LIVE
Sun, 25 August 2013
LIVE: Trials of Egypt's Mubarak, Muslim Brotherhood chiefs adjourned
Timeline Refresh
21:38 Trials of Egypt's Mubarak, Muslim Brotherhood chiefs adjourned
The trials of deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and top leaders of his arch-rival Muslim Brotherhood group for inciting violence and killings in separate instances were adjourned today.
The re-trial of 85-year-old Mubarak and co-defendants, including his two sons and former interior minister Habib El-Adly, on charges of instigating murder of over 800 people during pro-democracy uprising in 2011 were held at the Police Academy here amid tight security.
21:09 178 killed, over 1.5 million affected in Pak floods
At least 178 people have been killed and more than 1.5 million affected due to floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains across Pakistan, officials said today.
Most of the victims are from Punjab and Sindh, the two largest provinces considered the backbone of Pakistan's agrarian economy.
20:56 'India's determination won't be deterred in assisting Afghanistan'
In her first solo visit abroad Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh travelled to Afganistan conveying a clear message that no terrorist attack can have an impact on India's strong determination to assist Afghanistan in its reconstruction and development efforts.
She held talks with her counterpart Ershad Ahmadi and called on President Karzai, 1st Vice President Marshal Fahim, 2nd Vice President Karim Khalili and Foreign Minister Zalmai Rasool.
20:48 Pak claims 2 killed in shelling by Indian Army
Pakistani authorities today claimed that two women were killed and seven other persons were injured in "unprovoked" shelling by the Indian Army across the LoC.
A woman was killed and six other persons were injured seriously as a result of unprovoked Indian army shelling at Nakyal sector on Line of Control this morning, Radio Pakistan reported.
19:58 Syria okays UN arms probe as pressure mounts
Syria, under a barrage of international pressure, gave the green light today to a UN probe into an alleged chemical weapons attack as ally Iran warned against US military intervention.
Visiting UN disarmament envoy Angela Kane, tasked by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to establish the terms of an inquiry, struck the accord with the Syrian government for a probe, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
19:21 VHP yatra 'politically motivated': Ayodhya chief priest
Acharya Satendra Das, the chief priest of the makeshift temple at the dispute site in Ayodhya, today alleged that VHP's yatra from here was politically motivated and not religious and that saints were being used for "vested interests".
Das also accused the VHP of going against established Hindu traditions while deciding on the timing of its yatra, a view shared by several local Hindu priests. Some of the priests also felt that if the yatra was allowed to proceed there could be a threat to communal harmony.
19:06 Sebastian Vettel wins Belgian Grand Prix
Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel extended his lead at the top of the standings thanks to his victory in Belgium this afternoon.
The German started the race second on the grid as a result of yesterday's qualifying, but he managed to gain the lead from Lewis Hamilton during the first lap, having go into the Mercedes driver's slip stream.
18:54 Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi passes away
Eminent Indian classical singer and music director, better known as a noted vocalist of Jayadeva's 'Gita Govind', Pandit Raghunath Panigrahi died of cardiac arrest at his residence here today, family sources said.
He was 80.
18:51 Cyber-snooping susceptible to misuse: Former MEA secy
Cyber-snooping may be useful in the war against terror, but such capabilities are prone to be abused by unscrupulous people to blackmail others, former secretary in the foreign ministry, KC Singh, today told an international conference on I-T security.
"Through legal means they (USA) are scooping and dredging up huge amounts of information.
18:50 UP govt shouldn't interfere in VHP yatra issue: Goa CM
Goa Chief Minister and BJP leader Manohar Parrikar today said the Uttar Pradesh Government should not interfere with the VHP's yatra from Ayodhya unless there was an issue of law and order.
"The state government should not come into the picture unless there is a law and order issue," he told reporters.
17:10 Woman gang-graped in C'garh; five held
A 26-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped after being abducted by five men near a railway station in Chhattisgarh's Durg district, police said.
Five youths have been arrested in this connection, they said. The offence took place near Power House railway station of Bhilai on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, Chhaoni SP (City) Ravindra Upadhyay told PTI.
