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Mon, 22 December 2014
Live! UN panel removes 'sahib' from Saeed's name, regrets mistake
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23:49 UN panel removes 'sahib' from Saeed's name, regrets mistake
A UN Security Council panel has issued a "revised" letter removing the term 'sahib' from the name of Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed, saying it regrets the mistake after India objected to the use of the salutation.
The chair of the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee issued a revised letter yesterday in which it has 'regretted the mistake' in the previous letter dated December 17.
The committee's chair is Gary Quinlan, who is the Permanent Representative of Australia to the UN. Quinlan had made the reference to Saeed in the communication on information regarding banned terror or ganisation Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Saeed, the founder of LeT.
The new letter clearly mentions the correct primary name of the Pakistani terrorist as Hafiz Mohammed Saeed.
23:39 Cong veteran and ex-Union minister G Venkataswamy dead
Senior Congress leader and former union minister G Venkataswamy died tonight due to age-related ailments. He was 85.
Venkataswamy, who had been keeping indifferent health for the last couple of years, was admitted to a private hospital here and the end came tonight, hospital sources said.
In a career spanning about five decades, Venkataswamy served as a parliamentarian for seven terms, the last being in 2004. He was first elected to the undivided Andhra Pradesh Assembly in 1950s.
In his political career, he held various positions including Union Minister (in the government of P V Narasimha Rao), minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh, MLA and PCC president.
23:33 Asaram rape case: Court rejects woman's plea for new statement
A court in Gandhinagar today turned down the plea of a 33-year-old woman, who had accused Asaram of sexual assault, to record a fresh statement under section 164 of CrPc.
The woman had last week filed the application seeking re-recording of her statement in connection with the case.
During hearing today, Chief Judicial Magistrate J S Parikh turned down her plea after it was opposed by Special Public Prosecutor R C Kodekar who said the victim had already registered her statement before magistrate under section 164 of CrPC.
The statement recorded under the said section is admissible at the stage of trial unlike the one recorded before the police.
23:17 How Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett wrote a book
Cult novel Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, has been adapted for radio.
Neil Gaiman tells the story of how it came to be written HERE
23:03 Kharge hosts dinner for LS, RS Congress MPs
Leader of Congress in Lower House of the Parliament Mallikarjun Kharge today hosted a dinner for party MPs of both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha a day before Winter Session comes to an end tomorrow.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, senior leaders Ahmed Patel, Digvijay Singh, Anand Sharma, P J Kurien and NCP leader Tariq Anwar were present. Such a dinner is usually hosted by party president Sonia Gandhi who is also the chairperson of Congress Parliamentary Party.
The Congress president, however, could not do it this time as she is unwell. Kharge could not get the Leader of Opposition status in Lok Sabha as Congress has only 44 members in the Lower House.
The party failed to fulfill the criteria for getting LoP status for its leader in the House because it did not have at least 10 per cent member of the total strength of the Lok Sabha which has 545 members.
22:28 MP cops made to push plane to make way for Kamal Nath's aircraft
Around eight policemen and some officials had to push the parked plane of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for about 15-20 feet at an airstrip here today to give way to an incoming aircraft of Congress leader Kamal Nath.
Nath's plane was supposed to land at Imlikheda airstrip, large enough to accommodate a plane, but it got delayed and the CM's aircraft made the landing at around 12.30 pm.
"As per the schedule, Nath's plane was supposed to land earlier but he got late and in the meantime, Chauhan's flight landed at the airstrip around 12.30 PM.
22:06 6 feared dead in Glasgow city centre crash
At least six people are feared killed and several people have been injured after a big lorry crashed into a group of pedestrians in the heart of the Scottish capital of Glasgow today.
Scottish police confirmed there had been a 'number of fatalities' in the accident, which took place as the city centre was crowded with Christmas shoppers.
Eyewitnesses reported the lorry moving at speed before hearing a bang and described bodies lying in the road. The police have described the crash, outside Queen Street station and the Millennium Hotel, as 'very serious'.
A large number of emergency vehicles are in attendance and roads surrounding George Square have been closed.
A police Scotland spokesperson said: "About 2.30 pm today, Monday 22 December 2014, a Glasgow City Council bin lorry was travelling north on Queen Street when it appeared to strike pedestrians outside the Gallery of Modern Art before continuing to travel towards George Square, when it crashed at the Millennium Hotel on Queen Street at George Square.
21:48 Three injured in Assam blast
At least three people were injured in a bomb blast triggered Monday evening by suspected Bodo insurgents in Assam's Kokrajhar district, police said.
The grenade blast took place in Patgaon, Inspector General of Police L.R. Bishnoi said.
It probably triggered by the National Democratic Front of Bodoland opposed to peace talks with the government, he said.
The injured were taken to a hospital.
In a separate incident, two grenades were also found in Gossaigaon in Kokrajhar district, which is part of the troubled Bodoland Territorial Area Districts.
Picture for representation only.
Picture for representation only.
21:25 No bail for Mumbai techie accused of conspiring in terror plot Mumbai
The sessions court today rejected the bail application of city-based software engineer Anees Ansari, arrested for allegedly conspiring to blow up US establishments in the city.
