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Mon, 13 August 2012
28 killed, scores missing in Nigeria floods
Timeline Refresh
23:41 28 killed, scores missing in Nigeria floods
At least 28 people were killed and many were missing in floods caused by heavy downpours in Nigeria's northern state of Plateau over the weekend. "28 people have been killed in the floods that have ravaged the area," Kemi Nshe, the chairman of Shendam local government area, said.
"Two hundred hectares of farm lands were also washed away by the flood in my local government area alone", the chairman said. Officials said scores are still missing while farmlands and crops were washed away in the incident that affected over 100 villages in the southern zone of the state.
Houses and bridges were also destroyed thereby displacing many villagers. Nandom, a resident of Langtang, which was flood affected, said hundreds of houses and bridges linking the area with Lafia, capital of Nasarawa State and Taraba state were all swept off by the flood.
23:22 Obama congratulates 'Curiosity' team in California
US President Barack Obama today congratulated the team of NASA scientists, who successfully sent "Curiosity" mission to Mars, calling it a "mind-boggling" accomplishment and asked them to let him know right away if the craft happens to see martians.
"You guys have done an outstanding job. You made us all proud. You've made NASA proud. You guys are examples of American know-how and ingenuity, and it's really an amazing accomplishment," Obama said, in his address to the NASA scientists who are working on the Mars project.
22:55 Gujarat CM announces formation of new district
Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi today announced the formation of a new district of Gir-Somnath and a slew of other measures for the fishermen community in Somnath, here today.
In an attempt to woo the fishermen community ahead of the state elections Modi announced an increase of daily allowance from Rs 50 per day to Rs 150, for families of fishermen who are in Pakistani jails.
"A new district will be formed soon which will be called Gir-Somnath and will have six talukas," Modi announced at the Sagarkhedu fishermen community meet held by the state government in the Somnath temple town of Junagadh district in Saurashtra.
He announced the constitution of a high-level committee headed by the chief secretary to form the new district. The new Gir-Somnath district is likely to be formed on January 26, next year.
22:13 BJP mouthpiece ridicules Team Anna's plans to enter politics
Wary of the fact that Team Anna's decision to enter politics may cut into its votebank, BJP mouthpiece Kamal Sandesh today ridiculed the move, saying by this act the civil society activists have "cheated" the people and engaged in "emotional blackmail".
Raising eyebrows about the likely fate of a political party formed by Team Anna members, the BJP mouthpiece in the editorial of its latest edition said, "Has someone the right to disgrace the faith of the people in the name of Janlokpal? Why the people were cheated? If the aim was politics then why all these things were done? Was it necessary to come into politics?"
21:48 Pak violates ceasefire again
In the sixth incident of ceasefire violation in less than two weeks, Pakistan troops today opened fire on Indian posts along the Indo-Pak border in Arnia sector of Jammu district.
"There was firing of several rounds on India's Pindi Border out Post (BoP) along the International Border in Arnia sector of Jammu district this evening," a senior BSF officer said. The BSF opened retaliatory fire, he said, adding that the exchange of fire was brief.
21:32 Ramdev released, but refuses to exit stadium
After yoga guru Baba Ramdev refused to leave Ambedkar Stadium, the police lifted the detention charge on him and his supporters.
We have majority in Parliament and among the people, says Ramdev.
Ramdev had earlier put the onus on police to feed all his supporters.
Meanwhile, the government has said that it is monitoring the situation.
19:50 Ramdev talks of ousting Cong
The latest protest against corruption ended today after yoga guru Ramdev was taken into custody along with hundreds of supporters when it took an anti-Congress turn in their march towards Parliament demanding steps to bring back blackmoney stashed abroad.
On a day of high drama and after BJP and JD-U leaders offered their support, Ramdev, who had been dilly-dallying for the past three days on his strategy, asked his thousands of supporters to march towards Parliament, three km away from the protest venue at Ramlila Maidan, for a dharna outside.
19:46 I am with Baba Ramdev: Nitish Kumar
he Congress may have decided not to engage with yoga guru Baba Ramdev as he campaigns against corruption and black money, but other political parties have formed the equivalent of a human chain of support, emphatically announcing in quick succession that they support his cause. BJP president Nitin Gadkari and Sharad Yadav, who heads the JD-U, visited Baba Ramdev's camp in Delhi this morning, where they gave the all-clear to his motives, declaring that there is no political intent or agenda to his movement.
Baba Ramdev wants the government to take exigent steps for the repatriation of thousands of crores of rupees deposited by Indians in secret bank accounts for tax evasion. "You are not alone, guruji," said Mr Gadkari. "All members of the NDA are with you," he added referring to the coalition of political parties led by his BJP.
