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Tue, 09 December 2014
I'm a saint, don't send me back empty-handed: Sakshi Maharaj to voters
Timeline Refresh
23:49 All bail conditions for Alagiri's son relaxed
The Madras High court today relaxed all bail conditions for former union minister M K Alagiri's son Durai alias Dayanithi in connection with an illegal granite mining case. Allowing his petition, Justice G.Chockalingam relaxed all the conditions but directed Dayanidhi to cooperate with police during the investigation.
The court had imposed some conditions on Dayanithi when it granted him anticipatory bail on November 22, 2013 in connection with the multi crore-rupee illegal granite mining case.
Dayanithi submited he was complying with the conditions without fail. Being a movie producer, he was subjected to 'serious prejudice' and unable to make himself sure of the travel itinerary due to the present condition, he said.
23:38 'Dislikes' as Zuckerberg's charm offensive with Chinese internet czar backfires
From the CNN: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's latest charm offensive with China has generated decidedly mixed reviews.
Last week, he hosted a senior Chinese official whose office is responsible for banning Facebook-- along with other popular sites like YouTube and Twitter -- in China.
Read the full article HERE
Read the full article HERE
23:04 CIA torture was ineffective, Senate report concludes
The CIA's interrogation of suspected terrorists after the 9/11 attacks was far more brutal than the agency disclosed and failed to elicit information about any imminent threats to the USA, the Senate Intelligence Committee concludes in a report released on Tuesday.
Read the full report HERE
23:00 No permission given to Uber to operate cabs in Telangana: Govt
In the wake of a woman being allegedly raped by an Uber cab driver in Delhi, the Telangana Transport Department today said that no permission has been granted to Uber taxi services to operate in the state.
The department has also advised people, including cab owners and drivers, not to be associated with Uber company in any form. Citing a message from the Union Government, an official release said a criminal case has been reported against the permit holder of a vehicle associated with Uber company.
"In these circumstances, the public including the taxi, cab owners/drivers are informed not to be associated with Uber Company in any form. No permission has been granted to Uber Company by Transport Department of Telangana government," the release said. "Public are requested not to hire any transport services through Uber company in any form, including web-based mobile applications keeping in view the safety and security," it said.
It further states, "It has come to the notice of the transport department that certain cab operators are providing taxi/cab services without obtaining proper licenses/permits from the competent authority."
22:55
BJP MP Swami Sakshi Maharaj today invoked spirituality to seek peoples' support for BJP in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, saying he has come as a saint and should not be sent back 'empty handed'.
In his address at a public meeting in Najafgarh, Maharaj also came out in support of Union Minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, saying the opposition should have relented after she apologised for making certain comments in a rally in Dwarka last week.
"I have come here as a saint and it is said that if a saint comes to your door, he should not be returned empty handed," the Lok Sabha MP from Unnao consitituency in Uttar Pradesh said. Asking the people to support BJP, he also referred to stories of Ramayana in trying to woo them.
"I am the saint and have come here from Haridwar. We are such people who once had gone to King Dashrath and on our demand, he gave us his sons but he didn't give up his dharam..I have not come here to demand money..I have come here to seek your support," he said.
22:14 Woman had reported Uber driver Shiv Kumar Yadav for 'staring'
A week before a young executive was raped allegedly by Uber cab driver Shiv Kumar Yadav in Delhi, the popular app-based taxi service had received a complaint about the same driver from a woman.
Nidhi Shah had complained to Uber about Yadav who she alleged kept staring at her during the taxi ride on November 26.
"The driver said before I got in that the GPS wasn't working and I have to find him by walking through Chandni Chowk. Me and my partner got in but he kept staring through the mirror and I felt uncomfortable."
"I think he was smiling a little creepily also. Eventually, when he dropped us off, I thought I should report this to Uber. I had a bad feeling about him," Ms Shah told NDTV from United States.
21:34 General Elections most talked topic on Facebook in 2014
General Elections held in April-May was the most discussed topic on Facebook in India in 2014, the social media giant said in its year review. Indian Premier League, World Cup, Mars Orbiter Mission, Natural Disaster (Kashmir Floods), mobile company Xiaomi's entry to India in that order were the other most discussed topics on Facebook in India.
21:34 Police to clear main Hong Kong protest site
Police will clear Hong Kong's main pro-democracy protest camp on Thursday and urged demonstrators not to resist, after more than two months of rallies for free leadership polls brought parts of the city to a standstill.
But some protesters have said they are determined to stand their ground until their demands are met, as they have failed so far to wring any concessions out of the authorities in Hong Kong or Beijing, which have branded the demonstrations "illegal".
20:50 Judge bans cellphone taxi service Uber in Spain
A judge today banned the popular cellphone-based taxi service Uber from operating in Spain, court officials said, following similar attempted moves in several other countries.
20:48 2014 devastating year for children: UN
2014 has been a devastating year for children with up to 15 million swept up in wars in the Central African Republic, Iraq, South Sudan, the Palestinian territories, Syria and Ukraine, the UN children's agency said.
"Never in recent memory have so many children been subjected to such unspeakable brutality," UNICEF director Anthony Lake said yesterday.
