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Fri, 07 June 2013
Live! US drone strike in Pakistan kills 7
Timeline Refresh
23:39 US drone strike in Pakistan kills 7
A US drone targeted a compound in the lawless North Waziristan tribal region of Pakistan today, killing seven persons just two days after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called for an end to the drone campaign.
The drone fired two missiles at a compound in a village of Shawal sub-division of North Waziristan Agency late tonight. The compound was destroyed in the attack, security officials were quoted as saying by TV news channels.
A "high value target" was among those killed in the attack, a report on the website of the Dawn newspaper quoted intelligence sources as saying.
23:11 UN seeks more than $5 billion in aid for Syria
The United Nations made the largest humanitarian appeal in its history Friday, sharply increasing its estimate for the funds needed for Syria, as rights groups said it must do more to ensure its aid cannot be used by President Bashar al-Assad as a weapon of war.
UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said that with half the Syrian population '" more than 10 million people '" expected to need aid by the end of the year, the United Nations and its partners will require at least $5.2 billion for projects in Syria and neighboring countries, up from a previous estimate of $3 billion. But activists say the world body's reach in rebel-held areas is limited, given the government's control of humanitarian access.
23:06 Russian protests block UN climate talks
Procedural protests by Russia held up part of the UN climate talks today for the fifth successive day, according to frustrated delegates at the labyrinthine negotiations in Bonn.
Russia has been blocking a key technical panel whose work feeds into the 12-day negotiation round. The Russians, supported by Belarus and Ukraine, are demanding a debate on how decisions are agreed at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the 20-year forum for addressing global warming and its impacts.
23:05 Libya appeals ICC ruling on Gadhafi son case
Libya has appealed the International Criminal Court's order that a son and one-time heir apparent of late dictator Muammar Gaddafi be tried in The Hague.
Today's appeal asks the court to reverse its decision that Seif al-Islam Gaddafi should be tried at the ICC and suspend its order that Libya hand over Seif al-Islam, who is being held by a militia in the Libyan town of Zintan.
Libya says it will provide reasons for its appeal within three weeks.
23:04 Israel eyes return to UN rights body after boycott
Israel's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva says his country may end its boycott of the UN's top human rights forum.
In a letter dated June 3, Eviatar Manor says he wants to engage the head of the UN Human Rights Council "with a view to positively resolve all outstanding issues in Israel's complex relationship" with the 47-nation body.
The letter was released by the UN today.
23:03 US waives condition on USD 1.3B in aid to Egypt
The Obama administration has waived the conditional human rights string attached to Egypt's USD 1.3 billion in US military support for 2013.
In a letter to Congress last month, Secretary of State John Kerry noted the Egyptian military's long partnership in promoting Mideast peace.
He said aid helps protect Egypt's borders, Suez Canal shipping and Israeli security against extremists in Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula.
22:25 KFA employees call off strike; no word on salaries
The employees of the grounded Kingfisher Airlines, who were on a hunger strike, called it off this evening though airline chairman Vijay Mallya reportedly expressed inability to pay salary arrears.
The agitation was called of after the second round of meeting between the employees and airline CEO Sanjay Agarwal, sources said. Earlier in the day, Mallya reportedly told the agitating employees, who were on a hunger strike since yesterday, that he did not have money to pay them.
22:01 Names of 13 lakh non-existent voters removed from Delhi roll
Names of nearly 13 lakh non-existent voters were struck down from Delhi's electoral roll by the Election Commission following a detailed survey.
Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Dev said the names of the voters were removed after conducting due verifications.
21:54 Safety, security of tribals must be ensured: Pranab
Stressing that development as well as security of citizens in tribal areas deserve equal priority, President Pranab Mukherjee today said tribals should be made equal partners in nation building.
Speaking at the first convocation of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, he also denounced the Maoist attack on a convoy of Congress leaders in Bastar in Chhattisgarh, saying the nation would not be intimidated by such attempts.
21:51 Congress condemns attack on lensmen
West Bengal Congress leaders said that the alleged attack today on three media people by suspected Trinamool Congress supporters was nothing but an attempt to hide the misdeeds of the ruling party.
"(The assault is) a dangerous sign for parliamentary democracy and comes at a time when opposition parties are facing attacks by Trinamool Congress over filing nominations for the panchayat polls," said WBPCC president Pradip Bhattacharya.
21:49 With insurgency on wane in Tripura, AFSPA areas reduce
With insurgency on the wane in Tripura, the state government has reduced the number of areas under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
A notification issued by the government, dated June 5, said that after reviewing the overall law and order situation in the state, it was decided that the number of areas under the AFSPA would be reduced.
21:37 Meira Kumar meets 5-year-old Delhi rape victim
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar today met the five-year-old rape victim from east Delhi and assured her every assistance for speedy recovery and subsequent rehabilitation.
The victim was brutally raped by neighbours, who also held her captive for days. The horrific crime had led to a huge public outcry.
21:33 I have no money to pay you: Mallya to KFA employees
The employees of the grounded Kingfisher Airlines, who were on a hunger strike, called it off today evening after airline chairman Vijay Mally reportedly expressed his inability to pay salary arrears.
The agitation was called of after the second round of meeting between the employees and airline CEO Sanjay Agarwal, sources said.
Earlier in the day, Mallya reportedly told the agitating employees, who were on a hunger strike since Thursday, that he did not have money to pay them.
21:10 I have not done anything wrong, says Kundra
An embattled Raj Kundra, co-owner of Rajasthan Royals team, who is facing accusations of betting on IPL matches, today claimed innocence and said he would be willing to forfeit his shares in the franchise if found guilty.
"I was called by Delhi police since I am a minority shareholder of Rajasthan Royals and a few questions were put to me to which I have satisfactorily answered," Kundra, husband of actress Shilpa Shetty, said in a statement.
"I would like to reiterate that I am innocent and equally anxious to know as to what went wrong within the Rajasthan Royals. In case anything is established against me, I shall be willing to forfeit my shares in Rajasthan Royals," he said.
21:07 Sudipta wants to 'repay' customers by selling assets
Saradha Group chairman Sudipta Sen, the main accused in the multi-crore chit fund scam, on Friday claimed that he wanted to hand over all his assets to the court to repay 'genuine customers'.
Sen, who is in custody on the charge of allegedly duping lakhs of investors in ponzi schemes, was represented by his counsel in the Calcutta high court, which is hearing PILs seeking a CBI investigation into the charges against him.
21:04 Bookie Vyas being brought to Delhi from Mumbai
Ramesh Vyas, believed to be one of the main figures in the bookies' world with links with the underworld, is being brought to Delhi from Mumbai on Saturday.
A team of Mumbai police is bringing Vyas, who was earlier arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in connection with betting, after the city police got a production warrant.
21:02 PM gives go-ahead to Amritsar-Kolkata industrial corridor
Moving on fast-track in the run-up to the 2014 general elections, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today gave green signal to the ambitious Amritsar-Delhi-Kolkata industrial corridor project, on the lines of the DMIC, to promote the development of northern region and create more jobs.
