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Tue, 27 May 2014
Families criticise Flight MH370 satellite data
Timeline Refresh
23:44 Families criticise Flight MH370 satellite data
Families of passengers on doomed flight MH370 have criticised the release of satellite data tracking the plane's last known movements - and say it adds little that is new.
Relatives of the 239 people on board questioned why it has taken so long for the information to be made public by the Malaysian authorities.They also called for the release of all information on the Boeing 777 - which disappeared while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8 - so it can be verified by independent experts.
22:40 Iran court summons Facebook's Zuckerberg over privacy
An Iranian judge has summoned Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg to answer allegations that his company's apps have breached people's privacy, it was reported today.
In a case that underscores the gulf between Iranian moderates, who seek fewer Internet restrictions, and conservatives who want more, the Silicon Valley leader has been dubbed the "Zionist manager" of Facebook, on account of his Jewish heritage.
22:14 LIVE! Iran court summons Zuckerberg to court
A judge in southern
21:49 US to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by 2016
US President Barack Obama plans to remove all American
combat troops in
21:14 Pak still on trial, says BJP
Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met
20:14 Kejriwal released from Tihar Jail
Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejrwal has been released from Tihar Jail. He was sent to a 14-day judicial custody in the Nitin Gadkari defamation case after the refused to furnish a bail bond.
Earlier in the day, a Delhi court ordered forthwith Kejriwal's release after he furnished the bail.
Metropolitan Magistrate Gomati Manocha accepted the personal bond filed by Kejriwals counsel in compliance with the order passed by the Delhi high court. It is also submitted that Arvind Kejriwal has written in his own handwriting that he is filing the personal bond in compliance with the high court order. In view of this, the personal bond furnished is accepted, the court said, adding, Let the accused be released forthwith.
Earlier in the day, a Delhi court ordered forthwith Kejriwal's release after he furnished the bail.
Metropolitan Magistrate Gomati Manocha accepted the personal bond filed by Kejriwals counsel in compliance with the order passed by the Delhi high court. It is also submitted that Arvind Kejriwal has written in his own handwriting that he is filing the personal bond in compliance with the high court order. In view of this, the personal bond furnished is accepted, the court said, adding, Let the accused be released forthwith.
19:54 AG Vahanvati, SG Mohan Parasaran resign
PTI reports: Attorney General G E Vahanvati and Solicitor General Mohan
Parasaran have tendered their resignations: Sources
More details are awaited.
Parasaran have tendered their resignations: Sources
More details are awaited.
19:30 SIT to probe black money: Modi govt
Law and Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad briefs the media after the first meeting of the new Union cabinet, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He says that the issue of black money was discussed.
"The government has decided to set sup a Special Investigation Team to probe the issue of black money. The SIT team will be headed by Justice MB Shah. SIT has been formed in accordance to a Supreme Court order." he said.
"The government has decided to set sup a Special Investigation Team to probe the issue of black money. The SIT team will be headed by Justice MB Shah. SIT has been formed in accordance to a Supreme Court order." he said.
19:15
Narendra Modi's first cabinet meeting ends.
19:13
The Taj Mansingh's team -- Satyajeet Krishnan, GM; Amit Chowdhury,
Executive Chef and DK Beri, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs -- bids farewell to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Sharif was a guest at the hotel when he arrived in Delhi for Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony yesterday.
Sharif was a guest at the hotel when he arrived in Delhi for Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony yesterday.
19:03
Ajay Maken: What a Cabinet of Modi? In almost every election speech he challenged China, Pakistan etc, but could not find a Defence Minister!
19:01 LIVE! Omar: Long after Modi govt is distant memory Article 370 will still exist
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah reacts to the Narendra Modi government's decision to open debate on Article 370 in the state. Minister of State in Prime Minister's office Jitendra Singh said today while making it clear that efforts would be made through this exercise to "convince" the "unconvinced".
Omar tweets, "So, the new MOS PMO says process/discussions to revoke Art 370 have started. Wow, that was a quick beginning. Not sure who is talking. Mark my words and save this tweet - long after Modi Govt is a distant memory either J&K won't be part of India or Art 370 will still exist. Art 370 is the ONLY constitutional link between J&K & rest of India. Talk of revocation of not just ill informed it's irresponsible."
Repeating the stand of Modi during his rally in December last year, Singh, a first time Parliament Member and a surprise choice as Minister of State in the PMO, said, "his (Modi's) intention and that of the government is that we have a debate so that we can convince the unconvinced about the disadvantages of Article 370.
"If we do not have debate and discussion how would you be able to tell those who have been unable to understand what they have been deprived of on account of Article 370," he said after taking over as Minister of State incharge of Department of Personnel and Training, which has administrative control over the CBI.
Omar tweets, "So, the new MOS PMO says process/discussions to revoke Art 370 have started. Wow, that was a quick beginning. Not sure who is talking. Mark my words and save this tweet - long after Modi Govt is a distant memory either J&K won't be part of India or Art 370 will still exist. Art 370 is the ONLY constitutional link between J&K & rest of India. Talk of revocation of not just ill informed it's irresponsible."
Repeating the stand of Modi during his rally in December last year, Singh, a first time Parliament Member and a surprise choice as Minister of State in the PMO, said, "his (Modi's) intention and that of the government is that we have a debate so that we can convince the unconvinced about the disadvantages of Article 370.
"If we do not have debate and discussion how would you be able to tell those who have been unable to understand what they have been deprived of on account of Article 370," he said after taking over as Minister of State incharge of Department of Personnel and Training, which has administrative control over the CBI.
