. We then suspected that something was wrong and then we heard sounds of firing. Militants fired at Army vehicle and managed to escape," said Rakesh Kumar, a resident.

According to the Public Relations Officer Defence, Jammu, today around 7:30 am two suspicious individuals, tried to stop a civil vehicle at Batote on National Highway (NH) 244. The civilian did not stop the vehicle and informed Army QRT.

"Soon after that, the quick reaction team reacted promptly, established contact with the two individuals and an exchange of fire took place," the defence spokesperson said.

The operation is still underway and security forces are trying to make sure that the suspects are not able to escape.

-- ANI

-- Visual deferred by unspecified time

15:04 Ajit Pawar meets NCP chief in Mumbai

A day after resigning from the Maharashtra Assembly, NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Saturday met party chief and his uncle Sharad Pawar at his residence here.

Sharad Pawar's daughter and party MP Supriya Sule, who was advised rest after being diagnosed with dengue, was also present there. Nobody outside the family attended the meeting.

Ajit Pawar tendered his resignation on Friday evening, leaving NCP leaders and workers in shock. The resignation was accepted by Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade.

Talking to reporters in Pune on Friday night, Sharad Pawar had said he was "clueless" about his nephew's move.

He, however, said Ajit Pawar's son Parth had told him that the former Maharashtra deputy chief minister was "restless" that the NCP president's name had cropped in connection with the alleged MSC Bank scam along with others.

Ajit Pawar, who represented the Baramati segment, is also named in the alleged scam.

-- PTI

14:29 Congress finds replacement for Divya Spandana

Congress appoints Rohan Gupta as chairman of social media department in place of Divya Spandana.

14:22 Thank Imran for spreading our name: RSS

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan attacked the RSS at the UN, the Hindutva organisation on Saturday said he has made its name synonymous with India and targeted the Sangh as it is against terrorism.

Senior Rashtriya Swayam Sewak functionary Krishna Gopal also added wryly that Khan has ended up spreading the RSS' name and prayed that the Pakistan prime minister does not stop now.

"The RSS is only in India and for India. It has no branch anywhere else in the world. Why is Pakistan angry with us? It means if it is angry with Sangh, then it is angry with India. The RSS and India have now become synonymous.

"We also wanted that the world should see India and the RSS as one and the same, and not two separate entitles. Our Imran sahab has done this job very well and we congratulate him for that. He is spreading our name," the RSS joint general secretary said.

Gopal said people who are victims of terrorism or opposed to it now realise that the RSS is also against it.

That is why, he said, Khan is attacking the RSS.

"It is getting so much of fame without doing much and we pray that he should not stop now," Gopal said.

-- PTI

BJP working president J P Nadda on Saturday attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying there was "jungle raj" and a "reign of terror" in the state.

Nadda also performed a "mass tarpan" for party workers who lost their lives in political violence in the state in the last few years.

Tarpan is a ritual in which water is offered to ancestors with prayers for peace to the departed souls.

The time of the Trinamool Congress government is over, Nadda said, claiming that family members of "slain BJP workers" in West Bengal are not getting justice.

"There is 'jungle raj' and a reign of terror in West Bengal under the TMC. It is witnessing 'goonda raj' as there is no rule of law here.

"But, this 'jungle raj' will end soon as the time of the TMC government is over," he told reporters after performing the "mass tarpan".

Banerjee is fast losing her political ground in West Bengal. She has no vision as the chief minister, he said.

-- PTI

13:25 SC to hear petitions on Article 370 from Oct 1

A five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court will commence from October 1 onwards the hearing on a number of petitions challenging abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

The constitution bench will be headed by Justice N V Ramana and comprise of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, R Subhash Reddy, B R Gavai and Surya Kant.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi is already hearing a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of the provisions under Article 370 which conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The matter is slated for hearing on September 30.

Last month, the central government had abrogated the Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution of India and the Parliament had passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganization) Act, 2019, bifurcating the state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir with legislature and Ladakh without one.

Following this, a batch of petitions was filed in the top court challenging the move.

