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Thu, 22 August 2013
Live! Techical glitch halts trading on Nasdaq
Timeline Refresh
23:46 Techical glitch halts trading on Nasdaq
All trading on Nasdaq, the second-biggest US stock exchange, was halted on Thursday shortly after midday due to a technical problem, the exchange said.
All traffic through Nasdaq stopped at 12:14 pm (1614 GMT), the exchange said on its website, citing a problem distributing stock price quotes. The exchange, which lists about 3,200 companies, said it expects to resume trading later on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the New York Stock Exchange's parent, NYSE Euronext, has ceased all trading in Nasdaq-listed shares at the request of Nasdaq.
"I can't remember this happening in recent memory," said Christopher Nagy, president of consultancy firm KOR Trading and a former head of trading at TD Ameritrade.
22:58 UPA govt has failed completely: Rajnath
In the wake of tensions along LoC, BJP National President Rajnath Singh today alleged that the Congress-led UPA government has "failed completely" on both the internal and external security fronts.
"The Centre has not only failed miserably on the economic front but has also turned out to be a complete failure on internal and external security front as well," Rajnath told reporters here in reply to a question regarding repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops, during a book release programme in Lucknow.
He said that after the Mumbai terror attack and the recent incident of beheading of Indian soldiers by Pakistani troops, the Centre failed to give a befitting reply which it must have given to the neighbouring country.
"If a tough stand would have been taken at the time of these incidents and the UPA government would have warned to stop any dialogue until and unless all terror camps operating on Pakistani soil were destroyed, then Pakistan may have not dared," Rajnath said.
22:15 Beards, niqab become liability in Egypt after crackdown
Abdul Salam Badr had no choice but to shave his beard to save himself from becoming a target in Egypt's crackdown on supporters of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.
In recent days, overt signs of piety have become all it takes to attract suspicion from security forces at Cairo checkpoints and vigilantes looking to attack Islamists. "I was in a shared taxi headed to the morgue, transporting the body of my friend who was killed in the demonstrations," said Badr.
21:24 Bradley Manning says he wants to live as a woman
Bradley Manning plans to live as a woman named Chelsea and wants to begin hormone therapy as soon as possible, the soldier said Thursday, a day after being sentenced to 35 years in prison for sending classified material to WikiLeaks.
Manning announced the decision in a written statement provided to NBC's ''Today'' show, asking supporters to refer to him by his new name and the feminine pronoun. The statement was signed ''Chelsea E. Manning.''
20:41 Hosni Mubarak released from prison
Former Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak was released from prison today, over two years after he was jailed on charges of corruption and for killing protesters.
Mubarak has been released from prison, according to state television. The 85-year-old longtime autocrat was taken from Cairo's Tora prison by medical helicopter, following a court ruling which ordered his release.
Mubarak will still remain under house arrest pending trial.
20:09 Key bookie Chandresh Jain held in IPL spot fixing case
A bookie alleged to be a 'key' person was arrested today, taking the number of those held in connection with the IPL betting case until now to 22, the police said.
Chandresh Jain alias 'Jupiter' was arrested today after he was brought to the Mumbai on a transit remand, since he was in the custody of the Delhi police, which had registered the IPL spot fixing case during its sixth season.
20:08 Assam: 3 cops, 2 scribes hurt in grenade blast
Three policemen and two journalists have been injured in a grenade blast inside the main police station at Mangaldoi in Assam, police sources said on Thursday.
Further details are awaited.
19:54 Rape case: SC allows JJB to deliver verdict involving minor
The Supreme Court today allowed the Juvenile Justice Board to deliver its verdict in the December 16 gangrape-cum-murder case involving a minor.
The apex court, however, admitted a plea seeking fresh interpretation of the term 'juvenile' in the statute on the basis of mental and intellectual maturity of minor offenders, instead of the age limit of 18 years, while fixing their culpability.
19:52 Pak ready to send 26/11 judicial panel to India
Pakistan is ready to send a judicial commission to India in September to cross-examine the witnesses of the Mumbai terror attack to take the case forward in a Rawalpindi court.
Islamabad has conveyed to New Delhi that the Pakistani Judicial Commission is ready to come early in September for a visit to Mumbai and suggested two dates for it, official sources said.
Seven terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Tayiba operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, were charged with planning, financing and executing the attacks in Mumbai in November 2008 that killed 166 people.
19:42 Cabinet approves amendments to Representation of People Act
The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the amendments to the Representation of People Act to negate the Supreme Court's order on the immediate disqualification of convicted MPs and MLAs.
19:40 Cabinet clears proposal for Judicial Appointments Commission
The Cabinet on Thursday cleared a proposal to set up the Judicial Appointments Commission to replace the Collegium system of appointing judges to higher courts.
19:40 Egypt clears conditional release of Mubarak from jail
Egypt's state prosecutor today cleared the release of former dictator Hosni Mubarak, who has been in prison since 2011 on charges of corruption and killing protesters, but he will be put under house arrest while he stands trial.
The prosecutor's office "formally orders the release of ex-President Hosni Mubarak", BBC reported, quoting military sources.
19:38 Produce original records, orders for Radia's phone tapping: SC
In an embarrassment to the Centre, the Supreme Court today refused to hear its stand on Niira Radia's phone tapping, after it failed to place original records of authorisation of surveillance.
"It is most unfortunate that the government of India's counsel is not in a position to assist the court," a bench headed by Justice G S Singhvi said in its order.
It directed the Centre to bring the complete original records regarding tapping of Radia's conversations on August 27.
19:37 GJM calls for fresh shutdown in Darjeeling
Ruling out a dialogue with the West Bengal government, the GJM, which is spearheading a stir for a separate Gorkhaland, today announced a fresh 48-hour shutdown over the weekend in Darjeeling after the arrest of two prominent party leaders.
"The Hills will be closed on Saturday and Sunday to condemn the unwanted arrests of GJM leaders," GJM chief Bimal Gurung said in a Facebook post.
The GJM president also said that the two-day ghar bahira janata (people on the streets) agitation from today would continue indefinitely till those arrested were released and the cases against them were withdrawn.