Dr Singh appointed an Inter Ministerial Group, under the department of industrial policy and promotion secretary, to prepare a feasibility report within a month for setting up the corridor to promote industrialisation in the northern region, said a PMO statement.
19:53 Live! Congress MP compares Modi to Hitler and Pol Pot
Congress MP Shantaram Naik today compared Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to Adolf Hitler and Pol Pot.
Naik, Rajya Sabha MP from Goa, said here that India could not allow "rulers such as Hitler and (Combodian dictator) Pol Pot" to flourish in the country and destroy "democratic institutions and social fabric".
Modi, widely touted as the BJP's likely prime ministerial candidate, today arrived here to take part in his party's national executive which starts tomorrow.
Naik alleged that Modi pretended to be what he was not, and his role in Gujarat riots made him an unlikely candidate for the Prime Minister's post in the 2014 elections.
Naik also said that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's praise for Modi on TV was "shocking".
Naik, Rajya Sabha MP from Goa, said here that India could not allow "rulers such as Hitler and (Combodian dictator) Pol Pot" to flourish in the country and destroy "democratic institutions and social fabric".
Modi, widely touted as the BJP's likely prime ministerial candidate, today arrived here to take part in his party's national executive which starts tomorrow.
Naik alleged that Modi pretended to be what he was not, and his role in Gujarat riots made him an unlikely candidate for the Prime Minister's post in the 2014 elections.
Naik also said that Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's praise for Modi on TV was "shocking".
18:34 Shilpa Shetty bet Rs 1 lakh in IPL match: Delhi Police
Actress Shilpa Shetty placed bets of Rs one lakh for an IPL match, Delhi Police claimed today even as investigators said they do not believe her husband and co-owner of Rajasthan Royals Raj Kundra's statement that he lost Rs 1 crore in betting. Kundra and Shilpa have denied allegations against them.
Police sources said they may quizz Kundra again and call Shilpa for questioning if there is a need. The names of Kundra, who was questioned for 11 hours two days ago by police claiming that he had confessed to betting, and Shilpa, came in a statement recorded by his business partner Umesh Goenka, a bookie, during investigations into IPL spot-fixing scandal. Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar said Kundra remains "very much" part of the investigation.
However, he added, Kundra was "not the focus" of their probe as there is no evidence as of now to suggest that he was into spot-fixing. Police sources said Kundra had claimed during questioning that he lost Rs 50 lakh in betting during IPL IV season, Rs 40 lakh in IPL V and Rs 12.5 lakh in the just concluded IPL VI.
Police sources said they may quizz Kundra again and call Shilpa for questioning if there is a need. The names of Kundra, who was questioned for 11 hours two days ago by police claiming that he had confessed to betting, and Shilpa, came in a statement recorded by his business partner Umesh Goenka, a bookie, during investigations into IPL spot-fixing scandal. Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar said Kundra remains "very much" part of the investigation.
However, he added, Kundra was "not the focus" of their probe as there is no evidence as of now to suggest that he was into spot-fixing. Police sources said Kundra had claimed during questioning that he lost Rs 50 lakh in betting during IPL IV season, Rs 40 lakh in IPL V and Rs 12.5 lakh in the just concluded IPL VI.
18:30 Nawaz Sharif's cabinet takes oath
The 25-member council of ministers of Pakistan's new Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was today sworn in at a ceremony at the presidency here today. Among those who took oath were 16 federal ministers, including Ishaq Dar who is tipped to become the Finance Minister, and nine ministers of state.
They were administered the oath of office by President Asif Ali Zardari, two days after Sharif was sworn in after being formally elected the Prime Minister by the National Assembly or lower house of parliament. A majority of the new ministers are from Sharif's PML-N party, which swept the May 11 general elections.
They were administered the oath of office by President Asif Ali Zardari, two days after Sharif was sworn in after being formally elected the Prime Minister by the National Assembly or lower house of parliament. A majority of the new ministers are from Sharif's PML-N party, which swept the May 11 general elections.
18:16 SEBI says dont have info on surveillance system and prosecution!
The capital market regulator has spent crores of rupees, twice, over sophisticated real time market surveillance systems to track stock price manipulation. Yet, it says it has no statistics on the surveillance! Read
18:12 RR will suspend Raj Kundra, forfeit his shares if found guilty
RR's statement comes after Raj Kundra, a co-owner, confessed to betting. The statement also says that Kundra would be suspended and his shares forfeited, if he is found guilty.
18:06 RR distances itself from Ra Kundra: He's a minority shareholder
Rajasthan Royals has just issued a statement that Raj Kundra will be suspended as an owner if he is found guilty. Rajasthan Royals owner, Raj Kundra, has confessed to the Delhi Police of betting on his team for the last two years. While betting/gambling is a minor, bailable offence under the CrPC, the BCCI rules (Rule # 11.3) are pretty harsh. If an owner is caught betting, his team franchise can be terminated. So, Rajasthan Royals runs the risk of being scratched as Kundra is one of its owners.
Royals in its statement says Kundra is a minority shareholder and has no involvement in running the franchise. It said RR was cooperating with the probe.
Kundra today hired noted senior criminal lawyer Majeed Memon to represent him in court.
Royals in its statement says Kundra is a minority shareholder and has no involvement in running the franchise. It said RR was cooperating with the probe.
Kundra today hired noted senior criminal lawyer Majeed Memon to represent him in court.
17:59 PM goes soft on Bihar
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has written to Union Ministers directing them to take the recommendations of the conference of governors seriously. He has also attached a summary of actionable suggestions.
The PM wants the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission to report to him on the governor of Bihar insisting on a nuclear power plant of 10,000 MW capacity be set up in Bihar and a proposal to give a special status to Bihar be considered.
The Rajasthan governor has asked for a refinery for his state, which the PM has asked the Ministry of Petroleum to act on quickly. A union minister commented that with the country set to go to the polls in the next six months, a governor's suggestions can be ignored.
The PM wants the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission to report to him on the governor of Bihar insisting on a nuclear power plant of 10,000 MW capacity be set up in Bihar and a proposal to give a special status to Bihar be considered.
The Rajasthan governor has asked for a refinery for his state, which the PM has asked the Ministry of Petroleum to act on quickly. A union minister commented that with the country set to go to the polls in the next six months, a governor's suggestions can be ignored.
17:36 The house where Maya lives ...
Sardar Patel Marg in New Delhi is the prestigious locality where the Chairman of a now bust private airlines had a palatial house. It was believed to have been sold for 250 crore to pay his debtors. Another chairman of a private airlines bought a bungalow for Rs Rs 200 crore and is planning to move in by next year. Incidentally, this is the same locale where BSP chief Mayawati has a bungalow which doubles up as a party office. The bungalow has, hold your breath, 30 rooms.
17:33 Cong ministers openly 'frustrated, angry' with leadership
There seem to be four categories of union ministers -- bitter, angry, disgusted and arrogant. That's an analysis by a senior union minister, who shall not be named. Frustrated and fuming ministers have begun to accuse the central leadership openly -- a dangerous trend.
