LIVE
Fri, 06 September 2013
Live! Omar slams separatists for slamming Zubin Mehta concert
Timeline Refresh
23:32 Omar slams separatists for slamming Zubin Mehta concert
NDTV reports: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has hit out at separatists for calling a strike in the Valley to protest against renowned conductor Zubin Mehta's concert in Srinagar on Saturday.
"This is a big event for Kashmir... These (separatists) people are selective... If music is against the issue of Kashmir, how come Junoon came and performed here," said Abdullah,
"This is a big event for Kashmir... These (separatists) people are selective... If music is against the issue of Kashmir, how come Junoon came and performed here," said Abdullah,
22:17 The ultimate 'insider'' comes to Delhi
Dr Jeffrey Wigand -- whose personal and public struggle against Big Tobacco was immortalised in the Hollywood blockbuster "The Insider' -- will arrive in New Delhi this week to speak to policy makers, civil society and journalists about public health and the tobacco industry.
He is the key speaker at a seminar on September 9 on public health and journalism. Called Media's pH Value, this is a media-led public health discussion and the event marks the end of a three-week web-based conversation on aspects of tobacco control ranging from the disease burden to deceitful marketing tactics.
22:10 Live! Now, Asaram Bapu's son lands in trouble
Jailed religious guru Asaram Bapu's son Narayan Sai has also landed in trouble with an Indore-based woman today accusing him of cheating.
The woman has lodged a case against Narayan Sai in a local court alleging he got her married to an already wedded man by presenting him as a divorcee and thus cheated her.
The case was filed in the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Preeti Jain by one Reena Wadhwani (37). It was filed under IPC Sections related to cheating, 493 (cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage), 494 (marrying again during life time of husband or wife), criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, among others, against Narayan Sai, the woman's "husband" and four others, Reena's lawyer N A Sheikh told reporters.
The complainant has filed a separate plea demanding a probe into the issue. The Court has fixed September 20 for arguments in this matter.
21:19 Live! Now, IndiGo hikes airfares by 25 per cent
Market leader IndiGo today followed its rivals and raised fares by 25 per cent to offset the impact of rupee fall and spike in international crude prices. "IndiGo has revised upwards its fares, which are now 25 per cent higher than earlier," a source in the budget carrier said in Mumbai.
When contacted, the Gurgaon-based airline declined to comment on the issue. The fare hike was triggered by Chennai-headquartered low-cost carrier SpiceJet, which increased fares by a hefty 30 per cent earlier this week citing rise in input costs in the wake of the rupee fall and a 6.9 per cent increase in the jet fuel prices by oil marketing firms from September 1.
Full service carriers Jet Airways and state-run Air India, too, have increased fares by 25 per cent.
20:02 Obama Syria timing delayed by reluctance at home, abroad
A week after he surprised his national security advisers by deciding to seek authorization from Congress, President Barack Obama's path to military strikes against Syria isn't getting any smoother.
The outrage that Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry expressed over an Aug. 21 nerve gas attack they blamed on the Syrian regime, an action that crossed the president's "red line,' hasn't brought a groundswell of support from lawmakers and the U.S. public.
19:48 Victim identifies her rapists during identification parade
Four of the five accused in the August 22 gang-rape case were identified by the photojournalist and her male colleague during an identification parade held today in a South Mumbai jail, police said.
"A Test Identification Parade (TIP) was conducted today at Byculla jail in South Mumbai area, where the victim identified four of the accused including Salim Ansari, Vijay Jadhav, Mohammed Kasim Hafiz Shaikh and Siraj Rehman Khan as those who had sexually assaulted her on August 22 at Shakti Mills compound. The victim's male colleague also identified the four culprits," a crime branch official said.
19:46 G-20 acknowledges India's concerns on currency volatility
Taking on board India's concerns, the G-20 Summit today acknowledged that excess volatility of financial flows and disorderly movements in exchange rates can affect economic and financial stability of emerging markets and called for sound policies to address it.
18:54 Zubin Mehta all set to perform
The stage is set for internationally-renowned conductor Zubin Mehta's maiden performance in Kashmir tomorrow as authorities have beefed up the security around the venue following threats by little-known militant outfits.
