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Tue, 26 November 2013
Live! Supreme Court to take up Obamacare contraception case
Timeline Refresh
23:54 US B-52 bombers challenge disputed China air zone
The US has flown two B-52 bombers over disputed islands in the East China Sea in defiance of new Chinese air defence rules, officials say.
China set up its "air defence identification zone" on Saturday insisting that aircraft obey its rules or face "emergency defensive measures".
A Pentagon spokesman said the planes had followed "normal procedures".
23:46 Supreme Court to take up Obamacare contraception case
The Supreme Court announced today that it will hear arguments in a case challenging Obamacare's birth control coverage requirement on religious freedom grounds.
Obamacare's employer mandates are at issue in the case, which involves whether corporations and religious institutions themselves enjoy the same First Amendment rights as individuals.
23:27 Ten Haitians dead after ship capsizes in Bahamas: US
At least 10 Haitian migrants were killed and 100 others fell into the water after an overloaded freighter capsized in the Bahamas, the US Coast Guard said today.
"The migrants were clinging to the hull of the grounded 40-foot (12-metre) sail freighter when rescue crews arrived," the Coast Guard said, in a statement.
23:10 Knox should get 30 years for murder: Italian prosecutors
Italian prosecutors today asked for a 30-year prison sentence for former US student Amanda Knox at a retrial where she is being judged in absentia for the murder of her housemate, Italian media reported.
Prosecutors at the trial also requested that her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito be given 26 years, saying the punishment should be harsher for Knox because she initially accused someone else of the crime.
21:38 Journo's mom files police complaint against Tejpal's family member
The mother of the young woman journalist, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Tarun Tejpal, on Tuesday filed a complaint with the Delhi police against an immediate family member of the Tehelka editor alleging "intimidation" over the case.
Delhi police sources said the mother of the journalist came to Pandav Nagar police station in East Delhi and filed a complaint against the member of the Tejpal family.
On Saturday, the victim had issued a statement saying she and her family were being subjected to pressure and intimidation at an "intensely traumatic" time to "protect" Tejpal.
Delhi police sources said the mother of the journalist came to Pandav Nagar police station in East Delhi and filed a complaint against the member of the Tejpal family.
On Saturday, the victim had issued a statement saying she and her family were being subjected to pressure and intimidation at an "intensely traumatic" time to "protect" Tejpal.
20:49 Tejpal plea to hand over case to CBI may be escape route: BJP
The BJP today dismissed former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal's demand that the sexual assault case against him be handed over to CBI, saying he may be using this as an "escape route" as he is close to ruling Congress.
The Congress, however, rejected the BJP's contention and claimed that there is no reason why this issue should be linked to politics.
Party spokesperson P C Chacko drew parallels of this case with the snooping scandal allegedly involving Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
The Congress, however, rejected the BJP's contention and claimed that there is no reason why this issue should be linked to politics.
Party spokesperson P C Chacko drew parallels of this case with the snooping scandal allegedly involving Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
20:09 BJP leaders fight for chair used by Narendra Modi
PTI reports: It is literally a fight for the chair among BJP leaders in Agra as they bid as high as Rs 1.25 lakh for the piece of furniture on which BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi sat during a recent public meeting here.
BJP MLA Jagan Prasad Garg has so far made the highest bid of Rs. 1.25 lakh, according to party sources, while others are not far behind with MLA Yogendra Upadhyaya and Ramshankar Katheria, MP from Agra, also making bids over Rs. one lakh.
BJP MLA Jagan Prasad Garg has so far made the highest bid of Rs. 1.25 lakh, according to party sources, while others are not far behind with MLA Yogendra Upadhyaya and Ramshankar Katheria, MP from Agra, also making bids over Rs. one lakh.
19:31 Sonia meets Pranab on Telangana issue
Congress President Sonia Gandhi today met President Pranab Mukherjee to discuss the Telangana issue, reports our correspondent in New Delhi.
19:29 Judge refers to Aarushi as 'beaut damsel'
NDTV reports: In his order declaring Nupur and Rajesh Talwar guilty of murdering their domestic help and their daughter Aarushi, Judge Shyam Lal describes the young girl as "a beaut damsel and sole heiress."
Read the full court order here
Read the full court order here
18:47 Aarushi murder case: Punishment correct, says Advocate Abha Singh
Social activist and advocate Abha Singh on Tuesday described the punishment given to the Talwar couple, for the murder of their teen daughter Aarushi and servant Hemraaj, as correct.
"The punishment given to them is correct. They were charged under Section 302 (IPC), according to which, the punishment given is either life imprisonment or death sentence. Though the CBI claimed the case to be 'rarest of the rare' but it is not, as they were not able to prove the motive behind the killings,' she said
"The punishment given to them is correct. They were charged under Section 302 (IPC), according to which, the punishment given is either life imprisonment or death sentence. Though the CBI claimed the case to be 'rarest of the rare' but it is not, as they were not able to prove the motive behind the killings,' she said
18:46 Aarushi case will devastate parents: Ranjana Kumari
Social activist Ranjana Kumari on Tuesday said the Aarushi murder case would affect the minds of parents all over the India.
"This case will have a devastating effect on the minds of the parents, in all over India, as the relation between the parents and their children, is the most pure form of love,' she said.
Meanwhile, social activist Saraswati Ghosh said, "Still, there is no direct evidence. Only on the basis of circumstantial evidence, that they (Talwars) have been convicted. My only concern is the story CBI has constructed is right.
"We have seen that to save their face, CBI sometimes manufactures stories. That's why I am concerned, that this is not a wrong conviction," she said.
The Talwars were declared guilty of the crime under Sections 302 (Punishment for Death), 201 (Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender), 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 203 (Giving false information respecting an offence committed) was also imposed on Rajesh Talwar.
"This case will have a devastating effect on the minds of the parents, in all over India, as the relation between the parents and their children, is the most pure form of love,' she said.
Meanwhile, social activist Saraswati Ghosh said, "Still, there is no direct evidence. Only on the basis of circumstantial evidence, that they (Talwars) have been convicted. My only concern is the story CBI has constructed is right.
"We have seen that to save their face, CBI sometimes manufactures stories. That's why I am concerned, that this is not a wrong conviction," she said.