Out of 29 Union Cabinet Ministers, 25 are from Congress. Of these, there are five ministers who are bitter with the Prime Minister. Then there are 15 ministers who are not only angry with the PM, but also with the Congress.
Union ministers say that there are four ministers who fall directly into the arrogant category, who will remain arrogant whether the Congress stays in power in 2014 or otherwise.
Out of 29 Union Cabinet Ministers, 25 are from Congress. Of these, there are five ministers who are bitter with the Prime Minister. Then there are 15 ministers who are not only angry with the PM, but also with the Congress.
Union ministers say that there are four ministers who fall directly into the arrogant category, who will remain arrogant whether the Congress stays in power in 2014 or otherwise.
17:23 Pak ceasefire violations: Heavy firing still on in Poonch
Update from AFP on the ceasefire violations by Pakistan today: Pakistani troops opened fire in Mandi sector of Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir. "A junior commanding officer was shot dead by the Pakistani troops near Poonch sector," a senior army official told AFP in New Delhi. "Suddenly there was firing from the other side and our officer was killed," the officer added, requesting anonymity. Heavy firing is still going on at the border, reports say.
17:18 Pawar: First put Mumbai's 263 gardens in order
Taking a dig at Shiv Sena for opposing the renewal of lease license to Mahalaxmi racecourse here, NCP president Sharad Pawar today said he supported the need for open spaces in Mumbai as they are the "lungs" of the city.
"I am in favour of open spaces as they are lungs of the city. A new garden is a good idea. But, there are already 263 gardens which are not in a good state. I am told, the Jijamata Udyan which also houses the Byculla zoo is in a bad shape. The civic body can work to upgrade the existing infrastructure first," Pawar told reporters in Mumbai.
Sena President Uddhav Thackeray has gone abroad. "May be he will come up with another idea instead of the garden and theme park at the race course after he returns," he said. The lease of the race course at Mahalaxmi has expired on May 31. Shiv Sena, which rules the civic body, wants a garden and theme park at the race course instead of horse racing.
"I am in favour of open spaces as they are lungs of the city. A new garden is a good idea. But, there are already 263 gardens which are not in a good state. I am told, the Jijamata Udyan which also houses the Byculla zoo is in a bad shape. The civic body can work to upgrade the existing infrastructure first," Pawar told reporters in Mumbai.
Sena President Uddhav Thackeray has gone abroad. "May be he will come up with another idea instead of the garden and theme park at the race course after he returns," he said. The lease of the race course at Mahalaxmi has expired on May 31. Shiv Sena, which rules the civic body, wants a garden and theme park at the race course instead of horse racing.
17:10
French Open: Djokovic 2-2 Nadal in the first set.
17:08 Review: Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 is a GIANT BORE
Calling Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 a joke would amount to a compliment. And I am in no mood to extend such courtesy. Read Sukanya Verma's review on Rediff.com before you buy your tickets.
17:00 TMC goons attack journalists, try to set cameraman on fire
In West Bengal's Barrackpore, TMC goons attacked three journalists and poured petrol on a cameraman and tried to set him on fire. Two journalists have been hospitalised. They had gone to cover the TMC's alleged involvement in a murder. -- NDTV. Details awaited.
16:47 I have no money to pay your salaries, Mallay tells KF staff
Kingfisher Airlines chairman Vijay Mallya today told his agitating employees, who began a hunger strike, that he did not have money to clear their salary dues.
"I don't have the money to pay your salary dues, because I cannot use the proceeds from the United Spirits-Diageo deal for this due to an injunction from the Karnataka High Court," Mallya reportedly told the striking employees.
The employees of the grounded airline have been on a hunger-strike since yesterday at the Kingfisher House here seeking salaries which have not been paid since last August. Mallya told the employees that the airline's chief executive Sanjay Agarwal would hold meetings with them.
The employees, however, said that the meetings with Mallya earlier did not yield any results and that they would continue with their hunger strike. Last November, Mallya clinched a deal with British liquor major Diageo to sell majority 53.4 per cent stake in United Spirits for Rs 11,166 crore.
"I don't have the money to pay your salary dues, because I cannot use the proceeds from the United Spirits-Diageo deal for this due to an injunction from the Karnataka High Court," Mallya reportedly told the striking employees.
The employees of the grounded airline have been on a hunger-strike since yesterday at the Kingfisher House here seeking salaries which have not been paid since last August. Mallya told the employees that the airline's chief executive Sanjay Agarwal would hold meetings with them.
The employees, however, said that the meetings with Mallya earlier did not yield any results and that they would continue with their hunger strike. Last November, Mallya clinched a deal with British liquor major Diageo to sell majority 53.4 per cent stake in United Spirits for Rs 11,166 crore.
16:43 Saina crashes out of Thailand Open
Defending champion Saina Nehwal's hopes of retaining her Thailand Grand Prix Gold title went up in smoke as she suffered a stunning three-game defeat to Singapore's Juan Gu in the quarterfinals of the women's singles competition here today. The world number two Indian lost 21-13 12-21 18-21 to eighth seed Juan in a 53-minute match at the Nimitbutr National Stadium here. This was Saina's first defeat to the Singaporean in six encounters.
16:40 French Open 2013 begins shortly
The French Open semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros to begin shortly.
16:36 Russian President announces divorce after 30-year marriage
In an awkward joint interview on state television, given after a rare public outing together, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila announced that they have separated. Read
16:36 Raj Kundra appoints criminal lawyer Majeed Memon
Facing accusations of betting in the Indian Premier League matches, Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra today appointed noted criminal lawyer Majeed Memon to defend his case.
Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar had said after interrogation that Kundra had admitted to betting in IPL matches. But Kundra, whose passport has been seized, remained defiant and said that the truth will come out.
Raj Kundra tweeted: @TheRajKundra6m I have now appointed Mr Majeed Memon as my council my official statements coming soon through Memon sir. Truth will prevail!Never mind the spelling error, but the news is that Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra has appointed lawyer Majeed Memon as his defence counsel.
Memon, had represented 1993 convict Yakub Memon but could not set him free. He is said to argue in court with his right leg on a chair. His fee per day is believed to be Rs 10 lakh and charges Rs 2 lakh for a bail application, according to India Today.
Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar had said after interrogation that Kundra had admitted to betting in IPL matches. But Kundra, whose passport has been seized, remained defiant and said that the truth will come out.
Raj Kundra tweeted: @TheRajKundra6m I have now appointed Mr Majeed Memon as my council my official statements coming soon through Memon sir. Truth will prevail!Never mind the spelling error, but the news is that Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra has appointed lawyer Majeed Memon as his defence counsel.
Memon, had represented 1993 convict Yakub Memon but could not set him free. He is said to argue in court with his right leg on a chair. His fee per day is believed to be Rs 10 lakh and charges Rs 2 lakh for a bail application, according to India Today.
16:17 BJP may announce Modi as campaign candidate on Sunday
CNN IBN says the BJP may decide on Narendra Modi as the campaign candidate today and make an announcement on Sunday, since LK Advani is not at the meet today. The BJP National Executive meet is being held in Goa over the weekend. Sushma Swaraj is yet arrive in Goa.