-- ANI

A new species of snake discovered in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra has been named after the younger son of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Tejas Thackeray made immense contribution to the find, and hence the newly found species has been named Thackerays cat snake (scientific name Boiga thackerayi).

The new species was found in the Koyna region of Satara district in western Maharashtra. Foundation for Biodiversity Conservation Director Varad Giri said the species fell in the category called cat snakes and belonged to the genus Boiga.

Snakes belonging to this genus are distributed across India, but a few species are endemic to the Western Ghats, he said, adding that a research paper describing the new species was published in the Bombay Natural History Society journal.

Tejas Thackeray had spotted this species for the first time in 2015 and studied its behaviour. He presented these details to the Foundation for Biodiversity Conservation and helped us with further research, said Giri.

Tejas Thackerays elder brother and Shiv Sena youth wing chief Aaditya Thackeray posted a picture of the snake on Twitter. My brother, Tejas discovered this beautiful species of the snake in the Western Ghats! Hence the name, he tweeted.

India on Saturday took strong note of reference made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang to Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh in his address at the UN General Assembly.

Raising the Kashmir issue at the UN, China has told the General Assembly that the "dispute" should be peacefully and properly addressed in accordance with the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions and the bilateral agreement. China, a close ally of Pakistan, also stressed that no actions should be taken that would unilaterally change the "status quo".

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India, and that the recent developments relating to the region were "entirely a matter internal" to the country.

"The Chinese side is well aware of India's position that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India, and that the recent developments are entirely a matter internal to us," he said.

Kumar said India expects other countries to respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We expect that other countries will respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and desist from efforts to change the status quo through the illegal so-called China Pakistan Economic Corridor in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," he said.

Last month, India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated the state into Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, which will come into being on October 31.

"The Kashmir issue, a dispute left from the past, should be peacefully and properly addressed in accordance with the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreement," State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi said in his address to the UN General Assembly on Friday.

"No actions that would unilaterally change the status quo should be taken. As a neighbour of both India and Pakistan, China hopes to see the dispute effectively managed and stability restored to the relationship between the two sides," Wang said.

India's last month decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian ambassador.

-- PTI

12:19 Deeply grieved over death of Sikh cop: MEA

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday expressed deep grief over the killing of America's first Sikh police officer, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal in Houston.

Extending condolence to the family of the officer, Jaishankar tweeted, "Deeply grieved to learn of the shooting of Deputy Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, a Sikh Indian-American officer in Houston. We have just visited that city. My condolences to his family."

Dhaliwal died on Friday afternoon in the line of duty during a traffic stop. He was shot by a suspect and was taken to Memorial Hermann hospital in serious condition, where he later died.

Dhaliwal is survived by a wife and three children.

In 2015, Dhaliwal made history when the police department allowed him to keep his beard and wear a dastar (turban) while on patrol -- a requirement of the Sikh religion. He became the first Sikh to be allowed to wear a turban and articles of the Sikh faith, while on duty. With the help of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Dhaliwal helped change the department's policy and make it more inclusive.

Sikhs of America organisation called the death of Dhaliwal a "great loss to the Sikh community", adding that he will inspire more youth from the community to join the law enforcement agencies in the United States.

-- ANI

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and 15 other children filed a complaint with the United Nations alleging that five of the world's major economies have violated their human rights by not taking adequate action to stop the unfolding climate crisis.

The complaint was filed a short time after Thunberg delivered an impassioned rebuke to world leaders at the UN Climate Action Summit.

"You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words and yet, I'm one of the lucky ones," Thunberg said on Monday. "People are suffering, people are dying."

The petition names five countries -- Germany, France, Brazil, Argentina and Turkey -- which they say have failed to uphold their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a 30-year-old human rights treaty which is the most widely ratified in history.

In a heartfelt message, Swaraj Kaushal, the widower of Sushma Swaraj said that their daughter on Friday fulfilled the last wish of the veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader.