20:37 Chinese 'Uber' service gets USD 700 million investment
Didi Taxi, China's popular cab-hailing app similar to Uber, has attracted an investment worth more than USD 700 million, it was announced today, marking the biggest investment in China's mobile internet sector.
Investment group DST, Singapore's state-linked investment giant Temasek and China's tech juggernaut Tencent were all involved.
20:34 Govt should clarify stand on One Rank One Pension Scheme: MP
A Congress member today urged the government in the Lok Sabha to clarify its stand on the One-Rank One-Pension scheme and implement the same without delay.
Raising the issue, Deepender Singh Hooda alleged that some bureaucrats are trying to change the definition of One Rank One Pension (OROP) causing concern among 32 lakh ex-servicemen awaiting the scheme's implementation.
19:48 Uber ordered to cease ops in Thailand, under scrutiny in Vietnam
Thailand has ordered US online taxi booking company Uber to cease operations, on the same day taxi apps were banned in the New Delhi where an Uber driver is under arrest for suspected rape.
The Southeast Asian nation's Department of Land Transport said drivers picking up fare-paying passengers via Uber's app were neither registered nor insured to drive commercial vehicles, and that Uber's credit-card payment system did not comply with regulations, Reuters reports.
The Southeast Asian nation's Department of Land Transport said drivers picking up fare-paying passengers via Uber's app were neither registered nor insured to drive commercial vehicles, and that Uber's credit-card payment system did not comply with regulations, Reuters reports.
19:46 BJP has hidden agenda to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra: NCP
Now that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is finally out of the Maharashtra government, the daggers are out.
The NCP said today that the BJP has a hidden agenda to separate the metropolis of Mumbai from the state of Maharashtra.
NCP spokesman Nawab Malik had also tweeted on December 7 that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wants Prime Minister Narendra Modi to head a "civic authority" formed for the "development" of Mumbai city. This reveals the BJP's "hidden conspiracy" to make Mumbai city a Centre-ruled state and take it away from Maharashtra.
The NCP said today that the BJP has a hidden agenda to separate the metropolis of Mumbai from the state of Maharashtra.
NCP spokesman Nawab Malik had also tweeted on December 7 that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wants Prime Minister Narendra Modi to head a "civic authority" formed for the "development" of Mumbai city. This reveals the BJP's "hidden conspiracy" to make Mumbai city a Centre-ruled state and take it away from Maharashtra.
19:23 Two prisoners shot dead, three injured in escape bid
Rajeev Kumar, DGP, Jharkhand on the 17 prisoners escaping in Chaibasa while being produced before court. He said they tried to escape while they were being escorted to jail. Two under-trial prisoners were killed in police firing, three were injured and 15 have gone missing.
Earlier reports had said that five prisoners had been shot dead.
Earlier reports had said that five prisoners had been shot dead.
19:14
Narendra Modi government has not done anything for the people since it came to power, says Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Thiruvananthapuram.
18:40 Black Friday terror attacks affect 3rd phase: J-K polls 58%
Just in: A 58 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the third phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir. That's an approximate 12 per cent drop from the frist and second phase (70 per cent).
Security arrangements in all the three districts have been strengthened in the wake of Friday's violence, where 21 persons including 11 security personnel and eight militants were killed in four incidents in the valley.
Security arrangements in all the three districts have been strengthened in the wake of Friday's violence, where 21 persons including 11 security personnel and eight militants were killed in four incidents in the valley.
18:17 Sri Lanka prez arrives in Tirupati, receives guard of honour
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa receives a guard of honor as he arrives in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
Tight security arrangements were made in the temple city ahead of the
visit. Rajapaksa who will be on a two-day pilgrimage starting today.
The special flight carrying Rajapaksa and his entourage flew into the Renigunta airport at 4.30 pm, from where he will reach Tirumala hills by road.
After offering prayers late in the evening and again participating in the pre-dawn ritual on Wednesday, he will motor down the hills by 8.15 am, reach airport by 9.30 am and fly back to Colombo.
Tight security arrangements were made in the temple city ahead of the
visit. Rajapaksa who will be on a two-day pilgrimage starting today.
The special flight carrying Rajapaksa and his entourage flew into the Renigunta airport at 4.30 pm, from where he will reach Tirumala hills by road.
After offering prayers late in the evening and again participating in the pre-dawn ritual on Wednesday, he will motor down the hills by 8.15 am, reach airport by 9.30 am and fly back to Colombo.
18:09 Narendra Modi should make use of the best
His admirers may call him a star; his critics may call him an exhibitionist. Either way, it is undeniable that the prime minister is a good tightrope walker. His shows become more interesting because he has almost no training for his role. That's PM Narendra Modi for you... Read.
17:42 Dilip Kumar is fine, in jolly mood, says doctor
Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai, three days ago for a chest infection, is recovering well, a doctor attending on him said today.
"Dilip Saab is doing fine now. He will be here only for next 2-3 days. We have kept him on antibiotics for now. But his laboratory investigations have improved and X-ray has also improved," Dr Jalil Parkar, well-known pulmonologist at Lilavati hospital said.
"Clinically he is doing very well. He is walking and talking to everyone and he seems to be in a jolly mood," Parkar said.