18:48 LIVE! Goodbye! SAARC heads of state leave Delhi
SAARC heads of state leave Delhi, a day after Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday. Afghanistan prez Hamid Karzai and Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif leave Delhi in separate flights.
18:45
Narendra Modi '@PMOIndia I just activated @Tweet_Delete on my account to automatically delete my old tweets (http://is.gd/delete )!
18:34
In support of Smriti Irani... @AListRap: Finance Ministers don't have to be economists & HRD ministers don't have to be PHD's. That's not how it works. Democracy is not an IAS exam.
18:29 Shiv Sena unhappy over lesser representation in Cabinet
Shiv Sena, the oldest ally of BJP, is unhappy over being given only one ministerial berth and that too Heavy Industries portfolio in the Narendra Modi government and has complained to the BJP leadership.
Modi has included Anant Geete, a senior leader of Shiv Sena in his Cabinet, but he did not assume the charge of the Heavy Industries Ministry today because of being unhappy over the portfolio, sources said.
Sena sources said the party was expecting more ministerial berths as it is the second largest party in the NDA with 18 members in the Lok Sabha.
Modi has included Anant Geete, a senior leader of Shiv Sena in his Cabinet, but he did not assume the charge of the Heavy Industries Ministry today because of being unhappy over the portfolio, sources said.
Sena sources said the party was expecting more ministerial berths as it is the second largest party in the NDA with 18 members in the Lok Sabha.
18:28 Kejriwal furnishes bail bond, court orders release from jail
A Delhi court today ordered forthwith the release of Arvind Kejriwal from Tihar Jail after the Aam Aadmi Party leader furnished the bail bond in a criminal defamation complaint filed against him by BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, changing his earlier stand against it. Metropolitan Magistrate Gomati Manocha accepted the personal bond filed by Kejriwal's counsel in compliance with the order passed by the Delhi High Court.
18:13
That's Nawaz Sharif and his mother. The pic was tweeted by his daughter Mariam. Don't miss the fancy seat belt.
18:01 Set to be NSA, Ajit Doval has his work cut out
Ajit Doval, the former chief of the Intelligence Bureau, is all set to be be the new National Security Advisor in the Narendra Modi government. The official announcement is likely to be out anytime soon.
In fact, he is assisting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his meetings with SAARC heads of state, including Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The former IB chief currently heads the Vivekananda International Foundation, a think thank, in New Delhi. Read more
In fact, he is assisting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his meetings with SAARC heads of state, including Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The former IB chief currently heads the Vivekananda International Foundation, a think thank, in New Delhi. Read more
17:55 PM Modi takes charge
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his office at South Block, Raisina Hills, in New Delhi today.
17:51
And Congress party spokesperson Ajay Maken joins the Smriti slammers: "What a Cabinet of Modi? HRD Minister (Looking after Education) Smriti Irani is not even a graduate!Look at her affidavit at ECI site pg 11!
17:50
Former Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani tweets: Amused to see Pakistan TV anchors who regularly host int terrorist Hafiz Saeed on air describe #India anchors as hawks :)
17:44 Modi meets Manmohan at new home
In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited his predecessor Manmohan Singh to make a courtesy call. Modi, who was sworn-in yesterday and took charge this morning, drove to 3, Motilal Nehru Place, Singh's new home, to meet him this evening.
He was received by Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur who shifted to the new residence after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhawan last evening, vacating 7, Race Course Road, his official residence for 10 years.
Modi has not yet moved into the Race Course Road residence and is staying put in Gujarat Bhawan. He is likely to shift a few days later as the new residence is being refurbished, according to sources.
He was received by Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur who shifted to the new residence after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhawan last evening, vacating 7, Race Course Road, his official residence for 10 years.
Modi has not yet moved into the Race Course Road residence and is staying put in Gujarat Bhawan. He is likely to shift a few days later as the new residence is being refurbished, according to sources.
17:39 LIVE! NDA's first cabinet meeting begins at South Block
The newly-minted NDA government's first cabinet meet begins at South Block as PM Narendra Modi arrives.
17:37 Gadkaris birthday gift: leave from Cabinet meeting
Today is Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari's 57th birthday, which he celebrated in New Delhi in the morning. However, soon after, he left the capital for his hometown, Nagpur, with permission from the prime minister. He will be missing from this evening's Cabinet meeting, the NDA government's first, in South Block.
17:36 Why Modi fasted on his swearing-in day
On Monday, the day of his swearing-in as prime minister, Narendra Modi was fasting, as it was 'Pradhosham', the holy time between 4.30 and 6 pm on the evening of trayodasi which is considered sacred for Lord Shiva. The belief goes that whoever prays to Lord Shiva in that time will see their wishes granted.
17:31 Modi wants PPT on climate change
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was keen to know more about climate change and sought details of weather reports as well as El Nino which may affect India's monsoon this year according to meteorologists. He has asked PMO officials to organise a PowerPoint presentation for him by early next week.
17:29 Court accepts Kejri's bail bond, orders his release from Tihar
Just In: Delhi court accepts bail bond of Arvind Kejriwal filed by his advocate in a criminal defamation complaint, and orders his release from Tihar jail.
17:05 Sharif: Must work towards ending mistrust
Sharif says both the countries must work towards ending the mistrust. Hope India and Pakistan can work together to achieve peace and stability. "I recalled to PM Modi, my invitation to PM Vajpayee. I intend to pick up the threads from there. I told him I intend to pick up the threads of the Lahore declaration. PM Modi warmly reciprocated my sentiment."
Sharif reads out a prepared statement, takes no questions from the media.
Sharif reads out a prepared statement, takes no questions from the media.