Read the full story here
18:56 Ramdev a mascot of NDA: Congress leader
Senior Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed on Monday slammed the NDA for using Yoga guru Baba Ramdev as a 'mascot' to run down the Congress-led UPA government on the black money issue.
"It is obvious that Ramdev has emerged as a mascot of the NDA in its political fight against the UPA," Ahmed told reporters.
18:32 Ramdev gets off bus, walks to Ambedkar stadium
Ramdev gets off the bus and walks to Ambedkar stadium. He will detained there for the night along with his supporters.
The Congress has said that Ramdev must declare his intentions if he intends to go political. Another senior leader in the party said that the Congress will face this challenge directly and go to the people on the issue as "such anti-Congressism is not new to us".
Though the Congress has so far not made any remark against the former Army Chief General V K Singh sharing the dais with Ramdev during the agitation against black money, sources said that the party views the step as "wrong". "Every one is free to fight elections but not in this manner," a leader said.
The Congress has said that Ramdev must declare his intentions if he intends to go political. Another senior leader in the party said that the Congress will face this challenge directly and go to the people on the issue as "such anti-Congressism is not new to us".
Though the Congress has so far not made any remark against the former Army Chief General V K Singh sharing the dais with Ramdev during the agitation against black money, sources said that the party views the step as "wrong". "Every one is free to fight elections but not in this manner," a leader said.
18:26 Ramdev 'jail' venue changed to Ambedkar stadium
TV reports now suggest that Baba Ramdev and his 10,000 (his figures, not ours) supporters will be taken to the Ambedkar Stadium, walking distance from the Ferozshah Kotla stadium.
That's because it will be nearly impossible to get to the Bawana stadium. Ramdev has appealed to his supporters to go to jail for one day.
That's because it will be nearly impossible to get to the Bawana stadium. Ramdev has appealed to his supporters to go to jail for one day.
18:18
Ramdev wants to know whether he is a "deshdrohi". "Why can't the government handle the crowds better. We are willing to go to jail, we are willing to go to the Bawana grounds, but we haven't been able to move," he grumbles.
18:08
At the Ramdev rally, supporters gather around the bus. Obviously, the bus cannot move. Ramdev says all his 10,000 followers have to be detained with him.
18:06 ATS secures Jundal's custody in Aurangabad arms haul case
Meanwhile, a Metropolitan court here today granted custody of LeT operative and key 26/11 handler Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal to Maharashtra ATS in connection with the 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case.
Metropolitan magistrate P S Rathod gave Jundal's custody to the Anti-Terrorism Squad a day after he recorded a confessional statement in which he is understood to have given deep insight into Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba's role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. 30-year-old Jundal was in the custody of crime branch since the day he was brought here from Delhi in the 26/11 case before being remanded in judicial custody last Friday after he expressed the desire to confess his role in the Mumbai terror attacks.
Jundal was brought to Mumbai on July 21 after a Delhi court handed over his custody to the ATS, which wanted him in connection with a series of terror-related crimes in Maharashtra. The ATS had, however, allowed Mumbai crime branch to secure his custody in the 26/11 case.
Metropolitan magistrate P S Rathod gave Jundal's custody to the Anti-Terrorism Squad a day after he recorded a confessional statement in which he is understood to have given deep insight into Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba's role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. 30-year-old Jundal was in the custody of crime branch since the day he was brought here from Delhi in the 26/11 case before being remanded in judicial custody last Friday after he expressed the desire to confess his role in the Mumbai terror attacks.
Jundal was brought to Mumbai on July 21 after a Delhi court handed over his custody to the ATS, which wanted him in connection with a series of terror-related crimes in Maharashtra. The ATS had, however, allowed Mumbai crime branch to secure his custody in the 26/11 case.
18:03
Apparently, 53 buses packed with his supporters are headed to Bawana stadium. Ramdev has refused to alight from the bus, saying all his supporters (estimated to be at least 10,000) have to also be detained.
18:00 Ramdev yet to reach Bawana, refuses to get off bus
Ramdev has reached Ferozshah Kotla stadium en route to Bawana Rajiv Gandhi stadium. Apparently, the bus he was in, has moved just 300 m in three hours.
17:57 It begins: Grains rot at Vadodara
First reports of rotting grains, a regular feature every single year. Over 3,000 quintals of wheat worth about Rs.3.5 crores has rotted after a recent spell of monsoon showers in Vadodra, Gujarat.This has been due to the failure of proper storage arrangements by the state authorities. According to media reports, the Food Corporation of India and the Central Warehousing Corporation had kept the wheat in the railway backyard, but it rotted after rains lashed the city.
17:11
Chowdhury, who is in judicial custody for 14 days in Jhargram jail, was not present in the court. The case will now be heard on August 24. Chowdhury had told the chief minister at her public meeting at the former Maoist stronghold of Belpahari on August 8 that farmers were dying and asked her what steps her government was taking since "empty promises were not enough".