Mehta arrived along with his wife, for conducting the Munich-based Bavarian State Orchestra at Ehsaas-e-Kashmir (Feel of Kashmir), organised in Srinagar by German Embassy in New Delhi.
18:42 Rajan's inaugural speech hinted at growth push: Deutsche
Deutsche Bank today said RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan's inaugural statement hinted that the Reserve Bank is done with the rate tightening.
"Beyond the discussion on price stability, the rest of the Governor's statement was geared towards lowering the cost of doing business... We think that RBI is done with tightening for now," Deutsche Bank said in a note, two days after Rajan took over as RBI governor.
It further said with the growth falling to 4.4 per cent for the June quarter, the country cannot afford high rates at present.
"Beyond the discussion on price stability, the rest of the Governor's statement was geared towards lowering the cost of doing business... We think that RBI is done with tightening for now," Deutsche Bank said in a note, two days after Rajan took over as RBI governor.
It further said with the growth falling to 4.4 per cent for the June quarter, the country cannot afford high rates at present.
18:40 Ranbir Kapoor admits Katrina Kaif is special to him
Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has finally admitted that Katrina Kaif is special to him and the two share a special relation.
Though both have categorically dodge questions about their relationship status, especially after pictures of their Spanish vacation were leaked, the 30-year old 'Barfi' actor admitted at a recent interview that the 29-year-old 'Ek Tha Tiger' actress is a special person in his life.
Though both have categorically dodge questions about their relationship status, especially after pictures of their Spanish vacation were leaked, the 30-year old 'Barfi' actor admitted at a recent interview that the 29-year-old 'Ek Tha Tiger' actress is a special person in his life.
18:38 Modi's criticism is up since becoming BJP campaign panel chief: Rajnath
Criticism of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has increased after he was made the party's campaign committee chief and such attacks by political opponents would go up further, BJP President Rajnath Singh said today.
"Our very popular Chief Minister Narendra bhai is being attacked. Such attacks have been happening for a long time, that is not a matter of concern.
"What is truth is truth. But I think we should all stand strongly and we can use social media in this. We can tell the people how attempts to defame and malign are being made," Singh said.
"Our very popular Chief Minister Narendra bhai is being attacked. Such attacks have been happening for a long time, that is not a matter of concern.
"What is truth is truth. But I think we should all stand strongly and we can use social media in this. We can tell the people how attempts to defame and malign are being made," Singh said.
18:37 Live! Lucknow student commits suicide after seniors mock poor English
A pharmacy student who allegedly jumped off the third floor of her college on Wednesday died in the trauma centre of the King George Medical University in the wee hours of Friday.
The deceased, Sumbul Ishaq, was a student of MC Saxena College of Pharmacy and her parents and family members alleged that she took the extreme step as she was upset with the on campus ragging by senior students.
Read more
The deceased, Sumbul Ishaq, was a student of MC Saxena College of Pharmacy and her parents and family members alleged that she took the extreme step as she was upset with the on campus ragging by senior students.
Read more
17:48 Parliament passes key Pension Bill after about 10-year delay
After a delay of nearly a decade, Parliament today passed a key economic reforms legislation, the Pension Bill, that aims to create a regulator for the sector and allows at least 26 per cent FDI.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill, 2011, was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 115 MPs voting in favour and 25 against including members form Left parties and TMC.
The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on September 4.
Replying to the debate in Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said, "Some of them have legitimate concerns, which we have to address. The bill has travelled for nine years. Let us give the bill the honour that it deserves and pass it."
The bill would make the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority a statutory authority, unlike its present non-statutory status, he said.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill, 2011, was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 115 MPs voting in favour and 25 against including members form Left parties and TMC.
The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on September 4.
Replying to the debate in Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said, "Some of them have legitimate concerns, which we have to address. The bill has travelled for nine years. Let us give the bill the honour that it deserves and pass it."
The bill would make the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority a statutory authority, unlike its present non-statutory status, he said.
17:41 Tactical reason: why Modi doesn't dream of being PM
Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Thursday surprised his critics and loyalists alike, declaring he intended to serve the people of his state till 2017.
His statement, part of a broader reply to a child's question, came amid the clamour within the BJP ranks to declare him the party's prime ministerial pick ahead of the 2014 polls.