19:35 Omar asks Pakistan to stop ceasefire violations
Asking Pakistan to stop ceasefire violations along the LoC, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said people on both sides of the border were bearing the brunt of it and the incidents will not improve bilateral relations between the two countries.
"The best thing is, we (India and Pakistan) should accept and respect the ceasefire and ensure the safety of people living on two sides of the border," Omar told reporters.
19:05 PM meets Pranab, discusses suspension of MPs
From a correspondent in Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today met President Pranab Mukherjee and discussed various political developments.
The President suggested that the government should not suspend 11 members of Parliament from Andhra Pradesh over their unruly behaviour in Parliament.
As per the President's suggestion, the government is likely to revoke the MPs' suspension on Friday, according to a highly-placed source.
18:54 Rajya Rani Express resumes service
Three days after the accident in Khagaria district, in which 28 pilgrims were crushed to death by the speeding Saharsa-Patna Rajya Rani Express, considered the lifeline of the Kosi belt, resumed its service from today.
The 12567 UP Saharsa-Patna Rajya Rani Express left for the state capital at its scheduled time of 7 am, said Chief Public Relation Officer, East Central Railway, Amitabh Prabhakar.
18:52 Ayodhya yatra a game plan of BJP ahead of LS polls: Cong
The Congress today said that the proposed Chaurasi Kosi yatra by the VHP was aimed at creating communal tension in Uttar Pradesh and backed the Samajwadi Party government's decision to ban the same.
"The yatra proposed by the VHP is not part of any religious tradition. Its aim is to (push for the) construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya where the Supreme Court has directed that status quo should be maintained," UP state Congress chief and Faizabad MP Nirmal Khatri said in a statement.
18:21 Live! UK envoy: Engagement with Narendra Modi is NOT endorsement
British high commissioner to India, James Bevan, tells CNN IBN that the UK government is not endorsing Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. He says that the best way to get justice is to engage the Gujarat government. "We have our concern regarding the riots that took place in 2002. We want justice for three British nationals killed in the riots."
Modi was in the UK on the invite of the British government, to speak on the 'The Future of Modern India', in the House of Commons. The move ends UK's decade-long boycott of Modi following the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Modi was in the UK on the invite of the British government, to speak on the 'The Future of Modern India', in the House of Commons. The move ends UK's decade-long boycott of Modi following the 2002 Gujarat riots.
18:14 1394 complaints over poor food served in trains
There are more than a 1000 complaints about sub-standard food and lack of hygienic conditions in premier and other long-distance trains received by railways last year, Lok Sabha was told today.
While 1279 complaints were received about sub-standard food, 115 complaints were registered for lack of hygienic conditions in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and other long-distance trains in 2012.
Punitive actions like imposition of fine, warning, suitable advice and termination of contracts are taken for deficiencies and irregularities in services under the new catering policy, Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said in a written answer.
While fines are being imposed in 398 cases of sub-standard food and lack of hygiene, contracts of eight catering companies have been terminated by railways for the same.
Kharge said a mechanism for monitoring and supervision has been put in place by deploying railway personnel who check quality and hygiene through regular and surprise inspections and take corrective action.
While 1279 complaints were received about sub-standard food, 115 complaints were registered for lack of hygienic conditions in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and other long-distance trains in 2012.
Punitive actions like imposition of fine, warning, suitable advice and termination of contracts are taken for deficiencies and irregularities in services under the new catering policy, Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said in a written answer.
While fines are being imposed in 398 cases of sub-standard food and lack of hygiene, contracts of eight catering companies have been terminated by railways for the same.
Kharge said a mechanism for monitoring and supervision has been put in place by deploying railway personnel who check quality and hygiene through regular and surprise inspections and take corrective action.
18:02 Swanky Gurgaon has 55 cases of dengue
A total of 55 cases of dengue have been reported so far this year in Gurgaon, once more making it the topper in Haryana in terms of incidence of the vector-borne disease, health officials said today. Unlike last year, when dengue cases were registered only at the beginning October, this year the outbreak was reported earlier.
17:38
Speaker Meira Kumar calls for an all-party meet at 10:15 am tomorrow to discuss the stalemate in the Lok Sabha.
17:24 Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe sworn in for another term
Meanwhile, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was sworn in for another term today following disputed elections. After a judge made it official, crowds erupted into cheers and released balloons adorned with colors of the national flag. Read
17:16 Live! FM on economy: No reason for excessive or unwarranted pessimism
Finance Minister P Chidambaram on the continuing pressure faced by the Indian economy and the depreciating rupee.
He said India is better placed than other nations. "All emerging market economies appear to be affected by currency volatility, but there is no reason for excessive or unwarranted pessimism," he said.
The FM reaffirmed his commitment to contain fiscal deficit at 4.8
pc of GDP and CAD at USD 70 billion in 2013-14. "The government and RBI will not impose any capital controls," he said.
He said India is better placed than other nations. "All emerging market economies appear to be affected by currency volatility, but there is no reason for excessive or unwarranted pessimism," he said.
The FM reaffirmed his commitment to contain fiscal deficit at 4.8
pc of GDP and CAD at USD 70 billion in 2013-14. "The government and RBI will not impose any capital controls," he said.
17:07 No immediate trigger for changing India's rating: Fitch
Global rating agency Fitch today said there is no trigger for rating action as of now, but India's economy is likely to continue facing pressure on account of rupee depreciation.
"These pressures have exceeded those of other emerging Asian economies, but Fitch Ratings does not view these developments as a trigger for rating action at this point," the agency said in a note.
The agency said it will maintain a 'Stable Outlook' on India's sovereign rating at 'BBB-', mainly because of the country's sizable forex reserves, fiscal deficit management and structural reforms.
It further said market anticipation of US Fed tapering of bond purchase appears to have prompted some shift in investor perceptions of the risks.
"These pressures have exceeded those of other emerging Asian economies, but Fitch Ratings does not view these developments as a trigger for rating action at this point," the agency said in a note.
The agency said it will maintain a 'Stable Outlook' on India's sovereign rating at 'BBB-', mainly because of the country's sizable forex reserves, fiscal deficit management and structural reforms.
It further said market anticipation of US Fed tapering of bond purchase appears to have prompted some shift in investor perceptions of the risks.
