LIVE
Tue, 05 November 2013
Live! Germany calls in British ambassador over spy claims
Timeline Refresh
22:02 Germany calls in British ambassador over spy claims
The British ambassador in Berlin has been called in to Germany's foreign ministry to respond to spying allegations.
The UK's Independent newspaper says the British embassy in Berlin may be being used as a "top-secret listening post".
It cites leaked US National Security Agency (NSA) documents suggesting the UK could be using hi-tech equipment housed on the embassy roof.Any such activity would be against international law, Berlin says.
21:38 Lankan capital to be under tight security for CHOGM
Sri Lankan police will deploy 20,000 police personnel to provide security for next week's Commonwealth summit here that will witness participation of the heads of government of over 50 countries.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), a forum for the 54 strong former British colonies is the biggest international event since Colombo hosted the 76-member Non Aligned Summit in 1976.
21:37 Germany defends itself on Nazi-era art
German authorities defended themselves from accusations that they covered up the discovery of more than 1,400 artworks - including pieces by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse - seized during the Nazi reign.
"Our primary goal is to investigate whether there has been a crime," Reinhard Nemetz, head of the Augsburg state prosecutor's office, said at a news conference on Tuesday.
20:52 How the Mars mission helps India
India's launch of a small unmanned satellite to Mars is being described as a giant leap for its space programme.
Science writer Pallava Bagla writes on what the mission means for India and the world.If all goes well and the satellite orbits the Red Planet, India's space agency will become the fourth in the world after those of the United States, Russia and Europe to undertake a successful Mars mission.
20:19 Maid beaten to death allegedly by BSP MP's wife,minor tortured
A 35-year-old maid was beaten to death and another minor domestic help "mercilessly" tortured with stick and rods allegedly by BSP MP Dhananjay Singh's wife Jagriti who was arrested by Delhi Police today.
The body of maid Rakhi, with several injury marks on her legs, chest and arms, was recovered from Singh's residence at South Avenue here last evening after the MP himself informed the police.
20:05 BJP MP Solanki arrested in RTI activist Amit Jethwa's murder
The CBI has arrested BJP MP Dinu Bogha Solanki in connection with the murder of Gujarat RTI activist Amit Jethwa.
A Right to Information (RTI) and environment activist, Gujarat-based Jethwa, who had filed numerous RTI applications and a PIL against illegal mining in Gir forest region, was shot dead outside the Gujarat High Court on July 20, 2010.
19:29 Nigeria raises issue of security of its nationals in India
Nigeria has issued a note verbale to India conveying concerns over the security of its nationals and demanded immediate arrest of those who killed a Nigerian in Goa last week, prompting the government today to assure it that all issues will be addressed in a cooperative manner.
"We have lost one of our nationals in a cold-blooded murder. We have raised the issue with India and written a note verbale on Friday to convey our concerns over the security of our nationals.
19:22 Goa govt plans to deport Nigerians living illegally
Goa government is planning to withdraw cases related to "minor" offence against Nigerians living in the beach state and to start deporting those residing illegally.
"The state government will withdraw minor cases against the Nigerians and begin process to deport them," Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told reporters yesterday.
19:15 Dinosaur footprints found in China
Chinese scientists today said seven footprints of Hadrosaurs have been found in south China, a discovery expected to help with the research on the evolution and migration of the duck-billed dinosaurs.
The footprints were found when Xing Lida, a PhD student with China University of Geosciences, was conducting a field study in the city of Nanxiong in Guangdong Province.
The footprints are a three-toed shape with claw marks. Each footprint is symmetrical with its length slightly longer than the width, according to Xing.
19:13 Mortar shell hits Vatican embassy in Damascus
Eyewitnesses say a mortar shell has slammed into a Damascus building that houses the Vatican's embassy. It was not clear if the diplomatic mission was specifically targeted in the early morning attack today, which damaged the roof.
The building is located on the edge of the upscale Damascus' district of Abu Roummaneh. No casualties were reported.
18:47 Kalam compliments ISRO for Mars orbiter launch
Former President and renowned scientist A P J Abdul Kalam today complimented Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of Mars orbiter.
In his message, Kalam, who was associated with many scientific projects including BrahMos missile, said the Mars orbiter of India "is in a great mission of a 400 million km journey which has commenced today successfully".
He expressed confidence that ISRO will cross challenges in the mission on December 1, when the orbiter is given trans-mars injection and it escapes from the earth's sphere of influence.
"I wish ISRO to succeed many more challenges during the Mars orbital mission with its technological strength to achieve the desired mission objectives," he said.
Also read: 'In those days, rocket parts and payloads were transported by bicycle'
In his message, Kalam, who was associated with many scientific projects including BrahMos missile, said the Mars orbiter of India "is in a great mission of a 400 million km journey which has commenced today successfully".
He expressed confidence that ISRO will cross challenges in the mission on December 1, when the orbiter is given trans-mars injection and it escapes from the earth's sphere of influence.
"I wish ISRO to succeed many more challenges during the Mars orbital mission with its technological strength to achieve the desired mission objectives," he said.
Also read: 'In those days, rocket parts and payloads were transported by bicycle'
18:41 BJP making mistake of projecting Modi larger than party: FM
Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said BJP is making a mistake by projecting Narendra Modi larger than the party and it would realise this in the near future.
"The BJP has projected a person larger than the party. They would realise their mistake. If not now, in the near future. You cannot project a person who is larger than the party in a parliamentary democracy," he told CNBC Awaaz.
"This is not a presidential form of government. It appears to me that all the BJP leaders have reconciled to the fact that country is going to elect the president and all of them will be Secretary to the President. We don't have that form of government...." Chidambaram said Modi is propagating the ideology of RSS, which in his opinion was more dangerous than that of BJP.
"The RSS is fully behind this projection. So what are being propagated by Modi today, this not BJP's ideology, but RSS's ideology...We consider RSS ideology as a dangerous ideology. It is worse than the BJP ideology," the Finance Minister said.
"The BJP has projected a person larger than the party. They would realise their mistake. If not now, in the near future. You cannot project a person who is larger than the party in a parliamentary democracy," he told CNBC Awaaz.
"This is not a presidential form of government. It appears to me that all the BJP leaders have reconciled to the fact that country is going to elect the president and all of them will be Secretary to the President. We don't have that form of government...." Chidambaram said Modi is propagating the ideology of RSS, which in his opinion was more dangerous than that of BJP.
"The RSS is fully behind this projection. So what are being propagated by Modi today, this not BJP's ideology, but RSS's ideology...We consider RSS ideology as a dangerous ideology. It is worse than the BJP ideology," the Finance Minister said.
