LIVE
Wed, 11 September 2013
Live! Seemandhra electricity employees strike to begin from midnight
Timeline Refresh
23:34 Seemandhra electricity employees strike to begin from midnight
Contradicting the claim by the Chief Minister's Office, the Joint Action Committee of electricity employees of Andhra-Rayalaseema region announced late tonight that it would launch a 72-hour strike from midnight today protesting the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister's Office in the evening had issued a statement, saying that electricity employees had agreed to defer their indefinite strike from tomorrow.
The JAC leaders, however, clarified subsequently that they would observe a 72-hour strike from midnight today. "We are not concerned with the CMO statement. We are going on strike but will ensure power supply to railways, hospitals and water supply schemes," the JAC leaders said.
Earlier, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy held talks with the Joint Action Committee leaders at his camp residence this evening and asked them to call off the strike.
22:34 Why has the rupee recovered?
Some ascribe this to a retreat from panic overshooting; others believe it is optimism inspired by a new RBI governor.
22:14 Russia confirms sale of advanced anti-aircraft missiles to Iran
Russia has agreed to supply Iran with advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missiles and build an additional nuclear reactor at the Bushehr nuclear site. The Russian Kommersant daily reported on Wednesday, amid increased international pressure against the two countries' mutual ally Syria.
A "source close to the Kremlin" told the Kommersant that the agreements would be discussed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Teheran on Friday. Putin is set to meet with high-ranking Iranian officials, including President Hassan Rohani.
22:00 Azam Khan skips Agra meet; SP downplays
Triggering speculation of a rift in the party leadership, ruling Samajwadi Party's Muslim face Mohammad Azam Khan, a senior UP Minister who had criticised his own government's handling of Muzaffarnagar riots, today stayed away from the party's executive meet.
Khan, who had been sulking off and on various issues ever since the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh in 2011, did not attend the two-day event.
21:57 16-year-old girl raped by boyfriend, another man
A 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her boyfriend and a 49-year-old man at suburban Bandra on different occasions, police said today.
According to police, the victim's female friend took her to the residence of accused Akhtar Quereshi (49) of Behram Nagar in Bandra on August 17. Quereshi and the victim's family, which also stays in the same locality, had quarrelled on local issues on a number of occasions.
21:53 Pakistani military denies prisoner exchange with Taliban
The Pakistani military today denied that it had exchanged two security personnel for Taliban prisoners.
"The Pakistan military reject reports in a section of the media today about a swap of any prisoners with the Taliban," a senior Pakistani military official told PTI.
21:04 Obama leads US in sombre tributes to 9/11 victims
US President Barack Obama today led the nation in remembering the victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks as well as all American soldiers who laid down their lives in subsequent wars in the 12 years since the tragedy.
"Today, we remember not only those who died that September day, we pay solemn tribute to more than 6,700 patriots who have given their full measure since, military and civilians," Obama said in his remarks at a 9/11 observance ceremony at the Pentagon Memorial on the 12th anniversary of the attacks.
20:24 Indira Gandhi Prize for Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Liberian President and Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will be conferred the prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development by President Pranab Mukherjee tomorrow. 74-year-old Sirleaf, the first democratically elected women Head of State of any African nation, will be presented with the award at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The 2011 Nobel Peace prize winner is on a state visit.
"The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was instituted in the name of former Prime Minister Late Indira Gandhi. It celebrates the values that she stood and fought for in the service of our nation and its people," a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
"The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development was instituted in the name of former Prime Minister Late Indira Gandhi. It celebrates the values that she stood and fought for in the service of our nation and its people," a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
20:24 99 year lease to landless persons who migrated from Pakistan
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today announced rehabilitation of landless persons who had migrated from Pakistan during partition and were allocated land for a period of 20 years for cultivation.
"They are now being given further lease of the land for a period of up to 99 years," Hooda said in the state assembly.
With a view to rehabilitate such original allottees or their legal heirs who remained in continuous cultivating possession of the land up to September 24, 1986, the Haryana assembly today passed the Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Haryana Amendment Bill, 2013.
"They are now being given further lease of the land for a period of up to 99 years," Hooda said in the state assembly.
With a view to rehabilitate such original allottees or their legal heirs who remained in continuous cultivating possession of the land up to September 24, 1986, the Haryana assembly today passed the Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Haryana Amendment Bill, 2013.
20:20 India is 19-31 years old
The Census is the undisputed mother lode for data on India. Numbers from the 2011 Census have been coming out in bursts, and each time they do, there's an absolute treasure of information in there.
Last Friday, the Census office came out with 'single year age data' for India and its states.
Read the full story here
Last Friday, the Census office came out with 'single year age data' for India and its states.
Read the full story here
20:19 Tracking American citizens deaths by terrorism
The viral spread of an incomplete and crude'"even by YouTube standards'"video defaming the Prophet Mohammed led to a spike in anti-American and anti-Western demonstrations throughout the Muslim world.
On September 11, concurrent with these demonstrations, the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, faced a well-coordinated and intense terrorist attack that killed four U.S. citizens.
Read the full article here
On September 11, concurrent with these demonstrations, the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, faced a well-coordinated and intense terrorist attack that killed four U.S. citizens.
Read the full article here
19:37 Prince William's time in RAF as chopper pilot ends
Prince William's stint as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot has ended, British media reported today. William's last shift as an operational captain at RAF Valley on Anglesey was on Tuesday, the BBC reported.