17:02 'Sabotage' angle not ruled out in submarine accident: Antony
In other news: Defence Minister A K Antony has not ruled out the "sabotage" angle behind explosions on the Navy's destroyed submarine INS Sindhurakshak and said the incident has cast a shadow on the force's capability to safeguard the country's maritime interests.
"The Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry (BoI) and it has started with all seriousness. Its terms of reference is to look into all aspects of causes of this incident will be examined by it. Nothing is ruled out. All likely aspects would be examined by the BoI," Antony said.
"The Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry (BoI) and it has started with all seriousness. Its terms of reference is to look into all aspects of causes of this incident will be examined by it. Nothing is ruled out. All likely aspects would be examined by the BoI," Antony said.
16:58 PM appoints Coalgate-blackened Ashwani Kumar as special envoy to Japan
Nearly three months after he had to resign as union law minister in a blaze of controversy, Ashwani Kumar has been appointed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as his Special Envoy to visit Japan in the rank of a Cabinet Minister.
The Prime Minister has nominated Kumar "to visit for up to seven days as PM's Special Envoy for that period (in the rank and the privileges of a Cabinet Minister) to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges with Japan....
"And to prepare for the upcoming visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan and the Prime Minister of Japan to India," an official letter to Kumar said.
Kumar was under severe pressure to quit from the opposition after the Supreme Court came down heavily on the CBI for allowing the law ministry to vet the draft of CBI probe report on Coalgate.
The Prime Minister has nominated Kumar "to visit for up to seven days as PM's Special Envoy for that period (in the rank and the privileges of a Cabinet Minister) to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges with Japan....
"And to prepare for the upcoming visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan and the Prime Minister of Japan to India," an official letter to Kumar said.
Kumar was under severe pressure to quit from the opposition after the Supreme Court came down heavily on the CBI for allowing the law ministry to vet the draft of CBI probe report on Coalgate.
16:56 Gurudas Dasgupta shouts at Kamal Nath
CPI's Gurudas Dasgupta created a flutter in the Central Hall by shouting at Parliamentary Affairs minister Kamal Nath over the motion to suspend the 11 Andhra MPs.
"Is this the way the Parliamentary Affairs minister should behave? Are you following Somnath Chatterjee's (former Speaker) style of expulsion and suspensions?" shouted Dasgupta. Kamal Nath replied in chaste Bengali walked on with diginty.
"Is this the way the Parliamentary Affairs minister should behave? Are you following Somnath Chatterjee's (former Speaker) style of expulsion and suspensions?" shouted Dasgupta. Kamal Nath replied in chaste Bengali walked on with diginty.
16:47 Economic situation of the country 'simply intolerable': Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the "economic disaster" the faced country was 'simply intolerable' and wondered whether it could be a result of 'so-called reforms' being pushed by the Centre in view of the 2014 elections.
"The economic disaster through which the country is passing is simply intolerable .... The country is passing through a nightmarish situation with price rise haunting the people like never before," the chief minister said in a Facebook post.
Banerjee, a former UPA ally, said "from petrol to onions, from diesel to dollar, from fertilisers to day to day expenses, prices are skyrocketing."
Stating that the economic security of the common people was at stake, she asked "Is it a product of the so-called reforms and activities being pushed by the Government at the Centre in view of the ensuing Lok Sabha election?"
"The country cannot be run like this," she said and questioned whether it was political gimmickry to satisfy some political parties at the expense of the common people.
"The economic disaster through which the country is passing is simply intolerable .... The country is passing through a nightmarish situation with price rise haunting the people like never before," the chief minister said in a Facebook post.
Banerjee, a former UPA ally, said "from petrol to onions, from diesel to dollar, from fertilisers to day to day expenses, prices are skyrocketing."
Stating that the economic security of the common people was at stake, she asked "Is it a product of the so-called reforms and activities being pushed by the Government at the Centre in view of the ensuing Lok Sabha election?"
"The country cannot be run like this," she said and questioned whether it was political gimmickry to satisfy some political parties at the expense of the common people.
16:29 Tourists hesitant to travel to U'khand after disaster
In the wake of the natural disaster in Uttarakhand, domestic and foreign tourists are hesitant to undertake the "Char Dham" yatra and visit Nainital and Mussoorie, Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi said today.
"The state government has informed that it is yet to be established that there is 85 per cent downfall in the tourism sector but employment has been adversely affected," he said in reply to a written question in Rajya Sabha.
"According to the State Government of Uttarakhand due to the natural calamity in the state, domestic and foreign tourists are hesitating to come for Char Dham Yatra and visit Nainital and Mussoorie," he said.
"The state government has informed that it is yet to be established that there is 85 per cent downfall in the tourism sector but employment has been adversely affected," he said in reply to a written question in Rajya Sabha.
"According to the State Government of Uttarakhand due to the natural calamity in the state, domestic and foreign tourists are hesitating to come for Char Dham Yatra and visit Nainital and Mussoorie," he said.
16:21 Hot piece of conversation in Central Hall: Suspension of AP MPs
The Central Hall of Parliament today, was overflowing with a mix of MPs from all political parties, who were speculating over the number of Andhra Pradesh Congress and TDP MPs who will be asked to resign tomorrow morning before the Lok Sabha resumes. Informally, many senior leaders are accusing Parliamentary Affairs minister Kamal Nath of mishandling the suspension of the 11 Andhra Pradesh MPs.
The Central Hall was flooded with booklets in English and Hindi titled, Save Andhra Pradesh. An Andhra MP kept copies of the booklet on every seat in the house.
Biju Janata Dal MPs have told Kamal Nath that they are opposed to any suspension or explusion of MPs just because they want their voice to be heard over the bifurication of Andhra Pradesh. They said such suspension will become convention , which is unacceptable.
The Central Hall was flooded with booklets in English and Hindi titled, Save Andhra Pradesh. An Andhra MP kept copies of the booklet on every seat in the house.
Biju Janata Dal MPs have told Kamal Nath that they are opposed to any suspension or explusion of MPs just because they want their voice to be heard over the bifurication of Andhra Pradesh. They said such suspension will become convention , which is unacceptable.
16:10 It's official: Cong toes DMK line, PM won't attend CHOGM meet in Colombo
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will not be attending the CHOGM meet in Colombo this November. A final decision has was taken at the Congress Core Committee meeting recently and was informally communicated to the DMK and other political parties.