Swaraj's last wish was to give Rs 1 fee to senior advocate Harish Salve for contesting Kulbhushan Jadhav case in the International Court of Justice.

"Your daughter Bansuri has fulfilled your last wish today. She has presented Rs 1 fee to Harish Salve in Kulbhushan Jadhav's case, which you had left," Swaraj Kaushal tweeted with picture of Salve and his daughter handing over Rs 1 coin.

A day before she died, Sushma talked to Salve and told him to come and take his fees of Rs 1 for the Jadhav case.

However, just 10 minutes later, she suffered a cardiac arrest.

Salve gave credit for India's success at the International Court of Justice in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case to Swaraj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"It (Kulbhushan Jadhav case) was all her brainchild. There was not a single paper filed in the case which she didn't see herself. She used to inspect everything and gave valuable suggestions. She used to go personally to the prime minister to ensure everything was cleared. The whole credit for the case goes to Prime Minister Modi and Sushma Ji," Salve had said.

The seven-time parliamentarian Sushma Swaraj passed away at 67. -- ANI

Indian-American lawmaker Pramila Jayapal along with 13 other US Congressmen have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address concerns over the human rights situation in Kashmir and lift the communications blackout.

A statement, addressed to Prime Minister Modi, was issued jointly by Congressmen Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr, Judy Chu, Pramila Jayapal, Carolyn Maloney, Gerald Connolly, Ilhan Omar, Barbara Lee, Al Green, Zoe Lofgren, Andy Levin, Mike Levin, James P. McGovern, Jan Schakowsky, and Katie Porter.

"On behalf of thousands of families across the country who have been unable to contact family in Jammu and Kashmir, we are urging Prime Minister Modi to lift the communications blackout and address the ongoing humanitarian concerns," the lawmakers said in the joint statement.

Restrictions were imposed when New Delhi had on August 5 scrapped the state's special status under Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcated in into Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Asserting that the abrogation of Article 370 of its Constitution to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir's special status was its "internal matter", India has defended imposition of restrictions in the Kashmir Valley on the grounds that they were put to prevent Pakistan from creating more mischief through proxies and terrorists.

"India is an important US partner and the world's largest democracy. As such, we hope that the Government of India will demonstrate leadership and lift these restrictions. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve the same rights as any other citizen of India," the statement said.

The joint statement, the lawmakers said, is in response to the imposition of media blackout starting August 5, leaving millions in Jammu and Kashmir without access to mobile phones or the internet while many others have been detained.

"As a result, family members in the United States and elsewhere have had no ability to contact loved ones in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to concerns about their welfare," said the statement, the lead in which was taken by Congressman Cisneros, who is a Member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and an Executive Board Member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. -- PTI

A massive search operation was on Friday launched in a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district after a blast and some gunshots rocked the area, officials said.

Police assisted by the Army cordoned off Dharmund village and adjoining areas in the Batote area and a search operation is underway, they said.

The officials said the operation was launched immediately after a blast and some gunshots were heard in the village along the Jammu-Doda road.

Unconfirmed reports said that suspected terrorists hurled a grenade and followed it by firing on a quick reaction team of the security forces which signalled some persons to stop for checking.

However, senior officials are tight-lipped about the incident.

Reinforcements have also been rushed to the area, the officials said. -- PTI

10:08 44 killed in UP in rain-related incidents

Forty-four people were killed in rain-related incidents in Uttar Pradesh in the past 24 hours, officials said on Friday as heavy rains continued in different parts of the state disrupting normal life.

Administration of Lucknow, Amethi, Hardoi and some others districts have announced closure of schools on Saturday due to the rains.

"Forty-four persons have died in rain-related incidents of house and wall collapse, snake bites, drowning, lightning in the state since Thursday (past 24 hours)," a report from the Relief Commissioner's office said.

Six deaths each were reported in Pratapgarh and Raebareli, five in Amethi, four each in Chandauli and Varanasi, three each in Prayagraj, Barabanki and Mahoba, two in Ambedkar Nagar, and one each in Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Sonebhadra, Ayodhya, Saharanpur, Jaunpur, Kaushambi and Azamgarh, the officials said.