18:38
BBC promises that 'all Sherlock roof fall questions will be answered' as first official series 3 picture is revealed. Read
18:37 BBC releases new Sherlock picture
Sherlock isn't due back on the small screen for several weeks, but that hasn't stopped the BBC already hyping its return with the release of a new picture.
The image of Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) separated from a morose Watson (Martin Freeman) by a window perhaps suggests that the doctor didn't take the news well that his best friend faked his own death. Read
And watch the slideshow here.
The image of Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) separated from a morose Watson (Martin Freeman) by a window perhaps suggests that the doctor didn't take the news well that his best friend faked his own death. Read
And watch the slideshow here.
18:29 Worrying bout of communal violence: Prez
Expressing concern in the wake of clashes in Muzaffarnagar, President Pranab Mukherjee today said parts of the country had experienced a "worrying bout" of communal violence and stressed on strengthening local administration for quickly containing such situations.
18:19
Sherry Rehman: Mehsud should not be valourized,even if his death was at the hands of a US drone.Pakistan govt needs to set its red lines on terrorism too.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief chief Hakimullah Mehsud, who was killed in a Central Intelligence Agency-operated drone strike in the country's restive North Waziristan, was on Saturday buried at an unknown location, a media report said.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief chief Hakimullah Mehsud, who was killed in a Central Intelligence Agency-operated drone strike in the country's restive North Waziristan, was on Saturday buried at an unknown location, a media report said.
18:12 Nazi trove in Munich contains unknown works by masters
Previously unknown artworks by masters are among nearly 1,400 pieces found in a trove of Nazi-looted art in Munich, German officials say.As slides of the paintings were shown at a news conference, an expert said the works had been seized from private individuals or institutions.
Previously unregistered works by Marc Chagall, Otto Dix, Max Liebermann and Henri Matisse were found. Read more
Previously unregistered works by Marc Chagall, Otto Dix, Max Liebermann and Henri Matisse were found. Read more
17:50 Live! The 'five beauties' on board the Mangalyaan
There are "five beautiful instruments"-- Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP), Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM), Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA), Mars Colour Camera (MCC) and Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS) on the Mars orbiter, which are expected to beam important information for the Indian scientific community.
While LAP and MSM would help in atmospheric studies, MENCA would focus on studying particle environment. MCC and TIS would contribute to studying surface imaging of the red planet.
ISRO has made arrangements with NASA to use its Jet Propulsion Laboratory facilities at Goldstone (U.S.), Madrid (Spain) and Canberra (Australia) for communicating with this mission, while on the Martian journey.
While LAP and MSM would help in atmospheric studies, MENCA would focus on studying particle environment. MCC and TIS would contribute to studying surface imaging of the red planet.
ISRO has made arrangements with NASA to use its Jet Propulsion Laboratory facilities at Goldstone (U.S.), Madrid (Spain) and Canberra (Australia) for communicating with this mission, while on the Martian journey.
17:44 Nigeria raises issue of security of its nationals
Nigeria has issued a note verbale to India conveying concerns over the security of its nationals and demanded immediate arrest of those who killed a Nigerian in Goa last week, prompting the government today to assure it that all issues will be addressed in a cooperative manner.
"We have lost one of our nationals in a cold-blooded murder. We have raised the issue with India and written a note verbale on Friday to convey our concerns over the security of our nationals.
"The guilty should be immediately apprehended and brought to justice. And they should also compensate the family of the victim," Tokunbo Falohun, Minister-Press in the Nigerian High Commission, he said.
He also said the High Commissioner has received a call from the External Affairs Ministry regarding the matter. According to official sources here, Joint Secretary in MEA's Western Africa Division spoke to the Nigerian High Commissioner assuring him that India and Nigeria have excellent relations and that all issues will be "addressed in a cooperative manner in line with our friendly ties".
Asked if there will be any "repercussion" of the incident as was being indicated by a Nigerian diplomat yesterday, Falohun said if the matter was "justifiably" dealt with, then there will not be any repercussion.
"We have lost one of our nationals in a cold-blooded murder. We have raised the issue with India and written a note verbale on Friday to convey our concerns over the security of our nationals.
"The guilty should be immediately apprehended and brought to justice. And they should also compensate the family of the victim," Tokunbo Falohun, Minister-Press in the Nigerian High Commission, he said.
He also said the High Commissioner has received a call from the External Affairs Ministry regarding the matter. According to official sources here, Joint Secretary in MEA's Western Africa Division spoke to the Nigerian High Commissioner assuring him that India and Nigeria have excellent relations and that all issues will be "addressed in a cooperative manner in line with our friendly ties".
Asked if there will be any "repercussion" of the incident as was being indicated by a Nigerian diplomat yesterday, Falohun said if the matter was "justifiably" dealt with, then there will not be any repercussion.
17:35 Opinion poll "mockery" of democracy: JD(U)
Trashing opinion polls as a "mockery" of democracy, JD (U) today wrote to the Election Commission alleging money plays a major role in such surveys and stating that his party is "completely against" it.
The former NDA ally has thus joined other parties, including Congress, in seeking a ban or regulation on opinion polls during the election process while BJP opposed it vehemently saying the ruling party was favouring prohibition fearing defeat.
"...Our party has always rejected the idea of opinion poll...Opinion poll is a mockery...I may point out here that money plays a major role in surveys in the name of opinion polls," JD(U) President Sharad Yadav said in a two-page letter to Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath.
The former NDA ally has thus joined other parties, including Congress, in seeking a ban or regulation on opinion polls during the election process while BJP opposed it vehemently saying the ruling party was favouring prohibition fearing defeat.
"...Our party has always rejected the idea of opinion poll...Opinion poll is a mockery...I may point out here that money plays a major role in surveys in the name of opinion polls," JD(U) President Sharad Yadav said in a two-page letter to Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath.
17:33 Gunfire in New Jersey shopping mall
A person with a gun opened fire on Monday evening in a New Jersey shopping mall shortly before closing time in the town of Paramus, and the mall was being evacuated, a county official said. Read the full story here.
17:16
India launches Mars mission in giant leap for super cheap space exploration. Read
17:03 Chidambaram: Confident of bringing down current account deficit
Finance Minister P Chidambaram says the government is confident of bringing down current account deficit below USD 60 bn in the current fiscal from USD 88 billion last year. "We will contain the fiscal deficit below the budgeted number of 4.8 per cent of the GDP. Inflation is a problem; food items like grains, fruit and vegetables driving inflation," he said.
16:59 It's a historic moment: Narayanasamy on Mars mission
Minister of State in PMO V Narayanasamy today hailed the successful launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission saying it was a historic moment for the country.
