LIVE
Fri, 17 October 2014
'Islamic State flying three jets in Syria'
Timeline Refresh
23:43 Ebola crisis infects US campaign trail
Ebola has infected few Americans, but it has gone viral on the US campaign trail, with politicians blaming one another for exacerbating the health crisis and feuding over how to contain it.
With 18 days until the nation's mid-term elections -- which may well see Republicans seize control of the Senate from Democrats -- Ebola is a political shuttlecock, battered around in campaign ads, in candidate debates, at congressional hearings and by presidential hopefuls past and future.
23:42 Nepal vows warning system after deadly Himalayan snowstorm
Nepal's prime minister has pledged to set up a weather warning system after a major Himalayan snowstorm killed 32 people at the height of the trekking season, 17 of them tourists.
Forecasters had predicted the snowstorm, but many hikers appeared to have been caught unawares and were heading to an exposed high mountain pass that forms part of the popular Annapurna Circuit trekking route when it struck.
23:10 Elimination of Baghdadi will help defeat ISIL: US Commander
The elimination of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi would help decimate and defeat the terror organisation which has gained control over a large part of Syria and Iraq, a top US commander said today.
"He (Baghdadi) is a leader that I think if you eliminate him then it becomes more difficult for them to get done what needs to be done," General Lloyd James Austin, Commander of the US Central Command, told Pentagon reporters.
23:09 Iraq is the top priority in fight against IS: US commander
Confronting the Islamic State group in Iraq is the "main" priority for the US-led fight against the jihadists, while strikes in Syria are designed to disrupt the group's supply lines, the US commander overseeing the air war said today.
Even with the world's attention fixed on the fate of the northern Syrian town of Kobane, General Lloyd Austin said Iraq was the primary battleground for the air campaign.
22:31 'Islamic State flying three jets in Syria'
Iraqi pilots who have joined Islamic State in Syria are training members of the group to fly in three captured fighter jets, a group monitoring the war said on Friday, saying it was the first time the militant group had taken to the air.
The group, which has seized swathes of land in Syria and Iraq, has been flying the planes over the captured al-Jarrah military airport east of Aleppo, said Rami Abdulrahman, who runs the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
22:27 Indian American scientist honoured
A top Indian American scientist who heads the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University, will be inducted into the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in recognition of his research into cell mechanics related to malaria, blood diseases and certain types of cancer.
Subra Suresh, would be one of the only 16 living Americans to be elected to all three national academies - IOM, National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering.
21:55 Ratan Tata pledges support for cyclone relief work
Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts, today committed Rs 3 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, extending support for the rebuilding work in the areas affected by cyclone Hudhud in Andhra Pradesh.
"Tata has given his commitment that Tata Trusts will donate Rs 3 crore to AP CM's Relief Fund," an official release said here today. "It is heartening to see Ratan Tata's concern.
On behalf of the people of AP, and as the CM of this troubled state I salute Tata for his leadership, compassion and the intent to serve our country," the release quoted Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu as saying.
"We are humbled by his generosity as he has promised to send a team from Tata Trusts to visit the affected areas and take up redevelopment work," Naidu said.
"Tata has given his commitment that Tata Trusts will donate Rs 3 crore to AP CM's Relief Fund," an official release said here today. "It is heartening to see Ratan Tata's concern.
On behalf of the people of AP, and as the CM of this troubled state I salute Tata for his leadership, compassion and the intent to serve our country," the release quoted Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu as saying.
"We are humbled by his generosity as he has promised to send a team from Tata Trusts to visit the affected areas and take up redevelopment work," Naidu said.
21:34 Obama names Ebola czar, Kerry calls for global response
US President Barack Obama today named an 'Ebola czar' to coordinate the US response to the deadly virus, as Secretary of State John Kerry called for collective global action to deal with the raging health crisis.
Attorney Ron Klain was appointed as an 'Ebola czar' by Obama to coordinate the US response to the Ebola outbreak, amid growing fear over its spread beyond West Africa.
The Democratic aide would ensure that "efforts to protect the American people by detecting, isolating and treating Ebola patients in this country are properly integrated but don't distract from the aggressive commitment to stopping Ebola at the source in West Africa,"a White House official said.
The new 'Ebola czar' will report directly to Obama's Homeland Security Advisor Lisa Monaco and National Security Advisor Susan Rice.
Attorney Ron Klain was appointed as an 'Ebola czar' by Obama to coordinate the US response to the Ebola outbreak, amid growing fear over its spread beyond West Africa.
The Democratic aide would ensure that "efforts to protect the American people by detecting, isolating and treating Ebola patients in this country are properly integrated but don't distract from the aggressive commitment to stopping Ebola at the source in West Africa,"a White House official said.
The new 'Ebola czar' will report directly to Obama's Homeland Security Advisor Lisa Monaco and National Security Advisor Susan Rice.
21:20 Sachin narrates how he reached airport by taxi before an ODI
Commitment to his game of cricket had once compelled Sachin Tendulkar to call a private taxi in order to reach a match venue on time.
"I have had a little bad experience while driving. I was going to Nagpur after my injury to play a one-day match and my flight was around 6 or 6:30 in the morning and my car's tyre got punctured at 5:30am and I had to reach airport to catch flight. So I had to take a taxi to reach the airport. I was tensed that I won't probably get a taxi," Tendulkar told reporters at the launch of a rooftop Go-Karting circuit at Smaaash.
"I have had a little bad experience while driving. I was going to Nagpur after my injury to play a one-day match and my flight was around 6 or 6:30 in the morning and my car's tyre got punctured at 5:30am and I had to reach airport to catch flight. So I had to take a taxi to reach the airport. I was tensed that I won't probably get a taxi," Tendulkar told reporters at the launch of a rooftop Go-Karting circuit at Smaaash.
21:19 3 arrested in connection with attack on Naga youths
Three persons were today arrested in connection with the attack on three youths from Nagaland for refusing to have drinks with the attackers at Sikenderpur here, the police said.
"The arrested were identified as Gaurav Yadav, a resident of Sikanderpur, Ram Bihari, who hails from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh and Vijay Kumar from Nadia in West Bengal," Gurgaon DCP Nazneen Bhasin, Chief Nodal Officer for Crime Against People from North East Region, said.
The three accused were arrested from Sikenderpur village under section 307 (Attempt to murder), 342 (wrongful confinement), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), 147, 148 (rioting) of IPC and SC/ST Act, he said.