In the wake of continuing rains, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the divisional commissioners and the district magistrates to take all measures and extend immediate relief to those affected, an official said.

He said the chief minister has asked the officials concerned to visit the areas which have been affected by rains and witnessed flood-like situation.

The chief minister has asked the officials to extend monetary help of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed and also arrange treatment for the injured, he said.

He has directed to address the issue of waterlogging immediately, the official said.

In Lucknow, 76.4 mm rainfall was recorded in the 24 hours ending 8.30 am Friday. Since Friday morning, 39.2 mm rainfall was witnessed leading to water logging and uprooting of trees in different areas.

The weather department has issued a warning of very heavy rainfall over the next two days in several parts of the state.

"Heavy rainfall is likely to occur in some areas in the district of Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Sombhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varabasi, Kaushambi, Pratapgarh, Sultapur, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Balia, Mau, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Ambedkar Nagar and adjoining districts during the next 48 hours. The warning is valid till 8.30 am of September 29," it said. -- PTI

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is going door-to-door around the world and creating content for cartoonists, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.

Speaking after commissioning the INS Khanderi submarine at the dockyard of the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, he said there are some powers who want to do a Mumbai-like attack on Indian coastal regions, but "their desires will not be allowed to be fulfilled".

"Pakistan needs to understand that the Indian Navy has become much stronger with the commissioning of the Khanderi, and the government is committed to strengthen the armed forces," Singh said, adding that the navy will take strict action against those who disturb peace in the region.

Attacking Khan, a day after his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, the minister said, "The Pakistan prime minister is going from door-to-door around the world and creating content for cartoonists."

On the submarine's commissioning, he said, "It is a matter of immense pride that India is one of the few countries which can build its own submarines." -- PTI

09:24 Rajnath commissions submarine INS Khanderi

The Indian Navy on Saturday inducted its indigenously built second Kalvari class diesel-electric submarine, INS Khanderi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the submarine in Mumbai.

"Khanderi is built at state-run Mazgaon Dock Limited and underwent rigorous sea trials for over two and a half years. All the concerns of the Navy have been addressed," said an official of the Western Naval Command.

Key features of the submarine include a state-of-the-art technology which reduces its noise under the sea.

"It is a diesel-electric submarine which runs on battery, with a capability of firing six torpedoes. Its maximum speed is 20 nautical miles, which is a world standard for most of the attack type of submarines," the navy official said.

Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's threat of unleashing nuclear devastation qualifies as brinksmanship not statesmanship, India said on Saturday while exercising its right of reply to Khan's speech at United Nations General Assembly.

During his UN speech on Friday, Imran suggested that nuclear-armed Pakistan may not have much of a choice if a conventional war were to break out between Pakistan and India which he described as a country seven-times its size.

"What choice would I have I will fight," he said.

In a sharp riposte to Khans speech, Vidisha Maitra, first Secretary MEA asked: "Will Pakistan acknowledge that it is the only government in the world that provides pension to an individual listed by the UN in the Al-Qaeda and Daesh sanctions list?".

She was referring to Pakistan approaching the UN security council committee with a request to let Lashkar-e-Tayiba chief Hafiz Saeed to withdraw money for what Islamabad described as "necessary basic living expenses".

08:43 Pak must take action against terror groups: US

The United States on Friday reiterated that Pakistan should continue taking sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating on its soil to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability in the region in line with its international obligations.

This comes after the United Nations Security Council had approved a request by Pakistan to allow global terrorist Hafiz Saeed to access his bank accounts for 'basic expenses' to help his family.

"Basic exemption requests for UN-designated individuals are consistent with every member state's responsibilities regarding the disposition of funds to UN-designated individuals residing in their territory," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said.

"We continue to encourage all member states to fully abide by and implement their obligations under UN sanctions regimes. This includes submitting basic exemption requests for UN-designated individuals and entities, as needed," she said.

However, Ortagus outlined that all member states are encouraged to take appropriate action to arrest and prosecute terrorists.