16:13 Pakistan violates ceasefire AGAIN, 1 soldier shot dead
Just in: Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. One Indian soldier killed in firing by Pakistan soldiers. Just last week, Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in the Nowgam, J-K. The army expects to see these kind of violations along the Line of Control.
15:27 Indian flag hoisted upside down
The national flag was today found hoisted upside down atop the District Collectorate building in Coimbatore causing embarrassment to the officials. Visitors to the collectorate in the morning were surprised to see the tri-colour flying upside down and brought it to the notice of some officials. As the media persons started taking photographs, a staff in the revenue department brought down the flag and hoisted it again properly, an official said.
15:22 Indians waiting for NDA's return at Centre: Parrikar
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is hosting the party's National Executive in the state capital, today said that Indians are waiting for the BJP-led NDA's return at the Centre.
"Indians are waiting for BJP-led NDA's return to power at the Centre to deliver good governance," Parrikar said on his Facebook page ahead of party's National Executive starting from tomorrow in Goa. The meeting of the party's office-bearers is being held today.
"This country so badly desires and deserves good governance," the chief minister said. Parrikar said that considering Lok Sabha elections are only a few months away, this conclave will be crucial in setting up a road map towards winning the elections.
"Indians are waiting for BJP-led NDA's return to power at the Centre to deliver good governance," Parrikar said on his Facebook page ahead of party's National Executive starting from tomorrow in Goa. The meeting of the party's office-bearers is being held today.
"This country so badly desires and deserves good governance," the chief minister said. Parrikar said that considering Lok Sabha elections are only a few months away, this conclave will be crucial in setting up a road map towards winning the elections.
15:08 Can't confirm or deny if Modi will head campaign panel: BJP
The BJP Parliamentary Bord meeting begins in Goa. In a possible indication of support for Narendra Modi as BJP's prime ministerial candidate, its national vice president
Smriti Irani today said the country and the party cadres were sure of their choice and it was now for the parliamentary board to decide. "We know what India wants, we know what BJP cadres want, but we don't what the parliamentary board wants," Smriti Irani told reporters outside the venue of the BJP's national executive meeting being held in Goa today, responding to a question whether Modi would be declared BJP's PM candidate.
When asked about Modi's possible announcement as BJP's election campaign committee head, she said that she cannot confirm or deny the development.
"The media would be informed about all the discussions in the meeting," she said, adding that media coverage which pits L K Advani against Modi is "unfair projection". She said that the meeting is being held in a very cordial manner.
Smriti Irani today said the country and the party cadres were sure of their choice and it was now for the parliamentary board to decide. "We know what India wants, we know what BJP cadres want, but we don't what the parliamentary board wants," Smriti Irani told reporters outside the venue of the BJP's national executive meeting being held in Goa today, responding to a question whether Modi would be declared BJP's PM candidate.
When asked about Modi's possible announcement as BJP's election campaign committee head, she said that she cannot confirm or deny the development.
"The media would be informed about all the discussions in the meeting," she said, adding that media coverage which pits L K Advani against Modi is "unfair projection". She said that the meeting is being held in a very cordial manner.
15:01 Is Serena's French lover reason behind unstoppable victories?
The 29 consecutive victories of Serena Williams tell of someone who could not be happier or more motivated, and a major reason for that is becoming increasingly apparent.Her coach Patrick Mouratoglou posted a picture of them on Wednesday, arms entwined, at Tuesday's prestigious ITF Champions' Dinner, seeming to confirm one of the worst-kept secrets in tennis: that theirs goes well beyond a pure player-coach relationship. Read more
14:54 BJP dithers over naming Modi potential PM
All eyes will be on Narendra Modi when 300 members of the BJP meet in Goa this weekend to discuss the party's election strategy. Read
14:35 Vindoo to act against Mumbai Police for humiliation in custody
Actor Vindoo Dara Singh Randhawa, who was arrested by the Mumbai Police crime branch on May 22 in connection with the IPL spot-fixing controversy, is likely to move the Bombay High Court seeking action against the police for allegedly subjecting him to humiliation in custody. Read more
14:27 From the anti-rape bra to chastity belts: How women use clothing
Brutal rapes in India inspired the invention of an 'anti-rape bra'. From the modern chastity belt to a bag that disguises as a manhole, Soraya Roberts on the growing trend of protective fashion. Read
14:23 In a comedy, he was as Sharpe as ever
The Hindu pays tribute to British novelist, Tom Sharpe, who passed away yesterday. Read
14:22 Change the climate for Indias poor
New Delhi should stop its flip-flops and adopt a coherent policy in its negotiations on greenhouse gas emissions. Read
13:56 Nawaz Sharif bans ads congratulating him in Pak newspapers
A mandate Indian politicians should follow...Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today warned "strict action" will be taken against government officials who issue advertisements to congratulate him on his PML-N party's victory in the recent general election. Sharif, 63, who has become premier for a record third term, barred ministries and government bodies from issuing advertisements to felicitate, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. He was quoted as saying that "national wealth should not be wasted on such advertisements".
13:53 Did NOT return anti-chit fund bill, says Mamata
Here's the latest on the Saradha chit fund scam: Amid reports that the Centre has returned the anti-chitfund Bill, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said that some clarifications have been sought on the bill sent for presidential assent.
"The Centre did not return the Bill. The Bill is absolutely okay. The Centre only asked for clarifications on three points. They can seek such clarifications. It is their prerogative," Banerjee told reporters following reports in a section of the media that it was returned.
The three points on which clarifications are sought include widening of powers of special designated courts and that no court could grant anticipatory bail and a suggestion by the Centre for adding a new provision for compounding offences. Banerjee said no clarification was sought on the clause that allowed retrospective effect.
"The Centre did not return the Bill. The Bill is absolutely okay. The Centre only asked for clarifications on three points. They can seek such clarifications. It is their prerogative," Banerjee told reporters following reports in a section of the media that it was returned.
The three points on which clarifications are sought include widening of powers of special designated courts and that no court could grant anticipatory bail and a suggestion by the Centre for adding a new provision for compounding offences. Banerjee said no clarification was sought on the clause that allowed retrospective effect.
13:35 Modi making BJP top leadership ill: Cong
Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi takes a dig at Narendra Modi. He said Modi's presence is making the BJP top leaders ill (LK Advani and Uma Bharti are staying away since they are purportedly unwell). "Imagine, his effect on India," said Alvi.
13:30 Eminent Telugu music composer, singer Raghavulu passes away
Well-known Telugu music director and playback singer Jetti Veera Raghavulu died in Rajahmundry today. He was unwell, family sources said. Raghavulu, 82, is survived by wife, four sons and a daughter. He was not well for the past two months and breathed his last at his residence in Mangalavarapupeta area in Rajahmundry at around 3 am today.