The chief minister had expressed surprise and dubbed the man a Maoist while asking the police to arrest him. Police had detained Chowdhury, a resident of Noawa village under Binpur police station, but let him go after questioning. He was rearrested on August 10 night from his home and produced in court the next day and remanded in 14 days judicial custody.
The chief minister had expressed surprise and dubbed the man a Maoist while asking the police to arrest him. Police had detained Chowdhury, a resident of Noawa village under Binpur police station, but let him go after questioning. He was rearrested on August 10 night from his home and produced in court the next day and remanded in 14 days judicial custody.
17:10 Mamata's 'Maoist' farmer denied bail
Shiladitya Chowdhury, the farmer accused of being a Maoist by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has been denied bail. The farmer was arrested and sent to 14 days' judicial custody on Saturday. He was arrested on charges of assaulting government servants and obstructing their work. Shiladitya had asked the chief minister not to make promises to the people of Jangalmahal which she would not keep.
17:01 Shot putter tests positive, stripped of gold medal
Belarusian shot putter Nadzeya Ostapchuk stripped of gold medal for doping. Ostapchuk failed a drugs test, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said in a statement on Monday. The 31-year-old, who provided two urine samples which contained the banned anabolic agent metenolone, becomes the first medallist of the London Games to test positive for a banned substance.
16:43 MHA: Underworld links likely in Mumbai riots
The violence in Mumbai on Saturday over Assam riots may have an underworld connection with investigators finding some leads suggesting the same, reports CNN IBN.
According to sources, the investigators have got the leads from the analysis of CCTV footage of the violence at Azad Maidan.Sources further said that the CCTV footage showed that certain groups in the crowd were intent on triggering violence amidst the protests.Meanwhile, though no arrests were made in connection with the incident on Monday, the two missing police SLRs have been recovered.
According to sources, the investigators have got the leads from the analysis of CCTV footage of the violence at Azad Maidan.Sources further said that the CCTV footage showed that certain groups in the crowd were intent on triggering violence amidst the protests.Meanwhile, though no arrests were made in connection with the incident on Monday, the two missing police SLRs have been recovered.
16:23 'Remarkable Games have filled my heart with pride'
"It is as if the golden age of my youth had never gone away." Sir Roger Bannister -- the first man to run the mile under four minutes -- writes for the Daily Mail. Read
16:07 The man who made dusky acceptable on the runway
The Vogue retrospective on Prabuddha Dasgupta.
Father, photographer, guide, lover and friend Prabuddha Dasgupta, one much beloved of the Indian fashion industry, died on Sunday August 12 in Alibag.
16:01 Supporters stop cops from taking Ramdev away
Update from the Ranjit Singh flyover. The bus carrying Ramdev and key supporters are still stuck at the flyover. The huge crowds have not moved away from the path of the bus.
15:47 A Conversation With: Social Scientist Anandi Mani
Anandi Mani, an associate professor at the University of Warwick in Britain, is one of the authors of a study on women's political representation and its effect on crime in India. Read the interview
15:37 Unfair, inaccurate, disparaging
"A lowly eighth?' Why does the Indian media's Olympic coverage frequently embrace derision of our athletes? The London event has once again exposed the tribal mind set of our journalists, says Sharda Ugra. Read
15:33 Mamata vs the farmer: Be afraid, very afraid
The new rule in Mamata-land is what Bengalis calls peak-ti-not or don't utter a word. Anything you say, can and will be held against you. Read
15:30 Rooh Afza, Lal salaam
It is not a cola and it is not endorsed by Shah Rukh Khan. It also lacks ready-to-drink convenience. Forty years older than independent India, it is still going strong.Rooh Afza, the scarlet-hued refresher, was founded by a drug maker called Abdul Majeed in Old Delhi in 1907. This classic summer sharbat has survived Partition, the licence raj, economic reforms, carbonated drinks and tetra-pack juices.
Read
Read
15:25 Pak and India mulling meet b/w RAW and ISI chiefs: Report
Pakistan and India are mulling a proposal for a meeting of the chiefs of their intelligence agencies as part of a series of confidence-building measures to build goodwill, according to a media report today. The proposal is among "numerous mechanisms" being explored to reduce the trust deficit between the two neighbours, The Express Tribune quoted official sources as saying.
It quoted a source as claiming that the US was instrumental in persuading the two countries to discuss the possibility of a meeting between the heads of the Research and Analysis Wing and Inter-Services Intelligence.
It quoted a source as claiming that the US was instrumental in persuading the two countries to discuss the possibility of a meeting between the heads of the Research and Analysis Wing and Inter-Services Intelligence.
