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Thu, 13 September 2012
Justice Altamas Kabir to be new CJI
Timeline Refresh
23:29 Justice Altamas Kabir to be new CJI
Justice Altamas Kabir, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, was today appointed as the next Chief Justice of India. Justice Kabir, 64, who will succeed Chief Justice Sarosh Homi Kapadia, will assume his new charge on September 29 as the country's 39th CJI.
He was appointed Supreme Court Judge on September 9, 2005. He has delivered several landmark judgments including on human rights and election laws. He will have a tenure of nine months till July 18, 2013. Born on July 19, 1948 in Kolkata, Justice Kabir did his LLB and MA from University of Calcutta and was made a permanent judge of the Calcutta High Court on August 6, 1990.
He is part of the Bench hearing the case of the two Italian Marines who allegedly shot dead two Kerala fishermen taking them as pirates.
23:26 'Big advance' in US consulate attack probe: Libya PM
A "big advance" has been made in the probe into the deadly attack on the US consulate in Libya's second city Benghazi, Prime Minister Mustafa Abu Shagur said today.
In his first interview since his election as premier last night, Abu Shagur said that arrests had already been made and that more were under way. "We have made a big advance. We have some names and some photographs," he said.
"Arrests have been made and more are under way as we speak." The new prime minister did not elaborate on how many suspects were in custody or what groups, if any, they were connected to. "We don't want to categorise these people until we know all the facts," he said.
23:21 Shinde briefs CCPA on situation in Assam
Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde tonight briefed the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) about the situation in Assam which had witnessed ethnic violence recently.
Shinde is learnt to have apprised the CCPA, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, about the steps taken by the government in rehabilitating the victims of the violence between Bodos and Muslim immigrants in some districts of Assam.
Nearly five lakh people were affected by the violence that had broken out in Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts Chirang, Dhubri and Kokrajhar in late July.
23:14 Diesel price hiked, subsidised LPG supply cut
Biting the bullet, the government today hiked diesel prices by a steep Rs 5.62 per litre and restricted the supply of subsidised cooking gas to 6 cylinders per household in a year to fetch an additional Rs 20,300 crore. It, however, left kerosene rates untouched and spared an increase in petrol price by cutting excise duty by Rs 5.30 (rpt) Rs 5.30 per litre.
Reeling under the criticism of a policy paralysis and facing an urgent need to cut down the ballooning oil subsidy of Rs 187,127 crore, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took the decisions which have come under strong attack from allies like TMC and SP. TMC and DMK ministers kept away from the meeting.
23:12 Former CJI, Justice Ranganath Misra passes away
Former Chief Justice of India, Justice Ranganath Misra passed away in Apollo hospital at Bhubaneswar.
Justice Misra was appointed permanent judge of the Orissa high court on July 4, 1969 and appointed acting Chief Justice, Orissa high court on November 6, 1980.
Justice Misra was appointed as Chief Justice of India on September 25,1990 and retired on November 24, 1991.
22:18 We didn't favour such a hike in diesel price: Cong
Dubbing the Rs 5 per litre hike in diesel price as an "unpleasant" decision of the government, Congress tonight said it was not in favour of an increase to such an extent because it hurts the farmers and the common man.
Party General Secretary Digvijay Singh said "we are not in favour of a hike in diesel prices to such an extent because it hurts the farmers and common man." The government has to take a conscious decision after taking all allies of UPA into confidence, he said adding this should be discussed in the UPA Coordination Committee.
Asked whether it affects UPA's projection that it is the government of 'aam aadmi' (common man), Singh said UPA I and UPA II have taken "innumerable decisions benefitting the common man".
21:20 US consulate attack: Libya govt makes some arrests
The Libyan government has ordered a probe into the attack at the US consulate in Benghazi -- when a mob set the building afire, killing the American envoy and three other Americans.
Some media reports had claimed that Al Qaeda, not mob frenzy, was behind the incident.
The government also stated that it has made some arrests in connection with the case but refused to divulge further details.
21:09 I am SHOCKED by the hike in diesel prices: Mamata
TMC chief Mamata Banerjee demanded an immediate rollback in the diesel price hike.
"This is a serious and sensitive matter," she said, but added that TMC will not withdraw its support to the ruling UPA government.
"I want the government to continue, I want stability," she said.
20:59 I am SHOCKED by the hike in diesel prices: Mamata
"We can't tolerate things that affect the common man. This hike will affect farmers. We were not consulted by the government about this," an infuriated Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister, told CNN-IBN.
"I am shocked by the hike," she said.
20:57 We will discuss the fallout of the hike: TMC
Opposition parties have condemned the Rs 5/litre hike in the price of diesel.
CPI-M leader Brinda Karat said that the hike will have a "cascading effect" while the BJP said the UPA government was going back to the time of a "controlled economy".
Trinamool Congress, a major ally in the ruling UPA, also expressed its unhappiness about the hike. "We will discuss the fallout of the hike in our party meeting," said Union minister Mukul Roy.
20:29 Altamas Kabir to be next Chief Justice of India
Justice Altamas Kabir has been appointed as the next Chief Justice of India. He will replace current Chief Justice S H Kapadia, who is scheduled to retire on September 29.
20:29 No increase in petrol and kerosene prices
There will be no increase in the prices of petrol and kerosene. The excise duty on petrol has been cut by Rs 5.50 per litre.
20:15 Disel prices hiked by Rs 5 per litre, no hike in kerosene
The price of the diesel has been hiked by Rs 5 per litre. The hike will be effective from midnight. There has been no hike in the price of kerosene.
The Cabinet committee on political affairs cleared the hike in diesel prices.
The government has caped subsidized LPG to 6 cylinders per family per year.
More details are awaited.
The Cabinet committee on political affairs cleared the hike in diesel prices.
The government has caped subsidized LPG to 6 cylinders per family per year.
More details are awaited.