Modi's critics were quick to read his remark as a sign that he was adopting a "tactical strategy" to show apparent disinterest in being declared as the BJP's choice for the top post, especially when the declaration is expected to be made shortly. Read
His statement, part of a broader reply to a child's question, came amid the clamour within the BJP ranks to declare him the party's prime ministerial pick ahead of the 2014 polls.
Modi's critics were quick to read his remark as a sign that he was adopting a "tactical strategy" to show apparent disinterest in being declared as the BJP's choice for the top post, especially when the declaration is expected to be made shortly. Read
17:23 Live! RSS chief meets Advani, Sushma over Modi-as-PM decision
Just in: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat holds talks with LK Advani and Sushma Swaraj on the anointment of Narendra Modi as PM candidate. The Advani camp wants the CMs of the BJP states to be consulted before a decision is taken and that the decision must be taken at an appropriate time.
17:07
Just in: NCP workers vandalise toll booth at Jalna in Maharashtra.
17:00 An open letter to Raghuram Rajan
As you begin work as the central banker, I think it is important that you pay attention to some office culture niceties -- Sidin Vadukut's open letter to RBI boss Raghuram Rajan. Read
16:57
Barbara Cartland meets Hollywood in dire Diana tale: The verdict on the controversial biopic. Read more
16:47 Here's the verdict: Shudh Desi Romance has NO dull moments
Shuddh Desi Romance conveys a simple but underrated philosophy in the most fun way possible, feels Sukanya Verma. Read
16:20 'We'll drop Vadra, you drop Vanzara': BJP and Congress 'strike deal to pass key Bills'
After a near washout of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the government managed to pick up steam towards the end and pass some key Bills thanks to an alleged deal between the Congress and the BJP. Read
16:13
President Pranab Mukherjee is a keen diarist, but the only person who has the guts to turn the pages are his daughter.
16:10 Par panel pulls up Guj police over assault on woman Cong MP
A Parliamentary panel has expressed "severe displeasure" over the conduct of Gujarat police personnel on the issue of alleged assault on a woman Congress MP who was prevented by the cops from going to a function attended by Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
16:09 Priyanka takes over as Sonia's unofficial assistant
Priyanka Gandhi's new dictat is that no personal assistant from the AICC should accompany Sonia Gandhi to the US where she is undergoing treatment. The personal assistant is supposed to coordinate AICC matters and liaise with senior Congress leaders to know the gist of the Parliament proceedings.
To sort out the day-to-day administrative issues, Motilal Vohra is authorised to issue cheques -- staff salaries and keep everyday accounts.
Every evening Priyanka Gandhi calls up Ambika Soni or Ahmed Patel to get their feedback and passes on the information to her mother.
Sonia Gandhi is expected to return by end of September.
To sort out the day-to-day administrative issues, Motilal Vohra is authorised to issue cheques -- staff salaries and keep everyday accounts.
Every evening Priyanka Gandhi calls up Ambika Soni or Ahmed Patel to get their feedback and passes on the information to her mother.
Sonia Gandhi is expected to return by end of September.
15:55 DMK's gag order for Khushboo
The DMK has restrained Khushboo, a former Bollywood actress, from appearing on talk shows on TV channels. Her outspoken style has caused the DMK embarrassments often.
15:50 Pulok Chatterjee is the man in the hot seat
Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Pulok Chatterjee's wife is unwell for the last two weeks. Jaya Iyengar Chattrejee has now been discharged from a Delhi hospital, but is still under medical observation.
Chatterjee has been extremely busy with his hectic work schedule, especially after the Prime Minister is away in Russia for the G-20, and most of the coordination work fell on his shoulders.
Insiders say Sonia Gandhi relies heavily on Pulok Chatterjee. This will be a truly testing time for the top babu in the PMO.
Chatterjee has been extremely busy with his hectic work schedule, especially after the Prime Minister is away in Russia for the G-20, and most of the coordination work fell on his shoulders.
Insiders say Sonia Gandhi relies heavily on Pulok Chatterjee. This will be a truly testing time for the top babu in the PMO.