Raghavulu belonged to an agricultural family of Ramachandrapuram in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh and worked under popular singer and composer Ghantasala for a long time, family sources said. Better known as JV Raghavulu, the music composer also worked with Telugu singers and composers K V Mahadevan and M S Viswanatham for some time. He started as a playback singer and became a music director after the sudden death of Ghantasala.
Raghavulu belonged to an agricultural family of Ramachandrapuram in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh and worked under popular singer and composer Ghantasala for a long time, family sources said. Better known as JV Raghavulu, the music composer also worked with Telugu singers and composers K V Mahadevan and M S Viswanatham for some time. He started as a playback singer and became a music director after the sudden death of Ghantasala.
13:20 BJP cadre expect Rajnath Singh to name names: Rudy
Sources said some of the office-bearers are likely to press for declaring Modi as the campaign committee head during the conclave. But a consensus on the issue is eluding the party top brass. As a result, the proposal may not see the light of day at the National Executive meet.
"There is expectation among the cadre that BJP President Rajnath Singh will give out a clear message to the party at the Goa conclave. He has been working on it and is in consultation with BJP top brass and members of Parliamentary Board prior to the conclave," BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy had said when asked about the issue.
Asked if decks have been cleared for Modi to be announced as the campaign committee chief, Rudy had said that nothing has been firmed up yet. He refused to comment further on it. However, sources said Singh is still in consultation with the top leadership on the issue.
"There is expectation among the cadre that BJP President Rajnath Singh will give out a clear message to the party at the Goa conclave. He has been working on it and is in consultation with BJP top brass and members of Parliamentary Board prior to the conclave," BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy had said when asked about the issue.
Asked if decks have been cleared for Modi to be announced as the campaign committee chief, Rudy had said that nothing has been firmed up yet. He refused to comment further on it. However, sources said Singh is still in consultation with the top leadership on the issue.
13:18 I told Advaniji to stay away. Don't read into it: Rajnath S
BJP President Rajnath Singh said tried to quash inferences on why LK Advani is skipping the party's National Executive meet today. "I have only advised Advaniji not to attend today's meeting due to his ill health. But tomorrow he is reaching Goa".
Asked whether the name of the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate will be announced at the national executive, he said, "We will see".
The news of Advani keeping away from the office-bearers meeting today led to speculation that he is registering his opposition in the midst of clamour among some leaders to declare Modi's name at the Goa conclave.
BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu said that media should not read too much into the absence of Advani from the meeting of office-bearers in Goa. "Don't try to read too much into his absence for today," he said in Panaji. Amidst the controversy, BJP Vice President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had said yesterday that "If someone is under the misconception that Advaniji is supporting or opposing someone then they should dispel it."
Asked whether the name of the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate will be announced at the national executive, he said, "We will see".
The news of Advani keeping away from the office-bearers meeting today led to speculation that he is registering his opposition in the midst of clamour among some leaders to declare Modi's name at the Goa conclave.
BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu said that media should not read too much into the absence of Advani from the meeting of office-bearers in Goa. "Don't try to read too much into his absence for today," he said in Panaji. Amidst the controversy, BJP Vice President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had said yesterday that "If someone is under the misconception that Advaniji is supporting or opposing someone then they should dispel it."
12:59 Massive welcome for Narendra Modi as he reaches Goa
Narendra Modi arrives in Goa for BJP's National Executive meet. His first words at the airport was a condolence message for P Chidambaram whose mother passed away today.
12:39 CBI's second chargesheet in Kunda cop murder leaves out Raja
Former Uttar Pradesh minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiyya has been left out in the second chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation today in connection with the March 2 triple murder case. The chargesheet filed in a CBI court has named five people in the murder case of deputy superintendent of police Zia-ul-Haq, gram pradhan Nanhe Yadav and his brother Suresh, who were killed in Balipur village of Kunda region in Pratapgarh.
12:32 Top US intel official challenges reports that spy agencies mining
America's top intelligence official on Thursday night challenged news reports claiming Facebook posts, Gmail messages and more have been intercepted for years in a vast data-mining operation, saying the reports "contain numerous inaccuracies. Read
12:29 Study reveals how birds lost their penises
New research sheds light on why some birds have lost their penises over the course of evolution. Read
12:25 Ram Gopal Verma: Career frustration killed Jiah
"So, for a girl who loves to be in front of the camera and who wanted nothing else in her life, to have just done one film, a second lead and then a guest appearance in the course of six long years, was obviously killing. I could imagine her mental state when she kept seeing newer and younger girls streaming in every day while she was just waiting, doing nothing."
Ram Gopal Verma's eulogy on Jiah Khan. Read
Ram Gopal Verma's eulogy on Jiah Khan. Read
12:22
The Allahabad High Court today stayed the Uttar Pradesh government's order to withdraw cases against persons accused of indulging in terror activities. The order was passed by justices Rajeev Sharma and Mahendra Dayal of the Lucknow bench on a PIL filed by local lawyer Ranjana Agnihotri and five others.
While referring the matter to a larger bench, the court gave six weeks time to the respondents, including the central and the state governments, for filing their reply and four weeks for rejoinder thereafter. The petitioners had sought direction for quashing the order issued by the state for withdrawing cases against persons accused of indulging in terror activities and serial blasts.
While referring the matter to a larger bench, the court gave six weeks time to the respondents, including the central and the state governments, for filing their reply and four weeks for rejoinder thereafter. The petitioners had sought direction for quashing the order issued by the state for withdrawing cases against persons accused of indulging in terror activities and serial blasts.
12:19 Ambani brothers join forces for Rs 12,000-cr telecom tower deal
Billionaire Ambani brothers today announced a Rs 12,000-crore deal, wherein Mukesh will use towers owned by a firm run by his younger sibling Anil for launch of his telecom venture.
Reliance Industries Ltd's telecom arm will lease up to 45,000 mobile masts from Reliance Communications Ltd in a deal valued at more than Rs 12,000 crore over the lifetime of the contract, the two groups announced today. The second deal between the brothers in as many months will give an estimated Rs 800 crore per annum additional revenue to Anil's Reliance Communications if the deal tenure is 15 years.
Reliance Industries Ltd's telecom arm will lease up to 45,000 mobile masts from Reliance Communications Ltd in a deal valued at more than Rs 12,000 crore over the lifetime of the contract, the two groups announced today. The second deal between the brothers in as many months will give an estimated Rs 800 crore per annum additional revenue to Anil's Reliance Communications if the deal tenure is 15 years.
12:09 Archie comics movie in the making
Filmmaker Jason Moore and 'Glee' writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa are all set to team up for Warner Bros' live-action comedy adaptation of the 1940s comics Archie. The ambitious project based on the comics, featuring fictional teen Archie Andrews and his friends, will be produced by Roy Lee and Dan Lin, reported Ace Showbiz. Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater has also come aboard to help to executive produce the film, which is said to be a "high school comedy based on the original line of Archie comics set in present day Riverdale."
12:05 Catch politicians, sons who place bets too, says Vindoo
Vindoo Dara Singh on Thursday claimed police were not probing some politicians and their sons who placed IPL bets. The IPL betting racket suspect, granted bail on Tuesday, spoke briefly to media on his way out of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch headquarters where he had gone to record his attendance as per his bail condition. Read the full story here.
