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Fri, 08 March 2013
World leaders join mourners at Chavez funeral
Timeline Refresh
23:41 Making the poor count -- a Hugo Chavez legacy
"You won't believe what just happened!" It's usually a phrase that precedes gossip, but it takes an entirely different meaning when you hear it from a head of state. That's what a Central American president told me in February of 2010. I was covering the Summit of Unity in the beach resort of Cancun, Mexico. Latin American and Caribbean presidents were in attendance.
The aforementioned president, whose name I will not publish for obvious reasons, had just walked out of a closed-door meeting attended by several Latin American heads of state. What he told me next was unprecedented, as far as I know, in the realm of Latin American diplomacy.
"We almost had a fistfight," the president said. At first, he wouldn't say who was involved, but after persistent questioning by several of us reporters he finally disclosed that then- Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez had an argument that escalated into a shouting match, and were it not for their colleagues present, would have ended up in a fight.
23:27 World leaders join mourners at Chavez funeral
The funeral for Hugo Chavez is Friday, but his final resting place will not be a cemetery. In an unexpected twist, Vice President Nicolas Maduro announced that the Venezuelan president will be embalmed "just like Lenin (and) Mao Zedong" and laid to rest at a military museum where generations of Venezuelans can visit. It is a reminder that Chavez's image -- a symbol of hope to some and ineptitude to others -- will not soon fade.
Chavez, who brought to Venezuela a social revolution with anti-American flair, allied himself with others at odds with the United States. So it was no surprise that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was among the heads of state to arrive in Caracas for the funeral.
22:48 N Korea vows end to nonaggression pacts after sanctions
CNN: North Korea on Friday responded to tougher sanctions from the U.N. Security Council with another barrage of vitriol, repeating a vow to ditch all nonaggression pacts with the South. A day after the isolated regime in Pyongyang had threatened a possible "preemptive nuclear attack" -- something analysts say they think it is unlikely and currently unable to do -- its official news agency reeled off a number of agreements with South Korea that it said would no longer apply.
It's the latest installment in a week of furious rhetoric from the North, fueled by its anger over the U.N. vote on the new sanctions, a response to the Pyongyang's recent nuclear test, and joint military drills by the United States and South Korea, which take place in the region each year.
North Korea watchers and U.S. officials say that the recent frenzy of ominous language from North Korea under its young leader Kim Jong Un makes the situation on the Korean Peninsula more worrying and unpredictable.
22:30 Hugo Chavez funeral begins in Venezuela
The state funeral of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is under way in the capital, Caracas. About 30 world leaders are attending the ceremony in the military academy and huge crowds of his supporters are gathered outside. Later, Vice-President Nicolas Maduro is due to be sworn in as acting president. He must call elections within 30 days.
Hugo Chavez, who led Venezuela for 14 years, died on Tuesday aged 58 after a long battle with cancer.
22:28 Election for new pope to begin on Tuesday
Roman Catholic cardinals will begin electing a new pope on Tuesday 12 March, according to a statement released in Rome. The announcement came after 115 cardinals gathered at the Vatican for talks and prayers.
Pope Benedict XVI stepped down last month after nearly eight years in office, becoming the first pontiff to resign in 600 years. The 85-year-old blamed his failing health for his inability to carry on.
22:09 UN sanctions may play into North Korean propaganda
Seven years of U.N. sanctions against North Korea have done nothing to derail Pyongyang's drive for a nuclear weapon capable of hitting the United States. They may have even bolstered the Kim family by giving their propaganda maestros ammunition to whip up anti-U.S. sentiment and direct attention away from government failures.
In the wake of fresh U.N. sanctions leveled at North Korea on Thursday for its latest nuclear test, the question is: Will this time be different?
21:41 NKorea scraps peace pacts as sanctions toughened
An enraged North Korea responded to new UN sanctions with fresh threats of nuclear war today, vowing to scrap peace pacts with South Korea as it upped the ante yet again after its recent atomic test.
Pyongyang is renowned for its bellicose rhetoric, but the tone has reached a frenzied pitch in recent days, fuelling concerns of a border clash with both North and South planning major military exercises next week. It has even threatened a "pre-emptive nuclear attack" against the United States and South Korea -- a notion dismissed as bluster by analysts, but not without dangerous, underlying intent.
21:24 Chopper deal: CBI to name ex-IAF chief SP Tyagi in FIR
CNN IBN reports: CBI sources have told the news channel that the former Indian Airforce chief received bribes for fake engineeering deals in Mauritius and Tunisia.
CBI is said to the book Tyagi and his brothers in the chopper scam. They are also looking into the role of Goa governor Wanchoo in the VVIP helicopter deal.
21:16 Latin America leaders, US foes attend Chavez funeral
Latin American leaders and US foes joined throngs of mourners at a state funeral for Venezuela's Hugo Chavez today, as the nation eyes life without him with the formal swearing-in of his political heir.
Venezuela has given a lavish farewell to the leftist firebrand, with hundreds of thousands of people filing past his open casket nonstop since Wednesday to say goodbye to the man who was worshipped by the oil-rich nation's poor.
Foreign Minister Elias Jaua and a crowd of flag-waving Chavez supporters greeted leaders who began to arrive at the military academy for the funeral, set to start at 11:00 am (2100 IST).
21:09 Delhi gang-rape victim honoured with Rani Laxmi Bai award
As a tribute to the Delhi gangrape victim, the government today bestowed the Rani Laxmi Bai - Stree Shakti award to 'spirit of Nirbhaya', a pseudonym given to her. The award, presented on the International Women's Day by President Pranab Mukherjee, was received by the mother of the 23-year-old paramedical student at a function where her father and two younger brothers were also present.
"I am particularly happy that Rani Laxmi Bai award has been given to the spirit of Nirbhaya....Nirbhaya as she is now known, was a brave and courageous girl who fought till the very last for her dignity and life," Mukherjee said in his speech.
20:58 Denied passport, Tibet poet can't receive US award
The United States would like to present an outspoken Tibetan author with an award for courage but the activist will be unable to travel to receive the honour because Chinese authorities have routinely denied her a passport.
Poet and activist Tsering Woeser was one of 10 women named for the International Women's Day honour in Washington, in part for her efforts in documenting a wave of Tibetans who have doused themselves with kerosene then set themselves on fire in protest against Beijing's rule.
Woeser said she started to track the self-immolations, posting photos and information of each one, on her blog so that she had clear sense of the scale of the protests.
20:43 Dutch police 'failed' in handling of Facebook party riot
Police and the mayor of a sleepy Dutch town "failed" in their handling of a riot triggered when thousands attended a party after receiving a Facebook invitation meant to be private, a probe found today.
Some 4,000 revellers descended onto the northern town of Haren in September after a local girl accidentally posted a public invitation for her 16th birthday party on the social network. The soiree descended into chaos, with party-goers pelting police officers with rocks, bottles, flower pots and even bicycles, shops looted and chairs set on fire throughout the night.
