LIVE
Tue, 05 August 2014
Pune landslide toll reaches 147 as rescue ops enter last phase
Timeline Refresh
23:09 Israel conducting 'new form of fascism': Fidel Castro
Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro compared Israel's offensive in Gaza today to a "disgusting form of fascism" that its ally, the United States, is unable to control.
"I think that a new and disgusting form of fascism is emerging with considerable force at this moment in human history," Castro wrote in a column in the newspaper Granma titled "Palestinian Holocaust in Gaza."
Castro's article appeared as a 72-hour truce took hold in the Gaza Strip, with Israel withdrawing troops after a month of fighting with the militant group Hamas that killed at least 1,867 Palestinians and 67 people in Israel.
"Why does the government of this country (Israel) think that the world will be impervious to this macabre genocide that is being committed today against the Palestinian people?" he asked.
"Maybe it hopes that the complicity of the North American (US) empire will be ignored in this shameless massacre?" the 87-year-old former president said.
"There are facts that reflect the near total inability of the United States to face the current world problems," said Castro, who handed over power to his brother Raul in 2006 for health reasons.
22:20 Two buried in landslide in Chiplun in Maharashtra
Two persons, one of them an elderly man, were buried alive in a landslide near here in Ratnagiri district, police said today. The bodies of Parshuram Shivram Sutar, 63, and Bhagoji Ramji Sutar, 55, were recovered today from the debris, they said.
The duo, who worked as carpenters, was on their way to meet a contractor in Vinhere village when they were trapped on roadside in mudslide triggered by heavy rains last evening, the police said.
The duo, who worked as carpenters, was on their way to meet a contractor in Vinhere village when they were trapped on roadside in mudslide triggered by heavy rains last evening, the police said.
22:17 Two held for 'objectionable' Facebook post on MP
Andhra Pradesh Police today arrested two persons, including an MBA student, for allegedly creating and posting on a social networking site political cartoons with vulgar comments against YSRCP MP from Araku, K Geetha, the police said.
Crime Investigation Department of Andhra Pradesh Police arrested I Ravi Kiran of Mahabubnagar district in Telangana and Polla Suresh Krishna, an MBA student of Ongole in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh in this connection, CID Additional Director General of Police Ch Dwarka Tirumala Rao said.
According to police, Ravi Kiran created a Facebook page containing political cartoons and posted it on the website on July 30 and 31, while Krishna allegedly posted some "vulgar" comments on the page.
Crime Investigation Department of Andhra Pradesh Police arrested I Ravi Kiran of Mahabubnagar district in Telangana and Polla Suresh Krishna, an MBA student of Ongole in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh in this connection, CID Additional Director General of Police Ch Dwarka Tirumala Rao said.
According to police, Ravi Kiran created a Facebook page containing political cartoons and posted it on the website on July 30 and 31, while Krishna allegedly posted some "vulgar" comments on the page.
21:56 Pune landslide toll reaches 147 as rescue ops enter last phase
In what appears to be the last phase of the massive rescue operation, NDRF jawans today recovered 17 more bodies from under the debris of landslide in Malin village in Pune district, which takes the death toll in the July 30 disaster to 147.
Working ceaselessly for the seventh day today, braving heavy rains, rescue personnel still expect 15-20 bodies more under the mound, as per the estimate of casualties calculated on the basis of headcount of families living in about 45 houses flattened by the mudslide.
Working ceaselessly for the seventh day today, braving heavy rains, rescue personnel still expect 15-20 bodies more under the mound, as per the estimate of casualties calculated on the basis of headcount of families living in about 45 houses flattened by the mudslide.
21:39 Ganga boat capsize: Modi expresses sadness, prays for missing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed sadness over the capsizing of a boat in Varanasi. He prayed for those missing in the incident. Around 18 of the 40 people today went missing after a boat carrying them capsized on the Ganga river at Betawar ghat near Shooltankeshwar area under Rohania police station in Varanasi.
The boat, carrying 40 people who were going to Mirzapur from Varanasi, capsized on the Ganga river due strong flow of water in the afternoon. Modi represents Varanasi in Lok Sabha.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his sadness over the capsizing of a boat in Varanasi district. He prays for those missing in the unfortunate incident," an official statement said
The boat, carrying 40 people who were going to Mirzapur from Varanasi, capsized on the Ganga river due strong flow of water in the afternoon. Modi represents Varanasi in Lok Sabha.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his sadness over the capsizing of a boat in Varanasi district. He prays for those missing in the unfortunate incident," an official statement said
21:39 Top US diplomat to join Hagel on India visit
A top US diplomat in charge of policymaking in the areas of international security, security assistance, military operations and defence will join Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel during his India visit later this week, the State Department said today.
