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Mon, 01 April 2013
Vijay Mallya sues banks for selling pledged shares
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23:34 Vijay Mallya sues banks for selling pledged shares
Liquor baron Vijay Mallya has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court against the lenders to his grounded airline Kingfisher for selling a portion of the pledged shares of United Spirits worth Rs 100 crore, according to banking sources.
The case is listed for hearing at the court of Justice J S Kathawala in the Bombay high court on Tuesday.
The petition, filed by UB Holding in the High Court, seeks a stay on sale of shares of its subsidiary USL by SBI after the bank sold a portion of UB shares it held as security in the market last week, said an SBI official who wanted not to be named.
"We have sold a part of the USL shares. We have also received a legal notice from UB Holding restraining us from doing so. But despite that, we decided to sell them and are likely to sell the remaining shares as well as we are confident of the court ruling in our favour," said a senior SBI official requesting anonymity.
22:46 Musharraf's flight diverted to Lahore
Pervez Musharraf's chartered flight from Karachi to Islamabad was diverted to Lahore today due to bad weather and the former military ruler had to resume his journey on a Pakistan International Airlines flight.
A Civil Aviation Authority official said Musharrafs chartered plane left Karachi for Islamabad at 4 pm.
It was diverted to Lahore because of rough weather over the federal capital, he said.
Late in the evening, Musharraf left for Islamabad on a PIA flight after authorities declared his small chartered aircraft was not fit to contend with the bad weather.
"Musharraf had to wait for more than two hours at the old airport lounge under extensive security cover," the official said.
PIA spokesman Athar Awan told PTI that Musharraf reserved a seat on flight PK-308 after authorities told him that his chartered plane could not brave the rough weather.
"The PIA flight left at 8.30 pm and was scheduled to reach Rawalpindi airport at 9.25 pm," he said.
22:45 Pak Rangers hand over Indian girl to BSF
The seven-year-old girl, who inadvertently strayed into the neighbouring country from a village near Indo-Pak border was handed over to the BSF by Pakistani Rangers in a flag meeting today.
The girl was handed over in a flag meeting at BSF outpost and her father identified the minor, a security force official said.
Pooja was playing near her father's farm, which is close to the international border and crossed over to Pakistan on March 29, the BSF official said.
Footmarks suggested that she entered into Pakistan territory following which BSF informed their counterpart in the neighbouring country and the flag meeting was arranged.
21:57 NE students protest compulsory Hindi paper in DU
Students from the north-eastern region today protested the Delhi University's decision to introduce a compulsory paper on Hindi or any other modern Indian languages as part of the foundation courses of the four-year undergraduate programme, beginning this academic session.
The students, under the aegis of North-East Forum for International Solidarity, burnt copies of the foundation course syllabus and broke the barricade outside the Proctor's Office, after no one from the administration came to meet them to discuss the issue, despite hours of sloganeering.
21:55 Caroline Kennedy vetted for Japanese envoy post: Report
Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of former President John F Kennedy, has been asked to serve as the US ambassador to Japan and is being vetted for the post, according to a media report today.
Kennedy, 55, was a top backer of US President Barack Obama during both of his presidential campaigns. He served as the co-chair of his vice presidential search committee in 2008.
21:54 We are getting closer: Govt on draft IIM bill
Consensus appears to be emerging on the draft IIM bill, with HRD Minister M M Pallam Raju today saying they "were getting closer" to it, after reworking on the proposed legislation that sought to create an overarching body to regulate the premier B-schools.
Admitting that there were objections in the original draft bill by some IIMs, which feared their autonomy would be encroached upon with the setting up of an overarching IIM council, he said the bill was reworked accordingly.
21:53 Chances to hold Nepal elections in June dim: Carter
Former US President Jimmy Carter today said he does not see any prospect of Nepal going to polls in June and appealed to the hard-line Maoist faction to renounce violence ahead of elections.
Addressing a press conference at the end of his four-day visit, Carter said disgruntled political parties should betaken into confidence before elections to the Constituent Assembly are held and extended Carter Centre's assistance to observe the forthcoming polls.
21:52 Won't invest in R&D in India: Novartis
Novartis India, a unit of the Swiss pharma major which lost its patent plea for cancer drug Glivec in the Supreme Court today, described the verdict as a "setback for original innovation", and said the company will not invest in R&D in the country.
Novartis, however, said that it will cautiously continue to file for patents and innovative products here
21:51 Our players will play in IPL: Sri Lanka
Despite mounting pressure from nationalists to snub the event, Sri Lanka Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has said that the players have been allowed to take part in the Indian Premier League in view of BCCI's assistance to Sri Lanka at times of need in the past.
"We have to take into account our good relations with the BCCI and their assistance given to Sri Lanka at times of need in the past," said Aluthgamage, responding to why the players were allowed to proceed despite protests.
21:50 Open to all poll reforms: BJP to EC
The BJP today said it is open to all steps by the Election Commission for electoral reforms, including making public all donations to political parties, and maintained that it will abide by any change in rules the poll panel seeks on the issue.
Asked about reports that the Election Commission and the government have differences over making it mandatory for political parties to declare all donations before it, BJP says it favours such a reform.
20:39 'Jhalmuri' for Pitbull, SRK, Katrina and Deepika!
Along with Bollywood superstars Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, American rapper Pitbull would be treated to some authentic Bengali dishes on Tuesday after they perform at the IPL opening ceremony.
The menu at the VIP lounge at Salt Lake Stadium for the carnival on Tuesday evening includes famous Bengali sweets like Channar Payesh, Rasogolla and Mishti Doi.
Adding gastronomical delight to 'cricketainment', the special menu offers a wide range of salads and typical Bengali snacks like the famous jhalmuri, singhara, chanachur, followed by food stations serving a variety of Delhi and Agra chats.