"The arrested were identified as Gaurav Yadav, a resident of Sikanderpur, Ram Bihari, who hails from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh and Vijay Kumar from Nadia in West Bengal," Gurgaon DCP Nazneen Bhasin, Chief Nodal Officer for Crime Against People from North East Region, said.
The three accused were arrested from Sikenderpur village under section 307 (Attempt to murder), 342 (wrongful confinement), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), 147, 148 (rioting) of IPC and SC/ST Act, he said.
21:06 Deemed universities: UGC sets up five-member committee
The University Grants Commission today set up a five-member committee to conduct physical verification of seven universities whose deemed category status has come under question.
The development followed a direction by the Supreme Court which had sought physical verification of infrastructure and faculty strength of deemed universities, which were black-listed by P N Tandon Committee.
At the full commission meeting today, UGC decided to give the committee, which would be headed by its secretary, a month's time to submit its report.
"The committee would point out the deficiencies and ask the varsities to act on them within a stipulated period before a second verification is carried out to ascertain their progress," an official said.
The development followed a direction by the Supreme Court which had sought physical verification of infrastructure and faculty strength of deemed universities, which were black-listed by P N Tandon Committee.
At the full commission meeting today, UGC decided to give the committee, which would be headed by its secretary, a month's time to submit its report.
"The committee would point out the deficiencies and ask the varsities to act on them within a stipulated period before a second verification is carried out to ascertain their progress," an official said.
20:56 Kids' safety at unmanned crossings: SC seeks response from
The Supreme Court today sought response from the Centre on a plea seeking examining of the issue of children's safety at unmanned railway crossings.
A bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu issued notice to the Ministry of Railways on a petition highlighting several accidents in different states in which children, including school-going ones, have been reported to have been killed.
Earlier, the bench had said the petition needs to be drafted properly as averments were incoherent and the petitioner had mixed up the facts of railway accidents with road mishaps.
It had asked senior advocate Dinesh Dwivedi to assist the court on the PIL filed by Delhi-based priest Ajay Gautam who raised the issue of children, majority of them school going, becoming victims at the unmanned railway crossings.
A bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu issued notice to the Ministry of Railways on a petition highlighting several accidents in different states in which children, including school-going ones, have been reported to have been killed.
Earlier, the bench had said the petition needs to be drafted properly as averments were incoherent and the petitioner had mixed up the facts of railway accidents with road mishaps.
It had asked senior advocate Dinesh Dwivedi to assist the court on the PIL filed by Delhi-based priest Ajay Gautam who raised the issue of children, majority of them school going, becoming victims at the unmanned railway crossings.
20:48 Dhaula Kuan gang-rape: Court order on sentence on Oct 20
A court in New Delhi today reserved for October 20 its order on quantum of sentence against five men, convicted in the sensational 2010 Dhaula Kuan abduction and gang-rape case, with the Delhi police seeking life term for them saying they "left a scar" on the 30-year-old victim.
During the arguments on quantum of sentence, police told the court that the convicts have no respect for the "law of land" and the entire incident has "degraded and humiliated" the dignity of the victim, hailing from northeast, in the society.
"The incident of abduction and gangrape has left a scar on the victim's mentality and it also degraded and humiliated the very dignity of the victim in the society," public prosecutor Satvinder Kaur told Additional Sessions Judge Virender Bhat.
The court, after hearing the submissions of police and the counsel appearing for the five convicts, reserved the order saying, "Heard the arguments. Order reserved for quantum of sentence for October 20."
During the arguments on quantum of sentence, police told the court that the convicts have no respect for the "law of land" and the entire incident has "degraded and humiliated" the dignity of the victim, hailing from northeast, in the society.
"The incident of abduction and gangrape has left a scar on the victim's mentality and it also degraded and humiliated the very dignity of the victim in the society," public prosecutor Satvinder Kaur told Additional Sessions Judge Virender Bhat.
The court, after hearing the submissions of police and the counsel appearing for the five convicts, reserved the order saying, "Heard the arguments. Order reserved for quantum of sentence for October 20."
20:41 No problem with NIA probe into Burdwan blast: Mamata
Faced with a barrage of criticism over her government's handling of the Burdwan blast, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said she had no problem with the NIA probe since "terrorists are terrorists", but only wanted the Centre to consult the state before taking any decision.
In her first statement over the October 2 blast, Banerjee said "we want the truth to come out" and warned the BJP, without naming the party, against linking the incident with religion.
"Ciminals are criminals. They do not have caste, creed or religion. Terrorists are terrorists and there can be no compromise with terrorism," Banerjee told a press conference at the party headquarters after a party meeting attended by MPs, ministers and MLAs.
Mamata had earlier expressed reservation over the Centre's decision ordering a NIA probe into the blast, in which terror links are suspected, suo motu without informing the state government.
In her first statement over the October 2 blast, Banerjee said "we want the truth to come out" and warned the BJP, without naming the party, against linking the incident with religion.
"Ciminals are criminals. They do not have caste, creed or religion. Terrorists are terrorists and there can be no compromise with terrorism," Banerjee told a press conference at the party headquarters after a party meeting attended by MPs, ministers and MLAs.
Mamata had earlier expressed reservation over the Centre's decision ordering a NIA probe into the blast, in which terror links are suspected, suo motu without informing the state government.
20:33 4 navy ships deployed to seas of East Africa, Indian Ocean
In a bid to enhance bilateral engagements and engage in friendly naval exercises, four frontline ships of the Indian Navy have been deployed to seas of East Africa and South Indian Ocean, marking stepped up maritime cooperation with the countries of the region.
Naval ships INS Mumbai, INS Talwar, INS Yamuna and INS Deepak that reached Mombasa on October 15 and leave tomorrow, have been part of the goodwill visit aimed at further bolstering bilateral ties and reinforcing cooperation in maritime security with Kenya and East Africa, officials in ministry of external affairs said.
They said the visit seeks to underscore India's peaceful presence and solidarity with the friendly countries of the East African region and to strengthen existing bonds of friendship. India has maritime cooperation with countries of East Africa. India and Kenya also have maintained historical maritime trading links.
Naval ships INS Mumbai, INS Talwar, INS Yamuna and INS Deepak that reached Mombasa on October 15 and leave tomorrow, have been part of the goodwill visit aimed at further bolstering bilateral ties and reinforcing cooperation in maritime security with Kenya and East Africa, officials in ministry of external affairs said.