"In line with its international obligations, Pakistan must continue to take sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability," the spokesperson remarked.

In a letter dated August 15, the UN Sanctions Committee said it had received a letter from Pakistan seeking permission to allow Saeed "certain expenditure" from his frozen bank account.

The Chair said that the request was approved after "no objection" had been received from any member. -- ANI

07:42 Sikh police officer shot dead in Texas, US

An Indian-American Sikh police officer died after being shot multiple times from behind in a "ruthless, cold-blooded way" during a traffic stop in the US state of Texas, a senior official said Saturday.

Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, the Harris county sheriff's deputy, was shot while conducting a traffic stop, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. He was in his early 40s.

Gonzalez said Dhaliwal, a 10-year veteran of the department, stopped a vehicle with a man and woman inside and one of them got out and shot him "ambush-style" at least twice in a "ruthless, cold-blooded way."

The shooter was seen running to a shopping centre nearby, officials said.

Investigators were able to identify what the shooter looked like by watching Dhaliwal's dashcam video.

"They immediately looked at his dashcam to see what the suspect looked like, they took a photo of the suspect on the scene with their phone and immediately got that out to our intel people," Gonzalez said.

The vehicle the shooter was driving was found and is being investigated, officials said.

The gunman and the woman were taken into custody, they said.

Dhaliwal was married and a father of three children.

"Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal was a trailblazer. He was an example for many. He represented his community with respect and pride," said Commissioner Adrian Garcia.

"Deputy Dhaliwal is known to everybody as someone with a giving heart," Gonzalez said.

"Post (Hurricane) Harvey, when we needed the help most, he brought an 18-wheeler of people that he gathered together, that came all the way from California to deliver goods to our community."

Since 2015, Dhaliwal was the "history-making" police officer in Texas to serve while keeping his Sikh articles of faith, including a turban and beard. He was allowed to wear the turban and beard while patrolling the streets in order to bolster cultural diversity.

With this policy, one of the largest sheriff's offices in the country had affirmed that a person does not have to choose between their faith and a career of service. Since 9/11, misperceptions about Sikhs' religiously mandated turbans and beards have led to an increase in discrimination against the community.

Policy changes like that at the Harris County Sheriff Office and other law enforcement agencies across the country aim to combat this stigma while also giving qualified men and women a chance to serve the community.

Dhaliwal worked with United Sikhs, a global humanitarian relief and advocacy non-profit, to help organise the donation of truckloads of supplies for first responders after Harvey.

-- PTI

07:22 Diaspora gathers outside UN, cheers Modi

Hundreds of people from the Indian diaspora gathered outside the United Nations Headquarters cheering Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he delivered his address to the general debate on Friday.

Waving the tri-colour and raising slogans of 'Vande Mataram', "Jai Hind', 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Modi, Modi', the crowd started gathering well before Modi arrived at the United Nations and erupted in a huge cheer as Modi began his statement.

The crowd carried placards and shouted and cheered. There was a heavy police presence as well due to a large number of protestors also at the venue. Both segments of the crowd stayed till the time Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan were in the General Assembly.

00:25

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00:23 Saudi Arabia to offer tourist visas for 1st time

Saudi Arabia will begin offering visas on Saturday for the first time to non-religious tourists, days after the country was criticised at the UN for its grim human rights record.

The kingdom -- which has imprisoned and tortured womens rights activists, carries out regular public executions, and was responsible for the high-profile murder of the Washington Post columnist Jamal Kashoggi -- has said it is opening up to holidaymakers as part of a push to diversify its economy away from oil.

The new visa programme for citizens of 49 countries, including the UK and the US, was announced by Saudi tourism officials, quickly followed by a Twitter campaign exhorting users to @VisitSaudiNow.

As part of the scheme, which promises to deliver a visa in seven minutes, female tourists will be exempted from wearing the all-covering abaya robe, but will be required to dress modestly.

Getting tourists to visit the austere kingdom, which forbids alcohol and enforces a strict social code, however, is seen by many as a hard sell.

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