20:27 Montek pitches for FDI in online retail
Pitching for FDI in online retail, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia today said he will take up the issue with Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma.
"I have expressed my view that if we have FDI in conventional retail, the same principle should apply in online retail. Many people have brought this to my attention. I propose to raise this with Anand Sharma," he told reporters on the sidelines of Ficci meet here.
20:09 Cong MP's latest gaffe: Scared of women today
Known for making controversial comments, Congress MP K Sudhakaran was at it again on International Women's Day today, stating that under the prevailing situation it was difficult for men to move around without being scared of women.
"Really, really I am afraid. I respect women, but undert he laws, men are at the receiving end," he said while addressing a meeting organised by the Congress' women's wing. "If a woman says she is looked at (by men) or a finger pointed at her, or (he) sits beside her, that is enough (for aman to land him in trouble). There is no need for proof, no need for witness," he added.
Recently, Sudhakaran's adverse comments on the victim of Suryanelli gang-rape case had evoked sharp reactions. A former state minister, he had said during a visit to Muscat that he supported the views of Justice Basant, who was one of the two judges who acquitted the 35 accused in the Suryanelli case.
"Really, really I am afraid. I respect women, but undert he laws, men are at the receiving end," he said while addressing a meeting organised by the Congress' women's wing. "If a woman says she is looked at (by men) or a finger pointed at her, or (he) sits beside her, that is enough (for aman to land him in trouble). There is no need for proof, no need for witness," he added.
Recently, Sudhakaran's adverse comments on the victim of Suryanelli gang-rape case had evoked sharp reactions. A former state minister, he had said during a visit to Muscat that he supported the views of Justice Basant, who was one of the two judges who acquitted the 35 accused in the Suryanelli case.
19:56 US economy creates 2,36,000 jobs
The US economy created 2,36,000 jobs in February, according to official government statistics. The figure was much higher than analysts had expected, and more than the 1,57,000 jobs created in January, BBC reports.
The unemployment rate fell to 7.7 pc last month, the lowest since December 2008, from 7.9 pc in January, official figures showed.
Read the full report on BBC
The unemployment rate fell to 7.7 pc last month, the lowest since December 2008, from 7.9 pc in January, official figures showed.
Read the full report on BBC
19:28 Modis latest dig at PM: Empty vessels make the most noise
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday fired a fresh salvo at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying his speech reminded him of proverb 'empty vessels make the most noise' and his poetry was a vain attempt to hide Centre's failures.
"I listened to the speech of the prime minister day before on Thursday and I remembered the saying 'empty vessels make the most noise'," Modi said addressing a function, where Congress leader Vitthal Radadia and his son joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.
"I listened to the speech of the prime minister day before on Thursday and I remembered the saying 'empty vessels make the most noise'," Modi said addressing a function, where Congress leader Vitthal Radadia and his son joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.
19:06 PM used poetry to cover up government's failures: Modi
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today fired a fresh salvo at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying his speech reminded him of proverb 'empty vessels make the most noise' and his poetry was a vain attempt to hide Centre's failures.
"I listened to the speech of Prime Minister day before yesterday and I remembered the saying 'empty vessels make the most noise'," Modi said addressing a function, where Congress leader Vitthal Radadia and his son joined the BJP.
"I listened to the speech of Prime Minister day before yesterday and I remembered the saying 'empty vessels make the most noise'," Modi said addressing a function, where Congress leader Vitthal Radadia and his son joined the BJP.
19:04 Salman seeks clubbing his appeal with hit-and-run case retrial
Bollywood actor Salman Khan today urged a sessions court to hear the issue of his retrial in the hit-and-run case along with his appeal against the order of a magistrate invoking charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, which prescribes jail term upto ten years.
The actor's lawyer Ashok Mundargi pleaded that both matters--revision application against the magisterial court invoking the charge of culpable homicide and retrial ordered by him in the 2002 case--be clubbed and heard by the same judge.
The actor's lawyer Ashok Mundargi pleaded that both matters--revision application against the magisterial court invoking the charge of culpable homicide and retrial ordered by him in the 2002 case--be clubbed and heard by the same judge.
19:02 My own daughter feels unsafe here: Delhi CM
"My own daughter feels unsafe in the city." This is what Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, a vocal critic of city police, has to say about the law and order situation, especially on safety of women in the capital.
Admitting that statistics on crime against women are shocking, she said the challenge will have to be faced with "courage and determination". "We have to face it with courage and determination. This is happening all around the country. This is not a competition. I don't want to get into it," she told NDTV.
"Why is it that a girl is walking on the street and someone has to tease her. When we went to school or college there were whistles but there was nothing of this kind," she said.
Admitting that statistics on crime against women are shocking, she said the challenge will have to be faced with "courage and determination". "We have to face it with courage and determination. This is happening all around the country. This is not a competition. I don't want to get into it," she told NDTV.
"Why is it that a girl is walking on the street and someone has to tease her. When we went to school or college there were whistles but there was nothing of this kind," she said.
18:36 Security situation in NE has improved significantly: Shinde
Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has said that the security situation in the north eastern states has improved significantly and the Centre has provided Rs 1659 crore to the region for modernisation of police forces.
Addressing the members of the Consultative Committee attached to the Home Ministry, he said Mizoram has continued to remain peaceful and Tripura has shown remarkable improvement.
Arunachal Pradesh has largely remained peaceful except in Tirap and Changlang districts due to presence of National Socialist Council of Nagaland factions, Shinde said in New Delhi yesterday.
Addressing the members of the Consultative Committee attached to the Home Ministry, he said Mizoram has continued to remain peaceful and Tripura has shown remarkable improvement.
Arunachal Pradesh has largely remained peaceful except in Tirap and Changlang districts due to presence of National Socialist Council of Nagaland factions, Shinde said in New Delhi yesterday.
18:32 Delhi gang-rape case: forensic experts deposition to continue
The deposition of senior forensic experts, who had provided scientific support and services in the probe into the December 16 gang rape of a 23-year-old girl in a moving bus, continued before the fast-track court today.
Senior Scientific Officer B K Mohapatra from Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), who had examined the exhibits forwarded by the Delhi Police investigation team, was cross-examined by the counsel for five adult accused and his testimony remained inconclusive.
Yesterday, Mohapatra and another official from CFSL had testified as prosecution witnesses before Additional Sessions Judge Yogesh Khanna during the in-camera proceedings.
During the day, only Mohapatra was cross-examined by the defence counsel and it will continue on Monday. The court is also likely to record the statement of the other CFSL official on that day. CFSL experts had examine the exhibits seized from the crime spot by the investigating agencies and render their expert opinion.