The 31-year-old Duke of Cambridge today took part in engagements alongside brother Prince Harry commemorating the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
William has been a search and rescue pilot for the last three years after deciding to take a secondment from the Blues & Royals, a cavalry regiment of the British army, part of the Household Cavalry.
The 31-year-old Duke of Cambridge today took part in engagements alongside brother Prince Harry commemorating the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
William has been a search and rescue pilot for the last three years after deciding to take a secondment from the Blues & Royals, a cavalry regiment of the British army, part of the Household Cavalry.
18:55 'Modi's alphabetical primer begins with F for Fake Encounter'
Countering Narendra Modi's taunt on Congress, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari today attacked him saying his alphabetical primer begins with 'F', which stands for Fake Encounter and ends with 'G' which stands for Genocide.
"I do not know whether they are learning the A B C D of politics or they are not learning the X Y Z of politics, but I do know that the alphabetical primer that he follows starts with F that stands for Fake Encounter and ends with G which stands for Genocide," Tewari told reporters.
Modi, while addressing a massive rally in Jaipur yesterday, had said that the country should be rid of Congress rule to make it corruption free.
"I do not know whether they are learning the A B C D of politics or they are not learning the X Y Z of politics, but I do know that the alphabetical primer that he follows starts with F that stands for Fake Encounter and ends with G which stands for Genocide," Tewari told reporters.
Modi, while addressing a massive rally in Jaipur yesterday, had said that the country should be rid of Congress rule to make it corruption free.
18:47 Another gang rape in Mumbai, 2 arrested
Just in: A 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped in Mumbai on August 2, reports CNN IBN. Two people were arrested in the case and have been remanded to police custody. The girl knew one of the alleged rapists. Details awaited.
18:36 Cong, BJP both to blame for poor state of country: SP
Samajwadi Party today slammed the two major political parties in the country, alleging that while the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre was responsible for the economic troubles plaguing India, opposition BJP was fomenting communal strife aimed at dividing the people.
"The country is passing through a serious economic crisis and, due to the wrong policies of the Centre, the situation has worsened over the last three years," stated the resolution tabled at SP's two-day national executive meet by the party's national general secretary, Ramgopal Yadav.
"The country is passing through a serious economic crisis and, due to the wrong policies of the Centre, the situation has worsened over the last three years," stated the resolution tabled at SP's two-day national executive meet by the party's national general secretary, Ramgopal Yadav.
18:29 Live! Maharashtra CM promises to respond to Pawar's digs at 'right time'
Stung by the dig at his style of functioning by NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said he would respond at "an appropriate time and place".
"I won't advise him (Pawar) on what words to use," Chavan said while speaking to reporters after a meeting of the state cabinet in Mumbai.
Pawar had yesterday alleged that important administrative business in the state was moving at a slow pace.
Without naming Chavan, Pawar had said, "It seems that of late, the hands of those in the administration are suffering from tremors resulting in delayed clearance of files in the absence of signatures of approval."
Chavan, who is heading the Congress-NCP coalition, said, "The works which are within norms are completed immediately. The priority is for work concerning common people."
"I won't advise him (Pawar) on what words to use," Chavan said while speaking to reporters after a meeting of the state cabinet in Mumbai.
Pawar had yesterday alleged that important administrative business in the state was moving at a slow pace.
Without naming Chavan, Pawar had said, "It seems that of late, the hands of those in the administration are suffering from tremors resulting in delayed clearance of files in the absence of signatures of approval."
Chavan, who is heading the Congress-NCP coalition, said, "The works which are within norms are completed immediately. The priority is for work concerning common people."
18:20 Remove CRPF camp at Gagran: Mehbooba to Shinde
Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti today appealed to Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to remove the CRPF camp at Gagran in Shopian district where four persons were killed in firing by the force personnel on Saturday.
Mehbooba said she would not appeal to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as he had expressed helplessness time and again over such issues.
"(However), we give two days' time to the government to lodge an FIR based on complaints of the family members of the slain youth," she said.
Asked about the next course of action if the FIR was not lodged, Mehbooba said "we will do whatever is within our means and democratically possible."
Mehbooba said she would not appeal to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as he had expressed helplessness time and again over such issues.
"(However), we give two days' time to the government to lodge an FIR based on complaints of the family members of the slain youth," she said.
Asked about the next course of action if the FIR was not lodged, Mehbooba said "we will do whatever is within our means and democratically possible."
18:13 UP govt failed to take steps to quell riots: BJP
The BJP today charged the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh with not taking appropriate steps to quell the communal riots in Muzaffarnagar and is trying to create fear in the minds of minorities by making baseless allegations against the party for votebank politics.
18:07
The full report on the RBI's peeve with rupee notes being used in garlands. Read
18:06 Live! Your dreams are my dreams, Rahul tells Rajasthan tribals
Narendra Modi went to Jaipur and talked about the Gandhis. Rahul Gandhi went to Salumbaar, near Udaipur, and talked about dreams. Read
17:38 Bodies of two INS Sindurakshak officers brought to Assam
Bodies of the two naval officers from Assam who were in the Indian Navy's kilo-class submarine INS Sindhurakshak which sank at the naval dockyard in Mumbai after explosion were brought to their home state today.
17:32 1 dead, 2 hurt in CRPF firing after fresh protests in Shopian
Update on the fresh violence in Shopian: A youth was killed and two others were injured in firing by security forces as fresh protests today rocked Shopian township, where CRPF firing on Saturday had claimed four lives, official sources said.