11:58 No ones ridden Mumbai metro yet, but Ambani wants 50% fare hike
The Mumbai Metro is at least two months away from being ready, but the Anil Ambani-led consortium executing the project is already looking to make people pay more. Read the Mumbai Mirror report
11:54
The Delhi police's ad on rape in the Indian Express. Numbers, sometimes, can mask the bigger story: The insensitivity sexual harassment victims face from the police, across the country. Here's the ad.
11:41 24x7 ambulance service on national highways made mandatory
Now, developers and government agencies managing and maintaining National Highways (NHs) will have to ensure that ambulances and patrolling vehicles are available 24x7. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to install vehicle tracking system (VTS) in all such vehicles with global positioning system (GPS) within a month to monitor their uninterrupted movement. Read
11:34 Raj Kundra, a college drop-out who made it big selling shawls
A man, they say, is known by the company he keeps. And the snapshots posted on the website, rajkundra.net, suggest that the 37-year-old British-Asian was often in august company. He can be seen holding a glass of red wine in hand alongside Hollywood star Matt Damon, listening intently to Prince Charles and being photographed with the famous US politician Jesse Jackson. Read
11:32
Reliance Jio Infocomm signs deal with Reliance Communications to use mobile towers for around Rs 12,000 crore.
11:30 HC dismisses PIL against Narayanasamy
The Madras High Court has dismissed a PIL seeking to direct police to register an FIR against Union Minister V Narayanasamy for his alleged remarks against slain LTTE Chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and 'Naam Tamilar' party president Seeman.
11:26 Cart before the horse
As the cricket spot-fixing and betting scandal sucks in players, umpires, and team owners, along with bookies, fixers, businessmen and underworld dons, investigators can be forgiven for exaggerating the nature of the crimes and the specific roles of the offenders. Read
11:18 Pak PM Nawaz Sharif's convoy stopped to let Army chief pass!
As Pakistan witnessed a historic democratic transition, many in the county have started to believe that the days of military supremacy are over. But not on the roads, at least not yet. As Nawaz Sharif, along with his family, left for the Presidency to take oath as prime minister for a record third time on Wednesday, he struck reality on the streets of Islamabad. Read the report on the Dawn.
11:14 Maruti shares down nearly 3% in early trade
Shares of car maker Maruti Suzuki India today fell by nearly 3 per cent in early morning trade amid a one day production shut-down at its two plants at Gurgaon and Manesar today ahead of a six-day scheduled maintenance closure later this month.
After making a weak opening, shares of the company further lost 2.62 per cent to Rs 1,545.50 on the BSE. At the NSE, the scrip went down by 2.65 per cent to Rs 1,545. The stock was the top loser among blue-chips on Sensex during the morning trade.
The one day shut-down of the two plants today is to adjust production to market demand, a company spokesperson had said, adding that the plants will also remain closed on June 8 for a scheduled holiday.
After making a weak opening, shares of the company further lost 2.62 per cent to Rs 1,545.50 on the BSE. At the NSE, the scrip went down by 2.65 per cent to Rs 1,545. The stock was the top loser among blue-chips on Sensex during the morning trade.
The one day shut-down of the two plants today is to adjust production to market demand, a company spokesperson had said, adding that the plants will also remain closed on June 8 for a scheduled holiday.
11:08 Here's who will skip the BJP Goa meet
Several top leaders of the BJP are likely to skip the national executive. Vice President Uma Bharti, General Secretary Varun Gandhi, Deputy Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad, Jaswant Singh and Shatrughan Sinha are not likely to attend, party sources said. While Bharati is unwell after a long tour for her Save Ganga project, Gandhi is away in Paris with his wife to spend some time after the demise of his new born child. Prasad is leading a delegation to Sri Lanka.
11:04 Big day at MCOCA court: Sree, Chavan, Chandila seek bail
The MCOCA court will hear the bail pleas of the three tainted cricketers S Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan, bookie Jiju Janardhan and 14 others. It is normally extremely difficult of accused being tried under the MCOCA court to get bail.
10:55 Consensus on leadership issue may elude BJP at Goa meet
Gujarat Chief Narendra Modi's role in the next Lok Sabha election is expected to be the dominant theme of the BJP National Executive, amid a strong demand from some sections of the party for declaring him the campaign committee head.
Ahead of the two-day conclave, Central office-bearers of the party will meet to discuss the agenda for the National Executive meet. Sources said some of the office-bearers are likely to press for declaring Modi as the campaign committee head during the conclave. But, a consensus on the issue is eluding the party top brass.
As a result, the proposal may not see the light of day at the National Executive meet. "There is expectation among the cadre that BJP President Rajnath Singh will give out a clear message to the party at the Goa conclave. He has been working on it and is in consultation with BJP top brass and members of Parliamentary Board prior to the conclave," BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy had said when asked about the issue.
Asked if decks have been cleared for Modi to be announced as the campaign committee chief, Rudy had said that nothing has been firmed up yet. He refused to comment further on it.
Ahead of the two-day conclave, Central office-bearers of the party will meet to discuss the agenda for the National Executive meet. Sources said some of the office-bearers are likely to press for declaring Modi as the campaign committee head during the conclave. But, a consensus on the issue is eluding the party top brass.
As a result, the proposal may not see the light of day at the National Executive meet. "There is expectation among the cadre that BJP President Rajnath Singh will give out a clear message to the party at the Goa conclave. He has been working on it and is in consultation with BJP top brass and members of Parliamentary Board prior to the conclave," BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy had said when asked about the issue.
Asked if decks have been cleared for Modi to be announced as the campaign committee chief, Rudy had said that nothing has been firmed up yet. He refused to comment further on it.
10:52 Chidambaram's mother passes away
Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram's mother Lakshmi Palaniappan died today. She was 92, her family said. She was not keeping well for the past few days and died early this morning, they said.
@narendramodi tweets: Sad to know about demise of Shri P Chidambaram's mother, Smt. Lakshmi Palaniappan. My condolences to the family. May her soul rest in peace.
@narendramodi tweets: Sad to know about demise of Shri P Chidambaram's mother, Smt. Lakshmi Palaniappan. My condolences to the family. May her soul rest in peace.
10:50
Narendra Modi tweets: Leaving for Goa to attend BJP National Executive Meet.
10:42 Drill with Vietnam to test China waters
Four Indian warships anchored in Da Nang will sail out of the Tien Sa port for a rescue drill with the Vietnamese navy in waters that China contests, about the same time that defence minister A.K. Antony lands in New Delhi tonight after a three-nation Asia-Pacific tour. Read
10:39 The life and love of Shilpa and Raj
Maybe someone should make a blockbuster movie inspired by the love story of Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty, preferably starring Raj Kundra as the bunny rabbit dazzled by the Bollywood glamour of the girl with the longest legs in showbiz.It is easy to understand why Kundra dumped Kavita, his Biwi No 1, for Biwi No 2 who had won Celebrity Big Brother in January 2007 and was then the toast of Britain, having survived all the racist taunts flung at her by the (late) Jade Goody and company. Nor is Kundra the first husband to upgrade to Wife 2.0.