15:25 Jodhpur police receives fresh complaints against Asaram
Jodhpur Police has said it has received fresh complaints against Asaram Bapu even as it dispatched teams to the Ahmedabad ashram of the self-styled godman to collect evidence in the sexual assault case against him.
Many victims have started coming forward with their complaints against Asaram, police said without disclosing the nature of the complaint or the identity of the alleged victims.
They have also offered to help the police in its investigation.
Many victims have started coming forward with their complaints against Asaram, police said without disclosing the nature of the complaint or the identity of the alleged victims.
They have also offered to help the police in its investigation.
15:19 Trial runs completed, production at Kudankulam to soon start
Production at the Kudankulam Nuclear Plant is expected to start within 15-20 days as the trials runs have been completed, Union Minister V Narayanasamy today said.
"We will start production at the plant within 15-20 days as we have completed the trial run. The power production will slowly start. The second unit will start by March or April as around 95 per cent of the work is over," the Minister of state for Personnel and Public Grievances said on sidelines of a Nuclear Energy Conclave.
"We will start production at the plant within 15-20 days as we have completed the trial run. The power production will slowly start. The second unit will start by March or April as around 95 per cent of the work is over," the Minister of state for Personnel and Public Grievances said on sidelines of a Nuclear Energy Conclave.
15:14 Music amidst jackboots: Kashmir's Zubin Mehta concert
Music amidst conflict may sound like a great catch-line, and ageing conductors need such props, but it is not doing the people of Jammu and Kashmir any good, says Sherna Gandhy. Read
15:06
Praveen Swami's column on Firstpost.com: Give Antony a break, understand situation along LAC before outraging. Read
15:00 DA case: Jagan's judicial remand extended till Sep 20
A special CBI court in Hyderabad today extended till September 20 the judicial remand of jailed YSR Congress chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy and other accused in connection with a case relating to alleged quid-pro-quo investments in the companies owned by the Kadapa MP.
14:32 Live! Bangalore law student's gang rape: Life term for all accused
A lower court in Bangalore has awarded life imprisonment in the gang-rape case of a law student. The order has come almost a year after eight men gang-raped a student of India's top Law College, National Law School of India, University (NLSIU) Bangalore.
Six of the accused have been convicted by a lower court on Wednesday. The seventh accused Raja is still absconding. The eighth accused is a minor and the trial is going on at a Juvenile court in Bangalore.
The survivor, who is from Nepal, in her early 20s was abducted and raped by a gang of local youth in October 2012. The gang found the survivor in the company of her male college mate at NLSIU in the Bangalore University campus.
They attacked her college mate, took the survivor deeper into the heavily wooded campus and took turns to rape her.
Meanwhile, the verdict for the four adult accused in the Delhi gang-rape case is expected on Tuesday. -- IBN Live
Six of the accused have been convicted by a lower court on Wednesday. The seventh accused Raja is still absconding. The eighth accused is a minor and the trial is going on at a Juvenile court in Bangalore.
The survivor, who is from Nepal, in her early 20s was abducted and raped by a gang of local youth in October 2012. The gang found the survivor in the company of her male college mate at NLSIU in the Bangalore University campus.
They attacked her college mate, took the survivor deeper into the heavily wooded campus and took turns to rape her.
Meanwhile, the verdict for the four adult accused in the Delhi gang-rape case is expected on Tuesday. -- IBN Live
14:24 NO plans to take over temple gold: RBI
The RBI has clarified that it has no plans to take over temple gold and covert it into bullion. Some of India's richest temples such as Tirumala Tirupati, Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Shree Krishna temple of Guruvayur, Shree Siddhivinayak and Vaishnodevi are in no mood to part with their treasure to ease the supply crunch and control the outflow of dollars. Read more
14:18
This is how Psycho Shankar escaped from Bangalore jail. Read
14:10 Shankar covicted for 27 rapes, murders
M Shankar alias Jaishankar, 36 -- a rapist and a 'psycho' killer -- has a total of 27 rape and murder charges against him.
In three of the cases, he was sentenced to 27 years of imprisonment.
He is still being tried for the remaining 24 cases in various courts across three states -- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
A psychiatric patient, he had been in Parappana Agrahara central prisons since 2011. Read more
In three of the cases, he was sentenced to 27 years of imprisonment.