20:37 Arrest warrant issued for former Pakistan minister
Arrest warrants were today issued against Pakistan's former commerce minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim and six others, who have been accused in a multi-billion-rupee insurance scam.
The warrants were issued by the Federal Anti-Corruption Court over the suspects' failure to appear before the court in the National Insurance Company Limited corruption case.
Fahim, who recently kicked off his election campaign by addressing a public meeting in Bhanote, faces disqualification if convicted in the case.
20:35 Lankan Tamils issue: Engg colleges to reopen on Apr 3
Engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu would reopen on April 3, over a fortnight after they were closed, following students' protests over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, authorities announced today.
After discussions with the state government, the vice-chancellor of Anna University, under which more than 500 engineering colleges function, decided to reopen the colleges from April 3, a university release said.
20:34 Job creation declines by 14 per cent!
Job generation in India has declined by 14.1 per cent to 2.72 lakh during the October-March quarter in 2012-13, compared to the same period a year-ago, due to the slowdown in the economy, a survey has said.
During October-March 2011-12, 3.17 lakh jobs were created, industry body Assocham said in a survey.
20:33 2G case: Bharti Cellular CMD Sunil Mittal moves SC
Bharti Cellular Ltd CMD Sunil Mittal has moved the Supreme Court against the 2G court's order summoning him as an accused in the additional spectrum scam.
20:31 Yashwant writes to PM: Appear before JPC on 2G scam
BJP leader in the Joint Parliamentary Committee Yashwant Sinha has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, asking him to appear before the panel looking into the 2G scam.
20:18 Is field reporting losing out to TV journalism?
In an age of screaming anchors and heated newsroom discussions, is the idea of good-old, on the field reporting taking a beating?
20:15 Reshuffle: Has the BJP made a mistake?
The BJP may have unabashedly appointed RSS-backed leaders in its central committees to push forward its agenda of Hinduism, but the party is ignoring the fact that voters often choose the government on basic issues, not on ideology.
20:11 How will the BJP-led NDA govern India?
In case the BJP-led NDA comes to power after the 2014 general elections, India will be subject to major changes in policy and governance.
While international relations are bound to suffer under the BJP's rule, red tape in business enterprises may be cut down.
20:08 Dr Singh's April Fool's Day Joke!
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's comments about a possible third term in the top post has shocked his party colleagues.
How exactly did the otherwise reticent PM manage to rake up such a controversy?
Also, read what exactly the PM said about being the Congress's PM candidate for a third time and the repercussions his comment will have on national politics.
20:01 Pak's top diplomat to visit Lanka for bilateral talks
Pakistan Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani will visit Sri Lanka this week to take part in the third round of bilateral consultations.
During his stay from April 4 to 5, Jilani will call upon Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of External Affairs G L Peiris and Minister for Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, a foreign ministry statement said.
20:00 SC decision on Novartis historic: Anand Sharma
Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma today described the Supreme Court judgement -- rejecting Novartis AG plea for a patent for its cancer drug -- as historic and said the Indian Patent Law conforms fully with global obligations under the WTO IPR pact.
"It is a historic judgement which reaffirms the position of the Indian law and in particular, the provisions of Section 3 D, which mandate the need forsubstantive innovation while deciding on a case for grant of a fresh patent," a commerce ministry statement quoted Sharma as saying.
19:58 Tamil film industry to go on fast over Lanka issue
The entire Tamil film industry would halt its activities in Chennai on Tuesday and stage a day-long fast to demand the rehabilitation of Tamils displaced in Sri Lanka.
Artistes, directors, producers, distributors and exhibitors would undertake the hunger strike at the South Indian Film Artists' Association premises in Chennai to espouse the cause of Tamils in Sri Lanka, film industry sources said.
19:56 Strengthen combat readiness to win wars: China
Amid escalating maritime disputes between China and its neighbours, a top Chinese military official has called on the armed forces to "strengthen combat preparedness and ensure victories in wars".
Fan Changlong, the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, the apex military body which controlled the 2.3 million strong military, made the remarks during an inspection tour of troops stationed in east China's Jiangsu, Fujian and Zhejiang provinces.
19:55 Experts from India, Pak and China meet in Dubai
In March, the Delhi-based Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies organised a trilateral round-table conference in Dubai with strategic experts from India, Pakistan and China.
The experts mulled over nuclear strategy and security issues facing the three nations.
19:08 SA Tourism ropes in Jonty Rhodes as brand ambassador
Former Proteas cricketer Jonty Rhodes has been named as the brand ambassador of South African Tourism in India.
Commenting on the announcement, Jonty said, "I am extremely delighted and thrilled to partner with South African Tourism to promote my beautiful country in India. My home country is every traveler's dream-come-true as it offers enormous possibilities to have the holiday of a lifetime".
18:13 Vijender asked to undergo dope test by sports ministry
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Monday asked the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to conduct a drug test on Olympic boxer Vijender Singh for reported use of heroin.
The ministry said that reports and allegations against the boxer is disturbing and debilitating and that Vijender should face a drug test.
18:03 Nasheed gets relief; trial against him stayed by HC
In a major relief for former president Mohamed Nasheed, the Maldivian high court today stayed temporarily the trial against him in a abuse of power case till it decides the legitimacy of the bench of the lower court.
The temporary injunction was granted after Nasheed's counsel challenged the legitimacy of the bench, asking the high court to declare the composition of the Hulhumale court bench unlawful.
The high court order comes three days ahead of Nasheed's hearing at the Hulhumale court over the arrest and subsequent detention of chief criminal judge Abdulla Mohamed during his term, the Haveeru daily reported.
18:00
Just In: Sports ministry asks NADA to carry out test on boxer Vijender Singh.
17:39 Will not invest on R&D in India, says Novartis
Swiss pharma major Novartis today said it will not invest on research and development in India and move R&D to favourable destinations following the Supreme Court order rejecting its patent plea on cancer drug Glivec.