Senior Scientific Officer B K Mohapatra from Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), who had examined the exhibits forwarded by the Delhi Police investigation team, was cross-examined by the counsel for five adult accused and his testimony remained inconclusive.
Yesterday, Mohapatra and another official from CFSL had testified as prosecution witnesses before Additional Sessions Judge Yogesh Khanna during the in-camera proceedings.
During the day, only Mohapatra was cross-examined by the defence counsel and it will continue on Monday. The court is also likely to record the statement of the other CFSL official on that day. CFSL experts had examine the exhibits seized from the crime spot by the investigating agencies and render their expert opinion.
18:22 Homemade bombs explode in Dhaka; one injured
Two homemade bombs today exploded in Dhaka's Shahbagh Square, the epicentre of anti-Jamaat protest in Bangladesh, leaving a senior security official injured. Witnesses said that the bombs were hurled by unidentified miscreants from the 4th floor of an adjacent hospital building.
"The bombs were hurled from the canteen located on fourth floor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) around 4.30 pm," officer-in-charge of Shahbagh police station Sirajul Islam said. He said a massive manhunt was launched immediately for the culprits.
"The bombs were hurled from the canteen located on fourth floor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) around 4.30 pm," officer-in-charge of Shahbagh police station Sirajul Islam said. He said a massive manhunt was launched immediately for the culprits.
18:17 India in bind over US-Sri Lanka showdown
India's government, like last year, is in a bind over Sri Lanka. The US, in a resolution to be put before the United Nations in Geneva this month, will express concern about the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, four years after the 26-year civil war ended there. Read
18:12 Cardinals to vote on new Pope next week
On the fifth straight day of deliberations, the Vatican said on Friday the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church will hold a secret papal ballot "in the first days of next week" on a successor to Benedict XVI, who retired abruptly last month, citing old age and advancing infirmity. Read
17:47 Shahbag Square goes to Bangabandhu Mujib
Bodies bend at the waist and hands fling out in unison as they shout slogans; voices that recite poetry go hoarse and crack as they reach a crescendo because of the breath they take away.
Towering over the crowds is a photograph of the Bangabandhu taken at the moment he delivered the speech "rokto jokhon diyechi, rokto aaro debo...' (if we have sacrificed blood, we are willing to give more...) and ending with "this time our fight is for our liberation, this time it is for our Independence'. Read more
Towering over the crowds is a photograph of the Bangabandhu taken at the moment he delivered the speech "rokto jokhon diyechi, rokto aaro debo...' (if we have sacrificed blood, we are willing to give more...) and ending with "this time our fight is for our liberation, this time it is for our Independence'. Read more
17:40 HC confirms death rap for man who raped a child
The Bombay High court confirms a death penalty for Raju Paswan who had raped a child two years ago.
Raju Jagdish Paswan, 22, was convicted last year for murdering and raping a nine-year-old girl in June 2010 in Sangli district of Maharashtra.
Last November, the sessions court had termed the case as falling under the rarest of rare category and awarded him the death penalty.
A division bench of justices N H Patil and A R Joshi today directed Paswan, who is lodged in Yerwada jail, to be produced before it on January 14.
The court will also ask Paswan if he wants to appoint any lawyer to fight his case or if the court should appoint a counsel for him.
The incident dates back to June 21, 2010, when the victim had gone missing from her house in Bedag village of Sangli district, after which the victim's father, a farm labourer, lodged a missing complaint.
During investigation, the police learnt that the victim was last seen with the accused who used to live in the neighbouring house.
According to the prosecution, the accused revealed after interrogation that he had raped the minor girl, murdered her and then dumped her body in a well.
Raju Jagdish Paswan, 22, was convicted last year for murdering and raping a nine-year-old girl in June 2010 in Sangli district of Maharashtra.
Last November, the sessions court had termed the case as falling under the rarest of rare category and awarded him the death penalty.
A division bench of justices N H Patil and A R Joshi today directed Paswan, who is lodged in Yerwada jail, to be produced before it on January 14.
The court will also ask Paswan if he wants to appoint any lawyer to fight his case or if the court should appoint a counsel for him.
The incident dates back to June 21, 2010, when the victim had gone missing from her house in Bedag village of Sangli district, after which the victim's father, a farm labourer, lodged a missing complaint.
During investigation, the police learnt that the victim was last seen with the accused who used to live in the neighbouring house.
According to the prosecution, the accused revealed after interrogation that he had raped the minor girl, murdered her and then dumped her body in a well.
17:35 Meet the captain of the Indian women's cricket team
When she was a child, Mithali Raj, the Indian women's cricket team captain, trained in the art of Bharatanatyam, a genteel pastime for a proper young Indian girl. She loved performing and considered a career in dance. Read
17:26 What's it like to live with autism
A mother spent a lot of time wondering what life is really like for her daughter, who has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. Watching her navigate the day-to-day is one thing: comprehending the sources of her meltdowns and frequent distress from the inside is something else entirely. Read
17:17 Pay $1 lakh for Brazilian sex doll's virginity
Would you spend more than $100,000 on a one night stand? Did we mention it's with a sex doll? Well, apparently there are quite a few people in the world who would. Read the bizarre story here.
17:07 What Went Wrong in Afghanistan?
The United States has blundered through South Asia over the past quarter-century, committing three major errors that have destabilized the region and led to the rise of international terrorism.
Its first big mistake was back in 1989. Having defeated the Soviet Union with the help of Pakistan and the Afghan mujahideen, the Americans abandoned Afghanistan and distanced themselves from Pakistan. To add insult to injury, the United States also developed strategic relations with India, Pakistan's longtime rival. Read what Pervez Musharraf has to say.
Its first big mistake was back in 1989. Having defeated the Soviet Union with the help of Pakistan and the Afghan mujahideen, the Americans abandoned Afghanistan and distanced themselves from Pakistan. To add insult to injury, the United States also developed strategic relations with India, Pakistan's longtime rival. Read what Pervez Musharraf has to say.
16:51 Delhi protests target sexual offense laws
Men and women took to the streets in Delhi on International Women's Day to voice their opposition to proposed changes to India's sexual-assault laws, which omit some key proposals made by a panel after the gang rape of a student on a bus in December. Read
16:47 Pope Wanted. Must Possess Magnetic Charm. And Grit.
No candidate for pope can have it all. But the cardinals who will elect the next pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church seem to be looking for someone who combines the charisma of Pope John Paul II with the grit of what one Vatican analyst called, only slightly tongue in cheek, 'Pope Rambo I.' Read
16:43 International Women's Day: the MANifesto project
On Valentine's Day, I started something called MANIFESTO (on facebook and Google+) The stated goal was simple: get men to declare what they would do towards a gender-equal world. To that end, I wrote my own MANifesto, and invited people to agree or disagree with it, add more points, subtract, whatever, but and this was my devious subtext encourage conversation around the casual, subtle, sometimes thoughtless ways we perpetuate gender-based stereotypes. Read
16:37 Tharoor's wife furious with women protesters
Union Minister Shashi Tharoor was today heckled by BJP women workers, who were protesting against lack of safety for women, at a function in New Delhi to mark International Women's Day.