15:24 UK: A nation whose sense of itself has been utterly transformed
In other news: Seven years after an astonished London beat Paris to host the 2012 Olympics, and 17 exhilarating sport-packed days after the Opening Ceremony, the choice of the International Olympic Committee has been joyously, wondrously vindicated. Read
15:20 Govt should take steps to bring back black money: Mayawati
BSP supremo Mayawati, whose party is providing outside support to UPA, today pressed the government to take steps to bring back black money into the country and extended her support to all anti-corruption agitations which were above party politics.
The former UP Chief Minister said if the Centre had taken timely steps to address the matter, the Supreme Court would not have had to intervene in the "serious issue".
"We have supported every such organisation and stage which is above party politics and agitating against corruption... This is a serious matter and all political parties should rise above party politics and make efforts to end corruption," Mayawati told reporters here.
The BSP chief was asked if her party supported the anti- corruption agitation of yoga guru Ramdev. "It is the Centre's responsibility to take along all parties and try to find a way to bring back black money and if this money comes back to India, people living below poverty line will be able to lead a decent life," she said.
Read: Mayawati spent Rs 86 crore of public money on her bungalow
The former UP Chief Minister said if the Centre had taken timely steps to address the matter, the Supreme Court would not have had to intervene in the "serious issue".
"We have supported every such organisation and stage which is above party politics and agitating against corruption... This is a serious matter and all political parties should rise above party politics and make efforts to end corruption," Mayawati told reporters here.
The BSP chief was asked if her party supported the anti- corruption agitation of yoga guru Ramdev. "It is the Centre's responsibility to take along all parties and try to find a way to bring back black money and if this money comes back to India, people living below poverty line will be able to lead a decent life," she said.
Read: Mayawati spent Rs 86 crore of public money on her bungalow
15:15
Ramdev and his supporters taken into preventive custody to the Bawana stadium.
@rameshsrivats Tch. India is becoming a Bawana Republic.
@rameshsrivats Tch. India is becoming a Bawana Republic.
15:07 How India can go from emerging to superpower
Ruchir Sharma, head of emerging market equities for Morgan Stanley Investment Management in New York, began his ascent in the financial world by writing about it. Read the full story here.
15:04 Zakarias Time-out prompts Indian angst
Fareed Zakaria's suspension from Time magazine and CNN for plagiarism has set alight Twitter and other social media in India, the land of Mr. Zakaria's birth. Read
15:01 Cong: Ramdev's mask off, political ambition clear
Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Janardhan Dwivedi says, "Baba Ramadev's mask is off, he has made his political ambitions clear. Black money is a concern and steps are being taken to get it back."
14:58 Social media is lying to you about Burma's Muslim 'cleansing'
Social networking sites are abuzz with news about Muslims being killed in Burma.You can see the sporadic posting of pictures by different people with captions like 'Muslims killing in Burma', 'Muslims slaughtered by Buddhists in Burma' and so on. Read the blog on the Express Tribune published on July 19.
14:52 The fearless photographer
Prabuddha Dasgupta, 58, who died of a heart attack in Alibaug on Sunday, left his stamp of boldness and originality in his commercial and non-commercial work. Read
14:49 Pranab floats world flute festival at Rashtrapati Bhawan
Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee brought music to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Read
14:43 Mulayam supports Ramdev
Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's first statement since Ramdev's fast. He says, "We will support whoever it is who is trying to get black money into India." Ramdev had said he had the support of Mulayam Singh, Nitin Gadkari and Sharad Yadav.
14:38
On Ranjit Singh flyover, the buses have not moved an inch. More supporters seem to have joined in at the flyover when they heard that Ramdev had been detained. No signs of violence but getting the buses to the Bawana stadium will be extremely difficult.
14:34
Arvind Kejriwal says that he always knew about Baba Ramdev's links with BJP. Anna stayed away from Ramlila Maidan as he got wind of his political plans.
14:31 I will never forgive Nazia: Zoheb Hassan
Twelve years ago yesterday, Pakistan's iconic pop princess Nazia Hassan lost the battle against lung cancer at 35. Fans remember Nazia and her brother, Zoheb Hassan, as the sensations that transformed pop culture in the country and made waves at home and abroad, especially across the border. Read
14:26 Pallavi wasn't meant to go like that
The gruesome murder of a close friend Pallavi Purkayastha has brought to the forefront significant issues that seem to attack the very core of our existence, and our belief that we can lead safe and normal lives.
Read Preeti Mohan's blog.
Read Preeti Mohan's blog.
14:18
In other news: How to start a riot out of Facebook. On the Mumbai riots on Saturday. Read
14:11 Baba Ramdev taken into preventive custody
The scene at Ranjit Singh flyover is largely peaceful. So far no law has been broken expect Section 144, which is why Ramdev and his supporters are now being taken into custody.