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Puneet Talwar, will travel to India with Hagel to attend the first cabinet-level defence talks between the two countries under the new Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Hagel is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday and is expected to hold talks with his Indian counterpart, Arun Jaitley, on Friday. He is also likely to call on Modi, and meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, Puneet Talwar, will travel to India with Hagel to attend the first cabinet-level defence talks between the two countries under the new Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Hagel is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday and is expected to hold talks with his Indian counterpart, Arun Jaitley, on Friday. He is also likely to call on Modi, and meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
20:21 Maharashtra to give Rs 50 lakh to CWG gold medalists
Maharashtra Government today announced to give Rs 50 lakh each to gold medal winners from the state, for their excellent performance at the recently concluded Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Earlier, Commonwealth gold medalists used to receive Rs 10 lakh as prize money, an official spokesperson said. The Maharashtra government would also give Rs 30 lakh each to silver medalists and Rs 20 lakh each to bronze medal winners, the official said. Earlier, silver medalists used to receive Rs 7.5 lakh, while bronze medalists used to get Rs 5 lakh.
Sportspersons from Maharashtra won a gold, a silver and three bronze medals at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Image: Shooter Rahi Sarnobat
Earlier, Commonwealth gold medalists used to receive Rs 10 lakh as prize money, an official spokesperson said. The Maharashtra government would also give Rs 30 lakh each to silver medalists and Rs 20 lakh each to bronze medal winners, the official said. Earlier, silver medalists used to receive Rs 7.5 lakh, while bronze medalists used to get Rs 5 lakh.
Sportspersons from Maharashtra won a gold, a silver and three bronze medals at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Image: Shooter Rahi Sarnobat
20:09
CBI files three fresh FIRs in coal blocks allocation scam.
20:07 Yuvraj, Gambir not in team for England ODIs
Yuvraj Singh was not included in the Indian squad for the ODI against England.
Gautam Gambir was also not picked.Young wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson and leg spinner Karn Shama were the two new names in the team.
Stuart Binny was also named.Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virat Kohli (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Umesh Yadav, Dhawal Kulkarni, Sanju Samson, Karn Sharma
Gautam Gambir was also not picked.Young wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson and leg spinner Karn Shama were the two new names in the team.
Stuart Binny was also named.Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virat Kohli (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Umesh Yadav, Dhawal Kulkarni, Sanju Samson, Karn Sharma
19:57 Boat capsizes on Ganga in Varanasi, 18 missing
Around 18 of the 40 people went missing today after a boat carrying them capsized on the Ganga river at Betawar ghat near Shooltankeshwar area under Rohania police station here, police said.
The boat, carrying 40 people who were going to Mirzapur from Varanasi, capsized on the Ganga river due strong flow of water in the afternoon, said Superintendent of Police (rural) Pradeep Gupta.
"Few people onboard the boat knew swimming and they saved others also. Nearly 22 people managed to swim safely out of the river after the boat sank," said Gupta.
The search was on to find the missing 18 people. A team of NDRF personnel, Jal police and divers have been rushed to the spot to find the missing people, the SP said.
The boat, carrying 40 people who were going to Mirzapur from Varanasi, capsized on the Ganga river due strong flow of water in the afternoon, said Superintendent of Police (rural) Pradeep Gupta.
"Few people onboard the boat knew swimming and they saved others also. Nearly 22 people managed to swim safely out of the river after the boat sank," said Gupta.
The search was on to find the missing 18 people. A team of NDRF personnel, Jal police and divers have been rushed to the spot to find the missing people, the SP said.
19:09 Bomb scare at UK's Manchester airport turns out to be a hoax
A British military jet was scrambled today to escort a Qatar Airways plane to Manchester Airport after reports of a possible device on board. The plane was escorted in to land by the Royal Air Force (RAF) following information received by the pilot. Greater Manchester Police said officers were treating it as a "full emergency" as they did not know "how genuine this threat is".
A man pulled from the QR23 flight at Manchester Airport has been arrested on suspicion of making a hoax bomb threat, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police says.