"Ansari's bail application was rejected," said his lawyer, advocate Sharif Sheikh.
According to the state anti-terrorism squad, Ansari, whose office job involved designing navigation maps, admired the terror group Islamic State, and his online chats hinted at a plot to target US establishments here including a school in suburban Bandra.
21:01 Prez extends greetings to Japan on eve of national day
President Pranab Mukherjee today extended his greetings and felicitations to the Emperor and the people of Japan on the eve of that country's national day.
"On behalf of the government and the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me immense pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of Your Majesty's birthday and the national day of Japan," President said in his message to Emperor Akihito.
India and Japan have traditionally enjoyed friendly relations and enduring goodwill between the people.
Mukherjee said India-Japan bilateral relationship, characterised as a 'special strategic and global partnership', which is based on common values of democracy, freedom, rule of law, and an abiding commitment to peace, is a force for stability in the region and beyond.
20:27 North Korea to skip UN Security Council
An angry North Korea, now on the defensive over a US accusation of hacking, is refusing to take part in a groundbreaking UN Security Council meeting today where the country's bleak human rights situation will be discussed for the first time.
International pressure has built this year on Pyongyang after a sprawling UN-backed inquiry of alleged crimes against humanity and warned that young leader Kim Jong Un could be held accountable.
And attention has focused on the North in recent days, as the Obama administration on Friday blamed it for the devastating hacking attack on Sony over the film "The Interview," which portrays Kim's assassination.
Now the 15-member Security Council is being urged to refer North Korea's human rights situation to the International Criminal Court, seen as a court of last resort for atrocities.
It's the boldest effort yet to confront Pyongyang over an issue it has openly disdained in the past.
Instead of a showdown, North Korea says it will not attend today's meeting.
20:15 Ram Temple should be b'day gift to Atal: Sena MPs
Shiv Sena members in Lok Sabha raked another controversy today after they sought rolling out of Uniform Civil Code, abrogation of Article 370 and construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya as a "birthday gift" to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee whose birth anniversary falls on December 25.
Sena MP Arvind Sawant said Vajpayee, who headed the first BJP-led government during 1998-2004, used to say that these measures would be implemented when the saffron party gets a majority on its own.
"We have a majority today. Unfortunately, he is not the prime minister. This happy occasion has come for us to give this birthday gift," he said during zero hour.
This is not the first controversial statement tabled around Vajpayee's birthday. Recently, the Union human resource ministry had found itself amidst controversy after it was declared that December 25 was to observed as good governance day in memory of the births of Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
20:08 PK haters clash with supporters of the movie on Twitter
Read full story here.
Haters and supporters of the recently released Aamir Khan-movie, PK, clashed on Twitter in an impassioned battle of 140 characters.
Khan plays an alien whose quest to recover his lost remote, which he needs to return home, ends up challenging our beliefs in God and religion.
Read full story here.
19:43 Sonia to be discharged for hospital soon, docs say
Congress party president Sonia Gandhi who had been admitted in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for acute chest infection is getting ready to go home, says DS Rana, Chairman, SGRH.
She may be relieved in a day or two, Rana said.
She may be relieved in a day or two, Rana said.
18:59 No Chirstmas holiday for Modi sarkar?
NDTV reports: A wishlist sent out to ministries by the Prime Minister's Office on
celebrating "good governance day" on December 25 suggests it could be a
working Christmas for many in the government.
Sources said a detailed plan and directive from the government could follow.
The PMO note suggests that ministers and MPs should visit "sensitive districts and organise events on good governance and sanitation on December 25" and also organise other events.
It has also suggested holding seminars with eminent speakers, e-governance camps and promoting digital literacy on that day.
Read the complete report here
Sources said a detailed plan and directive from the government could follow.
The PMO note suggests that ministers and MPs should visit "sensitive districts and organise events on good governance and sanitation on December 25" and also organise other events.
It has also suggested holding seminars with eminent speakers, e-governance camps and promoting digital literacy on that day.
Read the complete report here
18:34 Govt can't tinker with right to freedom of religion: Congress
Rejecting the government's proposal for a law against conversion, Congress today said freedom to religion is an "essential fabric and character" of the Constitution which cannot be tinkered with.
The Congress alleged that controversial conversion programmes are being organised by groups affiliated to Sangh parivar and demands raised by them for an anti-conversion law were aimed at creating "fear psychosis" among minorities and depicting them as "lesser citizens".
"It is a belief of the Congress that Constitution adequately addresses the right of freedom to religion. No amendment or tempering with existing provisions is required to deal with it... For heaven's sake, don't alter founding principles," party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters.
The Congress alleged that controversial conversion programmes are being organised by groups affiliated to Sangh parivar and demands raised by them for an anti-conversion law were aimed at creating "fear psychosis" among minorities and depicting them as "lesser citizens".
"It is a belief of the Congress that Constitution adequately addresses the right of freedom to religion. No amendment or tempering with existing provisions is required to deal with it... For heaven's sake, don't alter founding principles," party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters.