Baba Ramdev is inside/outside a bus clinging on to the window. Will be a Herculean task for the police to get the buses to the Rajiv Gandhi stadium. Ramdev said he only wanted to picket Parliament. He has not said a critical word against any Parliamentarian. "We have no wish to spread violence. We will follow the law," he says.
The Congress says it will not hold talks with Ramdev
Baba Ramdev is inside/outside a bus clinging on to the window. Will be a Herculean task for the police to get the buses to the Rajiv Gandhi stadium. Ramdev said he only wanted to picket Parliament. He has not said a critical word against any Parliamentarian. "We have no wish to spread violence. We will follow the law," he says.
The Congress says it will not hold talks with Ramdev
14:03 Ramdev: Won't oppose police orders
Ramdev hands over the mic to a follower and climbs down from the roof of the car. The police form a cordon around him and guide him to the waiting DTC bus. No clarity as yet where Ramdev will be taken, though his supporters (blowing conch shells, shouting slogans and singing songs) will be taken to the Rajiv Gandhi stadium.
Certainly a difficult task for the Delhi police to handle the crowds. Sea of protestors (estimated to be between 3000 and 4000) swelling as we tell you this. Women, the elderly and children have been told not to participate in the protest, just in case things turn violent.
So far, it's been largely peaceful, with Baba Ramdev giving directions to the crowds at every step of the way, telling them to be peaceful.
Certainly a difficult task for the Delhi police to handle the crowds. Sea of protestors (estimated to be between 3000 and 4000) swelling as we tell you this. Women, the elderly and children have been told not to participate in the protest, just in case things turn violent.
So far, it's been largely peaceful, with Baba Ramdev giving directions to the crowds at every step of the way, telling them to be peaceful.
13:54 Ramdev taken into preventive custody
Ramdev sitting atop a car has been stopped at the Ranjit Singh bridge/flyover before Parliament House. He says he is not being allowed to go to Parliament House. "I will follow orders. I do not want to break the law," he tells his supporters.
The cop standing next to him holds his wrist and asks him to climb down from the car and get into the bus to be taken to preventive custody at Bawana.
The cop standing next to him holds his wrist and asks him to climb down from the car and get into the bus to be taken to preventive custody at Bawana.
13:51 LS erupts over Mumbai violence
Meanwhile, the violence in Mumbai following a rally to denounce riots in Assam had its echo in the Lok Sabha today with Shiv Sena and BJP members storming the well protesting the "total failure" of Maharashtra government to check it.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Shiv Sena leader Anant Geete condemned the incidents of "fanatic youths" attacking the police and the media and even damaging a martyrs' memorial in Azad Maidan.
Asking as to why permission was granted by the state government to the Raza Academy and Awami Vikas Party to hold the rally, he alleged that the state government was caught unawares about the large number of people converging for the meet.
"Didn't the Intelligence Bureau know in advance that such a thing is going to happen. ... It is the total failure of the Maharashtra government," he said, warning that if not checked, the Mumbai incidents had the potential to spread in other places. As Geete spoke, Shiv Sena and BJP members stormed the well demanding a statement from the Prime Minister.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Shiv Sena leader Anant Geete condemned the incidents of "fanatic youths" attacking the police and the media and even damaging a martyrs' memorial in Azad Maidan.
Asking as to why permission was granted by the state government to the Raza Academy and Awami Vikas Party to hold the rally, he alleged that the state government was caught unawares about the large number of people converging for the meet.
"Didn't the Intelligence Bureau know in advance that such a thing is going to happen. ... It is the total failure of the Maharashtra government," he said, warning that if not checked, the Mumbai incidents had the potential to spread in other places. As Geete spoke, Shiv Sena and BJP members stormed the well demanding a statement from the Prime Minister.
13:44
It's begun. His supporters are slowly being peacefully taken into preventive custody.
13:44
Ramdev's cavalcade began its march to Parliament House at approximately 1.15 pm. The protestors are moving peacefully waving flags and wearing black headbands. No pushing, no jostling as the two columns head closer to destination. Ramdev himself is on top of a car.
Police bandobast all along the route. The moment they cross the Ranjit Singh flyover/bridge, section 144 comes into effect and they will be taken into preventive custody. What will happen then is that the police will pack them off into buses and herd them to the Rajiv Gandhi stadium, which will be a makeshift jail.
Police bandobast all along the route. The moment they cross the Ranjit Singh flyover/bridge, section 144 comes into effect and they will be taken into preventive custody. What will happen then is that the police will pack them off into buses and herd them to the Rajiv Gandhi stadium, which will be a makeshift jail.
13:34 Mamata is dictatorial, intolerant. whimisical: Katju
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come under intense attack over arrest of a man who asked her a question at a rally with Press Council of India chairman Markendey Katju calling her "totally dictatorial, intolerant, and whimsical" in her behaviour.