As Tharoor arrived at Talkatora stadium in his car to attend the function organised by Delhi Commission for Women, slogan shouting members of BJP's Mahila Morcha blocked his way and banged their hands on the vehicle.
Reacting to the incident, Tharoor's wife Sunanda Pushkar said, "Why are they
making noise? What wrong has he done? I am told that they have damaged his car. We did not like this behaviour." Tharoor was later seen sitting in the audience.
As Tharoor arrived at Talkatora stadium in his car to attend the function organised by Delhi Commission for Women, slogan shouting members of BJP's Mahila Morcha blocked his way and banged their hands on the vehicle.
Reacting to the incident, Tharoor's wife Sunanda Pushkar said, "Why are they
making noise? What wrong has he done? I am told that they have damaged his car. We did not like this behaviour." Tharoor was later seen sitting in the audience.
16:15
Two unidentified men ransacked Aam Admi Party (AAP) assembly office in North West Delhi on Friday early morning, injuring a party volunteer.
16:06 Ajmer dargah head opposes Pakistan PMs visit
Taking a stern view against Pakistani establishment's machinations against India, the spiritual head of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti's shrine on Friday opposed the forthcoming visit by Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf to the world famous Sufi shrine.
Diwan of khawaja Moinuddin Chisti's shrine Zainul Abedin Ali Khan said the inhuman manner in which Indian soldiers were treated by the Pakistan Army is despicable and condemned it in the strongest of words. "They are not following the teachings of Prophet Mohammed nor Koran,' he said. More
Diwan of khawaja Moinuddin Chisti's shrine Zainul Abedin Ali Khan said the inhuman manner in which Indian soldiers were treated by the Pakistan Army is despicable and condemned it in the strongest of words. "They are not following the teachings of Prophet Mohammed nor Koran,' he said. More
16:00 How NSA is helping companies fight back against Chinese hackers
For China, U.S. government secrecy has been a boon. Cyber-warfare directed against American companies is reducing the gross domestic product by as much as $100 billion per year, according to a recent National Intelligence Estimate.
Because companies are generally reluctant to admit they've been breached and because the National Security Agency, which works with these companies to assess Chinese cyber techniques, is surrounded by a cocoon of secrecy, China has been able to operate with impunity. Read
Because companies are generally reluctant to admit they've been breached and because the National Security Agency, which works with these companies to assess Chinese cyber techniques, is surrounded by a cocoon of secrecy, China has been able to operate with impunity. Read
15:55 Police save mentally challenged girl
The police today rescued a mentally challenged teenaged girl from the railway tracks at Kalna in Burdwan district.
After spotting a girl squatting on the railway tracks near Kalna Gate this morning, locals informed the superintendent of police who immediately sent policemen to rescue her.
She was taken to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital where she was refused admission. The police then admitted her to a nursing home.
After spotting a girl squatting on the railway tracks near Kalna Gate this morning, locals informed the superintendent of police who immediately sent policemen to rescue her.
She was taken to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital where she was refused admission. The police then admitted her to a nursing home.
15:50 DSP murder case: CBI team visits Pratapgarh in UP
A 10-member CBI team, headed by a DIG-level officer, today visited a village in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh district in connection with the probe into the killings of a police officer and two others there last week.
CBI sources said the team, led by DIG Anurag Garg, met an IG-level officer of the state police and also visited the local police station in Balipur village in Kunda in the district to understand correct sequence of events on the night of violence on Saturday in which DSP Zia-ul-Haq, village head Nanhe Yadav and his brother Suresh were killed.
CBI sources said the team, led by DIG Anurag Garg, met an IG-level officer of the state police and also visited the local police station in Balipur village in Kunda in the district to understand correct sequence of events on the night of violence on Saturday in which DSP Zia-ul-Haq, village head Nanhe Yadav and his brother Suresh were killed.
15:44 Anti-rape legislation: Special Cabinet meeting may be convened
Downplaying differences among Ministries over certain provisions of the anti-rape legislation, Government today said a special meeting of the Cabinet could be convened to pass the criminal law (amendment) bill. "The Law Ministry has given its views.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is putting together the bill. It will come to the Cabinet. May be there will be a Special Cabinet meeting early. There are no differences in the Government," Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters outside Parliament House.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is putting together the bill. It will come to the Cabinet. May be there will be a Special Cabinet meeting early. There are no differences in the Government," Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters outside Parliament House.
15:34 Sexist men like big boobs?
It seems cliche, but it just might be true. The more sexist a man is, the more likely he is to be into big boobs.A recent study from the University of Westminster, published in February in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, showed that men's attitudes toward women influence their attitudes about ideal breast size. Read
15:33 Shehla murder case: Trial adjourned till April 10
The Special CBI Court today adjourned the trial in the Shehla Masood murder case till April 10 as the new CBI prosecutor sought time to secure documents on call details in connection with the case from private telecom companies. Special CBI Judge Anupam Srivastava adjourned the trial till April 10 after the new CBI prosecutor, Atul Kumar, submitted a request for seeking time to secure original documents on the call details from private telecommunication companies, including Reliance.
The call details, believed to be among the accused and other people connected with the case, were part of the chargesheet filed by CBI last year.
The call details, believed to be among the accused and other people connected with the case, were part of the chargesheet filed by CBI last year.
15:05 Our heads hang in shame over crime against women: Sonia
Amid rising cases of crime against women, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today said "our heads hang in shame" due to recurring incidents of rapes and other violence against women.
Flagging concerns about female foeticide and crime against women, Gandhi exhorted women not to bow down to difficulties in future and face them with courage as the country needs them at all responsible positions. Her remarks came as the country celebrates International Women's Day today. "Such incidents (rapes and crime against women) are happening all over the country. Our heads hang in shame because of these rapes and crimes against women," Gandhi said at the dedication of a Women's Medical College and Convocation ceremony of Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila University in Haryana.
Congratulating women on the occasion of Women's Day, she said, "One needs to take stronger steps to end the stigma on rape victims and other victims of crime against women. "It is the responsibility of educated girls and everyone to raise your voice against these social ills," she said.
Flagging concerns about female foeticide and crime against women, Gandhi exhorted women not to bow down to difficulties in future and face them with courage as the country needs them at all responsible positions. Her remarks came as the country celebrates International Women's Day today. "Such incidents (rapes and crime against women) are happening all over the country. Our heads hang in shame because of these rapes and crimes against women," Gandhi said at the dedication of a Women's Medical College and Convocation ceremony of Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila University in Haryana.