18:33 Pakistan govt depts were warned of school attack in August
Authorities in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were warned of an imminent revenge attack on the army-run school here months before a Taliban-sponsored carnage claimed 148 lives, mostly that of children.
A copy of the written warning, issued on August 28, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa home ministry had stated that Taliban militants have planned to attack educational institutions under the Pakistani army and their intention was revenge.
The militants wanted to kill as many children of army officers as possible, the warning stated. The alert No 802 named Khaksar, Taliban commander in Orakzai -- a part of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas -- along with terrorists Bilal and Obaidullah to have hatched a plan to attack the institutions, Geo News reported.
A copy of the written warning, issued on August 28, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa home ministry had stated that Taliban militants have planned to attack educational institutions under the Pakistani army and their intention was revenge.
The militants wanted to kill as many children of army officers as possible, the warning stated. The alert No 802 named Khaksar, Taliban commander in Orakzai -- a part of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas -- along with terrorists Bilal and Obaidullah to have hatched a plan to attack the institutions, Geo News reported.
18:30 Saradha scam: Left leaders meet PM
A delegation of Left Front leaders from West Bengal today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding coordinated investigation by various central probe agencies into the Saradha chit fund scam and other such ponzi schemes.
Speaking to reporters after the five-member delegation met the PM, senior CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said investigation is happening in a "piecemeal" fashion through different agencies.
"The Supreme Court itself observed that there is a larger conspiracy and this extends beyond West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha, Assam and various parts of the eastern India and in the country. So we have requested the prime minister that since many of these agencies come under the Central government, there should be a coordinated investigation.... to reach the bottom of this scam," Yechury said.
He said the prime minister had assured them that he would take up the issue seriously.
Speaking to reporters after the five-member delegation met the PM, senior CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said investigation is happening in a "piecemeal" fashion through different agencies.
"The Supreme Court itself observed that there is a larger conspiracy and this extends beyond West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha, Assam and various parts of the eastern India and in the country. So we have requested the prime minister that since many of these agencies come under the Central government, there should be a coordinated investigation.... to reach the bottom of this scam," Yechury said.
He said the prime minister had assured them that he would take up the issue seriously.
18:11 Censor board to take a call in banning Dera movie: Punjab CM
With various Sikh organisations, including the Akal Takht, demanding a ban on the release of Dera Sacha Sauda sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's movie next month, the Punjab government today said it is up to the censor board to take a call on it.
"It is up to the censor board (of film certification) which is to take a decision. Once it takes it, then we will see it," Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said after the first sitting of three-day winter session of Punjab assembly.
He was asked to comments on Akal Takht's demand for a ban on release of Ram Rahim Singh's movie 'Messenger of God' or 'MSG'.
"It is up to the censor board (of film certification) which is to take a decision. Once it takes it, then we will see it," Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said after the first sitting of three-day winter session of Punjab assembly.
He was asked to comments on Akal Takht's demand for a ban on release of Ram Rahim Singh's movie 'Messenger of God' or 'MSG'.
17:45 Lok Sabha member falls ill while protesting
A Sampath, a Communist Party of India-Marxist member from Kerala, today felt uneasy in the Lok Sabha while he was protesting and had to be rushed to a dispensary in the Parliament premises.
52-year old Sampath was diagnosed with the problem of cough and exertion and was discharged soon after. The member felt unease when he was in the Well along with other members shouting slogans.
He was vociferously alleging that the mike of Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge had been switched off. Thereafter members accompanied him to the nearby seat and a doctor attended to him.
Ministers Harsh Vardhan and Jitendra Singh, who are themselves doctors, were seen asking Sampath about his condition.
52-year old Sampath was diagnosed with the problem of cough and exertion and was discharged soon after. The member felt unease when he was in the Well along with other members shouting slogans.
He was vociferously alleging that the mike of Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge had been switched off. Thereafter members accompanied him to the nearby seat and a doctor attended to him.
Ministers Harsh Vardhan and Jitendra Singh, who are themselves doctors, were seen asking Sampath about his condition.
17:42 Sikh bodies want ban on Dera Sacha Sauda leader's debut film
NDTV reports: Sikh bodies have demanded a ban against a film starring controversial leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim.
Under pressure from radical Sikh groups, the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal body of Sikhs, has asked the Punjab government to ban MSG or Messenger of God, which is set to release on January 16.
The movie stars the Dera chief in the lead role and shows him as a swashbuckling hero fighting "social evils," wearing flashy costumes.
Under pressure from radical Sikh groups, the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal body of Sikhs, has asked the Punjab government to ban MSG or Messenger of God, which is set to release on January 16.
The movie stars the Dera chief in the lead role and shows him as a swashbuckling hero fighting "social evils," wearing flashy costumes.
17:15 Omar rules out alliance with BJP in J&K
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah speaks to the media ahead of poll results tomorrow. "I tried my best to live up to everyone's expectations. I thank the people of Jammu and Kashmir who participated in the elections."