The BJP said giving answers is the duty of political leaders and that they can't run away while CPI-M, the arch rival of the Trinamool Congress supremo, dubbed the arrest as "unfortunate and horrific."
Read Katju's press release.
The BJP said giving answers is the duty of political leaders and that they can't run away while CPI-M, the arch rival of the Trinamool Congress supremo, dubbed the arrest as "unfortunate and horrific."
Read Katju's press release.
13:23 Ramdev begins march to Parliament
The Delhi police have imposed Section 144 of the CrPc relating to unlawful assembly. This means the moment the Ramdev supporters cross a bridge just ahead of the Ramlila grounds, they can be arrested. There is also heavy police bandobast around Parliament Street as the House is in session. Police say the supporters will be taken into preventive custody at the makeshift jail at Rajiv Stadium, Bawana.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 2 pm after uproar over violence in Mumbai over the Assam riots.
Ramdev continues to urge the protestors to be peaceful.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 2 pm after uproar over violence in Mumbai over the Assam riots.
Ramdev continues to urge the protestors to be peaceful.
13:12 Ramdev begins march to Parliament
Baba Ramdev standing on dais amid a sad of flags attempts crowd control as his followers begin their march to Parliament. He tells them how to move, not to jostle or push and and at all costs maintain peace. "It has to be non-violent, don't take the law in your own hands," he warns the people.
13:01 Ramdev refused permission for 1 pm Parliament march
Ramdev and is entourage will head to Parliament at around 1 pm. Wearing a head band, Ramdev spoke to the thousands at Ramlila after Nitin Gadkari and Sharad Yadav were done with their speeches. Ramdev's was in fact a thanksgiving speech. He thanked the BJP, JD(U) and SP's Mulayam Singh Yadav (not present) for his support to the campaign against black money. He warned the assemblage that the march had to be non-violent. "Do not break the law in any way," he told them.
12:50 Ramdev predicts Lok Sabha polls next year
Back to Ramlila. Ramdev predicts the future of politics in India. He said today that the Lok Sabha polls will be in 2014, but would be 99 per cent in 2013. This protest is to ensure that no dishonest person enters Parliament. Such people should be boycotted."
12:45 The greatest disco on Earth!
Pixel animations turn Olympic Stadium into psychedelic light show. Read more
12:42 Heathrow's busiest day in history?
Bad day if you're headed out from London. 116,000 passengers including 6,000 Olympic athletes leave London. Read more
12:36 The novelist who spied
There have been plenty of spies who took up writing, but during World War II Britain's most popular thriller writer was asked to help deceive the Germans and he did so spectacularly. Tina Rosenberg tells his remarkable story in D for Deception.
Read the report on the Daily Beast.
Read the report on the Daily Beast.
12:34 Ping-Pong: Americas Most Overlooked Sport?
Moving on from Ramlila to the just-concluded Olympics...
From its nerdy reputation to a recent takedown by a legend, competitive table tennis may be America's most underdog sport. Former Junior Olympian Matt Simon argues: it's time for the country to embrace it as a "real' athletic pursuit. Read
From its nerdy reputation to a recent takedown by a legend, competitive table tennis may be America's most underdog sport. Former Junior Olympian Matt Simon argues: it's time for the country to embrace it as a "real' athletic pursuit. Read
12:30 Gadkari: Why is govt so reluctant to act on black money?
BJP president Nitin Gadkari speaking at Ramlila now. He says Ramdev is fighting for the sake of the country and asks why is it that the government is so reluctant to act on black money. He says the government is harassing and arresting people by using the CBI. He asks why are Suresh Kalmadi and A Raja the only accused in the 2G scam. The insinuation here is obviously, P Chidambaram.
"Ramdev will not support the political agenda of the BJP or any other party," said Gadkari.
Meanwhile, 10 more companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed to Ramlila.
"Ramdev will not support the political agenda of the BJP or any other party," said Gadkari.
Meanwhile, 10 more companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed to Ramlila.
12:18 Sharad Yadav takes on UPA for not speaking Hindi
Back to Ramlila for a bit.
JD(U) president Sharad Yadav speaks on almost everything under the sun, from history to sports. He criticises the slavish way cricket matches are broadcast and connects it to our colonial past. He says the victories at the Olympics are real victories because there is no colonial link and the victorious are the sons of the soil.
He then moved on to Hindi and English and criticised the UPA saying that they didn't speak the language of the people.
"Our finance minister P Chidambaram doesn't know the national language and speaks only English, but Ramdev spoke the language of the people."
He also said that only those who speak English get jobs and there should therefore be equal employment opportunities for those who don't know the language.
We've missed the connection between this and the black money issue.