Rafiq Ahmad Rather was killed when CRPF personnel allegedly opened fire to disperse protestors outside their camp at Gagran village, 52 km from here, they said.
A large number of people had assembled outside the camp to protest the killing of four persons, including three local youth, by CRPF troopers last Saturday.
The protestors were demanding removal of the CRPF camp and arrest of the personnel involved in the "cold blooded murders".
At least two persons were also injured in the clashes and elsewhere in the town as security forces fired warning shots and teargas shells and used batons to restore law and order, the sources said.
Rafiq Ahmad Rather was killed when CRPF personnel allegedly opened fire to disperse protestors outside their camp at Gagran village, 52 km from here, they said.
A large number of people had assembled outside the camp to protest the killing of four persons, including three local youth, by CRPF troopers last Saturday.
The protestors were demanding removal of the CRPF camp and arrest of the personnel involved in the "cold blooded murders".
At least two persons were also injured in the clashes and elsewhere in the town as security forces fired warning shots and teargas shells and used batons to restore law and order, the sources said.
17:31 Don't use currency notes for making garlands: RBI
Making garlands of currency notes, a practice followed in Indian marriages and political rallies, has been sought to be discouraged by the Reserve Bank.
"The Reserve Bank of India has appealed to members of public not to use banknotes for making garlands, decorating pandals and places of worship or for showering on personalities in social events, etc," an RBI release said today.
Such actions, it said, deface the banknotes and shorten their life. "...banknotes should be respected as they are a symbol of the Sovereign and public should not misuse them, and help in increasing the life of banknotes," the RBI added.
"The Reserve Bank of India has appealed to members of public not to use banknotes for making garlands, decorating pandals and places of worship or for showering on personalities in social events, etc," an RBI release said today.
Such actions, it said, deface the banknotes and shorten their life. "...banknotes should be respected as they are a symbol of the Sovereign and public should not misuse them, and help in increasing the life of banknotes," the RBI added.
17:10 Live! Another protestor killed in clashes with security forces in Shopian
Just in: A 27-year-old protestor has been killed in clashes with security forces in Shopian, J-K. Curfew was lifted for a few hours in the area.
Police on Saturday detained Opposition Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti as she was heading towards Shopian district where four persons were killed in CRPF firing last week.
Police on Saturday detained Opposition Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti as she was heading towards Shopian district where four persons were killed in CRPF firing last week.
"Mehbooba was taken into custody by police at Pulwama town," PDP chief spokesman Naeem Akhtar told PTI.
He said the PDP president was going to Shopian to meet the families of the youth killed in CRPF firing on Saturday.
Four persons were killed when CRPF personnel opened fire to repulse a
militant attack at Gagran in Shopian town, 52-km from here.
Police has said while three of the slain youths were civilians, the fourth youth was a Pakistani militant Abdullah Haroon.
16:56 PM Nawaz Sharif meets army chief Gen Kayani
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani today discussed the overall security situation against the backdrop of all political parties endorsing the government's plans for talks with the Taliban.
16:49 Jurassic Park 4 confirmed and gets a new title
For all Jurassic Park fans: The fourth chunk of the dinosaur theme park series is on the way. Read
16:43 Remember September 11...
Sept. 11 secrets: The amazing life -- and death -- of an Internet pioneer on Flight 11. The plane that struck the Trade Center carried one of the Web's geniuses, who may have been the day's first casualty. Read
16:22 Girls at heart of Muzaffarnagar violence may drop out of school
Seema (14) and Poonam (16), the victims of the alleged eve-teasing that is said to be at the heart of communal violence here, are contemplating dropping out of school as they are not sure about their safety after the recent events.
It was the eve-teasing of Seema and Poonam (names of both are changed) and objections raised by their family that is believed to have led to the spiral of violence which has gripped this district of Uttar Pradesh.
The eve-teasing and resultant objections led to a fight in which Seema's 17-year-old brother Gaurav and his friend Sachin Singh were killed along with one Sahnawaz Qureshi, alleged to be one of those harassing the girls, on August 27. Poonam is Gaurav's niece.
Kawaal village's population is around 15000 and Hindus and Muslims are in equal numbers.
It was the eve-teasing of Seema and Poonam (names of both are changed) and objections raised by their family that is believed to have led to the spiral of violence which has gripped this district of Uttar Pradesh.
The eve-teasing and resultant objections led to a fight in which Seema's 17-year-old brother Gaurav and his friend Sachin Singh were killed along with one Sahnawaz Qureshi, alleged to be one of those harassing the girls, on August 27. Poonam is Gaurav's niece.
Kawaal village's population is around 15000 and Hindus and Muslims are in equal numbers.
16:17 'One third of food wasted, costs world economy USD 750 bn'
One third of the food produced worldwide is wasted, costing the global economy around USD 750 billion a year, a new report by the UN food agency said today. The Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation said some 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted every year, with the Asia region including China seen as the worst culprit.
16:08 Azam Khan skips Agra meet, SP says absence does not matter
Samajwadi Party's Muslim face Mohammad Azam Khan was today conspicuous by his absence at its National Executive meet here but SP tried to give a "loud and clear" message that it was not going to give weightage to the senior leader.
"106 members hain, 26 nahi aaye to kya fark padta hai (There are 106 national executive members, 26 were absent from the meet...it doesn't matter)," SP National General Secretary Ramgopal Yadav told reporters while replying a question.