He is still being tried for the remaining 24 cases in various courts across three states -- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
A psychiatric patient, he had been in Parappana Agrahara central prisons since 2011. Read more
14:01 Live! Escaped serial rapist, murderer caught near Bangalore jail
36-year-old Jaishankar, involved in several criminal cases
including rape, murder and kidnapping, has been arrested from the Hosur highway near Bangalore Central Jail.
Jaishankar, who earned the nickname of Psycho Shankar, for his maniacal ways, had escaped from jail on September 2.
He had trapped sex workers near dhabhas on highways, and killed many of them brutally, after having sex with them. Besides, he targeted women in farm houses. He kept a machete in his bag and killed whoever resisted him.
Jaishankar, who earned the nickname of Psycho Shankar, for his maniacal ways, had escaped from jail on September 2.
He had trapped sex workers near dhabhas on highways, and killed many of them brutally, after having sex with them. Besides, he targeted women in farm houses. He kept a machete in his bag and killed whoever resisted him.
13:55 RBI Governor meets Maha CM; Chavan seeks banking sector help
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said banking sector should come forward to strengthen the cooperative sector in the state.
He said this during a meeting with the new RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, a spokesperson for the Chief Minister said.
Considering the economic downturn, the banking sector should help strengthen the cooperative sector to encourage small and medium industries and create jobs, Chavan said.
Rajan had an hour long meeting with Chavan, the spokesperson said, adding it was a courtesy call by the RBI Governor.
He said this during a meeting with the new RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, a spokesperson for the Chief Minister said.
Considering the economic downturn, the banking sector should help strengthen the cooperative sector to encourage small and medium industries and create jobs, Chavan said.
Rajan had an hour long meeting with Chavan, the spokesperson said, adding it was a courtesy call by the RBI Governor.
13:55 RBI Governor meets Maha CM; Chavan seeks banking sector help
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said banking sector should come forward to strengthen the cooperative sector in the state.
He said this during a meeting with the new RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, a spokesperson for the Chief Minister said.
Considering the economic downturn, the banking sector should help strengthen the cooperative sector to encourage small and medium industries and create jobs, Chavan said.
Rajan had an hour long meeting with Chavan, the spokesperson said, adding it was a courtesy call by the RBI Governor.
He said this during a meeting with the new RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, a spokesperson for the Chief Minister said.
Considering the economic downturn, the banking sector should help strengthen the cooperative sector to encourage small and medium industries and create jobs, Chavan said.
Rajan had an hour long meeting with Chavan, the spokesperson said, adding it was a courtesy call by the RBI Governor.
13:47 Jhumpa Lahiri on her upcoming book and her favourite books
Jhumpa Lahiri, the author of the forthcoming novel "The Lowland' says there's no such thing as immigrant fiction: "What do we call the rest? Native fiction? Puritan fiction?' Read the interview on the New York Times.
13:38
Review: Rituparno Ghosh's Satyanweshi disappoints
13:33 Antony's statement stalls LS
Antony's damp squib statement that "Shyam Saran's report has not said China has occupied any part of Indian territory," and that the NSAB report was on infrastructure and development, has ensured that the house was adjourned till 2 pm.
Chaos erupted after the statement, as opposition and Samajwadi Party MPs demanded more answers from the Defence Minister, forcing the House to adjourn for some time.
"This government is useless. Are you prepared to tackle China?" Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav had earlier asked. "Forget rising prices, scams... save our borders."
Chaos erupted after the statement, as opposition and Samajwadi Party MPs demanded more answers from the Defence Minister, forcing the House to adjourn for some time.
"This government is useless. Are you prepared to tackle China?" Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav had earlier asked. "Forget rising prices, scams... save our borders."
13:20 Filmmaker Karan Johar gets armed cover after threat
Film producer Karan Johar has been provided armed security after he received an extortion threat via SMS on his mobile phone from an unknown number recently. Johar complained to the Khar police and the case has been transferred to the anti-extortion cell of the Mumbai crime branch. Read
13:02 Antony makes statement on China incursion
Defence minister LK Advani speaks on the Chinese incursion on the Line of Actual Control. "No question of India ceding to China any part of Indian territory," says Antony.