16:59 LIVE! Nawaz Sharif: Will work towards turning confrontation to cooperation
Nawaz Sharif presser begins with an apology for the delay. He says he is very pleased to be in Delhi at Narendra Modi's invitation. He says he had a very constructive meeting with Modi. The presser is being held at the Taj Mansingh where the Pak PM is staying.
He says the meeting with Modi was held in a cordial atmosphere. We will succeed in turning a new page in our relationship. We will work towards turning confrontation to cooperation.
He says the meeting with Modi was held in a cordial atmosphere. We will succeed in turning a new page in our relationship. We will work towards turning confrontation to cooperation.
16:52
Nawaz Sharif was clearly waiting for the MEA to finish its presser. The Pak presser should happen any time now.
16:48 Modi meets Manmohan Singh
That's Narendra Modi on his way to meet former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. (Feels strange to write former...) Modi seems to have ditched the Mahindra Scorpio for a BMW. Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first PM to ditch the Ambassador for a BMW.
16:43 Defence minister Jaitley meets chiefs of staff
Meanwhile, Defence minister Arun Jaitley holds his first meeting with the three chiefs of staff. He also met the Defence Secretary, Secretary (Ex-servicemen Welfare) and Secretary (Defence Production) and all the officers above the rank of Joint Secretary in the ministry. Rao Inderjit Singh has also joined the Defence Ministry as the Minister of State for Defence.
16:36
India wants friendly relations with Pakistan but terror has to end first, says the MEA.
16:35
Narendra Modi accepted the invitation of Nawaz Sharif to visit Pakistan. Dates will be worked out later, says Sujatha Singh.
16:33
PM Modi also urged Sri Lanka to implement the 13th amendment for the development of Tamils, says Singh. And, yes, there was a discussion between the Modi and Rajapaksa over the fishermen issue, which both needs addressed.
And a biggie, India also looking at opening up the Wagah and Attari borders for full trade.
And a biggie, India also looking at opening up the Wagah and Attari borders for full trade.
16:27
Sujatha Singh says the government will not share details on whether Dawood Ibrahim was discussed. "What is the point of confidentiality? We choose not to discuss it," says Singh.
16:25
Good to see that all eight leaders graciously came and joined us. PM said their presence enriched our celebrations, says the Foreign Secy.
16:20
PM urged Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse to expedite the process of reconciliation which meets the aspirations of the Tamil population, says Sujatha Singh. All SAARC leaders invited the PM to visit and he has accepted. The dates have to be worked out, she says.
16:14
Sujatha Singh, Foreign Secretary says, "Modi raised concerns of Tamil people in Sri Lanka during talks with Rajapaksa. Modi said India values its relationship with Sri Lanka. Modi discussed rail and road connectivity with Nepal PM."
16:09
More from the MEA presser... Issues raised include...
-- Cross border terrorism and Mumbai terror attacks
-- Modi has conveyed India's security concerns to Pak PM.
-- Pak has been told it needs to take effective measures to control terror.
-- Talks also covered needs to improve trade between nations
-- 26/11 probe needs to be expedited. Pace of investigations was too slow.
-- Cross border terrorism and Mumbai terror attacks
-- Modi has conveyed India's security concerns to Pak PM.
-- Pak has been told it needs to take effective measures to control terror.
-- Talks also covered needs to improve trade between nations
-- 26/11 probe needs to be expedited. Pace of investigations was too slow.
16:05 Nawaz Sharif meets Shatrughan Sinha?
Unconfirmed, but here's why Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif is running late with his presser. He is in a meeting with Shatrughan Sinha at the Hotel Taj Mansingh.
16:04 MEA: PM had good talks with SAARC leaders
MEA presser begins ahead of Nawaz Sharif's presser. The presser is on PM Narendra Modi's meetings with SAARC heads. Foreign secretary Sujatha Singh holds the presser.
-- PM met all SAARC leaders and thanked them
-- PM raised attack on Herat with Hamid Karzai.
-- Modi discussed measures to improve regional cooperation.
-- Modi discussed maritime security.
-- PM met all SAARC leaders and thanked them
-- PM raised attack on Herat with Hamid Karzai.
-- Modi discussed measures to improve regional cooperation.
-- Modi discussed maritime security.
15:55
Pinky Anand, Nitin Gadkari's lawyer says, "Woh (Kejriwal) andar (jail) rehna chahen andar rahen, bahar niklana chahen bahar niklen, hume koi farak nahin padta.
15:54
Nawaz Sharif has a flight to Islamabad at 5 pm. Inordinate delay in addressing the presser.
15:50
Kejriwal's lawyer tells HC that personal bond of Rs 10,000 has already been signed and will be filed before magistrate today itself.
So, wrong strategy again, unless of course, the stay at Tihar was pleasant.
So, wrong strategy again, unless of course, the stay at Tihar was pleasant.
15:45
As we await Nawaz Sharif's presser, this is a picture of the meeting he had with Narendra Modi this afternoon. To Modi's left is external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.
15:44 ill empower farmers, control price rise: Agri Minister
New Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh today said his key priorities would be empowering farmers and controlling prices of agri-commodities. Singh, who has won the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Purvi Champaran constituency in Bihar, said he will assume charge tomorrow. "Our main priority will be to empower farmers of the country," Singh said. The new minister said that his focus would be to control price rise in agri-products.
15:41 'Govt open to debate on Article 370'
Govt is open to having debate on Article 370 (giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir), says MoS PMO and Personnel Jitendra Singh after taking charge.
15:38 Mauritius PM: Automatic exchange of tax information with India
Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam on his meeting Narendra Modi: "We have decided to provide automatic exchange of tax information with India. We want a quick resolution of issues on tax treaty with India."