As per the official website of SP, there are 61 members in the National Executive including nine special invitees.
Khan, who is considered as the Muslim face of SP, had expressed his concern over the meeting of party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav with VHP leader Ashok Singhal and was reportedly not happy with the handling of the Muzaffarnagar violence.
The tone and tenor of Yadav suggested that the party did not want to give much importance and weightage to Khan.
"106 members hain, 26 nahi aaye to kya fark padta hai (There are 106 national executive members, 26 were absent from the meet...it doesn't matter)," SP National General Secretary Ramgopal Yadav told reporters while replying a question.
As per the official website of SP, there are 61 members in the National Executive including nine special invitees.
Khan, who is considered as the Muslim face of SP, had expressed his concern over the meeting of party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav with VHP leader Ashok Singhal and was reportedly not happy with the handling of the Muzaffarnagar violence.
The tone and tenor of Yadav suggested that the party did not want to give much importance and weightage to Khan.
15:59 Steve Jobs is still dead
Insanely normal: Apple announces new and improved iPhones, now available in colorful plastic! Or why Apple fans miss Mr Jobs. Read
15:56 Julia Gillard takes up honorary post at the University of Adelaide
Former Australian prime minister returns to the university where she began her tertiary education. Read
15:51 SC agrees to hear PIL for CBI probe in Muzaffarnagar violence
The Supreme Court today agreed to give an urgent hearing to a PIL seeking CBI probe into the communal violence in Muzaffarnagar and for ensuring safe passage to people stuck due to clashes.
15:36 Tunda gets 7-day police custody
Top LeT terrorist Abdul Karim Tunda remanded in 7-day police custody by Delhi court for allegedly helping in illegal infiltration of Pakistani nationals.
15:36 Cong takes a swipe at BJP over Jyotiraditya's royal roots
Madhya Pradesh Congress today took a dig at the BJP for criticising Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia over his royal ancestry.
"Before calling Jyotiraditya feudal, BJP should not forget that Jyotiraditya's paternal aunts Yashodhara Raje and Vasundhara Raje are members of the party (BJP)," state unit Congress president Kantilal Bhuria said.
Scindia was recently appointed as the chief of Congress' state election campaign committee.
"Before calling Jyotiraditya feudal, BJP should not forget that Jyotiraditya's paternal aunts Yashodhara Raje and Vasundhara Raje are members of the party (BJP)," state unit Congress president Kantilal Bhuria said.
Scindia was recently appointed as the chief of Congress' state election campaign committee.
15:31 Let's talk about adultery
Sexual desire is notoriously cruel, and cruelty notoriously difficult to prove. It is in the closed theatre of marriage that the conjunction of these two truisms is played out frequently as tragedy, comedy or tragicomedy. Read
15:25 Muzaffarnagar riots: Muslim groups demand dismissal of SP govt
Several Muslim organisations today demanded dismissal of Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh and imposition of President's rule in the state, saying Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has failed to contain communal violence in Muzaffarnagar and surrounding areas.
15:14 Medha Patkar writes to Mamata: Revoke ban on cycles, it's anti poor
Social activist Medha Patkar has appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to revoke the blanket ban on cycling in Kolkata, saying this will work against poor and working class people who are dependent on this "inexpensive" mode of transport to earn a living.
In a letter written to Mamata, Patkar said she was stunned to know that the Kolkata Traffic Police had recently passed an order banning cycles, hand carts, pull carts, tri-cycles and other forms of non-motorised transport off the roads from 174 major and minor streets in the metropolis.
Here's the full text of the letter.
In a letter written to Mamata, Patkar said she was stunned to know that the Kolkata Traffic Police had recently passed an order banning cycles, hand carts, pull carts, tri-cycles and other forms of non-motorised transport off the roads from 174 major and minor streets in the metropolis.
Here's the full text of the letter.
15:02 LS polls to be a referendum on leadership: Jaitley
Throwing strong hints that BJP is likely to declare Narendra Modi as its Prime Ministerial candidate soon, its senior leader Arun Jaitley today said the coming Lok Sabha polls would be a "referendum on leadership" as the country had been "suffering hugely" due to leadership crisis under the UPA rule.
Berating the UPA Government for its "indecisiveness", and singling out Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for attack, the leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha said "The elections will also be a leadership referendum when people are disillusioned with a leaderless situation."
Berating the UPA Government for its "indecisiveness", and singling out Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for attack, the leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha said "The elections will also be a leadership referendum when people are disillusioned with a leaderless situation."
14:52 Poverty saves killer father
The Supreme Court yesterday commuted to life sentence the death penalty on Sunil Damodar Gaikwad, who stabbed to death his wife and two sons when they were sleeping and tried to kill his daughter, driven by poverty.
The SC said: "Socio-economic compulsions such as poverty are also factors that are to be considered by courts while awarding a sentence." Read
Will this work against the prosecution's demand for the death sentence in the Delhi gang rape? Await Friday, 2.30 pm.
The SC said: "Socio-economic compulsions such as poverty are also factors that are to be considered by courts while awarding a sentence." Read
Will this work against the prosecution's demand for the death sentence in the Delhi gang rape? Await Friday, 2.30 pm.
14:39 Curfew lifted from Shopian
In other news: Authorities today lifted the three-day long curfew from Shopian township where four persons were killed in CRPF firing on weekend triggering violent protests.
The curfew, which was imposed in the south Kashmir town on Sunday following widespread clashes between law enforcing agencies and agitated residents after the killings, has been lifted this morning, a police spokesman said.