The Talwars were declared guilty of the crime under Sections 302 (Punishment for Death), 201 (Causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender), 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 203 (Giving false information respecting an offence committed) was also imposed on Rajesh Talwar.
18:43 Mumbai Property prices likely to correct next year: Report
Weak absorption and rising inventories in the residential market here may lead to price correction in the early part of 2014, real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank said today.
Nearly 2.9 lakh residential units are under construction in the city while unsold units stood at 1.3 lakh during the January-September period, Knight Frank said in a report.
"The weakening real estate prices suggest that long- standing stalemate between buyers and builders is finally turning in the buyers' favour. The increase in inventories coupled with weakening absorption levels would put further pressure on prices," its research director Samantak Das said.
Nearly 2.9 lakh residential units are under construction in the city while unsold units stood at 1.3 lakh during the January-September period, Knight Frank said in a report.
"The weakening real estate prices suggest that long- standing stalemate between buyers and builders is finally turning in the buyers' favour. The increase in inventories coupled with weakening absorption levels would put further pressure on prices," its research director Samantak Das said.
18:20
Hartosh Bal on Tehelka's 'overdue' demise. Read
18:16 Why no compensation for kin of missing crew of Kuber, MP asks
Independent Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani has requested the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to consider sympathetically the demand of compensation to the relatives of four crew members of fishing boat Kuber, which had been hijacked by Ajmal Kasab and his companions.
Kasab and other nine Pakistani terrorists seized Kuber to reach the vicinity of Mumbai coast before launching the deadly terrorist attack on India's financial capital on November 26, 2008.
While the beheaded body of Amarsinh Solanki, Kuber's captain, was found in the abandoned boat, bodies of other four fishermen, namely, Ramesh Nagji Bamaniya from Simasi village in Una taluka of Junagadh, Balwant Prabhu, Mukesh Rathod and Nathu Nanu from Vasi Borsi village of Navsari district, were not found.
The Maharashtra government paid compensation to Solanki's family; it should also provide compensation to families of four other crew members, treating them on par with other victims of the attack, Nathwani has said in a letter to the Prime Minister.
Kasab and other nine Pakistani terrorists seized Kuber to reach the vicinity of Mumbai coast before launching the deadly terrorist attack on India's financial capital on November 26, 2008.
While the beheaded body of Amarsinh Solanki, Kuber's captain, was found in the abandoned boat, bodies of other four fishermen, namely, Ramesh Nagji Bamaniya from Simasi village in Una taluka of Junagadh, Balwant Prabhu, Mukesh Rathod and Nathu Nanu from Vasi Borsi village of Navsari district, were not found.
The Maharashtra government paid compensation to Solanki's family; it should also provide compensation to families of four other crew members, treating them on par with other victims of the attack, Nathwani has said in a letter to the Prime Minister.
18:05
Gripping read: The Chief Investigating Officer's report on the Mumbai terror attacks of 26th November 2008. Read
17:48 What the CBI judge said yesterday
If you haven't read it yet, this is Special CBI Judge Shyam Lal's verdict pronouncing the Talwars guilty of the double murders.
"Now is the time to say omega in this case, to perorate it is proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused or the perpetrators of the crime in question.
"The parents are the best protectors of their own children. That is the order of the human nature but there have been freaks in the history of mankind where the father and the mother became the killer of their own progeny.
"They (Talwars) have extirpated their own daughter who hardly had seen 14 summers of her life and the servant without the compunction of terrestrial terrain in the breach of commandment 'thou shall not kill' and injunction of Holy Quran 'take not life which god has made sacred'," the judge, who is due to lay down office this month-end, said in his 204-page verdict yesterday.
"Now is the time to say omega in this case, to perorate it is proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused or the perpetrators of the crime in question.
"The parents are the best protectors of their own children. That is the order of the human nature but there have been freaks in the history of mankind where the father and the mother became the killer of their own progeny.
"They (Talwars) have extirpated their own daughter who hardly had seen 14 summers of her life and the servant without the compunction of terrestrial terrain in the breach of commandment 'thou shall not kill' and injunction of Holy Quran 'take not life which god has made sacred'," the judge, who is due to lay down office this month-end, said in his 204-page verdict yesterday.
17:38
Zaid Hamid: So many vacancies at tehalka 3 new elevators have been installed for drunken banters. 6 months paid holiday as perk. Apply today.
17:37 All the stories of the terror, tragedy and triumph of 26/11
On Rediff.com, must-reads on the Mumbai terror attack. Click on the map to find the stories at each location where the 10 Pakistanis laid siege to the city.
17:33
On Twitter: Goa Police DIG OP Mishra says, "We have issued an immigration check post alert for Tarun Tejpal at all ports and airports of the country."
17:29
Swapan Dasgupta: Have always been told to not kick a man when he is down. Hence a dharma sankat: to write or not to write about L'affaire Tejpal.
17:28
The defence will challenge the verdict in the Allahabad High Court in 30 days.
17:27
Sagarika Ghose on the how the CBI 'raped' Aarushi Talwar. Read
17:24
Tweets on the Talwar case sentencing: Swapan Dasgupta: Was read sections of Arushi judgment. Miscarriage of justice compounded by abortion of Albion's tongue. Even TT sounds lucid by comparison.
Vikram Chandra: Depending on your viewpoint, this was either the most shocking of crimes, or a sad miscarriage of justice.
Vikram Chandra: Depending on your viewpoint, this was either the most shocking of crimes, or a sad miscarriage of justice.
17:15 Bangalore teen gang-raped after trip to the cinema
A 16-year-old in Bangalore is in hospital after being gang-raped by five men.
Three suspects have been arrested, the police said.
On Saturday, the teen watched a movie with one of the suspects, a 25-year-old.
The police say from the theatre, he took her to a secluded area in Central Bangalore, where he was joined by four friends.After she was assaulted and abandoned, the teen returned home and confided in her family, which then rushed her to hospital.Her condition is stable. -- NDTV
Three suspects have been arrested, the police said.
On Saturday, the teen watched a movie with one of the suspects, a 25-year-old.
The police say from the theatre, he took her to a secluded area in Central Bangalore, where he was joined by four friends.After she was assaulted and abandoned, the teen returned home and confided in her family, which then rushed her to hospital.Her condition is stable. -- NDTV
17:11 Kasab's last words to interrogator
In other news, the fifth anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks. When Kasab said: Bas aap logon ki jeet hai (It is your victory). Read
17:08
Rajesh and Nupur Talwar go back to Dasna jail.