Ramgoolam on apprehensions of money-laundering through Mauritius says he will not allow anybody to abuse or misuse their jurisdiction.
He has invited Narendra Modi to Mauritius.
Ramgoolam on apprehensions of money-laundering through Mauritius says he will not allow anybody to abuse or misuse their jurisdiction.
He has invited Narendra Modi to Mauritius.
15:23
Delay in Pak PM's presser...
15:21 Smriti Irani is merely 12 class pass: Madhu Kishwar
The always-acerbic Madhu Kishwar criticises Smriti Irani getting the HRD ministry. "Smriti Irani merely class 12 pass. Went to bcm fashion model on to tv serial bahu. Is this qualifcation enf 4 India's Education Minister? Dont mind if Irani made Deputy PM in recogntion of exceptional talent. But to lead India out of current educational mess, need different type."
15:18
Kejriwal was sent to judicial custody by a magistrate on May 21 for two days. On May 23, his custody was extended by 14 days till June 6 after he refused to furnish a bail bond when he was granted bail in the case.
The magistrate had refused to review its May 21 order remanding Kejriwal in judicial custody for not furnishing the bail bond and had asked him to approach the higher court, challenging the decision.
Kejriwal was earlier summoned as an accused by the court in the defamation complaint in which Gadkari had alleged that he was defamed by the AAP leader, who had included his name in the party's list of "India's most corrupt".
On May 21, the court had granted bail to Kejriwal in the defamation complaint, saying the offence under Section 500 of IPC was bailable and had asked him to furnish a personal bond.
He, however, was taken into custody after he refused to give the bail bond, saying the case was politically motivated and he does not wish to seek bail. He had said that he was ready to give an undertaking that he would appear in the court whenever required.
The magistrate had refused to review its May 21 order remanding Kejriwal in judicial custody for not furnishing the bail bond and had asked him to approach the higher court, challenging the decision.
Kejriwal was earlier summoned as an accused by the court in the defamation complaint in which Gadkari had alleged that he was defamed by the AAP leader, who had included his name in the party's list of "India's most corrupt".
On May 21, the court had granted bail to Kejriwal in the defamation complaint, saying the offence under Section 500 of IPC was bailable and had asked him to furnish a personal bond.
He, however, was taken into custody after he refused to give the bail bond, saying the case was politically motivated and he does not wish to seek bail. He had said that he was ready to give an undertaking that he would appear in the court whenever required.
15:15 LIVE! Kejriwal swallows pride, agrees to file personal bond
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal agrees to file personal bond in the Nitin Gadkari defamation case. The Delhi High Court today advised Arvind Kejriwal, who has been lodged in Tihar Jail, to furnish a bail bond in the criminal defamation complaint filed against him by the BJP leader.
A bench of justices Kailash Gambhir and Sunita Gupta said Kejriwal can raise whatever legal issues he wants to, once he comes out of jail and that he should not make it a prestige issue.
After senior advocate Shanti Bhushan and advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Kejriwal, sought to meet the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in prison to seek his instruction and put forth the court's suggestion, the bench allowed themto meet him anytime before 1 pm.
A bench of justices Kailash Gambhir and Sunita Gupta said Kejriwal can raise whatever legal issues he wants to, once he comes out of jail and that he should not make it a prestige issue.
After senior advocate Shanti Bhushan and advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Kejriwal, sought to meet the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in prison to seek his instruction and put forth the court's suggestion, the bench allowed themto meet him anytime before 1 pm.
15:07
Sagarika Ghose: Hope PM Nawaz Sharif got a chance to not only hear EA Min chaste Hindustani but also her flawless Urdu!
15:05 Putting dynasty before party
The 2014 electoral mandate has been rightly read as being in favour of Narendra Modi's dynamic connect with aspirational India.
Yet it is as much a vote against the Congress's complete failure to understand the ground realities. In the aftermath of its worst-ever electoral defeat, the Congress is refusing to come to terms with its precipitous situation, retreating into a defence of its "first family', Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, rather than rigorously examining the causes of its ignominious defeat. Read
Yet it is as much a vote against the Congress's complete failure to understand the ground realities. In the aftermath of its worst-ever electoral defeat, the Congress is refusing to come to terms with its precipitous situation, retreating into a defence of its "first family', Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, rather than rigorously examining the causes of its ignominious defeat. Read
14:55
Rajnath Singh tweets: After meeting Atalji going to meet Shri Advaniji and seek his blessings before starting my new innings as Union Minister for Home Affairs.
14:53
Nawaz Sharif, much like all the other SAARC heads, met President Pranab Mukherjee today.
14:35 LIVE! Nawaz Sharif: Meeting with Modi excellent, we are positive
Nawaz Sharif says the meeting with Narendra Modi was 'excellent and we are positive'. He says Pakistan was looking forward to a positive outcome.
14:28
Nawaz Sharif meets Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Read Sharif's 2013 interview here.
File pic of Vajpayee, Sharif at the Wagah border.
Read Sharif's 2013 interview here.
File pic of Vajpayee, Sharif at the Wagah border.
14:16 Nawaz-Pranab meet
Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistani delegation meet Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He is expected to address a presser at 2:30 pm from his hotel.
14:15 Coming soon: Modi's address to the nation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address the nation by the weekend, for which massive preparations are on. On Tuesday, soon after taking over, Modi enquired about studio facilities for the recording and was assured by officials that 7 Race Course Road was fully equipped for it.
14:14 Black money on Union Cabinet's agenda
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first Cabinet meeting will discuss the unearthing of black money. Modi thus will have kept his election promise of initiating a debate on black money, which was his pet topic in many of his public rallies.