"No lines of communication are open between the National Coference and BJP or for that matter with the Congress or PDP," he said.
"No lines of communication are open between the National Coference and BJP or for that matter with the Congress or PDP," he said.
16:36 RJD's Pappu Yadav throws paper at Lok Sabha deputy speaker
Deputy speaker of Lok Sabha M Thambidurai today pulled up Rashtriya Janat Dal MP Pappu Yadav for throwing paper at him.
"Is throwing a paper a democratic way of protest? This is very bad and I take very strong objection to it," Thambidurai said, according to The Times of India.
The incident led to adjournment of the House.
Read the full report here
"Is throwing a paper a democratic way of protest? This is very bad and I take very strong objection to it," Thambidurai said, according to The Times of India.
The incident led to adjournment of the House.
Read the full report here
16:14 Rajya Sabha adopts resolution condeming Lakhvi's bail
Rajya Sabha today adopted a resolution condemning bail to Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and expressed concern over Pakistan's "apathetic attitude".
The move came as the Pakistani government prosecutor said today he had been forced to delay his appeal against a court order which grants bail to Lakhvi.
A judge in an Islamabad anti-terror court last week granted bail to Lakhvi, a decision that triggered a furious response from New Delhi.
The move came as the Pakistani government prosecutor said today he had been forced to delay his appeal against a court order which grants bail to Lakhvi.
A judge in an Islamabad anti-terror court last week granted bail to Lakhvi, a decision that triggered a furious response from New Delhi.
16:03 Mamata, Mukul Roy siphoned off Saradha money: Kunal Ghosh
In a sensational allegation, suspended Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh on Monday said party chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is involved in the multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam.
"Mamata Banerjee is using her clout to influence the case of Saradha scam. She and Mukul Roy have jointly siphoned off money of Saradha chit fund. I don't understand that when I am arrested, I am kept in jail but why are ministers who are arrested on similar allegations given VIP treatment," Ghosh told a CBI court hearing the scandal that has singed the Mamata government in West Bengal for months now.
Mukul Roy is a former Union Railways minister and a senior Trinamool leader.
Kunal Ghosh was arrested in November last year for cheating, breach of trust and criminal conspiracy in a case related to a complaint by a Saradha Group firm called Broadcast Worldwide about its failure to pay salaries to its employees. Within hours of his arrest, the journalist-turned-politician had named 12 people behind the scam in a Facebook post. One of the names in that list was Mamata Banerjee's.
Read more HERE
15:53 Jackie Chan's son Jaycee prosecuted on drug charge
Kungfu superstar Jackie Chan's 32-year-old son Jaycee Chan was today prosecuted in Beijing for allegedly providing a venue for drug users.
The prosecution of Jaycee, an actor and singer, has come three months after he was formally arrested on suspicion of accommodating drug users. He was arrested along with Ko Chen-tung, 23, a Taiwanese movie star also known as Kai Ko.
Beijing police detained many people for drug offences, including Jaycee and Chen-tung on August 14. The duo were tested positive for marijuana and admitted to taking the drug.
The arrests were made following complaints from local residents.
Police had also seized more than 100 grams of marijuana from Jaycee's residence, state-run Xinhua news agency reported today.
Chen-tung was released on August 29 after 14 days of administrative detention.
According to Chinese law, those involved in providing locations for others to take drugs face sentences of up to three years. The transporting, manufacturing or trafficking drugs can attract the death penalty.
Born to Jackie Chan and his wife, a Taiwanese actress Lin Feng-Jiao, Jaycee was raised in Los Angeles. He did not pursue studies after two semesters and has a penchant for luxury cars.
15:53 Jackie Chan's son Jaycee prosecuted on drug charge
Kungfu superstar Jackie Chan's 32-year-old son Jaycee Chan was today prosecuted in Beijing for allegedly providing a venue for drug users.
The prosecution of Jaycee, an actor and singer, has come three months after he was formally arrested on suspicion of accommodating drug users. He was arrested along with Ko Chen-tung, 23, a Taiwanese movie star also known as Kai Ko.
Beijing police detained many people for drug offences, including Jaycee and Chen-tung on August 14. The duo were tested positive for marijuana and admitted to taking the drug.
The arrests were made following complaints from local residents.
Police had also seized more than 100 grams of marijuana from Jaycee's residence, state-run Xinhua news agency reported today.
Chen-tung was released on August 29 after 14 days of administrative detention.
According to Chinese law, those involved in providing locations for others to take drugs face sentences of up to three years. The transporting, manufacturing or trafficking drugs can attract the death penalty.
Born to Jackie Chan and his wife, a Taiwanese actress Lin Feng-Jiao, Jaycee was raised in Los Angeles. He did not pursue studies after two semesters and has a penchant for luxury cars.
15:52 New app can land airplane in emergency
A new app can take control of a small airplane and steer it to the nearest airport without any human intervention in case of an emergency such as engine failure or fuel shortage.
The iPad app Xavion connects to the airplane's autopilot system via Wi-Fi and takes control.
The app has long been a useful tool for pilots, tracking flight-path information and weather warnings but this autopilot update takes Xavion into unprecedented territory, 'The Verge' reported.