The PM will be writing to Chief Minister Jayalalitha shortly indicating that the India will be represented by Foreign Secretary Sujata Singh. This is bound to draw the DMK closer to the Congress in the lead up to the polls next year.
The PM will be writing to Chief Minister Jayalalitha shortly indicating that the India will be represented by Foreign Secretary Sujata Singh. This is bound to draw the DMK closer to the Congress in the lead up to the polls next year.
16:06 A Raja will NOT get a ticket for 2014 polls
The DMK today officially distanced itself from former telecom minister and 2G accused A Raja. It has decided not to defend Raja at the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the 2G scam.
The party will have to fill up the vacancy of Trichy Siva who has retired from the Rajya Sabha, but DMK has refused to do it. The reason is that Tamil Nadu Congress MLAs voted for DMK chief Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi for the Rajya Sabha seat. So, in a sense, this is a thank you note.
In this lies a message for Raja, that he will not be given a ticket for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
The party will have to fill up the vacancy of Trichy Siva who has retired from the Rajya Sabha, but DMK has refused to do it. The reason is that Tamil Nadu Congress MLAs voted for DMK chief Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi for the Rajya Sabha seat. So, in a sense, this is a thank you note.
In this lies a message for Raja, that he will not be given a ticket for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
15:43 One arrested for attack on American woman in Mumbai train
Neeta Kolhatkar reports that the police have arrested one person for the attack on Michelle Mark, an American, in the first class ladies compartment of a Mumbai local train.
The police had detained 28 suspects and were carrying out investigations based on the description given by Mark.
On the day of the assault, she was on way her way home in Goregaon, after visiting a church in Colaba. The attack had taken place on August 18, between Marine Drive and Charni Road railway stations, and the assailant had managed to escape after snatching her iPhone.
The police had detained 28 suspects and were carrying out investigations based on the description given by Mark.
On the day of the assault, she was on way her way home in Goregaon, after visiting a church in Colaba. The attack had taken place on August 18, between Marine Drive and Charni Road railway stations, and the assailant had managed to escape after snatching her iPhone.
15:39 All well in Tharoor-Sunanda marriage?
While rumours about cracks in their marriage have been doing the rounds for some time now, the usually outspoken Shashi Tharoor's studied silence has been nothing less than ominous. Read Wife Sunanda Pushkar made a solitary appearance at actress Sridevi's party hosted by politician Amar Singh.
This is Tharoor's attempt to quell rumours.
Tharoor tweets: Forgot to get flowers for my wife & she was still gracious at our wedding anniversary lunch.
And this picture...
This is Tharoor's attempt to quell rumours.
Tharoor tweets: Forgot to get flowers for my wife & she was still gracious at our wedding anniversary lunch.
And this picture...
15:27 Fire in Sivakasi firecracker factory
There's been a fire at the Sivakasi factory in Tamil Nadu after firecrackers exploded. Two fire tenders have been rushed to the spot. Details awaited.
15:22 Live! Delhi court declares Anil Ambani as hostile witness in 2G case
Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani has been declared a hostile witness by the Delhi court in the 2G case.
Anil Ambani today appeared as a prosecution witness before a Delhi court trying the 2G spectrum case and said he does not "recall" the various board meetings of a company, said to be an associate of RADAG, as the minutes were "not prepared" by him.
Getting no relief from the Supreme Court to avoid appearing as a CBI witness, Ambani took the witness stand for the first time and said he does not recall about each and every meeting of AAA Consultancy Services (P) Ltd when Special Public Prosecutor U U Lalit showed him the minutes of meetings the firm held in 2005-06.
"I attend a large number of meetings and I do not recall. I am going by the records only," he told Special CBI Judge O P Saini.
To this, the judge told Ambani that although he does not recall about these meetings, in which he was present, the records must not be false.
"But you do not maintain false records. Your record must be correct," the judge asked Ambani. "The records should be correct," Ambani said in response to the judge's query.
Anil Ambani today appeared as a prosecution witness before a Delhi court trying the 2G spectrum case and said he does not "recall" the various board meetings of a company, said to be an associate of RADAG, as the minutes were "not prepared" by him.
Getting no relief from the Supreme Court to avoid appearing as a CBI witness, Ambani took the witness stand for the first time and said he does not recall about each and every meeting of AAA Consultancy Services (P) Ltd when Special Public Prosecutor U U Lalit showed him the minutes of meetings the firm held in 2005-06.
"I attend a large number of meetings and I do not recall. I am going by the records only," he told Special CBI Judge O P Saini.
To this, the judge told Ambani that although he does not recall about these meetings, in which he was present, the records must not be false.
"But you do not maintain false records. Your record must be correct," the judge asked Ambani. "The records should be correct," Ambani said in response to the judge's query.
15:03 Live! Tina to appear as witness in 2G case tomorrow: Anil Ambani
Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani who appeared as a prosecution witness before a Delhi court trying the 2G spectrum case tells the court that his wife Tina will appear as witness tomorrow. The court has concluded recording of Ambani's statement as a CBI witness in the 2G case.
14:50
The Parliament's performance report as an infographic. See
14:47 Army jawan injured in grenade explosion in Shopian, J-K
An army trooper was injured in an explosion in south Kashmir's Shopian town this afternoon. A senior police officer said militants hurled a grenade at an army patrol in Imam Sahib in Shopian, which exploded injuring the army trooper. "The injured jawan was hospitalised," he said. The area was later searched by the security forces. -- Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar.
14:43 Anti-bill forces responsible for Dabholkar's killing: Chavan
Blaming opponents of the anti-superstition bill for the killing of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has said organisations behind such acts should be be isolated and their activities stopped.
Amid spontaneous public outrage and grief over 69-year-old Dabholkar's killing in Pune on Tuesday, the state government yesterday had cleared a proposal to promulgate an ordinance to check black magic and inhuman religious rituals.
"The forces which did not want this Bill to be presented and passed into a law were the people responsible for silencing his voice," Chavan said.
"Those who targeted Dabholkar were not political organisations. This is ideological rift. People who carried out such assassinations, they are not political parties," he said. "This organisation had earlier indulged in bomb making and terrorist activities," he said.