They said the visit seeks to underscore India's peaceful presence and solidarity with the friendly countries of the East African region and to strengthen existing bonds of friendship. India has maritime cooperation with countries of East Africa. India and Kenya also have maintained historical maritime trading links.
20:23
The government will use any element of its "national power" against Maoists under a new policy to deal with the extremists and not hold peace talks with them till they renounce violence and express faith in democracy.
This strategy has been envisaged in the policy formulated by the NDA government to combat Left Wing Extremism and circulated to all the nine Maoist-affected states.
"The state is duty-bound to resolutely deal with the Maoist violence and reserves the right to use any element of its national power against the outfit as the situation warrants," according to the policy devised by the home ministry.
The policy, however, does not mention whether use of armed forces is an option to fight the Naxals. The new policy says experience of previous counter- insurgency campaigns in states such as Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tripura suggest that state police should take the lead in the campaign with support from central forces.
This strategy has been envisaged in the policy formulated by the NDA government to combat Left Wing Extremism and circulated to all the nine Maoist-affected states.
"The state is duty-bound to resolutely deal with the Maoist violence and reserves the right to use any element of its national power against the outfit as the situation warrants," according to the policy devised by the home ministry.
The policy, however, does not mention whether use of armed forces is an option to fight the Naxals. The new policy says experience of previous counter- insurgency campaigns in states such as Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tripura suggest that state police should take the lead in the campaign with support from central forces.
19:59 Nigeria govt, Boko Haram 'truce agreed'
Just in: Nigeria's military says that a truce is agreed with militant group Boko Haram and abducted schoolgirls will be released, reports BBC.
More than 200 girls were abducted by Boko Haram six months ago.
Danladi Ahmadu, who calls himself the secretary-general of Boko Haram, said the girls are "in good condition and unharmed," according to The Voice of America.
More than 200 girls were abducted by Boko Haram six months ago.
Danladi Ahmadu, who calls himself the secretary-general of Boko Haram, said the girls are "in good condition and unharmed," according to The Voice of America.
On April 14, dozens of Boko Haram fighters stormed a secondary school in the remote northeastern village of Chibok, kidnapping around 270 girls. Fifty-seven managed to escape.
19:27 Jaya to spend one more night in jail
AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, granted bail by the Supreme Court in the disproportionate assets case, is expected to step out of the prison in Bangalore tomorrow after completion of formalities.
"Jayalalithaa will be released... but tomorrow because wehave yet to complete formalities for her release from the prison," Jayalalithaa's senior counsel B Kumar told PTI.
Kumar said they would tomorrow approach the Special Court, which had sentenced the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to four years in jail, to furnish surety for her release after receiving a copy of the Supreme Court order.
"We will get the Supreme Court order copy by today evening. Tomorrow, we will approach the special court and furnish surety to secure my client's (Jayalalithaa) release," he said.
"Jayalalithaa will be released... but tomorrow because wehave yet to complete formalities for her release from the prison," Jayalalithaa's senior counsel B Kumar told PTI.
Kumar said they would tomorrow approach the Special Court, which had sentenced the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to four years in jail, to furnish surety for her release after receiving a copy of the Supreme Court order.
"We will get the Supreme Court order copy by today evening. Tomorrow, we will approach the special court and furnish surety to secure my client's (Jayalalithaa) release," he said.
18:41 Fin min on black money stash: Will share names with agencies, not public
Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, holds forth on black money stashed away abroad. Jaitley says, "Double tax agreement signed by UPA but binding on us. The GoI sent three officials to have a discussion in Switzerland with Swiss officials.
"Govt's intention was to get information on people who have bank accounts in Swiss bank. The subject of negotiation was finding out details on Indians who have stacked money in Swiss accounts. Our hands are tied and we cannot violate the terms of the previous government.
"The govt says names cannot be made public, but can be shared with agencies. Sharing names will violate the double tax avoidance agreement," he says.
In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, BJP spearheaded by Narendra Modi had promised to bring back black money kept by Indians in overseas bank and slammed UPA government for not taking effective action and accusing it of shielding the corrupt. After assuming power in May, the Modi government had pledged to fulfil its pre-poll promise.
"Govt's intention was to get information on people who have bank accounts in Swiss bank. The subject of negotiation was finding out details on Indians who have stacked money in Swiss accounts. Our hands are tied and we cannot violate the terms of the previous government.
"The govt says names cannot be made public, but can be shared with agencies. Sharing names will violate the double tax avoidance agreement," he says.
In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, BJP spearheaded by Narendra Modi had promised to bring back black money kept by Indians in overseas bank and slammed UPA government for not taking effective action and accusing it of shielding the corrupt. After assuming power in May, the Modi government had pledged to fulfil its pre-poll promise.
18:24
At least 14 killed, officials confirm, as metal grate falls at concert in Seongnam, S Korea
18:22
Shiv Sena hints at reconciliation with BJP in party mouthpiece Saamna, says 'no need for arguments or bitterness anymore', reports NDTV.
18:07 Prisoner 7402 woke early, ate curd rice, read newspapers, in jail
Here's how Prisoner 7402, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, spent 20 days in jail. She woke up early, read the newspapers for several hours, ate curd rice for lunch, and took a walk in the evening, say jail officials.
The 66-year-old was granted bail by the Supreme Court this morning on medical grounds.
In the Bangalore jail where she has been since September 27, she stayed in a small cell that included a desk and ceiling fan.
The 66-year-old was granted bail by the Supreme Court this morning on medical grounds.
In the Bangalore jail where she has been since September 27, she stayed in a small cell that included a desk and ceiling fan.
17:53
5 ODI India v Sri Lanka between Nov 1 and 15 confirmed...
17:45 Lanka steps in for WI, will play 5-ODI series with India
Just in: Sri Lanka is stepping in for West Indies. SL agrees to play a five ODI series with India. Sri Lanka has agreed to BCCI's request to step in after West Indies pulled out.
17:41 NDA toes line of UPA on disclosing info on black money
The Narendra Modi government, which promised to bring back black money stashed by Indians in foreign banks, today toed the line of UPA regime by informing the Supreme Court that it cannot disclose such details given by countries with which India has double taxation avoidance agreement.
In an application with annexures running into about 800 pages, the Centre contended that it cannot disclose all information as the foreign countries, with which India has double taxation avoidance agreement, have objected to making them public.
In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, BJP spearheaded by Narendra Modi had promised to bring back black money kept by Indians in overseas bank and slammed UPA government for not taking effective action and accusing it of shielding the corrupt. After assuming power in May, the Modi government had pledged to fulfil its pre-poll promise.