"Dilip Saab is doing fine now. He will be here only for next 2-3 days. We have kept him on antibiotics for now. But his laboratory investigations have improved and X-ray has also improved," Dr Jalil Parkar, well-known pulmonologist at Lilavati hospital said.
"Clinically he is doing very well. He is walking and talking to everyone and he seems to be in a jolly mood," Parkar said.
17:36 Paris Hilton parties with Salman Khan
Socialite Paris Hilton was in India for a personal visit and met up with Salman Khan at the birthday party of Balaji Rao, owner of Venkateshwara Hatcheries. Here's the picture she posted on Instagram and said: #GoodTimes in India with my friend @BeingSalmanKhan.
17:31 59.31 pc polling in 14 out of 17 seats in Jharkhand
Nearly 60 per cent of polling has been recorded in 14 of the 17 Assembly constituencies spread across eight districts of Jharkhand where voting was held today in the third of the five-phase elections.
17:27
Radio taxi operators are upset that the trust and confidence people had in private cabs have been eroded following the Uber rape case.
An apex body of radio taxi cabs today asked the government to take urgent steps to regulate unlicensed app-based cabs to ensure passenger safety.
An apex body of radio taxi cabs today asked the government to take urgent steps to regulate unlicensed app-based cabs to ensure passenger safety.
17:20 12 prisoners escape while being taken to court, police kill five
Over 17 prisoners tried to escaped from a police van while they were being taken to court from the Chaibasa jail in Jharkhand. Five prisoners were killed when the police opened fire to stop the escape, but 12 managed to flee.
The police have launched a manhunt to arrest the absconding prisoners.
The police have launched a manhunt to arrest the absconding prisoners.
17:01 33 Pak espionage modules neutralised in last 4 years: Govt
A total of 33 Pakistan-backed espionage modules were neutralised in the country resulting in the arrest of 50 espionage agents in the last four years, Lok Sabha was informed today.
The Pakistani spies, including some retired Indian government officials, were arrested during the period of January 2011 and November 2014, Minister of State for Home Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary said.
It has come to notice that Pakistani intelligence agencies, particularly the ISI, is conducting espionage activities in the country, he said in reply to a written question.
The Pakistani spies, including some retired Indian government officials, were arrested during the period of January 2011 and November 2014, Minister of State for Home Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary said.
It has come to notice that Pakistani intelligence agencies, particularly the ISI, is conducting espionage activities in the country, he said in reply to a written question.
16:46
Advanced version of indigenously developed Pinaka Mark-2 rocket successfully test fired from a defence base in Odisha.
16:44 Uber cabbie a serial rapist? Out on bail in 2011, 2013 cases
The Uber cab driver, accused of raping a 25-year-old executive working for a global company, has more cases against him.
Shiv Kumar Yadav (32) was arrested in Mathura on Sunday, and has spent seven months in jail in a rape case in 2011 as well. He was later acquitted in that case.
It has now been revealed that Yadav was booked in another rape case in 2013, a molestation case in 2009 and was held under the Arms Act in 2006. Yadav was given bail in all these cases.
The Delhi Police registered an FIR against Uber officials and arrest is likely in the case. Home minister Rajnath Singh has also asked all states and Union Territories to consider banning internet-based taxi services.
Shiv Kumar Yadav (32) was arrested in Mathura on Sunday, and has spent seven months in jail in a rape case in 2011 as well. He was later acquitted in that case.
It has now been revealed that Yadav was booked in another rape case in 2013, a molestation case in 2009 and was held under the Arms Act in 2006. Yadav was given bail in all these cases.
The Delhi Police registered an FIR against Uber officials and arrest is likely in the case. Home minister Rajnath Singh has also asked all states and Union Territories to consider banning internet-based taxi services.
16:31 Mid Day journalist is now Fadnavis' media advisor
Mid Day political editor Ravikiran Deshmukh has been appointed media advisor to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. "Mid Day editor Sachin Kalbag tweets: Sad to see a great guy leave. Ravikiran took political coverage at Mid Day to another level. With his wisdom and objectivity, he will be an asset to Mr Fadnavis."
16:16 IIT-Bombay girl bags Rs 2 cr package from Facebook. Like!
An IIT-Bombay student has claimed to have received a job offer of Rs 2 crore from Facebook. Aastha Agrawal (20), a fourth-year student of Computer Science, had completed her third-year internship in the company's headquarters in California in May-June this year following which the company gave her the pre-placement offer.
Like.
Like.
16:12 Sensex slips below psychological mark of 28K
The BSE Sensex slipped below the 28,000 level and the NSE Nifty dropped below the 8,400-mark at mid-session as funds and retail investors indulged in selling activity amid weak global cues after crude oil dipped to fresh five-year lows.
The Sensex dipped below the psychological 28,000-mark to touch a low of 27,869.92. Major losers that pulled down the Sensex and Nifty from crucial levels were Sesa Sterlite, Tata Power, NTPC, Hindalco, Bhyarti Airtel, ONGC, Tata Steel, BHEL, SBI, Axis Bank, L&T, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Coal India, RIL and Cipla. The 30-share index had lost 443.42 points in the previous two sessions.