Amid spontaneous public outrage and grief over 69-year-old Dabholkar's killing in Pune on Tuesday, the state government yesterday had cleared a proposal to promulgate an ordinance to check black magic and inhuman religious rituals.
"The forces which did not want this Bill to be presented and passed into a law were the people responsible for silencing his voice," Chavan said.
"Those who targeted Dabholkar were not political organisations. This is ideological rift. People who carried out such assassinations, they are not political parties," he said. "This organisation had earlier indulged in bomb making and terrorist activities," he said.
14:30 Age matters: Karunanidhi's wife exempted from court appearance in 2G case
The Supreme Court has exempted DMK chief M Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal from personal appearance before the Special CBI court as a witness in the 2G case. SC asks trial court to appoint a commission to examine Dayalu Ammal in the case at Chennai.
A four-member medical board comprising doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, last month examined Dayalu Ammal, ascertain whether she was medically fit to depose in the court in connection with the 2G spectrum allocation case.
A four-member medical board comprising doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, last month examined Dayalu Ammal, ascertain whether she was medically fit to depose in the court in connection with the 2G spectrum allocation case.
14:19 Playing rough house
In a world that is growing progressively topsy-turvy, it is no surprise that the uninterrupted functioning of the Rajya Sabha has become the target of criticism. Repeated adjournments and interrupted proceedings in Parliament seem to have become the norm, since most opposition nowadays takes the form of obstruction instead of debate.Read
14:16 Embers that refuse to die in Assam
More than the multiple demands for statehood in Assam, it is the insistence on closed, ethnically homogenous and exclusive units that gives cause for concern. Read
14:07 Indian soldiers slain on LoC slept as death-trap closed
Internal army investigations into the killing of five Indian soldiers on the Line of Control earlier this month has found evidence the men were killed as they slept, highly placed military sources have told Firstpost. Read
14:06 Pakistan parliament passes resolution against LoC firing
The Pakistani parliament today expressed concern over the violation of the ceasefire on the LoC and called for a "constructive" engagement with India.
The National Assembly or lower house of parliament unanimously adopted a resolution, tabled by Defence Production Minister Rana Tanveer, that condemned the latest incident of firing as an "act of aggression" and expressed serious concerns at the ceasefire violations.
The House called for a "constructive and result-oriented process of engagement" with India. The resolution also paid homage to Capt Sarfaraz Khan, who the army said was killed in Indian firing yesterday, and asked Pakistan's civil and military leadership to strengthen the country's defence.
The National Assembly or lower house of parliament unanimously adopted a resolution, tabled by Defence Production Minister Rana Tanveer, that condemned the latest incident of firing as an "act of aggression" and expressed serious concerns at the ceasefire violations.
The House called for a "constructive and result-oriented process of engagement" with India. The resolution also paid homage to Capt Sarfaraz Khan, who the army said was killed in Indian firing yesterday, and asked Pakistan's civil and military leadership to strengthen the country's defence.
14:01 One injured in firing in Faridabad court
Just in: One person has been badly injured in a firing at the Firadabad court. Eleven rounds were believed to have been fire, but noone has been arrested so far.
13:42 Live! Manipulative LeT terrorist Tunda refuses to take lie detector test
The Delhi Police is now reportedly treating Lashkar bomb maker Abdul Karim Tunda's responses during his interrogation with wariness after psychological profiling of the 71-year-old suggested that he is "manipulative and often misleading."
Tunda has also refused to undergo a lie-detector test.
On Tuesday, two doctors carried out a four-hour-long exercise to analyze Tunda's responses. This included a personality trait test, a psychopathology test and projective tests on the man who built bombs for terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba for over two decades and is on the list of the 20 most wanted terrorists in India. More
Also read: Rs 5,000: Tunda's monthly salary for bomb-making
Tunda has also refused to undergo a lie-detector test.
On Tuesday, two doctors carried out a four-hour-long exercise to analyze Tunda's responses. This included a personality trait test, a psychopathology test and projective tests on the man who built bombs for terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba for over two decades and is on the list of the 20 most wanted terrorists in India. More
Also read: Rs 5,000: Tunda's monthly salary for bomb-making
13:35 NTR's son resigns from RS: Cong killed Telugu spirit
TDP MP and son of N T Rama Rao, N Harikrishna today resigned from Rajya Sabha in protest against the decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh. Harikrishna, 57, said he met Rajya Sabha Chairman M Hamid Ansari this morning and submitted his resignation. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien informed the House that the Chairman has accepted his resignation.
Harikrishna said, "By this decision, they (Congress) killed the Telugu spirit. They did it to make Rahul Gandhi next Prime Minister after the Lok Sabha polls," he said. Striking an emotive note, Harikrishna, son of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N T Rama Rao, recalled the steps taken by his late father to keep the state united. "My father stood firmly for the cause of united Andhra Pradesh. Now it is shattered. My conscience would not allow me to continue (as Rajya Sabha MP)," he said.
Harikrishna said, "By this decision, they (Congress) killed the Telugu spirit. They did it to make Rahul Gandhi next Prime Minister after the Lok Sabha polls," he said. Striking an emotive note, Harikrishna, son of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N T Rama Rao, recalled the steps taken by his late father to keep the state united. "My father stood firmly for the cause of united Andhra Pradesh. Now it is shattered. My conscience would not allow me to continue (as Rajya Sabha MP)," he said.
13:22 Pakistan again violates ceasefire twice along LoC in Poonch Sector
The Pakistan Army has violated the ceasefire twice by firing mortar shells on LoC posts in two sub-sectors of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.Indian troops reportedly retaliated.
"There were two ceasefire violations by Pakistan last night," Defence Spokesman Col R K Palta said on Thursday. There was Pakistani firing along LoC on several Indian forward posts in Hamirpur sub-sector of Poonch district from 9.30 pm last night, Palta said.
They fired automatic weapons and medium mortar shells, he said, adding, "Our troops retaliated effectively and exchanges continued till 10.30 hours." There was no loss of life or injury to anyone in the firing.
"There were two ceasefire violations by Pakistan last night," Defence Spokesman Col R K Palta said on Thursday. There was Pakistani firing along LoC on several Indian forward posts in Hamirpur sub-sector of Poonch district from 9.30 pm last night, Palta said.