19:55 Protestor shot dead by police in Yemen
Yemeni police today shot dead a protester and wounded five others when they opened fire on a crowd attempting to storm the United States embassy in Sanaa to protest a film mocking Islam, a security official said.
The shooting came as protesters, chanting "O, messenger of Allah... O, Mohammed," launched a second charge on the complex which they had stormed earlier but were ejected by the security forces.
Yemen President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi apologised to his US counterpart Barack Obama and the American people for the acts of a "mob" and ordered a probe. "Those who are behind (the attack) are a mob that are not aware of the far-reaching plots of Zionist forces, especially those who made a film insulting the prophet," said Hadi.
The shooting came as protesters, chanting "O, messenger of Allah... O, Mohammed," launched a second charge on the complex which they had stormed earlier but were ejected by the security forces.
Yemen President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi apologised to his US counterpart Barack Obama and the American people for the acts of a "mob" and ordered a probe. "Those who are behind (the attack) are a mob that are not aware of the far-reaching plots of Zionist forces, especially those who made a film insulting the prophet," said Hadi.
19:51 Chiranjeevi to get Cabinet berth by September end
The buzz in central hall is:
- Chiranjeevi is all set to become Union minister in September. On the day of the swearing-in ceremony, the yesteryear superstar plans to bring 250 admirers and erstwhile Praja Rajyam Party leaders by a special aircraft to Delhi and host a massive lunch for them.
- Why did Arun Jaitley meet Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari recently-with a number of files? Sources say that he has complained to Ansari about two Union ministers. Jaitley also paid a courtesy call to Ansari before his United States trip. The senior BJP leader will leave for the US on September 17. He is scheduled to deliver a lecture at the Columbian University and a few other seminars on 'India at crossroads'.
- Sources in New Delhi say that in 2007, a prominent Union minister wrote a letter to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh seeking coal blocks allocation to a private industrialist. This expose will come as yet another major blow to the UPA and the Congress.
- The GoM on media is touring states sans P Chidambaram, who heads the group. The finance minister has been advised not to move around. In his absence, the group is being led by Ghulam Nabi Azad.
- A Union minister in a private conversation spoke about the strength and weakness of UPA2 while doing an off the record briefing. Soon, this clandestine video is expected to be uploaded on Youtube.
19:05 YouTube rejects blanket ban on anti-Islam film
A day after the attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi, video-sharing website YouTube today said it has restricted access to the film both in Libya and Egypt.
"This video - which is widely available on the Web - is clearly within our guidelines and so will stay on YouTube," a spokesman said in a statement.
"However, given the situation in Libya and Egypt, we have temporarily restricted access in both countries. Our hearts are with the families of the people murdered in yesterday's attack in Libya," he added.
"This video - which is widely available on the Web - is clearly within our guidelines and so will stay on YouTube," a spokesman said in a statement.
"However, given the situation in Libya and Egypt, we have temporarily restricted access in both countries. Our hearts are with the families of the people murdered in yesterday's attack in Libya," he added.
18:27 J&K govt seeks banning anti-Islam film on Internet
India is likely to ban on the Internet a controversial film deemed offensive to Islam that has sparked anti-United States protests.
The home ministry has forwarded a request of the Jammu and Kashmir government to block all webpages where the film is available to the director general of computer emergency response team India for urgent action.
"The DG CERT-In is looking into the matter and in all probability the webpages will be blocked soon," a home ministry official said today.
18:26 Parliament prorogued after monsoon session
Both Houses of Parliament have been prorogued after the conclusion of the monsoon session on September 7.
"The Lok Sabha which commenced its Eleventh Session on the 8th August, 2012 has been prorogued by the President on the 12th September, 2012," a Lok Sabha Secretariat statement said.
The Rajya Sabha which adjourned sine die on September 7 has been prorogued by the President Pranab Mukherjee on September 12, a Rajya Sabha Secretariat statement said.
18:25 11 terror suspects given 2 weeks of police custody
A local court in Bengaluru today extended till September 27 the police custody of 11 suspects with alleged links to Lashkar-e-Tayiba and HuJI terror outfits who were arrested last month.
Bengaluru crime branch sleuths arrested 11 suspects, five from Hubli and six in the city, on August 29 and uncovered the terror module run by them in a major operation. Three more were arrested in as many days subsequently.
On Thursday second additional chief metropolitan magistrate G Nanjundaiah extended their police custody when they were produced before the court.
18:20
In the New York Review of Books, George Soros writes on the 'Tragedy of the European Union and How to Resolve It'.
When the article was written on August 1, Soros says, Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann objected to the assertion by Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central Bank, that the ECB will "do whatever it takes to preserve the euro as a stable currency.'
However, since it was published, it has become clear that Chancellor Merkel has sided with Draghi, leaving Weidmann isolated on the board of the ECB, which he describes as a game-changing event.
Read the article here.
18:07 Four coal blocks de-allocated
Just In: Government de-allocates four coal blocks, to deduct bank guarantee of three blocks given to one private company. All blocks recommended by IMG for deallocation may becancelled, says Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal.
18:05 Elections will be held on time, says Congress
The Congress party today ruled out mid-term elections to the Lok Sabha. "The government will complete its full term. The elections will be held at the proper time," party spokesman Rashid Alvi told reporters in New Delhi, when asked about Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's remarks on the possibility of early elections.
"As things stand I sometimes feel there could be early elections. But I do not think this will happen. But I cannot say with responsibility what will happen," Yadav said in Kolkata today.
Alvi, however, declined to comment on the SP's reported announcement that it would not field a candidate against Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli in the next Lok Sabha elections. "I don't know. I will find out. Elections are too far away," he said.
18:03
Team Anna man Arvind Kejriwal, who has been showing tremendous solidarity with the Kudankulam nuclear plant protestors, tweeted this today:
/Udaykumar's father has just been served an arrest warrant against Uday under several sections. More than 300 FIRs against Uday. Is it a crime to demand adequate safeguards from nuclear plant? Does this plant have back up water supply? No. Then how is it safe? Can a nuclear plant run without back up water supply?'