However, a spontaneous strike was observed in the town, 52 kms from here, with all shops and business establishments closed and transport off the roads.
The curfew, which was imposed in the south Kashmir town on Sunday following widespread clashes between law enforcing agencies and agitated residents after the killings, has been lifted this morning, a police spokesman said.
However, a spontaneous strike was observed in the town, 52 kms from here, with all shops and business establishments closed and transport off the roads.
14:34 Prosecution asks judge not to show mercy
Protests outside the Saket court in Delhi. The protestors want the death sentence for all the four convicts.
The parents of the young woman, raped and murdered by six men, say they are willing to wait till Friday for the sentencing, but want the death sentence.
The prosecution has asked the judge not to show mercy to the merciless. The lawyers said when the girl had begged for mercy, they hadn't shown her mercy.
The parents of the young woman, raped and murdered by six men, say they are willing to wait till Friday for the sentencing, but want the death sentence.
The prosecution has asked the judge not to show mercy to the merciless. The lawyers said when the girl had begged for mercy, they hadn't shown her mercy.
14:16 Live! Delhi gang rape: Sentencing deferred to 2.30 pm on Friday
The arguments in the gang-rape case are over. The sentencing will be announced at 2.30 pm on Friday. The prosecution seeks the death penalty. The arguments began at 11:05 am today.
Defence lawyer AP Singh says they have asked for a lenient verdict, since all the convicts are innocent and they should be allowed a chance to reform. He says the convicts are not habitual criminals and the crime was not premeditated.
Defence lawyer AP Singh says they have asked for a lenient verdict, since all the convicts are innocent and they should be allowed a chance to reform. He says the convicts are not habitual criminals and the crime was not premeditated.
14:09 Sentencing in Delhi gang rape case deferred to Friday
The Delhi fast-track court, which on Tuesday found four accused guilty of the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old girl in December last year, has reserved sentencing till Friday.
13:53 Live! Delhi gang rape:Judges should NEVER be bloodthirsty, says defence
Vivek Sharma, lawyer for Pawan Gupta (19) is trying to use convict's age to push for a lighter sentence. He says that judges should never be bloodthirsty and capital punishment should not be given because the nation demands it.
13:42 Many rape survivors wipe off evidence: study
Many women who survived sexual assault unwittingly wiped off evidence from their bodies, shows a recent report published by the Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes. Read
13:32
The Samajwadi Party has ruled out a pre-poll alliance, will go it independently.
13:31 Live! PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti detained en route to curfew-clamped Shopian
Just in: Police have detained PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti in Pulwama while she was on her way to Shopian. Shopian is under curfew for the last four days after four people were killed on Saturday. Read
13:22 Pawan Gupta's lawyer: He is young, undecuated, was drunk
As expected, Pawan Gupta's lawyer says the convict is young, uneducated and comes from a poor family. He was drunk and while he was in the bus, he did not participate in the rape or the bestiality.
However, the girl's dying declaration and her friend's statements to the court says that Pawan Gupta raped, brutalised and threw the two out of the bus.
However, the girl's dying declaration and her friend's statements to the court says that Pawan Gupta raped, brutalised and threw the two out of the bus.
13:14 Curfew to be relaxed in riot-hit areas of Muzaffarnagar
With the situation limping back to normalcy, the district administration today decided to relax curfew for four hours from noon in three areas of riot-hit Muzaffarnagar.
District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said curfew would be relaxed for four hours from 12 noon.
The clashes in the district and adjoining towns have claimed 40 lives. The district administration reviewed the situation and took a decision to relax curfew to help the people attend necessary chores.
Strict vigil was being maintained during the relaxation period and police and paramilitary forces are on high alert.
The administration had imposed curfew in Kotwali, Civil Lines and Nai Mandi areas of the district of Saturday last following communal flare up. No one would be allowed to disturb peace in the area, the DM warned.
District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said curfew would be relaxed for four hours from 12 noon.
The clashes in the district and adjoining towns have claimed 40 lives. The district administration reviewed the situation and took a decision to relax curfew to help the people attend necessary chores.
Strict vigil was being maintained during the relaxation period and police and paramilitary forces are on high alert.
The administration had imposed curfew in Kotwali, Civil Lines and Nai Mandi areas of the district of Saturday last following communal flare up. No one would be allowed to disturb peace in the area, the DM warned.
13:04 Father of sexually assaulted girl demands narco test on Asaram
In other news: The father of the 16-year-old girl, allegedly sexually assaulted by self-styled godman Asaram, has demanded that a narco test be conducted on the religious preacher.
Talking to reporters at his residence in neighbouring Shahjahanpur district last night, the father expressed reservation over the support pouring in from the "blind followers" of 72-year-old Asaram Bapu and said that if they are so sure of his innocence why does the godman not face the polygraph and brain mapping tests.
Talking to reporters at his residence in neighbouring Shahjahanpur district last night, the father expressed reservation over the support pouring in from the "blind followers" of 72-year-old Asaram Bapu and said that if they are so sure of his innocence why does the godman not face the polygraph and brain mapping tests.