They fired automatic weapons and medium mortar shells, he said, adding, "Our troops retaliated effectively and exchanges continued till 10.30 hours." There was no loss of life or injury to anyone in the firing.
13:18
Rajya Sabha Chairman accepts resignation of TDP MP N Harikrishna.
13:13 2G case: I don't recall each meeting, Ambani tells court
Outside Parliament: Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani today appeared as a prosecution witness before a Delhi court trying the 2G spectrum case and said he does not "recall" the various board meetings of a company, said to be an associate of RADAG, as the minutes were "not prepared" by him.
12:49 LS adjourned for the day
TDP MPs have gone into a huddle over Kamal Nath's motion to suspend four of their MPs. The other seven MPs are from the Congress.
Sushma Swaraj wants a division of votes over the motion.
And yes, five minutes after it resumed, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day. Parliament will be in session on Saturday.
Sushma Swaraj wants a division of votes over the motion.
And yes, five minutes after it resumed, the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day. Parliament will be in session on Saturday.
12:44 In the Rajya Sabha...
This is what happened in the Rajya Sabha: Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) sought a response from the Prime Minister on the falling rupee value against the US dollar and an "economic emergency" like situation developing in the country.
When Dr Maitreyan raised the issue of his notice for suspension of Question Hour, Hamid Ansari, who was in the chair, said, "There will be no suspension of Question Hour. If you want, have a discussion (on the issue)."
As Rajeev Shukla stood up to speak, Dr Maitreyan continued with his demand. At this point, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy asked him to sit down and listen to what Shukla was saying. "Minister is standing," Narayanasamy said. To this an angry Maitreyan, shot back, "who are you" and continued to repeat the statement several times.
When Dr Maitreyan raised the issue of his notice for suspension of Question Hour, Hamid Ansari, who was in the chair, said, "There will be no suspension of Question Hour. If you want, have a discussion (on the issue)."
As Rajeev Shukla stood up to speak, Dr Maitreyan continued with his demand. At this point, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy asked him to sit down and listen to what Shukla was saying. "Minister is standing," Narayanasamy said. To this an angry Maitreyan, shot back, "who are you" and continued to repeat the statement several times.
12:28 Protesting MPs rush to Speaker's table, try to remove mike
The Lok Sabha has been adjourned. Protesting MPs rush to the Speaker's table raising slogans, holding banners. The MPs tried to remove the mike at the Speaker's table. The 11 Andhra MPs whom the government want suspended include 7 Congress MPs and 4 TDP MPs.
The government is likely to extend the monsoon session of Parliament to September 5.
The government is likely to extend the monsoon session of Parliament to September 5.
12:20
Sushma Swaraj says if the motion (to suspend the Andhra MPs) is put to vote, the BJP will walk out of the house.
12:18 PM must speak, govt can't do what it wants: BJP
The Lok Sabha has resumed. The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, says the opposition is not interested in stalling Parliament proceedings. "All we ask is a statement from the PM on the missing coal files," she says. "We can't allow the government to do what it wants," she says.
CPI's Gurudas Dasgupta echoes Sushma Swaraj's sentiments. "The PM must respond immediately, these are sensitive files."
JD-U's Sharad Yadav says the missing files means the government has something to hide.
Parliamentary Affairs minister Kamal Nath says the government has nothing to hide. "The coal minister is ready to make a statement at a time fixed by you. A discussion will be held in the house during which the PM will intervene," he says.
The government has moved a resolution to for suspension of 11 Andhra MPs for disrupting Lok Sabha proceedings. The BJP objects the suspension motion.
Opposition raises slogans in the house. Tremendous ruckus in the house. Meira Kumar likely to adjourn the house any minute now.
CPI's Gurudas Dasgupta echoes Sushma Swaraj's sentiments. "The PM must respond immediately, these are sensitive files."
JD-U's Sharad Yadav says the missing files means the government has something to hide.
Parliamentary Affairs minister Kamal Nath says the government has nothing to hide. "The coal minister is ready to make a statement at a time fixed by you. A discussion will be held in the house during which the PM will intervene," he says.
The government has moved a resolution to for suspension of 11 Andhra MPs for disrupting Lok Sabha proceedings. The BJP objects the suspension motion.
Opposition raises slogans in the house. Tremendous ruckus in the house. Meira Kumar likely to adjourn the house any minute now.
11:59 SC clears way for Delhi gang-rape verdict
Supreme Court Thursday cleared the way for a juvenile court to give a verdict on the teenager accused of participating in the gang rape of a woman on a bus in Delhi in December.
The juvenile court has delayed giving a verdict on four occasions as it awaited a decision from the Supreme Court on a petition calling for a review of the juvenile law.The petition, filed by opposition leader Subramanian Swamy, said the mental and intellectual maturity of juveniles, not just their age, should be taken into account for criminal proceedings. Read
The juvenile court has delayed giving a verdict on four occasions as it awaited a decision from the Supreme Court on a petition calling for a review of the juvenile law.The petition, filed by opposition leader Subramanian Swamy, said the mental and intellectual maturity of juveniles, not just their age, should be taken into account for criminal proceedings. Read
11:52 Scarlett case: Four docs from AIIMS to depose before Goa court
Remember the Scarlett Keeling case? Here's something to jog your memory.
Four doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences will soon depose before the Goa Children's Court here as part of the trial in the 2008 Scarlett Eden Keeling death case.
The court has issued summons to three forensic experts -- Dr D N Bharadwaj, Dr T Millo 5and Dr Sanjeev Lalvani -- and a pathology professor Dr Rama Roy in connection with the killing of the minor British Girl in Goa.
The team of doctors had conducted chemical analysis of the forensic remains of Scarlett who was found dead on the famous Anjuna beach in the tourist state.
Two accused, Samson D'Souza and Placido Carvalho are being tried for the death of Scarlett, whose bruised body was found on February 18, 2008. The CBI has filed a charge-sheet in connection with the case and so far the court has examined 22 witnesses.
Four doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences will soon depose before the Goa Children's Court here as part of the trial in the 2008 Scarlett Eden Keeling death case.