In an application with annexures running into about 800 pages, the Centre contended that it cannot disclose all information as the foreign countries, with which India has double taxation avoidance agreement, have objected to making them public.
In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, BJP spearheaded by Narendra Modi had promised to bring back black money kept by Indians in overseas bank and slammed UPA government for not taking effective action and accusing it of shielding the corrupt. After assuming power in May, the Modi government had pledged to fulfil its pre-poll promise.
17:36 Would like to see Digital Armed Forces: PM
Here's a gist of what happened at the Combined Commanders Conference. The PM said an atmosphere of peace and security is essential to enable India to
achieve its goals of eco-development. "Beyond the immediate, we're facing
future whr security challenge will be less predictable. Threats maybe
known, but enemy may be invisible. When we speak of Digital India, we would also like to see a Digital Armed Force," Modi said.
17:14 Texas worker who may have handled Ebola samples quarantined
A Texas hospital health worker who may have handled Thomas Eric Duncan's fluid samples has been quarantined on a cruise ship in Belize -- another reminder of the widespread fears of the deadly virus.
Though the employee did not have direct contact with Duncan, he or she "may have had contact with his specimen," the U.S. State Department said Friday.
A doctor at the cruise ship has declared the worker symptom-free and in good health, but the worker will remain under isolation as a precaution, it said.
It's been 19 days since the worker handled Duncan's fluid samples -- two days shy of the 21-day incubation period for Ebola. Read more
Though the employee did not have direct contact with Duncan, he or she "may have had contact with his specimen," the U.S. State Department said Friday.
A doctor at the cruise ship has declared the worker symptom-free and in good health, but the worker will remain under isolation as a precaution, it said.
It's been 19 days since the worker handled Duncan's fluid samples -- two days shy of the 21-day incubation period for Ebola. Read more
17:04
WICB informed BCCI of its decision to cancel rest of its ongoing tour to India because of a dispute with its players: BCCI statement.
17:03
BCCI is shocked and extremely disappointed at the decision taken by the WICB: BCCI statement on West Indies pulling out of India tour
16:52
It's confirmed. The West Indies team will pull out of the 5th ODI after it finishes playing the match at Dharamsala.
16:45
Also read this: Player strike looms over West Indies tour opener against India
16:43 Low pay, no play? WI team may pull out of India tour
Just in: West Indies likely to call off remaining part of India tour owing to pay dispute with their Board. The WI team is unlikely to travel to Kolkata for the 5th ODI.
The financial dispute between the West Indies players and its association had almost led to cancellation of today's fourth ODI against India before last-minute intervention from BCCI joint secretary Anurag Thakur brought the team to the ground.
The financial dispute between the West Indies players and its association had almost led to cancellation of today's fourth ODI against India before last-minute intervention from BCCI joint secretary Anurag Thakur brought the team to the ground.
16:10 Pistorius sentencing on Tuesday
So, the Oscar Pistorius sentencing trial will end on Tuesday. The prosecution has asked for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. The sentencing will happen on Tuesday.
16:09 Death threat to me, my daughter, claims Leander Paes
Ace tennis player Leander Paes lodges a police complaint saying cricketer Atul Sharma has threatened to kill him and his daughter. Paes told police official that he had produced papers before the Bandra Family court which prove his former wife Rhea Pillai is in a relationship with Sharma.
Consequently, Sharma got angry and threatened him, Paes said.
Rhea Pillai had approached a local court and filed a case of domestic violence and harassment against him and his father Vece Paes.
Consequently, Sharma got angry and threatened him, Paes said.
Rhea Pillai had approached a local court and filed a case of domestic violence and harassment against him and his father Vece Paes.
15:54
Pistorius sentencing adjourned to Tuesday.
15:54
Oscar Pistorius deserves at least 10 years in jail, prosecutor says, as the Pistorius trial sentencing arguments conclude.
15:53 Black money case: Can't disclose names of foreign account holders, govt tells SC
The Union government on Friday filed an application in the Supreme Court, saying it cannot disclose details of foreign accounts held by Indians which are governed by bilateral double taxation avoidance treaties, reports the Times of India.
Petitioner and senior advocate Ram Jethmalani said this is an attempt by Narendra Modi government to shield those who stashed black money abroad.
Jethmalani said such a plea could be made only by crooks who have illegally parked their ill-gotten money abroad and not by a democratically elected government.
The apex court agreed to hear Centre's application on October 28.
Petitioner and senior advocate Ram Jethmalani said this is an attempt by Narendra Modi government to shield those who stashed black money abroad.
Jethmalani said such a plea could be made only by crooks who have illegally parked their ill-gotten money abroad and not by a democratically elected government.
The apex court agreed to hear Centre's application on October 28.
15:43 People want me to be CM: Pankaja Munde
BJP's Pankaja Munde lays claim to the throne of Maharashtra. Pankaja who contested the polls from Parli in Beed, says her supporters want her to be the chief minister.
15:33 'Pistorius shamelessly uses disability as an excuse'
Pistorius trial: Public prosecutor Nel notes that the athlete fought to race alongside able-bodied sprinters and it's therefore "shameless" that he now uses his disability as an excuse.
15:25
Mortal remains of a soldier (TV Patil) found in Siachen glacier after 21 years, he was last seen on 27th Feb. The soldier who was from Sangli (Maharashtra), were found on 12th October from the Bila post.
14:56
@RohitKachrooITV: Oscar Pistorius standing in the dock during this adjournment silently praying with his siblings
14:46 'If court does not sentence Pistorius society will lose faith'
Athlete Oscar Pistorius is in court for the fifth day of his sentencing hearing, after being convicted of killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
Pistorius faces up to 15 years in jail, although Judge Thokozile Masipa may suspend the sentence or impose a fine.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel says if the court does not come up with a sentence that satisfies society, society might take matters into its own hands. Society would lose faith in the courts.
Pistorius faces up to 15 years in jail, although Judge Thokozile Masipa may suspend the sentence or impose a fine.
Prosecutor Gerrie Nel says if the court does not come up with a sentence that satisfies society, society might take matters into its own hands. Society would lose faith in the courts.
14:34 Potter spin off book Fantastic Beasts... to be a trilogy movie
Harry Potter spin off book series Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them will be adapted on the big screen as a trilogy with firt movie due in 2018. The first Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them movie is scheduled for a November 8, 2016 release, and now Warner Bros has set the next two films' release dates in, respectively, 2018 and 2020, reported the Huffington Post.