A man pulled from the QR23 flight at Manchester Airport has been arrested on suspicion of making a hoax bomb threat, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police says.
18:44 No half measures for Chetan Bhagat's Half Girlfriend
In a first for any Indian author, Chetan Bhagat, finds himself on cover of the Times of India today, with the announcement of his new book, Half Girlfriend. Bhagat, who is considered a bestseller, took to twitter to announce the upcoming book along with a short video teaser. "Hi all! Happy to announce my next book titled "Half girlfriend"," he wrote.
And for the rest of the day, Half Girlfriend trended on Twitter.
And for the rest of the day, Half Girlfriend trended on Twitter.
18:36 All the PM's men
And some bytes about Modi's mantris and otherwise.
Nirmala Sitaraman, Commerce Minister, read out the government's stance on WTO in English in Parliament today. Soon enough, there were murmurs of dissatisfaction from many BJP MPs who did not understand the language. On realising this, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley came to her rescue and gave a gist in Hindi. Ironically, it's always Sushma Swaraj who speaks in chaste Hindi in Parliament, while Jaitley uses English as well as Hindi.
BJP president Amit Shah did not turn up for the weekly meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Party meet today at the Central Hall of Parliament. Last week, though, he was present to ensure there was a proper connect between the party and the government.
Home minister Rajnath Singh does not sit at the podium in the Central Hall with Narendra Modi and Venkaiah Naidu since he is no longer party president.
Nirmala Sitaraman, Commerce Minister, read out the government's stance on WTO in English in Parliament today. Soon enough, there were murmurs of dissatisfaction from many BJP MPs who did not understand the language. On realising this, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley came to her rescue and gave a gist in Hindi. Ironically, it's always Sushma Swaraj who speaks in chaste Hindi in Parliament, while Jaitley uses English as well as Hindi.
BJP president Amit Shah did not turn up for the weekly meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Party meet today at the Central Hall of Parliament. Last week, though, he was present to ensure there was a proper connect between the party and the government.
Home minister Rajnath Singh does not sit at the podium in the Central Hall with Narendra Modi and Venkaiah Naidu since he is no longer party president.
18:13
Rane's decision to stay with the Congress comes with this rider: "I am not saying Congress will win, but am saying I will work towards Congress's win in upcoming Assembly polls."
18:06 LIVE! Will continue in Cong, won't quit portfolio, says Rane after Rahul meeting
So, Congress leader Narayan Rane will remain in the party. Rane announced today that after discussions with Rahul Gandhi, MPCC president Manikrao Thakre and Maharashtra CM Prithiviraj Chavan, he would not quit the Congress. He also said he will continue as Maharashtra Heavy Industries Minister and try his best so that the party wins the Assembly polls.
Rane, a minister in the Maharashtra Cabinet, handed in his resignation from the cabinet to the Chief Minister last week. Speculation was rife that that was planning to quit the party and announce his own party.
Rane, a minister in the Maharashtra Cabinet, handed in his resignation from the cabinet to the Chief Minister last week. Speculation was rife that that was planning to quit the party and announce his own party.
17:59 Why BJP MPs prefer the back benches
During the BJP Parliamentary Party meet today, the back benches were occupied by senior MPs. They say that they were present for the sake of attendance and complained that the sound system was so poor that only those seated in the first few rows can hear what is being said.
Fact is that the meet could have also been held in the Parliament annexe which has a great sound system.
So, here it is. BJP leaders are apprehensive that debates within the party may be recorded and leaked to the opposition. And it is the fear of just such a leak that has forced the MPs to the back benches.
Fact is that the meet could have also been held in the Parliament annexe which has a great sound system.
So, here it is. BJP leaders are apprehensive that debates within the party may be recorded and leaked to the opposition. And it is the fear of just such a leak that has forced the MPs to the back benches.
17:20
Parliamentary Affairs minister M Venkaiah Naidu today approached YSR Congress leader Megapati Rajmohan Reddy to enquire whether the YSRC would like to be seated next to the Congess in the first row of the Lok Sabha. Reddy at once rejected the suggestion.
No Party, whether it is, ADMK, BJD, TMC or TRS wants to share a seat with Sonia Gandhi.
Naidu is believed to be testing the waters with the YSRC.
No Party, whether it is, ADMK, BJD, TMC or TRS wants to share a seat with Sonia Gandhi.