Congratulating women on the occasion of Women's Day, she said, "One needs to take stronger steps to end the stigma on rape victims and other victims of crime against women. "It is the responsibility of educated girls and everyone to raise your voice against these social ills," she said.
14:58 Zinat Karzai, Afghanistan's 'invisible' first lady
She has been called Afghanistan's invisible first lady. Zinat Karzai, the 43-year-old wife of Hamid Karzai, is rarely seen in public, prompting criticism that she is not doing enough to further the cause of women's rights in her country. This week she gave a rare interview to the BBC's Maryam Ghamgusar and Freba Zaher. Read
14:56 Why India finds it hard to say the 'V' word
As the debate around the Delhi rape case has demonstrated, India is still a conservative country where sex is rarely discussed in the open. But, for the past 10 years, the Indian version of the worldwide play, The Vagina Monologues, has been trying to challenge some of those taboos. Read
14:54 London taxi driver takes on Mumbai traffic
Mason McQueen is the archetypal London cab driver. He lives in a comfortable home in Essex with his wife and daughter, knows the capital's streets like the back of his hand, and never stops talking. But he was almost lost for words when he went to India to share the life of taxi driver Pradeep Sharma, who lives in a tiny shack with his extended family and drives a cab without air conditioning in the stifling heat of Mumbai's legendary traffic jams. The BBC latches on to the stereotype. Watch
14:49 Lanka Navy put chilly powder in our eyes: Fishermen
The Sri Lankan Navy has rubbished media reports that said its personnel allegedly attacked allegedly fired at Indian fishermen off the Kodiakarai coast. "On seeing reports in the media on 7 March, 2013 on an incident of alleged firing at Indian fishermen by the Sri Lanka Navy off the Kodiakarai coast, an investigation has been carried out. It was revealed that Sri Lanka Naval vessels had not entered Indian waters at any time either on 6 or 7 March 2013, as alleged," said a press release issued by the Sri Lanka High Commission.
However, the four Indian fishermen from Puducherry told NDTV today that the the Sri Lankan Coast Guard personnel threw chilly powder in their eyes, beat them up and dumped their equipment, worth Rs 15 lakh in the sea.
However, the four Indian fishermen from Puducherry told NDTV today that the the Sri Lankan Coast Guard personnel threw chilly powder in their eyes, beat them up and dumped their equipment, worth Rs 15 lakh in the sea.
14:38 Woman journalist allegedly molested in Delhi
A woman journalist working in an English newspaper was allegedly molested in Delhi on Wednesday night.
The journalist was on her way home from her office in South Delhi when two motorcyclists allegedly molested her in Mansarovar Park of Northwest Delhi.
The journalist who was riding a scooter was overtaken and stopped by two motorcyclists who passed lewd comments and tried to pull her towards them.
What is even more shocking is the police apathy.When the journalist went with her father to the nearest police station to lodge an FIR, the police there tried to counsel her by saying that it was not advisable for women to step out at night. No arrests have been made yet.
The journalist was on her way home from her office in South Delhi when two motorcyclists allegedly molested her in Mansarovar Park of Northwest Delhi.
The journalist who was riding a scooter was overtaken and stopped by two motorcyclists who passed lewd comments and tried to pull her towards them.
What is even more shocking is the police apathy.When the journalist went with her father to the nearest police station to lodge an FIR, the police there tried to counsel her by saying that it was not advisable for women to step out at night. No arrests have been made yet.
14:34 'Tax exemptions should have been cut when economy was booming'
With the economy booming between 2004 and 2008, the average growth rate more than nine per cent, tax collections good, inflation and deficit low, it was the best time for the Finance Minister to have done away with various tax exemptions and wiped away the fiscal deficit, said S. Gurumurthy, well-known corporate advisor and chartered accountant. Read
14:26 PM talks tough: No normalisation of talks with Pak
On the eve of Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf's visit, India today said there cannot be normalisation of ties with it unless the terror machine still active there was brought under control.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India has made sincere efforts to normalise its relations with Pakistan and had achieved some progress. "People to people contacts have gone up, trade relations have shown improvement," Singh said in the Rajya Sabha replying to a debate on Motion of Thanks to President's address.
"But there cannot be normalisation of relations between our two countries unless and until the terror machine which is still active in Pakistan is brought under control," he said.
Singh said this has been his government's policy for the past nine years and would continue in the coming times. The Prime Minister's remarks come ahead of the his Pakistan counterpart's visit to India tomorrow.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India has made sincere efforts to normalise its relations with Pakistan and had achieved some progress. "People to people contacts have gone up, trade relations have shown improvement," Singh said in the Rajya Sabha replying to a debate on Motion of Thanks to President's address.
"But there cannot be normalisation of relations between our two countries unless and until the terror machine which is still active in Pakistan is brought under control," he said.
Singh said this has been his government's policy for the past nine years and would continue in the coming times. The Prime Minister's remarks come ahead of the his Pakistan counterpart's visit to India tomorrow.
14:24 Meet the hot shot prince of Saudi Arabia
Any reporter who shows an interest in Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal of Saudi Arabia can expect at some point to get a little gift from His Royal Highness. A driver will courier over a thick, tall green leather satchel, embossed with the oasis palm logo and name of Alwaleed's Kingdom Holding Co., weighing at least 10 pounds. Read
14:20 India 6th most liked nation for Americans: Poll
India is the sixth most favourable nation for Americans, while at least eight out of 10 do not like Pakistan, making it the third most unfavourable nation after Iran and Korea, according to a latest poll.
According to the GallUP Polls, nearly seven (68%) out of every 10 persons
interviewed for the poll favoured India, thus ranking it sixth after Canada (91%), Great Britain (88%), Germany (85%), Japan (81%) and France (73%). Read
According to the GallUP Polls, nearly seven (68%) out of every 10 persons
interviewed for the poll favoured India, thus ranking it sixth after Canada (91%), Great Britain (88%), Germany (85%), Japan (81%) and France (73%). Read
14:17 Why nightmare bacteria are on the rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has sent out a warning to hospitals about a new antibiotic-resistant bacteria,carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE. While this strain of bacteria is not new, it has become more common in the last 10 years or so and has now become prevalent enough to warrant a higher level of concern. Read and be concerned
14:16 Firms, start-ups offer apps, services to make women feel safe
Amid increasing concerns over women's safety in the country, specially metros, IT companies, mobile firms and service providers are offering applications and services to ensure they feel safe outside their homes.
The features offered include those by an IT start-up Localcircles.com, through which a women during emergency can generate an alert via mobile phone, whereas, handset maker Nokia offers an app that triggers multiple alerts via sms and email to the family and police, among others.
The features offered include those by an IT start-up Localcircles.com, through which a women during emergency can generate an alert via mobile phone, whereas, handset maker Nokia offers an app that triggers multiple alerts via sms and email to the family and police, among others.