The company will continue to introduce products in the country, but not invest in R&D here, Novartis India Ltd Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Ranjit Shahani said at a press conference here. Novartis will move R&D investments to favourable destinations, he added.
17:37 Rahul Gandhi's first interface with corporate honchos on Thur
More than a month after being promoted as party Vice President, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will have his first interaction with business leaders on Thursday where he may spell out his vision for economic growth of the country.
CII's Annual General Meeting (AGM), starting on April 3, will provide Gandhi the platform for his maiden interaction with India Inc.
17:20 NYC to sift Ground Zero debris for more 9/11 victims remains
New York City will today begin the mammoth task of sifting through the debris of buildings on the World Trade Center site to find more remains of the 9/11 terrorist attack victims that will allow more number of them to be identified.
According to an NBC report, the city has collected about 60 dump truck loads of debris from construction areas around the World Trade Center site, known as 'Ground Zero', over the past two and a half years that will be sifted for fragments of 9/11 victims' remains, New York City officials said Friday.
17:09 Pak seeks help to check cross-border attacks from Afghan
Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani today called on the US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to help Pakistan check cross-border attacks launched from inside Afghanistan, an issue that triggered fresh tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.
Kayani raised the issue of cross-border attacks with visiting ISAF commander Gen Joseph F Dunford, who is on his first trip to Pakistan after recently assuming the position.
16:58 Leopard sighted at Indian Navy's air base at INS Hansa in Goa
A leopard was sighted at Indian Navy's air base INS Hansa,40 kilometres away from here, on March 31 morning, the second such sighting in the last four weeks.
The Indian Navy spokesman claimed that the leopard was driven away by armed sentries. This is second such incident at INS Hansa, which is home to several flying squadrons attached to the Indian Navy.
The spokesman said that the leopard was fully grown, while the one seen four weeks ago was a cub.
16:55 Gujarat: Pakistani man detained from border area
A Pakistani citizen from Sindh province has been arrested by Border Security Force (BSF) here after he entered the Indian territory, a senior official said.
"Fida Hussain, 63, of Mirpur Khas, Sindh, was nabbed while loitering around border pillar No 1090 of land border Khavda yesterday," a senior BSF official told PTI.
"Nothing incriminating was recovered from him."
16:51 Saudi beheads national for murder
Saudi Arabia beheaded today one of its nationals convicted of murdering a fellow Saudi in the southern Assir region, the interior ministry said. Abderrahman al-Qahtani had shot dead Saleh Moutared following a dispute, the ministry said in a statement carried by SPA state news agency.
His beheading brings to 29 the number of people executed in Saudi Arabia so far this year.
In 2012, the kingdom executed 76 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The US-based Human Rights Watch put the number at 69.
16:49 Non-subsidised LPG price cut by Rs 3 per cylinder
The price of non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) was today reduced by Rs 3 per cylinder in line with fall in international rates. A 14.2-kg LPG cylinder that consumers will have to buy after they exhaust their enhanced quota of 9 subsidised bottles in a year, will cost Rs 901.50 from today, according to Indian Oil Corp (IOC).
The government had in September last year fixed a quota of six subsidised LPG cylinders per household in a year. This was increased to 9 cylinders in January. Any requirement over and above this entitlement has to be bought at market price.
16:36 6 Indian MiG 29 jets upgraded in Russia
Six of the 69 MiG-29 fighter planes of the Indian Air Force have been upgraded in Russia and the remaining jets will be upgraded in India, a Russian official has said.
The official from the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG made the comments at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2013 in Malaysia on Saturday, the closing day of the exhibition.
16:11 Will invest in India cautiously, says Novartis
Pharmaceutical giant Novartis today termed the Supreme
Court's judgement of not granting a patent to its cancer drug Glivec as
"disappointing" and warned that though it will continue to introduce new
products in India, it will now invest "cautiously".
In a landmark verdict, the apex court dismissed the Swiss company's plea, paving way for more affordable life saving cancer drugs.
In a landmark verdict, the apex court dismissed the Swiss company's plea, paving way for more affordable life saving cancer drugs.
16:08 Congress leaders protesting 'anti-farmer' bill detained
Senior Gujarat Congress leaders and party workers were detained here today when they tried to march towards the state Assembly protesting against the Gujarat Irrigation and Drainage Bill 2013, which they claimed is "anti-farmer".
State Congress president Arjun Modhwadia, Leader of Opposition Shankarsinh Vaghela, central ministers Dinsha Pateland Tushar Chaudhary were among others who were detained by the police and released later.
State Congress president Arjun Modhwadia, Leader of Opposition Shankarsinh Vaghela, central ministers Dinsha Pateland Tushar Chaudhary were among others who were detained by the police and released later.
15:57 Vote out corrupt politicians, says Anna Hazare
"Corrupt" politicians willnever allow Lokpal Bill to be passed in Parliament, anti-graft activist Anna Hazare has said while urging people to elect representatives with clean image in next Lok Sabha polls.
"Politicians are elected to serve the public but they take the role of robbers once they enter Parliament and state assemblies and rob people of their wealth," said Hazare, whose 'Janatantra Yatra' reached Jalandhar last evening.
"Politicians are elected to serve the public but they take the role of robbers once they enter Parliament and state assemblies and rob people of their wealth," said Hazare, whose 'Janatantra Yatra' reached Jalandhar last evening.
15:54 Death toll in Tibet landslide rises to 36
With rescuers retrieving 19 more bodies, the death toll in the massive landslide that engulfed a gold mine in Tibet rose to 36 today.
A total of 83 miners were working in the Jiama Copper Polymetallic Mine when the avalanche struck in Maizhokunggar County, about 68 km from Tibet's capital Lhasa on Friday.