Naidu is believed to be testing the waters with the YSRC.
17:01 70-year-old Bangalore teacher held for allegedly abusing 8-year-old
And the horror never ends...
A 70-year-old man who was a part-time teacher at a private school in Bangalore has been arrested after an eight-year-old student said she had been sexually abused by him. Details awaited.
Bangalore is still reeling over the rape of a six-year-old at Vibgyor High School.
A 70-year-old man who was a part-time teacher at a private school in Bangalore has been arrested after an eight-year-old student said she had been sexually abused by him. Details awaited.
Bangalore is still reeling over the rape of a six-year-old at Vibgyor High School.
16:57 Hafiz Saeed holding rallies in areas along LoC, border
Lashker-e-Taiba founder and mastermind of Mumbai terror attack Hafiz Saeed has been holding rallies which were "highly critical of India" in proximity to Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir.
"In the recent past Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Amir Jammat-ud-Dawa (JUD), has visited a number of places along the International Border and Line of Control," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
Rijiju said during these visits, Saeed has addressed several rallies where he has been "highly critical of India". The LeT founder was the mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and one of the most wanted persons in India.
"In the recent past Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Amir Jammat-ud-Dawa (JUD), has visited a number of places along the International Border and Line of Control," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
Rijiju said during these visits, Saeed has addressed several rallies where he has been "highly critical of India". The LeT founder was the mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and one of the most wanted persons in India.
16:52 TimeOut shuts all three print editions in India, will go digital
And another blood bath in the media. Entertainment and lifestyle magazine TimeOut, run by Time Out Group Ltd, has decided to shut its print editions in India because of recurring losses. The fortnightly magazine, which is published by Essar Group company Paprika Media Pvt. Ltd in India, said it would go digital starting October. The magazine had three print editions -- Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.
16:48 In the name of the PM...
There's a seemingly new trend that is being observed during question hour in Parliament.
While replying to questions, most ministers, like Fertiliser Minister Anand Kumar today for instance, invoke the name of 'Narendra Modi, our Prime Minister' and say it is his vision is to achieve targets before 2018. This sentence is added to every question-answer and always evokes much desk-thumping from the treasury benches.
While replying to questions, most ministers, like Fertiliser Minister Anand Kumar today for instance, invoke the name of 'Narendra Modi, our Prime Minister' and say it is his vision is to achieve targets before 2018. This sentence is added to every question-answer and always evokes much desk-thumping from the treasury benches.
16:38 Father-son MPs chat with Sonia
Congress president Sonia Gandhi stopped to talk to Biju Janata Dal MPs in the Central Hall today, while fascinated TMC and BJP MPs looked on. The father and son combination of BJD MPs AU Singh Deo and his son Kalikesh Singh Deo looked visibly elated to talk to Mrs Gandhi.
16:35 Dream girl in Parliament today
Hema Malini, the BJP MP from Mathura, attended the Lok Sabha today after a brief illness. She also participated in the BJP Parliamentary Party meet today.
16:30
UK chancellor George Osborne has condemned Baroness Warsi's "disappointing and frankly unnecessary" decision to resign over the situation in Gaza. Read
16:17
On social media, a brilliant ad on eco conservation, titled: "Look what happens when we cut down too many trees."
16:13 Israel pulls troops out of Gaza
Israel has withdrawn its troops from the Gaza Strip to "defensive positions" outside the Palestinian territory.
It says the main aim of its offensive - to destroy militants' tunnels - has been achieved.
A 72-hour truce - brokered by Egyptian mediators late on Monday - came into force at 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT) and appears to be holding.
Gaza officials say the four-week conflict has killed 1,800 Palestinians. Some 67 Israelis have also died.-- BBC
It says the main aim of its offensive - to destroy militants' tunnels - has been achieved.
A 72-hour truce - brokered by Egyptian mediators late on Monday - came into force at 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT) and appears to be holding.
Gaza officials say the four-week conflict has killed 1,800 Palestinians. Some 67 Israelis have also died.-- BBC
16:11 Guv Naik to take charge of Rajasthan as Alva completes tenure
Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and Gujarat Governor Om Prakash Kohli will take additional responsibilities of Rajasthan and Goa as Margaret Alva completed her tenure today.
A Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said that Naik, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, will discharge the functions of the Governor of Rajasthan, in addition to his own duties, until regular arrangements.