14:14 Jadavpur University VC returns to office after a month
In other news, after being absent from his office for a month following his gherao by agitating students, Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Abhijit Chakrabarti today joined office and hoped to end the stalemate.
"The students have co-operated with me and they even created a safe passage for me so that I could enter my room. I have told them that we will discuss the matter with them and they must attend classes. They seem willing to talk," Chakrabarti said after joining office in the morning.
He claimed that around 60-70 per cent of the classes are being held as per schedule, amidst a class boycott call given by student unions to demand VC's resignation for calling police in the campus during the gherao a month ago.
"We will sort out the issue by means of discussion with the students. I have full faith in them. They are like my children. I am confident that we will end this impasse," the VC said.
"The students have co-operated with me and they even created a safe passage for me so that I could enter my room. I have told them that we will discuss the matter with them and they must attend classes. They seem willing to talk," Chakrabarti said after joining office in the morning.
He claimed that around 60-70 per cent of the classes are being held as per schedule, amidst a class boycott call given by student unions to demand VC's resignation for calling police in the campus during the gherao a month ago.
"We will sort out the issue by means of discussion with the students. I have full faith in them. They are like my children. I am confident that we will end this impasse," the VC said.
13:49 So, who is Jaya's lawyer, Fali Nariman?
Fali Sam Nariman (born 10 January 1929) is a distinguished Indian Constitutional jurist and senior advocate to the Supreme Court of India since 1971 and has remained the President of the Bar Association of India since 1991, says Wikipedia.
He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan (1991), Padma Vibhushan (2007) and the Gruber Prize for Justice (2002) and was a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Interestingly, Nariman argued in favour of Dow chemicals (known as Union carbide in those days) in the infamous Bhopal gas disaster case, which he admitted as a mistake in recent times.
He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan (1991), Padma Vibhushan (2007) and the Gruber Prize for Justice (2002) and was a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Interestingly, Nariman argued in favour of Dow chemicals (known as Union carbide in those days) in the infamous Bhopal gas disaster case, which he admitted as a mistake in recent times.
13:43 No delay in appeal, it is not a game, promises Jaya's lawyer
In an hour-long hearing, initially the bench expressed reservation on granting bail to her, saying she had delayed the trial proceedings for years and if she is allowed to come out on bail then appeal would be decided in two decades.
Senior advocate Fali S Nariman,appearing for Jayalalithaa, assured the court that the matter would not be delayed, saying that he was willing to give the statement on affidavit that no adjournment would be taken by her in the high court.
"I undertake that no delay would be caused while appeal is heard by high court. It is not a game. It may have been a game before. You can record my statement," Nariman told the bench
Senior advocate Fali S Nariman,appearing for Jayalalithaa, assured the court that the matter would not be delayed, saying that he was willing to give the statement on affidavit that no adjournment would be taken by her in the high court.
"I undertake that no delay would be caused while appeal is heard by high court. It is not a game. It may have been a game before. You can record my statement," Nariman told the bench
13:35 Jaya begged for house arrest before SC granted bail
While pressing for bail in the apex court, Jayalalithaa even pleaded that she is ready to be confined in a house for two-three months till her appeal is decided by the high court.
The bench, however, said it cannot pass such "unusual" order for house confinement and she can either be granted or denied bail.
The bench asked her lawyer Fali Nariman within how many months would hearing of her appeal be completed.
Nariman replied that he requires six weeks' time to file the paperbook as it contains 5,000 pages which have to be translated and the hearing can be completed by the high court by the end of January or February next year.
The bench, however, said it cannot pass such "unusual" order for house confinement and she can either be granted or denied bail.
The bench asked her lawyer Fali Nariman within how many months would hearing of her appeal be completed.
Nariman replied that he requires six weeks' time to file the paperbook as it contains 5,000 pages which have to be translated and the hearing can be completed by the high court by the end of January or February next year.
13:31 Subramanian Swamy strongly opposed Jaya's bail
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who had filed a complaint against Jayalalithaa after which probe was conducted against her, strongly opposed the bail plea of the AIADMK chief.
He contended that it is an exceptional case and bail be denied to her. He also raised questions on the law and order problem created in Tamil Nadu by her party workers.
The bench, thereafter, asked Jayalalithaa to direct her party workers not to create such problems and said that it will take serious objection if it comes to know that the disturbances are caused by political workers on her instruction.
Pic: Supporters celebrate outside Jaya's Poes Road residence.
He contended that it is an exceptional case and bail be denied to her. He also raised questions on the law and order problem created in Tamil Nadu by her party workers.
The bench, thereafter, asked Jayalalithaa to direct her party workers not to create such problems and said that it will take serious objection if it comes to know that the disturbances are caused by political workers on her instruction.
Pic: Supporters celebrate outside Jaya's Poes Road residence.
13:23
Subramanian Swamy, the man who took on Jaya in the DA case tweets: Conditional bail for JJ on health and other conditions. But porkis and elis have to be put in a cage or leash or bail cancelled
13:15 Deadline for Jaya to file 35,000-page appeals ends on Dec 18
And the trio also in jail with her -- SC also grants bail to Jayalalithaa's close aide Sasikala and her relatives V N Sudhakaran and Ilavarasi.
So Jaya's date with the court is on December 18. That is the deadline by which Jaya has to file her 35,000-page appeals to the SC. If she doesn't, her bail will be cancelled.
So Jaya's date with the court is on December 18. That is the deadline by which Jaya has to file her 35,000-page appeals to the SC. If she doesn't, her bail will be cancelled.
13:02 Jaya promises not to seek adjournment
Jayalalithaa also gives an assurance that she will not ask for any adjournment in the Karnataka High Court.
Subramanian Swamy's claim that Jaya's bail application was granted on the proviso that she stays housebound and does not meet visitors is incorrect. The prosecution had made a demand that she be placed under house arrest, but the court turned it down.
Subramanian Swamy's claim that Jaya's bail application was granted on the proviso that she stays housebound and does not meet visitors is incorrect. The prosecution had made a demand that she be placed under house arrest, but the court turned it down.
12:57 Bangaloreans happy that city will return to normal
So, that's two months bail for amma.
Bangalore and much of Karnataka is happy as well, since the case is being heard in the state and there has been sporadic incidents of violence against citizens in the state by Tamil Nadu after her bail was cancelled last week. Supporters of DMK and AIADMK clashed against each other in various instances since she was jailed on September 27.