Over 4,500 rescuers and 200 machines were working at the site to find the buried miners, state-run Xinhua news agency quoted a spokesman with the rescue headquarters as saying.
A total of 83 miners were working in the Jiama Copper Polymetallic Mine when the avalanche struck in Maizhokunggar County, about 68 km from Tibet's capital Lhasa on Friday.
Over 4,500 rescuers and 200 machines were working at the site to find the buried miners, state-run Xinhua news agency quoted a spokesman with the rescue headquarters as saying.
15:53 BSP leader's murder: 4 arrested
An update on BSP leader's murder case: Four people have been arrested for their involvement in the murder of Deepak Bharadwaj. The two suspected shooters and the owner and the driver of the car in which the assailants fled have been arrested, the police said.
Earlier in the day, the police had said that the two suspected shooters were held.
Earlier in the day, the police had said that the two suspected shooters were held.
15:45 'Delaying panchayat polls a pre-planned conspiracy by TMC'
The Opposition Left Front today accused the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal of hatching a 'pre-planned conspiracy' to delay the panchayat polls forcing the State Election Commission to look for legal recourse.
"We have come to know that the delay in holding panchayat polls is a pre-planned conspiracy by the state government," Left Front chairman Biman Bose alleged.
Claiming that all ministers were not aware of it, he alleged that only Panchayat minister Subrata Mukherjee and Trinamool Congress General Secretary Mukul Roy were party to it.
"Mukherjee was given the duty of creating confusion by triggering a tiff with the SEC. Roy was given the duty of defending the ruling party's image in the public," Bose alleged, adding that the ruling party was trying to buy time by delaying the process before the grassroot polls.
"We have come to know that the delay in holding panchayat polls is a pre-planned conspiracy by the state government," Left Front chairman Biman Bose alleged.
Claiming that all ministers were not aware of it, he alleged that only Panchayat minister Subrata Mukherjee and Trinamool Congress General Secretary Mukul Roy were party to it.
"Mukherjee was given the duty of creating confusion by triggering a tiff with the SEC. Roy was given the duty of defending the ruling party's image in the public," Bose alleged, adding that the ruling party was trying to buy time by delaying the process before the grassroot polls.
15:23 Even after 65 yrs of Independence, ladies beaten: SC
Highlighting the plight of Indian women -- in the context of a woman being beaten up by Punjab policemen in Tarn Taran last month -- the Supreme Court today observed, "Even after 65 years of Independence, helpless ladies are beaten up."
The court made these comments while hearing the case of the Punjab police's attack and the Bihar police's lathicharge of school teachers on protest in Patna last month.
The court made these comments while hearing the case of the Punjab police's attack and the Bihar police's lathicharge of school teachers on protest in Patna last month.
14:50 'SC decision on Novartis to benefit poor patients'
Poor patients will have easier access to quality medicines with the Supreme Court rejecting Swiss firm Novartis' patent plea for its cancer drug Glivec, according to domestic manufacturers.
Novartis, however, said, "This ruling is a setback for patients that will hinder medical progress for diseases without effective treatment options". Terming the judgement as a 'landmark judgement' in favour of poor patients, domestic drug manufacturer associations, including Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance and Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association, hailed the apex court's decision.
"The decision of the Supreme Court will come as a relief to patients suffering from these dreadful diseases as several Indian companies, including Cipla, Ranbaxy and Natco, can continue marketing imatinib at a fraction of the cost of the Novartis product," IPA Secretary General D G Shah said in a statement.
Novartis, however, said, "This ruling is a setback for patients that will hinder medical progress for diseases without effective treatment options". Terming the judgement as a 'landmark judgement' in favour of poor patients, domestic drug manufacturer associations, including Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance and Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association, hailed the apex court's decision.
"The decision of the Supreme Court will come as a relief to patients suffering from these dreadful diseases as several Indian companies, including Cipla, Ranbaxy and Natco, can continue marketing imatinib at a fraction of the cost of the Novartis product," IPA Secretary General D G Shah said in a statement.
14:45 US teen first person with Down syndrome to scale Mt Everest
A 15-year-old US boy has possibly become one of the first person ever with Down syndrome to have scaled the Mount Everest -- the world's tallest mountain.
Eli Reimer is also possibly the first American teen with the syndrome to have made the exceptional ascent last month,when he reached a staggering 17,600 feet after nearly two weeks of walking.
After walking for around 113 km, Reimer triumphed when he reached one of two base camps on the world's tallest mountain, New York Daily News reported.
Eli Reimer is also possibly the first American teen with the syndrome to have made the exceptional ascent last month,when he reached a staggering 17,600 feet after nearly two weeks of walking.
After walking for around 113 km, Reimer triumphed when he reached one of two base camps on the world's tallest mountain, New York Daily News reported.
14:29 Google angers conservatives for creating Cesar Chavez doodle
Google's decision to honour the birthday of US labour organiser Cesar Chavez angered some American conservatives, who were fumed that it was disrespectful to celebrate Chavez with a so-called Google Doodle on Easter.
Chavez was chosen to be the focus of a Google doodle on Sunday to mark his 86th birthday, which coincided with the Easter Sunday.
The face of Chavez was situated in the middle "o' of the Google logo. According to the Guardian, the celebrated co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association died in 1993.
Chavez was chosen to be the focus of a Google doodle on Sunday to mark his 86th birthday, which coincided with the Easter Sunday.
The face of Chavez was situated in the middle "o' of the Google logo. According to the Guardian, the celebrated co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association died in 1993.
14:22 NIA to probe Italian marines' case
The home ministry has handed over case of the two Italian marines to the National Investigation Agency.
The Centre will inform the Supreme Court tomorrow that the NIA will probe the case and a special court is not needed. The decision to involve the NIA comes after the SC said that the Kerala police have no jurisdiction in the case.
Indications are that the probe conducted so far may be set aside, and NIA asked to conduct the investigation from the scratch.