14:10
PM Narendra Modi to meet former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today. Then, there is a meeting with Pranab Mukherjee and finally, he will drop in at Vajpayee's residence.
Rajnath Singh on his way to meet Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence to take his blessings.
Rajnath Singh on his way to meet Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his residence to take his blessings.
14:00 LIVE! Hafeez Saeed, Dawood figure in Modi-Nawaz Sharif talks
India talks tough with Pakistan
on terror. All security issues including 26/11 mastermind Hafeez Saeed, Dawood Ibrahim, figured in the just-concluded talks. India also brought up the attack on the Indian consulate at Herat.
Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai had said that the Lashkar-e-Toiba was responsible for the attack.
Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai had said that the Lashkar-e-Toiba was responsible for the attack.
13:44 LIVE! 50-minute meeting between Narendra Modi-Nawaz Sharif ends
The meeting lasted longer than the stipulated time of 30 minutes. Sharif leaves for Hyderabad House. He will be flying back to Pakistan today. That brings to an end PM Modi's meetings with the SAARC delegates.
Next on Nawaz Sharif's agenda is a meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee and then a courtesy call on Atal Behari Vajpayee. Vajpayee has not been active in politics for over 10 years now. He suffered from a stroke in 2009 after which he could not speak. Sharif, however, insisted that he wanted to meet Vajpayee and enquire from his doctors about his health.
Vajpayee and Nawaz Sharif signed the Lahore Declaration which spelt out a series of measures for improving ties between the two countries.
Next on Nawaz Sharif's agenda is a meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee and then a courtesy call on Atal Behari Vajpayee. Vajpayee has not been active in politics for over 10 years now. He suffered from a stroke in 2009 after which he could not speak. Sharif, however, insisted that he wanted to meet Vajpayee and enquire from his doctors about his health.
Vajpayee and Nawaz Sharif signed the Lahore Declaration which spelt out a series of measures for improving ties between the two countries.
13:38 LIVE! 50-minute meeting between Narendra Modi-Nawaz Sharif ends
Narendra Modi's meeting with Nawaz Sharif ends. The meeting lasted for around 50 minutes.
13:24
Jaitley says he is grateful to the PM for this responsibility. "This (Defence) is an additional charge with me until expansion of cabinet."
On Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, Jaitley said, "There should be no controversy in appointment of the Army chief. We have a problem with the process, not the person."
He also expressed his condolences about the MiG 21 crash and said his heart goes out to the pilot who lost his life.
On Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, Jaitley said, "There should be no controversy in appointment of the Army chief. We have a problem with the process, not the person."
He also expressed his condolences about the MiG 21 crash and said his heart goes out to the pilot who lost his life.
13:17 Arun Jaitley takes charge as defence minister
Arun Jaitley takes charge as defence minister. "FDI in defence will be dealt with by defence and finance. Defence ministry is an additional charge for the next few weeks. External security is the prime responsibility of the defence ministry," he said.
Jaitley who also the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister pledged to contain price rise, restore confidence of investors in the economy and promote growth while keeping the fiscal deficit under check.
Jaitley who also the Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister pledged to contain price rise, restore confidence of investors in the economy and promote growth while keeping the fiscal deficit under check.
13:10
JUST IN: Defence Minister Arun Jaitley gives green signal to appointment of General Dalbir Singh as next Army chief.
13:09
Former Pakistan foreign secretary Najmuddin Sheikh predicts what Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif will talk about. Read
12:58
Wide smiles, firm handshakes -- formal yet warm.
12:55 RBI governor meets fin min Jaitley
The other very important meeting of the day: RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan meets Finance Minister Arun Jaitley; discusses inflation, macro-economic issues.
12:53 'Bitterness and differences should reduce'
Earlier in the day, Nawaz Sharif visited the Jama Masjid and met the Shahi Imam. "The way the Indian Prime Minister invited him and he (Sharif) accepted it and from the discussion I had with him I can say that he has come here in good spirits," Syed Ahmed Bukhari, said after Sharif's visit to the mosque.
"He wants that relations between the two countries should improve and the bitterness and differences are reduced. He said both India and Pakistan should move toward peace and happiness," he said.
"He wants that relations between the two countries should improve and the bitterness and differences are reduced. He said both India and Pakistan should move toward peace and happiness," he said.
12:46 Nawaz meeting Modi's last with SAARC heads
As a goodwill gesture, Nawaz Sharif on Sunday ordered the release of 151 Indian prisoners captured by Pakistan. There is a sense of anticipation among the people of both countries over Sharif's meeting with Modi.
It will be Modi's last meeting of the day with SAARC leaders who had flown in to attend his swearing-in ceremony Monday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Officials termed the meetings of the leaders with Modi as "courtesy meetings".
It will be Modi's last meeting of the day with SAARC leaders who had flown in to attend his swearing-in ceremony Monday at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Officials termed the meetings of the leaders with Modi as "courtesy meetings".
12:40
PM Narendra meets his counterpart Nawaz Sharif. No hugs, but a firm and long handshake between the two.
12:38
Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif arrives at Hyderabad House for his meeting with Narendra Modi. Modi who talked to Sharif on Monday, tweeted about their conversation saying the Pakistani prime minister's mother got emotional seeing his (Modi's) meeting with his mother on television following the Bharatiya Janata Party's victory in the election.
12:34
Pak PM Nawaz Sharif leaves for Hyderabad House to meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
12:33 Omar: Govt needs to look at defence procurement
Omar Abdullah: My condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of the pilot killed in the MIG crash today. May his soul rest in peace. Not entirely disconnected from today's crash the new Govt needs to sort of defence procurement issue for Navy, Air Force & Army ASAP.