18:02 Cong rules out mid-term polls
The Congress today ruled out mid-term elections to the Lok Sabha.
"The government will complete its full term. The elections will be held at the proper time," party spokesman Rashid Alvi told reporters in New Delhi. He was asked about SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav's remarks on possibility of early elections.
17:51 No groupism in UP Cong: PCC chief
Rubbishing reports of groupism within the Uttar Pradesh unit of Congress, PCC chief Nirmal Khatri today said the eight zonal heads would not become separate power centres, but work as a team.
"There is no groupism in the state unit and if something like this happens then as the president it will be my work to tackle it," Khatri told reporters.
He said it was not groupism but political ambition among leaders and the day it ends no person would be able to progress.
17:49
Team Anna man Arvind Kejriwal, who has been showing tremendous solidarity with the Kudankulam nuclear plant protestors, tweeted this today:
/Udaykumar's father has just been served an arrest warrant against Uday under several sections. More than 300 FIRs against Uday. Is it a crime to demand adequate safeguards from nuclear plant? Does this plant have back up water supply? No. Then how is it safe? Can a nuclear plant run without back up water supply?'
17:41 Cong leadership has accepted defeat in Guj: BJP
As uncertainty prevails over whether Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi would campaign in Gujarat for the coming Assembly polls, the BJP today said it showed that the Congress leadership in Delhi was resigned to the prospect of defeat.
"I have heard from senior journalists....Rahul is not going to campaign in Gujarat elections," BJP women wing president and MP Smruti Irani said, addressing a gathering at this temple town as a part of Chief Minister Narendra Modi's campaign tour.
17:37 NCP condemns Maha CM's 'soft' stand on Raj
The Nationalist Congress Party today condemned the 'soft stand' of the Maharashtra government against Raj Thackeray over his controversial statements against north Indians.
"We condemn the soft stand of the Maharashtra chief minister. It encouraged him (Thackeray) to open fronts against north Indians, artists from Pakistan and popular singer Asha Bhosle," former minister and the party's state chief Thakur Randhir Singh said on Thursday.
17:33 Mulayam' third front statements 'misleading': BJP
Describing Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's remarks favouring a Third Front, as 'misleading', senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh today sought a firm assurance from the SP on withdrawing support to the UPA.
"The statements of Mulayam are misleading and if he is serious on the issue of Third Front then he should give in writing that his party has withdrawn support from the Congress-led UPA," Singh told a select group of journalists a day after Yadav dubbed the Congress as scam-tainted while his party spoke of difficulties in continuing support to UPA government if its allies start deserting it.
17:33 Imran Khan vs Jemima Khan. In 140 characters
This is on the lines of He Said-She Said.
First Pakistan's cricketing genius turned political non-starter Imran Khan tweeted this: We strongly condemn the defamatory film made maligning our revered Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).Targeting Islam & spreading hate is unacceptable.
To which his ex-wife Jemima Khan quickly retorted: yes but you also strongly condemn the killing of US diplomats too. Right?
Thus did the world come to know, within 140 characters, how the romance unravelled...
17:27 Media should act with restraint: Manmohan
Describing media as the 'conscience-keeper' of the nation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday asked it to keep away from sensationalism though it was 'tempting' some times.
"The desire to be sensational should be avoided eventhough it is very tempting sometimes. Restraint should beexercised so that nothing that divides our society and countryis written, broadcast or telecast", he said.
17:25 Imran Khan vs Jemima Khan. In 140 characters
This is on the lines of He Said-She Said.
First Pakistan's cricketing genius turned political non-starter Imran Khan tweeted this: We strongly condemn the defamatory film made maligning our revered Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).Targeting Islam & spreading hate is unacceptable.
To which his ex-wife Jemima Khan quickly retorted: yes but you also strongly condemn the killing of US diplomats too. Right?
Thus did the world come to know, within 140 characters, how the romance unravelled...
17:20 Assistant CP to head SIT on cartoonist Trivedi case
The Mumbai police has formed a Special Investigation Team (headed by an assistant police commissioner to probe the case of political cartoonist Aseem Trivedi and also review the sedition charges slapped on him.
"The case has now been handed over to the SIT headed by ACP GT Padwal. Earlier it was probed by policemen of Bandra Kurla police station where the case was registered. Going by the importance of the case, it was transferred to an ACP-level officer," Deputy Police Commissioner Namdev Chavan said today.
16:56 Egypt's Mursi condemns embassy attack, protesters clash
Egypt's president said today that he supported peaceful protest but not attacks on embassies, after Egyptians angry at a film deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohammad climbed into the US embassy in Cairo and tore down the American flag. Read
16:53 Odisha CM questions Centre on coal blocks to outside companies
Targeted by the Centre on the coalgate issue, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today questioned allocation of coal blocks to certain companies which do not have any stake in the state.
"Why did the Centre make allocations to such companies?," Patnaik told reporters while making a statement over the ongoing controversy on coal block allocations in the state and other places.
Referring to the Centre's claim that the state governments recommended name of certain companies for coal block allocation, Patnaik said, "It is not as if the Centre does allocations only on our recommendations".
Patnaik's statement came shortly after Union Minister V Narayansami sought to know the motive behind recommendation made by the chief minister for allocation of a particular coal block to a private company which had earlier been allotted to another firm.
"Why did the Centre make allocations to such companies?," Patnaik told reporters while making a statement over the ongoing controversy on coal block allocations in the state and other places.
Referring to the Centre's claim that the state governments recommended name of certain companies for coal block allocation, Patnaik said, "It is not as if the Centre does allocations only on our recommendations".
Patnaik's statement came shortly after Union Minister V Narayansami sought to know the motive behind recommendation made by the chief minister for allocation of a particular coal block to a private company which had earlier been allotted to another firm.