Amit Roy dishes out the dirt on the Telegraph. Read
Amit Roy dishes out the dirt on the Telegraph. Read
10:36 MiG-21 crashes, pilot ejects safely
A MiG-21 aircraft of IAF today crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer district, with the pilot ejecting safely. The plane crashed near Sodiyar village at 9 AM and the pilot ejected safely, Defence Spokesperson S D Goswami told PTI. He said the aircraft took off from the Uttarlai Airbase in the western sector and was on a routine sortie. It crashed 40 km off Barmer, he said. A rescue mission was immediately launched from Jodhpur airbase, he said.
10:23 Upset over Modi issue, Advani to skip BJP meet today: Sources
Bharatiya Janata Party veteran L K Advani will not be travelling to Goa today to attend the parliamentary committee meet.
Though he has said that he will skip the meet due to illness, insiders say that he has been upset over the Narendra Modi issue. Ahead of the two-day conclave, central office-bearers of the party will meet this afternoon to discuss the agenda of the meeting.
The party has also reportedly decided to reject a proposal to announce two election committees, as suggested by Advani. The Gujarat CM will be made the head of the election committee and the announcement is expected over the weekend.
However, Advani will attend the national executive meet of the party, which will begin in Goa tomorrow.
Though he has said that he will skip the meet due to illness, insiders say that he has been upset over the Narendra Modi issue. Ahead of the two-day conclave, central office-bearers of the party will meet this afternoon to discuss the agenda of the meeting.
The party has also reportedly decided to reject a proposal to announce two election committees, as suggested by Advani. The Gujarat CM will be made the head of the election committee and the announcement is expected over the weekend.
However, Advani will attend the national executive meet of the party, which will begin in Goa tomorrow.
09:58 Raj Kundra bet Rs 1 crore in 3 years
NDTV reports: Rajasthan Royals' owner Raj Kundra confessed that he placed illegal bets worth a
crore in the last three years on his own team and others, according to
the Delhi police.
Kundra tweeted last night: Will make formal statement soon rest assured I am not involved in any wrongdoings. Do not misconstrue silence 4 guilt. Truth will prevail."
Kundra tweeted last night: Will make formal statement soon rest assured I am not involved in any wrongdoings. Do not misconstrue silence 4 guilt. Truth will prevail."
09:10 US govt allegedly gathers online users' data secretly
America's National Security Agency has obtained direct access to the systems of Google, Facebook, Apple and other US internet giants, reports The Gaurdian.
The NSA access is part of a previously undisclosed programme called PRISM, which allows officials to collect material including search history, the content of emails, file transfers and live chats, according to a top secret document obtained by the newspaper.
Read the full report here
The NSA access is part of a previously undisclosed programme called PRISM, which allows officials to collect material including search history, the content of emails, file transfers and live chats, according to a top secret document obtained by the newspaper.
Read the full report here
09:01 4 killed, 2 injured in Mumbai fire
Four people have been killed and two injured in a fire at Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation in suburban Andheri late last night.
08:40 BJP snubs Advani, likely to make Modi poll committee chief
NDTV reports: The Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to announce Narendra Modi as the head of its
election committee this weekend when its senior leaders meet in Goa.
Sources say that as part of his new role, the Gujarat chief minister will be assigned to campaign extensively across the country, with a special focus on Uttar Pradesh.
The party has also reportedly decided to reject a proposal to announce two election committees, as suggested by senior leader LK Advani.
Read the full story on NDTV
Sources say that as part of his new role, the Gujarat chief minister will be assigned to campaign extensively across the country, with a special focus on Uttar Pradesh.
The party has also reportedly decided to reject a proposal to announce two election committees, as suggested by senior leader LK Advani.
Read the full story on NDTV
08:26 Britain's Prince Philip admitted to hospital
Prince Philip, the 91-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has been admitted to a hospital for an exploratory operation on his abdomen, a statement from the Buckingham Palace said.
"His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to the London Clinic for an exploratory operation following abdominal investigations. He is expected to stay in hospital for up to two weeks," said a statement issued last night by the Palace.
Philip is expected to remain at the London Clinic for up to two weeks. Philip's admission to hospital came shortly after he attended a Buckingham Palace garden party yesterday.
The Duke, who turns 92 this month, had missed an engagement at the palace on Monday night because he was said to be feeling "under the weather".
"His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to the London Clinic for an exploratory operation following abdominal investigations. He is expected to stay in hospital for up to two weeks," said a statement issued last night by the Palace.
Philip is expected to remain at the London Clinic for up to two weeks. Philip's admission to hospital came shortly after he attended a Buckingham Palace garden party yesterday.
The Duke, who turns 92 this month, had missed an engagement at the palace on Monday night because he was said to be feeling "under the weather".
08:21 Micheal Jackson's son cancels TV show after sister's divorce bid
After the news of his sister Paris Jackson's hospitalisation for a suicide attempt broke, Prince Michael Jackson I has bowed out of a scheduled appearance on highly rated German TV show.
The production team of 'Wetten, dass..?' is in contact with the 16-year-old actor's management, which canceled his trip to Europe.
The production team of 'Wetten, dass..?' is in contact with the 16-year-old actor's management, which canceled his trip to Europe.
08:18 Russia's Putin, wife announce divorce
BBC reports: Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila made their divorce public.
The couple, who had been married for 30 years, announced that their marriage was over on state television after attending a ballet performance.
"It was a joint decision: we hardly see each other, each of us has our own life," Putin said.
Read the full story here
03:56 Erdogan returns to face protests in Turkey
Turkey's prime minister was walking a political tightrope Thursday as he headed home from a four-day trip abroad to face massive anti-government protests that have mushroomed to dozens of cities across the country.
Speaking before leaving Tunisia to fly back to Istanbul, Recep Tayyip Erdogan attempted a balancing act. He appeared to soften his tone in an effort not to inflame protesters who see him as increasingly autocratic, while not conceding enough to appear weak to the base that has helped him win three landslide elections.
03:19 Across Arab world, mixed feelings about Turkey's Erdogan
Until recently, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan could count on a warm welcome in the countries of the Arab uprisings. But these days, as his experience in Tunis today shows, he can expect a few hecklers too.
Erdogan's Islamist Justice and Development Party, which has presided over a period of sustained economic expansion at home, may be seen by some in the Arab world as a model for what Islamist parties likeTunisia's Ennahda could become.
But clashes in the past week between Turkish security forces and protesters complaining Erdogan is behaving more like a dictator than a democrat has cooled Arab ardor for the Turkish leader.
03:17 Car bombs kill 14 in Iraq, officials say
A series of car bomb explosions in and around Baghdad killed 14 people including seven policemen, police officials said, adding that dozens were also wounded.
The officials said the deadliest attacks took place late at night when a suicide attacker rammed his explosives-laden car into the headquarters of a police commando unit in the Taji area, killing seven policemen and wounding 12 others.