JD(U) president Sharad Yadav speaks on almost everything under the sun, from history to sports. He criticises the slavish way cricket matches are broadcast and connects it to our colonial past. He says the victories at the Olympics are real victories because there is no colonial link and the victorious are the sons of the soil.
He then moved on to Hindi and English and criticised the UPA saying that they didn't speak the language of the people.
"Our finance minister P Chidambaram doesn't know the national language and speaks only English, but Ramdev spoke the language of the people."
He also said that only those who speak English get jobs and there should therefore be equal employment opportunities for those who don't know the language.
We've missed the connection between this and the black money issue.
12:08
And here's a rundown of who did what, who said what at the closing ceremony. Read
12:05 In pictures: Olympic Games closing ceremony
Moving on to other news. If you didn't catch the closing ceremony of the London Olympics, try this.
12:00 The craft of graft
Everything in excess is opposed to nature, Hippocrates famously said. About a century later, Aristotle '" who held the ancient Greek physician in enormous regard '" developed the theory of the golden mean, positing there was virtue in treading the middle path between two extremes, a way of life that enables people to live according to their nature. Should we give Shivpal Yadav, the beleaguered Uttar Pradesh Minister for Public Works, the benefit of the doubt?
Read the editorial on the Hindu.
Read the editorial on the Hindu.
11:58 Dj vu in Mumbai
Saturday's arson and vandalism during protests by Muslim groups against the ethnic killings in Assam and Myanmar caught the Mumbai police on the wrong foot, and not for the first time. Read the editorial on the Hindu.
11:55
Sharad Yadav addressing the crowd at Ramlila. Ramdev has claimed that he approached the NCP's Sharad Pawar for his support, but so far, it seems an out and out NDA affair.
11:51
The Lok Sabha, as you know, has been adjourned over the black money issue. In the Rajya Sabha, this is what happened.
@PMOIndia Prime Minister felicitates Rajya Sabha Chairman Mr Hamid Ansari: I welcome you again to this house with a sense of joy, pride and gratitude.
@PMOIndia Prime Minister felicitates Rajya Sabha Chairman Mr Hamid Ansari: I welcome you again to this house with a sense of joy, pride and gratitude.
11:49
Kiran Bedi tweeting furiously on the Ramdev fast. Team Anna has kept away from.Kiran Bedi
@thekiranbedi police will play extreme patience. And will stay put as long as it takes. But never allow march to Parliament!
@thekiranbedi Baba has added strength to anti corruption cause by keeping d crusade in focus. Also doing huge Lokniti (voter awareness)
@thekiranbedi Police shall have to contain Babaji+followers because of existing prohibitory order around Parliament House
@thekiranbedi police will play extreme patience. And will stay put as long as it takes. But never allow march to Parliament!
@thekiranbedi Baba has added strength to anti corruption cause by keeping d crusade in focus. Also doing huge Lokniti (voter awareness)
@thekiranbedi Police shall have to contain Babaji+followers because of existing prohibitory order around Parliament House
11:44 Gakari, Sharad Yadav to ask Ramdev to end fast
TV reports say that Gadkari and Sharad Yadav will ask Ramdev to end his fast today. While the NDA's presence strengthens Ramdev's stand against black money, UPA chief Sonia Gandhi is right now in Kokrajhar, Assam, to review the situation after ethnic clashes left 47 dead last week.
The police will not let Ramdev march to Parliament, says NDTV.
The police will not let Ramdev march to Parliament, says NDTV.
11:41 Lok Sabha adjourned
Lok Sabha has been adjourned till noon after opposition uproar over black money, and alleged atrocities against Hindus in Pakistan.
11:34 Nitin Gadkari, Sharad Yadav reach Ramlila
Earlier Ramdev said that the government was "deaf, blind and insensitive. It is in coma, it will die. But we don't want anybody to die. But they are inviting death. Congress hatao, desh bachao." Loud cheers from the crowd.
OK, first images of Nitin Gadkari and Sharad Yadav at the venue.
OK, first images of Nitin Gadkari and Sharad Yadav at the venue.
11:32 Gadkari may march to Parliament House with Ramdev
At Ramlila Maidan, Nitin Gadkari is yet to arrive. TV reports suggest that Gadkari will march to Parliament house with Ramdev when he gets to Ramlila. Addressing those who accused him of having a political agenda, Ramdev says he has support across political parties, and not just the NDA. He says he has called leaders from all parties.
11:22 As drought looms in India, fear for its cattle
As Ramdev and the NDA protest at Ramlila, another important story this morning is that millions of livestock farmers around the country are now worried as drought sets in. Read the report on Reuters.
11:11
Representatives from the BJP, SAD, BJD and JDU are already at the rally. Like we said, Nitin Gadkari and Sharad Yadav are expected to reach the rally any time now.