The MIG-21, which was on a routine exercise, crashed in the fields at Mirhama in Bijbehara area, 45 kms from Srinagar, defence sources said.
Pilot Raghu Bansi was killed in the crash, they said. The MIG-21 had taken off from Technical Airport here this morning, the sources said.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known. A team of IAF officials have rushed to the spot.
The MIG-21, which was on a routine exercise, crashed in the fields at Mirhama in Bijbehara area, 45 kms from Srinagar, defence sources said.
Pilot Raghu Bansi was killed in the crash, they said. The MIG-21 had taken off from Technical Airport here this morning, the sources said.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known. A team of IAF officials have rushed to the spot.
12:26 Fire in BSEL Tech Park building in Vashi
Fire in the BSEL Tech Park building in Vashi. Natarajan Hariharan, an employee of India.com, who works at the building says that while some have escaped the building, many are still trapped inside their offices.
12:13
The death toll in the Gorakhdham train accident in the district today mounted to 25 with recovery of more bodies since last night.
12:12
with Modi at Maldives President Abdul Gayoom Hyderabad House.
12:11
PM Narendra Modi meets Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam at Hyderabad House this morning.
12:08 With hope and fear from Kashmir
Pakistan's Dawn on India's new PM, Narendra Modi and the implication on Kashmir. "After Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif finally accepted Narendra Modi's invitation to attend the latter's oath-taking ceremony as the 15th Prime Minister of India, ordinary people, commentators, and politicians in Kashmir began deliberating upon the various pros and cons of the situation, and discussing the future of possible talks on all contentious issues, including Kashmir." Read
12:05 Chandrababu Naidu to take oath as Seemandhra CM on June 8
The Telugu Desam Party has confirmed that Chandrababu Naidu will be sworn in as the Chief Minister on June 8. His swearing in will take place exactly six days after K Chandrasekara Rao is sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana.-- Vicky Nanjappa
11:52 Cooperation in key areas on agenda at Modi-Rajapaksa meeting
Narendra Modi has also held talks Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today. Yesterday, Rajapaksa said that Colombo was one with New Delhi against terrorism.
In a message to Modi immediately after he took oath as India's 15th prime minister, Rajapaksa said: "Your victory rewards your tireless commitment to serving the people of India. It recognises your inspirational qualities of leadership and represents the hopes and aspirations of the Indian polity."
During the meeting today both sides tried to understand the common challenges and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key areas.
In a message to Modi immediately after he took oath as India's 15th prime minister, Rajapaksa said: "Your victory rewards your tireless commitment to serving the people of India. It recognises your inspirational qualities of leadership and represents the hopes and aspirations of the Indian polity."
During the meeting today both sides tried to understand the common challenges and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key areas.
11:46 LIVE! MIG-21 crashes in Anantnag; pilot dead, co-pilot injured
Indian airforce MIG 21 crashes in Mirhama, Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir, killing the pilot. The co-pilot has been injured in the crash. The pilot was on a routine sortie when it crashed. Details awaited.
11:40 Fin min Arun Jaitley to meet RBI governor Raghuram Rajam
RBI governor Raghuram Rajan to meet new finance minister Arun Jaitley today. Noted economist Jagdish Bhagwati has advised Narendra Modi to retain Rajan, who is an UPA appointee.
The other big meeting today: Narendra Modi's meeting with Nawaz Sharif is at 1 pm. Sharif visited the Red Fort and Jama Masjid this morning.
The other big meeting today: Narendra Modi's meeting with Nawaz Sharif is at 1 pm. Sharif visited the Red Fort and Jama Masjid this morning.
11:36 Rail minister Gowda to focus on safety
Safety is one of the important factors that needs to be taken care of, says the new railway minister D V Sadananda Gowda. He will have to hit the ground running as the death toll from yesterday's Gorakhdham train accident rises to 22, with 30 more critically injured.
11:32
Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay meets PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House today.
11:31 UPA's gift to Modi: 60 pending bills
As it gets down to business, one of the first few things Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet will be faced with with is the legislative responsibility it has got saddled with in the form of 60 Bills currently pending in the Rajya Sabha. The first cabinet meeting will be held at 6 pm today.
11:27 Modi has his finger now on India's nuclear button
Narendra Modi now has his finger on the country's nuclear button. As the PM, he will chair the "political council" of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), the "sole body" that can "authorize" a nuclear strike against an adversary in retaliation. But the final call will rest with him. Read
11:23
Formal orders passed appointing former Director, intelligence Bureau Ajit Doval, as the fifth National Security Adviser last night. Details in a bit.
11:21
Narendra Modi's first cabinet meeting is to be held at 6 pm today. Here's a list of which minister got what portfolio. Read
11:19 Sensex snaps three-day winning spree, drops 245 pts
The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex snapped its last three-day winning spree by dropping 245.58 points in the morning trade on profit-booking mainly in refinery, banking, realty and power sectors ahead of the expiry of futures and options contract on coming Thursday.
11:16 Modi-Karzai meet
And this is Modi's first diplomatic engagement. India's new PM meets Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai. The meeting was held at around 9:30 am.
11:12 LIVE! Modi's first directive as PM: Relief for Gorakhdham rail accident victims
In what is Narendra Modi's first directive as prime minister, the Railway Ministry has been asked to ensure that relief operations following the Gorakhdham rail accident are carried out smoothly.
Modi said that it must be seen that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care. The Prime Minster has sanctioned an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those deceased from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund and Rs 50,000 each from those seriously injured in the accident.