A National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) ground situation report has stressed that the Chinese side had stopped Indian troops from patrolling the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the latter has lost access to the line at some areas in eastern Ladakh.
The report was submitted last month after NSAB Chairman Shyam Saran was asked by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to oversee the border infrastructure development and situation at the LAC by visiting the Ladakh and Siachen sectors.
He says the NSB head did not say that China had occupied any part of India.
The opposition wants a discussion on Antony's statement, but since there was no notice given to the Speaker, she disallows it. Pandemonium in the House. House has been adjourned to meet at 2 pm.
A National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) ground situation report has stressed that the Chinese side had stopped Indian troops from patrolling the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the latter has lost access to the line at some areas in eastern Ladakh.
The report was submitted last month after NSAB Chairman Shyam Saran was asked by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to oversee the border infrastructure development and situation at the LAC by visiting the Ladakh and Siachen sectors.
He says the NSB head did not say that China had occupied any part of India.
The opposition wants a discussion on Antony's statement, but since there was no notice given to the Speaker, she disallows it. Pandemonium in the House. House has been adjourned to meet at 2 pm.
12:55 Mumbai gang rape: HC orders barbed wire fences, guards at Shakti Mills
Asserting that "something needs to be done", the Bombay high court has ordered the immediate implementation of a series of measures to make safe the Shakti Mills compound, which has been the scene of at least two gang rapes in recent months. Read
12:45 Documenting the Crime of the Century
"Fire in the Blood,' directed by Irish-Punjabi filmmaker Dylan Mohan Gray, describes itself as an intricate tale of medicine, monopoly and malice.
The documentary, which opens in the U.S. this weekend and in India next month, argues that Western pharmaceutical companies and governments caused at least 10 million unnecessary deaths since 1996 by aggressively blocking the developing world's access to low-cost AIDS drugs. Read
The documentary, which opens in the U.S. this weekend and in India next month, argues that Western pharmaceutical companies and governments caused at least 10 million unnecessary deaths since 1996 by aggressively blocking the developing world's access to low-cost AIDS drugs. Read
12:37 Nothing to conceal on issue of Chinese incursion: Govt
The government today said it has nothing to conceal on the issue of Chinese incursion even as BJP accused it of "weak response".
"Defence Minister (A K Antony) will be making a statement in the House on the press reports about Chinese intrusion, occupation of Indian territories. In Lok Sabha he will do it at 1 pm and in Rajya Sabha at 3 pm," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath told reporters outside Parliament House.
"The government has nothing to hide, nothing to conceal. This is a matter of national interest, national importance. Everything will be made clear. As and when it is required we will discuss it," he said.
"Defence Minister (A K Antony) will be making a statement in the House on the press reports about Chinese intrusion, occupation of Indian territories. In Lok Sabha he will do it at 1 pm and in Rajya Sabha at 3 pm," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath told reporters outside Parliament House.
"The government has nothing to hide, nothing to conceal. This is a matter of national interest, national importance. Everything will be made clear. As and when it is required we will discuss it," he said.
12:25
Women players of the Chhattisgarh powerlifting team on Thursday accused their association's general secretary of molesting them. Read
12:18 Jodhpur cops looking for CD featuring Asaram
A police team will soon be sent to godman Asaram's ashram in Ahmedabad and certain other places in search of a CD said to have been in the possession of his close aide Shiva. Read
12:04 G20 'divided' on Syria as Power criticises Russia
G20 leaders remain divided over the Syrian conflict as they enter the final day of their Russian summit.Italian PM Enrico Letta said the splits were confirmed during a working dinner in St Petersburg on Thursday. Read
12:03 Moderate quake hits Doda, Kishtwar
A moderate intensity earthquake, measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale, shook Doda and Kishtwar districts of Jammu and Kashmir, but there were no reports of loss of life or damage to property.
According to the MeT department, the quake hit the Doda and Kishtwar region at around 11.41 pm. Panic-stricken people rushed out of their homes as the quake struck.
According to the MeT department, the quake hit the Doda and Kishtwar region at around 11.41 pm. Panic-stricken people rushed out of their homes as the quake struck.