Similarly, Kohli, Governor of Gujarat, will be discharging the functions of the Governor of Goa, in addition to his own duties, until regular arrangements are made, it said.
Alva (72) completed her tenure as Governor of Rajasthan today. She had been given additional charge of Goa after B V Wanchoo submitted his resignation on July four last month.
A Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said that Naik, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, will discharge the functions of the Governor of Rajasthan, in addition to his own duties, until regular arrangements.
Similarly, Kohli, Governor of Gujarat, will be discharging the functions of the Governor of Goa, in addition to his own duties, until regular arrangements are made, it said.
Alva (72) completed her tenure as Governor of Rajasthan today. She had been given additional charge of Goa after B V Wanchoo submitted his resignation on July four last month.
15:56 Gaza policy 'Morally Indefensible': UK Minister Sayeeda Warsi resigns
British minister Sayeeda Warsi resigned from her position as a senior foreign office minister on Tuesday, saying she could no longer support the government's policy on the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
"With deep regret I have this morning written to the Prime Minister (and) tendered my resignation. I can no longer support Govt policy on #Gaza," Warsi said on her official Twitter feed.
"Our approach and language during the current crisis in Gaza is morally indefensible."
She said in her resignation letter, a photo of which she posted on Twitter.Warsi, a baroness, was senior minister of state at Britain's Foreign Office and minister for faith and communities. It was not immediately clear whether she was resigning from both roles.
"With deep regret I have this morning written to the Prime Minister (and) tendered my resignation. I can no longer support Govt policy on #Gaza," Warsi said on her official Twitter feed.
"Our approach and language during the current crisis in Gaza is morally indefensible."
She said in her resignation letter, a photo of which she posted on Twitter.Warsi, a baroness, was senior minister of state at Britain's Foreign Office and minister for faith and communities. It was not immediately clear whether she was resigning from both roles.
15:16 2nd AI flight to evacuate Indians in Libya
More Indians are on their way back from Libya. The ministry of external affairs tweets that a second Air India flight will bring back Indians from Libya. The flight will take off from Djerba (Tunisia) and land in Delhi late tomorrow night.
Over 44 more nurses have already been brought back to Kochi airport on Tuesday morning after being evacuated from Libya.
Over 44 more nurses have already been brought back to Kochi airport on Tuesday morning after being evacuated from Libya.
14:57 No change in home, car loan EMIs
Equated monthly installments (EMIs) paid on home, automobile and other loans would remain unchanged, as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) left key interest rates unchanged in its third bi-monthly monetary policy review on Tuesday.
The status quo in key policy rates would mean that the sectors like realty, automobile and other capital intensive industries will not get any relief from the high interest cost prevailing in the country to contain inflation.
The status quo in key policy rates would mean that the sectors like realty, automobile and other capital intensive industries will not get any relief from the high interest cost prevailing in the country to contain inflation.
14:46
The Supreme Court has asked appropriate authority to take stock of the situation and take decision on dissolving Delhi Assembly within a reasonable time.
14:29 Several rivers in spate, 17000 evacuated in Odisha
Several Odisha rivers have been flowing above the danger mark due to incessant downpour. The state government has stepped up rescue operations evacuating 17,000 people even as 23 people have died so far in rain and flood-related incidents.
14:09 Pak army violates LoC ceasefire again
The Pakistan army has yet again violated the bilateral ceaseifre on the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch sector of Jammu today, reports Mukhtar Ahmad from Srinagar. A defence spokesperson said in a statement today, "The Pakistan army gas carried out unprovoked firing using small arms and automatic weapons in the Poonch sector. Our own troops gave a befitting reply using weapons of a similar caliber. No damage to installations or casualties have been reported on our."
13:45 Getting India Back on Track
"If his early months are an indication, such allusions already seem fanciful. Mr Modi's debut budget was cautious, verging on the underwhelming. He has demurred on potentially radical reforms, from bank privatisation to corporate tax reform. Last week, he single-handedly blocked a crucial global trade deal. Deeper confusions remain about his economic beliefs as well, which often appear to rest on little more than slight electoral slogans, such as "minimum government, maximum governance'."
Read the report on the Financial Times
Read the report on the Financial Times
13:40
Supreme Court directs centre to end Delhi Government deadlock.