16:47 The meltdown of reason
The violence that the agitation against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project degenerated into this week had an unfortunate ring of foreordination about it. It seemed to exemplify what happens when differences are not resolved through peaceful means. Read
16:46 Libyas spiral of violence
As people across the world remember the victims of 9/11, we have been served a reminder that the grim forces that brought it about are far from spent. Wednesday's assassination of the American ambassador to Libya, amidst the storming of the country's missions in Benghazi and Cairo, is all the more tragic because of its predictability. Read the editorial on the Hindu.
16:41 China silent on health of new leader
China today said preparations for ruling-Communist Party's key congress to select country's new leadership is "well underway" but remained silent on the speculation about illness of Vice President Xi Jinping, officially projected as the successor to President Hu Jintao.
16:38
Fareed Zakaria on the folly over 'red lines' for Iran. Read
16:27 Tutankhamuns death 'could be linked to his man-boobs'
A new theory has suggested Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun could have died from an affliction that caused him to suffer from man-boobs. Historians believe the teenage ruler may have died from an inherited condition which gave him a "feminised physique". Read more
16:18 SC refuses to impose stay on fuel loading at Kudankulam
In a blow to anti-nuclear activists who are demanding the immediate suspension of fuel loading at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court on Thursday refused to put a stay on the move. senior counsel Prashant Bhushan, who had filed a plea in the Supreme Court demanding a stay on fuel loading, said, "The court asked the government whether these 17 recommendations (of AERB) have been made, and whether they have been complied with or not.
The government said that these are only additional recommendations by way of abundant caution. They said safety aspects have been dealt with other judgement related to environmental clearance of the project. Since that is a much longer judgement, the court wanted to go through it.' The apex court will now hear the plea next Thursday.
The government said that these are only additional recommendations by way of abundant caution. They said safety aspects have been dealt with other judgement related to environmental clearance of the project. Since that is a much longer judgement, the court wanted to go through it.' The apex court will now hear the plea next Thursday.
15:32 IMG recommends de-allocation of 4 coal blocks
The Inter-Ministerial Group on coal blocks allocation has recommended de-allocation of four mines alloted to private firms and encashment of bank guarantee of three others on the ground of non-development of mines within a prescribed time.
"The IMG, which reviewed eight cases yesterday has recommended de-allocation of four coal blocks including two alloted to private firm Field Mining and Ispat," a Coal Ministry official, who did not wish to be named, said.
Field Mining and Ispat was slapped a show cause along with 58 others for delay in development of Chinora and Warora Southern Part coal blocks in Maharashtra.
"The IMG, which reviewed eight cases yesterday has recommended de-allocation of four coal blocks including two alloted to private firm Field Mining and Ispat," a Coal Ministry official, who did not wish to be named, said.
Field Mining and Ispat was slapped a show cause along with 58 others for delay in development of Chinora and Warora Southern Part coal blocks in Maharashtra.
15:22
The whole text and nothing but the text of the PM's speech at the inaugural function of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Kerala Union of Working Journalists. So help you God. Read
15:16 Police, protesters clash outside US embassy in Cairo
Meanwhile, violence has returned to Cairo streets today as Egypt's police clashed with a stone and bottle throwing crowd protesting outside the US embassy in Cairo against a film deemed as offensive to Islam.
The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd during sporadic clashes through the night outside the embassy, where yesterday thousands of protesters climbed on the embassy walls and tore down the Stars and Stripes. They replaced it with a black Islamic flag.
According to official records, so far 16 protesters have been injured in addition to several police officers. A police car was also burnt when it attempted to head to the embassy. Police fired tear gas at protesters who were banging stones on metal to make noise.
The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd during sporadic clashes through the night outside the embassy, where yesterday thousands of protesters climbed on the embassy walls and tore down the Stars and Stripes. They replaced it with a black Islamic flag.
According to official records, so far 16 protesters have been injured in addition to several police officers. A police car was also burnt when it attempted to head to the embassy. Police fired tear gas at protesters who were banging stones on metal to make noise.
15:11
Just in: PVP Films' bid for Deccan Chargers has been rejected outright. They had put up a bid worth Rs 915 crore.
15:09
Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, joined Afghanistan in demanding that YouTube block the crudely made film that has triggered the protests with its mocking portrayal of the Prophet Mohammed. Indonesian authorities are also working with Internet service providers to block access to the film.
14:58 A day after US envoy's death, Yemen embassy stormed
US President Barack Obama has called the presidents of Egypt and Libya to urge cooperation over security for diplomatic staff, reports the BBC.
There have been further clashes outside the US embassy in Cairo overnight. Thousands of people gathered outside the building in the Egyptian capital, chanting and starting fires.Police and troops fired tear gas to break up the crowds, some of whom were seen carrying petrol bombs.
On Wednesday, demonstrators in Cairo angry at the film - Innocence of Muslims - had breached the walls of the US embassy and torn down the flag.
There have been further clashes outside the US embassy in Cairo overnight. Thousands of people gathered outside the building in the Egyptian capital, chanting and starting fires.Police and troops fired tear gas to break up the crowds, some of whom were seen carrying petrol bombs.
On Wednesday, demonstrators in Cairo angry at the film - Innocence of Muslims - had breached the walls of the US embassy and torn down the flag.
14:48 Anti-Islam film protests: US embassy in Yemen stormed
Police opened fire in an attempt to hold back the crowds, but failed to prevent them gaining access to the compound and setting fire to vehicles. A number of people were reported to have been injured, reports the BBC.
On Tuesday, the US ambassador to Libya was killed in a fire started after the US consulate in Benghazi was stormed. Earlier on Thursday, US officials said they were investigating whether the attack in Libya - which killed three other US consul staff and several Libyans - was planned, citing suspicions that a militant jihadist group may have co-ordinated the violence. There have also been clashes in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.
On Tuesday, the US ambassador to Libya was killed in a fire started after the US consulate in Benghazi was stormed. Earlier on Thursday, US officials said they were investigating whether the attack in Libya - which killed three other US consul staff and several Libyans - was planned, citing suspicions that a militant jihadist group may have co-ordinated the violence. There have also been clashes in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.