12:01 Live! PM at G-20: India AGAINST armed action in Syria
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condemns the use of chemical weapons in Syria. India not in favour of armed action for regime change in Syria, he tells G-20 leaders.
11:50 Gujarat bandh: Scores of Cong leaders, supporters detained
More than 600 people, including Congress leaders and workers, were detained during today's bandh call given by the party demanding resignation of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi over IPS officer D G Vanzara's letter.
Tight security is being maintained across the state to prevent any untoward incidence, police said.
Congress workers were out on the streets to enforce the shut down, which has evoked a mixed response in the state.
The party workers and supporters tried to stop buses and trains form commuting here, but police detained them. Schools and colleges were functioning as usual in most parts of the state, officials said.
Tight security is being maintained across the state to prevent any untoward incidence, police said.
Congress workers were out on the streets to enforce the shut down, which has evoked a mixed response in the state.
The party workers and supporters tried to stop buses and trains form commuting here, but police detained them. Schools and colleges were functioning as usual in most parts of the state, officials said.
11:36 Justice and the juvenile
Calls to dilute the Juvenile Justice Act in light of what is perceived as lenient punishment to the juvenile offender in the Delhi gang rape case are understandable but misplaced. Read
11:34 Unlike in Christianity, sex isnt taboo in Hindu spirituality
Asaram is being pilloried by everybody, from parliamentarians to journalists, for alleged sexual assault on a teenager and is in jail now.
Some of the horrified public responses at his alleged act can also be attributed to the general notion that dissociates sex from spirituality. This notion considers everybody on the spiritual path as 'wedded' to celibacy. But is this perception correct? Read
Some of the horrified public responses at his alleged act can also be attributed to the general notion that dissociates sex from spirituality. This notion considers everybody on the spiritual path as 'wedded' to celibacy. But is this perception correct? Read
11:29
The Rajya Sabha will be in session till Saturday.
11:17 BJP to raise issue of Chinese incursion in Parliament today
BJP to raise issue of Chinese incursion into Indian territory in Parliament, accuses govt of lacking political will to tackle the problem, says Prakash Javadekar. Defence minister LK Antony is expected to make a statement in Parliament at 3 pm today.
11:14 Hooked on Calcutta, drawn to Kabul
Vinegar and soy sauce from New Market, dresses from Gariahat and bhapa ilish at home in Baguiati.The woman who had braved the Taliban was like any next-door Calcutta girl during her eight-day holiday in Calcutta in July-August. Read
11:07 AK Antony to make statement today on alleged Chinese incursion in Ladakh
Defence Minister AK Antony will clarify in Parliament on Friday whether the Chinese troops occupied 640 kilometres of Indian territory near the border in north-east Ladakh, in April.
A National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) ground situation report has stressed that the Chinese side had stopped Indian troops from patrolling the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the latter has lost access to the line at some areas in eastern Ladakh.
A National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) ground situation report has stressed that the Chinese side had stopped Indian troops from patrolling the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the latter has lost access to the line at some areas in eastern Ladakh.
11:02 Juvenile child rapist and killer threatens victims sister after release
"I have been acquitted," says Vishal (all names changed), standing in front of his single-storey, modest house in north Delhi's Rohini area.
A few hundred metres away lives a family whose six-year-old daughter was brutally raped and cut to pieces by him.
The family lives in constant terror because Vishal, earlier this year, allegedly threatened to do the same to their younger daughter. Read
A few hundred metres away lives a family whose six-year-old daughter was brutally raped and cut to pieces by him.
The family lives in constant terror because Vishal, earlier this year, allegedly threatened to do the same to their younger daughter. Read
10:54 Bangladeshi taka is doing better than the rupee!
Based on the GDP numbers and the remarkable stability of the taka, Bangladesh's prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, is a better manager than our 'economist prime minister',' says TVR Shenoy. Read
10:53
In an interview, while he was in the US, Anna Hazare has said he will go on fast again. Read
09:40 Chinese intrusion: Antony likely to address Parliament today
Defence Minister AK Antony is expected to make a statement in the Parliament on Friday and clarify on the reports that 640 sq km of Indian territory being occupied by China in Daulat Beg Oldie and other sectors in Ladakh.