The Sensex dipped below the psychological 28,000-mark to touch a low of 27,869.92. Major losers that pulled down the Sensex and Nifty from crucial levels were Sesa Sterlite, Tata Power, NTPC, Hindalco, Bhyarti Airtel, ONGC, Tata Steel, BHEL, SBI, Axis Bank, L&T, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Coal India, RIL and Cipla. The 30-share index had lost 443.42 points in the previous two sessions.
16:05 BSE Sensex closes at one-month low, Nifty too down
Just In: The BSE Sensex plunged 322.39 points to its over one-month closing low of 27,797.01; Nifty has tumbled 97.55 points to 8,340.70.
15:59 Army captain goes missing in Jammu
An Army captain from Maharashtra has gone missing from Jammu. Police said they have registered a complaint and started investigations.
Sources said Captain Chetanya, who was posted at Poonch, had called his family from Jammu's general bus stand on November 8 before he went missing.
Sources said Captain Chetanya, who was posted at Poonch, had called his family from Jammu's general bus stand on November 8 before he went missing.
15:50 Jaswant Singh still in coma
Former BJP leader Jaswant Singh continues to be in a coma. Singh was hospitalized with a severe head injury and has shown no signs of improvement.
15:47 Odisha CM makes rare appearance in Parliament
More buzz from Parliament: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was in Central Hall today greeting senior union ministers. There has been speculation about his health, but his appearance in the Central Hall, Patnaik put paid to the negative publicity building around him.
As an aside, Patnaik has always avoided using special aircraft except during poll campaigns.
As an aside, Patnaik has always avoided using special aircraft except during poll campaigns.
15:37 Centre asks all states, UTs to ensure Uber cab services are stopped
The Centre has asked all states and union territories to ensure that Uber taxi services are stopped, Home Minister Rajnath Singh tells Rajya Sabha.
Singh told the Upper House today that all such web-based cab booking services should be banned.
He also informed the House that the cab involved in the incident was owned by the accused driver. The car seized from the driver, who was arrested from Mathura, has been brought to Delhi and a forensic investigation is underway, he added.
The transport department will connect the GPS data of all such cabs to its server.
Singh told the Upper House today that all such web-based cab booking services should be banned.
He also informed the House that the cab involved in the incident was owned by the accused driver. The car seized from the driver, who was arrested from Mathura, has been brought to Delhi and a forensic investigation is underway, he added.
The transport department will connect the GPS data of all such cabs to its server.
15:25
3rd phase of Assembly election: Jammu & Kashmir recorded polling percentage of 27.03% till 12 pm today.
15:01 Najma Heptullah for Punjab governor?
Najma Heptullah is tipped to be the Punjab governor when Shivraj Patil demits office next month. The BJP leadership has given a hint to Heptullah, who with six terms, has been one of the longest serving Rajya MPs.
If she is made governor, her Rajya Sabha seat which is up to April 2018 from Madhya Pradesh will go to some BJP leader.
Buzz in BJP hearquarters is that Shahnawaz Hussein will take her place if she is sent to the Chandigarh Raj Bhavan.
If she is made governor, her Rajya Sabha seat which is up to April 2018 from Madhya Pradesh will go to some BJP leader.
Buzz in BJP hearquarters is that Shahnawaz Hussein will take her place if she is sent to the Chandigarh Raj Bhavan.
14:48 Happy birthday, Mrs Gandhi
Congress president Sonia Gandh is not celebrating her birthday today, something she has insisted upon, in the backdrop of the terror attacks in Kashmir last week.
However, Pradesh Congress Chiefs were given time during Parliament today to greet her.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to greet her, andhad also tweeted his wishes early this morning.
Inside Parliament, some Congress MPs went to touch her feet, but Sonia stopped them.
However, Pradesh Congress Chiefs were given time during Parliament today to greet her.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to greet her, andhad also tweeted his wishes early this morning.
Inside Parliament, some Congress MPs went to touch her feet, but Sonia stopped them.
14:37 India should read Afghan tea leaves
The London Conference on Afghanistan last Wednesday concluded on an unprecedented note of confidence. This was best captured in US secretary of state John Kerry's words while addressing the conference that "never before has the prospect of a more fully independent and sustainable Afghanistan been more clear than it is at this moment." The cautious optimism is justified and is a shared perspective already in the region. Read
14:32 BJP MPs told to declare assets ASAP
All BJP MPs have been been told to declare their assets at the earliest. There are at least 80 BJP MPs -- some debuted in Parliament this year, who have not yet declared their asset base to their presiding officers..
Meanwhile, the BJP Parliamentary party is meeting is being held every Tuesdays in the Central Hall of Parliament. Since PM Modi is on a campaign trail, LK Advani conducted the meet.
Meanwhile, the BJP Parliamentary party is meeting is being held every Tuesdays in the Central Hall of Parliament. Since PM Modi is on a campaign trail, LK Advani conducted the meet.
14:16 Coal ordinance, Insurance Bill next week?
The BJP government will bring in two major reforms Bill in Parliament -- the Coal Block allocation ordinance and the Insurance Bill -- in the next 10 days.
This is what MoS Energy Piyush Goyal told the BJP Parliamentary party on Tuesday.
Finance minister Arun Jaitley also told the BJP meet that the report of the Select Committee would be submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman by MP Chandan Mitra next week. Mitra heads the select committee on the insurance bill.