14:12 To work with states for consensus on NCTC: PM
In a fresh effort to break the logjam over the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today offered to work with states to evolve a consensus on this crucial security measure.
Rejecting the Opposition charge that Government was not dealing effectively with internal security, Singh asserted that there would be no compromise in dealing with terrorism.
"All political parties need to speak with one voice in dealing with terrorism. In order to bring about a broad national consensus, we will work with state governments in respect to the proposal for setting of NCTC," he said in Rajya Sabha while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.
The setting up of NCTC has been hanging fire for last three years because of strong resistance by Opposition-ruled states, which contend it would encroach upon the powers of the states.
Rejecting the Opposition charge that Government was not dealing effectively with internal security, Singh asserted that there would be no compromise in dealing with terrorism.
"All political parties need to speak with one voice in dealing with terrorism. In order to bring about a broad national consensus, we will work with state governments in respect to the proposal for setting of NCTC," he said in Rajya Sabha while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address.
The setting up of NCTC has been hanging fire for last three years because of strong resistance by Opposition-ruled states, which contend it would encroach upon the powers of the states.
13:57 A day of celebration and protests for Delhi
Not just celebrations, but also protests demanding better safety for women look set to mark this year's Women's Day in the Indian capital, months after a horrific rape case made women's issues a policy priority. Here is a look at key events happening around the city Friday to mark Women's Day. Read
13:54 Vijender has no link with heroin, as yet: Police
Initial probe into the recovery of 26 kg of heroin worth Rs 130 crore from an NRI's house in Zirakpur has not suggested any link with boxer Vijender Singh, whose car was recovered at some distance from the accused's house, police said today.
"We just recovered Vijender's car at some distance from the arrested NRI's house and there is nothing much after the initial probe to tell," Fathegarh Sahib SSP Hardyal Singh Mann said over phone in Chandigarh today.
"In the initial probe there has been nothing to tell. Besides, it appears there is no link of the boxer with the person from whose house the heroin was seized," he said. He, however, said that "if needed we may call Vijender for questioning. But at present there is nothing in connection with Vijender," he added. Punjab police had recovered 26 kg of heroin from NRI Anoop Singh Kahlon's house in 'Savastik Vihar' in Zirakpur, on the outskirts of the city in Mohali district yesterday.
"We just recovered Vijender's car at some distance from the arrested NRI's house and there is nothing much after the initial probe to tell," Fathegarh Sahib SSP Hardyal Singh Mann said over phone in Chandigarh today.
"In the initial probe there has been nothing to tell. Besides, it appears there is no link of the boxer with the person from whose house the heroin was seized," he said. He, however, said that "if needed we may call Vijender for questioning. But at present there is nothing in connection with Vijender," he added. Punjab police had recovered 26 kg of heroin from NRI Anoop Singh Kahlon's house in 'Savastik Vihar' in Zirakpur, on the outskirts of the city in Mohali district yesterday.
13:49 In Dharavi, women bridge gap with police
Mariam Rashid, 48, sits on her cushioned chair behind a steel table, one eye always on the doorway. Every few minutes, she gives directions to someone passing by.Suddenly a breathless woman rushes in. "Jaya has fought with her mother. They are outside the police station. She says if they oppose her marriage, she'll go to the police. I am going to see what the problem is,' the woman tells Rashid. Read more
13:40 Israel's locust invasion offers intriguing options for cuisine
If you haven't eaten lunch, try this. This week's invasion of locusts from Egypt offers adventurous home cooks an opportunity to try something new for dinner this week -- locusts, which most rabbis say are kosher, can be prepared many different ways."You can saute them like shrimp with garlic, baby cherry tomatoes, lemon and saffron,' Moshe Basson, owner and chef of the Eucalyptus restaurant in Jerusalem which specializes in Biblical foods said. Read
13:35 Leaders gather for state funeral of Hugo Chavez
Leaders from Latin America and beyond are gathering in the Venezuelan capital Caracas for the funeral of President Hugo Chavez.After the funeral, Mr Chavez's body will be taken to a military museum to lie in state for another seven days. Union minister Sachin Pilot will represent India at the funeral.
More than two million mourners have already filed past his body at a military academy. Chavez's body is to be embalmed and placed on permanent display, Vice-President Nicolas Maduro says.
Later on Friday, Mr Maduro is due to be sworn in as acting president. As such, he must call elections within 30 days.Hugo Chavez, who led Venezuela for 14 years, died on Tuesday aged 58 after a long battle with cancer. - BBC
More than two million mourners have already filed past his body at a military academy. Chavez's body is to be embalmed and placed on permanent display, Vice-President Nicolas Maduro says.
Later on Friday, Mr Maduro is due to be sworn in as acting president. As such, he must call elections within 30 days.Hugo Chavez, who led Venezuela for 14 years, died on Tuesday aged 58 after a long battle with cancer. - BBC
13:31 James Bond's wife wants to be 007 villian
Actress Rachel Weisz, who is married to James Bond star Daniel Craig, says she would not mind taking on the role of 007 villain. The actress met and fell in love with Craig while working on horror drama 'Dream House'. The couple later married. When asked whether she would like to play 007 villian if it were offered to her, Weisz said, "I'd like to! I wouldn't say no. I'm not a snob about entertainment."
Weisz, who happens to play a wicked witch in her latest film, 'Oz the Great and Powerful', told Esquire magazine that she is attracted to off-beat roles.
"Some of the material I'm attracted to is not... it's just not commercial. Which means it's really interesting, you know? It's off-center. It doesn't fit in a genre."
Weisz, who happens to play a wicked witch in her latest film, 'Oz the Great and Powerful', told Esquire magazine that she is attracted to off-beat roles.
"Some of the material I'm attracted to is not... it's just not commercial. Which means it's really interesting, you know? It's off-center. It doesn't fit in a genre."
13:29 Marshal who threw out Lalu from Assembly to pen memoirs
A marshal, who has bodily lifted Karpoori Thakur and Lalu Prasad from the Bihar Assembly, intends to pen his experience of 27 years in the House. Recounting his experience, 62-year-old Captain Bhanu Prakash Sinha said that he had bodily lifted socialist leader Karpoori Thakur from the House when he was the Leader of Opposition in 1977.
"I saluted him and urged him to walk out of the House with me as per instruction of the Chair. I hesitated to use physical force on him, but he told me to do my duty. Later, I had to bodily lift him out of the House," Sinha, who stands six feet tall, said. On six occasions he had marshalled out RJD chief Lalu Prasad from the House when he was the Opposition leader.
"I saluted him and urged him to walk out of the House with me as per instruction of the Chair. I hesitated to use physical force on him, but he told me to do my duty. Later, I had to bodily lift him out of the House," Sinha, who stands six feet tall, said. On six occasions he had marshalled out RJD chief Lalu Prasad from the House when he was the Opposition leader.