13:37 What kind of publicity will I get from a rape case, asks model
The model has now hit back at the lawyer saying DIG Paraskar is leaking evidence in the case and counters the lawyer's claims that she wanted publicity, saying, "What kind of publicity will I get from a rape case?".
13:33 DIG-model rape case: 'Model framed cop, wanted to enter reality show'
The former lawyer of the Mumbai model, who filed a case of rape against DIG Sunil Paraskar, has made startling claims, saying she admitted to him about the plot to create a controversy to participate in a television show.
Model's former lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui said he quit the case as he got the feeling that the case was filed for publicity.
"My client (model) kept changing her statements. She didn't share entire information with me. I got the feeling that client was filing case for publicity. So, I backed out of the case," he said.
The Mumbai Police recorded Siddiqui's statements on Monday. He also submitted a CCTV footage of his meeting with the model, corroborating his claim.
Model's former lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui said he quit the case as he got the feeling that the case was filed for publicity.
"My client (model) kept changing her statements. She didn't share entire information with me. I got the feeling that client was filing case for publicity. So, I backed out of the case," he said.
The Mumbai Police recorded Siddiqui's statements on Monday. He also submitted a CCTV footage of his meeting with the model, corroborating his claim.
12:56 RBI policy impact: Stock mkts volatile; Sensex, Nifty down
The stock markets were volatile today following the Reserve Bank policy that kept the key rate unchanged but reduced SLR to infuse liquidity in the financial system, with BSE benchmark Sensex down over 130 points in the afternoon trade.
The Sensex moved into the negative zone following the RBI policy but rose over 108 points after that, only to trade 160 points down later. It was trading 0.53 per cent, down 136.49 points at 25,586.87 at 1230 hrs.
The Sensex moved into the negative zone following the RBI policy but rose over 108 points after that, only to trade 160 points down later. It was trading 0.53 per cent, down 136.49 points at 25,586.87 at 1230 hrs.
12:52 Why Narendra Modi will NOT address US Congress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to address a joint session of the US Congress when he travels here to meet President Barack Obama at the White House in late September mainly because of the general elections in November.
More than 80 members of the House of Representatives and several top Senators wrote letter to the Congressional leadership both the Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, and the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, to invite Modi to address a Joint Session of the US Congress.
However, this is unlikely to happen now mainly because of the elections in November and urgency on the part of the lawmakers to go back to their constituencies for campaigning.
As a result, both the House of Representatives and the Senate are not likely to be in session when Modi visits Washington.
More than 80 members of the House of Representatives and several top Senators wrote letter to the Congressional leadership both the Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, and the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, to invite Modi to address a Joint Session of the US Congress.
However, this is unlikely to happen now mainly because of the elections in November and urgency on the part of the lawmakers to go back to their constituencies for campaigning.
As a result, both the House of Representatives and the Senate are not likely to be in session when Modi visits Washington.
12:25 Campa Cola: SC seeks BMC response on regularisation
In a new twist in the ongoing Campa Cola housing society case, the Supreme Court on Monday sought replies from the Maharashtra government and the BMC as to what prevented the civic body from regularising some of the flats under the existing bylaws.
Hearing a fresh plea filed by the residents of the unauthorised flats of Worli-based housing society in which they have claimed there were provisions in the BMC Act to regularise unauthorised construction after collecting penalties and other charges, a bench led by Justice S J Mukhopadhaya sought responses in three weeks. Read
Hearing a fresh plea filed by the residents of the unauthorised flats of Worli-based housing society in which they have claimed there were provisions in the BMC Act to regularise unauthorised construction after collecting penalties and other charges, a bench led by Justice S J Mukhopadhaya sought responses in three weeks. Read
12:11 Cautious outlook
A positive agrarian outlook for the next decade cannot allow any quarter for complacency in a nation that is home to the world's largest number of farmers, as also the largest number of people who face food insecurity.
This would be a fairer reading of Agricultural Outlook 2014-2023, a joint report of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization, with a special feature on India.
Read
This would be a fairer reading of Agricultural Outlook 2014-2023, a joint report of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization, with a special feature on India.
Read
12:07 There was an LTTE mole in Rajiv Gandhis home: Book
Did an LTTE mole find its way to 10 Janpath and pass on crucial information before Rajiv Gandhi's assassination? In a book, a former aide of the Gandhis points in that direction. He also claims that even Sonia Gandhi feels the same way. Read
11:58 RS adjourned till noon over UPSC row
Opposition parties on Tuesday criticised the Narendra Modi government over its move to scrap English section in CSAT. Opposition parties question if the English language is scrapped then what about the other languages. Opposition also demanded suspension of question hour for UPSC debate in the Rajya Sabha, which has now been adjourned till June.