16:54 Live! CBI judge: Aarushi murder case does NOT fall under rarest of rare
Rebecca John, the Talwars's lawyer says what astonishes her is that an agency (the CBI) which filed a closure report saying there was no evidence in the case, has now asked for the death penalty. "It is a grotesque misuse of power, the death sentence is an irresponsible demand and the case has never merited a rarest of rare instance," she said.
The court said they found no merit in CBI's argument that the case fell under rarest of rare.
The court said they found no merit in CBI's argument that the case fell under rarest of rare.
16:43 Mockery of justice: Talwars' friends
The couple's friend Masooma Ranalvi says the family and friends are convinced they are innocent, the trial is a mockery of justice.
Aarushi's aunt, (Rajesh's brother's wife) Vandana Talwar, who was in court today says the matter will be taken to the higher court.
The five and one year sentences will run concurrently with the life term.
Aarushi's aunt, (Rajesh's brother's wife) Vandana Talwar, who was in court today says the matter will be taken to the higher court.
The five and one year sentences will run concurrently with the life term.
16:38
The Talwars also get five years for destruction of evidence, while Rajesh Talwar was also given a year's sentence for giving false evidence.
16:35 Live! Defence lawyer on Talwars' life-term: This is a witch-hunt, will move HC
So, the court does not believe that case falls in the rarest of rare, which merits a death sentence. The couple were handed out a life sentence for the murders of their daughter, Aarushi and domestic help, Hemraj Banjade. The CBI wanted the death sentence for the couple.
Defence lawyer Rebecca John said it was a witch-hunt and would approach the Allahabad High Court as soon as possible.
Defence lawyer Rebecca John said it was a witch-hunt and would approach the Allahabad High Court as soon as possible.
16:28 Live! Talwars given life term for Aarushi-Hemraj double murders
Dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar were sentenced by the special CBI court in Ghaziabad. The verdict was delivered over an hour later than expected.
The Talwars were given the life term.
The arguments lasted for just 10 minutes.
The couple has been held guilty of killing their 14-year-old daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj in their house in Noida in May 2008.
They were convicted at 3:25 pm yesterday. Additional Sessions Judge Shyam Lal on Monday held both of them also guilty of destruction of evidence in the murder on the intervening night of May 15 and 16, 2008, days before the birthday of the Std IX student.
Both were convicted under section 302 (murder) of the IPC, while Rajesh Talwar was also convicted under section 203 of the Indian Penal Code for filing wrong information with the Noida police station about the incident.
The Talwars said yesterday that they will challenge the verdict in the Allahabad High Court.
The last time the rarest of rare instance was cited by the prosecution and granted by the judge was during the December 16 rape case. Yesterday, the judge had called the Talwars "freaks in the history of mankind where the father and mother became the killer of their own progeny."
Family and friends of the Talwars say the verdict may have been given but it was a miscarriage of justice.
The Talwars were given the life term.
The arguments lasted for just 10 minutes.
The couple has been held guilty of killing their 14-year-old daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj in their house in Noida in May 2008.
They were convicted at 3:25 pm yesterday. Additional Sessions Judge Shyam Lal on Monday held both of them also guilty of destruction of evidence in the murder on the intervening night of May 15 and 16, 2008, days before the birthday of the Std IX student.
Both were convicted under section 302 (murder) of the IPC, while Rajesh Talwar was also convicted under section 203 of the Indian Penal Code for filing wrong information with the Noida police station about the incident.
The Talwars said yesterday that they will challenge the verdict in the Allahabad High Court.
The last time the rarest of rare instance was cited by the prosecution and granted by the judge was during the December 16 rape case. Yesterday, the judge had called the Talwars "freaks in the history of mankind where the father and mother became the killer of their own progeny."
Family and friends of the Talwars say the verdict may have been given but it was a miscarriage of justice.
16:27
Defence lawyer argues that the Talwars must be given a chance to reform, in the event that the judge hands out the death sentence. The defence lawyer also says they the couple don't have a criminal record.
15:51 Live! Aarushi-Hemraj murders: Talwars to be sentenced at 4:30 pm
Alright, the Talwars will be sentenced at 4.30 pm. What does that delay mean for the couple, convicted for double murders?
15:49
Support for Rana Ayyub, the Tehelka staffer who quit the magazine protesting the alleged assault on her colleague.
Raheel Khursheed: Awesome investigative reporter RanaAyyub just left Tehelka on principle. I'd make an offer right away.
Raheel Khursheed: Awesome investigative reporter RanaAyyub just left Tehelka on principle. I'd make an offer right away.
15:47 Guj Cong dubs probe in snooping row as 'Save Modi Commission'
Terming the two-member inquiry commission constituted by the Gujarat government over alleged snooping on a woman by police, as an eyewash, state Congress today dubbed it as "Save Modi Commission".
"A thief who steals, himself decides the investigating officer to nab the accused," Gujarat Congress chief Arjun Modhwadia said, reacting to the constitution of the commission.
"Instead of handing over the probe to a sitting judge of Supreme Court or lodging a complaint, a 'Save Modi Commission' has been constituted to cover-up the entire incident," he alleged.
"A thief who steals, himself decides the investigating officer to nab the accused," Gujarat Congress chief Arjun Modhwadia said, reacting to the constitution of the commission.
"Instead of handing over the probe to a sitting judge of Supreme Court or lodging a complaint, a 'Save Modi Commission' has been constituted to cover-up the entire incident," he alleged.
15:46 26/11 is a grim reminder of security threat to India: Modi
On the fifth anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks today, the Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi said Centre's failure to bring the real perpetrators of 26/11 to justice is disappointing.
"Centre's failure to bring the real perpetrators of 26/11 to justice is disappointing. It is high time Centre acts decisively," Modi said in a series of tweets today. "26/11 is a grim reminder of the security threat that India faces. Let us assure families of the victims that sacrifice of their near ones will not go in vain...Time to work towards a stronger and safer India," he said.
"Centre's failure to bring the real perpetrators of 26/11 to justice is disappointing. It is high time Centre acts decisively," Modi said in a series of tweets today. "26/11 is a grim reminder of the security threat that India faces. Let us assure families of the victims that sacrifice of their near ones will not go in vain...Time to work towards a stronger and safer India," he said.
15:26
Aarushi-Hemraj double murders: The defence has asked for leniency saying there is no conclusive proof of who committed the murders.
The defence and prosecution spent five minutes each in the arguments on the sentencing.
The defence and prosecution spent five minutes each in the arguments on the sentencing.
15:22 Nilanjana Roy wins Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize 2013
While we wait for the sentencing to be announced, Nilanjana Roy has won the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize 2013 for her book The Wildings. Detailed report in a bit.
15:06 What is rarest of rare
Capital punishment could be awarded when a "murder is committed in an extremely brutal, grotesque, diabolical, revolting or dastardly manner so as to arouse intense and extreme indignation of the community', the court said.
If the motive betrays depravity and meanness, or if a backward or minority community member is killed not for personal reasons but to arouse social wrath, the accused should get death, it added.
"Bride burning' and "dowry deaths' -- including cases where murder is committed in order to remarry and extract dowry again -- as well as killing the wife to marry another woman should attract capital punishment.
The court said a convict could be sent to the gallows if the crime is enormous in proportion. For instance, when multiple murders are committed targeting all or almost all members of one family, or a large number of persons of a caste, community or locality. Also if the murder victim is a child, who could not have or has not provided even an excuse, much less any provocation for the crime.
If the motive betrays depravity and meanness, or if a backward or minority community member is killed not for personal reasons but to arouse social wrath, the accused should get death, it added.
"Bride burning' and "dowry deaths' -- including cases where murder is committed in order to remarry and extract dowry again -- as well as killing the wife to marry another woman should attract capital punishment.
The court said a convict could be sent to the gallows if the crime is enormous in proportion. For instance, when multiple murders are committed targeting all or almost all members of one family, or a large number of persons of a caste, community or locality. Also if the murder victim is a child, who could not have or has not provided even an excuse, much less any provocation for the crime.
15:03 Sorry, Indian Army won't train Afghanistan
In other news: An Afghan government request to India to help set up a military training institution for its army -- a move that would help New Delhi to increase its strategic footprint in that country as the US pulls out next year -- is set to fall through because of concerns over security. Read more
15:00
This is Hemant Morparia's take on the Tarun Tejpal case; awesome as usual.
14:58 Goa Women's Commission demands arrest of Tejpal, Chaudhary
Update on the sex assault case against Tarun Tejpal.
Goa State Women's Commission today demanded that Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, accused of sexually assaulting a woman journalist, be arrested along with the magazine's Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhary for allegedly trying to abet the crime.
"We demand with Goa police that Tejpal should be arrested immediately for sexually assaulting a woman in the (hotel) lift," GSWC Chairman Vidya Shet Tanavade said.
Chaudhary, who allegedly abetted the crime by trying to shield Tejpal, should also be booked and arrested, she said.
"Chaudhary knew about this crime much earlier. It was her duty to inform the police. She tried to hush up everything to protect Tejpal. It was unfair on her part to do so, especially she being a woman," Tanavade alleged.
"She (Chaudhary) should be booked and arrested for the offence," she demanded.
Goa State Women's Commission today demanded that Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, accused of sexually assaulting a woman journalist, be arrested along with the magazine's Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhary for allegedly trying to abet the crime.
"We demand with Goa police that Tejpal should be arrested immediately for sexually assaulting a woman in the (hotel) lift," GSWC Chairman Vidya Shet Tanavade said.
Chaudhary, who allegedly abetted the crime by trying to shield Tejpal, should also be booked and arrested, she said.
"Chaudhary knew about this crime much earlier. It was her duty to inform the police. She tried to hush up everything to protect Tejpal. It was unfair on her part to do so, especially she being a woman," Tanavade alleged.
"She (Chaudhary) should be booked and arrested for the offence," she demanded.
14:43
And here is Amul's take on the Tehelka case.
14:41
The prosecution says it should be remembered that there were two murders and after killing their daughter and Hemraj, the Talwars did everything possible to hide the evidence.
14:39 Live! CBI demands death sentence for Talwars, verdict at 3 pm
The arguments on the quantum of punishment for the Talwars have concluded. The sentencing is likely to be announced at 3 pm. The prosecution has said this is a double murder and therefore the case should be treated as 'rarest of rare' and has demanded the maximum punishment -- the death sentence.
14:37 AAP files reply to EC
Meanwhile, AAP files a reply to Election Commission notice to it. The Election Commission has asked AAP TO reply to its notice for Model Code violation
by appealing to Muslims in Delhi for votes on religious grounds.
In a letter to the EC, Kejriwal urged it to grant him two more days to reply to the notice.
He was served a notice by EC on November 20 after he distributed pamphlets asking Muslims to vote for AAP and was asked to reply by today morning.
"The Commission has prima facie observed that by distributing the pamphlet (seeking Muslim votes), you have violated the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.
"You are hereby called upon to explain by 11 AM on November 25 as to why action should not be initiated against you for the said violation," the EC notice said.
14:17
Yesterday, Special CBI judge Shyam Lal held the couple guilty of murder and destruction of evidence under section 302 and 201 of the IPC respectively. Rajesh Talwar was also separately held guilty, under section 203, of registering a false FIR.
14:09 Prosecution to push for the death sentence
The prosecution will push for the death penalty, which is the maximum punishment under section 302 (murder) of the IPC.
It's the circumstantial evidence provided by CBI that sealed the fate of Dr Rajesh Talwar and Nupur Talwar in the Aarushi-Hemraj murder case.
In its order, the court discussed 26 points that were brought by the prosecution during the trial to buttress its case. The court noted that in a case "where there is a fight between ocular evidence and documentary evidence", the documentary evidence prevails.
It's the circumstantial evidence provided by CBI that sealed the fate of Dr Rajesh Talwar and Nupur Talwar in the Aarushi-Hemraj murder case.
In its order, the court discussed 26 points that were brought by the prosecution during the trial to buttress its case. The court noted that in a case "where there is a fight between ocular evidence and documentary evidence", the documentary evidence prevails.
14:03 Talwars reach court, sentencing arguments set to begin
Rajesh and Nupur Talwar have reached the CBI court. With them in the court are their friends and family. Nupur had complained of uneasiness and dizziness earlier, but doctors have obviously thought she was fit to attend the proceedings.
The couple who is lodged in the Dasna jail, reportedly spent much of last night weeping and barely ate dinner.
The couple who is lodged in the Dasna jail, reportedly spent much of last night weeping and barely ate dinner.
13:53
The sentencing arguments in the Aarushi-Hemraj murder case will begin shortly.
13:50
I am told the call records of a Tehelka editor shows several calls to ministers after the complaint was received. Any clue? Rahul, tweets Saikat Datta.
Tehelka's senior editors expect their staff to work pro bono on festivals run by their private company, tweets Rahul Bhatia.
Tehelka's senior editors expect their staff to work pro bono on festivals run by their private company, tweets Rahul Bhatia.
13:43 Tehelka case: Goa police record woman journalist's statement
The Goa police team has recorded the woman journalist's statement in Mumbai. The girl may record the statement again before a magistrate in Goa tomorrow.
13:37 Live! Talwars on their way to court to hear sentence
Rajesh and Nupur Talwar are on their way to the Ghaziabad court to hear their quantum of punishment. More than five years after the double murder and flip-flops in investigation, dentist couple were held guilty of killing their 14-year-old daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj in their house in Noida.
13:34
Casualties of Kashmir's unrest live in the dark. Read
13:29 The Bard of the Tea Stall
Laxman Rao's roadside tea stand in New Delhi sells the same items as most tea stalls in India, like various types of cookies, crispy fried snacks called namkeen and sweet milky tea. But Mr. Rao also offers something that most tea sellers, known as chai wallahs, do not '" books that he has written and published himself. Read the full story here.
13:22
"Tejpal's latest effusion paraphrased: The BJP made her make me do it," tweets Tunku Varadarajan.
13:16 Five years after 26/11, LeT stronger than ever: Experts
Five years after the horrific Mumbai terror attacks, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is stronger than ever and remains the "favoured instrument" of Pakistani military and the ISI against India, US experts have said.
"Lashkar-e-Tayyiba is stronger today than ever. It has a secure stronghold in Pakistan, networks in the Gulf for fundraising and cells in the Pakistani diaspora in the UK, UK and elsewhere. It is a major threat to India, America and others," Bruce Riedel, the former CIA analyst and a top American expert on South Asian counter-terrorism issues said.
Experts and ex-administration officials reiterated the ISI of Pakistan continues to support LeT, which they warned now poses an equal threat to the US and India.
"Lashkar-e-Tayyiba is stronger today than ever. It has a secure stronghold in Pakistan, networks in the Gulf for fundraising and cells in the Pakistani diaspora in the UK, UK and elsewhere. It is a major threat to India, America and others," Bruce Riedel, the former CIA analyst and a top American expert on South Asian counter-terrorism issues said.
Experts and ex-administration officials reiterated the ISI of Pakistan continues to support LeT, which they warned now poses an equal threat to the US and India.
13:14 Mamata an accomplice in Saradha chit fund scam: Cong
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Tuesday accused Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of being involved in the multi-billion Saradha chit fund scam.
"She (Mamata) should take responsibility for this scam. She herself is involved in the scam; in fact she is an accomplice in this multi-billion scam. In future, this will be revealed,' he said
"They are simply under the apprehension of being incriminated by Kunal Ghosh. TMC government has been forced to put Kunal Ghosh behind the bars. If they have guts, then they should answer the questions raised by Ghosh,' he said days after the police arrested suspended TMC lawmaker Kunal Ghosh in West Bengal for his alleged role in the scam.
In a Facebook post, Ghosh had named 12 party leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, who could help in the investigation of the scam. The Kolkata-based Saradha Group, ponzi scheme had over 10,000 registered chit funds across the country and with an aggregate turnover of Rs.30, 000 crore per annum.
"She (Mamata) should take responsibility for this scam. She herself is involved in the scam; in fact she is an accomplice in this multi-billion scam. In future, this will be revealed,' he said
"They are simply under the apprehension of being incriminated by Kunal Ghosh. TMC government has been forced to put Kunal Ghosh behind the bars. If they have guts, then they should answer the questions raised by Ghosh,' he said days after the police arrested suspended TMC lawmaker Kunal Ghosh in West Bengal for his alleged role in the scam.
In a Facebook post, Ghosh had named 12 party leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, who could help in the investigation of the scam. The Kolkata-based Saradha Group, ponzi scheme had over 10,000 registered chit funds across the country and with an aggregate turnover of Rs.30, 000 crore per annum.
13:01 Live! Docs to decide if unwell Nupur Talwar can travel to court to hear sentence
The quantum of punishment for Rajesh and Nupur Talwar for killing their daughter Aarushi and servant, Hemraj, is expected today. The hearing will begin at 2 pm at the Ghaziabad court. However, Nupur Talwar, is reportedly unwell. Doctors attending
to her at the Dasna jail, where she was sent along with her husband, say they will decide in a few
hours whether she can travel to the court to receive her sentence.
12:57 Tehelka wants Sharmila Tagore, Justice Leela Seth, in anti-sexual harassment panel
Responding to Urvashi Butalia's statement, Tehalka said today, "Since last Thursday, Tehelka has requested several people to be a part of the Sexual Harassment Enquiry Committee in Tehelka, including eminent people like Urvashi Butalia, Inakshi Ganguly, Sharmila Tagore, Justice Leela Seth, Prem Shankar Jha, Uma Chakravarti, Vrinda Grover, and several others.
"Tehelka has also written to the complainant journalist asking her to suggest some names for the committee, but she hasn't replied.
However, despite all our efforts, there is a strong sense amongst lawyers and activists that, given that a criminal enquiry by Goa police was started on Thursday itself and a criminal case has now been filed, an Enquiry Committee would not have any legal standing.
"Hence, many of the people Tehelka has approached wish to recuse themselves from the committee. We are trying to persuade them to reconsider and remain committed to having such a committee to investigate this matter."
"Tehelka has also written to the complainant journalist asking her to suggest some names for the committee, but she hasn't replied.
However, despite all our efforts, there is a strong sense amongst lawyers and activists that, given that a criminal enquiry by Goa police was started on Thursday itself and a criminal case has now been filed, an Enquiry Committee would not have any legal standing.
"Hence, many of the people Tehelka has approached wish to recuse themselves from the committee. We are trying to persuade them to reconsider and remain committed to having such a committee to investigate this matter."
12:51 The fall of India's conscience
The biggest story in India right now is that one of the country's most famous and controversial journalists stands accused of sexual assault. How did a man known for skewering the powerful end up this way? Read
12:47
Five years after 26/11, Intelligence services still crippled by staff shortage, reports Praveen Swami for the Hindu.
12:45
Aarushi Talwar murder: Inside story of India's most controversial trial. Read
12:37 Why women remain silent
The pressure to furnish proof, the fear of fighting a superior, the likely impact on career, and adverse publicity prevent women from reporting sexual harassment. Read the editorial on the Hindu.
12:11 Live! Urvashi Butalia refuses to head Tehelka anti-sexual harassment panel
Details coming in: Publisher Urvashi Butalia has refused to head Tehelka's internal complaints committee set up to probe sexual assault allegations against its editor Tarun Tejpal, saying it was now not needed as the case was being investigated by police.
In a letter to Tehelka's Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhury, Butalia, Director of Zubaan Books publishing house, said she was recusing herself from heading the committee under the Vishakha guidelines. She was appointed by Tehelka to head its internal probe panel.
In a tweet, Zubaan Books said today, "Zubaan would like to clarify that our director Urvashi Butalia is not on the committee Tehelka was planning to set up in line with the Vishakha guidelines, nor on any other committee related to the Tejpal case.
On Friday the 22nd of November, Urvashi wrote to @ShomaChaudhury, saying any such committee that was planned was redundant now that due process under the law had begun."
In a letter to Tehelka's Managing Editor Shoma Chaudhury, Butalia, Director of Zubaan Books publishing house, said she was recusing herself from heading the committee under the Vishakha guidelines. She was appointed by Tehelka to head its internal probe panel.
In a tweet, Zubaan Books said today, "Zubaan would like to clarify that our director Urvashi Butalia is not on the committee Tehelka was planning to set up in line with the Vishakha guidelines, nor on any other committee related to the Tejpal case.
On Friday the 22nd of November, Urvashi wrote to @ShomaChaudhury, saying any such committee that was planned was redundant now that due process under the law had begun."
12:02 26/11 terror attack: Tributes paid to martyrs, victims
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Home Minister R R Patil today paid tributes to martyrs at a Police Memorial here on the fifth anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks.
Chavan and Patil paid homage to the heroes at the Police Gymkhana in Marine Lines, where a 26/11 memorial has been erected in remembrance of the policemen, who lost their lives fighting terrorists.
Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh and family members of victims and brave-hearts, also paid floral tributes to those killed in the November 26, 2008, siege.
Chavan and Patil paid homage to the heroes at the Police Gymkhana in Marine Lines, where a 26/11 memorial has been erected in remembrance of the policemen, who lost their lives fighting terrorists.
Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh and family members of victims and brave-hearts, also paid floral tributes to those killed in the November 26, 2008, siege.
11:58
This is what Jay Mazoomdaar, who terminated his contract as a consulting editor with Tehelka on Friday said:
"The way the issue was handled is very disappointing. What should have been a transparent and legal issue between an editor and a reporter has ended up causing serious damage to the organization and its credibility. In the circumstances, it did not feel right to continue with the magazine."
Revati Laul, an assistant editor who also put in her papers said: "I wanted to quit the instant I came to know about the incident but waited to see how the company handled it. I was upset when the management decided that a public apology and Tarun's stepping down would suffice and so decided there was no point of hanging on any further."
"The way the issue was handled is very disappointing. What should have been a transparent and legal issue between an editor and a reporter has ended up causing serious damage to the organization and its credibility. In the circumstances, it did not feel right to continue with the magazine."
Revati Laul, an assistant editor who also put in her papers said: "I wanted to quit the instant I came to know about the incident but waited to see how the company handled it. I was upset when the management decided that a public apology and Tarun's stepping down would suffice and so decided there was no point of hanging on any further."
11:51 Bangalore school building collapse: 3, including a child, dead
Three people, including a child, have killed after a building collapsed in Adugodi area of Bangalore in Karnataka. One woman is still trapped in the debris, police said.
The building, which was attached to the Padmavati school, reportedly caught fire before collapsing. It was more than 50 years old.
A two-year-old boy, a teenager and an elderly person, who were in the building when it collapsed, were killed on the spot, police said. The injured have been taken to a hospital. -- NDTV.
The building, which was attached to the Padmavati school, reportedly caught fire before collapsing. It was more than 50 years old.
A two-year-old boy, a teenager and an elderly person, who were in the building when it collapsed, were killed on the spot, police said. The injured have been taken to a hospital. -- NDTV.
11:50 Live! Tejpal anticipatory bail hearing tomorrow, another Tehelka journo quits
The anticipatory bail application filed by Tehelka's former editor-inchief Tarun Tejpal, will be heard tomorrow by the Delhi High Court.
And another Tehelka reporter, Rana Ayub, resigns in protest over the sexual assault case. That's the fifth resignation (including the victim) since the scandal broke.
Two of the three people she shared the incident with in Goa -- Ishan Dasgupta and Ishan Tankha -- put in their papers. The first staffer to quit was Revati Laul.
And another Tehelka reporter, Rana Ayub, resigns in protest over the sexual assault case. That's the fifth resignation (including the victim) since the scandal broke.
Two of the three people she shared the incident with in Goa -- Ishan Dasgupta and Ishan Tankha -- put in their papers. The first staffer to quit was Revati Laul.
11:38 Five Years On, Mumbai Still Not Safe
Five years to the day after Mumbai faced one of its worst terror attacks, several city residents, including those injured during the three-day siege, say that they aren't convinced the city is properly insulated from a repeat of such an assault. Read
11:34 Mumbai teen allegedly gang-raped by auto-rickshaw driver, his friends
A 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by an auto-rickshaw driver she reportedly knew and two of his friends in Mumbai on Monday, the police have said.
The incident reportedly happened on Monday night after the teenager was offered a lift by the rickshaw driver she knew. The accused then allegedly took the rickshaw to a secluded place and raped her along with two of his friends. All the accused have been arrested. -- NDTV
The incident reportedly happened on Monday night after the teenager was offered a lift by the rickshaw driver she knew. The accused then allegedly took the rickshaw to a secluded place and raped her along with two of his friends. All the accused have been arrested. -- NDTV
11:32 Tehelka case: Woman journalist willing to record statement
The Tehelka journalist, who had accused its editor Tarun Tejpal of sexually assaulting her, has shown willingness to travel to Goa and record her statement before the authorities, a senior police official said today.
The woman, who was contacted by Investigating Officer Sunita Sawant over phone yesterday, has shown willingness to co-operate, a senior official said on condition of anonymity.
"If the woman travels to Goa, her statement would be recorded before the magistrate under IPC section 164 (recording of confessions and statements)," the official said.
Although Goa police are yet to meet the woman, who lives in Mumbai, the official said the first conversation between the investigating officer and her was very fruitful.
"She has narrated many things which are not mentioned even in the email. That could go against Tarun Tejpal," a police official said. The woman is ready to fully co-operate with the investigating agency, the official said.
The woman, who was contacted by Investigating Officer Sunita Sawant over phone yesterday, has shown willingness to co-operate, a senior official said on condition of anonymity.
"If the woman travels to Goa, her statement would be recorded before the magistrate under IPC section 164 (recording of confessions and statements)," the official said.
Although Goa police are yet to meet the woman, who lives in Mumbai, the official said the first conversation between the investigating officer and her was very fruitful.
"She has narrated many things which are not mentioned even in the email. That could go against Tarun Tejpal," a police official said. The woman is ready to fully co-operate with the investigating agency, the official said.
11:22
Mumbai better prepared in counter terror measures since 26/11. Have introduced many measures: Satyapal Singh, Police Commissioner.
11:11 The unarmed cop who took on 26/11 attackers
Our continued coverage on the fifth anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks. Rajvardhan, a daring police officer who fought the terrorists at the Taj Mahal hotel on 26/11, discusses the terror attacks and its aftermath with Rediff.com's Vaihayasi Pande Daniel in an exclusive interview. Read
11:08 Live! Tejpal: Girl continued to party after 'light-hearted bantering'
Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal, accused of raping a young journalist, has in a plea seeking anticipatory bail described the alleged incident as 'light-hearted bantering" and said the journalist "continued to party" afterwards.
"The said encounter (on November 7) was only light-hearted bantering which led to a moment of privacy between two individuals," Tejpal says in the petition which will be heard by the Delhi High Court today.
"The alleged colleague continued to party and was completely normal and friendly all throughout her stay in Goa," he says of the journalist who accused him of sexually assaulting her twice inside the lift of the hotel where the magazine had organized an event earlier this month.
Read the full story here.
The full text of the bail plea
"The said encounter (on November 7) was only light-hearted bantering which led to a moment of privacy between two individuals," Tejpal says in the petition which will be heard by the Delhi High Court today.
"The alleged colleague continued to party and was completely normal and friendly all throughout her stay in Goa," he says of the journalist who accused him of sexually assaulting her twice inside the lift of the hotel where the magazine had organized an event earlier this month.
Read the full story here.
The full text of the bail plea
11:02 How to fix Pakistan's mad mullahs and prevent another 26/11
'The Kuber left Porbandar on the Saurashtra coast on November 14 and was next traced in Mumbai on November 26. It is a mystery where this boat was for 12 days.'
'It was claimed that the Kuber was hijacked on open seas. But would the LeT have planned such an elaborate operation on the chance that they would be able to hijack a boat, asks Colonel Anil A Athale (retd) on the fifth anniversary of the 26/11 attacks. Read the story on Rediff.com.
'It was claimed that the Kuber was hijacked on open seas. But would the LeT have planned such an elaborate operation on the chance that they would be able to hijack a boat, asks Colonel Anil A Athale (retd) on the fifth anniversary of the 26/11 attacks. Read the story on Rediff.com.
11:01 Why this family must not mourn alone today
It's five years since the Mumbai terror attacks. In a tiny village in Bihar, the family of the victims who died at CST, will hold prayers today. It's the only way they know to cope. Read
10:49 Rajesh and Nupur Talwar cried in jail, refused food
Follow-up on the other big story yesterday: Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, found guilty of killing their teen daughter
Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj in 2008, spent hours crying in jail and
refused to touch any food till late last night, an official has said. Read more
10:37 Was school girl molested?
A 12-year-old student of an ashram school in Thane allegedly died of jaundice, but her parents are suspecting foul play, police said today.
The school authorities said the Class VI had died of jaundice on Sunday, but her father claimed that when he had reached hospital, he saw her clothes were torn and suspected that she was sexually assaulted, police said.
The girl, a resident of Ghol village in Thane's Dahanu taluka, was studying in the ashram school in Dadhade village of Vikramgadh taluka of the district, they said.
The school authorities said the Class VI had died of jaundice on Sunday, but her father claimed that when he had reached hospital, he saw her clothes were torn and suspected that she was sexually assaulted, police said.
The girl, a resident of Ghol village in Thane's Dahanu taluka, was studying in the ashram school in Dadhade village of Vikramgadh taluka of the district, they said.
10:35 Sankararaman murder case verdict to be delivered tomorrow
A Puducherry court will tomorrow deliver its verdict in the high profile 2004 Sankararaman murder case, in which two Kanchi Mutt seers Jayendra Saraswathi and Vijayendra are the prime accused. Puducherry Principal District and Sessions Judge C S Murugan will pronounce the judgement after a trial which ran for over nine years.
A Sankararaman, manager of the Varadarajaperumal temple at Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu, was allegedly murdered on September 3, 2004, in the temple premises.
A Sankararaman, manager of the Varadarajaperumal temple at Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu, was allegedly murdered on September 3, 2004, in the temple premises.
09:38 Modi in Time shortlist for 'Person of the Year 2013' title
BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is among Time magazine's shortlisted candidates for its 'Person of the Year' title and has emerged as an early favourite among the readers in an online poll.
Time has shortlisted 42 global leaders, entrepreneurs and celebrities for its 'Person of the Year 2013' and will announce the winner next month.
Other candidates in fray are Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, US President Barack Obama, Pakistani teenage education activist Malala Yousafzai, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden and even the new heir to the British throne Prince George.
On Modi, Time said "the controversial Hindu nationalist and Chief Minister of the Indian state of Gujarat is the most likely candidate to unseat India's ruling Congress party in the world's largest democracy."
Modi is the only Indian in the shortlist.
While Time's editors will choose the winner, it has asked readers to cast their votes for the person they think "most influenced the news this year for better or worse".
So far Modi has got over 2650 votes and with about 25 percent, is leading the online readers' poll. Modi is way ahead with Snowden, who garnered the second highest number of votes at about 7 percent as on November 20.
09:27 British 26/11 terror victim suing Taj Hotel
A British man paralysed during the deadly Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 is suing the owners of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, alleging that they did not properly secure the building despite warnings that an attack was imminent.
Lawyers for Will Pike said that they are bringing a civil claim for damages at London's High Court against the Indian Hotels Company Ltd, part of Indian conglomerate Tata Group.
The century-old luxury hotel was a key site during the days-long assault on Mumbai landmarks, which began five years ago Tuesday and left more than 160 people dead.
Hundreds of guests were staying at the hotel when gunmen entered, spraying gunfire and setting rooms ablaze.
Pike's lawyer said that in a 2008 CNN interview, the then-chairman of the Tata Group confirmed that the hotel had been warned.
"Clear warnings were received by the hotel that an attack was being conceived and they were a target," said Russell Levy.
"Despite that they did not put in security measures that would have made the terrorists choose a different target, or prevent them from being able to mount the attack in the way they did."
09:06 Delhi HC to hear Tarun Tejpal's bail plea today
The Delhi High Court will on Tuesday hear the bail plea of former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal, who is accused of sexually assaulting a junior colleague at a resort in Goa earlier this month.
Tejpal's lawyers Geeta Luthra and Pramod Dubey mentioned Tejpal's bail plea before Justice GS Sistani on Monday.
Meanwhile, activist and author Urvashi Butalia has refused to become a member of Tehelkas probe committee that was set up to look into the charges of sexual assault against Tejpal.
Butalia said that the panel has become redundant as the Police are already investigating the matter.
The sexual assault victim and two other employees, also witnesses in the case against Tehelka, resigned on yesterday.
04:21 Obama defends Iran policy amid Israel anger
US President Barack Obama defended his administration's Iran policy but said "huge challenges" remained to successfully implement a landmark deal on Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
Obama has come under fierce criticism from Republican rivals at home and key allies abroad, such as Israel, for pursuing a diplomatic solution to the Iran question.
04:20 Police search for a gunman at locked-down Yale
An anonymous caller warned authorities today that his roommate was on his way to Yale University to shoot people, leading officials to lock down the Ivy League campus as police searched for a gunman.
The hunt, which came as the school was on November break, was stymied by students who had stayed behind and were afraid to open their doors, police said.
An emergency call was received around 9:30 am local time from a man at a pay phone about a mile from the campus, said Officer David Hartman, a New Haven Police spokesman.
04:19 Putin kisses Madonna icon at Vatican
Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown off his religious side during a visit to the Vatican, stopping to cross himself and kiss an icon of the Madonna that he gave to Pope Francis.
Putin and Francis met privately for 35 minutes Monday evening in the pope's private library. The Vatican didn't immediately disclose details about the conversation.
02:30 Aarushi Talwar murder: Inside story of India's most controversial trial
The game of cricket, a passion for money, dreams, earthquakes and religious riots: Aarushi Talwar, 13, was lost in the world of the novel The 3 Mistakes of My Life . It was the night of May 15, 2008.
The next morning, this only child of two dentists was found dead on her bed in the New Delhi suburb of Noida, her body covered with her white flannel blanket. There was blood on the pillow, blood on the walls, blood on the floor. A camouflage-print school bag on her face covered cuts on her head, inflicted by three blows. Her throat had been slit.
01:57 Thai protesters occupy government buildings, cut power
Tens of thousands of protesters in Thailand's capital overran several buildings and cut power to the Finance Ministry on Monday in a stepped-up campaign to topple the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Protesters say they want to paralyze the government by forcing civil servants to stop working. They sang, danced and blew whistles in the hallways of government buildings.
01:18 Yemen: Airstrikes kill 12 al-Qaeda suspects
The Yemeni Interior Ministry says government airstrikes have killed 12 suspected al-Qaeda militants in the country's south. The statement today said the militants were killed in a strike this week in Abyan province that left their vehicle burned to a shell. The statement didn't specify the day of the attack.
01:18 UK victim of 2008 Mumbai attacks suing Taj Hotel
A British man paralyzed during the deadly Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 is suing the owners of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, alleging that they did not properly secure the building despite warnings that an attack was imminent.
Lawyers for Will Pike said that they are bringing a civil claim for damages at London's High Court against the Indian Hotels Company Ltd., part of Indian conglomerate Tata Group.
01:17 Spain PM's ally convicted of tax evasion
A court today sentenced a top ally of Spain's prime minister to four years' jail for tax fraud, in one of the country's most notorious recent corruption scandals.
The judgement came at a sensitive time for Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, whose Popular Party has been rocked by separate allegations of corruption this year.
00:29 34 dead in Iraq attacks
Iraq attacks, including a market bombing and the assassination of a former MP, killed 34 people today as France offered to help combat a surge in bloodshed ahead of elections.
The protracted rise in violence, which has seen at least 500 people killed already this month, has fuelled fears Iraq is on the brink of plunging back into the brutal Sunni-Shiite sectarian war that plagued it years ago.
00:28 UN: Syrian government and opposition to meet in Geneva
Syria's government and opposition will meet for the first time in an attempt to halt the nearly three-year-old civil war that has killed more than 100,000 people, the United Nations said Monday.
Previous attempts to bring the two sides together have failed, mainly because of disputes over who should represent the opposition and the government, Syrian President Bashar Assad's future role in the country, and whether Iran, Saudi Arabia and other regional powers should be at the table.
00:26 Live! 'Iran sanctions 'could be lifted in December'
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius says some EU sanctions on Iran could be lifted as early as next month, as part of a nuclear deal with world powers.
He was speaking after crowds in Tehran cheered negotiators who had agreed to curb some of Iran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.
The six-month interim deal agreed in Geneva prompted a fall in oil prices on markets on Monday.
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