The court has issued summons to three forensic experts -- Dr D N Bharadwaj, Dr T Millo 5and Dr Sanjeev Lalvani -- and a pathology professor Dr Rama Roy in connection with the killing of the minor British Girl in Goa.
The team of doctors had conducted chemical analysis of the forensic remains of Scarlett who was found dead on the famous Anjuna beach in the tourist state.
Two accused, Samson D'Souza and Placido Carvalho are being tried for the death of Scarlett, whose bruised body was found on February 18, 2008. The CBI has filed a charge-sheet in connection with the case and so far the court has examined 22 witnesses.
11:47
TDP MP N Harikrishana and NTR's son resigns from the Rajya Sabha in protest over the Telangana issue.
11:44 RS resumes work after Rajeev Shukla intervenes
The Rajya Sabha, in turmoil over the BJP's insistence that the prime minister make a statement on the missing files in the coalgate scam, today took a step forward with MoS for parliamentary affairs Rajeev Shukla saying that while Coal Miinister Sriprakash Jaiwal will reply to the BJP's charges, the prime minister -- who was coal minister when the questionable allotments were made -- may also intervene. With this the BJP backed off from its protests and the Rajya Sabha could function normally. No time has been mentioned so far about when the minister will make his statement.
11:39 2G case: Anil Ambani deposes as CBI witness in court
Outside Parliament, Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani today deposed as a CBI witness in the 2G case before a Delhi court after it dismissed Reliance Telecom Ltd's (RTL) plea for postponement of his testimony.
Ambani reached the court premises early this morning and deposed before Special CBI Judge O P Saini.
The court had yesterday dismissed RTL's plea for postponement of examination of additional witnesses-- Anil Ambani and his wife Tina -- in the 2G case, saying no prejudice would be caused to any accused by their deposition.
Ambani reached the court premises early this morning and deposed before Special CBI Judge O P Saini.
The court had yesterday dismissed RTL's plea for postponement of examination of additional witnesses-- Anil Ambani and his wife Tina -- in the 2G case, saying no prejudice would be caused to any accused by their deposition.
11:37 PM silent as storm unleashes in Rajya Sabha
In the Rajya Sabha: The SP says the rupee has already hit 65 to a dollar. The PM is an economist he should respond.
BJP leader Arun Jaitley was the PM should make a statement on the missing coal files in the house today. "We are not satisfied with coal minister Sriprakash Jaiswal's statement," says Jaitley.
Congress leader Rajiv Shukla interrupts saying since Jaiswal has already given his statement, the PM is not obliged to make a statement. But if required the PM can intervene.
The PM is present in the Rajya Sabha today.
BJP leader Arun Jaitley was the PM should make a statement on the missing coal files in the house today. "We are not satisfied with coal minister Sriprakash Jaiswal's statement," says Jaitley.
Congress leader Rajiv Shukla interrupts saying since Jaiswal has already given his statement, the PM is not obliged to make a statement. But if required the PM can intervene.
The PM is present in the Rajya Sabha today.
11:21 Bachchan furious over fake video endorsing Modi as PM
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is furious at an allegedly fake online video that has dragged him into the country's raging political war by showing him endorsing Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the next Prime Minister of India.
The 70-year-old Bollywood actor went into a tweeting frenzy when the video started circulating on Wednesday, saying: "FAKE!! FAKE !! FAKE !!! APPALLED AND ANGERED BY THIS ILLEGAL ACT ON ME... PUTTING IT UP NOW, DO READ AND SEE AND CONDEMN!!!" Read
The 70-year-old Bollywood actor went into a tweeting frenzy when the video started circulating on Wednesday, saying: "FAKE!! FAKE !! FAKE !!! APPALLED AND ANGERED BY THIS ILLEGAL ACT ON ME... PUTTING IT UP NOW, DO READ AND SEE AND CONDEMN!!!" Read
11:12 Thailand court convicts Iranians of bomb plot
A court in Thailand has convicted two Iranian men for their roles in an attempted bomb plot in the capital, Bangkok. The men were detained after homemade explosives accidentally went off at the house where they were staying in February 2012. One of the men had his legs blown off after he attempted to throw a bomb at police. Both men have maintained their innocence of the charges. -- BBC
11:11 What lies ahead in Parliament today
If Parliament is not adjourned this is what the schedule is in the Lok Sabha. 1. National Food Security Bill, 2013 2. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2011 3. Governors (Emoluments, Allowances and Privileges) Amendment Bill, 2012 4. Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2012 5. Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2011 6. Securities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2013 7. Securities and Exchange Board of India (Amendment) Bill, 2013 8. Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Bill, 2012 9. Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Bill, 2012 10. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2011
And in the Rajya Sabha: 1. Calling attention to situation arising out of repeated attacks on Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy 2. Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2013 3. Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Amendment Bill, 2013 4. Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010 5. Discussion on large scale devastation in Uttarakhand
And in the Rajya Sabha: 1. Calling attention to situation arising out of repeated attacks on Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy 2. Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2013 3. Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Amendment Bill, 2013 4. Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010 5. Discussion on large scale devastation in Uttarakhand
11:07
And in Parliament, the Lok Sabha has been adjourned till noon over the Telangana issue. In the Rajya Sabha, the BJP demands an explanation on the missing coal files.
11:06 Students who ragged Aman Kachroo to death freed on 'good conduct'
Four medical students, who were convicted of ragging their junior Aman Kachroo to death in a Himachal Pradesh college four years ago, are out of jail before completing their four-year rigorous term.
The students were freed after the Himachal Pradesh government decided to write off their remaining sentence on account of their 'good conduct' and allow them to complete their medical course at a medical college in Kangra. Read
The students were freed after the Himachal Pradesh government decided to write off their remaining sentence on account of their 'good conduct' and allow them to complete their medical course at a medical college in Kangra. Read
10:47
Just In: The Supreme Court allows the Juvenile Justice Board to pass an order in the December 16 gangrape-cum-murder case involving a minor.
10:42 Encephalitis claims 7 lives in Gorakhpur; total toll reaches 160
Seven persons have died due to encephalitis at the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur, taking the death toll due to the disease this year to 160.
While five of the victims were from Gorakhpur, one was from Maharajganj and another from adjoining Bihar, health officials said today. Thirteen persons suffering from encephalitis have been admitted to the hospital since Wednesday.