The death toll in the Delhi-Gorakhpur train accident has climbed to 22 today. 50 have been injured as the Gorakhpur-bound Gorakhdham Express rammed into a goods train at Chureb station between Basti and Gorakhpur on Monday morning.
Modi said that it must be seen that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care. The Prime Minster has sanctioned an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those deceased from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund and Rs 50,000 each from those seriously injured in the accident.
The death toll in the Delhi-Gorakhpur train accident has climbed to 22 today. 50 have been injured as the Gorakhpur-bound Gorakhdham Express rammed into a goods train at Chureb station between Basti and Gorakhpur on Monday morning.
10:58
Railway minister Sadananda Gowda says several challenges in front of the Railway ministry and it will be studied and steps will be taken.
10:54 Rediff gets the new ministers' portfolios right
The Rashtrapati Bhavan communicated the portfolios of the newly sworn in ministers on Tuesday morning. As per the list, Rajnath Singh is home minister, Arun Jaitley the finance minister, and Sushma Swaraj is the external affairs minister. But Rediff.com's Sheela Bhatt had reported it a full two days ago, on May 25, you can check the link here.
Read more
Read more
10:35 Mumbai: Guard opens fire at Santacruz Air Force station, 2 dead
Two people have been killed after a security guard at the Santacruz Air Force station in Mumbai opened fire late on Monday night.
Two people killed were guards at the base and two others have been injured. The accused who opened fire escaped from the spot but was later arrested from Goregaon. The incident took place around 1 am on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. It remains to be seen as to why the security guard open fired.
09:51 PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Karzai
Just in: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds bilateral talks with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai. PM Modi, who officially took charge earlier in the day, has a slew of bilateral meetings with SAARC leaders scheduled for him throughout the day.
09:28 LIVE! Portfolios announced: Rajnath gets home, Sushma MEA, Gadkari transport
The Rashtrapati Bhavan has come out with a communiqu announcing distribution of portfolios of the ministers sworn-in on Monday in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's council of ministers:
Cabinet ministers:
1. Raj Nath Singh Home Affairs
2. Sushma Swaraj External Affairs Overseas Indian Affairs
3. Arun Jaitley Finance, Corporate Affairs, Defence
4. M Venkaiah Naidu Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Parliamentary Affairs
5. Nitin Jairam Gadkari Road Transport and Highways, Shipping
6. D.V. Sadananda Gowda Railways
7. Uma Bharati Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
8. Najma A. Heptulla Minority Affairs
9. Gopinathrao Munde Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation
10. Ramvilas Paswan Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
11. Kalraj Mishra Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
12. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi Women and Child Development
13. Ananthkumar Chemicals and Fertilizers
14. Ravi Shankar Prasad Communications and Information Technology, Law and Justice
15. Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati Civil Aviation
16. Anant Geete Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
17. Harsimrat Kaur Badal Food Processing Industries
18. Narendra Singh Tomar Mines, Steel, Labour and Employment
19. Jual Oram Tribal Affairs
20. Radha Mohan Singh Agriculture
21. Thaawar Chand Gehlot Social Justice and Empowerment
22. Smriti Zubin Irani Human Resource Development
23. Harsh Vardhan Health and Family Welfare
MINISTERS OF STATE
1. General (retd) V.K. Singh Development of North Eastern Region (Independent Charge), External Affairs, Overseas Indian Affairs
2. Inderjit Singh Rao Planning (Independent Charge) Statistics and Programme Implementation (Independent Charge)Defence
3. Santosh Kumar Gangwar Textiles (Independent Charge), Parliamentary Affairs Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
4. Shripad Yesso Naik Culture (Independent Charge) Tourism (Independent Charge)
5. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Petroleum and Natural Gas (Independent Charge)
6. Sarbananda Sonowal Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge)
7. Prakash Javadekar Information and Broadcasting (Independent Charge)Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge)Parliamentary Affairs 8. Piyush Goyal Power (Independent Charge)Coal (Independent Charge)New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge)
9. Jitendra Singh Science and Technology (Independent Charge)Earth Sciences (Independent Charge)Prime Minister OfficePersonnel, Public Grievances & PensionsDepartment of Atomic EnergyDepartment of Space
10. Nirmala Sitharaman Commerce and Industry (Independent Charge)FinanceCorporate Affairs
11. G.M. Siddeshwara Civil Aviation
12. Manoj Sinha Railways
13. Nihalchand Chemicals and Fertilizers
14. Upendra Kushwaha Rural Development Panchayati Ra jDrinking Water and Sanitation
15. Radhakrishnan P Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
16. Kiren Rijiju Home Affairs
17. Krishan Pal Road Transport and HighwaysShipping
18. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan AgricultureFood Processing Industries
19. Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava Tribal Affairs
20. Raosaheb Dadarao Danve Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
21. Vishnu Deo Sai MinesSteelLabour and Employment
22. Sudarshan Bhagat Social Justice and Empowerment
09:03 Narendra Modi officially takes charge as PM
PM Narendra Modi arrived at his South Block office and officially took charge after signing a registry. PM Modi waved to the media after he got off from his armoured car and his way to the South Block.
A slew of bilateral meeting with SAARC leaders and a cabinet meeting are lined up for Modi on his first day.
08:55 PM Modi's packed schedule on Day 1
Indian Express reports on the bilateral meetings lined up for PM Modi on Day 1:
9:30 am: Meeting with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai
10:05 am: Meeting with Maldives President Yameen Abdulla
10:30 am: Meeting with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse
10:55 am: Meeting with Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay
11:20 am: Meeting with Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam
11:45 am: Meeting with Nepal PM Sushil Koirala
12:10 pm: Meeting with Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif
12:45 pm: Meeting with Bangladesh Speaker Sharmin Chaudhary
08:39 PM Modi to meet Sharif today, may discuss 26/11 trial delay
All eyes on Tuesday will be on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic push and his meet with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He is set to begin his first day in office by meeting SAARC leaders.
Both Modi and Sharif will meet around noon at Hyderabad House. No joint statement and no major announcements are expected after the meeting. India is likely to discuss delays in the 26/11 trial and cross border infiltration. Pakistan is expected to bring up the issue of visa liberalisation, trade diplomacy and cricketing ties.
Nawaz Sharif is accompanied by National Security and Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to PM Ambassador Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhary. After the meeting with Modi, Sharif is set to meet President Pranab Mukherjee before heading back to Pakistan. Sharif will also visit the Jama Masjid and Red Fort on Tuesday.
04:21 Pistorius attends Pretoria hospital for mental tests
South African Olympic and Paralympic sprinter Oscar Pistorius checked in as a day patient to Pretoria's Weskoppies psychiatric hospital on Monday for the first day of a month of mental tests ordered by the judge overseeing his murder trial.
04:21 Protest over Jamaica university firing AIDS doctor
Religious activists, students and colleagues had gathered outside Jamaica's biggest university to protest the firing of an HIV expert who testified on behalf of church groups defending an anti-sodomy law.
02:53 'We know where missing girls are': Nigeria's top officer
Nigeria's highest ranking military officer today gave a glimmer of hope to the families of more than 200 schoolgirls held by Boko Haram militants, revealing they had located the missing teenagers.
"The good news for the girls is that we know where they are but we cannot tell you," Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh told reporters in the capital Abuja as the hostage crisis entered its seventh week.
02:53 20 killed in Boko Haram raid on Nigerian village: official
Suspected Boko Haram gunmen stormed a Christian village in northeastern Nigeria, killing 20 residents, a government spokesman said today. The heavily armed gunmen stormed Waga village in Adamawa state yesterday and opened fire, Ahmed Soji said.
02:51 Ukraines next Prez vows to restore order and mend Russia ties
The president-elect of Ukraine, Petro O. Poroshenko, vowed on Monday to restore order in the country's east, which is besieged by pro-Russian separatist violence, but said he would not negotiate with armed rebels and instead would demand swifter results from a military campaign that has achieved only limited success.
01:29 Japan, N Korea end first day of talks in Stockholm
North Korea and Japan wrapped up a first day of talks in Stockholm today, with the fate of Japanese nationals kidnapped decades ago by Pyongyang said to top the agenda.
The three days of meetings in the Swedish capital take place after the two countries held their first official talks in 16 months in China in March, addressing a range of subjects including the abduction issue, recent missile launches and North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.
01:27 Egypt votes in poll seen giving Sisi landslide victory
Egyptians today voted for a new president in an election expected to give a landslide victory to the ex-army chief who ousted the country's first democratically-elected leader and crushed his Islamist movement.
The two-day election is the first since the frontrunner Abdel Fattah al-Sisi deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July, a move that unleashed the bloodiest violence in Egypt's recent history.
00:40 As PM too, Modi to use social media to communicate with people
Asking people's support to script a glorious future for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight said he would be using social media to communicate with people across the world as he believed in a platform where views are shared.
"I am a firm believer in the power of technology and social media to communicate with people across the world. I hope this platform creates opportunities to listen, learn and share one's views," he said in his letter to fellow Indians and citizens of the world.
00:39 'Modi committed to protect rights of Sri Lankan Tamils'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to protect the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils, Union minister Pon. Radhakrishnan today said.
"Modi is committed to save the life and rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka," Radhakrishnan, who was inducted as a Minister of State in the new government said.
00:38 Kerry vows to back new president for 'united' Ukraine
Secretary of State John Kerry today said the United States will back the new Ukraine leader and support its people, just as Petro Poroshenko was named winner of the weekend's presidential election.
Ukraine's election commission chief said that the tycoon won the election in the first round by collecting more than half the votes in a poll that Washington hopes will bring stability to the eastern European country.
00:37 Battle for key Ukraine airport as Poroshenko vows 'no Somalia'
A fierce battle erupted today for control of the main airport in rebel-held eastern Ukraine, just hours after president-elect Petro Poroshenko vowed he would not let the country become another Somalia.
Ukrainian fighter jets and combat helicopters struck the terminal building at Donetsk airport to try to dislodge separatist gunmen who seized the complex, triggering heavy gun battles.
00:37 Top headlines in that last 24 hours
BJP spokespersons who missed out on ministerial posts
Look who turned up for Modi's swearing-in ceremony
Here are Narendra Modi's 45 ministers
IN PHOTOS: Meet Modi's council of ministers
In PHOTOS: Narendra Modi and his team take oath
Look who turned up for Modi's swearing-in ceremony
Here are Narendra Modi's 45 ministers
IN PHOTOS: Meet Modi's council of ministers
In PHOTOS: Narendra Modi and his team take oath
It's a matter of great joy and pride: Modi's brother
Narendra Modi, Mr Prime Minister
Pak frees 151 Indian fishermen
PHOTOS: The 7 women in team Modi
PIX: 40 killed, 150 hurt as Gorakhdham Express rams into goods train
IN PHOTOS: NO place for these leaders in Team Modi
Narendra Modi, Mr Prime Minister
Pak frees 151 Indian fishermen
PHOTOS: The 7 women in team Modi
PIX: 40 killed, 150 hurt as Gorakhdham Express rams into goods train
IN PHOTOS: NO place for these leaders in Team Modi
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