16:47 Defiant IOA likely to amend Constitution
A defiant Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will in all likelihood amend its Constitution to incorporate age and tenure guidelines, sources told CNN-IBN on Sunday, which will give its tainted officials a lifeline to stay in power.
The IOA General Body Meeting began on a stormy note on Sunday with close to 50 demonstrators under the banner of 'Clean Sports India' protesting against the association's officials, who have been chargesheeted in corruption cases.
Media was kept away from the meeting that was also attended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) representatives, and it seems the IOA has got its way.
16:08 Eight Cong MP to resign from Lok Sabha tomorrow
The resignation of eight Congress MPs from Andhra Pradesh on Monday will put pressure on six Union ministers -- Chiranjeevi, Pallam Raju and other junior Union ministers.
K Suryaprakash Reddy is believed to have faxed his resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. On Monday he plans to meet Sonia Gandhi and the PM to hand over the letter in person. The 8 Congress MPs will also visit 20 Akbar Road, the official bungalow of Speaker Meira Kumar.
15:57 AIADMK to vote for Food Security Bill in Parliament
The Centre has agreed to the proposals of Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minster Jayalalitha and in turn is happy to receive her vote for the Food Security Bill.
Jayalalitha's demands of subsidy of PDS rice and quantity, fair price shop prices of rice have been agreed to. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's reply to Jayalalitha is said to be the real "game changer".
Buzz is that sweets were distributed at Race Course Road on Sunday morning after AIADMK assured the PM of their support
15:43 Police have got some clues in Dabholkar murder case: CM
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said police had got some clues regarding the murder of eminent rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar, but the investigation had not yet led to any arrests.
"There is a progress in the investigation and police have got certain clues. But they have not yet led to any arrests in the case," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
15:41 Egypt's Mubarak appears in court to face charges
Egypt's ousted president Hosni Mubarak today attended his trial on charges of inciting the murder of over 800 people during pro-democracy uprising, days after he was released from jail and placed under house arrest.
Mubarak, 85, arrived at the Police Academy by helicopter to attend the sixth session of his trial for killing protesters seeking his ouster in January 2011.
15:40 Why are DMK MPs upset with Rahul?
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday morning telephoned Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam leader Vijaykant to greet him on his 61st birthday.
This has upset the cadres of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam -- as many MPs recall that Rahul Gandhi had never greeted DMK patriarch Karunanidhi on his birthdays.
Last year Rahul Gandhi was in Chennai on the day of Karunanidhi birthday but did not visit Gopalapuram to garland or present Karunanidhi a yellow angawastharam.
15:29
Indian businessman Ratan Tata will be travelling to USA from the first week of September till January.
Tata takes classes on architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
15:06
The Lok Sabha Secretariat has circulated a 'warning letter' to suspended 12 Andhra Pradesh MPs. The letter states they should not attempt to enter Parliament till August 31, 2013.
The letter reminds these MPs that if they breached the order they are liable for arrest.
15:02 Antony to induct C-17 heavy-lift aircraft in IAF
Giving a major boost to strategic airlift capabilities of the Air Force, Defence Minister A K Antony will formally induct the 75-80 tonne C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft into service on September 2 at the Hindon Air Base.
The Defence Minister will formally induct the aircraft procured from the US under a deal expected to be over Rs 20,000 crore into the newly formed 81 Squadron here, IAF officials said
15:00 Fresh ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Poonch
Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire twice today by firing mortar shells, rockets and automatic weapons on forward Indian posts along the LoC in Poonch district, drawing retaliation from the Indian side.
The fresh ceasefire violations come a day after Pakistan troops violated the border truce thrice. "Pakistani Army opened indiscriminate and unprovoked firing on forward posts along LoC in Bhambir Gali sub-sector in Poonch sector around 0715 hours", Defence Spokesman Col R K Palta said.
14:57 India, China to revive army drill
India and China will revive a joint army drill this November, five years after the last edition.
A company of troops from the Indian Army's Sikh Light Infantry will visit the Chengdu Military Region Command in China between November 4 and 14 for the third in the series called "Exercise Hand-in-Hand'.