14:41 US embassy in Yemen stormed
The US embassy in Yemen has been stormed as anti-US clashes spread over the anti-Islam film. Details awaited.
14:40
TV images show protesters clambering over the gates of the US embassy in Saana. This comes a day after the US envoy to Libya and three others were killed yesterday.
14:10
Political satire was alive and well during in British India, writes Naresh Fernandes. On Christmas Day in 1887, a Mumbai paper, Parsee Punch, ran a cartoon depicting India striking a gong of Congress by the ear of a slumbering John Bull. "Rousing the sentinel,' ran the caption. It was only one of thousands of politically charged illustrations that would be carried in the weekly, which first appeared in July 1854 and was still being published well into the 1930s under the name Hindi Punch. Read
14:04 Starbucks delays India entry
Coffee lovers in India may have to wait a little bit longer before they can sip on a latte at the neighborhood Starbucks store. The Seattle-based coffee retailer's much-awaited entry into India, originally scheduled for August or September this year, has been pushed back. Read
14:01
Writer, poet Jeet Thayil, shortlisted for the Man Booker award, for Narcopolis speaks of how he wanted to record a time that had vanished. Read
13:59 A farewell to Indias milkman
And the homage to Dr V Kurien, the man who helped make India into the worlds leading milk producer, continues... This is Open magazine editor Manu Joseph's piece for the International Herald Tribune. Read
13:51 Kalmadi CAN'T contest Indian Olympic Assn polls
The tainted former CWG organising committee chief Suresh Kalmadi will not be allowed to contest the elections for the post of president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) due in October. Kalmadi wants to contest the elections despite being sidelined in IOA's affairs after being made an accused in the Commonwealth Games scam.
Kalmadi has held the position as IOA chief for 18 years, but the High Court ruled that the sports code limits three terms as IOA chief.
Let's count our blessings, shall we.
Kalmadi has held the position as IOA chief for 18 years, but the High Court ruled that the sports code limits three terms as IOA chief.
Let's count our blessings, shall we.
13:39 Just ONE bid as Deccan Chargers goes on the block
Bids for Deccan Chargers' IPL team has opened with just one bid coming in from PVP Films, a production house. The auction is being held at the Park Sheraton, Chennai.
Deccan Chargers has been put on sale by its current owners and media company Deccan Chronicle. The company has fixed the base price for the team at Rs 750 crore. The team is being sold as Deccan Chronicle is reeling under severe financial mess.
Deccan Chargers has been put on sale by its current owners and media company Deccan Chronicle. The company has fixed the base price for the team at Rs 750 crore. The team is being sold as Deccan Chronicle is reeling under severe financial mess.
13:36
Karnataka MP Rajeev Chandrashekhar has given a Rs 5 lakh award to the Mumbai police for successfully nabbing the Amar Jawan memorial vandals.
13:25 FDI on aviation soon? Mamata may be on board
Foreign direct investment in aviation may be a reality soon with Mamata Banerjee, now indicating that she may give her nod. The Cabinet may approve the new FDI aviation policy next week. The government is however, not looking at FDI for Air India.
Under current rules, foreign airlines are barred from buying stakes in domestic carriers, although foreign investors are allowed to hold a cumulative 49 per cent.
Under current rules, foreign airlines are barred from buying stakes in domestic carriers, although foreign investors are allowed to hold a cumulative 49 per cent.
13:23 Mulayam: Neither BJP nor Cong lives up to people's expectations
Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav holds forth at the National Executive meet in Kolkata. Addressing the press, Mulayam said that the party was prepared for a greater responsibility at the centre and its identity was no longer that of a regional party restricted to UP. He said that neither the BJP nor the Congress had lived up to the expectations of the people. He said the third-front could also be floated after the polls.
12:56 Starbucks delays India entry
Coffee lovers in India may have to wait a little bit longer before they can sip on a latte at the neighborhood Starbucks store. The Seattle-based coffee retailer's much-awaited entry into India, originally scheduled for August or September this year, has been pushed back. Read
12:54 Obstacles to organ donation in India
When science minister Vilasrao Deshmukh passed away last month, the head of the Chennai hospital where he was treated said he may have survived, had he had a liver transplant. That a government minister failed to secure a liver transplant on time underscores the flaws in India's organ-donation system. Read
12:40 Filmmaker behind anti-Islam movie 'not Israeli'
The man who produced the film, which is said to have led to the deadly protests in Libya, and became the reason for the death of US Ambassador Chris Stevens, is not a citizen of Israel, it has emerged.
Sam Bacile, who is believed to have written, directed and produced the two-hour film Innocence of Muslims, may not even be a Jew, and is using a pseudonym. Bacile has identified himself as Jewish and an Israeli in interviews, but Israeli diplomats said they have no record of any citizen with that name, the New York Daily News reports. "His name is a pseudonym,' said Steve Klein, a Christian activist, who says he was consultant on the film.
Sam Bacile, who is believed to have written, directed and produced the two-hour film Innocence of Muslims, may not even be a Jew, and is using a pseudonym. Bacile has identified himself as Jewish and an Israeli in interviews, but Israeli diplomats said they have no record of any citizen with that name, the New York Daily News reports. "His name is a pseudonym,' said Steve Klein, a Christian activist, who says he was consultant on the film.
12:38 Katie Holmes: I want to date a taller man
Newly-single actress Katie Holmes says she wants to date taller men after splitting from her ex-husband Tom Cruise.
Holmes, 33, who is two inches taller than Cruise, has reportedly bought 15 pairs of heels following her divorce from the superstar, reported Sun online. "I would like a guy who is taller than me... It sounds shallow. I like being tall, but going on dates with someone who is shorter... I just want to be with someone who is taller than me," said Holmes, who used to stick to flat shoes while attending public events with Cruise.