11:43 For India, a mixed bag
The just-concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow featured a few 'highs' for India, but unfortunately it also marked some new 'lows' for the country.
While the gold medal-winning feats of discus thrower Vikas Gowda and badminton player Parupalli Kashyap signalled breakthroughs in these events after several decades, the news that broke on the concluding day, of two Indian officials being arrested, was disgusting and deplorable. Read
While the gold medal-winning feats of discus thrower Vikas Gowda and badminton player Parupalli Kashyap signalled breakthroughs in these events after several decades, the news that broke on the concluding day, of two Indian officials being arrested, was disgusting and deplorable. Read
11:21 Dad faced a lot of resistance from within Congress, says Manmohan Singh's daughter
At a time when Manmohan Singh's prime ministership has come under the scanner from the books of Sanjaya Baru and Natawar Singh, the former PM's daughter Daman Singh has sprung to her father's defence with her own book, "Strictly Personal, Manmohan and Gursharan". She says her father is not a manipulative politician or a wheeler-dealer. Read the interview on the TOI.
11:15 Narendra Modi is specific where Manmohan Singh was vague
History has been wiped clean. In Manmohan Singh's time, his web site had a window for previous prime ministers; all his predecessors from Nehru onwards made a brief appearance. It has now been removed. Anyone who visits the new prime minister's web site will never know that he had any predecessors. Read
11:11
The cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks will remain unchanged at 4.0% of net demand and time liabilities, says the RBI. The policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) will remain unchanged at 8.0%.
11:10 Vijaykant wants 'advantage AIADMK' scrapped
DMDK leader Vijaykant in a confidential letter to Prime Minister Modi has opposed the BJP government's decision of accommodating M Thambidurai as Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha and on the issue of bailing out TN CM J Jayalalitha on income tax matters. Vijaykant, a former Tamil cinema hero, has asked why the government wants to submit to her. Tamil cinema hero is an ally of BJP in Tamil Nadu. Modi has forwarded the letter to Arun Jaitley for follow up.
11:06 Ebola: new serum raises hopes for cure
An experimental serum treatment on two US missionaries has raised hopes of an effective Ebola treatment after doctors reported a "miraculous" improvement in the health of one of those who contracted the haemorrhagic disease. Read
10:56 World Bank pledges US$ 200 mln to contain spread of Ebola
The World Bank has pledged USD 200 million in emergency funding to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to help the West African countries contain spread of deadly Ebola infections and improve public health systems. World Bank President Dr Jim Yong Kim, who is experienced in treatment of infectious diseases, said the new financing commitment was in response to a call from both the three African countries hardest-hit by Ebola and the World Health Organisation for immediate assistance to contain the outbreak.
Also read: There's a new Ebola drug.
Also read: There's a new Ebola drug.
10:04 Narayan Rane wants state Congress chief's post, revenue portfolio
Spelling more trouble for the Congress party, Narayan Rane has issued a new ultimatum to the party's high command. Rane has demanded for state Congress chief's post and at least the revenue portfolio in the Maharashtra government if the high command wants him to stay in the party. Sources said that if his demands are not met, he might quit the party and even float his own party with his son.
09:48 Plane ferrying 43 nurses from Libya lands in Kochi
A plane carrying 43 nurses, who were trapped in strife-torn Libya, returned to Kochi this morning. This is the second batch of nurses returning from the troubled country. Earlier, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had written to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj asking for the swift return of the nurses.
09:34 DIG rape case: Model hits back after ex-lawyer claims she was publicity hungry
The model, who has accused Mumbai's DIG Sunil Paraskar of rape, today hit back at her former lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui. On Monday, in his statement to the cops, he said that the model had filed the complaint only to gain publicity, as she wanted to be part of a reality show. Hitting back at these claims, the complainant today alleged that Siddiqui had been bribed and that her records were with the Crime Branch.
08:25 Israel, Hamas agree to stop shelling for three days
Israel and Hamas agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire in Gaza starting today. On Monday Israel held its own seven-hour "humanitarian window" in Gaza but then resumed its military operations. Health officials in Gaza say more than 1,800 Palestinians have been killed in the four-week conflict, which has also claimed 67 Israeli lives.