14:16 Iraq seeks India's help in upgrading healthcare system
Visiting Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri Al Maliki has said that his country is looking for India's cooperation in the area of healthcare, particularly in the training of its doctors, paramedical staff, building of hospitals and also in manufacturing life saving drugs.
Mentioning that a lot of patients from Iraq visit India for treatment, he said rebuilding and strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Iraq will help people get treatment locally.
14:14 As lobbies rule, personality-driven diplomacy undermines India's clout
India is perhaps the only country where choosing the place and timing of diplomatic postings is done, not just by the government but also by serving IFS officers.
With the PM imposing his diplomatic doctrine through the National Security Adviser (NSA), various lobbies have come into play to grab key capitals and sensitive senior secretary-level posts in South Block.
This is nothing new as foreign policy and choice of key diplomats are the PM's prerogative. But never before have personal prejudices or preferences played decisive roles in choices. Diplomacy is an instrument to gain control over turns of internal affairs.
13:06 This is not a political yatra but a religious one: Togadia
Senior VHP leader Praveen Togadia has said that demonstrations would be staged all over the country tomorrow against the ban by the UP government on the 'Chaurasi Kosi Parikrama Yatra'.
"This is not a political yatra but a religious one and ban or oppression resorted to by the government would not be tolerated at any cost," he told reporters.
12:59 Realism missing in Delhi assessment of Sharif
In 1982, a relatively unknown Pakistani politician named Nawaz Sharif hosted what he called a "small lunch' for the visiting Indian cricket team, at his palatial residence in Raiwind near Lahore.
There were some 3,000 guests at Sharif's "small lunch'. Sharif belonged to a new breed of Muslim League politicians, being brought together by military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq to ally with the military, together with parties like the Jamat-e-Islami, to counter the popular support for Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples' Party.
Backed by then Army chief General Aslam Beg and ISI, Sharif was swept to power and elected PM in November 1990. He remains a passionate cricket enthusiast and a great lover of Bollywood films and musical hits, of the '50s and '60s.
12:03 Buddhists torch Muslim homes in Myanmar
Fresh sectarian violence broke out in northwestern Myanmar when Buddhist mobs burned down dozens of homes and shops following rumors that a young woman had been sexually assaulted by a Muslim man.
There were no reports of injuries.
11:57 Fifth accused in Mumbai gang rape case arrested
The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested the fifth accused from Delhi in the Mumbai photojournalist gang rape case.
11:46 Still caught between clich and spasm
The Congress formula for Indian Muslims is rooted in colonial legacy: divide and rule. The BJP approach has been shaped by rage at partition: avoid and rule. All Muslims want from both claimants to national power is provide and rule; not because they are Muslims but because they are largely poor.
Poverty was the prevailing story when India became independent. It cut across other fault lines: there was a morbid equality of poverty. More than six decades of uneven growth later, we have the inequality of partial success.
11:45 Land Acquisition Bill is a Luddite throwback to 19th century
The Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation , and Resettlement Bill introduced in Parliament is a terrible piece of work. It is a Luddite proposal that threatens all economic development.
Some critics have focused on its high compensation norms. But its worst provisions are for Social Impact Assessment reports and mandatory rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R). Every piece of land acquired, no matter how small, will require an SIA, to be later reviewed by an expert committee, followed by a government survey, followed by actual acquisition proceedings. Any decisions can then be challenged in the courts. These procedures could take years, delaying all industrialization and urbanization.
11:40 ISI tells Sikh militants to attack India or leave
Sikh militants enjoying a safe haven in Pakistan for years are under pressure to mount fresh operations in India. Central intelligence agencies have gathered information that the ISI has told top leaders of these militants groups that they can continue living there only if they carry out terror strikes in India.
A note prepared by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has details of the ISI's new strategy to revive Sikh militancy in the country. "The ISI message has been loud and clear that safe havens will only be available at a price and the price would be to rekindle the fire of Sikh militancy in India," the note says.
