Unnao (Uttar Pradesh), Aug 16 (ANI): Despite massive outrage against rape accused politician Kuldeep Singh Sengar his advertisement was published in a newspaper during Independence Day in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao. Ahead of the festival of 'Rakshabandhan' and Independence Day, his advertisement was published. He was expelled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) soon after the incident of Unnao rape case took place. His supporters in Ugoo feel that he is being falsely implicated due to some political reasons. They are of the opinion that Kuldeep Singh Sengar is still their Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and they will keep on publishing such advertisements. While speaking to ANI, Chairman of Ugoo Nagar Panchayat Anuj Kumar Dixit said, "He is MLA of our area that is why his photo is there. Till the time he is our MLA his photo can be put."
Muzaffarabad (PoK), Aug 16 (ANI): In an exclusive video from Muzaffarabad city of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), terror outfits are seen regrouping with an aim to launch 'jihad' against India. The Pakistani authorities are now encouraging terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen and United Jihad Council (UJC), headed by Syed Salahudeen to come over ground in their bid to target India after the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A from Jammu and Kashmir. "Action works more than words. My friends, we are all ready for jihad. (Syed) Salahudeen, move forward, we are with you," said Saifulla in his hate speech against India. Terrorists in Pakistan continue to openly hold rallies despite the country is in grey list of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the international watchdog against money laundering and financing of terrorism. This is not the first time Pakistan has found itself on one of FATF lists of not-so-good guys; the country was there in 2008 and from 2012 to 2015 too.
Rajgarh (Madhya Pradesh), Aug 16 (ANI): Almost the entire state of Madhya Pradesh is receiving heavy rainfall and some areas are even expected to have very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the coming days. Two persons were washed away in the flooded river in MP's Rajgarh district on August 15. Later, one person was rescued while the other person was found dead. His body has been sent for the postmortem by police. The rains have sent rivers and nullahs into spate and inundated low-lying areas in the state. Major rivers in Madhya Pradesh like Narmada, Kshipra, Betwa, Tapti, Tawa, Chambal and Parwati are overflowing.
Kolkata (West Bengal), Aug 16 (ANI): BJP Rajya Sabha MP Roopa Ganguly's son Akash Mukherjee rammed his car into the wall of Royal Calcutta Golf Club. He was detained by the Kolkata Police. No casualty was reported in the accident. In an official statement, Police said that he lost his control over the car and rammed it to the wall. He sustained minor injuries and investigation is underway.
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Aug 16 (ANI): Fishermen and fisherwomen performed 'Samudra Pooja' in Karnataka's Mangaluru on August 15. 'Samudra Pooja' is being conducted to offer prayers to sea God. The worshipping took place at Tannirbhavi Beach in Mangaluru. Fishermen and fisherwomen seek blessings for an abundant catch and a safe season after performing the 'pooja'. A majority of fishermen venture into sea only after offering these prayers.
New Delhi, Aug 16 (ANI): In the national capital on August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort and said, "To further enhance coordination between our security forces, I announce a big decision today and India will now have a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). This is going to make the forces even more strong." Reacting on this decision of PM Modi, Defence Expert PK Sehgal said, "This decision is going to be a mega game changer for the modernisation and restructuring of armed forces. He (CDS) will be the single point of contact between the armed forces and the government." "He will possibly not have any operational role but he will be the in charge of planning, policies and training. He would ensure integration between all the three forces," he added.
Sukma (Chhattisgarh), Aug 16 (ANI): Jawans of CRPF's 2nd battalion showed humanity once again. They formed human chain to help locals cross a bridge in Chhattisgarh's Sukma, which is submerged due to overflowing of Malger River on August 15. Locals were crossing it to meet their brothers on Raksha Bandhan. The security personnel stood there for one and half hours and helped advance through troubled waters.
Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), Aug 16 (ANI): In a show of immense courage, the people of Budh Bardha village in Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon unfurled the national flag on the Independence Day despite receiving threats from the Naxals against it. The flag was, however, hoisted in the presence of the security personnel. "Four days ago, Naxals pasted a notice near the school, threatening us not to hoist the flag," said Manoj Kumar, head of the village. On the complaint filed by villagers, the police sprung into action and cordoned the area.
Mandsaur (MP), Aug 16 (ANI): Several parts of MP's Mandsaur district are waterlogged following heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, water has entered in Pashupatinath Temple. Water has blocked roads and has entered into the houses causing difficulties to residents. While speaking to ANI, Kotwali area is facing most problems. Reports of overflowing water-bodies have come in from Narayangarh and Daloda areas. Around 3000 people have been shifted to shelter homes. In some areas water receded within a few hours, so people returned to their houses. Several parts of the country including Mumbai, Kerala, Assam, Bihar and Gujarat are submerged in water.
New Delhi, Aug 16 (ANI): President Ram Nath Kovind paid tribute to Atal Bihar Vajpayee at 'Sadaiv Atal' in Delhi's Rajghat on August 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his tribute to late Vajpayee. Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP working president JP Nadda also paid their respects. Today is the first death anniversary of Atal Bihar Vajpayee.
New Delhi, Aug 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several BJP leaders reached at former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's memorial 'Sadaiv Atal'. They will pay tribute to BJP veteran leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his first death anniversary. It was on this day in the year 2018 when BJP's tallest leader, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, left for the heavenly abode. He was one of the most loved Prime Ministers of India and an iconic leader.
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Aug 16 (ANI): The port city Mangaluru, is known for its unique tradition of worshipping a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, at Shree Brahma Baidarkala Garadi Kshetra or popularly known as Garodi. Gandhi statue was consecrated at Garodi in 1948, by the then temple administrators Narsappa Salian and Somappa Pandit. A devotee, Prakash Garodi told ANI, "People who came here worship and follow Gandhian ideals in life."
New Delhi, Aug 16 (ANI): Union Law Minister RS Prasad raised question on judges for giving statements on public platforms before retirement. He said, "I am seeing a new trend happening. Some judges, 2 days before their retirement, give judgement of questionable legal validity and sit on television for three days to justify it. I don't think it is fair." "I have one serious reservation when we talk about Supreme Court being burdened. This view merits consideration. But Law Minister of India is suffering another view, the way some judgements by some High Courts are being passed. What should be done?," said RS Prasad. RS Prasad was addressing Supreme Court Bar Association in New Delhi on 15 August.
Kalahandi (Odisha), Aug 16 (ANI): An encounter took place between a Special Operations Group (SOG) of Odisha police and Naxals in a forest area in Odisha's Kalahandi. Superintendents of Police in Kalahandi, B Gangadhar told, "We spotted blood stains there. We think there must have been a casualty, we are searching for the body or an injured person." Police have also recovered 2 gelatin sticks, 2 detonators, bags, water-bottles, rice and medicines from the site of the encounter.
Raichur (Karnataka), Aug 16 (ANI): As part of Independence Day celebrations, the Raichur administration felicitated 12-year-old Venkatesh for guiding a stuck ambulance in floodwater. The incident occurred near the Hirerayanakumpi village in Karnataka's Raichur district. Hearing the driver's call for help, Venkatesh agreed to guide him in taking his vehicle out of the water safely. In the footage Venkatesh was stumbling several times while attempting to help the driver.
New Delhi, Aug 16 (ANI): Consuming flavonoid-rich items such as apples and tea protects against cancer and heart disease, particularly for smokers and heavy drinkers, suggests a recent research. Researchers from Edith Cowan University's School of Medical and Health Sciences analysed data from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort that assessed the diets of 53,048 Danes over 23 years. According to the study published in the journal -- Nature Communications -- researchers found that people, who habitually consumed moderate to high amounts of foods rich in flavonoids, compounds found in plant-based foods and drinks, were less likely to die from cancer or heart disease.
Ladakh, Aug 16 (ANI): BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav met with religious representatives and prominent people of the region here and said that Ladakh is the land of all religions. He also urged people not to pay attention to the "lies and rumours being spread" in the region. "Ladakh is the land of all religions including Shia, Sunni, Buddhist, and others. No one should feel that there's no future," said Ram Madhav. The BJP leader was in Leh to participate in the Independence Day celebrations.
Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), Aug 16 (ANI): CRPF Assistant Constable Rakesh Kaushal's sister tied Rakhi on his slain brother's rifle on the occasion of Rakshabandhan. CRPF jawan lost his life in a Naxal ambush in Aranpur along with two other policemen and a DD cameraperson. The gun has now been allotted to her in service after she joined CRPF after her brother's death. After tying Rakhi to Rakesh Kaushal's gun Constable Kavita Kaushal said, "I had requested the department that I want to use the same gun that my brother once used in service. Naxals are coward. I want to join Danteshwari fighters and take revenge for my brother's death." Kavita Kaushal got the post of Constable on his brother place. Danteshwari fighters is the new all- woman anti - Naxal unit deployed in Naxal infested areas in Chhattisgarh
Chennai (TN),Aug 16 (ANI): An elderly couple S Shanmugavel and Senthamarai displayed extraordinary courage by fighting robbers who barged into their residence. Robber with machete tried to strangle 70-year-old Shanmugavel, but with the help of his wife, Shanmugavel managed to turn the tables. The couple was felicitated by Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami on Independence Day for their courageous stand against robbers.
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), Aug 15 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir government on August 15 said the Independence Day celebrations across the region concluded "peacefully" including the main function at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar where Governor Satya Pal Malik hoisted the national flag. "Independence Day celebrations in all the districts of JandK and Ladakh concluded peacefully. The main function was held at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar where JandK Governor unfurled the flag," said Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary for Planning Commission in JandK.