13:02 Delhi rape: how India's other half lives
The brutal gang-rape on a bus highlighted the routine abuse of Indian women -- and how the nation's surge to superpower status has left millions behind struggling on the margins. The Guardian's Jason Burke reports. Read
12:54
Kiran Bedi tweets: India is among 5 most dangerous country for women. Death penalty in Gangrape Case = Justice = Fear = Prevention=Message
12:50 Defence lawyers blame Braveheart, friend, govt
The defence lawyers have made bizarre statements in the run-up to the verdict. Read: Defence lawyers blame Braveheart, her friend, and government
12:48 Defence: Capital punishment a violation of fundamental rights
The arguments continue at the Saket fast-track court. The defence says that capital punishment is a violation of fundamental rights. That the crime occurred at the spur of the moment and was not premeditated. The lawyers argue that the 'rarest of rare' instance for pushing for the death penalty must pertain to the criminal and not the crime.
12:39 Live! Delhi gang rape: Convict Pawan Gupta's lawyer says he's 19, can be reformed
TV reports say that inside the Saket Court, as the quantum of punishment is being argued, all the four convicts are tense. Convict Pawan Gupta's lawyer argues that he is just 19 and there is a possibility of reform. The other lawyers argue that murderers aren't born but made, and can be unmade.
12:32 What the judge said while convicting the four men yesterday
While convicting the four men on 13 counts, Judge Yogesh Khanna rejected the defence argument that the girl had died due to delayed medical aid and infection caught in the hospital during treatment.
He observed that "the important aspect of this trial is the manner in which both rods and hands were used for damaging the alimentary canal and pulling it out from the body (of the girl).
"This act of complete destruction of the most vital parts of the body can never be termed as intending to cause bodily injuries and rather it will be act done with intention of causing death.
"The judge said they had conspired to gang rape her and the crime had been committed in a "premeditated manner" the prosecutrix in pursuance to their conspiracy," the court said.
In his judgement, the judge said, "Circumstances, conduct and overt act of the accused persons narrated/described clearly establish that accused persons had attempted to kill the complainant."
He observed that "the important aspect of this trial is the manner in which both rods and hands were used for damaging the alimentary canal and pulling it out from the body (of the girl).
"This act of complete destruction of the most vital parts of the body can never be termed as intending to cause bodily injuries and rather it will be act done with intention of causing death.
"The judge said they had conspired to gang rape her and the crime had been committed in a "premeditated manner" the prosecutrix in pursuance to their conspiracy," the court said.
In his judgement, the judge said, "Circumstances, conduct and overt act of the accused persons narrated/described clearly establish that accused persons had attempted to kill the complainant."
12:21 Live! Delhi gang rape: No mercy for merciless, argues prosecution
The defence argues that the death penalty is awarded in rarest of rare case and the crime was not premeditated, it happened at the spur of the moment. The prosecution argues that there should be 'no mercy for the merciless'.
12:11 Judge throws out contempt plea against Shinde
The judge has meanwhile thrown out the defence lawyers contempt of court plea against Home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for saying that the four convicts should get the death penalty.
12:07 Live! Delhi gang rape: Prosecution cites Dhananjay Chatterjee case for 'rarest of rare' sentence
While demanding the death penalty, the prosecution cites the Dhananjay Chatterjee case, where the rapist and murderer was hanged. The prosecution says this case, the Delhi gang rape, was far more heinous and gruesome and is pushing it as the rarest of rare case.
All the four convicts and the family of the victim are in court.
All the four convicts and the family of the victim are in court.
11:56 Shinde: Political parties behind Muzaffarnagar riots
Political parties could be behind violence in Muzaffarnagar in UP: Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. He says he won't blame the UP government, but the state had been alerted to the possibility of riots.
11:52 Delhi gang-rape victim's friend wants cash, shoes, watch back
A pair of Hush Puppy shoes, a Sonata wristwatch, a Samsung S Duos mobile, Rs 1,000 in cash, a Metro smart card and a silver ring. The friend of the December 16 gang-rape victim doesn't want only justice but these things too from additional sessions judge Yogesh Khanna. Read
11:49
December 16 gang-rape case convicts seeks leniency, say life imprisonment is rule and death penalty is an exception.
11:48 Defence seeks life term for Delhi gang rape, murder convicts
Arguments continue at the Saket Court in Delhi over the quantum of punishment for the four accused. The defence is seeking a life term, the prosecution the death penalty. Additional Sessions Judge Yogesh Khanna is hearing the arguments.
11:34 Teen was glued to TV, changed to movies soon after Delhi gang-rape verdict
Pronounced guilty in the gang rape and murder of the 23-year-old physiotherapist, the 18-year-old who was sent to a reformatory home for three years sat glued to his television set on Tuesday.
Now an adult, he was a juvenile when he committed the crime.Sources said he kept flipping television channels all morning, but preferred news channels to remain updated about the developments. Read
Now an adult, he was a juvenile when he committed the crime.Sources said he kept flipping television channels all morning, but preferred news channels to remain updated about the developments. Read
11:33 Realty check for Rudy?
Our Delhi correspondent reports that buzz in the capital has it that Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has asked the LS Secretariat to start legal proceedings over alleged illegal constructions in the Constitution Club, which is part of the estate of the Parliament and is located near Parliament House.
However, the club's president, the BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy, is said to be unhappy over it; insiders say that thanks to him the club has got a facelift as well as a gym and facilities similar to that of a five-star hotel.
JP Aggarwal, Congress MP, has already raised a banner of revolt by claiming that Rudy had made it a "BJP property". Watch this space for further developments.
However, the club's president, the BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy, is said to be unhappy over it; insiders say that thanks to him the club has got a facelift as well as a gym and facilities similar to that of a five-star hotel.