"In practice, pilots would use this app to guide them down to just before the threshold of the runway. At that point, any pilot can take over and land the airplane," app creator Austin Meyer told 'Popular Science'.
Meyer, who also made the popular flight simulator X-Plane, has used it to test Xavion.
The app functions as something of a "virtual co-pilot," Meyer said, allowing pilots to focus on troubleshooting the problem, preparing for landing, and notifying emergency services, instead of losing valuable minutes trying to determine where to go, and whether you can even make it.
15:49 Young Axar Patel to replace Jadeja in Test squad vs Aus
Young left-arm spinner Axar Patel will replace an injured Ravindra Jadeja, who was today ruled out due to a shoulder injury from India's remaining two cricket Tests against Australia.
According to a media release issued by the BCCI, "Axar Patel will join the Indian team in Australia for the remainder of the Test Series as a replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, who has a shoulder injury and will be returning to India to undergo a rehabilitation program."
The injury will also raise question marks over whether Jadeja will recover in time for the ODI tri-series in January, which will be India's preparatory ground for the World Cup.
The opportunity couldn't have come at a better time for the 20-year-old Axar, who has already played 9 ODIs for India taking 14 wickets with best figures of 3/40 against Sri Lanka.
He was in contention for a place in the ODI squad for the tri-series after the Gujarat boy impressed one and all by taking 11 wickets from the five ODIs against Sri Lanka.
15:41 US will not target Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar after 2014
The United States has said that it would not target prominent Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar and other militants after January 2 in Afghanistan unless they posed a definite threat to the US.
Pentagon spokesperson Rear Admiral John Kirby said that being a member of the Taliban did not mean that they would be targeted by the US. while he drew a line between combatant and non-combatant Taliban saying that those who continued to fight would be targeted.
Kirby said that any member of the Taliban who acts against Afghanistan or the US renders himself vulnerable to US attacks, reported Dawn News.
On Friday, US President Barack Obama assured that he would end the US-led war in Afghanistan by the end of this year.
After more than 13 years, the US would end the combat mission in Afghanistan in less than two weeks.
However, Obama has authorized his force to fight if there is direct threat posed to official Afghan forces.
15:11 Pak appeal against Lakhvi's bail delayed; prosecutor says he hasn't seen bail order
A Pakistani government prosecutor on Monday said that he had been forced to delay his appeal against a court order which grants bail to the alleged mastermind of the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai.
A judge in an Islamabad anti-terror court last week granted bail to Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, accused over the siege on India`s commercial capital that left 166 people dead and was blamed on the banned Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-Tayiba.
The bail decision triggered a furious response from New Delhi and Pakistani prosecutors swiftly announced they would appeal against it.
The challenge was due to be filed on Monday but government prosecutor Mohammad Azhar Chaudhry told AFP he had been unable to proceed.
"I have not yet received copy of the court (bail) order, which is essential to complete legal formalities," Chaudhry told media persons.
He said he would challenge the order after examining the bail order.
14:24 Lalu mocks PM: If you can't get black money by plane, we can arrange camels
Six political parties of the regrouped Janata Pariwar on Monday threatened to not allow the Parliament to function, even as cadres of the parties held a protest at the Jantar Mantar, criticizing the government for failing to fulfill its promises.
"Our main issues are that the government promised to bring back black money but failed to do so. The government also promised to provide employment to the unemployed, among other matters. They also raised communal issues. Thus, on all these issues, the Janata Dal Pariwar is protesting at the Jantar Mantar under Mulayam Singh's leadership," said Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal.
Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Yadav repeatedly mocked PM Modi's catch phrase "Acche Din (good times)" and, referencing the row over religious conversions allegedly by groups linked to the ruling BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, alleged, "The Modi government is trying to divide the nation on religion."
Nitish Kumar replayed PM Modi's campaign speech to demonstrate what he called double-speak by him and the BJP.
"Now (PM) says he has no idea how much black money there is," Mr Kumar said.
Lalu also slammed the government on the black money issue.
"We are waiting for black money to come back. We can wait a few more months. If you can't manage to bring it back by plane, we can arrange camels," he quipped.
14:07 Gadkari on conversion: Parties indulging in vote bank politics
Amid a controversy over religious conversions, Union minister Nitin Gadkari today said that political forces "disturbed" over the victory of BJP are trying to convert the agenda of development into that of vote bank politics.
"This is not an issue within the party. There are some political forces and leaders, who are disturbed over the victory of BJP," he said outside Parliament House here.
"As far as vote bank politics is concerned, which is a very very general practice for them and development is not their agenda, they want to convert the agenda of development and good governance into vote bank politics," he said, replying to a question on the issue of religious conversions.
"It is vote bank politics and nothing else," the Union Transport Minister maintained.
13:46 AIADMK MPs pray for Jayas well-being
A Delhi Correspondent reports: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MPs offered prayers at the Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty Dargah in Ajmer, Rajasthan on Sunday for the well-being of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who is facing legal problems.