13:26 DMK chief mourns Chavez's death
DMK president M Karunanidhi today expressed grief over the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, saying his death was a loss to all countries following socialist principles.
In a party statement here, the 88 year-old Karunanidhi paid rich homage to Chavez and said scenes of thousands of people mourning the leader's death reminded him of the people who spilled out onto the streets wailing when his mentor and DMK founder CN Annadurai died (in 1969).
In a party statement here, the 88 year-old Karunanidhi paid rich homage to Chavez and said scenes of thousands of people mourning the leader's death reminded him of the people who spilled out onto the streets wailing when his mentor and DMK founder CN Annadurai died (in 1969).
13:03 Sonia on Women's Day: End rape, stigma of rape
Law to fight crime against women will be passed soon, says Congress general secretary Sonia Gandhi on Women's Day today. "We have to eradicate the stigma of female foeticide and crime against women such as rape and molestation from our society," she says of issues that has been spoken of ad nauseam, but little has changed.
12:56 Sexual harassment: Details more harrasing than definition
The truly problematic provision in a draft law against sexual predators at the workplace is the prescription of 'conciliation' between complainant and respondent as the first step in redress. Read
12:54 Women in the police, or the lack of it
Data just tabled in Parliament show that of the 16.6 lakh police personnel in India in 2011 at the constabulary level, only 93,887 -- or 13.3 per cent -- are women. Progress on this count has been halting in the 80 years since India's first policewoman donned her uniform in Travancore in 1933, but the pace has picked up of late. Read
12:50 At MNCs, sexual harassment complainants face uphill battle
Though Bill on protection of women against sexual harassment at workplace has been passed in LS, activists are sceptical about its impact on MNCs. Read
12:47 The myth of bra-burning feminists
Perhaps all those hysterical mask wearers, lustily cheering their great leader have done us an inadvertent favour by sending some of us back to reread history in self-defence and discover how nuanced media myths are created.
On the morning of September 8, 1968, when protest was in the air and draft card burning by young anti-Vietnam protesters was making news all over America, an alliterative headline, "Bra-burners blitz Boardwalk", caught public attention.
Read Mrinal Pande's column on the Indian Express
On the morning of September 8, 1968, when protest was in the air and draft card burning by young anti-Vietnam protesters was making news all over America, an alliterative headline, "Bra-burners blitz Boardwalk", caught public attention.
Read Mrinal Pande's column on the Indian Express
12:45 Suryanelli gang-rape victim's family 'barred' from church
The mother of the Suryanelli gangrape victim today alleged that her family members had been restrained from attending the church by the vicar of their parish in view of recent developments in the 1996 case. The church, however, refuted the charge maintaining that no ban of any kind had been imposed on anyone from coming to the church and saying prayers or attending the mass. Read
12:40 96% women feel unsafe after sunset in Delhi: Survey
Nine out of 10 women in the national capital feel that Delhi is unsafe or very unsafe for them. Two-thirds have experiencedmisbehaviour on the city's streets. Two-thirds work in offices where there is no mechanism to deal with sexual harassment. Close to half feel they were discriminated against during the division of parental property. Read
12:37 India's girl rising
On a more positive note, this women's day, read this and then watch the film. The story of Ruksana, a 11-year-old living on the streets of Kolkata, is one of nine that features in Girl Rising, a film about the struggles that girls around the world face to get an education.The film, released on International Women's Day, is narrated by A-list Hollywood stars, including Oscar winners Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep and Liam Neeson. Know more
12:36 Delhi gang-rape victim's family, says nothing can make it better
The brutal gang rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student here in December sparked global attention and monetary compensation for her family, but family members say the gestures haven't helped soften the blow of their loss. Read
12:33 Breaking the silence on sexual abuse
"The man who was my abuser was a fine host, a good husband, a caring father, a respected elder whose generosity and kindness were as genuine as the fact of the abuse,' Nilanjana S. Roy wrote in The Opinion Pages. "These qualities were important, because they helped him conceal the abuse he carried out over a period of four years.' Read
12:27 Michelle Obama's style is dreadful: Vivienne Westwood
Top designer Vivienne Westwood has bashed First Lady Michelle Obama's style, terming it as "dreadful.' The 71-year-old told the New York Daily News that though Michelle is a very nice-looking lady, it's a nonstarter regarding clothes that suit her. She asserted that Jackie Kennedy was a different matter altogether, as it just had to suit her. She added that fashion is there to help make a human being more glamorous and not just to make a person look more conservative.
12:25 Govt opens country's first all-women post office
The government today opened the country's first all-women post office in New Delhi and announced plans to open more such branches completely operated by women employees.
"In coming days, I believe there will be more all-women post offices across country for convenience of women," Telecom and IT Minister Kapil Sibal said.
While inaugurating first 'All Women Post office' in the country on the eve of International Women's Day, he said the new post office branch will be completely operated by women employees and provide all facilities that are available at any other post offices.
"This is first office in the country where all employees will be women. The government is looking into problem faced by woman and this is just a symbolic step," Sibal said. In the Union Budget government announced to set up an all-women bank by October-end.
"In coming days, I believe there will be more all-women post offices across country for convenience of women," Telecom and IT Minister Kapil Sibal said.
While inaugurating first 'All Women Post office' in the country on the eve of International Women's Day, he said the new post office branch will be completely operated by women employees and provide all facilities that are available at any other post offices.
"This is first office in the country where all employees will be women. The government is looking into problem faced by woman and this is just a symbolic step," Sibal said. In the Union Budget government announced to set up an all-women bank by October-end.
12:24 CRPF jawan on duty at minister's house shoots himself
A CRPF jawan, on duty at the summer residence of a Jammu and Kashmir minister, today allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle. Constable Rahul Kumar of 79 Battalion CRPF allegedly shot himself around 5 am at the official residence of Rural Development Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar at Church Lane here, police said.
Kumar died on the spot, police said adding that it was not immediately known why he took the extreme step. The minister or his family members were not present in the house when the incident happened as they are currently in Jammu.
Kumar died on the spot, police said adding that it was not immediately known why he took the extreme step. The minister or his family members were not present in the house when the incident happened as they are currently in Jammu.
11:23 Osama bin Laden's son-in-law captured in Jordan
Osama bin Laden's son-in-law is in US custody and has been 'cooperating' and has already revealed 'key intelligence about the status, personnel and finances of Al Qaeda, according to a report by ABC News.
Sulaiman Abu Ghaith was arrested in a dramatic take-down by CIA officials in Jordan several days ago, and is now being held in a detention facility somewhere in the New York City area.
Abu Ghaith has been charged with participating in a conspiracy to kill Americans in relation to the 9/11 attacks, according to a newly-unsealed indictment.