"India is the fourth country in the world to take up the mars expedition and our scientists deserve congratulations for it," Narayanasamy said, adding the launch was very accurate.
"The world was expecting that India would achieve it. Our ISRO team and Dr Radhakrishnan were able to achieve the task of mars mission," he said.
"India is the fourth country in the world to take up the mars expedition and our scientists deserve congratulations for it," Narayanasamy said, adding the launch was very accurate.
"The world was expecting that India would achieve it. Our ISRO team and Dr Radhakrishnan were able to achieve the task of mars mission," he said.
16:57
When VP Menon cornered a British general: LK Advani blogs.
16:48
What a long journey: ISRO's expedition to Mars is yet another breathtaking adventure for an organisation created by Dr Vikram Sarabhai and carefully nurtured by scientists like A P J Abdul Kalam and R Aravamudan. Read
16:36 Live! Hello, Dr Radhakrishnanan, Congratulations on Mangalayaan!
The PM talks to ISRO Chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan to congratulate him and wish him best for the subsequent steps of a long and complex mission."I congratulate you and your team for this historic achievement," he said.
16:25 Lalu's absence in Chhath saddens Rabri
Saddened by the absence of Lalu Prasad, former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi today started preparation for Chhath festival and said she would miss her husband on this pious occasion.
"His absence will be felt on this pious occasion of Chhath," Rabri Devi told reporters at her 10 Circular Road residence while starting preparation for the festival.
Prasad, who is currently lodged in Ranchi jail after his conviction in a fodder scam case, used to make the festival very lively for family members, party workers and others.
"His absence will be felt on this pious occasion of Chhath," Rabri Devi told reporters at her 10 Circular Road residence while starting preparation for the festival.
Prasad, who is currently lodged in Ranchi jail after his conviction in a fodder scam case, used to make the festival very lively for family members, party workers and others.
16:22 India happy with UK move to scrap 3,000-pound visa bond scheme
India today said it was happy that UK government has taken on board its "concerns" over the proposed 3,000-pound visa bond scheme and asserted that people-to-people contacts provide strength and durability to the long standing warm and friendly bilateral ties.
Soon after media reports on the proposed visa bond scheme came to the Government's attention earlier this year, India responded promptly by raising the matter with the UK Government.
Soon after media reports on the proposed visa bond scheme came to the Government's attention earlier this year, India responded promptly by raising the matter with the UK Government.
16:14 'Difficult for BJP to support PM's CHOGM visit'
The BJP today said it will be very difficult for it to support the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Sri Lanka to participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting if the Centre does not clearly spell out the agenda it will pursue in the conference.
Stating that the party national leadership had not yet taken a formal position on CHOGM participation, BJP National General Secretary and party in charge for Tamil Nadu, P Muralidhar Rao said that the Centre had not spelt out its agenda for the meet.
"You cannot simply attend one more conference, what is the benefit you are going to get for India by attending CHOGM? What exactly is it (government) going to do? All these things have not become clear," he said.
Stating that the party national leadership had not yet taken a formal position on CHOGM participation, BJP National General Secretary and party in charge for Tamil Nadu, P Muralidhar Rao said that the Centre had not spelt out its agenda for the meet.
"You cannot simply attend one more conference, what is the benefit you are going to get for India by attending CHOGM? What exactly is it (government) going to do? All these things have not become clear," he said.
16:08
Congress President Sonia Gandhi lauds Indian space scientists for successful launch of Mars mission.
16:07
On Twitter: During the 1st test launch ISRO transported launch vehicle parts on bicycle, bullock carts... Mangalyaan, long journey.
16:05 B'desh court hands down death penalty to 167 rebel soldiers
In other news: A Bangladeshi court today handed down the death penalty to 167 former paramilitary soldiers after convicting them guilty of killing 74 people, including 57 army officers, during a mutiny in 2009. "They will be hanged by neck until they are dead," ruled Judge Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman, in what is being dubbed as the world's biggest ever criminal trial.
"The atrocities were so heinous that even the dead bodies were not given their rights," Judge Akhtaruzzaman told the packed court in the capital Dhaka.
"The atrocities were so heinous that even the dead bodies were not given their rights," Judge Akhtaruzzaman told the packed court in the capital Dhaka.
16:03 Pakistan successfully test-fires short range Nasr missile
Pakistan today successfully test fired Hatf IX (Nasr) missile, a short range surface to surface missile that has a range of 60-kilometres. The test fire was conducted with successive launches of 4 x missiles (Salvo) from a state of the art multi tube launcher, the military said. Nasr, with in-flight manoeuvre capability, is a quick response system equipped with shoot and scoot attributes, it said in a statement.
16:02
India kept the best Diwali rocket for the last. Proud to see Mangalyaan on its way from Earth to Mars. A salute to our scientists, tweets Abhijit Majumder
15:50 India's Mangalayan is cheapest Mars mission ever
The Indian space agency's Mars Mission, is the cheapest by any nation to the red planet. And there are attributes unique to ISRO that enable it to practise frugal engineering at the cutting edge time and again. Read
15:47
"It is like a Caesarean. Our baby is in space and it is our job to look after our baby," says ISRO.
15:47
President, PM congratulate ISRO scientists on Mars mission.
The President said, "I congratulate you and your team on the successful placing in earth's orbit of the Mars Orbiter Spacecraft following its launch on PSLV -- C 25. India's first dedicated Mars Orbiter Spacecraft is a significant milestone in the progress of our space programme and space applications.
"This day shall go down as a landmark in our space programme, a day which will inspire our scientists to make even greater strides in achieving our national goals in the field of space."
The President said, "I congratulate you and your team on the successful placing in earth's orbit of the Mars Orbiter Spacecraft following its launch on PSLV -- C 25. India's first dedicated Mars Orbiter Spacecraft is a significant milestone in the progress of our space programme and space applications.
"This day shall go down as a landmark in our space programme, a day which will inspire our scientists to make even greater strides in achieving our national goals in the field of space."
15:45 'Why are we making a hue and cry over Rs 450 crore?'
Professor U R Rao, former ISRO chairman, puts naysayers in their place: "First let me congratulate each and everyone. I don't know why Indians shout about the Rs 450 crore being spent. We have spent Rs 450 crore on a rocket which goes several million kilometres. Why make a hue and cry over this, when Rs 5000 crore is being spent on diwali crackers which have rockets going only 10 feet high."
-- Vicky Nanjappa
-- Vicky Nanjappa
15:43
Shivakumar, Director of ISRO Satellite centre: "Hats off to everyone. We have a long way to go still and will continue to cover it systematically. We are confident the rest of the mission will go well. Each one has done very well."