The bail is not conditional except that the appeal book is ready by December 18. She has also been told that once she gets out of jail she has to appeal to her supporters to maintain peace. The SC has warned that if there is a single instance of violence, Jaya will go back to jail.
Bangalore and much of Karnataka is happy as well, since the case is being heard in the state and there has been sporadic incidents of violence against citizens in the state by Tamil Nadu after her bail was cancelled last week. Supporters of DMK and AIADMK clashed against each other in various instances since she was jailed on September 27.
The bail is not conditional except that the appeal book is ready by December 18. She has also been told that once she gets out of jail she has to appeal to her supporters to maintain peace. The SC has warned that if there is a single instance of violence, Jaya will go back to jail.
12:48 Jaya goes back in jail if there is any violence, warns SC
Jaya cannot step outside her house or meet visitors, says litigant Subramanian Swamy.
Jayalalithaa, her aide Sasikala and two others were convicted in the Rs 66.65 crore corruption case by a special court in Bangalore on September 27.
While the AIADMK chief was asked to pay Rs 100 crore, the other three were fined Rs 10 crore each. She has been sentenced to four years in jail.
Supporters say Jaya should be PM. Incidentally, today is the AIADMK founders day.
12:42 Jaya sentence suspended till Dec 18 bail re-hearing
The Supreme Court has told Jaya's lawyers that the bail plea of 35,000 pages has to be filed and presented to the court by December 18. If this does not happen Jayalalithaa's bail plea remains cancelled. Her sentence remains suspended till December 18. The court has also ordered Jaya to remain housebound.
Jaya has also been ordered by the court to tell her party members to behave like 'civilized citizens' and if they don't, the bail will be cancelled.
Jaya has also been ordered by the court to tell her party members to behave like 'civilized citizens' and if they don't, the bail will be cancelled.
12:37 Celebrations in Tamil Nadu as Jaya gets bail
Celebrations break out as Jaya gets bail. The sentence has been suspended conditionally.
12:32
Jaya has been in the Bangalore jail since September 27 in the disproportionate assets case.
12:29 Jaya was represented in court by Fali Nariman
Jayalalithaa was earlier denied bail by the Karnataka High Court. Jayalalithaa moved the Supreme Court after the Karnataka High Court rejected her bail plea two weeks ago. She was represented in court today by Constitution expert Fali Nariman.
The 66-year-old has sought bail on account of her age and health. She said she suffers from diabetes, hypertension, cellulitis and other ailments.
The 66-year-old has sought bail on account of her age and health. She said she suffers from diabetes, hypertension, cellulitis and other ailments.
12:27 LIVE! Former TN CM Jayalalithaa, 3 aides get bail
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and three aides have been granted bail by the Supreme Court. She has been in a Bangalore jail for almost two weeks after she was convicted in a corruption case and sentenced to four years in jail.
Pic: AIADMK Minister for Municipal Administration and Rural Development SP Velumani along with supporters perform a puja in Perur Patteshwaran Temple for her bail.
Pic: AIADMK Minister for Municipal Administration and Rural Development SP Velumani along with supporters perform a puja in Perur Patteshwaran Temple for her bail.
12:24 UN promises support to Nobel winners Satyarthi, Malala
Lauding this year's Nobel Peace laureates Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai, UN chief Ban Ki-moon said the two "remarkable" Asians give hope to people around the world struggling against exploitation and assured the world body's support to their "vitally important work".
Ban congratulated Satyarthi and Yousafzai in his remarks to the Asia Society Game Changer Awards here yesterday, noting that the awards celebrate an array of "remarkable" Asians.
The inaugural award has been instituted by leading educational and cultural organization Asia Society honouring "true leaders making a positive contribution to the future of Asia."
Ban said the world got a head start on the awards ceremony with the announcement last week that the year's Nobel Prize for Peace was being "shared by two remarkable Asians".
The UN Chief said that Satyarthi and Yousafzai "give hope to people around the world struggling against exploitation, discrimination and violence.
Ban congratulated Satyarthi and Yousafzai in his remarks to the Asia Society Game Changer Awards here yesterday, noting that the awards celebrate an array of "remarkable" Asians.
The inaugural award has been instituted by leading educational and cultural organization Asia Society honouring "true leaders making a positive contribution to the future of Asia."
Ban said the world got a head start on the awards ceremony with the announcement last week that the year's Nobel Prize for Peace was being "shared by two remarkable Asians".
The UN Chief said that Satyarthi and Yousafzai "give hope to people around the world struggling against exploitation, discrimination and violence.
12:03 Turning out to vote
High turnouts are becoming more frequent and very widespread in Indian elections. That the record turnout in the 2014 Lok Sabha election was no aberration is becoming evident with the Haryana Assembly election reporting its highest-ever polling percentage and Maharashtra improving on its 2009 turnout figures. Read
11:59
Chiefs of staff and the defence minister listen in to the PM at the combined commanders conference.
11:57 Comparison with Modi a compliment: Shahrukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan today said that he takes being compared to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a compliment, though he finds it strange because their professions are different.
"He (Modi) is the leader of the country. We expect him to take the country forward, while people expect me to entertain the country. Therefore, my being compared with Modi is a bit strange, but I take it as a compliment," Shahrukh Khan, who arrived here to promote his forthcoming film 'Happy New Year' said.
"I like to listen about such a comparison, but I don't think that it is correct, because my profession and his (Modi) profession is different," the 48-year-old actor said when a reporter asked for his comments that he is as popular as Modi in film industry as the BJP leader is in the country's politics.
"He (Modi) is the leader of the country. We expect him to take the country forward, while people expect me to entertain the country. Therefore, my being compared with Modi is a bit strange, but I take it as a compliment," Shahrukh Khan, who arrived here to promote his forthcoming film 'Happy New Year' said.
"I like to listen about such a comparison, but I don't think that it is correct, because my profession and his (Modi) profession is different," the 48-year-old actor said when a reporter asked for his comments that he is as popular as Modi in film industry as the BJP leader is in the country's politics.
11:46 Major expansion of Cabinet before winter session
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to carry out the first expansion of his council of ministers along with a bureaucratic shake-up in the next few weeks.
Sources said an expansion of "considerable" scale could certainly happen before Parliament's winter session begins late next month.