JP Aggarwal, Congress MP, has already raised a banner of revolt by claiming that Rudy had made it a "BJP property". Watch this space for further developments.
11:26
A single, muffled cry from one of the accused broke the silence as the judge pronounced all the four men lined up against the wall guilty of 13 charges, including gang rape and murder.
A tearful Pawan Gupta, 19, then turned to Mukesh Singh, 29, a co-accused in the December 16 gang-rape case who tried to console him, whispering: "Yeh toh hona hi tha (this was inevitable).'Mukesh then gazed long at his parents, huddled in one corner of the courtroom, and folded his hands. Read
A tearful Pawan Gupta, 19, then turned to Mukesh Singh, 29, a co-accused in the December 16 gang-rape case who tried to console him, whispering: "Yeh toh hona hi tha (this was inevitable).'Mukesh then gazed long at his parents, huddled in one corner of the courtroom, and folded his hands. Read
11:22 Prosecution seeks death penalty
The prosecution seeks the death penalty in the Delhi court for all the four convicts in the December 16 gang rape and murder case.
11:14 Live! Delhi gang rape: Convicts reach court, arguments for sentencing begin
And so, the Saket fast-track court begins hearing arguments for the quantum of punishment. The four convicts -- Mukesh Singh, Vinay Sharma, Pawan
Gupta and Akshay Thakur -- have reached the court.
The prosecution will first argue on the quantum of punishment, followed by the defence lawyers.
The prosecution will first argue on the quantum of punishment, followed by the defence lawyers.
11:11 Easing troubles in the long run
While assuaging the fears of foreign investors, the government must also consider capital controls to weather the gradual withdrawal of stimulus measures by advanced economies. Read
11:00 Two parents, two pleas
Two mothers sat on opposite sides of the courtroom. Both were teary-eyed after the pronouncement of the verdict in the December 16 gang-rape case, where all accused were held guilty. Read
10:57 Leak less, probe more
The arrest last month of Yasin Bhatkal, the alleged mastermind of several terror attacks in India over the past decade, is an opportunity for the government to set the record straight on the Indian Mujahideen. Read
10:54 The real story of 'Police Action' against Nizam in 1948
In other reads: It is one of the best-kept secrets in the annals of Indian history.
What exactly happened in Hyderabad on and after 17 September 1948 when the might of the Indian Army forced the Nizam of Hyderabad to surrender and merge his kingdom with the Indian Union, 13 months after India had become an independent country? Read more
What exactly happened in Hyderabad on and after 17 September 1948 when the might of the Indian Army forced the Nizam of Hyderabad to surrender and merge his kingdom with the Indian Union, 13 months after India had become an independent country? Read more
10:50 Arguments for quantum of punishment begins at 11 am
The arguments for the quantum of punishment in the Delhi gang rape and murder will begin at 11 am. A
fast-track court in New Delhi on Tuesday pronounced all the remaining
four accused guilty for the brutal rape and murder of a 23-year-old
woman in a moving bus on the intervening night of December 16-17, 2012.
The quantum of sentence to convicts -- Mukesh, Vinay Sharma, Pawan Gupta and Akshay Thakur -- in the case that shook the nation's conscience will be argued on Wednesday before Additional Sessions Judge Yogesh Khanna, who delivered 237-page judgement.
Also read: The Rape of Our Dignity: How we allow it on a daily basis.
The quantum of sentence to convicts -- Mukesh, Vinay Sharma, Pawan Gupta and Akshay Thakur -- in the case that shook the nation's conscience will be argued on Wednesday before Additional Sessions Judge Yogesh Khanna, who delivered 237-page judgement.
Also read: The Rape of Our Dignity: How we allow it on a daily basis.
10:42 Sonia returns home after check-up
Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who had gone abroad for a routine medical check-up, returned home this morning. Sources said she reached Delhi early morning.
Accompanied by daughter Priyanka, Gandhi had on September 2 left for the US for medical check-up.
Gandhi (66), who had undergone surgery in the US for an undisclosed ailment on August 5, 2011, had flown there for a check-up in February and again on September 2 last year.
She was admitted to AIIMS in August after she complained of chest pain and exhaustion in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on Food Security Bill when it was in the last stages of adoption.
She was discharged from the hospital after she spent five hours undergoing various tests. Gandhi, who had cough and headache, had felt uneasy in Parliament after taking medicines.
Accompanied by daughter Priyanka, Gandhi had on September 2 left for the US for medical check-up.
Gandhi (66), who had undergone surgery in the US for an undisclosed ailment on August 5, 2011, had flown there for a check-up in February and again on September 2 last year.
She was admitted to AIIMS in August after she complained of chest pain and exhaustion in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on Food Security Bill when it was in the last stages of adoption.
She was discharged from the hospital after she spent five hours undergoing various tests. Gandhi, who had cough and headache, had felt uneasy in Parliament after taking medicines.
10:35 Akhilesh losing Muslim support? Groups want SP govt dismissed
For all its alleged positioning for the 2014 polls, the Samajwadi Party (SP) seems be losing its support among Muslims in the wake of UP riots. Read
09:20 After 86 days, prayers resume at Kedarnath Temple
The deathly silence brooding over Kedarnath since the June calamity hit Uttarakhand broke early today morning by the chanting of Vedic hymns as prayers resumed at the Himalayan shrine, 86 days after ravaging floods left over 400 people dead in the Kedar valley.