Taji is 20 kilometers north of Baghdad. Violence has spiked in Iraq in recent weeks, raising fears of a return to widespread sectarian bloodshed.
02:55 Nestle, Mars accused in Canada of chocolate price-fixing
Canadian authorities charged Nestle, Mars and a network of independent wholesale distributors today over an alleged criminal conspiracy to fix the prices of leading chocolate brands.
Competition Commissioner John Pecman called their alleged actions "egregious anti-competitive behavior that harms Canadian consumers" and "a serious criminal offense."
A whistleblower triggered an investigation that uncovered "evidence suggesting that the accused conspired, agreed or arranged to fix prices of chocolate products," the Competition Bureau said in a statement.
02:32 Verizon phone-snooping flap: why Obama won't be harmed
At first blush, the news report about the US government tracking data from Verizon about millions of phone calls, in the name of protecting national security, looks to be potentially explosive and politically damaging.
After all, it fits the narrative of Big Government run amok, fueled lately by revelations that the Justice Department has been accessing reporters' phone records and the Internal Revenue Service has been subjecting tea party groups to extra scrutiny.
02:20 Three in four Americans say same-sex marriage 'inevitable'
Nearly three-quarters of Americans think legal recognition of same-sex marriage is "inevitable," including a majority who oppose the idea, a poll out today suggests.
With the US Supreme Court due to rule on the hot button issue in a matter of days, the Washington-based Pew Research Center surveyed 1,504 adults on the topic during the first five days of May.
Seventy-two per cent agreed when asked if legal recognition of same-sex marriage was "inevitable" -- including 59 per cent of those who said they opposed allowing gays to marry legally.
02:19 Britain revives links with Myanmar's military establishment
Britain has launched a push to revive relations with Myanmar's military, with the UK's Chief of Defence Staff visiting the country and offers of help with security reforms.
General Sir David Richards this week became the first western military chief to visit Myanmar in decades and hold official talks with his counterpart, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
02:02 Judge may unseal part of Jackson abuse claim
A judge said today he was inclined to unseal portions of a choreographer's court filings alleging he was abused by Michael Jackson. However, personal details and psychiatrist reports would likely not be released.
Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff said he needed to address which records should remain sealed before he can deal with whether Wade Robson, a choreographer and television personality, can pursue his claim.
01:34 Tourists to Turkey get more than they bargained for
When Holger (he declines to give his last name out of concern for his privacy) and his four co-workers landed in Istanbul for a quick vacation from Germany last week, they had no idea the view from their hotel in Taksim Square would include a front-row seat to the biggest protests against the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a decade. And they definitely didn't pack for tear gas.
01:18 Hugo Chavez given Venezuela journalism prize
The late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been awarded the country's National Journalism Prize even though he was accused of persecuting the press during his 14 years in power.
The National Journalism Prize Foundation says in a statement today that its jury voted unanimously to give Chavez the prize because he gave voice to "the oppressed of the world" and fought a "constant battle against media lies."
01:13 Russia's Vladimir Putin and wife Lyudmila divorce
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila have said their marriage is over.
The couple, who had been married for 30 years, made their divorce public on Russian state television after attending a ballet performance.
"It was a joint decision: we hardly see each other, each of us has our own life", Mr Putin said.Mrs Putin had rarely been seen in public in recent months, prompting much speculation in Russian media.
00:53 Syrian army 'retakes Golan crossing'
The Syrian army has taken control of a UN-monitored crossing in the Golan Heights that had been overrun by rebel forces, Israeli military sources say.
Tanks and armoured vehicles were used in the fighting at Quneitra, near Israeli-held territory.
Austria has said it will withdraw its peacekeepers from the Golan Heights because of the fighting.It comes a day after Syrian troops backed by Lebanese Hezbollah militants retook the key town of Qusair.
00:51 UK's Prince Philip enters hospital for operation
Buckingham Palace says Queen Elizabeth II's husband has been admitted to a London hospital for an exploratory operation.
The palace said the operation on 91-year-old Prince Philip will come after "abdominal investigations," but did not elaborate.
In a brief statement, it said Philip was admitted today and will be in the hospital for up to two weeks.
00:50 Protests held in France after left-wing student beaten to death
Left-wingers protested in Paris on Thursday one day after a group of far-right militants beat a leftist student to death in a busy central Paris district.Clement Meric, 19, a student at the prestigious Sciences Po university, was beaten up near St. Lazare station and taken to hospital with head injuries.
He was declared dead on Thursday.Several hundred people gathered near the site of the beating where they chanted left-wing slogans and friends made speeches paying tribute to Meric.
00:29 Mandela should have stayed longer in office: opposition
South Africa would be a better democracy if Nelson Mandela had served a second term as president, a former World Bank managing director turned opposition leader and founder of new political party said today.
"I think if we had the good fortunes of Mandela for two terms, we would have had a better chance because he was a committed democrat," said Mamphela Ramphele, a onetime anti-apartheid activist. "I'm not so sure that his successors are committed in the same way that he was."
00:24 US names 'senior Qaeda bombmaker' for sanctions
The US Treasury has identified a Libyan electronics and explosives specialist as a top bomb maker for Al-Qaeda in Pakistan and singled him out for anti-terror sanctions.
The Treasury yesterday said Abd al-Hamid al-Masli, also known as Hamza al-Darnawi, runs a Qaeda workshop in Pakistan that provides improvised explosive devices and components for Qaeda to be used in Afghanistan.
The 37-year-old Libyan-born Masli works in Waziristan on Pakistan's northwest border, where he also has instructed Qaeda recruits on making detonators.
00:23 Comic novelist Tom Sharpe dies at 85
Tom Sharpe was aptly named, a writer who turned a razor-edged eye for absurdity on everything from the racism of apartheid to the squabbles of academia.
The British writer behind a string of comic novels including the campus classic "Porterhouse Blue" has died at 85. Sharpe's Spanish publisher, Anagrama, said he died today in Llafranc, the Catalan town where he lived. His physician, Dr. Montserrat Verdaguer, said the cause was complications from diabetes.
00:22 Opposed to any dialogue with Maoists: RSS chief
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh said that no dialogue should be held with the outlawed Maoists who carried out a deadly attack recently in Chhattisgarh against Congress party leaders.
"Even tribals living in forests are fed up with Maoist violence," said RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who was also critical of those who supported the ultras. He was speaking at the concluding ceremony of RSS's third year training camp here at Reshimbagh grounds.
Heavily-armed Maoists had ambushed a convoy of Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district on May 25, killing 27 people.
00:18 Andrea chugs toward Florida's Big Bend
High winds and soaking rain started to fall on Florida as Tropical Storm Andrea rushed toward the swampy Big Bend on Thursday, but Floridians sounded unimpressed.
The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Andrea was already whipping up gusts as high as 48 mph in St. Petersburg, the National Hurricane Center reported.
Tornado watches and occasional warnings covered much of the state's peninsula, and forecasters warned of coastal flooding as the storm neared land.
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