Two Italian marines are accused of killing two fishermen from Kerala in February 2012.
The Centre will inform the Supreme Court tomorrow that the NIA will probe the case and a special court is not needed. The decision to involve the NIA comes after the SC said that the Kerala police have no jurisdiction in the case.
Indications are that the probe conducted so far may be set aside, and NIA asked to conduct the investigation from the scratch.
Two Italian marines are accused of killing two fishermen from Kerala in February 2012.
14:09 Kejriwal's party takes protest to Delhi CM's door
Leaders of Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party were stopped today by the Delhi police as they headed to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to deliver letters of protest against inflated power bills, according to NDTV.
Two key leaders of the AAP, Manish Sisodia and Kumar Vishwas, were on their way to Dikshit's house along with their supporters in around 100 autorickshaws to deliver nearly 7 lakh letters signed by the citizens of Delhi.
Kejriwal indefinite fast against inflated power bills in the capital entered Day 10 today.
Two key leaders of the AAP, Manish Sisodia and Kumar Vishwas, were on their way to Dikshit's house along with their supporters in around 100 autorickshaws to deliver nearly 7 lakh letters signed by the citizens of Delhi.
Kejriwal indefinite fast against inflated power bills in the capital entered Day 10 today.
13:48 Maha drought: Excessive water used in IPL games, says BJP
CNN-IBN reports: Two days before the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League is set to begin, Maharashtra Opposition leader Vinod Tawde has objected to the use of water in stadiums in the drought-hit state. Tawde argues that pitch maintenance in these stadiums will consume 60,000 litres of water every day.
"As per my knowledge, 60,000 litres of water would be used to maintain a cricket ground every day. Thus, during the entire season of IPL matches spread over 36 days (from April 9 to May 15 in Maharashtra), 21.6 lakh litre water will be used for a single ground," Tawde said in a letter to IPL chief Rajeev Shukla.
"As per my knowledge, 60,000 litres of water would be used to maintain a cricket ground every day. Thus, during the entire season of IPL matches spread over 36 days (from April 9 to May 15 in Maharashtra), 21.6 lakh litre water will be used for a single ground," Tawde said in a letter to IPL chief Rajeev Shukla.
13:42 Pak tribal women make history: First to contest polls
Two women from Pakistan's restive northwest have made history by becoming the first tribal women to file nomination papers for the May 11 parliamentary polls.
Forty-year-old Badam Zari filed nomination papers for a National Assembly constituency in the restive Bajaur tribal region yesterday while Nusrat Begum plans to contest elections from Lower Dir, a tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
Forty-year-old Badam Zari filed nomination papers for a National Assembly constituency in the restive Bajaur tribal region yesterday while Nusrat Begum plans to contest elections from Lower Dir, a tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
13:32
New Delhi traffic update: Huge crowds is expected on the streets of Delhi to support Arvind Kejriwal as his fast against inflated bills entered Day 10 today, according to traffline.com.
Motorists are advised to avoid these routes after 11.30 am: Apsara Border (GT Road), Road no 56, Anand Vihar isbt, NH-24, Akshardham, Nizzamuddin Bridge, Outer Ring Road.
Motorists are advised to avoid these routes after 11.30 am: Apsara Border (GT Road), Road no 56, Anand Vihar isbt, NH-24, Akshardham, Nizzamuddin Bridge, Outer Ring Road.
13:15 If I had a gun, MLAs wouldn't have touched me': Assaulted cop
Traffic Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Suryavanshi seems ready for battle against the MLAs who beat him up in Vidhan Bhavan.
"If I had been carrying a gun in my hand that day, no one would have dared touch me. Since traffic cops are not equipped with firearms, I was helpless. The entire mob cornered me and then kicked and punched me," he said.
Read the full report on NDTV
"If I had been carrying a gun in my hand that day, no one would have dared touch me. Since traffic cops are not equipped with firearms, I was helpless. The entire mob cornered me and then kicked and punched me," he said.
Read the full report on NDTV
12:54 US denies Apples trademark application for iPad mini
Tech giant Apple has been denied a trademark for the popular iPad Mini by the US authorities.
The US Patent and Trademark Office turned down the trademark application because the name was 'merely descriptive' and did not create a unique meaning, it said.
The Patent Office issued the letter in January, although it has only just emerged, the BBC reports.
In it, it said the "applied-for mark merely describes a feature or characteristic of applicant''s goods". The terms "mini" and "pad" and the prefix "i-" were all descriptive, it decided.
It added that neither as individual terms nor as a composite result, iPad Mini, did they "create a unique, incongruous, or non-descriptive meaning in relation to the goods being small handheld mobile devices comprising tablet computers capable of providing internet access".
According to the report, Apple still has until July to persuade the Patent Office that the smaller tablet differs sufficiently from its iconic sibling.
12:50 Hurriyat leaders held to foil visiting Afzal Guru's family
Several leaders of the moderate Hurriyat Conference, including its chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, were placed under house arrest by the authorities after the separatist amalgam said it will visit the family of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru.
Besides Mirwaiz, those placed under house arrest include executive member of Hurriyat Aga Syed Hassan Alsafvi Almosvi, Zaffar Akbar Bhat and advisor to the chairman Shahidul Islam, official sources said.
The Mirwaiz had yesterday announced that he, along with other leaders of Hurriyat, would visit Guru's house at Doabgah, Sopore in north Kashmir today.
However, apprehending law and order problems the authorities placed him under house arrest.
12:35 Jet fuel price cut by 5.5 pc, may impact flight tickets
Jet fuel prices were today cut by a steep 5.5 per cent, reversing the rising trend of past two months.
The price of Aviation Turbine Fuel, or ATF, at T3 terminal in Delhi was cut by about Rs 3,885 per kilolitre (kl), or 5.5 per cent, to Rs 66,196 per kl from today, according to Indian Oil Corp, the nation's largest fuel retailer.
The reduction comes on the back of a 2 per cent (Rs 1,324.84 per kl) increase in price from February 1 and a 3.8 per cent (Rs 2,519.83 per kl) hike in rates from March 1.
12:27 Jesse Ryder back on feet, disappointed to miss IPL
Recovering rapidly from an assault that left him with life-threatening injuries, New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder is now "back on his feet" but is disappointed to miss out on his IPL stint this year.
The 28-year-old, who had a fractured skull and a punctured lung after being brutally beaten outside a Christchurch bar on Thursday last week, was brought out of induced coma on Saturday and shifted out of the ICU yesterday.
The temperamental cricketer is now able to move a little inside his hospital room, according to his manager Aaron Klee.
"Nothing's changed medically in terms of official updates, but he's just steadily improving and building up his strength, so it's just resting time from here on in, but you know, it's quite a remarkable improvement from 48 hours ago," he told reporters at Wellington Airport today.
The 28-year-old, who had a fractured skull and a punctured lung after being brutally beaten outside a Christchurch bar on Thursday last week, was brought out of induced coma on Saturday and shifted out of the ICU yesterday.
The temperamental cricketer is now able to move a little inside his hospital room, according to his manager Aaron Klee.
"Nothing's changed medically in terms of official updates, but he's just steadily improving and building up his strength, so it's just resting time from here on in, but you know, it's quite a remarkable improvement from 48 hours ago," he told reporters at Wellington Airport today.
12:23 Sunita Williams in Delhi, to visit Mumbai on Apr 3
Indian-American Astronaut Sunita Williams'
date with India finally kickstarted today as she arrived in New Delhi. She visited the National Science Centre to interact with
students and teachers.
The astronaut will next fly to Mumbai and will spend April 3 and 4 in the city, before going to Gujarat.
In Mumbai, she will visit a working women's hostel managed by the Indian Council of Social Welfare in Chembur and talk to residents and students. She will also hold another interactive session with school children at the Nehru Science Centre in Worli.
Williams last visited India in October 2007, when she gave a talk at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai.
She holds the world record with 50 hours and 40 minutes for total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut.
The astronaut will next fly to Mumbai and will spend April 3 and 4 in the city, before going to Gujarat.
In Mumbai, she will visit a working women's hostel managed by the Indian Council of Social Welfare in Chembur and talk to residents and students. She will also hold another interactive session with school children at the Nehru Science Centre in Worli.
Williams last visited India in October 2007, when she gave a talk at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai.
She holds the world record with 50 hours and 40 minutes for total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut.
11:54 Maharashtra Congress forms committee to address women's woes
The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee has formed a panel to look into the problems related to women and make suggestions for solving them.
The committee will be headed by former Maharashtra minister Shobha Bacchav, MPCC secretary Suman Agrawal said.
The decision to form the committee was taken during the Mahila Parishad organised by the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee in Thane on Saturday last.
11:42 BSP leader's murder: One suspected shooter arrested
The crime branch of the Delhi police arrested a man named Purushottam Rana in connection with the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party leader Deepak Bharadwaj.
Rana is suspected to be one of the shooters in the case.
The police also suspect the involvement of close family members in the case, sources tell CNN-IBN. However, none from Bharadwaj's family has been held.
Bharadwaj, one of India's richest politicians, was gunned down by three unknown car-borne assailants at his farmhouse in Delhi on last Tuesday.
Rana is suspected to be one of the shooters in the case.
The police also suspect the involvement of close family members in the case, sources tell CNN-IBN. However, none from Bharadwaj's family has been held.
Bharadwaj, one of India's richest politicians, was gunned down by three unknown car-borne assailants at his farmhouse in Delhi on last Tuesday.
11:17 Kejriwal's fast against hiked power, water bills enters Day 10
As Arvind Kejriwal's indefinite fast against "inflated" power bills entered the tenth day on Monday, his Aam Aadmi Party said it will today deliver over 6.38 lakh letters it collected from Delhiites to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit urging her to cut power tariff.
In a statement, AAP said a total of 6,38,707 letters were signed by Delhiites till Saturday night and they will be submitted to Dikshit on Monday.
The party also alleged that the price of electricity and water had increased many folds in the capital due to corruption.
"As the number of Delhiites, who have decided not to pay their bills, swells day by day, the ball is in the court of Sheila Dikshit now. Would she listen to the voice of people who have elected her to power or continue to support private companies?" the statement said.
In a statement, AAP said a total of 6,38,707 letters were signed by Delhiites till Saturday night and they will be submitted to Dikshit on Monday.
The party also alleged that the price of electricity and water had increased many folds in the capital due to corruption.
"As the number of Delhiites, who have decided not to pay their bills, swells day by day, the ball is in the court of Sheila Dikshit now. Would she listen to the voice of people who have elected her to power or continue to support private companies?" the statement said.
11:15 Noida teen allegedly drugged, raped in car
NDTV reports: A Noida teen has alleged that she was raped in a car by her neighbour, who has been arrested.
The 16-year-old got into the Maruti Alto car on Sunday after she was offered a lift. The police say the driver drugged her before raping her and then drove home, where he left the girl in his car.
Read the full report here
The 16-year-old got into the Maruti Alto car on Sunday after she was offered a lift. The police say the driver drugged her before raping her and then drove home, where he left the girl in his car.
Read the full report here
11:09 Not to be left behind, Google too posts April Fool prank
In an elaborate April Fool's prank, Internet search giant Google has asked users to hunt for buried treasure using a new pirate-style "treasure mode" on its maps.
The company posted a video on YouTube explaining how Street View's "underwater team" discovered a chest containing lost maps belonging to pirate William "Captain" Kidd during an expedition to the Indian Ocean.
The video explained how hidden treasure symbols can be unearthed on the maps, which have been digitised by a special 3D nanoscanner, Sky News reports.
According to the report, the treasure includes a telescope-style Street View function, with sepia-tinged images versions of streets across the globe. Google claims hidden treasure symbols can be uncovered by shining sunlight on a computer screen, by joining phone and tablet maps together like a puzzle, or even by heating a laptop over the hob.
11:07 YouTube announces 'shutdown' on April Fool Day
In an elaborate April Fool prank, YouTube has announced that it will be shutting down after eight years and will no longer accept videos.
The company teamed up with The Onion to create a YouTube-star-studded video explaining how the site was set up as part of a contest to find the best home video on the Internet.
"We are so close to the end," Tom Liston, communications director at YouTube, said in the video. "Tonight at midnight, YouTube.com will no longer be accepting entries,' he added.
According to Mashable, YouTube said every video on the site will be reviewed by a panel of judges and it will take 10 years to watch them all. The winner will be announced in 2023, when the site finally comes back online.
In an attempt to make the prank more believable, YouTube will add a live stream of two faux presenters announcing "Best Video" nominees, which will run on the site for 12 hours, the report said.
Although the stream will start out with the feel of an Emmys or Oscars presentation, it's expected to get a little bit kooky and stranger as the day goes on, it added.
You can see the prank video here.
11:02 What the defeat for Novartis means:
What the defeat for Novartis means:
1) Cheaper cancer drugs for all to continue
2) India can continue supplying developing countries with affordable cancer drugs.
1) Cheaper cancer drugs for all to continue
2) India can continue supplying developing countries with affordable cancer drugs.
11:00 SC denies patent to Novartis cancer drug
The Supreme Court today dismissed the plea of Swiss pharma giant Novartis for a patent on cancer drug Glivec.
The court also dismissed plea of the multinational pharma company to restrain Indian drug firms from manufacturing generic drugs.
Novartis has been fighting since 2006 to win a patent for Glivec, which many oncologists view as a major advance in treating chronic myeloid leukaemia, which kills 80-90 per cent of sufferers, and some gastrointestinal cancers. India has refused protection for Glivec on the grounds that it is not a new medicine but an amended version of a known compound -- a decision consistent with domestic patent law which sets tight restrictions on multiple patents for a drug.Read the full report here
The court also dismissed plea of the multinational pharma company to restrain Indian drug firms from manufacturing generic drugs.
Novartis has been fighting since 2006 to win a patent for Glivec, which many oncologists view as a major advance in treating chronic myeloid leukaemia, which kills 80-90 per cent of sufferers, and some gastrointestinal cancers. India has refused protection for Glivec on the grounds that it is not a new medicine but an amended version of a known compound -- a decision consistent with domestic patent law which sets tight restrictions on multiple patents for a drug.Read the full report here
10:10 'If Vijender took drugs, he wouldn't win a bronze'
A day after the Punjab police said that boxer Vijender Singh allegedly bought heroin for personal consumption on 12 different occasions from an alleged Canada-based NRI drug dealer, his father today said his son is innocent.
"My son is not into drugs and he is innocent. If my son would have been into drugs he wouldn't have won an Olympic Bronze Medal," Vijender's father Mahipal Singh Beniwal told NDTV.
Read the full story here
"My son is not into drugs and he is innocent. If my son would have been into drugs he wouldn't have won an Olympic Bronze Medal," Vijender's father Mahipal Singh Beniwal told NDTV.
Read the full story here
10:02 Ram Mandir not about politics, but faith: Uma Bharti
Hours after Uma Bhrati was made a party vice-presidentin the new Bharatiya Janata Party team, she said in an interview to NDTV that a Ram Mandir at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh was not about politics,
but about faith.
"No one can ignore it... it needs to be sorted and the only solution is that the temple should be constructed," she said.
Uma Bharti was at the heart of the BJP's campaign to build the temple at Ayodhya, which the party had successfully turned into an election issue in the 1990s. She was prominently present when the Babri mosque was brought down by kar sevaks or volunteers on December 6, 1992.
Read the full report on NDTV
"No one can ignore it... it needs to be sorted and the only solution is that the temple should be constructed," she said.
Uma Bharti was at the heart of the BJP's campaign to build the temple at Ayodhya, which the party had successfully turned into an election issue in the 1990s. She was prominently present when the Babri mosque was brought down by kar sevaks or volunteers on December 6, 1992.
Read the full report on NDTV
09:58 Saffron power does not translate into votes
By flaunting RSS-associated leaders in its line-up for the 2014 general election, the BJP fails to see that voters will reject politics not focussed on bread-and-butter issues, writes Harbans Mukhia in The Hindu.
Through his new team, Rajnath Singh has let it be known that he has nothing more to offer to the electorate than one or another shade of the saffron colour.
Read further
Through his new team, Rajnath Singh has let it be known that he has nothing more to offer to the electorate than one or another shade of the saffron colour.
Read further
09:16 Discrimination against women can start in womb
In India, mothers may be practicing discrimination in how they treat their daughters in the womb.
Indian mothers were slightly more likely to seek out better prenatal care when carrying a boy than when carrying a girl, economists report in the Journal of Human Resources.
An analysis of more than 30,000 health surveys across India found that women pregnant with boys were 1.8 per cent more likely to go to prenatal medical appointments, take iron supplements, deliver the baby in a health care facility (instead of the home) and receive tetanus shots than women pregnant with girls.The discrepancy rises to 4.6 per cent in northern India, where gender discrimination is more prevalent.
The survey didn't ask the women whether they knew the baby's sex before getting the prenatal care. But the study's authors, Prashant Bharadwaj and Leah Lakdawala, say it's common practice for doctors to share that information with parents.
Indian mothers were slightly more likely to seek out better prenatal care when carrying a boy than when carrying a girl, economists report in the Journal of Human Resources.
An analysis of more than 30,000 health surveys across India found that women pregnant with boys were 1.8 per cent more likely to go to prenatal medical appointments, take iron supplements, deliver the baby in a health care facility (instead of the home) and receive tetanus shots than women pregnant with girls.The discrepancy rises to 4.6 per cent in northern India, where gender discrimination is more prevalent.
The survey didn't ask the women whether they knew the baby's sex before getting the prenatal care. But the study's authors, Prashant Bharadwaj and Leah Lakdawala, say it's common practice for doctors to share that information with parents.
09:10 Drug haul: Ram Singh's blood sample, hair collected
The latest in the Punjab drug haul case: The Punjab police have collected hair and blood sample of boxer Ram Singh. Drug peddler Anup Kahlon has claimed that he supplied drugs to Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh and Ram Singh.
The Punjab police said yesterday that Vijender had consumed heroin 12 times after procuring it from alleged drug smugglers including NRI Anoop Singh Kahlon. "As per investigation conducted so far, Vijender Singh consumed the drug about 12 times and Ram Singh (his sparring partner) about five times," a Punjab Police statement said in Chandigarh.
Sources tell CNN-IBN that the boxers Vijender and Ram will not be arrested for now.
The Punjab police said yesterday that Vijender had consumed heroin 12 times after procuring it from alleged drug smugglers including NRI Anoop Singh Kahlon. "As per investigation conducted so far, Vijender Singh consumed the drug about 12 times and Ram Singh (his sparring partner) about five times," a Punjab Police statement said in Chandigarh.
Sources tell CNN-IBN that the boxers Vijender and Ram will not be arrested for now.
09:00 US stealth jets join South Korea drills
CNN reports: The United States deployed stealth fighter jets to South Korea yesterday as part of ongoing joint military exercises between the two
countries, a senior US defence official said.
The F-22 Raptors were sent to the main US air force base in South Korea amid spiking tensions on the Korean peninsula.
Read the full report here
The F-22 Raptors were sent to the main US air force base in South Korea amid spiking tensions on the Korean peninsula.
Read the full report here
08:56 After 50 years, private newspapers return to Myanmar
Private daily newspapers are being sold in Myanmar for the first time in almost 50 years, as a state monopoly ends, reports BBC.
Sixteen papers have so far been granted licences, although only four were ready to publish today.
Until recently, reporters in Burma faced some of the harshest restrictions in the world.
Read the full report here
Sixteen papers have so far been granted licences, although only four were ready to publish today.
Until recently, reporters in Burma faced some of the harshest restrictions in the world.
Read the full report here
08:48 Manoj Kumar to file lawsuit against SRK
Veteran actor Manoj Kumar will file a law suit today against Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Eros International, producers of 2007 hit Om Shanti Om, and seek damages to the tune of Rs 100 crore for releasing the film in Japan without removing certain scenes apparently lampooning him.
"The film was released in Japan without deleting those scenes. I had forgiven them twice but not this time. They have disrespected me. They also face contempt of court as in 2008 the court had asked them to forever and from all prints and broadcast material, delete those scenes," Kumar told PTI.
"I would file civil and criminal proceedings against the producers (Shah Rukh Khan and Eros International) tomorrow for seeking damages to the tune of Rs 100 crore for showing Om Shanti Om in Japan without removing objectionable scenes as ordered by Mumbai civil court in 2008," he said.
"The film was released in Japan without deleting those scenes. I had forgiven them twice but not this time. They have disrespected me. They also face contempt of court as in 2008 the court had asked them to forever and from all prints and broadcast material, delete those scenes," Kumar told PTI.
"I would file civil and criminal proceedings against the producers (Shah Rukh Khan and Eros International) tomorrow for seeking damages to the tune of Rs 100 crore for showing Om Shanti Om in Japan without removing objectionable scenes as ordered by Mumbai civil court in 2008," he said.
08:39 Supreme Court verdict on Novartis' cancer drug patent today
The Supreme Court is due to rule on a patent case involving Swiss drug company Novartis, which campaigners say could threaten access in poorer countries to cheap generic drugs.
Novartis wants protection for an updated version of cancer drug Glivec. It is seeking to overturn a decision by Indian officials to refuse a patent on the grounds that the new version was only slightly different from the old, reports BBC.
Read the full report here
Novartis wants protection for an updated version of cancer drug Glivec. It is seeking to overturn a decision by Indian officials to refuse a patent on the grounds that the new version was only slightly different from the old, reports BBC.
Read the full report here
08:35 Punjab police officer shot dead
Assistant sub-inspector of the Punjab police Gurdev Singh was shot dead by unknown assailants on the Ludhiana-Jalandhar Highway. The gunmen started firing as the ASI chased them after they refused to stop their car, reports CNN-IBN.
More details are awaited.
More details are awaited.
08:30
Top headlines in the last 24 hours:
Rajnath's new team: Modi, Varun, Shah in; Yashwant out
PIX: These BJP leaders found NO place in new team
BJP rejig: How Rajnath kept RSS, Modi and Jaitley HAPPY
BJP's motto for LS polls: Be brazen, not shy, about Hindutva
Bihar: Slain DSP's wife visits Kunda, vows to fight for justice
BSP leader's murder: One held by Delhi Police
Vijender took heroin 12 times: Punjab Police
Yesterday's live commentary link
Rajnath's new team: Modi, Varun, Shah in; Yashwant out
PIX: These BJP leaders found NO place in new team
BJP rejig: How Rajnath kept RSS, Modi and Jaitley HAPPY
BJP's motto for LS polls: Be brazen, not shy, about Hindutva
Bihar: Slain DSP's wife visits Kunda, vows to fight for justice
BSP leader's murder: One held by Delhi Police
Vijender took heroin 12 times: Punjab Police
Yesterday's live commentary link
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