Read the full story here
11:15 Nitish Katara's brother attacked, D P Yadav named
Ajay Katara, key witness in the murder and kidnap case of his elder brother Nitish Katara, has lodged an FIR against unidentified persons alleging that they had made an attempt on his life, and named politician D P Yadav as the mastermind of the attack.
Ajay Katara filed the FIR at the Sahibabad Police Station in which he also alleged that the unidentified men had threatened him with dire consequences and vandalised his property, police had said yesterday.
He had alleged that former Lok Sabha MP D P Yadav was behind this attack. D P Yadav's son Vikas is behind bars in the Nitish Katara murder case.
11:01 Soon, the web will have .Bharat in local languages
More than three years ago ICANN, the global body that oversees the operation of the domain name or website address system, cleared the ground for the introduction of a broader web address regime covering local languages.
The World Wide Web will soon allow addresses with domain names such as .Bharat or its equivalent in Indian languages. Sanskrit and Malayalam addresses can have the domain name of '.Bharatam'.
Tamil websites can use '.India' and Urdu, '.Hindostan'.
Read the full story here
10:49 Boxer Vijender was my customer: Drug dealer
CNN-IBN reports: In a massive drug haul, the police have recovered heroin worth Rs 130 crore from a flat in Zirakpur, Mohali. The police has alleged that boxer Vijender Singh's wife's car was found outside the Zirakpur flat and 10 kilograms of heroin was also recovered from another car.
But it is not confirmed if it was from the boxer's wife's car. The police said that one person arrested on March 3, Anup Singh Kahlon, is linked to Vijender Singh and another boxer Ram Singh.
The accused has alleged that he supplied small amounts of heroin to Vijender and Ram. Sources told CNN-IBN that they will be calling in the boxers for questioning.
SSP Fatehgarh Sahab Hardyal Mann Singh says the investigations are on. "Nothing can be ruled out and we are probing the links between the accused and the boxers.
Click hereto read the full story
10:11 Obama signs violence against women act
CNN-IBN reports: US President Barack Obama has signed into law the new Violence Against Women Act, which he termed 'very important' and representing the positive progress of the country.
"One of the great legacies of this law is that it didn't just change the rules; it changed our culture. It empowered people to start speaking out. It made it okay for us, as a society, to talk about domestic abuse," Obama said on Thursday on the occasion of the signing ceremony.
10:07 US Senate confirms John Brennan as CIA Director
The US Senate has confirmed John Brennan as the next director of Central Intelligence Agency.
Currently the counter terrorism adviser to the US President Barack Obama, Brennan was nominated by a vote of 63 to 34 yesterday. The vote was delayed by a 13-hour long filibuster by Republican Senator Rand Paul of Connecticut in pursuit of more information about the administration's domestic drone policy.
Welcoming the nomination, Obama said that the Senate has recognised Brennan's qualities and determination to keep US safe along with his commitment to work with Congress and build relationships with foreign partners.
09:23 DSP murder: CBI team reaches Kunda
CNN-IBN reports: A Central Bureau of Investigation team has reached Kunda in Uttar Pradesh to begin investigations into the murder of a Deputy Superintendent of Police and two others.
Raja Bhaiya, the MLA of Kunda, has been named as the main accused in one of the four FIRs filed by the CBI for murder, criminal conspiracy and rioting.
Read the full story here
08:10 US Senate confirms John Brennan as CIA Director
The US Senate has confirmed John Brennan as the next director of Central Intelligence Agency.
Currently the counter terrorism adviser to the US President Barack Obama, Brennan was nominated by a vote of 63 to 34 yesterday. The vote was delayed by a 13-hour long filibuster by Republican Senator Rand Paul of Connecticut in pursuit of more information about the administration's domestic drone policy.
Welcoming the nomination, Obama said that the Senate has recognised Brennan's qualities and determination to keep US safe along with his commitment to work with Congress and build relationships with foreign partners.
03:19 Kenyan candidate's party alleges polls rigged
Al Jazeera: The party of one of Kenya's leading presidential candidates has alleged vote-rigging and demanded that the count be halted, bringing further complications to the country's elections.
The accusations by Prime Minister Raila Odinga's running mate on Thursday came a day after rival Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta protested against the inclusion of spoiled ballots in the vote count, a process that could increase the chances of a second round runoff.
"We have evidence that the results we have received have been doctored," said Kalonzo Musyoka, who is also vice president, adding that in some cases "total votes cast exceeds the actual number of registered voters". But Musyoka urged calm stating that his accusations were "not a call to mass action" and that the party was "committed to the principle of rule of law".
03:18 Qaeda 'mouthpiece' Osama's son-in-law held by US
Osama bin Laden's son-in-law, who has served as an al Qaeda spokesman, was captured and has been brought to the United States, two administration officials and a federal law enforcement official said Thursday.
Sulaiman Abu Ghaith is being held in New York, and will appear in court Friday to face federal charges, the law enforcement official said. A sealed indictment lays out charges against him, the administration officials said.
02:57 Can defend against N Korean nuke attack: US
On Thursday, the White House says the U.S. is capable of defending itself after North Korea threatened a nuclear strike.
01:16 Ex-detective in Pistorius case quits
BBC: Hilton Botha, the former lead detective in the Oscar Pistorius inquiry, has resigned, South African police confirm. Det Botha was dropped from the investigation in February after it emerged that he was facing attempted murder charges in another case. He has also been heavily criticised for giving contradictory evidence at the bail hearing of Mr Pistorius.
The Paralympic champion is accused of killing his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp - a charge he denies. Mr Pistorius says he mistook her for a burglar when he shot her dead on 14 February. Ms Steenkamp, 29, died after the athlete fired multiple shots into the toilet of his apartment in a gated housing complex in Pretoria.
Police said the veteran policeman's resignation was accepted with immediate effect but did not elaborate further on the reasons behind his decision. Det Botha, the first officer to arrive at the scene of the Valentine's Day shooting, was accused of mishandling the investigation after he amended his testimony during fierce questioning by Mr Pistorius's defence lawyers in last month's bail hearing.
He told the court that the trajectory of gunshots through the bathroom door indicated that Mr Pistorius, a double amputee, was wearing his prosthetic legs and shot downwards through the door.
00:10 New N Korean sanctions will bite hard: US
The new sanctions imposed on North Korea by the UN Security Council would bite hard, US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice said today after the passage of an unanimous resolution in this regard.
"Taken together, these sanctions will bite and bite hard. They increase North Korea's isolation and raise the cost to North Korea's leaders of defying the international community," the US Ambassador told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.
"The entire world stands united in our commitment to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and in our demand that North Korea comply with its international obligations. If it does not, then the Security Council committed today, in this resolution, to take further significant measures if there is another nuclear test or missile launch," she said.
Rice said North Korea will achieve nothing by continued threats and provocations.
00:08 Top headlines at this hour
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