11:09 Swamy shares the stage with Ramdev
Janata Party's Subramaniam Swamy is also at Ramlila. Addressing the crowds, he says, "The government is in a quandry because it soon be forced to listen to Ramdev. And if that happens, it will have to bring back the black money from abroad." He said it is now a battle between Rome and Om.
10:59 Gopal Kanda moves court for anticipatory bail... again
Just in: Absconding former Haryana minister Gopal Goyal Kanda moves the Delhi High Court for anticipatory bail in the Geetika Sharma suicide case. The bail hearing will be held tomorrow.
This is the second time Kanda is applying for anticipatory bail. On August 10, Kanda's anticipatory bail plea was dismissed by a sessions court that said allegations against him were grave and serious in nature and that his application was without merit.
Kanda is accused of abetting the suicide of his ex-employee and former air hostess Geetika Sharma.
This is the second time Kanda is applying for anticipatory bail. On August 10, Kanda's anticipatory bail plea was dismissed by a sessions court that said allegations against him were grave and serious in nature and that his application was without merit.
Kanda is accused of abetting the suicide of his ex-employee and former air hostess Geetika Sharma.
10:56
BJP president Nitin Gadkari and JD(U) president Sharad Yadav will join Ramdev at Ramlila soon. Ramdev however continues to maintain that he has no political agenda.
10:54 My supporters will not fight with the police: Ramdev
Elaborating on the announcement that he and his followers would march to Parliament today, Ramdev said they were not going to attack Parliament, but they should be allowed to go there. He said the movement is non-violent and would remain so. He said his supporters would not fight with the police.
But there was a veiled threat as well when he said he hoped his supporters would not be forced to take matters into their own hands.
But there was a veiled threat as well when he said he hoped his supporters would not be forced to take matters into their own hands.
10:44 Usain Bolt turns DJ to celebrate Olympic treble
Usain Bolt broke a record then spun some records. Bolt, perhaps the biggest star of the London Games, hotfooted it from the Olympic Stadium on Saturday night to a party nearby in east London and turned DJ to entertain the packed crowd.
"He came on stage and grabbed the mike," DJ Manny Norte told AP on Sunday. "The energy went up ten fold, it was electric. Everyone was very excited to see him." He proved a match for the professionals at a packed club that's been Jamaica's Olympic party base. "It was a historic event," said Norte, who performed alongside Bolt. "It's not every day you get to play to a crowd with the fastest man on planet ... you can tell he loves his music, his pop and reggae. We mixed up the tracks at bit."
"He came on stage and grabbed the mike," DJ Manny Norte told AP on Sunday. "The energy went up ten fold, it was electric. Everyone was very excited to see him." He proved a match for the professionals at a packed club that's been Jamaica's Olympic party base. "It was a historic event," said Norte, who performed alongside Bolt. "It's not every day you get to play to a crowd with the fastest man on planet ... you can tell he loves his music, his pop and reggae. We mixed up the tracks at bit."
10:31 Congress hatao, desh bachao: Ramdev
Ramdev claimed that the government was "scared ahead of elections".
He also clarified that he had no political agenda and the movement led by him will continue to remain non-violent.
"The corrupt must be punished. Congress hatao, desh bachao (remove the Congress, save the nation)," he said.
10:27 Congress govt MUST be overthrown: Ramdev
Upping the ante against the government over the issue of black money, yoga guru Ramdev has declared that he, along with his supporters, will march to Parliament on Monday and sit on a dharna outside.
"Time for sit-in protest is over, it is time to act," he said at Ramlila Maidan, where he is on a protest fast.
He added that the Congress government must be overthrown to save the country.
10:07 Ramdev seeks revolution, cops beef up security
The Delhi police have beefed up security across the capital after yoga guru Ramdev called for a 'revolution' and a 'jail bharo' movement.
According to media reports, paramilitary forces have been deployed and the police have been instructed to stop Ramdev's supporters from reaching Ramlila Maidan, where the yoga guru is holding a protest fast.
Ramdev has asked his supporters to court arrest. He is expected to announce his next course of action shortly.
09:13 Ramdev calls for revolution, security beefed up in Delhi
The Delhi police have dismissed media reports that claimed they were planning a crackdown on yoga guru Ramdev's fast at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.
Media reports had earlier suggested that the police were planning to crack down on Ramdev and his supporters, after security was tightened across the capital on Sunday.
09:10 Noted photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta passes away
Noted fashion photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta passed away on Sunday following heart attack while doing a shoot at Alibaug, family sources said.
Dasgupta, 50, pursued a variety of photographic projects and was considered a major photographic talent in the country.
He was doing a shoot for a company at Alibaug, about 150 km from Mumbai, when he suffered a heart attack.
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