15:33
Dr MYS Prasad, Chairman, Launch Authorisation Board says, "This was an excellent mission and has been successful thanks to the teamwork from all members of ISRO. This is the first important step in a long mission."
15:31 Live! Mangalayan orbiter successfuly separates from PSLV rocket
ISRO chief says the Mars Orbiter launch is successfully launched. Mangalayan has been successfully separated from the rocket PSLV and it has been inserted into specified orbit with absolute accuracy, says ISRO. The operation is successful, says ISRO.
ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan says this has been a new and complex mission for ISRO. "I want to salute the entire ISRO community," he says.
ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan says this has been a new and complex mission for ISRO. "I want to salute the entire ISRO community," he says.
15:24
ISRO says the 4th and crucial stage of ignition is successful. This stage is crucial because it will see if the satellite is placed in the right orbit. Failure to do so will mean a loss of fuel to get into the correct orbit.
15:17 Live! 780-million km journey to Mars begins: Everything according to plan, says ISRO
Orbiter begins 485 million mile journey to Mars. ISRO says everything going according to plan.
15:07 Next 15 minutes crucial
The Mars mission is currently at a coasting stage. The rocket is gaining velocity and altitude. Scientists however point out that the next 15 minutes will be very crucial. Communication and navigation is normal.
More data will be available when the vehicle data is captured by two sea-borne terminals equipped with a 4.6 metre antenna and a 1.8 metre antenna on board Shipping Corporation of India's SCI Nalanda and SCI Yamuna (some 2500 km between them) in South Pacific Ocean, which will track the vehicle as it injects the Mars Orbiter mission into Earth's orbit.
-- Vicky Nanjappa
More data will be available when the vehicle data is captured by two sea-borne terminals equipped with a 4.6 metre antenna and a 1.8 metre antenna on board Shipping Corporation of India's SCI Nalanda and SCI Yamuna (some 2500 km between them) in South Pacific Ocean, which will track the vehicle as it injects the Mars Orbiter mission into Earth's orbit.
-- Vicky Nanjappa
15:05
Twitter: Even before ISRO declares Mission Mars launch successful , Narendra Modi declared it success.
15:04
The satellite will separate itself from the rocket approximately 45 minutes after the launch. So far, everything is going according to plan.
14:59
Post congratulatory messages for our ISRO scientists, right here.
14:57
Deviprasad Karnik, spokesman, ISRO, says, "This is our modest beginning for our interplanetary mission."
14:55 Live! India's Orbiter blasts off for Mars: So far, so good, says ISRO
The Rs 450-crore Mars Mission called the Mangalyam lifted off from Sriharikota at 2.38 pm today. All parameters were normal at the time of the launch. Over a 1000 scientists from ISRO looked on anxiously as the rocket blasted off.
The first stage was extremely critical for the launch and scientists heaved a sigh of relief when it went off smoothly.
The vehicle data stations which has been collecting the data has sent back information that the progress has been very good.
All the three stages of the launch were completed successfully and it has been termed as a text book launch.
The launch vehicle is now at a range of 3000 kilometres and and altitude of 203 kilometres. It is very close to the orbital velocity.
The ISRO verdict? "So far, so good." -- Vicky Nanjappa.
The first stage was extremely critical for the launch and scientists heaved a sigh of relief when it went off smoothly.
The vehicle data stations which has been collecting the data has sent back information that the progress has been very good.
All the three stages of the launch were completed successfully and it has been termed as a text book launch.
The launch vehicle is now at a range of 3000 kilometres and and altitude of 203 kilometres. It is very close to the orbital velocity.
The ISRO verdict? "So far, so good." -- Vicky Nanjappa.
14:49
On Twitter: Thanks ISRO for perfect Deepavali gift to the Nation. Mangalyaan successfully launched! Kudos to #ISRO. Fingers crossed that it completes it's mission.
14:46
So, India's Mars Orbiter begins its 485 million miles flight to the Red Planet. The Orbiter which is in the spacecraft will be launched in the next 40 minutes, which is believed to be one of the most crucial phases.
14:45
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4,3,2,1Mangal Ho! India's Orbiter blasts off to Mars.
14:37
The satellite will go around the Earth for around 25 days.
14:36
Two minutes to blast off.
14:36 Live! 2:38 pm: Minutes left for Mars liftoff
The vehicle trajectory will be tracked by monitoring stations at the Space Centre here, Indian Deep Station Network at Byalulu near Bangalore and Down Range Station at Port Blair in India and also from Biak in Indonesia and Brunei.
Scientists at ISRO as tense as the rest of the nation with just a few minutes left.
Scientists at ISRO as tense as the rest of the nation with just a few minutes left.
14:30
The ISRO website has crashed.
14:26
The 1,337 kg Mars Orbiter with 852 kg fuel and 15 kg of scientific instruments is expected to reach Mars' orbit on September 14, 2014.
14:23
On Twitter: Dear ISRO... Hope you have not forgot to tie Nimboo-Mirchi thingy on that spacecraft. MangalHo, MangalHo, MangalHo, MangalHo, MangalHo.
14:19
India's Mars probe aims to steal technological star status from China. Multimillion-dollar space rocket launch showcases India's prowess but critics say resources could be better deployed. Read the report on the Guardian.
14:12
The vehicle trajectory will be tracked by monitoring stations at the Space Centre here, Indian Deep Station Network at Byalulu near Bangalore and Down Range Station at Port Blair in India and also from Biak in Indonesia and Brunei.
14:10
Reportedly, if the Mars mission turns out to be a success, ISRO would be the 4th space agency in the world to have sent a mission to the planet.
14:08
Less than 30 minutes for India's Mars mission. Fingers crossed. According to Nasa, though there have been 51 missions to the red planet by some countries, only 21 have been considered successful.
14:01 Three held in minor girl gang-rape case
Three accused in the gangrape case of a 16-year-old girl in Mumbai's Dindoshi area were today arrested from Diva town in neighbouring Thane district.
The accused - Wasim Vatta (21), Yuvraj Pillai (20) and Shivkumar Kalwa (19) - were apprehended from Diva this morning, a senior police official said.
The three arrested are among the four accused who had allegedly raped the girl on Friday night, even as one alleged rapist and two persons who abated the crime are still absconding, police said.
The accused - Wasim Vatta (21), Yuvraj Pillai (20) and Shivkumar Kalwa (19) - were apprehended from Diva this morning, a senior police official said.