When Nicole Kidman was dumped by her husband, Tom Cruise, she handled it with style and grace. She never openly aired her dirty laundry and refrained from ex-bashing. She conducted herself in a manner that should be held as a model for all. Nicoles only personal comment on the divorce came in the form of a quip on Letterman; "Now I can wear heels."
Holmes, 33, who is two inches taller than Cruise, has reportedly bought 15 pairs of heels following her divorce from the superstar, reported Sun online. "I would like a guy who is taller than me... It sounds shallow. I like being tall, but going on dates with someone who is shorter... I just want to be with someone who is taller than me," said Holmes, who used to stick to flat shoes while attending public events with Cruise.
When Nicole Kidman was dumped by her husband, Tom Cruise, she handled it with style and grace. She never openly aired her dirty laundry and refrained from ex-bashing. She conducted herself in a manner that should be held as a model for all. Nicoles only personal comment on the divorce came in the form of a quip on Letterman; "Now I can wear heels."
12:25
The PM added that the country was passing through difficult times and the Assam incident and its reverberations have brought out worrying fault-lines in our society.
12:23 PM: Tempting, but media should avoid sensationalism
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today laid the foundation stone of the Kochi Metro Rail project, kick-starting the much-awaited project. "I wish Kochi should be one of the best urban centres in the world," said the PM. Addressing the press thereafter, the PM warned, "The media should avoid the desire to be sensational though it is very tempting sometimes."
The Rs 5181.79 crore project, covering a length of 25.612 kms, is being funded jointly by the Centre and Kerala government and is targeted to be completed in four years. PM.
The Rs 5181.79 crore project, covering a length of 25.612 kms, is being funded jointly by the Centre and Kerala government and is targeted to be completed in four years. PM.
12:02 Obama campaign rebukes Indian-American's 'smear' film
The Obama campaign has issued a sharp rebuke to a low-budget documentary critical of the president, saying that the movie "falsely smears President Obama as having a hidden agenda bent on realizing 'anti-colonial' ambitions. Read
11:55 Kudankulam: Protestors form human chain in sea
Stepping up their protest against the atomic power plant here, anti-nuclear activists today stood in sea waters forming a human chain off nearby Indinthakarai coast.
Taking a leaf from Jal Satyagraha activists in Madhya Pradesh, the activists of People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) stood in the waters close to the shores in a new turn to their year-long protests.
Police, whose presence has been strengthened in and around the sea shores with additional forces, have beefed up security along the coast to prevent any untoward incident during the day-long protest.
The agitators have put forward four demands - stoppage of the process of fuel loading in Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, drop the plan to arrest anti-nuclear movement leaders, adequate compensation for those who suffered losses and release of those already taken into custody.
The new form of protest came even the whereabouts of PMANE leader S P Udayakumar remained unknown after he did somersault on his offer to surrender before police after the protest turned violent that led to police firing claiming the life of one fisherman in Tuticorin district on Monday.
Taking a leaf from Jal Satyagraha activists in Madhya Pradesh, the activists of People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy (PMANE) stood in the waters close to the shores in a new turn to their year-long protests.
Police, whose presence has been strengthened in and around the sea shores with additional forces, have beefed up security along the coast to prevent any untoward incident during the day-long protest.
The agitators have put forward four demands - stoppage of the process of fuel loading in Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, drop the plan to arrest anti-nuclear movement leaders, adequate compensation for those who suffered losses and release of those already taken into custody.
The new form of protest came even the whereabouts of PMANE leader S P Udayakumar remained unknown after he did somersault on his offer to surrender before police after the protest turned violent that led to police firing claiming the life of one fisherman in Tuticorin district on Monday.
11:45 Anti-Islam filmmaker goes into hidiing
The man who produced the film, which is said to have led to the deadly protests in Libya and became the reason of death of the US Ambassador Christopher Stevens, has gone into hiding, but remains unrepentant for releasing his film, says a report.
Sam Bacile wrote, directed and produced the two-hour film 'Innocence of Muslims', that set off a wave of violence in Egypt and Libya against Americans.
Bacile, who described himself as an Israeli Jew, is said to live in California where he works in real estate.
According to the Telegraph, he claimed the film cost 3.3 million dollars to make and was financed with the help of over 100 Jewish donors. He added that he had worked with 60 actors and 45 crew members to make the film in a three-month period last year in California.ribed himself as an Israeli Jew, is said to live in California where he works in real estate.
Sam Bacile wrote, directed and produced the two-hour film 'Innocence of Muslims', that set off a wave of violence in Egypt and Libya against Americans.
Bacile, who described himself as an Israeli Jew, is said to live in California where he works in real estate.
According to the Telegraph, he claimed the film cost 3.3 million dollars to make and was financed with the help of over 100 Jewish donors. He added that he had worked with 60 actors and 45 crew members to make the film in a three-month period last year in California.ribed himself as an Israeli Jew, is said to live in California where he works in real estate.
11:28 The provocateurs know politics and religion don't mix
It only takes a couple of loonies a few seconds to kick off a miniature war in the Muslim world, says Robert Fisk. Read
11:21 Origins of provocative video remain shrouded
The film that set off violence across North Africa was made in obscurity somewhere in the sprawl of Southern California, and promoted by a network of right-wing Christians with a history of animosity directed toward Muslims. When a 14-minute trailer of it -- all that may actually exist -- was posted on YouTube in June, it was barely noticed. Read
11:00 Mumbai's Best buses worst hit by politics
1,231 of 4,600 buses damaged since 2008, causing a loss of Rs 23.4 lakh. And yes, the pleasure of having taking a ride on the first seat of the upper deck will soon be just a memory. Read
10:54 Gandhi would approve
If you consider the dictionary meaning of sedition -- any act, writing directed against State authority, and any such act promoting discontent or rebellion -- Aseem Trivedi was guilty.
Read Samar Harlankar on India's sedition laws.
Read Samar Harlankar on India's sedition laws.
10:49 Modi dresses up for RSS meet, but gets no invite
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh did not invite Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi to its special meeting in Vadodara from September 7 to 9 despite the BJP strongman being keen on meeting the organisation's top brass.