AIADMK leader in the Rajya Sabha Naveethakrishnan led the MPs as they drove from New Delhi. They also offered a green shawl at the dargah.
***
The Central Hall of Parliament on Monday wore a deserted look as many opposition members of Parliament had gone to Jantar Mantar for Janata Parivar rally organised by Mulayam Singh Yadav. Only BJP MPs were present in the Central Hall.
***
Trinamool Congress and Communist Party of India-Marxist leaders joined hands in the Rajya Sabha during protests to raise slogans against Narendra Modi.
CPI-M leaders were seen encouraging TMC MPs to rush to the well of the House. But as soon as the Rajya Sabha was adjourned due to pandemonium, these MPs walk up to Central Hall of Parliament and change their tones and heckle at each other. CPI-M MPs were speculating that TMC leader Mukul Roy might be picked up by the Central Bureau of Investigation for questioning in the chit fund scam.
12:40 Prakash Mishra takes over as CRPF DG
Senior IPS officer Prakash Mishra today took over as the new chief of country's largest paramilitary and lead anti-Naxal operations force, CRPF.
Mishra, an ex-Odisha police DGP and 1977-batch IPS officer, took charge at the Central Reserve Police Force headquarters in New Delhi after his name was announced for the post by the government last week.
Mishra was till now serving as the Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Union Home Ministry.
The post of CRPF Director General has been vacant for over a fortnight after incumbent Dilip Trivedi had retired on November 30.
The about 3-lakh personnel strong force is the mainstay for anti-Naxal operations and Mishra has himself spearheaded the battle when he was Odisha police head.
The force is facing a number of challenges, especially in the Left Wing Extremism theatre, and three committees have been formed by the government in recent past to fine-tune the operational efficacy and modernisation of the paramilitary in this domain.
12:27 UN panel calls Hafiz Saeed 'Sahib', India wants clarification
India is likely to seek a clarification from the UN over a reference to 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed as 'sahib' in an official document.
Gary Quinlan, the chair of the UN Security Council Committee, on December 17 referred to Saeed as "Hafiz Mohammad Sahib" in a communique.
The communique was on the activities of banned terror organisation Lashkar-e-Tayiba founded by Saeed, pursuing earlier UN resolutions the al Qaeda and individuals and entities associated with it.
The UN declared Saeed's Jamaat ud Dawaa as a terrorist organisation in December 2008, weeks after 10 terrorists allegedly trained by him attacked Mumbai and left 166 people dead in a three-day siege. The UN ban meant freezing of funds and other financial assets or economic resources.
The US had announced a $10 million bounty on Saeed, the founder of LeT, and his brother-in-law in 2012.
12:22 Tendulkar announced as ICC World Cup 2015 ambassador
The International Cricket Council on Monday announced Sachin Tendulkar as the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 ambassador.
It will be the second successive time that the Indian maestro will be the ambassador of the ICC's pinnacle tournament, after he fulfilled the role in the previous event, which was co-hosted by Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka in 2011.
In his role as the ambassador, Tendulkar will promote and support a variety of ICC initiatives to enhance the profile of the tournament, which is the third biggest sporting event in the world and will take place in Australia and New Zealand from February 14 to March 29.
Tendulkar retired from international cricket last year after representing India in 200 Tests, 463 One-Day Internationals and one Twenty20 International. In a career spanning 24 years, the 41-year-old scored a total of 34,357 international runs and 100 centuries.
12:08 You just need a 4-inch heart, not a 56-inch chest to come here: Oppn taunts PM
A united opposition today said the government is following "an unacceptable agenda" of trying to convert Muslims and Christians to Hinduism.
In the Rajya Sabha, which was paralysed all of last week over the controversy, opposition leaders again demanded a statement from the Prime Minister.
In the Rajya Sabha, which was paralysed all of last week over the controversy, opposition leaders again demanded a statement from the Prime Minister.
"You don't need a 56-inch chest to come here, you just need a four-inch heart to come here," said Trinamool leader Derek O'Brien, referencing the PM's famous campaign line about the country's need for a leader with a big, strong chest.
The government is in a minority in the Rajya Sabha. This session of Parliament ends on Tuesday and the stalling over conversions has meant that the government has not been able to push through important reforms.
11:51 PM to make statement on Lakhvi in Rajya Sabha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement on LeT commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in Rajya Sabha when House re-convenes at noon. He may also give a statement on religious conversion issue, say reports.
11:45
Just In: Rajya Sabha adjourned after opposition members enter well of the House over alleged forced conversion row
11:03 PM meets senior BJP leaders as Coal, Insurance Bills hang in balance
Ahead of the Parliament session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is meeting with senior BJP leaders Venkaiah Naidu, Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley to discuss on the Insurance and Coal Bills.
Reports say that the PM along with his Cabinet ministers is also deliberating on religious conversions row, which has rocked the Rajya Sabha in the ongoing Winter session.
With just two days remaining in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, the fate of the government's economic reform agenda, particularly the Insurance Bill, hangs in the balance with some opposition parties likely to continue disrupting the Upper House over the religious conversion issue.