The three arrested are among the four accused who had allegedly raped the girl on Friday night, even as one alleged rapist and two persons who abated the crime are still absconding, police said.
13:56 National Conference won't join NDA: Farooq Abdullah's brother
National Conference leader Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, who is younger brother of party president Farooq Abdullah, today ruled out his party joining the NDA if the Opposition alliance comes to power at the Centre.
He, however, maintained that any decision on the future alliances would be taken by the party high command.
"It is a hypothetical question. In principle, we cannot support the BJP as (its prime ministerial candidate Narendra) Modi is responsible for 2002 Gujarat carnage," Kamal said.
The comment from Kamal came in the backdrop of news reports in local dailies which quoted him as saying that NC will support Modi if the BJP comes to power at the Centre.
He, however, maintained that any decision on the future alliances would be taken by the party high command.
"It is a hypothetical question. In principle, we cannot support the BJP as (its prime ministerial candidate Narendra) Modi is responsible for 2002 Gujarat carnage," Kamal said.
The comment from Kamal came in the backdrop of news reports in local dailies which quoted him as saying that NC will support Modi if the BJP comes to power at the Centre.
13:52 BSP MP's wife booked for maid's murder
Jagriti Singh, estranged wife of BSP MP Dhananjay Singh, has
been booked for the murder of her maid, found dead with injuries on the head, chest, stomach and arms.
13:45
The Mars Orbiter carries five scientific instruments to study the red planet - Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP), Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM), Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA), Mars Colour Camera (MCC) and Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS).
13:44
This is the first time the national space agency is aspiring to send a mission to study a celestial body outside Earth's sphere of influence. India's Mars Orbiter is expected to reach the red planet's orbit by September 2014 and look for the presence of methane, an indicator of life there.
13:42 Live! ISRO: Countdown normal, all vehicle systems switched on
The ISRO website says that Mobile Service Tower (MST) withdrawal to final parking (150m) is completed. Countdown is normal.
13:39
And the Mars mission jokes begin: Once Rajnikanth spit gutkha on Mars. Yes, that is the reason it is red. Scientists pls. #ISRO
13:38 Countdown to Mars Orbiter launch begins
The Mission Control Room at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, about 100 from Chennai, is abuzz with activity as scientists are monitoring the countdown time CDT for launch of India's first mission to the red planet.
"The countdown is progressing normally. All vehicle systems were switched on for the final eight and half hour countdown which started at 6:08 am," a spokesman of the Indian Space Research Organisation said.
The 76 metre tall Mobile Service Tower covering the 44.4 metre rocket has been withdrawn to a distance of around 150 metres to facilitate the launch, ISRO sources said.
Ever since its establishment in 1969, ISRO has only launched missions around Earth for various purposes and a single mission to the Moon. This is the first time the national space agency is aspiring to send a mission to study a celestial body outside Earth's sphere of influence.
India's Mars Orbiter is expected to reach the red planet's orbit by September 2014 and look for the presence of methane, an indicator of life there.
"The countdown is progressing normally. All vehicle systems were switched on for the final eight and half hour countdown which started at 6:08 am," a spokesman of the Indian Space Research Organisation said.
The 76 metre tall Mobile Service Tower covering the 44.4 metre rocket has been withdrawn to a distance of around 150 metres to facilitate the launch, ISRO sources said.
Ever since its establishment in 1969, ISRO has only launched missions around Earth for various purposes and a single mission to the Moon. This is the first time the national space agency is aspiring to send a mission to study a celestial body outside Earth's sphere of influence.
India's Mars Orbiter is expected to reach the red planet's orbit by September 2014 and look for the presence of methane, an indicator of life there.
13:34 It is a big day for all of us; there is no nervousness: ISRO chief
November 5 is a big day for the Indian Research Space Organisation and its chief, K Radhakrishnan.
Stationed at Sriharikota from where India's first mission to Mars will take off at 2.38 pm, Radhakrishnan is the captain of the team of 1000 scientists who have worked tirelessly on the ambitious Rs 450 crore mission.
This is probably one of the biggest projects under his leadership after he took over from his predecessor, Madhavan Nair.
Radhakrishnan spoke with rediff.com's Vicky Nanjappa briefly about the mission and what he feels about the entire project. Read
Stationed at Sriharikota from where India's first mission to Mars will take off at 2.38 pm, Radhakrishnan is the captain of the team of 1000 scientists who have worked tirelessly on the ambitious Rs 450 crore mission.
This is probably one of the biggest projects under his leadership after he took over from his predecessor, Madhavan Nair.
Radhakrishnan spoke with rediff.com's Vicky Nanjappa briefly about the mission and what he feels about the entire project. Read
13:29
"Lovely to see the ISRO chairman at Tirupati offering prayers before India's Mars orbiter launch.Pure science but divine help never hurts," tweets NDTV's Sonia Singh
13:19 Two fishermen drown as boat sinks in chase by SL Navy
Two fishermen drowned and three others were injured when their boat capsized while being chased allegedly by Sri Lankan naval vessels off this coastal town.
Thirty others were arrested for reportedly crossing the International Martime Boundary Line, officials said.
The injured fishermen told fisheries department officials on their return that some of their boats were damaged after the naval personnel pelted stones at the vessels and hurled wooden logs.
They also cut the fishing nets of all the boats. The naval personnel arrested 30 fishermen and seized seven boats, they said.
Thirty others were arrested for reportedly crossing the International Martime Boundary Line, officials said.
The injured fishermen told fisheries department officials on their return that some of their boats were damaged after the naval personnel pelted stones at the vessels and hurled wooden logs.
They also cut the fishing nets of all the boats. The naval personnel arrested 30 fishermen and seized seven boats, they said.
13:10 Want Vajpayee's niece to return, says Chhattisgarh Chief Minister
The BJP will try to persuade Karuna Shukla, the niece of the party's
iconic leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to reconsider her resignation.
"Karuna ji is a very senior leader and we are trying to talk to
her and negotiate with her to come back," said Raman Singh, the chief
minister of Chhattisgarh, to NDTV.
Also read:I want to see egos of BJP leaders crushed: Vajpayee's niece
Also read:I want to see egos of BJP leaders crushed: Vajpayee's niece
12:59 Pakistan army displays its anti-drone technology
Amid continued tensions with the US over drone strikes, Pakistan army has successfully shot down a "drone" during a military exercise that was watched by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
During the "Azm-e-Nau 4 Exercise" at Bahawalpur in Punjab province yesterday, the army air defence demonstrated its anti-drone technology by successfully bringing down a drone by targeting it with the 35mm Oerlikon guns, The News daily said.