Shortly after dawn, as the clock stuck 7, the chief priest of the 6th century shrine, Rawal Bhima Shankar Ling Shivacharya, unlocked the portals of the temple and stepped into the sanctum-sanctorum to perform the puja.
The prayers commenced today at Sarwartha Siddi Yog, considered to be auspicious.
09:15 Obama nominates Indian-American to key diplomatic position
The United States has nominated an Indian-American to a top diplomatic position as the assistant secretary of state for political military affairs.
Puneet Talwar was announced to be nominated for the position by US President Barack Obama on Tuesday.
Talwar, who was Obama's top advisor on the Middle East region for over four years, is the second Indian-American to be nominated as the assistant secretary position in the State Department.
09:13 Obama reviews national security on 9/11 anniversary
US President Barack Obama reviewed the national security of the country on the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 twin tower attacks of 2001.
Over the past several months, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counter terrorism Lisa Monaco has convened numerous meetings to review security measures in place for this anniversary, as well as other global threats, including the recent threat emanating from the Arabian Peninsula, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.
The meeting, among others, was attended by the US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, before which he was briefed by senior military planners on Pentagon's worldwide security posture.
03:22 11 killed in fresh wave of violence in Karachi
PTI: At least 11 people, including two policemen, were killed Tuesday in fresh wave of violence and killings in Pakistan's financial hub. Six people were killed this evening in the space of an hour again raising concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi.
"Two policemen, who were on duty in a mobile in Hyderi, Nazimabad were killed when armed men opened fire on the mobile this evening," Senior Superintendent of Police Imran Shaukat said.
In another incident, gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on a father and son killing them on spot. "The father Murtaza, 40, and his 10-year-old son, Mustafa died on the spot and they belonged to the Bohri community," Shaukat said He said seven others were killed target killings in the Lyari Chakiwara area, Ranchore Lines, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Landhi, Metroville and Orangi town areas.
The city had witnessed a brief lull in the violence and killings after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Karachi to review the law and order situation last week and also chaired a special meeting of the federal cabinet in which several decisions were taken to clean up the city.
03:09 Could stunning turn really silence Syria war drums?
As a Russian proposal to strip Syria of its chemical weapons began to take shape, the White House eased off the gas Tuesday in its drive for congressional approval to strike the Middle Eastern country.
US President Barack Obama asked Senate Democrats to delay voting on authorizing military action in Syria while the diplomatic process works itself out, according to senators in the meeting. The president "asked for some time to work things out -- a matter of days into next week," Sen. Dick Durbin said.
01:57 Divisions emerge over UN statement on Syria
A possible diplomatic resolution on Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles seems to have become mired in political debate as Russia differs with France and its allies over a UN resolution. France said on Tuesday it would submit a UN Security Council resolution calling on Syria to put its chemical weapons beyond use or face "extremely serious" reprisals.
Now, an emergency UN Security Council meeting, originally called by Russia for Tuesday, apparently to discuss its own plan for Syria, has been cancelled after the Russia withdrew the request. Russia, the main backer of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, opposed the French-drafted resolution and is expected to propose a weaker Security Council statement, which are largely symbolic statements on the chemical arms crisis.
01:55 Rouhani says 'win-win' nuclear deal possible
Iran's President Hasan Rouhani has said that Iran can strike a "win-win" deal with world powers over its nuclear programme, but that time is limited to reach an agreement.
In a statement carried by state TV on Tuesday, Rouhani said Iran is "ready for the win-win game", but added: "The world should know that the period for solving the nuclear case will not be unlimited."
"The world should take advantage of this period and the opportunity that our nation created in [my] election." The West is hoping that Rouhani will take a more constructive approach in long-running talks on Iran's controversial nuclear drive, which despite Iranian denials is suspected by world powers of having military objectives. Rouhani has stressed a more diplomatic approach to foreign affairs than the style of his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
00:45 Pakistan to free Taliban chief who may hold key to Afghan talks
A senior Taliban commander who the Afghan government believes could be key to brokering a political settlement in Afghanistan will be released later this month, Pakistan's most senior foreign affairs official has announced.
Islamabad has long-resisted demands by the Afghan president, Hamid Karzai, to free Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's former second-in-command, who it is hoped could initiate a peace process between Kabul and hardline rebels who once ruled the country.
Sartaj Aziz, the prime minister's foreign affairs adviser, said Pakistan had finally agreed to hand him over after an apparent improvement in the tempestuous relationship between the two countries.
00:21 Pro-united AP employees to step up campaign
PTI: After organising a public meeting in Hyderabad last week in support of unified Andhra Pradesh, the pro-united Andhra employees of the state government today vowed to step up their campaign.
The employees and other united Andhra supporters would organise protests at central government offices on September 13 and a women's rally on September 14, Ashok Babu, the leader of the employees, told reporters in Hyderabad.
The Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers association would hold a meeting of its executive on September 15 to decide the future course of action, he said.
The ongoing strike by the employees of various departments would be intensified from September 16, he said.
Meanwhile, protests continued across the coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions today against the proposed division of Andhra Pradesh.
00:04 Apple iPhone 5S and 5C handsets unveiled in California
Apple has unveiled two new handsets: the top-end iPhone 5S and a cheaper iPhone 5C at an event in California. The 5S introduces a fingerprint sensor built into the phone's main button to identify the user.
The 5C comes with a plastic back in a choice of colours. It marks a change of strategy for Apple which had not launched two distinct types of handset at the same time before. The iPhone is the firm's most important product in terms of earnings power.
00:01 Top headlines at this hour
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