Which means, the government proposes to bring about the Insurance Bill next week. BJP MPs thumped their desks and gave a standing ovation to two the ministers.
This is what MoS Energy Piyush Goyal told the BJP Parliamentary party on Tuesday.
Finance minister Arun Jaitley also told the BJP meet that the report of the Select Committee would be submitted to the Rajya Sabha chairman by MP Chandan Mitra next week. Mitra heads the select committee on the insurance bill.
Which means, the government proposes to bring about the Insurance Bill next week. BJP MPs thumped their desks and gave a standing ovation to two the ministers.
13:51
Delhi cab rape case : FIR registered against Uber under IPC sections 420, 34, and 188.
13:50
Just in: Mulayam Singh Yadav says he would appeal to Arvind Kejriwal to join their grand alliance.
13:25 Srinivasan apologises for attending TN cricket association meet
Supreme Court objects to BCCI's president in exile, N Srinivasan, attending the Tamil Nadu cricket association meetings despite stepping aside as cricket administrator. Srinivasan admits mistake; says he should not have attended the meetings.
13:13 Delhi top cop meets home minister over Uber cab rape
Police Commissioner BS Bassi reaches Parliament to meet home minister Rajnath Singh over the Delhi cab rape case.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has said he is against banning cab services in the wake of the Delhi rape case. "It doesn't make sense to ban services. Tomorrow, if something happens on a bus we can't ban that. It is the system that needs to be changed. Banning will only cause inconvenience to the people,' Gadkari said. "System of giving driver's license is faulty; new digitalised system will be designed where everyone's track record can be viewed,' the minister said further, adding, "if there are improvements needed in the system they should be looked at.'
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has said he is against banning cab services in the wake of the Delhi rape case. "It doesn't make sense to ban services. Tomorrow, if something happens on a bus we can't ban that. It is the system that needs to be changed. Banning will only cause inconvenience to the people,' Gadkari said. "System of giving driver's license is faulty; new digitalised system will be designed where everyone's track record can be viewed,' the minister said further, adding, "if there are improvements needed in the system they should be looked at.'
12:59 Being middle class in India
Are differences within the middle class, in income, education, and cultural and social capital, so wide as to render moot any ideological or behavioural coherence to this group? Read more
12:54 Petrol bomb hurled at poll booth in Gulmarg, no casualties
A petrol bomb was today hurled by unidentified men at a polling station in the Gulmarg constituency of Baramulla district in Kashmir, where polling is underway in the third phase of elections in the state.
The bomb was hurled at a booth in the early hours today. No casualties were reported in the incident, police said.
Barring this incident, polling in all 16 constituencies spread across Budgam, Pulwama and Baramulla districts of the state, has been peaceful.
Security arrangements in the three districts have been strengthened in the wake of Friday's violence, where 21 persons, including 11 security personnel and eight militants, were killed in four incidents in the Valley.
The bomb was hurled at a booth in the early hours today. No casualties were reported in the incident, police said.
Barring this incident, polling in all 16 constituencies spread across Budgam, Pulwama and Baramulla districts of the state, has been peaceful.
Security arrangements in the three districts have been strengthened in the wake of Friday's violence, where 21 persons, including 11 security personnel and eight militants, were killed in four incidents in the Valley.
12:50 PM does a ctrl+alt+del on Pak hyphen
Between Kutch and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi found a tool to poke Pakistan with pointed indifference at his first and only election outing in the Valley this afternoon. Telegraph's Sankarshan Thakur reports. Read
12:45 Unanswered questions
The key takeaway from the meeting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with State Chief Ministers to discuss the contours of the new body that will replace the Planning Commission was this: that power and planning should be decentralised and States should be empowered to plan, design and manage schemes based on what fits them best. Read more
12:43 Pooja Bhatt announces separation from husband
Actor-director Pooja Bhatt is ending her 11-year-old marriage to Manish Makhija.
The actress, who married Makhija in 2003, said her split was "amicable".
"To all those who care and especially those that don't my husband Munna and me have decided to part ways after 11 glorious years of marriage. Our split as some might call it is amicable and we hold each other in the highest esteem for now and forever," Pooja tweeted.
The 42-year-old actress, who is the daughter of Mahesh Bhatt, said she decided to go public with the split as she wanted her fans to know the story from her.
"The reason I explain is because we are both part of the public domain. Our friends, well wishers and foes are free to now speculate. I choose to live life on my terms and refuse to perform to the gallery. Certificates don't make or break marriages and relationships! Life does!" she said.
12:41 Banning Uber doesn't make sense: Gadkari
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has said he is against banning cab services in the wake of the Delhi rape case.
It doesn't make sense to ban services. Tomorrow, if something happens on a bus we can't ban that. It is the system that needs to be changed. Banning will only cause inconvenience to the people, Gadkari said.
System of giving driver's license is faulty; new digitalised system will be designed where everyone's track record can be viewed, the minister said further, adding, if there are improvements needed in the system they should be looked at.
12:03 Take action against Gurunath Meiyappan: SC tells BCCI
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India to take punitive action against former Chennai Super Kings official and N Srinivasan's son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan.
Meiyappan was indicted of betting during the Indian Premier League in 2013.
Meiyappan was indicted of betting during the Indian Premier League in 2013.
The Supreme Court was clear that it did not want to short-circuit BCCI's working machinery and offered four options to the BCCI:
1. Srinivasan steps aside and a BCCI committee takes a decision on Meiyappan
2. Two independent judges are appointed to look into the punishment for Meiyappan
3. The IPL Governing Council decides on punishment for Meiyappan
11:49 Lankan Navy opens fire in air, chase TN fishermen away
Sri Lankan Naval personnel today allegedly fired in the air and damaged more than 20 fishing nets to chase away Indian fishermen fishing near Katchatheevu and other areas, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department officials and local fishermen's association said.
Sri Lankan naval personnel came in more than six boats and also allegedly hurled bottles at the fishermen's boats, Rameswaram Fishermen Organisation president S Emerit said.
The fishermen were fishing near Katchatheevu, Talaimannar and Nenduntheevu, Emerit said.
Officials said the fishermen could have gone beyond Katchatheevu islet and that could be the reason for the attack by the Lankan Navy.
As many as 3000 fishermen had put to sea in 626 fishing boats.
On December 4, fishermen, who ventured for fishing from this coastal town, had to return empty handed as they were sent back allegedly by Lankan Naval personnel who blocked their passage in the Palk Strait and reportedly damaged nets of 15 boats.
11:47 Cab rape case: Delhi women's body summons Uber CEO
The Delhi Commission for Women on Tuesday summoned the local Chief Executive Officer of international taxi-booking service Uber over the alleged rape of a 27-year-old woman by one of its drivers on Friday.
"I have called the local CEO of the cab company today. We will try our best that this cab company is closed. Also, it needs to be investigated who brought this company to India and how it started," DCW chairperson Barkha Shukla said.
An FIR had been lodged earlier against Uber by the Delhi Police for cheating customers on the pretext of providing safe commuting with duly verified driver.
11:40 'I have been raped,' she texted, mistakenly to driver
NDTV reports: The woman who was raped allegedly by an Uber cab driver on Friday texted her friend about the incident but the message, in a chilling mistake, went to her attacker.
"I have been raped by my cab driver," the woman texted, after being dumped on the road by the cab driver, Shiv Kumar Yadav.
The message went to the mobile phone of the last caller, which happened to be the driver, who had threatened to come back for her if she spoke to the police. Yadav had reportedly dialed his own phone from the woman's number and told her he would track her down.
Sources say on receiving the message, Yadav decided to leave town immediately and made plans to escape to Nepal with his family. He was, however, caught on Sunday.
Read more HERE
11:24 Jharkhand polls: Nearly 13 per cent polling till 9 am
Amid tight security, nearly 13 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling in 17 constituencies spread across eight districts of Jharkhand today.
While Koderma recorded the maximum 16.90 per cent voting in the first two hours, Barkagaon constituency witnessed the minimum at 7.60 per cent, polling officials said.
Some faulty EVMs were immediately replaced on receiving complaints from a few polling booths, they said.
Voters were seen standing in queues in front of the booths from 7 am and were keeping themselves warm by lighting small fires by the roadside near booths.
Former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi, ex-Assembly speaker C P Singh and three incumbent ministers are among the candidates whose fate will be decided in today's election.
Besides Dhanwar where polls are being held today, Babulal Marandi is also contesting from Giridh where elections will be held in the next phase on December 14.
10:50 Nursery admission: Delhi HC to hear plea today
The Delhi High Court will hear the pleas on nursery admissions on Tuesday in which the petitioners have challenged the decision to quash the guidelines issued by the Lieutenant Governor last year.
As per the orders, the unaided private schools can set their own criteria or admissions according to the 2007 Ganguly Committee guidelines. Also, the guidelines related to neighbourhood, sibling and alumni can go.
A division bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice RS Endlaw said it will hear in detail the interim stay application on the operation of single judge order, as the matter requires detailed consideration.
The appeals were filed by the government and NGO Social Jurist against the order which quashed the guidelines issued by the lieutenant governor.
Justice Manmohan Nov 28 quashed the points system, saying the guidelines were a violation of the fundamental rights of the school management to have maximum autonomy in day-to-day administration, including the right to admit students.
10:49 PM Modi wishes Sonia on her 68th birthday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Congress president Sonia Gandhi on her birthday on Tuesday.
Modi took to Twitter today to convey his best wishes on her birthday.
He tweeted, Best wishes to Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi on her birthday. May Almighty bless her with a long & healthy life.
The Congress chief has decided to not celebrate her birthday this year in the wake of recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh.
10:11 Sensex down 62 points in early trade
The benchmark BSE Sensex fell over 62 points in early trade today on sustained selling by participants in auto, capital goods, consumer durables and banking sector stocks amid a weak trend at other Asian bourses.
Continuing its slide for the third straight session, the 30-share index fell by 62.53 points, or 0.22 per cent, to 28,056.87, with a majority of key stocks trading in the negative territory.
The gauge had lost 443.42 points in the previous two sessions.
Also, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty shed 19.80 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 8,418.45 in early trade.
Brokers said besides a weak trend on other Asian bourses as investors booked profits, rising CAD in the July-September quarter dampened the trading sentiments.
Meanwhile, rising gold imports widened current account deficit to USD 10.1 billion or 2.1 per cent of GDP in July-September quarter of this fiscal, up from 1.2 per cent a year-ago.
Among other Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei shed 0.60 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 0.93 per cent in early trade today.
The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.59 per cent lower in yesterday's trade.
10:04 Rupee down 7 paise against dollar in early trade
The rupee depreciated by another 7 paise to 61.90 against the US dollar in early trade today at the Interbank Foreign Exchange on sustained demand for the American currency from banks and importers amid a weak opening in the equity market.
Besides, widening current account deficit to $10.1 billion or 2.1 per cent of GDP in July-September quarter of this fiscal, up from 1.2 per cent a year-ago, also weighed on the trading sentiment.
Forex dealers said besides dollar's gains against other currencies in the global markets, increased demand for the American unit from importers and a lower opening in the domestic equities also contributed to rupee's fall.
The rupee had fell from its two-week high and ended 6 paise down at 61.83 against the greenback in yesterday's trade on fresh dollar demand from importers.
Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rallied by 62.53 points, or 0.22 per cent, to 28,056.87 in early trade today.
09:24 Encounter between Maoists and security forces in Jharkhand
Security forces and Maoists exchanged gunfire near Kendua Pahari under Dhanwar assembly constituency in Giridih district today.
No casualty was reported in the encounter that took place just an hour before polling began at Dhanwar from where former Chief Minister and JVM( Prajatantrik) president Babulal Marandi is contesting, additional Superintendent of Police Kunal Kumar said.
The rebels opened fire at the security forces but in the strong retaliatory action by the security personnel the ultras fled into the forest, he said.
The encounter that began at 6 am lasted for about 15 minutes and occurred under Gaona police station limits, Kumar said.
Polling is going on peacefully at Dhanwar.
09:16 Can Srinivasan rebut conflict of interest charges in SC today?
The Supreme Court will resume the hearing on Indian Premier League spot-fixing and betting case today.
In its last proceeding on Monday, the Apex court had come down heavily on Board of Control for Cricket in India's step-aside president-in-exile N Srinivasan.
During the December 8 hearing, the bench headed by Justice S Thakur and F M Kalifullah had grilled Srinivasan on conflict of interest and said it was difficult for it to accept that the involvement of his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan -- a team official of Chennai Super Kings -- in betting during the IPL 2013 did not result in conflict of interest.
"Srinivasan is the vice chairman and managing director of India Cement Limited, an owner of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, your son-in-law is a team official and he is involved in betting. It is very difficult to accept the proposition that there is no conflict of interest," said the
Making distinction between commercial interest and what a professional gets paid for rendering professional services, the court had said: "Those who invest money to earn money and those who give professional advice and get money (for it) are two different things."
In the previous hearings, the court had questioned the BCCI as to why IPL franchise CSK shouldn't be disqualified from the IPL and asked them to act immediately on the Justice (Retd) Mukul Mudgal report.
08:34 Kashmiris to decide Omar Abdullah's fate today
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and three of his cabinet colleagues are among 144 candidates whose fate will be decided today in the third phase of polling in 16 seats spread across Budgam, Pulwama and Baramulla districts.
Security arrangements in all the three districts have been strengthened in the wake of Friday's violence, where 13 people including security personnel and civilians were killed in four separate terror attacks in the Valley.
All eyes will be on Uri and Tral constituencies, which were hit by violence ahead of the polls. The first two phases of elections in the state saw a record turnout of over 70 per cent, with voters ignoring boycott calls by separatists and militant outfits.
The stakes are high for Peoples Democratic Party as it holds 9 of the 16 Assembly constituencies which have an electorate of 13.69 lakh voters, including 6.51 lakh women. The NC holds only four seats
A total of 144 candidates are in the fray including the Chief Minister, three of his cabinet colleagues and 10 other sitting MLAs. 1,781 polling stations have been set up in the area.
08:10 Adelaide celebrates life of Hughes, '13th man' of Oz squad
In the minds of the cricket lovers, Phillip Hughes will remain '63 Not Out Forever' but today the departed cricketer was named his national team's "13th man" as the first cricket Test between India and Australia started here on an emotional note.
As Australia named their playing XI for the match, pacer Josh Hazlewood was listed as the 12th man and the players wanted to include Hughes' name as the 13th man in the list.
Ten days back, cricket world struck by tragedy when Hughes passed away after failing to recover being hit by a Sean Abbott bouncer in a Sheffield Shield game. An entire nation went into mourning.
As the on-field action commenced today, it was all about celebrating the life of the ever-smiling Hughes with everyone present at the Adelaide Oval applauding in unison for exactly 63 seconds.
Incidentally, Hughes was batting on 63 when he was struck by Abbott's bouncer.
As a mark of respect, both teams wore black arm-bands. The entire Australian side had '408' inscribed in their white jerseys. The number is significant as Hughes was the 408th cricketer to play in Tests for Australia.
03:08
From ABC News: At least three people are dead after a private jet crashed into a Maryland home today, authorities said.The small plane crashed in Gaithersburg, about a mile north of the Montgomery County Airpark.
The house caught fire and two other homes were damaged as a result, the Montgomery County Fire Department said.
Image: Smoke is seen after a small plane crashed in to a home and damaged others in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in this handout photo provided by the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service. Photograph: Reuters
Read the details HERE
02:18
From the BBC: The UN says it will need a record $16bn to fund its humanitarian operations next year, with almost half the total going to help victims of the Syrian conflict.
It says the money will provide aid for more than 57 million of the most vulnerable people around the world.
Read the full article HERE
02:11 Ralph Baer, the 'father of video games', dies at age 92
From NBC: A video game pioneer who created both the precursor to "Pong" and the electronic memory game 'Simon' has died. Ralph Baer also was leader of the team that developed the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game console. Baer was a longtime resident of Manchester, New Hampshire.
The Goodwin Funeral Home in Manchester confirmed Monday that he died at his home Saturday. He was 92. Born in Germany, Baer escaped the Holocaust with his family.
As chief engineer for Sanders Associates, now BAE Systems, he started working on what he called "television games" in the 1960s.
Read the full article HERE
01:38 5 Places Where Uber Is Fighting for Its Life Right Now
From the Time magazine: New Delhi's ban against Uber is just one fight the ride-sharing service is engaged in.
Read the full article HERE
Ride-sharing service Uber is one of the most well-funded startups ever with a value of $41.2 billion. It's war chest will come in handy as it does battle with local governments around the world.
Read the full article HERE
01:33 'CIA interrogation report release could cause global unrest'
The release of a Senate committee report on CIA interrogation techniques can impact the security of US assets and personnel globally, the White House today said, as the Pentagon asked its commanders to take measures to prevent any untoward incident.
The report is likely to be released tomorrow by Senate Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said US President Barack Obama believes that the use of those interrogation tactics were unwarranted.
"It did not enhance national security interest of the United States of America," he said. Meanwhile, security of American assets and personnel around the globe has been beefed up.
"Release of the report could cause unrest. So the combatant commands have been asked to take appropriate measures," Col Steve Warren, Pentagon spokesperson, told reporters during an off-camera news briefing.
Warren said guidelines in this regard were issued on Friday. The White House said that the Obama administration has been focused on this for the past several months.
01:17
New information from NASA's Curiosity Rover suggests that Mars may once have had large, long-lasting lakes above ground. That would challenge the more popular theory that water on the planet was only underground, or only appeared in a few areas for a short amount of time.
The key to this latest theory is Mount Sharp, which stands 3 miles tall and sits in the red planet's Gale Crater.
But Mount Sharp is a curious formation:The layered mountain is made of different kinds of sediment. Some layers were probably deposited by a surrounding lake bed, and other seem more likely to be the result of river or wind deposits.
Read the full article HERE
01:00 How the ISIS beheading video was made
From the CNN: It was a killing choreographed for maximum brutality: The beheading of 22 Syrian captives held by ISIS. But can the gruesome video offer vital clues to who was responsible?
Read the full article HERE
Read the full article HERE
00:34
A man was today sentenced to 33 months in prison in the US for making a series of threats to Tulsi Gabbard, the first-ever Hindu-American Congresswoman.
Aniruddha Sherbow, 42, was given the prison term by a federal court in the United States. According to the government's evidence, he had been harassing Gabbard since February 2011, including making threats via email and telephone. The charges relate to two such threats, made in August 2013.
On August 1 last year, Sherbow left a voicemail message on Gabbard's phone in which he threatened to kill her. Gabbard was in Washington, DC, when she received the message. On August 3 the same year, Sherbow, identifying himself by name, sent an e-mail to Congresswoman Gabbard and others, including the FBI.
The subject and body of this e-mail also contained threats directed at Gabbard. Sherbow was arrested in Tijuana by Mexican law enforcement officers and was handed over to the FBI.
00:27 Meet Priya The Rape Survivor, India's newest comic book hero
A new comic book with a female rape survivor as its 'super hero' has been launched to focus attention on the problem of sexual violence in India.
Read the full article HERE
00:26 Top headlines of the last 24 hours
Modi wins TIME readers' poll for 'Person of the Year' title
Uber cabbie was trying to flee to Nepal after crime, says Delhi police
It's the end of the road for Uber in Delhi
Shrien Dewani walks free as South African court throws out case
Twitter suspends 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's account
00:06
US-based cab company Uber was today booked for cheating by the Delhi Police in connection with the alleged rape of a 27-year-old finance company executive in its cab by the driver on Friday night.
"We have registered a separate FIR against Uber under Section 420 (cheating) of IPC. In inveatigations so far, it emerged that the company cheated their customer on the pretext of providing safe commuting with duly verfied driver," Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Madhur Verma told PTI. Earlier in the day, a senior Delhi police official said, "We may book the company under CrPc section 188 and other charges as criminal negligence and abetment to the crime have been made out against Uber".
The investigations have gathered momentum amid growing outrage over the rape allegedly by a driver of Uber who had been arrested yesterday.
"We wanted to know the role of the company while it brings the customer and the car driver into contact through its App. What is the liability of the company if the driver commits a crime as in this case? What is the business model, how it works, who are its promoters?" the officer said.
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