10:38 Onions cost Rs 70 but farmers get only Rs 8!
'The next time you shell out Rs 70 to buy a kg of onions, reflect on this: the humble bulb's journey from farm to plate started, as it has ended, with exploitation,' reports Sandeep Pai in Hindustan Times.
A Nabard report on onion production and marketing seen by HT shows that the farmer makes a profit of just Rs. 3.60 for every kg he sells, Pai reports.
'According to the Nabard study, in an ideal situation -- with no hoarding or unfair practices, and wastage at the "normal" 25 pc of the 150 million tonne crop -- onions should be available at Rs 14 per kg, with the farmer getting a selling price of Rs 8 and making just under half of that as profit,' says Pai.
Enough to shed tears, right? You can read the report here while doing so.
09:32 Rupee's travails against dollar continues
The Rupee plunges to lifetime low of 65 against the US dollar in early trade, continuing its sharp slide among emerging market currencies after the Federal Reserve minutes hinted that the United States may start tapering its stimulus as early as next month
09:30 2G: Anil Ambani reaches Delhi court as prosecution witness
Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani has reached a Delhi court to depose as a prosecution witness in the 2G spectrum case.
His appearance follows a Delhi court on Wednesday dismissing Reliance Telecom Ltd's plea for a postponement of the examination of Anil Ambani and his wife Tina in the 2G case, saying no prejudice would be caused to any accused by their deposition.
Dismissing Reliance Telecom Ltd's plea, Special CBI judge OP Saini said yesterday that no such prayer for the postponement of examination of witnesses has been made by either Anil Ambani or Tina Ambani.
The Supreme Court too had declined to pass any order on Reliance Telecom Ltd's plea yesterday for a stay of the trial court's direction summoning Anil Ambani and other witnesses in the 2G case.
Reliance Telecom Ltd had made an oral plea before an apex court bench headed by Justice GS Singhvi in an attempt to get an interim order for exempting Ambani from appearing in the case today.
08:33 Live! Trial of disgraced Bo Xilai begins in China
The trial of Bo Xilai, the disgraced Chinese politician, charged with corruption and abuse of power started in Jinan city today morning, amid national and international media glare.
The "open trial" of Bo, the highest rank Chinese leader to go on trial in recent years, began at Jinan Intermediate People's Court in Shandong province, at around 08:40 am local time.
The former Communist Party leader stands trial for bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power, state-run news agency Xinhua reported. State-run CCTV has shown a convoy of cars carrying Bo and other officials entering the court. Over 300 national and foreign journalists have converged there to cover the trial.
Bo, 64, son of former top Communist Party of China leader, served as head of 20 million people strong Chongqing city when he was ousted last year. He also served as mayor of the city of Dalian, governor of northeast China's Liaoning Province and China's minister of commerce.
He was tipped to contest a top post in last year CPC's once-in-a-decade leadership change before which he was ousted and arrested. He was not seen since then.
05:07 Egypt to put Mubarak under house arrest
Egypt's prime minister ordered Wednesday that deposed autocrat Hosni Mubarak be placed under house arrest after he's released from prison following more than two years in detention.
The announcement came hours after a court ordered Mubarak be released for the first time since he was first detained in April 2011, a move threatening to further stoke tension in a deeply divided Egypt. Many feared Mubarak's release would amplify Islamist allegations that last month's military coup was a step toward restoring the old regime.
Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi said in a statement that he ordered Mubarak be put under house arrest as part of the emergency measures put in place this month. The decision appeared designed to ease some of the criticism over Mubarak being freed from prison and ensure he appears in court next week for a separate trial.
02:29 NSA collected thousands of US communications
The National Security Agency declassified three secret US court opinions Wednesday showing how it scooped up as many as 56,000 emails and other communications by Americans with no connection to terrorism annually over three years, how it revealed the error to the court and changed how it gathered Internet communications.
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper authorized the release.
The opinions show that when the NSA reported its inadvertent gathering of American-based Internet traffic to the court in 2011, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court ordered the agency to find ways to limit what it collects and how long it keeps it.
02:19 Bradley Manning: 'I will recover from this... This is just a stage in my life'
Sentenced to 35 years in prison for leaking documents to WikiLeaks, Bradley Manning has vowed to stay positive, his defense lawyers tells the Daily Beast.
01:41 India's economy needs an early election
A rupee in free fall; a terrifyingly wide current-account deficit; a corrupt, stagnant bureaucracy: In 1991, then-Finance Minister Manmohan Singh helped to rescue India's economy from that near-death experience with a slew of liberalizing reforms, setting the stage for two decades of growth.
Today, facing a similar, if less existential, crisis as Indias prime minister, Singh may well be the man standing in the way of a solution.
01:36 Seven killed in Mexico ammonia leak
At least seven people died and 40 others were poisoned when road workers accidentally pierced an ammonia pipeline in southern Mexico, officials said today.
Some 1,500 people were evacuated from surrounding towns following yesterday's incident near the rural municipalities of Matias Romero and Barrio Soledad. The Oaxaca prosecutor's office disclosed the death toll on its Twitter account.
State-run energy firm Pemex said in a statement that the leak was now under control.
The pipeline broke when it was hit by a backhoe used by construction workers expanding a road. The police and army have blocked the road.
It is the latest accident to hit Pemex, a state monopoly that has suffered deadly blasts at several facilities and pipelines in recent years, including a gas leak explosion that killed 37 people at its Mexico City headquarters earlier this year.
01:35 Manning verdict a 'tactical victory': Assange
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange today hailed the sentencing of the website's source Bradley Manning as a "significant tactical victory", saying the US soldier could serve as little as one-sixth of his 35-year jail term.
In a statement issued from London where he has spent a year in the Ecuadoran embassy trying to avoid extradition to Sweden on sexual assault allegations, Assange said there would be "thousand more Bradley Mannings".
Assange accused the United States of trying to set an example by its treatment of Manning, who supplied anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks with hundreds of thousands of confidential US documents.
Assange said Manning had been given a minimum sentence of 5.2 years and that the "hard-won minimum term represents a significant tactical victory for Bradley Manning's defense, campaign team and supporters."
01:34 Top headlines at this hour
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