The Parliament, Monday, is likely to witness huge uproar over Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat and senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Praveen Togadia's strong pitch for `Hindu awakening`.
The Opposition in Rajya Sabha, where the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party is in minority, has been at the forefront staging strong protests against the government over issues like religious conversion and the remarks made by Sadhvi Niranjan and Sakashi Maharaj.
10:58 Drugs Case: ED summons Punjab minister Bikram Majithia
NDTV reports: A political storm is brewing over the Enforcement Directorate's summons to Punjab's cabinet minister Bikram Singh Majithia in connection with a money laundering case.
The agency is investigating the international money transaction link in the multi-crore drugs racket detected by the Punjab Police last year.
The ED has summoned Mr Majithia for questioning on December 26 in Jalandhar.
Majithia's name had surfaced after Jagdish Bhola, a man arrested near Delhi last year for drugs trade, alleged in court that it was being run under the minister's patronage and the full knowledge of the state police. The summons to him is based on the statements of Bhola and Bittu Aulakh, a local politician from Ajnala, who was also arrested for links with drug smugglers.
The revenue minister is the brother-in-law of Punjab's Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. After the controversy broke, he divested of the NRI Affairs portfolio and had to relinquish the post of the president of Youth Wing of the Akali Dal.
09:54 Okay, so Sony will release 'The Interview'
Sony's company attorney David Boies has said that The Interview will be released but not on its original slot of Christmas Day.
The entertainment company originally pulled the James Franco-Seth Rogen comedy when terrorist threats were made against theatre chains that chose to play the film.
The Sony hack was a company-wide infiltration that resulted in leaked emails, Social Security numbers, and salaries, reported Us magazine.
"Sony only delayed this. Sony has been fighting to get this picture distributed. It will be distributed," Boies said on NBC's Meet the Press.
Following Sony's decision to pull the movie, numerous celebrities have spoken out and President Obama also made a statement on the subject saying the company "made a mistake" by caving to the demands of the hackers, who have since been linked to North Korea.
The country has since spoken out calling the claims 'groundless slander' and offering a joint investigation into the hack.
09:32 Delhi under thick fog cover; 16 flights, 50 trains delayed
At least 16 flights have been delayed while two were cancelled as a thick blanket of fog enveloped Delhi.
50 trains have also been delayed while 12 others have been rescheduled in the national capital.
Intense cold conditions continue unabated in north India.
On Sunday, one person was killed in Uttar Pradesh while three others died of suffocation in Delhi after they lit a coal fire to keep their dwelling warm.
Wintry conditions intensified in the national capital on Sunday as the maximum temperature was recorded at 15 degrees Celsius, seven notches below normal. The minimum settled two notches below the season's average at 6.4 degrees Celsius.
In Jammu and Kashmir, Chillai-Kalan -- the 40-day harshest period of winter -- began on Sunday, increasing the chances of the first snowfall of the season in the Valley which has witnessed cold and dry weather conditions so far.
The minimum temperature, however, rose by over two degrees in Srinagar as the city recorded a low of -1.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, compared to the previous night's -4.4 degrees.
09:32 Pakistan govt to challenge 26/11 mastermind Lakhvi's bail today
Pakistani government will on Monday challenge the bail of 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi.
Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, had yesterday said that Lakhvi was put under house arrest shortly after he was granted bail by Islamabad anti-terrorism court on December 18.
The court cited lack of evidence as the reason behind granting bail.
The move had triggered outrage and India had expressed concern.
Sartaj Aziz, Foreign Affairs and National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, later clarified that the Mumbai attack mastermind was not released.
He further added that the government was reviweing a petition against bail granted by the court.
Menwhile, Lakhvi continues to remain under detention at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail under the Maintenance of Public Order for three more months.
Lakhvi is one of the seven people who were charged with planning and helping in the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attack which killed 166 people.
09:29 Stormy day ahead in Parliament; fate of Insurance, Coal bills hangs in balance
With just two days remaining in the ongoing Winter session of Parliament, the fate of the government's economic reform agenda, particularly the Insurance Bill, hangs in the balance with some opposition parties continuing to disrupt the Upper House over the religious conversion issue.
The Parliament, Monday, particularly the Rajya Sabha is likely to witness huge uproar over Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat and senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Praveen Togadia's strong pitch for Hindu awakening and described India as a nation of the Hindus.
The Opposition in Rajya Sabha, where the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party is in minority has been at the forefront staging strong protests against the government over issues like religious conversion and Sadhvi Niranjan and Sakashi Maharaj's remarks.
09:28 Change of guard at SpiceJet?
Beleaguered SpiceJet could see a change of guard if Indian and foreign investors, who are now carrying out due-diligence of the cash-strapped airline, are convinced about investing Rs 1,200 crore and picking up considerable stake in it, industry sources said.
After being on the brink of collapse with all its flights grounded five days ago, Ajay Singh, one of the original promoters, seems to have stepped in as a white knight to help rescue the budget carrier, by evincing interest to re-invest, along with other investors.