"Modi had conveyed his desire to meet the top leaders, but the Sangh decided not to invite him or any other Bharatiya Janata Party leader," a RSS leader said on Wednesday.
The state BJP leadership was cagey about speaking on the RSS decision, which has triggered talk of a strain in ties between the Sangh and Modi.
Read the story here.
"Modi had conveyed his desire to meet the top leaders, but the Sangh decided not to invite him or any other Bharatiya Janata Party leader," a RSS leader said on Wednesday.
The state BJP leadership was cagey about speaking on the RSS decision, which has triggered talk of a strain in ties between the Sangh and Modi.
Read the story here.
10:47 Canada wants to sell nuclear reactors to India
Putting behind a troubled nuclear history with India, Canadian foreign minister John Baird said, "We have turned the page with India. India is a very different country today." With Canada emerging as an energy superpower, buoyed by a thriving economy, the minister said, "We value and welcome Indian investment in natural resources and energy." Read
10:41 Who wins: iPhone 5 vs Galaxy S III vs Nokia Lumia
The iPhone 5 launches into a more challenging field of competitors than ever, and to give you some context about the iPhone 5 specifications compared with those of its chief competitors -- Samsung Galaxy S III, Droid RAZR HD and Nokia Lumia 920 -- we put the most important characteristics of each into this handy table.
10:31 IMG on coal told to give report at the earliest
The Inter Ministerial Group on coal block allocation has been asked to conclude its work without delay and give its recommendations at the earliest.
A direction is this regard was given on Wednesday after Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal met in the presence of the secretaries of the Department of Economic Affairs and Coal Ministry.
Rejecting reports of differences between the two ministries in the media on the basis of letter written by a Joint Secretary in the Finance Ministry to Coal Ministry, a finance ministry statement said the letter was only a routine administrative matter.
The letter had asked the Chairman of the IMG that all the documents and facts relating to each case be provided to all the members of IMG without which it will not not be in a position to take any view or make any recommendation.
10:14 Kandahar hijack suspect Javed arrested in J&K
Just in: Mehrajuddin alias Javed, a close associate of United Jihad Council chief Syed Salahuddin and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, has been arrested from Kishtwar distruict of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to police, Javed was involved in the 1999 hijacking of India Airlines flight IC-814
09:47 What lets the Apple iPhone 5 down
Engadget managed to get their hands on on an iPhone 5 and gave this review:
"The phone itself doesn't feel too much different than the iPhone 4 and 4S; yes, it's a bit taller, but by keeping the width the same, you'll utilize a very familiar grasp to hold it.
In typical Apple fashion, even the finest details have been worked over tirelessly. The metal feels downright elegant to the touch, and the same line we've said time and time again applies here: there's no doubting the premium fit and finish when you clutch one of these thing. Yeah, the headphone port's now on the bottom, but avid Galaxy Nexus iPod touch users shouldn't have too much trouble adjusting."
CNet says: On the bottom of the iPhone 5, there's that new and long-anticipated smaller dock connector. Called "Lightning," it has an all-digital, eight-signal design and an "adaptive interface" (we're not quite sure what that means yet). It's 80 percent smaller, and since it's reversible, both ends will be the same.
By all means, it's bound to annoy owners of current speaker docks, accessories, and charger/syncing cables since it will render them obsolete. Apple will offer an adapter and adapter cables (of course it will), which range from $19 to $39. We imagine, though, that the adapter may be awkward to use with some current accessories like a bedside alarm clock/music player. For new accessories, Apple says that manufacturers like Bose, JBL, and Bowers are working on new products.
Though we welcome the idea of a smaller connector, we're miffed that Apple couldn't just adopt the semi-industry standard of Micro-USB. That would make things easier for smartphone users across the globe.
And CBS writes in a piece entitled 'Apple iPhone 5: big innovation takes a holiday':
Let there be no doubt, the device will sell a boatload of units. However, the changes seemed all incremental improvements -- new features that were nice, but none that catapulted Apple ahead and left all rival Android phones in the dust.
Doubtless the hardcore fans will argue that Apple is revolutionary, blazing trails and creating amazing products. But from a more detached view, the company's pace of major innovation seems to be slowing. For example, there didn't seem to be anything new that was the equivalent of a Siri or Retina display.
09:18 Apple unveils thinner, lighter iPhone 5
Apple has unveiled the iPhone 5 -- it is thinner and lighter than the previous model, but has a bigger screen.
The iPhone 5 fulfilled many of the expectations laid out by gadget geeks and technology analysts ahead of its Wednesday unveiling but offered few surprises to give Apple shares -- already near record highs -- another major kick.
"There is not a wow factor because everything you saw today is evolutionary. I do think they did enough to satisfy," said Michael Yoshikami, chief executive of wealth management company Destination Wealth Management.
The iPhone 5 has got a 4 inch Retina display with 1136 x 640 resolutions. With 326 pixels per inch, it also has a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Apple has even used the thinnest display ever, almost 30 per cent thinner than before by eliminating a separate layer of touch electrodes between display pixels.
Now, the pixels do double duty - acting as touch-sensing electrodes while displaying the image at the same time.
This even offers more clarity than ever before.
The phone features a metal back. The company also announced a new dock connector. The new connector is called Lightning -- a riff, one presumes, off of Thunderbolt -- and it is reversible.
The iPhone has an A6 chip, which means better graphics and a better gaming experience.
he new phone will cost the same as the iPhone 4S: $199 for the 16 GB version, $299 for the 32 GB version and $399 for the 64GB version.
09:16 US gave 'tacit approval' to embassy attacks: WikiLeaks
Whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks declared that the United States had effectively given groups an opening to attack its embassies by supporting the siege of its founder Julian Assange.
Assange, an Australian activist who founded WikiLeaks to fight official secrecy by distributing leaked documents, is holed up in Ecuador's embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he has been accused of sex crimes.