The event also marked the culmination of five-year series of exercises jointly conducted by the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force at firing range in Khairpur Tamewali, about 75 kilometres from international borders.
During the "Azm-e-Nau 4 Exercise" at Bahawalpur in Punjab province yesterday, the army air defence demonstrated its anti-drone technology by successfully bringing down a drone by targeting it with the 35mm Oerlikon guns, The News daily said.
The event also marked the culmination of five-year series of exercises jointly conducted by the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force at firing range in Khairpur Tamewali, about 75 kilometres from international borders.
12:46 Delhis Dangerous Air Pollution Problem
Politicians promised action to reduce air pollution after heavy smog enveloped New Delhi last November. One year later, levels of particulate matter have hit nearly 20 times what the government considers a standard for health. Read
12:39 Two billion planets in our galaxy may be suitable for life
Data from Kepler space observatory suggests planets capable of supporting life are far more common than previously thought. Read
12:12 Nehru had called Patel a "total communalist", says Advani
The BJP today raked up another controversy over Sardar Patel with L K Advani quoting a book to allege that then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru called his Home Minister a "total communalist" when the latter suggested that army be sent to take over a defiant Hyderabad after Independence.
In his latest blog posting, Advani has referred to extracts of a book - "The Story of an Era Told without Ill Will" by M K K Nair which deals with the "sharp exchange" between Nehru and Patel in a Cabinet meeting before "police action" against Hyderabad.
The Nizam, who wanted to accede to Pakistan, had sent an emissary to the neighbouring country and transferred a huge sum of money to the government there.
The Nizam's officials were reportedly heaping atrocities on locals. "At a cabinet meeting, Patel had described these things and demanded that army be sent to end the terror-regime in Hyderabad. Nehru who usually spoke calmly, peacefully and with international etiquette, spoke losing his composure, 'You are a total communalist.I will never accept your recommendation...
"Patel remained unperturbed but left the room with his papers," Advani says, quoting from Nair's book. BJP has of late been trying to appropriate Sardar Patel as a leader close to the Hindutva ideology.
In his latest blog posting, Advani has referred to extracts of a book - "The Story of an Era Told without Ill Will" by M K K Nair which deals with the "sharp exchange" between Nehru and Patel in a Cabinet meeting before "police action" against Hyderabad.
The Nizam, who wanted to accede to Pakistan, had sent an emissary to the neighbouring country and transferred a huge sum of money to the government there.
The Nizam's officials were reportedly heaping atrocities on locals. "At a cabinet meeting, Patel had described these things and demanded that army be sent to end the terror-regime in Hyderabad. Nehru who usually spoke calmly, peacefully and with international etiquette, spoke losing his composure, 'You are a total communalist.I will never accept your recommendation...
"Patel remained unperturbed but left the room with his papers," Advani says, quoting from Nair's book. BJP has of late been trying to appropriate Sardar Patel as a leader close to the Hindutva ideology.
12:09 Winter capital status for Dharamshala soon
Over a century ago Dharamshala had missed the chance to become summer capital of British-ruled India. But the hill town, known more for being the abode of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, is set to become the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, reports the TOI.
Official announcement in this regard is expected before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, while chief minister Virbhadra Singh has already announced to make Dharamshala second capital of the hill state.
Official announcement in this regard is expected before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, while chief minister Virbhadra Singh has already announced to make Dharamshala second capital of the hill state.
12:05 Obama administration bids sentimental adieu to Nirupama Rao
On her last day as India's envoy to the United States, Ambassador Nirupama Rao was felicitated by the Barck Obama administration at the State Department on Monday, with US Secretary of State John F Kerry thanking her for her service toward furthering the strategic partnership between the two nations.
At an elegant reception at the State Department in Washington, DC by Acting Chief of Protocol Natalie Jones, which was attended by several ambassadors representing South and Southeast Asia and senior US diplomats, Kerry in a statement said, "Dear Madam Ambassador, on behalf of the American people and the Obama administration, I extend my best wishes as your tenure as ambassador of the Republic of India to the United States of America comes to a close.'
Read more
At an elegant reception at the State Department in Washington, DC by Acting Chief of Protocol Natalie Jones, which was attended by several ambassadors representing South and Southeast Asia and senior US diplomats, Kerry in a statement said, "Dear Madam Ambassador, on behalf of the American people and the Obama administration, I extend my best wishes as your tenure as ambassador of the Republic of India to the United States of America comes to a close.'
Read more
11:58 ISI may use Khalistani terrorists to target Modi, IB warns
The Centre has rushed to tighten security around Gujarat CM Narendra Modi following an intelligence alert about an ISI plot to use Khalistani terrorists to eliminate BJP's PM candidate. On October 16, Modi was targeted by Indian Mujahideen (IM), a terror outfit nurtured by Pakistan's spy agency. Read more
11:55 Pot-bellied cops give crime and criminals in Jharkhand a leeway
Protruding bellies and increasing waistline of cops in Jharkhand are to be blamed for their
sheer ineffectiveness in what they are supposed to do - nab miscreants
and nip their activities in the bud. Read
11:53 Lalu turns gardener in jail, earns Rs 14 per day
Serving time for the multi-crore fodder scam, RJD president Lalu Prasad earns Rs 14 a day for gardening and is apparently happy with tending lawns, flower beds and vegetable patches at the Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar.
Jail wardens allotted gardening to scam convicts around a week ago but Lalu started work only a day after the Jharkhand high court rejected his bail plea on October 30. Three IAS and one IRS officer, also convicted in the scam, have turned teachers inside the jail. Read
Jail wardens allotted gardening to scam convicts around a week ago but Lalu started work only a day after the Jharkhand high court rejected his bail plea on October 30. Three IAS and one IRS officer, also convicted in the scam, have turned teachers inside the jail. Read
11:50 US Ambassador to witness Mars mission launch
US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell arrived in Chennai today to witness the launch of the Mars mission from Sriharikota. Soon after arrival, she left for the spaceport, about 100 km from Chennai. India's ambitious Mars Orbiter mission will be launched at 2.38 pm today, for which all preparations have been made.
11:48 Meet Congress, Modi's best PR agent
Pre-election opinion polls have opened a flaming opinion war among political parties. It is no more an academic argument over the merits or precision of psephology; it has become a full-blown debate over freedom of speech and media rights.
The BJP's prime ministerial aspirant, Narendra Modi, assumed pole position on the issue today, slamming the Congress's advocacy of banning opinion polls and holding it up as traditionally opposed to institutions of freedom. Read more
The BJP's prime ministerial aspirant, Narendra Modi, assumed pole position on the issue today, slamming the Congress's advocacy of banning opinion polls and holding it up as traditionally opposed to institutions of freedom. Read more
11:42 Live! Miss Asia Pacific World Srishti Rana's diamond-studded tiara seized
Miss Asia Pacific World Srishti Rana's tiara has been seized by the air intelligence unit since it was undeclared and is made up of diamonds and semi-precious stones.
Rana beat 49 contestants and won the Miss Asia Pacific crown in Busan, South Korea.Rana wore a Falguni & Shane Peacock gown as she was crowned by one a fellow Indian, Himangini Singh Yadu who was last year's winner.
Read Rana's winning moments on Rediff.com
Rana beat 49 contestants and won the Miss Asia Pacific crown in Busan, South Korea.Rana wore a Falguni & Shane Peacock gown as she was crowned by one a fellow Indian, Himangini Singh Yadu who was last year's winner.
Read Rana's winning moments on Rediff.com
11:33 Peek at army class system through American eyes
An American army officer's account of her time training in Agra has given a glimpse into the class-system in the Indian Army and has stoked once again the debate of assigning sahayaks -- or batmen -- who are often required to do personal work of officers. Read
11:29 Mumbai teen gang-raped, three arrested
Three of the six men accused in the gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl in Mumbai on Friday have been arrested.
The teen was assaulted in an open drain underneath a bridge in the western suburb of Goregaon.
While four are accused of assaulting her, two others allegedly helped them. The survivor's complaint was allegedly dismissed by the cops when she went to a police station with her relative to disclose the crime, because she said she knew some of her attackers and had agreed to let them escort her home.
The teen was assaulted in an open drain underneath a bridge in the western suburb of Goregaon.
While four are accused of assaulting her, two others allegedly helped them. The survivor's complaint was allegedly dismissed by the cops when she went to a police station with her relative to disclose the crime, because she said she knew some of her attackers and had agreed to let them escort her home.
11:26 Indian contingent arrives in China for joint training exercise
The Indian Army contingent participating in the Indo-China joint training exercise ''Hand in Hand'' arrived at Chengdu, China today.
The Indian contingent is led by Brigadier DS Shishodia and Colonel Gaurav Srivastava is the commanding officer.
The joint training exercise ''Hand in Hand" is a counter terrorist exercise with a purpose of exploring useful experience and thoughts, advance pragmatic co-operation, promote friendly environment and enhance mutual trust.
The joint training exercise between the two countries is one of the major bilateral defence cooperation and is third in the series which started in 2007.
The first was held at Kuming, China in Dec 2007 while the second was held at Belgaum, India in Nov 2008.
On arrival at the exercise area the ceremonial band of the PLA extended warm welcome playing mesmerising tunes. The contingent commanders and the soldiers of the two nations exchanged pleasantries.
The Indian contingent is led by Brigadier DS Shishodia and Colonel Gaurav Srivastava is the commanding officer.
The joint training exercise ''Hand in Hand" is a counter terrorist exercise with a purpose of exploring useful experience and thoughts, advance pragmatic co-operation, promote friendly environment and enhance mutual trust.
The joint training exercise between the two countries is one of the major bilateral defence cooperation and is third in the series which started in 2007.
The first was held at Kuming, China in Dec 2007 while the second was held at Belgaum, India in Nov 2008.
On arrival at the exercise area the ceremonial band of the PLA extended warm welcome playing mesmerising tunes. The contingent commanders and the soldiers of the two nations exchanged pleasantries.
11:21 MEA recommends PM attend CHOGM
As pressure mounted from within the Union Council of Ministers seeking that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh skip the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo later this month, the External Affairs Ministry recommended that he should go. Read more
11:19 Waiting for a tribal Kanshi Ram
Despite accounting for 21.1% -- 1.53 crore -- of the State's population, Madhya Pradesh's Adivasis are not a force to reckon with in State politics.
There are a total of 46 tribes in MP, three of which are classified as 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups'. Bhils and Gonds form more than 70 per cent of the ST population. Kols, Korkus, Saharias and Baigas make up more than 20 per cent. Read
There are a total of 46 tribes in MP, three of which are classified as 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups'. Bhils and Gonds form more than 70 per cent of the ST population. Kols, Korkus, Saharias and Baigas make up more than 20 per cent. Read
11:17 Mourning a villain
THE death of a man who waged war against the Pakistani state and was responsible for the slaughtering of thousands of innocent men, women and children should have come as a great relief to this strife-torn nation. Read
11:15 Troops in Afghanistan safer after Mehsud killing: US lawmaker
The American troops in Afghanistan are much safer after the killing of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Hakimullah Mehsud, a top US lawmaker has said.
"It was a big deal," Congressman Mike Rogers, Chairman, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, told the CBS news when asked about the death of Mehsud, against whom the FBI had announced a reward of USD 5 million.
"I feel a little safe -- a little better for our troops today than I did before this event happened," Rogers said in response to a question, indicating that the operation was a result of the joint intelligence gathering by both the US and Pakistan.
"It was a big deal," Congressman Mike Rogers, Chairman, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, told the CBS news when asked about the death of Mehsud, against whom the FBI had announced a reward of USD 5 million.
"I feel a little safe -- a little better for our troops today than I did before this event happened," Rogers said in response to a question, indicating that the operation was a result of the joint intelligence gathering by both the US and Pakistan.
11:10 David Miliband's speech on the lessons from JFK
John F Kennedy's great insight was to know that we can live together better and more peaceably if we find ways to co-operate. Read
11:08 A History Of Quarrels
The future of history lies in a divorce from the politics of the day-left, right or centre, writes Sagarika Ghose. Read
10:57
The BSP MP's wife is expected to be arrested by noon today, even as charges are being formally framed against her. It is believed that the BSP MP's wife had beaten the maid to death. The MP says the maid had fallen from the terrace.
10:54 Maid found dead at BSP MP's house in Delhi, cops suspect torture
A young woman who worked as a domestic help at the
Delhi residence of a Bahujan Samajwadi Party MP, Dhananjay Singh, has
been found dead with injuries on the head, chest, stomach and arms.
The police say the woman died on Monday morning, but her death was reported several hours later, at around 8 pm. They say the woman might have been tortured.
The lawmaker's estranged wife Jagriti Singh is being questioned. The MP says he had filed for divorce and stayed separately. He also claims that he was at his constituency Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh when he was told about the death. Read the full story here
The police say the woman died on Monday morning, but her death was reported several hours later, at around 8 pm. They say the woman might have been tortured.
The lawmaker's estranged wife Jagriti Singh is being questioned. The MP says he had filed for divorce and stayed separately. He also claims that he was at his constituency Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh when he was told about the death. Read the full story here
10:47 ISRO a few hours away from historic Mars Mission
India's premier space agency, ISRO, is just a few hours away from its historic mission to Mars, its first-ever launch outside the Earth's sphere of influence in its 44-year-long history.
The Mission Control Room at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here, about 100 from Chennai, is abuzz with activity as scientists are monitoring the countdown time CDT for launch of India's first mission to the red planet.
"The countdown is progressing normally. All vehicle systems were switched on for the final eight and half hour countdown which started at 6:08 am," a spokesman of the Indian Space Research Organisation said.
The 76 metre tall Mobile Service Tower covering the 44.4 metre rocket has been withdrawn to a distance of around 150 metres to facilitate the launch, ISRO sources said.
Ever since its establishment in 1969, ISRO has only launched missions around Earth for various purposes and a single mission to the Moon.
This is the first time the national space agency is aspiring to send a mission to study a celestial body outside Earth's sphere of influence.
The Mission Control Room at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here, about 100 from Chennai, is abuzz with activity as scientists are monitoring the countdown time CDT for launch of India's first mission to the red planet.
"The countdown is progressing normally. All vehicle systems were switched on for the final eight and half hour countdown which started at 6:08 am," a spokesman of the Indian Space Research Organisation said.
The 76 metre tall Mobile Service Tower covering the 44.4 metre rocket has been withdrawn to a distance of around 150 metres to facilitate the launch, ISRO sources said.
Ever since its establishment in 1969, ISRO has only launched missions around Earth for various purposes and a single mission to the Moon.
This is the first time the national space agency is aspiring to send a mission to study a celestial body outside Earth's sphere of influence.
10:45
Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan tweets: Filing my nomination papers from Budhni today. My home and a special place that inspires me to tirelessly serve people of Madhya Pradesh.
10:41 22 IEDs recovered from Jharkhand
Effecting a major recovery of explosives in Naxal-hit areas, security forces have seized as many as 22 IEDs in Jharkhand. The operation carried out by CRPF's special anti-Naxal operations force CoBRA and local police was carried out in Amwatikar and Manika areas of Latehar district of the state since yesterday.
10:40 AI Dreamliner likely to return tonight after being repaired
The windshield of Air India Dreamliner which developed a crack while landing at the airport here is expected to return Delhi tonight after being repaired, officials said today.
The windshield of AI-311 operating on Delhi-Melbourne- Sydney route with 80 passengers and 12 crew members onboard, cracked as the plane landed at Melbourne airport yesterday.
"The jet is being currently fixed with a new windshield," Madhu Mathen, Air India's local manager.. "It was a minor incident and there was no panic or threat in the flight," Mathen said.
The windshield of AI-311 operating on Delhi-Melbourne- Sydney route with 80 passengers and 12 crew members onboard, cracked as the plane landed at Melbourne airport yesterday.
"The jet is being currently fixed with a new windshield," Madhu Mathen, Air India's local manager.. "It was a minor incident and there was no panic or threat in the flight," Mathen said.
10:12 Five minutes could change fate of Mars mission
India's Mars Mission only has a tight window of five minutes to take off on Tuesday -- between 2.38 pm to 2.43 pm.
10:03 Why are Pakistani leaders mourning Hakimullah Mehsud's death?
Are Pakistani leaders actually mourning the death of a man who orchestrated numerous terror strikes inside Pakistan and slaughtered thousands of innocents?
09:39 Party leaders meet Pranab over Andhra bifurcation
Leaders of various parties from either side of the political divide met President Pranab Mukherjee at the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad on Sunday and put forth their arguments for and against the proposed bifurcation of the state.
The Seemandhra leaders reportedly complained to the President how the Centre was seeking to divide the state by subverting the Constitution.
Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy had a separate meeting with the President at the Raj Bhavan, where he made a strong pitch against the bifurcation of the state, sources said.
09:37 British PM, wife perform Diwali puja in London temple
British Prime Minister David Cameron, accompanied by his wife Samantha, on Sunday visited the Swaminarayan Mandir, the largest traditional Hindu temple outside India, in north-west London and celebrated Diwali.
While Cameron wore a navy suit, 42-year-old Samantha glittered in a spectacular autumnal sari as they performed puja at the temple in Neasden on Diwali.
09:36 Italy working hard to bring back marines from India: President
Italy is working ceaselessly for the early return of two Italian marines facing trial in India for murdering two fishermen, President Giorgio Napolitano said today.
"We do not cease to work tenaciously to bring them home," Napolitano said after his speech on National Unity and Armed Forces Day.
The case triggered a drawn-out diplomatic row between India and Italy, with Rome contesting India's right to jurisdiction.
09:35 US consulting India-Pak to commence negotiations of FMCT
The United States is consulting with key nuclear powers along with India and Pakistan on ways to commence negotiations on the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty, a US official said.
The FMCT is a proposed international treaty that prohibits further production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other explosive devices.
Pakistan is the only country that has been blocking the start of the FMCT negotiations repeatedly, frustrating the international community.
09:34 Imran Khan threatens NATO blockade in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan today threatened to cut the NATO supply lines in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province from November 20 if the US drone strikes do not end.
Khan said the killing of Tehrik-e-Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud -- in a US drone strike before peace talks could begin -- was proof that the Americans did not want peace in the country.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is headed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party and one of the two routes on which the NATO supplies reach Afghanistan passes through the province.
09:06 Final countdown for Mars Mission begins
Vicky Nanjappa reports: The final 8-hour countdown for India's historic Mars mission kicked off at 6.08 am today.
Nearly a thousand scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation worked to complete the second stage propellant filling operations early this morning. All vehicle systems have been switched on for the final countdown.
09:05 US-Pak tension continues over Mehsud killing
After the "highly successful" US visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif nearly a fortnight ago, there is "tension" in the relationship between the two countries over the alleged killing of Taliban chief, Hakimullah Mehsud, in a drone attack last week.
"We continue to have tensions in our relationship, and we work through them because we have so many important shared bilateral interests, and those are economic and security related," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney has said.
09:01 Communication lines in Pak open: US
The crucial Ground Lines of Communication, a road network which connects the Karachi port to Afghanistan through tribal areas of Pakistanis, is fully operational and supplies are moving normally, the Pentagon has said.
"The GLOCs are currently fully open and supplies are moving normally," Elissa Smith, a Pentagon spokesperson, said.
The statement was issued amid the outbursts from few Pakistani leaders to shut down the crucial life line for US troops in Afghanistan in the aftermath of the killing of Pakistan Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud in a drone strike.
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