Although the time-table for the session will be finalized only after the meeting of the Cabinet committee on parliamentary affairs scheduled for Monday, sources said the two Houses are expected to be convened in the third week of November. Read more
Sources said an expansion of "considerable" scale could certainly happen before Parliament's winter session begins late next month.
Although the time-table for the session will be finalized only after the meeting of the Cabinet committee on parliamentary affairs scheduled for Monday, sources said the two Houses are expected to be convened in the third week of November. Read more
11:38 Pranab Mukherjee becomes first Indian Prez to meet Santa in person
President Pranab Mukherjee accompanied by his daughter, returned home after a five-day visit to Norway and Finland.
Apart from signing a number of agreements including one for peaceful use of nuclear energy and pacts to step up cooperation in defence, President Mukherjee became the first Indian President to visit Santa Claus's official workplace and meet him in person.
During his visit to Oslo, India and Norway signed over a dozen pacts to step up cooperation in defence, science and technology, education and other sectors.
Dare we say it? OK, here goes, the President looks awfully cute, doesn't he?
Apart from signing a number of agreements including one for peaceful use of nuclear energy and pacts to step up cooperation in defence, President Mukherjee became the first Indian President to visit Santa Claus's official workplace and meet him in person.
During his visit to Oslo, India and Norway signed over a dozen pacts to step up cooperation in defence, science and technology, education and other sectors.
Dare we say it? OK, here goes, the President looks awfully cute, doesn't he?
11:26
HC issues notice to AAP and its four members on a defamation plea against them by MLA Vinod Kumar Binny.
11:25 US nurse may have had symptoms of Ebola longer than first thought
A nurse with Ebola may have shown symptoms of the virus as many as four days before authorities once indicated, meaning that she might have been contagious while flying on not just one, but two commercial flights, officials said Thursday. Read
11:15 Only 4% of drone victims in Pakistan identified as al Qaeda members
And while on terror, here's a report on drone strikes by the US. As the number of US drone strikes in Pakistan hits 400, research by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism finds that fewer than 4% of the people killed have been identified by available records as members of al Qaeda. Read
11:10 Ceasefire violations in Hamirpur, Poonch
Narendra Modi's interaction with the chiefs of staff comes in the backdrop of yet another ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Hamirpur sector of Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. The firing began at 9:55 am today with Indian forces retaliating. The firing is still on
11:07 WB: 65 crude bombs found in a field
And while that happens, 60-65 crude bombs were found at a field in Kaliachak in Malda, West Bengal. They are being detonated by a bomb squad (pictured).
11:05 PM Modi meets service chiefs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the chiefs of staff at a conference today. In the ongoing meeting, he is expected to outline his vision and also get a briefing on the overall security situation in the country.
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley was also present at the conference.
Ceasefire violations from the Pakistan side and the recent developments in the Indo-China border are also expected to be brought up during the conference of all three services.
Defence Minister Arun Jaitley was also present at the conference.
Ceasefire violations from the Pakistan side and the recent developments in the Indo-China border are also expected to be brought up during the conference of all three services.
Image: PM Modi, Arun Jaitley with the army, navy and air force chiefs
10:30 No one can discriminate on basis of caste, creed: Rajnath on attacks on NE people
Expressing concern over the assault on three northeastern students in Bangalore, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he would take up the issue with the Karnataka government for strict action against the culprits. "I will talk to the Karnataka chief minister. Action should be taken. No one can discriminate against anyone on the basis of caste, creed and sect," he said.
10:28 India's subsonic cruise missile Nirbhay launched
Indian test fired Nirbhay, India's first home-grown subsonic cruise missile in Chandipur, near Balasore in Orissa. This is Nirbhay's second launch, the first being terminated mid-way on 12 March 2013 owing to a technical snag. Nirbhay, with an expected strike range of 800-1000 km, is the first missile being made completely in Bangalore.
10:13 Look who's there: Amit Shah present at RSS meet in Lucknow
Two days before the Maharashtra and Haryana election results are announced, Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah is in Lucknow to attend the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's annual meet. Nearly 390 office bearers of various offshoots of the Sangh Parivar, including its political wing BJP, will attend the conclave and present their achievements. Shah would be attending the three-day meeting that starts from Friday. For Shah, it will be a thanksgiving visit as the RSS helped the BJP win the Lok Sabha elections and now a likely impressive show in Maharashtra and Haryana. The RSS will debate the current issues before the country and prepare a strategy to spread its base across the country. The meeting will also aim at arriving at a better co-ordination with the BJP as Shah will be made aware of Sangh's agenda for the future.
Image: BJP president Amit Shah at the RSS conclave. Photograph: Sandeep Pal
09:43 Post-Nobel, Kailash Satyarthi's BBA gets volunteers, not money
Till the time that Kailash Satyarthi was just a passionate crusader for children's rights, Indians and India Inc. in particular could be forgiven for not toeing the line 'charity begins at home'. Indeed, as the facts bear out, much of the aid that helped Satyarthi campaign against child labour and exploitation came from countries abroad. But, it now appears that nearly a week since his Nobel Peace Prize win, India's corporates have made all the right noises yet turned a blind eye to translating it into cold currency.
Read the full story HERE
08:55 Pakistani troops open fire across LoC
The Pakistani troops were at it again last night when they violated the ceasefire and open fired at Indian troops across the Line of Control in Hamirpur sector of Poonch. Defence sources said that there was no injury or casualty reported. Ceasefire violations have increased in the past few weeks with the senior officials from both sides even holding talks to find a solution to the issue.
08:42 US Vice-President Joe Biden's son discharged from navy
United States Vice President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden was discharged from the Navy in February after testing positive for cocaine. A person close to the incident said Biden had failed a urinalysis test administered in June 2013 before he was discharged from the navy. "It was the honor of my life to serve in the US Navy, and I deeply regret and am embarrassed that my actions led to my administrative discharge," Hunter Biden said in a statement distributed through his lawyer. I respect the navy's decision. With the love and support of my family, I'm moving forward."
08:33 Northeastern woman found murdered in home
A day after three northeastern boys were thrashed by eight men in Gurgaon, a woman from Mizoram has been found dead in the nation's capital. The 24-year-old woman's body was found in her home with serious head injuries. Officials suspect it is a case of murder and the victim's live-in partner is the main suspect.
08:19 Bilawal Bhutto set for first public rally in Karachi
Pakistan People's Party chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, son of former Pakistan prime ministerBenazir Bhutto, is set to launch his political career in a big way by holding his first public rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah on Saturday. The rally is being held on October 18, the day Bilawal's mother and slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan after eight years in exile in 2007 and was attacked in twin blasts at Shahrah-i-Faisal. Security has been tightened in the area.
07:51 Supreme Court to hear Jayalalithaa's bail plea today
The Supreme Court will hear the bail petition of the former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa, who has been in a Bangalore jail for almost two weeks after she was convicted in a corruption case and sentenced to four years in jail. A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India HL Dattu will be hearing the plea today. Jayalalithaa seeks relief from incarceration on the grounds that she is a woman, 66 years old and suffers from ailments.
07:42 PM Modi to address top military commanders today
In the wake of repeated Line of Control violations by Pakistan and incursions by China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with the country's top military commanders for the first time on Friday during which he will be outlining his strategic vision and get a briefing on the overall security situation. Modi will address the conference during which he is expected to outline his strategic vision to the military directly. The situation along the Pakistan border and the Line of Actual Control with China is also expected to come up for discussion in the conference against the backdrop of recent developments.
03:40 Vatican alters draft report translation about gays
The Vatican is watering down a ground-breaking overture to gays '" but only if they speak English.
After a draft report by bishops debating family issues came under criticism from conservative English-speaking bishops, the Vatican released a new translation on Thursday.
A section initially titled "Welcoming homosexuals' is now "Providing for homosexual persons,' and the tone of the text is significantly colder and less welcoming.
03:39 John Grisham apologises for remarks on child porn
John Grisham is taking back statements he made about child pornography and sex offenders.
In a recent interview with the UK's Telegraph, the lawyer and prolific author of books and Hollywood adaptations such as "The Firm," "The Pelican Brief" and "A Time to Kill" sparked outrage when he expressed his belief that some people who view child pornography online are receiving punishments that don't match the scale of the crime.
03:37 HK govt to resume talks with Occupy students next week
The Hong Kong government of China hopes to have formal talks with representatives of the students participating in Occupy movement next week, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying announced on Thursday.
Leung told a press briefing that the government will hold talks with all circles including representatives of the Federation of Students, one of the major organizers of Occupy movement, to push ahead with the work of constitutional development of Hong Kong.
Leung said the government hopes to discuss universal suffrage with the students and start the dialog as early as the following week.
02:23 US says Baghdad is not under 'imminent threat' from IS
The Iraqi capital Baghdad is not in immediate danger from Islamic State jihadists despite battlefield gains by the group in the country's west, a US military spokesman said today.
"We don't believe that Baghdad is under imminent threat," spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby told a news conference. He acknowledged several deadly car bombings in Baghdad, including one claimed by the IS group, but said the city was not on the verge of collapsing.
02:22 Iran opposes extending troubled nuclear talks
Iran said today it is against extending a November 24 deadline for troubled nuclear talks, even though major stumbling blocks remain in the way of a deal.
"We only have 40 days left to the deadline and... none of the negotiators find (an) extension of talks appropriate," Mohammad Javad Zarif said in Vienna, a day after six hours of intense talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry.
02:21 Three Ethiopian peacekeepers killed in Darfur attack: UN
Three Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed today in an attack in Sudan's troubled Darfur region, the joint UN-African Union mission said, the latest deaths in increasingly dangerous peace operations in Africa.
They were guarding a well in Karma, North Darfur state, when they were attacked by gunmen, who fled afterwards, the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur said. Two of them were killed in the attack and the third, gravely wounded, died later.
02:21 Liberia minister in quarantine after driver dies of Ebola
A Liberian minister said today she had gone into quarantine voluntarily after her driver died of the Ebola virus sweeping west Africa. Liberia has been the hardest hit by the epidemic, with 2,458 deaths out of 4,249 cases, according to World Health Organization figures. The disease has claimed nearly 4,500 lives overall in west Africa.
00:12 Nepal blizzard, avalanche death toll rises to 27
Search teams rescued dozens of stranded foreign trekkers and recovered 10 more bodies Thursday in the wake of a series of blizzards and avalanches that battered the Himalayas in central Nepal, leaving at least 27 people dead.
About 70 people were still missing along or near the popular Annapurna trail, said Ganga Sagar Pant of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal, and the death toll there was expected to rise.
The route, 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of the capital, Katmandu, was filled with foreign hikers during the peak October trekking season, when the air is generally clear and cool. There were also many Nepalese on the trails because of local festivals.
00:11 Malala among London's most influential people list
Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has joined the likes of Prince Harry and Prime Minister David Cameron in a new list of London's most influential people.
The Pakistani teenage activist who survived a bullet in the head from the Taliban to become a vocal campaigner of girls' right to education came in at Number 12 in a preview of the 'Evening Standard' newspaper's '1,000 Power List' released here this evening.
00:11 US schools close in Ohio, Texas, over Ebola fears
Some schools in Ohio and Texas closed today amid fears that students or staff had been exposed to a nurse who had Ebola infection during an airline flight.
The US Centers for Disease Control has reached out to 132 people who were on the same October 13 flight as Amber Vinson, but said there was an extremely low risk that anyone was infected.
00:10 Egypt court sentences 25 Brotherhood members to life in prison
An Egyptian court today sentenced 25 Muslim Brotherhood members to life imprisonment for setting a police station on fire in upper Egypt's Assuit Governorate.
The court acquitted another 141 defendants in the same case of torching Al-Ghanayem Police Station last year. After the judgment was delivered, the defendants shouted slogans against the Egyptian police.
00:09 Top headlines in that last 24 hours
Burdwan blast: IEDs found in house where militants were staying
How the risk-taking Amit Shah went for broke in Maharashtra
After Bangalore, now Gurgaon: Three men from northeast attacked
No post-poll alliance with Shiv Sena: BJP
'Sonia's blind love for her son has destroyed Congress'
Cyclone-hit Andhra Pradesh picks up the pieces
Dalit boy burnt alive by upper caste man in Bihar
After cyclone Hudhud, Vizag faces epidemic fear
ISRO successfully launches IRNSS 1C navigation satellite
How the risk-taking Amit Shah went for broke in Maharashtra
After Bangalore, now Gurgaon: Three men from northeast attacked
No post-poll alliance with Shiv Sena: BJP
'Sonia's blind love for her son has destroyed Congress'
Cyclone-hit Andhra Pradesh picks up the pieces
Dalit boy burnt alive by upper caste man in Bihar
After cyclone Hudhud, Vizag faces epidemic fear
ISRO successfully launches IRNSS 1C navigation satellite
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