On Tuesday, the US embassy compound in Cairo was invaded by protesters angered by an online film they saw as offensive to Islam, while the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, was attacked by armed militants.
Four US officials including the ambassador to Libya were killed, but WikiLeaks accused US authorities of undermining the safety of all diplomatic missions by not opposing Britain's police cordon around the London embassy.
"By the US accepting the UK siege on the Ecuadoran embassy in London it gave tacit approval for attacks on embassies around the world," the group said, in a message posted on its main Twitter account on Wednesday.
09:15 Day after bloodshed, Libya has a new PM
Libya's parliament elected a leading member in the country's oldest opposition movement to be its new prime minister.
Mustafa Abu-Shakour is tasked with stabilising a country where armed groups proliferate. Washington's ambassador to Libya and three other Americans were killed during a late Tuesday attack on the US consulate in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.
Abu-Shakour, deputy to Libya's outgoing interim Prime Minister, is considered a compromise figure acceptable to both Islamists and liberals.
He is the first elected head of government since the ouster and slaying of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in last year's civil war.
He hails from the National Front Party, an offshoot of a longstanding anti-Gadhafi movement that includes both Islamist and secular figures. He narrowly beat liberal Mahmoud Jibril by 96 votes out of 190.
09:12 US sends destroyers, Marines to Libya
The United States has dispatched two destroyers to Libya and deployed a Marine team to bolster security at its Tripoli embassy after its ambassador was killed in Benghazi.
The decision to move the ships and a roughly 50-member Marine unit to Libya comes after Washington's envoy and three other Americans were killed in an attack on the US consulate in Benghazi on Tuesday.
"Two destroyers are going to be in the vicinity of Libya but only as a precautionary measure," a senior US official said.
Pentagon spokesman George Little, while declining to comment on specific ship movements, said precautionary steps taken by the US military were "not only logical in certain circumstances" but also "the prudent thing to do."
President Barack Obama quickly ordered increased security at US diplomatic posts around the world, while denouncing the Benghazi assault, which coincided with the 11th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
03:14 Britain's Hague arrives on first visit to Iraq
British Foreign Secretary William Hague arrived in Baghdad on his first to Iraq, during which he will hold talks on issues including the crisis in Syria and the Iraqi political process.
Hague said on arrival yesterday that he will meet with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari for talks on "UK support for the political process in Iraq, and discuss how the international community can work together to bring an end to the bloodshed in Syria," a Foreign Office statement said.
He is also to meet with parliament speaker Osama al-Nujaifi. Iraq has been hit by a series of intertwined political crises that began at the end of last year and have paralysed the government. In neighbouring Syria, opponents of President Bashar al-Assad are battling forces loyal to his regime.
Hague also condemned a wave of over 30 attacks that killed more than 80 people and wounded over 400 on Saturday and Sunday.
02:03 Policeman killed in Chile coup anniversary protests
A police officer was killed and 20 people injured early today in violent street clashes after marches marking the anniversary of the 1973 military coup against president Salvador Allende.
Officer Cristian Martinez was shot in the chest while trying to stop looters from ransacking a store in the area of Parinacota, north of Santiago, where residents clashed with police, authorities said. Another 20 people, including a child, were injured during the night of violence in which rioters manned flaming barricades, exchange fire with police, looted stores and set fire to city buses and private vehicles, officials said.
Police said 255 people, many of them minors, were arrested before order was restored.
01:33 Afghan TV stations face legal action for 'nudity'
The Afghan government has recommended legal action against two TV channels for allegedly broadcasting scantily dressed women and disseminating immorality, officials said on Wednesday.
A ministry of information and culture official said stations Saba, which means dawn, and Setara, which means star -- were guilty of broadcasting songs, in which "there was lots of nudity"."The committee determined that it was against all norms... so the stations were referred to the attorney general's office for investigation," ministry advisor Jalal Noorani told AFP.
He was referring to a government-led committee that oversees the dozens of private TV stations and other media that have sprung up after the 2001 fall of the Taliban, which had banned televisions and photos of all living things as un-Islamic.Abdul Muquim Abdulrahimzai, the broadcast director of Saba TV, denied the allegations.
"We have not broadcast anything that is against Afghan culture or Islamic values," he told AFP.Instead he accused the government-led media violation committee of acting against freedom in the media, but said so far no one from the attorney general's office had contacted the station for investigation.
00:50 Geithner to travel to India next month
US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner would travel to India early next month for the third round of high-level economic dialogue between the two countries, an official announcement said today.
During this India trip that would revolve around the India-US Economic Financial Partnership, Geithner would travel to Mumbai, besides New Delhi on October 9 and 10. The visit was postponed early this year after the then Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, resigned to contest presidential elections.
This would be the first high-level economic dialogue between India and the United States, after P Chidambaram took over as the Finance Minister, following the resignation of Mukherjee.
00:36 'US hostage appeals for help of Israel PM'
A US hostage held by al-Qaeda made a "one Jew to another" appeal for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to help secure his release, SITE Intelligence Group reported today.
Warren Weinstein, a relief worker with USAID who was captured in Lahore, Pakistan, in August 2011, appeared in a video on Islamist websites, the US-based monitoring group said. In another video appeal in May, he asked US President Barack Obama to accept the demands of his kidnappers for an end to air strikes and the release of Islamists held in the United States.
00:23 Kerala submits 10 point development agenda to PM
The Kerala government submitted a 10- point agenda on development to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here tonight. Singh, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day state visit, met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and state ministers at around 8 PM tonight to discuss various issues relating to Kerala.
Industries minister P K Kunhalikutty and Finance Minister K M Mani later told reporters the Prime Minister had agreed to favourably consider the development agenda put forth by the state. Union ministers from Kerala - A K Antony and K V Thomas, Prime Minister's Advisor T K A Nair and State Planning Board member K M Chandrasekhar were among those present.
The ministers also apprised Singh about the state's long pending demand and delay in getting central clearance for various projects.
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