11:10 VHP Ayodhya yatra: Ashok Singhal detained at Lucknow airport
Vishwa Hindu Parishad chief Ashok Singhal has been detained at the Lucknow airport to prevent him from reaching Ayodhya. He will be sent back to Delhi.
VHP leader Pravin Togadia was also arrested from Gola ghat in Ayodhya.
The VHP said its yatra, banned by the Akhilesh Yadav government, has been inaugurated.
08:50 MP minister comes to defence of Asaram Bapu
Madhya Pradesh Industries Minister Kailash Vijaywargia today alleged the charge of sexual assault against Asaram Bapu could be "politically motivated" as he has been critical of the top Congress leadership.
"Asaram is a saint. He openly speaks against Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi...It might be possible that the charges against him is a part of a political conspiracy by Congress," Vijaywargiya told reporters.
"We have full sympathies with the girl but it should be probed whether allegations against Asaram are part of any political conspiracy or not," the minister said. He said no one has the right to tarnish Asaram's image until the latter is proved guilty.
On rumours that BJP is providing asylum to Asaram, Vijaywargia said, "In Madhya Pradesh, the rule of law prevails and the state would extend full support to any state's police if required."
08:14 4th accused in Mumbai gang rape case arrested, hunt on for last
The fourth accused in the Mumbai photojournalist gang rape case has been arrested from the city, say the police.
While one accused was arrested on Friday, two others were arrested on Saturday.
With the latest arrest, the hunt is on the the remaining one person and the Mumbai police seemed confident of nabbing him soon.
The photojournalist's rape in Mumbai's dilapidated Shakti Mills compound on Thursday evening had set off an outrage, with the Maharashtra home minister RR Patil promising fast-track trial in the case.
00:27 Delhi: Massive fire at factory in Kalkaji area
A huge fire has been reported from a plastic factory in the Kalkaji area of New Delhi. 20 fire engines have been rushed to the spot.
No casualties have been reported. The fire is now under control.
Image: Representation pic
No casualties have been reported. The fire is now under control.
Image: Representation pic
00:15 US marks 50 years of 'I have a dream' speech
Thousands have gathered in the US capital to mark 50 years since Martin
Luther King's famous "I have a dream" speech on civil rights, reports BBC.
00:14 Gujarat BJP plans 9-day birthday bash for Modi
The Gujarat BJP is planning to organise state-wide mass contact programme to coincide with Narendra Modi's birthday on September 17, reports NDTV.
The BJP spokesperson IK Jadeja said, "The birthday of the Chief Minister will provide an ideal opportunity to kick off such plans. Many mass awareness campaigns will be initiated during the nine-day programme."
The BJP spokesperson IK Jadeja said, "The birthday of the Chief Minister will provide an ideal opportunity to kick off such plans. Many mass awareness campaigns will be initiated during the nine-day programme."
00:13 Delhi: Massive fire at factory in Kalkaji area
A huge fire has been reported from a plastic factory in the Kalkaji area of New Delhi. 20 fire engines have been rushed to the spot.
No casualties have been reported. The fire is now under control.
No casualties have been reported. The fire is now under control.
00:08 Top headlines in the last 24 hours
Mumbai: Rape not end of life, want to start work, says survivor
Mumbai gang rape: Third accused arrested; hunt on for 2 others
Mumbai gang rape: Let's BOO at these silent leaders
Congress upbeat after thumping victory in K'taka by-polls
VHP yatra: Uttar Pradesh on edge, over 350 arrested
Asaram Bapu likely to be grilled in sexual assault case
Shiv Sena MLA, who abused women staff at toll plaza, quits
Yesterday's live commentary link
Mumbai: Rape not end of life, want to start work, says survivor
Mumbai gang rape: Third accused arrested; hunt on for 2 others
Mumbai gang rape: Let's BOO at these silent leaders
Congress upbeat after thumping victory in K'taka by-polls
VHP yatra: Uttar Pradesh on edge, over 350 arrested
Asaram Bapu likely to be grilled in sexual assault case
Shiv Sena MLA, who abused women staff at toll plaza, quits
Yesterday's live commentary link
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances