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Thu, 18 December 2014
Sonia Gandhi admitted to hospital
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23:20 Sonia Gandhi admitted to hospital
Congress President Sonia Gandhi was today admitted to a hospital for treatment of lower respiratory tract infection.
"She has been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi for further treatment of the infection," AICC general secretary Ajay Maken told PTI.
23:18 Vistara to officially take to the skies from January 9
Tata-Singapore Airlines joint venture airline Vistara tonight announced the launch of its operations from January 9 with flight from Delhi to Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
The full-service airline, which is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, opened its bookings at 22:30 hours tonight.
With Delhi as its hub, Vistara will initially offer flights to Mumbai and Ahmedabad, the airline said in its statement late tonight.
Vistara will operate 148-seater Airbus A320-200 with 16 seats in business class, 36 in premium economy and 96 in economy.
Phee Teik Yeoh, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said,"I am very excited as this day is the culmination of many months of hard work.
"The activation of distribution channels is our first interface with our customer and with this, we embark on a journey to fulfil our brand promise of seamless travel experience. I would like to especially thank our partners for helping us put our best foot forward and most importantly the members of Vistara team for their diligence and resolve all this while."
Once it takes off, Vistara will be the third full service carrier after state-run Air India and Jet Airways.
23:16 'Sunday Mirror' ex-journalist gets suspended jail term
A former journalist from the UK tabloid 'Sunday Mirror' who pleaded guilty to intercepting voicemail messages in 2001 has been given a suspended jail sentence.
The paper's former investigations editor, Graham Johnson, was handed a two-month sentence, suspended for one year, which means he may not have to spend any time in prison unless he breaks the law again.
The 46-year-old, who worked at the paper between 1997 and 2005, is the first Mirror Group Newspapers journalist to admit to phone hacking.
He also faces 300 pounds prosecution costs as well orders to complete 100 hours of unpaid community work.
Johnson came forward in March 2013 after hacking a phone to investigate whether a soap star was having an affair with a gangster in autumn 2001.
He admitted listening to between 10 and 30 voicemail messages of the soap actress over an "intense but short" period of hacking lasting three to seven days.
The Old Bailey court here heard he was acting reluctantly under instruction from senior managers and although he did not know it was illegal, he realised it was wrong and "walked off the story".
He has since sent a letter to the solicitors of the actress to apologise for listening to her phone messages and using that information for a story.
22:11 5.2 intensity tremor in Bihar
An earthquake of 5.2 intensity on the richter scale shook Patna and other parts of Bihar tonight, triggering panic among people. The epicentre of the earthquake was in Nepal and contiguous areas in Bihar, director state meteorological department A K Sen told PTI.
Reports said the tremor, which occured at 9:02 pm, lasted for 10 seconds and was felt in Patna, Darbhanga, Araria, Munger, Supual and Madhubani among others. Nepal falls in seismic zone five and earthquakes have been experienced in the Himalayan country from time to time. Darbhanga,
Madhubani and other areas in the Kosi region contiguous to the country have suffered its impact in the past too, Sen said. The Met office director said so far no no report of damage has been received from anywhere in Bihar. The earthquake triggered panic among citizens in Patna and other affected parts as people ran out of their homes into open areas.
22:08 Satyarthi appeals to terrorist groups to spare children
Terming the militant attack on a Peshawar school as an 'act of sin', Nobel Peace prize winner Kailash Satyarthi today appealed to the terrorist groups to spare children and asked the global community to work unitedly to defeat terrorism.
The child rights crusader who received the Nobel Peace Prize over a week back with Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai termed the attack in Peshawar as one of the darkest days of humanity.
"My heart is in Peshawar where the incident happened, even though I am not physically present there. It is the most tragic event which has occurred in history of the world.
"When I learnt about what was happening in Pakistan, my first reaction was that those terrorists should leave those 400 kids of mine and take me as a hostage instead. But by then we learnt that over 100 children had already been killed by then," he said.
21:48 Drones to guard Delhi forests, monitor encroachments
Drones will soon fly over Delhi's forests to monitor encroachments and breach of boundaries of protected forest areas. The Forest Department has formulated a plan and it would soon be submitted to the Delhi government/
"We will soon procure drones, which are battery-operated machines gliding silently through the air to have realistic data on the extent of forest land, encroachment or threat to boundaries of reserved or protected forests.
"With this we will move on to the second generation technology for monitoring and surveillance of wildlife," said Sanjiv Kumar, Secretary of Environment and Forest.
21:46 Veteran Italian actress Virna Lisi dies at 78
Veteran Italian actress Virna Lisi, known for her role in 1965 comedy classic 'How To Murder Your Wife', today died in Rome. She was 78. The actress was recently diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, reported Variety.
Lisi is survived by a son, Corrado, and three grandchildren, Franco, Federico, and Riccardo. Born in Ancona 1936 as Virna Pieralisi, she began her film career as a teenager in 1953.
Her prominent roles in Italian post-war films include 1957 drama 'La Donna Del Giorno', 1963 crime movie 'Il Delitto' Dupre, with Alain Delon, and Mario Monicelli's 1965 Italo comedy classic 'Casanova 70', in which she co-starred with Marcello Mastroianni.
21:34
According to PIB ADG K S Dhatwalia, the government has no proposal to reduce age of retirement of Central Govt employees from 60 years to 58 years.
21:32 One ISIS thug suspected of killing 150 girls, women
From FOXNews: One Islamic State militant is alone responsible for killing 150 women, including pregnant women and young teenagers, because they refused to marry members of the barbaric militant army, according to Iraqi officials.
Abu Anas Al-Libi is suspected of mercilessly gunning down the women,most of whom were Yazidi, because they refused to enter into sham temporary marriages with Islamic State fighters simply to have sex in what the terrorists believe to be a Koranic loophole.
21:28 Court rules out medical negligence in L N Mishra's death
Lalit Narayan Mishra had died due to the injuries sustained in the blast and not due to delay in treatment, a Delhi court has said while rejecting contentions of the convicts who had sought benefit of doubt arguing that the then Railway minister had died due to medical negligence.
In his 1,090-page verdict convicting four persons in the 1975 murder case, district judge Vinod Goel trashed the submissions of defence counsel during the trial that Mishra had died due to cardiac arrest while undergoing surgery and it was the negligence of the doctors treating him. The court said after the blast incident, Mishra was rushed to Danapur for treatment and several doctors treated him.
"Even if there was some delay in providing medical treatment to L N Mishra (in this case there being no such intentional delay caused by the medical experts), the accused persons cannot escape the rigour of law and claim benefit of doubt," the court said.
21:22 UGC to varsities: Observe X'mas day as 'Good Governance Day'
The UGC has asked universities acrossthe country to observe December 25 as 'Good Governance Day' amid the controversy over organising events on the occasion which requires physical presence of students in campus on Christmas.
However, in communication sent to all vice chancellors, the UGC has made it clear the competition on oratory be organised before the universities and colleges go for Christmas vacation. "...a competition on oratory be organised in such a manner that it does not disturb the Christmas holidays and all activities regarding this must be completed before the Christmas break of colleges and universities under your jurisdiction," it said.
21:03 When Dinesh Trivedi took Venkaiah Naidu to Mamta for a dialogue
It was Trinamool Congress member Dinesh Trivedi who brought in Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the central hall of Parliament.
Mamata was engrossed in a serious discussion with NCP leader Praful PatelPraful Patel in a corner. It was an interesting meeting, considering the fact that Mamata was not scheduled to meet any such leader and the TMC has been in the forefront of disruptions in the Rajya Sabha.
But before Naidu could start a dialogue, Mamata started a polite conversation on the health of a rather frail looking Naidu, who had undergone a surgery similar to the one conducted on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
The 5-minute meeting did not go beyond exchanging pleasantries. Even Naidu took no initiative except exchanging niceties. The winter session is becoming a washout thanks to the TMC.
21:00 Boko Haram kidnaps over 100 women, children in Nigeria
Suspected Boko Haram gunmen kidnapped more than 100 women and children and killed 35 people during a Sunday raid on the remote northeast Nigerian village of Gumsuri, a security source and resident said on Thursday.
News from remote parts of Nigeria that are cut off from mobile communications sometimes takes days to travel.
News from remote parts of Nigeria that are cut off from mobile communications sometimes takes days to travel.
Read the full story HERE
19:57 Sydney siege: Gunman Monis had illegal firearm, say police
The man who took 17 people hostage in a cafe in Sydney on Monday was carrying an illegally owned firearm, Australian police have said. PM Tony Abbott said on Wednesday that he wanted to know how Man Haron Monis was able to get a gun licence despite a history of violence and instability.
On Wednesday, Abbott announced a review into the background and security checks on Monis. He said questions must be asked about why Monis was not on a security watch list despite a history of violence and mental instability, and why he had a gun licence.
The Australian Federal Police said it had since "confirmed that there is no record of Monis ever having held a firearms licence".
19:47 Britain's PM throws rave-style birthday for wife
British PM David Cameron threw an 'Ibiza-style rave' at the prime ministerial retreat of Chequers to celebrate his wife Samantha's birthday. The staid surroundings was transformed into a nightclub befitting the Mediterranean party island, with music provided by DJ Sarah HB.
Among the 200 guests at the bash were the comedian Harry Enfield, actress Helena Bonham Carter, designer Karen Millen, Radio 4 presenter Sarah Montague and Jeremy Clarkson. They were served cocktails and curry and invited to take to a temporary dancefloor installed in Chequers.
19:35 Release of Lakhvi sends a bad message: Babul Supriyo
Hitting out at Pakistan for releasing 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Minister of State for Urban Development Babul Supriyo said the neighbouring country is sending a very "bad message".
"It is very sad to know 132 children were killed... Butby giving bail to one of the masterminds of Mumbai terrorattacks soon after it is sending a very bad message not only in terms of international relations, but also in terms of terrorists who actually have done the damage to humanity," he said.
19:29 Peshawar massacre fallout: 17 convicts to be hanged within 2-3 days
With Pakistan lifting the moratorium on the death sentences, 17 of the 55 convicted terrorists whose mercy petitions have been dismissed will be executed in the next few days.
There are at least 522 criminals sentenced to death in terror and other cases related to serious crimes in the country, including 11 who were convicted by a military court.
The mercy appeals of 55 death row inmates have been dismissed by the Supreme Court and President Mamnoon Hussain. Seventeen of them will be executed in the next few days. "Their death warrants will be issued and their relatives will be called in to have their last meeting with them," Pakistan's interior ministry was quoted as saying.
18:52 'Pak should be pressurised to punish the people involved in 26/11'
Smita Salaskar wife of slain Mumbai cop Vijay Salaskar on Lakhvi's bail: This is very bad, Pakistan should be pressurised to punish the people who were involved in 26/11. Pakistan is not serious about (ensuring justice) in the 26/11 attack. The case should be handed over to India.
18:46 India tells Pak: CANNOT accept Lakhvi's bail, change your decision
India calls upon Pakistan to immediately take steps to reverse the decision to grant bail to LeT terrorist Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi.
The government asserted that there can be no selective approaches to terrorism. The grant of bail to Lakhvi will serve as a reassurance to terrorists who perpetrate heinous crimes.
"Given the scale of the tragedy Pakistan faced in recent days, it is incumbent on it to realise no compromise can ever be made with terrorists. India can't accept that Zakiur Lakhvi, a key conspirator of the Mumbai attacks and a UN designated terrorist, is being released on bail," the ministry of external affairs said.
MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, "99 per cent evidence for 26/11 is in Pakistan, the 1% we have has been handed to Pakistan. It is incumbent on the government of Pakistan to provide us that evidence."
The government asserted that there can be no selective approaches to terrorism. The grant of bail to Lakhvi will serve as a reassurance to terrorists who perpetrate heinous crimes.
"Given the scale of the tragedy Pakistan faced in recent days, it is incumbent on it to realise no compromise can ever be made with terrorists. India can't accept that Zakiur Lakhvi, a key conspirator of the Mumbai attacks and a UN designated terrorist, is being released on bail," the ministry of external affairs said.
MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said, "99 per cent evidence for 26/11 is in Pakistan, the 1% we have has been handed to Pakistan. It is incumbent on the government of Pakistan to provide us that evidence."
18:11 Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the voice in the ears of 26/11 Mumbai attackers
Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi was among the seven Pakistanis accused of planning and abetting the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that he allegedly planned along with Hafiz Saeed.
The LeT commander was named before Indian investigators by Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist captured alive after the 60-hour siege that left 166 dead in India's financial capital.Kasab, who was executed in 2012, had confessed that he was recruited by a "Zaki Chacha" who turned out to be Lakhvi, the operational commander of LeT.
Lakhvi allegedly mentored the Mumbai attackers and told them that they were striking at a city that is India's economic strength, according to Kasab's confession. Read more
The LeT commander was named before Indian investigators by Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist captured alive after the 60-hour siege that left 166 dead in India's financial capital.Kasab, who was executed in 2012, had confessed that he was recruited by a "Zaki Chacha" who turned out to be Lakhvi, the operational commander of LeT.
Lakhvi allegedly mentored the Mumbai attackers and told them that they were striking at a city that is India's economic strength, according to Kasab's confession. Read more
17:56
Dilip Kumar: Yes, I was born in the charming city of Peshawar in undivided India and I have many special memories of the place.
17:41 Single traveller finds his Elizabeth Gallagher
Away from murder and mayhem, this lovely story is a must read. Jordan Axani's online campaign to find a travelling companion to replace his ex-girlfriend has been a success. Read what it's all about here
17:29
Pro ISIS Twitter account handler Mehdi Masroor Biswas's police remand extended till 2nd January 2015.
17:25
Poster at a funeral by JuD/FIF in Peshawar says: 'The blood of children will result in fall of India, US, Israel."
The picture was tweeted by journalist @TahaSSiddiqui.
The picture was tweeted by journalist @TahaSSiddiqui.
17:23 Lakhvi will be released in 2-3 days, says LeT commander's lawyer
LeT commander Zaki ur-Rehman Lakhvi's lawyer Rizwan Abbasi rubbishes the Pakistan PMO statement that there was a technical error in granting the bail. Lakhvi's lawyer says that the bail has been granted on merit. "If government opposes his bail, I will fight the case. Lakhvi will be released from jail in two to three days," his lawyer said.
Lakhvi and six others had filed bail applications on Wednesday even as lawyers were observing a strike to condemn the terrorist attack on an army-run school in Peshawar that left 148 people, mostly children, dead.
Pakistans federal investigation agency prosecutor disagreed with the bail request, however Lakhvi's advocate stood before the court as the bail was approved, the Dawn reported.
The seven accused -- Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum -- are facing trial at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
Lakhvi and six others had filed bail applications on Wednesday even as lawyers were observing a strike to condemn the terrorist attack on an army-run school in Peshawar that left 148 people, mostly children, dead.
Pakistans federal investigation agency prosecutor disagreed with the bail request, however Lakhvi's advocate stood before the court as the bail was approved, the Dawn reported.
The seven accused -- Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum -- are facing trial at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.
17:03
The very erudite Jammu and Kashmir CM, Omar Abdullah, reacts to the Lakhvi's bail: @abdullah_omar Amazing what a short shelf life the #IndiawithPakistan sentiment had. Thank you to the courts in Pakistan for putting us in our place.
17:01
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's tepid response to Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi's bail: "I won't comment on what another nation does, but it's not right."
16:57 Coal auction case: SC dismisses plea for more time for paying penalties
Just In: The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the ordinance that paved the way for auctioning of coal mines. The apex court rejected the pleas by some private firms seeking an extension of time for paying penalty in a coal blocks allocation case. The court also dismissed the plea of these firms for participating inthe auction process without paying penalty by the December 31 deadline.
16:55 Lifer for men who killed former railway minister LN Mishra
Four men, convicted for killing the then railway minister Lalit Narayan Mishra and two others in a blast in Bihar's Samastipur railway station nearly 40 years back, were today awarded life imprisonment by a Delhi court.
District judge Vinod Goel handed down the jail term to Ranjan Dwivedi, Santoshanand, Sudevanand and Gopalji who were convicted for offences under various provisions of the IPC, including sections 302 (murder), 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapon or means), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy).
"I am awarding life imprisonment to Ranjan Dwivedi, Santoshanand, Sudevanand and Gopalji," the judge said in a jampacked courtroom.
Here's a quick ready-reckoner on the case.
16:47 'Ghar wapsi' for Dr Maitreyan
Not many know that AIADMK member of Parliament Dr V Maitreyan was an RSS pracharak. Usually clad in the Tamil attire of veshti and white shirt, today he wore a kurta and pyjama to Parliament, which provoked many MPs to inquire after the reason for the change in style.
While Jairam Ramesh said it was due to "climate change', Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi inside the Rajya Sabha, said Dr Maitreyan's kurta-pyjama indicated "ghar wapsi".
What he probably meant was Maitreyan's return to sartorial roots, but given the current political climate, it seemed like a quip laded with meaning, that Dr Maitreyan might come back to the RSS.
In the meantime, though, everyone had a good laugh over it.
16:25 PM running away from debate in RS on conversions: Yechury
The CPI(M) today accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "running away" from a debate in the Rajya Sabha on religious conversions, saying he has got used to a "one-way communication traffic" and not replying to anything.
"The Prime Minister is clearly running away from the debate. 'Woh jawab dene se bhaag rahe hain' (He is running away from giving a reply)," senior party leader Sitaram Yechury said.
"Unfortunately, the Prime Minister has got used to one-way communication traffic...through Twitter, Facebook and blogs. There, no one can ask questions and you don't have to reply," the CPI(M) leader said.
His comments came after the Upper House got adjourned for the the fourth consecutive day as the opposition persisted with its demand for a reply by Modi on a debate on religious conversions which the government steadfastly rejected.
"The Prime Minister is clearly running away from the debate. 'Woh jawab dene se bhaag rahe hain' (He is running away from giving a reply)," senior party leader Sitaram Yechury said.
"Unfortunately, the Prime Minister has got used to one-way communication traffic...through Twitter, Facebook and blogs. There, no one can ask questions and you don't have to reply," the CPI(M) leader said.
His comments came after the Upper House got adjourned for the the fourth consecutive day as the opposition persisted with its demand for a reply by Modi on a debate on religious conversions which the government steadfastly rejected.
16:15 Lakhvi bail: Shock, anger, disbelief on Twitter
#Lakhvi is trending on Twitter...
@ShekharGupta Don't blame judge for Lakhvi bail. What has prosecution been doing for 6 yrs? Tough to see any sincerity in Pak agencies' handling of 26/11
@DeShobhaa Who is guilty in Pakistan ? Shock and disbelief as 26/ 11 butcher Zaki-ur - Rehman Lakhvi is granted bail! Provocative and perverse.Shame!
@tanuj_garg Pak Court grants bail to 26/11 accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. The verdict is out !! On the breeding ground of world terrorism !!
@Rezhasan Hey #Pakistan, all that sympathy you gained in #India in last few days - it's going up in smoke now. Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi's why.
@arunpattnaik 15m15 minutes ago
If you feel any less compassionate today about the suffering Pak parents because Pak released Lakhvi, you have serious issues.
@minhazmerchant 1h1 hour ago
For Pak, LeT's Lakhvi & JuD's @HafizSaeedJUD2 are "good terrorists". India's Pak apologists must feel especially foolish today
@Rezhasan #Pakistan's effort to prosecute those charged for #Mumbai attacks had degenerated into a farce long ago, so bail for Lakhvi doesn't surprise
@smitaprakash 26/11 case not important for Pakistani judiciary, executive, legislature. And all 3 get their cues from the Army/ISI hence Lakhvi..
@myraemacdonald We knew #Pakistan would not change; didn't expect the confirmation so breathtakingly quickly. Bail for Lakhvi
@AbhinavAgarwal India Stands with Pakistan fellows & Amans & Ashas would be pleased to know that Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi is now free to stand with you.
@ShekharGupta Don't blame judge for Lakhvi bail. What has prosecution been doing for 6 yrs? Tough to see any sincerity in Pak agencies' handling of 26/11
@DeShobhaa Who is guilty in Pakistan ? Shock and disbelief as 26/ 11 butcher Zaki-ur - Rehman Lakhvi is granted bail! Provocative and perverse.Shame!
@tanuj_garg Pak Court grants bail to 26/11 accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. The verdict is out !! On the breeding ground of world terrorism !!
@Rezhasan Hey #Pakistan, all that sympathy you gained in #India in last few days - it's going up in smoke now. Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi's why.
@arunpattnaik 15m15 minutes ago
If you feel any less compassionate today about the suffering Pak parents because Pak released Lakhvi, you have serious issues.
@minhazmerchant 1h1 hour ago
For Pak, LeT's Lakhvi & JuD's @HafizSaeedJUD2 are "good terrorists". India's Pak apologists must feel especially foolish today
@Rezhasan #Pakistan's effort to prosecute those charged for #Mumbai attacks had degenerated into a farce long ago, so bail for Lakhvi doesn't surprise
@smitaprakash 26/11 case not important for Pakistani judiciary, executive, legislature. And all 3 get their cues from the Army/ISI hence Lakhvi..
@myraemacdonald We knew #Pakistan would not change; didn't expect the confirmation so breathtakingly quickly. Bail for Lakhvi
@AbhinavAgarwal India Stands with Pakistan fellows & Amans & Ashas would be pleased to know that Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi is now free to stand with you.
16:11 India working on strong response on bail to LeT commander Lakhvi
India is working with its mission in Pakistan to prepare a strong response against granting of bail to LeT commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, one of the masterminds of the 2008 terror attack.
Within hours of an Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi granting bail to Lakhvi, one the seven Pakistani nationals accused of planning and abetting the Mumbai terror attacks, sources said the New Delhi government started working along with its mission in Islamabad on a strong response against the court verdict.
Lakhvi and six others had filed bail applications yesterday even as lawyers were observing a strike to condemn the terrorist attack on an army-run school in Peshawar that left 148 people, mostly children, dead.
The FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) prosecutor disagreed with the bail request, however, advocate Rizwan Abbasi, the lawyer representing Lakhvi stood before the court as the bail was approved, the Dawn reported.
The seven accused - Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum - are facing trial at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Lakhvi, who was the operational head of the banned Laskhar-e-Taiba, was one of the key planners of the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people.
Within hours of an Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi granting bail to Lakhvi, one the seven Pakistani nationals accused of planning and abetting the Mumbai terror attacks, sources said the New Delhi government started working along with its mission in Islamabad on a strong response against the court verdict.
Lakhvi and six others had filed bail applications yesterday even as lawyers were observing a strike to condemn the terrorist attack on an army-run school in Peshawar that left 148 people, mostly children, dead.
The FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) prosecutor disagreed with the bail request, however, advocate Rizwan Abbasi, the lawyer representing Lakhvi stood before the court as the bail was approved, the Dawn reported.
The seven accused - Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum - are facing trial at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Lakhvi, who was the operational head of the banned Laskhar-e-Taiba, was one of the key planners of the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people.
16:03 Getting better every day, says traumatised Infosys employee
Viswakanth Ankireddy, one of the two Indian Infosys employees held hostage by an Iranian-origin gunman at a popular cafe in Sydney today said he is recovering from his trauma and getting better every day.
Ankireddy (32) and his colleague Pushpendu Ghosh were among 17 people taken hostage for 17 hours by ISIS sympathiser Man Haron Monis, 50, at Lindt Chocolate Cafe on December 15.
"I have been so grateful for all the expressions of support from friends, colleagues and well-wishers around Australia, India and the world. "As for me, I am fine and getting better every day. I would respectfully request that media give me and my family the quiet time we need to recover," Ankireddy said in a statement.
Ankireddy (32) and his colleague Pushpendu Ghosh were among 17 people taken hostage for 17 hours by ISIS sympathiser Man Haron Monis, 50, at Lindt Chocolate Cafe on December 15.
"I have been so grateful for all the expressions of support from friends, colleagues and well-wishers around Australia, India and the world. "As for me, I am fine and getting better every day. I would respectfully request that media give me and my family the quiet time we need to recover," Ankireddy said in a statement.
15:53 Peshawar massacre: Boy who lost his best friend, says it was like a horror film
"How can you forget it when a person, who has been sitting next to you in the class for the last six or seven years, just dies in your lap," questioned Amir Ameen, whose best friend Aimal Khan was shot dead by terrorists in front of him in the Tuesday's attack on Army Public School and Degree College in Peshawar.
Both friends were sitting in the college corridor with other classmates after taking intermediate examination when they heard four gunmen running and shooting.
The boys took shelter in a nearby chemistry laboratory but to no avail. Terrorists came to the laboratory and started shooting them mercilessly.
As Amir Ameen recalls the horrific incident which left him scarred for life and snatched away his best friend, his facial expressions show as if he has just seen a ghost.
His voice quivers, "I kept lying for more than an hour quietly. I feared the terrorists would come back," he said. He was rescued by soldiers after a long frightful hour. However, he was distraught at the thought that his best friend was gone, forever. Read more
Both friends were sitting in the college corridor with other classmates after taking intermediate examination when they heard four gunmen running and shooting.
The boys took shelter in a nearby chemistry laboratory but to no avail. Terrorists came to the laboratory and started shooting them mercilessly.
As Amir Ameen recalls the horrific incident which left him scarred for life and snatched away his best friend, his facial expressions show as if he has just seen a ghost.
His voice quivers, "I kept lying for more than an hour quietly. I feared the terrorists would come back," he said. He was rescued by soldiers after a long frightful hour. However, he was distraught at the thought that his best friend was gone, forever. Read more
15:52
Fatima Bhutto @fbhutto tweets: Let us be clear now: the biggest terror apologist is the state. Let us be clear: many more innocents will die.
Imaan Sheikh @SheikhImaan Release LeT commander involved in Mumbai attacks right after Peshawar massacre, then wonder why the world hates us/doesn't take us seriously.
Imaan Sheikh @SheikhImaan Release LeT commander involved in Mumbai attacks right after Peshawar massacre, then wonder why the world hates us/doesn't take us seriously.
15:45 Pak U-turn: Lakhvi bail a technical error, govt will oppose it
In a quick comeback, the Pakistan PMO says the bail order to Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi was a technical error and the government would ensure that justice is done. "The government will oppose this bail order and ensure that justice is done. The Nawaz Sharif govt is committed to rooting out terror," the PMO said.
Zaki-ur-Rehman's bail comes in the backdrop of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vow on Wednesday to intensify the war on terror as mass funerals in the Peshawar attacks.
As Pakistan mourned its dead, Sharif said all political parties had decided to draft a national action plan against terrorists within a week and act upon it immediately. "We announce that there will be no differentiation between 'good' and 'bad' Taliban and have resolved to continue the war against terrorism till the last terrorist is eliminated," the Pakistan Prime Minister said, following an all-party meeting.
Lakhvi, one of the prime accused in the November 26, 2008 Mumbai blasts, was granted bail by Pakistan's anti-terror court today, along with six other accused.
All the seven Pakistani nationals are accused of planning and abetting the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. They had filed bail applications in the anti-terrorism court at Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
Pic: A policeman escorting an elderly man at CST on the night of November 26, 2006. The attack saw 58 people killed at the station of a total toll of 166 all over Mumbai.
Zaki-ur-Rehman's bail comes in the backdrop of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vow on Wednesday to intensify the war on terror as mass funerals in the Peshawar attacks.
As Pakistan mourned its dead, Sharif said all political parties had decided to draft a national action plan against terrorists within a week and act upon it immediately. "We announce that there will be no differentiation between 'good' and 'bad' Taliban and have resolved to continue the war against terrorism till the last terrorist is eliminated," the Pakistan Prime Minister said, following an all-party meeting.
Lakhvi, one of the prime accused in the November 26, 2008 Mumbai blasts, was granted bail by Pakistan's anti-terror court today, along with six other accused.
All the seven Pakistani nationals are accused of planning and abetting the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. They had filed bail applications in the anti-terrorism court at Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
Pic: A policeman escorting an elderly man at CST on the night of November 26, 2006. The attack saw 58 people killed at the station of a total toll of 166 all over Mumbai.
15:18 Zaki-ur-Rahman bail: Pak court says it's a technicality, govt says it will oppose bail
Early reports say that the Pakistan government will oppose the bail granted to Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and six other accused. The court said that Lakhvi was released on a technicality as there was nobody to oppose the bail since there was a lawyers' strike and complete chaos in the aftermath of the Peshawar attacks.
15:10
Ujjwal Nikam, the public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai blasts case says the news of the Lakhvi's release is shocking.
15:06 Tharoor reacts to Hafiz Saeed's threats
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on JuD chief and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed blaming India for the Peshawar attacks: "A typical example of denial that some people are in, blaming India is a pointless way out."
On national television on Tuesday, in Pakistan, Saeed, one of the world's most-wanted men, blamed India for the massacre of children at a Pakistan school and vowed revenge.
Not a single politician in Pakistan condemned the remarks of the man behind the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008, in which 166 people were killed.
Saeed's
threats come as India has pledged its support to its neighbour as it
grapples with its worst-ever terror attack.
On national television on Tuesday, in Pakistan, Saeed, one of the world's most-wanted men, blamed India for the massacre of children at a Pakistan school and vowed revenge.
Not a single politician in Pakistan condemned the remarks of the man behind the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008, in which 166 people were killed.
15:01
#IndiawithPakistan has been the top Twitter trend in India for the last two days, but with Lakhvi's bail, that could change.
15:00
@BDUTT Sharif said there's no Good or Bad Taliban but clearly harbouring terrorists still 'Good' policy for Pakistan. Lakhvi 26/11 accused gets bail.
14:59 Pak court lets mass murderer get away
Lakhvi's lawyer says there is no case against him.
This would have been the right time for the Pakistani establishment to act against the 26/11 terrorists including Hafeez Saeed, since public sentiment in Pakistan in the aftermath of the Peshawar attacks is strongly against using state-sponsored terrorism.
This would have been the right time for the Pakistani establishment to act against the 26/11 terrorists including Hafeez Saeed, since public sentiment in Pakistan in the aftermath of the Peshawar attacks is strongly against using state-sponsored terrorism.
14:53 Is Lashkar commander Lakhvi enjoying prison stay?
In 2012, Lashkar-e-Tayiba commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi fathered a child when he was in jail for the 26/11 attacks.
The Indian government has sought clarity on the issue as it has reason to believe that the Mumbai terror attack mastermind is being handed various privileges that terrorism suspects ought not to be getting.
The query comes after Abu Jundal, the Indian handler in the 26/11 attack, was asked by the Delhi Police about his relationship with Lakhvi.
While speaking about his proximity with the Lashkar's operations chief, he also narrated a conversation he had with him during one of their phone calls.
Read our 2012 report here
The Indian government has sought clarity on the issue as it has reason to believe that the Mumbai terror attack mastermind is being handed various privileges that terrorism suspects ought not to be getting.
The query comes after Abu Jundal, the Indian handler in the 26/11 attack, was asked by the Delhi Police about his relationship with Lakhvi.
While speaking about his proximity with the Lashkar's operations chief, he also narrated a conversation he had with him during one of their phone calls.
Read our 2012 report here
14:50 Pak PM's vow to cleanse nation of terrorist rings hollow
Zaki-ur-Rehman's bail comes in the backdrop of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vow on Wednesday to intensify the
war on terror as mass funerals in the Peshawar attacks.
As Pakistan mourned its dead, Sharif said all political parties had decided to draft a national action plan against terrorists within a week and act upon it immediately.
"We announce that there will be no differentiation between 'good' and 'bad' Taliban and have resolved to continue the war against terrorism till the last terrorist is eliminated," the Pakistan Prime Minister said, following an all-party meeting.
As Pakistan mourned its dead, Sharif said all political parties had decided to draft a national action plan against terrorists within a week and act upon it immediately.
"We announce that there will be no differentiation between 'good' and 'bad' Taliban and have resolved to continue the war against terrorism till the last terrorist is eliminated," the Pakistan Prime Minister said, following an all-party meeting.
14:47 26/11 key terror accused Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi gets bail
LeT operations commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, one of the prime accused in the November 26, 2008 Mumbai blasts, has been granted bail by Pakistan's anti-terror court.
Seven Pakistani nationals accused of planning and abetting the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks had filed bail applications in the anti-terrorism court at Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
The seven accused filed bail applications even as no proceedings of the case took place at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, as lawyers were observing strike to condemn the terrorist attack on an Army-run school in Peshawar that left 141 people, mostly children, dead.
Nothing, it seems, has changed for India.
Seven Pakistani nationals accused of planning and abetting the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks had filed bail applications in the anti-terrorism court at Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
The seven accused filed bail applications even as no proceedings of the case took place at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, as lawyers were observing strike to condemn the terrorist attack on an Army-run school in Peshawar that left 141 people, mostly children, dead.
Nothing, it seems, has changed for India.
14:24 The horror of Peshawar
The world seems full of crises and disasters: from political stasis and racial standoffs in Europe and the U.S., to the classic conflicts of capitalism in "emerging' economies (inequality, weakening states, authoritarianism), to tribal conflicts and sectarian uprisings in the Middle East and Africa. But the small coffins of Peshawar's students are the heaviest burden on our conscience. Read Pankaj Mishra's piece here.
14:19 Taliban attack: Why I don't stand with Pakistan
"India with Pakistan. I don't get it. The infectious impulse on Twitter projecting itself as a post-Peshawar counter-punch to people's instinctive hatred and distancing from Pakistan. Pakistan, that "failed state", that "creator of monsters", that misguided breeder of venomous reptiles that forgot that reptiles see all prey as equal. That maelstrom of bitter clichs that get stirred up every time blood spilt in that country. I don't get it. What precisely are we standing with? Or who? This isn't a loaded, bitter question. I'm honestly asking who we're standing with if we're standing with Pakistan."
Read Shiv Aroor's piece here.
Read Shiv Aroor's piece here.
14:07 Police detain acid attack survivors from protest rally near Parliament
The Delhi police today detained several acid attack survivors outside Parliament house today as they gathered to protest against "the lack of any safeguards and laws seeking their active rehabilitation".
Laxmi and Rupa, both acid attack survivors, said that the police instead of listening to their voices, beat them up along with other volunteers.
"We were sitting outside the Parliament peacefully, but nobody bothered to listen to us. The police then dragged us and took us to the police station where three of our volunteers were locked up in a room and thrashed with lathis for 10 minutes,' said Laxmi (24), who survived an acid attack in 2005.
Read the full report here.
Laxmi and Rupa, both acid attack survivors, said that the police instead of listening to their voices, beat them up along with other volunteers.
"We were sitting outside the Parliament peacefully, but nobody bothered to listen to us. The police then dragged us and took us to the police station where three of our volunteers were locked up in a room and thrashed with lathis for 10 minutes,' said Laxmi (24), who survived an acid attack in 2005.
Read the full report here.
14:03
Rajdeep Sardesai tweets nostalgia: This day, nine years ago CNN IBN went on air. Thank you to all my old colleagues who made it a special period in my professional life.
13:50 Mamata's meet and greet in Parliament
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee was in the Central Hall of Parliament where she met MPs across party lines and exchanged pleasantries with them. She also went up to SP MP Jaya Bachchan and asked after Amitabh Bachchan's health.
13:45 Imtiaz Dharker wins Britain's 'Queens gold medal' for poetry
The Pakistan-born British poet Imtiaz Dharker has been awarded the Queen's gold medal for poetry, joining an illustrious roll call that includes WH Auden, Philip Larkin and Ted Hughes. Read
13:44 For the love of Ruskin Bond
He is Landour's most famous resident at whose door tourists often arrive unannounced, and at unearthly hours. Some even at 6.30 in the morning.
For a writer whose stories have been loved by three generation of Indian readers, adulation comes aplenty, even at the cost of the privacy that he cherishes enormously.
Rediff.com's Archana Masih meets Ruskin Bond and falls in love. Enjoy!
For a writer whose stories have been loved by three generation of Indian readers, adulation comes aplenty, even at the cost of the privacy that he cherishes enormously.
Rediff.com's Archana Masih meets Ruskin Bond and falls in love. Enjoy!
13:22 3rd patient succumbs to swine flu in Hyd; Telangana toll up to 8
One more person has succumbed to swine flu in Hyderabad, taking the total number of deaths due to the disease this year in Telangana to eight.
Two persons infected with the H1N1 virus died late on Tuesday while the third patient passed away yesterday.
The patient, who had initially received treatment at different private hospitals, was referred to the state-run Gandhi Hospital, but died in transit while being moved there.
With the third death in a week, the toll this year has gone up to eight in Telangana.
Three patients are currently undergoing treatment for swine flu in the state. At least 54 cases of swine flu have been reported this year. He had added that the number is small as compared to the hundreds of cases that were reported in 2009.
Two persons infected with the H1N1 virus died late on Tuesday while the third patient passed away yesterday.
The patient, who had initially received treatment at different private hospitals, was referred to the state-run Gandhi Hospital, but died in transit while being moved there.
With the third death in a week, the toll this year has gone up to eight in Telangana.
Three patients are currently undergoing treatment for swine flu in the state. At least 54 cases of swine flu have been reported this year. He had added that the number is small as compared to the hundreds of cases that were reported in 2009.
13:10 Mamata to hit Delhi streets today crying 'political vendetta'
With its "political vendetta" slogan in the Saradha case finding no takers, Trinamool Congress plans to take its protest against the Narendra Modi government in Parliament outside the House.
To give a boost to proceedings, chief minister Mamata Banerjee will join her MPs as she hits the Capital today.
While Mamata is scheduled to call on ailing President Pranab Mukherjee, she also has plans for a dharna which could be either in front of the PM's residence or outside the Delhi CBI headquarters.
TMC MPs in Rajya Sabha have coordinated with eight opposition parties to take on the government on various issues, including that of religious conversions.
To give a boost to proceedings, chief minister Mamata Banerjee will join her MPs as she hits the Capital today.
While Mamata is scheduled to call on ailing President Pranab Mukherjee, she also has plans for a dharna which could be either in front of the PM's residence or outside the Delhi CBI headquarters.
TMC MPs in Rajya Sabha have coordinated with eight opposition parties to take on the government on various issues, including that of religious conversions.
12:47
Unverified, but a tweet we stumbled upon today is worth posting here... @taubaTOFsingh 70yr old SpiceJet passenger: What's the guarantee u'd refund fare in 10 days?
Staffer:What's the guarantee you'd live tomorrow?
Staffer:What's the guarantee you'd live tomorrow?
12:45 Govt: Ready to start discussion on conversion issue right now
PM Narendra Modi is in the Rajya Sabha seated next to finance minister Arun Jaitley. The opposition has been relentless in demanding the PM's statement on the conversion issue.
Jaitley says the government is ready to discuss the issue right now. And yes, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is also in Parliament, or rather outside the House, holding an impromptu presser. She says she is in Delhi to meet President Pranab Mukherjee, who has been unwell.
Jaitley says the government is ready to discuss the issue right now. And yes, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is also in Parliament, or rather outside the House, holding an impromptu presser. She says she is in Delhi to meet President Pranab Mukherjee, who has been unwell.
12:27 Sharad Pawar discharged from hospital in Mumbai
NCP chief and former Union Minister Sharad Pawar, who underwent surgery at a private hospital in Mumbai on December 5 for a leg injury, was discharged today. The 73-year-old leader had sustained a leg fracture from a fall at his Delhi residence earlier this month, following which he was flown here in an air ambulance.
12:21 5 Naxals surrender in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada
Five Maoists, carrying cash rewards on their heads, surrendered in the insurgency-hit Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, police said today.
The cadres turned themselves in before police last evening, citing disappointment with the movement, exploitation of lower rank rebels and women by senior Naxal leaders, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Kamlochan Kashyap said.
The cadres turned themselves in before police last evening, citing disappointment with the movement, exploitation of lower rank rebels and women by senior Naxal leaders, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Kamlochan Kashyap said.
12:19
Jaya DA case: SC orders that the case be heard on a day-to-day basis. The SC also asks Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court to constitute a special bench to expeditiously decide Jayalalithaa's appeal within three months.
12:16
Submitting Early: My Christmas-Good Governance Essay For Smriti Irani Ma'am. Read
12:10 Jayalalithaa's bail extended to April 18, 2015
In what will come as a huge relief for former Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa, the Supreme Court today extended bail given to her in the disproportionate assets case to April 18, 2015.
The Supreme Court has also asked the Karnataka High Court Chief Justice to form a special bench to deal with the case.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India H.L. Dattu had, on October 17, granted Jayalalithaa bail, reposing faith in the oral assurances of her lawyer, Fali Nariman, that she would not delay the criminal appeal proceedings in the 18-year-old case.
Though it granted bail, the Bench did not dispose of the bail petition. It fixed a hearing for December 18, when Jayalalithaa and three co-accused were to report that they kept their word and filed the appeal documents and records in the High Court.
A trial court in Bangalore convicted Jayalalithaa Sep 27 for possessing assets disproportionate to her known sources of income and sentenced her to four jail term and Rs.100 crore fine. The case, which went on for about 18 years, related to the period 1991-1996 when she became chief minister of Tamil Nadu for the first time and involved Rs 66.65 crore.
The Supreme Court has also asked the Karnataka High Court Chief Justice to form a special bench to deal with the case.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India H.L. Dattu had, on October 17, granted Jayalalithaa bail, reposing faith in the oral assurances of her lawyer, Fali Nariman, that she would not delay the criminal appeal proceedings in the 18-year-old case.
Though it granted bail, the Bench did not dispose of the bail petition. It fixed a hearing for December 18, when Jayalalithaa and three co-accused were to report that they kept their word and filed the appeal documents and records in the High Court.
A trial court in Bangalore convicted Jayalalithaa Sep 27 for possessing assets disproportionate to her known sources of income and sentenced her to four jail term and Rs.100 crore fine. The case, which went on for about 18 years, related to the period 1991-1996 when she became chief minister of Tamil Nadu for the first time and involved Rs 66.65 crore.
11:59 SC upholds Bombay HC order staying reservations for Marathas
Supreme Court rejects Maharashtra government's plea challenging Bombay High Court's stay on reservation for Marathas. The Maharashtra government's decision to grant 16 per cent reservation to Marathas in government jobs and educational institutions was stayed by the Bombay High Court in November. The court, though, allowed five per cent quota to Muslims only in educational institutions, not jobs.
11:53
Rajya Sabha adjourned till noon after opposition creates uproar demanding reply by PM to debate on rising incidents of communal violence.
11:52 'I can't stop thinking about those tiny terrified children'
"We cannot, any of us, imagine the horror of innocent schoolchildren being forced to see their teacher burnt alive, blood pouring from her wounds. I simply can't fathom how those cowards could shoot 132 children in the head, at point blank range, one by one. Children.
"I can't stop thinking about those tiny terrified children sprawled on the cold floor, eyes shut, fingers in their ears, the boom of the gunshots getting closer and closer.
"In another room, one of the terrorists blew himself up in a room with 60 children. Some of the parents couldn't recognise their child's body, so powerful were the blasts that killed them."
Powerful writing and a must read. Take a look.
"I can't stop thinking about those tiny terrified children sprawled on the cold floor, eyes shut, fingers in their ears, the boom of the gunshots getting closer and closer.
"In another room, one of the terrorists blew himself up in a room with 60 children. Some of the parents couldn't recognise their child's body, so powerful were the blasts that killed them."
Powerful writing and a must read. Take a look.
11:43 Pakistan must live in Peshawar
For the last decade or so, Pakistanis seemed to have lost the ability to be easily moved by news of tragedy and misfortune -- so frequent have been the numbers of dead, injured and displaced. However, what transpired on Tuesday, December 16, in Peshawar has shaken this country more than any earthquake, attack or battle ever could. Read
11:40 MP judge harassment case: SC disbands two-member probe panel
The Supreme Court has divested a Madhya Pradesh High Court judge, accused of sexual misdemeanour, from undertaking an administrative and supervisory role.
The SC also said that the Chief Justice of the MP High Court "has travelled beyond his jurisdiction in constituting a two-judge panel to probe the role of the judge in the case. The CJI may constitute another panel to look into sexual harassment allegations against the sitting MP HC Judge.
The case refers to a woman additional district and sessions judge in Gwalior who had to quit her job after she accused a judge of the Madhya Pradesh high court of sexual harassment. The judge has denied the charge and even offered to face death penalty if found true.
The woman judge had written to the Chief Justice of India explaining the reasons that forced her to resign from judicial service.
The SC also said that the Chief Justice of the MP High Court "has travelled beyond his jurisdiction in constituting a two-judge panel to probe the role of the judge in the case. The CJI may constitute another panel to look into sexual harassment allegations against the sitting MP HC Judge.
The case refers to a woman additional district and sessions judge in Gwalior who had to quit her job after she accused a judge of the Madhya Pradesh high court of sexual harassment. The judge has denied the charge and even offered to face death penalty if found true.
The woman judge had written to the Chief Justice of India explaining the reasons that forced her to resign from judicial service.
11:19 IMF agrees to release USD 1 billion to Pakistan
While on Pakistan, the International Monetary Fund has agreed to release another USD 1.05 billion in financial assistance to Pakistan as part of its effort to help the country overcome economic crisis.
With this, the total disbursements under the arrangement is about USD 3.2 billion.
With this, the total disbursements under the arrangement is about USD 3.2 billion.
11:18 Serious about ending terrorism? Hand over Hafeez Saeed, Dawood, India tells Pak
Two days after the horrific attack on a school in Peshawar, which left 148 dead, India has asked Pakistan to hand over 26/11 mastermind and JuD chief Hafeez Saeed.
Parliamentary Affairs minister Venkaiah Naidu said today, "If Pakistan is serious about fighting terrorism, it should hand over Hafiz Saeed and Dawood Ibrahim to India. Nawaz Sharif should crack down on all kinds of terror, India is willing to cooperate if Pakistan is serious about it."
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed on Wednesday to intensify the war on terror as mass funerals got underway a day after 148 people, most of them children, were massacred by the Tehreek-e-Taliban at a military-run school in Peshawar.
As the nation mourned, Sharif said all political parties had decided to draft a national action plan against terrorists within a week and act upon it immediately.
"We announce that there will be no differentiation between 'good' and 'bad' Taliban and have resolved to continue the war against terrorism till the last terrorist is eliminated," the Pakistan Prime Minister said, following an all-party meeting.
Parliamentary Affairs minister Venkaiah Naidu said today, "If Pakistan is serious about fighting terrorism, it should hand over Hafiz Saeed and Dawood Ibrahim to India. Nawaz Sharif should crack down on all kinds of terror, India is willing to cooperate if Pakistan is serious about it."
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed on Wednesday to intensify the war on terror as mass funerals got underway a day after 148 people, most of them children, were massacred by the Tehreek-e-Taliban at a military-run school in Peshawar.
As the nation mourned, Sharif said all political parties had decided to draft a national action plan against terrorists within a week and act upon it immediately.
"We announce that there will be no differentiation between 'good' and 'bad' Taliban and have resolved to continue the war against terrorism till the last terrorist is eliminated," the Pakistan Prime Minister said, following an all-party meeting.
11:06 Marines case: Italian envoy recalled to Italy for consultations
Marines case: Italian Ambassador to India, Daniele Mancini, recalled to Italy for consultation in wake of the Supreme Court order, envoy likely to leave tomorrow.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused the pleas of murder accused Italian marine Massimiliano Latorre seeking extension of his stay in Italy on health grounds and his fellow marine permission to travel there for Christmas, leading them to withdraw their applications.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused the pleas of murder accused Italian marine Massimiliano Latorre seeking extension of his stay in Italy on health grounds and his fellow marine permission to travel there for Christmas, leading them to withdraw their applications.
11:02
Rajnath Singh @BJPRajnathSingh tweets his congratulations: Congratulations to @isro scientists on the successful #GSLVLaunch. India's space mission has taken a higher trajectory with this launch.
11:00 Soft targets, hard questions
The world saw terrorism's darkest face on Tuesday. The cold-blooded killing of 132 students and nine staff members in a school in Peshawar has left the entire world shaken at the terrorists' determination to find ever softer targets and notch up higher levels of brutality. There could not have been a more vulnerable place than a school, or more defenceless targets than children.
Read more
Read more
10:50
Yesterday, TMC MP Derek O'Brien, supported by the opposition benches raised the demand for PM Modi to come to Rajya Sabha and make a statement on the conversion issue. He had said, "Does the PM need visa to come to Rajya Sabha?"
10:46 Sensex zooms back to 27K mark again
Snapping their five-day losing trend, Sensex soared over 395 points to regain the 27,000-mark and NSE Nifty reclaimed the 8,100-level in early trade today, following rebound in bluechips, boosted by a global markets rally after the US Fed kept its monetary policy unchanged.
The 30-share index rebounded by 395.67 points, or 1.48 per cent, to trade above the 27,000-mark at 27,105.80. The gauge has lost 1,120.97 points in the previous five sessions. All sectoral indices, led by consumer durables, banking, power, capital goods, realty and metal, gained up to 3.03 per cent.
The 30-share index rebounded by 395.67 points, or 1.48 per cent, to trade above the 27,000-mark at 27,105.80. The gauge has lost 1,120.97 points in the previous five sessions. All sectoral indices, led by consumer durables, banking, power, capital goods, realty and metal, gained up to 3.03 per cent.
10:43 PM in Parliament today, will deadlock end?
The Congress's Ghar Vapasi taunt targetted at the PM has seemingly worked.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the Rajya Sabha today, but the ruling BJP has decided that it will not "not give an inch", said sources, on the opposition's demand for a statement from him on religious conversions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the Rajya Sabha today, but the ruling BJP has decided that it will not "not give an inch", said sources, on the opposition's demand for a statement from him on religious conversions.
10:19 Sensex regains 27K-mark; Nifty over 8,100-level
Snapping their five-day losing trend, Sensex soared over 395 points to regain the 27,000-mark and NSE Nifty reclaimed the 8,100-level in early trade today, following rebound in blue chips, boosted by a global markets rally after the US Fed kept its monetary policy unchanged.
The 30-share index rebounded by 395.67 points, or 1.48 per cent, to trade above the 27,000-mark at 27,105.80. The gauge has lost 1,120.97 points in the previous five sessions. All sectoral indices, led by consumer durables, banking, power, capital goods, realty and metal, gained up to 3.03 per cent.
The 30-share index rebounded by 395.67 points, or 1.48 per cent, to trade above the 27,000-mark at 27,105.80. The gauge has lost 1,120.97 points in the previous five sessions. All sectoral indices, led by consumer durables, banking, power, capital goods, realty and metal, gained up to 3.03 per cent.
10:03 GSLV MK-III launch triumph of brilliance: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV Mark III. Modi tweets: Successful launch of GSLV MK-III is yet another triumph of brilliance and hard work of our scientists. Congrats to them for the efforts.
10:01 Launch of India's heaviest rocket GSLV Mark III successful
Addressing the media after test-firing its heaviest rocket, ISRO said: It is an experiment, but a significant one in India's history.
09:55 Death penalty no answer to Peshawar tragedy: Amnesty International
The Pakistan government must resist giving in to fear and anger in the wake of the Peshawar school tragedy and maintain its moratorium on executions, Amnesty International has said after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif decided to resume death penalty in terror-related cases.
"Tuesday's attack was utterly reprehensible, and it is imperative that those responsible for this unimaginable tragedy are brought to justice. However, resorting to the death penalty is not the answer '" it is never the answer,"said David Griffiths, Amnesty International's deputy director for Asia-Pacific.
Sharif's announcement came the day after at least 148 people including 132 children were killed by Taliban militants at an army-run school in the north-western city.
"Pakistan is understandably gripped by fear and anger in the wake of the attacks. However, lifting the moratorium on executions appears to be a knee-jerk reaction which does not get at the heart of the problem '" namely the lack of effective protection for civilians in north-west Pakistan," said Griffiths.
"Tuesday's attack was utterly reprehensible, and it is imperative that those responsible for this unimaginable tragedy are brought to justice. However, resorting to the death penalty is not the answer '" it is never the answer,"said David Griffiths, Amnesty International's deputy director for Asia-Pacific.
Sharif's announcement came the day after at least 148 people including 132 children were killed by Taliban militants at an army-run school in the north-western city.
"Pakistan is understandably gripped by fear and anger in the wake of the attacks. However, lifting the moratorium on executions appears to be a knee-jerk reaction which does not get at the heart of the problem '" namely the lack of effective protection for civilians in north-west Pakistan," said Griffiths.
09:50 Big B is the shahenshah of Twitter
Leaving behind all other actors in the film industry, megastar Amitabh Bachchan has been ranked number one on Twitter, in terms of both popularity and activity.
In an analytic report of the most popular Bollywood stars on the social networking site, Big B with 12 million followers on Twitter topped the popularity list. Digital services provider 'TO THE NEW' rated various Bollywood celebrities on the basis of their popularity and their engagement with fans on Twitter.
The rank is based on an algorithm which combines the scores received for each measure i.e. total number of followers, absolute increase in followers and tweets per day. 72-year-old Bachchan is followed by superstar Shah Rukh Khan (10.4 million followers) at number two and Abhishek Bachchan (5.4 million) at the third position. Hrithik Roshan (7.7 million), Aamir Khan (10.1 million) and Salman Khan (9.5 million) have also made it to the list of top 10 most popular Bollywood actors.
In an analytic report of the most popular Bollywood stars on the social networking site, Big B with 12 million followers on Twitter topped the popularity list. Digital services provider 'TO THE NEW' rated various Bollywood celebrities on the basis of their popularity and their engagement with fans on Twitter.
The rank is based on an algorithm which combines the scores received for each measure i.e. total number of followers, absolute increase in followers and tweets per day. 72-year-old Bachchan is followed by superstar Shah Rukh Khan (10.4 million followers) at number two and Abhishek Bachchan (5.4 million) at the third position. Hrithik Roshan (7.7 million), Aamir Khan (10.1 million) and Salman Khan (9.5 million) have also made it to the list of top 10 most popular Bollywood actors.
09:43
India's big test: The launch of the GSLV Mark III for the the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
Photograph: Courtesy DD News
Photograph: Courtesy DD News
09:36 India launches its heaviest rocket GSLV Mark III
The Indian Space Research Organisation launches its heaviest rocket -- the 630-tonne, three-stage Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III. The mission takes India a step closer to sending astronauts to space.
The rocket was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 9.30 am.
While the rocket cost ISRO Rs 140 crore, the crew module has taken another Rs 15 crore.
The rocket was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 9.30 am.
While the rocket cost ISRO Rs 140 crore, the crew module has taken another Rs 15 crore.
09:25 1 terrorist killed as the gunbattle in Kupwara ends
One terrorist has been killed as the gunbattle in Kupwara ends.
Security forces launched an operation in the Bazpora area of Kupwara this morning following information about presence of militants there, a police official said.
The ultras opened firing on the security forces positions triggering a gunbattle after the latter retaliated, the official said.
Security forces launched an operation in the Bazpora area of Kupwara this morning following information about presence of militants there, a police official said.
The ultras opened firing on the security forces positions triggering a gunbattle after the latter retaliated, the official said.
09:24 Gunbattle on in Kupwara, 2 to 3 terrorists likely to be trapped
An encounter is on at Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir between security forces and terrorists. Three terrorists are trapped and the area has been cordoned off, say police sources.
The encounter comes ahead of the fifth phase of polling in the state on Saturday.
More details are awaited.
The encounter comes ahead of the fifth phase of polling in the state on Saturday.
More details are awaited.
08:38 ISRO to test-fire its heaviest rocket today
Indian Space Research Organisation is all set for one of its most ambitious tests as it readies for the unique maiden flight today of its heaviest rocket till date -- the 630-tonne, three-stage rocket Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III.
The Mission Readiness Review and the Launch Authorisation Board,
has cleared the launch for December 18 at 9.30 a.m., it said.
A senior ISRO official explained that the lesser duration of the countdown for the mission was due to the dummy cryogenic stage. As per the plan, soon after the lift-off at Sriharikota, ISRO would study the flight validation of the complex atmospheric flight regime of LVM 3 and would also test the ability of the CREW module to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere with thermal resistance, parachute deployment in cluster formation, aero braking system and apex cover separation procedures.
The Mission Readiness Review and the Launch Authorisation Board,
has cleared the launch for December 18 at 9.30 a.m., it said.
A senior ISRO official explained that the lesser duration of the countdown for the mission was due to the dummy cryogenic stage. As per the plan, soon after the lift-off at Sriharikota, ISRO would study the flight validation of the complex atmospheric flight regime of LVM 3 and would also test the ability of the CREW module to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere with thermal resistance, parachute deployment in cluster formation, aero braking system and apex cover separation procedures.
03:21 Israeli PM calls Europe naive for taking Hamas off terror list
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the European Union today for removing Hamas from its terrorist list, calling it a staggering example of European hypocrisy and an indication that many on the continent have learned nothing from the Holocaust.
The European Union court order to remove Hamas from the EU terrorist list came the same day as a United Nations body in Europe delivered a stinging rebuke to Israel's settlement construction in the West Bank and called for Israel to be investigated for war crimes.
"Today we witnessed a series of examples of European naivety and, may I add, hypocrisy," Netanyahu said before an audience of international journalists in Jerusalem.
"They point to the spirit of appeasement in Europe of the very forces that threaten Europe itself. Too many in Europe are calling on Israel to make concessions that would endanger not only the security of Israel but also paradoxically the security of Europe itself, because Israel is the forward position of European civilization. Israel is the bulwark of European values."
01:47 Obama and Castro thank Pope for US-Cuba patch-up
Barack Obama and Raul Castro have thanked Pope Francis for helping broker a historic deal to begin normalising relations between the United States and Cuba, after 18 months of secret talks over prisoner releases brought a sudden end to decades of cold war hostility.
The two presidents spoke simultaneously on Wednesday to confirm the surprise reversal of a long-running US policy of isolating Cuba, detailing a series of White House steps that will relax travel, commercial and diplomatic restrictions in exchange for the release of Americans and dissidents held in Havana.
Though a formal end to the US trade embargo requires legislation in Congress, both Obama and Castro said they believed such executive action was sufficient to significantly open up relations between the two countries and allow travellers and trade to flow relatively freely.
Read more HERE
01:42 Uber fights French ban at EU
Uber, the taxi app company under fire around the world, has filed an EU complaint against a French ban on amateur drivers doubling as chauffeurs, the European Union said today.
"We have received a complaint and we are currently analysing it," said European Commission spokeswoman Lucia Caudet, who also handles internal market issues, without providing more details.
France earlier this year implemented a new law making it harder for everyday drivers to double as taxis, the basis of the Uber business model.
Still facing strong opposition from taxi drivers, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said this week the practice would be banned completely starting January 1.
Uber is already fighting the measure in France and last week a Paris business court decided the law could not be enforced until the government had published full details of the restrictions. San Francisco-based Uber is giving the US and European taxi industries a run for their money by hooking up drivers and passengers through a cellphone application.
01:42 Mumbai: Junior KG student raped by supervisor
In a shocking incident in Mumbai, a four-year-old girl was raped by a school supervisor, triggering protests by a group of people which vandalised the private institute's property.
The junior KG student was sexually assaulted by the accused, Kesari Upadhyay, who worked as a supervisor at the private school, in a toilet on December 9, the police said, adding he was arrested on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, a group of people protested against the incident outside the school in suburban Bhandup before barging inside and damaging its property, they said.
The girl lives with her mother and maternal grandparents. Her father had been missing for the past few years, Bhandup police said.
The victim narrated the incident to her grandmother who initially did not take her seriously. Eventually, the minor's family lodged a complaint and the girl's statement was recorded last night, they said.
Based on her statement, an FIR was registered against Upadhyay under relevant sections of IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and he was apprehended, the police added.
01:42 Cuba releases American aid worker
An American aid worker, who had spent over five years in jail in Cuba on charges of spying, was released today as part of a prisoner swap deal between the two countries as the White House announced talks with Havana to normalize diplomatic relations with the Communist state.
Alan Gross was released on humanitarian grounds by the Cuban government at the behest of the United States.
"This morning, Alan Gross has departed Cuba on a US government plane bound for the United States. Gross was released on humanitarian grounds by the Cuban government at the request of the United States," a senior administrative official said.
"I'm overjoyed to welcome Alan Gross home after five long years in a Cuban prison. Alan's supposed crime was that he provided Cuba's small Jewish community with computer equipment to help them access the internet," said Senator Dick Durbin, who met Gross in prison in 2012 and again earlier this year.
"Opening the door with Cuba for trade, travel, and the exchange of ideas will create a force for positive change in Cuba that more than 50 years of our current policy of exclusion could not achieve," Durbin said.
"He committed no crime and was simply working to provide internet access to Cuba's small Jewish community. His imprisonment was cruel and arbitrary, but consistent with the behaviour of the Cuban regime," he said.
01:42 Top headlines at this hour:
Don't worry, we haven't done anything wrong: Modi tells ministers
SpiceJet resumes operations after being grounded
ISL: Kolkata prevail over FC Goa in tie-breaker, advance to final
USAID's Raj Shah is quitting Obama administration
Singhal crosses 'Lakshman rekha'; says reconversion process to continue
Centre alerts states on possible terror attacks ahead of US Prez visit
SpiceJet resumes operations after being grounded
ISL: Kolkata prevail over FC Goa in tie-breaker, advance to final
USAID's Raj Shah is quitting Obama administration
Singhal crosses 'Lakshman rekha'; says reconversion process to continue
Centre alerts states on possible terror attacks ahead of US Prez visit
01:42 Top headlines at this hour:
Don't worry, we haven't done anything wrong: Modi tells ministers
SpiceJet resumes operations after being grounded
ISL: Kolkata prevail over FC Goa in tie-breaker, advance to final
USAID's Raj Shah is quitting Obama administration
Singhal crosses 'Lakshman rekha'; says reconversion process to continue
Centre alerts states on possible terror attacks ahead of US Prez visit
SpiceJet resumes operations after being grounded
ISL: Kolkata prevail over FC Goa in tie-breaker, advance to final
USAID's Raj Shah is quitting Obama administration
Singhal crosses 'Lakshman rekha'; says reconversion process to continue
Centre alerts states on possible terror attacks ahead of US Prez visit
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