07:56 Rape case: Model is after publicity, says lawyer of the complainant
The case against Mumbai DIG Sunil Paraskar, who allegedly raped a model, took an unexpected turn when the complainant's former lawyer Rizwan Siddiqui said that the case was just an attempt to gain publicity. In his statement to the police on Monday, Siddiqui said said that the model wanted to tarnish the DIG's image and create a controversy to participate in a TV show.
03:38 Iran says it gave missile technology to Hamas
Hamas is able to fire missiles into Israel because Tehran provided weapons technology to the militant group to defend itself against Israeli attacks, a senior Iranian official said today.
The Secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council, Mohsen Rezaei, was quoted by Al-Alam, the Arabic channel of Iran's state TV, as also saying Hamas should also dig tunnels to be used as shelter to protect Gaza's population from Israeli assaults.
"Palestinian resistance missiles are the blessings of Iran's transfer of technology. We need to transfer defensive and military technology to Palestinians so that they can build weapons under the blockade and defend themselves," Rezaei said.
Rezaei, a former chief commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, also urged Hamas to capture Israeli soldiers to use them as bargaining chips in its battle against Israel.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, who has the final say on all state matters in Iran, called on Muslims from around the world last week to help arm Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza to defend themselves against Israel.
Iran, a Hamas backer, does not recognize Israel and supports militant anti-Israeli groups such as the Palestinian Hamas and Lebanon's Shiite Hezbollah group.
00:54 There is an 'awful' 'Bomb Gaza' game on Google Play Store
Bomb Gaza is a game for Android that was uploaded to the Google Play store on July 29.
The game involves piloting an Israeli air-force jet over a densely built area of Gaza and attempting to bomb "terrorists".
It quickly becomes apparent that it is almost impossible to avoid bombing civilians, who are in the same buildings as the terrorists firing rockets at the Israeli jet.
There are no specific instructions on how to play the game but it is almost impossible to do without inadvertently killing civilians.
Read more HERE
Read more HERE
00:52 Experimental drug likely saved Ebola patients
Three vials containing an experimental drug stored at subzero temperatures were flown into Liberia last week in a last-ditch effort to save two American missionary workers who had contracted Ebola, according to a source familiar with details of the treatment.
The drug appears to have worked, sources say.
Dr Kent Brantly's and Nancy Writebol's conditions significantly improved after receiving the medication, sources say.
Brantly was able to walk into Emory University Hospital in Atlanta after being evacuated to the United States last week, and Writebol is expected to arrive in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Read more HERE
Read more HERE
00:46 HRW: Israel killed fleeing Gazans in likely war crime
Human Rights Watch today accused Israel of killing civilians as they attempted to flee a stricken neighbourhood of Gaza, in what it said would amount to a war crime.
In a report that cited Palestinians who managed to get out of Khuza'a, HRW said the attacks on the town near the southern city of Khan Yunis occurred at the end of July.
"Israeli forces in the southern Gaza town of Khuza'a fired on and killed civilians in apparent violation of the laws of war in several incidents between July 23 and 25," said the New York-based watchdog.
"Deliberate attacks on civilians who are not participating in the fighting are war crimes."
Civilians faced "grave dangers" in Khuza'a, including repeated shelling, lack of access to medical care, and coming under attack from the Israelis as they attempt to flee to Khan Yunis.
The report pointed out that while Israeli forces had warned people to leave Khuza'a prior to July 21, "the failure of civilians to abide by warnings does not make them lawful targets of attack."
"Warning families to flee fighting doesn't make them fair targets just because they're unable to do so, and deliberately attacking them is a war crime," said HRW's Sarah Leah Whitson.
00:39 Top headlines at this hour:
UPSC row: Unhappy with government's move, aspirants vow to continue fight
Mission accomplished: Modi ends Nepal visit on a high
Tension grips Meerut after woman gang-raped, forced to convert
Woman judge quits after sexual harassment by MP HC judge
Charges against Indian CWG officials dropped for lack of evidence
Mission accomplished: Modi ends Nepal visit on a high
Tension grips Meerut after woman gang-raped, forced to convert
Woman judge quits after sexual harassment by MP HC judge
Charges against Indian CWG officials dropped for lack of evidence
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