A ground situation report on the Indo-China border revealed that Chinese troops are not letting their Indian counterparts patrol the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
It may be noted that the border between India and China is not demarcated at several places and is described as LAC, which is based on perception.
The report, commissioned by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), was handed over to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last month by National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) chairperson Shyam Saran. It was subsequently shared with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) as well.
The issue was raised in the Lok Sabha on Thursday by BJP leader Yashwant Sinha who said media reports have quoted the Committee as having concluded that 640 sq km of Indian territory has been occupied by China.
09:39 Rupee hovers around 66/dollar; Sensex flat after 2-day rally
The Indian rupee traded flat on Friday, a day after it saw the biggest gain in a week. The partially convertible rupee traded at 65.95 per dollar as against Thursday's close of 66.01 as of 09.20 a.m.
Traders said there might be some consolidation as the rupee has gained sharply since Reserve Bank governor Raghuram Rajan unveiled a spate of measures late Wednesday to attract more inflows.
The new steps to defend the rupee included a concessional forex swap rate to banks for attracting deposits from overseas Indians.
Stock markets opened higher, but flattened within minutes of early trade. The BSE Sensex traded below the 19,000 mark and the Nifty traded below the key 5,600 mark erasing earlier gains.
09:37 Afghanistan: Indian Embassy issues warning after Sushmita's murder
"According to family wishes, the writer has been buried in Afghanistan as she was married and settled there. The embassy has issued a general warning to the Indians settled here."
The Indian Embassy in Kabul has issued a general warning to all Indians settled in Afghanistan after Indian author Sushmita Banerjee was shot dead on Thursday.
"According to family wishes, the writer has been buried in Afghanistan as she was married and settled there. The embassy has issued a general warning to the Indians settled here."
The police said Banerjee was shot dead by suspected terrorists outside her home in Paktika province. Her brother-in-law was also murdered a few years back in Kolkata.
She had written a popular memoir about her escape from the Taliban. The book about her dramatic escape in 1995 became a best-seller in India and was made into a Bollywood film in 2003 'Escape From Taliban'.
02:06 US drone kills 4 terrorists in Pakistan
A US drone killed at least four terrorists today in an attack on a compound in Pakistan's northwest tribal region close to Afghan border.
The US drone fired two missiles at a house in Darga Mandi in North Waziristan killing four inmates believed to be taliban terrorists.
The US drone fired two missiles at a house in Darga Mandi in North Waziristan killing four inmates believed to be taliban terrorists.
01:05 Sarin traces found in Syria chemical weapons attack: UK govt
BBC reports: British military scientists found traces of sarin gas in clothing and soil samples taken from a patient treated for apparent chemical weapons exposure last month near Damascus, Syria, the prime minister's office said Thursday.
Read the full story here
Read the full story here
00:58 Intellectuals condemn killing of Indian author in Afghanistan
Condemning the killing of Indian author Sushmita Banerjee in Afghanistan by militants, intellectuals here said by her assassination Taliban cannot suppress the voice of the oppressed women in that country. "It is not only barbaric but also uncivilised.
The killing proves that the development work that Sushmita was doing for the upliftment of Afghan women was not liked by the Taliban, so they killed her.
"But by killing her, they have made Sushmita a martyr, whose work will encourage other women in the region to fight against oppression," author Sirshendu Mukhopadhaya said.
Eminent author Suchitra Bhattacharya said Banerjee's writings will influence future generations of Afghanistan to fight against Taliban. "If they think that that by killing Sushmita then can suppress the voice of women.
Then they are wrong, her writings and works will influence future generations of Afghanistan to fight against Taliban," she said.
The killing proves that the development work that Sushmita was doing for the upliftment of Afghan women was not liked by the Taliban, so they killed her.
"But by killing her, they have made Sushmita a martyr, whose work will encourage other women in the region to fight against oppression," author Sirshendu Mukhopadhaya said.
Eminent author Suchitra Bhattacharya said Banerjee's writings will influence future generations of Afghanistan to fight against Taliban. "If they think that that by killing Sushmita then can suppress the voice of women.
Then they are wrong, her writings and works will influence future generations of Afghanistan to fight against Taliban," she said.
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