The potential acquirers are likely to take four to six weeks to complete evaluating the cash-strapped carrier and its assets and take a decision thereafter, the sources said, adding that SpiceJet's data room has been opened for due-diligence.
Read more HERE
09:16 Markets may open higher; Infosys, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Auto in focus
Markets are likely to open higher tracking gains in their Asian peers.
However, some volatility may be expected later in the session as traders will remain cautious in a truncated week ahead of the F&O expiry on Wednesday.
However, some volatility may be expected later in the session as traders will remain cautious in a truncated week ahead of the F&O expiry on Wednesday.
For cues investors will also watch the US jobless data which is to be released later this week.
"For the day, Nifty needs to hold above 8175 levels to continue the up move towards 8,280 then 8,320 levels. On the downside immediate support is at ,8175 levels and below that profit booking may drag the index towards 8,120 and then 8,100 levels," technical analysts at Anand Rathi said in a morning note.
At 8:25am, the early indicator SGX Nifty was up 37 points at 8,269. Asian markets are mostly trading higher. While Nikkei is largely flat, Shanghai Composite and Hang Seng indices have gained over 1% each.
Click HERE to know which stocks are in focus
Click HERE to know which stocks are in focus
09:12 'Watch what I'm going to do,s NYC cop killer told passers-by
The gunman who fatally ambushed two police officers in their squad car had a long criminal record, a hatred for police and the government, and an apparent history of mental instability that included an attempt to hang himself a year ago, authorities has said.
Moments before opening fire, Ismaaiyl Brinsley approached people on the street in Brooklyn and asked them to follow him on Instagram, then told them, "Watch what I'm going to do," Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said yesterday.
A portrait of the Brooklyn-born gunman emerged as big-city police departments and union leaders around the US warned officers to change their routines and insist on extra backup a day after Brinsley carried out what he portrayed online as retaliation for the slayings of black men at the hands of white police officers.
Brinsley was African American; the slain officers were Asian and Hispanic.
The slayings come at a tense time. Police nationwide have been criticised for months for their tactics, following Eric Garner's death in a New York officer's chokehold and Michael Brown's fatal shooting in Ferguson, Missouri. Protests erupted in recent weeks after grand juries declined to charge the white officers involved.
Investigators were trying to determine if Brinsley had taken part in any protests over the deaths of Brown and Garner, whose names he invoked in his online threat, or simply latched on to the cause for the final act in a violent rampage.
08:44 IndusInd's Romesh Sobti is BS Banker of the Year
Romesh Sobti, managing director & chief executive of IndusInd Bank, is the Business Standard Banker of the Year for 2013-14.
He was chosen by a five-member jury headed by Subir Gokarn, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India, for the bank's consistent performance during a period of slow economic growth, high inflation, mounting non-performing assets and muted credit demand.
He was chosen by a five-member jury headed by Subir Gokarn, former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India, for the bank's consistent performance during a period of slow economic growth, high inflation, mounting non-performing assets and muted credit demand.
The other jury members were Mahindra & Mahindra Director Bharat Doshi, Ican Investment Advisors Chairman Anil Singhvi, State Bank of India's former managing director Diwakar Gupta, and Ambit Group CEO (institutional equities) Saurabh Mukherjea.
The jury had initially shortlisted three bankers from a list of nine on parameters ranging from business growth and efficiency ratios to quality of assets and employee productivity. Non-financial aspects like corporate governance standard, customer service quality and technology initiatives were also reviewed.
Read more HERE
08:42 Does it pay to be a farmer in India?
The Hindu reports: How profitable is farming? The answer to this most fundamental question about Indian agriculture can be found in the National Sample Survey Offices new survey of Indias agricultural households.
The average farm household makes Rs 6,426 per month. Where does this money come from? Farm households do a mix of jobs, the data shows.
See the infographic HERE
08:40 North Korea threatens strikes on US amid hacking claims
North Korea says President Barack Obama is "recklessly" spreading rumors of a Pyongyang-orchestrated cyber attack of Sony Pictures and warns of strikes against the White House, Pentagon and "the whole US mainland, that cesspool of terrorism."
Such North Korean rhetoric during times of high tension with Washington is routine.
But a long statement from the powerful National Defense Commission also underscored Pyongyang's sensitivity at a movie whose plot focuses on the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The US blames North Korea for the cyber attack that escalated to threats of terror attacks against US movie theaters and caused Sony to cancel The Interview's release.
Obama says Washington is reviewing whether to put North Korea back on its list of state sponsors of terrorism.
08:38 The Hindu rate of oath
Indian Express reports: When RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday strongly defended the Sanghs conversion campaign, it only confirmed what its Dharma Jagran Samanvay Samiti has been insisting.
The heated exchanges in Parliament all of last week as the Opposition tried to get Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commit on the religious conversion issue notwithstanding, this is the busiest time of the year for the Samiti.
And December 23, the day the Winter Session ends, marks the start of its mass programmes linked to Ghar Wapsi across the country -- like every year.
Perhaps the only place missing this time out of at least 300 on its list would be Aligarh.
See more HERE
08:36
Good morning...
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